LET OUR VALUES EMERGE - uaeexchangeindia.com€¦ · successful few actively go for it. ......

Volume 17 | Issue 8 | January - March 2018

LET OUR VALUES EMERGE

3Xpressions - January - March 2018

January - March 2018 Volume 17

Issue 08

INSIDE

07 News Desk

10 Awards

11 HR Awards

12 Customers Speak

14 Economic News

15 Scribbles

22

IN EVERY ISSUE

04 Editorial

05 communiqué from CEO & MD

06 Message from Group CEO

TRAVEL SPOT

16 Feature

17 Inspiring Stories

18 Travel World

20 Hues of India

21 Positive Thoughts

24 Picture Gallery

25 Amazing Reality

26 Topic to Ponder

27 Special Days

28 Women’s Corner

29 Women Celebrates

30 Delicious Flavours

31 Wedding Bells

By Sreekuttan -Kothamangalam

19 HEALTH TIPS

Beat the upshots of prolonged sitting

shillong…SCOTLAND OF THE EAST

in an inspiring radio message, the speaker announced that he was born only with 1000 months to live which

brought in a realization that it is the life span of each human being he had been speaking with a lot of generosity. Getting to do some mathematics you will find that a large number haven’t gone near a thousand months.

We sleep for 300 months. So we only have 700 months left to be happy, successful, educate and be productive to leave a lasting legacy in life, a stamp for your future generation. 20% of our allocated months are used for schooling, If you happen to work from 20-70 years of life it will capture a big chunk of your life. If some employees feel self-development and life’s destination is their employers responsibility, that would make them happy but today, most people miss out on opportunities as the time wasted is disguised as hard work and they often wait for opportunities to climb the ladder, whereby they are not realizing time is too

EditorialEbby AbrahamEditor-in-Chief

January - March 2018 Volume 17

Issue 08

4 Xpressions - January - March 2018

Follow ushttps://www.facebook.com/pages/UAE-Exchange/286928288001292http://twitter.com/#!/uaeexchangetrvl

Editorial Office2nd Floor, Krishna Hospital Building, MG Road, Kochi - 682 011 Tel. No: 0484 3047092Email: [email protected]

Visit uswww.uaeexchangeindia.com

Life is Short….Make it Sweet

short and it doesn’t wait for anyone. The successful few actively go for it.

It just seems to be a pattern for a large number to get involved in social activities during the day and once they are back home they drown themselves in work getting stressed out about the unfinished work. If they could be more focused while at work they would have performed better and less to worry about when they finished for the day.

The message is “life is short, so make it sweet”. Self-discipline is the key and it is the ability to force yourself to do what you should do! By applying self-discipline, not just at work but in all aspects of life, we take control. What to do and when to do is the ability attained from self-discipline.

We should give ourselves the best chance of success thus making the best use of our 1,000 months.

“We sleep for 300 months. So we only have 700 months left to be happy, successful, educate and be productive to leave a lasting legacy in life, a stamp for your future generation”

5

Communiqué from CEO & MDMr. Amit Saxena, CEO & MD

Congratulations to the team for delivering a good February month. We had a record month

on Gold Loan with over Rs. 40 Crore net disbursement growth. Agency and corporate team has also performed well. Travel and Money transfer mathed their numbers in spite of a short month. We clearly know what to do on Forex business. I am sure the team will rise up to the challenge of delivering a record month for forex business in March 2018.

The central functions team- Finance, HR and Audit gave able support to the business in delivering a good month.

Our Company, over the years, has built a platform and infrastructure that stands innovative, futuristic and enthusiastic towards transformational and favourable economic backdrop of the nation.

A country with richest untapped resources ranging from hard core alloys to underserved service sectors, the opportunities are limitless and top financial analysts envisage an exponential growth in Indian economy with strong and stable political leadership, progressive policies and financial services driven by innovation and technology.

We are in the process of finalising a new strategy for UAE Exchange India which will take us to a new level of growth and opportunities for all stakeholders. We, as an organization, have many strength and opportunities and we must take advantage of them.

We are present in 3 spheres of financial services activities- Payments (Money transfer and Forex), Lending and Wealth Products (Insurance) along with value added services like Travel. It is very unique for a financial service entity (non banking) to be present across the spectrum and have opportunity to address multiple customer segments.

We also have a wide spread branch and agency network in almost every corner of India. With 3600 dedicated employees and a robust governance system, we have an excellent platform.

However, we must understand that the new dynamics of technology and new economy are changing the rules of the marketplace at quick speed. Disruption of many products, services and business model is a reality. We have to be mindful of this reality and work towards constant innovation to stay relevant.

Our company is in step with the ‘New Economy’ ready to follow the ‘New Rules’ and metamorphose into a ‘World Class’ institution. We are taking a number of steps to realise the above vision. 1. More focus to achieve product wise business goals. 2. Establishing a new technology framework to cater to a moreconnected world. 3. Establishing people practices in line with Global standards where every employee feels like a stakeholder in the organizational vision. 4. Introduction of new product line to take advantage of market opportunities. 5. Use of partnerships to broaden our business offering. 6. Building a customer centric organization with the organization designed around the customer needs.I am extremely confident that, together we will build a ‘best of class’ organization and achieve goals for all stakeholders.

“We are in the process of finalising a new

strategy for UAE Exchange India which

will take us to a new level of growth and

opportunities for all stakeholders”

Xpressions - January - March 2018

Message from group CEO

Promoth manghatGroup CEO

6 Xpressions - Januray - March 2018


NEWS DESK

UAE Exchange is spreading its network in the town of Sircilla in Telangana. The 3rd branch in

Sircilla and the 37th branch of the company in the state of Telangana was opened to render further personalized service to the customers.

Mrs Samala Pavani, Municipal Chairperson, the chief guest inaugurated the branch by cutting the ribbon. Eminent personalities of Sircilla, Mr T.Kanakaiah-

Sircilla 3

NEW BLOSSOMS IN THE FAMILY

Municipal Vice chairman, Councilors Mr M.Srinivas, and Mr Goud Raju were also present on the occasion. A few loyal customers of Sircilla and customers from nearby branches were also invited.

On this special occasion, the chief guest launched DSF brochure and expressed interest in visiting DSF. She admired the services of the company readily available under one roof.

Kishangarh opening

UAE Exchange India is always on the peak with its boundless services that is enjoyed by people

who are linked with them. Customers are always the first priority and the company is bent on providing maximum facilities for them.

Kishangarh State was a princely state of India from 1611 to 1948. It was founded by the Jodhpur prince Kishan Singh in 1609. Now it’s a city in Ajmer district of Rajasthan famous for the largest marble market in Asia. UAE Exchange India has moved their Kishangarh branch to a more convenient location in the city so that the public as well as the exporters could make use of the range of services.

The Chief Guest Mr. Atul Aswal Zonal Head inaugurated the branch on January 9th 2018 by cutting the ribbon which was witnessed by loyal customers, Branch Head Mr Ashish Pareek and branch staff.

Srinagar – Wazir bagh branch

The opening ceremony of the second branch in Wazir Bagh in the enchanting state of Jammu & Kashmir was organized on February 20th. On this

auspicious day DR MOHAMMAD MAQBOOL inaugurated the branch by cutting the ribbon. The company officials Mr Atul Aswal, Zonal Head North India, Mr Rajinder Singh, RH Agency business, Mr Rohit Kumar, RH Wholesale, and Mr Farooq Ahmad Beigh, Branch Head were present to grace the occasion. Other well-known persons of the area were also invited.


NEWS DESK

TWO MORE OFFICES IN BIHAR The state of Bihar witnessed the grand inauguration of two more branches of UAE Exchange thereby providing financial services to more people.

Madhubani Branch

On February 5th, 2018 inauguration of the branch was done by Honourable chief guest Mrs Maha Rani Devi, Municipal Chairperson, Mr Arun Kr Dubay, President of Local Business Committee, and Mr Arun

Kr Jha, President of Panchayat Samiti. Mr Ashutosh Kumar, Zonal Head, staff, customers, and other official dignitaries were also present in the function.

