RECESSION SPECIAL SEPTEMBER (SECOND) 2009 ● Rs 30

WOMAN ’S ERA
SEPTEMBER (SECOND) 2009
 SEPTEMBER (SECOND) 2009
Vol 36, Issue No. 859
CONTENTS
BUILDS HAPPY HOMES
Founder: Vishwa Nath
(1917-2002)

RECESSION SPECIAL
womansera.com

32

78
BOMBAY
6 HOW TO NEGOTIATE FILMDOM
GLOBAL RECESSION
ITS EFFECT ON INDIAN
ENTERPRISE SURVIVING RECESSION
18 DURING THE
RECESSION
Suman Bajpai

116
Neelam Chandra Saumitra
Saumitra Mohan
Mohan

ARTICLES
62 TASMANIA
Inder Raj Ahluwalia

92 DREAMS THAT
INSPIRE
Subhra Majumdar

96 PAINTING
DOTCOM BURST
NEW LIFE SITUATIONS Anuradha Srinivasan
Subhra Majumdar

118 THE PLIGHT

AND FIGHT OF THE OLD
20 125
SPOIL YOURSELF!
P. V. V. Satyanarayana Dueep Jyot Singh
122 ON THE VERGE
OF EXTINCTION
Maneka Gandhi

126 JUMBO KING

FOOD BEATS THE
DOWNTURN
Sharvari A. Joshi DON’T GET AXED
128 WOMEN’S BY RECESSION
MARATHON
Mita Banerjee
56 Vikas Kumar Jain

SUPPORTING
A BIGGER BUST
Roma Ghosh COOKERY
42 VARIED RICE FLAVOURS
FICTION ● Rice and Besan Chilla
● Rice Stuffed
Spring Rolls GOA
GOAN AND THE OTH
ER CUISINE
& spice paste:
Chicken xaccuti

Moong gatti

Remove from
moong along
heat, garnish masala and salt, bring
wedges &
serve hot
gets a brown

to boil and
of grated coconut.
add the juice pan, add mustard 2-3
powder, red
as per taste,
till the gravy
pakoras and
coriander,

GOBHI KHEE
colour add
and tomato

cook for few

is made and

serve hot.

MA
INGREDIENTS:
with sambhar 200 gm Broccoli

tsp of mustard
r
200 gm cauliflowe oil
garlic-
paste.
ginger paste powder, turmeric
Add coriander powder and salt
chilli
minutes

garnish with
mix
fresh

28 CHEER UP
with lemon a
For vinegar steamed rice. Heat oil in pour two onions
with fried or time: 15 minutes stir nicely and two tomatoes
seeds, chilies,

● Fruit Biryani
of 2/ tbsp vinegar
Preparation and mix well, 2 tsp of garlic paste
CHICKEN Savour the taste l cloves crushed 25 to 30 minutes into the moong
3
10-12 garlic chopped seeds
Cooking time: remainin g
grated
tbsp of coriander
garnish with with mix 1
XACCUTI Goa and Centra 1 piece ginger serve hot pepper
chilies coconut and 1 tsp of black
7-8 dried red
I
MOONG GATT
India. 1/ tsp cumin seed rice and pappad. 1 tsp of amchoormethi
INGREDIENTS: (boneless) 2 2 tsp of kasoori
seed Time : 15 minutesmins.
350 gm chickenpieces By Roma Ghosh 1/ tsp mustard Bafori ki subzi
(sprouted moongcoconut
30
2
them into a pinch of sugar Cooking time:
medium sized to wash Vijay & Xavier

● Cereal Rice
then grind in light Chefs: Dina,
brown and water & 1 tbsp shrimp paste

WE AREN’T HUMANS!
2 tbsp vinegar paste with a little chopped cooked
smooth 1/ cup onion finely
coconut
juice keep aside. the 3/2 tomato puree
gravy) ORCHA
1 tbsp lemon a pan; add 4 cup
Heat oil in INGREDIENTS: moong dal or
BAFORI KI
1 tsp honey chilies
powder paste, green METHOD pat-dry, rub
1/ tsp turmeric ground spice medium 250 gm sprouted
2 Saute on Clean the prawns, & turmeric
SUBZI
salt to taste and onions. add mixed sprout
they turn brown, and salt, lemon juice sliced
masala paste: flame until 2-3 green chilies

● Cabbage and
For spice coconut, nutmeg - keep aside.
the chicken, tamarind powder ts for paste 1 cup INGREDIENTS: chhilka
1 tbsp oil along with Grind all ingredien grated
milk salt to taste fresh coconut 200 gm dal
moong
1/ cup coconut
2 pulp. add ¾ until smooth.in frying pan, shallow 1 tbsp oil 100 gm ghee

PVV Satyanarayana
seeds simmer and then oil seeds
2 tsp coriander Reduce to Heat brown. 1/ tsp mustard
seeds stir cooking
and until golden 2 100 gm onion
1 tsp cumin cup water, the fry the prawns until golden few curry leaves paste
seeds heat and toss the Saute onionsthe puree and 100 gm tomato ger paste
1 tbsp poppy increase the 1 tbsp tamarind powder
dried red chillies and cook until and add 50 gm garlic-gin
and add

Rice Fritters
10-15 pan gently and oil brown 1/ tsp turmeric
the chicken Cook 2-3 minutes 2 salt to taste
3-4 star aniseeds masala coats add honey & cook water. Cook powder
seeds vinegar and
spice paste. 3/ tsp sambhar
4 coriander powder
1 tsp fennel rises to the
top,
from heat, the then add 2/ dry red chillies
Remove stir-fry for 2 minutes for 2-3 3 a (hing) turmeric powder
little water for a minute. serving plate & and and let it simmer pinch of asafoetid red chilli powder
2-3 tbsp oil transfer to
a
coconut prawns tossing the pan gently.
chopped freshly grated 1 tbsp honey
3 green chillies garnish with minutes METHOD
water for two
hours
finely chopped hot with lemon rice. salt to taste Soak dal in make
onions powder and serve time: 15 minutes niment: s wash and
pinch of nutmeg pulp Preparation For accompa and afterward

36 RECESSION...
30 minutes mix rice and
pappad thick paste.
2 tbsp tamarind Cooking time: water in handi

44 GOAN AND
3/ cup water Put sufficient with muslin
4 METHOD moong or
mixed cover the handi
1 tbsp honey Transfer the with and
a deep pan add cloth for steaming.
PRAWN
ng: sprouts in balls or pakoras
For garnishi to cover them, on Make small cloth
coconut
freshly grated enough water and cook on top of muslin
For accompa
niment: BALCHAO green chillies soft.
medium heat
until
and place
and cook to
steam.
a pan, add
ghee,
INGREDIENTS: prawns
rice grated coconut oil in
the Put When onion
lemon Mix half of turmeric hot add onion.
400 gm medium paste and
to the when

BEAT IT
METHOD with tamarind

THE OTHER CUISINE

with vinegar, to shallow
fry
this masala
Wash the chicken and turmeric oil powder. Add
juice, salt salt to taste
rub lemon & keep juice
the chicken 1 tbsp lemon
powder on

132
Prawn balchao
minutes. tbsp honey
aside for 10 all the 1 powder
coconut and until 1/ 2 tbsp turmeric
Roast the oil
pan in little (Second) 2009
spices in a ● September
Woman’s Era

Sumathy Mohan ● Chicken Xaccuti

● Prawn Balchao ● Chilman Biriyani
82 PINK-SLIPPED THE WRONGED ONES ● Moong Gatti ● Arbi Tikka
Kasturi Rangachari Vineeta Sehgal ● Bafori Ki Subzi ● Hara Shammi Kebab
● Gobhi Kheema ● Paneer malai Seekh
FASHION 134
IN THE SHOWER
CUBICLE (Poem)

90
136 CROSSWORD THE SMILING
LITTLE MISS
141 BABY CLUB
146 AS YOU SAY

120
COST-CUTTING LAWN
AND GARDEN CARE
Merilee Kern

FEATURES
35 BEAUTY QUERIES 130 NEW LAUNCHES
40 TEENACHE 140 KITCHEN QUERIES
65 PERSONAL 142 CLASSIFIEDS
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89 YOUR BODY READERS’
CONTESTS
95 MONEY MATTERS
FILL UP THE Page
115 MY FAMILY, CROSSWORD 136
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Editor, Publisher & Printer
PARESH NATH
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www.womansera.com
 EDITORIAL
SCRAPPING OF BOARD EXAMS
M
oving to bring some joy back to childhood and
high school, Kapil Sibal's first act as HRD
Minister has won the hearts of millions of kids
across the country crushed under exam stress.
Every year millions of students appear in board
examination. They prepare for it all round the year but
till the eleventh hour they don't feel confident about
their performance. Their diffidence naturally puts them
under severe stress. Their entire future and career
depend on their performance in board exams.
As usual, this move of the HRD Minister has divided
the opinion of the intelligentsia and academicians on
the issue. A section of them is whole-heartedly
welcoming the move, while another section is raising
doubts over its efficacy. Questions are also being
asked about the practicality of the decision.
IQ tests show that most of the students belong to
average category. Without going into various genotypic
and phenotypic reasons for the condition, it would
suffice to say that exam is like a
dreaded word among such school-
goers. Scrapping of board exam will
certainly bring cheers for them. But what
about the serious studious students?
Actually, the board exams have not
been scrapped fully. They have been
made optional. That is, students willing
to continue in the same school after
10th will not require taking board exam.
But those desirous to get admission in
better schools will have to appear in the board exam.
While validating the superiority of board, such a
provision will definitely create some confusion among
the students and their parents.
Education boards were conceived on the idea to
give students a common exam rising above the school
levels. Every State has its own education board. Each
board holds its annual exam for class 10th and 12th.
But it is seen that various education boards in the
country do not follow a standard pattern. Some boards
are considered 'tough' while some like that of Bihar
have lost their credibility for various reasons.
In this sense, decision of HRD Minister Kapil Sibal is
certainly a welcome step towards stardardising the
education sector in the country. On the lee side, what is
the guarantee that the alternative suggested him by
would work efficiently? Along with the government
schools, which follow board pattern faithfully, has
emerged a parallel system of privately run public
schools, which have little or no regards for the board
exams.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
For them board exams are just a means to earn a
certificate as proof of student’s date of birth. Otherwise,
they evaluate their students internally and allot them
streams on their internal performance. So, in the end of
the day, scrapping of board exam may provide some
solace to the students, who don't want it. But whether it
provides a holistic solution to all our educational woes is
still to be seen.
RIGHT TO EDUCATION BILL
W
ith President Pratibha Devisingh Patil putting
seal of approval on much awaited and much
hyped Right of Children to Free and
Compulsory Education Bill 2009, one more fundamental
right has come exist in the country. As the name
suggests this Right will enable children in the 6 - 14 age
group to demand admission in any school of their
choice and get educated in their mother tongue.
Certainly the Bill attempts to achieve cent per cent
literacy target in the country. Also, it is eyeing to create
a large pool of graduates in future. As such, it provides
for establishing recognition authority
in every State under which all schools
would have to fulfil the minimum
requirement of infrastructure within
three years. Schools not complying
with the norms would lose their
recognition. Similarly, appointment of
teachers would have to be approved
by the academic committee.
But there are many loopholes in
the Bill, as it gives no guarantee for
free pre-primary education within the formal school
system. Instead, it equates ‘anganwadis’ with pre-
primary education. It is no secret that anganwadis are
more like creches catering to the needs of very small
children.
Also, the Bill’s pupil-teacher’s ratio seems to be
worse than the norms either already achieved or
expected to be achieved. Instead of addressing these
problems, the Bill is keen on moving the teacher away
from the schools so much so that the teacher’s
association with his pupils become a mere formality.
Amid all this discussion, the bitter truth remains that
the Government had made a commitment to provide
free education within 10 years after the drafting of the
Constitution immediately after Independence. But it
failed to do so even after 60 years to the extent that it
has to make education a fundamental right. Practical
difficulties will come to the fore only when it is
implemented. Hopefully, we as a society will be able to
overcome them amicably.
write to: letters@womansera.com We
5
 GLOBAL
hen the economic

W
growth in America fell
between June and
September 2008, the
world shivered. Came

RECESSION
October and it was well
known – the US was
heading towards a
recession. Consumer
spending, which

ITS EFFECT ON accounts for two-thirds of the US

economy, had shown its first

INDIAN ENTERPRISE
tightening since the late nineties. The
industries, commercial and financial
institutes the world over were feeling
the crunch.
How diverse brave hearted It is a well-known fact that if the
US gets a cold, the world sneezes.
Indian entrepreneurs combatted The ripple-down effect was felt the
world over and certainly India was no
the global meltdown. exception. India was also shuddering
and quivering. Most optimistic
By Neelam Chandra forecasts predicted a heavy slump
and collapse – production cuts,
increase in unemployment, lay-offs,
closure of industries, collapses of
commercial and financial institutions,

6 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

and so on and so forth. But what was
the real impact? What was the extent
of this impact? What were the
industries which were most affected
by the recession? Was it dependent
upon the size of the industry? Were
there any geographical boundaries
where the effect could be felt more?
What steps did the entrepreneurs
take to survive the ordeal? Could
they bounce back? How are they
better equipping themselves to face
the future?
These are the questions which
certainly cross one’s mind. An effort
has been made in this article to study
and analyse the effects of the world
recession on young Indian
entrepreneurs across the country and
how they faced the challenges that
befell them by an unexpected
economic crisis beyond their control.
At the outset, an attempt has been
made to talk to individual
entrepreneurs – professionals who
have their own shining individual
businesses. They collaborate with
other individuals or firms but their
enterprises are not labour-intensive.
Ganesh Iyer is one such
executive, who is a one-man army,
as he calls it. He is into training,
auditing and consultancy services in
the realm of quality environment,
occupational health and safety and
social accountability management
Ganesh Iyer
8 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
systems and is based at Chennai. As
a well-known player in the field of
Management systems, he is engaged
on either a retainer basis or on a
need-based contract basis by a
number of other organisations. He
carries out these assignments in
India and also abroad primarily in
middle-eastern countries.
Says Ganesh, “I was not affected
by the recession. The clients were
affected and some of them did delay
the project/work schedules. However,
it did not affect me adversely in any
way, since my monthly work quantum Gayatri Kharel at one of her meetings.
and billable hours remain
undisturbed. My nature of business
is not amongst the top-notch players;
however, it is robust and not subject IT IS A WELL-
to much market fluctuations. That is a
great boon during tough times! Being
KNOWN FACT
on one's own also provides flexibility THAT IF THE US
and a ready adaptability to changing
circumstances. GETS A COLD,
“However, in the same field, THE WORLD
people who are full-time employees
have been affected somewhat;
SNEEZES. THE
however, even this has been RIPPLE-DOWN
marginal and not as severe as the
impact in the automobile, IT and EFFECT WAS FELT
services sectors,” he adds. “I feel that
the business demand has grown THE WORLD OVER
since April 2009 which could be a
sign that the recessionary trend is
AND CERTAINLY
slowing down in the industries INDIA WAS NO
represented by my clients.”
Upon being questioned about EXCEPTION.
lessons learnt from this experience,
Ganesh was quick to summarise,
“One should learn not to rest on in the north-eastern part of the
one’s laurels, but work hard and save country. Gayatri usually undertakes
for a rainy day. Form is temporary, her work through architects and not
CLASS IS PERMANENT! One directly. Usually, the clients hire the
should be good in the profession for workers and they are managed
the long haul – i.e. take up a through Supervisors who work under
profession, for the sheer love of it her. Gayatri states, “A majority of my
and be passionately committed to it, construction clients are based in the
come what may! It is always good to north-eastern part of India which is
be true to one's calling – what one not affected by global recession like
likes to do! The risks are less; since bigger cities. I was affected by the
you are sure to be good at it – and recession by an extremely miniscule
won't be relegated during hard level, say about 10 per cent.
times.” However, I have decided to speed up
my plans to also diversify into the
Gayatri Kharel is working as a hotel industry since it is not a good
structural engineer in the hilly terrain idea to keep all one’s eggs in one
of Kalimpong and neighbouring areas basket.”

Kala Shankar Patnaik (Bhosle) with her
creative collection.
Kala Shankar Patnaik (Bhosle),
a graduate in fine arts from J J
School of Arts, Mumbai, is the owner
of Sidhi Arts, which is a training
school specialising in the art of
painting, sketching, innovative wax
craft, clay work and poetic waxing.
Her unique wax creations have been
displayed in various art exhibitions in
Mumbai and Goa under the name of
House of Wax at Centour Hotel at
Juhu, Bajaj Hall, Parle Tilak Hall,
Probhodhan Complex, Inorbit Mall,
during International Film Festivals of
India at Goa (Inox Complex, Panjim),
‘SARAS’ Exhibition at Goa and in the
Ministry of Rural Development,
Government of Goa, to name a few.
Her creations are exported all round
the globe. Kala says, “Global
recession only affected me by 10-20
per cent since the cost of raw
material went up and I ended up
paying more than what I used to.
However, the overall business was
not affected.” Kala summed up the
entire hallah! over global recession
in the following words, “Personally
thinking, I feel that it is more of a
mental block than a fact. It would be
more appropriate if we call it a slow-
down rather than a global meltdown. I
believe we have taken this notion too
seriously and too far. It is true that it
has hit the financial sectors in a hard
manner, but I think the media and
10
creative business have been least
affected.”
An effort was made to have a
discussion with entrepreneurs who
have clients with stable financial
strength.
Anant Sinha, the owner of Infiniti
Microsystems, Hyderabad, informed
us that his firm is dealing with
Robotics and Industrial Automation,
PC-based data acquisition and
retrieval systems etc. Anant’s
company is not exactly production-
oriented, but mostly an R&D
organisation working towards
realisation or development of
products. DRDO is his primary client.
Anant said that his company did not
feel the pinch of the global meltdown
as such. He further added, “I do not
Anant Sinha, Infiniti Microsystems.
take business like business. I take it
like my passion and I work for my
passion. I am sure that money will
automatically come.”
Rohit Gupta, the managing
director of Technosys Services
Private Ltd, Lucknow, says that their
firm is engaged in information
technology- related segments in Uttar
Pradesh and Uttaranchal and his
primary clients again are the various
government sectors. He added that
his firm was affected due to
recession in several ways. The banks
do not lend easily to small/medium
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
enterprises and they further tightened
lending to these enterprises after the
recession. He also had to shelve
plans of overseas expansion due to
poor market conditions abroad.
However, the best part was that
attrition reduced which allowed them
to focus on better execution of
projects. Technosys Services 50
employs about people and this
strength was not reduced, but they
were advised to be more efficient and
productive.
Rohit further added, “Global
recession did effect India but not to
an extent as experienced in western
countries. Recession has hit India in
several ways. The flow of money and
work from abroad has stagnated and
hence the growth in sectors where
this money and work was relevant,
such as in information technology,
has come down. The expansion
plans by the Indian companies was
funded by money coming in from
abroad, booming stock market and
funds availability by banks as well as
expected fast growth. As these dried
up, the companies found themselves
in a position where these have been
over-leveraged and have committed
large capital expenses or have
bought other companies at high
valuations. This created problems for
the companies.”
Some of the entrepreneurs in fact
stated that they were benefited by the
recession. One of them is Jesal who
is basically into the business of
growing aromatic grass and distilling
aromatic oil in central India. Buyers
are the middle men who blend it and
sell it to the cosmetic and fragrance
industry. Jesal said that the price of
her products has not varied in the
past five years. She neither got a
very high price in boom time nor a
lower price in a slow-down. She
further supplemented her statement,
“Actually, farming is labour-intensive.
When it was boom time nobody was
willing to toil at the farm level as
supermarkets and showrooms were
giving a higher pay. Added to this,
infrastructure was growing, so
construction labour was paid much
higher due to the boom. All that is
gone now and so the labour is back
to the fields and working more
efficiently. I think this meltdown is a
must to puncture the hype and get to
actual levels. We as a society believe
in saving a specific amount and
splurge the extra income. At boom
time interest was low but income was
higher...now interest rates have gone
up so that compensates for what you
actually spend. Thus, in spite of the
prices of daily stuff skyrocketing,
recession has really not changed way
of life!”
P.D. Sohale is the Director of
RSA Industries Pvt Ltd and Ran
Chemicals Pvt Ltd. Situated near
Nagpur with an annual turnover of
about Rs 60 crore, the firms employ
about 200 people and are focusing
on Research-based specialty and
Unique Polymer products for various
industrial applications such as paper,
textiles, coatings, etc. About 30 per
cent of their turnover comes from
exports. Says Sohale, “After an initial
slump, we are growing in spite of
recession. Margins have squeezed
but tonnage is up substantially. We
did not cut down employees but we
expanded through R&D, cutting down
on wasteful expenditure and
diversifying in new polymers for the
paper industry. We have a five-point
programme:
● Focussing on our strengths
● Acting swiftly on every
opportunity
● Having good relation with our
customer-base in India as well as
abroad
● Predicting and acting
immediately where the business is
expected in future
● Having a product which gives
best value for the money which will
give good customer satisfaction.
“In short, we could sail through
because of good science in our
product, brand image, value for
money to customers, a good
relationship with employees and
finances well in control.”
Rajeush Ballamwar is the CEO
of Prolific Systems & Technologies,
Mumbai, a firm with about 13-crore-
rupee turnover and employing about
12
Rajeush Ballamwar.
280 people including 160 engineers.
Prolific Systems works as a turn-key
contractor for factory automation and
also imparts training on Industrial
automation software. They focus on
the pharma, chemicals, paint,
petrochemicals and transformer
manufacturing sector in India as well
as abroad. They were affected by
about 25 per cent since the projects
slowed down. The decisions for new
investments by clients were deferred.
To tide over the crisis which was
beyond their control, Rajeush said
that their company concentrated on
more value-added business
applications. They started having a
tight control on costs and started
directing energies on big accounts
(nitche areas within their basket).
They did not retrench their
employees. Rajeush feels that global
recession should not affect our
economy as it is primarily domestic
growth-driven and insulated from
international markets to some extent.
Rajeush seems to be correct in
saying that Indian markets are
basically insulated to some extent.
But then Indians are risk-taking and
venturesome people and nowadays
one can find many of our
entrepreneurs entering the
international market in a big way.
They have already carved out a niche
for themselves globally. They were
temporarily affected by the global
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
meltdown, but they seem to be
bouncing back with a vengeance.
Vivek Munjial is the managing
director of Fantasy Exports based in
Moradabad. Fantasy Exports is
engaged in the export of all kinds of
Indian handicrafts globally to
importers, retail stores, chain stores,
supermarkets and hypermarkets
based in Europe, the U.S.A.,
Australia, the Middle East and Latin
America. Vivek said, “We did face the
repercussions of global meltdown in
the form of a reduction in export
orders with demand having reduced
internationally. Things are beyond
our control, as we have to make sure
that we get our payments prior to
executing the orders, an issue which
had not bothered us so much earlier.”
Fantasy Exports employs 35-40
people permanently and the other
labour is hired on a job-to-job basis.
Vivek added, “The times are
extremely difficult, but at present we
trying our best to face the situation
by participating in more international
trade fairs and will also look out for
some more sectors and avenues
which are not affected by the global
slowdown. We are trying to be careful
in making our decisions money-wise.”
With his enthusiasm, vigour and
initiative, he was pretty confident of
leading his company ahead.
Jaswinder Kaur owns a
franchisee of Aptech Ltd in Uttar
Pradesh and has been imparting IT
education since 1995. The company
was affected by the globlal meltdown
since the clients were less inclined to
spend money because of insecure
situations around them. The
company experienced a fall of 25-30
per cent in revenues. Jaswinder said,
“We are trying to cope up by
concentrating more on customer
service to our existing clients and
having a target-focused approach in
marketing. We have cut down on
overhead costs and are trying to
improve delivery to the existing
clients.
“Of course, the situation is beyond
our control to a large extent, but in
times like these you have to pull up

Jaswinder Kaur.
your socks and give your best to your
work. We are also trying to educate
our clients that it is only education
and training that can sail them
through hard times.”
Jaswinder concluded by saying,
“We are lucky that we did not face as
much impact of recession as in
developed countries and hopefully
we would come out of it very soon.
We should keep on building reserves
and should have diversified business
interests so that one can fall back on
something if things turn bad.”
Praveen Sahay’s firm is engaged
in insurance broking and deals with
life insurance, general insurance and
mutual fund and is a 110-person
strong team in Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Delhi and Rajasthan. They felt the
effect quite severely in their area of
work. In fact, they had to close down
life operations in three locations out
of the four new ventures they had
started a year ago. Only one brand
continued reaping profits and this
saved them to some extent. They
tried to rise again by concentrating
on general insurance, which was not
so severely affected since it is more
of a necessity for individuals and
firms. They also tried to regain by
using cost- effective models.
Says Praveen, “Too much
aggression is bad. We should always
build up brick by brick. Slow and
steady wins the race.” He further
14
Praveen Sahay.
elaborated, “Recession has affected
India very badly. In the life insurance
industry itself, more than 25,000
people lost their jobs. We must keep
our house in order and must be
always careful in business expansion
and in aggression for sales.”
Not only are the Indians shining in
India, but also excelling abroad. Their
spirit, their essence, their survival
instinct and their strength and
courage to rise and grow even in
adverse conditions makes them
stand out.
One such glorious example is of
Dr Aparna Khare.
Dr Aparna Khare started her
business of Home Health Care at
Boston in the USA at the time when
the world was crumbling under the
slump. They are actually hiring
employees in the form of health aides
and their company, ‘Bliss
Healthcare,’ has grown to be a 50-
employee company and is having an
expanding business. Recession has
in fact made some very talented
people available to them. Aparna
said, “I don't think India is as
impacted as the USA. Here, people
are losing their jobs day and night.
In the US, health-care is connected
with employment and hence they are
losing health-care coverage also. Too
bad.”
Starting business right in the heart
of America at a time when one even
cannot dare to think, requires real
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
guts and courage and Indians are
known to have the ‘zing’ in them.
The survey carried out across the
length and breadth of the country
proves beyond doubt that India did
feel the repercussions of the world-
wide depression, although not to an
extent predicted at the onset of the
recession. While some of the
industries were more affected, and
some less – the effect was there
almost everywhere, either directly or
indirectly. Those catering to the
domestic market survived and
prevailed triumphantly and the
interiors of the country were less
affected than the bigger cities. Those
directly or indirectly involved with
exports were more severely affected.
Dr Aparna Khare, owner Bliss Health
Care, Boston.
But most of them have taken it
positively and started introspection
on how they could be more profitable.
They are taking concrete steps to
diversify, be cost- effective and more
productive and have alternate or
emergency plans ready. They are
taking every problem as an
opportunity and marching ahead.
They are all optimistic, upbeat and
confident.
This, combined with the patience,
persistence and perseverance which
Indians have always been known
for, is sure to reap results and usher
in and steer India into an era of
more stability, strength and
steadiness. We
SURVIVING
The road ahead. By Saumitra Mohan

he East Asian Crisis of the Fukuyama observed that history had

T
1990s was traced to the ended with the fading of the Iron
crony capitalism, lax financial Curtain and with liberal capitalism
regulations, unhindered having conclusively won the race
capital mobility across between the two ideologies.
borders owing to complete However, all such assertions have
capital account convertibility proved to be misplaced with
and weak macro-financial capitalism itself standing discredited
architecture. That was the in the light of recent developments.
beginning of the present The raging recession in the world
financial crisis. But we never learnt economy coming in the wake of the
our lesson and when you don’t learn multiple bankruptcies of the industrial
from the history, it does repeat itself and financial majors the world over
as we are witnessing now. has proved all claims of capitalist
There was a time when the efficiency and transparency false.
champions of neo-classical liberalism Now, with the hindsight we all know
had rejoiced and celebrated the fall of that liberal capitalism as
communism in the late 1980s. It was symptomised by the laissez faire
reflected in the euphoric assertions economy, is definitely not the answer
of many observers and theorists to all the problems afflicting this
including the high priest of liberal world. Had this been the case, we
capitalism, Francis Fukuyama. would not be confronting the demonic

18 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

recession as staring us in the face.
Now, we know that liberal capitalism
is not an unblemished and unalloyed
goods; that it cannot be left
completely unregulated and
uncontrolled as its votaries have
always championed.
That unbridled capitalism is not a
necessary evil and has to be
tempered with suitable public
regulation as might be required from
time to time. How can so many
actors, animated by nothing but a
profit motive in an anarchic world
system, be left to manipulate the
system in their own interest, much to
the chagrin and detriment of the
larger public interest? The
irresponsible behaviour of some
mandarins of the American corporate
houses to give generous bonuses to
themselves at the expense of the
common shareholders reflected the
contemptuous attitude of these
people. The same was rightly
condemned by the world leaders
including the US President Barack
Hussain Obama.
We, in India, have been deluding
ourselves all these years believing
that a larger consumer base and less
dependence on the external trade will
suitably insulate our domestic
economy from the negative impacts
of recession or stagflation. However,
many of these observers have been
proved wrong. This follows a
reduction in production and
consequent slump in available
employment opportunities. All this
has had a cascading effect on our
economy resulting in lower growth
rates.
THE SILVER LINING
But the silver lining in all this is
that a moderate growth rate has still
been sustained in the BRIC (Brazil,
Russia, India and China) countries,
which have somehow saved the
world economy from complete
collapse. If the recently-released
official economic survey of India is to
believed, the economic growth might
revive in the current financial year. It
is likely to be in the region of 7 to
7.75 per cent annually which is THERE ARE
reasonably healthy. Also, all that
prime pumping and special stimulus
MANY WHO STILL
packages, administered by the FEEL THAT OUR
leading economies the world over, SAVINGS SHOULD
have also done their bit to revive
demand and change the mood in the
NOW BE UTILISED
market. TO SPUR THE
There are many who still feel that DOMESTIC
our savings should now be utilised to
spur the domestic economy by ECONOMY BY
increased spending. But before we INCREASED
can do so, the greenbacks already
SPENDING.
available in the economy seem to be
finding very few takers. What is really
surprising is the fact that
notwithstanding the substantial
reduction in the interest rates, the
loan offtakes from the various
financial and banking institutions
have been very little. And this is said
to be the trend the world over. In fact,
all these institutions and banks have
also been very cagy about extending
loans.
We may haul up the behaviour of
our orthodox and conservative
banking system, but again the same
is said to have saved us from the
onset of a recessionary deluge like
the reckless credit extensions
experienced in the West, long
governed by the Basel banking
norms. Also, our cautious approach
to full capital account convertibility
and the opening of our banking and
insurance sectors completely to
foreign investments are among other
factors which have spared us a full-
blown recession.
The recent surge of the stock
markets, moderate increase in the
demand of consumer goods and real
estate, and improvement in other
financial indicators are positive signs.
This follows supportive government
policies, liberal financial packages,
recommendations of the 6th Pay
Commission and waiving of farmers
loans.
However, there is a somewhat
quaint observation which says that
India’s so-called ‘underground’ or
‘parallel’ economy is also cushioning
it from the malignant effects of the
present recession. The proponents
of this school believe that all this
money is keeping demand afloat,
thereby helping in the maintenance
of a moderate growth rate.
INFLATION DOWN
With inflation and price of
petroleum products relatively down,
it has only helped common people
already reeling under the negativism
of a recession-hit economy. The
current crisis is likely to help in
weeding out the inefficient economic
players or, at least, inducing an now that the handsome domestic
internal corrective mechanism among savings rate in countries like China
them. The likes of Satyam and India helped in the sustenance
Computers, AIG and Ford Motors of the reckless consumption levels in
must derive a lesson from the crisis the US. It was this which resulted in
for their continued survival in the the by now notorious ‘sub-prime
system. crisis’, precursor to the present
There has been a demand for financial crisis.
doing away with tax havens like
special economic zones (SEZs)
because with increasing fiscal and
HOW THE CRISIS WILL
revenue deficits, the government RATCHET UP
needs more sources of revenue. The crisis will only ratchet up if all
However, whether the same is these creditor countries decide to
advisable in the present circum - withdraw their foreign exchange
stances is something which requires deposits from the US. The said
a lot of reflection and rumination. withdrawal will dent and maul the
There has been a demand to dollar further, thereby hurting
replace the dollar with a new world everyone. A weakened US economy
currency like Special Drawing Rights is said to become the nemesis for all,
(SDRs) or some other currency, as thereby nixing any chance of
also suggested by China. But it is economic revival or, at least, might
easier said than done. We actually delay the same for a long time to
seem to have got stuck in a vicious come.
cycle. With the weakening of the so-
A strong dollar, for the moment, is called Washington Consensus, the
in our own interest. A world pecking order is
falling dollar may lead to already being restruc -
further decline of the US THIS FOLLOWS tured wherein the US
economy to which many of SUPPORTIVE might not be the sole
the satellite or peripheral GOVERNMENT supreme power. The
economies are hitched POLICIES, LIBERAL BRIC powers may
and may be seriously FINANCIAL PACKAGES, come to occupy the
RECOMMENDATIONS
affected by the same. centre stage of the
OF THE 6TH PAY
It is a public knowledge COMMISSION world financial system,
AND something that people
WAIVING like Henry Kissinger,
OF FARMERS Kenichie Ohmae,
LOANS. Kishore Mahbubani,
Kenneth Waltz and
many others have been predicting for
a long time. In the meanwhile, we
need to tread like a trapeze artist to
maintain a fine balance between the
minimalism of liberal capitalism and
the maximalism of social welfarism.
The rich and successful might have
seceded from the state, but the poor
common people continue to be tied to
the apron strings of the state. The
state, instead of being rolled back,
needs to continue playing Daniel to
save the meek from the inscrutable
and often disturbing working of the
‘invisible hand’.
*The views expressed are author’s
personal views and not that of the
government. We
 SPOIL
was at a party where the hostess

