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Category: Events & Happenings

Drive to Safety, a CSR initiative by ICICI Lombard

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

The total number of road accidents in 2015 was 5,01,423 as against 4,89,400 in 2014, representing an increase of 2.5%. The resulting number of deaths in 2015 was 1,46,133, as against 1,39,671, marking an increase of 4.6%. The number of people injured from these accidents was 5,00,279 in 2015, as against 4,93,474 in 2014, an increase of 1.4%.

Two-wheelers were involved in about 31.5% of the total road accidents in the country in FY2015, highest among all vehicle categories. Lack of professional driver’s training, non-use of safety gear (especially helmet by the rider and the pillion rider) and appropriate road safety behavior are among the major causes of road accidents. Age-specific data also shows that children are susceptible to road accident victims being below 14 years. In 2015, 54.1% of those killed belonged to the 15-30 year age group.

In 2016, ICICI Lombard introduced a unique CSR program named ‘Ride to Safety’. This initiative aimed at improving road safety scenario for children who ride two-wheelers as pillion riders. Workshops were conducted across cities to create awareness for road safety and more importantly, influence the driving behavior of two-wheeler riders. Apart from imparting necessary education to children and their parents on road safety habits, ICICI Lombard distributed ISI-marked helmets that children can wear when they ride two-wheelers as pillion riders. The Company conducted more than 150 workshops in Mumbai, Pune and Delhi till March 2017. Apart from spreading the road safety message, it distributed specially designed ISI marked helmets to 24000 children who attended these workshops.

Just yesterday an awareness program cum rally was organised at the Talkatora Stadium, Delhi. The occasion was graced by many eminent personalities like RSS leader Shri Indresh Kumar, Special Commissioner of Police, Shri Ajay Kashyap and also Shri Nitin Gadkari, the honourable Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways & Shipping.

The event saw many top schools of Delhi in presence and it was an eventful day for children as many special activities like Magic Show, Nukkad Natak and Mimicry Artists were lined up for kids. The children also walked up the stage and sang songs showcasing their hidden talents.

See here a ventriloquist engaging and entertaining the children

The session by Indresh Kumar was especially lot of fun for children and he passed on the message of road safety and need for helmets in an engaging manner. In fact all the activities weaved in the message in an interactive yet effective way.

Nitin Gadkari, himself gave helmets to a few children and then flagged off the rally. The emphasis of the rally was on use of helmets especially by kids who generally pillion at the back seat with adult drivers. The rally had experts riding bikes whereas kids from schools wearing these helmets pillioned.

I must say that it truly was a great event and also overall a great initiative by ICICI Lombard.

Speaking on the occasion, ICICI Lombard MD & CEO, Bhargav Dasgupta said, ” Ride to Safety campaign is a part of our vision to contribute to the community at large. This unique CSR program emphasises that children as pillion riders incorporate the road safety habit of wearing a helmet from young age. Our aim is to see each and every two-wheeler riding child with a helmet. We have already distributed 24,000 child specific ISI marked helmets to children. We are committed to this initiative and will be distributing 1,00,000 helmets in the next 5 years to children riding two wheelers as pillion riders.”

Look Good Everyday with ShopClues as it reveals its new Fashion Avatar!

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

ShopClues is India’s first and largest online marketplace and recently at an event they announced the launch of their new avatar focused on the fashion category. The underlines theme for this new campaign is #LookGoodEveryday, with focus on trendy clothes, matching jewellery and accessories and completing your look for everyday. The clothes, jewellery, accessories are all very very trendy and appealing and yet very affordable.

The launch event was organised at Nehle Pe Dehla by Niche, in CP and saw some of the leading fashion bloggers and media attend the event. The event had a very casual and party like approach with many exciting games and activities for the audience like Hoop the Trend, Tol Mol ke Bol and Dressing the Mannequin. Shopclues also showcased some of their best collections and also introduced their latest trends through a Fashion Show. I must confess that I fared very badly at the Tol Mol Ke Bol game, as every time I guessed the price for a product, it was much cheaper than my guess. The quality of the products didn’t let me guess it for less, but they truly were very affordable and surprised me every time when the price was revealed. After a few failures, I did manage to guess it right

Radhika Aggarwal, Co-Founder and CBO, Shopclues interacted with the audience and highlighted the idea behind the campaign. She said the focus was on giving a smart dressing wardrobe for which one doesn’t need to spend huge bucks and also there is something for every kind of shopper. Be it men or women, some one who wants simplicity yet look presentable or someone who wants to dress outstandingly, there is truly something for everyone.

