Retropoplifestyle

Republic Day package of WelcomHeritage

Celebrating Republic Day every year is not just a ritual but a way to celebrate our great Indian heritage. This year WelcomHeritage announces – Republic special package. When you book for two nights at WelcomHeritage properties, you get a one-night complimentary stay. So, it’s a ‘Book for 2 nights and get 1 night complimentary’.

WelcomHeritage package Kasmanda Palace
WelcomHeritage Kasmanda Palace

Hence, to make it a memorable experience, this package is carefully curated and is available on select properties only. WelcomHeritage Kasmanda Palace Mussoorie, WelcomHeritage Ashdale, Nainital, WelcomHeritage Urvashi Retreat Manali, WelcomHeritage Mani Mansion Ahmedabad, WelcomHeritage Mount Valley Resort. In addition to Ranthambore, WelcomHeritage Inderpura Resort, Udaipurvati, WelcomHeritage Grace Hotel Dharamshala, WelcomHeritage Judges Court, Pragpur, WelcomHeritage Traditional Haveli, Jaipur, WelcomHeritage Windsor Lodge, Ranikhet, WelcomHeritage Taragarh Palace, Palampur, and WelcomHeritage Umed Bhawan Kota.

Package available from 22nd January and is valid till 31st January 2021

With WelcomHeritage one can choose the property based on what experience they are looking for. Ranging from Hills to an Urban city, authentic majestic Havelis to desert expeditions, wildlife adventure to Palaces and forts. Book your favourite holiday package with WelcomHeritage today. And make the most out of your time with your loved ones on this special occasion.

WelcomHeritage package Ranthambore2
WelcomHeritage Ranthambore2

https://www.welcomheritagehotels.in

Dancing in Unison-the Mural Artwork

Continuing its stride of successful virtual activations in the India market, the Singapore Tourism Board, has now collaborated with St+art India Foundation to unveil an artwork in Little India, Singapore. The mural artwork titled, “Dancing in Unison” is the result of a unique partnership between renowned Indian (Padma Shri) Gond artist Bhajju Shyam and Singaporean contemporary artist Sam Lo, and it sets itself as a symphony of traditional and contemporary visions where India, one of the oldest cultures of the world and Singapore, a modern city-state, come together under a discourse around nature, as a metaphor of what links us all together.

The mural, bears the fruits of many months of planning where both the artists have virtually connected to create this composition.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, it has been painted solely by Sam Lo, on the facade of the Broadway Hotel in Little India on the occasion of Artwalk 2021, a public art festival in Little India.  The effort put by both the artistes resonates with the theme of Artwalk 2021, “In Spite Of” where artists overcome limitations and geographical boundaries to come together to realise their creations, made possible by their passions and hopes for harmony for the future.

This is the third time that both the brands (Singapore Tourism Board and St+art India Foundation) have partnered to showcase artwork by talented individuals from India and Singapore. The first was at Sassoon Docks, Mumbai during the 2017 launch of Singapore Tourism Board’s global brand identity ‘Passion Made Possible’ and the second collaboration was two years later at Lodhi Colony, Delhi.

Bhajju Shyam - Art Culture Festival

Bhajju Shyam (1971) is one of the primary living exponents of Gond art. He was born and raised in the village of Patangarh in Madhya Pradesh, which is known to be the home for the Gond Pradhan indigenous tribe. Starting as a tradition of decorating walls of homes with relief work during festivals, the art form usually draws extensively from the community’s intimate relationship with their natural surroundings.

Bhajju began his work by filling colours in the works of his uncle, Jangarh Singh Shyam – one of the first pioneers of Gond. Over the years, he has developed his practice as a mix of both traditional folklore to stories from his travels creating a unique contemporary aesthetic of Gond Art. Shyam has published many books which have been released in multiple languages. In 2018, he was also awarded a Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award given by the Republic of India every year.

Sam Lo: Life After "Sticker Lady" - Vulcan Post

Sam Lo (aka SKL0/ your friendly neighbourhood Sticker Lady) is a self-taught Singapore-based non-binary visual artist whose work revolves around social commentaries fuelled by daily observations of their surroundings and research into the sociopolitical climate. Their intrigue with the concept of culture and the bold execution in some of their earliest forays into street art dubbed them the “Sticker Lady”, a nickname lovingly given by the city in reference to the saga that was birthed from their work in the streets. Since then, the artist’s artwork- whether installations, large scale murals or digital designs- has been centred on understanding the world around us and how our actions are interdependent on each other. She has previously visited India during Singapore Weekender 2.0 in 2019 where she conducted a workshop and painted a mural in Lodhi Colony. She along with another artist Soph O had also given an artsy makeover to the Arjan Garh metro station in New Delhi few years back.  