I
was handing around the plate of
delicious chocolate cakes. “Go
ahead, spoil yourself!” It was a
tea party of mixed generations,

YOURSELF!
and I was taken aback on hearing
words that I had last heard in my
childhood. The lady was plump
and cheerful and I began to think
that her philosophy was probably
Putting others first can the reason for her being such a
perfect picture of happiness and
be overdone. An occasional contentment. It was not so much that
she spoiled herself, but that she
indulgence can be to enjoyed spoiling other people!
We hear so many warnings about
everyone’s advantage! spoiling children that we may be
persuaded into thinking that all
spoiling is wrong and will only be a
By Dueep Jyot Singh reason to encourage selfishness.
Nevertheless, I think there is a lot of
truth in the statement, which was
made by a friend of mine.
She is the mother of a large and
happy family. And she said, “I do not
think there is any point in having
children unless you are ready to love
them a lot and also spoil them.” She
had certainly spoiled her children in
her own way and, in return, she was
completely adored by them.
I noticed that they were no more
selfish than other kids of their own
age. But they were more content,
more secure and move happy in the
feeling that they were loved by their
parents. Is this spoiling, this feeling of
caring for somebody?
Perhaps the truth of the matter is
that, today, we tend to think that
spoiling means giving in to every
demand – or worse, to every material
wish to compensate for any lack of
emotional involvement.
At Christmas time, you have
probably seen parents hunting the
toy shops and buying huge,
expensive games and toys, evidently
with some idea that the more costly
and bigger the gift, the more they are
showing their love.
On the contrary, it is in the little
ways that we can and should spoil
our children – by giving them
attention, making little treats, being
on hand to listen to their problems,
and kissing away their tears. The
child who is deprived of the parents’
presence and love, can never be
compensated by some expensive
gift. Love is not something that can
be bought at some toy shop.
UNSELFISH MOTHERS
At the same time, I think grown-
ups need a little of the right kind of
spoiling too and if there is no one to
do this for you, you should do it for
yourself! I know some mothers who
make such a production out of
looking after their families that they
do not leave themselves a moment
for their own enjoyment. They never
go out on their own or with their own
friends because they are so busy
shopping, cleaning, cooking, washing
and sewing. In fact, they are perfectly
happy making martyrs of themselves
and glory in the thought of being so
unselfish.
Although they can rightly take
pride and pleasure in having a spick-
and-span house and perfectly well-
behaved children, they may some -
times begin to feel a little sorry for
themselves, although they have only
themselves to blame.
If you allow a sense of duty to the
family to take over any sense of duty
to yourself, if you become a slave to
their interests leaving yourself with
no time and energy to develop your
own interests, then you will wake up
one day to find that the children are
growing up and will need you less. In
addition, the life that you have spent
sacrificing, with all the work and no
play, has made you a dull woman!
One family that I know, wisely
tried to check this tendency to self-
sacrifice in their mother. Just like any
other indulgent mother, she often
made comments like, “You children
can have the fresh cream. I will eat
my dessert plain.” How often have we
heard this sort of self-sacrificing
statements by any of our relatives! In
fact, this is some sort of indulgence
which I think is just a way of patting
yourself on your back complacently
to tell everybody how good you are
and make them feel really guilty.
These mischievous little children
made a gold crown and, whenever
she made such a self-sacrificing
OF COURSE, MANY
MOTHERS –
INDEED, MOST
WOMEN – REALLY
PUT THE WELFARE
OF THEIR FAMILIES
ABOVE THEIR
OWN. BUT THERE IS
NOTHING WRONG
IN SPOILING
YOURSELF
OCCASIONALLY.
statement, they would bring it out and
put it up on her head. This martyr’s
crown was a funny enough idea,
which laughed her out of her habit of
self-denial and – amazingly enough –
her family loved her even more when
she also started giggling at this
absurd idea.
Of course, many mothers –
indeed, most women – really put the
welfare of their families above their
own. But there is nothing wrong and
much good to be had from spoiling
yourself occasionally. Where does it
say that it is wrong or a sin to look at
your favourite TV programme, which
you never manage to see because
you have been outvoted by your
family and, naturally, you gave in to
their wishes first?
You may have longed to spend
some savings on some cherished
outing. But you have always given
into a member of the family’s demand
to do something different. My mother

24 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

 never got to see Hatari in the theatre
when I was a kid because they, her
spoilt brat – meaning me – did not
want to go and waste my precious
time sitting in a theatre and dad
“WELL, MOTHER decided that children’s wishes
counted more than those of their
IS DEFINITELY NOT parents’. It was only 30 years later,
GOING TO EAT when I bought a DVD, that my
mother and I managed to see it and
THIS ICE CREAM enjoy it thoroughly. After all, parents
BECAUSE, needed a bit of occasional spoiling
too, she would never have thought of
WHENEVER WE buying Hatari!
Now, taking for example, you have
ASK HER IF SHE some talent, skill or hobby, which you
WANTS SOME, long to pursue. (Remember Shashi-
kala in Khoobsoorat who gave up
SHE ALWAYS SAYS, dancing because she had a family to
‘OH, NO, MY take care of?) But you have so many
other demands upon your time that
CHILDREN.’“ you can never fulfil your special bent.
There may even be some friends of
yours who for some reason the rest
of the family do not get on
with. Therefore, you do
not invite them around.
All this selflessness,
although admirable to
some extent, is not always
to everyone’s benefit. It
can tend to make a woman
feel that she scarcely
exists in her own right, but
she is merely the reflection
of her family’s demands.
Moreover, it would not only
do her good to know that
she is a separate person
with her own identity and
talents and interests it will
prove to the rest of the
family that she is someone
special on her own account.
The family should learn to
respect her wishes, to consider
her comforts her convenience, her
pleasure, and not to take her for
granted or confuse her willing
devotion to servitude.
Taking for example other women
without an immediate family
around, who nevertheless find
that all their waking hours are
taken up with fulfilling other
people’s demands. It is
time to call a halt, and step off
the not-so-merry-go-round.
Indeed, I believe it is essential to
do so and, if there is no one handy to
spoil you, that you owe it to yourself
to spoil yourself a little now and then!
When I was away from my family, I
used to feel homesick and un-
pampered until I discovered a
method of spoiling myself by going
to a different eating place in the city
every Saturday. It was a thing to look
forward to, an opportunity to sample
the various cuisines of the world and,
most of all, spoil myself. In this
manner, I found that I enjoyed
starting a new week on Monday in a
state of Monday-morning cheer
instead of Monday-morning blues.
SELF-SACRIFICING
MOTHERS
Remember that any self-
sacrificing martyr who has a “What a
good girl am I” complex soon finds
that she is taken for granted by
every body around her. She is
encouraging people to become
selfish, by saying subconsciously,
“Well, mother is definitely not going to
eat this ice-cream because, when -
ever we ask her if she wants some,
she always says, ‘Oh, no, my
children. I made this specially for you.
I don’t mind not eating it.’” They will
soon reach a stage when they decide
that they will not need to ask you
about your own dreams and aspira-
tions and wants and desires, and that
is where a real element of selfishness
and carelessness will come into their
relationship with you.
So economy, making do, putting
others first, going without – these are
all admirable and, for most of the
time, as unavoidable as they are
commendable but we cannot always
be good all the time. I think that not
only would we seem inhuman if we
did achieve it but also we would
become unlikeable as well. So, if we
admit and indulge in a little selfish-
ness occasionally and admit to a few
demands of our own which need to
be fulfilled, we will find ourselves
happier, more fulfilled, not any less
good but much more likeable if we
learned to spoil ourselves as well as
spoil others. We
 SHORT

STORY
Cheer Up
We Aren’t Humans!
When a circus performer is
exposed to “real” life...
By PVV Satyanarayana

E
verybody was talking of ‘recession’ these
days. Whatever it meant! He could not
understand a word. He – the circus lion! He
was with the circus company for five years
now, performing the same stupid act show
after the show. In the beginning it was quite
exciting as the audience, especially the
children, roared with exhilaration and applause at
the very sight of him. Then came the so-called
recession – the recession of enthusiasm – as the
trainer did not seem to know new tricks to sustain the
thrills and interest of the audience. He continued
with the same feats over the years. This had started
boring the lion himself. He became sick of
performing the same thing again and again every
day. Added to this, was the cutting down of his food
rations, in the name of recession, which made him
quite unhappy. “How could these men expect me to
work with a half-filled stomach?” he mused.
He had neither the mind nor will to perform with
hunger. He faltered in his feats quite often and
became the butt of ridicule and anger. The result
wanted to go to his natural habitat to relocate
himself and to relate to his own race. He roamed
and roamed about – for how many days, he was not
sure – in search of a safe haven and food too!
Dodging people and their attention, all the time.
At last, he could enter a dense forest, fully tired
and forlorn. He was so exhausted out of hunger and
travel that he was unable to move any further. He
drank water from a pond and settled down beside it,
hoping that some animal would show up to quell his
hunger. He was happy, though, that he could reach
his natural habitat ultimately.
Meanwhile, some animals of the jungle happened
to spot the circus lion and they promptly carried the
exciting news to their King Lion.
“A stranger has entered the kingdom apparently
with a view to dislodge you as the king of this
jungle. He is presently camping by the side of the
pool. He must be waiting to pounce on you the
moment you went there for drinking water,” said the
wolf, the king’s adviser.

T
was the punishment meted out by the trainer and
complete starvation. This made him even more
furious. He wanted to eat up the whole lot – the
men, women and the other animals in the circus
company. As a revenge! But, then, he did not want
to harm them. For, he lived and grew up with them.
In their company. As a single family!
The lion, however, decided to leave the circus
company. It was a painful decision, though. He
wanted to be free and earn his own food…and to
get away before the recession devil visited him too.
So, one day, he somehow managed to escape from
the clutches of the circus company.
Coming out of the protected shell, the lion did not
know where to go in that concrete jungle. He
his had perplexed the King Lion. He brooded
over it for a while. “Let us go and confront him
before he made the first move. He would pay
with his life if he really nurtured such a sinister
ambition.” Thus saying, he roared his way through
towards the pond, eagerly followed by his coterie.
The King Lion saw the circus lion from a distance.
“He looks like a city-bred one, oh king! cautioned
the wolf. I mean, the one belonging to the zoo
maintained by the human beings. We have to be
very careful with him, for he is sure to have acquired
all the human traits.”
The King Lion nodded thoughtfully and stared at
the dishevelled appearance of the circus lion. He
noticed that the stranger was very weak and sported

28 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

a hungry looks as if he had not eaten for days. “It is
not difficult to overpower the enemy, if he dared to
indulge himself in any misadventure,” he told
himself. But the very appearance of the intruder
made it doubtful.
The circus lion too stared at the King Lion and his
bunch. He could know by his very looks that the
other was the king of that jungle. Suddenly, he
became aware of the danger he had led himself
circus lion asked the king, “I am overwhelmed, my
friend. In fact, I was expecting a certain death at
your hands.”
“What made you to think so?” asked the king,
surprised.
“My being an intruder, it would be quite natural
for anyone in your place to suspect my intentions,
prompting him to eliminate me.”

A
into. He was a stranger to the jungle, coming from t this, the King Lion roared with laughter.
the city. The king could very well mistake him to be “There is a defect in your thinking, my friend.
his adversary intending to grab his kingdom. So the It is not your fault, of course. It is your long
king would not hesitate for a moment to kill him, association with the humans that is responsible for
especially as he was so vulnerable by his pitiful your flawed thinking. We are not the humans to kill
state… He wanted to dispel the misgivings, if any, one another out of selfishness and without a
and reassure the King Lion that he was not a threat reason,” he asserted, with a smile. “We are
to him. But he was hardly able to speak animals. The sensible lot that does not
due to weakness. resort to eliminating the opponents for
As the King Lion approached him The King Lion nothing. We do not exploit one
majestically, the circus lion was sure that nodded another...like the human beings.”
he was going to be killed. He cursed thoughtfully The circus lion listened with awe. He
himself, for the first time, for leaving the and stared at recalled people at the circus company
circus family. the disheveled often talking about the persons displaced
But the King Lion did not attack him as appearance of from their native states due to famine,
feared. He sat beside the visitor and floods or terror attacks, seeking
the circus lion.
enquired about him, and the reasons for rehabilitation in the other states of the
his pitiable condition. The circus lion He noticed that country…and the inhabitants of these
narrated his whole story and assured him the stranger states grumbling over it!
that he was not an enemy. was very weak “Your words are very true, my friend,”
and sported a said he, embracing the King Lion
hungry looks as

T
aking pity on him, the King Lion at gratefully. We
once ordered for food and drinks for if he had not
the visitor. He then asked him to be eaten for days.
his guest, and assured him that the latter
could even settle down in his kingdom, if
he liked to. The circus lion was pleasantly surprised.
For he had feared the worst, but the diametrically
opposite had occurred. He thanked the king who
took him to his palace, rendered medical aid
through the royal doctor, and advised him to rest
till he recuperated.
Damn pleased by the hospitality, the
 HOW TO NEGOTIATE
DURING THE
In these tough times if you get a job offer be discreet about
your salary expectation. By Suman Bajpai
etting a job during these
G
troubled times is a boon in
itself. Do not blow away
the opportunity by asking
for an astronomical salary.
Analyse each component
of your salary carefully and
ask for what you are really
worth. In the midst of the
recession crisis, if you
have got a job offer in hand,
you are fortunate. But you
have to be very careful about
negotiating your salary. There
is so much competition out
there that even a small
mistake can lead you to the
loss of opportunity. Companies
have become very rigid about
salaries and as such, their
paying capacity has gone
down.
Planning and preparation
should be done much in
advance for success, more so
32
for freshers. In most cases, starting
salaries are almost fixed with not
much scope for negotiation. Also,
freshers lack of industry experience
and exposure act as a restraint for
the employer. Negotiation is a skill
that you perfect over time. But, at this
time, even applying this skill may put
you in trouble. Be logical and you will
definitely get what you deserve.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
During recession both you and
your organisation are facing
challenges. Today’s negotiations
directly and immediately impact your
business and perhaps your career. If
you are already working in your
organisation for a long time,
remember to keep a tab on the
company’s financials so that you can
talk about the raise smoothly. Good
people are always in demand,
recession or not. So, you can
always look out when your
demands aren’t met and you
know you’re good at your
work.
If you are a fresher follow
some tips before negotiating
a better salary for yourself.
Avoid revealing your
minimum salary requirement
too early. Remember,
information is power, and the
earlier you provide this
information, the less scope
you’ll have for negotiating later. Even
if the employer asks for a salary
history or salary requirement early in
the interview process, remain as
reserved as possible. Only begin this
discussion once you get the job offer,
and are in a bargaining position.
Know your real worth: Invest
time in researching about salaries
earned by people from a similar
background in your industry and the
company you are going to join.
Research will help you understand
the salary trends that your industry
is witnessing after recession and
calculate your real worth. This will
give you an idea about what salary
you can ask for and expect to get. Be
reasonable in your demands.
Be courteous and polite: Your
negotiating should be done
respectfully and thoughtfully whilst
upholding your worthiness. Don’t get
aggressive or act stubborn at any
cost.
Ensure that your timing is
perfect: Do not start negotiating as
soon as you get the offer. Starting
your negotiation as soon as you get
the offer makes you look impulsive.
Take some time from the recruiter to
analyse the offer. This will give you
time to think about the offer.
Focus on the complete
package: Instead of just
focusing on the in-hand salary
or gross salary, look at the
complete package without any
prejudice. There may be many
other benefits that may make
up for a lesser in-hand salary
than you expected. It is quite
possible that the company may
not be ready to pay too much
cash in these critical times. If
the company is not ready to
move after a certain point, you
can try negotiating on the benefits to
get a better overall package.
Stay in your limits: If your
expectations are too high, the
company may just decide not to hire
you. Similarly, also understand that
34
TIPS TO COPE WITH ECONOMIC DOWNTURN
Start planning ahead: If you
feel you're doing all right financially,
then plan ahead for the possibility
that things take a turn for the
worse. And if you're already
suffering financially, then start
thinking about how to handle it if it
lasts longer or gets worse.
Know your income and
expenses: There are many of us
who know how much we bring
home in pay and other sources of
income. But lots don’t realise how
much they’re spending on things.
Make an accurate list of what you
take in (income) and exactly what
you spend it on (expenses). And
track all your expenses.
Eat at home: You can save a
big chunk of your salary by cooling
and eating at home. Eating in the
restaurants or buying packed food
can really make a hole in your
pocket. And if you buy the grocery
in bulk, that will save you even
more money.
Prepare budget: Budget all
your expenditure. Shift from your
comfort seat and monitor that
budget thoroughly. Do not
postpone holidays, just budget for
them so you can enjoy them
companies are in a cost cutting mode
and paying too much will be out of
the question for them. Do not act
difficult. Be firm but know the limits.
Extra experience: Only a
Bachelor’s degree and some
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
without worrying or upsetting your
financial plans.
Avoid Using Credit card:
Credit cards have a huge rate of
interest, thus you may end paying
2-3 times the amount taken by you.
Avoid using cards as much as
possible.
Reduce phone bills: Chatting
online is also a good option, it is
cheap as well as inexpensive. This
will help reduce your phone bills.
Save more: Concentrate on
saving rather than spending.
Always remember a penny saved
is a penny earned. Choose your
investment options wisely after
careful investigation, if possible
invest in gold, property, etc.
Shop Wisely: Go shopping and
enjoy but don’t forget checking out
for sale options before going
shopping. It will help you shop at
lesser price without compromising
on quality.
Rationalise your debt: Pay off
loans with maximum interest
component. If a loan has a small
outstanding principal, try and pay
it off in total.
internship isn’t enough. Some
extra experience or expertise
can help in negotiation. But
mostly companies will have to
train you and make you
proficient. Hence, negotiating
isn’t the best of thing to do
when you’re just out of college
with no experience or additional
skills.
Be professional: Always
keep in mind that at the end of
the day, you and your employer both
want to feel like you’ve got a good
deal. When negotiating, always
remain professional. Make requests
and suggestions, and be willing to
consent to certain points to show
your cooperativeness. We
 QA &
Whatever I do my kajal bleeds and
comes onto my cheeks. I love
wearing the natural kajal in the eyes
and don’t understand why this is
happening, I used to do it when I
lived in Canada and it was not a
problem. What should I do?
If you have always used the same
product which is now bleeding it must
be the weather change. Maybe your
kajal pencil is oil based. There are
some lighter formulations available in
the market. Try a more dry version.
Or opt for surma which is powder
based. Alternatively, you could even
seal it in with eyeliner.
I have very brittle hair and a very, very
dry scalp. I need to oil it twice a week
and the oil just vanishes! I was told that
I could use shea butter – is that right?
Yes, if your hair is indeed very dry
you can use pure shea butter. Many
beauty products for the hair and skin,
moisturising creams etc use shea
butter but in its pure form it is heavy
and very moisturising and hence you
will have to start with a small quantity
and wash it off after an hour or so.
I am only 19 and my mother insists
on feeding me a lot of amla in every
form. I was wondering if it is used in
beauty treatments as well.
Yes, amla powder mixed with
shikakai is wonderful for the hair.
Good old homes used to mix it with
soapnut (reetha) water to make an
instant shampoo. You could even mix
amla powder in your face pack and
especially if you have oily skin. Amla
is good in vitamin C content and can
be used in beauty regimes too.
I am 22 and although I have decent
hair on my head it seems my
eyebrows were never there. My
grandmother was Japanese and this
may be the reason though I don’t
look Japanese at all. Can this be
rectified?
Yes, it can be rectified by
permanent grafting. However do opt
for a natural look that fits your face
and body type, and it should not
look artificial. Speak to a good
doctor and ask him to provide a
temporary look with a stick-on style
which can be removed every day
before you get used to it and decide
what you want.
STORY
SHORT
Recession...Beat IT
How did two IT engineers after losing their jobs face the downturn?
By Sumathy Mohan
L
akshmi, bring me some water to drink…My
goodness it is very hot!” exclaimed Sundaram
as he entered his mansion in Poongudi village
near Trichy, Tamil-Nadu. He was one of the
landlords with a huge expanse of land where
he cultivated rice, grains and pulses. Apart
from that, he had flower gardens from which
he sent flowers to many places in India, Singapore,
Malaysia, etc. He had banana, coconut and palm
trees and vegetables and owned a rice mill and an
oil mill. He also owned 28 cows and 30 buffaloes
and supplied milk to many hotels and hospitals in
and around Trichy and Madurai.
He was very forward in his thinking, installed a
biogas plant for his home kitchen, and used organic
fertiliser for his field. He was one of the rarest of
landlords who took good care of his labourers and
their families.
Lakshmi brought a glass of cool water from the
mud pot. She knew he never drank fridge water.
“Lakshmi was there any call from our sons?”
“No, it is more than a month now. They were
never like that. Why don’t you call them yourself? I
am very worried”
“I called them several times on their home phone
and mobiles but got no response. I am also equally
worried. Anyway I will wait for two more days and
go to Bangalore myself this weekend and find out
what the problem is. Now you don’t worry. I have a
meeting with the collector regarding a proposal. So
keep my food ready “
“It is ready. You wash your feet and hands and
come to the dining hall.” Saying this, she went to the
back garden to bring a fresh banana leaf which
Sundaram used in the place of plates. He always
liked the aroma coming from the leaf when hot food
was served on it.
Sundaram had two sons who stayed with him
until they got B Tech degrees in IT. During their
school and college days, they used to work with
their father in the paddy field and other gardens.
Once his elder son Ganesh finished his 12th
standard he insisted on doing engineering in IT and
his younger brother Senthil followed him.
T
hough Sundaram wanted his sons to do a
degree in agriculture or commerce, which
would have been very helpful for his affairs, he
did not stand in the ways of his kids. Especially
Senthil was very good in agriculture and sometimes
came out with brilliant plans. It was his idea to start
cultivating fruits, vegetables and flowers apart from
rice and pulses. Sundaram also hoped that at least
Senthil would not leave him and lend a helping
hand to his activities. But, after seeing his elder
brother’s city life, Senthil also got attracted to it. Both
finished their degrees and joined IT companies in
Bangalore.
Sundaram sat down on the floor to eat the piping
hot tasty food served by Lakshmi, praising her
culinary talent as always.
“Your hand deserves a golden bangle each day
for such tasty food. Lakshmi, why not start a hotel in
Trichy under your supervision?”
“Why? You want me also to be away from home
all the time like you do? Our sons have decided not
to come back to the village, so who will look after all
these things once you grow old? Now enough of
business. Finish your food without business talk. Will
you have your favourite bittergourd sambhar once
more? “
“No I will eat it at night. Now I am in a hurry…..
Hmmm…’ he sighed. “How many times have I told
our sons to study something suitable for our family
and business. But no, they wouldn’t listen. They
wanted to work in big offices, go abroad, go to
work in big cars etc. But am I not doing all that
without working in a big office? Didn’t I take you on
a vacation to Malaysia and Singapore? I travel
more often to these places than our sons do. Now
when I hear about recession, slowdown, lay off etc. I
do not know whether they landed themselves in big
problems and are not letting us know about it.
Anyway, I am leaving for Bangalore by car this
Saturday along with our manager Ramu if I don’t
hear from them before that.” He finished his lunch
and left for the collector’s office.
on you to bring some good news about them.”
“Please don’t worry, amma. I will see to it that sir
will not lose his temper. Please take care of yourself.
Nothing would have happened to Ganesh anna and
Senthil thampi.”
“Take this box. I have made some athirasam for
Ganesh and mysorepak for Senthil. I did not have
the time to make anything else.”
“Okay, amma, I will hand these over to them. sir,
shall we start?”
“Yes, Ramu”
As they were about to leave the house a car came
and halted in their portico. Ganesh and Senthil got
down from it and touched the feet of their parents in
respect.
Both Sundaram and Lakshmi could not believe
their eyes.
“Arre Ganesh, Senthil? You two?” Lakshmi
pinched herself
“Am I dreaming? Come, come. Come inside. Appa
is about to start for Bangalore to enquire about you.”
Sundaram was also very relieved to see

R
amu was born and brought up in the In the next his sons in flesh and blood, and his anger
city. But always wanted to work in two days, disappeared at once like dew that
paddy fields. The velvet green paddy Sundaram disappears at the first stroke of the sunray.
fields always fascinated him. He also had tried several Both of them came inside and sat down
a short-tern training in agriculture in an times and started drinking the hot filtered coffee
American university. He shifted base to frantically to made by Lakshmi.
Poongudi and started working under contact his Ganesh cleared his throat, “Appa, sorry
Sundaram and learnt a lot under his we should have talked to you before. But we
sons. He
guidance. He also helped Sundaram in all were ashamed of not listening to your words
could not
his activities. of wisdom. The software company I started
In the next two days, Sundaram tried
sleep properly
myself with went into the doldrums with the
several times frantically to contact his sons.
and just global recession. Unfortunately I dragged
He could not sleep properly and just could could not thambi (younger brother) also into it a year
not concentrate on his work. It was the concentrate ago. Whatever we made just got washed
same with Lakshmi too. Whenever the on his work. away and we had to shut shop. We were
phone rang she rushed from the kitchen looking for jobs and were thinking of
only to be disappointed. Ramu, who was entering informing you after we got one. But with recession,
all the accounts and other details on their computer, getting decent job has also become very difficult.’
was also very upset to see the plight of the worried Senthil continued
parents. Sundaram had installed a computer on the “So we decided to come back home and join you
insistence of Ramu and loaded all the data about the in business. Last time when I came here, I noticed all
paddy field, milk distribution, accounts of rice and the development in our village like good roads,
oil mills in it. Senthil also praised Ramu very much communication facility, bank etc. That time itself I
for installing a computer. decided if something happens to our business, I will
Sundaram got himself ready to leave for come and join you. So, when anna could not run the
Bangalore on Saturday morning. Ramu got their show I told him about this. He also agreed to it.
Innova ready and readied himself for the long drive When we ourselves can give work to many people,
ahead. Lakshmi made idiappam and coconut milk why should we work for somebody else. So we came
for their breakfast. She started advising Sundaram back home. Maybe just to keep my IT knowledge
as she was worried that he should not shout at their alive I may start a computer class later in our village
sons. and spread computer education to our village
“Please you be patient do not shout at them. Maybe children. Ramu, what say you? like my idea, na.”
they have some genuine reason for not taking our All the three, Ramu, Sundaram and Lakshmi, said
calls. Ramu, please take care of sir. I am depending “YES” in one voice. We

38 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

 QA &
Q&
I am in a real dilemma. We had an
essay-writing competition in our
school six months ago, and my best
friend won the first prize, which was
Rs 1000. Everyone congratulated her
for her great effort. Last week, she
told me privately that she had taken
the whole piece from some obscure
website on the Internet. I was
shocked and horrified but she
assured me no one would ever be
able to find out, and she promised
me to secrecy. I wish she had not
told me. I am now burdened with
guilt, and I especially feel sorry for
the runner-up girl in the competition,
who had really written a very good
essay. If I blow the lid on my friend, I
will create a big mess – which even
the teachers may hate to deal with!
What should I do?
A
Since a whole six months have
passed since the competition, it is
best to keep quiet about the
unpleasant business. Stop feeling
guilty for the onus of checking the
authenticity of the contributions lay
on the teachers. How can you be
certain too that your friend has
indeed lifted the piece from the
Internet? She might be bluffing in a
bid to scandalise you.
It is true that creating an
unpleasant controversy now could do
more harm than good.You should
however make it clear to your friend
that you are ashamed of her and
disapprove strongly of what she has
done. Let her not feel that you
condone her cheating. In fact, you
can show your disgust by distancing
yourself from her. When she feels
remorse and guilt, your work is done.
40
TEEN ACHE
TEEN CHE
A
I am a 19-year-old college girl in a
big dilemma. Two years ago I fell
in love with a boy and promised to
marry him after he got settled in
life. Last year, he left for the Middle
East to earn a living. We have
plans to marry in 2010.
Last month, I was introduced to
a friend’s brother and it was love at
first sight for both of us. At the
same time I am confused and
unhappy, for I do not want to ditch
my first friend for no fault of his
own.
I haven’t told him anything.
What should I do? Forget the
second boy and keep my promise,
or choose my happiness with the
second boy?
If you are
convinced that the
second boy is your
soul mate you must
confess everything to
your fiance and ask
him to release you
from your promise.
Sympathy and guilt are not good
reasons for continuing with your
original suitor. This will cause
resentment and bitterness in your
mind later on when you remember
what you have given up.
However, you may have fallen
for the second boy only because
you are lonely and have been
away from your betrothed for a
long time. Once you meet him
again, all your feelings for him
could come rushing back.
Do not take any step right
away, but wait till you meet your
fiance again. This will help you sort
out your real feelings clearly.
Even if you think you love the
second boy, keep your distance
from him, and do not make any
promises till you are really sure.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
My boyfriend and I are
both 16 years old and
classmates in class
12. We go on dates
often, to the cinema or
on outings. We love
each other a lot and
he has promised to
marry me when we are older, and I
have agreed.
For some time now, he is asking
me to have sex with him, but I have
refused. My friends advise me to start
taking the pill, for it will keep me safe
from pregnancy anytime we do
decide to become intimate.
My query is whether it is safe to
be on the pill for long periods of time,
or will it cause me to become infertile
in later years. Can I buy the
contraceptive off the counter? Please
advise.
Ideally, you should not have sex
at such a young age as you could
throw yourself open to many
infections. It could give you a bad
reputation, and also make you feel
unhappy and used once your
boyfriend decides to move on. At this
age, you cannot expect him to have
any real plans to marry you later on,
can you?
However, you should definitely not
run the risk of pregnancy, and the pill
is a safe preventive. It is best you get
it prescribed by a gynaecologist for
some brands, may be contraindica-
tive for some women.
Being on the pill will not cause
infertility in later years. The pill will
not safeguard you against sexually
transmitted diseases, HIV or AIDS,
unless your partner uses the
condom.
It is advisable not to be sexually
active during the teens, but if you are,
it is imperative that you use methods
to prevent pregnancy and avoid
infections.
 Rice needs
vegetables and
curries to go down
well. But the same
rice cooked
exquisitely can
titillate your taste.
By Roma Ghosh

