There is no phonetic ‘f’ sound in Hindi; it’s ‘phool’, not ‘fool’,” actor and musician Namit Das sighs over a call from the Mumbai airport. Das has just wrapped up a long weekend, with performances and early morning airport check-ins. Yet his frustration isn’t so much about the gruelling schedule but rather about how the richness of the language seems to have eroded with time. This Saturday, on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Das will take stage with artistes like Gopal Datt, Puneet Sharma, and Shachi Pathak, who, like him, hold the language dear. Gopal Datt will join the celebration. Pics courtesy/Instagram Growing up under the influence of parents Chandan Dass, a renowned ghazal singer, and Yamini Das, a trained vocalist and actor, he fondly remembers dinner table conversations centred on Hindi literature and poetry. “Dad, being a Bengali, had to learn Hindi, but my mom was quite the purist,” he laughs. “She is trained in Hindustani classical music and was always adamant about perfect enunciation and pronunciation, down to the finest detail.” In collaboration with Nishant Nagar AKA Khwaab, Das will take a bold turn, and showcase a fusion of Hindustani poetry and modern ambient sounds at the event. “Khwaab and Namit, the duo, came into being last year when I met Nagar for a show in Lucknow where we played an experimental one-hour set. We realised it was a good way to introduce the audience to classical works,” he reveals. This sentiment echoes in the project room of Kommune, a creators’ collective where co-founder Roshan Abbas and community lead Pradumn Chourey conceptualised the event. “We all have memories of growing up studying Premchand, Harivansh Rai Bachchan and Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’, and learning terms like sangya [noun] and sarvanaam [pronoun] in school, but how many of us really remember what they mean?” remarks Chourey, adding that the event will be a trip down memory lane for the audience. Roshan Abbas (right) Pradumn Chourey performs at a previous Hindi literature event Despite this familiarity with the language, it’s intriguing as to why many people, including this writer, were drawn to JK Rowling or Charles Dickens rather than Hindi literature for their first read. Chourey, a native of Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh, believes it is an urban phenomenon. Abbas agrees, “In the heartlands of India, students are still encouraged to pick up books by Mahadevi Verma, Shrilal Shukla, and other literary giants. When kids in Mumbai enter a bookstore however, Hindi literature is absent. Publishing in Hindi literature has failed to grow at the pace it should have.” Nevertheless, the duo believes the language is experiencing a revival. “There was a time in the mid-2010s when English speaking artistes dominated stand-up comedy, poetry and storytelling circuits in Mumbai. But with time, voices from India’s tier-2 cities have emerged boldly. They share a love for Hindi,” Abbas elaborates. In Das’s words, “The idea is not to be up in arms for the purity of language, but to give people the freedom to embrace it in their own unique ways.” ON September 14; 7 pmAT Rangshila Theatre, New Aram Nagar, Versova. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 499 onwards
09 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAfter almost a year in Bandra, Mountain Goat opened their second outlet in Andheri’s Lokhandwala area four months ago. We dropped by on a Thursday night for dinner with friends. Done up in light cabin-wood and spruced up with Tibetan paintings and prayer flags, and colourful seating and cushions, the café invokes nostalgia from any of your trips up north. Forget air freshener, there’s a gentle aroma of bhut jholokia in the air, marking its flamboyant presence that teases our throats. Pork thentuk Co-founder Sourabh Shikhare later tells us the backstory of Mountain Goat that makes him rewind to his biker days. “I am a trekker and mountaineer, and was part of a biking group called Devils on Wheels in 2012, when I rode the Himalayas. I loved the Nepali and Tibetan fare that we ate in the cafés across Bhutan, Leh Ladakh and Himachal,” he recalls. We remove our footwear, and settle into the low-seating table. To keep up the mood of the gentle, steady drizzle outside, we begin with a well-steeped honey ginger lemon tea (Rs 150) and savoury bho jha (butter tea; Rs 150) with a briny finish. Vegetarian jhol momos (Rs 300) hold a textured vegetable mash including cauliflower, cabbage and carrots within it. They come floating in a red chilli oil broth which has the refreshing sweetness of lemongrass. It makes us crave more mountain food. Chicken gyoza momos The chicken gyoza momos (Rs 350) are slightly low on salt but sweet chilli condiment holds the missing punch. We wash them down with a chilled cucumber lemonade (Rs 120). The gyozas are pan-fried and drilled with a glazed balsamic soy glaze. By now, the restaurant is packed and service overwhelmed. The kitchen