At every stage of my life, I have had several happy spaces of my own. These spaces are very significant to me, as they are my own personal islands where I spend time with myself. And now as the years have flown by, and though I have not been able to access them physically, in time of stress, the stirring nostalgic memories of those particular spaces soothe and please me.
Even today, when the sun shines warmly on a crisp winter morning, I am transported to the happy place where I grew up. I had made a nest for myself in the tiny attic, where my mother used to store jars of pickles and old boxes. The sun streamed in through the square window and warmed the room, while the wind whispered and rustled the leaves of the lychee tree nearby. Once school broke for winter holidays, I would spend the entire day there, sprawled on the woven straw mat, surrounded by stuffed cushions, reading my latest loot from the library. The reading was interrupted with stuffed cheese parathas for breakfast and endless cups of tea with milk and sugar. I can still hear echoes of laughter and see the delight on the faces of my friends. It was a place where I used to laugh, cry and spin improbable dreams.
In my college days, I found refuge under the big banyan tree in the central courtyard. I found a special joy in that space. I would sit there for hours on end, reading books and making notes when the exams came really close. When I wasn't in a mood to study, I would choose an old favourite classic and rifle through it. My attention would wander sometimes from the printed pages to see the city --- completely stretched out, its broad streets and green squares, the silver glint that was the river and the bridges that spanned them.
More recently, my happy spaces include the gulmohor fringed terrace of my flat where I lived when I first moved to this city. This was the venue of many impromptu parties, a place where my friends would gather for barbeque and beer. Over the spitting coals, the lamb roasted while the stars formed a canopy and the soft breeze lulled our senses. This was the vantage point where I first fell in love with the city's winter, with its swirling mysterious fog enveloping everything on its wake. I can still smell the peat burning in the fire, it's red hot smoldering cheerfulness, the smell of tobacco, beer and the filmy layer that frying chips left in the air.
Ofcourse, there are a lot of other places that qualify as happy spaces for me. There is my favourite corner at Barista on MG road, where I can curl up with my favourite book and a strong cup of coffee whenever I want some downtime. The wide windows provide a broad view of the sidewalks, where people take a stroll and swagger in a colourful pedestrian parade. Or the green pastures of Empress Garden, which is the best place to go for a walk as the day winds down. And strangely enough, I find happy spaces in long-haul flights as well, where you can settle down with a glass of wine and watch crappy movies back-to-back without feeling the least bit guilty of wasting time.
I guess at the end of the day, a happy space is where you create some warm and fuzzy memories for yourself. These days, the happiest place for me is the red sofa in my living room where I unwind after a hard day at work.
All of us have happy spaces. Some exist in a physical form and some remain only in our minds. But even if they survive in our minds, they always make life happier with their existence.
Monday, January 24, 2011
of accessories and more
Hermes, the Parisian brand, has opened it's outlet in the city at Hotel Ista, Nagar road. Barnalee Handique visited the store.
If you are a connosieur of high-end products, then the Hermes Boutique at Hotel Ista at Nagar Road is a must visit. The newly opened store is the second step in Hermes presence in the country. The very first store of the Parisian brand was launched in Delhi two years, ago. Speaking about the brand, Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director, Hermes India, says, “ Hermes is a group of international standing that remains committed to the ongoing brand and application of savoir-faire, while pursuing its quest for fresh avenues of creating. “
For the unitiated, the brand was launched in 1837 by Thiery Hermes in Paris as harness and saddle- maker workshop. Since it's inception the brand has grown with a creative loyalty to the essential values handed down by its founders, who guided its first steps through a century eager for progress and change. Today, Hermes is synonymous with perfection, showcasing high quality products made from the best materials and highest standards. It brings together thepast, present and future in its application of traditional craftmanship combined with the finest materials, to create innovative and beautiful products.
A great deal of thought was given before selecting Pune for setting up it's second outlet. Reveals Michaud, “Pune is one of the fastest growing cities and has all the right ingredients for the brand to flourish. Moreover, the city's proximity to Mumbai makes the city an ideal location and an added boon. Its historical race tracks also connects with the origins of the Hermes House, which is the horse.”
The store fondly called the orange box, is named after the quaint orange boxes used for packing the products. Surrounded by glass windows, the outlet can be compared to a small case witnessing in all details, the values and know how of Hermes. This fashionable boutique truly takes creativity, beauty and style to an altogether different level and promises to make shopping a cherished experience! On display are goods made out of exquisite leather, scarves, watches, ties and jewellery. As you step into the store, a trained assisstant guides you through the product list.
