Weekend Trivia Magazine

Editor’s Note

WeekendTrivia was a dream project which was started by a silly conversation between two novice women

over Whatsapp.

Living our lives with mundane jobs which sparked no interest whatsoever, and having a
myriad of interests in various fields, we often discussed as to how could we find an escape
from the ordinary and conjoin our passion for photography, travel, art and fashion together.
One thing led to another and thus our baby project was born.

Initially, we were unsure of what should be our course of content on which we could build our blog. As we said,
we were complete novices and discovered every little detail along the way. We experimented with various ideas
and slowly but steadily found a niche for ourselves.

The process of learning continues, but eventually we are quite happy to be able to build a platform where we get
to connect and in turn connect all of you with talents from around the world. Our platform strongly focuses on
creating and sharing positivity and doing things with transparency. There are no false promises, no hidden
agenda, no negativity.

We work hard every day to make this community a healthy and happy place for artists and we are immensely
proud of meeting so many wonderful people across the world. This magazine is our first attempt to make a
comprehensive place to show the highlights of the blog over the year 2019.

We are still unsure if this will be an annual or monthly magazine. But nevertheless, we thank you from the
bottom of our hearts for supporting us. We look forward to much more

Regards,
Team WeekendTrivia
(Author: Amrita Ghosh
Editing: Sayantani Basu)

Content Page

Interviews Prakash Kumar Singh (Photography)
Vijayalaxmi Chhabra (Lifestyle)
Current Affairs Chandrima Sarkar (Food)
Shoutouts Patrick Kelly (Travel)
Artists Showcase
Contest Winners Movies/Entertainment
Admin Panel Technology

Photography exhibitions/salons

Patsy (Photography)

Photography
Art

Lifestyle

Monsoon Photography Contest
Durga Puja 2k19 Photography Contest

Sayantani Basu
Amrita Ghosh

An Interview with a Travel and Landscape Photographer – Prakash
Kumar Singh

Q1: Would you kindly introduce yourself to our reader? Along with the genre of your photography and on
which project are you working currently? What do you consider your greatest achievement?

A: My name is Prakash Kumar Singh I am an Indian but based in Dubai, by profession I am Interior Designer & by
passion I am Photographer, Instructor & Sony MEA Ambassador.

My main genre in photography is Landscape, Cityscape, Astro, and Architecture & Interior.

Greatest Achievement will be choosing to pursue my passion of photography, rest came along the way.

Q2: What attracts you to your genre? Whose work has influenced you most?

A:Being a Designer I am always attracted to diff shapes & colors & who has the most versatile palate than the nature &
what has the most versatile shapes than the Landscape & Architecture around the World.

I get influenced from all over be it road side advert or any social media or any image seen in books or movies, sometimes
I pick very minute detail & use it as base on my work.

Q3: Is it important to have any professional training to be a photographer? Did you have any at the time you set
of your journey?

A:What is professional training?? 1 person who knows something teaching you the same, I gather my knowledge from
people around me, coming back to the question if you want to work in an institute or want to open an institute yes you
need professional training & certificate but without that I never heard anyone asking for it.

& No I don’t have any certificate.

Q4: which one is your favorite lens and why do you prefer it?

A:I like two of them 16-35 F2.8 GM & 70-200 F2.8 GM, these two covers most of my shooting needs be it wide scene or
a close up.

Prakash Kumar Singh: .

Q5: How do you as a photographer make sure that the thing, person or landscape you want to shoot looks the
way you want it to?

A:Photography requires lot of patience, waiting for the perfect time when everything comes perfectly aligned, it requires
the knowledge about the nature or whatever you are shooting be it cloud or reflection on the water or the animals etc. one
needs to know how those things behaves by following them studying them.

Q6:Can you explain to the budding photographer what makes the good picture stand out from the average? How
do you choose your vintage point for your photographs?

A:At the time we stand now it’s difficult to say what makes a photograph stands out sometimes if can be pure luck or
fluke. But you might increase your chance to stand out if you create something which is based on your own style &
making something new ( it’s very hard to do it now a days )

I never go for what others will like I always go for what I like, you can’t make others like your images then why try, 1
will tell you he likes long exposure one will tell you he/she never liked using filters. So stop listening to others listen to
yourself but never stop hearing what others have to say about your images, criticism is a biggest source of learning.