Modern Roots is a latest collection for women that represents various handicrafts of India such as pure indigo to mirror work, the range is priced from 499 t0 1599.

Pinks, Yellows and Metallic is a Bollywood inspired collection starting from as low as 149. 9 to 5 Dressing, Flash Dance Shoulders, Summer Florals were some other collections for women. While for men, there was Layered Look, Smart Casuals and Mood Dressing.

Keeping this latest collection in mind, ShopClues has also launched a new TVC, take a look here

To check out the collection visit ShopClues

All I can say is that I had a lot of fun at this event and I now plan to do some shopping for myself from ShopClues.com, what are you waiting for..?

India Runway Week Season 8- Season of Gold, Shimmer and Cuts

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Following India Runway Week and being a part of since almost 2-3 years, I can easily say that each year, it takes you to another level. Its definitely a growth story worth mentioning and Kiran Kheva has surely put in a lot of efforts to take it where it today is.

A mix of ace designers and some upcoming wonders, it was a perfect mix of fashion showcasing and also there were a lot of engaging activities for the audience to indulge in. Fashion shuttle was one such interesting activity, a person could go to the fashion shuttle, get dressed in designer wear, get a makeover done and then also get a photo shoot done, I mean it was a great idea. Then also there was a small exhibition area where in all the participating designers exhibited their collection and got the women drooling.

Also season 8 was really high in the shimmer and cuts when it comes to the designer wear showcased by designers. Gold as a colour flew all over and yet this all shimmer had a sense of class and elegance. It was gold and glitter but without being jazzy.

This season at Inda Runway Week redefined metallic, glitters. With color and shimmer being in focus for this season we need to watch out must haves for your wardrobe straight from the India Runway Week season 8 held recently.

Tisharth by Shivani– Tisharth by Shivani Jain brings GOLDEN SUMMER DREAM which is the colour of the sun and Golden are the dreams we weave, golden is the color of goddess and is considered as pious and sacred. Big Boss contestant Nitibha Kaul walked the ramp for the Delhi based designer.

Crmson by Nancy Sood– CRMSON by Nancy Sood collection emphasis on the women who glows in every shade ,diligent and conscientious towards a minutest responsibility,dedicated and devoted in all spheres, navigating her way through time for her to believe that she deserves to maintain her peace without any slightest hesitation.

Priyamvada Dalmia– Priyamvada Couture,’ was born from the deep desire to cater to young, confident women, who define fashion on their own terms. Bollywood Actress Mugdha Godse walked the ramp for Priyamvada. Focusing on Indian Ethnic Wear, this label curate pieces inspired from her own fashion sense and her role models from among the beaming fashion industry.

Clotho INDIA– Clotho showcased unputdownable collection with a pastel palette, nature inspired handwork and embellishments, recoloring nature in different hues and shades. They kept an involvement of translucent textiles with structural as well as falling silhouettes. Their Clothing line is the extension of one personality, not making it a trend but a part of a woman wearing it.

Ritambhara Paliya– Known for Luxury contemporary Indian wear, Ritambhara Paliya is a noted name in Indian Fashion Fraternity, whose hands are well skilled in designing outfits for women of all ages. Ritambhara Paliya specializes in Evening gowns, lehengas, Anarkali’s and maxi dresses and also into fairytale and destination weddings attires that are rooted in quintessentially Indian sensibilities but with the modern twist.

Pooja Peshoria– Pooja Peshoria showcased her fresh and glamorous summer collection ‘The Beauty of Reflection’ at the India Runway Week 2017. Inspired by the natural reflections which illuminate the ocean’s surface, the collection was strong and opulent yet fluid and feminine. Designed for the determined woman of today there was a blend of forward modernity yet rooted with traditional elegance and detailing.

Harkiran Basra– His prime focus was on bridal couture with off-shoulder blouses. Her collection had brocades and sequined dupattas. Her collection surely is a must have especially the dupattas, they were gorgeous.

Designer Mithi Kalra Launches her all new ‘Moonlight Collection’. Her collection is a spectacular sight to behold with her playing with the captivating designs in all white ethereal look. Moonlight basically transpires from the cosmos, which is a like a distant, beautiful space for her as the charm of moon stands almost unparalleled from ages. Through this collection, Kalra has made an effort to not only bring about the wondrous peaceful serenity and tranquillity of the universe but has also consciously tried her best to revive the monochrome trend in a novel avatar, like never before as she clearly believes in giving the style its due.

This year Ikreate had a chance to be the blogging partner for the day 3 of the event and it truly was an opportunity worth all the effort. My special thanks for Kiran and Surabhi, from Media Maniacs for bestowing me with this chance and I really look forward to the next season and more healthy associations.

