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Kuuraku, Japanese Restaurant in India, Launches Vegan Ramen

Today I went to a press meet/food tasting session organized by Kuuraku Restaurant located inside Greenpark Hotels, Vadapalani, Chennai. Kuuraku is a Japanese restaurant that, for the first time, is introducing Vegan Raman (Noodles).

They called us to taste their new dish, along with a few more. Since I am a Vegetarian, I tasted their vegetarian options only, but non-veg lovers have many more choices.

First, we got to taste Mojito – Lime Juice. This was the perfect welcome drink as it quenched our thirst and refreshed us, after the journey from home. The dish on the right is some kind of a vegetable salad (lightly cooked) and little rice, drenched in a tasty soup. The soup does the real magic here and enhances the taste of the veggies.

Next came the main star of the day – Vegan Ramen (Noodles) {Photo shown at the top of this blog post.} It seems more vegans are visiting their restaurant chain and hence they created this new dish after a lot of experimentation, especially since Japanese cuisine doesn’t have vegan options generally.

The leaf on the top was bitter, but everything else was awesome If you are an Indian, you might want to add their spicy sauce or powder additionally to add some spice – as we are used to spicier food generally. The cup we had was small but their regular cup should suffice for two people.

And then we finished it off with a vegetarian momo and a small ice cream, both of which were nice. They told us that their food is generally healthier as they don’t use oil and don’t cook food too much – I agree with that. Altogether, we had a great time as is evidenced by their excellent ratings in Google Maps too.

Here are some snippets from their press release,

Mr. Seijiro Hirohama, MD, Kuuraku India, said – “World over, Japanese cuisine has gained immense popularity owing to unique taste and variety. And also a growing concern for health, safety of animals, and natural environment. We at Kuuraku, are trying to dispel a myth that Japanese cuisines don’t offer much for vegetarians. Also, when customers want to go light on their stomach, especially after a heavy non-veg meal, they can choose from our diverse menu.

Typically, vegan is made of special vegetable broth and plant-based milk soy milk, spice oil and various vegetables on top. The creamy soup is full of vegetable taste and it perfectly matches our homemade noodles.”

You can read the full press release from this link.

Destination Infinity

LIVE: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3’s Landing on Moon

I am sure you know that ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 was sent to the moon, a couple of weeks ago. Today, on August 23, Chandrayaan-3 is scheduled for soft-landing on the lunar surface (moon).

This event is being broadcasted LIVE by IRSO on August 23 (Wed) starting from 17:20 Hours (5:20 P.M. IST). You can watch it LIVE on their Youtube Channel, Facebook page, ISRO Website, or DD National TV Channel.

In this press release, ISRO is requesting everyone to view the soft-landing on-moon LIVE broadcast. Further, schools and other institutions can show it on a large monitor in their premises in order to inspire the youth to achieve larger milestones in science and technology, in the future.

Join me in wishing the team ALL THE VERY BEST!

Destination Infinity

Water Purifiers without Electricity: WATSAN (Nano Technology-based)

Before we get into this post, I request you to watch the following Youtube video to understand the problems with RO Water Purifiers, Mineral Water, and other expensive water purification systems:

In short, although RO water purifiers are getting rid of impurities and bad microorganisms, they are also depleting us of valuable minerals like calcium which are essential to our wellbeing. So, we are paying more money for water purification systems that slowly deplete us of essential nutrients!

Think about the time when many of us were using candles to purify our water. Did any adverse health issues happen to us? No. Why then did we change to RO-based water purification?

The answer is simple – MARKETING, and the blind belief that More Expensive = Better.

Besides, there are other issues with RO water purification systems like watage of water, consumption of electricity, high upfront & maintenance costs, etc.

In order to avoid these issues, and to retain the essential minerals, a company based out of Chennai has introduced Watsan Terafil Water Standalone Purifier.

Here is a video of the founder, Chandrasekaran. J, speaking about their product –

The company says, “No energy, no wastage of water, no replacement of filter media – all Natural Nano-technology based clean and green purification!”

Visit this page to learn how Nano Clay particles in the Watsan Terafil Candles filter out bacteria, virus, turbid & solid particles to give clean and good water. They say that fitting and cleaning their water purifier is an easy process, and there is no need to change filters frequently.

They cater to water purification needs of individual homes as well as large organizations and communities.

They also sell arsenic-removal and flouride-removal units, in locations that might have high levels of such harmful substances. Their water filters are affordably priced and are available in food-grade plastic as well as in stainless steel. You can also buy terafil candles in their online store.

You can learn more and buy Watsan Terafil Water Standalone Purifier online from this page.

Yuukke Conference for Women Entrepreneurs: Beyond Barriers 2023

Yuukke Global Venture’s Beyond Barriers 2023 is a two-day Women Entrepreneurs & Professionals Conference in New Delhi.

Dates: Sept. 1 & 2 (Fri & Sat), 2023.

Tickets: AllEvents.in ticket booking page.

