then you need to use Fiama Scents’ Juniper & Science’s Aloe Sleep Pack is all you need to
Geranium Body Wash and Relax Lavender and apply before your beauty sleep. Furthermore,
Ylang Ylang Hand Wash Bottle. we have even thought of indulgence for your
Global Beauty Secrets’ Iranian Sedr Soap is feet! Good Soap’s Mint & Lime Foot Mojito for
another treasure for you in our beauty box. But all the destressing you will need after a long
let’s not stop the pampering there as its Greek day! Moreover, for our early birds we have a
Yogurt & Lavender Body Moisturiser is what special gift: Foreo’s Luna Play for that T-Sonic
you need to give your skin that hydrated look. cleansing.
Kaya Youth Oxy-Infusion Day Cream will give
your skin the right amount of oxygen boost it Makeup magic
needs. For your night-time routine, WOW Skin Now, once we’ve shown our skin that extra
bit of love, we must give it some accents too.
And what better way than by adding just the
right glow? We have a few makeup must-haves
that will enhance our beautiful face. In search
of that well-defined, chiselled look for the
party season, MyGlamm’s Chisel It Contour
Kit is the way to go. We’ve tried it, and love it!
Pucker up with the Colorbar’s Glitter Me All
Moonwalker Lipstick. You’re sure to turn heads
when you walk into that party. And of course,
for that finishing touch—that deep, smoky,
and ‘can’t-do-without’ piece of makeup—the
SoulTree kajal collection.
Hair story
We have taken care of your skin and makeup.
It’s now time to show your hair some magic.
After all, who doesn’t crave for long, luscious
locks? Our box has just the magic potion your
hair needs. Dig into that tub of WOW Science’s
Hair Mask to enhance the texture and shine
of your tresses. Next, when it comes to your
post shower routine, when your hair is wet it
is extremely fragile. Wrapping your hair with
a heavy towel at this point is the worst thing
you can do to your hair. So, instead opt for
Fiama Bath Essentials Hair Wrapper. It
is all you need after you shampoo and
condition your hair. And finally, to
ensure your hair has that salon
finish, apply some Livon Hair
Serum, and style your hair any
way you like. Sounds exciting,
doesn’t it? And we agree! After
all, how often can you get an
expertly-curated box with
a beauty haul of 16 products
worth `7,000/- at just `2,499/-.
Don’t believe us? Log onto www.femina.in/
glowcode and grab your box today to get your
#GlowCode on! You can thank us later.
BEAUTY review
NEW
,
DAY
emember the days when salon visits
translated to leisurely lounging,
NEW
Rpeaceful pampering, and warm chit-
chat sessions. Fast forward to 2020…city
commotion has morphed the scene into noisy
spaces with sundry choices and less privacy,
YOU shrinking salon sessions to mere routine
This year, make self-care a priority rituals. Salons have long been a woman’s idea
of me-time, where relaxing, replenishing, and
with Femina FLAUNT Studio Salon.
rejuvenating were key priorities. The new
Shruti Shukla takes you through
Femina FLAUNT Studio Salon is here
this luxurious space that’s redefining
to reclaim that for our pack!
salons, riding the wave of holistic With its expertise in the beauty industry,
wellness, and taking the legacy Femina forays into the field of beauty services
of Femina to new heights to offer an all-embracing experience.
Femina FLAUNT Studio Salon greets you with
a lush green front yard that directs towards
spacious white interiors. As you step
into the lounge, you cannot help but
notice the display of top nail, hair and
makeup looks, curated by renowned
experts in the field.
a hair therapy. Much to my liking, I was seated
at a sun-kissed spot, and was joined by a hair
expert and a stylist. After a quick diagnosis,
the duo suggested a Parisian, all-organic René
Furterer scalp and hair treatment to best cater
to my personal needs.
This thorough six-step spa session started
A November 2019 baby, the first Femina with a scalp-only application of Complexe 5
FLAUNT Studio Salon is strategically located stimulating plant extract—a blend
at Khar Linking Road for easy access to people of revitalising essential oils like orange and
across Mumbai. It greets you with a lush green lavender. The oils were first massaged into my
front yard that directs you towards spacious skin gently for root strengthening, and then
white interiors. As you step into the lounge, you topped with Melaleuca exfoliating gel to keep
cannot help but notice the display of top nail, dandruff at bay and amp up scalp health. This
hair, and makeup looks, curated by renowned was followed by ten minutes of total bliss—
experts in the field. The ground floor of the a therapeutic head and shoulder massage—
studio extends further to the makeup and before I was escorted to the wash area.
nail sections, and led me upstairs to the cozy To customise the treatment, the stylist washed
pedicure cabins, and a luxurious open space my hair using Melaleuca shampoo for oily scalp,
outlined with hair stations. This is where my and teamed it with shea-enriched Karté Nutri
three-hour-long indulgence began. intense nourishing mask for deep conditioning
my dry tresses. A final rinse with cherry and
vinegar Lumicia illuminating shine conditioner
LOVE IS IN THE HAIR!
Living a life on the go with little to no self-care was that something extra for a strong dose
and a mind fogged with stress, my first pick was of shine. Once I was back at the hair station,
"%!549 REVIEW
Karté Nutri intense nourshing day cream
was applied to my towel-dried hair to offer
protection from any heat styling and achieve
a frizz-free finish.
HEAD TO TOE
To add to my cossetting experience, I opted for product sit for about five to ten minutes, my feet
a Mint Tree pedicure—an extensive eight- were washed squeaky clean with a papaya and
step detan treatment. This session started white mulberry fused cleanser. To get rid
with nail filing and application of a cuticle of any dead skin and offer a deep cleanse,
conditioner—a soothing cream enriched with a powerful mix of licorice root extract, essential
sunflower and tea tree oils. My feet were then oils, and organic sugar granules was used
soaked into hot water that was powered with to exfoliate. This was followed by a detan pack
the goodness of select oils and Epsom salt. before my feet were rinsed clean. This aromatic
This thorough cleansing ritual was followed by ritual was completed by applying a liberal dose
massaging a vitamin C and papaya extract gel of moisturising cream.
to boost glow. A concoction of aloe vera and Femina FLAUNT Studio Salon is
white mulberry extract was used to give that a contemporary and conscious take on all things
extra dose of care to dry heels. After letting the beauty. With the aim of promoting the union
of skincare and makeup with health and
Femina FLAUNT Studio Salon is a contemporary and nutrition, the salon offers guidance from
conscious take on all things beauty. With the aim wellness experts. What’s more to this?
A luxurious space that makes the most
of promoting the union of skincare and makeup of sunlight, well-trained staff offering customised
with health and nutrition, the salon offers care, a legacy wall mapping Femina’s journey
through covers (caution: Likely to make you feel
guidance from wellness experts. nostalgic), and an unrushed, holistic experience!
BEAUTY blast
THROUGH
THE LOOKING
GLASS
Revisit the notions of beauty that
were predominant in the past
decades, and how they have
paved the way for 2020,
says Eden Noronha
f you were to look up the meaning of beauty, you’d probably stumble upon a generic definition that says: The quality
of being pleasing to the mind or senses. But who decides what is beautiful and what isn’t? Beauty standards are often
guided by superficial criteria but that doesn’t mean they are set in stone. At some point in history, each body shape,
size, complexion, or any other physical attribute has been considered beautiful. It is a mindset that is influenced and
changes over time, which in turn results in different aesthetics and opinions. Join us on this journey through the
Idecades to look at the perception of beauty in each era, and how it has shaped new-age beauty standards.
BEAUTY blast
ith major social and political
W upheavals, music gained
momentum as a means to protest.
Thus, emerged fresh and diverse
beauty standards during the Swinging Sixties.
British-American hairstylist, Vidal
Sassoon’s pixie cuts were cool in the west as
celebrities like Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn
stole the limelight. Hair and makeup saw a
flair for drama with bolder trends coming
into play. Extended winged eyeliner and
post-war period, the ’50s witnessed bouffant hairstyles ruled the roost. The idea
A a boom in the beauty industry. of nude lipsticks was born in this era with the
introduction of chalky white or flesh-tint lip
Women indulged in a more
exuberant lifestyle as compared shades in matte and glossy textures.
to the times of war that preceded the decade, In contrast to the earlier decades, women in
where economic growth was slow. the ’60s wanted to wear lipstick, and those who
Women of this era had curvaceous didn’t were questioned on their sexuality or
bodies, and a penchant for red lips and mental health. Women still embraced curves
soft curls. Bollywood beauties like Meena but in the west, icons like Twiggy flaunted a
Kumari, Madhubala, and Nargis showcased ‘‘In the ’50s, more androgynous style with a petite body,
these facets as they graced the big screen. marking a shift towards skinnier body types.
Hollywood also gave us one of the world’s women discovered “Beehives, afros, and bobs defined the hair.
most popular icons in Marilyn Monroe, pancake makeup, Thick winged eyeliner worn by leading ladies
whose signature blonde curls, blood-red pout, rouge, and eyeliner. like Sharmila Tagore, paired with pale glossy
and the strategically placed mole, generated lips were a rage in Bollywood. Tiny waists and
enough buzz to last a lifetime. Hair was fuller chests were preferred,” says Kapil Bhalla.
But if you’re thinking that red lipstick always in place
was accepted by society back then, you’re
wrong. Lipstick was considered a symbol of with sugar-water
adult sexuality, and this notion urged parents setting lotions.’’
to curb teenage girls from wearing it. Since
red lipstick was frowned upon, as a form of
rebellion a few teenagers began sporting pink
and peach lips, which soon became a rage.
By the end of this decade, lipsticks gained
popularity and acceptance. 1960s
Celebrity makeup artist Kapil Bhalla says,
“In the ’50s, women discovered pancake
makeup, rouge, and eyeliner. Hair was
always in place with sugar-water setting
lotions. Structured hair with ringlets framed
KAPIL
the face. Whether it was Madhubala BHALLA
or Marilyn Monroe, these divas rocked the Celebrity
winged eyeliner.” makeup artist
drastic switch from the beauty ‘‘In the eighties,
A norms of the past, the ’80s had beauty was high
a health-conscious approach to
fitness and beauty. The ideal body on colour and
type was now muscular and athletic, which
prompted more women to hit the gym, follow heavy on contour,
a diet, and maintain a rigorous training with strong lines,
programme. and bold eyes
Hair and makeup moved away from the
natural approach and became wilder. Permed and lips.’’
hair, contoured skin, loud eye makeup, and
bright blushes summed up the scene. It was also
a decade of beauty rebellion. Bullet bras became
a rage when Madonna gave fashion mavens an
iconic moment in the late ’80s during her ‘Who’s
That Girl Tour’, which popularised wearing
1970s
isco fever, second wave feminism, lingerie as outerwear.
D rock ‘n’ roll…the ’70s were all about “In the eighties, beauty was high on colour
and heavy on contour, with strong lines, and
getting your groove on. Night club
CLINT
culture thrived, and musical influences bold eyes and lips. The punk revolution was also FERNANDES
brought outrageous and glamorous beauty trends to a huge influence, as well as glam rock and pop Celebrity Makeup
the fore. stars,” says Fernandes. and Hair Stylist
The era was all about shining bright and making
bold fashion statements such as radiant skin, silky
straight hair with fringes, or flipped out waves.
Proportionate hourglass figures with tiny waistlines
were more visible, as women became fashion
forward, donning midriff-revealing outfits and
bell bottoms. Thanks to the dance culture, people
preferred toned physiques to voluptuous ones. Clear
skin was the gold standard, and women exuded
more of a glow as opposed to mattified faces of
the previous years. Makeup also witnessed a surge
in colourful eyeshadow with glitter and metallic
finishes. There was variety when it came to hair and
makeup as women opted for a more natural look
during the day, and would take things up a notch
for party nights.
Clint Fernandes, Celebrity Makeup and Hair
Stylist, says, “It was the start of the Disco era, where
beauty moved from the hippy culture to a flashier
period, ruled by glitter, gloss, and sequins. Makeup
was more defined and purposeful.”
1980s
BEAUTY blast
he last decade of the 20th century
T showcased a more progressive
outlook towards beauty. With the
advent of the Internet and pop
culture shaping societal beliefs, the ’90s were all
about vivid trends.
‘Supermodel’ figures were the only acceptable
body types, with long legs and a desirable height.
The conservative beauty standard of India,
where only fair-skinned women were considered
beautiful, was challenged by Sushmita Sen, when
she lifted the Miss Universe crown in 1994. The
era was also dominated by extremely fine and
sometimes pencilled in eyebrows. Grunge rock
ushered in a wave of warmer beauty looks with 1990s
kohl-rimmed eyes, berry lips, brown lipsticks,
and matte skin. had increased disposable incomes. Advertising
“The 1990s were a game changer for the took an impressive turn in reaching remote parts
beauty industry. Women were self-assured and of the country, and creating awareness about
hair, makeup, and beauty. Aerobic exercises were
The conservative beauty standard of India, the in thing. Women were ditching saris
where only fair-skinned women were for Patiala salwars, and evening gowns were
trending for western wear. Actors like Sridevi
considered beautiful, was challenged by and Madhuri Dixit were idolised across the
Sushmita Sen, when she lifted the Miss country, while beauty queens like Aishwarya Rai
Bachchan and Diana Hayden put India on the
Universe crown in 1994. global map,” says Bhalla.
2000s
s the new millennium set in,
A the world established a whole
new approach to life, right from
technological advancements to health
and beauty.
While having a ‘supermodel’ physique was still
maintained across the globe, tanned complexion
was the next big sought after trend by Caucasian
women. Makeup and hair saw some interesting
twists as well. The smoky eye was the hottest look
of the decade. Hairstyles went sleeker as women
kissed hair curlers goodbye, and opted
for poker-straight hair through flat irons,
permanent straightening, or rebonding
treatments. Blonde and brown highlights
were sported by some of the most popular film
and music stars.
Cosmetologist Dr Jaishree Sharad says, “People
were more open to visiting a skin clinic for clean-
ups and medi-facials rather than going to parlours.
Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and non-
surgical skin tightening became popular after 2004.
There was also a campaign ‘Dark is Beautiful’ and
dusky radiant skin was sought after. Towards the
end of 2008, fitness became extremely important.”
BEAUTY blast
2010s
rom the controversial ‘thigh gap’,
F thicker and fuller eyebrows, to
the industry becoming more
inclusive towards various gender
identities, and promoting body positivity, this
decade is a rollercoaster ride with maximum
evolution in the beauty space. The industry has
a plethora of innovative products that defied,
and broke societal norms like never before.
The decriminalisation of article 377 has
empowered men, women, and transgenders
from the LGBTQIA community. This
decision opened avenues for many men and
transgenders to experiment with makeup
freely, challenging the conventional belief
that restricts it to women. In fact, many
beauty brands are promoting them as brand
ambassadors for various campaigns in India
and across the globe. Fat shaming and other
body image stigmas have also been put to
rest with Hollywood actors like Rebel Wilson
and Jennifer Hudson, and Bollywood’s Huma
Qureshi and Vidya Balan breaking their silence
on the subject.
Generation Z is
a conscious lot and has ‘‘They are more
urged brands to leap open to
into a more sustainable a healthy
space. Natural, cruelty-
free, and vegan are lifestyle and
now synonymous with the concept of
skincare, haircare, and
makeup. holistic beauty is
“People became more now emerging.’’
aware of Botox and fillers
between 2008 and 2012.
However, everything
was being overdone in
an attempt to ape the
west. However, over the
last five years, non-
surgical treatments are
gaining popularity, and
people have stopped
overdoing invasive
treatments. They are more DR JAISHREE
SHARAD
open to a healthy lifestyle,
and the concept of holistic Internationally
acclaimed
beauty is now emerging,” Celebrity cosmetic
says Dr Sharad. dermatologist
Can and Able
Neha Arora, the enterprising founder behind a firm that curates travel for the physically challenged, tells
Anindita Ghosh about her unique venture
or a number of
people, vacations
are a way of life.
FHowever, for Delhi-
based Neha Arora, the
founder of Planet Abled—
world’s first accessible travel
sojourn for people with
disabilities—a holiday with
her parents was a cherished
dream. Born to parents with
physical disabilities (her
father is visually impaired
while her mother is confined
to a wheelchair), the only
outings she remembers are “We use specialised equipment for extra The team is trained to handle
the ones organised by her any contingencies that
school or visits to relatives. safety and certified adventure activity may happen. We do their
In fact, the first proper specialists along with a doctor on call.” adventure travel insurance at
holiday that the Arora family our own cost. This increases
took together was in 2009 instance, in Tirupati, we had tour of the ruins of the the trip cost, but ensures
when they went for a 12-day to carry our mother because Qutub Complex and the safety,” says Arora.
tour of South India. the temple was not equipped Mehrauli Archaeological For Planet Abled, it
While Arora’s parents with ramps. Museums did Park in Delhi. We had 42 is now a regular affair to
thoroughly enjoyed the not offer anything in Braille, people (22 with disabilities organise travel tours of 20 to
experience of interacting thus visitors like my father and 20 without) who 30 people. “Once someone
with locals and exploring couldn’t have a fulfilling participated in the first tour reaches out to us, we do an
new cultures, they experience,” she states. By of this kind in the world. accessibility assessment,
encountered a number the end of it, Arora’s parents A person who could not walk and based on their interests,
of hiccups. “People do vowed to never travel again. at all traversed a distance curate a tailor-made trip.
not expect people with This made Arora realise of 400 km to attend this People can also sign up for
disabilities to travel like the glaring need for a six-hour tour,” Arora beams. private group trips or join
everyone else. Most are company that would curate The response to her venture adventure group trips.”
insensitive and unwilling to comfortable, hitch-free tours proved that people with Planet Abled now operates
accommodate their needs,” for the physically challenged. disabilities were waiting for in 40 plus destinations
says the 32-year-old. She started researching and opportunities such as this. including Singapore, Hong
Besides the insensitivity, conducting the groundwork Arora works hard Kong, Thailand, Vietnam,
there were also practical for her venture. It was only to ensure that safety of and Nepal among others.
problems that the Aroras in mid-2015 that she could participants is never The company is adding
had not factored in. “Right quit her job at Adobe as compromised. “We use Europe and the USA from
from boarding flights, to Enterprise Sales Manager specialised equipment for 2020. “We want to expand,
inaccessibility in hotels to focus on launching her extra safety and certified and make more travellers
and the places we visited, company. “On January 30, adventure activity specialists experience the planet in an
challenges were aplenty. For 2016, we did our first ever along with a doctor on call. inclusive manner,” she says.
REALITY interview
WALK THE WALK
Artist Jasmeen Patheja has been at the forefront of the fight against street harassment globally. She
speaks to Hemchhaya De about how and why she initiated the Blank Noise movement
rtist Jasmeen Patheja, 40, is elated practice from the 1970s. I was also interested in
that her organisation, Blank Noise, the idea of art as that which heals, protests, and
has just won this year’s Visible is built by a public or community. Additionally,
Award, a prestigious global award I got the opportunity to be part of a year-long
A devoted to artwork in the social lab (project) at Srishti, called Communication
sphere. Over the past 16 years, Blank Noise, a for Social Change. Led by Geetha Narayanan,
global community of Action Sheroes/Heroes/ founder director of Srishti, it took art and design
Theyroes, has been leading the discussion on students through understanding the complexity
street harassment through several movements. of social issues and allowing us to imagine ways
Take Meet To Sleep for example. It has been of collaborating with stakeholders to make social
an annual affair since 2014, and is held on change. It introduced concepts and offered tools
December 16 every year in memory of Jyoti Singh to become artists as one who facilitates change.
(Nirbhaya). It invites women, girls, men, and Between 2013 and today, I have been an artist-in-
individuals beyond the gender binary to sleep in residence at Srishti.
MEET TO SLEEP
the open, asserting “the right to live defenceless”.
Then there’s I Never Ask For It, launched in 2013, INVITES WOMEN, Why did you choose street harassment
an ongoing project that aims to end victim blame. as your focus?
GIRLS, MEN, AND
Over to Patheja. I was experiencing street harassment. It didn’t
INDIVIDUALS have a vocabulary. It was ‘normal’; something
You studied at Bangalore’s Shristi boys/men do. We were taught to brush it off,
Institute of Art Design and Technology. BEYOND THE accept it, ‘not make a big deal’ of it. Not having
How did it prepare you for Blank Noise? GENDER BINARY TO a community that listened in with the seriousness
I studied fine arts at Srishti. Blank Noise started it deserved made me want to start a conversation.
as a grad project. My teacher, Ravindra Gutta, SLEEP IN
was instrumental in introducing me to the THE OPEN. Why the name Blank Noise?
feminist art practice, a socially engaged art Blank is what we deny, do not make visible. Noise
is that which affects us, disturbs us. Blank Noise
is committed to working towards making what
was normalised, our story of fear, and our role in
perpetuating violence, visible. Blank Noise is an
invitation to be uncomfortable, question attitudes
within, and those surrounding us, at our pace.
The journey of the Action Shero/Hero/Theyroes
(plural) is both an internal one (confronting her
fears) and also one that affects environments
(negotiating fear/claiming freedom).
What’s your earliest memory of street
harassment?
Among many is walking home from school at the
age of 12 and being touched by a stranger. I didn’t
know what to term it or understand what was
happening, except that I felt violated.
How has the journey been so far?
Blank Noise was raising the flag to start
a conversation. For over a decade, we designed a
wide range of public interventions to confront the
silence, normalisation, and denial surrounding
street harassment. We mobilised citizens to
become Action Sheroes/Heroes/Theyroes
through public participatory projects via which
people took charge to end street harassment.
Select projects include The Museum Of Street
Weapons Of Defence—we asked women to send A glimpse of the I Never and untold, due to the fear of being blamed,
Ask For It mission
in a list of things they didn’t leave home without. judged, and shamed. Our mission, I Never Ask
The list included chilli powder, hair pins, and For It is a long-term effort to end victim blaming
safety pins. This archive drew attention to the by building testimonies of clothing. Project
fact that women and girls experience fear on participants send in the garment they wore
the streets of their cities. The challenges led to when they experienced sexual violence. The
interventions. The journey has been evolving garment is a witness, memory, and voice of the
through community participation. Over the sender’s experience. The project envisions 10,000
past 12 years, it worked like a lab, iterating and garments assembled at India Gate by 2023.
developing ideas, finding responses from the
community and survivors of violence. #MeToo rattled the nation. What’s your
take on the movement?
Tell us about your forthcoming projects. #MeToo has made the abuse of power visible.
Victim blame is an attitude that permeates It has created solidarity. We are at a new place
spaces of violence. We must end the systemic because of #MeToo. The conversation can only
use of victim blaming to end the cycle of sexual move forward.
violence. We need to create a culture that believes “WE MUST END
survivors. Most women and girls, in India and How do you sensitise men through
THE SYSTEMIC
beyond, have been raised in an environment that your projects?
repeatedly warns them to—‘be careful’, ‘protect USE OF VICTIM Men have always been part of Blank Noise. They
yourself ’, and ‘not draw attention to yourself by step in to be listeners and inch a step closer to
the way you look or what you wear’. Survivors of BLAMING TO END understanding women’s experiences with threat
sexual violence tell us that this translates to, ‘If THE CYCLE OF and fear. All of our work rests on the personal
you’ve experienced sexual violence, you weren’t experience of each member of the community.
careful enough and you deserved it.’ As a result, SEXUAL VIOLENCE.” Men, too, bring in their lived experiences to the
most experiences of sexual violence are silenced ongoing conversation at Blank Noise.
REALITY pathfinders
THEY SHOW THE WAY,
THEY LEAD THE PACK.
FEMINA APPLAUDS
ACHIEVERS AND
ORGANISATIONS THAT
MAKE SPACE FOR ALL,
EMBRACE DIVERSITY AND
ZE A TRAIL.
IIM-K director, Debashis Chatterjee
Agent of change
Did you know, IIM Kozhikode has the highest number of women in its board across all IIMs and
IITs? The institute’s director, Professor Debashis Chatterjee, talks to Nikshubha Garg about
gender diversity, its implications, pay parity and more
IM Kozhikode (IIM-K) was set up in articulate myself. However, another individual
1997, and since then, has evolved into may not possess the same quality, but is no less
an institute of reckoning in the Indian capable. Here’s an example: I was invited to
management education space. One of address students at the Oxford Science School of
Ithe seminal achievements of the institute Business. It began raining, and I visited a grocery
has been its focus on building a new ethos store near my hotel, run by an Indian, to buy
around gender diversity. Nurturing the cause an umbrella. As I looked around, he came up
is Professor Debashis Chatterjee, the current to me and asked, ‘Sahab, aap kis liye aaye hain?’
director of IIM-K, serving his second term at I told him my purpose, and he immediately
the institution. In his earlier five-year tenure asked, ‘May I come to hear the talk? I have never
(2009-2014), he was credited with admitting met an Indian at this store who is giving a talk
more than 50 per cent women in its flagship at Oxford.’ I replied in the affirmative, but he
postgraduate programme. “My aim is to start a was quick to say, ‘I am uneducated.’ I was taken
force that is irresistible and irreversible, then, aback, but told him, ‘No one is uneducated. You
it becomes a part of the system. Beyond me enter a customer’s mind through his heart by
there is a reality which I cannot map, but I can “DIVERSITY IS enticing him to buy your umbrella. I enter my
do the little bit that I can,” he says as we meet in customers’ hearts (which is his students’ minds)
his office on campus. Having handled leadership IMPORTANT through their heads. You move from heart to
classes across the world and authored 17 books, BECAUSE head, I go from head to heart. I don’t possess the
Chatterjee has his work cut out, but tries to use IT BRINGS intelligence you do, because I can’t sell like you.’
each day to make a difference. TOGETHER In the education space, with the problems
MULTIPLE becoming more complex with each passing day,
There are several discussions around diversity is more critical than ever before.
diversity. Why is it important? INTELLIGENCES
Diversity is important because it brings together TO SOLVE Talk about the women who influenced
multiple intelligences to solve a problem. I have A PROBLEM.” your thought process.
what you may term ‘verbal intelligence’—I can My grandmother, who resided in Gangpur, West
Bengal, was widowed at 17, and singlehandedly education) and the number of girls who
brought up two siblings and two sons against qualified, shifted. In fact, not only did we get
all odds. I realised her power when the entire 54.29 per cent women students in that batch,
village turned up for her funeral. I thought during placements, of the first 100 jobs, 60 went
about how a woman who was never visible, was to the girls. In 2018, the number went down to
suddenly being endorsed by the community. 30 per cent, but the jobs between girls and boys
In my opinion, her struggle resonated with the in the top three consulting firms who recruit
people. I also look up to Mother Teresa. I had from here (McKinsey & Company, Boston
the opportunity to meet her once, and during Consulting Group, and Bain & Company),
our conversation, I asked her about her life were equally divided.
philosophy. She said, ‘Small work with great
love’. I didn’t quite understand it until I left the In the wake of this change, do you think
room, descended a flight of stairs, and saw her the male students felt left out?
come behind me to return my suitcase that Perhaps the male students may feel that this is
I had forgotten. This was, for me, small work tampering with what is conventionally known
with great love. She was a Nobel Laureate; she “IN AN INDIAN as meritocracy. But, if you ask me, how do you
didn’t have to do it, but she did. MIDDLE CLASS start mapping and measuring that meritocracy?
FAMILY WITH Do you start mapping from the time they were
How did you manage the feat of getting born? Or the atmosphere they were born in?
54.29 per cent women students on board A BOY AND A Or from the time they graduated? Historically,
IIM-K’s 2013-15 batch? GIRL, THE BOY IS if part of our population has not had the best of
On speaking to a few female students as to why FAVOURED FOR inputs, then their mental model is different. For
in 50 years of existence, IIMs have only eight to THE COACHING example, if I am often told that ‘You are inferior
10 per cent women in their batches, I concluded CENTRE MONEY, because you are an Indian’, automatically, when
that most girls are not presented with an even I go abroad the first thought will be—‘I am
playing field. In an Indian middle class family WHILE THE amongst superiors’; I will be limited about
with a boy and a girl, the boy is favoured for GIRL IS PUSHED everything. The same thing happens in our
the coaching centre money, while the girl is TOWARDS homes. We send subtle signals that one gender
pushed towards thinking about marriage. We THINKING is not adequate to compete in the world so they
can’t expect the two to compete under such must be prepared for a lesser world.
circumstances. So, we included the class 10 ABOUT Assessment of merit has to be based on the
and 12 scores as admission criteria (since the MARRIAGE.” difficulty level of the challenges faced. To tell
pressure then is lower as compared to university you, the women faculty opposed the changed
REALITY pathfinders
You have taught various leadership
courses in the west and in India.
Compare and contrast your experiences
between western and Indian classrooms.
Western classrooms are far more diverse, not
just in terms of gender, but also nationalities.
The other difference is that the western batches
challenge assumptions, ask questions, and raise
issues, but here, students defer questions to
authority. Irreverence is a virtue on that side of
the world; one is given credit for it. However,
in terms of raw intelligence, Indians are
sharper. Today, in the US, indigenous students
are threatened by those from Asian countries
because they feel the latter are taking away their
seats in colleges.
Under your leadership, the institute
offers several programmes specifically
“WHEN A WOMAN IS ARMED WITH AN IIM designed for women entrepreneurs,
DEGREE GENERATIONS ARE INSPIRED. FOR A managers, and leaders. How have women
MAN, IT STAYS WITH HIM.” benefitted from them?
When you customise something to suit
a particular demographic, it provides the
lenses more than the men. They felt it diluted necessary tools for self-belief, which I think
their position because they made it despite the is imperative. I believe, most women have an
odds. According to me, the odds continue to be invisible glass ceiling, which automatically
in huge proportions. In fact, to be born is prevents them from entering the playing field,
a breakthrough considering the number of whether in education or in the corporate
female foeticide cases on an everyday basis. world. This playing field, mind you, is open
We are simply restoring balance. to them, but they need the confidence to
break through that glass, which these special
Tell us about the major changes that you programmes offer.
have seen owing to the diversity?
First, boys dress better and talk smarter with In 2019 placements, female students’
an increased number of women in the system CTC in certain roles was more than that
(smiles). As an institution, we had to pay of male candidates. Can this be seen as
attention to the toilets, hostels, and also the a form of pay disparity?
nature of conversation between a professor This is a simple demand-supply situation.
and students. The atmosphere shifts, but you Nobody complained when boys were getting
see gradual changes. Six out of our 14 board disproportionately paid. I’m not striving towards
members are women, and the seventh will be equality, I’m striving towards access. If you have
joining soon, which is the highest amongst all had access to equality, and have become more
boards at the IITs and IIMs. We are following than equal, that is your capability.
the practice with our faculty, too. Earlier, the
representation stood at less than five per cent, Have other IIMs taken after your
then it went to 10-11 per cent, and now, it’s programmes and practices?
about 15 per cent. And why not? You can’t I will not claim that we are pioneers, but we
imagine a country where 50 per cent of the were the first to recognise the need for changed
population is women, reaching the peak of lenses when it came to female students, and the
the economic pie, with half its population need for a change in women representation on
undercover. It’s simple; when a woman is armed the board. The new generation of IIMs will do
with an IIM degree, generations are inspired. all that we have done, but better; this doesn’t
For a man, it stays with him. diminish us as a system.
REALITY cover interview
THE
UNFORGETTABLE
DIVAS
THEY SAY SUCCESS COMES IN PAIRS. TWO GIRLS FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND
HISTORIES WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER BY A WINNING DESTINY THAT CHANGED THEIR
LIVES FOREVER. THE WINNERS OF MISS DIVA 2019 TALK TO NATASHA DSOUZA ABOUT
THEIR JOURNEYS, DREAMS, AND THE SOCIAL CAUSE THAT’S CLOSEST TO THEIR HEARTS.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUSHANT CHABRIA. STYLIST AND DESIGNER: ROCKY STAR
REALITY cover interview
“IDENTIFY
YOUR PURPOSE”
MISS DIVA UNIVERSE 2019, VARTIKA SINGH, REVEALS HOW SHE PREPARED FOR
THE PAGEANT AND SHARES THE BIGGEST LESSON SHE’S LEARNT FROM IT
REALITY cover interview
er confident smile lights I’ve been a public health student, and worked
up a room, and her poised with the World Bank on a government
personality is striking, but project where I got the opportunity to visit
not intimidating. Vartika rural hospitals. These are more like
Singh started her journey community health centres, and seeing their
by participating in Femina condition shook me to my core. After
HMiss India 2015 where I became Miss India, I established an NGO
she won the title of Miss Grand India 2015. called Pure Humans, that works towards
She then represented India at Miss Grand offering healthcare and building awareness
International, and bagged the third position. around existing public health policies.
Singh continued her great run by winning My team and I proactively reach out to the
the coveted crown of Miss Diva Universe economically disadvantaged communities
2019, and recently represented the nation of Uttar Pradesh, and educate people on
at Miss Universe 2019 alongside 104 other sanitation, healthcare, and maternal and
contestants. The beauty, who hails from the childcare. We also set up health camps and
City of Nawabs, Lucknow, drops her guard conduct blood donation drives as a way to
and lets us into her world. connect fruitfully with the local communities.
Affordable healthcare is a basic necessity;
What qualities make for a good everybody should have access to it.
Miss Diva?
Confidence, self-belief, leardership skills, and What’s your message to girls
the ability to make a difference to society are who dream of entering the Miss
a few important qualities. Diva pageant?
Get to know yourself and identify your
“DON’T OVERTHINK ABOUT THE purpose. Once you discover who you are,
be honest with yourself. There will always be
OUTCOME. TODAY, WHEN I REFLECT someone prettier than you, and more confident
than you. You can’t be the best in everything.
ON MY LIFE, I CAN SAY HARD Whatever you decide to do, just give it your
best shot.
WORK PAYS.” Take us through your beauty routine.
I’m a simple girl. I know it sounds preachy, but
What is the biggest lesson that the after Miss India, I started working as a model,
pageant taught you? and that’s when I learned that if you want
Focus on your goals and work hard. Don’t to look beautiful, you have to feel beautiful.
overthink about the outcome. Today, when Especially while facing the camera, you have
I reflect on my life, I can say hard work pays. to be on top of your game. I never sleep with
makeup on, drink lots of water, and swear by
How can this pageant help you make night creams. When you’re sleeping, your body
a difference? repairs itself. It’s the best time to take care of
These pageants provide young women with your skin and hair. Whenever possible, I try
a platform that not only helps them excel and oil my hair.
in their career, but also gives them a voice.
The process refines you, and there’s so much Who has been your favourite pageant
to learn from other girls’ experiences. Even winner and why?
though each contestant comes from a different Lara Dutta Bhupathi. The way she conducts
background, we all work in accord towards the herself is admirable.
same cause.
Give us one beauty hack you swear by.
Which social cause is close to I have dry skin, so I love using yogurt face
your heart? packs and hair masks.
REALITY cover interview
“NEVER GIVE
UP ON YOUR
DREAMS”
MISS DIVA SUPRANATIONAL 2019, SHEFALI SOOD, OPENS UP ABOUT HER FIRST
REACTION POST WINNING THE TITLE, THE EVOLUTION OF BEAUTY PAGEANTS,
AND WHETHER THE INDIAN MINDSET IS CHANGING
hefali Sood is a blithe spirit. If you were given a chance to swap
The Noida girl has worked lives with someone, who would it be
hard to win the Miss Diva and why?
Supranational 2019 title, I feel grateful to be given the life that I have,
while ensuring that she and I wouldn’t want to swap it with anyone.
doesn’t lose her individuality Moreover, I’m confident of the life that I’ve
Sin the process. Sood was created for myself. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s
one contestant to look out for at the recently shaped me into who I am today.
concluded Miss Supranational 2019 which was
held in Poland. An advocate of mental health, What did this pageant mean to you?
she wishes to create a safe space of expression The pageant was a means to connect with
for everyone. people and help them. It is a platform to
encourage people and tell them to never give
What was your first reaction post up on their dreams. As technology progresses,
winning the title? the world moves ahead but somewhere
I felt gratitude and peace. I worked hard, and it down the line, we are forgetting the basics
took me three years to get this crown. I missed of humanity. People need to be reminded of
my parents, as they weren’t there when I won, empathy and compassion.
but my friends came out to celebrate with me.
How do you think beauty pageants
“FOR ME, THIS CROWN HAS have evolved?
India has been a patriarchal country for
NEVER BEEN ABOUT GLORY, many years, but now people have begun to
see how pageants celebrate women, instead
FAME, MONEY OR POWER. of objectifying them. Pageant winners can
venture into any field that they want. For me,
IT’S ABOUT FOLLOWING MY this crown has never been about glory, fame,
money, or power. It’s about following my
DREAMS,AND HAVING THE dreams, and having the ability to influence
people. This crown comes with responsibility.
ABILITY TO INFLUENCE PEOPLE.” Women have managed to break into
REALITY cover interview
“WE NEED TO BE REMINDED THAT JUST BY VIRTUE OF BEING
A WOMAN, WE ARE EVERYTHING THAT WE NEED TO BE.”
every field and leave an indelible mark.
However, do you think the Indian
mindset is truly changing?
Definitely, the mindset is changing, but
it’s slow. I think, on one hand, there are
households like mine, where women are
encouraged to pursue their dreams and become
independent, but at the same time, there are
families where women are still oppressed, and
they’re expected to fit into the stereotypical
role of staying at home. There is still a lot
desired in terms of change.
What does women empowerment mean
to you?
I have a problem with the term women
empowerment, because that means we
aren’t empowered. We need to be reminded
that just by virtue of being a woman, we are
everything that we need to be. Women need to
be reassured that they’re enough, just the way
they are.
What are your interests apart from
modelling?
I’m a voracious reader. I discovered my love for
self-help literature a couple of years ago. I write
prose and poetry. I’m in the process of writing
my book and hopefully, I should be publishing
it soon. I’m also a mental health advocate.
It’s something that I’m extremely passionate
about. I love cooking, I’m not very good at
it, but I keep trying my hand at it. And,
I love dancing.
Your father was in the mercantile
marine department and you’ve
travelled to over 20 countries. How has
travelling shaped your personality?
Apart from the fact that I became very STYLING, GARMENTS AND JEWELLERY: ROCKY STAR; HAIR: DANASHREE AATE;
adaptable, it inculcated in me a deep sense MAKEUP: SITAL PATEL; SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR: MEETESH TANEJA
of empathy towards people from different
backgrounds. I became curious about people,
and how they thought and functioned.
Travelling has incorporated a deep sense
of understanding and acceptance of all kinds
of situations.
THANK YOU
FOR SHEFALI Etiquette Expert: Rukshana Eisa
SOOD Diction Expert: Christina
Castelino
Hair Coach: Kromakay
Hair Expert: Kromakay
Makeup coach: Clint Fernandes
Nutrition Consultant: Neha
Pageant coach: Ritika Ramtri
Sahaya
Rampwalk training: Kavita Wardrobe Team:
Kharayat
Finale Designer: Falguni Shane
Nutritionist Partner: Neha Peacock
Sahaya
National Costume: Ken Ferns
Wardrobe Team
Finale Gown Designer: Gavin Fashion Director: Rocky Star
Miguel Associate Stylist: Sheefa Gilani
National Costume Designer: Designers
Melvyn Noronha Tarun Tahiliani
Fashion Director: Eshaa Amiin Amit Aggarwal
Designers Manish Malhotra
Kangana Trehan,
Rocky Star
Emblaze
Jade by Monica and Karishma
Tanieya Khanuja
Falguni Shane Peacock
Shehlaa Khan
Nikhita Tandon
Elemente
Kresha Bajaj
Maya Culture
Raghavendra Rathore
Platinoir
Shehlaa Khan
Lecoanet Hemant
Sahil Kochhar
Genes Lecoanet Hemant
Pankaj and Nidhi
Sonam Parmar Jhawar
Abhishek Sharma
Bloni
Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla
Supria Munjal
Lavanya Coodly
Kanika Jain Singh
Bhawna Rao
Creo
Shahin Mannan
Papa don't preach
Geisha Designs
Abhishek Sharma
Maya Culture
Namrata Joshipura
Deme
Amit Aggarwal,
Swatee Singh
Nikhita Tandon
Lecoanet Hemant
Vineti Bolaki
Mad about you
Shalini Khanija
Label Bella D by
FOR VARTIKA Dimple BT
SINGH Encrustd
Ramp Walk Trainer: Alesia Raut Nidhi Munim
Makeup Coach: Clint Kai Resort Wear
Fernandes Skechers
CREDITS FOR MISS DIVA 2019 CROWNING CEREMONY
Designer: Rocky Star, Makeup: Ayesha Seth, Hair: Smita Patel, Venue Partner: Rocky Star Cocktail Bar
POWERING
THROUGH
Being ambitious is not enough.
You need food that fuels that drive.
Choosing the right type
and quantity can play a vital role
in determining your energy levels.
Take a look at our list of
top 10 easily available foods to
keep you going:
1. Bananas
2. Brown rice
3. Apples
4. Oatmeal
5. Water
6. Lentils
7. Avocados
8. Beetroots
9. Green tea
10. Nuts
PHOTOGRAPH: 123RF USED FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
LIVING food
CUSTOM MADE
Create these traditional dishes from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh with recipes
from author and television chef Pallavi Nigam Sahay
DALPITHORI
(Whole wheat dumplings in lentil broth)
1 cup toor dal 1 big, dry red chilli
2 cups water + 1 small onion,
extra if needed finely chopped
½ tsp turmeric 1 small tomato,
powder finely chopped
Salt, to taste ½ tsp chilli powder
1 tbsp oil For the dough:
2 cups wheat flour
½ tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp ghee
½ tsp mustard
seeds Salt, to taste
1 garlic clove 1 cup water
10 green chillies,
finely chopped
Calorie
count:
496 calories
SERVES: 4 > PREP TIME: 10 minutes + 15 minutes resting time (per serving)
> COOKING TIME: 45 minutes
1. To prepare the dough, place the wheat flour, salt, and ghee in a large bowl, and mix with your fingertips.
Adding a little water at a time, knead the dough to a smooth ball. Cover with a damp cloth and rest for 15 minutes. To prepare
the dumplings, roll out small balls into roundels, and pinch the edges together to a flower shape. Set aside.
2. Cook the dal with water and turmeric powder in a pressure cooker for two whistles. Cool the cooker before opening it.
3. Heat the oil in a thick-bottomed pan over a medium-high flame. Splutter the cumin and mustard seeds,
and add the garlic, green chilli, and the dry red chili, and sauté for one minute. Add the onion, and sauté until pink.
Add the tomatoes, and sauté until softened. Add the chilli powder and mix well.
4. Add the cooked dal and mix well.
5. Add the prepared dumplings to the dal, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes,
stirring at regular intervals to prevent the dumplings from sticking to each other.
6. Check the seasoning, and serve hot.
TIP: SERVE THE DAL PITHORI WITH A DRIZZLE OF GHEE AND A SPRINKLING OF FRESH CORIANDER.
DHUSKA
(Lentil and rice fried bread)
3 cups rice 1 tbsp chopped
coriander
½ cup chana dal
½ tsp cumin
2 cloves garlic powder
1 tsp black ½ tsp turmeric
peppercorns powder
1 tsp grated ginger Salt, to taste
1 tsp chopped 200 ml oil, for
green chilli deep frying
Calorie
946 calories
(per serving)
SERVES: 4 > PREP TIME: 15 minutes + overnight soaking > COOKING TIME: 20 minutesminutes count:
1. Soak the rice and chana dal together overnight. The next morning, drain them, reserving half cup of the soaking water.
Grind the dal, rice, garlic, black peppercorns, and the reserved soaking to a thick batter in a mixer.
2. Take out the batter in a bowl, and add the ginger, green chilli, coriander, cumin and turmeric powders, and salt. Mix well.
3. Heat the oil in a shallow frying pan over a medium-high flame. Pour in a ladleful of the batter, letting the mixture spread into a dhuska.
Cook the dhuska for two to three minutes on each side or until it starts getting a lovely red colour. Repeat with the remaining batter.
4. Drain the dhuskas on kitchen towels, and serve hot.
TIP: SERVE THE DHUSKAS WITH TOMATO CHUTNEY.
LIVING food
TEHRI
(Spicy rice cooked with vegetables)
2 tbsp ghee 1 tbsp red
chilli powder
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp garam
4 to 5 black masala powder
peppercorns
200 g green peas
1 stick cinnamon
100 g chopped
2 big brown carrot
cardamoms
1 big potato,
1 star anise chopped
2 to 3 cloves 100 g cauliflower,
cut into bite-size
1 tbsp ginger- florets
garlic paste
2 cups basmati rice
2 small onions,
finely chopped 4 cups water
2 to 3 green chillies Salt, to taste
1 tsp turmeric
powder
Calorie
count:
566calories
(perserving)
SERVES: 4 > PREP TIME: 15 minutes > COOKING TIME: 45 minutes
1. Heat the ghee in a thick-bottomed deep pan over a medium-high flame. Add the cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon,
cardamom, star anise, and cloves, and let them splutter. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY PALLAVI NIGAM SAHAY CALORIE COUNTS ARE APPROXIMATE
2. Add the ginger-garlic paste, and sauté for two to three minutes until you get rid of the raw smell. Add the onions and a pinch of salt,
and sauté until the onions are golden brown. Add the green chillies and sauté for two minutes.
3. Add the turmeric, red chilli, and garam masala powders, and mix well.
4. Add the green peas, carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower florets and sauté for four to five minutes.
Add a little water, stir, cover, and cook for four to five minutes, stirring at intervals.
5. Add the rice, toast it for two minutes, and adjust the seasoning. Add the water, cover, and cook on a low flame for 15 to 20 minutes
until the rice is done. Serve hot.
TIP: SERVE THE TEHRI WITH RAITA, PAPAD, CHUTNEY, AND PICKLE.
LIVING quick bites
Cinnamon pumpkin pancakes
INGREDIENTS yoghurt until smooth.
3 eggs • Add the flour, baking
½ cup pumpkin puree powder, salt, cinnamon
cup olive oil and all-spice, and stir
1 tbsp brown sugar until just combined.
1½ cups milk • Heat a flat pan on
140 g yoghurt a medium-high flame.
2 cups whole wheat Pour one-third cup of
flour batter onto the hot
2 tbsp baking powder griddle and cook for
½ tsp salt three to five minutes
1 heaped tsp cinnamon until the edges look dry
powder and bubbles appear.
A pinch all-spice Flip and cook the
other side for two
METHOD to three minutes.
• Whisk together the • Serve warm with
eggs, pumpkin, olive oil, butter, cream, and
brown sugar, milk, and maple syrup or honey.
CINN
A LITTLE!
The understated sweet, woody flavour of cinnamon pairs well
with a variety of recipes. We bring you a few comforting ones
to keep you warm in chilly weather
Healthy cinnamon
blondies
INGREDIENTS • Place the chickpeas,
1½ cups cooked cashew butter, oats,
chickpeas coconut sugar, maple
½ cup cashew butter syrup, cinnamon,
¼ cup oats vanilla extract, baking
cup coconut sugar powder, baking soda,
¼ cup pure maple and salt in a blender
syrup and puree until
1½ tbsps cinnamon smooth.
Sweet potato-carrot soup with cinnamon powder • Pour the batter
1 tsp pure vanilla
into the prepared
extract baking dish.
½ tsp baking powder
INGREDIENTS ¼ tsp clove powder • Add the walnuts,
2 cups chopped ¼ tsp all-spice with the water until ¼ tsp baking soda stir gently and smooth
sweet potatoes ¼ tsp powdered smooth. ¼ tsp salt the batter out.
2 cups chopped nutmeg • Add the onion, ¼ cup chopped • Bake for 30 minutes
carrots coconut oil, and spices walnuts until the top is firm
1½ cups warm water to the puree, blending and the sides pull
½ cup chopped onion METHOD again until well mixed. METHOD away from the dish.
¼ cup coconut oil • Steam the sweet • Reheat in a saucepan • Preheat the oven to • Cool before slicing;
1 tsp cinnamon potatoes and carrots on a low flame, and 350° F. Lightly oil an the blondies will firm
powder until done. Blend serve hot. 8x8 inch baking dish. up as they cool.
The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search