 

Chai Di Party at Tea Lounge, Eros Hotel, New Delhi

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Aren’t we all so used to seeing our family members gather around a specific time in the evening to have tea, and generally its like a small ritual at everyones house. Mostly its like a small get together, where tea is just an excuse, but the chit chat, the gossip and munching snacks becomes the main focus at a later stage. This is exactly what you feel when you attend the Chai Ki Party at Eros Hotel. Its home away from home like feeling. Nothing fancy about it, just a regular homely way of enjoying tea with regular snacks included in the menu. Yes of course, in each of the dishes you will find signature touches of Chef Nikhil Rastogi which are always a welcome change, but more or less the authenticity of each dish is well maintained.

We tried Bhujiya Ki Bhel served in Papad Cones, it was a spicy delight and keeping that in mind, chef made it special by keeping Gur Paras’ along with it. Aaloo Matar Samosa, which had some mawa and roasted dry fruits was awesome and the small size of the samosas made them look guilt free. Adding the chef’s touch again, these samosas had a ring of namak paras’ which were crisp and nice.

The CDP platter which included Kanda Bhajiyas, Mirch Pakodas, Paneer Pakodas and Aaloo Rolls was a perfect accompaniment to the Ghar Wali Masala Chai. Each and every item was commendable.

But the most amazing things in the entire menu were the Jalebi Ki Chaat and Bun Maska. Just imagine, Jalebi Ki Chaat, I mean kudos to the chef for thinking of such an item, yes it was a maida jalebi which wasn’t dipped in sugar syrup, but served as a crispy substitute to papdi with curd, saunth and green chutney, just like the normal chaat, and it was awesome. Really loved it.

Similarly the bun maska wasn’t regular at all, in fact it was coated with nice sugary coffee powder and served with whipped cream, maple syrup and some blue berry sauce. One bite into it, and I was transformed into another world, it was heavenly.

Though I am not a tea fan, but this Chai Di Party was thoroughly enjoyable. And also keeping the heat in mind, amazing cold serves were there which included Jamun Thanda, Adraki Sharbat, Sambharam, Coffee Batida and Jaljeera. I personally loved the Sambharam which was a Chaas with South Indian flavours, Jaljeera and Adraki Sharbat were refreshing too.

For me going to Eros, every time is an experience I can’t get over so easily and I can never stop praising the hospitality of the place. Chef Nikhil (Executive Chef), Umesh (F&B Head), Harpreet (PR Manager), Sanjeev, everyone is like a great friend and I love spending time with my family and friends here with this extended family at Eros. The festival is on till 30th of April, so make hay while the sun shines.. and enjoy!!

SoulKonnection Presents Soul 108

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

SoulKonnection is an organization that is a celebration of conscious life through various wellness events of Self Transformation and Uplifting Programs. On 8th April 2017, Soul 108 by SoulKonnection is a one day festival in Andheri, Mumbai inviting people to experience a holistic healing experience. It is a one of a kind festival that gives a platform for participants to engage in a wide array of traditional and non-traditional activities including Yoga, Meditation, Dance Movement Therapy, SoulKonnect Self – Healing, Lifecoaching – Secrets of Time Management, Sound Healing and Art Therapy.

Soul 108 is designed for all age group including kids, adults and seniors. There are special Art Therapy and Etiquette classes for children to experience, while their parents can attend workshops simultaneously. Besides this, an array of food stalls will ensure a guilt-free, healthy experience with fresh produce, organic food and drinks. The workshops aimed towards self- exploration and self – discovery will take place through the day while the evening will include live singing and stand – up comedy act.

The event is designed and curated by the Founder of SoulKonnection, the celebrated Life Coach, Amit Bhandari who is an ex-captain of the Merchant Navy. His award-winning methods have helped clients across India and Australia.

For Adults –

Time Hall 1 Hall 2
9 – 11 am Yoga & Meditation SK – Self Healing
11:30 -1:30 am Dance Movement Therapy Secrets of Time Management
1:30 – 2 pm Break Break
2:30 – 40:30 pm Yoga & Meditation SK – Self Healing
5 – 7 pm Dance Movement Therapy Secrets of Time Management

 

For Kids –

Time slots for Art Therapy –10 to 11 am, 12 noon to 1pm, 3 to 4 pm, 5 to 6pm

Time slots for table décor & etiquettes – 11am to 12 noon, 2 to 3pm, 4 to 5pm, 6 to 7pm

Evening entertainment Segment –

Time Activity
7:30pm Panel discussion with faculty
8:30pm Stand Up Comedy Act
9pm Live singer with acoustic guitarist

 

Zariya Fest, Select City Walk

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Elite Delhi schools have a general perception of creating spoilt children who dwell in mal-influence. However, who go unnoticed, are the children who use their resources to bring change. Rajavi Mishra, Hanssa Jain, and Sharanya Khemka, students of Step by Step School, founded ‘Zariya’ in 2016. In collaboration with the NGO ‘Samarpan’, an initiative to provide a caring home for orphaned children, Zariya aims to fight child abuse and neglect that takes place in New Delhi. Its first ever endeavour was to develop a sense of achievement among such children. This was done by organizing an 8 month long vocational skill building programme: Kala Ki Pehchaan.

