Tushar Mangl's Blog, page 17
November 21, 2017
Blue Air advocates people on clean air and lung health on World COPD Day
On the occasion of the World COPD Day, I visited an initiative by renowned air purifier company, Blueair. At Cyber Hub Gurgaon, the company set up a home experience zone with its entire range of air purifiers which is quite huge. COPD is basically Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Air pollution is a major health and environmental problem today. People with respiratory problems, especially children are quite at risk. The levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 have serious health implications such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic respiratory symptoms including, shortness of breath etc. Leading doctors and environmentalists, educated people at the event and urged them to take steps to control and combat pollution.
I also met, Mr. Arvind Chabra, who is the country head, Blueair India. he emphasized the need of recognizing indoor pollution which is way hazardous than outdoor pollution. Because of the simple fact that we spend most of our times indoors than outdoors and that indoor pollutants have little chance of escape as compared to outdoor pollutants which keep on circulating.
Air pollution is a major health and environmental problem today. People with respiratory problems, especially children are quite at risk. The levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 have serious health implications such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic respiratory symptoms including, shortness of breath etc. Leading doctors and environmentalists, educated people at the event and urged them to take steps to control and combat pollution.
I also met, Mr. Arvind Chabra, who is the country head, Blueair India. he emphasized the need of recognizing indoor pollution which is way hazardous than outdoor pollution. Because of the simple fact that we spend most of our times indoors than outdoors and that indoor pollutants have little chance of escape as compared to outdoor pollutants which keep on circulating.
November 19, 2017
An easy way to step into investments in the share markets
Stock markets in India are buoyant these days with excellent valuations and increased foreign inflows. Add to that the increasing number of households who are chipping in with Mutual Funds through the SIP route, the total money going into the share markets is escalating month on month. This has made the markets are an interesting place to park funds with a little high risk but much better returns.
Indeed if you compare returns with FDs and real estate, the traditional investment avenues, stock exchanges are giving much better returns than equity. But many people ask me this question. How to invest in share markets? It should be simple right? More often than not, it becomes a hassle with multiple people giving you different opinions and the necessity to rely on a broker over the phone or physical meetings.
One of India’s best broking houses, Angel Broking has come up with an interesting Investment Engine for this. They call it, ARQ. It is a technology-based hyper-intelligent investment engine. I took a demo tour of ARQ recently to find out more about intelligence based investing and how structured technology can help in informed decision making.
In simple terms, investments are usually done with emotional reasons riding our mind. That’s why we still rely on bank deposits or gold, without actually understanding the rationale behind their investment. ARQ removes that emotional bias and brings in algorithms and technology to view and compare different asset class on different parameters before taking a prudent financial decision.
ARQ is available through Angel Broking mobile app on Play Store in android and App Store in iOS. The best part I found about this engine is that it gives you scientific information before you purchase equity shares or mutual funds. It is not about forcing you to buy anything but giving you the right guidance. This is of paramount importance, especially with people who are not well acquainted with commodity trading or share bazaar trading. It just doesn’t tell you which are the best stocks to buy but also points out why and how the stock can benefit you.
There are a number of share trading apps in the market providing varied information on stock market investments. But not all have stringent backtesting and performance evaluation. This makes ARQ stand apart from others. Also, it is convenient to use and operate which is an added advantage.
Indeed if you compare returns with FDs and real estate, the traditional investment avenues, stock exchanges are giving much better returns than equity. But many people ask me this question. How to invest in share markets? It should be simple right? More often than not, it becomes a hassle with multiple people giving you different opinions and the necessity to rely on a broker over the phone or physical meetings.
One of India’s best broking houses, Angel Broking has come up with an interesting Investment Engine for this. They call it, ARQ. It is a technology-based hyper-intelligent investment engine. I took a demo tour of ARQ recently to find out more about intelligence based investing and how structured technology can help in informed decision making.
