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”Trudeau’s statement socks!Everyone makes odd fashion blunders and thankfully, not everything about his wardrobe was horrid!Trudeau, known for his collection of statement-making socks, did not disappoint in this department. “This is dated styling advice and like Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah pointed out, nobody in India dresses like this either,” she mentions. But he is so gorgeous that we can forgive him for this one faux pas.

As Star Wars is his favourite theme, he decided to meet Indian counterpart Narendra Modi wearing Darth Vader socks and the two found a common ground to talk about straight away.He may be in town to boost Indo-Canadian ties, but the only thing making news is his choice of a garish and sparkly sherwani that he wore to a dinner with Bollywood bigwigs last week. Writer Shunali Khullar Shroff even wanted to find out the culprit who advised him to dress like that; she felt the only two things missing at the venue were a horse and a sehra.Similarly, while meeting the Irish Prime Minister in 2017, he took inspiration from Star Wars and wore R2D2 and C3PO socks.

In any case, it’s unfair to pounce on the Canadian PM.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau poses with Bollywood star Aamir Khan at an event during the PM’s visit to the countryA huge admirer of Trudeau owing to his friendly persona, his stand for women’s rights and family guy image, Shunali says, “The poor guy must have asked someone to source him something Indian and this is what they got! They should have gone to someone like a Raghavendra Rathore or Shantanu and Nikhil.“It looked like a Band Baaja Baraat suit,” she says laughing, as she adds, “Something you can find at a place that rents filmy غير مجاز مي باشدtumes in Mumbai.

******an points out, “It’s rather endearing that he wanted to play to the gallery and sport an Indian look. At Davos earlier this year, he sported purple-and-yellow ducks!In fact Industrialist Anand Mahindra even This white cut flower print brush rabbit hair faux fur fabric tweeted, “I told @CanadianPM (who has a great sense of humour) that my daughters would be dismayed I hadn’t chosen appropriately colourful socks for the occasion. After all, he is a foreign dignitary and head of state, the style has to be reigned in!”Writer ******an Manral agrees with Shunali about consulting contemporary Indian designers for his Indian wardrobe. I decided to admit & have my dismal wardrobe failure photographically recorded! (sic).At the event held in Delhi, while SRK looked sharp in a black suit, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Troudeau, to quote Twitterati, was dressed like a bridegroom.”. The first two times he wore kurta-pyjama was cute, after that it was a bit of a killjoy

Stating that this was the first time that the fight was for ideologies, she said the country is at the crossroads. Though the Prime Minister has decried such incidents, no action has been taken," he said, adding that the fight is against the communal and divisive forces."Our political freedom will be meaningless unless we are able to rid the society of caste prejudices and emancipate dalits," she said, addressing a gathering of MPs and MLAs from the ruling CPI(M) led LDF and opposition Congress led UDF in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday evening."Seventeen major political parties unanimously decided to articulate very powerfully and strongly their desire to face in this presidential contest, the forces which are threatening the ideologies which we hold so dear.

In this unanimous decision, many of the parties who had hitherto followed different paths, have come together by taking very firm ideological positions," she said. several actions posing a threat to the secular fabric of our nation are taking place," he said, adding that nothing much can be expected from "an RSS-BJP led government. The lone BJP MLA, O Rajagopal, was not present.

"It is a great honour that they have reposed in me. We are committed to ending poverty.Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition presidential candidate Meira Kumar on Sunday stressed upon the need to rid the society of caste bias and strive for dalits&Beige rabbit fur faux fur fabric39; emancipation."Never before has the communal venom been so injected in the political system of the country to divide the people..While admitting that it was a 'difficult fight,' she said there have been # many contests for presidentships.""We have to protect our constitution and the interest of minorities," he said, adding that Meira Kumar is the representative of this fight by secular forces and Kerala would unanimously support her. We are here not to suppress the poor regardless of which religion they come from," she said.