prepares everything from scratch, which delays our food. The authenticity of the food keeps us in our best spirits. The crispy chicken open bao (Rs 350) crusted chicken fries have a sweet and spicy kung pao flavour but the mayo is an overkill. By now, every table is occupied and we see people queuing up outside as well. Butter tea and gud pak We are towards the popular thukpa but pick the pork thentuk (Rs 450), a Tibetan hand-pulled noodle soup that comes in a corn-flour thickened soup cooked in the water used to steam the pork. The fresh veggies such as broccoli, corn and carrots with slender strips of pork meat make it a soupy meal. Cottage cheese sekua (Rs 400) was a hurried job of paneer, sautéed in garlic, coriander with a hint of mustard. The cottage cheese has a stale aftertaste. The gud pak (Rs 400) is a generous slab of mithai, which makes us smile. Made of whole wheat flour in ghee, cardamom, sugar, grated coconut, almonds and edible gum (gundh) that adds a toffee finish. The balanced hit of soonth is powerful. This is simple, homestyle fare, and ends the meal on a good note. We pack the leftovers to nibble on for our next meal. The cosy interiors of the restaurant Mountain GoatAT Shop no 2/3, Melbourne Building, Shastri Nagar Lane 1, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West. TIME 12 pm to 1 amCALL 9076348898 **** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. Mountain Goat didn’t know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
09 September,2024 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaEarlier this month, The Swedish Public Health Authority issued guidelines limiting screen time for the country’s children — while toddlers below two years are being prohibited from any exposure to digital screens (including television), children between two and five years of age are limited to an hour, and those between six and 12 years to a maximum of two hours. The guidelines also recommend a maximum of three hours of screen time for teenagers. With this announcement, Sweden joined a growing list of countries, including the USA, Ireland, Australia, Canada and France, seeking to wean young children off digital screens. This is a move that experts in India are applauding as necessary, especially in light of the uptick in screen time among children post the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Nahid Dave, Dr Samir Dalwai and Dr Meghna Dixit From real to virtual Dr Samir Dalwai, a developmental paediatrician and spokesperson for the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, notes that the most significant impact of increased screen time, especially in children below the age of three, is on their social cognition. He explains, “This period is when they learn how to behave. They learn these behaviours by connecting with and observing human beings. Screens impact these social interactions — they are very lucid and captivating, leading children to prefer these over people.” As children grow older, they find themselves isolated owing to their inability to form social connections. Screen dependence also impairs their attention span. Children become bored and irritable more easily, and crave increasing doses of screen time. Furthermore, many parents fail to recognise that mobile devices also give children a fake sense of control, he warns. “Children are wonderful dreamers and creators. When that energy is caged into pre-fabricated moulds of thinking, it can lead to a state where the child doesn’t have to think for themselves. This lack of imagination hampers their capacity to find solutions,” shares Dr Meghna Dixit, author and brain performance expert. A silent epidemic Experts suggest parental supervision during restricted screen time to avoid adverse effects such as irritability and reduced social awareness “On a mobile phone, a child can swipe, edit and delete endlessly. It gives them the idea that they can control every interaction,” he elaborates. Dr Nahid Dave points out that most parents also equate their child reciting the letters of the alphabet or counting, with their ability to communicate. “Language and communication entail understanding the meaning of words, and the contexts that these words are used in,” she says. Being deprived of human interactions impairs the development of such critical thinking, emotional regulation and problem-solving skills. Such children resort to temper tantrums and even physical hitting as they lack the tools to otherwise express or regulate their emotions. Dave points to a growing body of research that marks screen time as one of the factors in the development of autism. Shift in mindset Fatema Agarkar “Post the pandemic, almost all secondary education is conducted online. Parents falsely believe that schools that do not insist on iPads and similar gadgets are behind the times. Many parents are also proud when their child is able to independently operate gadgets,” Dr Dalwai says. “It is okay for a child to be bored and to devise his/her own