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To showcase their progress and raise funds for the cause, Zariya organized a fest on 20th March at Select CityWalk, which featured performance by the children of Samarpan NGO, concerts, stalls and fashion show. www.foodcloud.in had signed on as the official food partner for the event. They intended to come forward with other inspiring projects to serve the cause.  Many home chefs who are associated with food cloud showcased their culinary skills at the event and sold their deletable food. From Thai to Lebanese, Continental and some amazing desserts, there was something for every tastebud to savour. Akanksha Goel, Arsh Khetan, Soven Soni, Ranveer Singh Aujla,Malika Thakur, Shivank Sareen, Sachi Sinha, Utsav Maheshwari,and  Dhruv Narula, students from Step By Step School and Sanskriti School played a crucial role in making this show a success. It was a great event and I had a lot fun visiting the same.

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MAFF, JETRO and ASSOCHAM host India’s first Indo-Japan Food Forum

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Ministry of Agriculture Forestry And Fisheries,Japan,(MAFF) held its First Indo-Japan Food Forum in Association with Jetro and Assocham at Assocham House, Delhi, on the 16th of March, 2017.


The main focus of the Forum was  to promote Japanese food and it’s favourable food preparation methods and techniques effectively in India.
The theme of the Forum was ‘Food and Health’
The Forum saw high ranking officials from the Ministry of Agriculture from Japan and India, Jetro and Assocham address the issues of creating awareness of Japanese food and food processing technologies in India.


Leading producers of Miso, Marukome Co Ltd, Kagome Co Ltd, and other food processing companies graced the occasion and their representatives explained in detail about the company background and their future plans to invest and produce in India.


Mr Tejima, Founder of Sushi Junction, and online Sushi store took us through their process of opening an online food delivery store to its present day success in this niche segment. He laid emphasis on the quality of food served by them and the growing awareness in the Indian consumers towards Japanese food.

The Forum also saw the presence of some distinguished Indian Chefs who prepared some very innovative Indian Dishes using authentic Japanese ingredients.

Here is a glimpse..

All in a all an exciting time ahead for Indian foodaholics to get a taste of multiple Japanese food products and More Japanese Cuisine to be made easily available for food lovers.

Hoping and Wishing great success to this exciting new phase.

Yin and Yang Food Festival at Empress of China, Eros Hotel

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Yin and Yang theory is based on viewing things in a relation to its whole.The theory is based on two basic components: yin and yang, which combine in a complementary manner and form a method for explaining relationships between objects. Yin and yang are represented by many tangible dualities, such as  male and female, light and dark, fire and water. It is believed that everything has both yin and yang aspects, every object, every person has both these attributes of positive and negative, its just that which of the attributes manifests more strongly than the other. Yin is represented as the feminine, passive, dark, cold, while yang is represented as masculine, active, light, warm.

This philosophy plays a very significant role in the Chinese culture and especially in the Chinese Medicine and Food. Chinese people believe that the balance of Yin and Yang food can really help a person’s physical health to remain fit. Most foods are either predominantly Yin or predominantly Yang and sometimes the combination of Yin and Yang also helps creating a balanced food. Foods with higher water content are usually Yin, as they are cooler and those with high energy or fat are Yang. Most Fruits and Vegetables thus are Yin and Duck, Beef, Alcohol and Warm Spices are Yang.

At Empress of China, Chef Nikhil Rastogi brought in this age old theory of Yin and Yang and created a beautiful food festival out of it. Two separate pantries representing and showcasing Yin and Yang foods respectively were created and one had to pick up ingredients of choice and give it to the chef behind the counter to prepare a dish out of it. Basis selection of foods the dish could be only Yin, only Yang or a combination of two.

To begin with we had Asparagus, corn and mushroom salad (YIN), five Spiced marinated asparagus and corn with sweet chilly dressing, this was a very crunchy and refreshing salad.