Ticket Price: Free of Cost.

Venue: Vivanta Dwarka New Delhi, Service Road Sector 21, Dwarka, New Delhi, India. (Google Maps Link.)

Timing:

Sept. 01 – 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.; Networking Dinner: After 7 P.M.

Sept. 02 – 9 A.M. to 6.30 P.M.

The Beyond Barriers 2023 Conference enables women professionals & entrepreneurs to,

Learn the Latest Busines Skills & Digital Technologies to empower women entrepreneurshipNetwork & Showcase their Products & ServicesExplore growth opportunities they might not have considered beforeWiden their vision to broader and new marketplaces Explore funding opportunities for their businessConnect with decision-makers and industry veteransUnderstand market trends

The Beyond Barriers 2023 Conference features masterclasses, workshops, keynote speeches, interaction with industry leaders, discussion with experts, and powerful stories of women entrepreneurs on the latest industry trends including,

Art of pitching for aspiring women entrepreneursUnlocking access to newer marketsContent Marketing through StorytellingFoundation for crafting and scaling your online businessAnd many more… You can download the full conference schedule on this page.

Event Promo Video:

You can also get inspired by Yuukke’s Beyond Barrier Awards for exceptional women entrepreneurs.

If you are a corporate or a business focused on providing products and services to women professionals, you could sponsor individual booths (stalls) or swag bags given to participants to gain huge visibility with your target audience. For sponsorship or partnership queries, email – support@yuukke.com or fill up and submit the form on this page.

Do we need to Own a Car in Cities?

I DON’T think owning a car is necessary in cities. This is only my personal opinion – yours may vary. I know very few people will support me on this, but I need to say what I think. That’s what blogs are for, right?

Limitations of Owning a Car in Cities like Chennai – High Upfront Cost – I don’t think there is any car for less than 5 Lakhs in India. A decent car will cost you around 10 Lakh today and the price of cars is only increasing every year. There are umpteen other ways in which you can invest your hard-earned 10 Lakhs instead of owning cars whose value deteriorates by at least 20% once you buy them. High Fuel Cost – With petrol and diesel crossing Rs. 100 per liter in most cities, owning cars that give 10-15 KMPL is not exactly any savings. High Maintenance Cost – I am spending Rs. 5K to 10K for my 7-year-old motorbike for maintenance. Imagine how much more you’ll be spending for a car that costs 5-10x that value. Parking Space – In countries like India, there is very little parking space, especially in the cities. So whether you want to park at home or you want to park at someplace where you visit, it’s going to be difficult – sometimes impossible. People park cars outside their houses on almost every street in India, which only increases risks like scratches and theft, which again results in losses. Keeping up with the Joneses – You want to buy the latest and the more expensive car to score a point over your neighbor or colleague? Wait until yours will become obsolete in a couple of years. And then, you’ll be tempted to exchange it, spending money unnecessarily, again. Loan Trap – Want to take a car loan. If you’ve taken any loan in your life, you’ll realize that you are paying 2x-3x that value over the repayment term. That means, you are paying more interest than the actual value of the car! Why? The money that goes to the bankers could be spent elsewhere more productively. Availability of Alternate Travel Options in Cities – I have been using Metro Rail frequently although I have a bike – Metro is an excellent way to travel, if you have one in your city. Public Buses are a great option during non-peak hours. You can also explore Cabs and Autos for last-mile connectivity or even for the full distance. With a cab, you’ll pay less than just the bank interest for a car loan!

Those are just some of the points, but I am sure you can think of more. When I reapplied for my driving license as it expired some time ago, I just applied for the bike license renewal, not for the car. That was a conscious decision as I never drove a car for the past twenty years and don’t intend to drive one in the future as well.

Destination Infinity

Grand Color Arts & Crafts Expo (Annanagar Tower): Aug. 5 & 6, ’23

The Grand Color Arts & Crafts Expo is happening on August 5 & 6, 2023 at Annanagar Tower park, Chennai. This exhibition has been organized by Tamil Nilam Art & Craft Trust.

Timing: 8 A.M. to 8 P.M.

Entry: Free of Cost.

Venue: Annanagar Tower park, Chennai

According to the organizers, this is Chennai’s largest arts and crafts expo with 100+ artists and crafters participating from across India. They are also conducting live art events, workshops, musical performances, and more. Follow the Facebook page of Crafola (click), their online partner, for more information about the participants and their creations.

Here is a video from a previous edition of this expo –

Maaveeran Movie Review: Watch it in the Theater!

Maaveeran Trailer:

Maaveeran is a Tamil movie starring Siva Karthikeyan. This movie was released on 14th July but we saw it only on 23rd July.

Verdict: A different & a good mass entertainer, watch it in theatre.

There was a time when I was going to movies first-day-first-show and reviewing them regularly on this blog. But, can you believe, it’s been three and a half years since I saw a movie in the theater?