ways of alleviating that boredom. It is not the responsibility of the parent to entertain the child at all times,” Dr Dave advises. Other activities such as household chores, outdoor playtime and one-on-one conversations can be much more meaningful. Even if you must resort to screen time, try to watch along with your child and engage them through the process, she adds. Balancing act When it comes to the use of technology, especially for adolescents and teens, it’s important for parents to step in. “For many teens, developing social connections without the help of a phone has become an alien concept. In schools, we find that children are quicker to express on social media than in the classroom. As educators, we must insist on an equal amount of physical or non-screen discussion. Education and development cannot be completely driven by technology. More physical engagement in the form of sports or even unstructured playtime can encourage the development of a more balanced lifestyle,” shares educationist Fatema Agarkar. She adds that parents must also model the behaviour they hope their children will emulate. “If the parent is glued to his/her phone, the child will mirror them. For younger children, at least 10 hours of quality sleep is non-negotiable. To ensure this, parents must set in place a structure or routine that will guide the child’s day and curb an indiscriminate use of gadgets,” says Agarkar.
09 September,2024 09:03 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulThe symbol ‘&’, known as the ampersand, was once considered a letter in the English alphabet before it was removed. Originating in Pompeii in the first century CE, it came from the Latin ‘et’ meaning ‘and’. When the letters ‘e’ and ‘t’ were combined together in writing, they looked like ‘&’. Today, the ampersand is widely used in poems, names of organisations, even in pop culture when referring to famous pairs like Batman & Robin, Tom & Jerry and Frodo & Sam. To usher the day here are five cool facts about the symbol: EE Cummings 1 The origin story: In the 1800s in Britain, the English alphabet ended with the letters X, Y, Z and &. This made the ampersand the 27th letter. To distinguish it from the conjunction ‘and’, which spoken aloud would make the alphabet end abruptly, they wrote “per se” before the symbol. This implied “by itself &”. It would read “X, Y, Z, and per se &”. While reciting, children’s tongues would often slip into pronouncing “and per se &” as ampersand. This is how the name came to be. Cover of EE Cummings’s poetry book comprising 25 poems; (right) The English alphabet including the ampersand 2 Experiments in poetry: Several poets have used the ampersand as stylistic choices within their poems. The best-known story is of the modernist poet EE Cummings. Cummings was a major proponent of experimentation in poetry, ignoring the conventions of grammar. His first collection of poems, Tulips and Chimneys, was originally titled Tulips & Chimneys. However, his publisher didn’t want to risk its censorship and, therefore, refused to use the ampersand. The symbol was not commonly accepted at the time in formal practices of writing. Later, Cummings self-published the 25 poems that were removed from the first collection and titled the book, &. Available: Leading bookstores & e-stores 3 Encoding with &: In HTML, the ampersand is used when the coder wishes to denote a known entity. For instance, if one is to display a double quotation mark, the entity that one types for it is: " That is, ampersand followed by the abbreviated name of the entity and closed with a semicolon. Similarly, if one were to display the symbol of copyright, one would enter the text: © 4 Crediting in America: In cinema, it’s become a common practice to use the ampersand to show a collaboration between two screenwriters as a team. When the people work separately on the same film, i.e. in their individual capacity than together, the word “and” is used in the end credits, instead of the ampersand. 5 Raising relief funds: The year 2010 saw a significant use of the symbol in design. When the earthquake hit Haiti, the Society of Typographic Aficionados launched the Font Aid IV project, which brought design communities together to raise relief funds for the victims of the disaster. Around 400 designers contributed designs of ampersands, which collectively became the collaborative font of the project. The font came to be called the Coming Together font, and the proceeds from those who bought the typeface went to the victims. Log on to typesociety.org/fontaid/iv/ Five ways to celebrate the day 1. Bake an ampersand-shaped cake and share these facts with your friends or family during tea-time.2. Artists must try five different ways of typography of the ampersand.3. Challenge yourself to a one-minute writing activity where you use the ampersand in creative ways.4. Create a fun quiz for your friends with some strange facts about the English alphabet.5. Watch a movie with the ampersand in the title.