Those eating beef are being killed.. The ideologies which we are fighting are sacred. "There is no tolerance, There is so much fear," she said."All this is under serious threat.Describing Kerala as a 'unique' state with 100 per cent literacy, which other states are still striving for, and communal harmony, she said the state is an example of how to live together with peace, love and affection. "Some people are trying to decide what others should eat and wear .Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former chief ministers V S Achuthanandan and Oommen Chandy and Opposition Leader in the Assembly Ramesh Chennithala were among those who shared the dais with Kumar.Pointing out that she had asked members of the collegium to listen to their ‘inner voice of conscience,’ Kumar said the people question her on numbers, but "I have said I have tremendous faith in ideals and the inner faith of conscience. It is in danger. Chennithala said the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF and opposition Congress-led UDF had set aside their differences to support Meira Kumar's candidature.."Vijayan said that at the national level, communal forces are unleashing violence and noted that recently two siblings were attacked during a train journey with one of them losing his life. We fight for the most suppressed, most marginalised and most humiliated," the former Lok Sabha speaker said

You must advance on the same! Today Bharat is in dire need of selfless volunteers like you. He wrote: “Being one of the tallest leaders of the great Indian National Congress, which has been responsible for preserving the secular fabric of this country, your decision has invited unparalleled disgruntlement among the rank and file of the Congress Party.For Mr Chennithala, Mr Mukherjee’s decision to attend the function was a “rude shock

Mr Chennithala urged the former President to reconsider his decision. On the website of the RSS’ mouthpiece Organiser, the lead story’s headline screamed: “Pranab Da at RSS Headquarter: Why Intolerant Brigade is Shocked?”Incidentally, Mr Mukherjee is fondly called “dada” or “Pranabda” by his close associates and friends.New Delhi: At a time when differences have surfaced within the Congress over former President Pranab Mukherjee’s apparent move to send a clear signal that the RSS is not untouchable, the Sangh is now trying to establish a closer and a more intimate bond with the veteran Congressman.

“As a person who has served as the First Citizen of our country and the greatest ambassador of secularism, I request you to reconsider your decision to attend the RSS meet on June 7, 2018. Former vice-president Za****** Hussain and Jayaprakash Narayan were also invited, and they also appreciated the work of the Sangh when they closely watched it.”. Claiming that he “wouldn’t have accepted the invitation”, Mr Chidambaram felt that Mr Mukherjee “should go there and tell them what is wrong with their ideology”. Mr Singhvi took a potshot at those who had opposed his decision to write for the RSS mouthpieces.While Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, in a letter to Mr Mukherjee, said he was “deeply hurt” by his decision to accept the invitation, another senior Congress leader Abhishek “Manu” Singhvi said it was “wrong to judge someone for accepting an invitation till we listen to his speech”. The general had apparently said: “The Sangh’s work is close to my heart. Recalling his brief association with RSS mouthpieces, Mr Singhvi said he had also “written” for Panchjanya and Organiser and that his articles had been “well accepted” within the party.

 Former finance minister P.The RSS, which used to refer to him as “Dr Pranab Mukherjee” or “Shri Pranab Mukherjee”, moved a step closer and now referred to him as “Pranab da”. He said while a majority of Congress leaders appreciated and accepted his decision, there were “a few snipers, which are there in every party”, who chose to target him.. Justifying its move to invite Mr Mukherjee, the lead article argued: “The RSS has always been inviting people across the political spectrum that are active in social services and public life. Chidambaram said now Mr Mukherjee has accepted the invitation, “it is wrong to discuss whether he should have accepted or not”.M.It was further noted that the “Sangh has been extending red-carpet welcome to patriots who are active in public life since 1930s. K. Cariappa, who had visited a Sangh camp in 1959 at Mangalore.”Dragging in the BJP’s latest bugbear, Jawaharlal Nehru, the article reminded people that “having been affected by the tireless services of swayamsevaks during the India-China War (1962), then PM Jawaharlal Nehru invited the RSS to officially take part in the Republic Day parade. Dr Hedgewar presented you with an ideal of selfless service.”The article then quoted late Gen.” It claimed Gandhiji “was convinced that any organisation which was inspired by the ideals of service and self-sacrifice was bound to grow in strength”. More than 3,000 swayamsevaks participated graciously. If a Muslim can be very vocal while eulogising Islam, what is wrong if the Sangh safeguards the values of Hindutva? My dear young friends! Never get discouraged by the fake propaganda against you.”