Michaud promises that the store will keep on introducing new products throughout the year. AS for the price, it rangesfrom Rs 50,000 onwards. “For instance, a Hermes bag costs Rs 4 lakh or more. So for shoppers, the sky is the limit,” quips in Michaud.
As for it's future plans, the brand plans to open its flagship store in Mumbai this year.
If you are a connosieur of high-end products, then the Hermes Boutique at Hotel Ista at Nagar Road is a must visit. The newly opened store is the second step in Hermes presence in the country. The very first store of the Parisian brand was launched in Delhi two years, ago. Speaking about the brand, Bertrand Michaud, Managing Director, Hermes India, says, “ Hermes is a group of international standing that remains committed to the ongoing brand and application of savoir-faire, while pursuing its quest for fresh avenues of creating. “
For the unitiated, the brand was launched in 1837 by Thiery Hermes in Paris as harness and saddle- maker workshop. Since it's inception the brand has grown with a creative loyalty to the essential values handed down by its founders, who guided its first steps through a century eager for progress and change. Today, Hermes is synonymous with perfection, showcasing high quality products made from the best materials and highest standards. It brings together thepast, present and future in its application of traditional craftmanship combined with the finest materials, to create innovative and beautiful products.
A great deal of thought was given before selecting Pune for setting up it's second outlet. Reveals Michaud, “Pune is one of the fastest growing cities and has all the right ingredients for the brand to flourish. Moreover, the city's proximity to Mumbai makes the city an ideal location and an added boon. Its historical race tracks also connects with the origins of the Hermes House, which is the horse.”
The store fondly called the orange box, is named after the quaint orange boxes used for packing the products. Surrounded by glass windows, the outlet can be compared to a small case witnessing in all details, the values and know how of Hermes. This fashionable boutique truly takes creativity, beauty and style to an altogether different level and promises to make shopping a cherished experience! On display are goods made out of exquisite leather, scarves, watches, ties and jewellery. As you step into the store, a trained assisstant guides you through the product list.
Michaud promises that the store will keep on introducing new products throughout the year. AS for the price, it rangesfrom Rs 50,000 onwards. “For instance, a Hermes bag costs Rs 4 lakh or more. So for shoppers, the sky is the limit,” quips in Michaud.
As for it's future plans, the brand plans to open its flagship store in Mumbai this year.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Our system is on trial
I have been trying to form an opinion on Dr Binayak Sen. He has been awarded a life sentence. So he must be a dangerous person. But it is hard to believe that a man who's worked for the downtrodden for 30 long years can be guilty of sedition and conspiracy.
His journey began the day he became a gold medallist from the Christian Medical College, Vellore, where it is difficult even to get admitted. With such brilliant academic record, he could have chosen any renowned foreign university for his post-graduation and led a comfortable life that comes with dollar earning in millions. He could have been requested one day to treat our top politicians as a visiting physician. Instead, he opted for a life among the poor tribals of Chhattisgarh. Like the rest of the medicos, he did not roll up his car windows, turn the AC on, or pucker up his nose at the beggars knocking at the window.
Things were fine as long as he kept himself busy with distributing medicines among the poor. But he had to dabble in human rights. That was not acceptable. For Dr Sen, it wasn't enough to treat the poor, he had to fight for them and to persuade the poor to fight for their own rights. He said, they did need the medicines, but they also needed to fight for their food and their dignity. He felt the state tolerates charitable work as long as it doesn't hamper the interests of the rich and the powerful.
And Dr Sen had the audacity to blame the state for the diseases like malaria,dengue and cholera, which keep ravaging the fetid slums across the country. He held the state responsible for the malnourishment among half our children. He steadfastly opposed government schemes, which meant eviction of thousands of tribals from their homes. Is this is seditious stuff? The government counsels patience to the poor. They can wait. And they are kept waiting.
Even the trial of Dr Sen raises many questions. The Chhattisgarh police have been successful in converting it into a campaign. Dr Sen's supporters across the world have raised a cry that justice was flawed. Shocked human rights organisations have protested against the judgement in unison. They argue that there is absolutely no evidence against Dr Sen. It is almost as if our judicial system itself is on trial. And the most disquieting factor in the episode is that Dr Sen's case may make people feel that no change is possible by remaining within the system.
