November 2019 Vol 3 Issue 10 `150

Roopa Pai The author of The Gita for Children on mythology, philosophy and wisdom for grownups

FIT AND FAB @ 50 WARRIOR TALE BIKER DIARY 4 awesome 50-plus Dancer-filmmaker Swati 4 intrepid women divas share their beauty Bhise puts the spotlight set off on a daring and fitness secrets on the Rani of Jhansi ride across borders 2 | PERSONAL GROWTH

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S O A P E R Y B Y S I M R A N @ G M A I L . C O M NOVEMBER 2019 contents

Doctor Art 06 Two doctors with a highly creative side

All for Girls 12 New enterprises out to empower women

Books of Wisdom 20 Cover personality and author Roopa Pai

Fit and Fab @ 50 25 Four awesome divas share fitness secrets L U X U R I O U S L Y H A N D C R A F T E D S K I N C A R E The Warrior Queen’s Tale 34 Dancer and feminist filmmaker Swati Bhise

Unfair Burden 38 A question about teachers’ maternity leave

Bloom Where You’re Planted 40 Inspiring tales of midlife personal growth Handmade Soaps | Serums | Bath Salts | Face Masks and more In a Soup 52 Four healthy soup recipes for winter TO ORDER, VISIT: FACEBOOK.COM/SOAPERYBYSIMRAN 16 Fashion with Heart INSTAGRAM.COM/SIMRANGUJRALGAMBHIR Fashion designer and body- Bikers Without Borders positivity activist Kaveri Lalchand 62 Four women undertake an intrepid journey S O A P E R Y B Y S I M R A N @ G M A I L . C O M NOVEMBER 2019 4 | EDITOR’S NOTE

ALL IN BLOOM

ccording to the Gita, there are three paths to enlightenment: karma yog (path of right action), gyan yog (path of knowledge) and bhakti yog (path of devotion). AOf course, as is typical of our eternal scriptures, there are always addendums and contradictions and paradoxes to everything the sages say that are also equally true, and so the Vedas in their wisdom also said: “There are a hundred paths to enlightenment and they are all correct.” (Incidentally, the name of my spiritual memoir is 100 Paths, because I decided to try them all out.) Anyhow, coming back to the three paths of the Gita, this month we’re honoured to feature wom- en on each of them. Cover personality Roopa Pai (p.20) is a gyan yogi, and you only have to read her The Gita for Children, and The Vedas and Upanishads for Children to find a whole lot of sagacious adult wisdom in them. On the path of karma yog are two Aekta Kapoor organisations, Girl Effect and uoQpi, that have set Editor and Publisher out to empower women personally and profession- [email protected] ally (p.12). And the ones following bhakti yog, such as energy healer Riitu S Bahri (p.50) and I (p.65) constantly strive to live in surrender and gratitude. We may stumble but we keep striving. May you all, like the divine women in this issue of eShe, bloom where you’re planted. 

Editor and Publisher: Aekta Kapoor Mentor: Kul Bhushan Kaveri Jain All rights reserved throughout the world. Business Director: Reproduction in any manner is prohibited. Marketing and Research: Nyamat Published by Aekta Kapoor from Coral Content, Bindra C3/1 GF, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057, India. : Karishma Makhija Phone: +91 9818166621. Printed at Colourbar Sales Partner Communications, 44, Commercial Complex, Contributors: Kaveri Jain, Kay Newton, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase - 1, New Delhi Manvi Pant, Maya Lalchandani, 110028. For queries, write to mail@coralcontent. Morghan Brandon, Neha Kirpal com, or visit eShe.in

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NOVEMBER 2019 6 | CREATIVITY

DOCTOR ART These two doctors honoured their creativity and passion for art while pursuing a medical career By Manvi Pant CREATIVITY | 7 DR JAYA GUPTA Dermatologist and painter

rom early on, Jaya Gupta was me to opt for it. And, my sincere brought up in the company interest in art and photography of boys. Despite the extended propelled me further.” family being conservative, She believes that there is nothing Fher parents never let her miss any better than a syncretic fusion of opportunity. She could pursue passion and work. “Like in painting, whatever her heart demanded. Driven by strength and support, she travelled miles – from Delhi to Manipal, University of Madison at Wisconsin, and finally Ahmedabad – to make a career in medical science at a young age. “It was an uncomfortable decision because no girl in my family had gone that far. But my parents stood by me and gave me the confidence to march ahead,” she recalls. Her parents’ firstborn, Jaya calls herself a survivor. “Being a survivor is a trait you acquire with time. It should be seen as an amalgamation of a strong upbringing, belief systems that our parents root in us and the impact of people we encounter,” says the dermatologist, who has a flourishing practice in south Delhi. Jaya was an intelligent and creative child. After completing her MBBS, she obtained her Master’s in clinical we have rules of proportions – dermatology though it was not her what would look beautiful and first preference. “A sudden boom balanced to the eye – similarly, as an in the aesthetics and the cosmetics aesthetician, we work on making any industry in those years compelled facial feature look more appealing

NOVEMBER 2019 8 | CREATIVITY

to the eye. It dawned on me soon negativity in me transforming into how I could use my creativity at beautiful, creative expressions.” Of work,” explains the 32-year-old. course her medical profession also Apart from making a living doing brings her joy in its own way: “I what she enjoys, Jaya love helping people. It also urges everyone to “I COULD SEE THE fills me up.” take up art. She calls it a Before spending an reservoir of happiness. NEGATIVITY IN ME entire day in patient She shares how art has TRANSFORMING care, Jaya religiously been an integral part of INTO BEAUTIFUL, dedicates her mornings her life ever since she to creative pursuits. suffered from personal CREATIVE An early riser, she and professional EXPRESSIONS” also enjoys spending struggles: “Art helped time with her parents. me heal. The past 10 Is there any secret years have not been easy. I went to navigate through this complex through several meltdowns, and it world? She says, “Be passionate. was during that time that my passion Find out your strengths and start for art manifested. I could see the building a life around them.”

NOVEMBER 2019 CREATIVITY | 9 DR SHARANBIR KAUR Dentist and illustrator

r Sharanbir Kaur, fondly called Sharan by friends, family and followers, feels lucky to be born in the D1990s when “there was more to life than technology”. With both parents working, she was rooted with a healthy upbringing and a more independent and mature outlook towards life. “My childhood helped strengthen my identity as a person. I learnt to be an optimist from early on,” says the dentist, whose passion for illustration has earned her almost 50,000 fans on Instagram today. She spent significant time building her career in dentistry. An introvert by nature, Sharan feels that mapping a career path for herself taught her a lot about success and failure. “The road was uneven, and I went through several bad patches. It was during one such bad phase that I found art.” Sharan paints using acrylics, watercolours and oils to make illustrations and customise art on order. The beauty of art lies in its ability to trigger varied emotions in people. For Sharan, it was a liberating experience. “Art helped me unwind and de-stress even on my worst days, and it gave a deeper meaning to my existence.” About whether art as a creative

NOVEMBER 2019 10 | CREATIVITY

Sharan’s Instagram page – where she puts up motivational posts such as this – has almost 50,000 followers

form has become essential now, Sharan is the founder of the she further adds, “Today, people Instagram account @the_blue_ have become more isolated than frenchhorn, where she posts all her ever. Our virtual connections are illustrations and works of art. She getting stronger, and real-life ones happily calls it her positive, happy more distant. So, in times when you place where there is hope, joy, are frazzled, reassurance even in sunshine and rainbows. “I sometimes the form of a random post online get messages when a particular post gives you hope. It can make all the of mine made a reader feel better, or difference.” made them try again just when they

NOVEMBER 2019 CREATIVITY | 11

were thinking of quitting. It could drawing.” be music, it could be art, it could be Sharan spends the first part of her a good book, but in this age we all day at her clinic and reserves the need a soft cushion to fall back on latter half for art. “Which includes our grey days,” says the 31-year-old much daydreaming, brainstorming Delhi-based dentist. through ideas, scrolling We are all creative “I LOVE THE through random stuff,” in our own right, but she quips. Born with what is it that Sharan ARTISTIC LIBERTY a stubborn heart, she enjoys the most about IT GIVES ME. I CAN has never shied away her online creative BE AS EXPRESSIVE from pursuing what side? “I love the artistic she loves, and credits liberty it gives me. I AS A PERSON AND her family and friends can be as expressive as ARTIST AS I LIKE” for their unflinching a person and artist as I support. like,” says Sharan who As we take steps feels art has gifted a comfortable towards personal fulfillment, we space to her thoughts. She also learn some incredible lessons that admires the fluidity that comes give our life its deepest significance. with it. “I love the fact that there are Sharan agrees, “People need to no rules, no one method, no one realise how beautiful life is and be track that you need to follow while grateful for that.” 