Initially, it was Covid-19, then it was my spondylosis. We realize the value of something only after we lose it. Anyways, glad to be able to watch movies in the theater at least now.

We watched this movie in AGS Maduravoyil – another first, as we’ve not been to this movie hall before. The theater is fine, but the variety and price of the snacks is too western. There is not even one tea or samosa. Popcorn saved the day for us!

Coming to the movie – Maaveeran was the movie that was being booked fastest on bookmyshow, so I thought why not give it a try. Glad we chose this movie.

So this movie is about a hero who is actually not very brave, but a voice that only he can hear makes him oppose a powerful villain – a minister. Although the concept is fantasy the director makes it (Vijay Sethupathi’s voice) look very real.

The ‘voice’ tries to make a maaveeran out of an ordinary man and save people from the atrocities of a minister. Can someone become a superhero just by listening and doing as a voice says?

The first half is especially good – as the serious moments are complimented brilliantly by Yogi Babu’s comedy. The second half is fine, but it is slightly more serious. The forced climax to show the heroism of Siva Karthikeyan by saving the little girl and him dying could have been avoided.

The background music complements the story very well. The lady who played the mother character did an exceptional job, and so did the villain. This is a mass entertainer, so you’ll like it as long as you don’t overthink what a cinema should do. I feel, this movie has the potential to get people out of their OTTs and into movie halls again.

Destination Infinity

INDIA vs. NDA – Creative Titling

This post is not about political analysis or affiliations – I hate politics. But when it comes to creativity (even in politics), I take note.

Major opposition parties to the current ruling coalition headed by BJP (National Democratic Alliance – N.D.A) have come together from across the nation and have named their coalition – I.N.D.I.A (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance).

Many newspapers are using headlines like for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. In fact, Indian Express writes, “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP to challenge INDIA.”

What’s in a Name, you ask? As you can see, a lot!

Whoever came up with that *creative name* for the coalition needs to be appreciated. A name needs to reflect a positive vibe and it needs to inspire the people involved. This name does that perfectly.

This is why creativity needs to be encouraged in any field, including and especially in politics. I wish the politicians (even from NDA) will start and continue to use creativity in other aspects of their polity as well.

After all, people love creativity in any form, and politicians (are supposed to) care about what people want!

Destination Infinity

NGTM Carnival @ YMCA, Chennai (Jul. 1 – 23, 2023)

The NGTM Carnival/Exhibition is happening now at YMCA Grounds, Nandanam/Saidapet, Chennai.

Exhibition Dates: 1st July to 23rd July 2023.

Timing: 10 A.M. to 10 P.M.

Entry Ticket: Rs. 50.

Venue: YMCA Grounds (Google Maps link). Nearest Bus stop: Nandanam YMCA, Nearest Metro: Nandanam.

Apart from food stalls, regular stalls, selfie points, games for kids and adults, etc., other special attractions (at extra cost) include,

The Beast, Vortex Tunnel, Museum of the Future, Escape House, Giraffee Slide, Trampoline, Animal World, Carnival House, Snow World, Scary House, VR Games, Train Ride, Water Boat, Water Roller, Hammer, Selfie 360, etc.

For more information (including the pricing for above games) and online booking of tickets, visit the NGTM Carnival official website.

Have a look at the below expo promo video to get a glimpse of the activities and attractions at this expo –

Thiru Vi Ka Park, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai (Renovated – 2023)

The circular Thiru Vi Ka Park right at the center of Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, (Google Maps – Location) is a major landmark of that area. After twelve years, it seems this park has finally been reopened for the public in a grand style. So we went there recently to check it out. Here is a short video from our visit –

The Shenoy Nagar Metro Rail Station is right inside the park and people can just walk behind the station to reach the gate. There is also a small A2B eatery/outlet just outside the Metro station.

We lived nearby when I was studying in 2nd Std, hence I have vague memories of this park. It was so different then. However, with the latest renovation, this park now outshines most other nearby parks, including the Annanagar Tower!

There are many activities for kids and adults. For kids, we found a skating ring, basketball court, cricket nets, general play area, etc. — all of which you can see in the above video.

For adults, we found two outdoor gyms – one for ladies and one for gents. We also found a reading area with a beautiful and modern roof, but without any books. It seems, people will have to take their books or kindles themselves if they want to read! I think it will be a useful shelter during the rains.

Just like before, there many many plants. It seems the trees in this park have been planted using the popular Miyawaki method. The entire area is green with beautiful lawns.

One strange thing here, unlike Annanagar tower park, is the huge number of security guards. You can find one every hundred or so feet!

If you want to see those huge lighted chimney-like structures present all around the park, you’ll have to go in the night – perhaps after 6 P.M. Google says that the Thiru Vi Ka park is open from 5 A.M. to 9 A.M. + 5 P.M. to 9 P.M.

BTW, did you know the full form of Thiru Vi Ka? It is Thiruvarur Viruttachala Kalyana Sundaranar. He was a Tamil Scholar, Essayist, and Activist.