AUGUST 2020 `60 A Times of India publication

BE THE CHANGE Bowl-ed Rakul Preet over Singh hopes Soups for for a better the soul tomorrow

VOCAL BUZZWORD FOR CHECK LOCAL Clean ARE YOU ALL beauty ABOUT EVERYTHING HOMEGROWN? BREAKING SEEDS OF WOMEN REVOLUTION MAKING When agriculture IT COUNT meets technology EDITOR’S LETTER

he deadly COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a big lesson—go back to our roots, connect with nature and all things natural. Living in our densely-populated urban jungles, we never appreciated nature more than we do now. This virus has also made us realise the importance of being healthy to keep our immunity levels high, and that’s how we have all started resorting to organic food and other organic products be itT in fashion or skincare. So basically, it is back to the basics! As India celebrates 73 years of Independence, we have put together a special issue on ‘Vocal about Local’, which is in keeping with our government’s thought process of promoting local produce, local crafts and craftsmen. This has INDIA, WITH ALL ITS also been a result of the growing anti-China DIVERSITY, IS HOUSE sentiment amongst the citizens. India, with all TO THE MOST AMAZING its diversity, is house to the most amazing local products, which we as Indians have ignored over LOCAL PRODUCTS. IT IS the years, and the West has appreciated them. TIME TO BE HOME PROUD On the contrary, we allowed unabashed inflow AND REVERT TO WHAT WE of foreign goods and pushed our own produce, ARE BEST AT! back in the shelves. It is time to be home proud and revert to what we are best at! Hence, we touch upon some the best home-grown stuff across fashion, food and beauty sections, keeping sustainability as the main theme here. Our cover story celebrates the ‘Unstoppable’ woman, who has reached the top in some of the most male-dominated areas, be it the defence services, sports like cricket and racing, or banking. From India’s only woman Lieutenant General Madhuri Kanitkar, and champion racing driver Alisha Abdullah to the captain of Team India’s women’s cricket team Harmanpreet Kaur, we have profiled and featured women who have shattered the glass ceiling to reach the top, in fields always been considered the male bastion. They all have sent across just one message—women are not just limited to kitchen and kids; there is nothing a woman can’t do. In fact, they can do it better, than a man has been doing. So, this Independence Day, let’s free us from the shackles of societal pressures and restrictions, and chase our dreams. Nothing is impossible. We women are and will always be UNSTOPPABLE!

RUCHIKA MEHTA @ruchikamehta05 @ruchikamehta05

ON THE COVER MODEL: MADHURI KANITKAR; PHOTOGRAPHER: ANIL CHAWLA; HAIR & MAKEUP: PRIYANKA KAPOOR; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Deepak Lamba ALL CLOTHES: HER OWN; ALISHA ABDULLAH; PHOTOGRAPHER: YOGESHWARAN; ALL CLOTHES: HER OWN; MODEL: HARMANPREET KAUR; PHOTOGRAPHER: STUDIO NARINDER; HAIR & MAKEUP: UPGRACE BY EDITOR Ruchika Mehta JYOTI; ALL CLOTHES: HER OWN

SENIOR PRODUCTION EDITOR Charlene Flanagan AUGUST 2020 `60 A Times of India publication

PRODUCTION EDITOR Shraddha Kamdar

ASSISTANT EDITOR (DIGITAL) Ainee Nizami BE THE CHANGE Bowl-ed Rakul Preet over Singh hopes Soups for for a better the soul FEATURES EDITOR Nikshubha Garg tomorrow

ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR Sukriti Shahi VOCAL BUZZWORD FOR CHECK LOCAL Clean ARE YOU ALL beauty JUNIOR BEAUTY WRITER Eden Noronha ABOUT EVERYTHING HOMEGROWN? SENIOR FASHION STYLIST Yukti Sodha

FASHION FEATURES WRITER Ruman Baig BREAKING SEEDS OF WOMEN REVOLUTION JUNIOR FEATURES WRITER Aishwarya Acharya MAKING When agriculture IT COUNT meets technology MULTIMEDIA CONTENT MANAGER Shilpa Dubey

SENIOR MULTIMEDIA EXECUTIVE Nikita D’silva BRAND SOLUTIONS BUSINESS DIRECTOR Sunil Wuthoo, [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Primrose Monteiro-D’Souza WEST CHIEF COPY EDITOR CHENNAI Kayalvizhi Arivalan VICE PRESIDENT & BUSINESS HEAD-FEMINA SALON & SPA Gautam Chopra, FEATURES EDITOR PUNE Radhika Sathe-Patwardhan [email protected] ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT Reena C Dave, JUNIOR FEATURES EDITOR AHMEDABAD Kalwyna Rathod [email protected] Sriram Krishnan, [email protected] Leena Bhandari, [email protected] PUNE Ekta Dang, [email protected], DESIGN DIRECTOR Bendi Vishan AHMEDABAD Kamal Rajput, [email protected] ART DIRECTOR (DIGITAL AND BEAUTY) Sameer More

DEPUTY ART DIRECTOR Renu Sharma Tewary NORTH VICE PRESIDENT Anjali Rathor, ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Manoj Kokitkar [email protected] Sachin Saxena, [email protected]. ASSISTANT ART DIRECTORS Sandesh Patil, Vaibhav Nadgaonkar, Amit Amdekar JAIPUR Pushpesh Sood, pushpesh.sood@ wwm.co.in SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER Vinay Javkar

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www.buywow.com CONTENTS VOLUME 61 NUMBER 11

09 The big story BREAKING NEW GROUND Women trailblazers who dared to venture into male bastions

ALL ABOUT YOU 33 Career 33 AGRONOMICS 2.0 Back to the roots Exploring the new technological advances in the field of agriculture 36 Life LA VIDA LOCAL A quiz to identify if you love all things homegrown FASHION 38 Front row GREEN JEANS Recycled denims are ruling the roost. PRESENTS

India’s first curated virtual art and DESIGN design festival BIENNALE JAIPUR EDITION FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

Architectural 100 Designers

CURATED BY Collaborations SHANTANU 50 GARG 20Brands Coming Together for the First Time Ever on a Digital Platform

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TO PARTICIPATE, COLLABORATE AND KNOW MORE... WRITE TO US AT [email protected] OR LOG ON TO www.goodhomes.co.in/dcode Best52 beauty buys 52 Beauty HOT RIGHT NOW All that’s fresh and fun on the beauty shelf LIVING 56 Food SPICE BITES Feisty recipes for a sumptuous snack 59 Quick bites A BOWL OF COMFORT Soups to keep you warm when it's pouring

Sustainable42 approach

39 Accessories TOTE-ALLY ECO Get on the conscious fashion bandwagon with these stylish pieces 40 Hotlist TRENDING Femina’s round-up of the latest, 59 news, views, and buzz in fashion 56 Wholesome Simply goodness delicious 42 Feature A CONSCIOUS WAVE IN EVERY ISSUE Take cue from Rakul Preet Singh and 02 EDITOR’S LETTER build a chic sustainable wardrobe 04 TOMBSTONE

BEAUTY GET FEMINA RIGHT AT HOME 50 Wellness PLANET FIRST l To subscribe, SMS FESUB to 58888

Prasanthy Gurugubelli, founder of l To subscribe online, visit Daughter Earth, sheds light on Fashion40 mags.timesgroup.com/femina.html progressive sustainable practices forecast

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BREAKING NEW GROUND For years, Indian women have been subjected to unabashed opinions on what they wear, where they go, and what professions they choose. Yet, some dared to dream, and proved themselves in several fields, which until a few decades ago, were considered to be ‘male’ bastions. Femina brings voices of such forces, who made every woman believe, she can BIG STORY STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

was men’s cricket,” recalls the dynamic cricketer. HARMANPREET KAUR Breaking those barriers FROM BATTING AT THE TAIL-END ON has been an uphill task THE LOCAL GROUND TO HITTING SHOTS for women cricketers, BEYOND THE BOUNDARY OF INTERNATIONAL though times are changing. STADIUMS, HARMANPREET KAUR’S JOURNEY Kaur talks about how this HAS BEEN INSPIRATIONAL FOR MANY, FINDS imbalance is changing for RADHIKA SATHE-PATWARDHAN the better, and her journey.