VARIED
RICE FLAVOURS METHOD
Mix the besan with one and a
half cups of water and then add
salt and red chilli powder to taste.
Blend well into a thick paste.
Heat a non-stick pan and pour a
ladle full of the besan mixture and
swirl the pan so that the batter
spreads into a circle. Sprinkle oil
around the chilla and cook on low
fire turning once so that both the
sides are cooked. Place a portion
of the filling in the middle of the
chilla and fold over. Prepare all
the chillas in this way. Serve hot
with achar or ketchup.
RICE AND
BESAN CHILLA
INGREDIENTS: RICE STUFFED
1 cup besan
1 tbsp of rice powder
SPRING ROLLS
1/ tsp of red chilli powder or INGREDIENTS:
4 tbsp oil in a wok, add ginger,
more For cover:
ghee or oil to fry the chillas 250 gm all-purpose flour (maida)
salt to taste 1 egg
For the filling: salt to taste
1 cup of rice pulao – you can For filling:
use leftover rice or any flavoured 1 cup cooked long grained rice
rice or any preparation of rice for 1 carrot grated
the filling 1 cup leeks shredded and well
washed (white section only)
(optional)
1/ tsp ginger minced
2
1/ tsp garlic minced
2
2 tbsp cabbage shredded
50 gm mushrooms chopped
75 gm sprouted beans
3 green chillies chopped
2 tbsp soya sauce
1/ tbsp white pepper powder
2
salt to taste
METHOD
How to make spring roll: Sift
the flour and add salt, egg and
water and make a smooth batter.
Heat little oil in a flat non-stick
pan and add enough batter so
that it covers the base of the pan.
Cook both sides of the
pancake till golden. Repeat the
same till whole batter is utilized.
To make the filling heat 2-3
garlic and mushrooms, stir fry for
10 to 15 seconds.
Add leeks and stir-fry for about
1 minute, then add carrots,
cabbage and cook tossing the
vegetables until they are crisp-
tender.
Add the bean sprouts, salt,

42 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

pepper and soya sauce, cook
stirring for 2 minutes. Now mix in
the cooked rice and set aside the
filling to cool. To make the spring
rolls place 2-3 tbsp of the filling in
the centre of each pancake.
Fold in the sides and form a
tight roll, sealing the edge with a
little flour and water paste.
Deep-fry in hot oil until golden.
FRUIT BIRYANI
INGREDIENTS:
1 apple
1 pear
1 sweet mango
3 tbsp of cashew
(broken cashews)
2 tsp of oil
1/ cup of cream
2
1 cup milk
1 cup long-grained rice
2 tsp of ghee
1 piece of cinnamon – 1/2 inch
2 cloves
1 cardamom
salt to taste
METHOD
To prepare the fruit mixture:
Cut the apple and pear into
halves and core without peeling
cut into thick strips. Peel the
mango and cut into strips. Grind
the cashews into a wet paste.
Heat the oil and fry the cashew
paste for a minute. Mix in the milk
and add the fruits and allow the
fruits to simmer in the gravy for 2-
3 minutes. Mix in the cream and
heat gently but do not boil. Put off
the heat and keep this mixture
aside.
Soak the rice in water for 10
minutes. Drain out excess water
and keep aside. Heat the ghee
and add the whole spices and
allow to splutter for 1-2 minutes.
Mix in the rice and stir fry for 2-3
minutes. Mix in water and salt to
taste. Allow the rice and water to
come to a boil. Allow the rice and
water to come to a boil. Lower the
heat and cover with a lid and cook
till three fourths of the water has
been evaporated. At this stage
mix in the prepared fruit mixture
and lower the heat and cover
with a lid and cook till all the water
has been evaporated. Serve hot
CEREAL RICE
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup long-grained rice
2 tsp of ghee
1/ cup of pulses – you can use
2
small-sized lobiya or any other
pulses like lobiya or chana
1 piece of cinnamon – 1/2 inch
2 cloves
1 cardamom
salt to taste
METHOD
Soak the lobiya overnight and
then boil in salted water till just
tender. Drain out all the excess
water and keep the lobiya aside.
Soak the rice in water for 10
minutes. Drain out excess water
and keep aside. Heat the ghee
and fry the broccoli florets till light
golden brown – this should take
only 2-3 minutes. Remove and
keep aside. In the same pan add
the whole spices and allow to
splutter for 1-2 minutes. Mix in the
rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Add 2 cups of water and salt to
taste. Allow the rice and water to
come to a boil. Lower the heat
and cover with a lid and cook till
three fourths of the water has
been evaporated. At this stage
mix in the cooked lobiya and
cover with a lid and cook again on
low heat till all the water is
evaporated. Serve this pulao hot
with dahi and papad.
CABBAGE AND
RICE FRITTERS
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup grated cabbage
1 cup cooked rice
2 tsp of cornflour
1/ tsp of cinnamon powder
4
1/ tsp or more of pepper powder
2
oil for frying
salt to taste
METHOD
Mix all the ingredients except
the oil in a mixing bowl. Mash and
mix well with your fingers. Heat
enough oil for deep frying and
drop portions of the mixture as
you fry pakoras or fritters. Make
a few fritters at a time. Allow these
to fry on medium heat a few at a
time, turning once or twice till
crispy and golden brown. Serve
hot as a starter. We
Courtesy: India Gate Basmati Rice
New Delhi. Ph: 011-26548400
 Chicken xaccuti

GOA
GOAN
AND THE OTHER CUISINE
CHICKEN
XACCUTI Savour the taste of
INGREDIENTS: Goa and Central
350 gm chicken (boneless)
medium sized pieces
India.
2 tbsp vinegar to wash By Roma Ghosh
coconut
For accompaniment:
1 tbsp lemon juice
lemon rice
1 tsp honey
1/ tsp turmeric powder
2
METHOD
salt to taste Wash the chicken with vinegar,
rub lemon juice, salt and turmeric
For spice masala paste: powder on the chicken & keep
Prawn balchao
1 tbsp oil aside for 10 minutes.
1/ cup coconut milk for a minute. Remove from heat,
2 Roast the coconut and all the
2 tsp coriander seeds transfer to a serving plate &
spices in a pan in little oil until garnish with freshly grated coconut
1 tsp cumin seeds brown and then grind them into a
1 tbsp poppy seeds and serve hot with lemon rice.
smooth paste with a little water & Preparation time: 15 minutes
10-15 dried red chillies keep aside.
3-4 star aniseeds Cooking time: 30 minutes
Heat oil in a pan; add the
1 tsp fennel seeds ground spice paste, green chilies
little water
2-3 tbsp oil
and onions. Saute on medium
flame until they turn brown, add
PRAWN
3 green chillies chopped
onions finely chopped
the chicken, coconut, nutmeg and BALCHAO
salt to taste along with tamarind INGREDIENTS:
pinch of nutmeg powder pulp. Reduce to simmer and add 400 gm medium prawns
2 tbsp tamarind pulp ¾ cup water, stir cooking and oil to shallow fry
3/ cup water
4 then increase the heat and toss salt to taste
1 tbsp honey the pan gently and cook until the 1 tbsp lemon juice
For garnishing: masala coats the chicken and oil 1 tbsp honey
freshly grated coconut rises to the top, add honey & cook 1/ tbsp turmeric powder
2

Moong gatti
For vinegar & spice paste:
2/
3 tbsp vinegar
10-12 garlic cloves crushed
1 piece ginger chopped
7-8 dried red chilies
1/ tsp cumin seed
2 Soak dal in water for two hours
1/ tsp mustard seed
2
pinch of sugar
1 tbsp shrimp paste
1/ cup onion finely chopped
2 3
3/ cup tomato puree
4
METHOD
Clean the prawns, pat-dry, rub
salt, lemon juice & turmeric
powder - keep aside.
Grind all ingredients for paste
until smooth.
Heat oil in frying pan, shallow
fry the prawns until golden brown.
Saute onions until golden
brown and add the puree and
water. Cook 2-3 minutes and add
the vinegar and spice paste. Cook
and stir-fry for 2 minutes then add
prawns and let it simmer for 2-3
minutes tossing the pan gently.
Remove from heat, garnish
with lemon wedges & serve hot
with fried or steamed rice.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes
MOONG GATTI
(sprouted moong
cooked in light coconut
gravy)
INGREDIENTS:
250 gm sprouted moong dal or
ORCHA
BAFORI KI
SUBZI
INGREDIENTS:
200 gm dal moong chhilka
100 gm ghee
100 gm onion
100 gm tomato
50 gm garlic-ginger paste
mixed sprout salt to taste
2-3 green chilies sliced
coriander powder
fresh coconut grated turmeric powder
1 tbsp oil red chilli powder
1/ tsp mustard seeds
2 METHOD
few curry leaves
1 tbsp tamarind paste and afterwards wash and make
1/ tsp turmeric powder
2 thick paste. Put sufficient water in
3/ tsp sambhar powder
4 handi and cover the handi with
2/ dry red chillies
muslin cloth for steaming.
pinch of asafoetida (hing) Make small balls or pakoras
1 tbsp honey Bafori ki subzi
salt to taste
For accompaniment:
mix rice and pappad
METHOD
Transfer the moong or
mixed sprouts in a deep pan
with enough water to cover
them, add green chillies and
cook on medium heat until soft.
Mix half of the grated
coconut with tamarind paste
and turmeric powder.
Add this masala to the
moong along with sambhar
masala and salt, bring to boil
and add the juice of grated
coconut.
Heat oil in a pan, add
mustard seeds, chilies, stir
nicely and pour into the moong
and mix well, garnish with
remaining grated coconut and
serve hot with mix rice and
pappad.
Time : 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 mins.
Chefs: Dina, Vijay & Xavier
Gobhi kheema
and place on top of muslin cloth
and cook to steam.
Put oil in a pan, add ghee,
when hot add onion. When onion
gets a brown colour add garlic-
ginger paste and tomato paste.
Add coriander powder, turmeric
powder, red chilli powder and salt
as per taste, cook for few minutes
till the gravy is made and mix
pakoras and garnish with fresh
coriander, serve hot.
GOBHI KHEEMA
INGREDIENTS:
200 gm Broccoli
200 gm cauliflower
2-3 tsp of mustard oil
two onions
two tomatoes
2 tsp of garlic paste
1 tbsp of coriander seeds
1 tsp of black pepper
1 tsp of amchoor
2 tsp of kasoori methi
METHOD
Cook onion on medium heat in
mustard oil. Add garlic paste till it
turns golden, add coriander seeds
and the rest of the spices and
cook for two minutes. Reduce to
medium heat and add chopped
tomato, broccoli and cauliflower.
Cook till the vegetables are tender
but not over cooked. Sprinkle
kasoori methi and serve hot.
Chef: Mr. Kashmir Chand
The Orchha Resort
Kanchanghat, Orchha
Madhya Pradesh
48
UTTAR PRADESH
CHILMAN
BIRIYANI
INGREDIENTS:
250 gm carrots diced – cut
into small pieces Chilman biriyani
150 gm diced, stringed
French beans crackle. Add the sliced onions and
150 gm cauliflower florets cook till they turn into a brown
90 gm skinned almonds colour.
75 gm whole cashew nut
55 gm raisins
Now add the ginger - garlic
paste, turmeric powder, red chilli
2 tbsp of onion which have been powder, salt and cook for 5-6
browned in oil minutes stirring from time to time.
300 gm ghee Mix in all the vegetables in the
2 bay leaf masala, and stir well and cook for
5 clove a further 2 minutes and then
10 black pepper corn remove from the fire.
8 small cardamom Cook the rice in salted water till
2 onions chopped just tender but not fully cooked.
80 gm garlic-ginger paste Drain out all the water and keep
300 gm curd prepared out of full aside.
cream milk To assemble the biriyani:
10 gm red chilli powder Divide the rice into three portions
5 gm turmeric powder and also the vegetables. Place
20 gm coriander powder one portion of the rice in a thick
1 kg basmati rice bottomed pan.
2 gm saffron On the rice place a portion of
5-6 green chilli the vegetables and the coriander
3-4 tomatoes quartered and fried onions.
35 gm ginger julienne Make the second layer with the
60 gm chopped mint remaining rice, vegetables and
60 gm chopped coriander leaves garnish.
a few drops kewra essence Cover with a lid and seal the
salt to taste lid with atta (wheat dough) and
METHOD place in a pre heated oven for 12-
Heat fat in a handi. Add whole 15 minutes or until the rice is
garam masala and allow to tender.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
Arbi tikka
ARBI TIKKA
INGREDIENTS:
1 kg blanched, peeled arbi
(colocasia)
2 tsp of ginger paste
2 tsp of garlic paste
3 tbsp of ghee
2 green chilli
1/ tsp of small cardamom
2 HARA SHAMMI
powder
3-4 strands of saffron soaked in
2 tbsp of milk
1 tsp of white pepper powder
150 ml refined oil
1 tsp of chat masala
2 tbsp of hung curd
1 tsp of kassori methi
6-8 strands of mint leaves
1 tsp of garam masala powder
salt to taste
METHOD
Heat 300 ml of water and add
salt to taste and also add the haldi
powder. Add the peeled arbhi and
allow to simmer in the hot water
for 3-4 minutes. Drain and keep
aside and allow the arbi to cool
and then with the tip of a knife or
a fork just make light insertions
on each of the arbhi.
Make a marinade by mixing
hung curd, saffron, ginger garlic
paste and the ghee. Place in a
mixing bowl and add the arbi to this
marinate. Mix well so that each of
the arbi is coated with the
marinade. Leave aside for 3 hours
in this marinade. Place the arbi on
skewers and cook in a tandoor
turning from time to time and
basking with a little oil from time to
time. Remove from the skewers
and sprinkle the garam masala
powder, chaat masala, white
pepper powder and lemon juice
and coriander leaves and kasorie
methi. Serve hot with mint chutney.
KEBAB
INGREDIENTS:
100 gm carrots
150 gm beans
Hara shammi kebab
50 gm green peas
50 gm cauliflower
100 gm babycorn
10 gm ginger chopped
15 gm garlic chopped
2-3 green chillies chopped
2 onions chopped
2 cups of spinach, shredded and
washed
100 gm channa dal
80 gm roasted channa dal powder
1 inch piece cinnamon
3 black cardamom
2-3 red chilli powder
2 tsp of garam masala powder
1 tsp of haldi powder
salt to taste
3 tbsp of ghee
METHOD
Heat the ghee in a thick
bottomed pan and add the whole
garam masala and allow to
splutter. Now mix in the chopped
onion, garlic, ginger green chillies
and fry till the onions are
translucent.
Wash and cut all the
vegetables and add at this stage.
Cook on low fire covering with a
lid till the vegetables are tender
and there is no moisture left. Also
mix in the spices at this stage.
Mix in the roasted channa dal
powder so that the mixture can
bind well. Cook for a further 2
minutes mixing all the time and
then remove from fire. Shape into
round patties and grill these
patties on a hot plate and serve.
PANEER MALAI
SEEKH
INGREDIENTS:
1 kg of paneer prepared out of
whole cream milk
120 gm deshi ghee
2 tsp of ginger paste
2 tsp of garlic paste
3-4 green chillies
1 tsp of chopped ginger pieces
Paneer malai seekh

2 tsp of coriander leaves

2 tsp of red chilli powder
2 onions
2 tomatoes
1 tsp of garam masala powder
2 tbsp of refined oil
1 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of chaat masala
1 tsp of kasoori methi
100 gm cheese
1 tsp of Green cardamom
powder
salt to taste
METHOD
Grate the paneer and the
cheese very finely. Place in a
mixing bowl and add the ginger,
garlic, chillies, ghee and mash and
mix well. Now mix in the spices
and salt, oil and kasoorie methi
and also the chopped onions and
coriander leaves. Take a portion
of the mixture in your palm and put
on the skewers. Coat each skewer
with chopped tomatoes and ginger.
Cook in a tandoor till golden brown
and serve with mint chutney.
Chef: Sumit Sinha
Country Inn & Suites We
 Regality incarnate

If the hair is
arranged in
innovative styles
it can produce
stunning impact.

Hairs Stylised
 An inviting look

Growing innocence

A complementing wave

Westernised style

Parting of hair in imaginative

Touch of added magnificence ways can give you a poise
which will make people pause
and look at you once more.
SUPPORTING A

BIGGER BUST
Measures to keep
“more womanly” features
in better shape.
By Roma Ghosh
 A, B, C or D: Which size are
you?
woman’s breasts have
A
always been a source of
fascination and fantasy.
Men start dreaming when
they look at big-breasted
women. The cleavage,
where breasts are
enticingly almost visible,
yet hidden, drive them
crazy. Big or small, how
should your breasts look?
Regarded as the most aesthetic
and functional part of a woman’s
body, it is your breasts that make you
distinctly feminine. It is time to be
proud of the best part of your body,
your breasts. Their distinct curves
often cause men’s hearts to flutter.
A lot has been written and said of
how ideal breasts should look. While
there is nothing that says that perfect
breasts should be of a certain size,
fashionistas point out that the perfect
pair of breasts should certainly be
round, positioned high on the chest,
large and firm. However, if breasts
are large, their weight tends to pull
them down, resulting in neck and
back discomfort. If they are large and
round they tend to droop and not be
firm. What then should be a good
size or the best size of a breast?
History sings praises of the heavy-
chested woman. But a big bust has
its problems – ask anyone who is
well-endowed and she will tell you
her worries. Take the case of Mithu,
a 16-year-old student. She‘s a pretty
girl, lively and happy most of the time
but ask her about her breasts and
she sulks because they are big. She
doesn’t like to wear clothes which are
tight-fitting and cling to the body.
“Most of the time,” she complains,
“young boys are staring at my big
bust. My big bust is making me
conscious and I feel the whole world
is staring at me.”
A big bust then can cause a
woman emotional pain over her
physical appearance. Women who
are amply endowed in the chest
region, often wish they were leaner
in those parts. Western clothes – now
so much of a rage – do not look so
good on a woman with big breasts. In
desperation, some women have had
to turn to expensive breast reduction
surgery.
Other than others’ looks, women
with bigger breasts suffer from
backache or inconvenience when
walking and running. This emotional
pain is especially acute among
younger girls. A bigger bust sets
them aside from other girls and this in
turn makes them shy of going out in
public.
The only way out is to have the
right attitude, to look positive and
maintain the right posture. Add to
that, correct clothes and a perfect
bra, and see the huge difference.
Not all women, however, are
uncomfortable with a big bust.
Hollywood actresses Salma Hayek,
Tyra Banks, Paris Hilton, Jessica
Simpson and Winona Ryder sport
their breasts with confidence. In fact,
a story about Pamela Anderson’s
‘signature‘ breasts comes to mind.
Actor David Hasselhoff of Baywatch
fame writes in his biography, Making
Waves, what an effect Pamela
Anderson’s breasts had the first time
she came for an audition: “Pamela
was wearing a halter top and skirt.
When we asked her to read a page of
the script, she stood up, off came her
top and skirt to reveal a swimsuit
underneath, The guys couldn’t take
their eyes off her breasts. Everybody
wanted her, so I said, ‘Okay, she’s
in.’”
Bra-g about them: The modern
bra is more decorative than its
predecessors, and today is both a
fashion statement and an adornment,
and even an icon of sensuality.

LITTLE LADY’S LOVE
Your young lady is growing up and it is
time to give her the right bra. Here are few pointers
you should follow when choosing the right bra
for your teenage daughter.
One of the principal functions of a
bra is to elevate and support the
breasts, that is, to raise them from
their normal position lying against the
chest wall. The bra's shoulder strap
should bear a little weight. This is
considered the defining characteristic
of the bra: supporting the weight from
the back and shoulders, as opposed
to a lift from below. For mothers with
growing girls the following could be
the guidelines when choosing the first
bra for the ‘not so little lady’.
● The backstrap (band) and cups
should provide most of the support
rather than the shoulder straps.
● When viewed from the side, the
strap that runs around the body
Big or small breasts, there is one
article of clothing that women have
depended upon for quite some time.
Brassieres – commonly referred to as
a bra – cover, support, and elevate
breasts. Often considered a A basic bra consists of cups for
‘foundation garment’ and an
‘undergarment’ because of its role in
should be horizontal, should not ride
up the back, and should be firm but
comfortable.
● The underwires at the front
should lie flat against the rib cage
(not the breast), along the infra-
mammary fold, and should not dig in
to the chest or breast, rub or poke
out at the front.
● The breasts should be
enclosed by the cups and there
should be a smooth line where the
fabric at the top of the cup ends.
● There should not be a ridge or
any bulging over the top or sides of
the cups, even with a low-cut style.
● Over-reliance on the platform
(backstrap) for support will lead to
shaping the wearer’s figure, the bra
came into existence in the late
nineteenth and early twentieth
century. By the early 20th century,
the bra as we know it today, became
the most wanted part of a woman’s
clothing. Now, it is considered a
fashion statement.
Have you ever tried to find out
why you need a bra? There are many
of us who go braless – take a trip to
any of our villages – and they do not
find the need to wear one. A bra does
little to prevent the effects of ageing
on breasts and there are still many
women in Europe who believe that
breasts are healthier when left free
to move rather than being restrained.
That view apart, what cannot be
doubted is the fact that a bra brings
out a woman’s youth. In turn, it
promotes a more desirable youthful
appearance while lifting the breasts
from their natural position.
the breasts, a centre panel, a band
running around the torso under the
undue compression of the breasts,
so much of the weight tends to be
carried by the shoulder strap,
particularly for larger breasts.
bust, and a shoulder strap for each
side. There are a wide range of the
undergarment and the most common
ones are:
Underwired bras: The cups for
the breasts may be reinforced by
underwires made of metal originally,
but mainly plastic now. The bra is
usually fastened with a hook fastener
Choosing right
The comfort and function of any
bra is dependent on the correct size
and fit. A large range of sizes are
available to cater to the wide variety
in the size of women's breasts and
bodies. Women often find it difficult to
find the correct bra size. Breasts vary
in the position on the chest, and in
their diameters.
Bra sizes typically vary in two
ways: the volume of the cups that fit
over the breasts, and the length of
the back strap that goes around the
body. It is essential that the bra
fits correctly in both of these
dimensions.
There is typically some flexibility
to adjust the band size, since
bras usually have three or four
alternative sets of fastening
hooks.
Although all bras are labelled
by size, many women find
that the only way to obtain a
bra that fits properly and
achieve the effect they want is by
trial and error with each bra type,
on the band, typically at the back. In
some bras, the fastener is in the
front, between the cups. Others are
pulled on over the head and have no
fasteners at all.
Padded bras: Some bras contain
padding, designed to increase
comfort, to make the breasts look
bigger, or to conceal the nipples.
Push-up bras: These are
designed to enhance the cleavage
and use padding and the
cut of the pattern to
achieve this effect. Breast
pads are sometimes
worn between the
breasts and the bra
to give the appearance
of larger breasts.
Sports bra: This
bra may be worn to
support and to restrain
pendulous breasts
during exercise or to
model and brand. This method is the
most reliable.
The size of a bra is commonly
described by two values. The first is
the band size (underband), a number
based on the circumference of the
chest under the bust, excluding the
breasts. The second is the cup size
given by a letter of the alphabet, and
relating to the volume of the breasts
themselves. For example, a 30D bra
is for a 30-size band and a D-size
cup. Cup sizes typically start with A,
the smallest, and increase
alphabetically.
support them during
everyday activities.
Strapless and
backless bras: These
bra styles specialise in
being invisible underneath
less than full coverage
garments.
Band size is usually determined
by measuring body circumference
either under or above the breasts and
then adding a specified amount to
account for the fact that the ribcage is
generally wider at the height of the
breasts than at the point at which one
measures. A second measurement is
then taken of the chest circumference
over the fullest part of the breasts
(overbust). The cup size can then be
calculated from the difference
between these two measurements.
A common mistake is to take the
overbust measurement with a bra on,
instead of braless, with the breasts
held at the desired position.
However, there are some people who
believe that measuring systems
like the one described above
often lead to an incorrect size,
most commonly too small in
the cup, and too large in the
band. For anyone and
especially cups sizes larger
than a D, one should get a
professional fitting from the
lingerie department. We
 TASM
Australia’s
“island of inspiration”
crams much to
wonder about into
limited space.
By Inder Raj Ahluwalia t all becomes so much easier in
I
the midst of an authentic island
lifestyle on what they describe as
the ‘island of inspiration’. With 32
hours of travel behind me, I
wasn’t in the mood for anything,
least of all dinner at a quayside
restaurant ‘strong on seafood and
atmosphere’. But that’s where I
went straight from Hobart Airport
with Cheryl Dix who’d been asked to
look after me. And, to be fair, the T-
42 Bar and Cafe at the Elizabeth
Street pier turned out to be a
wonderful curtain-raiser to the city.
With its cafes, restaurants and boats.
The pier is the city’s heartbeat, and
you join the local buzz and watch the
yachts sail by and the fishing boats
bob in the breeze while you enjoy a
casual bistro meal and a glass of
Tasmanian pinot noir or Riesling.
Mindful of my apparent fatigue,
62 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
Cheryl hurried things up, bundled me
into her swanky four-wheel drive, and
deposited me at my bedding place,
a lodging as heart warming as they
come. A genuine and true delight
packed with charm.
Built in 1847, the Islington Hotel
is a very special, small luxury hotel
with a long history and a large,
delightful garden. Set in an acre, the
old manor house is a fine example of
Regency architecture, and resembles
a church. You enter through a
passage with a chandelier, which
leads on to a small lobby. Eleven
luxuriously appointed guest rooms
with a view, are complemented by a
host of amenities.
Red walls, a white ceiling, plush
silk cushions sitting on period
furniture, rugs, curtains and a
fireplace are the hallmarks of the
Rose Room which is used for
ANIA
intimate meetings. With its old piano,
fireplace, period furniture and
paintings, the Morning Room is the
place for private meetings and high
tea. A single chandelier watches over
you as you sit at the dining table,
amidst books and paintings in the
opulent and dignified library.
Sporting a glass roof that allows
in a generous amount of natural light,
The Conser vatory is where guests
breakfast at the set tables or at the
settee by the fireplace, taking in
views of the hills just outside. There’s
also a spa, wine cellar, and a
mountain-view pavilion.
Artworks and antiques lie strewn
around the premises, and the
paintings include a Picasso and a
million-dollar piece by Survage.
I slept the sleep of the blessed
and was visibly energised when
Cheryl picked me up the next
morning to show me her city.
It was a Saturday, which meant
Salamanca Market. Set between
graceful pine trees and 1830s sand-
stone warehouses, the market held
every Saturday attracts thousands to
its food, music, arts and crafts,
books, curios, clothing and jewellery.
Salamanca Place’s two street blocks
are packed with stalls and the
aromas of coffee, freshly baked
cakes, and vibrant flowers. There are
many cafes for refuelling. From
chilled beer to bold ceramics, it’s a
wonderful place to chill out.
Spinnakers on the water, fish
punts at the docks, coffee under the
sun umbrellas at Salamanca, an
occasional frosting of snow on Mt
Wellington, bush tracks and birdsong,
oysters and brandy. Hobart has a
nice feel to it.
It’s a maritime city, linked to river
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
and sea. It’s a heritage city, where
sandstone warehouses
Georgian days. It’s laid-back and
echo
relaxed and is just the right size, with
old buildings edging new ones. About
the best thing to do is walk. You can
take in several noteworthy sites
without bursting your lungs. Stroll
through old parks and gardens like
St David’s Park and the Royal
Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, with
its amazing Subantarctic House. Step
out on a Hobart historic walk, lap up
an historic pub tour and climb the
Shot Tower at Taroona.
If museums draw you, there are
the Tasmanian Museum and Art
Gallery, Transport, Maritime and
Allport museums; and Narryna
Heritage Museum.
Taste the city – tour the Cascade
Brewery, Lark distillery and Cadbury
chocolate factory.
63

INDIGENOUS CUISINE
Enjoy a twilight paddle by sea
kayak on the calm waters of the
Hobart waterfront and docks. Or take
a sailing lesson on the majestic Lady
Nelson. Or get high – take a
spectacular scenic flight by plane, jet
plane or helicopter. Everything’s
possible, accessible, and relatively
easy to do.
“Well, that was Hobart on a
platter,” Cheryl told me on my second
night. “Enjoy a quiet night’s rest and
tomorrow we’ll set about seeing
some other places,” she said with
expectant excitement.
My second night stop was at
Mantra One Sandy Bay Road.
Located opposite St David’s Park, on
the fringe of Hobart CBD and close to
the picturesque Sullivan’s Cove,
Mantra One offers luxury self-
contained studio apartments with an
open-plan design.
Cheryl was as good as her word
64
and drove me around Southern
Tasmania. The island’s charms lay
waiting, and off we went.
An hour’s drive through the
country deposited us at the
award-winning Grandvewe Farm
Cheesery, Australia’s only organic
sheep-cheese maker, where you
can see the sheep milked and the
resident cheese-maker at work. The
cheese apart, the view from the
verandah was stunning, framing the
low hills and the bay of the
D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Having
tasted four different cheeses, I gently
nudged Cheryl to move on.
We did, and arrived at Peppermint
Bay. Architecturally innovative with
wonderful views across some of
Australia’s best sailing waters – the
calm D’ Entrecasteaux Channel – the
complex is an integral part of local
community life at Woodbridge. A live
fish larder, extensive herb garden,
and adjacent art and craft gallery
enhance the experience. We lunched
in the modern restaurant, watching
the boats bob on the water. For good
measure, we were joined by Simon
Holloway, the chief chef, who gave
me the lowdown on Tasmanian
cuisine.
Tasmanian food! Well here goes.
Scallops for starters; Atlantic salmon
(with crispy skin) with a salad, or
lamb racks as a main course;
mushrooms and vegetarian risotto for
vegetarians; pavlova (morange with
fruit and fresh cream) for dessert.
And end it all with a coffee
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
WALKING ON TREETOPS
Another drive through the country
brought us to Tahune Forest Airwalk
and Visitor Centre, one of the world’s
few treetop walks, offering panoramic
views over southern forests, the
Hartz Mountains and the Picton and
Huon rivers. Half a kilometre long,
suspended 48 metres in the air on
steel towers, the airwalk is an
innovative eco-tourism product, tailor-
made for nature buffs.
”It’s time to show you Richmond,”
Cheryl said to me. And so Richmond
it was. And quite a delight it turned
out to be.
The old-world village which is less
than 30 minutes’ drive from Hobart,
takes you back a hundred years in
time. The buildings include
Australia’s oldest freestone road
bridge built by convicts in 1823, and
the oldest Roman Catholic church
from the mid 1830s. The Richmond
Gaol was built in 1825 and housed
prisoners including bushranger
Martin Cash. The beautiful buildings
have been restored and are in use
as art and craft galleries, restaurants
and shops.
The setting sun was turning the
bay a pale golden yellow when we
returned to Hobart. My Tasmania visit
certainly didn’t include all there is to
see and do, but had been enough to
convince me that the ‘island of
inspiration’ is worthy of the praise
heaped on it. It’s just the sort of place
you could get hooked on to. We