Sitamarhi branch

The opening ceremony of Sitamarhi branch was conducted on February 6th 2018. The chief guest Mr Raju Kumar, President of Local Business Committee inaugurated the branch in the presence of Zonal Head, Mr

Ashutosh Kumar, staff and other official dignitaries.As a part of the CSR activity, branches distributed educational aids to the

deprived students.

Peddapalli5th anniversary and customer meet

Zonal Head Mr N Gopi, Branch Head Mr Suresh Goud, staff and esteemed customers gathered at Peddapalli branch of UAE Exchange India

to celebrate its 5th anniversary. The chief invitees were Mr Rekulapalli Vijay Kumar Chairman of Sri Vani Educational Institutions, Mrs Madhulatha Head Master of Government Primary School, Dr.Bhaskar Yadav Veterinary doctor and Mr Akkapaka Thirupathi TDP district in charge. Around 55 plus customers attended the event.

In connection with the celebrations books and bags were distributed to 5 poor children. Mrs Madhulatha suggested ways and means for improving the business of the branch.

Mancherial 6th anniversary

The 6th Anniversary and meeting of the customers was organised at the branch premises under the guidance of Mr N Gopi,

Zonal Head and Mr P Rajashekar, Branch Head. The distinguished guests invited were Dr Chandra Dutt and Mr M D Sirajuddin. Around 45 customers attended the function. Dr Chandra Dutt briefed about general health tips and the customers got clarification on some health problems. Mr M D Sirajuddin and a few of the customers also gave feedback on our services


Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Metro Rail in Hyderabad and it was a proud moment for all the Hyderabadis, living in the city, as the metro will ease the

traffic congestion and help the people to reach their destinations on time with quality travel without pollution.

On Saturday 2nd December staff of Hyderabad City branches of UAE Exchange gathered at Begumpet Metro station and had a memorable journey till Ameerpet and back. They all wore company T-shirts and thereby did little bit of branding in Metro stations and the train, and enjoyed every moment they spent together.

Total 60 employees participated in metro travel including RH-Wholesale Mr Srinivas, RH-Corporate Mr T.S Reddy, and IATA Staff. Major newspapers covered the news and congratulated UAE Exchange for encouraging their employees to travel in metro thereby supporting the drive for a pollution free environment.

An unforgettable travel in metro

MD AT ASSOCHAM ANNUAL SUMMIT

NEWS DESK

Mr Amit Saxena, MD & CEO UAE Exchange India was one the speakers in the 13th Annual banking summit cum excellence awards 2017 conducted by The Associated

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India on 17th February 2018 at Hotel Lalith, Sahar airport, Mumbai. Mr Saxena spoke on Digital Financial Empowerment.

Perambra branch of UAE Exchange India organised marketing campaign among the staff of LIC office, Perambra in connection with DSF promo. A lucky draw was

also conducted for the staff. The branch head Mr Bijeesh and staff cluster head Mr Vijayan, Mr Anijith Johny, and Mr Jestine Joseph actively participated.

DSF Promo

“MAKE OLDAGE A SMILAGE”

UAE Exchange is the main sponsor of the Vintage Car Carnival for the past 12 years. This year’s event was held on the Republic day January 26 th 2018 at Nehru Maidan, Mangalore. The event is being conducted in association with

the District Administration of Dakshina Kannada District and is held for the 18th time in Mangalore. Total of 25 vehicles including cars and bikes were displayed adding radiance to the Republic Day celebrations.

The main intention behind Vintage Car Carnival is to create awareness among the public and the need for taking care of their old parents and relatives.

Vintage cars of our Chairman Dr.B.R Shetty, Mr Veerendra Heggade, Mr Girish, Mr Krishnappa Uchil, Mr Luke Rebello, Mr Rajavarma Ballal, Dr Ganapathi , and Mr Anand Pai were exhibited as part of the event. Zonal Head Mr Sharath Shetty, Zonal Coordinator Mr Yash Kiran, staff Ms Manjula, Mr Rajesh, and Mr Yathish participated in the celebrations.


AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTSTrAVEL AND TOur SErVICES bAgS skoCh order of Merit award

innov and eMinent award 2017 FOr CSr WON by uAE ExCHANgE INDIA

aBCi annual awards for uAE ExCHANgE

Communicating through Press and Media is the best way to promote business activities among the

populace. Images always stand as the best tool to communicate a message. With an outstanding and effective communication through magazines and Videos, Company captures millions of hearts towards business with noteworthy contents and imaginative designs. This paves the way for the prestigious reward from ABCI group for the best photography and CSR Video on environmental communication which conveyed the message to protect mother earth for future generation.

Association of Business Communicator of India (ABCI) is the largest non-profit organisation for Business communications professionals to strengthen the society and establishing global leadership through effective communication practice. 57 th ABCI Annual Award function held on 22nd December 2017 at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Mr. Satish Chawla- Head Corporate- West India and Mr. Vishal Joshi- Zonal Head- Retail West India received the award on behalf of UAE Exchange India. Both the achievements are really a great encouragement for the company to enhance new ideas and innovative techniques and write-ups to promote excellence in Business communication.

UAE Exchange travel department has emerged as one of the top most service

providers in travel services. The excellent facilities provided them are 24*7 support for customers, best online portal services, rate alerts, excellent after-sale services, intimations of latest offers and facilities through SMS/ WhatsApp and customized tour packages. More and more customers are attracted to these unique services thus giving a thrust to grow-up as the major operator in

tourism and hospitality. The Skoch group has honoured travel department with their Order of Merit award for the novel introductions in the travel and tour business.

The Skoch Order-of-Merit is presented to the companies for bringing best practices and changes in the society for the growth and development of the nation. The glittering award function was held at Constitution Club of India, Rafi Marg New Delhi on December 20th -21st, 2017. Mr. Sujith Kumar, Travel Head, Mr. Atul Aswal, Zonal Head North India, and Ms. Rose Beck, IATA Head-Delhi received the award. It’s a great achievement for the company to promote more innovative techniques in travel services with updated services according to customer attitude.

Now CSR activity has become a vital part of every business corporate. Nations turn into

a developed one when the social well being of the society also improves. UAE Exchange India has achieved an amazing growth in its business activities with excellent services to serve the nation. Company with its wide network of branches has supported the weak sections of the society through CSR programs to the

unbanked groups. CSR was carried out in the forms of education, scholarships, healthcare, eco-friendly activities etc.

Company has won the ‘Innov and Eminent award 2017’ for the CSR category organized by ‘Ek Kaam Desh Ke Naam’. This award is focused on the Corporate and Individuals throughout the country for their outstanding input to Nation’s Economic and Social Development. On behalf of the company the Award was received by Mr. Rohit Kumar, Regional Head, Delhi and Rajasthan from Mr. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment and Mr. Manoj Tiwari, famous actor, MP. The dazzling event was held at Le Meridian, New Delhi on January 15, 2018.


Region Branch Employee Total StarsANDHRA PRADESH NIRMAL BHUDWARPET A SRAVANTHI 10

CENTRAL KERALA THRISSUR - THIRUVAMBADI

NISHA BAIJU 10

EAST INDIA KRISHNA NAGAR SUDIPTA BAIRAGYA 10

NORTH TAMIL NADU CHENNAI-PALLAVARAM KALPANA B 10

SOUTH KERALA KOLLAM-PALLIMUKKU RAZEENA KA 6

SOUTH TAMIL NADU MADURAI MANOJ PRABAHART 8

Regional Stars

National Star Region Branch Employee Total Stars North India Batala Abhinav Mahajan 11

HR AWArDS

CUSTOMERS SPEAKappreCiation for Mr PrASANTH KuMAr, TOur CO-OrDINATOr, AP & TS

PROMPT AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICEDear Gopi garu,

Thanks for assigning Mr Prashant to support me with my planned trip to Egypt later this month. I have observed that he was very prompt, supportive and also very customer oriented.

