mr maria, name the cops who took to allow killer hooch sale
Transcription
mr maria, name the cops who took to allow killer hooch sale
O U T R I G H T - R E N TA L VOLUME: 1, ISSUE: 24, MUMBAI, 01 July to 07 July, 2015, PAGES: 16, RS.4, PH: 77188 07071-72 www.mumbaimessenger.com 97680 77077 AN OPEN LETTER TO MUMBAI POLICE COMMISSIONER - PAGE 2 MR MARIA, NAME THE COPS WHO TOOK BRIBES TO ALLOW KILLER HOOCH SALE MR MARIA, IT IS YOUR MORAL AND LEGAL DUTY TO NAME ALL THOSE WHO TOOK THE BRIBES ALONG WITH DETAILS OF THE CASH RECEIVED. WE ALL WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS THE PRICE OF A HUMAN LIFE IN THE EYES OF THE CORRUPT COPS AND EXCISE MEN. YOU NAME THEM AND WE WILL SHAME THEM SO THAT THIS CANCER OF BRIBERY IS EXPOSED OFFICIALLY. “Bollywood in Asia is not just cinema, it is a religion” - Celina Jaitly PAGE 09 >> Students suffer Due to landPAGE row 04 >> Reach your TARGET AUDIENCE ADVERTISE IN MUMBAI MESSENGER 7718807071 CITY 02 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 YOU NAME THEM WE SHAME THEM I write this letter with full confidence and respect for you and the office you hold. I was deeply hurt over the death of 104 persons caused by spurious hooch at Malwani, Malad. I fully appreciate the action taken by you and your juniors by suspending some local cops on charges of dereliction of duty and a similar action by the State Excise Department too is commendable. But somewhere down the line there is a deep feeling that much more needs to be done. The loss of innocent lives is no ordinary case of negligence alone. There is a wider nexus between politicians, bootleggers and the local cops. Being the top cop and the man in control you know much better than anyone else that such illegal and lethal activities cannot be carried out without the overt or covert connivance of the local cops and Excise officials. You broke a similar nexus in Sion-Dharavi-Matunga areas when you were in-charge of Zone-IV in the late 80s. And that too when the stakeholders in the illegal hooch trade were politically and criminally much powerful and well connected. We all know that all the criminals involved would be tried and sentenced sooner or later, but the huge loss of life cannot be retrieved. Mothers have lost their sons, the women were widowed and the children have been rendered orphans. The already aggrieved families have lost their sole bread earners. The collective misery has befallen the entire locality. Reeling under grief and concealed anger the wailing family members have just one question. Could the tragedy be averted and lives saved had the bribe seeking cops and Excise men done their job honestly? It reminds me of the ace Customs sleuth late Mr Dayashankar who always believed in the dictum that smuggling never takes place unless the same is allowed by the system. A ship never sinks, it is always sunk. Bootlegging can never prosper unless it is patronized by the law enforcers. We all, including you, Mr Maria, know that wherever Mr Dayashankar was posted during is long stint with anti smuggling agencies all illegal activities used to come to a standstill. I am more than convinced that you too are capable of doing what Mr Dayashankar always did. You are one of the best investigators and interrogators in the entire police force. During the past weeks,your men have picked up several major players involved in the killer game. They must have revealed to you how much money they paid as bribes to the cops at all levels and similarly to the Excise men. Mr Maria, it is your moral and legal duty to name all those who took the bribes along with details of the cash received. We all want to know what is the price of a human life in the eyes of the corrupt cops and Excise men. You name them and we will shame them so that this cancer of bribery is exposed officially. I know you can do it and am sure that you will do it Mr Maria. Yours sincerely, Baljeet Parmar Consulting Editor. PHOTO/SM KABEER Dear Mr Rakesh Maria, Farhana Shaikh, 25 widow of victim Ajijul Rehman Shaikh, 27 with her mother- in - law and three children. The youngest one who is just 30 days old. Now, only opt for rotis at restaurants Jain Munis and Maharaj sahebs appeal to community via social media to stop consumption of Naan, Roomali rotis and kulchas Mewati Sitaram ANDHERI: After the Maggi issue, many restrictions on eatables have been announced by various religious sects. The latest being Jain Munis and Maharaj sahebs who have sent messages and appealed to their community through social media. They are advising their disciples to avoid eating Naan, Roomali rotis and kulchas in restaurants. These products are made using eggs. The Jain community is a strict vegetarian community; even root vegetables are not permitted to be consumed in their religion. The community has reportedly made this move after watching on a cookery show that eggs are used for preparing these items. Hemchandra Surishwarji Maharaj saheb has sent a message to thousands of disciples to refrain from consuming the above products. Similarly many more Jain munis have also forwarded the message on social media. The Jain religion believes in non-violence and follows it strictly. Any Jain visiting hotels or restaurants, is advised to consume rotis instead of these products. Consumption of naan, kulchas and roomali rotis in which eggs are used, are considered to entail violence. Hemchandra Surishwarji Maharaj saheb says, “For years there have been debates on whether eggs are vegetarian. But among Jains, eggs are considered non vegetarian. So it is better that we refrain from eating naan, kulchas and roomali rotis.” The Jain community is reeling under thick suspicion about using eggs in these items. To find out whether eggs were an integral ingredient, Hemchandra Surishwarji Maharaj saheb went on finest detailing. It was revealed that indeed eggs are used in making the above products. Soon after, he sent messages to his followers to avoid visiting hotels and restaurants. In case if they visit restaurants or hotels, they should eat rotis. Sanjeev Kapoor, Grand Sanjeev Kapoor Master Chef says, “There are many dishes that can be prepared without eggs. Of course, we have been making these in our restaurants without eggs for years. It is the recipe. We use a mix of ingredients like yogurt, baking powder and a little oil. There are many global brands who have opened their shops in India who are known to make everything non vegetarian abroad. When in India, they have introduced many vegetarian dishes, keeping in mind sentiments and large business volume.” Chef Kapoor added, “We have to respect every religion and should avoid any sort of ingredient prohibited in certain religions. There are various alternatives that can be used in recipes. It not only gives you mental satisfaction but also develops faith of a customer towards restaurants and products made.” HAIR & BEAUTY S A L O N Shop no. 12, Clifton building, Oberoi lane behind, Shabri restaurant, Sundarvan complex, Lokhandwala, Andheri west, Mumbai - 53 E: [email protected] T: 99673 99974 O N LY L A D I E S NOW OPEN CITY 03 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 Those found urinating or spitting in station premises to be sent to jail Mewati Sitaram MUMBAI: Beware! Those found urinating or spitting on the railway platform or anywhere else in its premises, are likely to land in jail. The railway administration is tightening its screw to book culprits who are dirtying the railway premises. The Government Railway Police (GRP) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been instructed to look into the matter on top priority basis. The Central and Western railways are also gearing up in a similar manner as per directives of the Railway board. It may be noted that the stink of urine and ugly red pan stains due to spitting in every nook and corner at various suburban railway stations are a regular feature. A highly placed source in the Railway board at Delhi said, "The drive would be part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of 'Swachh Bharat' campaign. The railway administration is keen on keeping railway premises clean and all zonal railway officers have been informed about the same. The board has strictly instructed to implement it on top priority basis. Unless people are not sent to jail or fined heavily, they will not leave bad habits. The public thinks that notices are meant to be pasted and not to be implemented, so they are fearless. Once the people would feel the heat of the Railway administration, they will fall in line.” The message behind such a drive would convey to people that enough is enough. - WINNIE APOLINE Saldanha, social activist from Goregaon Numerous attempts to contact the Western Railway CPRO Sharat Chandrayan were in vain. Winnie Apoline Saldanha, a social activist from Goregaon said, “Unless the administration seriously tries to implement certain rules, they are taken for granted by the public. 'Sab chalta hai' attitude is dangerous for all. The message behind such a drive would convey to people that enough is enough. For more than six decades, our adamant social behaviour needs to change. Mumbai, being the commercial capital of India hosts millions of international business communities and tourists every year. We can't be negligent and irresponsible when comes to showing etiquettes in public." “It takes four years to get a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree but he got the same in just a few months. It is unfair to the students. Being an Education Minister what example is he setting? We request him to resign from his post” PHOTO/SHARAD VEGDA Railways ups drive to keep premises clean - NASIR ZAKARIA, Congress spokesperson TAWDE UNDER FIRE Shrutika Sukhi VILE PARLE: Last week, members of the Congress party protested outside Education Minister Vinod Tawde's house at Vile Parle. They demanded that the Minister step down from his position and resign for his alleged bogus degree. Protestors chanted slogans like 'Vinod Tawde fraud hai,' and 'Bhag gaya, Vinod Tawde bhaag gaya.' Nasir Zakaria, Congress spokesperson said, “Vinod Tawde has betrayed the people of Maharashtra. He is just 12th pass. He should have maintained his actual score in his documents. It takes four years to obtain a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) degree but he got the same in just a few months. It is unfair to the students. Being an Education Minister what example is he setting? We request him to resign from his post.” Ex MLA Ashok Jadhav said, “Vinod Tawde should come out in the open about his degree. It is not only the Congress who wants his resignation, but the whole city wants it. Being on the post that he is, he shouldn't be doing something like this. Tomorrow any institute will open and start giving degrees to students. This is unfair to students who study hard to obtain degrees. Two weeks back, Law Minister Jitender Singh Tomar was made to resign as he had a fake Law degree. If that could be done in Delhi, why be partial towards Vinod Tawde? Asking one leader to resign and not the other, is completely unfair. Justice should be done.” Tawde's BE degree comes from Dyaneshwar Vidyapeeth in Pune, which is privately-run with no recognition till date. In 2007, the Bombay High Court stated that the institute has no recognition and will not be permitted to award degrees and its degrees were declared cancelled. Tawde had filed his election affidavit in 2009. Tawde in his earlier statements had stated that he knew that the institute was not government recognized but he took admission as the course was industry oriented. Earlier, Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani was in the limelight for allegedly giving false information about her educational qualifications in affidavits filed with the Election Commission. ANDHERI 04 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 THREE YEARS ON, GILBERT HILL STILL NEGLECTED Since eight years I have been fighting for this. I have got many death threats - KUNICKAA SADANAND Social Activist & Actor I have written two letters to the Municipal Commissioner about the High Court order, but no action has been taken yet” - MOHSIN HAIDER lOCAL CORPORATOR Shrutika Sukhi PHOTO/NIKET KOTECHA GILBERT HILL: Gilbert Hill has been in the news since quite some time now for falling rocks and preservation matter. But till now no action has been taken for the same. Gilbert Hill is a 200-ft high rock, predominantly black basalt that was squeezed out of the Earth 65 million years ago. It is one of two such rocks in the world. The other is in the United States. Earlier this month, there was a landslide due to the incessant rains, which injured a rickshaw driver and a man on motor vehicle who then were rushed to Cooper hospital. Since then, the BMC has not taken any measure to prevent this. In fact, they are building a wall behind the hill to protect houses on the mountain against landslides. A BMC official from the building department said, “During rains there is a possibility of landslide, so we are building a structure to prevent that from happening.” Local MLA Ameet Satam said, “A technical team had come to check the current status of Gilbert hill and within 2-3 weeks they are going to submit a report as to what measure should be taken to protect the hill. They will give a comprehensive plan.” Suresh Pardesi from the PWD Department said, “We have informed the District Planning and Development Committee about this. There have been two presentations with measure to protect Gilbert Hill. The IIT Technical department will go through them and decide which one of the two to follow. Then as per the Collector's orders, the government officials will do the work. ” He added, “Net Boosting won't help the rocks from falling as they are too heavy and will break the nets. We have placed two warning signs (boards) about the landslide and being a residential area we can't even restrict people from coming there.” The hill has been in a bad shape since quite some time and the residents also fear a mishap. Local Corporator Mohsin Haider has consistently been following up on the issue to protect the heritage structure. He said, “The authorities are not following the Court order that was passed in 2012. I have written two letters to the Municipal Commissioner for the same, but no action has been taken yet. This is a contempt of court orders. Earlier work was in progress near the hill which was stopped by the BMC. Recently two people were even injured due to a landslide. The authorities should do something immediately.” HIGH COURT ORDER On 09/02/2012 while disposing the PIL No. 57 of 2011, the High Court had directed state Govt., MCGM and other concerned authorities to employ net boosting and other methods for ensuring that there are no landslides in the future at a distance of 5 meters from Gilbert Hill within 3 months. PHOTO/SHARAD VEGDA STUDENTS SUFFER DUE TO LAND ROW Since one year, local Corporator Changez Multani has pressurized the BMC for not allowing NGO 'CHIP' to work in Prateeksha Nagar Municipal School, due to which more than 700 children are suffering Shrutika Sukhi OSHIWARA: Since the past eight years, Social Activist and Actor Kunickaa Sadanand has moved High Court for a vacant plot adjoining Prateeksha Nagar Municipal School, Oshiwara, as she wants to start a Higher Secondary section (Std 4 – Std 10) for the said school by making efficient use of the plot. However, since the plot, originally earmarked as a playground, has reportedly been encroached upon, last week, as per HC orders, the BMC and MMRDA officials were asked to demarcate 7001 sq. mts of it. However, the officials did a survey and presented the same, after which Sarang, MMRDA Officer Mandar Katkar, BMC Officer the Court has now asked them to file a compliance report by July 18. The said plot falls under the BMC. the playground or not. In 2003, an order was passed by the In 2004, CHIP (Child in Pain), an NGO of which Kunickaa HC that no construction work can be carried out on a is the Convenor, adopted the BMC School and improved its playground. Then in 2009, the Court procured an affidavit infrastructure. Currently the school caters to students till from all school Principals stating that if there is any Std 4. Kunickaa wanted to extend its facilities till Std 10 as construction work, even if for religious purposes, will not be there is no such school in the vicinity. The only such school permitted. i.e. Oshiwara School is also till Std 7. So she pressurized the Mandar Katkar, from the BMC's Maintenance School Department to initiate the development. They Department said, “Since the planning authority of this place included the school in the plan and informed the MMRDA, is the MMRDA, we sent a letter to the town planning as it is the planning authority in the area. The MMRDA department. They processed the letter and gave a assigned an architect for the job. When the plan was in its demarcation date of June 19, but due to heavy rains, the final stage, before the architect could give his approval date was postponed.” Sarang, from the Land Sale letter, they informed that the playground has been Department of the MMRDA said, “We got the letter eight encroached upon. days back. So we have come to demarcate an area of Only when Kunickaa applied for an approval till Std 10, 7001sq mts.” she discovered that the playground is encroached upon. The BMC, to whom the plot belongs, wasn't aware that it was their property. To verify facts, she filed an RTI, which verified the same. Kunickaa said, “Since eight years I have been fighting for this. I have got many death threats. Also, a few senior leaders from my Congress party asked me to stay away from this matter. I was boycotted from the North West district. They also made it difficult for me to do any party work.” Since last year, local Corporator Changez Multani pressurized the BMC for not allowing CHIP to work in the school, due to which more than 700 children are suffering. They are not getting lessons in Maths, English, and many more subjects. The MMRDA had handed over the playground to the BMC in 1981. Many builders tried to acquire the land, including the neighboring HK College (half of the BMC school land was given to HK College). They sought permission for beautification work, but it was declined by MHADA. There is a Mosque near the ground, which was earlier a madrassa. The owner of the Trust is in Assam, who is an MP there. The demarcation report Netas to guide or misguide us? PHOTO/SHARAD VEGDA will state whether the madrassa falls under A pole with unauthorised hoardings of politicians covers the signal, making it difficult for commuters to follow traffic rules. ANDHERI 05 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 Andheri boy bags Silver in Germany Shrutika Sukhi LOKAHNDWALA: Thirteen-year-old Aryan Singh Dadiala, a resident of Lokhandwala, recently bagged a Silver medal (100 mts breast stroke in 01:18:83) in Germany where he represented India at the 40th International Stuttgart Swimming Championship. With a smile on his face, Aryan says, “The event was nice. This was a different kind of exposure for me. It is the second time that I took part in this event. The last time, I was not so good but this time my positions were good. In one event, I missed the Bronze medal by 20 microseconds.” The temperature in Germany was normal (26 degrees) when Aryan and his dad reached there. But on the day of the competition, it rained, there was a cold storm and the temperature dropped to 9 degrees; whereas the water was 8 degrees. It was a spine tingling day for Aryan. He recalls, “For us, it was too cold. It affected my performance as in India we are not used to such temperatures whereas the Germans have adapted themselves to extreme temperatures.” Aryan's father, Surjit Singh Dadiala had hired a coach Mr. Muller, but for them, the language became a barrier as the coach spoke German. The other swimmers, the new generation, knew English as it is a compulsory subject for them. They kept translating to Aryan what the coach taught. But the coach wasn't happy with it. So, he himself plunged into the water and started instructing Aryan. The training was very different. Aryan was told to swim and do all his strokes. Later Aryan was shown videos of himself swimming. The coach later told Aryan that he had installed cameras in the pool, which helped Aryan improve his glide, fly etc. Surjit said, “The training, technique and technology matters. For Germans it was normal thing, but for us it was something new as the training was completely different. Before looking at the videos Aryan used to feel that the way he was doing his strokes was proper, but after watching the videos he realized his mistakes.” Aryan trained in Germany, where from 10am -12pm he did corrections, and 3pm -6pm endurance. On the first day of the event at 200m breaststroke Aryan stood 4th, then the next day he told his father that he had to win a medal. Sujit recounts in jubilation, “I went running to Aryan as soon as I heard his name and told him he was the only one representing India.” Aryan has already started working hard for the nationals now, slated for July. DUAL-LOBE LIVER DONATION, A FIRST AT KOKILABEN Performs path breaking medical procedure to give the patient a new lease of life MM Correspondent When acute liver disease threatened Mahendra Bari, worldclass medical expertise, combined with a supportive family, came to his rescue. Today, following the pathbreaking and complex dual-lobe living donor transplant, undertaken at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital in Mumbai, the 41-year-old patient has a new lease of life. The surgery was undertaken and monitored by Dr Vinay Kumaran and his team of professionals who made this rare and difficult surgery possible. Speaking on the surgery PHOTO/NIKET KOTECHA Dr Vinay Kumaran, Consultant and Head- Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplant at the hospital said, “Owing to low organ donation rates in India, most patients with liver failure either die on the waiting list for an organ or undergo a living donor transplant, where a family member donates part of the liver. A living donor transplant is much more complex than a transplant from a brain-dead donor; the blood vessels and bile ducts are small and multiple and require careful reconstruction to ensure the liver is well perfumed and drained. The remaining liver of the donor should be at least 30 per cent.” Dr Ram Narain, Executive Director added, “For Mahendra Bari, who has been undergoing treatment for decompensated cirrhosis of the liver at the hospital for the past year, a liver transplant was the need of the hour. Despite the best available treatment, he underwent repeated admissions with lifethreatening complications of cirrhosis: internal bleeding that had to be controlled endoscopically, hepatic encephalopathy (drowsiness and confusion that can progress to coma); and the beginning of kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome).” As there was little progress on the waiting list for a liver from a brain-dead donor, his family came forward to donate. His wife and brother were found to have severely fatty livers and were ruled out. His nephew Sandeep was found to have a less severe fatty liver. While it was deemed unsafe to use Sandeep's right lobe, his left lobe could be used as it was only 30 percent of his liver and could be safely removed. However, the estimated volume of the left lobe was only 441 cc, which would have been insufficient for Bari. At this point, his niece Payal volunteered to donate part of her liver. Though Payal was only 480 cc, far short of the 640cc he needed. However, when both Payal's right lobe and Sandeep's left lobe were combined, the total was 921 cc, enough for a safe transplant. Explaining the complexity around the surgery Dr Kumaran added, “Post observing the patient his medical condition we decided to perform a dual-lobe transplant, a technically challenging and rare procedure that was pioneered by Asian Medical Centre in Korea. It involves three teams of surgeons operating in three operation theatres simultaneously. The patient's liver is removed; parts of donors' livers are removed; and work is required on the bench to prepare the partial livers for implication. The reconstruction of the two liver lobes in the recipient is very complex because of the number of structures required to be reconstructed and the limited time available (if more than an hour is taken, the livers can be damaged by lack of oxygen and nutrition.) indeed, very few such transplants have been performed in India. “ Dr Narian concluded, “Doctors have successfully completed the dual-lobe living donor liver transplant, both the donors and patient have recorded and are living a healthy life today. Such cases further cements our reputation for path-breaking medical procedures and upholds our excellence as a full equipped centre for liver transplant.” SEND US YOUR NEWS! [email protected] EDUBUZZ 06 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 PHOTO/NIKET KOTECHA Konkan Divisional Commissioner launches drive to ease college admissions Coping with1st year at college MM Correspondent It is that time of the year again, when students graduating out of school make beelines to secure admission in desired colleges. Thousands of youth are all set to take their first big step by entering college. This phase of life can be one's greatest adventure. What you do in your first year of college can have a big impact on the rest of your college years – not to mention on the rest of your life. A few missteps might be possible to undo later on, but too many wrong moves and you might well find it impossible to recover later. Here are a few steps to establish a healthy balance of academic work, social activity, and just plain living – a balance that once established, you'll find easy to maintain through the rest of college and into your future. 1. Get organized: Get yourself a sturdy file box and a set of file folders, and set up a folder for each class. Start using a planner, and keep a to-do list. Unless you're heavily into computers, don't use software or web services to manage your schedule; most of the time, you won't have easy access to a computer which means you won't use those tools when you need them most. 2. Plan ahead: By the end of your first week, you'll know when almost every assignment for the semester is due – put those on your calendar and write down a set of milestones (with due dates) you need to accomplish to finish them on time. There's no reason you should be stressing over papers or big tests the night before they're due. Start making good use of your time at the beginning of the semester and approach your due dates calm and relaxed. 3. Sleep well: It's ironic that the time in our life when we need sleep the most is the time when we're most tempted to skimp on sleep. Adequate sleep is essential for college students. Believe it or not, it's when you're asleep that most of the work of learning happens – that's when the brain processes and files away the stuff you stored in short-term memory in your classes the previous day. It's also important for regulating your metabolism. Losing sleep causes stress, which affects performance on tests and quizzes. And, of course, consistently going to bed late makes it increasingly likely that you'll oversleep and miss those early classes. 4. Talk to professors: College students tend to be intimidated by their professors. Don't be. They are there to help you, and for all but the meanest and laziest professors, that extends well beyond mastery of the course material. 5. Join something: Sign up for a sports team. Join a club, or a fraternity, or the student council. Taking part in some sort of extracurricular activity will keep you socially active, provide an outlet for nervous energy, and maybe even teach you something new. 6. Speak up in class: College is interactive. Ask questions, answer the professor's questions, and share your opinion as much as possible. Now is the time to break free of your high school conditioning – there are no points for sitting quietly anymore. 7. Use the library: There are so many resources available in the library – magazines, guides to local places, databases, leisure reading, videos, and of course, the books you need for your papers. Learn as much as you can about your library, as soon as you can. Talk with the librarians about the resources available in your field. Check out the resources you can access remotely – so you don't come up stuck when you realize you need one more reference in the middle of the night. 8. Relax: Make a point of taking it easy now and again. Take a no-study day. Go to the park. Party. Go shopping. If you don't do something non-class related once in a while, you're going to burn out. Remember: balance is key. Study enough, and live enough. No more and no less. 9. Get a job: You'll feel a lot better about college if you're not always struggling to make ends meet. Plus, a job can help you meet new people and be a good counterbalance to your course load. A part-time job at a local business or on campus is ideal, especially if you can find something related to your field of study. 10. Don't get a credit card. You'll get bombarded with apparently sweet credit card deals almost from the second you step on campus. Consider that credit card companies have fought hard for the right to turn a large profit from fees for being overdrawn, missing payments, or going over your limit – now consider how they expect to make a profit from you. Even if you never do anything to earn a penalty fee, you'll end up paying way more than however much you charged in interest and annual fees. Stick to a bank account and debit card. The results of Std 10 of various boards are now out. It's now time for obtaining admission in FYJC in various colleges of the state. Beside open categories there are various categories in which seats are reserved like SC, ST, OBC, Domicile and many more. To obtain admissions in these categories, colleges seek certificates issued by competent authorities. The collector of respective district is the head of issuing certificates. Tahsildar of respective talukas issues these certificates which are accepted by institutions. When large volumes of people reach the Tahsidar's office for obtaining various certificates, the waiting period for issuance of certificate goes haywire. Here is MEWATI SITARAM in candid chat with Radheshyam Mopalwar IAS, Konkan Divisional Commissioner. There are seven districts, largest in India, which fall under his jurisdiction - Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri. Why do people approach the tahsildar office to obtain certificates only after declaration of board results? To be precise, there are people who fall in certain reservation categories. Some are really unaware of its importance and are not in possession of required certificates. While filling up admission forms in colleges they apply in certain categories that they belong to. Surprisingly they come across the admission counter about certificates, which they do not possess. When they realize the importance and mandatory requirement for securing admission, their queues begin at the Tahsildar office. Are certificates issued in a time bound manner as per citizen's charter? Mostly certificates are issued in a perfect time bound manner. The citizen charter is bound to be followed by every officer. When a volume of various certificate seekers reaches very high, it might be delayed for few days. But every officer makes sure to deliver relevant certificates at the earliest. If there is a long pendency, tahsil office staff works extra hours to deliver documents within the time frame. Sometimes documents are delayed due to incomplete information and relevant proofs are not attached by the applicants. If documents are in order there is no delay in delivering. Any plans for expediting issuance of certificates? We are planning to organize special camps for issuing Education is the key, says Anil Kapoor MUMBAI: Stressing on the importance of education, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor said it plays a key role in moulding children into successful individuals. “Education is the key to success. Education plays a very important role in life as it helps in moulding us into successful individuals. It helps one in taking the decisions,” Kapoor said on the sidelines of an education event 'P&G Shiksha,' held recently which has impacted the lives of over 800,000 children in the past 11 years by building and supporting over 450 schools across India. To celebrate this path-breaking impact, actress Kalki Koechlin also joined Kapoor to extend her support to the initiative. “What Shiksha is doing is great… it is an innovative idea. Buying a P&G product can help in educating a child. Educating eight lakh children till now is a commendable thing. I am proud to be associated with them. I am happy to be associated with this wonderful opportunity to support the cause of education,” Kapoor, said. As a doting father, Kapoor, who has three children said he understands the importance of providing good quality education to children. “Education helps them in making decisions independently. Like a friend, I was supportive to them but at the same time made sure they got their education,” he added. certificates in all seven districts of Konkan district. These camps would be in addition to regular Tahsil office. There are far flung areas from where people have to travel to tahsil office barring Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban districts. To avoid inconvenience to public to travel from far off places we have decided to organize special camps. Students and parents should take benefit to avoid rush to citizen facilitation centres and other designated centres for issuing vital documents required. We will try to handover certificates at the earliest provided all relevant and mandatory documents are in order. Are special camps useful? The camps are beneficial to all who are applying for certain certificates. These camps are specially meant for exclusive subjects under one roof. The entire team of concerned officials is based at one place and ensures speedy issuance of certificates. Do you have any plans for arranging similar camps in schools in future? As of now our top priority is to issue certificates in special camps so as to avoid inconvenience to the public. We are not averted to conducting camps in schools but it is too premature to comment on that. If need be, we will organize special drives in schools periodically. Special drives bring forward people to obtain certificates easily. If there is inordinate delay in issuing certificates, who could public approach for redressal? All measures are taken to issue certificates in a time bound manner and records are maintained in Inward/Outward registers. There might be certain technical or authenticity issues due to which certificates are delayed. If there is an inordinate delay, an applicant can approach respective Sub Divisional Officers (SDO), Additional Collectors. If their grievances are not attended to, then they can approach the Respective District Collector. If at all they are still not satisfied they can approach the divisional commissioner. THE LEADER I ADMIRE Nelson Mandela started the anti-apartheid movement against racial discrimination. He was imprisoned for 27 years for being involved in such a noble cause. The apartheid ended in South Africa in November 1993. Nelson Mandela who was also known as Madiba was very dear to Indians. The Indian Government conferred the Bharat Ratna to him and he was given an honorary doctorate by the Banaras Hindu University. He was a completely non-violent leader and had great mental strength. We know this by an incident when Madiba was released from the jail. The jailor said,” You are free now,” Madiba's retort was, “I was always free.” He was the first President of the post apartheid South Africa. He identified six principles for the betterment of his country's foreign policy-human rights, promotion of democracy, respect for international law, world peace achieved by non-violent means; effective arms control regime and finally growing economic cooperation in an interdependent world. Madiba named South Africa,” The Rainbow Nation” to bring together all races, religions and tribes. I had visited Mandela's house in Houghton, Johannesburg with my parents in 2011. I also saw his family restaurant, “Mandela Family Restaurant.” He was a Nobel Peace Prize winner and near his house is another Nobel Peace Prize winner, Desmond Tutu's house. Mandela once said, “Would be very egotistical of me to say how I would like to be remembered. I'd leave that entirely to South Africans. I would just like a simple stone on which is written, 'Mandela.'” Name: Sankalpita Mullick Class : IX School: Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School Do you want to showcase your child's talent? Here is a chance to do it...! Simply mail us his/her work of creativity, be it poetry, drawings, or anything else along with details of your child. We promise to put it here..!! So what are you waiting for? Grab this chance for your child's claim to fame...and mail us at: [email protected] PEOPLE’SPAGE 07 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 YOUR VIEW Are you convinced with the BMC's pre-monsoon work? Last week, Mumbai received maximum rainfall in a day. The city was haphazardly trapped with ceased train services, waterlogged roads and tree falling in several areas. Even after spending Rs.2000cr on Monsoon preparations, the BMC hardly seemed prepared for the situation, causing colossal disruption in city life. Gajendra Goswami spoke to Andheri residents on the chaotic circumstances that prevailed throughout the day... KISHORE PAYE, 60: The BMC didn't at all seem prepared for such heavy rainfall. This is just the start of the season and we don't know how much it might rain in the coming days. If things were planned properly and forethought earlier we could have dealt with the situation. RAJESH KUMAR, 31: I didn't leave my house at all that day. I live in Motilal Nagar, Goregaon and my street was water logged. I watched the news on T.V. and saw that people were wading through waist-deep water. If the situation is so bad at the start of the season, we can assume how prepared the BMC actually was. ROHIT SINGH, 26: I believe people are equally responsible for the situation. We ourselves don't keep our neighborhood clean and prepare ourselves for such circumstances. The BMC is highly inefficient but we never pay heed to their negligence and are too busy with our lives. Every year there comes one day when the city is hampered badly. But what have we done to deal with it? VEDANT KUMAR, 21: We were not prepared for the Monsoon, that's for sure. My business was badly affected. I have people working for me, who couldn't turn up for work on the day since public transport was badly hit. Authorities should be working properly and be more cautious rather than fool people. I saw trees falling, cars crushed and water logged roads. I didn't see any preparation at all. SWATI SHARMA, 47: I didn't face any problem since I do not travel by public transport. Floods and rainfall are factors which cannot be controlled. Mumbaikars keep their spirit alive and they have come across such scenarios in the past as well and have figured out a way to deal with these matters. LAAD S MAAN, 31: I feel corruption in the country is the reason for such incidents. If Rs.2000cr is not enough to prepare a city for rains, much cannot be said. Money in this country is funded for elections and party funds but not vital public problems. RAVINDRA BANE, 34: I would not say Rs.2000cr has been wasted completely, but I cannot sight where this money has been utilized. If more transparency could be instilled into the system of availing and using funds for projects, such a situation can be avoided in the future. I feel the people must be watchful and aware as well. WHAT THE CARDS FORETELL FOR Irrfan Khan Irrfan Khan, the man who won our hearts with his stellar performances is very hard working and has achieved everything with a lot of patience. He has always ensured his characters are realistic and are unconventional and explore human psyches. He brings to the table sensible cinema, impressive acting prowess and a dapper look. His realistic touch to every character he plays, clubbing charm with intellect and sensibility to tug at the audience's hearts even as he challenges their brains with intriguing stories that he selects for his cinematic journey. He analyzes every move before taking decisions and acts accordingly but not in the case of emotional matters. Regarding emotional decisions he is indecisive. Even when deciding whether to enter the industry, he was sceptical but followed his gut feeling and worked hard to earn this stature. His persona is assumed to be kind of dominating and authoritarian but he is fun when you know him. He has a platter of great opportunities and work projects in hand. These projects will enable him to surprise his fans and audience with more power packed versatile performances. Cards advice Irrfan to take care of his health. He is suggested to do prayers and be thankful for everything he has achieved. Some of his projects will take a little more time to complete and go live but the wait will be worth it. During January to April 2016 cards suggest not to take any sort of important decisions or do any investments as there are chances of cheating and loss. Cards show lot of travelling in the next year but he is advised to take out and spend some quality time with his family as they will miss his presence. He is blessed with good luck hence will overcome any losses if occurred. Cards advise he should endorse more brands. With his growing presence in Hollywood, the National Award-winning actor has also carved a niche for himself in Hollywood which will keep him busy with international and national projects. He will continue to strike a balance between Hollywood and Bollywood. Thus his career has no other direction but upwards. Guidance for our Readers by Expert PRIYANKA SAWANT Hi, I am Harpreet Saggu. DOB - 22-11-91. I want to know about my career. I have done my BMM and currently I'm working in Dubai since march. I am not happy with my job. I wanted to know if I made a good decision by coming here and is it good for my career? Thanks for writing to us Harpreet, According to your question, cards show you could continue your current job in Dubai for a year or two but mostly you will start facing problems from end of next year. Cards suggest you to start searching for a job in India which is good for your career growth. DISCOVER YOUR FATE PRIYANKA SAWANT is a world-renowned Celebrity 'Tarot Expert' from 17 years of experience, practicing in Mumbai and Pune. She is specialized in Psychic Powers, Palmistry, Tarot Card Reading, Crystal Ball Gazing, Angel Cards Reading, Pendulum Dowsing, crystal Therapy, Past Life Regression and Provides Training in Tarot Cards Reading, Tarot Healing, Angel Cards Reading. If you are finding the right person to guide you through your worries, your search ends here. Mumbai Messenger gives you a platform to solve your problems. Our expert, Priyanka Sawant will answer your queries. Email us your full name and date of birth for accurate prediction, also send in a photograph of yourself, which will remain confidential. Write to us at: [email protected] WORLD RENOWNED CELEBRITY PSYCHIC ASTROLOGER PRIYANKA SAWANT Find Your Fate Astrology Consultancy & Training Institute Tarot Card Reading Classes https://priyankasawant.wordpress.com MOHAMMAD AKHTAR, 42: I was badly affected by rains on the day. My business was affected badly and I wish the authorities would look into the matter and ensure that such bad conditions do not arise repeatedly. ABHINAY PATIL, 23: I stay at Amboli and I was satisfied with the preparations in my area. The roads are well maintained as of now. But I'd certainly add that it's a rare sight for the western railway to be affected so badly. Therefore it seems much could not have been done with the kind of weather conditions that prevailed that day. Last week, an enthusiastic audience welcomed the ' The 3 U Turns Of My Life' by Jitendra Gianchandani at 'The Svenska Hotel' in Andheri SHOWBIZZ 08 PHOTO/SHARAD VEGDA 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 Debina's new workout regime Be a responsible citizen, says Kailash Kher They say big things come in small packages. Nothing more can be said to describe Kailash Kher. The singer's name resonates with an incredible voice incarnated into staggering dedication with uncompromised originality. The 'Kailasa' stalwart recently spent a week in Dhirubhai Koikilaben Ambani Hospital following severe health concerns. Talking of his life, Kailash Kher left his parents at the age of 13 to learn music professionally. His obstinacy for getting formal music education against his parent's wishes commenced a journey of achieving milestones for him.” I was stubborn and a bit naïve at the time,” he admits while recalling the incident. “Owing to financial reasons, my parents didn't agree to my desire of learning music. I was rebellious and neither of us backed down. I declared that I'd learn music even if I had to leave the house for it. I didn't Karan Johar to host extensive B-town screening of Baahubali Karan Johar who is presenting SS Rajamouli's Baahubali in the Bollywood industry is very excited with the way the film has turned out! So much so that the producer - director is all set to host an extensive B- town screening for the entire industry! The film's trailer was extremely loved by the audience and left an impact across! Therefore, Karan wants it to make a gala affair and organize a big event around it... Karan Johar will be doing the screening on July 8th in Mumbai and has already started inviting for the same. Baahubali, which is the most expensive film in the Indian cinema has taken people a back with only its trailer! The film is all set to hit the big screens on July 10th. think twice and that was it,” explains Kailash. Kher is exuberant and candid. His childlike naughtiness preserves the sacredness in his heart. Kailash started his career with a jingle composed by Ram Sampath and sung for Nakshatra Diamonds. Even after years of singing for films, concerts and his band 'kailasa', he hasn't yet terminated his association with jingles. Kailash since his debut has sung jingles for coca-cola, Citibank, Hero, PepsiIPL and many others. “People recognize my voice as theirs. Over the years, my voice has become the voice of the common man. A voice exempting heroic charisma; simple and clear. It is an overwhelming feeling to be associated with my fans as one of their own. Who would want to discontinue such a healthy association?” explains Kailash. He sung 'Allah Ke Bande' for the otherwise obscure movie “Waisa bhi hota hai-II' which received instant fame and popularity. The singer only rose higher thereafter and the song and he received instant reorganization among listeners. Kailash now had his own identity in the industry and this provided him a perfect opportunity to make his dream come true. “It was the ideal time to turn things around for myself. I took the most critical decision of forming 'Kailasa' with Naresh and Paresh Kamath then. Both were as passionate and crazy about music as I was,” says Kailash. The band released their debut album 'Kailasa' in 2006 and became the new sensation in the music industry. Owing to the popularity and critical acclamation of their three albums Kailasav(2006), Jhoomo Re (2007) and Chaandan Mein (2009) the band earned their own independent record label “ Kaialsa records” and “Cumbancha”. “Having his own independent record label is a dream every musician dreams. Kailasa made it possible for me and that was one of the defining moments in my life”, Kailash recalls with a sense of thrill in his movements. Kailash gave a brief of his ongoing and forthcoming projects. “Kailasa's next album is due to release next year. Two songs of the album have already been recorded. The album also features Padmashree Tipania and is a complete Sufi album, a genre I specialize in. I'll also be composing and singing a yog anthem for Satguru Jaggiras Dev ji. The lyrics of the same have already been penned down by Prasoon Joshi. Kailash is socially responsible and to a great extend, socially active as well. The singer who lent his voice for several social and political campaigns like 'Swachh Bharat' campaign, Commonwealth Games and Anna Hazare's Anticorruption Campaign believes being a public figure also accompanies some social responsibilities. “Everyone is obliged to be a responsible citizen. I have always expressed my opinion on important matters. It is moral responsibility to me.” On being asked whether the 'Swachh Bharat' Campaign had died too soon the singer replies, “We can't expect changes overnight. The country has just witnessed a huge change in terms of administration. When such changes take place, little patience should be kept as well.” The singer made it a point to reach out to his fans after being admitted to the hospital following serious health issues. “After I returned to India after a series of concerts, I felt excessive pain in my stomach after which I went to the hospital and stayed there for a week. Minute concerns which are avoided for a long period of time can lead to untimely inconvenience. I am fit and healthy now,” quoted the singer. Mumbai Messenger wishes him good luck for his upcoming album and wishes him good health. Debina has always been known to try new stuff when it comes to her life. The actress who has been working on her styling in a very detailed manner has now become equally particular about her workout regime and instead of following the regular gym workouts the actress has devised a new way of workout which is at the beach. The actress has requested her instructor to devise new interesting and difficult ways of workout which Debina enjoys more than indoor workout. Hence she has been going on early jogs and functional training to the beach early mornings when the crowd is much lesser. Her fans now should know where to catch the pretty actress. PHOTO/DIKSHA Gajendra Goswami The trailer launch of the upcoming movie 'Thoda Lutf Thoda Ishq' was held recently at The Levo, Andheri West. Shradhanjali to south Actress Aarthi Agarwal and first look launch of her last movie Operation Green Hunt was held at Fun Republic on June 22 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 “Bollywood in Asia is not just cinema, it is a religion” SHOWBIZZ 09 Ruslaan Mumtaz dons Punjabi style – Celina Jaitly Her green eyes mesmerise you, as much as her style. Her twins, Winston and Viraaj, and her husband Peter Haag mean the world to her. So here she is... former Miss World Celina Jaitly in a tete-a-tete with SHAILI MADAN. Celina, who is ecstatic to release her second single, was awarded as the International Grand Marshal in Canada, where acted as an ambassador to represent LGBT communities world over during the three-day fest. Here is more about her current projects, life and work... Ruslaan who is currently shooting for a film Khel Toh Ab Shuru Hoga in Lucknow had to don a look of a Punjabi and he made sure he got it right the very first time after many trials and look tests, the first schedule of the film is shot and he will be starting his second schedule soon. Ruslaan recollects "The look was different as I have never tried it before but I am glad I got it right and it doesn't look fake or put up." CMD of Bright Outdoor Media sponsors home to needy family Yogesh Lakhani, CMD of Bright Outdoor Media Pvt Ltd always wanted do something for the society. He has his own NGO, which is an old age home. When he came to know regarding a home for the needy at Karjat village through Rotary club, he came forward and donated it. This initiative was taken by Amrish Dafftary 2014-2015, President Rotary Club of Greater Mumbai Hanging Garden under Habitat for Humanity cause. Yogesh Lakhani, who is associated with the corporate world and Bollywood, also feels proud to be associated with Rotary Club's social NGO initiative. Rahul has immense respect for Anurag and hopes he can work in a commercial film with him soon. Not to forget the amount of love he also received from Anurag family, in particular Anurag's wife who used to tease him and called him 'young Salman' by the end of the shoot. Yogesh Lakhani Your current engagements... I am currently busy with the United Nation's Free and Equal Campaign. I am also working on my next single and am overjoyed that the first one got 2.5 million views on YouTube. I am looking forward to my forthcoming movie and other endorsements. You are being awarded as the International Grand Marshal in Toronto...how did this happen? I have been working with the amazing United Nations, Free and Equal Campaign for the last two years as an Equality Champion and Spokesperson. As the International Grand Marshal (IGM) I also acted as an ambassador to represent global LGBT communities during the three-day festival in Canada. I took upon this honour as part of my duties as an Equality Champion for the UN. I think it's amazing, and I wish it was the same in India. People really struggle to get sponsors, money and permission from the authorities for the pride. It is a never-ending, tedious process. It makes me so happy to be a part of this great celebration of human beings. It's just celebrating mankind in all its glory, in all the colour the human spirit exudes. I am looking forward to this because it's another wonderful platform for me to come and be the voice on behalf of people in countries where LGBT do not have the rights to go and celebrate themselves, to say we are all human beings first. Your views on the LGBT issue... The term 'LGBT rights' is convenient, but can be misleading. There is no subset of rights or new category of rights called 'LGBT rights.' LGBT people are entitled to the same rights as everyone else – among them the right to life, the right to be free from discrimination, rights to privacy and to freedom of expression, association and assembly. The reality is that these rights, which are universally recognized and agreed, are routinely being denied to people just because they happen to be - or are assumed to be - gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex. That is something we have a duty to acknowledge and address in a concerted way. How do you feel the issue is dealt with in India? How do Indian laws/views need to change with regards to the same? In India we have an archaic relic of a law Section 377 reinstated which has put the entire Indian LGBT community in the direct line of fire. This law can be or is being used to blackmail, violate, abuse the people of the LGBT community on a daily basis at workplaces, in day-to-day life and this majorly hinders the work of health workers in the field of HIV/Aids. Laws are meant to protect us, not to form a platform for fanatics to blackmail, abuse, traumatize, violate and humiliate the people of this country who fall in the minority group of LGBT. In India, that is what 377 is unfortunately perpetrating. When these same abuses are perpetrated against members of any other group of people, States rightly push hard for a more vigorous response. However when it comes to the LGBT community, why should the resolve not be the same? What sets Bollywood apart from any other film industry according to you? The best thing about our industry is that besides amazing cinema, dance and drama Bollywood is the single most powerful connector of people of each and every economic genre, religion, gender and race in India and Southeast Asia. It is the soul food and dream generator for many who can't even afford the basics. It provides opportunities and employment to millions. Bollywood in Asia is not just cinema, it is a religion! Something that needs to change about the film industry... Punctuality (smiles)... Where do you see yourself five years down the line... Accomplishing past goals and beginning amazing new journeys. Your views on the newer generation of actors... and how the industry treats them... They are all amazingly independent, unafraid of taking risks and have added a new dimension of freshness and open mindedness to Indian cinema. What are your views on the wide genre of movies being made? It is amazing to see so many different genres of movies "and" seeing them do so well. The change is a result of the change in the mindset of the audience. Cinema, like literature is the reflection of a society. And not only does it influence the society, but has a great impact on the successive generations. I am glad Indian cinema is evolving into a phenomenon that is not just confined to India, but has enthralled the international audiences as well. Your inspiration... Angelina Jolie. Her selfless humanitarian works and the way she chooses to conduct her life with dignity is amazing. I love how wonderfully she has used her abundant platform for service to mankind. I look up to the way she conducts herself in various roles – be it motherhood, being an actor, director and most importantly being an amazing woman...Super woman! Your passion... My family, Human rights, movies, books and music. If you're not working, you're... Enjoying my family life. My twin boys and my husband are my world. I love to read and write so that too is a part of my non-working days. The most exotic destination you've visited and what appeals to you about it... Egypt will always be my favourite destination. It is mysterious, immensely romantic and I am absolutely fascinated by ancient Egyptian monuments and history. Your friends in the industry... I have many wonderful colleagues. Philosophy of life... Eat...pray...love...laugh and most importantly show gratitude for each and every blessing! Your message to aspiring actors... Follow your dream for you never know where it might take you. LIFESTYLE 10 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 Stay trendy this Monsoon Gajendra Goswami POWER OF THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND Shaili Madan Mumbai awaits the Monsoon with sincere enthusiasm round the year. Since the rain Gods have finally started showering their blessings, people are celebrating the arrival of rains with great gusto and ardor. To many, rains also present the significant tension of keeping up the style quotient. Damp roads and streets can not only infuse dilemma of what to wear, but also spoil one's classy wardrobe and footwear since summer styles are easily ruined by walking on clogged and mucky roads or travelling in public transportation. Not reaching work or college in squealed shoes and damp clothing is a task challenging enough in the Monsoon. For people who like staying trendy and fashionable, reaching work with floppy outfit and footwear may take the juice out of the whole day. Well, to their delight the market is flooded with trendy Monsoon wear. It is important to choose a strong umbrella, which can also keep up with your style quotient. Umbrellas with frills are very popular in the market these days. They also vary in sizes, ideal to rest it in your handbag or protect yourself completely even if you are hefty. One may chose bright prints and colors over the usual dull black while opting for umbrellas. Ladies could buy long-coats ranging from Rs.990- Rs.1400. Along the same price range windcheaters are also very popular, which are comforting and trendy. Similarly, umbrellas and raincoats with designs and prints incorporating cartoon characters, superheroes, comic characters and PHOTO/NIKET KOTECHA WWE stars are also available in the market are ideal for kids. The most important trick while choosing Monsoon wear is to choose protective and durable footwear. Swap your leather shoes with more reliable plastic, Perspex and patent leather. Comprising boots can also be a very smart incorporation. Animal print boots or decent crocs can be a viable option. While choosing a bag, try to pick a waterproof one. Monsoon is fun if you are ready for it. Do not let the rains stop you from setting your foot outdoor. Put on some shorts, refill the fuel- tank of your moped and enjoy the rain showers. Feel blessed and exhilarating and try looking for the rainbow. The subconscious mind is the inner feeling within you. The conscious mind is that, which, acts always with you. The sub conscious stays hidden. Most of the tines we follow the conscious mind only it is within our own power to activate our sub conscious mind so that things start working in a better way for us. Both, the conscious and sub conscious minds are two spheres of activity within one mind. P.R.Menon, a psychologist explains, “Your conscious mind is the reasoning mind that chooses. Your subconscious mind accepts what is imposed upon. It does not engage in proving whether your thoughts are good or bad, true or false, but responds according to the nature of your thoughts or suggestions. For example, if you consciously assure that something is true, even though it may be false, your sub conscious mind will accept it as true and proceed to bring about the requests because you consciously assured it to be true.” The sub conscious mind has an answer to all problems. If you suggest to your mind prior to sleep that you want to wake up at 6am it will awaken you at the exact time. “Never use expressions as 'I cannot afford it' or 'I cannot do it.' Your sub conscious mind takes you at your word. It sees to it that you do not have the money or ability to do what you want. Instead thing 'I can do all things possible through my sub conscious mind. And then all things will be done,” elaborates Menon. He adds, “We should not misuse over subconscious mind. It should be used genuinely and in a proper manner. There was a man whose daughter suffered from crippling arthritis and painful skin condition. He tried many treatments but she could not be cured. The man was very desperate. He used to always say, 'I would give my right arm to see that my daughter is cured.' One day the family went out. Their car was involved in a head-on collision. The father's right arm was cut off at the shoulder. When he came from the hospital, he discovered his that his daughter's arthritis and skin condition had vanished. The man's subconscious mind had acted properly. His daughter was cured Everyone loves to have beautiful while he lost his arm. Remember your hands and lovely legs. This is possible subconscious mind does not with proper care and beauty treatment understand any jokes. It takes you by in the comfort of your home. Here are tips to get started: your word.” Here is a story of a man who killed Things required: himself by wrongly activating his A plastic tub or basin, Baby Shampoo, SOOTH YOUR HANDS AND FEET AT HOME Angels and You Anjali Nagpal is a life coach and workshop facilitator certified to present Heal Your Life transformational workshop worldwide approved by Hay House, US. She also conducts workshops relating to Law of Attraction and self healing. She is also a therapist for different modules (hypno, metaphor). She is an Angel card reader. The word 'Angels' is derived from the ancient Greek “Angelo's” meaning “messenger.” Angels act as a bridge between Heaven and Earth, serving as a channel between God and the physical material world. Angels are divine beings and they are on higher vibration frequency than we physical beings are. These are intelligent beings that never lost contact with God, never had physical lives and seek only to fulfill the will of God. Angels vary in form, depending on the needs and expectations of those asking for help. Communicating with Angels is a natural phenomenon but over centuries, humankind has acquired a belief that if you can't see or touch something tangibly then it is unreal or unnatural. Since angels vibrate at higher frequency level they have very subtle vibrations and hence we need to completely relax and balance ourselves in order to feel their presence. Angels are divine beings that have mastered the physical Laws of the Universe. Angels are in service to humanity and are believed to be “Messengers of God.” Archangels are above angels in the hierarchy. There are many archangels in the Universe but few have come in contact with human kind and many more are making contact. Archangels are said to be in constant touch with t h e c r e a t o r. T h e y a r e n o n denominational and they help anyone regardless of their religion or nonreligious background. They are usually larger, stronger and powerful than angels. Each archangel has specific work area along with general well being and healing with and of human beings. Each archangel radiates a particular color, related to the purpose of that angel. Archangels are able to be in many places at one time. You never have to feel that your "problem" isn't important enough to bother them with. That is what they are for - to help you grow. The most popular Archangels are Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel. Archangel Michael helps heal fears and nervousness and helps maintain unwavering faith. He creates drive and vitality to complete task effortlessly without anxiety. Archangel Raphael: He is in charge of physical healing of all living being. One can call subconscious mind. This man went to a crystal gazer, who told him he had a bad heart. He predicted that he would die the next moon day. Now this scared the man. He called up everyone in the family and told them about the prediction. He met his lawyer and prepared a will. He was convinced that the crystal gazer's prediction was true. He was preparing himself for his own death through his subconscious mind. As the new moon approached, he became more and more withdrawn. By wrongly using his subconscious mind, he made himself involved. On the predicted date, he suffered a fatal attack due to extensive negative thinking and died not knowing that he was the cause of his own death. How many of us have heard similar stories and shivered at the thought that the world is full of mysterious and uncontrollable forces? But these forces are neither mysterious nor uncontrollable. This man killed himself by allowing the powerful suggestion to enter his subconscious mind, unaware that he had the power to survive. Let us take another look at what happened, knowing that we believe that the subconscious mind will believe and act upon. This man was in a suggestible state when he went to see the crystal gazer, who gave him a negative suggestion. He got terrified. He believed that he was going to die. The next moon day, he told everyone about it and prepared for the worst. It was his own fear and expectation by his subconscious mind that brought his death. If the mind had known the law of his mind, he would have completely rejected the negative suggestions and refused to give attention to the crystal gazer. The suggestion of others has no power on you. Whatever power they have they gain because you gave it to them through your own thoughts. You have to give your mental consent. You have to entertain and accept the thought. You have to think and bring your subconscious mind to work. Remember, you and only you have the capacity to choose. Choose life! Choose love! Choose health! upon him and ask him to surround your near and dear ones with his healing energies. Archangel Raphael and Michael work together to release lower energies from people and places. Archangel Gabriel: She helps in communication and art. She loves to helps anyone who is in creative line. She also helps in conception, pregnancy and childbirth and also in adoption. She will help you with any parenting needs and desires. Archangel Uriel: He helps to light the path and clears the clouds of confusion. He has the ability to enlighten our minds with inspiring ideas, insights, and answers. He helps in overcoming regrets and keeps us encouraged and motivated in order to fulfill our dreams and goals. Call upon him to guide endeavors. Call upon the Angels anytime and they would love to help. They can't help you without your will still they are always ready and waiting for you to call upon them. LIKE US ON MUMBAIMESSENGERWEEKLY Sea salt/rock salt – 1 tbsp, Lemon – 1, Dettol /anti-bacterial liquid soap 2-3 drops, Nail polish remover, Cotton wool, Nail cutter/clippers, Nail file (comes along with a nail cutter), Nail brush, Orange stick, Cuticle cream, Cuticle nippers, Moisturiser, Base coat, Nail polish, Top coat (optional) Method 1. Clean your hands/feet well with soap and water. Remove any old nail polish. 2. Take lukewarm water in a basin, add a few drops of baby shampoo, a tbsp of rock salt and juice of 1 lemon. Soak your hands/feet in it for 10-15 minutes. Then lightly scrub and clean your nails with a soft bristled nailbrush. 3. For feet – Rub with pumice stone underneath your feet to remove dead cells. (especially on the balls, sides and heels of your feet). Then wipe your hands/feet dry. 4. Cut the nails with a nail cutter and remove dirt from underneath the nail corners. Hand nails- File your nail's sharp ends and shape them as desired. For toe nails- Wipe toe nails and cut them straight across to avoid ingrown nails. File them using the nail file. 5. Apply cuticle cream to the base of each nail and rub over your nails, massaging gently. Gently push back the cuticles using the orange stick in circular movement. You can use olive oil also instead of cuticle cream. Trim cuticles (any loose dead skin) while they're still soft using cuticle scissors or nippers. It is suggested to avoid this step as it is best done by a professional. 6. Wash hands/feet, pat them dry with a turkish towel (dry well between the fingers and toes) 7. Massage your feet and hands gently with a moisturizing lotion or cream. Wipe nails with cotton wool to remove any excess lotion or cream left on the nail bed. 8. Now it is time to apply nail polish. Apply a base coat first and let it dry. Then apply 2 coats of your desired nail polish. Then finish it off with a thin top coat. This will help your nail polish last longer. 9. Lastly wrap orange stick in cotton wool, dip it in polish remover and remove traces of polish left on the skin to give a neat appearance. If you do not want to paint your nails, just leave it as it is or you can buff your nail with a nail buffer. WINE&DINE 11 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 Relish Best Dinner Buffet at Mumbai’s Luxury hotels JW MARRIOTT HOTEL, SAHAR AIRPORT Restaurant: JW Café When: Dinner Buffets daily Timings: 7:30pm – 11:00pm Price: Rs. 1836.46, Kids Rs. 918.23 Contact No: 28538888 Restaurant Manager: Abhijeet Adurkar HYATT REGENCY MUMBAI, SAHAR AIRPORT ROAD Restaurant: Glasshouse When: Dinner Buffets daily Timings: 1900 --2330hrs Price: Rs. 2108.09 All Inclusive Contact: 66961624 Restaurant Manager: Sanjeev Jaiswal COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, MUMBAI ANDHERI EAST Restaurant: MoMo Café When: Dinner Buffets daily Timings: 07:oo pm – 11:00pm Price: Rs. 1831, Kids Rs. 886 Contact No: 6136 9999 Restaurant manager: Rashid Ali HOTEL SAHARA STAR, NEAR DOMESTIC AIRPORT Restaurant: Earth Plate When: Dinner Buffets daily Timings: 07.00 pm – 11.30 pm Price: Rs.2200 Contact: 3980 7444 Restaurant Manager: Harish Dosad TRIDENT, BANDRA KURLA Restaurant: O22 When: Dinner Buffets daily Timings: 7.30 p.m-11 p.m. Dinner Buffet rates: Rs. 2,050, Rs. 2,200 (Magic Of Tawa and Tandoor buffet) on Wednesday (includes unlimited beer), taxes extra. Contact No: 6672 7777 Glasshouse Hyatt Regency TAJ LANDS END, BANDRA WEST MoMo cafe, Courtyard by Marriott Restaurant: Vista When: Dinner Buffets daily Timings: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM Price: RS 2126 All inclusive Contact No: 6668 1234 Restaurant Manager: Carlos Francis THE WESTIN GARDEN CITY HOTEL, GOREGAON (EAST) Restaurant: Seasonal Tastes When: Daily Dinner Buffet Compiled by Mewati Sitaram, Senior journalist and hospitality Columnist Timings: 07.00 pm to 12.00 am Price: Rs. 2000, kids between 3 to 12 Italian food years Rs 1000(Plus taxes) lovers have Contact: 022 6736 1801 reason to rejoice. or 9004661031 Globally Known Restaurant Manager: Shreyas Aranoly Chef Dario 9004661088 Dezio, the gifted SOFITEL MUMBAI BKC, culinary artist, BANDRA EAST comes back to Mumbai to create Restaurant: Pondichéry Café – All-day dining authentic Italian fare. He carefully When: Daily Dinner Buffet Timings: 07:00 pm to 12:00 mid night crafted to satiate Price: INR 2,815 (all inclusive) the everchanging palates Contact: 6117 5115 discerning Restaurant Manager: Colin Lobo, diners. He wowed Sagar Kulkarni diners at gourmet capitals across the world after setting-up an award winning Italian restaurant chain. So enjoy his creation at Long & Short The Gastrobar, InterContinental Marine Drive. PIC: Mewati Sitaram SEND US YOUR NEWS! Tell us what you think! Your opinions and comments are very important to us. email us [email protected] ADVERTISE WITH US CALL 77188 15387 BARTENDER’S CORNER The rise of an Indian Bartender Mixologist in UK Mewati Sitaram Bartending is a fiercely competitive field, a way to make great money professionally, a job that occasionally induces hair-pulling frustration. But in the life of a mixologist, it's the fascinating characters and their colourful tales that ensure there's never a dull moment. Mewati Sitaram, Senior Journalist and Hospitality Columnist profiles Sunil Hardwaria, a well-known bartender manager in UK from Mumbai. Sunil is a confident, highly resourceful and reliable bar personal with an in depth understanding of the bar, restaurant and hospitality industry. Possessing the required communication skills and flair needed to attract customers, drive sales and develop a business. Flexible in the ability to adapt to challenges when they arise while remaining aware of professional roles and boundaries. He is working as Manager at The Hilton Puckrup Hall Tewkesbury hotel, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. A five star luxury hotel, located just 50 minutes from Birmingham and Bristol. What made you to choose profession of a bartender One day I was doing waiting for a wedding in Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. I saw one guy behind the bar making some beautiful colourful drink, I went straight to him and asked, what is that? He said Cocktail. I asked him “Can I make?” Surprisingly and happily he permitted me, by saying of course anyone can make it, if there is passion. This was a turning point in my life. The next day I went and got myself a cocktail book. Tom Cruise starrer movie “Cocktail” had released at that time and I thought of pursuing bartender's profession, soon after. No doubt that bartending is such a hard field to get into. I was lucky. Shortly after completing my education, I was hired by Hotel Bawa International as bartender with the expectation that I would assist the head bartender when the lounge is busy. As I was passionate about the job, I eagerly absorbed every detail of the art of mixology, knowing that I would eventually have the experience. Is it a tough job Undoubtedly, this job requires a thick skin and, of course, the ability to resist drinking an entire bottle of Jack Daniels at work when the going gets tough. More than anything, it's the fascinating people you meet. I've served numerous global celebrities, and while the starstruck feeling quickly fades, the way that they behave never ceases to amaze me. Who guided you to join bartending Life has a way of testing a person either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen at once. As I was destined to broaden my horizon, a friend of mine Mohit Kadam, I cannot deny his inspiring words went straight to my heart and I can credit him for taking up the course at Shatabhi Basu's Stir academy. Globally there are rarely Indian b a r t e n d e r s ? A re y o u w e l l accepted? Indeed you can rarely find Indian bartender on foreign land but if you prove. But things are changing now slowly and many Indians are visible at places. I am well accepted and I am proud that my mantle is well accepted. I left no stone unturned to prove my ability and the result is visible. My job is to support my hotels service team and clients, which can mean anything from assisting with efficiencies behind the bar to creating a craft cocktail menu. Is there any discrimination professionally? It's not like discrimination but it is one-upmanship everywhere. But if you are perfect in your job you can survive anywhere in the world. Even in India such things can be seen on a daily basis. We just have to know how to deal with it. With experience you become wiser and you will realize that sometimes bad things happen for a reason. And somehow you will see that some good came out of the event in your life that you once considered a failure. In the global trends only fittest survive, so I am more happy now. Any gratitude I have struggled a lot to be in this position. Life is a full circle and many people come and go. But there some people in your life that always remain in your mind forever. My parents were my pillar of strength in my career. My uncle Captain Prakash Hardwaria from Air India, Shatabhi Basu and food columnist- journalist Sitaram Mewati are really a guiding force behind me. All these people inspired me from when I was a young boy growing up – they motivated me to chase my dreams. I admired the fact that they were concerned about me. They pushed me higher and higher. Are there job opportunities for bartenders abroad? Earlier in India there were hardly few bartending academy like IHM Mumbai and Stir academy. Off late many mixology institutes have opened shop including globally known Johnie Walker academy. The reason behind mushrooming bartending institutes is growing demand for good bartenders in India and abroad. There are vast opportunities across the globe. Indians can be found in almost all professions across the globe. Is it true that every bartender has a drunkard personality? There are some myths created by for unknown reasons. Let me tell you that there is no truth that every bartender is a drunkard. Despite being in the bartending profession for almost 20 years, I have never consumed alcohol in my life. It's fun when I am selected to create drinks for a cocktail-themed menu. Any suggestions for aspiring bar tenders? Like any other profession bartending is a one of the most attractive and lucrative professions and one of the most sought after trade. A few friends swore that Bartending School was a laughable sham which I took as a challenge. Do not fear failure. It is part of your journey to finding your way to success. We have a habit of grasping any opportunities and moulded as desired. With the rise of any major trend, someone has to be the first to carve out the path for others to follow. If you are passionate you can really grow in life in India and abroad too. EDITPAGE 12 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA The Untold Story As Bollywood gears up to release Shootout at Lokhandwala, Baljeet Parmar chronicles the sequence of the events leading to the killing of several hard-core gangsters during the infamous daylight encounter THE BACKGROUND The period between 1985 and 1995 was considered to be the most important in the history of the Mumbai's underworld. The decade bore witness to decisive changes in the well-established crime empire of aging Dongri don Karim Lala, the beginning of the end of Matunga don Vardabhai, the decimation of the smuggler mafia headed by Haji Mastan, the coming of Dagdi don Arun Gawli and the meteoric rise of Dawood Ibrahim and his aide Chhota Rajan. This was a bloody time in Mumbai's history as scores of gang wars broke out. Several prominent gangsters were killed in turf wars. This period also saw the rise of encounter specialists, who gunned down notorious criminals. Under the given circumstances, professional compulsions and political priorities forced the warring gangs to strike alliances with certain wings of the city police, a development that later came to be known as the political-policecriminal-nexus, which, to a certain extent, is still in vogue. In this 'marriage of convenience', the cops used one gang against the other and on certain occasions the gangsters used the cops to get even with their rivals. The boom in the construction and film industries further extended the operational sphere of the underworld. Protection and extortion calls became the order of the day. Big business and film personalities paid obeisance at the doors of the dons like Varda, Lala and Dawood. Those who dared to defy the dons' diktat were brutally murdered — and their deaths came as a warning to the others to fall in line. The gang lords' reach crossed geographical boundaries and reached cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata and even Bhopal. The more influential set up shop in Dubai, South Africa or London and the business of criminality turned international. With the rise in criminal activities the gangs needed more hands to hold the gun. And the time was ripe to pluck uneducated, unemployed, enterprising youngsters who were willing to do so. In a demandversus-supply scenario, small-time criminals joined the lower rungs of the various city gangs, hoping to make it big one day. The Shelter Bindu Midha The rain came suddenly- pouring, torrential. The cascade of drops fell around like dainty diamonds, slipping of the languorous leaves laden with water. The walk was truncated. Evening walkers who were well equipped hid under their umbrellas adding colour to the predominantly green-hued park. Some less prepared, yet burden free walkers dashed towards the canopy created by the tree cluster that offered a firm and secure haven from the relentless rain. As one of the walkers caught unawares, I sought refuge under a tree and wriggled to protect myself from the drops that seemed to be mischievously looking for a vulnerable target leaving it wet. As I huddled seeking warmth and comfort protecting myself from the moisture laden winds, I sensed a protective cover above my head. I turned to see a stranger smiling at me and holding the umbrella above both our heads, trying to save our lustrous locks from getting wet. I felt touched and a little awkward as I was eating into a safe haven, the umbrella not large enough to offer a cover to both of us. It was a half of my benefactor and the concurring opposite half of me that was being saved from getting wet. Thus we stood for a few moments till the stillness was broken by snatches of conversation and the pitter-patter of rain Wanting to become gangsters, youngsters like Dilip Buwa, Anil Pawar, Raju Pujari, Ashok Nadkarni and Maya Dolas joined the gang ranks, and over the years became trusted sharpshooters of for Dawood Ibrahim. They were the five criminals who were shot dead during the Lokhandwala shootout. The other two just happened to be at the scene during the bloody encounter. THE FINAL STRIKE November 16, 1991. Time 12.30pm. The cops keeping a watch at Swati Apartments informed their Baljeet Parmar boss AA Khan that there was hectic movement at the ground floor flat. A team of ten members of the Anti Terrorist Squad, lead by Inspector Kavi, arrived at the spot and laid siege to the building at around 1.20pm. It was decided that Kavi along with Sub-inspector Gharal would knock the door and ask the gangsters to surrender. Inspector Ambadas Pote and a constable were to provide them with cover. At 1.30pm Inspector Kavi knocked on the door. A burst from a self-loading rifle startled the cops. A bullet passed through the right side of Dharal's chest and another hit Kavi on his left elbow. For sometime there was a lull in activity. Additional forces were summoned. By 2pm, ATS chief AA Khan arrived with extra fire power along with Inspector Iqbal Shaikh. A company of Special Reserve Police too was called in. The cops launched their second attack and by 2.30pm three gangsters were killed. They were later identified as Anil Khubchandani, a Bandra resident, the second a warden from Yerwada Jail, and the third D company's sharp shooter Anil Pawar. Dilip Buwa opened the rear door, went upstairs and started firing from the third floor, while Maya Dolas, Pujari and Nadkarni kept firing using AK 47 rifles and Uzi hand guns made in Israel. By 2.45 a crime branch team lead by ACP Gobse arrived and held discussions with Khan. Maya Dolas kept abusing the cops and dared them to come nearer. Gobse requested Khan to abort the encounter, so that the remaining gangsters could be coerced into surrendering. But Khan ordered his men to go all out for the kill. There were repeated volleys of rapid fire from both sides for another hour. Dilip Buwa, who was injured in the thigh but kept egging his men. By 4pm, the guns fell silent. drops falling at our feet, scattering around like pearls detached from its string. Time had elapsed. By now the torrential onslaught had eased into a steady yet mild drizzle emboldening us to venture out of our hideout to explore the freshly washed path that lay ahead and lead homeward. It hadn't completely stopped raining, being ill-equipped (not having carried my rain protection gear), I fell behind. My fellow walker then offered to walk me back under the shared space of her umbrella. During our chit chat we discovered that she stayed in the sky kissing high-rise a block away from mine. Embarrassed as I was, I had no option but to take the offer. I would have had to either wait till the rain subsided or get wet as I ventured homewards. I decided to walk back with my newly found companion. Sure enough, like the Almighty's protective hand on our head, my partner walked me back to the building where I reside and then carried on. Smiles were exchanged and my gratitude was dismissed with a wave of a hand and embarrassed look. No names exchanged, no promises made, no expectations from either side. A bond was sealed. A tie of humanity; a connection by being humane! A bond that made me realise that in the sea of negativity and darkness that surrounds us, there is always a beacon of goodness that outshines and outdoes everything else. A light that transcends all and leaves one with a path well–lit that would be so easy to take. The path of being good, doing good deeds and subsequently feeling good! Not essential to know a person to be able to do so. Just be around and do our bit and joyous contentment is sure to find its way, illuminating our inner being and keeping it radiant. Seeking refuge under a charitable tree on an ordinary day had taught me so much! I felt light as I walked home on this path which offered luminosity. Shaili Madan, Resident Editor Mumbai rains: A yearly dampener With the incessant rains in the city in mid-June, the m y t h s o f Mumbaikars living in a world-class city were shattered when all were provided a crash course in survival tactics – courtesy – the BMC. The city showed an array of colours last week, with cars and motorcycles that could be seen floating in flooded streets, while taxi service and other public transport networks closed, and authorities ordered schools shut. Almost 80 percent of the nation received excess or normal rainfall since June 1, defying weather bureau forecasts that El Nino would curb precipitation. The downpours awakened memories of July 26, 2005, when a storm dumped three feet of rain at high tide in Mumbai, a record in India going back a century. Having said this, as incessant rains lashed the city, the downpour was received with jubilation by some and horror by others. For those who sat in their air-conditioned cars, the flooded streets, tree falls, wall collapses, traffic jams, delayed rail services were just that, minor and temporary complaints. For most of these people, rains brought relief from the incessant heat and water shortage. Anyone who has been to or lives in Mumbai knows all her sounds – those that are so distinctly Mumbai – the sounds of the local trains whistling by, the hawkers peddling their wares mostly on busy streets, the bhajiwaalas selling their veggies, the pheriwaalas in their heavy carts yodelling the virtues of their goods, horns, raunchy music from a auto rickshaw blaring away, chilling running down the streets yelling profanities - all so much a part of Mumbai and so inseparable, but the Monsoon does something to all of this. Over the last downpour, many of these sounds went missing and the only thing that could be heard loud and clear was the sound of the lashing rain. For the rest of Mumbai, the not so lucky, rains brought misery in bucketfuls. Whether it was the slums in upmarket Juhu or in downmarket Dharavi, the clogged drainage ended up in their tiny living rooms. One can only imagine the conditions in these dwellings after several such days of rain. All Mumbaikars are used to the Monsoons. Pouring rains choking up the city's windpipe, bringing speeding trains to a grinding halt street urchins scramming to earn a few bucks by helping rich businessmen push their cars floating in chest deep water, children returning back from cancelled schools, and Udipi restaurants doing brisk business due to all stranded travellers. This is the romantic picture that all newspapers like to push. If one takes a slow look around, it is worth noticing how every area malfunctions i.e. if it functions at all. From potholes in roads that can swallow cars (for which each previous Government has made many contractors rich), to the piled up garbage that stinks enough to kill the flies that sit on it...from the emergence of swarm mosquitoes that feats on the blood of sleeping kids to the slime and grime that accumulates on the sides of the roads. At one level, all blame the government, the municipal corporation, our local councillor and others. The truth is that each one of us has become apathetic and insensitive. Is it enough to make one weep for this once magnificent city? There have been many complaints, media attention, citizen initiatives about this, but there's no respite. Where Mumbai was concerned, I was not the one to be easily dejected. I always had hope and expectation – a belief that things would improve. A lot of important people promised that it won't go to ruins, but now I feel sceptical. Mumbai has definitely deteriorated and how. It won't be long before it joins the list of cities of the world, which were once glorious, but now have gone to seed. And the sad part is we, each of us living in the city, will some way be responsible. LIKE US ON MUMBAIMESSENGERWEEKLY READER'S MESSAGES Dear Editor, I read the story 'BMC to the rescue' and I am compelled to congratulate you. We are facing a similar issue in our society and which was restored quickly. Such issues seem futile and unimportant, but they are of utmost importance to people on the receiving side. I am glad someone is addressing them and I hope you would continue the good work. Manish Pandey To the Editor, I ambled down the Juhu beach and noticed the tattoo makers you had mentioned in your report 'Tattoo can be a health hazard.' You were right, these problems pass unnoticed. I had visited the same place several times in the past, but never figured these minor issues could lead to something as big. Thank you for making me realize and informing many others as well. Thanking you, Jayant Roy Dear Editor, I've enjoyed reading the editorial page ever since I started reading this weekly. This week's editorial page was no different. “Dawood thought he was the US president” was an incredible account of the Underworld King Dawood Ibrahim. Similarly, “A (w)holesome Dwelling” depicted life during Monsoon in Mumbai with a pinch of humour and much intended sarcasm. The editorial page is always a reader's delight and I hope the page and the paper's quality would persist. Regards Tapan Pelgaokar To the Editor, I appreciate the candour with which the interview with Vidya Thakur was taken. I am a resident of Goregaon East and a close follower of all civic and political developments. The interview read placating answers to all my curious questions. I am glad local representatives are transparent and come out in media to answer questions. I would take this opportunity to congratulate Mumbai Messenger as well for this interview and their efforts in reaching out to the local representatives. From Arjun Singh Dear Editor I am a resident of Lokhandwala. I've been hitting the gym since the last one year regularly and only recently I quit the gym after a bike incident. I was sitting idle at home when I read your article and I must say it was quite an intriguing one. I instantly realized the importance of adhering to a fitness regime and became resolute once again to get fit and toned. I am commencing my Yoga classes on June 21 since it is also international Yoga Day. Regards Sarang Marotkar Dear Editor, I was thrilled to read the report 'Voters List Enrolment.' I missed the enrolment earlier because of which I could not cast my vote but now I know when and where to head to ensure I do not repeat the same mistake again. From Ragini Kale 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 Ask Our Expert [email protected] DR. MONICA KAPOOR Skin Care Expert, Facial Aesthetic Physician, Cosmetologist, Tricologist Can my baby catch Eczema at day care? What are its symptoms? - Ishita Singh, 32 Dear Ishita, The tendency to have eczema is often inherited. So your child is more likely to have it if you or a close family member has had eczema, asthma or allergies. It is not contagious , so your baby cant get it at the day care centre. Eczema is a skin rash that usually appears before age 5. In babies it tends to show up on the cheeks and scalp, but it may spread to the arms, legs, chest, or other parts of the body. It's most likely to show up on the insides of the elbows, the backs of the knees, the wrists, and the ankles, but it can also appear elsewhere. The rash might look like dry, thickened, scaly skin, or it might be made up of tiny red bumps that ooze or become infected if scratched. Scratching can also cause thickened, darkened, or scarred skin over time. My daughter has lice problem. Is there any home remedy to get rid of it, I don’t want to use medicines. - Harshada Bhagat, 35 Dear Harshada, To treat lice, all you need to do is use a lice comb to comb your child's hair every morning and evening for three weeks. combing does most of the work. Coat the hair with olive or almond oil or coating the comb instead of the hair and re-applying the oil as needed on comb , and comb the hair. Once you have completely combed out your child's hair, use their regular shampoo, rinse, and repeat. Follow this procedure every day for a week. Then, for the next two weeks, comb through your child's hair every night to make sure the lice are gone. Also some essential oils like tea tree oil or neem oil or clove oil can be used overnight on the scalp and hair, The following morning, comb out your child's hair. Then, shampoo and rinse. Once the lice have been eliminated, the alcohol – essential oil spray can be used as a preventive treatment. I sweat a lot irrespective of the weather. What should I do to decrease the excess sweating? - Chad Pierce, 27 Dear Chad Pierce, As you have mentioned you have excess sweating or First , you need to be clear that it is not due to any underlying illness, it is just excess of sweating. There are two ways to control it, temporary and permanent. temporary measures like Antiperspirant solution containing aluminum chloride like Aldry lotion, Drysol which you may apply on affected area . Drysol is aluminium chloride hexahydrate, apply it daily at night on the affected areas . Iontophoresis or Botox can also be used to reduce the excessive sweating. Permanent measures include surgery in the form of endoscopic thoracic sympethectomy or surgically removing some of the sweat glands. Eye care is very important during monsoon because eye problems are very common during the rains. Conjunctivitis, Eye Styes, Dry Eyes and Corneal Ulcers are common eye problems during the Monsoon. No matter how aware you are, someone or the other around you will get infected and pass it on to you. Children in particular need to be taught proper hygiene; else they will spread the disease. They love to get drenched in rain water especially after the scorching heat. A little care can go a long way in preventing infections and keeping your eyes healthy so that you can enjoy the rains during monsoon. Let's have a look at some eye related problems that are very common during the monsoon: Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is one of the most common and treatable eye infections in children and adults. Often called “pink eye,” it is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, bacteria, irritating substances (shampoos, dirt, smoke, and especially pool chlorine), and allergens. Pink eye caused by bacteria, viruses, it can spread easily from person to person. Eye Stye: A stye is an infection that causes a painful lump along the eyelid. Styes are rampant during monsoons and are usually caused by bacterial infections. Dry Eyes: Dry Eye is another eye infection in which there is a constant flow of water from eyes. This continuous flow of water from eyes cause dry eyes and lead to irritation, pain and blurred vision. This is caused by exposure to dust and pollutants. So it is important to take care of the eyes during Monsoons. Corneal Ulcer: It is a very serious infection as it causes severe pain, blurred vision and pus discharge. The affected person should immediately consult an eye specialist. Tricks to Lose Weight MM Correspondent The greatest weight-loss strategies are the ones you can cherry-pick to fit your body and life. So go ahead and take your pick! Serve from the stove: Leave serving dishes on the stove instead of at the dining table and you'll eat nearly 10 percent less. [And] pack snacks into single-serving bags. Eating out of a large container ups consumption by 61 percent Sweeten up your morning: Embrace "breakfast dessert." In a 2012 study, researchers at Tel Aviv University Medical Center found that dieters who ate a large breakfast that included a sweet treat lost 37 pounds more over eight months than those on an equal-calorie diet with a smaller, low-carb breakfast. Aim for a size: Buy an outfit in your healthiest size and hang it on your bedroom door as a reminder of your goal. Skip the ads: Fast-forward through commercials on your DVR. A University of California study found that images of high-cal foods stimulate the brain's appetite control center, triggering hunger. Feed your family: If you live with people who like to indulge, buy treats for them that you don't like yourself. Flex: Clench your fists when you have a food craving. A series of studies found that people were better able to control their impulses when they tightened a muscle for at least 30 seconds. Reframe your goals: Change your goal from 'lose 20 pounds' to 'lose 1 pound 20 times,' and give yourself credit for each one. Mix it up (sometimes): Variety stokes your appetite. Limit the variety of treats you buy so you'll eat less of them; and do the opposite with vegetables so you'll eat more of them. Don't overdo healthy foods: Many people have a 'healthy' food, like almond butter, that they tend to overeat—at which point it stops being healthy. Know yours, and keep it out of the house. Pick up the tempo: Fill your playlist with upbeat tunes. Research shows you'll naturally quicken your pace if you work out with songs that have 180 beats per minute. HEALTH&FITNESS 13 'Eye Care is Vital during Monsoon,' Says Dr. Riddhi Shah Valuable Eye Care Tips to keep infections at bay: Cleanliness: Pay special attention to clean and take care of your eyes. Rinse the eyes with clean and cold water. Try to clean your eyes two-thrice times a day and do not try to touch or rub your eyes very often as it increases the possibility of viral infection. Keep nails short, or if you are used to keeping long nails, maintain proper hygiene. If the eyes are pricking, do not rub your eyelids otherwise it would increase the danger of being infected. Dr. Riddhi Shah, Visaion Sankara Eye Hospital Strong Wind and Sunlight: If strong wind is blowing or the sun is too bright when you step out, use sun glasses. It will prevent your eyes from any infection caused due to smoke and dust and if you use contact lens, it will also protect the lens. Rain Splashing: The risk of dirty, contaminated water entering our eyes is omnipresent during the monsoon due to heavy downpour and splashing of rainwater. Immediate rinsing of eyes with clean water can prevent a viral infection. Avoid wearing contact lens during Eye Infection: Never share lens solution and containers with anyone and clean properly before and after use. Swimming: Never use swimming pool during rainy season, as pool water increases the chances of viral attack on your eyes. Eye Makeup: Makeup comes out easily during the rainy season, so always try to keep water proof makeup kit with you and never share it with others. Be careful while using eye makeup and check the expiry date of the eye cosmetic product before applying. Avoid using any cosmetic products during infection. BIZZWORLD 14 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 Holachef raises Rs 20-crore Series A funding Classifieds REAL ESTATE FOR RENT 2 BHK furnish Flat for rent at vira desai with parking resi. + com. 50 k pkg. Cal Kazi. 9029234313 _____________________________ 3 BHK Gazdar, Near JW MARRIOT JUHU, 1.20 PKG. Semi furnished, Newly done up Keys with us, Call Bunty 9820564275, Rinku 9769357070 _____________________________ AVAILABLE 3 BHK fully furnished with all the White Goods in Brook Hill Tower ( Back Road ) Lokhandwala Complex. Preferably to be given to Family Client with No pets., Rent : Rs 90,000 / Deposit : Rs 5,00,000 / _____________________________ RENTAL. 2BHK DHIRAJ GAURAV HIGHT HIGHER FLR FULLY FURNUSED 2/5O PKG. INSPECTION ONLY SATURDAY & SUNDAY, POSSESSION 1st JULY, Kwality Home For call, Mr. Manjit 09920207410 Mr. Vivek 09920571655 _____________________________ AVAILABLE 3 Bhk 3 Flat mt /sf/ff/ ff 65 "sf 55 / mt 46 nagoshebal. Call us for only for family more details Bajaj Realtors 9819162580 9222260006 ABHISHEk Bajaj _____________________________ 3BHK f.f wt electronics in ANKITA MHADA BACK ROAD @ 70pkg nego. SHINE REALTORS. BUNTY 9619170247. _____________________________ SAMARTHA Aishwarya. Office. 860 Sq ft. 85k, Office in Oberoi Chambers. 600 Sq ft. Plus Mezzanine. Fully furnished. Well made. 1 Lakh, office in Aston. 1500 Sq ft. Keys with me. 1.20 lakhs, Cosmos plaza. 1000 Sq ft office. 1 lakh. Call Rajesh Harwani 9820007560 _____________________________ AVAILABLE 2bhk Unfurnished Flat for Rent 35,000 in New Mhada Lokhandwala for Family only. Please call or whatsapp Prem 9167173027/ 9619706896 _____________________________ AVAILABLE Bunglow on rent for Commercial / Restaurant purpose in 4bunglow Mhada, Area 3600sqft G+2, Asking - 1.5lakhs & 6months deposit. Please call or whatsapp Prem - 9167173027/9619706896 _____________________________ 1BHK, Blossom Bldg. on November. Dutta Marg near 4.Bungalows church, Mt flat 1/32 same bldg. Fully furnish with electronics, well done-up flat 2/35, and 4th floor Fully furnish with electronics 1.50/31 Vibhavari So. 1bhk converted into 2bhk with both bedroom attached w/c, bachelor and Muslim client's allow 1/32. Call Guru-9892638904, 9833934344, 9833345259 FOR SALE AVAILABLE flat for sale 2bhk Shantivan well made, Garden view opp Samarth Deep Oshiwara, area 832 sqrft old built up, Price 1.97 Owner 9768077077 _____________________________ DISTRESS sale 3bhk Lokhandwala Andheri west 3cr nego. Full cheque Call A.K.PROPERTIES 9830822636 _____________________________ Urgently sale 3bhk Juhu Gulmohar road, 3bhk fully furnished flat exclusively done up at Juhu near costa coffee spacious 1600sft flat to be given as it is with a parking for 6.25cr nego. Venkat 9820119094, Gopal 9004910967, Sagar 9820009094 _____________________________ 2BHK Outright in MOVIE TOWER, Oshiwara, midle flr, 1000sqft n,1 parking, call imdtly.2cr final non nego.2flats at HORIZON HEIGHTS RTO higher flr with health club n 1 parking 1100sqft..2cr final non nego..call imdtly..AMAZING PROPERTY 8691890002 SITUATION VACANT MM Correspondent MUMBAI: Mumbai based restaurant in cloud, Holachef, has raised Series A funding of Rs 20 crore in a round led by Kalaari Capital. AnandLunia's India Quotient will also be participating in this investment. Holachef offers select signature dishes from professional and amateur, basedo n a dynamic daily menu. It ensures delivery of meals at a preselected time slot by the customer. The service was founded in September 2014 and had raised a seed fund of Rs.2 crore by India Quotient in February 2015. The investment was in the form of convertible notes, a short-term debt that converts to equity when a startup raises Series A funding. “The investments will help us in fueling our infrastructural expansions that will enable better preparation and delivery of the food. This will help us penetrate deeper into Mumbai as well as other cities in India,” said Saurabh Saxena, who founded Holachef along with Anil Gelra. Currently, Holachef is serving over 1000 orders in a day across locations in Central and Western suburbs of Mumbai. It receives over 65% of orders through the mobile app on NPCI and JCBI enter into a strategic partnership for JCB acceptance and card issuing in India A WEEKLY NEWSPAPER URGENTLY REQUIRES REPORTERS FOR ITS GROWING TEAM. SO IF YOU ARE DRIVEN, HAVE THE SMELL FOR NEWS AS IT HAPPENS AND THE FLAIR TO WRITE THEM, MAIL YOUR RESUMES TO mumbaimessengerweekly @gmail.com _____________________________ LEARNING WITH FUN SATURDAY MORNINGS CLASS 1ST TO 5TH AT LOKHANDWALA, ANDHERI WEST. STORY TELLING, CREATIVE WRITING, PRONUNCIATION, DICTION, SELF EXPRESSION, VOCABULARY, ETIQUETTE. CONTACT 9820396869. [email protected] _____________________________ ADVERTISE WITH US CALL 77188 15387 CALL 77188 15386 - 87 TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT IN CLASSIFIEDS (RS. 375/- ONLY) MIN 15 - MAX 50 WORDS FOLLOW US ON MUMBAIMESSENGER LIKE US ON MUMBAIMESSENGERWEEKLY Android, iOS and rest from the desktop website. Speaking about the investment, Vani Kola, MD, Kalaari Capital, says, “We are excited to be investing in Holachef. The team has a deep passion to offer great food and commitment to customer service. These are the ingredients to create a great company. We are pleased to be working with dedicated founders like Saurabh Saxena and Anil Gelra. We believe food tech will be a large opportunity in India.” Anand Lunia, who is investing in the venture for the second time says, Mumbai and Tokyo: National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an organization established by the Reserve Bank of India and being an umbrella for all India’s payments system, and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., announced today that both parties entered into a strategic partnership for acceptance of JCB card at all NPCI acceptance locations under the NPCI network, which has 1 million card merchants and 200,000 ATMs across India. In addition, the strategic partnership will include the issuance of RuPay/JCB international cards by NPCI member banks that are globally accepted through the JCB network, which will be the first-ever JCB card issued in India. Leveraging the to-be-established interconnection between the two parties’ payment networks, the scope of the new strategic partnership covers acceptance of JCB cards at NPCI merchants including both retail point-of-sale and Ecommerce and ATMs and issuance of RuPay/JCB international cards by NPCI member banks in India, which can be accepted at around 29 million JCB card merchants as well as ATMs all over the world. Through this strategic partnership, JCB card’s acceptance coverage in India will reach to 100% for card merchants and ATMs, which will better serve the increasing number of people visiting India especially from Asia where JCBI has a large cardmember base. Meanwhile, the door for international acceptance for RuPay brand will be wider open with the partnership with the JCBI. Currently, approximately 165+ million RuPay domestic cards are issued by 426 banks. Managing Director & CEO of NPCI, A P Hota said, “NPCI has tied up with a US-based network, in the past, for the international acceptance of RuPay- Discover cards. Through the partnership with JCBI, NPCI can now offer new international RuPay cards with the JCB brand which are widely accepted throughout Asia where JCB has a strong presence in terms of card merchant network as well as exclusive privileges for its cardmembers. The new card, RuPay/JCB international card, will work as RuPay card in India and work as JCB card outside India.” The two parties now target to launch JCB acceptance business in India around mid-2016 and RuPay/JCB International card issuing business later the same year. NPCI-JCBI strategic partnership would be marked as a key milestone in the Asian payment ecosystem. It will be a winwin situation for both nations of Asia to exchange and achieve card payment dynamism with a view to enhance the acceptance of RuPay cards at JCBI’s network & viceversa,” added Mr Hota. Deputy President of JCBI, Kimihisa Imada said, ”We are pleased to enter into a partnership with NPCI in India, which is the most important market in our Asia regional strategy. The acceptance level of JCB cards in India will increase significantly and it will provide a seamless and convenient consumer experience for JCB cardmembers as all the card merchants and ATMs in the country will accept JCB cards Further, issuing of RuPay/JCB card in the market which has 1.2 billion population and strong economic growth will have a significant impact on JCBI’s global business. We believe our extensive card acceptance network and customer oriented services and promotions throughout Asia will be a strong feature of RuPay/JCB international cards. We are confident that the issuance of RuPay/JCB international card will contribute to the Financial Inclusion promoted by the Indian government and NPCI. Based on the strong bilateral relationship between India and Japan, our strategic partnership between NPCI and JCBI will certainly flourish and prosper.” ABOUT JCB JCB is a global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 29 million merchants and over a million cash advance locations in 190 countries and territories. JCB cards are now issued in 19 countries and territories, with more than 89 million card members. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with more than 350 leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. ABOUT NPCI National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which has been set up in 2009 as the central infrastructure for various retail payment systems in India, was envisaged by the Reserve Bank of India as the payment utility for all banks in the country. During the last five years, the organization has grown multi-fold from 2 million transactions a day to 20 million transactions now. From a single service of switching of inter-bank ATM transactions, the range of services have grown to Cheque Clearing, Immediate Payments Service money transfer (24x7), Automated Clearing House, Electronic Benefit Transfer and a domestic card payment network named ‘RuPay’ to provide an alternative to international card schemes. RuPay card base has gone up to 165 million. FUNTIME 15 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 HARBHAJAN SINGH July 03, 1980 Place: Jalandhar, Punjab INDIA CRICKETER PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20): This should be a pretty time, Pisces. You will find a greater than usual sensitivity to your needs. One thing to be aware of is fast talkers who might make elaborate promises that they have no intention of keeping. Slow and steady wins the race, and you're the master of this technique. Your patience and sensitivity are invaluable this time. ARIES (March 21 to April 20): You are radiant and glowing with happiness! This is a refreshing change after the gloom of the past few weeks. Apparently, the decisions you made worked out for the best. Or even better, perhaps you're in love? In any case, it will be easier than usual for you to communicate with others and share joy. Let the good times roll! TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20): Your goal is to enchant your mate. There is no reason not to try. Indeed, it's an excellent time for love. But don't exaggerate your seductive wiles, Taurus. Since the aspects tend to distort your perception of things, you may be deceived by what you see in the mirror. Be careful about what you do and how you do it! GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 20): People aren't going to cooperate in the way you might like them to. It could be the time in which it's difficult to get things done simply because other people seem to get in the way. Try not to get angry. Perhaps you need to take a break and relax. The harder you push, the more resistance you will encounter. CANCER (Jun 21 – Jul 22): It's certainly clear that you have faith in your actions. You feel no fear or doubt as you progress toward your goals at a fast clip, cruising along on calm seas under clear skies. This new atmosphere is likely the product of your renewed commitment. Reward yourself for your accomplishments, but you should wait a few days before launching celebration. LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 22): This is a moment to start being creative and stop worrying that you don't have talent. Who's to say what "talent" is? In the romance department, the love of your life might be right under your nose. Try lifting your eyes from the romance novels and look around. The perfect mate could be any number of people in your life. VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sep 22): People may pull your chain right and left in order to get a rise out of you. Whatever seems grounded and solid may end up being flimsy and detached. Beware of your steps. The ground is apt to give way with little warning. Your appetite may be ravenous, but it's likely there won't be nearly enough nourishment to satisfy you. LIBRA (Sep 23 – Oct 22): You could be seeing mirages at the moment, Libra, most notably in the environment around you. You may have the impression that people are lying to you or that they're hiding something from you. Or it may be that you're the one who lies about certain things or hides what you do. Why are you making it all so complicated? SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21): Hold on to your wallet, because you may have some strange {though noble) impulses to give away your hard earned money or spend a large amount on something useless. You should think about spending your money in a better way or not at all. Why not consider donating some of your valuable time rather than money to those in need? SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21): You may have your head in the clouds. At the same time, there's a need for you to keep your feet on the ground. This contradiction of energies might make it difficult to find peace, but you should find comfort knowing that this will end. Deal with conflicting issues. They will help you find the balance and perspective you need. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19): Are you certain you can't modify your current situation, Capricorn? Are you a prisoner of a lifestyle that isn't of your own making or is a throwback to the past? People have been asking you to take on too many responsibilities and this is weighing you down. Don't be afraid to distance yourself from these situations. Learn to say no. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18) : You can rely on the current aspects to restore your self-confidence, which has been sorely tried during the past few days. The charismatic seducer in you can swagger forth, certain of conquest. However, do not go too far. Wait a while for reality to dispel the cloud of ecstasy and you will be able to see the future more clearly. PHOTO/SHARAD VEGDA HOROSCOPE CAPTION THIS PHOTO AND SEND AT [email protected] WITH YOUR NAME. You can be a lucky winner to win an attractive prize and get your name published with the picture in our next issue. A man was crying in front of his wife's cemetery. Suddenly he saw another man crying really loud. The crying man: why did u did this to me? 1 man: sorry to ask about your personal life. Who is this person? Is this is your wife? Crying man: no. it's my wife's 1st husband. DID YOU KNOW There is a floating post office in Dal Lake, Srinagar. It was inaugurated in August 2011.India has the largest postal network in the world, with over 1,55,015 post offices. S U D O K U PREVIOUS SOLUTION “CORREA'S NIGHTMARE" (referring to architect Charles Correa, the aesthetic architect of Mumbai, who passed away recently) - G. RAMACHANDRAN This is our lucky winner for the caption contest who has bagged himself two movie tickets. You can be next! Write us a caption that you can think suits the given picture best and win exciting prizes. Q U I C K ACROSS : 1. Forsake 5. Misgiving 8. Robber 9. Competence 10. Hide 11. Climb 12. Housing area 14. Groups of twelve 18. Archer's missile 20. Great pleasure 22. Strain 23. Flinch 24. Majestic 25. Gracefully slim DOWN: 1. Thing 2. Strange 3. Turn aside 4. Almost 5. Even 6. Stir up 7. Perhaps 13. Despotism 15. Slanting 16. Colonist 17. Handsome youth 18. Stage-player 19. Turn rapidly 21. Stately, splendid Mumbai Messenger does not endorse any third party products, merchandise, and/or services, not has Mumbai Messenger taken any steps, to confirm the accuracy or reliability of, any third party advertisements. Mumbai Messenger strongly encourages readers to make whatever investigation they feel necessary or appropriate before proceeding with any transaction with any these advertisers. C R O S S W O R D PREVIOUS SOLUTION Printed, Published, Owned by Surjit G Sahani and printed at Inquilab Offset Printers Ltd.,156, D.J., Dadajee Raod, Tardeo, Mumbai Central(W), Mumbai 400034 and Published at Flat 1/72, Shantivan CHS, Oshiwara, Off New Link Road, Near Oshiwara Police Station Andheri(W) Mumbai-400053 Tel: 7718807072 Editor: Surjit G Sahani, RNI: (MAHEN/2015/62464) 16 01 July to 07 July, 2015, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 24 TETE-A-TETE WITH FRENCH CONSUL GENERAL The relation between France and India is of great importance. In a bid to further improve the co-operative actions already initiated between the countries His Excellency Yves Perris has taken office in Mumbai as the new Consulate General of France. Here is Mewati Sitram, in a candid chat with him about strengthening ties... What do you feel about Mumbai in terms of culture, people and its overall experience? I arrived in Mumbai a bit more than three months ago. To be honest, I felt immediately at ease in the city, with all the people I met. Wherever I have been, my welcome has always been warm, honest and frank. How important is Mumbai for the French government as far as tourism and business is concerned? Mumbai has always been considered as the "Gateway to India" for a long time now. It is and has been the most important economic and financial capital of India. The value attached to this city can be comprehended by the fact that France created a Consulate General in Mumbai since 1865. If you'd like to compare data, Mumbai is at the same level as Delhi in terms of visas issued. With the economic growth of the city, it is clear that more and more Mumbaikars are now travelling not only for business but also increasingly as tourists to Europe. We have to take into consideration this clientele. This is especially the focus of “Atout France,” in charge of promoting tourism between both countries. I was surprised and quite proud to have met inhabitants of Mumbai, in fact, of other cities too, who knew France very well, and not just a few cities. From the business point of view, Mumbai presents an attractive playground. The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry is based here as well as a team of Business France. What is surprising among the people I met is the number of those who went to France for business or to invest, and who returned with families for tourism purposes. Beside Mumbai, how many nearby cities are you facilitating Visa facilities? All applicants residing in India can now apply at any France Visa Application Centre in India. (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Puducherry, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Pune, Goa, Hyderabad and Cochin) For how long have you been Consul? How did you become it and why? Actually, I have been Consul for all of three months! This has been my first posting in this capacity. I come from the “Cour des Comptes” (Court of Audit), where I assumed almost all the roles, the latest being that of an Advocate General but not in the sense that is perceived in India. There are regular links in France between the Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some ambassadors join the Court at the end of their career, and the magistrates of the Court spend a few years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others. Considering your experience, what are the typical areas of improvement in the relationship between France and India? Relations between our two countries are exceptional, as shown by the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France in April. There are a number of domains, old and new, which offer an opportunity to build a trustworthy relation. We must jointly ensure to maintain and develop them. Personally, I really believe that co-operation needs to strengthen further in two particular areas, although it is difficult to limit the list. The first is higher education. France and India have unique institutions and I visited several in my constituency including of Pune and Goa. It would be opportune for these exceptional institutions to find ways to cooperate, especially at the level of Ph. D for whom the language barrier is almost negligible. But this cooperation must go beyond, and associate companies that may have an interest in financing the work of doctoral or post-doctoral students. Much has been done in this direction: without mentioning everything, we have eased the visa-obtaining process, given the opportunity to Indian students to stay and work in France two years after graduation. It would be too long, as I said, to list all political, economical, cultural, military fields where relations could be improved for the benefit of all. We do not always think about it, but today there is a growing opportunity the world over, in which French companies of all sizes excel: it is the agribusiness, where I see a large potential. How many French nationals visit India and how many Indians go to France every month? How does your Consulate assist them? Every month, about 10000 French nationals come to the India and 30 000 Indians go to France. Aside from services to the French community, particularly in the administration and the protection of people, the consulate is in charge of issuing visas to Indians, whose applications are collected and forwarded to us by the VFS. Currently, we issue between 300 and 400 visas a day and we do it in 24 hours. It is a goal outlined by our Minister. How has the bilateral educational cooperation between India and France fared? In terms of student mobility, we aim to increase the number of Indian students in France because we still receive very few Indian students while France is the third country to host the most international students. It is the role of our “Campus France” operator, with its ten offices spread throughout India, to promote the many opportunities to study in France. We also want to bring more French students in India, in order to balance our exchanges and build long-term partnerships. Students are ambassadors of our countries, they build sustainable links. Regarding our scientific and technological cooperation, it is based on a platform well known to researchers of our both countries, the IndoFrench Centre for Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA), which is now 27 years old and financed equally by the two governments. It provides support for research projects, seminars, but also finances scholarships for PhD students in all scientific fields. We also have the French-Indian water network (IFWN) that brings together academic specialists but also associations and companies in all areas of water: treatment, drinking water, irrigation, oceanography. Finally, we wish to work closely with French companies in India, the 10th meeting of our R&D Club was held at the IISER in Pune on June 22. Looking at two countries, the size of trade is still very small? What is being done to improve bilateral trade? At first sight, indeed, one could consider that the Indo-French trade is still low; India appears to be the 23rd exporter to France and is its 31st customer. But this data should be taken with caution. In the case of Indian exports, if we do not take in consideration intra-Community trade, India became the 10th largest supplier to France in 2014, an increase of 17% ($ 5 billion). As for France, the relative weakness of our trade balance can be corrected with the 'Make in India' campaign, to which we are very committed. There is a good demand and decent number of people who relish French food. Any plans for conducting French food festivals in Mumbai's luxury hotels? If yes, please elaborate. In fact, the operation called “Goût de France” or “Good France” is an annual event. Restaurants or hotels who wish to participate can join it by proposing French menus. The edition of this year, which took place in March in Mumbai as everywhere in India, was a great success. I hope that the next edition will be a success too, and we will support and encourage all the participants warmly. How is French FDI into India growing and how does it compare with Indian FDIs into France? (for ref: there are 110 Indian-owned companies, including 27 greenfield investments in France, employing over 5,600 persons). We have just finished identifying the French companies operating in India a few months ago. In short, 400 French companies having 1,050 offices are located in India. They employ 3 lakh people for an annual turnover of $ 20 billion and represent an equal amount invested. Beside Mumbai, how many Consulate offices are operational in India? Any plans for opening new consulate office in the near future? There are three Consulates General of France in India, besides Mumbai: one in Calcutta, one in Bangalore and one in Pondicherry. There is also a consular section in Delhi within the Embassy. “I share my sensibilities with Chopras!” – Mohan Deep Celebrated author Mohan Deep, more famous for his trilogy of star biographies, is on cloud nine! His novel, The Five Foolish Virgins has almost sold out! It will be available as a Kindle edition and will also go into a second edition. “I am more thrilled as it is a novel, a book of fiction. The prefix of 'bestselling book' is nothing new for me. Madhubala, Simply Scandalous: Meena Kumari and Eurekha (An unauthorized biography of Rekha) were the best sellers,” says the author in a chat with 'Mumbai Messenger' and adds, " But I am humbled at the response. I will always cherish the reactions of the people who have read The Five Foolish Virgins.” Raza Murad, the veteran character actor, known for his stylish comments states, “My way of describing The Five Foolish Virgins would be: Fantastic, Interesting, Vivacious, Entertaining, Fabulous, Outstanding, Overwhelming, Lovable, Inspiring, Sweet, Humorous, Vulnerable, Impish, Ravishing, Gorgeous, Inimitable, Noteworthy, Sensuous. Raza Murad goes on, “Would like to salute my chronic and dear friend, Mohan Deep, for being brutally bold, forthright, hard- hitting and terribly entertaining. Would even like to possess the second edition of this unforgettable and amazing novel.” Stand-Up comedian, veteran actor and director Shekhar Suman finds The Five Foolish Virgins an engrossing and a riveting saga. In his inimitable style Suman says, “It is funny, poignant and deliciously dark! Mohan Deep is known for his sensational, irreverent and acerbic writing and he makes full use of his talent in this book. Go for it!” He adds humorously, “A must read especially if you are the sixth virgin!” Actor-Director Kiran Joneja-Sippy comments, “Loved it, coming from a man, the insight into women's minds is amazing. Interesting, pacy and extremely well written.” The author has also got a lot of praise from his contemporaries. Screenplay Writer Nina Arora says, “Mohan Deep's USP, even in his bios, is his heightened sense of visualisation and relentlessly incisive characterizations. Here too, one feels one is watching a movie as the story unfolds. One gets sucked into the vortex of dramatic lives, even as one enjoys the ticklish pin-points of "real" Bollywood personalities!!!” Smita Deshmukh, a Media Professional says, "…is glamorous, dark, bitchy and sometimes dangerous. The web of characters is smartly interwoven and Mohan Deep keeps you on toes, throughout. The writing is eclectic and the book catches your imagination because it is from a perfect insider.” Seeing that almost everyone who has read the book calls it right for a film, we asked, “Will there be a film on your book?” “I don't know. I have not been actively soliciting producers.” “Who would you like to make a film based on The Five Foolish Virgins?” “I wish Yash Chopra had been alive today. It would have been easier to share the sensibilities with him. Aditya Chopra has the same sensibilities. May be Karan Johar. Mine is essentially an intense romantic novel with larger than life, success oriented ambitious characters. It is a story that starts in Karachi of late forties and climaxes in the second decade of twenty first century. The milieu is Sindhi and Punjabi. There are many among the younger lot in Bollywood who would find an emotional hook up with the characters.” “What about films or TV serials based on your star biographies? We see your books flashed frequently in TV programmes on Rekha, Meena Kumari and Madhubala.” “In fact, I have declined interviews to scores of channels as I had moved into Feng Shui. But now that I am doing both, I am ready. My biographies can be useful for BBC kind of biopics. The kind of work I did would be a waste for the type of stuff being churned out on the channels. “Why didn't you write another biography?” “One trilogy was enough. I was a journalist for 15 years and totally bored with the scene. I wanted some exciting project. I knew virtually nothing about Madhubala when I started investigating her life. It was a creative challenge. I met all her contemporaries, read everything published about her and came across explosive material on her.” “Like?” “Does anyone know that former President of Pakistan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who used to practice law in Bombay was smitten with Madhubala? I laid it bare. Her heart ailment and moments like when she would rush out of the sets to vomit blood added to the narration. TV channels focus only on her beauty and films but my biography was the complete story of Madhubala.” “There were controversies about Eurekha?” “There is no controversy as far as I am concerned. I wrote a book on Rekha's life…” “But it was not an unauthorized version.” “That is why it had more credibility. An authorized biography is always full of lies and half truths. Public figures and film stars do not want the people to know ugly truths about them. As far as I am concerned, the book was never challenged by Rekha. I had got the legality checked with two Supreme Court lawyers. But please, I am not interested in talking about Rekha. I am fully focused on my novels and they are all fiction. Pure fiction.” “And they are successful!” “Yes, 'The Five Foolish Virgin' has out sold all my biographies,” says Mohan Deep with pride. “How do you analyze the success of your novel?” “Shano, Sita, Sheila, Nancy and Nafisa have found an immediate connect with the women readers. Their feelings, desires, emotions, and dreams have touched them somewhere. Yuvraj, Sam, Krish Aman, and Irani too are a part of the milieu we easily recognize. The story kept me absorbed when I wrote it and has become exciting and engrossing for the readers. They are loveable characters. I have got people telling me that they have read the novel without break in one day and there are the others who have read the novel two and three times!” But the story doesn't end here. Mohan is writing another novel now. It may be another six months!
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