In simple terms, investments are usually done with emotional reasons riding our mind. That’s why we still rely on bank deposits or gold, without actually understanding the rationale behind their investment. ARQ removes that emotional bias and brings in algorithms and technology to view and compare different asset class on different parameters before taking a prudent financial decision.
ARQ is available through Angel Broking mobile app on Play Store in android and App Store in iOS. The best part I found about this engine is that it gives you scientific information before you purchase equity shares or mutual funds. It is not about forcing you to buy anything but giving you the right guidance. This is of paramount importance, especially with people who are not well acquainted with commodity trading or share bazaar trading. It just doesn’t tell you which are the best stocks to buy but also points out why and how the stock can benefit you.
There are a number of share trading apps in the market providing varied information on stock market investments. But not all have stringent backtesting and performance evaluation. This makes ARQ stand apart from others. Also, it is convenient to use and operate which is an added advantage.
November 14, 2017
Frenzy Adventure Zone - Sector 68 Gurgaon
The weather was perfect for an outdoor activity, last Sunday but question was, where to go out and enjoy the outdoors? I took a friend's suggestion and went to visit the awesome new place right on the main Sohna Road, Frenzy adventure which has a tagline 'Treasure Zone for Adventure Seekers'.
Nagai Restaurant & Cocktail Bar - Sector 29 Gurgaon
Located next doors to the Gymkhana Club on the main road, Nagai opened its doors around 8 months ago, celebrating Japanese and International food. It is an effort by Chef Reina and Eleonara, two adventurers, from different backgrounds and walks of life, who have come together to set up this iconic food brand.
The Gurgaon branch is the second branch of Nagai after Ibiza in Spain.
The Gurgaon branch is the second branch of Nagai after Ibiza in Spain.
November 11, 2017
A Brand New Johnny Rockets with a refreshed and unlimited menu
Johnny Rockets has had a challenging start in India, with an all American diner feel and look and direct competition with many other fast food/QSR brands. Recently, they have done an overhaul to better the experience and relocated the Gurgaon outlet to The Grand Mall on the MG Road, very close to the Sikanderpur Metro Station.
The brand offers high quality, innovative menu items including cooked to order burgers, hand-spun shakes, and American fries. The team has now come up with version 2.0 as a part of a large exercise to build a further connect with the new millennial customers. Foodies in town can treat themselves with the best of American cuisine at this outlet which seats 90 people at a time.
For the first time ever, Johnny Rockets has launched an all you can eat menu. So for a fixed price, you can eat as much as want to. I personally loved their idea of customizing burgers. You can choose the kind of bun you want and the protein you want with it. The shakes are absolutely wonderful and thick.
I also had a chance to meet the corporate chef at Prime Gourmet, Bakshish Dean, who is passionate about this concept of American diner and how they have bettered it for the Indian consumers. Especially with the all you can eat menu, which has unlimited burgers, shakes, salads, starters, desserts at a fixed price.
Speaking of desserts, they have these cute little dessert portions which are to die for. Absolutely yummy, they satiate your sweet tooth like nothing else.
The brand has rightly reinvented itself and is all set to capture huge business amongst Gurgaon and NCR residents.
The brand offers high quality, innovative menu items including cooked to order burgers, hand-spun shakes, and American fries. The team has now come up with version 2.0 as a part of a large exercise to build a further connect with the new millennial customers. Foodies in town can treat themselves with the best of American cuisine at this outlet which seats 90 people at a time.
For the first time ever, Johnny Rockets has launched an all you can eat menu. So for a fixed price, you can eat as much as want to. I personally loved their idea of customizing burgers. You can choose the kind of bun you want and the protein you want with it. The shakes are absolutely wonderful and thick.
I also had a chance to meet the corporate chef at Prime Gourmet, Bakshish Dean, who is passionate about this concept of American diner and how they have bettered it for the Indian consumers. Especially with the all you can eat menu, which has unlimited burgers, shakes, salads, starters, desserts at a fixed price.