I had requested for some small changes in the program for which he quoted additional USD 100 but later he had requested the agency in Cairo to waive off the additional charges and confirmed to me accordingly. He was very proactive and worked to benefit the client. This appreciation is not because of the USD 100 saving I got but because of the attitude towards the client.

I was happy dealing with him and would pass on this benefit of USD 100 as a token of appreciation to him. Kindly accept.

Thanks & regards,Prasad Kachala

CertifiCate of appreCiation

Maldivian Airlines celebrated their successful 10 years of Trivandrum operations. We are recognized and their Head of Commercial

Ms Aminath Sameeha handed over the Certificate of Appreciation for the Year 2016 -17 to Mr Riju Thomas, Head –IATA Trivandrum

stars of noveMBer 2017

CUSTOMERS SPEAK

appreCiation for PrASHANTH KuMAr, TOur CO-OrDINATOr AP & TS

MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN THAILAND

I am one of your regular customers availing many services like ticketing, Visa and money

exchange. I get excellent service that is the reason I and some of my friends and relatives keep coming to you.

I would like to place on record my recent experience in a group tour to Thailand. Pre departure briefing and other formalities were made with excellent service and ease by your branch staff, special mention

appreCiation for TybISH & TEAM, KALPETTA


HISTORIC EGYPT TOURHi Prashant,

Big Thank you for organizing such a wonderful tour, everything was perfect. You

could not get any others better than this company. Pick up from hotel-On time. Places visited-Well organized, Info provided-Awesome, Drop off-On time.

Please find the detailed feedback on each area below. Looking forward for few more tours in the near future.

COMMUNICATIONSWe were very impressed with the details provided with each request- also very prompt. It was very nice to see the e-mail of the entire tour itinerary. You stayed in constant communication and immediately informed us of any changes. Information was all inclusive and helpful

GUIDES8/10 for our driver / guides! They were wealth of knowledge- very vibrant, full of information, great company,

and very competent, great attention to detail. They encouraged us to try things we never heard of. Over all quite enjoyable and excellent service.

TOURThe tour certainly took into account the diversity of Cairo; we were much excited to visit Great Pyramids of Giza. From Aswan we have travelled Aswan through Nile cruise which covered Kom ombo temple, Edfu temple & Colossi of Memnon. We saw so many different things - There were a good amount of activity each day with not too much down time. Tour was very well planned, and the opportunity to see quite a lot of the places. We loved the entire arrangements.

ACCOMMODATIONSOur accommodation in Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel far exceeded our expectation. In all cases they were friendly staff, very good food, and well located. Hotel Staff were very helpful and informative.

FLIGHTSOur flights Etihad Airlines & Gulf

airlines were good with a short layover in Abu Dhabi & Bahrain

TRANSPORTSBoth the pick-up and drop offs were very comfortable and very punctual and the vehicle was very luxurious. We were very impressed.

MEALSIn all the cases the meals were very good and tasty - well prepared and healthy - we really appreciated the variety. Regards,Ramana Raj

to Jithin George. When we landed in Thailand all the arrangements made by you/your agents Appolo tours and travels were highly professional. We experienced excellent hospitality and prompt service everywhere. A special mention of the taxi drivers and Ms Nina. Our entire holiday was made a memorable one by your arrangements. I and my friends will recommend UAE Exchange, KALPETTA Branch for all foreign travels.

With warm regards,T.S.Venkitasubramanian ( Babu)


CUSTOMERS SPEAK

M/s UAE Exchange and Financial Services Ltd, CalicutAs you are aware, our entire director board members and three senior officials had an exposure cum study visit to NDDB Bangalore, Mother Dairy Delhi and Shimla HP milk federation during 4th December to 10th December 2017. As a professional tour operator your services during our entire programme was excellent. Right from the start from Bangalore Railway station we were received by your staff on 5th December and your continued follow up till New Delhi airport on 10th morning was good. The WhatsApp group for our tour follow up administered by your staff Mr Raveendran V, Cluster head, who had taken much pain to ensure timely service to us is highly appreciative.

At this juncture we wish you all the best in all your future endeavours.

Thanking you, Managing Director

appreCiation for V.rAVEENDrANCLuSTEr HEAD-COrPOrATE buSINESS, CALICuT

(Note: The transcripts of these letters are slightly edited)

appreCiation for TrIVANDruM VAzuTHACAuD

I am Annie George. I live in Trivandrum. I am a customer of UAE Exchange, Vazhuthacaud. Recently I went to Singapore. It was a tour package by UAE Exchange.

Singapore is a lovely place. I enjoyed, especially cable car, night safari etc. Light of thanks to Singapore tourism.

Special thanks to UAE Exchange Vazhuthacaud.

Annie George

We had a marvellous trip to Singapore. UAE Exchange team especially Ms Divya, Mr Shabin

and Mr Sudeesh did an excellent job arranging everything to meet our requirements. We were busy before our trip as it was Christmas time. But your team came home many times to plan and make necessary arrangements. A personal touch and job well done!!

Singapore is a beautiful country. We were blown away as it is so clean, green and organized. There was a lot of walking but we were at ease as it was a personalized trip and

we could go at our own pace. We would also like to say a word of

appreciation to your Singapore counter parts Ms Imra and Mr Francis.

Special thanks once again from our family to Ms Divya, Mr Shabin and Mr Sudheesh and all those who worked hard to make our trip a successful and enjoyable one.

We are happy to have chosen UAE Exchange and will recommend to other travellers. God bless!! Sincerely,

Godfrey Stephen & Sophie Elizabeth

appreCiation for CALICuT brANCH TEAMASTOUNDING SINGAPORE TRIP

MilMa tour

STUDY CUM PLEASURE TRIP

A round trip from Calicut via Bangalore, Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimala, and back to Calicut

was organized by Mr V Raveendran, Cluster head Calicut for 16 pax of Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union which included the Chairman and directors of MILMA.

MilMa


ECONOMIC NEWS

Crypto Currencies are not issued by central bank or any public authority, but it is used

and accepted among the members of specific virtual community. They could be transferred, stored or traded electronically. Transfer of money is possible between parties, without going through banking system. They can be transferred directly between parties and the transactions are registered in a public ledger accessible to all the users.

In the year 2017 the value of cryptocurrencies Bitcoin reached USD 20,000 in December, crashed to USD 11,000 and the current value is maintained at USD 11000, which is about 700000 Indian rupees. This downward trend is due to certain regulations imposed by countries like USA, Japan, China and South Korea.

Is Bitcoin going to crash?Among all the current cryptocurrencies Bitcoin has the majority of market share. Unlike many large firms that have been in business for several decades, Bitcoin has greater market cap and has reached this mark within a short period. But many people believe that Bitcoin is an air bubble that is waiting to pop. But experts say that this cryptocurrency will go through a correction very soon.

Bitcoin is a currency and not just an investment asset. We already have many numbers of companies and merchants that accept Bitcoin. People are using it for conducting transactions, when buying and selling products, for the advantages it offers. So, when Bitcoin accepting companies increase, Bitcoin demand will also increase.

Warren Buffet has said recently “Bitcoin is a method of transmitting money. A cheque is a way of transmitting money, too. But are cheques worth a whole lot of money just because they can transmit money?”

It means that the cheque by itself doesn’t have any inherent value of its own. Rather, the value lies in the authority that issues it - the bank. A similar logic could be used for paper currencies. The value of paper currency is not in the paper itself but in the government/central reserve that issues this paper. Likewise, the value of Bitcoin is not in the tokens used for exchanges but lies in the global network that allows this exchange to happen.

Some have opined that a crash is inevitable in the near future; but the outcome will be the merger of established cryptocurrencies in the

market. There are so many cryptocurrencies

in the market such as Ethereum, Litecoin, Siacoin, and Stratis but Bitcoin will become stronger, more stable, and a reserve for digital currencies just like dollar is for other international fiat currencies.

The share prices in a stock market are determined by the enormous liquid fund entering the market, so also increasing investor interest will boost the value of cryptocurrency and it can tide over a crash faster than the stock market.