In October 2019, during the parents to play. “My father series against South Africa, was my first coach,” she you became the first tells, “he always believed in cricketer for India, male equality and never pulled or female, to play in 100 me away from playing with international T20 matches. the boys.” How did you feel? H Such was her drive To be honest, I did not even Hailing from Moga in towards the game though know that I was playing Punjab, Harmanpreet that she changed schools my 100th T20 match Kaur had one goal since to ensure time and that day till the time my childhood. “Bachpan se ek dedication to the game. team organised a meeting hee thought tha ki cricketer She played other sports session before the game to hee banana hai; koi bhi too, but “none could gather surprise me with something doosra thought aya hee nahi my interest”. So, the all- special. All my teammates kabhi!” (Since childhood, rounder joined the Gyan had created a music video I was sure that I want Jyoti School Academy to for me showing love and to become a cricketer; I train professionally for her appreciation. That moment never thought of any other favourite, cricket, despite it was extremely emotional option), says the Indian being 30 km away. for me and I realised how women’s team captain for “I didn’t know then much I loved and admired short-form cricket. Born to a whether women played this journey along with the sport-supportive family, she professionally or not, as all people who supported me was never stopped by her I had seen on the television throughout this time. BIG STORY

come a long way with Have you, owing to your thought that I would have to “THE ROLE OF A such a young team. That gender, ever felt that you play with the boys! CAPTAIN IS TO deserved appreciation had to work harder to prove When I started my LEAD, SUPPORT and encouragement. I yourself at any stage? career at the age of 17, I was know we were a step away I realised this at the probably the only girl to AND BECOME from creating history, but beginning of my career that play cricket in my town. I THE MOST sometimes all you need to in order to get women’s had to take all the initiative, do is give it another chance. cricket equivalent to men’s, go the whole mile myself. RESPONSIBLE As the captain, I was proud we will have to work a PERSON OF THE of my team. We may have lot harder and get people While times are changing TEAM, KEEPING lost the title, but we carried to watch our sport and now, women sports a several good memories appreciate it as much. Even teams—even in the IT UNITED.” back, which will help us as a child, when I thought country’s favourite sport, grow in many ways. of playing for the country, I cricket—were not given

You’re the captain of the Indian team for short-form cricket. Does the position add pressure to your game, and how do you find a balance? The role of a captain is to lead, support and become the most responsible person of the team. One major responsibility is to keep my team united and work towards the same goal. The position rarely adds pressure to my performance. Rather, it motivates me to always keep myself positive in the tough situations. A lot relies on how you keep yourself calm even if the conditions are not favourable and keep motivating each other in the team to fight until the end.

You led the team to its very first T20 World Cup final earlier this year. While the outcome might not have been what was intended, what are the takeaways? Coming that far and not bagging the trophy was disheartening. We were numb at one point of time. With the time passing, I realised that we did their due credit for a long time. Why do you think the change is happening now? Considering the current scenario, I feel positive about the changes in the women’s cricket over the past few years. The comparison between both male and female sport was visible about a decade ago. The reasons , I feel, are that there was limited coverage when matches were not televised, the media hardly covered the sporting events, therefore people were not aware of women’s cricket. In the last few years, the team performance has gone up, which has added to the popularity and, I believe, in the coming years there will be no difference between men’s and women’s cricket.

How have you coped with the lockdown? This time during the lockdown has been tough for me, and perhaps for all sports persons across the globe! I have never experienced being indoors This is the third edition of What is your message for for this long and had no the women’s T20 challenge. our young readers? clue how one can survive! I am looking forward to Always be inspiring! If you So taking all the preventive “ALWAYS BE playing in the country have inspired even one measures, I decided to INDEPENDENT, A where we have never played person then that means you keep myself physically and before. The wickets and the have achieved something mentally fit at home. I tried GOOD PERSON, grounds will be absolute extremely commendable various new workouts, READY TO DO surprise for us and I am in life. This feeling is learnt how to cook and do HARD WORK, already excited about being really satisfying knowing household work, and most able to play good cricket. that there are people who importantly, I got to spend STAND UP FOR look up to you. Always be a lot of time with my family YOURSELF, What are your future plans, independent, be a good which I have not done in after the lockdown ends person, be ready to do the last ten years. I am NEVER MAKE and games start soon? the hard work, stand up eagerly waiting to get back EXCUSES, AND To begin with a positive for yourself, never make on the field. mind-set and take up big excuses, be disciplined BE DISCIPLINED.” challenges. After a long and do good deeds. These What are your thoughts break there is a new essence are life mantras that have on the Women’s IPL being and freshness in the way I helped me become positive

played at UAE this year? feel about cricket. and satisfied. STUDIOS STAR PHOTOGRAPHS: PATIALA HEADMASTERS HAIR & MAKEUP: BIG STORY THE BOTTOM ADITI KOTHARI DESAI THE HEAD OF SALES, MARKETING AND E-BUSINESS, DSP INVESTMENT MANAGERS, WHO LAUNCHED A PLATFORM FOR WOMEN TO TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR OWN FINANCES, LINE TALKS TO SHRADDHA KAMDAR

Foundation as well as the differently owing to your Wildlife Conservation Trust. gender? Over to her. Being a woman has its strengths, but no one asks At any point in life, did you men this question! I am a face any resistance from person who goes to work, and A your family owing to your I have to do my best for it. At a young age, Aditi Kothari gender? And that’s what matters. Desai was taught the value My parents were always of financial independence supportive, but they were With Winvestor you bring by her mother, who told nervous about me going out the need for women her she needed to have a abroad to study, back in 1994. to take charge of their job when she grows up so So, I had to start working on finances. What made you she could make her own them a few years ahead, since realise that even the most money. Today, Head of Sales, they always refused. When successful of women lack Marketing and E-Business, my father agreed to send me the knowledge, and are DSP Investment Managers, if I got into Wharton, I knew often happy to go along leads financial initiatives at this was my only ticket so I with the advice from the the organisation and was also focused on getting it. men in their lives? instrumental in launching It started in 2010-11 when Winvestor, an initiative aimed Did you ever experience a few friends asked me how at empowering women with that you had to work they should invest. They confidence and financial doubly hard to prove needed holistic advice and I knowledge to plan for their yourself to others? couldn’t do it for them one at long-term security. At DSP, we want the right a time. They needed someone An Economics graduate person for the right job, with to constantly attend to their from Wharton School of the gender neutrality. We have portfolios, so I would pair University of Pennsylvania women placed at very senior them with women advisors Kothari Desai completed her positions as well. who thought like me. It MBA from Harvard Business went on to become a women School, and today is a trustee How do you think you helping women situation, and in the Hemendra Kothari approach your wok that’s how Winvestor started. BIG STORY

you need to hold a diversified and balanced portfolio, you have to think long term.

You are also passionate about wildlife, and serve on the board of different institutions. How did that happen? I fell in love with animals at a young age and visited many sanctuaries with my parents, when we started getting aware about conservation. We knew that we had to do something to save what we have for the generations to come. I liked learning about animal behaviour and studied it. They may not be able to talk, and are exploited by humans, which made me feel very strongly about wanting to be their voice. How did you decide to maternity since the leave is questions about their money, scale it up? only six months, and post that they do not even know how A piece of advice that is I decided to scale it up by they are unsure of whether much they have. Most don’t etched in your memory? going to campuses and to take some time off or go take interest, they have blind When there’s a will there’s a office spaces talking to back to work since they are trust. They have a mental way. You just have to put your women, educating them on so used to earning. If they block that they are not good full focus and drive into it. investments and why they plan for it this gap, they can at it. need to take charge of their get passive income from their 4. Financial independence If you were to leave our finances. Over time with investments. and investment need to be readers with one thought, these interactions I realised, 3. Often, when women want taught young, so youngsters what would it be? most working felt financially to purchase larger things in are prepared when they earn Be a student for life. That way independent by merely life, they need to ask multiple their first salaries. you learn every day. Never earning the money, not think you have had enough. thinking of its investment. With the pandemic, And yes, learn to be a better They are not fully financially “I REALISED financial stability has gone person every day. independent until they know MOST WORKING for a toss. Your advice? how much money they have. We need to look at the past, What are some of your I learnt a few things I could FELT FINANCIALLY and how we have recovered. other interests, how do you tackle. INDEPENDENT BY In 1991, India went through a unwind? 1. More women are working, MERELY EARNING financial issue with a foreign Besides wildlife and reading, and it is their hard-earned exchange crisis, but we acted I deeply follow the Bhagawad money so they should know THE MONEY, NOT and it changed for the better. Gita, and am taking a class what to do with it. This also THINKING OF ITS Then we had the dotcom on it twice a week. Besides, goes for those who inherit, boom and bust, and we had I love to travel and explore receive alimony or are INVESTMENT.” the 2008 recession. We’ve cities and often watch shows beneficiaries of life insurance. emerged victorious each and read about travel. My 2. Working women today are time and will so, now. It takes husband and I watch a lot of in a huge dilemma during patience. There is anxiety, but detective shows.