Speaking of desserts, they have these cute little dessert portions which are to die for. Absolutely yummy, they satiate your sweet tooth like nothing else.
The brand has rightly reinvented itself and is all set to capture huge business amongst Gurgaon and NCR residents.
November 9, 2017
Vapor Bar Exchange - Golf Course Road Gurgaon
What better welcome can you expect from a World class microbrewery and pub than a free basement parking in otherwise congested Gurgaon? Vapour Bar Exchange at Global Foyer Mall offers free parking to its patrons. The place is all decked up in a wood theme and with double height, ceilings send out positive vibes. The excellent music just adds on to the taste.
I went to this place to meet a friend over drinks and we were really impressed with the quality of service. The staff is quick on their feet and humble with their recommendations.
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I went to this place to meet a friend over drinks and we were really impressed with the quality of service. The staff is quick on their feet and humble with their recommendations.
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November 7, 2017
Environmentalist Popi Bharali’s family sets an example to live life even after death along with fighting cancer with positivity
“Neither fire nor wind, birth or death can erase our good deeds” were the words said by Buddha and this has been proved in reality by Late Popi Bharali. She was an enthusiastic young environmentalist hailing from Dibrugarh, Assam. Born in the year 1974, 25th January she was the eldest daughter of Late Dr. Hemanta Kumar Bharali and Late Mrs. Amiya Bharali.
Miss Panna Bharali her younger sister says about her education and lifestyle that, “Ba (elder sister) loved nature. From her very childhood, she had an unknown attraction towards plants and animals as if she could understand their language. This undefined love towards environment made her walk down the dreams of her life of conserving nature’s beauty ‘Orchids’. Ba did her post-graduation from Dibrugarh University in Botany. She was the lifetime member of Indian Orchid Society and a renowned writer and a researcher. She established the society “Irab Kirab” back in 2003 under WWF India Society Act to educate people about the importance of environmental conservation. This society used to do street plays and educate children from schools the ecstasy of forest conservation.”What is the meaning of ‘Irab Kirab’? Panna Bharali says, “‘Irab Kirab’ is a Non-Government Organization specifically working on environment conservation. The organization was christened by renowned writer Mrs. Purobi Bormudoi (Sahitya Academy Award Winner) which has been taken from Bodo language and it means “Goddess of Forest”. The emblem has been designed by Mr. Tejendra Nath Gogoi.”Late Popi Bharali was a true nature-lover. She was pursuing her Ph.D. from Dibrugarh University in Orchids. But back in 2001, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in advanced stage. After her diagnosis as if the zeal of working for the cause became more within her. Instead of the tiresome processes of chemotherapy and its side-effects, her dedication towards pursuing and living through her dreams increased day by day. Although sometimes her body wasn’t able to take the burden of work through her supreme self-esteem, she was able to achieve the unexpected.What is the one thing that reminds you of your elder sister?Panna Bharali says on that, “Ba’s positivity and the way she looked towards life. Even on her deathbed she composed poetries which were filled with so much of positivity that it can give the most demoralized person in the world desire to stand up and fight again. In fact, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was devastated it was her writings that had built up my self-confidence and given me the motivation to fight and live through.” Popi Bharali’s family has been the epitome of positivity all throughout. After her soulful departure from this world on 19th April 2004 their family didn’t give up her good work. They stayed together and worked together to let her dreams survive. When asked about the way they have kept alive Popi Bharali’s dreams of environment conservation Mr. Nakul Khound the Co-ordinator of the society answered, “She has gone nowhere. She is among us. The more we take a step towards biodiversity conservation