07 September,2024 09:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaA July 2024 report by the Esports Gaming Federation has revealed that India’s contingency of online gamers has grown to 442 million. Weed out the casual, leisurely kind, and you’d still have a third of the population getting in on the gaming action. Despite these numbers, gamers like Vanshaj Sharma — a veteran of the Esports World Cup qualifiers in Saudi Arabia last month — are few, and far between. Ahead of the Olympic Esports 2025, Sharma pursues the ambition diligently between juggling a college degree, practising 10 hours a day and competing with world champions. Game, set, no match? Although Sharma’s run at the qualifiers was cut short by a closely fought match at the main event, the gamer only has fond memories of the tour. “I was in awe of the scale of events in Riyadh. We were checked into a gamers’ village lined with gaming booths, practice zones, and community spaces,” he recalls. Incidentally, the village was built after a Saudi player won at the previous edition of the Esports World Cup. “The fact that the win sparked the creation of a whole village measuring almost eight kilometres in radius sounded bizarre,” Sharma says. Vanshaj Sharma Siddesh Hede, a professional gamer who previously represented Mumbai in national competitions across India, agrees. After skills, access to conducive gaming conditions are the second most crucial factor in a player’s success. “In the 2000s, esports players would cluster together in small gaming cafés across the city. Today, you hear of new gaming zones open every month. But how many of them hold themselves to a standard? The roofs are low, gaming equipment is cramped together, and if you’re lucky, you will have one window for air,” he laughs. “Naturally, most gamers prefer to practise on their own consoles at home which leaves the community fragmented,” Hede adds. Waiting for a payday Sharma forms one half of Mumbai Ultras Esports, a team put together by a popular sports club in the city. But for many who hustle independently, the monetary expenses that the hobby entails can prove challenging. A gamer plays the popular game, Dota 2, at Hede’s gaming zone Rajveer Naidu, who runs a gaming space in Andheri and Kandivali breaks it down for us, “Gaming is an expensive hobby. Buying a PlayStation or building a gaming PC, purchasing games, and subscriptions can burn a hole in your pockets. A majority of gamers, including a large chunk of the 442 million in India, are mobile phone gamers. Games like PUBG, BGMI and COD are accessible for no cost to anyone with a smartphone.” While Sharma shares that his European peers consider mobile gaming a ‘pastime’, Hede sees a more optimistic future. “Mobile gaming could be the future for India. It’s cheap and convenient. Krafton, the publishers of PUBG [before it was banned in India] held a competition with a prize pool of one crore rupees in 2020. While console and PC gaming will continue to grow, I believe they will be led by mobile gaming,” he remarks. Siddesh Hede and Rajveer Naidu Podium finish The gamers unanimously and unequivocally believe that the infrastructure needs a relook. But there is no dearth of skilled gamers in the city. While fans still await news on the structure and games at the Olympics Esports 2025, Sharma assures us that Indian gamers are capable of a podium place. “At the FIFAe World Cup last year, we finished ahead of the Southeast Asian favourites. Our eyes are now set on the Olympics event,” he shares excitedly. For 29-year-old Hede, the prospect of an Indian winner at the Olympics Esports Series is the apex of a long journey. “In the early 2010s, I would travel to Goa to participate in one of the earliest national championships called the Indian Cyber Gaming Championship. It feels good to know that the younger generation has bigger goals,” he signs off. Gamers at Naidu’s space; the gaming village in Riyadh; The PC gaming setup at the Goregaon gaming zone Game like a pro The experts pick their favourite spots in the city to practice and rise up the ranks. . Simply GamingAT Crystal Point Mall, Star Bazar, near DN Nagar Metro Station, Andheri West.LOG ON TO @simplygaming.in . Godlike Esports BootcampAT Ghanshyam Villa, Sector 20, Kharghar.LOG ON TO @godlike.in . The BootcampAT Vivek Industrial Estate, Mogul Lane, Mahim West.LOG ON TO @thebootcamp_in . Next Level Gaming AT JVPD, Juhu; Kiran Industrial Estate, Goregaon West.LOG ON TO @next.level.cafe