NOVEMBER 2019 12 | SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

ALL FOR GIRLS Two organisations are out to empower girls this month: Girl Effect with its programme Chhaa Jaa, and a women-only entrepreneurial hub, uoQpi

CHHAA JAA BY GIRL EFFECT eos on social-media platforms, “Or wherever the girls already are, or are his October, adolescent girls in likely to be in future,” explains Girl India were offered a new av- Effect CEO, Jessica Posner Oded. T enue to ‘go forth and shine’. Chhaa Jaa videos are about four Chhaa Jaa, an online content-driv- to eight minutes long. They fea- en programme by the global NGO ture young actors that Indian girls Girl Effect, was launched to educate can identify with, and touch upon and inform adolescent girls with the topics like sexual and reproductive right skills and confidence to reach health, negotiating with parents their potential. Its empowering about choices for their education, messages are delivered through vid- or preparing to find a first job. Girl

NOVEMBER 2019 SOCIAL ENTERPRISE | 13

Effect’s lead in India, Kanishk Kabi- their own futures,” says Kanishk. raj, says: “Despite better access to For instance, they found that in education, employment and health Jaipur only about 28 percent girls opportunities than ever before, girls owned their own mobile device still experience massive societal whereas the figure was 44 percent in barriers and expectations that limit Lucknow. Others mostly share their their potential. Chhaa Jaa speaks to phones with their parents and/or them in a language they understand their siblings, and boys are 1.5 times about the reality of their choices more likely to own a phone. “Even and constraints.” so, girls are accessing the internet Kanishk’s team collected data at a much faster rate,” says Jessica.

L-R: Arre Sunn Na uses sketch comedy to deliver powerful messages on the need for girls to stand by their decisions and to think of themselves as more than their relationships; Girl Effect CEO Jessica Posner Oded from 9470 girls in two different “They may not own phones but studies, both online and offline, they are innovative and ingenious in the Hindi belt including Jaipur, when it comes to finding ways to Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra, Patna, and access the internet. They have a so on. These studies gave the NGO very sophisticated eco-system.” extensive information about the Girl Effect is active in 50 coun- framework that Indian girls live in, tries, and now aims to reach out to and what information they need one of the world’s youngest popu- to make better choices. “We want lations to help build up each girl’s Chhaa Jaa to be the go-to for girls as sense of self, her identity and her they make decisions that will define ability to ask questions. 

NOVEMBER 2019 14 | SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

UOQPI, GURUGRAM “Our mother, who started off as an entrepreneur whilst living hen women entrepreneurs overseas, has been our inspiration. in India set out to launch She showed us that women can W a new business, they face a manage both their personal and plethora of challenges – from family professional lives. However, as we restrictions, unsafe environments, grew up and became more aware and lack of network and mentoring of the real world, we noticed that opportunities, to facing male though a majority of the women dominance in the corporate world. were ambitious and career-oriented, Recognising these challenges for somewhere along the line, they were women, banker Megha Agarwal, pulled back from pursuing their who had lived abroad most of dreams, as family responsibilities her life, decided to rope in her took precedence,” says Neha, 38. sister, Delhi-based photographer The more the sisters reads up Neha Agarwal, to launch a unique about this, the more shocking facts co-working space for women they found. “Closing the gender entrepreneurs and professionals, gap globally in the workforce called uoQpi (pronounced ‘you could add a staggering $28 trillion occupy’) in Gurugram this year. It’s to the global economy. If women’s the first of its kind in Delhi-NCR. participation is equal to that of men

L-R: Sisters Neha Agarwal and Megha Agarwal

NOVEMBER 2019 SOCIAL ENTERPRISE | 15 in India, this would inject further soothing co-working space with $2.9 trillion to India’s GDP,” they great views, plus more. Women noted. Further, they found that can bring their children along, between January and September and the space has been designed 2019, only 5.2 percent of the $9.14 to host events from healthcare billion raised in overall funding by and beauty workshops to mental- startups went to those with a female health awareness events. It includes founder or co-founder. a makeup studio for makeup artists These astonishing facts led to and video professionals to create the inception of uoQpi. “uoQpi video logs and tutorials. is a combination of a physical By offering flexible packages space with a community filled starting from just `1500 for five

L-R: A view of the green, well-lit co-working space with over 250 seats; the events and breakout room with inspirational women in visits per month, the sisters have business, where collaborations and ensured that women in all kinds brainstorming ideas are born. Our of fields can benefit from such an vision is to become an incubator for arrangement. After seven months women-led start ups by providing of hard work, uoQpi was officially them with all the tools and opened to entrepreneurs last month. resources that they need to excel,” The sisters are upbeat: “We’re says Megha, 34. looking forward to expanding Located at Unitech Cyber Park, and creating more uoQpi business Gurugram, the centre offers all hubs to empower and increase the the comforts of a green, cheerful, number of women in business.” 

NOVEMBER 2019 16 | FASHION

FASHION WITH HEART

Fashion designer and body-positivity activist Kaveri Lalchand is using her experiences in theatre and publishing to fuel her creativity and cause By Maya Lalchandani ven though fashion has at parties, unhappy with their body been paramount in Kaveri shapes, Kaveri made it her mission to Lalchand’s life, it has never design comfortable yet fashionable been the sum total of who she clothes that empower women with Eis. A free soul who is comfortable ‘real’ bodies. Her Chennai-based in her own skin, Kaveri conquered eponymous label Kaveri goes with her fears one by one and drew her the tagline ‘Everyday Beautiful’, and fashion sensibility from her own now has flagship stores in Chennai, personality and past experiences as Kochi and Mumbai, with markets poet, publisher, theatre actor and in Europe and around the world. designer. Kaveri has developed what she Having watched too many calls ‘happy sizes’, clothes that flatter women fidgeting with discomfort a woman’s natural curves. She uses

NOVEMBER 2019 FASHION | 17 linen, which is hand-woven in fashion designs from whatever Kolkata from yarn imported from she could all of the time. Today Belgium, and has made it her her designs are made for the signature textile. contemporary woman who prefers But before fashion, style and easy-to-wear, flowy and accentuated design, Kaveri had already indulged clothing. She infuses different her very intellectual side in cultures into her designs inspired publishing and theatre. She was the from her travels and experiences – co-founder of Blaft Publications, from dragonflies to Mayan symbols which was known for popular and exotic stories woven into pastel fiction from different local Indian shades. There’s a story in everything. languages translated into English. Her latest entry into Lakme She also ran a cultural centre called Fashion Week featured feted actor The Madras Terrace House, an Shabana Azmi as showstopper amalgamation of a boutique space, donning a Kaveri ensemble in black a gallery and event venue, café and and grey. Kaveri’s collection was an a community centre. Essentially, all ode to the thinking woman, and of Kaveri in one place. carried in it a strong body-positive All along, Kaveri patched, message. reworked and created her own Indeed, body positivity is a subject

L-R: Kaveri Lalchand with her showstopper Shabana Azmi at Lakme Fashion Week; a model in label Kaveri

NOVEMBER 2019 18 | FASHION

NOVEMBER 2019 FASHION | 19 very close to her heart, a social women’s clothing; she has also movement built on the premise created a men’s line called Biografie that all of us have a right to love and a line for children, Baby-K. Her ourselves the way we are. Of course, line is stocked in stores across India, it can be a challenge for those who France, England, Portugal, Lebanon, do not fit into the social parameters Spain, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Abu of beauty. Kaveri has accepted Dhabi, Sri Lanka and Maldives. the dreaded ‘F’ word with all her dignity. She battled being fat all her life, she says. “It’s just an adjective; why does it have to be an insult?” she points out. In her childhood and teens, Kaveri had to deal with weight issues that translated into not feeling good enough. It was tough then and it has been since, but she came to terms with it at the right time and has not let the size of her body hinder what she can do in life. Being a theatre artist, she stands fearlessly in front of thousands of people and loves public speaking. Acceptance is the key, says the 46-year-old. Negative media has to be shunned. Going to designers and getting clothes to fit her body type was traumatic for Kaveri. That’s when the germ of an idea arose. She decided that she would beat the prototype of being an exclusive brand and present something Not one to fall into the traps that was inclusive. She travelled of societal norms, happily single the length and breadth of India and striving, Kaveri is definitely a with her trunk shows, collecting woman to reckon with. Keeping the stories and experiences of the herself rooted to the ground with wonderful women she met, which hard work and compassion, while further fuelled her designs. helping women accept themselves, And she hasn’t just stopped at she’s surely aiming for the stars. 

NOVEMBER 2019 20 | COVER STORY COVER STORY | 21 BOOKS OF WISDOM Author Roopa Pai set out to simplify the mighty spiritual tomes of India for curious kids, but ended up sparking a renewed interest in ancient Indian philosophy even among grownups By Aekta Kapoor

computer engineer from lemon rice instead of scones – Bengaluru, married to was somehow sucky,” laughs the an IIT-IIM alumnus and 48-year-old Bengaluru-based having travelled and lived children’s books author. Aaround the world with him – “Then I came across Target from Delhi and Mumbai to New [Indian comics], and loved it. York, London and Orlando – I began to dream of creating a the last thing Roopa Pai would parallel universe which wasn’t have imagined in her youth was India but where all the references becoming an authority on the were Indian,” narrates Roopa, Gita, Vedas and Upanishads, and who first began writing books writing books about them. for children 26 years ago. But that indeed is where life It so happened that a books ed- has led her, and as usually happens itor at Hachette, Vatsala Kaul Ba- when you walk with gods, there nerjee, was all set to play Krishna is a dollop of divine support to Roopa’s Arjuna. “She pulls my along the way. “I grew up reading chariot,” jokes Roopa, narrating Enid Blyton, and imagined that how, a decade ago, Vatsala con- only British children had a good vinced Roopa to write an eight- childhood and my own – with book series of science fiction for family picnics that featured kids, called Taranauts, and Roopa