the more we know she is happy and watching us. Even after she is gone she is alive through her motivations and good works which we have tried to keep on doubling in number every year.”What are the programs being conducted by this society to raise the knowledge and love for the environment among the masses?Mr. Basanta Goswami, the member and resource person of “Irab Kirab” said, “We conduct seminars and workshops related to Biodiversity conservation where school children and youth are mainly involved. Various types of cultural activities like Drama, Mimes, Songs, Standing demonstrations, awareness campaign through bicycle rallies are being conducted every year along with publications of literature like magazines, leaflets, pamphlets, folders, articles to educate people about the importance of nature in one’s life and conversation of it.”Is “Irab Kirab” working on nature conservation only or there are other aspects of it too? On this question, Panna Bharali said, “Going back to nature is what we always insist too. Nature has impeccable powers of healing any wound. Our organization gives stress to ethnobiological practices including traditional medicines, researchers related to this field and conservation of these oriented traditions of the ethnic community.”Popi Bharali’s mother Late Mrs. Amiya Bharali also died of ovarian cancer a few years back. So Panna Bharali and the members of this organization even gives aptitude positivism seminars on how to identify the early signs of breast and ovarian cancer and to deal with them with utmost positive attitude along with proper treatment.The members of this NGO salute Popi Bharali and her family’s indomitable spirit and dauntless courage. Dr. Anando Bormudoi Advisor of this society says, “We hail Popi and her family as an embodiment of all that is best in the human spirit. May their family continue to be an inspiration to the new generation.”Panna Bharali now leads the society of “Irab Kirab” as a member and together they are fighting hard to let this love for the environment of her elder sister survive. Popi Bharali in her short life lived a life which has enlightened and is still giving inspirations to thousands of people. The society is trying hard to bring to light India’s North-east rich Biodiversity as well as a mosaic of cultural complex of the different ethnic groups.
___________________
Profile
Ms. Joyeeta Talukdar - Senior Research Assistant, Kavi Krishna, GBP, IIT-GuwahatiHer field of specialization is Cancer Biology but loves to write the experiences of life and the various people counseled in her professional life to show them a positive way to live their broken up lives.She has been rewarded with Visharad in Shattriya Nritya from Sangeet Natak Academy in the year 2006.She has been trained in performing arts by Guru Shree Ramkrishna Talukdar and Mrs Rumi Talukdar at Nartan Kala Niketan and Dipti Nrityalaya.She gives Demonstrative classes on Shattriya Nritya in various workshops held by Mrs Dipti Gohain and talks about the difficulties which the dance has to overcome to establish it in the International levels. She has recently performed in IIDF-Hyderabad -2017, Abhiyakti Nritya Mahotsav in association with ICCR,Delhi-2017. Her dance was greatly appreciated by the critics as well as the audience. Abhinaya and story-telling through dance is what she portrays the most. Her motto is to spread the knowledge on Sattriya Nritya with the scientific perfume of performing arts in it all over the world. She believes, “Every Dance form has the essence to connect with the Almighty and although the taals and language may be different the feeling is the same”.She Maintains a Blog- http://verseslife.blogspot.in/
Miss Panna Bharali her younger sister says about her education and lifestyle that, “Ba (elder sister) loved nature. From her very childhood, she had an unknown attraction towards plants and animals as if she could understand their language. This undefined love towards environment made her walk down the dreams of her life of conserving nature’s beauty ‘Orchids’. Ba did her post-graduation from Dibrugarh University in Botany. She was the lifetime member of Indian Orchid Society and a renowned writer and a researcher. She established the society “Irab Kirab” back in 2003 under WWF India Society Act to educate people about the importance of environmental conservation. This society used to do