Tushar Mangl's Blog, page 16
January 13, 2018
Mothering a Muslim - Nazia Erum
Our society is breaking up into tiny isolated fragments where people are more comfortable in silos (read small homes in gated, locked neighborhoods) and their own ideologies. Bullying and rise in bullying incidents don't come as a surprise as individuals pass down a self-centered or me first kind of attitude to their children.
Nazia Erum in her debut book goes beyond the bullying lines to expose a much deeper malaise. Bullying or undermining people on the basis of their religion. And it is really a matter of concern that this is happening to kids at a very young age and in cosmopolitan cities and big schools. Also, how schools are seldom taking this problem head-on.
In my school, we hardly had any person practicing Muslim faith, so personally, I have had no friends or acquaintances who are Muslims. But to see that people are choosing not to become friends with someone just because he or she is a Muslim is going to be disastrous for our country. Segregation in schools, like Urdu & Sanskrit (Muslims will be inclined to study Urdu so different section in school and another for Sanskrit studying Hindu kids), is such an outdated mode of education.
The book is quite rich in research, as Nazia has focused her research on well to do, middle-class families and not restricted herself to the traditional, stereotyped Muslim neighborhoods and colonies. She has talked to 118 families to understand and explore not only what young Muslims are facing these days, but also how situation earlier was. Being called a Paki, or a terrorist or a bomb maker does no good to the psyche of any kid. And if kids are generalizing people like that, I personally think, we are building a stupid youth. For if you let your children grow up hating a religion or discriminating like this, what good they are going to do for the society?
I am also reminded here of an affluent and well-known blogger, who is a Muslim, and often receives a lot of hate messages and rants. It's sad, for not the messages but for the society, to judge her or comment on her on basis of her religion than on her work. Now reading this book, I am not surprised as this is how we are making ourselves to be.
The book also brings out an honest view of how Muslims are also treating Muslims. The Saudi influence is really a matter of concern, and I am glad that Nazia has touched this topic in her book. Radical Islam is taking over at a rapid pace in India with a deep pocket backing of Saudi petrodollars.
The book also touches upon the BJP influence but I am surprised that the Indian National Congress which has ruled our country for most of its post Independence years has no mention in the book. I am sure the policies of those governments would also have had bearings on how the situation stands today.
This book is written by a mother but it is not a parenting book. It's for all of us. To introspect as a society that what kind of present and future are we building up.
Publisher - JuggernautPages - 220
Nazia Erum in her debut book goes beyond the bullying lines to expose a much deeper malaise. Bullying or undermining people on the basis of their religion. And it is really a matter of concern that this is happening to kids at a very young age and in cosmopolitan cities and big schools. Also, how schools are seldom taking this problem head-on.
In my school, we hardly had any person practicing Muslim faith, so personally, I have had no friends or acquaintances who are Muslims. But to see that people are choosing not to become friends with someone just because he or she is a Muslim is going to be disastrous for our country. Segregation in schools, like Urdu & Sanskrit (Muslims will be inclined to study Urdu so different section in school and another for Sanskrit studying Hindu kids), is such an outdated mode of education.
The book is quite rich in research, as Nazia has focused her research on well to do, middle-class families and not restricted herself to the traditional, stereotyped Muslim neighborhoods and colonies. She has talked to 118 families to understand and explore not only what young Muslims are facing these days, but also how situation earlier was. Being called a Paki, or a terrorist or a bomb maker does no good to the psyche of any kid. And if kids are generalizing people like that, I personally think, we are building a stupid youth. For if you let your children grow up hating a religion or discriminating like this, what good they are going to do for the society?
I am also reminded here of an affluent and well-known blogger, who is a Muslim, and often receives a lot of hate messages and rants. It's sad, for not the messages but for the society, to judge her or comment on her on basis of her religion than on her work. Now reading this book, I am not surprised as this is how we are making ourselves to be.
The book also brings out an honest view of how Muslims are also treating Muslims. The Saudi influence is really a matter of concern, and I am glad that Nazia has touched this topic in her book. Radical Islam is taking over at a rapid pace in India with a deep pocket backing of Saudi petrodollars.