Bitcoin in IndiaAccording to the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, R. Gandhi “We can see that in these types of virtual currencies, there is no central bank or monetary authority”. “They pose potential financial, operational, and legal, customer protection and security-related risks”. The anonymous nature of Bitcoin will also frighten the investors, he claimed.

Despite admitting that Bitcoin has eliminated some amount of currency, the central bank governor said: “It may remain a pipe dream that blockchain will eliminate currency by ushering in virtual currency. It is unlikely”.

CryptoCurrenCieswill

STAy?

15

SCRIBBLES

Lavanya NayaniQuality Analyst -Customer Care

Customer Service is the main factor in establishing a company’s reputation and brand. Providing excellent and memorable customer service not only creates an

impact on company but also helps in Customer Retention, since it’s easy to retain a customer than to acquire a new one for improving business.

To establish a fine reputation, it is said that the “first impression is the best impression”.

Front end executive plays a vital role in creating an impact on customers about our company. Here are a few pointers that will help us create an impact in the mind of customers.

Pre Customer Interaction: personal grooming, self-management, and positive office environment are the key aspects of pre customer interaction.

PERSONAL GROOMING To create the best impression, personal grooming always plays a very important role in everything a person does. For example, a person has good talent, speech, etc. but looks untidy and uncivilized; the person creates a bad impression. Here are a few tips that help us create an impression

Men• Formaldresswithpolishedformalshoes.• Shorthaircutandcleanshaveortrimmedbeard.

Women• FormaldresswithminimalmakeupandJewellery• Wellcombedhairandensuretokeepyournailsshort,

clean and neutral-coloured

SELF-MANAGEMENTIt is important that we prepare ourselves mentally when we try to manage our customers. The two key aspects of self-management are managing ourselves by displaying professionalism and managing customers through service attitude. Professionalism: It is an important trait to be exhibited by every

customer service executive to establish trust on the company. Being positive, reliable, proactive, accurate, and honest are the few traits for professionalism.Service Attitude: It is said that “We are not doing customers a favour by serving them; they are doing us a favour by giving us business”. Hence we all need to show an attitude of gratitude to customers by being sincere and empathetic towards them. Office Environment: Here are a few tips that help us create a positive office environment• Keepyourworkplacecleanandneat.• Organizeallstationery(files,forms,brochureand

stamps) at your desk.• Ensuretheofficeislitterfreeandwithpleasantodour.

Customer’s Interaction: It’s a process of building relationship of trust and mutual understanding with our customers.• Thefirstandimportantaspectisgreetingeveryone

with a” SMILE.”• Listenpatientlytowhatthecustomersays,remember

“Customer is King”• Recognizeifhe/sheisaregularcustomer,Makehim/

her feel special.• Haveeyecontactwhilecommunicatingwith

customers.• Beagoodlistener.Donotinterrupt.Apologizeif

required.• Haveaconfidentbodylanguageandpositiveattitude.• Beanattentiveandmultitasker.

A FEW DO NOT’S• Donotmunchattheworkplaceorin-frontof

customers.• Donotcarryoffpersonaltensionstowork.Becheerful• Donottakepersonalcallsatworkandavoidloudand

fancy mobile ring tones.“Customers may forget what you said but they’ll never forget

how you made them feel.”

provide a positive CustoMer experienCe



FEATURE

Some people are born leaders whereas some others are pruned or groomed to be leaders

through lessons of pain, failure, and humbling moments. If you’re lucky and smart, you can also learn what leadership is and how to be one from a good teacher. If born leaders inspire trust without even experiencing, others who are taught to be leaders inspire trust from life experiences.

The qualities of leaders are often discussed but who are the best leaders? The best leaders are those who care about the ones who they guide. They inspire by setting themselves as examples by working hard themselves and become respectful because they are in the people business.

Authority alone doesn’t make anyone a leader, command respect; it comes to you from your followers who have recognized you. Respect is thus earned and not purchased or provided on demand. Simple approach with a human touch is something that makes a leader special and one reason to earn followers. A good leader deserves to have followers.

A VIRTUOUS LEADErThe quality of a true leader is

humility. He should be ready to admit that he is not an expert in every area and be open minded to receive help. No one is a veteran in all fields. Leaders are required to hold together a team of individuals in different capacities but the same leader need not be an expert in all related areas of work but ready to accept his ignorance.

A leader should be smart to hire the right people, trust them, know their requirements, support them and always ready to pat them for achievements. Keep your team or organization happy without compromising on work quality. Happy workers will be ready to be more devoted increasing the company’s output and taking less time off.

A good leader will have long lasting relations with team members who are more likely to stay with the employers. A binding relationship increases commitment, thereby improving product output.

The best leaders are good listeners. They are open-minded to suggestions and innovative ideas. They grow with

the changing ideas of new generations supporting the growth of individuals and the Organization. They never try to force their philosophies and concepts on others or not interested in implementing their own views.

A good leader proves his efficiency by allowing others to grow, he supports them in growth and is interested in the success of his team members which itself boosts the quality of work and also leadership in him. A leader’s success comes through the success of his team members. It is earned automatically and not demanded at the cost of others.

Effective leaders inspire or create an urge in his supporters to follow his policies and visions, not out of fear but out of enthusiasm to follow the far-sightedness of the leader. The quality and example set through his actions by making himself a role model develop a sense of willingness and eagerness to trail the leader.

“A committed, energetic, enthusiastic, and inspiring leader is more likely to have a cooperative, hardworking, and victorious team.” William C. Oakes.


INSPIRING STOrIES

Sometimes it may seem humorous but yet, some repetitive incidents of life trigger

off our thoughts creating awareness about life destined to a short span on this earth and how well we can live it. Have we chosen the right track or are we losers?

Roy and Maggie with their daughter had moved into their own home a couple of years back. A lot of time and energy was spent in the yard to make it look the way they planned it to be. Their home was situated at a level higher than the street, a prominent corner with the entire side of the yard encased by a professionally built rock wall. The front of the house had an unfinished look but adorable without a side wall which they called the ‘Rock Garden’. Roy and Maggie did their best to maintain the area which was their ‘Rock Garden’. Whenever they had left over flowers or plants, one of them would stick them out in the ‘Rock Garden’, just to bring some colour to the area.

They continued to do all the work in the garden on their own, including the dreaded weed-pulling using knee pads, even the rock garden was never left out.

During the last summer, Roy came across a tiny plant at the corner of the rock garden which was not distinguishable. None of them had planted it and they were very sure it had popped up on its own so they decided to let it continue growing till they could figure out what it was.

Weeks passed by and as Roy made his way back to the mystery plant, it appeared to be a Sunflower. It was frail looking with a tall skinny stalk and only one head on it. Roy and Maggie decided to baby it along and weed around it. As they pulled rocks from the area to get to the weeds, they noticed something very unusual. The Sunflower had not started from where they saw the stalk begin. It actually had begun under a big rock and grown under and around it to reach the sun. Roy and Maggie were surprised to notice the length of the stalk which had grown out from under the rock to an area of sunlight.

That was a moment of realization for Roy and Maggie.

Yes, it is to all human beings. If a tiny little Sunflower didn’t let a big rock stand in its way of development,

don’t we human beings too have the capability of doing the same thing? Once our environment begins to see that we believe in ourselves like that little Sunflower, we can attain the same nourishment and nurturing as well.

First, we need to believe in ourselves trusting we have the capabilities in achieving our desires. Like the Sunflower, it knew it had the capability to overcome its obstacle because it trusted in the Universal Truth and had faith it would succeed.

Stand tall like the Sunflower, be proud of who and what you are and the environment will begin to support you. You will find a way to go under or around your big obstacle in order to reach your desires.


CAMEL FIGHTING IN TURKEYIn India bull fights, Rooster fights (cock fights), Praying mantis fights are common. But camel fighting is not heard of. It takes place in Turkey where two male camels fight each other. This special event is conducted at the time of mating season and the camels have a natural instinct to fight with another male camel. The camel that run or back away loses. People in Turkey look forward to watch this event.