Q7: From all the places that you have traveled, which one is you favorite and why? If anyone want to join you
in one of your tour who do they do that?

A:I like all the places I have travelled but Iceland holds a special place in my heart I have enjoyed the true sense of nature
& calmness from this place.

If you want to join my trips simply contact me on my FB, Insta pages or mail me through my website.

Q8: A “Good Camera can make a Picture perfect” do you believe this myth?

A:As you mentioned it’s a myth ☺

Q9: How important is to know a place before you go out for shoot? What are the challenges that faced so far?

A:I do little bit of research on the places I go but I don’t do it too much I like to keep the surprises intact for me it’s like
opening a new present, I like to get awed. Many challenges like getting stuck under rain, hail storm or snow or even at
middle of a hike / walk realizing upsss this is too much for me I can’t make it but this is what makes each of my journey
unique, I don’t operate like a robot & that’s why I tell all my attendees or friends don’t join me join a tour company.
travelling with me if you like the comfort of your bed don’t join or if you want things to turn out exactly how u expect

Q10: In a picture is “Digital manipulation” really require to make it perfect?

A:What on Earth is Perfect? Coming back to Digital Manipulation, may be some image requires it may be some doesn’t &
we shouldn’t judge a picture based on it. If a photographer or artist feels the image needs enhancement they have full right
to do so who are we to stop them or to teach them not to do so but I believe if it’s done they should mention little bit about
it but it’s not a force.

Photography is like cooking or like a science projects the chef or the scientist experiments with several ingredients to
make 1 item perfect which highlights that it’s made diff or made by the same guy.

Q11: Which post processing software you use for your pictures?

A:I mainly use Lightroom & Photoshop.
Q12: Many of the photographers ask us where they find out about the salon news or exhibition news. Can you
please give them some idea?
A:Ohhh no I am or was never a right guy to advice this, I hardly participate on these.
Q13: Name the last photography book/journal that you read.
A:………………………………………………… None
Q14: Nowadays almost everyone has access to devices with which it is possible to take pictures. What do you
think is the difference between a professional photographer and any other amateur photographer?
A: The Experience, the Knowledge of what is right & what is wrong or which gear to select for a specific scene or what
composition to take or where to go or what to look for or how to look for.
Latest devices will take only the picture but the calls you need to take to make that picture comes from above. Just buying
latest gear & opening a page of photography with 1000’s like & great job & wowww doesn’t make you a great
photographer. The same way buying a plane will not make you pilot or buying a F1 car will not make you a F1 racer.
Q15: Any quick message for our blog? Wish you a very happy world photography day! Thanks for your time!
A:You guys are doing a great job keep doing it, Best Of Luck.

My Fb Page –
https://www.facebook.com/pk.prakashphotography/
Instagram –
https://www.instagram.com/pk.prakashphotography/
Website –
https://www.prakash-photography.com/

NEWS ON CAMERA

Canon Launches EOS 90D DSLR, EOS M6 Mark II
Mirrorless Camera with 32.5-Megapixel Sensors

Canon has announced two new cameras, which include the EOS 90D DSLR

and the EOS M6 Mark II mirrorless. Both cameras have offer common features including the 32.5-megapixel
APS-C CMOS sensor. The EOS 90D succeeds the EOS 80D which offered a 24-megapixel resolution sensor.
The EOS 90D has the ability to shoot 4K video and gets Canon's Dual Pixel autofocus system. It is also
equipped with Canon's DIGIC 8 processor which is said to give a boost to the maximum burst speeds, taking it
up to 10fps (frame per second) with continuous autofocus (or 11fps when using Live View), which is a good
jump from the EOS 80D’s 7fps.The new EOS 90D will go on sale in the US around mid-September for $1,199
(approximately Rs 86,300) for just the body; $1,349 (approximately Rs 97,100) for the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
IS STM kit and $1,599 (approximately Rs 1,15,100) for the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM kit

The camera is capable of shooting 14fps burst shooting, with AF and AE (auto
exposure) tracking and 30fps when using RAW Burst Mode with pre-shooting capability. There's an optional
EVF-DC2 electronic viewfinder attachment, which is part of the bundle if purchased as a kit. The camera also
gets a 3-inch tilting touchscreen display, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and can shoot 1080p video at up to
120fps.