BIG STORY NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE DR MADHURI KANITKAR LIEUTENANT GENERAL MADHURI KANITKAR HAS MADE IT TO THE TOP RANKS IN THE ARMED FORCES WITH HER PERSEVERANCE AND DEDICATION. THE DYNAMIC LADY SPEAKS TO RADHIKA SATHE-PATWARDHAN ON HOW THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES HAVE NOT BEEN DOMINATED BY GENDER STEREOTYPES

dreams. My parents taught remember a single instance me and my two sisters that where she had to fight for her nothing is impossible,” she ‘rights’ on grounds of gender. informs. Any person required to wear Speaking of society- multiple hats needs to be perceived stereotypes, one of tough to scale the heights A those has been that the armed of success, she says. “The A soldier. A doctor. A teacher. forces are male dominated. journey itself has thrown up She has taken on all these Lt Gen Kanitkar is quick in many challenges and turning roles with determination and debunking that myth. “The them into opportunities pride. Lieutenant General armed forces predominantly has helped me grow as an Madhuri Kanitkar has taken have male workers, but individual.” Excerpts from an great strides in being on the not dominated by gender interview: forefront, in whatever she stereotypes. All my roles, undertakes. As the third be it a soldier, a teacher, a You were the Dean of female Lieutenant General doctor or for that matter, my Armed Forces Medical in the history of India, she appointment today as Deputy College (AFMC) in Pune has broken society-perceived Chief Integrated Defence for several years. Can you stereotypes. “My parents and Staff (Medical) has nothing tell us a little about your teachers never considered to do with gender,” she notes. journey? gender an obstacle to achieve She mentions that she cannot At AFMC I felt I had achieved BIG STORY

a high rung of success in long as both perspectives When you joined the Army, heading my alma mater seek the same destination what was the male/female and had a sense of deep “I FEEL A within the framework of an ratio? You joined at a time satisfaction as a teacher. As appropriate value system, when the field was still a doctor, I am extremely WOMAN HAS the journey is streamlined, predominantly male. Did sanguine in having had A BETTER enjoyable and interesting. you have trouble being the opportunity to set up It was important to support taken seriously? the first Armed Forces NATURAL each other even when being When I joined the Armed Medical Services’ Paediatric CAPABILITY TO located in two different parts Forces Medical Services, Nephrology Centre, and MULTITASK AND of the country and ‘grow the ratio of girls to boys was caring for children over the together without growing 20:100 at AFMC. Today past 30 years. As a soldier, COMMUNICATE, apart’. I feel a woman has a it is 30:120, which is not my great desire to contribute AS WELL AS better natural capability to a great difference, but towards the health of troops multitask and communicate, this is in keeping with the in an operational command CARRY A TEAM as well as carry a team along organisational requirement was largely fulfilled when I ALONG.” by expressing her concerns and employability. I have got posted to an Operational and appreciation. The man never faced any trouble Command in Jammu. As a also feels in a similar manner being taken seriously; in woman, I may have been the but probably does not express fact, I was taken even more first to get an opportunity himself in the same way. seriously whenever I wanted to serve in all the above mentioned three roles in the Armed Forces Medical Services. However, I have never considered this to be anything special as I felt our balanced organisation lets one achieve these on the basis of pure competence.

You and your husband, Lt Gen Rajeev Kanitkar, are the only couple in the Indian Armed Forces’ history to have reached this rank. How differently do you think you approached your duties owing to your gender? The goal and journey has been the same. The journey started on a similar platform. Both of us won the President Gold Medal—him at the National Defence Academy on being at the top of his course, and I, for standing first in my batch at AFMC. The path taken has been similar. The pace of walking and the stages may have been different; but then men are from Mars and women from Venus. As tough. I ensure that I spend time in yoga and meditation besides regular physical exercise to be physically capable and mentally poised. A fit mind in a fit body helps to overcome this pressure.

Can you share your success mantra for the perfect work/life balance? Work hard, but don’t forget to enjoy the simple pleasures in life and have fun. The journey is beautiful if you take time to smell the roses. I have realised that team work is important. ‘I’ has to be replaced by ‘WE’ to move from ‘Illness’ to ‘Wellness’. We need to spend time in developing a team and giving credit to each member. Individual brilliance has to be supported by collective competence. Also, focus, balance and time management are crucial. to get anything done in a Signal Corps etc. Recently mission mode. In the Army the MoD has sanctioned Your advice young women Medical Corps, women have permanent commission who’re looking to select a been around for years. We to women officers in the career path? train and serve together, Army. The requirement of Gender should not come in shoulder to shoulder. So Armed Forces is changing the way of their choice of gender is of little concern. in keeping abreast with a career. It should be their What matters most are technology and social norms “I HAVE passion. It is important to capability, professionalism as well. Therefore, the scope introspect, reflect and talk and competence. for women taking on these REALISED THAT to friends and family to responsibilities has become TEAM WORK help choose a path. At the The recent Supreme Court larger and I think that this is same time, once a path is ruling is in support of a step in the right direction. IS IMPORTANT. chosen, pursue the journey women in armed forces. There is a shortage of officers ‘I’ HAS TO BE with dedication, passion and What has been the reason in the armed forces and REPLACED perseverance. There will be for it to happen now? hence giving opportunities difficulties, but it is these very Is there any change in to capable women benefits BY ‘WE’ TO difficulties that make you operations or is it more both. MOVE FROM strong. Whichever career you about change in opinion? choose, don’t think yourself Women are joining a large Health and defence are the ‘ILLNESS’ TO any lesser. You do not need number of Arms and Services two biggest fields in the ‘WELLNESS’.” to be like a man. You are able in the armed forces, such as spotlight now, and you are and capable as a woman. the Army Services Corps, in the thick of both! Does So, go out with courage, Judge Advocate General the pressure get to you? confidence and cheer…

Branch, Engineers, and Yes, trying to handle both is every time and anytime. CHAWLA ANIL PHOTOGRAPHS: KAPOOR AND HAIR: PRIYANKA MAKE UP BIG STORY

NEED FOR SPEED ALISHA ABDULLAH INDIA’S FIRST FEMALE SUPERBIKE CHAMPION IS BREAKING RECORDS AND STEREOTYPES. SHE CHATS WITH CHARLENE FLANAGAN ON LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

always been busy dictating racing champion, super- dos and don’ts to both speeding in bike, kart, and genders. Boys shouldn’t cry car racing sportswoman, like girls or throw like them. breaking stereotypes and Girls shouldn’t play with GI doing everything society says Joes but with Barbies, instead. women shouldn’t do. “There H Then there are women like was never any specific reason How many of us remember India’s, Alisha Abdullah; for me to decide racing is stating ‘Princess’, ‘Model’, or women who don’t do what going to be my career and ‘Nurse’, when posed with the they’re supposed to do, and life. It’s just in my genes,” says question, ‘What would you dare to be different. the racer who was inspired like to be when you grow For Abdullah, she to follow in her father’s up?’ And how many of us wasn’t really defying norms footsteps. “The problem in remember the answers our because racing was in her India is that parents and male peers would respond DNA. In fact, Abdullah families ridicule the idea of with? Whether we want to holds the record for being their daughters racing cars admit it or not, society has India’s first female national simply because of the huge “THE PROBLEM IN INDIA IS THAT PARENTS AND FAMILIES RIDICULE THE IDEA OF THEIR DAUGHTERS RACING CARS SIMPLY BECAUSE OF THE HUGE RISK FACTOR.” PHOTOGRAPH: YOGESHWARAN, PRAVEEN TYAGARAJAN PRAVEEN YOGESHWARAN, PHOTOGRAPH: BIG STORY

risk factor,” she explains. Over to the 31-year-old champion.

You hold the distinction of being India’s first female superbike racer. Take us through your journey. Without a doubt, it is a matter of pride and honour. Of course, this title comes with a great deal of responsibility. I’d say, it all started when I was eight and my dad took me to the go-karting track, made me sit in a go-kart and encouraged me to take the wheel. It started out as a fun outing, but it later became much more. Before I knew it, I was hooked and it became my Sunday routine. Today, I’m 31 and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t love being behind the wheel. I owe everything to my father, a multiple-racing champion himself.