The mural is getting unveiled on the 21st January 2020, 3:00 pm over the zoom link. Would like to know if you will be able to take out some time and attend the virtual unveiling of the art work where Mr. GB Srithar, RD, IMESA, Singapore Tourism Board and Ms. Giulia Ambrogi, Co-Founder and Curator, St+art India Foundation will also talk about this initiative and how they made it possible at the current scenario. The artistes will also share bytes and a film on the entire initiative will be released at the virtual conference.

45th Regional Conference organized by Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) & Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC)

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC) organized the 45th Regional Conference spread over two days (19th & 20th January, 2021) at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata with the theme Chartered Accountants – Crusading the New Normal” where in more than 2500 members virtually would be attending the event from across India. This Regional conference is an endeavor to maintain and develop competencies of the members, to enhance their knowledge, expertise and skill sets in varied areas of the profession.

The Inaugural session of the 45th Regional Conference organized by ICAI & EIRC was inaugurated by Chief Guest, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar,  Governor of West Bengal with his first lady Mrs. Sudesh Dhankhar & was attended by: CA Atul Kumar GuptaPresident, ICAICA Nitesh Kr. MoreChairman, EIRC; CA Sanjiv SoniDF, FinanceCA P Sarath Kumar, Former Civil Servant and was Virtually attended by: CA Nihar Niranjan JambusariaVice President, ICAi; Shri Rohit JainED, UCO BankCA Anil Singhvi, Managing Editor, Zee Business; Madam Neeru Abrol, Ex-MD, NFL; CA Harish Madhav,  Director (Fin.), Oil India & many other eminent personalities.

About the Event

With the growth of Indian economy and employment generation capabilities, the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are considered to be the backbone of the national economic structure. As on date, the MSME sector, accounts for nearly half of India’s total exports. The MSME Sector is an important pillar to carry forward the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and face economic challenging situation posed by COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the importance of the sector in the economy, ICAI launched MSME Mentorship Programme & 100 Facilitation Centre for MSME/GST during the National Conclave on  “Empowering MSMEs towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat” to make them globally competitive.

The entire Regional Conference was primarily divided into two modes with various topics discussed either in a manner of deliberative style or in a mode of panel discussion. Discussions were held on Role of Bank Audit in improving Bank Audit, Moving from Traditional to Tech Based Practice, GST: Ease of doing business Vs Tax Collection, IND AS: Recent Changes, Growing GST Litigations & Burning Issues, Capital Market: Recent Trends, Documentation & Audit of Accounting Estimate, CA in Industry@2025, Forensic Audit: Case Studies of Sarada & Kingfisher, CA Profession@2025, Code of Ethics, LFAR: Decoding Recent Changes, Future of Insolvency Profession.

Olive Oil Based Home Beauty Care

By Shahnaz Husain

Muscle relaxation oil and anti stress bath oil of yogic veda by Shahnaz Husain

Olive oil is a very useful beauty aid. It can be in use of both for the skin and hair, mainly to soften and provide nourishment. Apart from being emollient in nature, it has several properties that nourish the skin and hair. It contains many vitamins and minerals. It is also a powerful antioxidant. Further, an antioxidant helps to prevent oxidation or free radical damage and degeneration, caused by exposure to the sun and chemical pollutants. Like sesame seed and sunflower oils, olive oil can provide protection from the sun’s UV rays too. Olive oil can also help to restore the normal acid-alkaline balance of the skin that gets disruption by exposure to alkaline soaps, chlorinated water and chemical air pollutants.

You can use olive oil in home remedies, for skin, hair and body care:

·         In addition to 5 drops of aromatic essential oil to 50 ml olive oil to make massage for the body. You can choose from rose, sandalwood or lavender essential oils.

Olive oil infused with Rosemary

·         For dry skin, mix egg yolk with a little olive oil and apply on the face. Wash it off with water after 20 minutes.

·         If you wish to remove tan, add lemon juice to the mixture.

·         For dry and dehydrated skin mix together 1 ripe avocado, with one teaspoon each olive oil, yogurt and honey. Apply on the face and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes. Wash off.

·         For dandruff, heat olive oil and apply on the scalp at night using cotton wool. Rub gently to loosen dandruff flakes. Leave on overnight. Next morning, apply the juice of a lemon on the scalp and wash the hair after half an hour.