The book also touches upon the BJP influence but I am surprised that the Indian National Congress which has ruled our country for most of its post Independence years has no mention in the book. I am sure the policies of those governments would also have had bearings on how the situation stands today.
This book is written by a mother but it is not a parenting book. It's for all of us. To introspect as a society that what kind of present and future are we building up.
Publisher - JuggernautPages - 220
Feel Alive in association with HotBot Studios Launched Their Micro-Brewery in Gurugram
Feel Alive, one of the leading restro bars in Gurugram introduced a new in-house microbrewery to express their love for the freshly brewed beer.
Not much time it has been that they have captured the local market and have a huge demand for their ambiance, mouth-watering food, obviously the impeccable service & the welcoming location.
The prime purpose of the launch event was to showcase and show off their brewing capabilities. The brewery was launched in coordination with HotBot Studios which is a digital outreach company who ensured good reach to the audience and media, also through the esteemed members of the digital fraternity.
The freshly brewed beer and freshly served food were the show stoppers. What do we say about the Dj it made the crowd going Oolala. Everyone with a few jugs down, full on food took the floor and you know what happened next. In just a matter of a few minutes, everyone jumped to the floor and had a blast. The evening was full dance, fun, food, and booze. At the end what media took back was some great memories, an evening of good music, fun food, some great drinks and a session full of internetworking.
About Feel Alive
Looking for a place to ignite romance, have a conversation, motivate your team or celebrate the most precious memorable milestones. Feel Alive, located in Sector 29 market, Gurugram is your perfect choice. We provide you luxurious ambiance, private dining rooms with butler service, culinary delights from across the world, exotic bespoke cocktails, wide selection of spirits, live DJ playing your choice of music and exemplary 5-star service.
January 8, 2018
The Consolidators - Prince Mathews Thomas
The book chronicles the life and business journeys of Ajay Bijli, Abhishek Khaitan, Priya Paul, Vikas Oberoi, T.S. Kalyanaraman, Mithun Chittilappily and Rituraj Sinha.
The author has chosen second-generation entrepreneurs as the subject of his books. The ones who took over from their fathers, known, established faces of their respective fields with huge expectations. Though it is a relatively easy entry for them, the picture is not as rosy as it seems.
They have had their own share of struggles to keep up the expectations and the establish their own space in the businesses they took over. Also interesting to read is the acquisitions and new capacities built by these individuals.
At SIS, which went for an IPO last year, the power balance between Uday Singh and Rituraj Singh the scion of the SIS group makes for an insightful read. How they have neatly set the boundaries and led the company to great growth makes for a good read. Also interesting is the Chubb deal. That an acquisition into an unknown territory was not only made into a successful buy but also eventually turned into a cash cow to cushion further acquisitions.
The book is well researched but it leaves you hungry for more. Perhaps more depth could have been added to the stories.
Pages - 260
Publisher - Penguin
Available in - hardback
The author has chosen second-generation entrepreneurs as the subject of his books. The ones who took over from their fathers, known, established faces of their respective fields with huge expectations. Though it is a relatively easy entry for them, the picture is not as rosy as it seems.
They have had their own share of struggles to keep up the expectations and the establish their own space in the businesses they took over. Also interesting to read is the acquisitions and new capacities built by these individuals.
At SIS, which went for an IPO last year, the power balance between Uday Singh and Rituraj Singh the scion of the SIS group makes for an insightful read. How they have neatly set the boundaries and led the company to great growth makes for a good read. Also interesting is the Chubb deal. That an acquisition into an unknown territory was not only made into a successful buy but also eventually turned into a cash cow to cushion further acquisitions.
The book is well researched but it leaves you hungry for more. Perhaps more depth could have been added to the stories.
Pages - 260
Publisher - Penguin
Available in - hardback
December 23, 2017
The Tree Bears Witness - Sharath Komarraju - Book Review
Sharath Komarraju's book Tree Bears Witness was released last month and I just copy last evening. Liked it so much, I finished it in a single sitting. So what's the book all about?
Emperor Akbar has just married the Rajput princess Hira Kunwari and one of the wedding guests ends up dead. The man, Sujjamal is also the princess's favorite brother but disliked by most of the party. That he is found dead in mysterious circumstances in his own palace could have serious implications on the political and personal life of the King.