Crispy Noodle Salad with Spicy Tamarind Dressing was a Yin and Yang combination dish as the presence of spicy tamarind dressing added the Yang attribute to the otherwise Yin noodles. This one was a beautiful preparation indeed, the taste was perfect, I personally loved it the more than the Asparagus salad.

Lohan Dimsum and Chicken Dimsums were the next two dishes that we relished like anything. The cristal veg dumplings were so tasteful and juicy, a Yin preparation and the chicken dimsums were steamed as well a bit roasted and that itself was the highlight of the dish. I simply loved these both.

Vegetables Salt and Pepper on Skewers tossed with fresh greens and peppers was an amazing preparation. I specially liked the idea of vegetables being on skewers rather than served as a whole dish. Sichuan Chicken, going by the name sounds like a common Chinese dish, but trust me you have to try this once at Eros and you will know the difference. Such authentic pepper flavours gave completely new dimension to the dish.

Steamed Prawn brought in as individual servings were great too, I am not too fond of prawns but this one was truly amazing and its taste lingered on in my mouth for a long time.

For main course I settled for Chicken Pot Sticker, which was an amazing Yang preparation, with minced chicken on a bed on pan fried noodles, mild sauces not overly spicy, it was a perfectly balanced dish and I strongly recommend it.

The dessert which looked like the Yin and Yang symbol was a combination of dark and white chocolate mousse which was delicious. The mousse had a mild flavour of jasmine, which enhanced the overall taste.

I simply loved witnessing this festival and learning so much about the Yin and Yang theory of food from the chef. Its always a pleasure dining at Eros, the people are so warm and hospitable that what more can you ask for. Perfect food, company of Chef Nikhil and F&B Manager Umesh and Harpreet who handles the PR at the hotel, is always an added value to the whole foodie experience. I enjoyed myself completely and I am sure you too will enjoy, so don’t miss the festival, its on till 23rd, so still 2 more days to go..!!

 

Ghungroo- Delhi’s Only Dinner Theatre, An Experience Beyond Words!

Posted on by Sunil Malhotra

Tucked away at Parsi Anjuman, Bahadurshah Zafar Road, Ghungroo is Delhi’s one and only Dinner Theatre. The concept of dinner theatre in itself is very unusual and thoughtful at the same time and Rudra Experiences are doing a wonderful job of bringing different experiences for us to explore. An absolutely wonderful experience to spend an evening with family n friends. We recently got a chance to witness this and I am so glad we went for it, and trust me I already look forward to going there again, it was so wonderful.


The music and dance show which traces the history of Delhi from the times of its first documented ruler Prithvi Raj Chauhan to its present along with the Audio Visuals is a treat to watch.



As the mesmerizing performances take you through the journey of Delhi becoming the seat of power and it’s cultural impact across India, you are literally on the edge of your seat, and can’t take your eyes off the dancers.



Its  beautifully choreographed and equally well performed and each of the act deserves accolades.
A most interesting musical journey from the Sounds of Yore to the present day. Simply enthralling one hour spent and you cant have a better form of entertainment than this.

For us it was experience beyond words can describe and we created memories for a lifetime.


After the spellbinding performances  a gastronomical delight at Angaare the open air barbecue awaited us
An authentic Indian Barbecue which served delicacies as Seekh Kebabs, Chicken Tikka, Fish Tikka, Paneer Tikka and Mushrooms.
All slow cooked with delicate spices and perfectly done.
Also to accompany the tandoori delicacies were ChickenC, Dal Tadka and Vegetables along with  Tandoori breads.
For dessert there was the Shahi Tukda and Jalebi .Both awesome.
All in all great food and is highly recommended.
A great theatre experience followed by delicious food. Sitting out in the open and enjoying the sumptuous food is a treat.


Don’t miss this for anything, indulge in it and experience Delhi’s culture like never before, its totally worth your time and money, catch a glimpse here

You can check the details here and also book yourself a seat, http://rudraxp.com/daytrip/ghungroo-sounds-of-yore/ so what are you waiting for.. do it right away..

Witlinger in association with British Council Celebrated International Women’s Day

Posted on by Aditi Malhotra

Witlinger,the British Beer, showed their support towards the celebration of strong modern woman by partnering with the British Council for their Women’s Day Event.

The event saw some women run NGOs coming forward to showcase and sell their crafts made by women and to create awareness of their charitable activities to raise funds.

There was a performing band that belt out some really meaningful and melodious numbers all very relevant to the status of women in our Society.

Later in the evening there were more performances lined up as Witlinger, the exclusive beverage partner served their beers to keep everyone in an upbeat mood.
A great initiative by British Council and Witlinger to acknowledge and celebrate Woman Power.

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