07 September,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleOf the long list of flowers that inspire poetry, orchids remain some of the most written about plants across ages and beyond borders. According to nature educator Aditya Gadkari, over 22 species of these are found around Mumbai alone. To celebrate International Orchid Day, which falls on the first Thursday of September, Sanjay Gandhi National Park has invited Gadkari to host an interactive session about the plants this weekend. Habenaria gibsonii “The session is primarily a basic introduction to orchids. I plan to cover what sets them apart from regular plants, where one can find them, and their diversity and distribution in India and Western Ghats. I also plan to show images of a few species from Western Ghats and Andaman Islands, all clicked by me. Then I will talk about their adaptations and ecology, followed by threats and conservation measures,” Gadkari revealed. ON September 7; 2 pm to 4 pm AT Nature Interpretation Centre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, BorivaliCall 7738778789 (to register)
06 September,2024 09:42 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamWhen chef Masaharu Morimoto made the bold move to leave Nobu and establish his own restaurant, Morimoto, in 1999, it was a turning point in the culinary world. He brought the refined techniques he had honed at Nobu but with a flair for even fancier presentations, incorporating elements like caviar and salmon roe. And yet, only a few had heard of this ‘Iron Chef’ in India. When he partnered with The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai to launch Wasabi in 2004, a pivotal moment in Indian fine dining was created, firmly establishing Japanese cuisine in the city’s culinary scene. The launch was a social event that attracted Mumbai’s elite. Signature dishes like oysters, sea urchins, and foie gras, featured on Wasabi’s initial menu in Mumbai, are still remembered with honest fondness. Dishes like lobster masala, inspired by Indian flavours, showcased his commitment to blending traditional Japanese techniques with local influences. Surprisingly, they have also been a hit at his New York Restaurant. Mizuhiki salad To celebrate Wasabi by Morimoto’s 20th anniversary, chef Morimoto hit the rewind button, sharing personal reflections with this writer in an e-mail conversation before he hit Mumbai’s shores for a private event. He spoke about his journey from introducing Japanese cuisine to becoming a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene, his personal evolution, and his experiences in India, expressing, “Every time I visit Wasabi, I admire the growth journey. When we first opened, we were slowly introducing Japanese cuisine to Mumbai. Over time, we blended in elements of various global cuisines to cater to the local flavours, particularly vegetarian diets, all while preserving authentic Japanese flavours. It makes one wonder how cuisines can adapt and thrive in different cultures. Now, we have become a beloved part of Mumbai’s dining scene and it fills me with pride and gratitude — the journey to get here has been incredible. My aim was always to introduce Indian diners to the essence of Japanese food — not just the flavours but the philosophy behind it, where each dish respects the ingredients and techniques.” Bocchan kabocha croquette Reflecting on the journey, Morimoto observes how the city has evolved alongside Wasabi, with Indian diners embracing the shared respect for ingredients — a cornerstone of Japanese culinary tradition. “They’ve come to value the importance of seasoning and the delicate balance of flavours in Japanese cuisine,” he notes. “The art of sushi-making and presentation also strikes a chord with Indian diners, as both cultures emphasise the visual appeal of food.” Morimoto strongly believes that maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation is all about respecting classic techniques but not being afraid to think outside the box. This philosophy is what keeps the culinary experience at Wasabi fresh and exciting. “I like to make my dishes with traditional Japanese flavours, but I also want to add elements of India’s rich culinary palate, sourcing the freshest ingredients while honouring the flavorful essence of Japan and mixing it with global influences. We remain devoted to introducing our guests to unique new experiences and refreshing our menus is an ongoing commitment, and you’ll have to stay tuned to see what we have in store. Masaharu Morimoto Giving us a peek into the menu, he says, “We are introducing mizuhiki salad, which I had served at the White House gala dinner. It’s like unwrapping a garden on a plate. We have kinmedai soup, a clear flavorful broth. Chilean sea bass cooked on robata with yuzu kosho ponzu sauce. Additionally, we are introducing seasonal vegetables and fruits. The dishes will change according to availability, but we know the guests will look forward to it.” Also Read: Onam 2024: Indulge in making a delicious Sadhya dish Mathanga erisseri