An Interview with Vijayalaxmi Chhabra

Q. Please introduce yourself.

I have been a professional Broadcaster & worked with All India Radio and Doordarshan for 35 years.
I retired from the coveted post of Director General of Doordarshan, the world’s largest Public Service
Broadcaster, in 2015. I grew up in a small & modern steel township called Bhilai. The city represented
the aspirations of modern & growing India. I grew up with the dreams & aspirations of a girl born in a
free Nation. I belonged to a generation which inherited the spirit of a new nation and witnessed the
society go through many political, ideological and social changes. Women became aware of their
rights and strived hard to fulfil their aspirations. It was important for me to be independent & self-
reliant. Currently, I am based in Mumbai but spend considerable time in Delhi.

After retirement as a hobby, I wrote extensively on handloom and sarees on social media to inspire
young girls to take up saree as their preferred drape. I have been wearing saree every day for the last
48 years through my college and professional life. My posts are primarily about the living textile
heritage & traditions of India laced with interesting stories from my life and my times.

Q. Would you call yourself a Style Blogger or an Influencer? Please share what is your
Instagram profile all about and how did your journey start?

I am definitely not a style blogger though I might have my own distinct style. I would call my self a
storyteller and raconteur of my times. I feel it’s important for every generation to have a historical
perspective. We don’t get everything in the history books. We need people around us to keep telling
us stories about their times which is not from very distant past but might get lost if not told. There
was a time when our parents and grandparents told us stories and it made us richer and gave us a
perspective. I found FB & Instagram a perfect platform to share my experiences & my stories from
real life. Only my followers can tell you whether they consider me as an influencer. I represent one
whole generation of women who dreamt big, worked hard, maintained a balance in work life & home
life, contributed towards nation building and reached the top.They were making a different kind of
style statement.

Q. What would you consider your biggest achievement so far?

My biggest achievement has been striking a balance between my family and my profession. I
managed to hold on to my family and did my best as a mother and wife while I got wholehearted
support from my husband and my children. Today I can sit back and enjoy the fruits of this
endeavour.

Q. Your thoughts on the indigenous handloom industry of India and what can we
do to protect it?

I grew up seeing my mother and grandmother wear only handloom. I have often written that there
used to be a charkha in our home as a symbol of Gandhiji’s call for Swadeshi. My parents are
Gandhians and they influenced me a great deal. I followed the principle of practising Swadeshi from
an early age. I have been wearing handloom sarees since I was sixteen. Those days almost every
one draped handloom sarees in Delhi without talking much about it but slowly saree wearing
disappeared and western clothes took over. Synthetics also made their way. The demand for sarees
shrunk.

Q. What other activities are you a part of apart from your job and as an Influencer? What are
your hobbies?

Well I am still part of various media committees as an expert. Interestingly I have started delivering
lectures on handloom.I also deliver lectures on changing media scene in India. Besides my academic
interest in media, I have some simple interests which keep me busy. I love cooking, I am deeply
interested in art and I love visiting museums. I love updating myself on whatever art I can consume. I
like to paint in my spare time. I read a lot and these days enjoy binge-watching shows on Netflix. It
makes me feel young and keeps me in touch with my children. When I finished watching Game of
Thrones and wrote about it my young followers were thrilled.

Q. What are your future plans for your page and profile? Are you happy with the
way it has shaped up?

I am extremely happy about my page. If you see my bio I describe myself as a raconteur nudging
people to take to six yards.

I was very clear that I wanted to chronicle my sarees through my real life stories and I have stuck to
that format. My posts were very long and those days the saree wearing community was not writing
long posts so I was sceptical about how my posts would be received. I was pleasantly surprised to
see the responses to my post. As you can see there is very serious and engaging interaction on my
page. It keeps me inspired.

I have been a committed Public Broadcaster.

