#SaifAliKhan launch #HouseofPataudi Lifestyle brand for men and women co-owned by Myntra

Myntra announced the launch of ‘House of Pataudi’, in association with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. The ethnic wear brand is inspired from the sophistication and the rich heritage of the Pataudis and reflects a strong sense of culture and tradition. ‘House of Pataudi’ is co-owned by Myntra, Exceed Entertainment and Saif Ali Khan and exemplifies the latter’s classic and contemporary style and taste, as per a statement issued by Myntra.

It is a lifestyle brand for men and women that delivers fine taste and refinement to the discerning and the fashion conscious. Each piece not only exudes style, but also narrates the rich story and history of the Pataudi heritage. The collection comprises traditional Indian wear, conceptualized in the form of Rozana, every day wear with a contemporary ethnic touch, Jashn, festive finery with a regal charm, Riwayat, bespoke splendour for the classic Indian wedding and a Special Edition, comprising collections inspired by the Pataudi trousseau.

Photo From (L:R): Ananth Narayanan, CEO_Myntra- Jabong and Bollywood Actor Saif Ali Khan .

The range includes kurtas, sherwanis and Nehru jackets for men and kurta sets, lehengas and dresses for women. Products from House of Pataudi will be available exclusively on Myntra and Jabong from October 25, 2018 across a price range of Rs 1,500 – Rs.15,000 for men and Rs 2000 – 20000 for women. The brand’s design team has worked closely with Saif Ali Khan; inspired by his own personal style statement and has designed and perfected the line, modelling it on Pataudi lineage and contemporary fashion preferences, to make it relatable for the modern fashion shopper. House of Pataudi is focused on changing the perception about ethnic dressing being limited only to festivals and occasions and bringing it back to every day wear.

Speaking on the launch, Ananth Narayanan, CEO, Myntra-Jabong, said, “We are very excited to partner with Saif and Exceed Entertainment to launch, ‘House of Pataudi’, a first of its kind brand in the country that embodies royalty and a rich cultural heritage. We are clearly focused on a strong customer proposition and currently there is a huge gap in brand offerings in the ethnic wear space, especially for men. House of Pataudi is an ideal fit, being rich on tradition, heritage, design, and offers customers a slice of the world that we believe is lost, at price points that are highly affordable.”

Commenting on the launch of his brand, Bollywood Actor and Producer, Saif Ali Khan, said, “House of Pataudi for me is an extension of my family legacy. From the way it has shaped up, I could tell House of Pataudi is a tasteful curation of Indian ethnicity and finer sensibilities bordering on the Pataudi heritage. Fashion and history are two areas I have personally been inclined towards over the years and am happy that we are taking a part of the Pataudi Legacy forward through this brand. The teams at Myntra and Exceed have put in a lot of research and effort and I believe we have all the right ingredients to build upon. Can’t wait for millions of young Indians to embrace their culture through House of Pataudi.”

Myntra is India’s leading platform for fashion brands and pioneer in m-commerce play. Myntra has partnered with over 2000 leading fashion and lifestyle brands in the country such as Nike, adidas, Puma, Levis, Wrangler, Arrow, Jealous 21, Diesel, CAT, Harley Davidson, Ferrari, Timberland, US Polo, FabIndia, Bibaand many more to offer a wide range in latest branded fashion and lifestyle wear. Myntra services over 19,000 pin codes across the country. With the largest in-season product catalogue, 100% authentic products, Cash on Delivery and 30-day Exchange/Return policy, Myntra is today the preferred shopping destination in India.

#ProfessorMrinalThakur: “Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences violated academic norms while conferring Nobel Prize”

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences that confers the Nobel Prize violated academic norms by denying major scientific discoveries and their discoverers, Prof. Mrinal Thakur, the Director of Photonic Materials Research Laboratory at Auburn University (USA), alleged in a press statement.