DEAD PERSON’S ASH IS CONSUMED IN VENEZUELA AND BRAZILAll will miss their dear ones when they pass away. But certain tribes in Brazil and Venezuela remember their loved ones by eating the ash of the burned dead bodies. The Yonamamo tribe from Brazil and Venezuela abide by their tradition and do not keep any body part of the dead. But it is burned and crushed, and the remains are divided amongst the family members and ate by all.

CUTTING FINGER OF WOMEN IN INDONESIAA strange tradition among the Dani tribe in Indonesia. When a member of the family dies women of the tribe cut off a part of their fingers. They believe that this ritual will satisfy the spirits of their ancestors. Thus they suffer physical pain along with grief. However this practice is rarely observed now.

FEET OF GIRLS BOUND IN CHINAIn olden days in ancient China little girls aged between 3 to 14 years were forced to bind their feet so that their feet will not grow bigger. At that time as per the custom prevailed big feet were considered not pretty for ladies.

TRAVEL WOrLD

weird CustoMs ACrOSS THE WOrLD

Later this tradition was abolished in 1949.

BATHROOM BAN AFTER THE WEDDING IN NORTHERN BORNEOYet another weird custom that existed among Tidong tribe in Northern Borneo is that newly married couple is prevented from using bathroom for three days after the marriage. That means no urinating, defecating or bathing. It is believed among the tribe that such a ritual will lead to a happy married life. To ensure this, the family members make sure that the couple is fed with very limited quantities of food and drink.

WEARING RINGS FOR A LONG NECK IN THAILANDLong necks are considered to be the symbol of beauty and stylishness among the Karen tribe in Thailand. The women folk of the tribe take pain to achieve this by wearing rings around their neck from childhood onward. As they grow up more and more rings are added.

THE FESTIVAL OF PIERCINGS AMONG TAMILSThaipusam - A Hindu festival which is dedicated to Lord Murugan is celebrated by the Tamil community. The festival is celebrated on full moon days in the months of January and February. Devotees pierce different parts of their body with long silver skewers and express their devotion to god. They also carry various types of physical burdens.

DANCE WITH THE DEAD IN MADAGASCARThe Malagasy tribe in Madagascar conducts a funeral tradition once in seven years. As per Famadihana custom, as it is called, people bring

buried dead bodies of their ancestors and dance with them. The dead bodies are dressed up with new clothes and people dance with them around the tomb to live music.

A CHAMPIONSHIP FOR FUNNIEST FACE IN ENGLANDA gurn, is a distorted facial expression and a verb to describe the action. Gurning contests are a rural English tradition. They are held regularly in some villages, with contestants traditionally framing their faces through a horse collar — known as “gurnin’

The World Gurning Championship takes place annually at the fair that dates back to 1267, when King Henry III granted it a Royal Charter.

A typical gurn might involve projecting the lower jaw as far forward and up as possible, and covering the upper lip with the lower lip. Those with the greatest gurn capabilities are often those with no teeth, as this provides greater room to move the jaw further up. In some cases, the elderly or otherwise toothless can be capable of gurns covering the entire nose.

Peter Jackman became England’s best-known gurner, winning the world championship four times; He had his teeth removed in 2000 to make his features easier to manage.

FEED THE DEAD WITH WINE IN ROMERomans believe in feeding their dear family members who have passed away. The graves in Rome contain pipes through which the dearest of the dead can pour honey, wine and other food items into their grave in the burial grounds.


HEALTH TIPS

Everybody would like to sit whenever and wherever possible. It has become an

unavoidable part of life. In schools, we as students sit in class, at home we sit with families, or we sit and read but not continuously for many hours at a stretch. But, most of the time people in the working world performing various desk jobs in offices like checking mails, taking notes etc spent more than six hours sitting down.

Sitting and working cannot not be avoided for office jobs, because many are able to concentrate best sitting in their respective cabins or cubicles. There are practically no physical activities for these people.

Sitting for a long time will certainly increase the risk on health issues, starting from high cholesterol and lower back pain to colon cancer and type II diabetes. Quitting our profession or work is no solution but training ourselves to manage work situations for preventing further mishaps is the only answer.

Studies have shown that sitting motionless reduces blood flow to the legs, increasing the risk for atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in the arteries. People who sit for more than eight or nine hours daily, also are at an intensified risk for diabetes, depression and obesity compared to people who move

around more often.The following are a few tips to tide

over the undesirable consequences.

A short walk Even if your hands are full with

work, take a short break and walk down the corridors of the office. Get a few minutes of fresh air which will clear and freshen your mind and body. Standing up and walking around for five minutes every hour during the workday could lift your mood, combat lethargy without reducing focus and attention, and even dull hunger pangs, according to an instructive new study. Frequent, brief walking breaks were more effective at improving well-being than a single, longer walk before work. Taking a walk will help brainstorm ideas for an upcoming meeting.

Stand up If circumstances prevent you from

going out and taking a walk, just get up from the chair stretch for a few minutes. This will have a positive effect on your body. If possible get a cup of coffee.

Make use of the stairs Do not use the elevators for going

up or down, but use the stairs

always. This light physical activity will keep you fit in the office and also burn some calories. Utilize the stairs when going to the conference room or your colleague’s cubicle.

Stand –up work stations In some offices employees prefer

stand-up desks to do their daily routine work. These types of desks are found to lower certain health risks that come with sitting, such as obesity and cardiovascular problems. It is said that standing the whole day helps people focus more and leads you to be more alert and get more work done.

Keep moving While at work always ensure

some little movements which will bring positive impressions on our health. We cannot avoid office jobs that require sitting. But it is for us to follow some healthy practices while at those jobs.

Some experts have also been anxious about people who are physically active at the office might subsequently become more tired, grumpy, distracted or hungry, any of which could have an undesirable effect on work performance and long-term health.

Beat the upshots of prolonged sitting

20

HUES OF INDIA

Yoga is an ancient science which steers to health in the body, peace in the mind, joy in

the heart, and liberation of the soul.The International Yoga Festival

had been initially crafted by Uttar Pradesh Tourism, when Rishikesh was still part of Uttar Pradesh. Hotel Ganga Kinare was the first venue for takeoff of this event in the first week of February. In 1999, the Government of Uttar Pradesh took initiative and arranged to have the festival at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Yogasanas were taught by Yogacharya Bharat Bhushanji and his team. The event which began with a handful of people in a hotel has grown into one of the most prominent festivals in the world, attracting hundreds of participants from more than 30 countries across the globe to learn from dozens of yogacharyas in an innumerable variety of styles and forms.

India, the land which gifted the world with the healing power of Yoga, is celebrating world yoga week from March 1st. Rishikesh one of the most tranquil places on earth, resting in the lap of Himalayas, the sacred Ganga River flowing alongside with its many

temples, provides peace to anyone who visits the place. The International Yoga festival is a week-long event that takes place at many ashrams in Rishikesh aiming at rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul. IYF unites yogis of every culture, colour and creed together in a one-world yogic family, expanding global consciousness, and bringing healing to the planet.

Each year the IYF is growing by attracting thousands from countries across the world. Last year around 2000 people participated from more than 100 countries.

In the 7-day meditation and celebration, partakers have the opportunity to learn all the key styles of yoga. Participants also got an opportunity to attain knowledge from enlightened spiritual leaders, yoga trainers, and wellness specialists from all round the world. Every other session was helpful to lighten the inner thoughts and control the emotions of the self.

The programme offers an extensive schedule of possibility, starting with Kundalini sadhana at 4 a.m. for the intensely committed which ends at 9:30 pm with traditional cultural songs and dance, keerthan

and enlightened entertainments on the banks of river Ganga. You can customize each day as per your personal desires.

Come bathe in the energy of the towering Himalayas and majestic Ganga River. As you sit and watch the flow of the river, you’ll connect deeply with your own inner divine flow.

The International Yoga Festival is organised by Parmarth Niketan Ashram in association with the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board & GMVN.

Yoga is not merely an exercise for our body, but rather Yoga is revitalization of our body, mind, heart and soul. Yoga literally means “Union” – union of breath with the body, union of the mind with the muscles, and most importantly union of the self with the divine.