You said in an interview that you were fascinated by bikes, unlike other girls your age. Can you tell us how that fascination began? I’ve always maintained that from when I was young. Did you find yourself under my fascination for cars, bikes, It was during my regular scrutiny because of your and motorsports begins and Sunday go-karting sessions gender? Did you have ends with my parents. It’s in that I met with an accident. to work harder to prove my genes. But I think it began This boy I was racing with yourself? when my mum was pregnant caused it because he didn’t “I HAVE HAD Absolutely! But for me, it’s with me. She used to watch like the fact that I had TO DEAL WITH been much more than just my dad race. And right since overtaken him. My hair got my gender. I’ve had to live I was a baby, you’d find me caught in the go-kart. I was PEOPLE SAYING up to my father’s name and playing with cars and bikes, forced to chop it all off. That’s THINGS LIKE skill. I have had to deal with not dolls. I don’t think I ever probably the only negative I people saying things like ‘She played with dolls. remember. But what stuck ‘SHE IS A GIRL can never be like her dad,’ with me was instead of taking AFTER ALL’. IT or ‘She is a girl after all’. This In a field dominated by me to the hospital, my dad just made me work harder. In men, how did you manage helped me up, told me to dust JUST MADE ME fact, there were times I would to make a mark? myself off, and get back in the WORK HARDER.” bunk college lectures just to It was mum and dad who car. Every time I have fared go workout and train. I don’t constantly encouraged me badly, they have encouraged think I had a regular college and never let me give up. I me to pick myself up and life either. For me, it was just remember this one incident come back stronger. racing and training. Tell us about some of the Take us through your diet “I LIVE BY FOUR clear your head, be alert, and challenges you overcame and fitness routine. Is there give it your best shot. on this fast track. any special training you SIMPLE RULES More often than not, people undergo before an event? WHEN IT COMES Who do you consider your would underestimate or I am a big foodie. I don’t mentor in the field of undermine me because of restrict myself when it comes TO RACING— motorsport? my gender. I constantly faced to my diet, but I make sure to DEDICATION, I learnt everything I had to stereotypical comments like work it all off at the gym. Of PASSION, from my father, He’s been ‘She is a girl who will marry course, since the lockdown, my inspiration and mentor. and go away’. Of course it my gym workouts have been SACRIFICE, AND But of course, my peers didn’t help that when I began put on hold. So I tend to help HUMILITY.” and contemporaries always racing, I’d always come in my mum around the house, bring their own unique last. Yes, I did come in last and my workout now consists skill to the table, and there’s but I worked hard and I’m of at-home bodyweight always something new to proud to say that I stayed on training. I do whatever I can learn. But above everything, this path, and I don’t come in to get in my daily exercise. it’s their dedication that I last anymore. I can hold my Since I cannot gorge like I motorsports? admire. Their resilience and head high and I am proud of did before (given the change As anyone who is a master of unbreakable spirit is always how far I’ve come. in my fitness routine), I have their trade will tell you, it’s inspiring. supplemented my regular diet all about knowing your tools. What are your go-to rules with healthier alternatives For me, it’s understanding the A woman racer you look when it comes to racing? like quinoa, dalia, and a machine I’m using. You need up to? I live by four simple rules healthy serving of veggies. to know your car or bike and Danica Patricia. when it comes to racing— make sure all the kinks have dedication, passion, sacrifice, What are some of the been worked out before the Tell us about the Alisha and more importantly, important aspects to keep race. Of course, the next part Abdullah Racing Academy. humility. in mind when it comes to is your mindset. You need to Is it open to all, or do you prefer to encourage more women? I am proud to admit that I have been a big influence for women in my field, and may have inspired a few to take up racing professionally. However, I don’t discriminate and my academy is open to both men and women who want to learn the nuances of racing.

When you’re not racing or working, how do you like to unwind and relax? The thing is, when you love what you do, you’re never going to think of it as work. But, when I’m not racing, I do focus my energies on my cosmetic label and skin clinic (both by the name Charissma Aesthetic Studio). I am also working on a new

skincare line. TYAGARAJAN PRAVEEN PHOTOGRAPHS: BIG STORY PUSHING BOUNDARIES district level as well. Did Cup. For now, we are simply you face any issues when concentrating on winning you announced that you the World Cup (to be held also wanted to take up the in New Zealand in March SMRITI sport? 2021). In fact, it was the opposite! MANDHANA It was my parents’ dream for Have you, because of SHE’S THE GIRL WHO HOLDS me to become a sportsperson your gender, needed to RECORDS AND HAS LED THE and play for India, and then, do anything differently to COUNTRY TO A WIN MANY cricket was the chosen sport. keep proving yourself in TIMES OVER. CRICKETER For me, the decision came your field? SMRITI MANDHANA TELLS easy, I had no convincing to It was a different story for me, SHRADDHA KAMDAR WHAT do. It was a normal routine I was a lucky kid! I was the IT TAKES TO WAKE UP LIKE A for me from there on. only six or seven-year-old girl WINNER EVERY DAY on the ground when training. Despite cricket being the All my seniors and coaches most popular sport in used to shower me with India, the men’s team is far special attention, thinking, more recognised than the “That this small girl is playing women’s team even today. cricket.” With each step, I was Your thoughts? offered something more— The situation is improving perhaps extra practice or let T with each passing day. me play some more balls for The opening batswoman Especially after the 2017 my knocking. of the Indian cricket team; Women’s World Cup, people’s first Indian woman (only knowledge about women’s What was the first feeling the second Indian after cricket in India has improved that hit you when you Virat Kohli) to hit a double drastically. There is a slight scored your double century in one-day matches; difference between the way century, becoming the first a cricketer to have crossed the teams are recognised, Indian woman to achieve a the 1000-run mark in T20 but then men’s cricket also double hundred in a one- internationals; winner of got a lot of recognition after day game? several awards including winning the 1983 World Although it quite a long Best Women’s International time back, it was a moment Cricketer 2018 (BCCI), of joy. It felt more special Rachael Heyhoe-Flint “IT WAS MY because my team was really Award for the best female PARENTS’ excited and happy about me cricketer of the year 2018 scoring all those runs! There by ICC and the ODI Player DREAM FOR ME was a major contribution of the Year by the ICC TO BECOME A from the Maharashtra in the same year. That’s Team. After every over, they Smriti Mandhana for you, a SPORTSPERSON were sending a motivating player with determination, AND PLAY FOR message, like please don’t dedication, focus, hard work INDIA, AND play a bad shot and the like, and a never-give-up attitude. saying concentrate and try She let’s us in on how she THEN, CRICKET and get your 200 runs. And managed to achieve it all! WAS THE I did! I received a standing ovation from all the team You were inspired to play CHOSEN SPORT.” members, one after the other, cricket after watching in the line after I was inside. your brother, and your I think those moments made father played at the that double century special. BIG STORY

How do you think you have bettered your game post the awards? It would be wrong to say that my game has gotten better only after winning any award. When you receive an award, it feels great—you feel like you’re doing something right. The awards are always motivating you to work ever harder and win matches for the country.

You have scored the fastest fifty for India in Women’s T20Is (in 24 balls against New Zealand in February 2019). What motivates you to keep doing better? My greatest motivation stems from the fact that I want India to win. I would say whenever my performance makes India win the match, is when I want to do even better. Whenever I work out, or am at the practice, I just keep thinking that I have to win matches for India, and that keeps me going. Even if I am feeling like skipping a workout, these emotions keep me going.