NOVEMBER 2019 22 | COVER STORY

Roopa Pai with all the children’s books she’s written

was able to fulfil her dream of an al- Gita for herself, and check it out. ternative desi universe, replete with “I went to my husband’s aunt for ‘samchoris’ (samosas + kachoris) and help. She explained it all to me with a villain called Morphoroop (roop is mind-maps for each chapter,” recalls Hindi for appearance). Roopa, who is mother of a 22-year- After the four-year project ended, old daughter and a 17-year-old son. the scientific-minded Roopa wrote “I realised that the Gita is a conver- an entertaining science book for sation between two best friends. Yes, kids, What If Earth Stopped Spinning? I can explain that to kids.” (2014) And then Vatsala asked her a Roopa became hooked to the sa- question which changed her life. cred Hindu scripture. Blessed with “What about a Gita for children?” the ability to make difficult sub- It was the last thing Roopa would jects easy to understand for kids, have imagined. “Who said the Gita she found the writing process joy- is for children?” she asked her editor. ful and uplifting. But unsure about “And what credibility do I have in herself even at the end, she had the this matter?” She continued making manuscript sent to Indian econo- excuses for six months until Vatsala mist, author, bureaucrat and Indol- finally asked her to get a copy of the ogist Bibek Debroy. “Within days,

NOVEMBER 2019 COVER STORY | 23 he returned it saying, ‘This must now people send me videos and be published.’ I sighed with relief,” links that they think I will like. It’s a she says. Coming from a man who virtuous cycle, and it’s nothing I’ve had translated the unabridged Ma- ever done before,” she admits. habharata from Sanskrit to English It has also changed her world in 10 volumes and 2.25 million view. “The Upanishads themselves words, she decided her little effort leave so many things open-ended; may not have been so bad after all. they embrace multiple points of It was rather good, in fact. The view. The only rule is that there are Gita for Children went on to sell over no rules – but that only makes it 75,000 copies, and continues to be more difficult for each one must on top of the charts for children’s find the truth for herself. There are books four years down the line. no shortcuts,” she says, dismissing After a couple of more children’s books, one on economics, Roopa went on to write The Vedas and Upanishads for Children, which came out earlier this year. Putting heavy, esoteric philosophy into bite-sized bits of light-hearted wisdom is surely a gift bestowed on her by the millions of Hindu gods in the heavens, and even adults keep the book handy for divine instruction on days they face earthly dilemmas. “It’s the best compliment ever that adults too love reading these books,” smiles Roopa, who no modern-day debates on who the doubt gets it often. “That’s my Aryans were. “How does it matter? deepest desire – to have parents and Those who are secure about the kids read these books together.” truth have no need to argue. Writing about duty, destiny and Studying the scriptures has changed dharma has changed the knowledge- me. It’s made me less judgemental, seeking Roopa in many ways. “I and more at peace with diverse used to read crime thrillers earlier, ideas and viewpoints. Instead, I keep now I’ve switched to spiritual asking myself, who am I?” books. I’ve started listening to Mindfulness is a quality one must discourses, especially by Swami work on, avers Roopa, but it is one Sarvapriyananda and Sri M, and that also comes with a caveat. “Yes,

NOVEMBER 2019 24 | COVER STORY

Roopa with her new book From Leeches to Slug Glue: 25 Explosive Ideas that Made (and Are Making) Modern Medicine

it’s empowering to be aware of your says Roopa, who recommends actions, but it’s also terrifying be- Yuval Noah Harari’s hard-hitting cause now you must take respon- 21 Lessons for the 21st Century to sibility for all the consequences as understand human behaviour. well,” she explains. Our religion is Roopa’s own new book, From certainly not for the faint of heart. Leeches to Slug Glue (Puffin) takes The most lasting relationship her back to the world of science, Roopa has developed is one with narrating the history of medicine for the god within. “The reflective life kids. “I’m much more comfortable is a good thing to practise. Krishna with kids than adults. The Indian says, keep practising – have 100 publishing industry wants its percent focus on your effort, and authors to be performers; that’s not have zero percent expectation of fair!” she complains jokingly. the outcome. Arjuna is symbolic of I ask her what knowledge she’d the seeker and Krishna of his gut or want to leave her child readers his psychiatrist. You won’t trust your as legacy. She goes sombre for a Krishna unless you have years of moment. “Aham brahmasmi. You deep friendship with Him, and trust contain the universe. Don’t ever Him enough to place all dilemmas feel helpless. You can be god,” she in His hands. If you live a reflective says kindly. That’s a lesson even life, your dharma becomes clearer,” grownups need to hear. 

NOVEMBER 2019 FIT AND FAB @ 50 Four awesome divas in their fabulous fifties share their beauty and fitness secrets

NOVEMBER 2019 26 | FIT @ FIFTY

Writer Anita Panda, 52, keeps fit with her active lifestyle, and maintains her glow with yoga and meditation

ANITA PANDA, MUMBAI expensive creams, but I do dab sunscreen before stepping out and orn in the industrial coal- moisturise my face and arms with mining town of Brajarajnagar B in Odisha, Anita Panda was the youngest of four siblings and the only girl. As a result, she was quite pampered by her family. “My parents were the most mismatched couple intellectually yet the most loving couple I’ve known!” smiles Anita, whose father was a globally renowned paper technologist and mother was a homemaker. Raised in Odisha and later Delhi, Anita graduated from St. Xavier’s, Kolkata, and did her post-gradu- ation from Delhi University. She also holds a B.Ed and a diploma in advertising and public relations. A mother of a young son and a for- mer newspaper reporter, she is now a freelance writer and poet. LIFESTYLE: I lead a fairly active lifestyle. I don’t follow any fixed workouts to stay fit, rather I make it a flexible and variable mix of walk- ing, jogging, gymming, yoga and household chores. This keeps me fit at my age. Meditation, chanting, Johnson’s baby lotion at night. I Reiki and serving the underprivi- swear by traditional homemade face leged also help me stay fit mentally masks made of multani mitti, tur- and spiritually. meric, gram flour (besan), rose water BEAUTY: I rub my face and arms or kewra mixed together. I also ad- with fresh aloe vera juice. I avoid vocate using succulent veggies and

NOVEMBER 2019 FIT @ FIFTY | 27

fruits – cucumber, tomatoes, lem- made vegetable and fruit juic- ons, papayas – to hydrate the skin. es, nimbu-paani (lemon water) or Having said that, I strongly be- chopped fruit slices in water sipped lieve true beauty lies within us and all through the day. I also avoid practicing joyfulness, kindness and junk food and processed food. I compassion sets the face aglow! Ad- don’t smoke or drink, though I am equate sleep is a must too. told the occasional glass of wine NUTRITION: I drink lots of wa- is heart-friendly. I also eat a lot of ter (two to three litres) a day, and nuts, dry fruits and raisins. eat fresh fruits and vegetables in the Another thing I’ve learnt is to get form of salads, boiled or steamed enough sun exposure for vitamin D with a dash of butter, salt and pep- production and bone health. And per. A typical meal would be mul- your readers will probably not like tigrain breads and eggs, or roti with my saying this, but though most of lentils, and a mix of vegetables with us hate doing household chores – cucumber yoghurt. Luckily, I don’t mopping, sweeping, dusting, clean- have a sweet tooth. My only sweet ing the kitchen – it’s actually a great indulgence is Lindt’s Salted Cara- way to stay fit and slim! mel & Orange Chocolate. Finally, one mustn’t forget to HEALTH TIPS: I avoid sugary smile: it’s the best beauty exercise drinks. Instead, I have fresh home- for the lips, heart and soul! 

NOVEMBER 2019 28 | FIT @ FIFTY

Communications coach Kavitha Garla, 50, works out her mind and body every day, and is unafraid to stand out of the crowd KAVITHA GARLA, BENGALURU is happy that her work gives her the opportunity to be a catalyst for multi-faceted person with nu- transformation in people’s lives. merous successful dimensions LIFESTYLE: My lifestyle is pretty A to her life, Kavitha Garla is a active and I am on the move until passionate people enabler and en- bedtime. I work out at the gym six hancer. An authority on the impor- days a week. I have fallen in love tance and relevance of networking, with CrossFit: the dancing, boxing she leads by example as a corporate and weights are all keeping me fit! trainer and communications coach It has increased my agility, stami- in Bengaluru. na and flexibility. Lately, thanks to Born and raised in the Karnata- Luke Coutinho, I have been drink- ka capital, she completed her MBA ing sabja water every day. I also like in the US, and returned to India to get seven to eight hours of sleep. where she is now head of business BEAUTY: One has to find one’s development at Talk Temple. She is plus points and accentuate them. the mother of two grown sons, and I use Plum Berry kajal pencil, and

NOVEMBER 2019 FIT @ FIFTY | 29 lipstick – I feel it unleashes your and do, join groups that keep your femininity! I also use sunscreen, and mind sharp. I am always looking for remove all makeup and hydrate the ways to give back to the communi- skin before sleeping. I make an ef- ty. I also make sure to get my ‘Hour fort to always be well turned out no of Power’ – my daily me-time to matter where I am. exercise, read, meditate or any ac- But besides this, my real beauty tivity that adds power to my being. routine is taking care of the outside Women are told not to stand out as well as the inside. I try to keep my positivity high at all times. I write blogs that help people see a dif- ferent perspective and evolve their lives. Being a part of a Leadership Tribe, my mind is always engaged in high-level conversations with other leaders – this keeps me alert and in a learning mode. I make sure to nurture my rela- tionships every day, and also to in- trospect and spend time with my- self so that I am on the right path towards my passion and purpose. When I nourish my spirit, the right energy echoes into the universe. NUTRITION: I like to indulge in ‘mindful eating’, without deny- ing myself foods I love but eating in moderation. I like to savour the taste and flavours of food that I eat, it actually prevents me from over- eating. I pay attention to how my stomach feels when I am eating and so much, and ‘to just fit in’. I did stop before I feel bloated. that for the longest time: stayed in HEALTH TIPS: I believe preven- the background. But lately, I have tion is definitely better than cure so made a special effort to break out I get regular health check-ups in- of the mould, to be more of me and cluding mammograms. As the emp- less of what someone else wants me ty-nest syndrome strikes, it’s im- to be. Maybe this is what turning 50 portant to find new things to learn does to a woman. 