Yoga is not a religion. It is not necessary to chant specific mantras or hold your belief in a particular religion. Every individual has the freedom to uphold their own religious beliefs and prayers.

THE INTErNATIONAL yoga festival

Xpressions - Januray - March 2018

21

Precisely, any cup when filled beyond the brim overflows. Here is a story of a bucket

which is like a cup but larger, an invisible one, a comparison to determine how we feel about ourselves, about others and also about how we get along with others.

Whenever you feel full at heart with many favourable things happening around, being addressed well, being recognized as a human being and so on our bucket is full. Many things can be the reason for filling up your bucket. A compliment for a job done well or a pretty costume you are wearing, all this adds to increase the level in your bucket.

Similarly, there must be a million ways to raise the level in another person’s bucket. Writing a friendly letter, remembering something that is special to him, knowing the names of his children, expressing sympathy for his loss, giving him a hand when his work is heavy, taking time for conversation, or, perhaps more important, listening to him.

When one’s bucket is full of emotional support, one can express warmth and friendliness to people.

POSITIVE THOugHTS

Are you a bucket filler or a dipper?

But, remember, this is a theory about a bucket and a dipper. Other people have dippers and they can get their dippers in your bucket. This, too, can be done in a million ways.

Let’s say you are at a dinner and unintentionally upset a glass of sticky chocolate milk that spills over the table cloth, on a lady’s skirt, down onto the carpet. You are embarrassed. Another person sitting across the table comments ‘You upset that glass of chocolate milk’, highlighting your mistake. This is where he is dipping in your bucket! Think of the times a person makes a mistake, feels terrible about it, only to have someone tell him about the known mistake makes it still worst.

Sometimes your filled up bucket gets emptied due to thoughtless actions and speech. Emptied many times because people don’t really think about what they are doing. Your negative and unnecessary comments will only lead to reducing the level in your filled up bucket. When a person’s bucket is emptied, he is very different than when it is full. These are people who seem to have holes in their buckets. When a person irritates other

people by trying to get his dipper in their buckets is when he keeps losing. This is when he really needs somebody to pour into his bucket.

The story of our lives is the interplay of the bucket and the dipper. Everyone has both the bucket and the dipper in their lives. The firm secret of the bucket and the dipper is that when you fill another’s bucket it does not take anything out of your own bucket. The level in our own bucket gets higher when we fill another’s, and, on the other hand, when we dip into another’s bucket we do not fill our own but we also lose little by little.

For a variety of reasons, people hesitate filling the bucket of another and consequently do not experience the fun, joy, happiness, fulfilment, and satisfaction connected with making another person happy. Some reasons for this hesitancy are that people think it sounds ‘false,’ or the other person will be suspicious of the motive.

Therefore, let us put aside our dipper and resolve to touch someone’s life in order to fill their bucket.


TRAVEL SPOT

22

Popular for its ethnicities and attractive sights, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, a beautiful

city encircled by pine trees. Its name originates from an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak. Situated at an altitude of 1496 metres above sea level, Shillong has a soothing climate all-round the year with light drizzles and cooling serene breeze which enhances tourism, enriched with the descendants of tribal groups. It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland, so the place is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’.

Shillong, the home to numerous waterfalls, exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, beautiful golf courses, museums and zoo as part of natural beauty, is also recognized as the gateway to Meghalaya, the state famous for its climate, beautiful landscapes, amazing people and their culture. With jovial people and a westernized culture the place is filled with vibrant endeavors. As many prominent musicians have hailed from this place, it is also known to be the music capital of India, with music events happening throughout the year.

Shillong was the capital of Assam from the time of British rule and quite a bit of history speaks about its

geographical and political importance. The regions of Gharo, Khasi and Jaintia hills were, and are still popular especially for its climate. Shillong the capital of Meghalaya today was subject to earth quakes.Location: Shillong lies on the Shillong Plateau, the only major uplifted structure in the northern Indian shield. The city lies in the centre of the plateau and is surrounded by hills, three of which are revered in Khasi tradition: Lum Sohpetbneng, Lum Diengiei and Lum Shillong. The capital city of Meghalaya is just 100 km from Guwahati which can be accessed by road along NH 40, a journey of about 2 hours 30 minutes through lush green hills and the magnificent Umiam lake in between.Climate: Weather conditions in Shillong are typically pleasant and pollution-free. The city features a subtropical highland climate. Its summers are cool and very rainy, while its winters are cool and dry. Shillong is subject to vagaries of the monsoon. The monsoons arrive in June and it rains almost until the end of August. October–November and March–April are the best months to visit Shillong.Transport: Shillong is well connected by road but it neither has rail connections nor proper air

connections. Umroi Airport located 30 kilometres from the city centre has limited flights.

Roadways are well connected with all major north-eastern states. Two major National Highways 40 connecting Guwahati and 44 connecting Tripura and Mizoram passes through Shillong.

Private bus operators as well as state transport buses from other states ply to and from Shillong daily. Taxi services are also available to destinations like Guwahati, Agartala, Dimapur, Aizwal and other North Eastern towns and cities.

The Shillong Bypass is a two lane road which stretches across 47.06 kilometres connecting Umiam (NH-40) to Jorabad (NH-44) which then leads to other North-Eastern Indian states of Mizoram and Tripura.

PLACES OF INTEREST

LADY HYDARI PARKLocation: East Khasi Hills District, in the heart of the city with an abundance of plants and flowers. The best months to see the flowers bloom are in April and October.

WARD’S LAKELocation: East Khasi Hills District,

shillong…SCOTLAND OF THE EAST


23

a beautiful little manmade lake with short garden walks and boating facilities, popular spot for tourists.

CAPT. WILLIAMSON SANGMA STATE MUSEUMLocation: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, a Government museum depicting the lifestyle of the people in the state library complex with the statue of Smt. Indira Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

DON BOSCO CENTRE FOR INDIGENOUS CULTURESLocation: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Mawlai, A three-in-one Institution combining a museum with a research and publication centre, for promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of North East India -a unique fusion of all the sister states under one roof. It is a seven-storied hexagonal shaped building with

seventeen galleries displaying cultural artefacts and paintings, frequently visited by students, anthropologists and researchers.

GOLF COURSELocation: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. The Golf Course one of the oldest and best natural golf course in the world is known to be the “Glen eagle of the East” by the United States Golf Association and Museum adorned with a remarkable scenic beauty.

SPREAD EAGLE FALLSLocation: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong. Located within the Shillong Cantonment, on the outskirts of the city, lies a sparkling waterfall which looks like an eagle with wings spread. The falls is locally known as Umkaliar or the falls into which Ka Liar slipped - a treat to the eyes.

EVER LIVING MUSEUMLocation: East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, Mawshbuit, The Ever Living Museum located around 9km from Shillong, is a living testimony of one’s love for nature, culture, tradition, history and posterity

ELEPHANT FALLSLocation: East Khasi Hills District, Upper Shillong, 12 kms on the outskirts of the city the mountain stream descends through two successive falls set in dells of fern-covered rocks. At a short distance beyond the falls, there are two smaller falls which are none the less beautiful and captivating. These are the Wei Iaplam Falls and the Wir Phang Falls. A well paved footpath and a small wooden bridge facilitate access to these falls.

SHILLONG PEAKLocation: East Khasi Hills District, Upper Shillong, An ideal picnic spot, 1965 metres above sea level and 10 kms from the city, offers a panoramic view of the country side, and is also the highest point in the State.

And finally but never the least, the Head Quarters of Eastern Air Command and the Indian Air Force are housed and operates from Shillong.

Photos courtesy: Wikimedia

“Popular for its ethnicities and attractive sights, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya, a beautiful city encircled by pine trees. Its name originates from an idol worshipped at the Shillong Peak”


24

PICTURE gALLEry

Click by Manoop T P – Kothamangalam

Click by Gopakumar G – Adoor

Click by Beena Antony – AO Customer care

Click by Vinumon K Pavithran – AO Travel

Click by Omkar Thatte – Alternate West India Click by Suneeth Francis – AO Customer care


25

Winter bubbles of varied shapes and sizes, developing beneath the

icy surfaces of Lake Abraham and Lake Minnewanka are some of the extraordinary wonders of Alberta, Canada. It is just one among the unbelievable natural wonders which are in plenty all around North America, Frozen winter bubbles of Canada also said to be a rare scenic view on earth, especially the white and billowy bubbles of the frozen blue waters of Lake Abraham looks like clouds hanging in the sky on a windless day.

People do not dare to go anywhere closer to these beautiful iced-up bubbles found under Alberta’s Lake Abraham as they are highly inflammable and if one of them burst, the consequences may be unpredictable. They have the shape like flying saucers that plunged into the water and froze, or ancient, ice covered jellyfish. In fact, these icy circles are frozen methane bubbles – pockets of gas that, when trapped underwater and frozen, form a spectacular landscape.

In high northern latitude lakes Methane bubbles form in bodies of water when dead organic matter such as leaves and animals and microbes fall

Frozen methane bubblesCanada

into the water and sinks to the bottom, where bacteria is waiting below to have a feast. The bacteria feed on the matter and excrete methane, which turns to white floating beads when it comes into contact with frozen water. The gas is released as bubbles that transform into tens of thousands of icy white disks when they come up in frozen water.

In the frigid arctic region there are thousands of lakes where methane is formed. But what worries the ecologists is the gradual decrease in the frozen areas which unfavourably increase the release of methane into the atmosphere. Methane is a more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

It is a spectacular, but potentially dangerous sight. This potent greenhouse gas not only warms the planet, but also is highly flammable. During spring, when the frost melts, the methane bubbles burst and release gas. But if anyone happens to light a match nearby, the masses of methane will ignite into a giant explosion. Most of the time, methane escaping from the surface of water is relatively harmless.

These bubbles could be seen in lakes across Canada’s Banff National Park, or in the Arctic Ocean off Siberia, where

gas bubbles as large as 900m are found. Every year, skating is practiced on the ice and many are unaware of the highly flammable nature of the frozen lake.

Methane, a greenhouse gas, has 20 times the effect on climate change than the generally accused carbon dioxide. There are many frozen methane lakes like Abraham Lake. In fact, Scientists worry that as the planet warms, more and more methane will be released from them, and they’ll increasingly add to the changing climate.

Though dangerous an inflammable, methane is also useful.

Methane lakes are beginning to be utilized as sources of energy, such as the outfit on Lake Kivu in Rwanda. Here, developers have begun tapping into extensive gas deposits underneath the lake to be used in the creation of electricity.

Similar techniques are being used to mine something called methane hydrate, a frozen and extremely concentrated form of methane, from lake and ocean floors.

Despite its potential uses and dangers, the visual beauty of frozen methane bubbles from the floor of Lake Abraham is a rare natural wonder.

AMAZING rEALITy


26

TOPIC TO PONDEr

Drinking a cup of hot tea during rainy season or in winter time is enjoyed by

most of the people. It helps us to keep warm and soothe sore throats. In the morning it is an energy booster and in the evenings it acts as a relaxant. However, a recent study suggests that consuming hot tea may create severe adverse consequences for some of us. Could we place ourselves at risk without realizing it?

Tea is a much loved drink across the world and the figures show that around 3 million tons of tea was consumed in the year 2016. Green and black teas are said to contain 10 times the amount of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies which are highly beneficial to our health.

But recently Peking University in China has come up with a study that one’s health could be affected if very hot tea is taken. They have opined that consuming tea at very high temperature may lead to oesophageal cancer. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, oesophageal cancer is the eighth most

common type of cancer worldwide. As per research reports, drinking hot tea on a regular basis is linked to oesophageal cancer in people who also smoke and drink alcohol habitually.

Legend states that the Chinese discovered tea and it was considered as a cure for a variety of ailments. Now China is not only the number one consumer of tea, but it is also a country with one of the highest incidences of oesophageal cancer.

The research team in China has affirmed a connection between drinking burning-hot tea, regular alcohol intake, and smoking and a higher risk of oesophageal cancer. People who follow all these three habits are five times more in the risk for esophageal cancer than those who drink only hot tea. However, the researchers suggest that it is best to avoid tea at very high temperatures.

Is coffee a better drink?A report from the research wing of

the World Health Organization has brought out some favourable news for the coffee drinkers. This beverage is unlikely to increase the risk of cancer,

instead it reduces the risk. Mainstream of studies have confirmed that coffee consumption does not increase the risk of cancers of the pancreas, breast, and prostate. The research has also found that a cup of coffee consumption each day will reduce the risk of liver cancer, uterine and endometrial cancers.

The review further points out that drinking any beverage at a temperature of 149°F (65°C) or higher may raise the risk of oesophageal cancer - a form of cancer that begins in the oesophagus, the muscular tube that links the throat to the stomach.

Dr Mariana Stern an expert in cancer risk studies adds that there is physical evidence that very hot beverages can damage the cells lining the esophagus, and this may contribute to cancer development.

Based on the results of the review, Dr Stern offers a word of advice when it comes to drinking hot beverages: “Enjoy your coffee, but make sure it’s not very hot.”

tea & Coffee – are they safe?


27

SPECIAL DAYS IN MArCH

VELAS TURTLE FESTIVALVelas, a coastal village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, is well known for its beaches which reflect nature in its best maintained and perfect form. Besides the beauty of the beach, Velas has been attracting nature lovers and travellers more for its Velas turtle festival, than anything else. Olive Ridley Turtles, one of the most treasured species of marine turtles, come ashore at Velas beach for breeding and lay hundreds of eggs. Thousands of travellers and nature lovers from different parts of the state, all around the country and even from abroad gather in Velas to witness the birth of this globally protected baby turtles when they roll out from the egg shells to the coolness of the Arabian Sea. Olive Ridley species can grow to around 4 feet in length.

The hatching of the eggs is the conclusion of a lengthy process which starts in the month of November. During this season the female turtles come out from the rolling sea waves and lay around 120 eggs on the sandy beach. These eggs are hatched during March and hundreds of tiny turtles march towards the lashing waves.

Velas turtle festival is organised by local villagers in co ordination with an organisation named Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra. The festival is annual and happens in the month of March every year.

Courtesy: Wikipedia

HOLA MOHALLAHola Mohalla is a one day Sikh event which takes place usually in March on the second day of the lunar month of Chet, a day after the Hindu spring festival Holi, which usually falls in March.

Mahalia, is a Punjabi word that implies an organized procession in the form of an army column accompanied by war drums and standard-bearers, and proceeding to a given location or moving in state from one place to another. Hola Mohalla is a big festive event for Sikhs around the world and also marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year.

The fair held during Holi and Hola at Anandpur Sahib is traditionally a three day event but participants attend Anandpur Sahib for a week, camping out and enjoying various displays of fighting prowess and bravery, and listening to kirtan, music, and poetry. Meals, which is an integral part of the Sikh Gurdwara, is served to visitors who sit together in queues and eat vegetarian food of the Langars. The event concludes on the day of Hola Mohalla with a long, military-style procession near Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five seats of temporal authority of the Sikhs.

Hola is derived from the word halla (a military charge) and the term mohalla stands for an organized procession or an army column. The words ‘Hola Mohalla’ would thus stand for ‘the charge of an army”. Hola is a Sanskrit word meant to be distinguished from Holi, the Hindu spring festival of colors, Holi, which takes place the day before Hola Mohalla.

The festival was founded by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. Guru Gobind Singh made Hola Mahalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles. This was probably done to forestall a grimmer struggle against the imperial power and channeling people’s energy into a more useful activity. Hola Mahalla became an annual event held in an open ground near Holgarh, a fort across the rivulet Charan Ganga, northwest of Anandpur sahib. Hola Mahalla is presently the biggest festival at Anandpur.

Courtesy: Wikipedia


The past of women in India have been momentous followed by a decline in their status

from the ancient to medieval times, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, the status of women in India has been subject to great changes over the past few ages. In modern India, women have held high offices including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lokh Sabha, Leader of the Opposition, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Governors.