06 September,2024 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiDeep in the Indian Ocean, a crab is ready to depart for a vacation on a first-class seahorse journey to the Atlantic. Suddenly, he’s surrounded by paparazzi and fins. Fans, he thinks, so typical, as he gives them his autograph. His moment of gloating is short-lived. “Watakattu!” Gilly, his companion, screams, and the hero of the ocean is called to duty once again to keep the marine life crime-free. This superhero crab, mind you, wears a lungi. Nishka Bhansali reads the book at her residence Author Saahil S Sharma’s latest book for kids, The Legends of Watakattu: Claws of Justice (Alpha Comics), illustrated by Rishi Bhardwaj, reimagines the superhero stories in the marine life of the water bodies of the world. “The first volume is set in the Indian Ocean. Every time Watakattu longs for a vacation and prepares to set off, a villain crops up and spoils his plans. In the second and the third volumes, you will also see the superhero explore the lengths of the Andaman and the Atlantic,” Sharma reveals. The book also explores a love story When Girgaum-based Nishka Bhansali gets her hands on the book, she is barely able to put it down. The eight-year-old completes the book in one go. “I loved the illustrations the most. They kept me engaged from the very beginning. I didn’t know heroes wear lungis!” The child shares excitedly. “The story begins in the Indian Ocean near the Inter Ocean Bus Stop, and a sea horse who becomes the vehicle for Indian Ocean Roadways. Just when Watakattu plans to take a holiday, Gilly informs him about a robbery. Watakattu, the superhero The Electric Earl [the villain of the story] is back!” Bhansali explains the plot of the story to the writer. While she loves Watakattu’s character, she particularly enjoys Gilly’s comical role, and the many other marine animals — like sharks, puffers, clownfish (whom she recognises as Nemo), and sea grass — she gets introduced to. “There were several words that I couldn’t understand, but were interesting to learn once I was told what they meant,” she concludes. Entry of the villain, Electric Earl. ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY/Rishi Bhardwaj The idea of creating a South Indian superhero emerged from Sharma’s trip to Chennai. “I am an environment enthusiast, and love watching the Planet Earth Series by Sir David Attenborough. I have always wanted to write about marine life. The name Watakattu is actually a South Indian surname. I have always wanted to create a series of stories based on marine life. Saahil S Sharma This series will further shed light on pollution and how it impacts marine life activity. One such villain is born after he was trapped in a net for a long time. Another volume will explore Andaman Crab Fest on a five-star cruise, where Watakattu is invited as well. Little does he know that because it is a crab fest, he will be the one who will be cooked,” Sharma reveals. The legend of Watakattu: Claws of JusticeAge Group: 6 to 13 years Price: Rs 199Ratings: 3/4Log on to: alphacomics.in; amazon.in Also Read: Book review: Faith is everywhere
06 September,2024 09:26 AM IST | Mumbai | Devanshi DoshiOver a call with Karan Malhotra, we can tell he’s far out from the bustle of a big city. His voice struggles to cut through the network interference, occasionally cracking and fading out. Understandably so — the rocky roads of Jispa, a remote village in Himachal Pradesh, aren’t made for leisurely conversations over the phone. “We’re making a rest stop here before we hop on our bikes and ride to Leh,” explains Malhotra, who will set up one of the highest-altitude adventure events in the country at Stok in Leh, next weekend. Bikers make their way to the festival site in Stok, Leh You’d be mistaken if you took the organiser for a man of few words, though. In the absence of mobile network at an altitude of nearly 3,500 ft, he is turning to striking up conversations with riders along the way. “That’s the goal of the festival as well. Off-roaders, bikers, and trekkers share the same passion for