Himself a suspect, the King turns to his favorite and reliable courtier, Birbal to solve this mystery. Even for the witty Birbal, this is a challenge. For, the garden in which murder happened, the two guards on duty have different versions to tell. The murderer simply vanished into thin air.
Everyone from the King to the cousins of the dead man, to King's half-brother. Motives aplenty but how the murder was done, remains elusive till the very end of this intriguing mystery book.
The author has very well used the Mughal Era as a backdrop. The recurrence of popular characters like Akbar and Birbal lend an ingenuity to the story.Pages - 241
Price - INR 350
Publisher - Westland
December 18, 2017
A learnable evening - Listening to Madhur Jaffrey
DLF 5 and Tasting India Symposium recently organized an evening session with a featured talk with the great Madhur Jaffrey (the global first lady of Indian cuisine) and Kaveree Bamzai, the reputed editor of Robb India.
It was 8. 15 by the time I reached the famed DLF Country and Golf Club, the venue of the talk. The courteous staff at the place welcomed me into a meet and greet party. The guests were all assembling, sampling some fine wine and Indian starters. I met people I knew, circulated around and saw Kaveree and Madhur sitting in a corner, talking. A friend and I debated to intrude or not, but eventually, we just went ahead to introduce ourselves. And like good fans requested a photograph for memory which was so graciously permitted, that it left us truly humbled.
The program started with an introduction by Sanjoo Malhotra, Co-Founder Tasting India who passionately spoke about the Farm to Table concept which was being worked about by Tasting India and the efforts they were putting into it. They have an impressive advisory board which is working with the government on this concept.
This was followed by Madhur Jaffrey in conversation with Kaveree Bamzai. She spoke about in detail of her journey and her work. Her opinions on food and philosophy of life are so well regarded and it was a learnable delight. We had a Q & A round after Kaveree concluded her questions, wherein guests asked intriguing questions.
DLF Country Club had arranged for a detailed Drinks & Dinner program, with authentic Indian food including a special chicken curated from Madhur's own recipe.
Indeed a splendid evening at an ideal location and a great mileu of people.
It was 8. 15 by the time I reached the famed DLF Country and Golf Club, the venue of the talk. The courteous staff at the place welcomed me into a meet and greet party. The guests were all assembling, sampling some fine wine and Indian starters. I met people I knew, circulated around and saw Kaveree and Madhur sitting in a corner, talking. A friend and I debated to intrude or not, but eventually, we just went ahead to introduce ourselves. And like good fans requested a photograph for memory which was so graciously permitted, that it left us truly humbled. 
The program started with an introduction by Sanjoo Malhotra, Co-Founder Tasting India who passionately spoke about the Farm to Table concept which was being worked about by Tasting India and the efforts they were putting into it. They have an impressive advisory board which is working with the government on this concept.
This was followed by Madhur Jaffrey in conversation with Kaveree Bamzai. She spoke about in detail of her journey and her work. Her opinions on food and philosophy of life are so well regarded and it was a learnable delight. We had a Q & A round after Kaveree concluded her questions, wherein guests asked intriguing questions.
DLF Country Club had arranged for a detailed Drinks & Dinner program, with authentic Indian food including a special chicken curated from Madhur's own recipe.
Indeed a splendid evening at an ideal location and a great mileu of people.
December 9, 2017
Why Smaaash Gurgaon hires such bad PR
Recently had an interaction with PR people of Smaaash. I have had such bad experiences with these people in the past that I never felt like visiting Smaaash, except well, been to almost all other places and this one is left. Not only their PR staff the managers and all are so cold and everything, I hardly feel like going to this place.
Anyway, so recently went to Gurgaon Pub Exchange. The PR people were sad and totally crude. I mean, telling me about the opening of a place is not a favor you have bestowed upon me. Seriously, earlier a different agency was handling this account. And they were so unprofessional, it sounded good that a new agency had been hired. But to no avail.
Coming to the Gurgaon Pub Exchange. It was a sad experience mostly on the part of the staff. The food started well with the starters (including the chakhna platter) but drinks were bad. Really bad. I asked for a bartender's recommendation for a strong whiskey based drink. They served me watermelon juice with vodka in it. Rest of the story you can guess for yourself.