street plays and educate children from schools the ecstasy of forest conservation.”What is the meaning of ‘Irab Kirab’? Panna Bharali says, “‘Irab Kirab’ is a Non-Government Organization specifically working on environment conservation. The organization was christened by renowned writer Mrs. Purobi Bormudoi (Sahitya Academy Award Winner) which has been taken from Bodo language and it means “Goddess of Forest”. The emblem has been designed by Mr. Tejendra Nath Gogoi.”Late Popi Bharali was a true nature-lover. She was pursuing her Ph.D. from Dibrugarh University in Orchids. But back in 2001, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in advanced stage. After her diagnosis as if the zeal of working for the cause became more within her. Instead of the tiresome processes of chemotherapy and its side-effects, her dedication towards pursuing and living through her dreams increased day by day. Although sometimes her body wasn’t able to take the burden of work through her supreme self-esteem, she was able to achieve the unexpected.What is the one thing that reminds you of your elder sister?Panna Bharali says on that, “Ba’s positivity and the way she looked towards life. Even on her deathbed she composed poetries which were filled with so much of positivity that it can give the most demoralized person in the world desire to stand up and fight again. In fact, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was devastated it was her writings that had built up my self-confidence and given me the motivation to fight and live through.” Popi Bharali’s family has been the epitome of positivity all throughout. After her soulful departure from this world on 19th April 2004 their family didn’t give up her good work. They stayed together and worked together to let her dreams survive. When asked about the way they have kept alive Popi Bharali’s dreams of environment conservation Mr. Nakul Khound the Co-ordinator of the society answered, “She has gone nowhere. She is among us. The more we take a step towards biodiversity conservation the more we know she is happy and watching us. Even after she is gone she is alive through her motivations and good works which we have tried to keep on doubling in number every year.”What are the programs being conducted by this society to raise the knowledge and love for the environment among the masses?Mr. Basanta Goswami, the member and resource person of “Irab Kirab” said, “We conduct seminars and workshops related to Biodiversity conservation where school children and youth are mainly involved. Various types of cultural activities like Drama, Mimes, Songs, Standing demonstrations, awareness campaign through bicycle rallies are being conducted every year along with publications of literature like magazines, leaflets, pamphlets, folders, articles to educate people about the importance of nature in one’s life and conversation of it.”Is “Irab Kirab” working on nature conservation only or there are other aspects of it too? On this question, Panna Bharali said, “Going back to nature is what we always insist too. Nature has impeccable powers of healing any wound. Our organization gives stress to ethnobiological practices including traditional medicines, researchers related to this field and conservation of these oriented traditions of the ethnic community.”Popi Bharali’s mother Late Mrs. Amiya Bharali also died of ovarian cancer a few years back. So Panna Bharali and the members of this organization even gives aptitude positivism seminars on how to identify the early signs of breast and ovarian cancer and to deal with them with utmost positive attitude along with proper treatment.The members of this NGO salute Popi Bharali and her family’s indomitable spirit and dauntless courage. Dr. Anando Bormudoi Advisor of this society says, “We hail Popi and her family as an embodiment of all that is best in the human spirit. May their family continue to be an inspiration to the new generation.”Panna Bharali now leads the society of “Irab Kirab” as a member and together they are fighting hard to let this love for the environment of her elder sister survive. Popi Bharali in her short life lived a life which has enlightened and is still giving inspirations to thousands of people. The society is trying hard to bring to light India’s North-east rich Biodiversity as well as a mosaic of cultural complex of the different ethnic groups.