NOVEMBER 2019 30 | FIT @ FIFTY

SEEMMA PURI, NEW DELHI Etiquette and personality consultant Seemma Puri, 50, believes mental fitness leads to physical fitness

NOVEMBER 2019 FIT @ FIFTY | 31

former fashion designer, NUTRITION: I eat at least four Seemma Puri certainly knows kinds of fruits every day. My diet A the art of being well-dressed. also has lots of water, vegetables, Now a soft skills educator and an egg whites, fish and chicken. I avoid etiquette and personality consul- carbohydrates after 7.30 pm and no tant, she trains teenagers, adults and carbonated drinks, whatsoever. And corporate employees in how to be I avoid mutton. their best at all times. HEALTH TIPS: Seven hours of Raised in Delhi – “I am a pucca sleep is really important, as is eating and pure Dilli-wali” – Seemma did natural and healthy foods. Exercise her Bachelor’s from Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi, and studied fash- ion design from JD Institute. She honed her business skills as the for- mer creative director of a popular kidswear brand for over a decade, and is the mother of a grown son. LIFESTYLE: I am always on the go. I love waking up to a power-packed day. My day starts with one-and- half hour of exercise and then it’s my work, family, running the home and taking care of our dog. BEAUTY: I make sure to wash my face a couple of times a day, drink lots and lots of water, and to nev- er sleep with makeup on. Actually, I use very little makeup to begin with, as I believe less is more. I clean my face with kuccha (raw) milk, and have a teaspoon of pure coconut oil is vital – everything else can wait! I now and then. I must get my sev- also think one must go for a men- en hours of sleep – which does not tal detox at least once a week more mean to sleep at 2 or 3 am, and then than a food detox: assign one day wake up late! I totally believe that when you do not allow any neg- nighttime is meant for sleeping and ative thought to enter your mind. days for working. My parents taught After all, mental fitness is what we me never to go against Mother Na- have to work on; physical fitness ture if I want to stay healthy. naturally follows. 

NOVEMBER 2019 32 | FIT @ FIFTY

Educationist Chandra Deo, 52, has made it a habit to listen to her body and to nourish it with healthy food and lifestyle choices

CHANDRA DEO, ABBOTSFORD to Canada, she has always been ex- tremely conscious of her diet intake orn and raised in the island and lifestyle. country of Fiji, Chandra Deo Mother of a grown son and B moved to Canada at the age of daughter, she completed her grad- 18 after marriage, and adopted an uation after marriage and is now an active Canadian lifestyle early on. educationist and counsellor in Ab- The oldest of four siblings, she was botsford, British Columbia, Canada. raised on a nutritious diet of home- LIFESTYLE: By virtue of being a grown vegetables and dairy. Even so, working mother in North America heart and cholesterol problems run without domestic help at home, my in her community so after moving lifestyle is very active by default. I

NOVEMBER 2019 FIT @ FIFTY | 33 am flexible about my fitness routine so I take care of my food choices. I – it could be walk or swimming or make sure to have a filling break- yoga or even Bhangra classes. But I fast including nuts before heading am very structured in the sense of to work, and I have turmeric and time management and meal plan- ashwagandha water before going to ning. I do all our grocery shopping bed every day. It helps with anxiety. and meal prepping over the week- HEALTH TIPS: Learning about end, and stock the refrigerator with oneself is very important. No two healthy meals for the week so that we don’t eat outside. BEAUTY: I don’t wear much makeup except on occasion, but I invest in my intake so that my skin is healthy inside-out. I follow the Indian guru Sathya Sai Baba and he talks about ‘ahaar’ (intake), which is not only the food we eat but also ev- erything we absorb though our five senses. I have learnt to listen to my body, and I don’t deprive myself if I have a craving. I have stopped push- ing my body at the gym unneces- sarily. Instead, I do Surya Namaskars every morning and I have noticed it keeps me pain-free despite my sedentary job. Also, taking care of our two-year-old dog has also been good for my overall wellness. NUTRITION: I make healthy choices – oats, yoghurt, vegetables, fruits, fresh meats, lentils. Our food is very Indian and I grow many veg- bodies are the same, and everyone’s etables in my garden. We get all our experience is different. I take my herbs and spices from the Indian own decision on what works for store here, and I completely avoid me. And the body keeps changing junk food and frozen food. I’ve over the years. So the idea is to lis- seen my family dependent on med- ten to your body, and to heed what ication for diabetes or cholesterol, it’s telling you. It all comes with and I didn’t want to go that route, practice. 

NOVEMBER 2019 34 | FILM

Swati Bhise on the sets of The Warrior Queen of Jhansi The Warrior Queen’s Tale An accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer, filmmaker and women’s rights activist, Swati Bhise’s new film is yet another feather in her creative cap By Neha Kirpal ith a 30-year career in the like that writes and directs a peri- creative arts spanning In- od drama dedicated to India’s most W dian classical arts, media famous feminist icon from histo- talk shows, arts in education, gen- ry, Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, you der rights, choreography and film know this film is not to be missed. production, Swati Bhise is quite the The CEO of Cayenne Pepper modern-day icon for women’s em- Productions, Swati has not only powerment. And when a woman been associated with meaningful

NOVEMBER 2019 FILM | 35 films such asThe Man Who Knew women empowerment issues. Infinity, she has also choreographed Why did you decide to make a film on Broadway shows such as The Rani Lakshmibai? Transposed Heads and The Mystery of Because she’s an iconic, real-life Edwin Drood. queen. I greatly admire her story, Further, she’s had a stellar lifelong she’s amazing. Every culture has vocation as a Bharatanayam dancer great historical icons. If I vaguely spanning many decades including peep into my history, I would landmark performances such as the find Shivaji’s mother, Jijabai, or 40th anniversary of the UN, and has Ahilyabai Holkar or Jhalkaribai.

L-R: Swati Bhise; the poster for her latest filmThe Warrior Queen of Jhansi, which releases this month trained a generation of American There was Baizabai of Gwalior who children in Indian classical arts. was the first banker in the 1800s in A former journalist and TV Benaras, and was one of the biggest anchor, she is now all set for the moneylenders to the East India November release The Warrior Company. There is no dearth of Queen of Jhansi, which tells the true female icons. We just have to do a story of fearless freedom fighter little research and find them. Rani of Jhansi. We spoke to Swati What are the key issues you have tackled about her new film, cultural icons in your work with the Asia Foundation for Indian women and global around the world?

NOVEMBER 2019 36 | FILM

The Lotus group is the women my head as much as my heart. I pat empowerment group within the myself for bringing up my two kids Asia Foundation. I have been an in Manhattan and being pleased adviser and committee member for with the end result. For continuing several years. I have been involved to engage with my biggest passion, with raising funds for the group, classical dance, and having a close especially for gender studies, relationship with my guru Sonal educating girls in India, Mongolia, Mansingh. For being able to Afghanistan, the Far East, and continue to learn, because it’s such educating women to empower a vast ocean of knowledge. them to start their own businesses. My biggest regret is that in my Workshops and case studies are early years, I did not have the done. We then give them the money experience to make this film and when they show us business plans. films like it earlier, because I did You will turn 60 next month. Happy not have the intrinsic knowledge of birthday in advance! What are the top how to market it to an American three things of your life that you pat audience. Then again, I wouldn’t yourself on the back for, and what is the have had the actor, Devika (my one biggest regret? daughter), being able to play the Age is just a number. I’d pat myself role of the Rani, because she was the for listening to my inner voice and perfect Rani I wanted to portray.  always following it, not listening to Read the complete interview on eShe.in

Swati Bhise’s daughter Devika plays the lead role of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi in Swati’s new film

NOVEMBER 2019 EVENT | 37 SHINE YOUR LIGHT @ UFV The agenda at eShe’s Shine Your Light at University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), British Columbia, Canada

hine Your Light is a series of students were not allowed due to privacy personal-growth workshops reasons at the university residence). organised by eShe magazine. First up on the agenda was a The agenda is movement, talk titled, ‘Five Habits of Success- Smeditation and motivation! ful People Who Make It Despite A session of Shine Your Light Odds’. In the second activity, stu- was held for the students of Uni- dents dwelt on the lessons inherent versity of the Fraser Valley, Abbots- in the challenges in their lives. Fi- ford, British Columbia, Canada, on nally, Aekta conducted a session on October 19, 2019. The 90-minute Pranayama (yogic breathing) and workshop had three empowering guided meditation. sessions conducted by eShe founder Visit our website eShe.in for up- Aekta Kapoor (lead photo. Photos of dates on future events.

NOVEMBER 2019 38 | MATERNITY RIGHTS UNFAIR BURDEN Even a women-dominated profession like teaching doesn’t offer reasonable maternity leave By Morghan Brandon

am sitting in my empty classroom scarfing down a sandwich and calling the Board of Education before Imy students come roaring in from lunch. “Human resources, please,” I tell the receptionist. The voice that greets me from HR is cold and disconnected. We engage in a five- minute back-and-forth about my to motherhood on our terms? maternity leave coming this January. According to a 2016 poll by the “Let me get this straight,” I scoff National Center for Education in disbelief, “I only have 34 sick Statistics, about 77 percent of the hours and once that is gone, I won’t 3.8 million teachers in the US are be paid?” “That is correct,” she says female. In one of our country’s very in a matter-of-fact tone. few women-dominated workforces, “And on top of not being paid, we are still being crushed by a glass- I am supposed to pay you all for ceiling policy. my benefits?” The bell rings, my So how far have we really come? kids rush in, and my mouth is still One of the main issues with the hanging wide open. American Family and Medical I’m having a baby, I’m a teacher Leave Act (FMLA) is leaving it and, like most American teachers, up to local level decisions. As per I am not receiving pay while I am a 1993 bill signed by the Clinton out on maternity leave. The teacher administration, under federal workforce is female dominated, law, there is no requirement for yet in a profession that is majority maternity leave – only 12 weeks female, why are we denied our right of job protection. Until we are

NOVEMBER 2019 MATERNITY RIGHTS | 39 unified by a cohesive mandatory had my son,” one of my coworkers maternity leave for teachers, we vented as we discussed my will continue to see low retention pregnancy and what would happen in our profession. while I was out. “I was so sick In a time that I felt completely during my pregnancy that I used hopeless about this issue in my all of my hours before I even went own school county, I began to out on leave. By the time I had my research other school districts and daughter, I had no time accrued.” how teacher unions are fighting to My coworker was still change these regressive policies. I experiencing complications and found a school district in California her daughter was only three weeks that has negotiated to offer six weeks old when she was forced to return of paid leave with the purpose of to work. She had no money to cover the steep medical bills she had accrued and had to leave her daughter in someone else’s care. There are hundreds and thousands of women being subjected to the same difficult decision as my coworker and yet no one should have to choose between caring for their newborn and providing for their family. More teachers and teachers unions around the country have to stand up and say enough is enough. Both photos: Morghan Teaching is one of the most with her daughter under-appreciated professions and yet we are a strong predominantly improving teacher retention and female force that is moulding, employment as the country faces cultivating and preparing the a shortage of teachers and in an future generations of the world increase in student numbers. to be productive, educated and As a nation we must put a responsible citizens. higher value on our education Now is the time to take a massive system, especially on those that are leap forward with a federal law responsible for the success or failure that will standardise teachers rights of it. to life, liberty and the pursuit of “I felt so unappreciated when I motherhood. 

NOVEMBER 2019 40 | PERSONAL GROWTH BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED Our challenges are given to us for a reason. Like the lotus that flowers and seeds at the same time, eight inspirational women on the path to self- actualisation offer us seeds of wisdom along their way.

NOVEMBER 2019 PERSONAL GROWTH | 41 Midlife Mojo Facing a midlife crisis? Here’s how to strengthen your ‘Life Table’, with four legs of health, connections, knowledge, financial flow, and a tabletop of ‘Thyself’ By Kay Newton

ojo has many definitions also consume the fructose as part of but it mostly defines a a web of fibre, which slows down quality you have that the absorption of sugars in the body. attracts people to you, Read the jar labels before buying. Mmakes you successful and full of en- Readymade sauces are notoriously ergy. Five midlife experts share steps to help get your mojo back.

HEALTH BASICS Based in Devon, UK, Carol Lee is a kinesiologist and nutritional ther- apist. Carol says, “The number one way to boost your energy, improve mental clarity and balance your hor- mones is by reducing sugar.” Sugar is now thought to be the biggest reason for obesity and health-relat- ed issues, such as strokes and heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Carol suggests three ways to reduce sugar: Stop drinking your sugar: Sodas and fizzy drinks are packed with hidden Carol Lee sugars, which send our bodies into a hormonal spin. Experiment with high in sugar and often contain club soda/fizzy water and add a slice artificial sweeteners and high- of lemon and fresh ginger or herbs. fructose corn syrup. Also, avoid Also, beware of artificial sweeteners; anything that says ‘low fat’ or ‘diet’. they create hormonal chaos and can If fat is removed, then sugar is used also lead to obesity. for flavour. “Avoid sugar and gain Don’t blend and juice your fruit. Eat back your health,” says Carol. whole fruit. When you do so, you Visit: carolleenaturalhealth.com

NOVEMBER 2019 42 | PERSONAL GROWTH

MAKING CONNECTIONS for instance, you are sporty or arty “Making meaningful connections and so are your friends. Look for can take a bit of courage, creativity diversity in your contacts to bring and integrity,” says UK multimedia the harmony of different sides of artist, mentor and connections ex- life into your world. pert Deborah Claire Procter, “es- Says Deborah: “It’s never too late pecially if you are shy as I was for to become a people person. Keep many years until I put in the effort the intention and make little steps to develop the skills as an effective each day even if just to smile at communicator. It has been fabu- lous to use the internet to grow my list of influence worldwide.” With over millions of people suffering from loneliness, making new connections is one of the key ways to get your midlife mojo back. Here’s how to start the journey. Appreciate the contacts you already have. If you are bad at staying in touch with your current connections then adding more will not make you feel better. Ask yourself on a scale of 1 to 10 how good you are at spontaneously reaching out to your friends. Make a concerted effort to randomly and consistently follow up with your current circle. Deborah Claire Procter Be the leader. Everyone wants the phone to ring with amazing someone. Rilke called it making suggestions for an outing. Be room for ‘a second huge and that person who comes up with timeless life.’ The more you actively cool plans – a picnic, a walk – be foster relationships, the more this creative. What do you like that will trickle joyfully into all aspects you can share with others? Stretch of your life including work. Social yourself and your friends to find media makes it so easy for us to say new things to do together. something nice in a quick comment Variety is the spice of life. Ask yourself that can open the door to a new if you’ve limited your friendships friendship. Don’t be shy!” to always the same kind of people; Visit: clearinsight.co.uk

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ANNUAL SKILLS AUDIT Jennie wants you to think about: “We all have qualifications of Is there a desire for what you want to some sort, yet our skill-set goes far provide? People buy what they want, beyond pieces of paper,” says Jennie not what you think they need. For Eriksen, the Midlife Reinvention instance, people buy a car because coach. “Midlife may be the perfect they need transport. However, time to do something new. You they will choose a Mercedes have so much to offer the world yet because they want one, not because without a skills audit you may not they need one. People buy using their emotions. Finding out what people want is crucial. Your task is to attract them through what they want, then educate them so you can supply what they really need. Do you have a support structure? Starting a new business is a big commitment and challenge, and you need strong foundations. Do you have a support network in place as you embark on that steep learning curve? This could include a supportive family and friends network; a business coach who’s keeping you on track; or staff and key vendors who truly get your vision and will support you in this Jennie Eriksen startup and growth phase. Do you have the right mindset? know which direction to begin. You must have a robust growth Knowing what you know and what mindset when starting anything you don’t know will guide you to new midlife, whether a business or seek the right help.” anything else. Park limiting beliefs Nearly 50 percent of all business and fears, and maintain positivity startups never make it beyond five in challenging times. Always keep years. Without due diligence at your goals firmly in your mind. midlife, taking out your lumpsum With the right mindset, you can pension and, ploughing it into a go from uninspired to unstuck to new business could be disastrous. unstoppable! Here are the top three things Visit: themidlifereinventioncoach.com

NOVEMBER 2019 44 | PERSONAL GROWTH

FINANCIAL FLOW Success without shining your light is Tasha Chen, the founder of The difficult, if not impossible. Marianne Science of Getting Rich Academy, Williamson said, “Our deepest fear says in her lilting Caribbean accent, is not that we are inadequate. Our “If you want to be free of financial deepest fear is that we are powerful worry, the burden of wondering beyond measure. It is our light, not how to pay your bills, or how to our darkness that most frightens grow your business to create a con- us.” Take responsibility for your sistent income you can count on, life, use all your gifts to the fullest you need tools that you can use to move past them!” With one in three of the UK’s population expected to only have a state pension available at retire- ment, most over 65 will not be able to afford to retire. Money issues are one of the key areas affecting mojo. Here are three areas that can cause financial blockages: Your financial choices can still be affected by your family’s influence. The way you grew up and what your family taught you about money (or didn’t), unless dealt with, will always be your go-to strategy. Money in many societies is a taboo subject, therefore it is difficult to gain Tasha Chen knowledge. Without being really curious as to how money really and come from the right place of works, what abundance or being energy. Tasha says, “The biggest wealth-conscious means, there will questions around money have to be always be a lack. asked time and time again: What is Often women do not feel worthy around stopping you from manifesting the money. This can lead to a lack of wealth you want? What are you worthiness in general. When you do afraid of? And what does this cause not feel worthy, automatically your you to attract in your life? When financial flow suffers. Remember, you take time to connect the dots, self-esteem is something that has to then you will know where to start.” be built up over a lifetime. Visit: ScienceOfGettingRichAcademy.com

NOVEMBER 2019 PERSONAL GROWTH | 45

KNOW THYSELF before. Whether it is dealing with We are often very good at planning our adult children, grandchildren, or a holidays or decluttering our wardrobes new relationship, remember that yet fail to spend time learning who we you can never control how someone are today, planning our thoughts and behaves towards you, you can only ditching ones that no longer serve. control your own actions. Saying Women often arrive at midlife ‘No’, talking about emotions and unsure of who they are. They have feelings, being clear and sticking to put others before them. Besides your decisions can all feel foreign and alien to begin with. Define why you need a boundary, how you will implement it, and what you will do if the boundary is violated. Being true to your values is important for midlife mojo yet many women do not know what their values are. Values are principles or standards of behaviour; a judgement of what is important in your life. Bad habits can often drain your midlife mojo, especially if they are old habits gained over a lifetime. Acknowledge each habit and make plans to change them. Deal with one at a time. When it comes naturally to you, you can make further changes. Kay Newton Having a ‘Life Table’ that is sturdy and strong creates confidence and dealing with menopause, they are allows you to deal with the stuff often sandwiched between their life throws at you. Simple steps kids and caring for their elderly win the day. Take the Midlife Mojo parents. Quiz at bit.ly/QuizKay or join the I work with many midlife clients Facebook group MidlifeStrategies helping them to re-find their mojo to sign up for the FREE five-day and get them back on track. Over Midlife Mojo Challenge starting the past 15 years, three themes have November 18!  appeared constantly: Kay Newton is an award-winning Setting boundaries can seem impossible speaker, writer and midlife strategist. at midlife if you have never set them Follow her on KayNewton.com.

NOVEMBER 2019 46 | PERSONAL GROWTH The Write Way Writing coach and former magazine editor, Suma Varughese shares why journaling is such an effective tool for self-transformation

uma Varughese’s personal highly successful stint over 21 years journey in faith and self-em- as editor of mind-body-spirit mag- powerment began at 16, azine Life Positive. when she left her home in We speak to her about being a SOrissa to live in the hostel of one of seeker of truth and how journaling Mumbai’s premier colleges, Sophia. helps in self-growth. Unsure and self-doubting, and hav- Your editorials in Life Positive were ing no access to God after turning always intimate and candid. How did agnostic earlier, she fell into a low- you develop such honesty in your writing, grade depression that more or less and does it help in self-empowerment? haunted her for the next 16 years. I am a huge votary of Truth, and I It ended in a massive spiritual believe that abiding by the Truth awakening when she was 33, while in all things is the lifeline that will she was the editor of the renowned guide you in the quagmire of life. Society magazine. It led her to quit That apart, I was grappling with my her job and embark on a second conditioning and I was horrified to

NOVEMBER 2019 PERSONAL GROWTH | 47 see how faulty I was, partly because therefore help us discover the root my 16 years of depression had of what we are feeling and enable done terrible things to my mind. us to arrive at what to do about it. My focus, concentration, memory, I would also recommend that ev- discipline, self-control and self- eryone keeps a gratitude journal. esteem were shot to bits. In order I do! When we practice becom- to heal, I understood that I had to ing aware of and writing down all share these truths with the world, the things that we are grateful for not suppress them. Consequently, on a daily basis, we begin to shift my writing became honest and our focus to what works, instead of vulnerable. Readers related to it and brooding about what does not. it built a deep bond between us. As editor, this sort of writing was what I promoted and what Life Positive became known for. If you walk with Truth, your life expands. How can journaling be a tool for self transformation? The amazing thing about writing down anything is that you bring it to the conscious level, and that makes it easier for it to dissolve. There are only two processes governing self- transformation. One is awareness (which journaling facilitates) and the other is acceptance of that which you are aware of. These two processes are all that we need to heal our wounds and dissolve our conditioning. Simply saying or writing, “I am angry, sad, hurt, or jealous” will immediately reduce Tell us about your upcoming workshops. its intensity. It’s a tiny miracle that I’ve been holding writer’s courses what you write on a paper can for the past four years called the Zen transfer from you to the paper! of Good Writing. The next ones are Secondly, journaling brings clari- in Bangalore (Nov 10) and Delhi ty to all the muddled thoughts and (Nov 24). Call 9819030781 or email feelings that flood us when we are [email protected].  emotionally overwrought. It will Read the complete interview on eShe.in.

NOVEMBER 2019 48 | PERSONAL GROWTH Star Struck Poet and astrologer Abhijita Kulshrestha talks about channelling her spiritual journey in poetry, and the power of the stars in helping others

NOVEMBER 2019 PERSONAL GROWTH | 49

oet, astrologer and gemolo- remain shackled, or I have a chance gist, Abhijita Kulshrestha is at evolution – I can see where the the author of Ambrosia Sides, strengths lie, what can be built up a compendium of poems on. I can also see tendencies where a Pabout love and life from a feminine person tends to slip or make errors. perspective. “Poems are expression If I can work on the areas of chal- of intense stream of consciousness lenge which can be categorised as focusing on an idea. They are like a “karmic lessons”, I am sure to move river; even though the breadth may forward. The spirit always leans to- be narrow, the depth and intensity wards the truth and when an indi- of current can be found only by vidual evolves, the sense of separa- diving into it,” says Abhijita. tion from all else diminishes. We speak to her about her poetry, Can gemstones help us through our astrology, and how gemstones work. difficult times? How do you communicate your spiritual Most certainly. For every individual journey through your poetry? it is the same nine planets playing It has never been a conscious the role of a teacher – some of the decision to use poetry as a medium planets are like gentle supportive to communicate this particular friends and the other planets aspect of my life. I generally write become hard task masters, who will at night, when the flow of thoughts be relentless until you have learnt and the force of expression just take what you need to learn! over – it is not a calculated process. We are all a sum of habits, fears, It is an unstoppable thing that past histories, family karma and so simply must happen. So when the on. There may be a moment of re- spirit leads, you follow. And that’s alisation, a glimpse of what is best the truest expression of being spiri- – but the force of the above men- tual – being true to the spirit! tioned factors, especially habits, pull How can astrology be used as a tool a person back into the orbit of old for spiritual growth, and what has been ways, making forward movement your experience in this? tough. At this juncture, one may Astrology is a brilliant tool for require something more powerful understanding human beings. and incorruptible to facilitate the When one has a birth chart in leap into a definite space of growth. front, there is practically a map Gemstones are pure energy pack- of an individual from “womb to ets that can assist in providing just tomb”. The outcome depends on that nudge, the extra push into the how I interpret it. Either I can lean right direction!  heavily towards predictions and Read the complete interview on eShe.in

NOVEMBER 2019 50 | PERSONAL GROWTH Channeling Divine Energy Energy healer and life coach Riitu S Bahri believes women need to acknowledge and leverage their inherent creative power

iitu S Bahri was only 18 the ‘question’ all the time. The fact when she found her guru that we are infinite beings is always and realised she had intui- greater than the problems we face. tive and clairvoyant sensibil- What if we focus on the possibilities Rities. Born and raised in Delhi, she rather than the problems? We need moved to Bengaluru after marriage, to ask ourselves simple questions and settled there to raise two sons. like, ‘What else is possible here?’ Over two decades ago, she con- or ‘What do I know here? Can I sciously chose ‘healing’ as her path change this?’ in life, and now encourages and teaches personal empowerment through energy awareness and ex- periential insight. We speak to the gentle healer about her path. What started you on your path? I began my journey in 1995 with Reiki. It was my passion and desire to serve and heal individuals. I completed my mastership in Reiki, and also equipped myself in EFT (emotional freedom technique), the Journey healing process, and chakra healing. In recent years, I pursued Access Consciousness and am an international Access Bars Facilitator. How can we empower ourselves to take courageous decisions when life demands it of us? To empower ourselves is to be in

NOVEMBER 2019 PERSONAL GROWTH | 51

By being in the questions, we are Women are the creation energies of focusing on our infinite potential this universe, yet they do not make than on the limitations of our mind. the choice themselves. They end By being in the questions, there is up being the effect of this reality always an open invitation to pos- rather than being the creator of sibilities, which take care of all the their own life. Indian women are situations as and when life demands. a powerhouse, as our mythology Do you agree that empowerment puts it, of the Goddess Durga. Now happens within but we sometimes need a catalyst to start the process? Yes, we do need a catalyst to start the process. When someone is in a dire situation, they are unable to have a 360-degree view of all the information that is available for them to use to their advantage. Here comes the role of a mentor or life coach who has the wisdom to take the person to their inward journey of self-exploration and be the highest version of themselves. How do energy workers help heal and empower people? Energy workers don’t heal and empower people. They are just a channel of the higher energies to flow through them for people to heal and empower themselves. They are there for people with 100 percent commitment and presence to bring the change they are asking is the time for Indian women to for. No healing and empowerment claim their power as infinite beings. can happen until one is willing to Every day, do something that brings receive. I feel blessed to have chosen your childlike enthusiasm alive, this career. It gives me the utmost learn something new, acknowledge pleasure to see ‘cannot’ changing your greatness, have people around into ‘can’ in people’s lives. who uplift your soul. Step up, be What do women need to know about the imperfectly perfect you. Love self-empowerment, especially in India? yourself, and life will love you.

NOVEMBER 2019 52 | RECIPES IN A SOUP It’s the season for hot soups. Here are four delicious recipes that will warm you and your special someone up on cold winter nights. By Kaveri Jain. Photographs by Aadi Jain

BEAN AND QUINOA SOUP

Ingredients: 2 tsp salt 2. Add the water, 1 tbsp olive oil ½ cup quinoa tomatoes, beans, 1 onion, chopped ¼ cup chopped cilantro cumin, salt, quinoa, 3 carrots, chopped Cayenne pepper cilantro and cayenne 2 celery stalks, chopped Dash of black pepper pepper. Bring the soup 4 cloves garlic, minced to a boil. Add black 3-4 cups water Instructions: pepper. 750 gms tomatoes, 1. Warm the oil in a pot. 3. Bring heat down and chopped Add the onion, celery, let soup simmer until 1½ cups cooked beans carrots and garlic. Sauté the quinoa is tender. 1 tsp ground cumin vegetables till tender. 4. Serve hot.

NOVEMBER 2019 RECIPES | 53 ASPARAGUS AND PEA SOUP

Ingredients: Garnish with Parmesan and peas cook until soft 1 tbsp olive oil and tender. 2 garlic cloves, minced Instructions: 4. Turn off heat. 1 tbsp chopped onion 1. In a pot, heat oil, add Transfer to blender. 2 tbsp leek, thinly sliced minced garlic, leeks, Puree on high speed 2 cups vegetable broth and onion. Cook on low until smooth. 1 cup water heat until fragrant and 5. Return to pot, taste 150 gms asparagus, translucent. and add salt. Keep on chopped 2. Add vegetable broth low heat for 5 minutes. 150 gms green peas and water, and bring to 6. Pour into bowls and Salt to taste a boil. top with coarse black Pepper 3. Then add asparagus pepper and Parmesan.

NOVEMBER 2019 54 | RECIPES

VEGETABLES AND PEARL BARLEY SOUP

Ingredients: chopped 2. Over medium heat, let 1/4 cup uncooked pearl 1/4 cup finely chopped the soup simmer on low barley basil heat for 1 hour. 6 cups vegetable broth 1/2 tsp salt Stir occasionally to avoid 2 zucchini, chopped 1/2 tsp pepper the vegetables from 1 medium onion, finely 1/4 cup fresh cream sticking at the bottom. chopped 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, 3. Add the basil while 1 big potato, peeled and grated cooking then season chopped Garnish with greens with salt and pepper. 2 celery stalks, chopped 4. When cooked, turn 2 medium carrots, Instructions: off the fire then add chopped 1. Rinse the barley and the fresh cream and 2 medium tomatoes, put in a saucepan with Parmesan cheese. chopped the vegetable broth. 5. Pour in bowls, garnish 100 gms green beans, Add all the vegetables. and serve hot.

NOVEMBER 2019 RECIPES | 55 VIETNAMESE NOODLE SOUP

Ingredients: bean sprouts 100 medium heat. Add 2 cinnamon sticks, gms sliced carrot; 100 mushrooms, carrots, dry roasted; 2 whole gms snow peas; 100 asparagus, snow peas cloves, dry roasted; 3 gms asparagus; Red and a dash of salt. Cook star anise, dry roasted; jalapeños (optional); Salt until mushrooms are 1 large onion, peeled tender (about 2 mins), and quartered; 3”piece Instructions: the other vegetables will of fresh ginger, roughly 1. Warm a soup pot and be crunchy. Keep aside. chopped; 4 cups add the cinnamon sticks, 4. Once broth is ready, vegetable stock; 4 cups cloves, and star anise. To strain out the onions, water; 2 tbsp tamari; the spice mix, add the ginger and spices. 100 gms rice noodles, onion, ginger, vegetable Season with tamari and/ boiled as per packet stock, water and tamari. or salt. instructions; 1 tbsp Raise heat and bring 5. Ladle the broth extra-virgin olive oil; mixture to a boil, then into bowls, add 150 gms thinly sliced reduce heat and let the boiled noodles and all shiitake mushrooms; broth simmer for 20-30 vegetables. Garnish 100 gms sliced button mins (keep covered). with bean sprouts and mushroom; 100 gms 2. Heat oil in a pan over jalapeños.

NOVEMBER 2019 56 | FLASH FICTION CONTEST FLASH FICTION WRITING CONTEST he theme was ‘Women and The winner gets courses worth Work’. The word count was `15,000 from Henry Harvin 100. And the contest was re- Education, a book collection of stricted to women writers. four Hachette Essentials, a free TeShe’s first ever Flash Fiction annual subscription to eShe’s print Contest saw scores of entries out edition, a handy eShe notebook and of which 48 qualified for the final an award certificate. round. Ten more runners-up win eShe The jury – Kota Neelima, Chitra notebooks and merit certificates. Gopalakrishnan and Aekta Kapoor (However, we have a three-way tie – took 10 days to deliberate over in 10th position, so we actually have the interesting and engaging stories 12 runners-up.) that writers across India had come And here we present all our up with. winning entries. Read and enjoy!

THE JURY

KOTA NEELIMA CHITRA GOPALAKRISHNAN AEKTA KAPOOR Author and artist Award-winning flash-fiction writer Editor, eShe

NOVEMBER 2019 FLASH FICTION CONTEST | 57

THE WINNER: SALINI VINEETH, BENGALURU

UNCOMFORTABLE voice was firm. DECISIONS “But, this is uncomfortable, Her silver nose pin cringed at the right?” he asked. stench of urine and sweat. She had “Everything is,” she smiled, re- wedged herself in a narrow space membering the nude self-portraits between the door and washbasin. inside the roll. Stares of men in the packed gener- al compartment tore at her and the seven-foot-tall canvas roll. Suddenly, a suave man smiled at her. “What’s that?” He curiously glanced at the roll. “My paintings… The Ph.D inter- view at Shantiniketan ran late. I have an exhibition in Delhi tomorrow. Couldn’t get the sleeper-class,” her

The first-position winner with the maximum points, Salini Vineeth gets these prizes

NOVEMBER 2019 58 | FLASH FICTION CONTEST

1ST RUNNER UP: PAROMITA SHASTRI, DELHI

UNWANTED like phoenixes! Ha, brainwashed at The alarm rang too early but I shake the altar of money! myself awake. Couldn’t miss office I feel empty as I return my laptop, today. As I haul the laptop bag over ID, keys. Why did my brain refuse my shoulder, my left knee squeaks to get laundered? I walk out of the angrily; 57 is no age to do the laptop- soulless high-rise, drinking the mel- Powerpoint-glib talk corporate low evening light, and pat my knee. dance. Those mint-fresh MBAs carry We’re going to be alright. their laptops like the holy Bible, sing

2ND RUNNER UP: GARGI MEHRA, PUNE

FRIEND, MENTOR, GUIDE correctly. You must understand – we meant to We watched you slink back to force you out. your seat, and sink your head in your We played Candy Crush and hands. missed our deadlines. But then, you helped us. And We revelled when senior guided us. And we never faced the management blamed you for all the firing squad. The girls among us failures. found a role-model, and the men We asked improper questions to got one too. your bosses, so they’d think you a We’re eternally sorry, and this fool who hadn’t coached her team time too, we mean it.

3RD RUNNER UP: MUGDHA SINHA, JAIPUR

THE LAST LAUGH about a lady officer, sir?” As a keen type probationer, I once In between slurps of tea, asked my Collector, “Sir, what are “Sincere, obedient, hard working,” the essential qualities of a civil he blurted, nonchalantly. servant?” That was two decades ago. In chaste Haryanvi, he replied, Today, he pretends not to “Chori, ladka hai to, dynamic, remember this conversation, and outgoing, resourceful,” to my sheepishly avoids looking into my gender-agnostic query. eyes. Out of sheer respect for his Aghast, and equally unabashed, age, I restrain the wry smile that I politely enquired, “…and what wants to escape my lips.

NOVEMBER 2019 FLASH FICTION CONTEST | 59

4TH RUNNER UP: SONIA CHATTERJEE, KOLKATA

THE QUINTESSENTIAL Raya’s marital home reeked of WORKING WOMAN patriarchy, but she was working on At 5 am, Raya was preparing bringing a change through her child. breakfast for her 10-year-old. Soon After the kid left, Raya sat at the after, she helped the boy revise for his dining table to type the manuscript Chemistry test while simultaneously of her third book. One-third of getting him ready for school. Her her unpaid labour for the day was husband slept peacefully, and her over, and the rest could wait, until mother-in-law continued sipping tea the work that gave her financial indifferently. independence was attended to.

5TH RUNNER UP: GADEPALLY SHASHIKALA, BENGALURU

JOY FOREVER The distant whirring sound of her The sound of her pounding heart husband’s car wheels jerked her into drowned in the chirping of birds the present. heading towards their nests. She He would think it weird to see her tried to contain her unabated enthu- excited about a domestic help that siasm as she waited at the door. she had chanced upon after a six- The sunset sky, smeared with month long wait. various hues, and even the patchy, The travails of a working woman uneven, muddy road, seemed to re- – only the boss understands! flect her ecstasy.

6TH RUNNER UP: SAYANTIKA ADAK, VISHAKHAPATNAM

EVERYBODY BLEEDS. When the doorbell finally rang, PERIOD. Neelima was all fired up. Opening Neelima was running late today. the door, she was about to yell, Radha, her maid, hadn’t showed up when she noticed the tell-tale signs and her toddler was in a mood. Her on her maid’s face. periods were just the icing on the The same grimace, the beads of cake. sweat over her face and her hand on She held her abdomen and her abdomen. She calmed down, braced for yet another cramp, while smiled and told Radha to take the thanking her company’s FOP leave day off! policy.

NOVEMBER 2019 60 | FLASH FICTION CONTEST

7TH RUNNER UP: KUSUM BAJPAI, LUCKNOW

HOW UNREASONABLE! the baby, and then go for work. How He picked mother-in-law from the unreasonable.” Her eyes welled up airport and then me. with tears. “How can they say that? They “It’s Navratri from tomorrow. I need to understand and be human fast for nine days. Prepare my day’s in their expectations,” shrieked menu before leaving for work.” She mother-in-law on her call. texted the menu to me. “Who was that, mother?” he I looked at him. asked. “Do you have everything at “Your sister. Her in-laws want her home?” he asked me. to cook all three meals, take care of

8TH RUNNER UP: CHANDRIKA R KRISHNAN, BENGALURU

STANDING FOR the formidable lady. SISTERHOOD “Not at all… but…” Flushed, “She deviated from the lesson he ran a finger on the inside of his plan,” said the stuffy shirt with scant decidedly uncomfortable collar. knowledge about teaching. “Does it matter at all?” asked “Did she lose her class?” asked she softly. “I would be disappointed the self-assured leader of a great if my teachers stick to lesson plans, team. “No… but…” not taking into account the vibrancy “Was the lesson unclear?” of the class.” “Not really…” She was not one to allow a “Was the class hijacked?” asked greenhorn to belittle her tribe.

9TH RUNNER UP: R. JANAKY

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA when she was advising parents of As a paediatrician, Niranjana had to a four-month-old baby to switch to deal with all sorts of patients. She Semolina kheer. Imagine her surprise smiled at her wrinkled hands, which when the extended family of the had held many a soft chubby baby. young parents landed at the clinic to She was going to hand over her learn new recipes for babies! practice to young doctors with their Niranjana laughed aloud at the fancy degrees today. memory. Would a male doctor ever She recalled that one incident experience that?

NOVEMBER 2019 FLASH FICTION CONTEST | 61

10TH RUNNER UP: ABHA IYENGAR, DELHI

THESE (NOT SO) SMALL THINGS I was busy studying the brief When I joined the firm as a law intern when I heard Mr. Sharma’s voice three months ago, I believe I was not boom, “Anoushka, could you fetch properly introduced. Mr Singh a coffee?” I was in the conference room Surprised, I said, “Sir, Manish is with my bosses, Suresh Sharma and not participating. He will happily Ramu Patel. Next to me sat Manish, fetch the coffee, won’t you, Manish?” a recently recruited intern. Opposite They know me better now. I nip us sat Mr. Singh, a ‘big’ client. things in the bud.

10TH RUNNER UP: ANITA PANDA, MUMBAI

APPLIQUE WOMAN step out, work, earn and challenge Jugni’s nimble fingers worked deftly, patriarchy. needle in and out, creating exquisite Her designs were breathtaking, patterns on fabric. A hundred more the rich legacy of her grandmother. fingers stitched in perfect unison, She walked up the ramp to a like a swarm of buzzing bees, led thunderous applause, with her by her. She had broken the norm in applique work declared the best the land of chauvinism and colour, and showcased at the spectacular daring to exhort thousands of fashion show. unlettered women to lift their veils, Jugni blazed like the sun!

10TH RUNNER UP: ASAMBHAVA SHUBHA, BENGALURU

49 FOR HER D-DAY months and you got an interview “She says she’s got no motivation.” call for the role of a counselor in “Why?” Dad’s school. I mean, from where I “Because she thinks she’s too old see, this says something.” for it.” “But I’ve never done it before.” “Paa! Pass me the phone. Let me “That’s okay, Maa, 49 is not too attempt it.” late an age to start either.” “Hello?” “Hey Maa! You know what the Interview day. best part is?” Maa calls. “I guess none.” “I nailed it, recited a poem for my “Listen, na! Dad’s retiring in two introduction.” 

NOVEMBER 2019 62 | BOOK EXCERPT

BIKERS WITHOUT BORDERS Why would four Indian women leave home to bike 17,000 km across six countries over 56 days? In a stunning new memoir Road to Mekong, Piya Bahadur recounts the journey and her motivation. An excerpt

aking in the full moon rising Hyderabad. It was the day I decided behind a ridge, I reminisced to be a part of this expedition and what had put me on this stopped making excuses for not path. I realised that the most wanting to go the whole distance. importantT event in this journey When I decided to no longer had occurred long before we left be limited by anything – be it

NOVEMBER 2019 BOOK EXCERPT | 63

The intrepid bikers rode from Hyderabad to northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam societal norms, imagined duties and make plans. Most of them crumble responsibilities, handicaps of age when they come up against the and fitness, circumstances of exam overwhelming question of ‘why’. It’s timings, fear of bad roads and foul that imagined threshold on which weather, or, most insidiously, the we stumble first. We live lives of fear of appearing to be a selfish wife many distractions; being successful, and a negligent mother. It dawned or seeming to be successful, is one on me that it is indeed liberating to of them. And in this pursuit of not have to tuck every square peg success, illusory or real, one resorts into a neat square hole of being to several tools, most notably the efficient, reasonable, or convenient. appearance of being busy and But really, why had I been thinking having multiple responsibilities that that I wasn’t up to it? Until Aditi make oneself seem irreplaceable and [author’s daughter] cut through indispensable. There is a thriving the fog of doubt enveloping me, body of self-help literature that why had I burdened myself with so professes to aid us in keeping up many imagined limitations? We all such appearances: ‘12 Steps on How

NOVEMBER 2019 64 | BOOK EXCERPT

to Make Yourself Indispensable to step back for a bit. This dramatic Your Organisation’, ‘5 Essentials of journey through the mountains Being the Perfect Spouse/Parent/ of Southeast Asia was me stepping Friend/Colleague/Entrepreneur’, back for a bit. ‘Hai tujhe bhi ijaazat, and so on. Down that road it karle tu bhi mohabbat’ (‘You can also becomes harder to extricate oneself fall in love, you have always had from the pursuit of perfection. the permission’)… I wonder who To take time off from that we are waiting for. And for what? seemingly real adult world is to risk A permission? A stamped approval being seen as forfeiting the game. letter? How easily we forget that But it is worthwhile to remind finding happiness lies in our own

L-R: The author Piya resting outside a petrol pump in Bangkok; with road maintenance crew in Vietnam

oneself that it is only just a game, a hands. Riding through the rain on pretend game. A game of contriving windswept roads astride a powerful a success story, one that each of us is motorcycle pushes out every expected to subscribe to regardless thought from your head except the of ability or willingness. The lucky reality of navigating the path, eyes ones escape from this prison of scanning the horizon ahead. This expectations, but most play along, is when you realize that no further sometimes because it is convenient, approval is needed. And that the sometimes because one is too lazy buck stops right there, on the wet to think up something different, and road, under the front wheel, and in sometimes because they actually the glint in your eyes.  enjoy the rat race. Excerpted with permission from PAN But sometimes one wants to Macmillan Publishing India

NOVEMBER 2019 RARE VIEW | 65

A Room of My Own When your thoughts become your reality

By Aekta Kapoor

have never had the opportunity to live alone. Brought up in a conservative north Indian household, the presence of family members – especially elders – was a necessary part of my youth. Unlike my brother, who moved abroad after graduation and spent Iseveral years living alone before tying the knot, I was married off immediately and never really knew the intricacies of singledom, such as the freedom to choose what to eat, wear, what to watch on TV, or what time to hit the bed. The choices were always made by someone else, and later, being a mother meant my choices were decided by my children’s needs. For the first time in my life then, I suddenly find myself living alone. Really alone – in a one-bedroom-drawing-dining suite in a tiny town literally ten thousand miles away from my own bustling Delhi home – with a single bed, with my own TV where I choose what to watch, and a fridge that only stocks foods I prefer to eat. There is no one to interrupt me as I work on my computer – no bells ring for delivery boys and gardener and watchman and the domestic helper – and if I run out of milk or coffee, I must walk down to Walmart or the Coop store to buy it myself. There is no doodhwala here. PHOTO: ROLF VAN DE WAL FROM PIXABAY FROM PIXABAY WAL DE VAN ROLF PHOTO: BHUTBHUTANAN

66 | RARE VIEW All Women's Trip There’s no husband or kid around to demand attention, and April 2020 everything is very quiet, as if I am on another planet entirely. I wear April 2020 T-shirts and track pants all the time, no need for formals or even nightgowns, and just throw the bra away at bedtime. The laundry needs to be done only once a week, and food cooked once lasts two days. No more duties of running a large household. I browse through my husband’s and kids’ Netflix accounts to see what they’re seeing, and have got hooked to the same shows as them. I get on the No.1 bus (there are only two here) daily just to get the hang of it, I play with my landlady’s dog, I wash dishes twice over just for entertainment, I go for walks in random directions, I work on eShe without distractions. Never in my life have I felt this free. It’s Where I’ve landed bewildering. up, unexpectedly arely a month ago, I had been living my Busual life in Delhi, overworked, struggling, worried about the future, and somewhat burnt out. Frazzled, I booked myself on a solo trip to meditate so that I could get away from it all, but it didn’t work out. So I planned another trip with a group of women. But that wasn’t destined to happen either, because there was something else brewing. Suddenly, almost overnight, I was pulled out of my comfort zone and thrust into the middle of nowhere, living with strangers, and then © left here in the silence for a full six weeks as other matters are sorted © out in my life. Today as I gazed out of my ground-floor window at the pretty North American suburban lane outside, I had the same sense of wonder that strikes me every single day these days: how did I get here? I had wished for peace. For silence. For solitude. For freedom. For clean, unpolluted air. And look, here it is. I just hadn’t expected it to happen this way. www.easeindiatravel.com We manifest our thoughts. They will come true, even if not exactly www.easeindiatravel.com the way we wanted. Be careful what you wish for. Tat tvam asi. You are that.  Contact: +91 937 1234 074 for more details Contact: +91 937 1234 074 for more details NOVEMBER 2019 BHUTBHUTANAN All Women's Trip April 2020 BHUTAN

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