How do you keep at the top interests you? How do you unwind? of your game? I like watching football and Besides sleeping, I love It’s about being disciplined tennis, although I can’t play watching movies. So yes, with your practice, routines either too well. I love playing whenever I get free time, I and workouts. I think these “MY GREATEST table tennis, though. end up watching movies. I are the things which are at MOTIVATION also love playing games on my least in my hand, I try to do Name three of your iPad or the Play Station. my best. Whatever happens STEMS FROM favourite sportspersons next, it might be a bad day THE FACT across the world. Your advice to our readers? that I might get out on a good Cristiano Ronaldo, Roger Life is very unpredictable ball or might end up scoring THAT I WANT Federer, and Sachin so I feel one should try and a 100, but that’s only partially INDIA TO WIN, Tendulkar. enjoy each moment, that’s in my hand. My workouts, WHENEVER something I have realised in routine and my practice are Name three cricketers you this lockdown (although the what I concentrate on to I PLAY.” look up to. feeling was always with me). every day. Kumar Sangakkara, Michael Now, I would say, I need to Hayden, and Sachin enjoy everything every day Which other sport Tendulkar. and make it productive. GITA ZOYA GOPINATH AKTHAR She brought forward the manipulations and Gita Gopinath always quirks of the world had her parents’ of glamour in her support for whatever directorial debut, Luck she wanted to do. So when her journey of By Chance (2009), hard work, making and over the next few the right choices, and years, went on to tell determination, led her to become the tales about friendships, International Monetary dysfunctional families, Fund’s (IMF) Chief Economist in 2018 social dynamics behind at the age of 46, no weddings, and the wonder she made them journey of the underdog proud. The position as a world-class economist among others. But what today allows her to do remained constant what she received— between these films breed intellectual leadership—as the first was the ‘Zoya’ factor. woman to hold that The filmmaker’s unique position. Gopinath is the John ability to convincingly Zwaanstra Professor of portray complex International Studies characters onscreen and of Economics at Harvard University; makes her a force to although currently on reckon with in the leave of public service world of films. Last year, from the economics department to serve the Oscars Academy at the IMF. She is the invited Akhtar (along co-editor of several journals, among other with Anupam Kher and honorary positions, Anurag Kashyap) as one she is also economic of the members in the advisor to the Chief Minister of Kerala. director’s category. She has received the highest honour conferred by the Indian government to those overseas, the Pravasi BHAWANA KANTH CREATED HISTORY BY BECOMING THE Bharatiya Samman. Gopinath was named FIRST WOMAN TO QUALIFY FOR COMBAT MISSIONS. among the Bloomberg 50 people who defined 2019 and named one of the Top Global Thinkers in 2019 by BHAWANA KANTH Foreign Policy. Time magazine named her When one talks of women in the Indian among the Women who Air Force, Bhawana Kanth is sure to find Broke Major Barriers to a mention. The Flight Lieutenant created Become ‘Firsts’ in 2019. history by becoming the first woman to qualify for combat missions on a fighter jet in 2019. Before that, in 2016, she became one of the first women fighter pilots to be commissioned into the force. For Kanth, becoming a fighter pilot was a childhood dream. “It was something only boys were expected to aspire for. At least that was the stereotype. But my parents never made me feel I needed to think any different just because I am a girl,” she said in an interview. BIG STORY NAINA LAL KIDWAI Apart from being the first Indian woman to graduate from Harvard Business School in 1982, Naina Lal Kidwai has broken ground in many bastions. She was the first woman to serve as president of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) from 2012 to 2013. After a career spanning across enviable names, Kidwai joined HSBC Bank as vice chairman and managing director at HSBC Securities and Capital Markets in 2002, and was appointed group general manager in 2006. She then became the chief executive of HSBC India in 2007 and chairman of HSBC India in 2009. Kidwai has repeatedly secured a position in global lists of top women in Asset Management (India) Pvt Ltd and HSBC business. She was honoured with the Padma InvestDirect (India) Ltd, among other honorary Shri in 2015 for her contribution to trade positions, this author of three books is busy INDRA and industry. Currently serving as chairman creating awareness for an open defecation free NOOYI of Max Financial Services Ltd and HSBC India, as chair of the India Sanitation Coalition. BORN INTO A CONSERVATIVE BRAHMIN FAMILY, INDRA Born into a conservative Brahmin NOOYI WENT ON TO INSPIRE A GENERATION OF WOMEN. family in Chennai, Indra Nooyi went on to inspire a generation of women who desire to have a flourishing As HCL founder Shiv Nadar’s only career in the corporate child, Roshni Nadar Malhotra was world. She started the natural choice to lead the $8.9 out as a product manager in Johnson billion organisation. The young scion and Johnson, and her was appointed executive director most notable career stint was with PepsiCo and CEO of HCL Corporation in 2009 as CEO (2006-18) and is also vice-chairperson, HCL and chairman of the Technologies. Nadar Malhotra, who board (2007–19). She is considered to be came back to India in 2008 after her instrumental in the MBA in social enterprise management lucrative diversification and strategy from the Kellogg School of soft-drink brand. As per reports, of Management and a short stint in the under her leadership, US media, provides strategic direction PepsiCo’s revenues increased from $35 to the company and is responsible for billion in 2006 to developing a vision for the group. She $63.5 billion in 2017. In is passionate about CSR activities and 2017, Nooyi was placed second on the Forbes’ human resource development and list of most powerful is deeply involved in the Shiv Nadar women in business. Foundation educational trust. She was second only to Mary T Barra, CEO of Nadar Malhotra is also the GM. In 2016, she was chairperson of VidyaGyan, a ranked number 3. As for the Forbes’ list of leadership academy for bright, but the 20 most powerful economically weak students. She women in the world, is the founder and trustee of The Nooyi clinched the 11th position in 2017, three Habitats Trust that works towards places up from 2016. ROSHNI NADAR protecting natural habitats and MALHOTRA indigenous species. KIRAN MAZUMDAR SHAW Kiran Mazumdar Shaw founded Biocon, an Biocon to unparalleled heights at a time when Indian pharmaceutical company, in 1978 and women in business in the country were rare; credits it as being the “first tech startup in the organisation also can be credited for bio- the country.” The company kick-started in a revolution in India. The entrepreneur advises garage, and today, manufactures generic active every woman to believe in herself, no matter the pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are skepticism. “Take on leadership opportunities sold in over 120 countries across the globe, and learn on the job. Most women are passive including the developed markets of the United and willing to be led by male bosses. You need States and Europe. Mazumdar-Shaw took to get out of that mindset,” she says.

KIRAN MAZUMDAR SHAW TOOK BIOCON TO UNPARALLELED HEIGHTS AT A TIME KIRAN WHEN WOMEN IN BEDI BUSINESS IN INDIA Kiran Bedi was the WERE RARE. first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) after undergoing training at the National Police Academy, Mount Abu. First posted as the Sub-Divisional Police Officer at Chanakyapuri Police Station in Delhi, covering the areas of Rashtrapati Bhawan, PM House, Lutyens Delhi, and offices of many key government officers and ministers, Bedi was known for her no-nonsense attitude. She was given the nickname ‘Crane Bedi’ after towing away, the then Indian PM, Indira Gandhi’s car for a parking violation. She was the first woman officer to lead the male contingent of Delhi Police at the 1975 Republic Day Parade. She is known to have introduced several reforms at the Tihar Jail in New Delhi while serving as Inspector General of Prisons. Bedi also served as police advisor in the United Nations peacekeeping department, and has been honoured with the UN medal for her exceptional service. PHOTOGRAPH: ANKIT ANKIT SHARMA PHOTOGRAPH: PHOTOGRAPHS: 23RF.COM * SOURCE: NASSCOM AGRITECH CEO SURVEY HELD IN 2019 WITH PARTICIPATION OF OVER 100+ CEOS FROM LARGE AND SMALL INDIAN IT COMPANIES, GLOBAL COMPATIBILITY CENTRES (GCCS) AND START-UPS. Funding 39% Challenges Indian agricultural technology firms face Policies 29% Lack ofLack Digital 20% Farmer’s Mindset 12% ALL ABOUT YOU career

AGRONOMICS 2.0 Introduction of new technology in agriculture is gaining momentum, while giving many the impetus to explore career options in the field, finds Aishwarya Acharya

griculture is the primary source of engineering graduates exploring their career income for 58 per cent of India’s interests in agricultural technology, therefore Apopulation. And, as agriculture not restricting it just for the uneducated. contributed to 17 to 18 per cent of the Agriculture is no longer painting a feeble Gross Domestic Product of the country picture. Read on to know some of the latest in 2018, it inevitably increases the need developments in the agritech space that are to technologically propel the industry paving the way for a new career module. even further. There has been a consistent “AGRICULTURE and significant rise in the emergence of IS NO LONGER Modernised farming agricultural technology start-ups that are PAINTING While traditional farming is still very much making farming and agriculture easier, and prevalent, there are prominent advances in viable with time. This advent of the agritech A FEEBLE the sector to optimise farming and output, industry has youngsters, IIT, management and PICTURE.” while being sustainable for the environment. ALL ABOUT YOU career

Agriculture is the main sources of livelihood for more than 80 per cent population of rural India

Somveer Singh Anand, cofounder and farmers by selling all their farm inputs at a CEO of Pindfresh—an agritech start-up wholesale price and procure their products revolutionising urban farming by using lesser at a higher price. Unfortunately, Indian pesticides and space aka hydroponics—says, farmers buy the inputs at a retail price and “Hydroponics is the science of growing sell their outputs at a wholesale price which plants in a sterile medium where nutrients is counterproductive,” says Varadharajan. He are delivered to the plant via a flow. Usually, is also working towards encouraging village you will see two major versions of this— youths into taking up farming giving them an one that grows in pipes and the other that entrepreneurial opportunity in the field. grows in buckets.” It is easier to grow plants vertically which rules out the need for acres “THE SECTOR HAS Role of technology of lands solving the space constraints issue. It is now possible to monitor and control “Hydroponic systems are light weight and TRANSFORMED crop rotations and irrigation systems using extremely modular which makes them a INTO AN a smartphone, using ultrasound in livestock viable option to grow indoors and on rooftops ENTREPRENEURIAL to test DNA of animals to check their without stressing the existing infrastructure,” pedigree, crop sensors that help in application adds Singh Anand. DOMAIN.” of fertilisers that maximise the uptake, and this is just a few off the list. “Advanced Increase in employment technologies have come with a new economy, opportunities sociability and awareness enabling greater Whether it is the distribution channel growth in the field. Also, the sector has for the farming outputs or an efficient transformed into an entrepreneurial supply chain, employment sectors are only domain. However, besides on-ground just growing. Coimbatore-based VilFresh evolutions in Indian farming, farmers supplies farm-fresh produce including have also been benefitted by many other dairy to urban areas and is empowering online services such as online agri- rural village youth into becoming trading, online stock procurement, better ‘villagepreneurs’. Founder Selvakumar warehousing facilities, online crop health Varadharajan says the farmers’ income has analysis, and many more which can be doubled in the last three years and has targeted in new start-up ventures,” provided employment opportunities to says Kunal Bansal, senior product over 2,000 people. “We could successfully manager, AgriBazaar, India’s largest transform the lives of our networked online agri-trading marketplace. says SinghAnand. differently intheagritechspace,” in mindiftheywishtotread value. Aspirants cankeep this like spare rooms orrooftops tocreate business owner, whousesdeadassets new entrepreneur we create anew growing forthecommunity. With every growing theirownfood,soonstarts take. whowishestostart “Everyone first stepbuddingentr haven’t been explored totheirbestisthe identifying andtappingareas that Besides justbeingatraditional farmer, entrepreneurial areas New andupcoming Varadhajan pointsoutdairy epreneurs should Times Network. Their filmdivisionhave with entertainment giants including company over hasserviced 150 brands In its five years of existence, the redefining thepublic relations industry. of Think Ink Communications is India, Radhika Nihalani, founder andCEO branding andmediacommunications in Making way for innovative marketing, UPPING THEANTE