Better still, the PR or the management, if you try telling them about the service or any feedback, are least interested to hear you out. Why would one build a place and be so disinterested in it?
And to be fair, I did reach out to the PR again but only writing this because couldn't get any response from them. I wrote to them that I had a bad experience. Their reaction was not to reply. I waited for full 1 week of my visit to make sure that I am not writing a rant but an objective well thought out piece.
About Gurgaon Pub Exchange
Trade like a pro is the underline theme of Gurgaon Pub Exchange. Like many other speculation driver bar exchanges in the city, Smaaash has got itself its own version of stock market like pub exchange.
The place is tucked away at the back end of Smaash which is famous for its games. The bar has a comfortable and lounge setting with live music playing throughout the evening. TV screens adorn the walls of the place. These show you the ticker, a live mechanism showing fluctuating prices of drinks and liquor based on demand.
And as it often happens in the stock market, here too market crashed. So at times, when prices go very unstable, the market just crashes and rates are reset.
Anyway, so recently went to Gurgaon Pub Exchange. The PR people were sad and totally crude. I mean, telling me about the opening of a place is not a favor you have bestowed upon me. Seriously, earlier a different agency was handling this account. And they were so unprofessional, it sounded good that a new agency had been hired. But to no avail.
Coming to the Gurgaon Pub Exchange. It was a sad experience mostly on the part of the staff. The food started well with the starters (including the chakhna platter) but drinks were bad. Really bad. I asked for a bartender's recommendation for a strong whiskey based drink. They served me watermelon juice with vodka in it. Rest of the story you can guess for yourself.
Better still, the PR or the management, if you try telling them about the service or any feedback, are least interested to hear you out. Why would one build a place and be so disinterested in it?
And to be fair, I did reach out to the PR again but only writing this because couldn't get any response from them. I wrote to them that I had a bad experience. Their reaction was not to reply. I waited for full 1 week of my visit to make sure that I am not writing a rant but an objective well thought out piece.
About Gurgaon Pub Exchange
Trade like a pro is the underline theme of Gurgaon Pub Exchange. Like many other speculation driver bar exchanges in the city, Smaaash has got itself its own version of stock market like pub exchange.
The place is tucked away at the back end of Smaash which is famous for its games. The bar has a comfortable and lounge setting with live music playing throughout the evening. TV screens adorn the walls of the place. These show you the ticker, a live mechanism showing fluctuating prices of drinks and liquor based on demand.
And as it often happens in the stock market, here too market crashed. So at times, when prices go very unstable, the market just crashes and rates are reset.
Gurgaon Pub Exchange - Smaaash Cyber Hub Gurgaon
Trade like a pro is the underline theme of Gurgaon Pub Exchange. Like many other speculation driver bar exchanges in the city, Smaaash has got itself its own version of stock market like pub exchange.
The place is tucked away at the back end of Smaash which is famous for its games. The bar has a comfortable and lounge setting with live music playing throughout the evening. TV screens adorn the walls of the place. These show you the ticker, a live mechanism showing fluctuating prices of drinks and liquor based on demand.
And as it often happens in the stock market, here too market crashed. So at times, when prices go very unstable, the market just crashes and rates are reset.
[image error]
The place is tucked away at the back end of Smaash which is famous for its games. The bar has a comfortable and lounge setting with live music playing throughout the evening. TV screens adorn the walls of the place. These show you the ticker, a live mechanism showing fluctuating prices of drinks and liquor based on demand.
And as it often happens in the stock market, here too market crashed. So at times, when prices go very unstable, the market just crashes and rates are reset.
[image error]
November 28, 2017
Tuesday Musings - End of another year
I know I haven't been writing too often and 2017 was just a dull year on the writing front. I finished with Hey Honey Bunch last year this time, and haven't written anything exciting ever since. The year is passing by and it's almost over.
It has been a good year as far as workshops which I have conducted, which have been quite well received and I have met many warm people in due course and I swear, when they write back to show their new blogs or any positive feedback, it softens my heart and touches my mind too. Now that I want to focus back on my writings, I might cut down on the workshops. Let's see where the path leads to.