Prof Mrinal Thakur urge world leaders to solve Nobel Prize Imbroglio

Prof Thakur claimed that though the 2000-Chemistry Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of Conductive Polymers, it went only to those who discovered “Conjugated” conductive polymers. According to Prof. Thakur, nominated for the Chemistry Nobel Prize for 16-times, no credit was given to him for his discovery of “Non-conjugated” conductive polymers first reported in 1988.

Prof. Thakur claimed the Nobel Foundation Website contains incorrect information as Alan Heeger, A.G. MacDiarmid and H. Shirakawa, the 2000-Chemistry Nobel Prize recipients, wrongly stated only conjugated polymers are electrically conductive whereas “Nonconjugated” polymers are also conductive. The legal communications involving US attorneys established these Nobel Prize recipients agreed at the scientific and legal-levels that Prof. Thakur’s experimental works and theory are fundamentally correct while theirs are fundamentally incorrect.

The Nobel Foundation Website, stating a polymer must be conjugated to be electrically conductive, did not correct it though “Nonconjugated” polymers are also conductive. Prof. Thakur further claimed the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences even victimised him for bringing out the anomalies in the website by stopping research funding in 2003. Though Prof. Thakur sought assistance of Prime Ministers of India and Sweden and the US President to resolve these critical issues, nothing fruitful transpired as yet.

Staking Claim for the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Prof. Thakur stakes claim to the 2014 Chemistry Nobel Prize since “Super-resolved Fluorescence Microscopy” (topic of 2014 Nobel in Chemistry) is primarily based on earlier nonlinear optical experimental and theoretical studies performed by him and his colleagues on organic materials. The research papers were published in Applied Physics Letters, Physical Review Letters, MRS Proceedings, Macro-molecules and Optics Letters in 1985 and onwards. Prof. Thakur’s works were published at least a decade prior to those of the 2014 Nobel Prize recipients. The written statute of Nobel Prize says award should be given to recognise the earliest and most original works in a given field of sciences. It was not followed in the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The whole spectrum of polymer scientists, however, accepted that his research made wide impact in polymer science and in the research fields of nonlinear optics and nano-particles.

Non-conjugated Conductive Polymers As Anti-Radiation Shield

Prof. Thakur’s scientific discoveries involves protection against nuclear radiation including radioactive iodine applicable both in the cases of atomic reactors and hospitals treating thyroid cancer patients through polymers. The polymers, efficiently absorbing iodine when iodine atoms come in contact with them rendering the iodine atoms immobile, can be installed as layer/sheet in all nuclear reactor or nuclear waste storage facility to absorb emitted radioactive iodine and stop its leakage in the environment.

Radioactive iodine is extremely dangerous since it remains as a vapour at ordinary temperature and can travel long distances by air-currents as seen in the case of Japan’s Fukushima disaster when radioactive iodine reached California (USA) crossing the Pacific Ocean. What is more, polymers can safeguard the living beings/environment against radioiodine emission caused by nuclear power plants, nuclear spent-fuel-rods, rocket/space satellite launching stations, nuclear-powered ships/submarines and in hospitals where nuclear medicine administered.

As the human body absorbs radioactive iodine causing thyroid cancer, the doctors, nurses and attendees are exposed to it during and after radio-iodine therapy of patients having thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. Patients emit radiation for a number of days after taking a capsule containing radioiodine. Use of apparels made of the “Non=conjugated” conductive polymers reduces the potential exposure to radioiodine and lessens the anxiety, the statement added.

Solo Photography Exhibition on the tribes of Omo Valley of Ethiopia by #DrLatikaNath at Bikaner House New Delhi

It all began three years ago – Dr. Latika Nath wanted to visit Ethiopia to photograph the rarest wolf in the world. With less than 400 alive in the wild, as a carnivore biologist, Latika had always wanted the opportunity to study these animals in their natural habitat. Dr. Latika’s list grew as she planned her visit to include the Hyaenas of Harar, the gelada baboons, the Abyssinian owl, the Rock Churches of Lalibela and Lucy. As she explored the possibility of visiting Hadar, Dr. Latika discovered references to the Tribes of the Omo Valley. Very quickly her inbox was filled with conversations about planning a trip to Omo and discussing the possibility of photographing the incredible people who lived there.