His journey began the day he became a gold medallist from the Christian Medical College, Vellore, where it is difficult even to get admitted. With such brilliant academic record, he could have chosen any renowned foreign university for his post-graduation and led a comfortable life that comes with dollar earning in millions. He could have been requested one day to treat our top politicians as a visiting physician. Instead, he opted for a life among the poor tribals of Chhattisgarh. Like the rest of the medicos, he did not roll up his car windows, turn the AC on, or pucker up his nose at the beggars knocking at the window.
Things were fine as long as he kept himself busy with distributing medicines among the poor. But he had to dabble in human rights. That was not acceptable. For Dr Sen, it wasn't enough to treat the poor, he had to fight for them and to persuade the poor to fight for their own rights. He said, they did need the medicines, but they also needed to fight for their food and their dignity. He felt the state tolerates charitable work as long as it doesn't hamper the interests of the rich and the powerful.
And Dr Sen had the audacity to blame the state for the diseases like malaria,dengue and cholera, which keep ravaging the fetid slums across the country. He held the state responsible for the malnourishment among half our children. He steadfastly opposed government schemes, which meant eviction of thousands of tribals from their homes. Is this is seditious stuff? The government counsels patience to the poor. They can wait. And they are kept waiting.
Even the trial of Dr Sen raises many questions. The Chhattisgarh police have been successful in converting it into a campaign. Dr Sen's supporters across the world have raised a cry that justice was flawed. Shocked human rights organisations have protested against the judgement in unison. They argue that there is absolutely no evidence against Dr Sen. It is almost as if our judicial system itself is on trial. And the most disquieting factor in the episode is that Dr Sen's case may make people feel that no change is possible by remaining within the system.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The new girl in town
If a person is known by his testimonials, then Shweta Dolli is one hell of a gal. This 21-year old has recently bagged the Femina Ms India South 2011, held at Hyderabad last month. She is presently undergoing training at The Tiara Pageant and Model Training Academy, under the able guidance of Ritika Ramatri, pageant coach. Reveals Ramatri, “The day she walked into the studio, I noticed the grit and dete
rmination in her. She was steadfast and religiously followed what was expected of her. By the end of the training I didn’t have to second guess myself, leave alone her. I knew she would make it. She was coming home with a crown for sure.” But no one describes Shweta better, then Shweta herself. She says, “I have always been a go-getter.I know if you can dream about it, you can achieve it too. I am ready to go through gruelling routines, to achieve my goals. Afterall, hard work pays at the end of the day.”
Her determination and patience is not the only thing this lady is known for. While we were doing our research this lady, we were surprised by her diverse talents. A graduate in mathematics from Delhi University, she is presently preparing for her MBA entrance. She is an avid sportsperson and public speaking is her forte. leisure time she loves to read and keeps herself abreast with the changing times.But modelling is her first love, and she is purposeful about it. And no one says it better than La Dolli. “I am extremely ambitious. I don’t know why people are afraid to say that.I wont sell my soul to the devil, but I do want success and i don’t think that’s bad. Even as we sign off, Dolli is gearing up for the grand finale the Pantaloon Femina Ms India 2011, to be held in the month of April.
rmination in her. She was steadfast and religiously followed what was expected of her. By the end of the training I didn’t have to second guess myself, leave alone her. I knew she would make it. She was coming home with a crown for sure.” But no one describes Shweta better, then Shweta herself. She says, “I have always been a go-getter.I know if you can dream about it, you can achieve it too. I am ready to go through gruelling routines, to achieve my goals. Afterall, hard work pays at the end of the day.”
Her determination and patience is not the only thing this lady is known for. While we were doing our research this lady, we were surprised by her diverse talents. A graduate in mathematics from Delhi University, she is presently preparing for her MBA entrance. She is an avid sportsperson and public speaking is her forte. leisure time she loves to read and keeps herself abreast with the changing times.But modelling is her first love, and she is purposeful about it. And no one says it better than La Dolli. “I am extremely ambitious. I don’t know why people are afraid to say that.I wont sell my soul to the devil, but I do want success and i don’t think that’s bad. Even as we sign off, Dolli is gearing up for the grand finale the Pantaloon Femina Ms India 2011, to be held in the month of April.