I am 35 years old and have been
married for nearly a year. My
husband is 38. I have not become
pregnant as yet. Soon after we got
married, my husband began bringing
his friends over. I was glad to
entertain them and was happy that
he was a sociable person. But one
day to my shock I caught him having
oral sex with one of these friends. My
husband then confessed that he was
bisexual and that he was attracted to
both men and women.
That was six months ago and
since then he has been openly
bringing men home and having sex
with them. He also has sex with me.
Now he wants me to join him and
his friends in threesomes. He says
that his friends’ wives are sporting
and join in orgies and that I should
too.
I know that if I refuse, my husband
will lose interest in me. But I am
terrified of getting the HIV infection.
My husband says that there is no
danger if you have oral sex and that
his friends will not penetrate me. But
I’m still scared and till now I have
refused.
To get the HIV infection, the virus
has to enter the bloodstream. An
infected person can pass on the
infection in various ways. Two ways
are directly into the bloodstream
(through an infected needle, for
example) and second, by the virus
passing through the delicate mucous
Q
We are a group of a dozen friends
and one of us is getting married
next week. She has sent invitations
to everyone else but not to me. All
of us have been friends through
school and college and I just can’t
believe that she wouldn’t invite me
to her wedding. I am heartbroken
and I wonder if I have done
anything to upset my friend. But I
can’t think of anything.
I am so embarrassed that I have
cut myself away from the rest of the
group. Should I go away at the time
of the wedding so that I am not the
only one in our group who doesn’t
attend the four-day ceremony? Or
should I quarrel with her?
membranes of the vagina, rectum or
urethra.
It is more difficult to get the
infection through oral sex even if the
infected person deposits semen into
the mouth, but it is not impossible. If
the recipient has bleeding gums,
mouth sores or ulcers or any other
open wound, the virus can enter the
bloodstream and the person will get
the infection. So tell your husband
that oral sex is not completely safe.
More important than just safety is
the morality of the whole matter. The
sexual relationship between a
husband and wife is at the heart of
their marriage and to have sex with
sundry friends and their wives is
morally corrupt. The fabric of your
marriage will be totally torn into
pieces if you have oral sex and
threesome orgies with your
husband’s friends. It is indeed
strange that your husband should
suggest this to you.
Think about this and talk seriously
to your husband about the sanctity of
marriage.
I had an arranged marriage 17 years
ago and now have two sons aged 15
and 13. It was only two years after
our marriage that my husband
casually told me that he had been a
widower before he married me. He
also told me that he had a daughter
by his first wife and that she lived
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
QA &
If you have had no argument,
quarrel or disagreement with your
friend, it is quite possible that your
name was left out of the guest list
by oversight.
If you are really close to her, you
could ring her up and jokingly ask
her why you haven’t received an
invitation. Or another member of the
group could do so.
But if you are too embarrassed
to do something like this, just ignore
the matter. Tell yourself that not
attending your friend’s marriage will
not make her any less your friend.
You should certainly not quarrel
with her and spoil her mood just
before her wedding.
with her maternal grandparents.
I was totally shocked, more by the
fact that he never saw his daughter
than by the fact that he had hidden
such a thing from my parents and
me. But at another level I wasn’t
really surprised because by then I
had realised that my husband was a
lousy man.
He frequently beat me, constantly
lied to me, could not hold down a job
for more than a few months, got into
debt and then expected me to pay off
his loans with my earnings (I have a
good job) by selling my jewellery or
asking my parents for money. But he
apologised each time and I wanted
my marriage to work. So I had two
children hoping that he would
change.
But he did not change and I finally
left him and went to live with my
parents. I am at peace and my
children are happy because they
have no love or respect at all for their
father.
Now my husband has lost his job
again and is begging me to come
back to him. My boys do not want to
go back to him but I don’t know
where my duty lies. What should I
do? My husband says that he will
commit suicide if I do not return.
Yes, your husband does seem to
be completely self-centered, lousy
man. Proof of this lies in the fact that
he has abandoned one child and
even your two children do not have
65
 QA &
any affection for him. Now he is
asking you to return to him only
because he needs you after losing
his job and he is merely playing on
your emotions by saying that he will
commit suicide if you do not.
You are much better off without
such a husband but if you have a
lingering desire to take him back or if
you feel that it is your duty to do so,
you should tell him that you will go
back to him only if he undergoes
counselling and shows that he has
changed.
I am a 22-year-old woman working
and living alone in Bangalore. My
problem is that all the stories of rape
and sexual harassment of women
that appear in the papers and on TV
every day have terrified me. I try to
avoid these news stories and TV
reports but it is difficult to do so
because my colleagues talk about
them.
The result is that I am scared all
the time. I have great difficulty
leaving the house to go to work and
am a nervous wreck by the time I
come back, though I take all
reasonable precautions.
Sometimes I feel that my sixth
sense is trying to warn me that
something bad is going to happen to
me. I haven’t suffered any sexual
attacks or harassment that could be
responsible for my fears.
The stories in the press and TV
about rapes, etc, are enough to make
any young woman afraid – but at the
same time we cannot live our whole
lives in fear and so we have to
overcome our dread and panic.
Since you say that you have had
no bad experiences, it is just all the
talk about assaults on women that
Click
Yo u r P e r s o n a l A g o n y A u n t O n l i n e
66
are scaring you. Try to control your
fear by telling yourself that you are
being careful and that you will not put
yourself into any dangerous situation.
Make sure that you do not walk along
lonely roads alone and that you come
home at a reasonable hour. Avoid
travelling alone in taxis and even in
autos when it is late.
It would also be better if you
stopped living alone. You could share
a house with friends and colleagues
or even move into a working girls’
hostel. Read uplifting books, and
positive news stories in the
newspaper and watch comedies and
informative TV programmes.
When fear enters your mind,
banish it by keeping yourself busy
and thinking positive thoughts. But if
you still find yourself unable to control
your panic, you should consult a
counsellor.
I am 34 years old and I have been
married for five years. I have not
become pregnant and my mother-in-
law is constantly criticising me about
this and saying that she has been
cursed with a barren daughter-in-law.
Actually the truth is quite different. It
is that my husband is totally
disinterested in sex and that I am still
a virgin.
My husband and I have never
discussed sex and otherwise we get
along well – like good friends. But in
the last few months I have begun to
change. I now want to experience
sex and have children. I am also fed
up with my mother-in-law’s nagging
and long to tell her the truth. What
should I do?
You have been far too patient and
it is high time that you got things
sorted out with your husband. A
Powered by
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
husband and wife should be good
friends, but they should also be
lovers.
Sex and progeny are an essential
part of any marriage and your
husband has no right not to be open
to you about this matter. He
obviously has a problem. Perhaps he
is impotent, perhaps he has some
other physical or psychological
problem or perhaps he is gay.
Discuss this matter with your
husband and insist (but pleasantly!)
that he tells you the truth. You can
then decide what you should do. If
he has a physical problem, medical
treatment could help him, if his
problem is psychological, a
psychiatrist or counsellor could help
him, but if he is gay, there is nothing
that you can do.
If you decide to leave your
husband, you can get your marriage
annulled on the grounds that it has
not been consummated. As far as
your mother-in-law is concerned, the
next time she nags you, tell her to
talk to her son. That will give her
something to think about.
If you love your husband very
much, you could also decide to
continue with the marriage sans sex.
Have you a personal
problem of any nature,
which you hesitate to discuss
with your family or friends?
Share it with us.
WE will try to help you.
Address your letters to:
WOMAN’S ERA
E-3, Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110 055.
 Women’s
fashion changes
with demand of
the times giving
them the desired
look. However,
their basic
design remains
constant, only
inventing new
modes of
fashion.

Clothes of

ROYALTY
About to smile:
The enchantress has
a definite design.
Loss of innocence?:
Certainly not. She looks
innocently beautiful.
Youthful arrogance?:
No, no, she is
contemplating steps to
reach you.
Something on her mind:
Her inner conflict is
only a camouflage for her
romantic make-up.
Making a serious move:
She is in no flirting
mood. She is out looking
for her serious romantic
companion.
With an attitude for
love: She is all set to
take you to the
planet of desire.
Speaking with eyes:
Attired so, does she need
eloquence to charm you?
Holding spellbound:
Which one is arresting your
attention. The apparel or the
pose? Maybe both.
 Flowery pattern: In this
dress she appears a picture
of perfect beauty.

Costumes: Pinky Danani

(Mystiqual Boutique)
Mumbai
Model: Kavita Aras
Make-up: Amit Sawant
Hair: Jasmin
Photographer: Hemant Kedar
BOO M B AYB O M B AY F I L M D O M
FILMDOM
T o say the least, Saif Ali Khan’s
first film as a producer, Love Aaj
Kal , gives the impression that this
modern take on love’s far from the
good old belief or saying that love is
blind. It’s a love story with a
difference where the lovers love each
other with their eyes wide open. It’s
about two people under very modern
pressures who are brave enough to
assess and reassess their suitability
for each other in a mature way.
Laudable premise indeed.
t’s a measure of worldwide
Irecognition of Shah Rukh Khan’s
Love Aaj Kaal:
A modern take on love.
talent that he received recently the
honorary doctorate degree from the
University of Bedfordshire at a
prestigious function in London for his
contribution to arts and culture.
Earlier, he had received an honour in
France too.
uite a number of people
Q sometimes feel that enough is
enough. No wonder, therefore, when
the media twisted her words,
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan lost her
cool and threatened that if such a
thing is repeated, she may be forced Hrithik-Aish in Guzarish.
to take legal action. She had said “if I
want to stay in Hindi film industry, I H rithik Roshan is always a game
for challenging roles. Proof? His
need to stay fit.” An article role in kites and his forthcoming film
misconstrued her statement to the Guzarish in which he plays a raflegic
effect that she doesn’t want to have who lives his life in a wheel-chair.
children. Aishwarya Rai will be his leading
lady. Their last hit together was
Jodhaa-Akbar. The film is being
SRK honoured by University of
Bedfordshire. directed by Sanjay L. Bhansali.
hah Rukh Khan has reportedly
S taken the stand that there is more
to what Emraan Hashmi has said
about his being denied a flat in
Nilliana Cooperative Housing Society
Bandra, Mumbai. SRK has reaffirmed
that there’s no discrimination in
filmdom on the basis of religion.
t’s a big compliment coming from a
Isenior actor like Farooque Sheikh
when he says “today’s young actors
are so focused and have boundless
energy and enthusiasm.” He’s
working with some of them, Celina
Jaitley of Abhimanyu in Accident on
Hill Road.
impact with Rang De Basanti and
Guru , will now be seen along with
Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan
in Teen Patti and 3 Idiots.
irector Onir whose film My

enior actor Rishi Kapoor is

S playing meaningful roles in many
films. He’s playing a character like
Lord Krishna giving sermons to Arjun
on the battlefield. Rishi dishes out
advice to Saif Ali Khan in Love Aaj
Kal. He is doing Patiala House with
Akshay Kumar, again a father and
son story. He’s also doing a film Do
Dooni Chaar with wife Neetu Singh.
D Brother Nikhil has been shown at
various festivals says “when it comes
to world cinema, we are smaller than
Korean or even Iranian films. Our
kind of films don’t qualify for
festivals... very few film-makers here
make the kind of cinema that appeals
to the world audience.” It is high time
we do something in this connection.
shutosh Gowariker surely seems

o be great is indeed the best, but

T to be in great company is also not
bad. R. Madhavan who made a deep
“Today’s actors are focused,” says
Farooque Sheikh.
A to be a focused and fast director.
His latest film What’s Your Raashee
is scheduled to be premiered at the
Toronto Film Festival, Canada, on
September 19. The film has loads of
hilarious moments.

alman Khan plays an undercover

S under dancing sensation Prabhu
Deva-turned-director. There are also
R. Madhavan makes a deep impact.

has decided to revive the film city

reports that Prabhu Deva is getting
married with (or already has)
Nayantara, a young actress with a
beautiful smile, and she may also be
working in his Hindi film.
hat Subhash Ghai is a result-
T oriented man is proved once
again. Thanks to his recent meeting
with Rajasthan’s chief minister,
Ashok Gehlot, the State Government
project at village Jandoli, near Jaipur.
f there’s the will to learn, one can
I learn even from one’s juniors. Like
Govinda did. Inspired by Tusshar
Kapoor’s strict regimen about dieting
and fitness, Govinda (Tusshar’s co-
star in Life Partner ) to became a
fitness freak and now looks fit as a
fiddle.
n item number in Dev Anand’s
A film chargesheet Bollywood
Bollywood is a tribute to Hindi film
industry which, he says “has given
me everything”. This is the 65th year
of the thespian as an actor, and a
very stylish actor indeed who was
one of the trio of Dilip Kumar, Raj
Kapoor and Dev Anand. Hindi film
industry can well be proud of him. His
long innings may well be a record!

eeping in view the fact that when

K they worked together last time
and made Welcome, the film worked
wonders at the box office. Producer
Firoz Nadiadwala and director Anees
Bazme are coming together again,
Rishi Kapoor is now playing
meaningful roles.
Nayantara getting married with
Prabhu Deva.
let’s see with what result? The film
Hangover, Firoz says, “is a complete
entertainer full of wit and humour,”
Sanjay Dutt is a part of the film.
ed alert, a film to be directed by a
R journalist-turned-director Ananth
Mahadevan and starring Suneil
Shetty, Sameera Reddy and Vinod
Khanna, among others, is about a
person who feels trapped in his own
life because one incident throws his
life upside down and he is caught
Kareena Kapoor will sacrifice her
luxuriant hair for Stepmom.
between the devil and the deep sea.
The film, Annanth feels “will be a
wake-up call to the government
towards the real issue of the Naxalite
movement? Teaching the
government?
mall sacrifices are a sort of
S professional hazard for film stars.
Kareena Kapoor will sacrifice her
luxuriant hair for Dharma
Productions’ Stepmom remake in
October. She’ll sport shorter haircut
to go with her character of a younger
Big B has taken to mellower roles.
stepmom as compared to her hubby
and his ex-wife. Kajol is also there in t’s almost incredible that gorgeous
this remake of a Hollywood film. Iactress Ameesha Patel is an
Economics Gold medallist from Tufts
f Neha Dhupia has not yet made it University. What such a brilliant
I big in Hindi films, she’s not losing
her sleep. She has gone global and
young lady is doing in films? Keeping
her educational background in view,
will be seen in a US television show no wonder she was invited by an
titled Bollywood Hero wherein she educational trust in Pune to felicitate
will be playing the heroine. Not lead. the toppers from that region.

et another beautiful girl, Miss bhay Deol, a scion of

Y India 2008 Amruta Palki has
fallen for the pomp and show of
filmdom. She is gonna to make her
debut in Apoorva Lakhia’s
supernatural thriller Hide and Seek.
Good luck, Amruta.
n keeping with his age,
I Amitabh Bachchan, the
angry young man of
yesteryear, has taken to
maturer and mellower roles.
Like, in jeen Patti, he plays a
professor, and shares screen
space with Ben Kingsley, the
actor who played Mahatma
Gandhi in Richard
Attenborough’s film Gandhi.
A Dharmendra and Sunny Deol’s
family, may not have become an
instant star, but he has almost
‘arrived’ with the success of Dev D.,
Dev Benegal’s Road Movie and his
role as George knightly in Anil
Kapoor’s production Ayesha, based
on Jane Austen’s novel Emma. Anil’s
daughter Sonam plays the female
lead. – Deepak Puri
Celina
Jaitley
has
donated
her eyes.

hat young and

T beautiful girls who
are in films are not
only glamour-struck is
abundantly proved by
starlet Celina Jaitley.
She has donated her eyes.
May her tribe increase. Her
forthcoming films include
Run Bhala Run and
Accident on Hill Road.
Neha Dhupia has not yet made
it big in Hindi films.
 Pink-Slipped!
How different people reacted when recession hit their company.
By Kasturi Rangachari

I
t was unbelievable! The company was about to He’d have to find a new job. But he had only
collapse. Founder and chairman Amrit Patil worked in this company. He’d joined the month after
was planning to close down most of its he had got his MBA results and had stayed on ever
divisions right away! Abraham closed his eyes. since – for 17 years. Who’d want a man who had
He couldn’t believe it. He must have only worked in a company that had collapsed?
misunderstood what he had overheard the Of course, he’d heard the chairman say that
chairman discuss with the MD. while most employees would receive the dreaded
How could the company collapse? It was listed pink slip, they’d keep on a small percentage of the
on the exchange! It was one of the biggest and most staff to try and revive the company some time in the
reputed companies in the country and its founder future, after this recession was
and chairman, Amrit Patil, was eulogised and over. But Abraham had
admired as a business icon, a man whose rags-to- no illusions that he’d be
riches story was an inspiration for every ambitious in that lucky group. He
young person in the country! People thought that wasn’t the brilliant,
their fortunes were made and that they were secure articulate,
for life when they got a job in that company. Such a
company couldn’t collapse!
And yet…there were all those tell-tale signs that
now suddenly made sense. The measures to cut costs
and prevent waste, the fact that suddenly work
pressure was less because several projects had
been postponed, the rumour that headhunters
hadn’t gone for any campus interviews this year,
the announcement that the Board meeting to
discuss bonuses had been postponed…How
foolish he and other middle level management
employees like him had been not to have taken
all this more seriously. And now…!

A
braham walked over to the window in a
daze. He’d lose his job! He was 40 years
old, had a wife, a son and elderly parents
to support – how could he possibly manage even
for a month if the money didn’t come in on the
first? The new car hadn’t been fully paid for
and there were school fees, medical bills and
monthly expenses. Of course, the planned
new flat would have to be forgotten.
He’d have to cancel his application
for a housing loan and they’d have to
stay on in their two-bedroom hole-in-
the-wall.
charismatic sort who impressed at meetings. Quiet,
steady work was more his style. No, he wouldn’t be
kept on!
his MBA and gets a job
– and I buy a house for
you,” she had said.
SHORT

Numb with shock and anxiety, Abraham turned
away from the window and walked towards his
desk. The company was like a huge tree and when a
giant tree fell, scores of birds lost their perches, nests
came crashing down, eggs were smashed and
squirrels fled in terror because the tree could no
longer support life.
And now the company wasn’t capable of
supporting all its employees! A thought came to his
mind. The pink slips would come as a heart-jolting
shock to everyone who received them. Surely people
should have some sort of notice about what was
coming? He decided that he’d call and tell a few of
his friends – especially some of the younger ones –
what they could expect. They deserved to know.
STORY
But now? She had practically nothing in
the bank and soon would have no job. How
would she support her family?
“Is this some sort of joke?” Murad
demanded. “If it is, have a heart, yaar! It’s
11 in the night here and I’ve just got home
from a horrendous day at work…”
“I’m not joking!” Abraham interrupted his
friend who worked at the London office of
the Company. “It’s true, Murad. You’re
going to lose your job in a week!”
Later, all his exhaustion suddenly gone,
Murad sat in the dark trying to come to
terms with the news he had just got. Once the
company collapsed and he lost his job, his work visa
would be cancelled and he’d have to return to India

W
hat? Are you sure? Uttara demanded aghast. – after six years of living in London earning a
She now worked from the Pune office but she fabulous salary plus bonuses and living it up. He’d
had been in the company HQ earlier and have to look for a new job and start all over again.
she and Abraham had become friends. At the age of 30!
“Yes, I’m sure,” Abraham replied. “The And what about his engagement? He’d
How could have to tell Shehnaz that she wouldn’t be
Company will pink slip most of its
employees in a week or so. I heard the the company coming to London after they got married.
chairman tell the MD.” collapse? It That she wouldn’t be able to do her PhD
There was silence at both ends of the was listed here as she wanted to. Instead she’d have
line. “We’re all going to lose our jobs next on the to come and live wherever he managed to
week?” Uttara sounded dazed. exchange! It get a job.
“A small percentage of employees It was terrible! The outlook was gloomy
will…may…be kept on.”
was one of – but then, why was he feeling a great
“We’re not likely to be in that small the biggest sense of relief?
percentage!” said Uttara wryly. “You’re and most “Sir!” Mohanraj almost wailed. “Are
not flashy enough and I’m just a junior reputed you joking? I mean the company can’t go
programmer.” companies in under! It’s just not possible!”
After they disconnected Uttara sat at her the country? “But it has happened, Mohanraj,” said
desk stunned. Lose her job? Goodness Abraham in a heavy tone.
what would she do? “But…but…what’ll I do, sir? I’ve just got
After Uttara’s father had died of sudden kidney married…I’ve bought an apartment…!”
failure three years ago, she had found herself, at the Abraham kept silent and after a few moments
age of 23, responsible for her mother and younger both he and Mohanraj hung up.
brother. Her father’s medical expenses in the last

two months of his life had been horrifically high and
his medical insurance had nowhere near covered
them. In fact, much of the settlement package from
her father’s employers had gone in paying off his
medical bills. What had been left had just allowed
them to get started on a new life.
But at the time of her father’s death, she had
already been taken on at the company and so things of much more experienced and qualified equally
weren’t too bad. She had got a transfer to Pune
where the family lived, and had taken responsibility
for her broken mother and playful younger brother.
She had sternly told her mother not to even talk of
her marriage. “That’ll have to wait till Dinu finishes
M
ohanraj sat at his desk holding his head in
his hands. Abraham had told him to tell no
one, but to look around quietly and see if he
could get another job. Mohanraj shook his head
helplessly. He didn’t see how he could get another
job. He had only been with the company for three
years and with this recession, there were hundreds
desperate unemployed people in the market.
What on earth would he do? He had barely
enough savings to be able to live for a few
months…and then there was Namrata. He
swallowed and cursed himself for giving in to

Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009 83

parental pressure and having got married two
months ago. He had wanted to wait till he got his
first promotion, but his parents had nagged and
nagged till he had finally succumbed. And now…he
was in a real soup. He had to look after his new
wife as well as himself!
How would Namrata take his pink slip? He
thought for a moment and then sighed. He didn’t
know! In fact, he hardly knew his wife! They had
had no honeymoon because he had got
only a week’s leave for his wedding and
after bringing her here and rejoining duty,
he had been so busy, working even half a
day on some Sundays, that he and
Namrata hardly had any time to talk or to
understand each other.
something that was dishonest; something that was
morally wrong.
He’d have to commit a theft! He wouldn’t have to
steal much – he’d just have to take a print out from a
computer – but that print-out would contain the fruits
of the long hours of work Mukesh had put in over the
space of a year. Hours of Mukesh’s own time, spent
at the comp, after office hours were over. It was the
fruits of Mukesh’s bright brain that he would be
stealing!
Mukesh worked under him and was
Later,
young, hard-working and brilliant. He’d
all his come to him about a year ago and had
exhaustion told him about an idea that had occurred
suddenly to him, about a computer programme that
gone, would streamline logistics in the company,
Murad sat saving time and money.

S
he was good-natured, didn’t nag or “Work on it – but on your own time,”
quarrel and both their sex life and her
in the dark Abraham had said to him casually, not
cooking were good. That was all he trying to really expecting to hear anything more
knew. He certainly didn’t know how she come to about the ambitious programme. But
would take the news that her husband was terms with Mukesh had surprised him by coming to
going to lose his job, had hardly any the news he him about a fortnight ago and asking him
money in the bank and would probably had just got. to come and check out the package. He
lose the apartment that he’d bought just six had done that and had been delighted by
months ago because he couldn’t possible the programme.
pay the EMIs. “It needs just a little fine-tuning,” Mukesh had said
Mohanraj groaned and tugged at his hair. How and Abbraham had told him to go ahead and do
could he tell Namrata that he’d be pink-slipped that.
soon? No! He couldn’t do it. He’d keep the fact from “And then I’ll arrange for you to make a
her and try to get another job quickly. If he presentation to the Old Man,” he had said, referring
managed to keep up with his EMIs she needn’t even to Amrit Patil by the affectionate honorific that all
come to know! employees of the company used when talking about
Four days had passed and the four employees of their much-loved and admired chairman.
the company who knew what was going to happen But now things had changed. The package
were all in a state of panic. Abraham’s son’s term couldn’t help the company, but it could help him! If
fees were due in a week and so was his father’s he stole the programme and presented it to the Old
annual master health check-up. Of course, he could Man as his own, he’d probably be one of the few
pay for both, but the two expenses brought home to employees who’d be kept on in the belief that he
him how expensive life was in this metro. could later help the company rise like a phoenix
How long would it take him to get a job, he from the ashes of its collapse!
wondered. Actually, he knew that it would be very

O
difficult. He had spent the last four days reading nce he had crushed his conscience and made
ads, contacting placement agencies and cautiously up his mind to steal the programme Abraham
sending out feelers and he had found that worked fast. Mukesh’s password presented no
recruitment was very dull. And, after 17 years of not problem. He was after all in Abraham’s team and all
having to face the cut-throat competition of the job the members of the group often used each other’s
market, he wondered if he had it in him to impress computers when their own was invaded by a virus or
enough to get a good job in these bad times. gave trouble. So all six of them knew each other’s
No, his place was in the company and he had to passwords.
find a way to stay here. He moved restlessly in his Abraham also knew that he had to get Mukesh
chair and what he had been trying to banish from away from the scene till the axe fell and company
his mind for four days came back to haunt him. If he layoffs were announced. That again was easy and
had the guts, he could do it. He could become one he sent Mukesh off to the Hyderabad office to help
of the small group of employees who would be kept on an overdue project for a few days. By the time
on. But…but…for that to happen he’d have to do Mukesh got back, the pink slip would be on his table
and he would have other things to think of than the
programme!
That same evening, he waited till the office was
empty and then strolled over casually to Mukesh’s
nearby cubicle. Even if any of the security men saw
him, they wouldn’t question him because he often
worked late. It took him only a minute to access the
programme and another minute to transfer it to a
memory stick. Back at his desk, he loaded the
programme into his own laptop and then spent an
hour preparing a presentation on it. After loading
the presentation onto his memory stick, he deleted
the programme from his computer.
The next morning he asked for an appointment
with Amrit Patil. The Old Man believed in being
accessible to his employees and his secretary gave
Abraham a slot just before lunch. “But sir is very
busy,” he said curtly. “All you’ll get is five minutes.”
Abraham nodded, but he knew that once he got
started on the presentation the Old Man wouldn’t be burning. Of course, she wouldn’t be able to keep
able to resist seeing it in full.
And that is what happened! The Old Man looked
harried to start with, but once Amrit explained what
he had, his face showed interest and he asked
it a secret? She straightened her back. She’d go to
the last office on her list today, she decided. Perhaps
that was where she would get lucky. She wouldn’t
take the risk of losing a possible chance!
“I’m sorry, we have no openings.” The manager
looked genuinely sorry. “These are difficult times
and we aren’t hiring.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Uttara politely as she got
up to leave.
The manager hesitated. “Just a minute,” he said
kindly. “I don’t know if you would be interested, but
we have begun to outsource work. It suits us
because it is cheaper – and perhaps it would suit
you till you get something permanent.”
He told her how the outsourcing worked and how
much she could hope to make working from home.
Uttara did not hesitate. Something was better than
nothing. By working from home for this concern,
she’d at least be able to keep the home fires
her jobless state a secret, but the thought of telling
mummy and Dinu the truth only lightened her heart.
She hated lying to them.

H
Abraham to begin. Half an hour later the presentation er mother got her a cup of tea and then sat
was over and the Old Man was all smiles. down opposite her and smiled at her
“Excellent!” he said exuberantly. “We can’t use affectionately. Uttara felt her eyes brim over
the programme immediately, but we need people and she decided to tell her everything at once.
like you!” He paused and then smiled. “Yes, you’re “Mummy, brace yourself for a shock,” she said,
an asset to the team. I think…I think you’ll see how swallowing hard. “The company is …is closing
much I appreciate your work...in a few days!” down soon. I’ll lose my job. But I’ve got something
Abraham’s heart sang as he came out that will tide us over this bad patch… I’ll
of the room. The Old Man’s words meant be working from home and...”
that he’d be kept on! He didn’t have to He could She stopped speaking and stared at her
worry any longer! become one of mother. Mummy’s face did not show any
the small group shock or worry. “Mummy?” she asked
of employees

U
ttara was footsore and weary. She’d
taken leave from the day Abraham
had told her about the Company’s
imminent collapse and had spent her days
going from one placement agency and one
company to another, contacting friends and
clients, calling in favours and trying in
every way to get another job – without
mentioning what was going to happen to
the company! But she hadn’t got even one
hopeful lead. Now she had one more office
to visit and then she could head home.
She hesitated. She was exhausted and depressed. roll down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry,” she said. “I feel
What would she get at this next office except a
brush-off? Why should she bother to go there at all?
No, she wouldn’t go there. She’d just head home
and ask mummy to make her a hot cup of tea…
Mummy! She hadn’t told either her or Dinu about
the impending catastrophe that was going to befall
the family. But how long would she be able to keep
tentatively. “Are you listening?”
who would be Mummy smiled. “I guessed that it must
kept on. But… be something like this,” she said serenely.
but…for that “What?”
to happen he’d “You’ve been so tense and totally
have to do stressed out for the last few days.” Dinu
something that came into the room and spoke. “We knew
was dishonest; that it must be something connected with
something that your work. We read the papers, you
was morally know. We know that there is a recession
wrong. on.”
Tears filled Uttara’s eyes and began to
that I’ve let you both…and daddy…down. But I’ll
manage, I promise you. Don’t worry…”
“What are you saying?” asked her mother gently.
“Let us down? Why do you feel that you’ve done
that?”
“Because I’m going to lose my job. And I’m
supposed to take care of both of you.”

Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009 85

 “But you don’t have to take care of us! Don’t feel
that you have to take over all your father’s
responsibilities, Uttara. I could say that, as your
mother, I have let you both down.”
“And I could say that, as the man of the house, I
have.” added Dinu.
U
ttara stared at both of them, too taken aback
to say anything. “But the truth is that none of
us has let the others down. What we must do
is work together and take care of each other,”
mummy completed Dinu’s statement as she stroked
Uttara’s hair tenderly. “I’m glad that you’ve
managed to get a job, but Dinu and I have also
been doing some thinking.
“Now consider our business plan! We live in a
central area and there are a lot of business
concerns nearby. What about our beginning a
catering service and providing lunch for people
working in these concerns? Nothing too fancy, just
good, home-cooked food. What do you think? I
have done some asking around and people seem
interested!”
Uttara just stared at her, too taken aback to
speak. Finally, she cleared her throat and spoke.
“But, mummy, you’ve never done anything like this
before!”
“But that doesn’t mean that I can’t start now!”
said her mother briskly. “Dinu and I have planned it
all. Dinu will market our service and take care of
transporting the meals to the offices. Initially I’ll do
all the cooking with just a maid to help me with the
cutting and grinding. I was thinking of use-and-throw feels great!”
containers for the food…”
Uttara listened amazed as her mother
went on with an occasional interruption
from Dinu who seemed totally taken up
with the idea. “But Dinu must join an MBA
course as he has planned to,” she said
suddenly. “Otherwise his future will be
ruined…”
“I will do my MBA – but after a year or
two!” Dinu said firmly. “The work
experience I will get with our catering
project will help me. And there’s the fact
that I’ve not been a very good student till
now. So I’ll use this time to prepare for the
CATs and take them and get into a top
college.”
He sounded so mature and grown up.
Uttara looked at her mother and brother and
suddenly felt as if a load had slipped off her
shoulders. She wasn’t all alone bearing the burden
of the family, she realised. They were a family
learning to survive together.
She got up and hugged her mother and brother.
86 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
“We’ll do it!” she exulted. “We’ll get through these
tough times and be the stronger for it!”
“Yes!” echoed her mother and brother as they
hugged her back.
Murad felt as if he was dream-walking through his
days. It was four days since Abraham had spoken to
him and he had made no effort to find a new job or
take any decisions about a new life. He had not
spoken to Shehnaz either. He had gone to work, but
had done very little. Was he in a state of shock, he
wondered and then decided to speak to his friend,
Peter.
“What? Your company is closing down and
you’re going to lose your job? Hey, man, That
means trouble!” Peter exclaimed in a startled voice.
They were walking along a path beside the Thames
in central London.
Murad nodded and Peter went on, “But with your
experience you’ll easily find something so that you
can keep your work permit. We’ll look around. Folks
are getting pink-slipped right, left and centre these
days. Don’t worry…”
“But Peter, that’s just it! I’m not worried. I’m not
trying to find myself another job. I feel….feel just
wonderful! Kind of relieved…”
Peter stared at him and then burst out laughing.
“That’s great, mate!” he exclaimed. “So you secretly
hated your job, did you?”
“Yes! No! I don’t know! I just know that the
thought of not having to get up and rush to catch the
tube and go to work, of not having to meet the same
guys and do the same things again and again –
“Hm! How are you placed for money,
mate?” asked Peter.
He told her Murad thought for a moment. “Quite
well, actually,” he said. “I’ve saved a lot
how the and luckily my investments haven’t been hit
outsourcing too hard by the downturn. I could easily go
worked and a year or two without working.”
how much “Then do that! Take off! Travel! Go to
she could places you’ve always wanted to visit. Or
hope to make fulfil some secret dream of yours! Or….”
“I’ve always wanted to write,” said
working Murad dreamily. “Go far away from the
from home. madding crowd, to some small town… and
Uttara did just sit at my laptop and write. Spend the
not hesitate. evenings making friends with the
locals…..get up when I like and go to sleep
when I want to…”
And suddenly Murad knew that that was what he
was going to do! He’d go back to India, take a
small house in the hills and spend the next year
writing. Or trying to write!
“Go for it, mate!” said Peter exuberantly when he
told him. “But what about your girl?”
 Murad felt as if a bucket of cold water had been
poured over him. Yes, what about Shehnaz?
“I’ll speak to her,” he told his friend reluctantly. “I
don’t know what she’ll say though.”
“Yeah, you told me that you hardly knew her.
That it was some sort of arranged match.”
Murad nodded. “I’ll speak to her,” he repeated.
you want to be all alone in your little cottage in the
hills?”
“No! No, that’s not what I want at all!”
And Murad and Shehnaz talked on and on and
happily planned what they would do when the
company collapsed.
Namrata sat and waited for Mohanraj to come
home. Dinner was ready and the table was set.

M
urad thought about Shehnaz as he went Should she talk to him before dinner or afterwards,
home after parting from Peter. He she wondered. She thought it over and
had met her only a handful of times finally decided to just wait and see how the
and usually her younger brother had been “Quite well, evening worked out.
sent along with them when they went out, actually,” Mohanraj came back at about eight
but he had liked what he had seen of her. Murad said. o’clock. He looked listless and exhausted.
She was pretty, had a pleasant manner “I’ve saved a Namrata’s heart began to beat fast. She
and was knowledgeable about the world. asked if he wanted a cup of tea, but he just
She had a good job too and appeared to
lot and shook his head and went into the
be quite ambitious. Would he be luckily my bedroom. He came out half an hour later
heartbroken of she called things off after investments after having showered and changed and
coming to know that he had been pink- haven’t been sat down on the sofa and stared into
slipped? Not heartbroken, he decided, but hit too hard space.
disappointed. Definitely disappointed. by the “Shall we have dinner?” Namrata
He called Shehnaz that evening. “I have asked.
something to tell you,” he said baldly after
downturn. “I’m not hungry. Let’s eat a little later,”
they had exchanged greetings. “My he replied.
company is going down the drain. I’m Namrata sat down opposite him and
going to lose my job.” took a deep breath. “Where did you go today?” she
Shehnaz was silent for a long minute. “What are asked her husband.
you planning to do?” she finally asked cautiously. “What do you mean? I went to office…”
Murad hesitated and then decided to be totally Namrata got up and came and sat next to him
honest with her. “I could get another job and stay on and took his hand. “I know that the company has
here,” he said. “But I’ve decided to take a year off closed your department down,” she said quietly. “I
and…and…live in a hill station and...write.. a know that you’ve been pink-slipped.”
novel!” Mohanraj gaped at her, opening and closing his
He held his breath and waited for her reaction. mouth like a fish. “How…?” he finally croaked.
He was sure that she’d either laugh or cry and then “Mohan, it’s in all the papers…and your friend
break off their engagement. Himadri’s wife rang up….”
But when Shehnaz spoke, she was neither Mohanraj took his hand from her grasp and
laughing nor crying, she just sounded thoughtful. looked down. “How stupid of me to think that I could
“Hm,” she said. “So you’ve decided to follow your keep it a secret from you.” he said forlornly.
heart?” “But why did you want to?”
Murad blinked. “Yes, yes. That’s what I have “We’ve only been married two months. How
decided to do!” could I tell you that you’re now married to an
“Good for you! So few people have the courage unemployed man?”
to do that.” “Two months, two years, 20 years – how does it
Murad blinked again. This Shehnaz was nothing matter? We’re married, that’s all that matters!”
like he had imagined! He suddenly found himself Mohanraj looked at her. “But…I have lost my
waiting anxiously to hear what she’d say next. job…” he began weakly.
“You know, I’ve always wanted to do that. Take a “And you’ll soon get another. And till then we’ll
year off and go to some place where I know nobody manage.”
and just…listen to music and paint a little…” “I’ve hardly any savings,” Mohanraj confessed.
Murad took a deep breath. “So, you aren’t “Few people do at your age,” Namrata said
disappointed? You…you…aren’t having second comfortingly.
thoughts…?” “But…”
“About marrying you? No, I’m not. Did you want “We’ll manage!”
me to?” There was a teasing note in her voice. “Do Mohanraj felt his eyes well up. Now, he reached
for Namrata’s hand and they sat in silence.
“I have enough money for us to manage for three
months,” he said finally. “But we won’t be able to
pay…”
“The EMIs for the new flat.” Namrata completed
the sentence.
“Yes. I have been meaning to go and talk to the
bank manager, but I thought that trying to get a job
was more important. I’ve had leads to follow up and
a couple of interviews – that led nowhere – so I
haven’t gone as yet. I’ve got some people to see
tomorrow too.”
“I’ll tell you what, I’ll go tomorrow and get the
information.”
“Okay. I’ve heard that the bank will lower EMIs in
these circumstances.”
And husband and wife sat in silence, holding
hands, feeling closer than they ever had.
“The news isn’t good,” Namrata said the next
evening after Mohanraj came home after another
disappointing day of job-hunting. “The bank is
ready to lower our EMIs, but that only means that
they’ll take very little more than the interest on the
loan. And that means that we will be repaying
hardly anything of the principal every month. Our
loan repayment period will increase tremendously
and we’ll end up paying much more for the flat. Of
course, once you get a job we can increase the
EMIs.”
“How much will we have to pay now?” asked
Mohanraj.
“Rs 28,000 instead of Rs 36,000.”
Mohanraj groaned. “We can’t possibly pay that
till I get a job and nobody knows how long that will
take!”
“Another option is taking a loan from some other
bank which will give it to us at a lower rate of
interest – after all, rates have fallen now – repaying
our bank and then paying lower EMIs to the new
bank.”
Mohanraj gave her a look that said it all. They
couldn’t afford even a lower EMI! “I only see us
defaulting,” he said soberly.
“Defaulting? What will happen then?”
“The bank will first give us time, then warnings
and ultimately they’ll sell the flat…”
“They can do that?” gasped Namrata.
“Yes, they can because when we take a housing
loan we mortgage the property to the bank.”
“And after they sell it…?
“They’ll take what we owe them and give us the
rest. And since the property market is bad now,
that’ll be practically nothing. And that means that
we’ll even lose our initial deposit and the EMIs that
we’ve paid till now!”
Namrata’s eyes widened but she didn’t say
anything. Husband and wife sat in silence for a few
minutes and then Mohanraj glanced at Namrata to
see if she was crying. To his surprise, she was
merely looking thoughtful.
“Aren’t you upset we’ll lose the flat?” he asked.
“Of course I am – but it doesn’t really matter
all that much.”
“It doesn’t?”
“Not really. We’re going to lose bricks and
mortar, but we have so much. Our youth, our
health, our capacity to work – and each
other! We’ll buy another flat – and this time
we will both be working together to make
that dream come true!”
Mohanraj stared at her speechless,
and she went on. “You keep looking
for a job and I will look for one too.
And if we can’t find jobs and find
ourselves unable to pay our rent,
we’ll go home to your parents or
mine and wait out this recession. But
then we’ll come back here and we’ll
make a success of our lives.”
Mohanraj felt his eyes fill as he
reached out and took her into his arms
and held her tight. Yes, they’d ride out
the recession and then make a success of
their lives. They’d be able to do it because
they had each other! We

Q&
Is it safe to dye the hair during
pregnancy? Unfortunately, I have a
lot of grey hair at age 30. My doctor
says it is probably heredity. If I do not
dye my hair I look very old. Now what
should I do? Please help.
Research has shown that coal tar
chemicals in dyes can penetrate the
scalp and enter the blood stream.
There is no proof that hair dye can
damage the baby and lead to birth
defects. It is advised that all hair
A
colouring agents be avoided during
the first three months of pregnancy.
Some even advise colouring of hair
only after the baby is born.
I am a 30-year-old, working house-
wife. I am overweight and am on diet.
One of my colleagues who is also
overweight is always saying that it is
difficult to diet. It makes me very
depressed. Please help.
Some people have the bad habit
of making disparaging prophecies. In
fact these prophecies have uncanny
influences on the other person. If you
resolve to diet then there is no way
that you can be prevented from
achieving your goal. Best for you
would be to adopt a positive attitude,
avoid your friend or do not listen to
her.
Q
My daughter is 14 years old but her
breasts have not developed. I am
worried very much. Please help.
The age at which a girl matures
and starts to develop secondary sex
characters varies greatly and it can
be anywhere between nine and 16
years. I wonder if her periods have
started. Delay in the development of
sex characters in a girl could be due
to heredity. Hormonal influences and
the environment have a great role to
play in this. I suggest that you get
your daughter examined by your
doctor who after examining her can
rule out any abnormality.
I am a 35-year-old housewife and
am on the pill for the last five years.
Are there any precautions to be taken
while taking pill? Please advise.
The pill is a safe contraceptive but
there are certain people who should
avoid taking it and these include
people with any serious liver ailment,
heart disease or high blood pressure,
or history of stroke and women who
suffer from breast cancer. Though
the pill as such does not cause
breast cancer it may accelerate the
Q
growth of an already existing growth.
I am 30 years old and on the pill for
the last three years. Of late, I have
developed attacks of headache,
breast tenderness and gained weight.
Moreover a feeling of depression has
come over me. Please help.
What you have got are the side-
effect of the pill. Generally these
appear during the first six-eight
weeks after taking the drug and then
dis appear by the end of the third
month. The fact that these have
appeared late requires looking into.
It would be better if you change the
brand of the pill you are taking. If
there is still no relief then consult
Q
your doctor.
I am 30 years old, a working woman
and married having two kids. I have
been on oral pills for the last one year.
Besides contraception, have these got
any advantage? Please advise.
Yours is a good question. This
problem is on the minds of many
women who are on the pill. Studies
have shown that in certain diseases
in women where hormonal imbalance
plays an important role there is
definite improvement in these con -
ditions while being on the pill. These
diseases include acne, cancer of the
uterus, cystic breasts, ovarian cysts
Q
and premenstrual syndrome.
I am 18 years old and had sex with
my boyfriend. I am terrified since then
that I may not contract an STD.
Please advise.
Your fears are well founded.
Sexually-transmitted disease occur
through unprotected sex especially
with a stranger. There is a long list
of such diseases ranging from
gonorrhea to herpes, trichomonas
etc. It would be better for you to see
your doctor who after examining you
Q
will be able to advise you.
I am 22 years old and recently
married. Of late I have developed
severe burning while passing urine.
Please help.
What you have got is called
‘honeymoon cystitis’ which occurs in
young brides because of too much
sexual activity. But this is not the only
reason. Bacteria enter the bladder
through the urinary tract. Infection
usually takes place at a time when
the urethra is irritated or swollen as a
result of sexual contact. So best
would be to maintain proper hygiene
of the part. Always wash your private
parts after sexual contact. Do not
have sex on a full bladder. For your
present problem it would be better to
seek the help of your doctor.
— Dr S. N. Khosla, MD.
YOUR BODY
Readers are invited to send in any health
and medical queries they would like to
be answered. Woman’s Era will provide
answers to your questions and offer
solutions to your problems. Individual
replies cannot be sent. Address your
letters (neatly written on white paper) to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
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New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
The smiling
Little Miss
The little girl is
photographed
here in four
different
costumes
and poses.
Moreover, the
winning score
is her
spontaneous
smile.

A look of
self-assertion.
Won’t you dance with me?
All prepared to
start a game of
tennis.

With homework
complete, I am
going out to
explore the world.
 DREAMS
Pratibha Panesar
E-mail: nikki.creation@gmail.com
Ph: 9211409671, 9268595253
Qualifications:
2005: MA (Fine Art) Jiwaji
University MP.
2002: BFA (Painting) College of
Art, New Delhi.
THAT INSPIRE
Work Experience: The artist believes that art is an outlet for
2008: Drawing teacher GGSSS,
Shalimar Bagh,
suppressed thoughts, a guideline for
2004: Senior Art Teacher, expressing femininity and a way of negotiating
Frank Anthony Public School,
Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi. chaos and negativity. By Subhra Majumdar
Participations:
2008: Romance with Umbrella,
Arshi Group; Delhi Art Festival
Travancore Art Gallery, New Delhi;
2003: Sahitya Kala Parishad Art
Exhibition, Sapru House
New Delhi.
Camps:
2009: Art Folio Asia, ITDC, Patna
2009: Art Folio Asia, ITDC, Jaipur
2009: Kalarang Kalasang Art Mela,
Gwalior
2006: Sri Ram Group Art Camp
Aravali, Gurgaon.
Awards:
2008 1st prize for painting on
social issues by secret competition
2008: Color Splash 3rd prize on- ratibha Panesar is an artist

P
the-spot art competition organised who draws inspiration from
by The Times of India. her environment as well as
her dreams. Making art a
basic need for existence, she
finds art playing a ‘lot of
roles’ in her life. It is an outlet
for suppressed thoughts, a
guideline for expressing
femininity and a way of
negotiating chaos and negativity.
Naturally, the works of this artist, a
former graduate from the
Government College of Art, Delhi , is
a multi-layered creation that attracts
and pleases, that voices and
silences, that soothes and inspires
the viewer, into a genuine interest in
art.

What is your experience of

dealing with art galleries very favourable response from them
showcasing your works? and find that they are genuinely
Of the places where my works interested in promoting young talent
are exhibited, I find Suruchi Art in this field. They have built up a
Gallery, Noida, very welcoming of sizeable number of collectors of my
young talent like mine. I have had a works.
 A stylised symbol of movement.

Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009 93


In your paintings, there is a
butterfly presence displayed
prominently in them. What does
this form symbolise in your art?
The butterfly is not a natural
copybook version. It is a stylised
symbol of movement and through its
flitting movement from flower to
flower it seems to suggest to me the
capacity of the human mind to
convey feelings to one another. The
butterfly thus becomes the conduit to
convey that all negativity of thought
can be diverted through positive
thoughts if one follows the movement
of a butterfly – moving along, instead
of harbouring negativity.
Behind the ‘butterfly mask’ the
figurative form in your art does not
display natural skin tones. What
does this treatment of the figure
convey?
By using a varied colour palette to
depict the face, I am trying to express
94
the fact that things are not what we
see (as true). In fact, we hide the
truth behind a colourful aura and this
facade is visible to us as the actual
truth. The bright colour choice is to
express cheeriness and can be
compared to an ocean’s surface. The
surface is a mood-enhancing colour
of blue, whereas the depths of the
ocean hide deep and undiscovered
facts.
Besides the main figure, your
paintings are a lively play of
colourful geometric forms,
particularly the spiral. Does this
too, have a significance?
For me the background of a
painting is the space to express what
is taking place within one’s mind. The
spiral form is what I often use to
stress on this inward looking thought
process. The plethora of ideas
coursing through our minds, at any
given time, can only be
conceptualised through the spiral
because thoughts move in fast spins,
from one subject to another, as if
spinning in our minds.
If the spiral is the
instrument to express
chaotic diversity of
human thought then
what is the way out of
this entangled situa -
tion?
Art of course. That is
why I paint. An artist’s
work is the key to
unlock entanglement.
The artwork is the
pathfinder that helps
clarity. It is the solution
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
for calming varied thoughts. It
becomes a source for clearing
dilemma, of finding peace in
one’s surroundings.
As a teacher how far
have you succeeded in
passing on these ideas to
your students?
As a teacher, I like to be a
participant in my students’
efforts. I like to share and care
and not be just a way of giving
knowledge to them. The smile
they give me in return for my efforts
is what keeps me going and as an
artist I feel that is the most valuable
lesson I am imparting to them.
Ideas like positivism, bringing
smiles on faces, making art a tool
of human expression are high-
sounding ideals. How is this
executed in the space of your
canvas?
I try to create a balance in my
paintings and that physical balance
brings about harmony and peace in
the mind of the viewer. I never put
anger in the eyes of my figures. If I
depict chaos and destruction, at
another end of the space I create
peace and happiness bringing about
a balance in the space.
Who, in the family, has been the
source of your artistic inspiration?
My family has been the source of
creative pursuits. My late father is a
recurrent dream in my thought
process and I tend to paint these
dreams in the form of tones and
expressions in my art. My mother has
been a constant guide and inspirer in
both music and art.
So now, as I keep
painting I tend to hum
and sing alongside. My
mother encouraged us
sisters to strive for
achievements and took
the trouble of taking us
to several art
competitions, when we
were younger. Her joy
knew no bounds when
we returned with
trophies and prizes. We

Q&
I find that chocolates, purchased for
my children, carry a wrapper
mentioning weight. Is package weight
included? What about the biscuits?
According to new rules, announced
by Bureau of Indian Standards,
confectionery packs should carry
weight of chocolates, alone. Therefore,
where wrapper is included in weight,
you can lodge a complaint. Biscuits
now can’t carry written messages like
weight when packed.
As imported jewellery has become
costlier, after customs duty imposed
in budget, what is the alternative?
There is one way, as gold jewellery
attracts duty, you can buy ornaments
A
studded with pearls or precious
stones. They are exempt from
customs duty. Jewellery, made from
gold alone, suffers duty imposition.
I want to buy a printer for computer. It
should not consume a lot of
electricity. What kind of printer would
save me costs?
Opt for an inkjet printer, not a laser
printer. The latter guzzles a lot of
power. An inkjet printer consumes 90
per cent less power than a laser one.
Though I have a bank account, the
amount of interest is not growing. As
I keep on taking out money, this is
happening. Kindly, suggest a
remedy.
Whenever you have extra cash,
deposit it in bank account. That is,
instead of keeping cash idle, put it in
bank, where interest would be
MONEY MATTERS
earned. When you want to withdraw
money, go to ATM, not bank counter.
Thus, interest would pile up.
I use hair dryer many times. How can
it be utilised, economically?
Well, don’t set the hair dryer to
maximum setting. It would lessen
appliance energy costs.
I have shifted from Chandigarh to
Delhi. How long would my NSC
(National Savings Certificate) take to
be transferred?
It should not take more than a
month. But 45 days is the maximum
time required for NSC transfer.
Are free accident insurance covers
offered by some banks
advantageous?
Yes, many banks offer a free
accident cover of Rs 1 lakh to savings
account holders which can be utilised
to your advantage. Separate
insurance costs are avoided. If you
have more than one bank account,
say three, life insurance coverage
may be increased without additional
expenses.
How much does a solar cooker cost?
And how long does it take for sunlight
to enable cooking process?
A solar cooker comes for Rs
2,500-4,000, easily. It has to be kept
in sun for 45 minutes, after which you
can cook.
How can we ensure that correct
amount of fuel is being filled at petrol
pump?
Find if there is a 5-litre calibrated
machine stationed at the pump. The
Department of Weights and Mea -
sures insists upon its use. In new
pumps, multivendor dispensing
machines which have preset price
and quantity are very reliable, as no
underweighing is possible.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
My job is such that I have to be
constantly reading and responding to
mail while travelling. A blackberry
may be too expensive, what should
be done?
As a blackberry costs Rs 26,000,
you can go in for a GPRS type
mobile. It would be Rs 8,000, only.
As festival season is coming, we
want to paint the rooms to save
costs. How does one go about it?
First, take flint paper and rub dust
off all walls. Wipe with soft cloth,
next. Dilute paint with 650 ml water.
The mix should be one litre paint and
650 ml water.
Stir while pouring. Paint walls with
horizontal strokes. Apply three coats.
You may need 6 litres of paint for four
walls. The cost of 1 litre paint is
around Rs 200, nowadays. Of
course, paint ceiling before starting
on walls.
I don’t want to spend a lot of money
on my computer printer. How should
it be made to function faster?
Just buy more memory for
computer printer. It would pick up
amazing speed.
I am a woman insurance agent,
earning Rs 4,500 per month. Are
books of account required to be kept
by me?
No, you don't have to maintain
books of account. When your income
is Rs 5,000, books have to be kept.
E-mail your queries to:
money@womansera.com
Meenakshi Subramaniam
is a former IRS officer, answering all
your money queries, right from income
tax to supermarket shopping.
Mail your queries to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate, Rani Jhansi Marg,
New Delhi-110055.
95

s a bubbly teenager,
PAINTING
NEW LIFE SITUATIONS
“In fact, all my paintings are a mirror held up to the
emotions going through my persona at that
moment,” says the artist. By Subhra Majumdar
What is unique about the relief Why have you stopped the relief
technique that you have adopted? stage and moved on to using
After application of the relief conventional techniques in your
texture, I layer it with bright colours. I art?
do not use a carefully held brush to This happened because I had met
achieve the colouration but allow the with a serious road accident that laid
colour to spill over the surface and me in bed for a quarter year. I could
enter randomly into the grooves of only look out of my room’s window
the textures. It is a watery solution of into the world beyond and that is
acrylics so that the flowing colour has when I began painting the Asleep

A
nothing could stop artist a will of its own and beyond the series. The theme suggested itself
Vallery Puri making control of the artist. Then I sort of because of my physical condition and
caricatures of her massage the surface into a blurred the mental feeling of being detached
classmates. In college, the finish and finally highlight selectively from the world around me. I could
passion spilled over into across the canvas. The mixing on the view a narrow portion of the world
making posters as well as canvas is done in one shot, blending beyond my room and that is when I
caricatures, adding to her the colours easily so
repertoire. Serious interest that the demar -
in painting began when she cations between one
stepped into Mumbai’s JJ School of colour and another
Art for a well chalked-out career. But becomes seamless,
the travel bug had bitten her hard and as if painting to
Vallery Puri took wing as an air music.
hostess, putting her paint box and
easel in wraps for the next decade.
Then on the morning of 7 January
1996, everything changed. In a
moment of inspiration, Vallery took
up her sketch book and pencil and
began drawing fantasy themes,
reflecting colours, emotions, faces
and symbols.
Excerpts from an interview:
With the awakening into art, did
you go back to making caricature
work again?
Quite surprisingly, I began to
discover newer experimentations. It
was a fascinating pull towards
embossed relief work, textures and
themes, portraying Bharatanatyam
dancers, dressed in that fashion. I did
about 400 such relief works at that
time.

96 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

 Looking out.

Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009 97

painted figures surrounded by
symbolic elements suggesting the
longing for freedom.
What was the most constant
symbol that began to appear in
your art?
It was the feeling of looking out
and a series of paintings were
themed around it. Invariably there
was a little bird’s figure in them and
that was the symbol of hope and
looking beyond into a brighter future,
suggesting that, some day, these
troubles would take wing and I would
be a free bird again.
Besides cherishing the gift of
freedom are there other human
emotions that find a place in your
artistic depictions?
In fact, all my paintings are a
mirror held up to the emotions going
through my persona at that moment.
So, in a way, all my paintings have a
personal story of mine to relate. My
brush seems to take on a theme
according to what I feel at that
moment, making me feel that
through the painting I am fulfilling my
desire to go out of everydayness and
into a new life situation each time.
Have you been exhibiting at a
particular gallery? If so, what are
your experiences with them?
Yes, I choose to exhibit my works
at the Panache Art Gallery for most
of the time. Located at Epicentre,
Gurgaon, this gallery was the first to
98
promote my art and ever since and has
given me prominence and promotion
in great measure. My association
began when I invited its owner Pooja
Gupta to come and see my works
and she obliged. Thereafter, she
declared that she had ‘fallen in love’
with my art, and remains passionate
about it and even puts up with all my
eccentricities, I must say.
As you are a versatile artist who
has painted on several themes
what is your current theme in your
work?
In my work currently, I am
portraying forests and flowers in a
series of works on oil. The canvases
are of many sizes and even different
shapes and it is a totally imaginative
take-off on the theme. The flowers in
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
them are my thoughts and if they are
arranged in a vase, it is thought that
is heard. If an odd flower lies on the
ground, it depicts the stray thought
that is not conformist. Blossoms in
the picture are symbols of symbolic
thoughts that are still in the making
and have not surfaced into the open.
You have also painted feminine
forms in your works. What do they
symbolise amidst flowers and
forests?
It is partly the result of my early
interest in caricatures. The figures
persist and also depict symbolism in
my work. They represent the urge for
freedom, the ability to return to our
purest and uninhibited form in the
nude figure, and also a bit of the
influence of great artists likes Van
Gogh and Amrita Shergil, whose
figurative works have gripped my
attention right from the beginning. I
find the passion behind the Van
Gogh brush stroke fascinating, when
it comes to depicting figurative forms.
There are some other recurrent
images like a bunch of keys, a
gate, a blurred dark mass in the
backdrop. Are these deliberately
construed or mere attempts at
pictorial composition?
The keys are a symbol of the
unlocking of secrets of the human
heart and the gate is the obvious
image of a desire for freedom. The
dark image of the backdrop is the
realm of uncertainties that haunts our
thoughts and grips our imagination.
Does this dark patch warn of a
gloomy future for which one must
be prepared?
On the contrary, it is a statement
that the mind works faster than a
painter’s brush so that, while the
space is still not explicit, the mind has
moved ahead, leaving a blank and
dark patch on the canvas surface.
Peering closely, it also suggests that
there is so much more left to be
discovered in this world. It is a
humbling thought and I feel privileged
that as an artist I am the recipient of
such a rich inheritance and I am free
to paint all this and more… We

Strengthen the fighters in you for better health.
hy is it that there is
W
always some lucky soul
who doesn’t get sick
when a viral is
spreading like wildfire or
why, when chicken-pox
is sending all the kids
home from school, there
are a few who remain
untouched? Why do
only some in a family develop
allergies or eczema? Is it because of
their strong genes or are they
fortunate?
To some extent our genes play an
important role in our lives, but more
inside our body where there is an
amazing protection mechanism
called the immune system. It is
designed to defend us against
millions of bacteria, microbes,
viruses, toxins and parasites.
Unlike other systems in the body,
the immune system is not confined
to a particular group of organs or
tissues, but works like a huge army,
manned by a great rank and file, all
of which function in tandem to protect
us against hostile invasions of
bacteria, viruses and other villains,
100
STRENGTHEN YOUR
IMMUNE SYSTEM
By Suman Bajpai
which threaten our well-being.
Whenever such unfriendly outsiders
appear, the immune system springs
into action, forming a barrier to
prevent invasion by recognising and
trapping foreign bodies and then
destroying them.
The immune system has a whole
battery of first-line defences to fend
off attacks and prevent micro-
organisms from entering the
bloodstream. This consists of a set
of barriers which repel external attack
including the mucous membranes in
the mouth, nose, vagina, small hairs
in the nose and ears, that sweep
foreign organisms out. It also
includes tears in the eyes and the
acid pH balance and sebum in the
skin.
According to Dr Atul Luthra, senior
consultant, internal medicine, Fortis
La Femme Hospital, Delhi, “There
are two types of immunity. One is
cell-meditate immunity and other is
antibody meditate. The immune
system is a defence system of the
body. Whenever body is challenged
with an external force the immune
system acts activated to fight that
force by producing
an immune
response which is
through white blood
cells. White blood
cells can either
destroy the external
agencies by produ-
cing anti bodies or
by cell meditates.”
Antibodies are
special proteins
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
designed to help the body neutralise
or destroy invading organisms. When
a germ enters our body for the very
first time, it takes several days for
antibodies to be manufactured.
During this time the signs and
symptoms of the infection develop.
The blueprint of the antibodies is then
stored in the immune system’s
memory, so when the same germ
threatens the body again, the
immune response goes in top gear
with immediate action and produces
the very same antibodies. This time
around you may not even be aware
that you have been threatened by
infection because there are few or no
signs and symptoms. Various lifestyle
factors can weaken the immune
system. Culprits include antibiotics,
contraceptive pills, smoking, a junk
food diet, binging on alcohol,
pollution and stress. With exercise, a
balanced diet, and controlling the
stress level, one can stay healthy.
Check your diet: The best
immunisation is a good diet. Pre-
prepared, packaged foods that are
filled with caffeine, sugar and
preservatives fail to give the body
any nutrients to defend with.
Furthermore, because the system
has to defend against the toxins in
these foods, they actually deplete the
body of its resources. Fruits,
vegetables, sprouts and super-foods
give us the necessary weapons to
fight our health battles. Freshly
prepared foods from local sources
have the highest nutritional content,
especially if they are organic. It is
best to eat a variety of different fruits
and vegetables so that all of the
necessary weapons are available for
defence.
A balanced diet is similar to a life-
saving drug and includes fresh fruits,
green vegetables, nuts, sprouts, etc.
Fresh foods not only carry a diverse
mixture of vitamins and trace
minerals absent from most processed
foods, they also have vitality. Sugar
is an immune suppressant. Children
often complain of a sore throat that
develops after gorging on sweets, or
they have recurrent ear infections or
chronic tonsillitis if they consume a
lot of candy and sugared beverages.
Other stimulants – such as coffee
and sodas – seem to have a similar
result if they are overused.
Foods that are loaded with
chemicals leave us burdened, rather
than energised. A low-fat diet is very
important for a strong immune
system. Excess fat hampers the
ability of the body to fight off bacteria
and free radicals. Lowering fat in the
diet can be accomplished by limiting
the intake of fatty foods and making
low fat and low-calorie meal
substitutions.
Even the antioxidants help in
boosting the immune system. Vitamin
C aggressively reacts on cancer
cells. Good sources of vitamin C are
citrus fruits, green peppers,
102
cantaloups and broccoli. Vitamin E
helps to slow down the symptoms of
ageing and strengthen body cells that
fight infection.
Zinc helps white blood cells and
other antibodies reproduce more
quickly. Zinc deficiency, even if
moderate, can suppress the immune
system function. Severe deficiency
can shut the immune system down
completely.
Exercise for stimulation: Staying
active is another brilliant way to
defend against illness. Thirty minutes
of exercise that gets the heart rate
up, such as swimming or cycling, has
been proven to strengthen and
increase the activity of the immune
cells, which kill invading organisms.
When we exercise moderately, we
actually stimulate our immune
functions.
Regular exercise increases the
circulation in white cells. Exercise
also causes our blood vessels to
expand so that circulation is
increased. More white blood cells
circulating to more areas of our body,
means a greater ability to fight and
prevent disease.
Adopt relaxation techniques:
Stress has become a part of our life
because of the tough competition and
a fast – paced life. In fact, we don’t
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
have the time to relax and enjoy the
happiness we achieve with our small
efforts. Creating a deep sense of
relaxation can have the positive
effect on the immune system.
Adrenalin triggers the sympathetic
nervous system – that ‘fight-or-flight’
response. A relaxation technique like
daydreaming, that involves allowing
images to drift through your mind
may heighten immune response to
disease. Just relax and let images
come to you.
When you are ill, imagine your
immune system fighting off invaders.
Or listen to tapes that invoke
relaxation with the sound of ocean
waves. Take five minutes daily to
breathe deeply and relax. Listen to
soothing music, or get a massage.
Resting and relaxing keep the
immune system strong.
Don’t compromise on sleep:
Poor sleep is associated with a lower
immune system function and the
number of killer cells. Killer cells are
the part of the immune system that
combat viruses or cells that divide too
rapidly, as they do in cancer. Yoga,
exercise, or talking to a friend may
all help lower stress. Avoid sleep
robbers such as eating, drinking
alcohol, smoking, or exercising right
before bedtime. Getting plenty of
sleep every night is insurance against
ill health. Yoga, breath
techniques and taking hot
baths are just some of the
pleasurable ways to beat
stress and improve sleep
quality.
Have a positive
approach: Having a positive
outlook when under stress can
make you and your immune
system feel high. Negative
emotions release stress
hormones that suppress
immune activity, while positive
emotions increase immune
function and even help people
to recover faster from
illnesses. Make friends. Going
out with your friends can lift
your spirits and your
defences. We
 SWIMMING POOLS
DO THEY FULFIL THE
REQUIREMENTS
OF LEARNERS?
here are about 130 swimm-
T
ing pools in Chennai. How
many are meeting the
requirements of people? This
The elderly are thrilled is the question lingering in
about Chennai’s the minds of swimmers,
especially the elderly. The
swimming pools, but leading swimming pools,
these are not marketed however, are trying their
level best to cater to the
well. By K. V. Venugopal requirements of their members. The
encouraging aspect is that most of
the swimming pool authorities are
making efforts to satisfy the needs of
learners who are above 45. How
many of them in that age-group are
responding to the nuances of
techniques and the ability to grasp
the finer points of swimming?
Mr Solomon, the mild-mannered
sports officer of the Aquatic Complex
at Velachery Road, Guindy, coming
under the Sports Development
Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT)
opines that the complex is of
international standard having one
race pool, one diving pool and one
warming-up pool. The warming-up
pool, unique in its design, has been
earmarked for exclusive use of the
members of the Complex. According
to him, of all the swimming pools in
Chennai, only Velacherry possesses
50 metres in all pools, whereas, in
general, only 25 metres are found in
other swimming pools. There is an
exclusive timing for women from 10
a.m. to 12 noon and from 3 to 7 p.m.
There are total of 675 members in
the Aquatic Complex. 65 per cent of
the 200 members are above 40 years
and 130 members are competitive
swimmers and are trained to improve
standards at national and
international levels. In the above-45-
year category, of 400 swimmers, 60
are women. There is an exclusive
timing for women members. There
are four coaches, out of which two
are guest coaches and one life-
guard. The coaches, Krishnasamy
and Veerabhadran, both in 40s, cited
an incident of how a swimmer over
40 responds to the coaching. “A 60-
year-old woman swims and jumps so
fast without any fear and we are
more scared than her.” they said
laughing. The concerned lady
learner, Kashmira, who was standing
behind them burst into laughter and
lauded the scientific training, which
is the forte of the Aquatic Complex,
behind her inclination to pick up
swimming.
Mr Solomon said that the complex
focuses on scientific and innovative
training to the learners, especially to
the 40 plus in a phased and fine-
108
tuned manner. Above all, he
confesses, albeit with a sense of
humour that the veteran swimmers
outweigh the youngsters by waging
a war over weight. Swimming,
especially for the elderly not only
reduces asthma, obesity, surgical
after-effects, backpain, and
overweight, but above all, it makes
them realise that fitness fever, which
is sweeping the country, is not only
meant for youngsters only, but for
them, too.
Are the doctors attending the
complex on a regular basis? Mr
Solomon said the injured are being
sent to physical therapists and
doctors at Stanley Medical Centre in
the city. Concessions were given to
the poor people who are aged 45 in
the form of free treatment and
discount in membership-fee. The
complex charges annually Rs 4000,
half-yearly Rs 2,000 and Rs 1500 for
quarterly.
NO MEMBERSHIP LIST
Mr Panneerselvam, deputy sports
officer of Shenoy Nagar swimming
pool, in the city,
which is also
coming under the
SDAT, expressed
his inability to
provide the
membership list,
but revealed that
the learners above
45 are learning and
swimming with
bubbling enthu -
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
siasm like youngsters. Do they feel
discriminated, compared to
youngsters? Not at all, says Mr
Panneerselvam and said the posh
swimming pool provides more
opportunities to the people here to
excel in swimming.
All the swimmers are, however,
required to submit their fitness
certificates. Official sources at the
pool confirm the annual rate as Rs
3,000, half-yearly Rs 2,200 and
quarterly Rs 1,500. Mr
Panneerselvam, however, conceded
that special conce ssions are not
possible for the 40-plus as per the
government rules, but the poorer
sections are taken care of by the
SDAT. Zaheera the regular swimmer
in her 40s said that she eagerly
awaits every day to swim in the pool
by competing with youngsters. Mr
Manimaran, a 55-year-old man, could
not conceal his spirit when he said
that after learning swimming he is
getting younger day by day. “I am
ready for a boxing bout with
youngsters,” he jokingly quipped.
Dr Sukumaran, cardiologist with
the General Hospital in the city and a
member of the Shenoy Nagar
swimming pool said that he had a
wonderful experience in treating the
swimmers, especially the people who
are above 45 years old. He cited the
incident of how a patient who came
to him with constant illness problems
had to be cajoled to learn swimming
for its positive impact. The patient
agreed to his suggestion and became
a member of the Shenoy Nagar
Swimming pool. “Within no time,
much to my surprise, the patient
became fitness savvy,” giggles the
enthusiastic doctor.
The Anna Nagar swimming pool,
situated on the Beach Road in the
city, also comes under the SDAT,
and charges a paltry sum of Rs 15
per individual. The junior assistant of
the swimming Pool, K Manoharan,
conceded that the response is poor
at the moment due to the winter
season and they do not have
provision for membership. The
sources in many swimming pools,
confessed that the IAS official and
the overall district sports secretary of
SDTA, Apoorva Selvi, has introduced swimming free of
cost for commandos and NCC cadets. Moreover, she is
always looking for an opportunity to assist the
swimmers who are above 40, especially women.

A DYNAMIC COACH
The swimming pool at Nandanam in the city has
produced a dynamic coach Selvam. Mr Selvam
articulates and emphasises training from the physical
education point of view. Middle-aged swimmers are
taking greater interest in learning than the youngsters,
says he without mincing words, and the only stumbling
block according to him is the hesitation on their part to
join swimming. But once they enter they become a
changed and confident lot with lots of optimism, and
admitted that much need to be done to provide more
concessions to the elderly, since they are less in
number compared to the youngsters.
Mr Johnson echoed his sentiment and said that 50
per cent of the trainee swimmers are children of
information technology (IT) and software personnel.
Devika, a service care expert, is of the opinion that
her patients have recovered fast from illness, following
her suggestions to many of them to take swimming as
an exercise. “The drastic changes in some of my
patients’ behaviour can be gauged only if you happen
to be present before them.” Swimming constantly
keeps you in fine fettle, she sums up. The renowned
ortho-surgeon and managing director of Miot Hospital
in the suburbs of the city Prof PVA Mohandas agreed
and admitted that learning swimming cures many
diseases. The doctor further asserted that with gyms,
personal trainers, yoga classes and slimming centres
were mushrooming, it is imperative to keep oneself fit,
and swimming at regular intervals provides you the
right solution to the panic-stricken patients.
Anand, in-charge of the Marina Swimming Pool,
situated on the beach side of the city, which is coming
under the Chennai Corporation, regretted that the
responses in beach areas are poor. Unfortunately, there
is not much provision in the swimming pool to provide
special facilities for swimmers aged above 40 as the
infrastructure itself is found wanting and needs a
brush-up. Many sources at the swimming pools
wondered why the swimming pools coming under
SDAT in Anna Nagar, Velachery and Shenoy Nagar
charge different rates for entry. The reason cited was
“slum area” by Mr Paneerselvam, but that does not
take into account the fact that all residents in the beach
road are not poor and all residents of Velachery and
Shenoy Nagar are not rich. A common entrance fee
would have made a world of difference.
The 55-year-old Swati gets excited about her
swimming pool achievements at the Shenoy Nagar
pool here. At the same time she did not forget to give
credit to her coaches for her improvement. The weekly
off on Monday is the only stumbling block for her and

Swati manages to pass her time with
great difficulty.
Though swimming requires use of
brain, most of us think it is not
necessary, once you start practising
and get used to the pool, says Swati,
who is proud to proclaim that she is
getting younger day by day with her
constant involvement in swimming.
Another swimmer a 48-year-old
Mr Natarajan echoes the views of
Swati at the Anna Swimming Pool
and said swimming has enabled him
to work with renewed vigour.
“Swimming not only helps you in
getting up early in the morning, but it
also assists you in your day-to-day
activity and enables you to perform
your duties with utmost spirit in your
organisation,” averred the ever-agile
Mr Natarajan and further confessed
that swimming also helps us out in
dealing with public relations activities
and customer relations. Most
importantly, asthma, back pain and
other knitty-gritty problems do not
enmesh us and are conspicuous by
its absence, argued the swimmer.
According to him, there is much to
learn in swimming and Chennai gives
112
one a lot of scope to emerge with
flying colours, if one has the
penchant for learning the finer points
of swimming in a fine-tuned manner.
The coaches are making it more
interesting, he said and added that,
like stunt masters in films and circus,
the coaches are taking enormous
risks in teaching the swimmers. “After
all, they are the ones accountable, if
anything untoward occurs – isn’t it?”
asks the suave and soft-spoken
Natarajan.
The coach and a sponsor of the
Marina Swimming Pool, Mr Muniandi,
said he has adopted the novel
method of making swimming more
interesting by staging competi tions
among the swimmers, especially for
the people who are in the 40s. The
competition spirit inspires them to
perform with redoubled vigour. “Once
you take an interest in anything,
nothing is difficult to learn and
swimming is not an exception,” he
said and regretted that people
residing in beach areas are less
inclined to practise swimming than the
people coming from far-off places.
The 43-year-old Mr Raja -
manickam said that he is coming
from Thiruvallur, far from the pool
and it takes him not less than four
hours commuting. Mr Muniandi said
the learner’s enthusiasm has not
waned, despite the difficulty he faces
in commuting. “It is
worthwhile to start a
membership drive
at the swimming
pool, considering
the growing interest
of the people and
we coaches and
life-guards do need
more training and
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
exposure abroad to enable us to
teach the learners scientifically and
with modern equipment,” he noted.
INCLINATION
OF THE AGED
The coaches Mr Mohan and Mr
Lokanathan associated with the
Marina Swimming Pool lauded the
learning skills of the middle-aged
people. They are convinced that the
40-plus pick up the nuances of
swimming faster than the youngsters.
“The inclination among them and the
eagerness they display to learn is
amazing indeed, says Mr Mohan. He
cited an incident of how a man in his
70s swims with supreme confidence.
The advantage in swimming is that
95 per cent do not feel that they are
suffering from ailments, even if they
suffer from any disease, said Mr
Mohan and added that like an apple
a day keeps the doctor away,
swimming a day also keep the doctor
at a distance. We
Winners of
Jewellery Quiz Contest - 5
Manjeet Kaur
1341/19 Naiwala f/f
Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110 005
 DIRECTOR N. Lingusamy whose
R. S. Prakash
debut vehicle Anandham was
basically a family entertainer with a
star-studded cast proved a smash-hit
at the box office, switched to a racy
action with Run that proved biggest
hit. Two consecutive big hits with
contrasting themes established his
credentials as a versatile film-maker
who could easily move over from one
terrain to another with effortless
ease. This passionate film-maker is
absolutely keyed up with his
forthcoming project Paiyya which has
Karthi (of Paruthi Veeran’ fame, also
Suriya’s brother!) and Tamannah in
the lead.
TALENTED young film-makers with
fresh ideas have come up with
brilliant themes in the recent times.
Arivazhagan is one such among
them all whose forthcoming flick
Eeram has already raised hopes.
What makes the
project more
interesting is
the fact that the
film has been
produced by
d i r e c t o r
S h a n k a r
through his
home banner S.
Pictures. Don’t just
assume that my
guru handed
over this assign -
ment to me on a silver platter,” he
begins in a very jovial mood with a
touch of suspense. Of course, this
energetic youth hailing form
Coimbatore had deputed for two films
under Shankar Boys and Anniyan. “I
am a product of the Chennai film
Institute and I have also won a gold
medal under the Best Short Film
Category during my final year,” he
points out ecstasy. Arivazhagan has
put in his best efforts to take Tamil
Cinema to greater heights.
THE never-ending rift between Tamil
Nadu and Karnataka regarding the
Cauvery water issue has taken a new
turn, not at a state level but at the
screen level! A Tamil film titled
Thambivudayaan has been made by
the debutant producer-director Raaju
Mahesh, the theme of which is broad
based on the Cauvery water problem.
Shot in the delta regions of Cauvery
belt in Tamil Nadu, the film sketches
the efforts of an youngster who takes
up the cause of the farmers on
seeing them eating rats and squirrels
and fights for justice. According to
Mahesh, the filmmaker only
highlights the need for a permanent
and speedy solution to the never –
ending issue of water sharing
between both the states.” I am not
here to create any controversy; I
have only tried to portray a realistic
picture of a burning problem,” says
he.

MURALI Cine Arts Jagan Mohini is
one of the most awaited movies of
the season that features Namitham
in the lead role. The film also has
Nila, Raja, Narasimha Raju, Jyothi
Lakshmi, Koto Srinivasa Rao, Riaz
Khan, Alex and Vadivelu. Ace
cinematographer who has wielded
the camera as well as the film in
project such as Inaindha Kaigal has
handled the cinematography, screen
play and direction. Ilaiyaraja has
scored the music. The film is said
to be rich in its graphics work and is
expected to take Namitha to a new
level in filmdom.
KANDEN Kadhalai which is a
adaptation of the Hindi blockbuster
Jab We Met is the year’s most
talked about love story. Bharath and
Tamannaah play the lead roles in
the film that has a heart-warming
script. The comedy track of the film
is highly talked about. Kannan, a
former deputy of Manirathanam,
who made a bright start with Jayam
Kandaan has assumed
responsibility for screenplay and
direction. Vidyasagar has come up
with some pleasant tunes.
U.S. pictures Mandapam features
S.T. Tamizharasan of Megan fame
who is basically a lawyer-turned-
actor. Chiniya is the heroine.
Nizhalgal Ravi, Vadivukkarasi,
Shanmughal Sundaram, Manobala,
Sriman and Rahasiya are also in the
cast. Iniya Maheshan is the scorer
102
under whose music Deva has
rendered a Gana number. Jai Singh
Raja is the cinematographer. R.
Senthamizharasu has assumed
responsibility for the screenplay and
direction.
VEERACHOZHAN produced by Sri
Muthumariamman Films has
newcomer Ajay Kumar in the lead
role and Swetha as his pair. Veteran
comedian Cho is acting in a cameo in
this after a long time. Sex-siren Sona
appears in a sizzling dance number
playing the part of a fruit seller.
Viveka and Anbu Saravanan (who
has also directed the film) have
penned the lyrics. Vijay Sharma is
the scorer while Rajkeerthi is the
editor. The film is scheduled for an
early release.
POSSIBLY after M.G.R.’s Meenava
Nanban SMK. V Movies Meenava
Selvan is the film which speaks about
the plight of fishermen. The backdrop
of the film is set around the Sri
Lankan issue. The screenplay also
accommodates love and comedy as
a part of the proceedings. Vasanth
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
and Sai Karthik are the lead artistes
while Tharani is the heroine. Senthil
Kumar DFt has assumed
responsibility for the screenplay,
dialogue and direction.
DIRECTOR M Raja, who is hailed as
the king of remakes, is one of the
highly acclaimed film-makers of the
times. Though young in age, the
experience and expertise he has
shown in dealing with serious themes
in a refined and matured manner
has won him encomiums. He has
just launched Thillalangadi, with his
brother Ravi in the lead and with the
current sensation, Tammannah in
the female lead. Obviously, this
forthcoming flick too is the remake
of the superhit Telugu flick, Kick
which had Ravi Teja in the lead.
Shaam, who was highly applauded
for his performance in the Telugu
original, is enacting the same
character in the Tamil remake too.
The screenplay is supposedly a
perfect package of comedy, action,
and suspense, says a unit hand.
Ravi who has mostly appeared in
family-oriented subjects so far,
switches on to full-fledged action
this time. He plays a guy who gets a
kick out of doing challenging things.
Yuvan Shankar Raja is the scorer
and one can certainly expect some
good music as Raja has a
reputation for getting the best out of
his music directors. Looks like Raja
has yet another sure-fire winner on
his hands. We
TAMIL STARS S P E A K !
WEDDING TO CINEMA!
fter a brief hiatus, Vedika who
A is just about five-films old at
Kollywood has staged a
comeback of sorts with Malai Malai
which is eventually a return vehicle
for actor Arun Vijay.
“I was suitably impressed with the
theme of the film and of course team
too, that as headed by director A.
Venkatesh and hence I lost no time
to nod my approval,” says Vedika
sporting an impressive smile.
Her earlier film Sakkarakatti
opposite K. Bhagyaraj’s son
Saantanoo proved a damp squib at
the box-office despite the media hype
and of course, Rahman’s foot-tapping
number Taxi...’.
In Malai Malai , Vedika plays a
bubbly R. J. working for an F. M.
station. “It was a great experience
working with Malai Malai unit as
every single member starting from
the hero Arun Vijay to the last
technician were all fully enthused and
energetic,” observes Vedika,
according to whom there is better
professionalism in the south.
“I am more concerned about good
role and good performance rather
than a good-like – up of movies in
SURIYA EXPLORES NEW HORIZONS!
midst the breed of top heroes
A of the times, Suriya has
certainly shaped up into a big
force to reckon with. His quest for
uncommon characters has in fact
enabled him to feature in
experimental roles like the one(s) in
Vaaranam Aayiram that was
successfully followed by yet another
blockbuster Ayan, the biggest
grosser of the year.
R. Prakash
the kitty,” says she quite clear and
confident of how her career has to
be.
It is quite normal for stars of her
stature to grab every single
opportunity that comes their way. But
Vedika is different as she never
The wonder-lad is all set to woo
audience again with his forthcoming
flick Aadhavan which has been
produced by Red Giant Movies, a
banner owned by Udhayanidhi Stalin,
who is none other than the son of the
state’s chief minister. According to
inside information, Suriya has
enacted the lead role which has
shades of grey. More so, the
onscreen chemistry between Suriya
appears to be in a hurry to go on a
signing spree. “I don’t mind waiting
for the right kind of scripts that would
enable me to perform. Also, as I am
well trained in acting, I also look
forward for roles that would offer me
to parade by dancing skills”, remarks
vedika. It is interesting to note that
she has done an advance course in
dancing at the Shiamak Davar’s
School of Performing Arts in Mumbai.
Though she is not against
actresses wearing a bikini, provided
they can carry it off well but
personally she doesn’t prefer to do it
herself.
Baanam is one of her forthcoming
assignments in Telugu in which the
nephew of Chandrababu (former C.
M. of Andhra Pradesh) is playing the
lead.
Vedika states that she is not keen
to move to Bollywood. Thank God,
one competitor less for all those
sizzling star-sirens from the south
who are presently eyeing for a break
in Bollywood!
About her wedding bells?
As of now, I am wedded to my
work,” she signs off with a sweet
smile!
and Nayanthara would certainly
become the talk of the town soon
after the release of the movie, adds
the source. Vadivelu joins hands with
Suriya and it is worth recollecting
their combo in films as Friends, Chillu
Oru Kaadhal, etc. The film also
features yesteryear beauty queen
from Karnataka, Saroja Devi in a
pivotal role. Shayaji Shinde and
Rahul Dev too have vital roles in this
flick that has been directed
by K. S. Ravikumar who has
also assumed responsibility
for the screenplay and
dialogue.
The music release
function which was held
recently was nothing but a
grand spectacle which was
attended by several screen
personalities like actor Vijay,
director Shankar, Gautham
Vasudev Menon. Sashikumar
(of Subramanyapuram and
Nadodigal fame) and of
course, Suriya, Harris Jayaraj
and K. S. Ravikumar.
On the occasion of the
audio and trailer launch,
Ravikumar disclosed that Suriya
appears as a 10-year-old in the
movie in some portions. “The effort
and hard work put in by Suriya for
BLAST FROM THE PAST!
t all started first with the remix of
I evergreen songs from old films
which caught like wild fire. Almost
every single film that hit the screen
had a remix version of those good
old songs. While the previous
generation of film-goers almost
declared a war stating that such a
trend of remixing old hit numbers
wasn’t a healthy trend and that it
amounted to tampering with olden
golden melodies of the past, the
contemporary generation welcomed
the new trend with both hands! While
on one side, it was felt that the
present crop of music directors
preferred to bank on popular tunes
of the past rather than come up with
creative tunes, there was another
version that they were only trying to
bring the good old ones from the past
to the new generation, of course in a
different package.
Going a step further, as our
creative film-makers couldn’t find
good titles for their new films, they
started borrowing old film titles.
Consequently, many new films had
the title of old films.
Recent releases as Nam Naadu,
nearly a fortnight to play those
portions were something
phenomenal,” he remarked. Suriya
was wondering how he could do so
Nadodi Mannan, Anbe Vaa,
Polladavan, Padikadavan, Rajathi
Raja, etc. had the titles of yesteryear
movies. More such movies are being
made which showcase the titles of
successful old movies. Guru Sishya,
many roles so well when it
was difficult even to do one
role of this sort, who had
directed him in his previous
film Dasavathaaram.
While director Shankar
released the audio of the film
which was received by Rama
Narayanan, President, Tamil
Film Producers’ Council, the
trailer was received by actor
Vijay which was released by
producer R. B. Choudary.
Both Vijay as well as Suriya
admitted that they both were
ardent and self-proclaimed
fans of Harris Jayaraj. Going
by the fact that Gautham
Vasudev Menon was also
around, there is probably a possibility
that Harris and Gautham could come
forward to bury their differences and
reunite.
Ayirathil Oruvan, Deiva Magan,
Ulagam Sutrum Vaaluban, Murattu
Kaalai and Vettaikaran are the ones
that are in the making that carry titles
of successful old movies. Even
Kamal Hassan is no exception, his
successful films as Sathi Leevavathi
and Aboorva Sahothargal were also
borrowed titles. Even the title of his
much-hyped movie, Marmayogi
which has now been shelved
temporarily was picked up from the
M.G.R. starrer, Marmayogi of the
early fifties!
Of course, the entertainment tax
exemption for movies with Tamil titles
has rather encouraged our film-
makers to stick to Tamil titles without
English words.
With a good number of titles being
registered everyday, there is a big
rush for good titles. It is even said
that a few film-makers register
attractive titles and simply sit on it
then later, they try to sell it at
astronomical prices! Even to obtain
a no-objection certificate (NOC) for
the use of old titles, huge sums are
being demanded, laments a
producer.
Title ties have become as
competitive as seeking a desired e-
mail id!

CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS IN CINEMA!
amal Hassan who has
K completed 50 golden years in
the celluloid world, is indeed a
personification of both unique talent
and exceptional creativity. His
dedication to the art is something
spectacular – having started at the
age of five – and even after 50 years
still going strong with nothing to stop
him. Besides proving himself as a
versatile performer par excellence,
he has also excelled in the other
avenues of film making as a script
writer, producer, director, singer and
also as an excellent choreographer
among other portfolios.
Vijay TV, which is more content–
centric than being merely cinema-
centric, has grabbed the unique
distinction of having been nominated
to celebrate the golden jubilee of
Kamal Hassan. The channel is to
launch a spate of events in the next
six weeks – the celebrations titled
Ulaganayagan Kamal Aimbathu-Oru
Thodarum Sarithiram (Universal star
Kamal, 50 – a continuing history)
which will be held across the state.
This exclusive event will be one of
its kind ever attempted for any star
and is scheduled to be carried out
through select phases,” says K.
Sriram, general manager, Star Vijay.
When we approached the admirable
actor with a proposal for the project,
he was only too happy. “We are very
happy that our Star Vijay could
pioneer such a concept and event
despite many other channels
around,” he adds.
In the first phase, a customised
Kamal Bus would traverse the length
and breadth of the state, drawing the
attention of his thousands of fans.
The bus would visit trade centres and
fan clubs in Tamil Nadu and
Bengaluru in Karnataka. An exclusive
photo exhibition with rare and never-
seen photographs from Kamal
Hassan’s life will be on display on the
bus which will cover several cities
and towns in Tamil Nadu and
Bengaluru.
The second phase will be in the
form of a festival that celebrates the
three forms of Tamil language at
three key locations in Tamil Nadu –
Madurai, Coimbatore and Chennai.
The one at Madurai will showcase
literary discussion featuring eminent
personalities from the field of Tamil
literature. The actor’s perfection and
attention to detail when it comes to
using various Tamil dictions in his
films would be highlighted. The
discussions are to be interspersed
with interesting anecdotes.
While Coimbatore will witness a
grand musical nite Vijay TV has
planned to organise a Kamal Hassan
film festival at Chennai in partnership
with Sathyam Cinemas. The channel
will also telecast special-on-air
episodes that would consist of a 16
episode series.
The month-long celebrations will
culminate with a mega event in
Chennai, probably, in the 2nd week
of September. It is expected to be an
evening to treasure as the film stars
of the Tamil, Hindi, Telugu,
Malayalam and Kannada film industry
will come together on one stage to
salute the one and only Kamal
Hassan. Besides Kamal himself, Big
B – Amitabh Bachchan – Superstar
Rajnikath, Shah Rukh Khan (he
appeared in a cameo along with
Kamal in Hey Ram ) Mammotty,
Mohanlal, Sridevi, Ajith, Vijay, Suriya,
etc and the grand event is to be
witnessed by about 7000 people!
A core team has been formed that
consists of K. Balachander,
Sivakumar, Sarath Kumar, Napoleon,
Myshkin, A. R. Muragadoss,
Khushboo, Cheran, Ravi, K.
Chandran, Yugi Sethu – all of whom
will monitor the arrangements for the
celebrations.
Remarks Murugadoss of Ghajni
(both Tamil and Hindi) fame, “During
a brief meeting with Kamal sir, I
asked him why is he straining himself
with the portfolios of story,
screenplay, dialogue, in direct etc,
while he is basically an actor. I was
truly stunned by his reply: ‘I don’t
want to happen to me, that which
happened to thespian Sivaji Ganesan
during the last part of his era. There
were no suitable scripts or characters
to satisfy the great actor’s appetite
for acting.
Whatever was offered was like
offering curd rice to a hungry lion!’
Kamal had said. Murugadoss has
also suggested that the road (Eldams
Road) where Kamal’s house is
situated should be named as Dr
Kamal Hassan Road.
In his observation,Yugi, Sethu the
actor-cum-director, recollected the
memory and the absence of the late
Nagesh who would have simply loved
to be a part of organising such a
mega event. Yugi Sethu had once
asked Nagesh, “Sir, you are a senior
veteran but why do you address
Kamal as Kamalji?” Pat came
Nagesh reply, “I have in me a part of
Kamal Hassan, but I do not form a
part of him! That’s why!” It is worth
remembering that it was while co-
starring with Kamal in Nammavar
Nagesh bagged the National award
for his superlative performance.
Looks like Star Vijay is all set to
celebrate Kamal’s golden jubilee with
both substance and style. We
 DBS Q U I Z
Tear this page along the perforated line and send it to the under mentioned address. Winner will be announced in the November issue.

Q1 Do your friends know you love him?

a. Some friends
b. Yes
c. No

Q
2
Do you stare at him a lot?
a. When he is not looking
b. Sometimes
c. Yes
d. No

Q
3
Do you get jealous when people
talk to him?

?
a. Yes
b. Only if they are girls
c. No
HOW MUCH DO YOU
Answer
LOVE HIM
&
the questions win a
grand prize... Do you know how
much you love this guy?
Find out here!

3
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forthcoming issue of Woman’s era. Look out
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book
L ast date for sending entries: 15 October 2009
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S
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Q
4
Did you tell him you love him?
a. No
b. Yes
c. No but he knows I do
Q
9
Did you meet him daily?
a. No
b. Yes
c. Sometimes

Q5
Do you call him?
a. Sometimes
b. No
Q
10
Do you write about him in your
diary or journal?
a. No
b. Yes
c. Yes
c. I don’t have a journal or diary

Q
6
Do you text him?
a. No
b. Only if his cellphone is on
c. Yes
Q
11
Do you try to make him jealous
to love you?
a. No
b. Only if he is looking
c. Yes

Q7 Do you think about him everyday?

a. No
b. Yes
c. Not everyday
Q
12
Do you ask his friends if they like
you or like someone?
a. No
b. I ask everyone
c. Yes

Q
8
Did you kiss him?
a. Yes
b. No
c. I tried to kiss him
Q
13
Do you love more than one guy?
a. Yes
b. No
d. Only if he loves me back c. Sometimes

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 QA &
Q&
I am a 21-year-old Muslim girl,
engaged to a boy selected by my
parents. But I love one of my
colleagues who is a non-Muslim. He
loves me too and wants to marry me
and even his parents are ready to
accept me. I don’t like the boy
selected by my parents, but if I tell this
situation to them I am sure they will
reject it. What should I do?
Well, it is never easy when you
want to marry somebody of a different
religion. You are lucky you have the
support of the boy’s family. Do you
love this boy enough to go against
your parents’ desire? Only you can
A
decide that. Also, before you take a
decision you must weigh your options
very carefully – does either of you
plan to change religion, how will either
of you adjust to a new religion, etc.?
My mother is a very strong woman
undergoing breast cancer treatment
at the age of 45. She needs emotional
support, but I find her friends do not
behave well any more. She is lonely
and I work in Chennai while she is in
Lucknow. How can I help her?
Your concern is well founded and
noble. Yes, relatives and friends
often do not know how to address
somebody undergoing breast cancer
treatment and turn out to be
thoughtless and uncaring. Being in a
different city is a problem. Is her
coming to Chennai not an option? If
you know her friends personally you
can even take the step of talking to
them to sensitise them a bit. They do
not mean badly but just do not
understand the situation and it scares
everybody. Talk to your mom often
and let her see the funny side of the
situation, that is always possible.
My first cousin and I were always
close. We are the same age and went
to the same school. After marriage I
found that she resented everything I
have and never liked what she had. In
fact by all material standards she is
far better off. I feel as though the
wedge is getting wider between us.
What do I do to get it back on track?
If your cousin has decided to be
jealous and envious, the problem has
to be dealt with and sorted out by
I am 24 and my
fiance is 32. I have
had only one
relationship which
ended two years ago
but my fiance has
had many girlfriends.
Is it okay to suggest blood test
screening? What should be done
and must I do it as well?
It is a very wise move to opt for
blood test and STD screening,
especially if one of you has been
sexually active. Tests need to be
done for HIV, Hepatitis-B and
even an STD test for syphilis
(because that is often not
symptomatic) and any other test
the doctor suggests. Just
remember that even if you had
only one relationship you too
should take the same tests.
her. You can do very little except
show her the mirror once and then
await her action and decision. How-
ever, be honest in your assessment
of the situation and ask her why she
is unhappy. Maybe she needs your
support and help in identifying her
problem and addressing it.
My husband and I were
divorced when he
decided to go abroad
with a colleague he
thought he loved. I had
custody of our two
children. Life was tough
but I managed, and it is
now eight years. A year
ago a colleague proposed and I
decided to get married this summer.
My ex-husband came to know of this
and recently came into town to say he
is free and would like to remarry me.
The children are happy to hear that,
but I don’t love him any more. What
do I do?
Your husband was selfish once
and left you and the two children.
Now, he is being selfish once again
in interrupting your life. You have not
mentioned the age of your children
but they should be mature enough to
understand what you have lived
through to reach this stage. Take
them into confidence and discuss
with them that irrespective of your
possible marriage to the new partner
you do NOT love their father any
more and will definitely not marry
him. Ask for their support, but be
prepared for their selfish approach.
In any event be sure that you are
rejecting your ex-husband for the
right reason and not just punishing
him for the past behaviour.
MY FAMILY, MY FRIENDS AND ME...
This new column will tackle queries
related to family, social environment and
personality development.
Please address your queries to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110055.
or log on to Womansera.com
 MUMBAI Merry-Go-Round
ANNUAL RETAIL
JEWELLER INDIA
AWARDS 2009
The Annual Retail Jeweller
Awards ceremony is arguably one of
the most prestigious and celebrated
annual events in the Indian
diamonds, gems and jewellery
fraternity. These awards
acknowledge and celebrate the
achievements of retailers, brand
owners, manufacturers, designers
who account for the $ 13 billion retail
jewellery industry of India. The Retail
Jeweller award is an initiative by the
Retail Jeweller magazine to motivate
excellence in jewellery retailing.
For the 5th consecutive year, the
Retail Jeweller : India's favourite
business magazine for jewellery
retailers, celebrated the highest
achievers in India's $ 20 billion
dynamic retail jewellery industry with
one single yardstick "The Retail
Jeweller India Awards" which is
associated with IMRB as the process
validators.
Pankaj K. Mehta, chairman, Kirtilal
Kalidas Group was honoured with the
“Lifetime Achievement Award”.
Mehta, founder of The Dimexon
Group received the award in the
manufacturing category to a standing
ovation from the audience that
recognised decades of his relentless
efforts and his extraordinary feat of
placing the Indian gem and jewellery
industry prominently on the global
map.
Mehta has been the driving force
behind the profitable growth of the
entire Dimexon Group, which includes
Kirtilal’s group of companies. He has
been instrumental in driving several
new and innovative initiatives within
the group and the fraternity.
The Dimexon Group is a leading
international diamond manufacturing
and jewellery group. A sight-holder
of the Diamond Trading Company
(London) since 1976 and a Select
Diamantaire of Rio
Tinto, Dimexon ranks
among the largest
manufacturers
diamonds in the
of
world.
‘Autumn Leaves’:
by Minawala was
adjudged the most
beautiful piece of
Sudha Hariharan
jewellery and awarded the Best
Diamond Jewellery of the Year 2009.
Designed for the carefree women
of the world, this diamond necklace
(Rs. 3,08,000) mirrors the sensuality
of her personality by bringing
attention to where it matters.
Minawala was nominated for five
categories: 1) Coloured Stone
Jewellery of the Year 2) Men's
Jewellery of the Year 3) Diamond
Jewellery of the Year 4) Retail Chain
of the Year 5) Print Campaign of the
Year. This by itself is an achievement.
Awarded the ‘Diamond Vivaha
Jewellery of the Year 2007’,
‘Jewellery Designer of the Year 2008’
and the hat-trick award in 2009 for
the ‘Diamond Jewellery of the Year’,
Minawala continues to show that they
are definitely at par with excellence.
ADITYA JYOT
EYE HOSPITAL’S
19 TH
ANNIVERSARY
Aditya Jyot Eye
Hospital (AJEH), one of
the leading eyecare
hospitals in Mumbai,
launched the “Care For
The Eye” programme – a
social initiative aimed at supporting
the cause of eye donation, on the
occasion of the hospital’s 19th
anniversary.
As part of this programme, a
special campaign for police
personnel across all ranks and
grades (along with their spouses) in
Mumbai will be given free eye check-
up which will be conducted every
Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
at Aditya Jyot Hospital. Sivanandhan,
police commissioner of Mumbai,
inaugurated this special scheme.
Popular film actress Celina Jaitley
Pankaj K. Mehta receiving “Lifetime
Achievement Award”.
also graced the occasion and
endorsed the noble cause by
pledging her beautiful eyes.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr
Natarajan, (CMD-AJEH) said, “Aditya
Jyot has been actively involved in
creating awareness about eye
donation ever since its inception in
1990. It’s been our constant appeal
to everyone to support the cause of
eye donation and make lives better
and brighter for those struggling in
the world of darkness.”
Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital,
established in 1990 by world-
renowned ophthalmologist, Dr S.
Natarajan, is a “one-stop shop” for all
eyecare needs. All eye disorders
including complicated ones such as
sub-macular haemorrhage, ocular
trauma, and diabetic retinopathy are
treated here with utmost precision.
Aditya Jyot is also well equipped with
a LASIK operation theatre for
correction of refractive error.
ACTIS BIOLOGICS
APPOINTS DR GOPAL
DASIKA AS R&D HEAD
Actis Biologics, a prominent
Mumbai-based biotech research and
development company, specialising
in areas like breast cancer and colon
cancer, has appointed Dr Gopal
Dasika as its new head of R&D. He
has been designated as senior vice-
president, R&D, of the company.
Prior to his joining Actis Biologics, Dr
Dasika was head, biology research,
at Reliance Life Sciences.
Dr Gopal Dasika has over 19
Dr Gopal Dasika
years of experience in the
area of biotech R&D. He
has worked on the
development of biosimilars,
fusion proteins, monoclonal
antibodies, and platform
technology for protein
expression. He received his
PhD in molecular virology
and oncology from the
University of Wisconsin-
Madison, USA. Dr Dasika’s
past appointments include
Susan G Komen Fellow in
Molecular Medicine,
University of Texas Health
Sciences Center at San
Antonio, and director of
gene transfer technologies
at cancer Therapy and
Research Center, San
Antonio, Texas, USA.
CELEBRITY BAR
NIGHT
A profusion of celebrities gathered Shahid Kapoor unveiled Hi! Blitz
magazine.
at Bandra Hill Road as Sudhanshu
Pandey continued the trend of Sanjay Suri, Parvin Dabbas, Mann.
celebrity bar nights at Puro Bar and S. Sirohi, Bunty Gerwal, Shawar Ali,
Kitchen. The charismatic owner, Mohit and Chavvi Mittal, Sophie
Nazneen Sarkar, played the perfect Chaudhry, politicians and close
host by bringing people closer – friends of Sudhanshu Pandey –
through their taste buds. Pratap Sarnaik, Sanjay Dina Patil –
The white interiors sparkled with and many more.
the presence of prominent
personalities like Sanjay Gupta and
his wife Anu, Shashi Ranjan and Anu HI! BLITZ
Ranjan, Mandira Bedi, Rohit Roy and Actor Shahid Kapoor unveiled Hi!
his wife Mansi Joshi, singers Blitz magazine at the Juhu
Bhupendra and Mitali, Tapur and Crossword recently. Editor Shalini
Tupur Chateerjee, Sameer Soni, Sharma graced the occasion with the
actor.
Sanjay Gupta
Shalini Sharma has been in the
fashion and lifestyle information field
for 15 years. The first Indian
journalist to be accredited with the
Federation of Haute Couture in
France, she reported for many years
at Paris Fashion Week. Before she
joined Dr Vijay Mallya’s media group,
she ran a very popular fashion
column under her own byline .
Hi! Blitz , the official in-flight
magazine for Kingfisher Airlines,
India's premium domestic airline, is
owned by Dr Vijay Mallya of the UB
group and Kingfisher Airlines. We
COST-CUTTING
LAWN AND
GARDEN CARE
10 expert tips for greener
glory at lower cost. By Merilee Kern
 hile many are pinching
W
pennies amid the
economic downturn,
there are a number of
thrifty ways to manage
a garden and landscape
to ensure it looks good
and flourishes while
also costing less to
maintain.
Lawn and garden, irrigation and
horticulture expert Steve Jacobs,
president of San Diego-based
Nature Designs Landscaping
(www.naturedesigns.net), uncovers
ways to scrimp on and save money,
and details what can be skipped,
when planting and managing a yard
this year.
Plant perennials instead of
annuals. Annuals are short lived, use
excessive water and must be
1
replaced, while there is a large
selection of drought-tolerant
perennials that can live for many
years and offer plenty of beautiful
colour.
Eliminate the lawn where you are
not using it. Lawns are one of the
2
most intensive maintenance and
water-consuming plantings in a
landscape, requiring weekly mowing,
edging and recurrent irrigation.
Leave lawn clippings – don’t bag
them. Many lawn mowers have a
recycling feature which allows you to
mow without bagging the clippings.
Lawn clippings contain water and
nutrients that can benefit your lawn.
3
The result is a need for less water;
fertiliser and you don’t need to pay
for landscape debris removal or
dumping.
Prune naturally instead of
formally. When you prune for the
natural growth habit of the plant you
will reduce the amount of pruning
needed per year, resulting in
decreased costs. Hedging and balling
4
your plants will create a need for
frequent pruning, and the tools and/or
professional landscape maintenance
services that goes with it.
Cut back on water. Reduce your
watering schedule to the bare
minimum required to keep the yard
and garden healthy. Over-watering
can cause excessive growth,
5
requiring even more maintenance, a
higher water bill and a greater
instance of disease that will require
further intervention.
Identify and rectify irrigation
problems. By keeping an eye on the
condition of your irrigation system,
including leaks, overspray, broken
heads, incorrect water pressure and
trajectory problems, you can reduce
6
your water costs while also avoiding
water damage to your home and
hardscape.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
Apply a ground cover mulch to
cut down on weeds – and the need
to purchase weed killers and the time
to apply – and also water-usage.
Ground cover mulch creates a
barrier, so weed seed has a hard
time germinating. It also adds organic
ground, which reduces the soil
7
matter to your soil and insulates the
temperature and evaporation of soil
moisture.
Select drought-tolerant plants.
8
These plants, like the Mediterranean
and native variety, will use less water
and can
maintenance.
require very little
Put the right plant in the right
spot. Instal plants that can grow to
maturity where they are planted with
minimal care or pruning. Such “zone-
appropriate” planting will ensure the
9
plant or tree won’t outgrow its space
and need to be frequently pruned or,
worse, relocated at risk of losing the
plant altogether.
Apply fertiliser modestly.
Fertilise only as needed, based on
the requirements of your individual
plants. If you have good soil, some of
your plants may need little or no
fertiliser. Not only is over-fertilising
expensive and time consuming, it can
also require more water and cause
excessive growth resulting in
increased maintenance needs. An
overabundance of nitrogen and other
applied. 10
fertiliser ingredients can also readily
kill the plant material on which it was
We
121
ON THE VERGE OF
EXTINCTION
How the perfume you wear is killing
off whole breeds of endangered species.
By Maneka Gandhi
f you are serious about saving
I
the world, remember that more
than half of it is being destroyed
for products we do not need. Let
me show you some ingredients
used by the perfume industry.
Ambergris, a much prized
ingredient from whale intestines,
is used as a fixative in perfumes
because it is the slowest of all
perfume materials to evaporate. It is
actually bile secreted by sperm
whales to help them digest food – a
substance that looks like dung.
Perfume companies claim that it
is vomited out and floats on water
until it is either pulled in by fishermen
or washed up on land. That is
completely untrue. No one running a
perfume industry that needs tonnes
of the stuff is going to wait till bits of
whale vomit are found by lucky
beachcombers.
In actual fact it is obtained by
killing sperm whales – something
forbidden by the entire world since
1977 but still done by Norway and
Japan. While the French may
condemn whaling by these countries,
France has the only facility in the
world that processes ambergris and
they buy it from these two countries.
Four tonnes per year is the
demand. Ambergris is banned for
trading in America and Australia but
European perfume makers escape by
pretending that either the ambergris is
very old. (When I banned ivory trading
in India, many ivory merchants
claimed they were selling the tusks of
mammoths that had died two million
years ago and whose tusks, strangely
enough, had been dug up in Siberia.
or it had been found on the beach of
faraway islands like Vanuatu or the
Falkland islands.)

In fact, 96 per cent of traded
ambergris came from sperm whales
and only four per cent from shore
wash-ups.
There are French companies that
trade in ambergris all over the world
even though trading in this animal
product is strictly forbidden. It is listed
in Appendix 1 of CITES which
specifically excludes trade for
commercial purposes in parts or
products derived from the wild. So
even if someone found ambergris on
the beach they would be unable to
legally sell it.
The sperm whale was declared an
endangered species in 1970. In the
USA the passing of the Endangered
Species Act in 1973 consolidated
protection for the sperm whale and
its products.The Act states that it is
unlawful to possess, sell, deliver,
carry, transport, or ship by any
means parts or products of
an endangered species within the
USA. This means that perfume
companies in the USA are not
allowed to buy or sell it or perfumes
containing it. Australia has also
banned it. Since 1981, import of
sperm oil and other sperm whale
products has been banned by the
European Union.
However, companies that sell
‘natural perfumes’ and ‘essential oils’
even in the USA continue to use
ambergris and Internet websites sell
it openly. They ignore the argument
that the demand for this commodity
means that the unscrupulous hunting
countries continue killing whales. It
is estimated that there are now only
360,000 sperm whales remaining,
compared with a Greenpeace
estimate of 1,500,000 in 1978.
Castor or castoreum is a creamy
IN THE USA THE
PASSING OF THE
ENDANGERED
SPECIES ACT IN
1973
CONSOLIDATED
PROTECTION FOR
THE SPERM
WHALE AND ITS
PRODUCTS.
substance with a strong odour found
in two sacs between the anus and
external genitals of the beaver, a
playful creature found in streams in
Europe and North America. These
‘pods’ are used as a fixative in
perfume. The odour is used by male
and female beavers to mark their
territories but has become a single
main reason for their genocide. In
fact, the word castrate comes from
the Greek word of beaver, kastor.
There are only two species of
beaver left, both being hunted
extensively for these anal sacs. They
are dried, ground and put into alcohol
to obtain the castoreum perfume.
Even though they are illegal they are
advertised openly on the net.
Hyraceum comes from the hyrax,
an extraordinary animal which
resembles an overgrown guinea pig
and is the closest living relative to the
elephant. A hyrax's brain is like an
elephant's, while its stomach is like
a horse's. The skeleton is akin to a
rhinoceros'. The hind feet are like a
tapir's. The upper incisors from
rodents' teeth, upper cheek teeth
from rhino's and the lower cheek
teeth like a hippo's. They even have
two teeth in their upper jaw that
resemble elephant tusks.
Hyraceum is formed from the
urine of a hyrax. The urine is not
fluid; it is a jelly-like substance.
Hyraceum is the crystalised form of
hyrax urine and the animals are kept
in cages till they die. The tincture is
obtained by infusing the powdered
raw material into alcohol for a few
weeks.
The musk deer is another severely
endangered victim of the perfume
trade. At the rate it is being hunted,
that should be about five years from
now. It is a small deer without antlers,
large rounded ears and protruding
canine teeth. Male deer have a scent
sac which becomes active when they
are about two years old. This sac
secretes a substance known as musk
which the stag uses to mark his
territory and attracts females. Each
musk pod or kasturi weighs about 15
gm. This tiny pod is what the perfume
industry uses.
MALE DEER KILLED
About 4,000 adult male deer are
killed annually. The French perfume
industry alone used 15 per cent of
the world’s musk. All musk deer
species have been protected by the
International CITES pact since 1979.
In spite of that all Asian wild
population is down by 80 per cent in
the last 10 years. In India there were
30,000 in 1986, there are less than
3,000 today.
Three to five musk deer are
trapped and killed for every male
deer. Since an average of 40 male
deer with sufficiently large glands are
necessary to produce kilogram of
musk, killing of about 160 deer is a
must. Poachers use steel wire snares
to trap musk deer.
They kill musk deer of both
genders and all ages as well as other
species. They cut open the animal
live, take the sac and leave it to die in
agony.
Hundreds of snares lie scattered
over the Himalayas. As the
population dwindles, the size of the
pods is getting smaller and smaller
as younger males killed. Which
means more males have to be killed
for the same weight.
CITES also bans the scraping the
glands of civet cats to produce civet
etc. But perfume companies couldn’t
care less. Another fixative used is the
excretion of the civet or pole cat
found in Africa and South-East Asia,
a relation of the mongoose with a
spotted body and a ringed tail. The
excretion comes from the perineal
glands, next to the civet's anus . It is
taken by either killing the animal and
removing the glands, or by scraping
the secretions from the glands of a
live animal. The latter is the preferred
method today.
According to the World Society for
the Protection of Animals which has
investigated civet harvesting for
perfume in Ethiopia, the animals are
kept in tiny cages for years. Every
few days the keepers scrape the
civet out of the anal sacs using a
small horn spoon or spatula, a painful
procedure. The belief that an angry
animal secretes more persists and
civets are tied by their legs to the
bars of the cage and teased and
irritated in the hope of increasing the
yield. Chanel (specially Chanel No.
5), Cartier and Lancome have all
admitted to using civet in their
products.
THE MUSK RAT
The musk-rat is an aquatic rodent
which resembles a large house rat
with its tail flattened on either side
and was webbed hind feet. It lives in
reed huts built cleverly in marshy
shallows with underwater entrance
tunnels. It is killed and its anal glands
are used in making perfume.
Even when these species are not
used, an average perfume uses pig
and other animal fat. In Grasse, the
largest manufacturing centre of
perfume in France , the flowers are
spread on glass sheets coated with
animal grease.
The flowers are changed until the
grease has absorbed their fragrance.
The grease and fats are dissolved in
alcohol to obtain the essential oils. It
is the ratio of alcohol to oil that
determines the quality of the
perfume, eau de toilette, and
cologne. Synthetic oils are freely
available eliminating the need to
extract oils from animals. But the
perfume industry is not going to
change unless you force them to do
so. I have never used perfume. Do
you need to? We

ecession has hit everybody
R
– in a big way or small way,
only the measure differs.
The job market is severest
hit. There are retrench -
ments, salary cuts, freeze
on new recruitments and
much more. In this situation,
employers have become
demigods. They are
retaining only those employees who
are in the ‘core’ and the company
can’t do without them. Those on the
periphery are mercilessly being
shown the door.
In such a demanding situation,
you need to first keep your job – even
if you don’t like it. It makes sense to
find a new one before you quit. Make
sure you are wanted – volunteer for
the key projects and create relation-
ships with decision-makers.
Despite all the talks of gloom,
there are demands for qualified
people in IT, mining, IT security,
networking, virtual computing and
VOIP, engineering, accounting and
tax profession. Especially those in
demand are the specialists who can
also communicate and manage. The
key is to always keep up to date and
build relationships where you are
valued.
DON’T GET AXED BY
RECESSION
Despite all the talks of gloom,
there are demands for qualified
persons. By Vikas Kumar Jain
So, if the jobs on offer don’t make
sense to you or don’t appeal, what
should you do?
Do what you love. Be flexible.
Always keep learning. Be prepared
to change. Don’t panic! If you want
to be sure of having the same job,
you have always had for the next 20
years, you need to worry. But if you
are open, things look good! There are
possibilities and prospects. So go for
them!
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
But if you are laid off, had to
switch jobs, or are starting out again,
here are some tips.
● Look for a temp job. Often,
temp jobs can convert into full-time
and you get great experience.
● Be open to taking a job you are
overqualified for, but stress to the
employer that you will fit in and offer
value.
● Work on different income
streams. Make your hobbies money-
making, learn a new skill and sell
them. Don’t rely on the one 9-5 job –
be creative.
● Cut you costs, so you don’t
have to earn so much. Moving states
may mean that two incomes could
become one income.
● Go for it! Take the chance to
go for the career you always wanted.
● Propose an alternative work
schedule – part-time that helps you
and reduces cost for the employer.
● Take time to enjoy being free
from work.
Be clear that the right job is out
there for you, even if it feels like it’s
not. Have faith in yourself! Sooner
than later, this session of recession
is going to be over. And you are
going to get back those full-chin
smiles! We
125
JUMBO KING FOOD
BEATS THE DOWNTURN
A food chain that brought crowds in
when people stopped eating out. By Sharvari A. Joshi
he global recession has
T
meant that large corporates
worldwide are downsizing
their staff, production and
expenses. Even some of
India's biggest companies
have laid off several
employees and might
continue doing so in the
coming months.
The present economic scenario is
certainly a gloomy one, with massive
lay-offs, bankruptcies, collapse of
financial institutions, etc. But there
are questions revolving around. Is the
current recession really affecting the
Indian economy? Is the recession
pressurising the Indian food and
food-processing industry? Although,
many other Indian industries have
started beating drums of recession?
True that the economy is in a bad
shape. But isn’t it equally true that
great opportunities are hidden there-
in? It is those who capitalise on these
opportunities and sustain themselves
even through tough times who will
rule the economy in the coming
years.
Recession is not bad for them.
Some industries thrive in a downturn.
As the recession has also injected
life into a slew of small businesses,
those are thriving either in spite of or
because of the economic downturn,
giving new relevance to the old
adage that one man's misfortune is
another's opportunity. JumboKing
126
Food Services Ltd, a fast-food
company from Mumbai, represents
this cadre.
Since time immemorial, Indians
have been bombarded with snacks-
to-go by street vendors; fast food is
neither a modern phenomenon nor a
western innovation.
Dheeraj Gupta and Reena Gupta
represent the new breed of young
men and women who have decided
to win hearts and pockets by
providing satisfying and tasty meals.
They are the directors of Jumbo King
Foods ltd. Jumbo King has a team of
people spanning the functional areas
of operations, business development,
franchisee relations and marketing.
Jumbo King began its journey to
brand the vada pav on 23 August
2001. Inspired by western models
and applying it to Indian food, Jumbo
King believes that the common man
has the constitutional right to get
hygienic food at an affordable price.
Dheeraj Gupta, who
along with his wife,
nurtured Jumbo King,
moved at top speed to
reach his target of 100
outlets by August this
year and feeding
international technology
to growing desi appetites.
The Jumbo King vada
pav brand today churns
out a Rs 7.5 crore annual
turnover, a 300 per cent
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
jump from last year. The chain feeds
15,000 people every day and sells
ever large variations of the vada pav.
There is vada pav with cheese,
samosa pav and samosa pav with
cheese and soon, brown bread vada
pav and paneer pav too. All
supersized and priced at only Rs 5.
Jumbo King went from one outlet to a
hundred in no time at all, as
franchising allowed for faster growth.
Vada pav and Mumbai
Hot and Spicy Batata Vada served
hot with pav, green chutney and
sweet tamarind, vada pav is an
Indian vegetarian fast food commonly
eaten in Maharashtra, India. It
consists of a vada, served in a bun
( pav ). The vada is usually potato-
based. Potatoes are mashed /diced,
spiced up and coated with herb-
seasoned batter, then deep-fried.
The finished vada is then wrapped in
bread and served with condiments
such as chutney and red
chili powder.
WE asked Dhiraj
Gupta for his choice
exclusively for vada pav.
“When we were
tapping the export market
for my previous company,
Manali Foods,” he
replied. “I had made a trip
to London and stayed
with a person who was a
Burger King franchisee.
That's when I saw how their business
worked. Coming back, I happened to
come across a book - Behind the
Golden Arches - about the person
who set up McDonald's. It inspired
me tremendously and I decided to
follow the same model.”
In 2001, Gupta launched his first
outlet near the railway station in
Malad, a Mumbai suburb, and called
it the Chaat Factory.
“It was a strategic decision to
launch the outlets near railway
stations, since this is where our
target customer is,” says Gupta. His
idea was to remain close to his
customer base, which meant paying
a higher rent for the strategic location
and reducing marketing expenses.
He started off by selling vada pavs
and samosas in a hygienic
environment. But soon Gupta
realised that it makes more sense to
concentrate on one product – i.e.
vada pav, and innovate, since it had
a larger mass appeal. The outlet was
renamed Jumbo King a since it
served large-sized vada pavs.
Do you feel the repercussions
of recession in your business?
Yes, as any other small
businessmen, so did I. But, after all, it
is absolutely up to you that how do
you take the things in your stride. We
decided to gain from recession and
are cashing on it. Recession is a very
difficult time for the food industry as
more and more people are finding it
hard to stay in one job as they find
some work not enough to keep them
afloat. As a business owner, you
have to make sure your employees
remain loyal. Any inconveniences or
grievance in your employees will
result decreasing customer service.
The food industry is not just about
the product that you sell but also on
how you present your product.
What challenges do you think
were lying there ahead of
recession?
Saving your business in the food
industry is often very challenging.
The food business is a mixture of
efficient product control and service.
Other companies would only have to
deal in one of them to survive but the
food industry would have to make
sure that these are addressed
appropriately.
Rising petroleum prices impacted
the cost of production, driving up the
cost of both transportation and
petroleum-based agriculture inputs.
Food prices rose, with grain and dairy
prices leading the way in 2007. By
the beginning of 2009, economic
forecasts predicted rising
unemployment for the balance of the
year and into 2010. Falling stock
prices diminished the value of stock
portfolios, retirement funds and
pensions.
Restaurants were hit hard as
consumers cut the cost of living by
cutting the cost of eating.
How did you manage to keep
the prices affordable to the
common man then?
One of the most challenging
considerations of the food industry is
the cost of producing food. Holding
the price line at Rs 5 is both a
problem and an opportunity for us.
Our first move was to minimise our
overheads.
It was a strategic decision to
launch the outlets near railway
stations since this is where our target
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
customer is the idea was to remain
close to his customer base, which
meant paying a higher rent for the
strategic location and reducing
marketing expenses. Similarly,
delivering superior quality product at
an affordable price was our funda –
because a railway commuter is not
looking for a fancy store, but only a
decent meal in clean surroundings.
Jumbo King focusses on being
conveniently located around railway
stations. The bulk of promotion has
been positive word-of-mouth from
satisfied patrons. The offering at the
current price point would not be
viable at malls and he prefers to have
one franchisee responsible for all
outlets around a single location.
An opportunity like this will never
come again for an organisation like
ours. As the real estate prices are
down due to slowdown in the market,
we seek the benefit of right space for
our outlets at a reasonable price. We
will now grow at double the speed. If
your product is consistent and you
have the right price-value equation,
you can't go wrong – come
recession, drought or flood.
A fresh new idea is all it takes to
change the world. Some of the young
entrepreneurs have done just that –
cash in on the current situation and
make some radical moves, anything
that keeps them at the head of the
pack.
Today, Jumbo King is run like any
western fast-food giant, with
standard operating procedures in
place for every area of operation.
Across all stores the motto is the
same: a simple food at an affordable
price in clean surroundings. Jai Ho,
Jumbo! We
127
WOMEN’S
MARATHON
Long-range benefits
of long-distance running.
By Mita Banerjee

t’s not just Anil Ambani, and other

I
fitness-conscious men who go in
for it. Mandira Bedi does it and
so does celebrity show-host
Oprah Winfrey. We are talking
about the latest fitness regimen
doing the popularity rounds –
marathon running! And Oprah ran
that ultimate test of endurance –
the 42 kilometres marathon, for
which she trained rigorously for six
months. Many more women too, are
taking up marathon running as a
fitness programme.
Amby Burfoot, executive editor,
Runner’s World magazine, recomm-
ends it whole-heartedly stating,
“Running is an ultimate individual
sport. It doesn’t matter how fast or
slow you are relative to anyone else.
You set your own pace and measure
your own progress. You can’t lose
this race because you’re not running
against anyone else. You’re only
running against yourself and as long
as you are running, you are winning.
The beauty of running is that it’s so
simple, so adaptable, so positive.
You might not run fast. And you
might not run far. But you can do it.
Even if you mix walking with your
running, you’ll lose weight, lower
blood pressure, reduce stress of daily
life and feel a surge of energy. And
those are only physical benefits. The
mental benefits include lowered risk
of depression and increased creati-
vity. It clears the mind every day and
gives you 30 minutes of quiet time.”
Burfoot also feels that “women are
better mentally fit to run as they are
less competitive than men. Men think
sports is about beating that other
guy. Women understand that running
is its own reward. Women learn to
accept this and run with greater
success even if they never succeed
in beating anyone.”
Roshni Sahay, 36, an HR execu-
tive and a mother of two children who
has taken to running, adds, “Running
ranks best as a great fitness activity.
You can set your own programme
and your own limits. It doesn’t matter
what other persons or your stopwatch
says. Besides, it also gives you quiet
time by yourself, and the exercise by
releasing endorphins, produces such
a feel-good factor that in a few
months it becomes addictive.
Running helps in my workplace too,
in the areas of goal-setting, assertive-
ness and self-discipline.”
Malhar Ganla, who took up
running as a fitness sport two years
ago, has held a few camps for it. He
participated in the Singapore 2007
IronMan Triathlon, where he was the
only Indian among 1300 international
participants. He gives us some tips
for what he feels is one the best
fitness programmes for women.
For beginners:
● Don’t run from day one since
your joints are not prepared for it.
Give yourself six-eight weeks of
‘base-phase’ with an hour’s ‘non-
pounding activities’ like gym or
swimming to strengthen yourself
physically and mentally.
● Do short bursts of running,
combining with walking. Start with
three minutes of running followed by
two minutes of walking. Then
gradually increase to longer stretches
of running (say five minutes)
alternated with shorter bursts of
walking (one minute).
● Take a break on the seventh
day to do some cross-training such
as swimming or gym, in order to rest
the set of muscles which are used for
running.
● In order to prevent injury, start
with shorter distances, and gradually
lengthen the distance you run, taking
care that the increase is never more
NO MATTER
WHAT BREAST
SIZE, IT’S A GOOD
IDEA TO WEAR A
SPORTS BRA.
CONTROLLING
BREAST MOTION
WILL MAKE
YOU FEEL
COMFORTABLE.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
than 10 per cent of the previous
week.
● A large number of people have
‘bio-mechanical faults’. Get yourself
properly checked by an orthopaedic
surgeon or a podiatrist to correct
them. If you get persistent back-pain
or any other problems, consult a
doctor.
● Go in for proper running shoes
and change them every six-eight
months.
● No matter what breast size, it’s
a good idea to wear a sports bra.
Controlling breast motion will make
you feel comfortable. Look for one
that stretches horizontally but not
vertically – should feel snug but not
constrictive.
● Never go hungry for a run as it
may cause hypoglycaemia. Have
some tea or a banana before you
start. Drink plenty of water (until your
urine runs clear to offset the effects
of sweating and dehydration). If you
are running beyond half an hour, it is
a good idea to go in for a sports-drink
or water mixed with Electral.
● There are two schools of
thought – those who run by time and
those who run by distance.
Whichever one you choose to follow,
keep a training log book/diary to note
down how much time/distance you
have covered in a week.
Contra-indications:
● If you suffer from diabetes or a
heart condition or any other medical
problem, it is best to consult your
doctor before you start running.
● You may feel some occasional
pain. Taking pain-killers is acceptable
or you may try an ice-pack. But for
persistent pain, it is best to consult a
doctor.
Running during periods:
Running also helps healthy skin by
stimulating blood circulation,
transports nutrients and flushes out
wastes.
This leads to reduction in
subcutaneous fat, which makes skin
clearer and facial features more
distinct – that glowing skin and
chiselled jawline is yours if you keep
to it!
129
 Running does not make your
breasts sag or your uterus collapse.
In fact, running tightens all muscles.
A Harvard University study found that
running women produce a less potent
form of oestrogen than their
sedentary counterparts.
As a result, women runners cut by
half their risks of developing cancer
and diabetes.
‘That time of the month’ is not
when women run their worst. Hardest
is a week before menstruation begins
(a week after ovulation) – when
levels of key hormone progesterone
peaks, including a much higher than
normal breathing rate. The excess
ventilation tends to make running feel
more difficult. No need to avoid
running during periods. If you are
suffering from cramps, running will
often alleviate pain by releasing
endorphins (pain-relieving chemicals).
The two minerals that women
runners need to pay attention to are
calcium and iron (especially for
menstruating women).
Some more health benefits: one
in five women dies from coronary
heart diseases. One of the best
weapons for fighting heart disease is
exercise. Exercise lowers blood
pressure and resting heart rate and
raises good high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol levels.
Fast running burns more calories.
Slow running burns more calories
than just about any other activity. It’s
also inexpensive and accessible.
Some careful tips to take care
of: Women are more prone than men
to suffer ankle sprains, shin splints,
stress fractures and hip problems. To
help avoid injuries include pool-
running, cycling and weight-lifting too,
as part of your programme.
A woman runner should consider
herself an athlete whether fast or
slow, tall or short, small or large.
Whether you are running for fitness,
for losing weight or just to have plain
fun, running is an activity you can do
anywhere, any time. You can also
do it when you go on a holiday. All
you need is to take along your pair of
running shoes. And you don’t have
to be competitive to enter a race. It’s
a fun, social event. We

Paramount
Farms
introduces
Wonderful™
Pistachios
Wonderful™ Pistachios
are an all-natural, healthy
gift for the festival of Diwali. 100 per cent California
grown and naturally opened, Wonderful Pistachios are
uniquely roasted and perfectly seasoned for a delicious
flavour and satisfying crunch.
Wonderful Pistachios are not only delicious, they are
good for you. Pistachios are the most nutrient-dense nut,
and one of the lowest in fat and calories and highest in
fibre. This modern reusable gift box highlights the high-
quality product inside. The box includes two exciting
flavours from Wonderful Pistachios – Roasted & Salted
and a newly launched Salt & Pepper variety. With its
delicate pepper flavour, Wonderful Pistachios Salt &
Pepper is deliciously different and is sure to spice up
every festive occasion.
The Wonderful Pistachio diwali gift box will be
available at all leading grocery stores.
Retail Price: Rs 450 includes a 250 gm pack of roasted
and salted flavour and a 250 gm pack of salt and pepper.
MMTC’s
Festival of
Gold 2009
The Festival of Gold by
MMTC Limited, a Govt of
India Enterprise, will begin
on the 22nd September till
the 1st October 2009 a 10-day extravaganza at the
landmark venue of The Ashok in Chanakyapuri.
MMTC will exhibit over 1 lakh exquisite and beautiful
jewellery pieces from all parts of India. The Stunning
array of jewellery, both plain gold and studded, has been
selected from Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi,
Hyderabad, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, Kolkatta,
Mumbai and Goa. The collection includes intricately
designed chains, bracelets, rings, earrings, bangles,
kangans, bridal sets... The studded jewellery includes
pieces with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and
semi precious stones. A special bangle and chain counter,
much in demand by customers will be a special attraction.
During the exhibition, there will be Lucky Draws
daily as well as the MMTC’s “Mega Lucky Draw
Scheme” where customers who buy or have bought 5
gold coins of 5 gms will get a chance to win five 50 gm
gold coins. The result will be announced on the last day,
1st Oct around 9 p.m.