On the personal front, like I wrote above, met loads of new and awesome people this year, especially over workshops and due socializing. We introverts are a sad minority which no one wants to acknowledge or accept. It is like you are afflicted with a disease and everyone should feel sorry for it. Still, to go out and come across some great people is a nice thing. I met someone recently who turned out to be such a nice person and offered to read my stories. I showed the person, Hey Honey Bunch and got such an honest and detailed feedback, that just shook me off. It feels good you know when you come across a person who understands your story as well as you yourself do. Or even better.
But on the other hand, as the circle of life goes on, people leave our lives too. So many loved ones have traveled a far distance only to affirm that nothing is permanent in life. It's what people come in your life for. To go away one day.
Back on the writing front. It seems like a new story is finally on its way. And the first draft should be circulated very soon. I have also lined quite a few more plots, stories, which are beckoning me. The characters shouting at me, to bring them to life, as if my procrastination would be a great sin for their stories. So I got to hurry up, pull my socks and tap away the keyboard over time to churn these stories out.
Awaiting your feedback.
It has been a good year as far as workshops which I have conducted, which have been quite well received and I have met many warm people in due course and I swear, when they write back to show their new blogs or any positive feedback, it softens my heart and touches my mind too. Now that I want to focus back on my writings, I might cut down on the workshops. Let's see where the path leads to.
On the personal front, like I wrote above, met loads of new and awesome people this year, especially over workshops and due socializing. We introverts are a sad minority which no one wants to acknowledge or accept. It is like you are afflicted with a disease and everyone should feel sorry for it. Still, to go out and come across some great people is a nice thing. I met someone recently who turned out to be such a nice person and offered to read my stories. I showed the person, Hey Honey Bunch and got such an honest and detailed feedback, that just shook me off. It feels good you know when you come across a person who understands your story as well as you yourself do. Or even better.
But on the other hand, as the circle of life goes on, people leave our lives too. So many loved ones have traveled a far distance only to affirm that nothing is permanent in life. It's what people come in your life for. To go away one day.
Back on the writing front. It seems like a new story is finally on its way. And the first draft should be circulated very soon. I have also lined quite a few more plots, stories, which are beckoning me. The characters shouting at me, to bring them to life, as if my procrastination would be a great sin for their stories. So I got to hurry up, pull my socks and tap away the keyboard over time to churn these stories out.
Awaiting your feedback.
Olive Bistro - Cyber Hub, Gurgaon
Olive Bistro at Cyber Hub in Gurgaon has been serving top-notch Italian food for long. It has plenty of space at the corner of the Amphitheatre side, right on the first floor. The ambiance is perfect with an option of spacious outdoor as well as indoor seating.
[image error]
[image error]
November 21, 2017
Winter binge delights by Chaayos
Chaayos recently celebrated their fifth birthday and crossed the 50 outlets milestone. One of the highlights of their success is to successfully innovate their menus with changing of a season.With the monsoon menu now retiring out, I recently went to taste their brand new winter menu.
The menu consisted of
Gur Wali ChaiPaneer Bhurji BunChicken CutletChicken Keema Loaded Parantha
Kulhad Butter Chicken Kulcha - The kulchas are the perfect bread with chili flakes sprinkled over their soft self. The Butter Chicken comes in their standard kulhads or earthen glasses. The flavor is little sweet and high on cardamom and Indian spices and goes well with the bread.
Moist Chocolate Cake - Its your standard chocolate muffin, baked a little extra and has a gooey feel to it.
Banana & Walnut Cake - The perfect winter delight, goes well with the hot tea. It's filling and rich.
The menu consisted of
Gur Wali ChaiPaneer Bhurji BunChicken CutletChicken Keema Loaded Parantha
Kulhad Butter Chicken Kulcha - The kulchas are the perfect bread with chili flakes sprinkled over their soft self. The Butter Chicken comes in their standard kulhads or earthen glasses. The flavor is little sweet and high on cardamom and Indian spices and goes well with the bread.
Moist Chocolate Cake - Its your standard chocolate muffin, baked a little extra and has a gooey feel to it.
Banana & Walnut Cake - The perfect winter delight, goes well with the hot tea. It's filling and rich.