Living in and around the Mago and Omo National Parks are some of the oldest tribes known to man. These tribes continue to live in much the same manner over hundreds of years. The eight tribes, Hamer, Bana, Mursi, Suri, Kara, Dassanech, Arbore and Nyangatom number only about 200,000 in toto. With modern development knocking at their doorstep, the tribes face changes they had never imagined.

In multiple visits, over two years, Dr Latika has taken over 60000 images in Ethiopia. This incredible database of the people, their culture, customs and lifestyle is unique and reveals aspects of their lives seldom revealed to the world. Documenting the Donga, Bull Jumping, fashion, body scarification and decoration, lip and ear plates, blood drinking, their song and dances, rituals and ceremonies, their unique architecture, and food vessels as well the importance of the AK 47 and guns in their lives, Latika has been working on a 5 volume book series which will be launched at the Jaipur Literary Book Festival as a Boxed Set.

Breathtaking landscapes, incredible images of men and women of extraordinary beauty, of children of nature who are masters of body art, the OMO collection is a story that has never been told in quite this fashion and detail.

Omo Fashion is another extraordinary study – where broken watch straps are de rigueur for the fashionista, where gas pipes, bottle caps, plastic tubes, miscellaneous keys, and even a bicycle chain are fashion accessories and different coloured metal bullets are melted and made into bangles and earrings.

Headdresses are devised from flowers, fruit and leaves and bodies are canvasses for artistry painted using natural pigments. Beads are an essential part of the adornment and goat and even cheetah skin is embroidered painstakingly to create unique outfits.

Ash and thorns are used for creating intricate and elaborate keloid scars to decorate bodies. The human body is used as a canvas for body art that is quite breathtaking.

For Dr. Latika, this was a life-changing experience. Planning the trips required up to a year of work, allowing her to venture into areas where there are very few visitors from the outside world.

She worked in temperatures of over 45C, drove hours each day to get to the villages, was shot at by an AK 47, hung out of planes, lived in tents or homestays in the remotest villages in order to learn about these people. The story of her journeys forms a part of her book – OMO.

The Exhibition at the Bikaner House is the first of her solo shows on OMO and will feature over 150 surreal images from her collection. The exhibition is supported by The Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, New Delhi.

Dr. Latika is one of the first wildlife biologists with a D.Phil on Tiger Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford.

She is the first woman wildlife biologist in India to work on tigers and entered the field of tiger conservation at a time when no holistic scientific work had been done on the tiger in India apart from a study in 1968 by American Scientist, George Schaller.

Breaking into what had been so far, an exclusively male-dominated field, Latika has spent over twenty-five years working at the grassroots level for tiger conservation. She eventually shifted her focus from academia to working with the tribal communities in the buffer zone of the Kanha Tiger Reserve and the Forest Department of the Government of India for tiger conservation.

Dr. Litika lived and worked in the Kanha Tiger Reserve for over a decade where she worked on education, health, art, and alternate energy programs for the tribal villages in the region.

Her life and work have been featured on National Geographic television in a documentary called ‘The Tiger Princess’ and on the Discovery Channel in the program ‘Wild Things’. She contributed to films like ‘Sita’s Story’ and a ‘Tale of Two Tigers’ on the BBC, as well as the cover story on tigers for the ‘Year of the Tiger’ special in 2000. She has worked with numerous international organisations including IUCN, UNDP, UNFPA and ICIMOD on many species including the Asian Elephant, the Gangetic Dolphin, the Arna or Wild buffaloes, and high-altitude mammals in the Kanchenjunga area. Her areas of interest include landscape ecology and the resolution of human-wildlife conflict.