LITTLE THINGS MAKE BIG DIFFRENCE

Avijit Sadhu
Virgin khanikor Gogoi

Vicka
Lori Cook

Priyanka Suman
Avijit Ghorai

EXHIBITION NEWS
Photography Exhibition organized by: Photografeed





Upcoming Photography Exhibition

DATE AND VENUE:
Gallery Gold

11, Abdul Rasul Avenue,
Kolkata- 700026

(near Rabindra Sarobar).
date: 6 December to 8 December, 2019

News on Digital Art

Apple took us on a surreal walk through San Francisco, looking at digital

art on an iPhone

San Francisco looks different through an iPhone XS Max — it’s still a city, but now there are
floating balls of fabric, speech bubbles, and words popping out from the trees and buildings.

For more than two hours on Sunday, I ambled through the streets of San Francisco, taking in
several art pieces scattered around the city by Apple. But the art wasn’t actually physically on
the ground — instead, it was digital art, mere 1s and 0s, attached to several significant locations
around the city, and viewed through the camera and display of an Apple iPhone.

The walk, which launched on Saturday, is a new program at Apple stores called “AR [T],”
which is a play on words on augmented reality, a technology that uses cameras and machine
learning to place digital objects in the real world. Apple has developed software for iPhones
called ARKit. Apple CEO Tim Cook has called the technology “big and profound.”

The hope among technologists is that augmented reality can be the next big computing
platform, and companies like Facebook, Google, and Microsoft are also investing heavily in

augmented reality technologies.

“I think in AR’s early days when it’s still trying to find its footing, user traction and
killer apps, these types of organized initiatives by tech giants can slowly push the
ball forward,” Mike Boland, chief analyst of ARtillery Intelligence said. “Apple is
particular has invested a lot in AR and is banking certain parts of its future
hardware lineup on AR, so these ARt walks are both a move to accelerate AR
traction and to continue feeling out the demand signals and what will resonate with
consumers.”

“I have been working in augmented reality for the past 3 years and I am convinced
it will be the medium in which we will experience most of the arts in the future,”
said artist Sebastian Errazuriz, who was not involved in the project with Apple, but
who has made similar public art in augmented reality.

Master of Art

Akash Ramesh R
Sumanta Aditya

Prabir Naskar
Anindita Mandal

News for the Book Worms

Game of Thrones author George RR Martin affirms: ‘I WILL

finish A Song of Ice and Fire’

GAME OF THRONES author George RR Martin, who is still writing The Winds of
Winter, has reassured fans he will finish A Song of Ice and Fire.
It’s been eight years since A Dance with Dragons hit bookshelves and now George
RR Martin is hoping to release The Winds of Winter next year. Well, the Game of
Thrones author’s personal deadline is next summer before WonderCon in New
Zealand anyway. Even so, Martin is now 70-years-old and still has A Dream of
Spring to go before he finally completes A Song of Ice and Fire. Despite fans
worrying he may never complete his fantasy epic, Martin has this week reassured
them that he will.
Martin received the International Recognition Award at the Irish Book Awards in
Dublin on Tuesday evening.

According to RTE, the author said during his speech: “My latest book Fire and
Blood is a work of imaginary history and A Song of Ice and Fire is a work of
fiction, fantasy novels, which I will finish.
This was met with laughs from the audience in attendance.
With so much more to write and having reached his seventies, it’s unsurprising that
one of the no-go topics in Martin’s latest big interview with The Observer was his
health.
And despite Martin’s affirmations that he will finish the books, some fans just don’t
believe him.
Last year, one frustrated fan wrote an opinion for Forbes saying: “I think it’s
reasonable to begin burying our expectations. Martin is no spring chicken.
“It's reasonable to worry that he might not be able to finish at this rate and equally
reasonable to suspect he doesn't much care.”

Six Must Read Books For You

What it’s about: David Lagercrantz continues Stieg Larsson’s Millennium
series (“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”) with the sixth Lisbeth Salander adventure, “The Girl
Who Lived Twice.” This time, Lisbeth goes missing during the hunt for evil twin sister Camilla,
while Mikael Blomkvist needs her help unraveling a twisted plot.