___________________
Profile
Ms. Joyeeta Talukdar - Senior Research Assistant, Kavi Krishna, GBP, IIT-GuwahatiHer field of specialization is Cancer Biology but loves to write the experiences of life and the various people counseled in her professional life to show them a positive way to live their broken up lives.She has been rewarded with Visharad in Shattriya Nritya from Sangeet Natak Academy in the year 2006.She has been trained in performing arts by Guru Shree Ramkrishna Talukdar and Mrs Rumi Talukdar at Nartan Kala Niketan and Dipti Nrityalaya.She gives Demonstrative classes on Shattriya Nritya in various workshops held by Mrs Dipti Gohain and talks about the difficulties which the dance has to overcome to establish it in the International levels. She has recently performed in IIDF-Hyderabad -2017, Abhiyakti Nritya Mahotsav in association with ICCR,Delhi-2017. Her dance was greatly appreciated by the critics as well as the audience. Abhinaya and story-telling through dance is what she portrays the most. Her motto is to spread the knowledge on Sattriya Nritya with the scientific perfume of performing arts in it all over the world. She believes, “Every Dance form has the essence to connect with the Almighty and although the taals and language may be different the feeling is the same”.She Maintains a Blog- http://verseslife.blogspot.in/
November 2, 2017
Food and Beverage Buzz to Organise SWAD SANSKRITI
Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Government of India Dr Mahesh Sharma will inaugurate SWAD SANSKRITI, a celebration of food culture and philosophy. Organised by Food and Beverage Buzz magazine SWAD SANSKRITI will be held on 26 November 2017 at Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar (Saphire 1&2), from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Curated by Dr Ashish Chopra, well known culinary historian, TV Host, Author and Senior Consulting Editor of Food and Beverage Buzz magazine, Swad Sanskriti as the event will look into exploring the wisdom of our cultural philosophy through food that has shaped Indian history and which today has become the identification factor for us Indians.
Mr Pawan Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Media Private Limited, that publishes the magazine Food and Beverage Buzz, says, “Understanding our past is imperative to understand our present food habits. So, how do we come to an elaborate understanding of our cultural habits? These are some of the questions that we will look at exploring through these events.”
Slated as the first conclave of many to come, SWAD SANSKRITI will host Cultural Gastronomy as its first chapter and Cultural Diversity will explore the diversity and unity of Indian Food and how its influence has helped develop and evolve Indian culture.To discuss some key issues that pertain to Indian culinary heritage, SWAD SANSKRITI will bring together eminent stalwarts from various food verticals which will include Chefs, Hoteliers, Restaurateurs, Food Historians, Anthropologists, Researchers, FMCG, food packaging industry, representatives from the Dairy companies, E-retailers, Food app companies among others. (please inform who we have from the packaging industry)
The eminent advisory board panel for SWAD SANSKRITI consists of the following:
1. SK Misra, IAS (retd.), Chairperson, Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development
2. Pradyot Manikya Deb Burman (Maharaja, state of Tripura)
3. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar (Rajmata, Royal family of Mysuru)
4. Pushpraj Singh (Maharaja, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh)
5. Jose Dominic, CEO, CGH Earth Group
6. Rakesh Mathur (Former President, Welcom Heritage by ITC group)
7. Sanjeev Pahwa (Sr. Vice President, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group)
8. Chef Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
9. Steve Borgia, Chairman & Managing Director of INDeco Leisure Hotels
10. B.R. Oberoi aka Diamond Oberoi (Chairman, Elgin Hotels)
11. Pritha Sen (Food Anthropologist)
12. Dr Pushpesh Pant (Food Historian & Critic)
“Swad Sanskriti isn’t just about discovering the culture of food and taste, it is a platform to bring together food lovers and those who are always excited about experimenting with different combination of ingredients,” says Ms Urvashi Jaahnvi Agrawal, Editor-in-Chief of Food and Beverage Buzz magazine.
About Food and Beverage Buzz Magazine
Food and Beverage Buzz magazine is part of Ocean Media Private Limited (a group company of 90-year-old publishing house, Prabhat Prakashan) which also publishes another world-class magazine Defence and Security Alert (DSA). FnB Buzz magazine covers a wide spectrum of subjects like cuisines, hospitality, FMCG Industry, F&B and restaurants, health & nutrition, who’s who from the F&B world, success stories and governing bodies like the MoFPI, FSSAI, APEDA, etc.
Curated by Dr Ashish Chopra, well known culinary historian, TV Host, Author and Senior Consulting Editor of Food and Beverage Buzz magazine, Swad Sanskriti as the event will look into exploring the wisdom of our cultural philosophy through food that has shaped Indian history and which today has become the identification factor for us Indians.
Mr Pawan Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Media Private Limited, that publishes the magazine Food and Beverage Buzz, says, “Understanding our past is imperative to understand our present food habits. So, how do we come to an elaborate understanding of our cultural habits? These are some of the questions that we will look at exploring through these events.”
Slated as the first conclave of many to come, SWAD SANSKRITI will host Cultural Gastronomy as its first chapter and Cultural Diversity will explore the diversity and unity of Indian Food and how its influence has helped develop and evolve Indian culture.To discuss some key issues that pertain to Indian culinary heritage, SWAD SANSKRITI will bring together eminent stalwarts from various food verticals which will include Chefs, Hoteliers, Restaurateurs, Food Historians, Anthropologists, Researchers, FMCG, food packaging industry, representatives from the Dairy companies, E-retailers, Food app companies among others. (please inform who we have from the packaging industry)
The eminent advisory board panel for SWAD SANSKRITI consists of the following:
1. SK Misra, IAS (retd.), Chairperson, Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development
2. Pradyot Manikya Deb Burman (Maharaja, state of Tripura)
3. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar (Rajmata, Royal family of Mysuru)
4. Pushpraj Singh (Maharaja, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh)
5. Jose Dominic, CEO, CGH Earth Group
6. Rakesh Mathur (Former President, Welcom Heritage by ITC group)
7. Sanjeev Pahwa (Sr. Vice President, South Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group)
8. Chef Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Executive Chef, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group
9. Steve Borgia, Chairman & Managing Director of INDeco Leisure Hotels
10. B.R. Oberoi aka Diamond Oberoi (Chairman, Elgin Hotels)
11. Pritha Sen (Food Anthropologist)
12. Dr Pushpesh Pant (Food Historian & Critic)
“Swad Sanskriti isn’t just about discovering the culture of food and taste, it is a platform to bring together food lovers and those who are always excited about experimenting with different combination of ingredients,” says Ms Urvashi Jaahnvi Agrawal, Editor-in-Chief of Food and Beverage Buzz magazine.
About Food and Beverage Buzz Magazine
Food and Beverage Buzz magazine is part of Ocean Media Private Limited (a group company of 90-year-old publishing house, Prabhat Prakashan) which also publishes another world-class magazine Defence and Security Alert (DSA). FnB Buzz magazine covers a wide spectrum of subjects like cuisines, hospitality, FMCG Industry, F&B and restaurants, health & nutrition, who’s who from the F&B world, success stories and governing bodies like the MoFPI, FSSAI, APEDA, etc.
October 30, 2017
A Trip to Mahabaleshwar via Pustakanch Gaav
When one thinks of Mahabaleshwar, visuals of misty mountains, deep valleys, blue waters and green trees emerge. It’s one of the most refreshing weekend getaways for folks who love to relax under the skies, amidst the greens. However, now there’s one more reason to cherish; in addition to listening to chirping birds and dipping drops, a brand-new experience awaits you. A village was known as Bhilar (aka Pustakanch Gaav or village of books) is a must-visit place for literature and reading enthusiasts. This article will help you learn more about this village that’s India’s first book tourism destination.
From the location perspective, Bhilar is situated in the Mahabaleshwar Tehsil of the Satara district in Maharashtra. It’s about 18 kilometers and 8 kilometers away from Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani respectively. The village is spread across 432 hectares; it houses about 3,000 people in 620 homes. Strawberry plantation is the main occupation; the village earns an annual profit of Rs 40 to 50 crore through its strawberry produce. There are about 30 to 40 hotels and homestays that attract travelers who are visiting Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.
In May 2017, Ministry of Marathi Language launched ‘Pustakanch Gaav’ in Bhilar, a first of its kind initiative in India. The Minister, Vinod Tawde, was Inspired by the Welsh town, Hay-on-Wye, that is known for its bookstores and literary festivals. The department not only aims to promote Pustakanch Gaav as the main tourist hub by itself but also aims to promote the Marathi language. Interestingly, an international concept has an indigenous touch when we talk about project execution. Unlike in the Welsh town where there are multiple bookstores (commercial premises), about 25 villagers have opened their houses for book lovers in the Pustakanch Gaav.
There are about 15,000 books that are organized in 22 genres. One will encounter rare, India-center genres such as the Diwali Ank (a collection of Diwali edition of magazines in the Marathi language) and Maratha History (this is a collection of books on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). Genres such as Humor, History, Poetry, Science, Feminism, Culture, Hagiography, Children Literature, Travel, Biography, Short Stories, Novels, Award Winning Literature, Exhibitions, and Newspapers are also present. While a few books are available in the English language, a vast majority are in the Marathi language. There are 25 locations dedicated to reading in the Pustakanch Gaav; they are the houses of villagers, guest houses, and one temple where one will find books/magazines/newspapers of their choice.
Every house maintains books in one distinct genre. The Government has provided a red beanbag, a 16-pocket wire book stands that can rotate and a metal bookshelf with glass doors where one can see through the titles. Visitors can pick up any book and use the reading area (made available by house owners) to sit, relax and read. Most houses have a verandah and the Government has placed garden furniture (huge table with an umbrella and four chairs) for those who prefer reading in natural light. Thematic paintings outside every house are hard to miss. Apparently, they were painted by artists from across the state. The Government had launched a crowdsourcing campaign to invite these artists. The local culture, food, and people will add to your overall experience. One can avail tiffin service (expect authentic Maharashtrian cuisine) that is provided by most homes (upon prior booking).
From the location perspective, Bhilar is situated in the Mahabaleshwar Tehsil of the Satara district in Maharashtra. It’s about 18 kilometers and 8 kilometers away from Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani respectively. The village is spread across 432 hectares; it houses about 3,000 people in 620 homes. Strawberry plantation is the main occupation; the village earns an annual profit of Rs 40 to 50 crore through its strawberry produce. There are about 30 to 40 hotels and homestays that attract travelers who are visiting Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.
In May 2017, Ministry of Marathi Language launched ‘Pustakanch Gaav’ in Bhilar, a first of its kind initiative in India. The Minister, Vinod Tawde, was Inspired by the Welsh town, Hay-on-Wye, that is known for its bookstores and literary festivals. The department not only aims to promote Pustakanch Gaav as the main tourist hub by itself but also aims to promote the Marathi language. Interestingly, an international concept has an indigenous touch when we talk about project execution. Unlike in the Welsh town where there are multiple bookstores (commercial premises), about 25 villagers have opened their houses for book lovers in the Pustakanch Gaav.
There are about 15,000 books that are organized in 22 genres. One will encounter rare, India-center genres such as the Diwali Ank (a collection of Diwali edition of magazines in the Marathi language) and Maratha History (this is a collection of books on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). Genres such as Humor, History, Poetry, Science, Feminism, Culture, Hagiography, Children Literature, Travel, Biography, Short Stories, Novels, Award Winning Literature, Exhibitions, and Newspapers are also present. While a few books are available in the English language, a vast majority are in the Marathi language. There are 25 locations dedicated to reading in the Pustakanch Gaav; they are the houses of villagers, guest houses, and one temple where one will find books/magazines/newspapers of their choice.
Every house maintains books in one distinct genre. The Government has provided a red beanbag, a 16-pocket wire book stands that can rotate and a metal bookshelf with glass doors where one can see through the titles. Visitors can pick up any book and use the reading area (made available by house owners) to sit, relax and read. Most houses have a verandah and the Government has placed garden furniture (huge table with an umbrella and four chairs) for those who prefer reading in natural light. Thematic paintings outside every house are hard to miss. Apparently, they were painted by artists from across the state. The Government had launched a crowdsourcing campaign to invite these artists. The local culture, food, and people will add to your overall experience. One can avail tiffin service (expect authentic Maharashtrian cuisine) that is provided by most homes (upon prior booking).