For a glass of sparkling wine
Bird in Hand, the well known Australian winery, has launched a bouguet of wines in the city , says Barnalee Handique
A good bottle of wine complements any meal. Ask Andrew Nugent,marketing Director and wine maker of Bird in Hand winery, who was at The Marriot recently to launch a bouquet of wines. “ Yes, good wine is a perfect accompaniment to any dish. However, Pairing happens in two basic ways- by complementing a process for striving for similar flavours.Se
condly by contrast, by finding a perfect the wine, which lends a something extra to the dish, an extra seasoning you can say. For instance, complementarity is difficult to achieve when the dishes are highly spiced, that is fortified with loads of chillies. That is pairing of spicy dishes is usually recommended on contrast,”express the wine maker.
Nugent which is one of the main force behind, Bird in Hand winery is known to be one of-the-finest winemakers of Australia. Since it's inception in 1997, the brand has cut a niche for itself in the wine market.The brand has two ranges-The Bird In Hand range which is released every vintage with premium wines of quality and substance like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir,Merlot, Cabernet,Shiraz and Reisling.While the Two in the Bush range includes popular wines like Melot/Cabernet, Shiraj, Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonay. The wines are realeased every vintage.
Revealing the details of the new varietals,Nugent reveals, “You may love the glass of wine that fills you tingling freshness. But there is a difference in taste, colour and processing each wine goes through before they are bottled and marketed. He validates his point, “For instance, Two in the Bush Semillion Sauvignonis white in nature with fresh. What makes you go heady are the captivating aromas of lemongrass, citrus and apple with a hint of cutgrass.It is a classic bourdeaux blend.While Two in The bush Shiraj has a mixed aroma of a rich fruity palate combining a heady mixtureof lush, juicy and red fruit flavours.”
The Bird in hand Sparkling Pinot Noir,is a sparkling Rose wine with falvours of strawberry and cherry. The fruity sweetness is a balanced by a crisp note, making it a perfect pre dinner or celebratory drink.On the other hand, The Bird in Hand Merlot is deep rich in colour and exhibits intense aromas of plum, mulberry, cinnamon and spice. The richness and vibrancy of the fruit ensures a long and perfect finish with mild tannins.The Birs in Hand Shiraz is deep red in colour and is embedded in the aomas of plum, dark berries and plum.
Explaining about the process, Nugent Reveals, “Grapes are carefully handpicked and processed. The grapes of finest quality are used for the best wines. They are later fermented in oak barrels where the woodt aroma of the barrels gets blended with the grape juice. Later on, after it is bottled, each bottle is marked and carefuuly observed till they reach the store shelves.” Priced Betyween Rs 2090 to Rs 3125 the wines are imported and distributed to various outlets in the city.
The Brand's olives and oils have also earned an international reputation as South Australia's finest. The kalamata, manzanillo and green olives are carefully handpicked and pickled in brine.The first Reserve and Bird In hand olive oils are both cold pressed, extra virgin and exude awonderful freshness and vibrancy.
A good bottle of wine complements any meal. Ask Andrew Nugent,marketing Director and wine maker of Bird in Hand winery, who was at The Marriot recently to launch a bouquet of wines. “ Yes, good wine is a perfect accompaniment to any dish. However, Pairing happens in two basic ways- by complementing a process for striving for similar flavours.Se
condly by contrast, by finding a perfect the wine, which lends a something extra to the dish, an extra seasoning you can say. For instance, complementarity is difficult to achieve when the dishes are highly spiced, that is fortified with loads of chillies. That is pairing of spicy dishes is usually recommended on contrast,”express the wine maker.
Nugent which is one of the main force behind, Bird in Hand winery is known to be one of-the-finest winemakers of Australia. Since it's inception in 1997, the brand has cut a niche for itself in the wine market.The brand has two ranges-The Bird In Hand range which is released every vintage with premium wines of quality and substance like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir,Merlot, Cabernet,Shiraz and Reisling.While the Two in the Bush range includes popular wines like Melot/Cabernet, Shiraj, Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonay. The wines are realeased every vintage.
Revealing the details of the new varietals,Nugent reveals, “You may love the glass of wine that fills you tingling freshness. But there is a difference in taste, colour and processing each wine goes through before they are bottled and marketed. He validates his point, “For instance, Two in the Bush Semillion Sauvignonis white in nature with fresh. What makes you go heady are the captivating aromas of lemongrass, citrus and apple with a hint of cutgrass.It is a classic bourdeaux blend.While Two in The bush Shiraj has a mixed aroma of a rich fruity palate combining a heady mixtureof lush, juicy and red fruit flavours.”