What it’s about: Swedish author and sex educator Inti Chavez Perez lays out a
straightforward, accessible guide to help young men navigate sex, relationships, consent, gender
identity, sexual orientation, sexual health and more in the #MeToo era.

What it’s about: Beekeeper Nuri and his wife Afra are devastated by the
Syrian civil war. After violence claims their child and Afra’s eyesight, the couple is forced to flee
Aleppo and make the fraught journey to Britain — and an uncertain future.

What it’s about: Platonic college friends Kate and Max navigate the
traumatic aftermath of rape after Kate is assaulted. Price’s debut novel is a searing exploration of
wealth, power, privilege, consent and the lasting effects of trauma.

What it’s about: Two generations of an American family come of age — one
before 9/11, one after — in an ambitious novel that tackles the current political moment.

What it’s about: In the near future, a massive tech company called “Cloud”
becomes the corporate answer to government, housing workers in carefully surveilled villages. It’s
threatened by Zinnia, a corporate spy.

All About Movie!

Tenet – Everything You Need To Know About Christopher Nolan's Latest

What's the story of Tenet?
A fine question, and one that Nolan is keeping to himself for now, though hopefully he
shared it with A) studio executives and B) his cast and crew via the script. Warner Bros.'
official description cites it as "an action epic evolving from the world of international
espionage."
Who is starring in Tenet?
The cast for the film includes...
John David Washington Robert Pattinson Elizabeth Debicki Kenneth Branagh Aaron Taylor-
Johnson Michael Caine Himesh Patel
Tenet will be in UK cinemas on 17 July next year

This Month Movies For You! (Hollywood)

Plot Summary: Kate (Clarke) harumphs around London, a bundle of bad
decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an
elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Tom (Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and

starts to see through so many of Kates barriers. As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the
year, nothing should work for these two. But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta

listen to your heart and you gotta have faith.
Cast: Emma Thompson , Emilia Clarke , Michelle Yeoh , Henry Golding

Plot Summary: Academy Award-winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in FORD v FERRARI, based
on the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless
British-born driver Ken Miles (Bale), who together battled corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their
own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating
race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
Cast: Jon Bernthal , Matt Damon , Christian Bale , Josh Lucas , Caitriona Balfe , Tracy Letts , Noah
Jupe , Remo Girone

Plot Summary: Two-time Oscar-winner Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers
in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true
story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer
(Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his scepticism, learning
about empathy, kindness, and decency from Americas most beloved neighbour.
Cast: Tom Hanks , Matthew Rhys , Chris Cooper , Tammy Blanchard , Wendy Makkena , Enrico Colantoni

Plot Summary: Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (T-800) return in their iconic
roles in Terminator: Dark Fate, directed by Tim Miller (Deadpool) and produced by visionary filmmaker James
Cameron and David Ellison. Following the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Terminator: Dark Fate also
stars Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, and Diego Boneta.
Cast: Mackenzie Davis , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Linda Hamilton , Diego Boneta , Natalia Reyes , Gabriel
Luna

This Month Movies For You! (Bollywood)

Plot Summary: Motichoor Chaknachoor is a
Bollywood comedy-drama, helmed by popular TV director Debamitra Hassan. The movie stars Nawazuddin
Siddiqui & Athiya Shetty in lead roles. Motichoor Chaknachoor is all about wedding and relationships.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays an unmarried guy who is looking out for a bride and is ready to marry even an ugly,
fat, bald girl. On the other hand, Athiya Shetty plays a girl who only wants to marry a NRI. Things turn a
hilarious turn when these two people end up tying the knot.
Cast: Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui; Athiya Shetty; Vibha Chibber; Navni Parihar; Vivek Mishra

Plot Summary: 99 Songs is a Bollywood musical-drama, written and directed by Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy.
The movie depicts the story of a struggling singer, who wants to be a successful music composer. 99 Songs
are produced by A. R. Rahman, YM Movies and Ideal Entertainment Pvt.Ltd. Tanay Satam has wielded the
camera for 99 Songs.
Cast: Ehan Bhat. Edilsy Vargas as Sophie. Tenzin Dalha. Aditya Seal. Lisa Ray. Manisha Koirala. Thomson
Andrews. Ranjit Barot.