·         Babies also develop a scaly condition on the scalp, called “cradle cap.”  The scales should not be pulled out.  They should be softened with pure olive oil, applying it with cotton wool. The next day, wash the baby’s scalp with a baby shampoo that does not sting the eyes.

·         Since it is light, it can be used as a hairdressing for extremely dry, damaged and frizzy hair. Put 2 drops of olive oil on the palms; rub palms together lightly and then smooth the palms over the hair.

·         Fenugreek (methi) seeds protect the scalp from infection and dandruff. Soak the seeds overnight in water. Grind them into a paste. Add 2 teaspoons each olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Apply the paste on the scalp and leave on for half an hour. Rinse well with water.

About Shahnaz Husain

Shahnaz Husain, the pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, heads the Shahnaz Husain Group, with a global network of franchise ventures and 375 Ayurvedic formulations. A Case Study at Harvard for Brand Creation, she is now a Harvard Subject for “Emerging Markets” She was honoured with the Padma Shri Award and is the first woman in 105 years to receive the World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur Award from Success, the U.S. business magazine. Indeed, Shahnaz Husain is a leading international beauty icon.

MarTech India Awards 2020- Awards for Excellence in Marketing Technology


Exchange4media is glad to announce the MarTech India Awards 2020- Awards for Excellence in Marketing Technology. The awards aim to recognize technologies, products, companies & people who are transforming the landscape & possibilities of marketing through technology. 

We take the opportunity to invite your organization to nominate the best work done during the qualifying period of 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020. Nominations are invited for 3 overarching award categories further divided into 28 subcategories, namely:

1. Technology Providers (Open to Vendors and Agencies)


Marketing Automation, Enterprise, MSME, ABM, Content Marketing, Demand Generation, Social Media, Marketing Analytics,Emerging & India Founded Vendor of the Year

2. Industry and People (Open to Agencies and Client-Side Companies)


Martech Team, Agency, Consultancy / Integrator, Visionary, In-house Technologist


3. Use of Martech (Open to All)


Best Use of AI, AR, VR, CX, Customer Engagement, Marketing Automation, Sales Enablement, Demand Generation, Analytics, Influencer Marketing, Transformation, Live Events. 

Nominations are open to technology companies, technology platforms, solution providers, vendors, agencies, brands, consultants, client-side marketers as well as individuals working towards making martech more effective.

The Awards will be judged through a robust process by an independent panel of innovative and qualified thought leaders and top professionals from brands, agencies, and veterans from the technology eco-system. Needless to say, the event will be covered and promoted extensively on the exchange4media group and partner publications providing.

·  To visit the website: Click Here

·  Award Categories: Click Here 

·  Judging Criteria: Click Here 

·  Rules & Fees: Click Here 

·  Register Now: Click Here

Few Grand Jury members :

S. NoJuryCompany
1Ashvin VellodyDeloitte Digital
2Atin ChhabraSchneider Electric
3Anil ChillaL’Oréal India
4Nitin AgarwalEdelweiss
5Goutam DattaBajaj Alliance
6Nitin SethiIndigo
7Gaurav MehtaCarDekho
8Sai NarayanPaisaBazaar
9Zaved AkhtarHUL

Seychelles Tourism Board-BRANDit as India Representative

The vibrant outbound tourism industry of India is optimistic about some green shoots of recovery by the latter half of 2021. Travelling is innate to humans and having spent a considerable amount of time indoors. People are yearning to explore more than ever before. In light of this sentiment, the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) is all set to rule the travel rosters. Yet again with the appointment of BRANDit as its official representative in India. BRANDit will handle marketing, sales and Public Relations for the island nation in the Indian subcontinent.

Seychelles

Further, commenting on the appointment, Sherin Francis, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board said, “We have commissioned BRANDit to plan our marketing and communication strategy in India. Various ideas have been chalked out to bring Seychelles tourism to new dawn moving ahead with a fresh perspective. India is a promising market and its ever-evolving dynamic nature. Has always made it an exciting playing field for our outbound marketing efforts. Seychelles will serve as a safe haven and an exotic getaway for the pent-up travel demand among Indians. With the right skills and experience, we are confident that BRANDit will fortify Seychelles’ growth in the India market. Despite a challenging 2020, we are positive to emerge through this phase stronger and better.”

Also,…

Additionally, The island country has recorded a 502% growth in tourist arrivals from India in the last 6 years. Also, has executed many creative collaborations leading to a steady uptick in visitor numbers. Condé Nast Traveller India magazine’s April 2019 issue saw a first of its kind showcase of a destination wedding collection by India’s finest designer. Sabyasachi Mukherjee shot in the picturesque Seychelles islands. While fashion designers Shivan and Narresh created the EdoMer series resort wear inspired from the exotic locations of Seychelles launched at the Amazon Fashion Week in 2018.