THE COMMUNITY.” THEIR OWN FOOD, Agricultural sciences and START GROWING WHO WISHESWHO TO engineering have a wide GROWING FOR SOON STARTS “EVERYONE scope infuture industry. remote monitoring to beappliedinagritech intelligence,artificial block chain, drones, TECH SPECIALISTS: logistics. needs like distribution, coordination, and WAREHOUSE MANAGERS: pre-harvest management. SEED SPECIALISTS: dynamiccroppingsupport patterns. planning, developing anddesigning landsto ARCHITECTS:LAND get tech-enabled. Reach out to farmers andencourage themto VILLAGE LEVEL ENTREPRENEURS (VLES): in crop growing operations. farmers regarding new scientific developments PLANT GENETICISTS: management. they study crop production, seed andsoil AGRONOMISTS: Often called as ‘crop doctors’, and machinery. construction andimproving farming techniques AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER: JOB PROFILES ONECOULD EXPLORE: export market isstillnegligible,export considering in theworld.However, our share inthe upon. “India isthelargest milkproducer is akey area India cancapture and improve per cowyieldisoneofthelowest. Also, what’s expected. out inquality while delivering more than Nihalani envisions her company to stand hand andplethora of innovative ideas, thoroughly. With thebest talents at content that engages theconsumer entertainment andfocusses onproffering expertise of thecompany remains tennis legend Sania Mirza inthe past. The handled celebrities like DiaMirza and percentage ofvalue processing tothe overall production isminimal,” he says. This shallopen updoorsfor more start-ups andorganised players lookingtochangethe dairy dynamicsofthecountry.dairy

Play a vital role in Play animportant role in Understand and work in Provide solutions to Handlesupply chain Experts indesign,

PHOTOGRAPHS: 123RF ALL ABOUT YOU life

WHAT ARE YOUR LOCAL SUGGESTIONS WHILE LA VIDA Do you know whether you are a sucker for culture, PLANNING A VACATION WITH YOUR FRIENDS? heritage, and everything homegrown? Take this quiz to 1. Lonavala! Fits well for find out, says Aishwarya Acharya fun and funds. hat excites you more—bustling markets or 2. Guys, start saving up. air-conditioned malls? The quiet of a spa We’re headed to Bali. W or the humdrum of a city? Do you prefer a 3. Bali sounds great, but quick-fix meal from a street food vendor or would you can we try the Konkan too? rather savour a four course meal at your city’s finest WHAT DO YOU ASK FOR 4. Why don’t we just have restaurants? If you’re wondering what your personality WHEN YOUR FRIEND a house party? says about you, take this quiz to find out. ASKS FOR A SNACK AT A HOUSE PARTY? 1. Roasted peanuts, anytime. 2. If it’s not nachos with dip, is it even a house party? 3. I can make do with peanuts (I should have WHAT COMES TO YOUR carried my nachos). 4. Don’t worry, I brought MIND WHEN SOMEONE along my chips. SAYS LET’S HAVE CHAI? 1. Oh, the piping hot cuppa at the tapri. 2. Destination, Starbucks. 3. I hope these guys decide on Starbucks, please! 4. Why do we have to go out for chai? I can make some at home. WHAT WOULD YOU PLAY ON A NETFLIX NIGHT IN WHICH CHARACTER FROM SARABHAI VS WITH YOUR FRIENDS? SARABHAI DO YOU CONNECT WITH THE MOST? 1. A rerun of Sacred Games. 1. Manisha (not Monisha) is my inspiration. 2. The Big Bang Theory. Period. 2. Maya, because anything beyond Peddar Road is just so middle class! 3. Finally, I have some time to 3. Indravadan. I can’t decide if I’m comfortable in shoes or my flip flops. watch The Office. 4. Dushyant. Why should I call a mechanic when I’m equipped 4. Netflix? I think you meant to do it myself! The News.

Mostly As: Mostly Bs: Mostly Cs: Mostly Ds: VOCAL FOR LOCAL THE IMPORT GLOCAL LADY SCROOGE

Your loyalties lie with While you may live in India, You are a stuck between You are unabashedly local but are everything Indian—from your preferences are mostly local and global cultural not so proud about it. You look for vacation destinations to the western. You prefer pasta preferences. You do not like homegrown and cheaper shows you watch on a over pulses, Robert Downey to disappoint your company, alternatives to save your hard- Saturday night. You are Jr over Ranveer Singh and and hence tend to be earned money. You like the constantly on the lookout for metros over local trains. You accommodating. You are traditional approach to everything, local alternatives, are proud of don’t mind spending an extra perfectly okay to forgo that even if it means you come across your roots and don’t hesitate buck for your comfort, and cup of chamomile for some as Scrooge McDuck. A little

to celebrate it. are unabashed about it. tapri chai. penny-saving harmed nobody. 123RF PHOTOGRAPHS: IKAI Capri Wedges, VAISHALI S The CAI Store `2,299, MEMORY LANE MEMORY

ASHDEEN sustainable brands. We bringyou Spring/Summer 2020 runways a round-up of ourfavourites saw several looks from DOWN DOWN EKA

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POP ROCK Versace launches the Medusa Biggie Eyewear SS 2020 Eyewear Collection as an ode to the luxury brand’s ocean-deep heritage of celebrating pop culture. Bringing back that vintage spirit, this collection modernises the original silhouette with wide temples and low lenses on an eye-popping fluorescent colour palette, making it a must-have this season. Price: 22,000 onwards Available at: Sunglass Hut

ROMANTIC RUFFLES Get ready to drown yourself in glamour. Inspired by the golden age of the ’90s, Shehlaa Khan’s new collection Nostalgia has everything you need. Modern silhouettes are interpreted with the old-world charm of Swarovski-laden flared bottoms, adorned with lace. It boasts of a rich colour palette, from romantic nudes to fuchsia and hot red. Available at: Shehlaa Khan stores and shehlaa.com

TrendingFEMINA’S ROUND-UP OF LATEST NEWS, VIEWS, AND BUZZ IN FASHION

PUMPED-UP KICKS Witness the marriage of aesthetic and athleisure with adidas’ novel ZX 2K BOOST, an extension of the adidas Originals ZX series. The sneakers are engineered with boost technology to ensure maximum comfort. The silhouette is constructed with a modern design in bold PRECIOUS TRINKETS hues and a mesh overlay, keeping Hand-crafted classic sneakerheads in mind. jewellery from the remotest Price: 13,999 Available at: adidas corners of India takes on a PINK PARTY stores and adidas.co.in Bindani’s SS’2020 collection, Alizeh, is contemporary twist with tailor-made for the modern Indian bride. And Noor. Deconstructed jewels with floral, Showcasing a variety of Victorian hues, the geometrical and abstract collection introduces a cocktail twist by way patterns in their new of ruffles, tasseled, and draped sleeves over collection, is precisely yards of organza and pure silk. An epitome designed for new-age men of femininity, this adds an unquestionable and women who appreciate touch of royalty to each piece. concept jewellery. Price: On request Available at: Bindani Price: 750 Onwards store and bindani.in Available at: andnoor.com MINIMAL CHIC This season, slip into the easy-breezy, tropical paradise-themed Fall’20 collection by Curador. From the muted tones of pastels to shimmering bronze, this line has all the elements of being understated with a touch of chic. The silhouettes range from deconstructed shirts, separates, textured blouses and jackets. Price: 4,041 Onwards Available at: curadorbyskb.com

ETHNIC ELEGANCE Anjul Bhandari’s new collection, Zaina, is entirely crafted by women at home. The light and airy Chikankari work on Chanderi fabric, effortlessly-complemented the classic ancestral silhouettes of angrakhas, chogas, and A-line kurta sets. Pastel hues such as powder pink, periwinkle blue, and nude commanded the colour palette. Price: 19,900 onwards Available at: Ogaan.com

FLORAL BLISS Inspired by the soothing freshness of our surroundings, ShilpSutra launched the Nature’s Edit collection this season. Each jutti has a jute base, with resham embroidery GRAPHIC DIALOGUES elevating the silhouette. A cultural collaboration between Dior’s creative Complete with sequined flowers director, Kim Jones and artiste Amoako Boafo, led along and luscious green vines, to the creation of Dior Men’s Summer 2021 this collection will feel like spring collection. Surreal summery hues like lemon yellow gleaming on your feet. and brown, dominated over the graphic-patterned Price: 2,999 Onwards pieces. The garments comprised mid-length Available at: Shilpasutra store leather shorts, capes, printed shirts, and jackets. and shilpsutra.com Price: On request Available at: dior.com FASHION feature

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THE BIG SWITCH Clean beauty and consumer awareness are the current buzzwords in the beauty industry. While big names continue to cater to changing needs, it’s time to laud the role of comparatively smaller, but impactful homegrown brands leading the way towards sustainability. that would allow people to experience its fruition on a personal level. This is where the idea of Daughter Earth stemmed from. My vision was then to create the most rigorously researched and scientifically formulated skincare brand with plant-based bioactives, right here in India.

What is the brand philosophy and ethos? Science meets sustainability. Our mission is to create the best plant-based formulas through scientific research while being conscious, ethical and creating impact at the grassroots. We do so at the confluence of advanced science and ancient Ayurveda.

How do you source Planet ingredients? We go straight to the source in search of potent botanicals and 99 per cent of them are from India. FIRSTHere’s how clean beauty brand For example, we source DAUGHTER EARTH follows the the world’s most potent path of sustainability for a brighter wild sea berries from the future, reports Eden Noronha cold deserts of Lahaul and Spiti. Nutrient-dense coffee Arabica is picked from Founder Prasanthy Gurugubelli Araku microclimates in commitment to Visakhapatnam, which also helping mother happens to be the world’s Anature thrive by largest certified organic and making eco-conscious biodynamic coffee forestry. choices and giving back to This coffee is produced in society, while formulating the agroforestry format only the most effective where value is derived while plant-based products, Pure and effective formulas preserving the wilderness. is what clean beauty We partner with a network brand Daughter Earth is all about. Founded by of government-approved wild harvesters, so we also mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur, Prasanthy drive economic impact in remote regions. Gurugubelli, this sustainable skincare venture is what the world needs, and it all began right here, How do you experiment and zero down in India. Gurugubelli takes us through the brand’s on the final product formulation? journey and goals. We make prototypes after trying out ingredients that we shortlist. We are 100 per cent cruelty-free and What inspired you to create a vegan. As a policy, we use only reef safe ingredients sustainable skincare brand for the and avoid harmful microbeads, silicones, and Indian market? siloxanes. We are even supercritical about the My first job was to integrate mission-critical systems extraction process as we use green processes that do onboard India’s first nuclear submarine and to not leave any solvent behind. make it ready for the launch. The entire country took pride in the engineering of one of the world’s What is the brand’s approach to most complex machines, and after witnessing that packaging? response, I wanted to do more with science in a way We package everything with integrity. Handpicked ingredients

We use white, opaque, and dark amber glass bottles that are infinitely recyclable and which protect formulas from photo-oxidation and 100 per cent post-consumer-recycled paper board secondary packaging. We convert corrugated board waste into our fillers to ensure that the packages are sturdy. Our cartons are designed keeping form and function in mind while minimising waste. Some of our packaging material that we source from local NGOs, is made by disadvantaged women and victims of human trafficking.

How do you plan on expanding the product portfolio? As a brand, we believe in less Sustainable packaging Powerful concoctions products, but with more plants, more phytonutrients. You wouldn’t “Our cartons are designed keeping form and see us creating a line with hundreds of products and variants, but you would function in mind while minimising waste.” most certainly see us creating the most potent and intense formulas out there. We take make after our conscious giving is reinvested years to develop one formula, and only when we in the R&D of future formulas. This way we are absolutely convinced about it do we launch will be able to create superior and industry- it. While there are many ways to look at how one leading formulas. In future, you’d also be seeing should expand a product line, I’m rooted here, and us developing advanced formulas for holistic my guiding compass is the needs of our customers. health. We are also planning to test one-two new markets abroad next year. How do you plan on expanding the brand’s presence? How does the Daughter Earth give Word of mouth has been our single largest growth back to society? What are the factor and this was because of the formulas that initiatives being taken? we make and the values that we stand for. We’d be Even before we sold our first bottle, we carrying that forward. From a business model point funded the education of our first girl child in of view, we are a digitally native brand, and pretty Hyderabad. We believe that the world is a better much everything related to the brand was designed place when girls are educated, and the planet is for a direct to customer (DTC), digital experience. better when the wildlife is conserved and more So, we’d be investing more into all things digital that trees are planted. Ten per cent of what we earn are relevant to us. goes into the above causes. We work with Plan India, Project Greenhands, One Tree Planted, What lies ahead for the brand? World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Vipassana We are in it for the long haul. Every penny that we International Centers. SHINE ON Struggling to get back that glow back? Tackle the dull skin woes with MyGlamm’s GLOW range which includes brightening skincare products enriched with the hydrating properties of Rosehip oil vitamin elixir. From 1 cleansers and toners to creams, lotions, and masks, this range has it all. Price: Starting from `995 Available at: myglamm.com MATTE-ME-UP2 Ruby’s Organics inclusive matte mouse concealers are a perfect match for all skin types. The goodness of rosehip and argan oils, intensely moisturises the skin. With a creamy texture that glides smoothly, it also keeps environmental stressors at bay. Price: `1,100 Available at: Nykaa.com and rubysorganics.in HOT RIGHT NOW All that’s fresh and fun on the beauty shelf

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DOCTOR employees of the Ghatkopar hospital and assisted them via video and phone calls. She was also available DETERMINED to patients’ families, and answered their questions. Even COVID-19 couldn’t stop DR VIDYA THAKUR On an average, she dedicated eight hours of her day from working while being admitted. Radhika Sathe- to calls while being at the hospital and in-between Patwardhan finds out what gave this Mumbai doctor treatments. “My work is my passion, and keeps me fit. In fact, the determination to stand strong hospitalisation helped me consider other aspects of patient needs which I might not have understood otherwise. For instance, the patients are alone during hospitalisation with no loved one around to keep their spirits up. Under these circumstances, the hospital staff needs to step up and ensure that they have ample emotional support. It’s also a great idea to have books or televisions in rooms to alleviate anxiety and sleepless nights. I am eager to look into these when I resume work.” Dr Thakur is currently on leave after being discharged, and will return to work by end August. The 55-year-old recalls the time when she displayed COVID-19 symptoms and got tested. “My husband, Dr Vijay Thakur, an ENT surgeon, and one of my daughters tested positive too. We were admitted the moment we got our results,” she says. When not attending to patients, she would spend her time drawing. “My daughter sent along a drawing book and some colours to keep me occupied during the time in the hospital. Art has “THE HOSPITAL been a great stress buster!” Now at home, STAFF NEEDS TO Dr Thakur concentrates on consuming a ENSURE THAT healthy diet while paying special attention to he pandemic challenged the PATIENTS ARE strengthening immunity. world like no other, but the GETTING AMPLE Even though the nation is bouncing turbulent time also brought the EMOTIONAL back, and lockdowns have been relaxed, the Tbest of mankind forward. Take Dr SUPPORT DURING senior doctor advices citizens to be careful Vidya Thakur, the medical superintendent HOSPITALISATION.” and follow safety rules. “This disease is a of Ghatkopar-based Rajawadi Hospital, new one. Always wear masks and avoid Mumbai, for example. She tested positive unnecessary wandering out. If you feel for COVID-19 on July 26 and was consequently unwell, immediately take medical advice. If treated admitted, but that did not stop her from continuing timely, even serious infections are treatable.” to perform her duties to ensure the hospital runs smoothly, and patients have all necessary facilities. This story is part of a series in association with While being treated, she set up a work unit in Facebook. Facebook has no editorial role in this story. her ward where she constantly fielded calls from COVID-19 Special

Reshma on duty at the hospital

“AFTER MY QUARANTINE ENDED, AND POST FOUR DAYS OF CASUAL LEAVE, I REPORTED ON DUTY.”