Highest grossing hollywood movie of 2019
Highest grossing hollywood movie of 2019

Shoutout To Patsy Weingart

I started becoming more interested in being a better amateur photographer in 2012 when my

daughter and I planned our first African Safari and I became obsessed with it at that point. The
problem is/was that I just couldn’t settle on one genre….and I continue to enjoy a “mixed bag” of
photography. I’ve traveled to the continent of Africa 7-8 times and I also travel for various
workshops….always looking to learn more.

Wildlife, children, still life…but the thing I enjoy most is learning new techniques of editing in
Photoshop….there’s just no limit to what can be created.



TRAVEL TO MONGOLIA WITH PATRICK KELLY (Part 1)

Nearly half the country’s population (some 1.3 million people) call this city home. That

number is likely set to rise with a flurry of new developments taking place. Honestly, it was one
of the first things I noticed when coming from Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Everywhere, luxury high-rise apartments and new office buildings seem to be popping up,
virtually overnight in some areas.

the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan

Spared from destruction, unlike the Summer Palace on the banks of the Tuul River, it was built
between 1893 and 1903, serving as the Buddhist king’s residence for nearly 20 years. The place
is a must-see for any history or architecture lovers.There are six temples on the palace grounds,
each containing Buddhist artwork and sculptures, alongside a rather impressive collection of
items from the Bogd Khan’s life—which include the Mongolian Declaration of Independence
(from China in 1911) and a sizable number of taxidermized animals, a few having come from
his personal zoo.
I borrowed my little sub-heading there from Gandantegchinlen Monastery, or Gandan Khiid for
short, which roughly translates as “the great place of complete joy” in Mongolian.
One of just a few monasteries to have survived a violent purge of Mongolia’s religious heritage
in the early 20th century, it remains an important center of Buddhism in Ulaanbaatar—with
more than 600 monks in-residence today.

The monastery was once renowned for housing a 32 meter (about 105 foot) tall statue of
Megjid-Janraiseg. It was erected in 1913 thanks largely to donations from the Mongolian people
for Bogd Khan, in hopes that it might restore his eyesight. Syphilis having blinded him.
However, during the 1930s, a nation-wide campaign of destruction was sanctioned by the
communist government (under considerable pressure from Joseph Stalin), which resulted in the
loss of some 900 monasteries and the deaths of more than 10,000 people across Mongolia.

Monasterary

More recently, the square was the site of peaceful demonstrations in the 1990s that eventually
ushered in country’s era of democracy, as evidenced by Saaral Ordon (nicknamed the Grey
Palace), which houses Mongolia’s parliament. Completed just before the 800th anniversary of
Chinggis Khaan’s coronation, it features bronze statues of the Khaan, alongside his relatives,
Ogedei and Kublai.
Within walking distance, you’ll also find the Cultural Palace – which houses the Mongolian
National Art Gallery – the State Opera & Ballet Theater, the National Museum of Mongolia,
and Central Tower—a gleaming icon of new Ulaanbaatar.

Chinggis Khaan

This one is a bit of a hike, but completely worth it. Even if you’re not a history buff. Built to
commemorate “unknown soldiers and heroes” from World War II, Zaisan Memorial sits atop a
pretty steep hill just south of the city. Like I said, chances are you might be a little short of
breath after climbing the stairs, but the views are unparalleled anywhere else in Ulaanbaatar.
Keep your eyes peeled for a Soyombo, the national symbol of Mongolia, on a nearby hillside.
It’s also on the Mongolian flag!

Skyline

Featuring a bronze statue of Damdinii Sukhbaatar, a founding member of the Mongolian People’s
Revolutionary Party, it was here the country’s independence from China was officially declared in
1921.Mongolia’s political history can be a rather complicated subject, depending on who you ask, but Outer
Mongolia was essentially under the control of Bogd Khan – who’s going to be something of a reoccurring
character – in the beginning half of the 20th century.His government, however, was largely beholden to Tsarist
Russia, that is, until a period in the 1900s when Moscow itself struggled with revolution and civil war following
the First World War.Without Russian protection, China sought to exert its influence over the whole of
Mongolia, having already gained control of Inner Mongolia during the 17th century. Sukhbaatar would emerge
as a leader of the opposition, spearheading a military campaign first against the Chinese and then members of
the anti-Bolshevik White Army who then occupied parts of northern Mongolia.