Women’s rights are secured under the Constitution of India — mainly, equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination; further, India has various statutes governing the rights of women. As a part of women’s empowerment and security, world renowned multi-national sectors advocates products and apps exclusively for women.

However, women in India continue to face numerous problems, including violent victimisation through rape, acid throwing, dowry killings, marital rape, and the forced prostitution of young girls. With a proud history of eminent women personalities, it is important to wake up to a realization that every woman in this world is born with some potential. Determination to self-respect, self-protection, and the will power to recognize and foster them is all we need to do.

The change should start from each woman who is a mother responsible to nurture her sons in families. The role of a woman as a sister, a daughter, a partner to your spouse and many other task develop a web of social relationships without which the

WOMEN’S COrNEr

human society and procreation is incomplete.

Women’s day, women empowerment, equality and there goes a long list of celebration, year after year. What have we gained? Or is it just a seasonal social event to celebrate?

Principles and ethics may differ in varied societies within a country or from country to country. Outlook and approach towards women require proper analysis and remedial measures to be implemented appropriate to each situation.

Yes, the status of a woman is a fusion of characteristics, Wonderful, holding the primary role in a family where her responsibility to the upcoming generation is matchless, the power of a woman in varied roles as mother, guide and teacher makes her Outstanding, no human being is brought into this world without a Mother, full of patience making herself available with open arms to the needs of a family- anytime Approachable and finally she plays a vital role in Neutralizing relations within and outside a family.

Flare up to action, women’s empowerment contributes in building up healthy generations. An educated mother is the success of each family; educated women are a promise for tomorrow’s society.

Unlock the potential in women by educating every girl child to uncover her aptitude

Contribution of every woman is vital to the growing GDP of India as the fastest growing economy of the world. Never underestimate the incredible strength of women.

With a strong support to women

whose rights though secured under the constitution are still in chains of bondage which appear as insecurity, inequality, discrimination and lack of dignity. Women’s Day should be a move to a stronger woman’s empowerment and security.

Women, be alert make use of the best opportunities, nothing comes to your doorstep, wake up and move forward with determination and will-power. Identify the woman in you, strengthen yourself and those around you, the history of Indian women have been eventful.

Awake! Arise! ‘Women’, wait no more, stop weeping or self-pitying contrary neither to past experiences, injustices nor for liberation. Women are not in captivity; bondage is usually a mental block created by self, on becoming dependent upon others. Identify yourself, strengthen and inspire those around you to build up potency and overcome the hurdles of life more effectively.

Mothers! Pledge to train your sons with love and respect for women who is certainly the core of life. Initiate your family with the ‘values’ of life and get them extended to the larger society spreading the wave of positive spark all through the country and worldwide.

Are our women full-fledged? Developing? Yet to Emerge?



WOMEN CELEbrATES

Team Chalakudy celebrated Women’s day with full enthusiasm this year as well.

They greeted the Corporation lady employees who are taking great effort to keep our city clean, thereby providing a healthy environment to the public. Only when the Team reached the Corporation office they came to know about a meeting scheduled by Chalakudy JCI group for the Kudabasree members.

Branch Head Ms. Sindhu rose up to the situation, spoke to the coordinator and revealed her interest to take part in the meeting which he readily agreed. Happily our Team exploited the opportunity to introduce our Company and our Gold Loan Services to a large gathering of nearly 200 ladies. Our Team had carried only around 70 rose flowers which were insufficient, yet, within no time, the vibrant boys of our team managed to arrange sufficient flowers and distributed the same along with sweets among the kudumbasree members.

The participants were delighted and few of them also appreciated the deed mentioning that usually flowers are offered to the persons who share the dais; they felt very much honored by the gesture. Our Team managed to collect data of all the ladies who were present there, very confident of achieving a good deal of Gold Loan business in the coming days.

Celebrations at Namakkal, Pudukottai, and Madurai Anna Nagar

Happy International Women’s Day! Apart from the usual schedule of celebrations, Namakkal, Pudukottai and Madurai Anna Nagar branches of the Company had chosen a distinctive and superior mode to celebrate the day by visiting successful women in person, sharing voices and pictures of women who are admired and supported popularly for their uniqueness, in particular as we face new challenges and threats where women are resisting rollbacks and raising their voices to get loud for human rights.

When BH Ms. Mala & Ms. Revathy of Pudukottai made it a point to meet successful women in powerful professions like Lawyers, Doctors, and Police, Ms Suganya Ms Ramu from Madurai Anna Nagar branch personally met Doctors and Bankers to express their complements and good wishes on this promising day. Everyone who had been visited was very happy by the move initiated by our staff to honour them. As customers of our Company they felt privileged and further recommended their friends and contacts to our Company.

Chalakudy

Chalakudy

Namakkal

Pudukottai

Madurai Anna Nagar


DELICIOUSFLAVOurS

The North Malabar region of Kerala, stretching from Kasaragod to Kozhikode has a charming natural beauty. People are warm and friendly, delicious food, amazing architecture, and quite a distinct Malayalam accent. The region is the capital of folk art in Kerala. Flanked by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the Malabar area is responsible for having provided some of the most yummy and tasty delicacies to Kerala cuisine. It has a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian charms and people gather to these parts to taste the unique flavour of food here.Kalathappam is a very popular North Malabar delicacy. This simple and easy snack could be prepared within a few minutes. The traditional way of cooking the dish is in an earthen cooking pot with the help of coal in very low flame. But now a day’s pressure cooker or nonstick pan is also used. But nothing can beat the taste of slowly cooked kalathappam in Mankalam(earthen pot).

Kalathappam

How to Make• Soakricefor5-6hrsinwater.• Grindricewithcookedriceandgratedcoconutbyaddingenoughwatertomakemedium thick batter• Addcuminpowderandcardamompowder.• Allowthebattertostandfor5-6hrs.• Addbakingsoda.• Meltthejaggerybyaddinglittlewater,removetheimpuritiesandaddthistothebatter.• Inapressurecooker,addghee/coconutoilandsautéthechoppedshallotsandcoconutcuts separately till light brown in colour. Keep these aside.• Addhalfoffriedshallotandcoconutslicestothebatterandmixwell.• Applyoilonallsidesofpressurecookerandheatitonhighflameandpourthebatter.Add the remaining fried shallot and coconut slices on top of it and cook for 2 minutes on a high flame. Turn to low flame, close the cooker tightly without closing with weight and cook for 15 minutes.• Switchoffthestoveandletitremainthereforanother15minutes.Cookitonlowflame for 5 more minutes and let it cool. After cooling invert Kalathappam, cut into pieces and serve with tea/coffee.

Reepa PBranch Head, Uppala

Preparation Time: 2 hrsCooking time: 20 mts

IngredientsRaw Rice/Pachari - 1 ¼ cupCooked Rice - ¼ cupJaggery - 1 cup/ or as per tasteShallots /Red Onion - 8 to 10 (finely chopped)Coconut cuts - 2 tbspCoconut grated - ¼ cup Baking Soda - a pinch (optional) Cardamom powder - a pinchCumin powder - a pinchGhee/ Coconut Oil - 1 tbspSalt - to taste Water - as per requirement

31

WEDDING bELLS

Manimekalai & Ashok – Ariyalur

Parvathi & Rajesh – AO Reconciliation

Bandana Rani & Dimple Rana – Garhshankar

Sutapa Banerji & Debarshi AcharyaKolkata Baguiati

Lekshmi & Jithin – Punalur

Amal & SoumyaAO Forex & AO Customer care

Sandeep Singh & Gurpreeth Kaur Tarntaran

Amit Ramachandra & SheetalMumbai Mira Road

Rehana & Syed ShadabCorporate Karnataka

Nimmy & Sobin – Thrissur


LET OUR VALUES EMERGE - uaeexchangeindia.com€¦ · successful few actively go for it. ......

Documents

Transcript of LET OUR VALUES EMERGE - uaeexchangeindia.com€¦ · successful few actively go for it. ......