four-hour duty wearing the PPE kit, and after shift hours, we were allowed to exit the hospital only after we followed the doffing process.” Reshma contracted the virus in March while treating India’s oldest COVID-19 positive couple, who eventually recovered. “Thomas, 93, and his wife Mariyamma, 88, caught the infection from their grandson who returned from Italy. Thomas had cardiac problems. Mariyamma also has age-related hearing loss that made me go close to her often. Also, due to their age, they needed someone to help them with their daily needs such as feeding, bathing and toilet needs. Hence, social distancing was not possible,” shares Reshma, who started showing symptoms at the time of the couple’s recovery. CALL OF DUTY “I never had a fever, only a dry cough and running nose. As per protocol, if we show any RESHMA MOHANDAS was helping Covid-19 of the prescribed symptoms, we need to report patients when she too got infected. However, that ourselves to the head nurse.” Her result was didn’t stop her from returning to duty in the same positive, and she went into isolation on March 23. ward post recovery, reports Kayalvizhi Arivalan She was treated at the same Kottayam hospital for 11 days. “After three swab tests were negative, I was discharged and sent into home quarantine for hile Kerala reported the very first 14 days. After my quarantine ended, and post four case of COVID-19 in India, the state days of casual leave, I reported to duty,” she shares deployed stringent measures to with pride. The constant support and confidence gear up to fight the virus. Reshma of her husband was a driving factor for Reshma. WMohandas, a 32-year-old nurse at Kottayam She resumed treating COVID-19 positive Medical College in Kerala led by example in patients in the same isolation ward. Kerala Health this battle against the virus. While attending to Minister, KK Shailaja, in her Facebook post, had patients at the COVID-19 intensive care unit, mentioned: “Our hospitals are equipped to take she too got infected. “I’ve been working at the on COVID-19. Scores of health workers are doing Kottayam Medical College for the last three years. their job with dedication… Reshma has shown During the coronavirus pandemic, I was on the that Kerala will survive COVID-19,”. ICU duty. But, as patients increased, I was shifted to treat COVID-19 patients,” says Reshma who This story is part of a series in association with carried out a four-hour shift wearing the PPE Facebook. Facebook has no editorial role in this story. kit. “We were a team of sixteen people. I had a PPHOTOGRAPH: 123RF USED FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY twist with this recipe. twist withthisrecipe. Indian cornonthecob aMexican powder, allis notlost. Give your withlime,slathered salt, andchilli to it, eat onthestreet about This year, even we if can’t stand therainyof inIndia. season isaquintessentialBhutta part MEXICAN CORN MADE INDIAN with limewedges. chili powder andserve immediately 4. cheese-cream mixture. corn onallsides withthemayo- 3. well blended. coriander ina large bowl. Stiruntil feta cheese, chilli powder, garlic, and 2. Mixthemayonnaise, sour cream, minutes. until slightlycharred, for about10 1. Grilltheears of corn onagrillpan Method 1 lime, cutinto wedges leaves andstems ¼ cupfinely-chopped coriander 1 tsp finely-minced garlic serving ½ tsp chillipowder +extra for + extra for serving ½ cupfinely-crumbled feta cheese ¼ cupsour cream ¼ cupmayonnaise 4 ears corn onthecob Ingredients Grilled Corn) Elote (Mexican Use alarge spoonto evenly coat Sprinkle withextra cheese and

LIVING food BITES SPICEThis season, enjoy these spicy and tangy Indian snacks from from Chef Rajan Mehra of The Butler and the Bayleaf SPROUTS CHAAT

1.5 cups sprouts 1 tbsp raw mango, chopped 2 tbsp turmeric 1 tbsp coriander Salt, to taste leaves, chopped + extra to garnish 1 tsp chaat masala 1 tsp mint leaves, 1 tsp red chilli powder chopped 2 tbsp onion, 2½ tbsp green chopped chutney 2 tbsp tomato, 2½ tbsp tamarind chopped chutney

Calorie count: 100 calories (per serving) SERVES: 2 > PREP TIME: 25 minutes > COOKING TIME: 5 minutes

1. Boil the sprouts over a medium-high flame with the turmeric powder and salt. Remove them when tender and allow to cool. 2. Place the sprouts in a large mixing bowl, and season with salt, chaat masala, and red chilli powder. 3. Add the onion, tomato, raw mango, and the coriander and mint leaves. Mix well. 4. Add the tamarind and green chutneys as per taste, and mix well. 5. Serve garnished with coriander leaves.

TIP: SERVE THIS SALAD WITH POMEGRANATE ARILS AND SWEET POTATO CHIPS. MUSHROOM GALOUTI

500 g 2 tsp cumin seeds mushrooms, kept whole Salt, to taste and cleaned 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp oil A few drops 3 tbsp ghee kewra water (divided usage)

Calorie count: 250 calories (per serving)

SERVES: 2 > PREP TIME: 30 minutes > COOKING TIME: 5 minutes

1. Bring a pan of water to the boil, add the mushrooms, and cook until done. Remove from the flame and drain completely. Dry on kitchen towels to remove as much excess water as possible. Blend to a paste, using one teaspoon of the oil and no water. 2. Heat half the ghee in a pan over a medium-high flame. Add the cumin seeds, and splutter. 3. Add the mushroom paste, and mix well. 4. Add the salt, and sauté until the water released from the mushrooms dries up, and the mixture is completely dry. 5. Add the garam masala and the kewra water and stir well. 6. Remove to a plate and set aside to cool. 7. Grease your palms with oil and form the mushroom paste into kebabs. 8. Heat the remaining ghee in a non-stick pan. Shallow fry the kebabs until brown on both sides. Drain on kitchen towel. 9. Serve hot.

TIP: SERVE THE MUSHROOM GALOUTI WITH A GREEN CHUTNEY. LIVING food

LOTUS STEM FRITTERS

2 lotus stems, 1 tbsp green bell peeled and pepper, chopped thinly sliced For the batter: 2 tbsp oil 3 tbsp cornflour + extra for deep frying 2 tbsp tempura powder 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp red chilli powder 1½ tsp red chilli powder Salt, to taste (divided usage) Cold water, 1 tbsp red as needed bell pepper, chopped 1 tsp yellow bell pepper, chopped

Calorie count: 400 calories (per serving)

SERVES: 2 > PREP TIME: 20 minutes > COOKING TIME: 10 minutes

1. To prepare the batter, mix the cornflour, tempura powder, red chilli powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add cold water. Mix well. 2. Heat oil in a frying pan. Dip the lotus stem slices in the batter and deep-fry until crisp and a little brown. Remove from the flame and drain on kitchen towel. Set aside. 3. Heat two tablespoons of the oil in a pan over a medium-high flame. Add the garlic, and sauté until brown. Raise the flame to high, and add one teaspoon of the red chilli powder, the bell peppers, and sauté for one minute. 4. Add the lotus stem fritters and stir well. Season with salt and the remaining red chilli powder. 5. Remove from the flame and serve hot.

TIP: SERVE THE LOTUS STEM FRITTERS GARNISHED WITH CHOPPED CORIANDER LEAVES. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY THE BUTLER AND THE BAYLEAF THE BAYLEAF AND THE BUTLER COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHS APPROXIMATE ARE COUNTS CALORIE LIVING quick bites A BOWL OF COMFORT Allow these soups to keep you cosy while it rains

Mint And Zucchini Soup

INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped Salt, to taste 3 cloves garlic, sliced 6 zucchinis, thinly sliced 740 ml vegetable stock 150 ml crème fraîche + extra to serve 1 small bunch mint leaves, chopped (divided usage)

METHOD 1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium flame and cook the onions Vegan Sweet with a pinch of salt for 10 minutes until Potato Soup softened; do not allow them to colour. Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes. Add the zucchini and cook INGREDIENTS on a low flame for 20 minutes. 2 tsp groundnut oil 2. Add the vegetable stock, bring 1 onion, finely diced to a boil, and cook for a few minutes. 2 sticks celery, finely diced 3. Blend the soup until completely 500 g sweet potato, peeled smooth. Stir in the crème fraîche and cut into small dices and three-fourths of the mint. 1 tbsp grated ginger Blend again, and season to taste. 1 hot chilli, seeded and 4. Divide into serving bowls, and serve, chopped (or to taste) drizzled with crème fraîche and 2 cloves garlic, sliced garnished with mint leaves. 2 tomatoes, diced 1 litre vegetable stock 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter Chopped coriander leaves, Potato Soup to serve Slivered almonds, to serve INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp butter 2 bunches spring onions, METHOD trimmed and sliced 1. Heat the oil in a large (divided usage) pan over a medium-high 750 g potatoes, peeled, and flame, add the onion, chopped celery, and sweet potato, Salt, to taste and cook for 10 minutes 1.5 litres vegetable stock until the onion and celery 100 ml double cream have softened. 2. Add the ginger, chilli, METHOD and garlic, and cook for two minutes. 1. Melt butter in a large pan, and 3. Add the tomatoes and add the spring onions, reserving stock. Bring to a boil, some green slices for garnishing. and simmer for Cook until very soft. 20 minutes. Season. 2. Add the potatoes, season well. 4. Stir in the peanut Add the stock, bring to a simmer. butter, then blend Cook until the potato is very soft. until smooth. 3. Blend until smooth. Add the cream 5. Serve garnished with and adjust seasoning. coriander leaves and 4. Divide into bowls, and serve almonds slivers. garnished with spring onion greens. PHOTOGRAPHS: 123RF PHOTOS USED FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY PURPOSES REPRESENTATIONAL FOR USED PHOTOS 123RF PHOTOGRAPHS: DOWNLOAD YOUR FAVOURITE MAGAZINES FOR FREE!

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