The Bird in hand Sparkling Pinot Noir,is a sparkling Rose wine with falvours of strawberry and cherry. The fruity sweetness is a balanced by a crisp note, making it a perfect pre dinner or celebratory drink.On the other hand, The Bird in Hand Merlot is deep rich in colour and exhibits intense aromas of plum, mulberry, cinnamon and spice. The richness and vibrancy of the fruit ensures a long and perfect finish with mild tannins.The Birs in Hand Shiraz is deep red in colour and is embedded in the aomas of plum, dark berries and plum.
Explaining about the process, Nugent Reveals, “Grapes are carefully handpicked and processed. The grapes of finest quality are used for the best wines. They are later fermented in oak barrels where the woodt aroma of the barrels gets blended with the grape juice. Later on, after it is bottled, each bottle is marked and carefuuly observed till they reach the store shelves.” Priced Betyween Rs 2090 to Rs 3125 the wines are imported and distributed to various outlets in the city.
The Brand's olives and oils have also earned an international reputation as South Australia's finest. The kalamata, manzanillo and green olives are carefully handpicked and pickled in brine.The first Reserve and Bird In hand olive oils are both cold pressed, extra virgin and exude awonderful freshness and vibrancy.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
To do or not to do..
I have seen my friends making New Year resolutions every year. They give up their favourite chocolates and desserts. I have seen others forsaking meat and alcohol. But frankly, I haven’t contemplated on giving up on those as I like my desserts and tipple too much. I have never stopped myself from indulging whenever I want. New Year resolutions are made to be broken, but they must be at least made. After all these resolutions are not the first step to sainthood. It’s not a self inflicted and short lived tribulation. As Oscar Wide has said, “the best way of overcoming temptation is to give into it.”
I remember the times when I made pious commitments, stuck to them for a week, weakly follow the next week and happily forget about it the week later. I remember the number of times I had turned my eyes from the sinful desserts or picking up a packet of gum instead of reaching out for my packet of Esses. The first week I was happy and jubiliant- I have really done it! I have the grit and determination, I was proud of myself. The next week left me feeling guilty. But I felt the best when I cast off the resolutions and returned to my old rogue ways.
I think it is more convenient that way, and makes me feel less guilty. Giving up your temptations make you feel good. Giving in to them even feels better. Infact, i believe that a spot of denial whets the appetite and gives a sharp edge to temptation. The lapse, when it happens, makes everything more tempting and all the more sweeter.
So if you are struggling of giving up something for good this New Year, let me offer a little advice. It has to be something which isn’t easy. But it should be something that you really can’t do without. Otherwise you won’t feel like a martyred saint for the first good week. But it also has to be something that you really wish to do. Otherwise you can’t reproach yourself when you finally give in to your temptations. But most importantly , it has to be something so insipid, that it really doesn’t matter. Otherwise, when you finally give in, you won’t feel relieved as you bid adieu to your resolution.
If you still haven’t made your New Year resolutions, start making them now.And if you are still contemplatring on what to give up, you have 360 days to chose for the next year.Till then, have a very Happy New year.
I remember the times when I made pious commitments, stuck to them for a week, weakly follow the next week and happily forget about it the week later. I remember the number of times I had turned my eyes from the sinful desserts or picking up a packet of gum instead of reaching out for my packet of Esses. The first week I was happy and jubiliant- I have really done it! I have the grit and determination, I was proud of myself. The next week left me feeling guilty. But I felt the best when I cast off the resolutions and returned to my old rogue ways.
I think it is more convenient that way, and makes me feel less guilty. Giving up your temptations make you feel good. Giving in to them even feels better. Infact, i believe that a spot of denial whets the appetite and gives a sharp edge to temptation. The lapse, when it happens, makes everything more tempting and all the more sweeter.
So if you are struggling of giving up something for good this New Year, let me offer a little advice. It has to be something which isn’t easy. But it should be something that you really can’t do without. Otherwise you won’t feel like a martyred saint for the first good week. But it also has to be something that you really wish to do. Otherwise you can’t reproach yourself when you finally give in to your temptations. But most importantly , it has to be something so insipid, that it really doesn’t matter. Otherwise, when you finally give in, you won’t feel relieved as you bid adieu to your resolution.
If you still haven’t made your New Year resolutions, start making them now.And if you are still contemplatring on what to give up, you have 360 days to chose for the next year.Till then, have a very Happy New year.
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