130 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

 THE
WRONGED
ONES
A grim look at instances
when the axe fell on people.
By Vineeta Sehgal
conomic slowdown/recession

E
had rubbed some of the
people very badly and the
blow was so sudden that
they were left in pain, insult
and a sense of injustice.
They are shattered
economically, morally and
socially. They feel cheated
by the system of which they
were an integral part. They spoke on
condition of anonymity and not to
disclose the names of their
companies as they still nurture hope
and would love to get back there,
once the recession is over.

Vijay was working for a reputed

IT company, rated at No.2 in India.
He was sent to the US as a source.
His better half also accompanied him,
leaving her job back home, his career
was zooming and an out-of-turn
promotion was a reward of his
excellent services. Life was a roller-
coaster ride for the young couple
and, because of their friendly nature,
they were popular among their
friends circle. As his wife was not
working, it was an opportune time to
start a family. Everything was moving
according to their plan. They were
happy at the prospect of their child
getting American citizenship as per
the rules of the States. But luck gave
him a severe blow. They got a big jolt
as he was summoned back home by
the company as the client did not
require his services any more and
refused to foot his bill.
He had to pack his bags and rush
back home. Here also he was not
lucky enough to get any project
immediately and he was on the
bench – meaning no work in hand.
He ran from pillar to post to find a
project but to no avail. Finally, he was
axed. Now, with added family
responsibility, he is left in the lurch,
six months have passed and the
baby is expected any moment.
Instead of providing a promising
future to his first-born, he will find it
difficult to feed the child. He and his
family are passing through a very
tough phase.
Prashant worked as a consultant
in a reputed Germany-based
company in India, considered to be
one of the best pay-masters. He was
settled nicely so his parents wanted
him to get married and settle down
in life. They found a suitable girl for
him, both the families conveyed their
nods and they were engaged. The
date of marriage was finalised and,
in order to enhance her looks for the
big day, the bride-to-be gave up her
job to go in for elaborate beauty
treatments.
But suddenly everything changed.
First he started giving elusive replies
regarding their soon-to-be-
solemnised wedding, and one day he
gave her a bitter tongue-lashing
without any reason and then for a
fortnight his mobile was switched off.
He was unreachable and his sister
and his friends also found it strange.
The bride confided in her mother
regarding his changed attitude and
both the parents met to discuss it.
It was there that they came to
know that he had been laid off by his
company and was still trying to come
to terms. Now, with his family and
fiancée’s support, he is looking for a
job in some other company. The
wedding plans have been put on the
back burner till then.
Sometimes, a person feels so
distraught that he or she fails to
reason that nothing is wrong with his
or her performance. It is the
company’s policy to lay off some
people to save their expenditure. It
is a fight for their survival.
Pooja, a Delhi University topper,
who was struggling for a job for some
time, recently got a good opening in a
private IT firm. She sent the news to
all her friends and well-wishers,
informing them of her success story.
A week later, one of her friends
called her to enquire about the nature
of her work and was in for a shock
when Pooja said, “Well, we are all
having our last supper together. After
this, the curtains will be drawn on the
company, and we all will go to our
respective destinations.”
The friend was left wondering
whether it was some kind of a bad
joke, but no, it was reality. The parent
company had stopped outsourcing to
SOMETIMES,
A PERSON FEELS
SO DISTRAUGHT
THAT HE OR SHE
FAILS TO REASON
THAT NOTHING
IS WRONG WITH
HIS OR HER
PERFORMANCE.
IT IS THE
COMPANY’S
POLICY TO LAY
OFF SOME
PEOPLE TO
SAVE THEIR
EXPENDITURE. IT
IS A FIGHT FOR
THEIR SURVIVAL.
them and they were a small fish to
survive in these turbulent waters. As
she was new to the company it did
not affect her so much, though she
knows she will have to start afresh.
Suresh, Pooja’s CEO, however,
was jittery. He was married with two
school-going kids. He was
comfortable with the pay package,
out of which he was paying monthly
instalments for his flat, his newly-
acquired luxury Honda car and his
children’s school fees.
He was at his wits’ end about how
to break the news to his family. His
kids would ask their father, “Is it the
end of road for us? Do we have to
sleep on the roads or have to go
without schools or, worst of all, starve
ourselves?” But he couldn’t answer
their questions; some of their fears
might come true. Those sleeping on
velvety beds and enjoying all the
luxuries of life suddenly faced a bleak
future. He was a badly shaken,
broken man; his as well as his
children’s future was at stake. It is
very difficult to get a job soon and in
its absence life was unimaginable for
him. No amount of kind words could
provide any solace to him.
Shamita was very happy to have
got a job with the world’s most
renowned sportswear company and
every sportsman/sportswomen feels
honoured in sporting their brands.
She was making foreign trips on and
off, the salary package, work culture,
she loved everything. She had
recently purchased a flat for herself
and had started paying her EMIs.
She felt almost settled in life and her
parents were contemplating marriage
for her. But then the company
decided to close their operations here
and shifted base to the US. With a
few months’ salary in advance, all the
staff was laid off. Like others, she is
also passing through a rough phase,
having to fend for herself as well as
her dream house.
It is always so sudden – people
never have an inkling what is going to
happen the next moment. They are
IN THE SHOWER CUBICLE
As the water
Slides through my body.
Warm
Smooth
Mischievous
And naughty.
Brushing my eyes,
Kissing my lips.
Caressing my breast,
Moving through my waist.
Which feel like
Sneaking slyly between my thighs, Your fingers
Soaring my desires Making love to me
Higher in the shower cubicle.
and
Higher.
134
given no time to reflect or protest,
they are simply given the notice and
are escorted out of the office by their
seniors. They do not have an access
to any of the office property – their
desk or laptop to gather or delete the
My eyes shut,
My fantasies bright.
My lips fluttering,
My heart throbbing.
At the very touch of
Soft
Soothing
Immaculate
Drops.
– Sonal Prasad, Patna.
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
data. In case a little time is given to
the people, one can witness gory
scenes as had happened in Noida
recently, where the head of
operations of a company was brutally
murdered. In fact, they can never
enter the premises they had been
frequenting daily.
The head of the operations of the
company also develop cold feet
before executing such harsh
decisions for the sake of the
company. They also have a human
side. A very senior officer drawing a
fat salary, offered to resign to save a
few heads. Another very senior
officer with a very reputed company,
once commented, “It is D-day today –
how torturous it is for me to
announce the layoffs. I could not
sleep for the last two nights because
I can well imagine what lies in store
for them. It is the most dreaded
moment for the person serving these
harsh sentences on behalf of the
company as well as for ones who are
getting them.” We
162 Crossword
F A M I L Y P H O T O

✂
CONTEST
1 2 3 4 5 6
I A

Tear along the dotted line and mail to Crossword No. 162 Woman’s Era, Delhi Press, New Delhi-110 055.
E
7
O

I L V
8 9
T K

M
10 11
G
12 13 14
I O
15
O E
16 17

18

19 20
R E E

Across
1. To continue to exist for longer than
expected (6)
4. With little colour, excitement or interest;
without anything to attract attention (5)
7. A poisonous substance in tobacco that
people become addicted to, so that it
is difficult to stop smoking (8)
8. A deep wide channel that was dug
around a castle, etc. and filled with water
to make it more difficult for enemies to
attack (4)
9. Annoying or irritating (7)
10. A game played by two teams of 13 or 15
players, using an oval ball which may be
kicked or carried. Teams try to put the
ball over the other team’s line (5)
12. A serious infectious disease in which
swellings appear on the lungs and other
parts of the body (2)
1. A liquid, especially one made with oil,
that you rub on a painful part of your
body to reduce the pain (8)
2. A sweet liquid that is produced by
flowers and collected by bees for making
honey (6)
3. A fence made of vertical metal bars;
one of these bars (7)
4. Not encouraging or giving any reason to
have hope (5) Please accept my entry for the
5. The scientific study of the structure of
human or animal bodies (7)
crossword competition. I
6. A person who drives a vehicle (6) subscribe to all the rules and
10. An increase in an amount, a number
or a level (4) regulations of the competition.
11. That is over there; that you can see over
there (6) Name
13. To make something increase, or become
better or more successful (5)
Down

15. The electrode in an electrical device 14. One of the five powers (sight, hearing,
where oxidation occurs; the positive smell, taste and touch) that your body Address
electrode in an electrolytic cell and the uses to get information about the world
negative electrode in a battery (5) around you (5)
16. Any small animal that belongs to a 17. To fasten sb/sth with string, rope, etc. (3)
group of animals with strong sharp front City Pin
teeth (6)
18. Anger (3)
19. Angry or violent disagreement between
two people or groups of people (6)
20. A metal pin that is used to fasten
two pieces of leather, metal, etc.
together (5)
✂

136 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

 WIN UP TO
Winners of Crossword - 159
Rs15,000 IN CASH PRIZES

Manoj Thomas, Chennai. Raj Kumar, Shajanpur. Rekha Sharma, New Delhi.

Jayashree D. Prema Menon

Kamath, Trichur. Radha Sasikumar, Kochi. , Cochin.

Vijayalakshm Vasudha Arya

i, Bhopal. Ramachandra. M. Bhat, Bangalore. , New Delhi.

Seema, Panc Sunil Kumar,

hkula. Sowmya Unni, Pune. Faridabad.

Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009 137

162 Crossword
F A M
CWinners
I
O Nof Crossword
TES - 159
L
T
Y P H O T O

.
batore. Dr Binita Sarkar, Ranchi. Bairy, Manipal
Soorya, Coim G. Muralidhar

Ritu Manglik,
Meerut. Janhavi Sawrikar, Hyderabad. la, Allahabad.
Bharat Chaw

e. , Gurgaon.
are, Bangalor Richa Sharma, Jaipur. Mamta Pandey
Suman Deodh

ar. Noida.
Yamuna Nag Jai Bhagwan,
B. S. Chadha, Balwant Singh Rawat, Nainital.

138 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009

 WIN UP TO
Rs15,000 IN CASH PRIZES

Winners of Crossword - 159 Rules and Regulations

A prize of Rs 15,000 will
be given to the person
sending an all-correct
solution. In case there are
more than one sender of an
all-correct solution, the prize
amount will be divided
among the first 30
competitors chosen by lot.
Renee M. Cha
nda,
Major Sunil Verma, Talbahat, The decision of the manage-
Mumbai.
C/o 56 APO. ment will be final and
binding. Entries must be on
the crossword printed here.
Photocopies will not be
accepted.
Entries must be sent so
as to reach Woman’s Era
by 31 October 2009, by
ordinary post. No corres -
pondence in this matter will
D. S. B. Pras be entertained.
ad Rao, Vizianag Naresh Sha, New Delhi.
rm. The contest is not open
to the employees of Delhi
Press. Every entry should
be accompanied by the
sender’s family photo. If you
are declared a winner, your
family picture may be
printed in the oncoming
issue. Please send a signed
declaration that you have
no objection to printing your
Ashwin H. Gaj Uma Nataraj, Bijapur. family picture.
iwala, Surat.

Answers to Crossword-159

n w in
Across: 1. Anaesthesia,
6. Ampersand, 9. ID, 10. Beard,
w i o rd
12. Ointment, 14. Ache, 15. Blog,
16. Aunt, 17. Glad, 18. Rac,
19. Led, 21. Cpu, 22. Arm, n
i ur w
23. Beam
W yo wer
Down: 1. An
3. Serum ,
alogue, 2. Alpi
4. So da,
8. Net, 11. R
5.
ne,
Arid,
acetrack,
o n p o
7. Abnegate, d, 17. Gear,
, 15. Brai
13. Beaucoup . D am
19. Li e, 20

Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009 139


Q&
How to prepare whitish creamy
pastes for curries?
For the creamy white texture in
the various curries, pastes of cashew
nuts, coconuts or magaj (peeled
melon seeds) can be used together
with the other ingredients. You can
use khoya, also called mawa, in the
various gravies to make them more
rich and tasty.
Cooked vegetables tend to go bad
very soon if left out of the
refrigerator. Can we do something to
avoid this?
Cooked vegetables going bad
A
very soon in the summers is part of
the hot weather. We cannot avoid it
completely, but to some extent we
can delay the decaying process. Add
a little vinegar while preparing the
gravy.
How to prepare laddus from besan,
suji and aata?
Preparation of laddus from besan,
suji and aata is very simple , but quite
time consuming. The procedure is
the same for all three. You have to
roast the ingredients with an
appropriate amount of desi ghee on a
slow flame, till golden brown in
colour. Cool for a while and add
castor sugar, powdered cardamom,
coarsely-ground dry fruits of your
choice and mix well. Form into
laddus.
Kitchen
Queries
QQ
How can we store fresh green
peas to be used in the summer
season?
Green peas can be stored for the
summer season in two ways: first is
you can dry them in the shade so that
their natural green colour is not lost.
The second is storing them in the
freezer compartment of the
refrigerator.
Buy fresh, green and good quality
peas, peel them, put them in boiling
water for a few minutes and spread
them on a cloth after removing the
water. Pack in freezer bags when
cold and store.
Q
How can we keep our kitchen sinks
sparkling clean?
For a sparkling white sink, place
paper towels across the bottom of
your sink and saturate with
household bleach. Wash after half an
hour. Use a cloth dampened with
methylated spirit to remove water
spots from stainless steel sinks.
Spots on stainless steel sinks can
also be removed with white vinegar.
Club soda will also shine up stainless
steel sink in a jiffy.
Q
Please tell us how to clean the
ceramic tiles in the kitchen.
For lightly dirty tiles wash with a
solution of 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/2 a
cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of
washing soda and one gallon warm
water.
For extensive stains, make a
paste of baking soda and bleach,
then scrub with a small brush. Rinse
thoroughly.
How to clean choked tea particles
from a tea strainer?
The best way to clean a tea
strainer is to clean it every day with
an old toothbrush. This will prevent
the holes from getting clogged.
Q
Oily snacks are okay in the winter
season, but in the hot summer
months, it will be nice if the fried
snacks can be made a little less oily.
Is this possible, if so, how?
Most of us enjoy eating fried and
spicy snacks, but we are also aware
that these fried snacks do us more
harm than good, so we reluctantly
give in to temptation.
We can safely indulge in making
and eating them by doing the
following: add one tablespoonful of
vinegar to the oil in which you are
going to deep-fry snacks. This will
keep the food from absorbing too
much fat or oil and also eliminate the
greasy taste. Hence your snacks will
be healthier too.
– Savita Bhargava.
If you have any
problem in cooking or
kitchen, write to Woman’s Era.
We shall try to help you
sort it out.
Address your queries to:
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 CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED BRIDE
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CONTACT Wing Commander N. K. Kaila for
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SEMEN DONOR
A healthy, handsome, attractive, well-placed
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EDUCATIONAL
STUDY centres, Coaching centres and
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FREE education is fundamental right of child,
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Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
TOUR & TRAVELS
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For Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital,
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Contact phone 22459136 fax 911122502959
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FOR advice/guidance regarding people manage-
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Photographer: Hemant Kedar
Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009
On the Jungle Trail –
Over a decade has passed since I
got married to an Indian Forest
Service officer of the Andhra Pradesh
cadre. As soon as my marriage got
settled, friends and relatives drew
rosy pictures of my life ahead – big
bungalows, a team of attenders etc.,
etc. For a girl brought up in the heart
of north India, Allahabad, I was a bit
apprehensive about dislocating to the
land of idli, sambhar, lungis,
muttuswamis and ammas. (A very
sincere apology to all my south
Indian friends – I am very much an
amma myself now.)
Well, the D-day arrived.
Ceremonies over, we were finally on
the train home – in Andhra Pradesh.
At that time my husband was posted
as Sub-DFO, Asifabad, and we had
to get down from the Ganga-Cauvery
Express at Sirpur Kagaz Nagar, the
nearest rail-head. As the stoppage
was of only two minutes I was afraid
that we may miss the small station.
But my husband assured me that we
could easily smell the station. Soon I
understood what he meant – a very
strong pungent smell comes from the
paper mill at Sirpur Kagaz Nagar,
and anyone who has travelled on that
route can easily identify it.
It was midnight when the train
reached Kagaz Nagar. The coach
attendant literally threw our luggage
behind us on the platform after we
had hastily disembarked. The station
was dimly lighted, small and dusty.
We took a rickety auto, and clutched
our suitcases as it went jumping over
big pot-holes towards the forest
complex. I was looking forward to
resting in a comfortable guest house,
but my husband wryly informed that
the old dak bungalow had been
blown up by the Naxalites. So,
instead, we went and woke up my
husband’s batchmate, who was Sub
DFO, Kagaz Nagar. He was a
bachelor, and had very spartan
furnishings, but very gallantly
provided us his bedroom in the
middle of the night, and moved
himself out to the verandah, fending
off mosquitoes.
Next day, we reached our house
in Asifabad. It was an old cottage
with a thatched roof, and teeming
with snakes and scorpions. Our
residence was on the outskirts of the
little town, and a panther used to
frequent the campus in the night. A
trap was put up for the panther by the
forest guards, and it was soon caught.
It was a defiant, majestic, ferocious
animal. The divisional forest officer
arrived and he decided that the
panther would be transported to
dense jungle and released there. The
panther cage was loaded in one van,
while the forest people accompanied
it in two open Jeeps. The DFO asked
me to come along with them and see
how the panther was released. We
travelled to very dense forest and the
panther was allowed to go free.
On the way back, while the rest of
the party went ahead, we stopped our
Jeep at a waterfall. While my husband
decided to climb to the top of the
waterfall, I preferred to stay near the
Jeep. The DFO stayed behind with
me as he said that the forest was not a
safe place to stay alone.
The DFO asked me to get inside
the Jeep, while he quickly climbed
the bonnet, started thumping his feet
loudly, flinging his arms wildly, and
shouting loudly. For a second I forgot
my fear and felt like laughing seeing
the hundred-kg elderly DFO
performing a war dance on the Jeep
bonnet. Then I also had some
presence of mind and started pressing
the horn. The bear was confused and
stopped in its tracks.
Hearing the din, my husband and
the driver came rushing back. The
bear gave us one last menacing glance
and disappeared in the forest. We
gave a sigh of relief, hastily started
the Jeep, and proceeded home. It had
been a narrow escape because bears
have been known to attack and kill
people, and they are especially
attracted to women and children.
– Dr Ruchi Singh, Andhra Pradesh.
145
 READABLE chairman of the board, after he
WOMEN’S ERA switched over from the Telugu
Desam party to the Congress. The
I was in a myth that liquor bottles and used condoms
Woman’s Era is a incident took place in the TTD temple
woman’s magazine till guest house in Hyderabad which was
I read it. My wife buys widely telecast by regional channels
it regularly and enjoys its reading and newspapers, barring those owing
thoroughly. I was surprised to see my allegiance to the ruling party. There
wife engrossed in a Woman’s Era as was vehement public opposition
I thought it wastage of time. when a liquor baron was appointed
Once on my wife’s request I as the head of TTD, a religious
MO DERN
WHY SUCH SILLY picked it up and to my surprise I institution of global reputation.
HOUSEW IVES
ARE

GLAMOUR GAL
There’s a
S
in what wome
big difference By Nalini Sharma
n at
CLAMPDOWNS? didn’t leave it till I finished it. What I However, all public opposition was
and are now.
home were housewife
lly, the word who does
Traditiona
days when
the married woman her home.
refers to a

liked most was its articles, features

one are the

set aside.
work outside different,

Kudos to your
’ conjured have paid be

G
word ‘housewife eyes the not is supposed to
one’s She to her home
up before harried dedicated e of the
image of
an ill-clad docile and
confidence family. Irrespectiv
laid down
by
woman lacking engaged and g norms g husband
appeal suffocatin
and sex domineerin
in household society and her , she
full time living conditions and
like cooking, to with
agonising sacrificing
drudgery adjusting,
and launderingase has to be a life invariably
cleaning
hard-to-ple ng. Such ty. She
please her self-effaci and individuali
family the
and other own kills her spirits cooped up within

stimulating feature and stories touching all facets of You have aptly raised another
children of her away in the
husband, no identity wastes
With ’s her household
members. somebody walls of
known as With four of family honour.
she was or identity. name
sister, wife at their
daughter, gadgets
POINT
TO DRIVE THE
of life
all the facilitating the quality
improve
disposal to present a stark contrast about the
were point home r
these womencounterpa rts who To drive my r in the demeanou
d to
to their old robots conditione changeove s I would
than magic y housewive
more like dull domestic tasks present-da decade-old example
with of a off
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Modern Housewives family life including women and men. question “Who is going to check
lively human a petite girl with the instruction
life. been of your
verve and er has by her parents die there serving
changeov the and first
The is like “Live there The very
ary. It ugly duckling and family.” beat her
revolution
tion of an her modular husband husband
her drunkard as she, being a
transforma swan. In y night, a trifle
into a beautiful tall and impeccabl up over to his
to respond he
kitchen, standinglatest trendy outfits, novice, failed in the way
in the events overtures
dressed with the latest amorous his behaviour
well acquainted looks the expected. Finding terrified
world, she , she ran of
around the of grace
and beauty
beyond endurance instead

Not only contents are informative but

they,
parents but

are Glamour Gals these activities?” In fence eating

perfect picture out the tastiest dishes of to her providing
her
her and to
as she churnstickle the taste buds supporting solace, sent her back
in a jiffy that of good food. A super- strength and of family
urs and in the name her
connoisse superb confidence tip the hell hole ndingly,
a
woman with could give Condesce creating
l skills she the honour. accepted her back returned
manageria managem ent like husband thing
or two on as to any much fuss! The poor only to lick the
Dabbawal
famous Mumbai of a huge all the more terrified
manager
hard-core
n.
organisatio

( WE : July I, 2009) entertaining also and reform as well grass cases, law enforcing agencies
● July (First) 2009
Era
Woman’s

which gave the correct perspective as enhance way of living. shun carrying out raids as they are
on today’s modern homemakers. Now, I am anxious of getting its helpless. Or better still they dare not
Yes, indeed, gone are the days of the latest issue and finish its reading touch big and powerful people like
dowdy and diffident housewife who before my wife picks it up. politicians.
was made to believe that she had to My wife also comments on me No wonder, nefarious activities
live with her fate, sans any whimper. that I am becoming feminine. I may like human trafficking and using
Yet, all is not as hunky-dory as suggest you include more temple guest houses for shady
one would like to believe. There are inspirational stories and interviews activities continue. Because of the
still pockets in our country where with celebrities. I appreciate your nexus between corrupt politicians
women are not treated with dignity moderate pricing of the magazine. and bureaucrats and law-enforcing
and these are not necessarily the – Jaiprakash Narain Agrawal, agencies’ ostrich-like attitude, law
backwaters of society. Even today, Noida. breakers get emboldened and carry
female foeticide is rampant, the male- on antisocial activities like flesh
female ratio is depressing, tourism.
compulsory minimum-basic edu - EDITORIA
L
by the CBI
Director,
and
act as
RELIGIOUS PLACES – Pisipati Sriram Prasad,
OR
this, disclosure Ministry shouldnip this
In light of by the Home tion to
released big
also data principles for the administramay prove a
L PROBLEM , this problem at
the the
guiding may be put
bud. Otherwise in future, when it is rampant.
AN ETERNA been said and written aboutEvery evil in the

Hyderabad.
for our countrywhere flesh tourism

cation for a girl is on the back burner

in India. headache
uch has countries
human trafficking and women

M
disappear
problem of
year, thousands
of children
homes. Fortunate
from their by the police, which to their
are traced
among themepitome of passivity,
ones from
has now
and restored of these
par with such

ecently,
APT RECOM Law Commission
MENDATIONS
the Centralmarriages of NRI not
boys
is
that most So far, it

R ded making
recommen girls mandatory .

VICE-DENS?
become an the grim reality remains back. And no one registered
in
families. But are never
traced with Indian to get such marriages
missing persons about their fate. Director
Ashwini
statutorily
required d a big
seems to
bother by the CBI aspect of are considereto marry
rather shocking the country. society, daughters wish
Recent disclosure in New In Indian s. Parents ble

and medical amenities for women are

another, two-day seminar
Kumar highlights During a of pilgrimage in common
household
as she attains marriageawell
problem. places liability as soon daughters
this eternal that the holy increase in the cases off their daughter to see their
Delhi, he
disclosed s coastal parents want husbands. grooms has
tremendou
states, southern age. All the settled with their NRI
are also witnessing Among all leading the demand of
trafficking. and Karnataka are Of late, the in the wedding
of human many folds a tag of ‘settled
Tamil Nadu and increased
states of trafficking
of human What is more, carrying
after. But
sadly,
tally in terms market. Boys much sought make thorough
woman abuses. about 85 per abroad’ are fail to
child- and to e boys in
to the Director,
are subjected many parents
the prospectiv .
according n about
the victims within the investigatio to many constraints
cent of abuses abroad due are not
types of of human India and the parents checks.

certainly not on the top of the This refers to your

various words, evils abuse dably, all such
In other and woman Understan carry out
country.
and child- in our society and strong to grooms ditch their
trafficking firm roots financially the
in this But when
ultimately all their dreams
have taken indulging they find
people are wives midway, s
our own themselve
our system girls find
heinous crime. is that neither shattered. foreign

The prize is awarded to:

But the irony to identify such
criminal The haplesslot of troubles in a
are d by the Indian
able
nor we are Even if some people for surrounde most cases, even
In help such
are acquitted country. unable to
elements.
most of them the data of Home abroad are no legal proof that
nabbed, as missions have most,
proof, 2007, they At the
want of solid In the year girls because and so person. India to be

government’s agenda. Richly informative and

2007 shows. on be deserted married to so to
Ministry for people were arrested 3220 could they are girls back
But only send such
total 9861 these missions in our
human trafficking. simply acquitted. places are
families. are treated
charges of with their such cases duped,
and rest were and pilgrimage If a reunitedno secret how about such to the
convicted even religious traffickers. It is babbling them
And now for the human nt along with People start girls often driving
safe havens Governme soon society. and deserted
turning into by the Centralthese places will n Singh has

Nirmala Khemlani, Pune.

ditched suicide.
report prepared believed, if their activities of committing
nt under
Dr Manmoha person.
is to be traffickers point is a refined
UNICEF dens for human New Governme reigns. He qualified.
become big order to the country’s are also highlycome at an
in time. places in taken up cabinet members dations have
are not curbed to these that their up
people travelcompletely unaware Most of his nt must take

In an era when men and women thought-provoking

Innocent What else n’s recommen
But they are salvation. condoms Law Commissio new Governmesuch laws at once
find solace. themselve s need time. The frame girls
and used opportune priority basis and with Indian
salvers are empty liquor bottles Tirupati temple this issue
on
of NRIs’ marriages be saved
of
e of trust
managing to check registration of girls could
recovery
Who is going that law making a number unscrupul ous men,
from the guesthous shows? seen . Only then, of just to
Pradesh at mandatory into the clutches brides in India
in Andhra It is generally out raids from falling purpose is to ditch
these activities? shun carrying m We
nt agencies could be riots. whose sole abroad.
enforceme there the society, vested interests to: letters@womansera.co
places lest the part of fulfil their write
religious apathy on seems to
But this general ing agencies places.
law-enforc
tion and at the religious

are moving shoulder to shoulder, editorial An eternal

administra elements (First) 2009
anti-social Era ● June
embolden Woman’s

attention and energy is being problem ( Woman’s Era , June I). A WOMAN'S ERA
exhausted by trivial matters like shocking aspect of human trafficking invites readers’
‘safety’ dress code for girls. This, in as revealed by CBI top honcho opinions and
Kanpur, where girls were prevented Ashwini Kumar is that the holy places reactions on
articles, short stories
from wearing jeans or skirts to college of pilgrimage are also witnessing
and features published
because the authorities thought it rampant increase in the cases of in Woman’s Era. The best
invited harassment. Another salvo human trafficking. letter will be given a prize of
fired was that lady teachers could not Your editorial observation that Rs 500. Address your letters by
wear sleeveless blouses, since they “What else recovery of liquor bottles E-mail to: letters@womansera.com
were role-models for the girl students. and used condoms from the guest or by post to:
Was this not an infringement on the house of trust managing Tirupati AS YOU SAY
personal rights of individuals? temple in Andhra Pradesh shows?”
Thankfully, this order was revoked Speaks volumes of the TTD trust’s E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055.
after disgruntled protests. When will management of guest houses and Womansera.com
we learn to rise above such silly the eternal problem. Name:
clampdowns and divert our energies The TTD trust board is being Mobile:
to more demanding issues? managed by a liquor baron of the E-mail:
– Nirmala Khemlani, Pune. ruling party, who was appointed

146 Woman’s Era ● September (Second) 2009