Dr. Nath is the recipient of scholarships including the Chevening Award from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India, the Overseas Research Student (ORS) UK, and the Wildlife Institute of India. She has also been awarded for her work in the field of Eco Tourism by the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOI).

For the past few years, Latika has been traveling and photographing the cat species of the world. She has photographed tigers, lions, cheetahs, jaguars, snow leopards and clouded leopards. She is an ardent traveler, photographer, and diver and spends time exploring the myriad wilderness spaces of our planet. She has recently published a coffee table book called “Hidden India” on the wildlife and wilderness spaces of India which received wide acclaim. Dr. Nath is a Nikon Professional Member and works closely with Nikon in India.

#SabarimalaRow: Indian Expat from Kerala loses job from Lulu Hypermarket in Saudi Arabia for derogatory post on social media

#SabarimalaRow: Indian Expat from Kerala loses job from Lulu Hypermarket in Saudi Arabia on derogatory post on social media. https://wp.me/pagXKC-6V

Rethy Devi’s The Gospel of Mary Magdalene and Me to be published in Tamil

The 2014 Booker Prize nominated global classic novel in English, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene and Me, authored by Rethy Devi will be published in Tamil soon. Jayashankar Menon, senior journalist and author has already completed the novel in Tamil, which is currently undergoing editing and proofreading.

The book, which was written and published in Malayalam by the Green Books, while the English version is published by Book Venture, which is available on Amazon website. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene and Me has been translated into 12 international languages. Termed by the book aficionados as one of the best ever novels of the 21st century, the book has elicited lot of interest the world over.

The Gospel of Mary Magdalene and Me was submitted for the 2014 Manbooker Prize. Completed in a span of ten years, after referring in excess of 500 authoritative books, which occupies a pride of place on the bookshelves of around 60 countries. The book was released at the second biggest international Book Festival of the world, The Dubai International Book Fair 2015, where ten million people visited the fair. The then Ambassador of India in the UAE, Seetharam launched the book by handing it over to the renowned Indian writer Sethu. A sheer coincidence, though, Dan Brown, the author of Da Vinci Code was also present on that occasion.

Rethy Devi’s novel is also included as one of the best 98 books, chosen from the Malayalam language at the Frankfurt International Book Festival with the stated objective of translating and acquainting Malayalam books with world class literature. “This, I consider, is a great honour I received for my novel”, says Rethy Devi.

She has also attended the International History Seminar in 2015. Her paper, titled: “Post Colonial Feminist and Feminist Identity” was presented, while other eminent personalites such as Dr. Upinder Singh (daughter of then then Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh), Dr. Margret Frenz (Grand daughter of Dr. Herman Gundert), Dr. MGS Narayanan and others had presented their papers as well. The fictional biographical novel, titled: “Just Another Day In Paradise”, written by the renowned American writer Tom Mathews, New York, based on Rethy Devi’s life story, when she was a Human Rights Lawyer is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Arun Arsha, Author of the novel, Auschwitz wrote, “Rethy Devi could go beyond The Da Vinci Code through her novel, The Gospel of Mary Magdalene and Me. Her language is a blend of love and frenzy, just like a painting by Vincent Van Gog.” On the back cover of the latest edition, Arsha quotes a passage from the book, “There is a crazy female tree, on an island, surrounded by water on all the sides, which blooms only crazy lowers in all the seasons and it is me!”

The Tamil translation of the novel, titled: Magdaleenaavi (enadhum) pen suvisesham has been translated by the senior journalist, actor and author, Jayashankar Menon. Although a native of Palakkad, the polyglot writes in English, Tamil and Malayalam, besides having spoken knowledge of many languages. A passionate personality, Jayashankar was instrumental in bringing out a musical thriller movie in Malayalam, Kamboji, produced by his aunt, Prof. Lakshmi Padmanabhan. The film went on to bag four state awards and several other accolades. Besides doing cameo role in that movie, the Chennai-based artist has also co-produced a short film, Charakku while portraying a crucial character as well.

The uniqueness of this book is that the Tamil version is written by a non-Tamil person. Currently, the book is undergoing several rounds of editing and proof reading. At an event held in Kochi last week, Rethy Devi had touch based ace Tamil film actor and politician, Kamal Hassan and handed over the manuscript of the novel and requesting him to write a preface.

The 575 odd page book in Tamil, based on the most cardinal disciple of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene, is going to elicit much interest the other translations of The Gospel of Mary Magdalene and Me had elicited across the globe.

Elaborating on the experience of transating the magnum opus, Jayashankar Menon said, “For more than three decades I was into full time active journalism covering conceivably all subjects. Of late, I ventured into the moving making aspects, meanwhile contemplating on taking up full time writing. I have about 30 odd Malayalam books at my disposal to be translated into Tamil and English. Last year, Rethy Devi, who contacted me through Linkedin, had thrown a challenge of writing her global classic into Tamil. What a way to start and what a book to translate! I readily accepted the offer. Although, I had my fair share of qutting my cosy job with a fat salary and sit to write a classic, with inherrent domestic pressure to sustain myelf, I did kick-start translating this book. Just eight months, 85K words, 575 odd pages, it was a non-stop marrathon. Some force was behind me, which was making me write in frenetic pace. When I look back, I couldn’t believe myself that I had completed the book within a year, which the original book was completed in ten years!”

The former VC of Malayalam University, Jayakumar IAS said, “This is a book of extraordinary bravery. It defies forbiddence and borders. My imagination of love is a sort of revolution itself. It is searching for the change from the existing male dominated power and forbiddence, which should be overcome.”

A couple of major book publishers have approached Rethy Devi and we will soon be finalising the publishing of the book, once we get to hear from Kamal Hassan, she added.

Paani Foundation establishes training programme to make Maharasthra drought-free

Each year, drought afflicts thousands of villages in Maharashtra. In 2015, the situation was so grim that the government had to provide drinking water through the railways to several villages.

Photo Caption (From L-R): Satyajit Bhatkal, CEO, Paani Foundation; Kiran Rao, Founder, Paani Foundation and Dr. Avinash Pol, Project Director, Paani Foundation.

In early 2016, a not-for-profit company called Paani Foundation was set up by Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao to work towards creating a drought-free Maharashtra. The Foundation is run by the core team members of the Satyamev Jayate TV show, according to a statement issued by the Foundation. The key difference in Paani Foundation’s approach is its belief that the only solution for the existing water crisis is a people’s movement. If people are convinced, motivated and trained, the Foundation believes that they themselves will have the power and ability to solve their water problems.

With this in mind, Paani Foundation has designed a training programme to teachpeople the science of watershed management and to develop their leadership skills. To bring people together and encourage them to apply their learnings from the training, the Foundation also organises the Satyamev Jayate Water Cup competition annually. The Satyamev Jayate Water Cup is essentially a competition between villages to see which village can do the maximum water conservation work in the period of the competition. Every village in the selected talukas is eligible to participate.

In 2016, the 3 talukas of Ambajogai, Koregaon and Warudwere chosen to participate in the competition.116 villages from these talukas took part, and through mass voluntary work or Shramdan done in the searing heat of April and May, an annual water storage capacity of 1,368 crore litres of water was created in just 45 days. Velu village from Koregaon taluka in Satara district received the first prize of Rs. 50 lakhs from the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis at a grand awards ceremony held in Mumbai last year. A documentary film titled ‘The Battle against Drought’ chronicles the journey of Water Cup 2016 and was released at the awards ceremony. The information of the journey of Paani foundation & Satyamev Jayate Water Cup was shared by Mr. Satyajit Bhatkal, CEO, Paani Foundation at a press conference held in Pune. Dr. Avinash Pol, Project Director, Paani Foundation and Kiran Rao, Founder, Paani Foundation were also present on the occasion.

The success of the pilot edition of the Satyamev Jayate Water Cup 2016 encouraged the Paani Foundation team to scale up its efforts from 3 to 30 talukas in 2017. Over 1,300 villages took part in the competition this year and between 8th April and 22nd May lakh of villagers came together to do outstanding water conservation work. To pay tribute to these Water Heroes and honour the winners, Paani Foundation will present the Satyamev Jayate

Water Cup 2017 Awards on Sunday, 6thAugust at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Balewadi, Pune.

The Chief Guest for the event is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis. Aamir Khan, the co-founder of Paani Foundation and several leading lights from the field of business and arts will be present to salute these villagers.The top three villages will get a cash prize of Rs. 50 lakh, Rs. 30 lakh and Rs. 20 lakh respectively. In addition, the top village from each taluka will get a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh. Please do join us as we celebrate the villagers’ achievements, and be a part of this journey to make our state water-abundant.

List of 30 Talukas from 13 Districts where Satyamev Jayate Water Cup 2017 was organised:

· Ambajogai, Kaij and Dharur talukas in Beed district

· Bhoom, Paranda and Kalamb talukas in Osmanabad district

· Ausa and Nilanga talukas in Latur district

· Phulambri and Khultabad talukas in Aurangabad district

· Koregaon, Man and Khatav talukas in Satara district

· Khanapur, Atpadi and Jath talukas in Sangli district

· Purandar and Indapur talukas in Pune district

· Sangola and Uttar Solapur talukas in Solapur district

· Barshitakli, Patur and Akot talukas in Akola district

· Ralegaon, Kalamb and Umarkhed talukas in Yavatmal district

· Warud and Dharni talukas in Amravati district

· Karanjataluka in Washim district

· Arvitaluka in Wardha district

Love Matters: India’s first bilingual website launched at QTube Cafe in Bandra

Love Matters , India’s first bilingual website dedicated to love, sexuality and relationships organized a one of its kind Open mic session on Valentine day on February 14, 2017 in Mumbai’s quiet but hip QTube Café in Bandra. The event saw a jam packed venue where many came forward to share their tryst with love, sexuality or identity, their take on relationships, family, and society. The gathering was of young and old people, many came with their parents to taste the non judgmental and open minded session.

While speaking at the event, Vithika Yadav, RNW Head-India, Love Matters India, said: “We organized this open mic session as a true free speech event for young Mumbaikars to come together and have an opportunity to have frank and open conversations on love, sexuality and relationships.”

Love Matters opened its doors for everyone and the differences of Mumbai walked in, slightly unsure and then they took to the stage, and all those differences dissolved to form, what united them for that moment forming a road of open dialogue. With an opportunity to share openly, people poured their hearts out; what they felt about love, lessons they have learnt on the way, good and bad both, how they feel towards every individual deserving a fair chance to love who they want, to freely talking about their sexuality, about society’s perception, attitude and acceptance of every individual.

“The idea behind an open-mic event with young people is to shed all the judgement around different sexuality and preferences. We don’t want the society to label someone. We want everyone to come together and hear each other patiently”, Roshan Kokane, web editor for Love Matters India, pointed out.

Love Matters India is moving towards changing how people perceive and are perceived by others, they want to bridge the gap that creates this difference through respectful dialogues and ‘Let’s Talk About Us’ the open mic session in Mumbai was a step towards creating that platform.

Love Matters India is the first ever bilingual English and Hindi website about sex and sexuality in India. It aims to provide science-based information on love, sex and relationships so people can make informed choices, and to create spaces where everyone is free to ask questions and engage in online conversations. In 2016 itself, the website has attracted an average of two million users a month and there in excess of one million followers on Facebook.

Lee Jeans appoint Jacqueline Fernandez as Brand Ambassador

Lee Jeans announced the appointment of Bollywood Actor Jacqueline Fernandez as its brand ambassador in India. In an exclusive media event held at JW Marriot Sahar, Mumbai, Lee Jeans introduced Jacqueline Fernandez as their brand ambassador.

Jacqueline, with her optimistic spirit is known to have charted her way into the competitive Bollywood industry, making a mark of her own. An extremely popular personality, especially among the youth as she embodies the energy of today’s generation. This is reflective in her versatile craft and her curious attitude as she explores new mediums and new formats in the entertainment industry. Hence Lee has signed her up to further re-instate the brand’s own personality.

Latest product innovation

Jacqueline’s immediate campaign with Lee will showcase their latest product innovation for the Indian Woman – Body OptixTM. Lee Jeans have always been flag bearers of relentless ideation, meeting true-blue craftsmanship. Creating stories in authentic denim, in all shapes, fits and sizes. Where curiosity inspires unique thinking. Pioneering fashion with purposeful designs. And delivering to the world of fashion, denims crafted with over a century’s worth of rich heritage; leading to creation of historic styles but with contemporary stitching.

Speaking on the occasion, Jacqueline said: “Denims have this soft corner in all our hearts and these pairs are such a great companion of our growing up years. Lee is most definitely a synonym of denim as the brand has been here for over a 128 years because of innovators, ideators and master craftsmen as part of their team,” she further continued, “So there was no second thought, I mean who would think twice before signing up with a global Icon like Lee – at least I wouldn’t.”

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At the event, Lee Jeans also unveiled a game changing product innovation designed for the Indian woman – BODY OPTIX™ denims! Here, traditional denim designs are combined with ground-breaking vision science and design to create holistic body shaping specifically for the Indian female body.

Sharad Walia – General Manager of Lee India, said: “With BODY OPTIX™ denims, Lee Jeans is revolutionising the way denims have been envisioned, created and worn in the world. The primary objective of the brand has always been to bring to the end consumer, denims that are comfortable, easy to wear, yet add that certain X factor for the wearer and enhance their denim-wearing experience.”

Body OptixTM Denims

Lee BODY OPTIX™ is a joint accomplishment between vision scientists and denim designers. After extensive scientific tests and consumer research, premium LYCRA BEAUTY® fabrics and authentic design details have been incorporated with exquisite craftsmanship. The collection promises to create holistic body shaping specifically for the Indian female body, with an unprecedented 360° total body shaping and fully flattering fit.

Lee’s passion for denim, together with the constant pursuit of innovation, has produced the finest denim garments. Each piece is testament to the heritage and craftsmanship that has exemplified Lee as one of the world’s pioneering denim brands. BODY OPTIX™ is the result of more than 128 years of experience and expertise in designing the best denim. Lee continues to stay curious and explore all things new, constantly looking at the world from new angles, and never restricting themselves to the possibilities of better and more purposeful denim designs.

Lee – the Legendary Jeans Label since 1889

Lee is one of the world’s most iconic signatures of quality, innovation and craftsmanship. Following the establishment of the H.D. Lee Mercantile Company by Henry David Lee in Kansas, U.S., in 1889, Lee embarked on its journey to become a legendary denim brand. Over the years, Lee has made history with its many product innovations including the world’s first-ever zip fly jeans – the 101Z in 1926, the iconic Hair-on-hide leather label and the Lazy S back pocket stitching. From the launch of the 1st Lee bib overalls to the 13oz 101 cowboy jeans, Lee has demonstrated an undying passion for innovation, and has transformed itself from a practical and durable work-wear maker to a contemporary and trend setting fashion giant.

AIWUP Launches First Women Political Party in India

With the stated purpose of eliminating all gender discrimination, a first women political party in the country, All India Women United Party (AIWUP) has been launched. The AIWUP is a registered national political party, endeavouring to eliminate all gender based discrimination and create equal opportunities for men and women, with an aim of building a democratic secular and Socialist state of India, a media statement issued by the party said.

For the first time in the history of India, a team of like-minded women, comprising of activists, environmentalists, professionals and others, has come forward to form a political party to fight for their political, legal and social rights and create a society where equal opportunities will exist for both the genders. The AIWUP has been formed following the vision of Rights guaranteed by UN Declarations and Conventions to Women and the Right to Equality guaranteed by the Constitution of India. It is an endeavor to create political awareness among women and provide them a platform to help fight against any kind of gender based discrimination.

According to the Party President, Nasim Bano Khan, AIWUPis dedicated to building a democratic, secular and Socialist State of India on the principles of equality and will strive for the dignity for the women. She states, “Being an all-women party, we are committed towards the upliftment and empowerment of women, and at the same time, we are destined to address all relevant local and national issues that need an attention.” Coming from an NGO background and with over three decades of actively participating to address a whole range of social issues, Nasim is confident to see AIWUP at the forefront of the national politics in India in the coming years.

Like Nasim, Lakshmi, who is the General Secretary of the Party, is also coming from an NGO background and for over three decades has been actively participating to address a whole range of social issues. Advocate Meena is also moved by the plight of the Indian women and is committed to make AIWUP a movement that can help achieve the goal of equality, development and peace for all women. Meena is the Vice President of the Party and as a seasoned legal professional. Meena pointed out: “Women must be aware of their political and legal rights, so that they can become capable to fight against any kind of injustice or discrimination that they often face in their life.”

Innovative ideas

Unlike other parties, AIWUP maintains strict guidelines that promote young generation of leaders to be at the forefront to lead the movement with their innovative ideas. The party mandates that the leadership will retire at the age of 65, and no successors or family members will be allowed to hold party positions. According to Lakshmi Krishnan, “We only promote talented and deserving candidates in our party. We are different and are entirely dedicated to achieve equality, development and peace for humans, irrespective of their caste, creed or gender.”

The national spokesperson of AIWUP, they are going to contest the upcoming Punjab and UP assembly elections and all other states. The name of candidates for Punjab elections is going to be finalized very soon, and they are going to share the list with the media very soon. The party is confident of making a significant debut in the Punjab elections, with their unique perspectives and a different set of goals to achieve.

AIWUP is an all-women national political party, registered with the Election Commission of India, with “Bangles” as their election symbol. The party follows the principles of equality for everyone in the society and will endeavour to eliminate all discrimination in the society to help build a harmonious environment for all men and women to live and prosper and also play their part in building the nation. AIWUP is going to contest forthcoming assembly elections in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and other states.

Malavika Sarukkai debuts on group choreography Vamatara – Light

Malavika Sarukkai, danseuse par excellence, an acknowledged choreographer and a Padma Shree Awardee is introducing a group choreography for the first time ever, titled Vamatara – To The Light on September 2, 2016 at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Malleshwaram, Bangalore.

Malavika’s choreographs are known for the incandescent beauty of the classical language of Bharata Natyam and the energised articulation of a contemporary mind. Intense, extraordinary and luminous are the qualities that distinguish her dancing.

New Chapter

‘Vamatara – To the Light” is the latest dance creation of Malavika, which opens a new chapter in her artistic journey with the introduction of group choreography for the first time. The concept rests on the enduring image of the lotus rising from the sludge to the light, as a symbol of hope. What is more, this production includes group work in addition to Malavika Sarukkai’s solo choreographies. Vamatara is a validation of the dynamics within classical dance which allows for creative freedom, innovation and imagination.

In recognition of her contribution, Malavika has received many awards including the Padma shree, the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, the Kalaimamani award, the Raza award, the Mrinalini Sarabhai award and more. Furthermore, Malavika has recently been awarded the Natya Kala Acharya Award by the Music Academy of Bangalore.