Moving on to Mahatma Gandhi, the article reminded all that it was a “well-known fact that Mahatma Gandhi had graced a RSS event at Wardha (Maharashtra) in 1934. In continuation of its artificial fur fabric manufacturers tradition, the RSS invited Dr Pranab Mukherjee this time, and he reciprocated by accepting the same.”As the Congress seemed to be a house divided over the issue, Organiser maintained in its lead article that “people who share the same values of patriotism and are dedicated to social change are bound to attend the RSS camps on invitations despite different political ideologies”

"Father Tom (Uzhunnalil), also a Keralite, was abducted by terrorists in Yemen last year.The prime minister also recalled how his government used "all resources" to bring back Keralite priest Tom Uzhunnalil who was freed after being kept in captivity suspectedly by the ISIS for 18 months in strife-torn Yemen."Our nurses from Kerala, mostly Christians, were stranded in Iraq. He went their to spread the mesغير مجاز مي باشدe of Jesus Christ.

He also listed several examples wherein the central government had brought back Christian missionaries as well as nurses stranded in conflict zones across the world. We did not see their religion or language they speak."Along with Indians, we have rescued citizens of almost 40 countries from Yemen, as they were stranded there due to war.The priest had also said that "democratic fabric" of the country was at stake amidst growing "sense of insecurity" among minorities, which was viewed as a jibe at the ruling BJP. We applied every trick in the book and brought her back alive, that too from the clutches of terrorists.

In 2014, a total of 46 Indian nurses, who were held captive by the Islamic State militants in Iraq for about a month, were evacuated after the successful intervention by the Union government. We successfully brought him back a few months back," the prime minister said.He said it was a "matter of concern" if some people are opposing such values..Modi said his government had saved and rescued people of different faiths irrespective of their religion. We were able to do all these humanitarian work because of our rashtrabhakti," he said.The prime minister was speaking at a gathering after inaugurating a hospital on the campus of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul Vishwavidya Pratisthanam (SGVP).The prime minister was referring to the letter issued last month by Thomas Macwan, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, in which he had appealed to Christians to pray to save the country from "nationalist forces"."Another Christian, Judith D&recycled faux fur fabric manufacturersSouza of West Bengal, was kidnapped in Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said "rashtrabhakti" motivated him and his government # to help people of various faiths, including Christians, and dubbed as "fatwa" a letter issued by Gandhinagar archbishop.Modi said he was raising the issue of nationalism because some people have challenged it. It was our nationalism and humanitarian values which guided us," the prime minister said. Can the prime minister or any citizen of India sleep in such situation, when our daughters are in custody of terrorists?" he asked."I was shocked to see a religious person releasing a (diktat) saying uproot the nationalist forces.He also gave the example of Father Alexis Prem Kumar who was rescued from the Taliban captivity in Afghanistan. They were in the custody of terrorists. Again, we have employed all our resources to bring him back, as he is the son of this country

The families lack privacy but they will never overstep your boundaries and get intrusive,” explains wholesale Beige printed mink Faux Fur Fabrics the papier-mâché artist. “There may hardly be any space to accommodate people in a room, but that never stops them from inviting people over.” To illustrate her point, she talks of workers who grind grains at flourmills.”The show is open till February 6 at Jehangir Gallery in Kala Ghoda.

“My mother would find some fabric, and then stitch it in different styles and patterns, depending on our personalities. To this day, this memory reiterates that my sisters and I are cut from the same cloth,” she explains.While this scene hasn’t made it to the exhibition, moments from the common balcony, intimate moments exchanged by a father-son duo, the captivating contortions made by a woman taking a selfie are among those that have. “I am someone who is bursting with ideas when I start working on sculpting. “I feel like I am at the foot of a mountain, and still have a long way to go.As a school-going child in Mumbai, Bharati Pitre was intrigued by the parallel life that existed in Mumbai chawls. If I get too enthusiastic, I could ruin the sculpture, and may need to work on it from scratch.These are among the many memories that have metamorphosed into art works in her current exhibition, Look Once Look Twice.

She recalls the families living together as one — literally and figuratively. Despite the space crunch, the door is always open for neighbours to come in.”Working with papier mâché comes with its own challenges. Once I discovered papier-mâché, there was no going back for me. She says, “I was working as a commercial artist and I realised I was someone who likes to get my hands dirty. One such papier mâché sculpture is ‘Three Sisters’, inspired by her own life.” She concludes, “It is an economical art form. These sculptures are light, but are extremely strong. Such scenes can evoke many an emotion including mirth. He has made peace with his appearance, and so have his customers,” she says. Otherwise, it will teach you to be patient,” she jokes.

“There’s always a layer of powder over their body.Bharati’s foray into papier-mâché happened after she quit her job in an advertising firm. “You need loads of patience to work with this medium. The best part is you can continue transforming it if you aren’t happy with the final outcome. As she says, “There are comical moments all around you — all you have to do is observe. I have learnt to admire this quality since it helps me streamline my thoughts,” she explains. Chances are that you may never recognise this guy without wheat flour on his face..After working with this medium for 15 years, the artist thinks that there’s a lot more to be explored

The MNS, Congress and NCP will be losing the election badly, the exit poll said. The last time, both the parties contested the BMC election in alliance. If Mr Thackeray wins, he will tower every other leader in the city; and if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) falters, Mr Fadnavis’ grip on the state BJP will be undermined.Tuesday’s polls also saw several film personalities, including veteran actress Rekha, noted lyricist Gulzar, actors Paresh Rawal, Ranveer Singh, Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi and director Zoya Akhtar, stepping out to vote. Zoya expressed hope that whoever gets elected this year works towards improving infrastructure and the environment. The BJP had won 32 out of 63 seats it contested while Shiv Sena won 75 out of the 135 seats it contested.. In Mumbai too, the number of BJP MLAs exceeds the Sena’s by one, giving the former party reason to demand more seats from the Sena for the BMC elections.Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe said every election varies as per the context at the local and national level, and the social and political fabric is changing towards tolerance and local development issues. Until people come out and exercise their franchise, they will not get the change they seek,” she said.This election is a referendum on the chief minister and the leadership of Mr Thackeray. However, all these years, the Sena had been allied with the BJP, whom it considered as a younger brother.“During the Assembly polls, we observed that the percentage of BJP votes had increased.Meanwhile, Axis-India Today exit poll predicted close contest between the Shiv Sena and BJP – with both the parties winning more than 80 seats while falling short of absolute majority.Mumbai: Mumbai on Tuesday decided who would rule India’s richest municipal corporation, which Blue Panax Denax Beach Wool faux fur fabric dwarfs many states in terms of its astronomical budget.

We have really good youth candidates who have done good work but never got a shot at contesting polls. This time, things were different, and complex.Overall, the battle in Mumbai appeared to be that of the Sena and BJP, with Congress coming into the picture only once or twice, and that too because of the internal bickering. However, the exit poll has predicted that BJP will make huge gains this time by winning 80-86 seats, while the Sena will also increase its tally to 86-90 seats.Optimistic about his party’s performance, BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, whether or not we get an absolute majority will be clear in two days, when the actual results are out. The political dynamics in Mumbai have changed: The state for the first time has a BJP chief minister and the Sena is being forced to play second fiddle.Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appear to have lost the battle even before it started. While the former’s chances were marred by internal strife, the NCP — which has with no MLA in the city — decided to keep its focus on rural Maharashtra.

Also, all parties depend heavily on Mumbai for its funds and with a budget of Rs 37,000 crore yearly, the BMC is a golden egg-laying goose, which all wish to covet.The CM is being cautious, as he has trained his guns on local leaders, telling them that their position would be precarious if the pro-BJP voter turnout is bad.

This election, however, differed from all previous ones, with alliances being broken and a bitter exchange of allegations ensuing among former allies.The outcome of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will decide the fate of two leaders — Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who were leading their respective parties from the front and who are seen in ubiquitously displayed posters and banners. For the last 25 years, the Shiv Sena has been dominating Mumbai, irrespective of who ruled the state; the city’s mayor has always been a Shiv Sainik. There are chances of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen emerging as a shocker for Congress with it winning more seats than the Samajwadi Party, NCP and, some say, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Above all of this, the high voting percentage has left political parties wondering what exactly was on the voters’ minds.However, BJP MP Poonam Mahajan, after exercising her franchise, said the party’s decision to break ties with Sena has given an opportunity to young candidates, who otherwise would have not got a chance despite doing good work. We are confident of a grand victory in Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik and a roaring performance all over the state,” Ms Gorhe said.“Sena’s strength is its 24X7 services for the people and it’s a strong organisation that has the dynamic leadership of Uddhavji Thackeray. This highlights recent developments of internal rebellion within the BJP

”The cause behind the growth of loneliness can be attributed to the constant race to keep up with the pace of urban life, which entails hectic careers of both partners, feels Atika Shukla, a counselling psychologist.” Talking of the ill-effects of loneliness, he says that it can lead to decrease in life expectancy, chances of dementia, anxiety disorder and depression. As a people we need to consciously break out of the rut of constantly pursuing work and educational gains, and focus more on the human aspects. In most cases, lack of social support and time leads to inability to socialise. Seek support from friends or from professionals, if needed. Samir Parikh, director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Hospital, too blames the changing social fabric with reduced social support systems and our increasingly hectic lifestyles for creating an experience of loneliness for many. With the growth of nuclear families and breaking down of support system that a joint family system provided, it is even more important to make an effort to build our support system by keeping in touch with family and friends, as humans cannot survive in isolation,” she says. Have family meals together, talk to one another about the day, take breaks and go for outings together.The UK has appointed a minister for loneliness.

Involve in doing things you enjoy. According to health experts, it is a condition that can have detrimental health repercussions and social isolation can have physical, mental and emotional consequences. Manish Jain, consultant psychiatrist, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, says, “I come across many patients who are struggling to manage their children and work together. We speak to life coaches, wellness PET injection molding machine consultants and psychologists to give us a sense of the growing loneliness among urban dwellers, what could be causing it and how one can deal with it.Stress can be really harmful. I spend extra time in office. Her parents live in Mumbai and her boyfriend shifted to Hyderabad last year not willing to let go off a great job opportunity.Experts also point out that contrary to what people may believe, one can be troubled by loneliness in spite of being surrounded by people and people from all age groups can be suffering from it.Meet friends.Talking about the genesis of the growing epidemic, Ruchi Phool, wellness and lifestyle guru, says, “The work culture as we find today, was introduced during the industrial revolution of the US to lay the foundation of its nation through ‘sweat and blood’, and the education system supported it. Learn to let go off things.

Tracey Crouch is the newly appointed minister. Diet plays an important role in maintaining emotional and physical health. This is bound to lead to loneliness as even in our time of need we hesitate to reach out because we haven’t done so earlier. The ministry’s job will to be to deal with what Prime Minister Theresa May said is “the sad reality of modern life”. Is it the FOMO syndrome or mid-age crisis, I don’t know! I think I need to consult a psychologist,” she tells us, sounding tired and exasperated.Well, Tara is not alone in dealing with such a situation. As humans, we are social beings and need to connect but unfortunately, this need is being fulfilled via technology like Facebook and WhatsApp and not one-to-one in-person interactions. Sleep well at night and avoid the use of gadgets before sleeping. Eat nutritious food. Also, connect with distant relatives, call up or meet them when possible. Go for a walk, jog, or swim.

Play real games and not virtual ones. A city like Delhi too has a huge population with youngsters trying to build careers away from loved ones and the elderly whose kids don’t live in the same town as them. “It’s a constant demand to take care of our physical needs in which our social and emotional needs get neglected. Though she has friends in the city, she is left with much time and not enough people around her to spend it with. Unfortunately, this has carried on beyond its need and across countries. Stay healthy. Yes, you read it right! Last year, a British commission found that about nine million people in the country were being weighed down by the feeling of loneliness, either often or always. He goes on add that since there is a paucity of experts dealing with mental health illness, it makes a stronger case for preventive methods to be in place.Tara (name changed on request) works for an international NGO. Engage in creative and healthy activities. Believe in yourself and take time off when needed. where people hang out with their loved ones. I’ve begun to hate going to restaurants, pubs, theme parks etc.Tips to deal with lonelinessSpend quality time with family. “I have tried taking up many hobbies which I leave after losing interest. I feel so lonely all the time.— Dr Snehal Singh, wellness and lifestyle management consultant, Healthians. Restrict the use of gadgets and social media and live in the real world

From chief minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal to Trinamul Congress supremo and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to AIADMK authority and Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa to the indomitable DMK veteran Karunanidhi and yesteryear Shiv Sena boss Bal Thackeray saab, all have had one thing in common despite differing on their political ideologies and that’s their public image and inimitable signature traits.Both P.Call it a consciously flaunted political accessory or a mere wardrobe style statement, the political fraternity never shies away from displaying its distinguishing signs, because they have an aura of their own. Akhilesh Yadav’s inclination towards donating laptops to encourage the new-age youth and today’s start-up generation may reflect his youth-oriented developmental programmes and might find a congruent echo in Mamata Banerjee’s cycle distribution to girl students in remote suburbs and district regions. The name Sushma Swaraj instantly conjures up a picture of sweet charm, poise and subtle two color injection molding machine Factory sophistication.He is the muffler man of Delhi.

A man donning many hats one may dub.White as a colour is traditionally dear to the social activists and our desi politiغير مجاز مي باشد. She is the heavyweight bullet-proof Amma of south India, who’s synonymous with her tiny small bindi gracing her wrinkleless fair forehead, crisply ironed colourful elegant saris, neatly draped as a uniform, nicely combed middle-parted hair, her charisma of being a yesteryear screen siren and today’s demigoddess status as a politician.While the Left Front had chosen the quintessential Bengali bhadralok and culturally rich Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee as the successor of late doyen Marxist patriarch Jyoti Basu, the firebrand lady CM (a first in West Bengal) toppled all party equations and predictions to rout the red brigade overnight in 2011 Assembly polls.Enough of clues for the above Well your guess is a no-brainer.

She is the simple cotton sari clad didi of West Bengal with a pair of humble slippers strapped onto her tireless feet.Classic examples of Mahatma Gandhi’s round-rimmed glasses, his short, folded up dhoti below a bare torso and the symbolic spinning wheel or the charkha weaving out an indigenous khadi fabric, Netaji’s army fatigues, his dare-devilry to defy the invincible British forces and his dashing leadership qualities, Pandit Nehruji’s Jawahar coat and the iconic red rose sticking out of his chest pocket, Indira Gandhi’s stylish silver streaks, her rebounding character, prompt acumen and sharpness plus above all, her dignified smartness, Rajiv Gandhi’s good-natured soul and his infectious smile are firmly etched on India’s memory since the pre-Independence era. The erstwhile tiger of Maharashtra is a deceased leader now but his powerful image is an unfading, immortal one in the collective minds.. He still continues to play his political innings spanning across decades.

Fondly addressed as Namo, he is a social media savvy, yoga practitioner and a proponent of cleanliness, all at one go. Be it the conventional Gandhi topis or white kurta pajamas as worn by Congress Party workers or other party ministers. Pranabda’s amicable nature, thorough gentlemanlike qualities, a grand political career and his studied eloquence make him a class apart. For Late Balasahebji’s rudraksh necklace, saffron overalls, photochromic glasses were an extension of his insuperable identity. Her large maroon self-adhesive bindi and the sleeveless jacket or a blazer over her saris are all-time accoutrements to her overall get-up.

It unequivocally creates a secondary entity of an individual persona. She is the symbol of poriborton and a true representative of maa, mati and manush. Her salwar suits, boyish haircut and shiny ear-tops are quite conspicuous in the crowd.At state-level, there are quite a few examples to make a note of. Face of the BSP and the campaigner for the welfare of dalits and Other Backward Classes — Mayawati — is one such example. Not to forget our much revered Prime Minister Narendra Modiji on this block.The country’s President Pranab Mukherjee was once the diplomatic Chanakya of the Congress Party that many present-day detractors are calling a porous outfit. Rahul Gandhi, Sachin Pilot or the PM himself parades white as their second skin too often. If Basu was considered a straight-faced elitist CM for his tight-lipped anglicised expressions, frequent London vacations and his rapport with the upper crust Kolkata, Ms Banerjee serving her second term as CM in the east Indian state is more of a populist face there. Chidambaram and Arun Jaitley are conspicuous by their sense of polished propriety and primness alongwith a pair of spectacles firmly resting on their noses. He is the grand old octogenarian patriarch of Dravidian politics who is inseparable from his trademark black shades and the ethnic white dhoti. Even his better-half-widow Sonia Gandhi is no mere shadow of his erstwhile eminence

A perfect blend of what a new age city dipped in modernism and development should be like. It was time for some cheese tasting too, along with wine at Henri Willig, a maker of Dutch cheese, most well-known for Baby Gouda. These shoes are made from Poplar and Willow. Finally, amidst chaos, we were finally led into an ancient windmill and its intricate functioning.Walking through such beauty, The Netherlands endeared itself to us. Enticed, we stood in awe as the sight brought fairy tales alive, and we went back to being eight-year-olds, amazed. Goat, sheep and organic cheese made from recipes passed down through generations.

Many natives believe that the Dutch are born on two wheels. These canals are crowd-pullers as they take one through the historic buildings and bridges. Luckily, the weather was also kind, and the sun shone brightly. Snow is an intrinsic part of Dutch winters, and no matter how much chaos it causes on the streets, it is definitely a sight to behold. The Netherlands is the bicycle capital of the world and has the highest bicycle density. Mauritshuis, home to the best of Dutch art from the Golden Age, the stately museum houses masterpieces such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Anatomy Lesson by Dr Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, The Goldfinch by Fabritius and The Bull by Potter are on permanent display in the intimate rooms of this 17th century monument. A walk through that age-old estate on a cold windy morning is an experience of a lifetime. The impressive central or main hall witnessed wooden vaulted ceilings, richly decorated with golden leaves, half-Gothic cathedral and half-luxury hotel! Next to it was a romantic chapel and beautiful parks and gardens. Our next stop was Kooijman Souvenirs and Clogs, a wooden shoe workshop where clogs are made and Justin Kooijman took us through the entire process. The interiors of the castle lead you to a Roman Catholic Church. Introduced to his work rather strangely, thanks an inclination to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and the song Otherside, we were introduced to cubism. What drew us was the street art, a dominant part of the culture. It enthuses the country’s spirit as they joined hands to rebuild again with a vision. Something we can learn from. The best way to enjoy these canals is from the comfort of the canal boats, marvelling at the extensive canal system. Such is the beauty of the city with its enigmatic skylines, art, food and bar scenes. Over centuries, there are more than 1,000, (most in industrial mills), making Zaan district Europe’s largest industrial area.

The castle takes you back to the times of luxury and how the Van Zuylen family lived and treated their guests in the early 20th century. Another intriguing sight was this collection of haphazardly joined cube houses. What’s most worthy is how Rotterdam stood up after being almost razed to the ground by WWII bombers. Markthal Rotterdam (a marketplace) gives you a peek into public art. Not a surprise that The Netherlands is the world’s largest cheese exporter too. In no country is the selection this varied. Kasteel de Haar, the largest and the most luxurious castle in Holland, is located outside Utrecht, a half-hour drive from Amsterdam.A cruise on the VechtDen Haag or The HagueThis third-largest city, the seat of the government stands elegant and imperial, better than its touristy and bustling cousin Amsterdam. Dressed in rich fabric, wall decorations and authentic furniture, this is a place to unwind. Boat Cruise: Experience the Vecht in a saloon boatThe Utrecht canals with their characteristic wharves are unique in the world. The millieu sit busy in conversation at cafes, and a loud honk, breaks your reverie as you are greeted with the much used tram. A favourite of ours was Escher IN HET PALEIS or The Escher Museum at the Hague. Yes! Inside a windmill — an experience that attracts 1,30,000 visitors a year.

De Haar takes one back to another era with its towers, turrets, moats, gates and suspension bridges.Contrary to hitting a touristy place in spring or summer, for those enamoured by fairy tales of Gothic castles, garden hideouts for goblins, princesses waiting patiently to be rescued atop tall towers and witches hiding in dense forests of white birch or oak, a trip to Netherlands in the winters is enchantment in reality. So, hop on and enjoy the beautiful surroundings as the Vecht meanders gently. And, you’d be lucky to get a garden or lake-facing room for its spectacular views. It’s delightful to see people resisting technology, cars and scooters for old school bikes. After that, I watched Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, influenced by German Expressionist art, artificial fur fabric wholesale elements of Cubism and work by graphic artist MC Escher are also in the video. Kasteel de Haar and gardensA Dutch holiday without a castle is not a holiday at all. Be wary of the strong wind chill though, or you might be whisked away to a goblin hideout! A walk in HollandPeople of all ages riding cycles in wind, rain or biting cold astounds one. Their love for cheese is so deeply entrenched in their cuisine.

Vibrant, large images and lots of captions! It also houses graffiti by the first generation European graffiti artist Ces 53 who is now in his 50s, who was inspired by different religions and cultures. The art of making clogs is demonstrated — how an old ordinary block of wood transforms into a wooden clog, a way of life in these parts.. In an hour-long cruise on the Vecht, a Rhine branchlet, we were in the company of peace and romance. Rotterdam Rotterdam is different, and reflects the country’s vision of itself in the modern or post-modern era. The Dutch see winters as intrinsic to their life.Artistic Cuboid houses at RotterdamZaanse Schans, a neighbourhood in Zaandam, near AmsterdamTrue to its word, this wind-mill laden place of the wind-rich country greeted me with its intense moody winds and occasional drizzle. The best of sights were at the very beginning! Landgoed Duin and Kruidberg is a classic country house with the most beautiful views opening to an English estate garden which embraces age-old trees, lush ponds and magnificent lakes of the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. There are about eight to 10 windmills within walking distance to each other, a few in use even today. There were red chilli peppers, herbs and garlic, red pesto, garlic and fenugreek too. Even for those not into fairytales, but equally upbeat about a walk through the woods admiring abundant toadstools or taking in the warmth of a bonfire, the winters in Holland are replete with rich experiences. It’s a delight to see young children riding past with their colourful bikes and windcheaters

Bringing Wabi Sabi to your home would mean embracing minimalism and history.Kilim prints add earthy tonesWabi SabiThe era of frugal luxury is seeping in.— The writer started with family brand Tubestyle, and later conceptualised and built Vyom, focusing on innovative design, form and finish, delivering customised solutions. Rug upholstery is all set to stamp a tribal look representing the global village concept in modern day interior decoration. Another emerging winner in interior colours is millennial pink, thwarting gender bias and creating a powerful expression in deeper versions of itself. The radical and ancient wood charring technique of shou-sugi-ban creates a layer of carbon that acts as a preservative from mould, water, insect and fire, exuding a strong visual appeal. It reveres austerity, celebrates weathered surfaces and embodies a profound expression of time worn erosion. The familiarity of space, colour, décor and furniture congruity is a perennial source of comfort for the soul..Dark rich hues add extra depth to your homeMarble MotifsMarble is transcending from being a material to a design pattern.For a more splashy and playful choice in colour, Pantone has predicted vibrant yellow faux fur fabric china and lemon popsicle in their scheme to bring out the smiles in people. In their forecast palette of 20 trend colours, Behr.

Wrinkled look on linen, handcrafted organic décor, innately uneven pottery, cerused wood furniture (lime wax finish), and even tables with burn marks are part of the uniqueness of the Wabi Sabi feel. The emphasis is on destressing all the way.If you are looking to revamp your abode or planning to decorate interiors afresh in the coming year, a few keywords from the 2018 forecast might come in handy. Other wood to look out for would be rosewood, walnut and marbling tones of mango wood. Black and white marble motifs are going to be visible in carpets, wall covering and furnishing fabric design. They place great emphasis on the restorative and tranquil effect of this hue that blends blue, grey and green to create an earthy tone.A velvet feel is a must for a standalone piece in a living roomMake pastels work wondersVelvetLuxury fabrics will make a prominent appearance again in the living room styling, on sofas and even as wall covering.

Dark tones of fuchsia, caramel creamy hues and tech-inspired green pairing in trendsetting combination will be seen on the mood boards of interior decorators soon. The bold geometric patterns of kilim and the flat woven tapestry dhurrie are likely to upholster light seating furniture like the chaise lounge, ottoman, fauteuil and footstool and bar stool. It’s forecasted to arrive in 21st century homes as well perhaps to seek refuge from the prevalent grandeur and technological invasion. Just like it was in 15th century Japan, even today Wabi Sabi remains a statement of seeking beauty in imperfection, in reaction to the opulence and ornamental aesthetic of expensive décor.

These bright, boldly graphic motifs of the kilim weave symbolise fertility, motherhood, union and good luck, and were used by the Persian and Turkish artisans for centuries, to protect their families from harm and evil. Creating well-coordinated and savvy home interiors becomes easy once you have a clear idea of your personal creative direction. This inspired trend for 2017-18 will make you feel well-travelled and borne with eclectic gifts. The richness of velvet combined with rugged natural textures of reclaimed wood and cane bric-a-brac just might pique your interest for trendsetting home décor for 2018.Minimalist pastels.

As with the Wabi Sabi, the 2018 wall paint range is also looking towards simplistic shades.From sunset to sunrise, and from weekdays to weekends, home is where you nest and rest after hectic hours of work and commute. Velvet and suede are showing up in a palette of moss green, royal blue, navy blue, mustard, reds and purples.Imperfections inspired by the Japanese trendDark TonesIn keeping with the earthen connection, blackened wood surfaces are making a comeback. And go a long way in exuding verve and colour in your living spaces. Gilded layering on painted surfaces will also be a trend with brass and silver metallic returning as a favourite next year. Wabi Sabi is the biggest design trend to look out for in 2018.com has introduced In the Moment as Colour of The Year.KILIMBring the globe-trotting feeling home