the outdoors, but they head their own ways in search of pleasure and peace. We wanted to bring them all together under the same starry skies of Leh. Exchanging ideas, sharing notes, and telling stories from their previous adventures — these are things that people miss out on amidst the usual loud, flashy adventure events,” he sighs. Children from Nubra Valley perform at a previous edition Outback Festival, the two-day celebration, takes a departure from this idea and expands the radar to include music, food, art, and dance. On the line-up for the upcoming edition are familiar names such as fusion-rock pioneers Indian Ocean, and indie acoustic pop artiste, Osho Jain. “The music is curated to blend in with the vibe of the open-air celebrations. With a bonfire, unplugged performances, and large spaces for experiential activities, it’s almost like Woodstock, but for adventure lovers,” he laughs. Karan Malhotra When these celebrations take over the village next weekend, the native residents of the valley won’t be left behind. “We’re constantly finding ways to give back to the local communities. Last year, we scouted for local talent, and found a group of young aspiring musicians in a school in Nubra Valley. We gave them a crash course in music with the help of our community and they opened our festival with an ethereal performance,” recalls Malhotra. Following suit, this year the festival will invite local women of Stok to present their traditional delicacies. “If there’s anything bikers love more than good music, it’s grabbing delicious food and a cold beer after a long ride. There will be abundance on both fronts,” the organiser assures us. “Off-roaders are big foodies. Last year, we built an 80 ft-long open barbecue where foodies could bring their own meat and grill it with the community,” he reveals. The true meat of the festivities, however, lies elsewhere. This year, the highlight of the event will be a quad track [an off-road course built for quad bikes]. “The idea is to open these activities not only for experts but also amateurs who wish to dip their toe in off-roading. The quad track, and similar activities spread across the festival site will provide a safe, supervised environment for newbies,” Malhotra reveals. “As for our more experienced visitors, they will have already experienced an adventure and a half, making their way to the remote village,” he laughs, as he sets off to savour his own share. ON September 14 and 15AT Chulli Bagh, Stok village, Leh.LOG ON TO theoutbackfestival.com COST R6,000 onwards (excludes travel)
06 September,2024 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleWhat began as playful conversations about opening their own place between chef Asha and her daughter, Rinad Mundeth, has evolved into Meghatheeram Kitchen, a cherished home chef venture in Andheri West. This initiative is a heartfelt celebration of the rich heritage they’ve grown up with. This Onam, from September 13 to 16, they’re offering a special Sadhya that will be available across Mumbai. Asha and Rinad Mundeth We’ve got for you the classic and comforting Sadhya dish, mathanga erisseri that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin, the heartiness of lentils, and the crispy texture of spiced coconut. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to experience the warmth and richness of Kerala cuisine. Mathanga erisseri Ingredients For the curry:>> 500g mathanga (pumpkin), diced>> 1/2 cup parippu (toor dal)>> 1 onion, finely chopped>> 3 to 4 green chillies, slit>> 2 sprigs curry leaves>> 3 to 4 sambar onion (shallots)>> 1 teaspoon mustard seeds>> 2 to 3 garlic cloves>> 2 to 3 vattal mulaku (dried red chillies)>> 1 to 2 tablespoons coconut oil (plus more for frying)>> 1 teaspoon red chilli powder>> 1 teaspoon turmeric powder>> 1 teaspoon cumin seeds>> 1/2 cup grated coconut For the coconut topping:>> 1/4 cup grated coconut>> 1 tablespoon coconut oil MethodIn a pressure cooker, combine the diced mathanga (pumpkin), parippu (toor dal), chopped onion, green chillies, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and cook for one to two whistles until the pumpkin and lentils are soft. In a blender, grind the grated coconut, garlic, cumin seeds, and sambar onions into a smooth paste. Add this coconut paste to the cooked pumpkin mixture and bring it to a gentle boil, allowing the flavours to meld together. Heat coconut oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds and allowing them to splutter, add dried red chillies and curry leaves, fry them until