Seychellen, Insel Curieuse, Curieuse Island,Seychellen-Riesenschildkröten (Aldabrachelys, früher Dispochelys), Seychelles giant tortoise

Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO & Co-founder, BRANDit

 Added, “We are delighted to win the mandate and serve as India representatives for the Seychelles Tourism Board. In the post COVID scenario, the aim is to reach the pre-COVID visitor arrivals while substantially increasing the number of intimate celebrations to boost tourism in one of the most exquisite countries in the African continent. Seychelles is currently open to private jet transfers from India and we wish to tap the potential of the unique private island stays through this traveller segment”.

The government has many protocols in place to ensure safe travel and stay in the country. Interested tourists can log on to https://www.seychelles.travel/en for updated destination information. 

‘Anantam Collection’ by Archana Aggarwal

To uplift the festive spirits, renowned Jewellery Designer Archana Aggarwal has recently launched the new ‘Anantam Collection’, a celebration of endless possibilities. The handcrafted masterpieces are an amalgamation of meticulous craftsmanship and exquisite designs, a true epitome of timeless grace and grandeur.

Each piece in this collection is distinctive, lively, exquisite, perfect balance of regal and contemporary, fit for the modern muse.

‘Anantam Collection’ includes a comprehensive range of necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets and bangles appropriate for every mood and occasion. “Every piece I make is a style statement. The label is a celebration of today’s woman who is feminine yet strong” adds Archana Aggarwal.

Price: On request

About Archana Aggarwal

Archana graduated in Gemology and further launched her own label Jewels by Archana. Her unique designs and quality in jewellery have always been her strength and forte. To suit the consumers she has blended the contemporary and modern designs with authentic and 100% hallmarked certified Jewellery.

Archana Aggarwal – Timeless Jewellery is inspired by the rich Indian heritage and is handcrafted to create statement pieces which are traditional and chic. The motifs and designs are intricate and delicate and represent expression and culture. The pieces of art will adorn your soul and speak volume about your exquisite style.

Showroom: Ambawatta One, H 5/3-4, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030

www.instagram.com/archanaaggarwalofficial

51st The International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

16th – 24th JANUARY 2021, Highlights

It is the Fifth Version of Sarfarosh 2 Script which got Finalized: Veteran Film-maker and IFFI51 Indian Panorama Jury Chairperson John Mathew Matthan

 “A film-maker today is not compelled to keep romantic songs, it is no longer a marketing requirement”

“Sarfarosh 2 is dedicated to our CRPF personnel”

“I have travelled all over India in search of content for my films. It is important for any film-maker to understand the elements of sociology and politics. I think a writer or director should be sensitive about the society. You can put across your point without being offensive to anyone”.

Also, these are the words of John Mathew Matthan, Chairperson of IFFI 51 Indian Panorama Jury and National Film Award-winning film writer, producer and director. He was conversing with film journalist Faridoon  Shahriyar during a virtual In-Conversation Session titled “DO YOU HAVE IT?”, as part of the virtual offering of 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI), in Goa.

To talk more about the film

Matthan has won the National Film Award for the film ‘Sarfarosh’ (1999). Moreover, which he directed and produced and for which he wrote the story-screenplay as well. Speaking about this film, the maker of more than 200 films said: “Songs have a purpose in movies. At the time when this movie in making, music was a big component in terms of revenue. I did not like the idea of having two romantic songs in the film”.

In this context, he says, in present times, a film-maker is not in compellation to keep romantic songs as it is not a marketing requirement. Reflecting on the songs of the film, he reveals: “The much- in admiration ghazal HoshwalonKoKhabarKya was significant as it conveys a dual message. It threw light on India-Pakistan situation, apart from adding to the love-story. Now, when I make Sarfarosh 2, I may keep a lesser number of songs.”

Similarly, highlighting the iterative process which he underwent while writing the script of Sarfarosh 2, Matthan said: “I wrote the script of Sarfarosh 2 for about 5-6 times, before finalizing it. When I wrote the script, I looked at its criticism and kept it aside. After 5-6 months, I started writing it again and came across new potholes. This is actually the fifth script of Sarfarosh-2”. “You have to have good friends who are critical of you”, added the ace film-maker.

In context to

Revealing more about Sarfarosh 2, he said, it is about the internal security of India. “It shows how India’s security stands strong in spite of various problems”. He informed that he is dedicating the movie to the CRPF personnel, who bear the brunt of these problems.

About his strong liking for Urdu poetry, although he is a Malayali, he said, “Urdu is a beautiful language. From my Muslim friends, I have developed an interest and appreciation for Urdu poetry and ghazals”. The Late Shafi Inamdar was Matthan’s friend. When being ask about his language of thinking, he says it is Malayalam – “My thoughts come in Malayalam, but I cannot write in Malayalam. I write in Hindi using Roman script”. 

The veteran also reveals, “film-making is a risky business”. In the case of a particular film, Matthan could just pay back his loan and had to incur some loss. 

Additionally, a subject of liking for the veteran film-maker is the evolution of religion and how it has impacted the human race. Hence, he feels life has become much easier now with access to the internet. Speaking about his experience as Jury-Chairman for Indian Panorama, he says, “I saw 180 films and realized how diverse we are”. He added, India is a bubbling active democracy. “This is a country to be embraced and loved”.

For Further Information, please visit:

●       IFFI Website https://iffigoa.org/

About IFFI:

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. Held annually, currently, in the state of Goa, the festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art; contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos, and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of the world. The festival is jointly by the Directorate of Film Festivals (under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the state Government of Goa.

A Homage to the Roots of the Maison

Embodying the very essence of the Roman Maison. The signature Fendimania and Selleria timepieces are now in appreciation by a Cuoio Romano leather strap in the iconic FENDI yellow straps hue: a homage to the roots of the Maison.

Capturing the FENDI origins

Fendimania yellow straps for FENDI
Fendimania Two-Tone

The Fendimania and the Selleria Watch Collections welcome newly refined straps. That pay tribute to the yellow colour, one of the distinctive trademarks of the Roman Maison.

Born as a chromatic evolution of the Pergamena – a material of excellence born in the 30s to create trunk cases. And suitcases with a vintage feeling, then becoming a stylistic and structural design element. The yellow being as the institutional FENDI colour since its first appearance in the 90s. When it took over, pervading the product categories and packaging items of the Maison.

Further, the latest FENDI projects marked a significant comeback of the yellow colour. Likewise, different shades were in consideration as the main feature for the FENDI Freesia Scented Baguette project. Presented in Miami in December 2019 – whilst for the FENDI Men’s Fall/Winter. 2020-2021 Collection – presented in Milan in January 2020 – Silvia Venturini Fendi turned the FENDI yellow packaging, including shopping bags and boxes Which into real leather accessories, stating that “it’s the first thing you think about when you think about FENDI.”

Looking into it…

Another FENDI hallmark, the iconic Cuoio Romano leather crafts the new Yellow Straps. Adding, with its preciously soft and grainy texture, a sophisticated and timeless twist to the timepieces.

The Fendimania watch, framed by the distinctive two-tone FF logo-shaped case, is enhanced by a yellow mother-of-pearl dial. And a matching Cuoio Romano leather strap for a daring reinterpretation of the signature timepiece.

In addition to the iconic Selleria Collection, with its ingenious interchangeable strap system, is enriched with a single or double tour Strap You strap, crafted from the namesake yellow leather. Finished with a tone-on-tone embossed FF logo pattern, the new interchangeable yellow straps turn the classic timepiece into a fashion-forward accessory.

Revealing the Roman Maison’s heritage through an encounter between the world of watchmaking and the art of leather craft, the FENDI Yellow Straps celebrate the FENDI DNA and the Maison’s unparalleled savoir-faire.

Selleria yellow straps by FENDI
Selleria Two-Tone

Available now in FENDI boutiques and on fendi.com 

Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival 22 Jan-24 Jan, 2021


Enjoy Physical and Virtual Sessions at Kolkata’s First Literary Festival at Old Currency Building, Kolkata.
Celebrate books, music, art, film and more with the finest creative minds in the nation as events unfold at heritage sites, and at India’s finest and most loved bookstore, the Oxford Bookstore.

10 reasons that make AKLF a true book lovers’ lit fest

·        Meaningful conversations,

·        Illuminating discussions,

·        A world of new ideas and experiences,

·        Interactions with thinkers and writers in the company of like-minded book lovers,

·        Literary festival in historical heritage venues across the city,

·        Engaging with the best minds from Kolkata, India, the world,

·        The intimate ambience of a heritage bookstore steeped in tradition

·        Endless cups of hot chai on crisp winter afternoons and evenings,

·        Meeting your favourite authors in an informal atmosphere,

·        Discovering talented new writers,

·        Asking the one question you always wanted to ask – and getting it answered

·        The Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival promises you all this and more