Sukhbaatar

I hope you enjoyed this brief overview of Ulaanbaatar, and maybe, it’ll help with planning your own Mongolian
adventure. As for me, my travels would continue off grid, as I began exploring the great expanse known as the
steppe.

PATRICK KELLY

Monsoon Photo Contest Winners (Top 10)
Sponsor: Zest Pics Judge: Ritesh Ghosh(@love_thy_camera)

Sayantika Dutta

Debratna Ghosh

Dipayan Sarkar
Sneha Chatterjee

Somia Mallick
Suvajit Mukherjee

Sunit Biswas

Koushik Mohanta (2nd Runners Up)

Debarpan Datta (1st Runners Up)
Tushar Singh (Winner)

A Talk with Food Blogger Chandrima Sarkar (@notoutofthebox)

Q. Please introduce yourself.

Born and brought up in the suburb of Kolkata in a Bengali family, I studied Bengali literature and wanted to
pursue Masters from Calcutta University, but I just took an impromptu decision not to continue with higher
studies on the final day of university admission. As I had a keen interest in creating storytelling with high visual
impact, I studied computer graphics in early 2000. The keen interest of Fine Art pushed me to pursue a career in
visual design. As I wanted to be painter, I did a Diploma in Fine Arts too.

But my imagination and creative flair didn’t let me stop there. I started my food blog, as I combined my recipe
developing skills with my training and expertise in visual art & design. That helped me in becoming a
diversified creator with food-photography, food styling and content creation for my blog. These skills also come
in handy when I work with different brands I collaborate with.

Q. Would made you start your food blog/page? Please share what is your
Instagram profile all about and how did your journey start?

I guess I got inspired to start my food blog because I was posting some of my recipes on my Facebook Page in
2012, which was started to share my artwork. Gradually, my recipes started getting a broader audience, and
people started telling me, “Chandrima, you should start your food blog.” Constant feedback and appreciation
pushed me to start my food blog.

My Instagram profile is notoutofthebox, I started the journey on Instagram 3 years back, and it’s an amazing
expiring being there. Instagram is a fantastic creative community where the tribe inspire, support each other. In
terms of work, I’ve engaged with a lot of great F&B brands on several Instagram campaigns until now.

Q. Is being a food-blogger your full-time profession or do you work elsewhere?

I wouldn’t say that I’m only into Food Blogging at this moment. My work has spread branches in different
directions, and I enjoy doing all of them. Apart from blogging I’m doing recipe videos for different F&B
brands and my own YouTube channel, I’m into freelance Food Photography & Styling, Food writing, etc. All
these things keep me super busy, I don’t need to do 9-5 jobs.

Q. What would you consider your biggest achievement so far?

My Blog got IFBA Best Recipe Blog award and I was chosen as one of the top 10 Indian Food Influencers in
2018.

Q. What is your signature dish that represents who you are as a cook?

It’s hard to choose one single recipe from hundreds’ of recipes. But yes, the Vegetarian Potoler Dolma (Stuffed
Pointed Gourds) is one such recipe which is close to my heart. It’s the best version of Potoler Dolma especially
when you’re looking for a vegetarian option of this traditional Bengali dish.

Q. When you post a new recipe on the page, is that usually part of your home menu or do
you sometimes have to prepare extra meals?

Part of my home menu mostly or it becomes part of the menu for that day when the shooting for Blog/Brand
gets over. I don’t prepare extra meals only for my work because then the food could become a leftover possibly
or can go waste, which I don’t prefer.

Q. How do you manage your family life along with other commitments and running a page?

Family and Work both are equally important to me. I work from home mostly, so, it gives me the liberty to
work around family simultaneously. There is no specific time for blogging in my day-to-day life. But I’m
particular about publishing one new post every week on my blog.

It’s not at all easy to juggle family life with multi-dimensional works + blogging. Along with that, the game of
Social Media adds on some more stress. Being said that it’s all about passion and willingness towards what I do.

Q.What is your favorite regional cuisines or specific foods? Name a dish you always
wanted to make but haven’t had a chance to make it yet.

My favourite regional cuisine is Bengali, of course. I always wanted to make Aamshir Achar
but haven’t had a chance to make it yet.Q.Which other world cuisines have you tried and
what do you like about them? In your experience what is the basic difference in the eating
style of Indians as compared to rest of the world?

I’ve tried various cuisines so far and my favourites are Mughlai, Chinese, and European
cuisines.

Indians mostly eat with their hands, and this unique style of having food is different from most
of the countries in this World.

Q. What are the top five ingredients that you would say is essential in all kitchens?

Oil, Salt, Turmeric powder, Red chilli powder, and Sugar.

Q. What is your favorite kitchen gadget or tool that you can’t live without?

My Iron Tong is one of the most important kitchen tools for me, and I can’t think of a day
working in the kitchen without it.

Q. There are a lot of shoddy people on social media who either try to discredit others or
stalk them. How do you deal with such people or negativity in general? Does it bog you
down or affect your mental peace?
Everything in this world has its positive and negative sides. Social media is no less than that.
We can tell people upon the fact of not giving proper credit to the creators, but we can’t change
their minds. My mental peace is dedicated to all things I love, and towards my work, I don’t
entertain negativity.
Q. Local Bazaars or Supermarkets – What is your preference when it comes to choosing
fresh ingredients for the kitchen?
I believe in Farm to Table concept, local bazaars work best for me
.

CHANDRIMA SARKAR

Q. What other activities you’re a part of apart from being a food blogger? What are your
hobbies?

I’ve many hobbies, but I hardly get time to nurture them these days. But in my spare time, I sit with my
daughter, and we make crafts and paintings together.

Q. Please share your experience with different brands you have worked with?

The experiences are all good so far. I always learn several things from the projects I do, and that is how we
grow.

Q. As Diwali is here, could you please suggest few dishes which will be ideal to try out
during the festivities?

In Diwali all the Indians love to prepare the traditional dishes mostly. I’d suggest use local ingredients, buy
from the nearby grocery store, sabji bazaar, so that all the offline and online vendors can grow equally. Mathri,
Namak Pare, Pakora, Kebabs, Samosa, Different types of Halwa, Laddos, Barfi, Peda and there are many more
dishes which can be tried during the festive days. To make the dishes healthier, one can replace maida with atta,
or a mix of both of the flours.

For your Diwali party please try to Bake or Air fry the Indian snacks if possible. This way the oil consumption
can be cut down to some extent.

Q. Can becoming an Influencer be taken up as a profession for future generations? How
to not get lost amongst the masses? Any tips?

Yes, of course, but before diving into the ‘Influencer’ brigade I’d suggest try to understand your strong points
and your area of expertise in digital content making. Only then you can succeed in the long run.

As an Influencer, producing quality content consistently over social media is a big task, and it’s a work of
responsibility too because one is involving the masses here. So, the digital content needs to be clear and precise,
that way people can relate with the Influencer, and the work becomes a mutual benefit factor for both parties.

Q. What are your future plans for your page and profile? Are you happy with the way it
has shaped up?

I feel blessed the way Not Out of the Box has grown, and I want to keep on going like this only.

Q. Lastly, any word for our blog? Thank you for your time!

It’s good to see that Weekend Trivia is promoting creative talents around the globe on their blog. I look forward
to seeing great contents and stories on your page, Best Wishes!

Durga Puja Contest 2k19 (Instagram)

Winner Sudipa Chakraborty
1st runners up: Aneek Roy

2nd runners up: Monojit Mondal

TOP 10 PHOTOGRAPHERS

Debmalya Das

Samrat Ghosh
Somjit Ghosh

Abhiroop Bose
Rohit Ghosh

Pallab Pramanik

Surajit Dutta

We would like to thank our prize sponsor : Zoomin
Our Judge: Apratim Saha (@apratimsahaphotography)
Our Copartners: Ashlo Pujo (@ashlopujo) & In Kolkata (@in_kolkata)

The Creative Zone (For admins only)
Art work By: Amrita Ghosh

Portrait Art