aromatic. Pour this fragrant tempering over the erisseri, giving it a final stir. For the authentic finishing touch, toast 1/4 cup of grated coconut in coconut oil until it turns golden brown and crisp. Sprinkle this crunchy topping generously over the erisseri after adding the tempering. TILL September 8LOG ON TO @meghatheeram.kitchenCALL 9820344369 Sadhya specials >> This home kitchen’s sadhya meal box, featuring 16 authentic dishes served on a banana leaf makes for the perfect festive lunch and is available for delivery across Mumbai.TILL September 12 LOG ON TO @vannutinnuka >> This delivery kitchen adds a spin to the traditional sadhya with options like the superfood sadhya, and a playful un-sadhya, featuring chicken and seafood.ON September 6 to 8; 14 to 15 LOG ON TO @naironfireindiaCALL 9324059522
05 September,2024 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Kanisha SoftaREAD The Art of Being a Brilliant Teacher: THIS book acknowledges teaching as an art. It explores methods that could be adopted by teachers (at any stage of their career) to improve their craft in the classrooms. Authors Gary Toward, Chris Henley, and Andy Cope keep it exciting and fresh, which makes the experience of reading the book a joyride. The authors discuss crucial techniques like positive psychology, terms of engagement with students, signs of “classroom entropy”, and strategies that help grapple with discipline. The book is a self-help gift for all teachers, offering plenty of examples and case studies. In Custody by Anita Desai: In her classic, Anita Desai paints a poignant portrait of an underpaid Hindi professor, Deven, who teaches at Mirpore’s Lala Ram Lal College. One day, an old college friend from New Delhi pays him a visit. He is the “spoilt rich” and manipulative Murad, who runs an Urdu magazine. Murad tempts Deven with an offer to interview the latter’s idol, the Urdu poet Nur, “in his old age”. Deven finds it difficult to refuse the opportunity. However, while at the job, he is constantly bullied by Murad, and begins experiencing many personal shifts in his life, including his relationship with his family and friends back home.Available Bookstores, and e-stores LISTEN The Teaching Space: Martine Ellis, an educator from Guernsey with a mindset-first approach, focuses on the well-being of teachers in her podcast, inspiring them to follow healthy practices. She offers various tips that have been tested by educators from around the world. For instance, in one of the episodes, professor Matt O’Leary explains why he believes in an observation-based approach, especially in how it helps understand the relationship between learning and teaching. Ellis also advises on navigating online spaces like managing Google classrooms, maintaining teacher blogs, or turning video conferences with students into engaging experiences. All episodes in the podcast are 15-30 minutes long, and easy for teachers, parents, trainers, and coaches to listen to during their work breaks.Log on to Spotify WATCH A still from the documentary. PICS COURTESY/YOUTUBE Class of her own (2024): This documentary follows the life of Gloria Jean Merriex, a teacher at a public school in Florida that consisted of children from disadvantaged communities. Merriex revised her teaching methods and transformed her classroom into fun spaces of learning and creative excellence through innovative strategies. She brought dance and music to her class. With the help of rap, she taught concepts of mathematics, and through arts, made reading delightful. She took care of her students beyond their academic needs, studied and understood them closely.Log on to Apple TV Moments from The Teacher Who Promised the Sea The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (2023): Ariadne is looking for her grandfather and comes across the story of Antoni Benaiges, a Catalan teacher, who taught her grandfather during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. Benaiges was assigned to teach at a small village in the city of Burgos, Spain, about 75 years ago. He introduced modern methods of teaching to encourage the students to think and question. While he faced resistance from several parents, he was loved by his students. He showed them how to type and create their own booklets with their words and add their sketches to them. Based on a true story, the film is a testament to the everlasting impact of a good teacher.Log on to Apple TV or in.bookmyshow.com
05 September,2024 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaADVERTISEMENT
