Monica, Rajeev Malik launch flagship store ‘DOR’ in Delhi

Designer duo, Monica and Rajeev Malk launched their flagship store, ‘DOR’ at Anupam Garden, Country Club Road, Sainik Farm in Delhi. Entrepreneurs Kitty Kalra, Bela Madan and Bollywood actor Padmini Kolapure stole the show by wearing the designer duo’s collections, according to a company statement.

The glitteratis who have attended the soiree where Entrepreneur Ramola Bachhan, Guneeta Dhingra, Artist Nupur Kundu, Entrepreneur and Designer Vandy Mehra, Model Amanpret Wahi, Fitness trainer Vesna Jacob, Entrepreneur Ala Madhu, Author Kusum Sawhney, Designer Nikita Tondan, Fashion Desinger Preeti Ghai, Make up Expert Meenakshi Dutt just to name a few.

Monica and Rajeev Malik said: “Making people stylish is their passion. Playing with fabric has always been inspiring. They believe ,Velvet would be a big hit among fashion connoisseur in 2014 so you would find use of rich velvets, Sheer nets, king khab in most of my creations which are fine amalgamation of modern with a traditional and regal flavour.”
Monica and Rajeev’s collection included an assortment of Anarkalis with heavy dupattas in different hues. Their selection exuberated gorgeous brocade patchwork, time-honoured zardozi work and classic Swarovski detailing. The whole collection is paraphernalia of beautiful fabrics like heavy weight silks and velvets.
Monica and Rajeev’s collection reflects the charisma of today’s woman who is very modern yet proud of her ethnicity. Their collection strikes the perfect balance between modernity and traditional values. They stuck to the traditional colours of wine red, deep purple, midnight black and forest green with a dash of blue, gold and pink.

Quarter of world’s cervical cancer patients live in India, says Dr. Sapna Nangia

Cervical caner is the commonest cancer in Indian women. A quarter of the world’s cervical cancer patiants live in India. “It is indeed ironical that a cancer that can be prevented by a vaccine and detected in a pre-malignent state receives such little attention from the media”, laments Dr.Sapna Nangia, Seinor Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Apollo Cancer Institute, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

In an exclusive interaction with Jayashankar Menon, she throws insight on this vexatious problem of rampant cervical cancer among Indian women and how it can be nipped in the bud. Excerpts:

JM: What is the level of awareness about cervical cancer in India?

SN: Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer in Indian women and a quarter of the world’s cervical cancer patients live in India! It is indeed ironical that a cancer that can be prevented by a vaccine and detected in a pre malignant state receives such little attention from the media.

JM: What are the real causes for this infection of cervical cancer amongst Indian women?

SN: Caused by infection with the Human Papilloma Virus(HPV), cervical cancer involves the opening of the uterus into the vagina. It occurs more commonly in women who start sexual activity at a young age and is also more common in women with many childbirths and partners. Given that girls in rural India marry at a younger age and have more children than their urban counterparts, it is not surprising that the incidence of cervical cancer is more in rural India. Other risk factors are poor personal hygiene and of late, HIV infection.

JM: How long it takes the process of transformation of a pre-cancerous state to cervical cancer?

SN: The process of transformation of a pre-cancerous state to cervical cancer takes around ten years. During this period, a simple test called Pap smear can detect this pre-cancerous state. The affected area of the cervix can be effectively treated by a gynecologist using simple treatment methods such as laser, cryosurgery and LEEP. Pap smears are recommended for all sexually active women, the test being repeated at three yearly intervals if normal and at five yearly intervals if both Pap smear and testing for high risk strains of HPV are negative.

JM What is your take on mass screening of women using VIA?

SN: Organist ions looking to make a contribution towards improving the health status of Indian women would do well to think of mass screening of women using a technique called VIA. This simple test, which basically consists of applying vinegar to the cervix and then inspecting it, can be easily administered by health workers. In a landmark study by Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, mass screening of women was found to reduce the risk of dying due to cervical cancer by a whopping 30 percent. It is known that mass screening for cervical cancer once in ten years can reduce the incidence of this disease by 60 percent.

JM: Do we have enough vaccines to stem the rot?

SN: Vaccines are now available against some strains of HPV. Gardasil from Merck protects against four strains, two of which cause cervical cancer and two, genital warts. Cervarix, from  Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham, protects against two cancer causing HPV strains. The HPV strains that these vaccines act against are responsible for about 70 percent of all cervical cancers. Women who have  been vaccinated should therefore still undergo Pap smears for early detection of cervical cancer.

JM: What is the ideal time for vaccination?

SN: The ideal time for vaccination is prior to initiation of sexual activity. It is usually administered to  at the age of 12-13 years to girls, but can be administered between the ages of 9-45 years. When administered, after initiation of sexual activity, the vaccine does not protect against pre-existing infection.

JM: What is the recommended course of injection?

SN: A course of three injections is recommended. However, the second and third injections are being administered one and six months, respectively, after the first. The cost of the vaccine is around Rs. 2,500 per dose.

JM: What other cancers HPV is responsible for?

SN: HPV is responsible for other cancers besides cervical cancer, anal cancer, vulval cancer and that of the throat are also caused by strains of this virus. Vaccination is likely to reduce the risk of these cancers as well.

JM: How about the awareness of HPV vaccination abroad?

SN: HPV vaccination is a part of the National Immunisation Programme in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada. Besides girls, immunisation of  boys  to prevent the cancers as well as the transmission of cervical cancer is also being considered and is already a part of the national Immunisation programme of some countries.

Nirbhaya, the award winning play based on Delhi rape begins its India tour on March 17, 2014

NIRBHAYA (Fearless in Hindi), the award-winning play based on the Delhi rape and the true life experiences of its performers, is beginning its India tour on March 17, 2014. The play took the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013 by storm, garnering unprecedented media attention and sweeping up prestigious awards such as the 2013 Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, a prestigious Scotsman Fringe First and a coveted Herald Angel Award.

Directed by the globally acclaimed Yael Farber, the play is a thought-provoking theatre production. Seven actors (Ankur Vikal, Japjit Kaur, Poorna Jagannathan, Priyanka Bose, Sapna Bhavnani, Sneha Jawale and Rukshar Kabir) comprise the extraordinary ensemble cast of NIRBHAYA. Five of these artists share their own true testimonies, the remaining two performers evoke the key people, while the events of the night of December 16 and what followed in its wake.
NIRBHAYA is a blistering evocation of the events that changed countless lives and a nation. The India tour, made possible through crowd funding and some key partners coming together, comes fresh on the heels of its sold-out London run at Southbank Centre, as part of the Women of the World festival. The India tour of NIRBHAYA is presented by Teamwork Arts. It would not have been possible to bring this show to India if it were not for our Kickstarter donors and our partners: British Council, UN Women, Oxfam, Ford Foundation, South African Airways, GAIL and UNESCO. Time: 7:30 pm (18th-20th March). Where: NCPA, Mumbai. Tickets can be booked at kyazoonga.com/TheatreAndArts/nirbhaya/909/6.

Sonam Kapoor seen sassy at the promotion of Bewakoofi Yaan wearing Parul Bhargava’s Mirage

The very Stylish, Elegant and Uber talented Sonam Kapoor was seen in Mirage by Parul Bhargava at the promotion of her upcoming film Bewakoofi yaan.

The Bollywood diva who is best known for her divergent sense of style and one of a kind eccentric fashion choices looked very chic and sassy in a deep blue crop top and Mid waist tea length skirt designed by Paris Based designer Parul Bhargava, who debuted her collection at Lakme Fashion Week as a part of the gen next designer.

Anti-Kela Awards 2013: Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns, Go Goa Gone, The Lunch Box, Shahid to be honoured in Delhi on March 29

The 6th Annual Golden Kela Awards, the Indian version of Razzies, which are very popular awards in the West for awarding the worst in the filmmaking industry, after announcing its 2013 nominations list for the worst attempts in Bollywood, has now announced the most  deserving  and the clear cut Winners of Anti-Kela Awards.

‘Anti-Kela’ awards are the special awards given by Golden Kela team to the films that are meaningful and entertaining, while still being in the mainstream.

Anti-Kelas – For Honouring the Boons of Bollywood in the year 2013

1.       Saheb Biwi aur Gangster returns – For being the only real sequel made last year.

2.       Go Goa Gone – For being India’s first ever Zombie Comedy and Stoner Film in one nice   package.

3.       The Lunchbox- For showing the world that Indian films are not all song and dance.

4.       Shahid – For being the best biopic made by Bollywood in a long time.
Anant Singh, Creative Head, Golden Kela Awards, said: “The Kela Awards are not just about highlighting the worst performances of the year, we feel its also our duty to point out some of the great work being done in the Indian film industry, therefore the Anti-Kelas”. The 6th Annual Golden Kela Awards ceremony will take place on March 29, 2014 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

Jatin Varma, Founder of Golden Kela giving Anti Kela Trophy to Kahaani writer Advaita Kala as she receives it on behalf of her entire team.
Other than announcing the worst bollywood performances of the year 2013 and anti kela awards, some Special Awards will be announced at the official awards ceremony, like Aakhir Kyun Award, Dara Singh Award for Worst Accent, Bas Kijiye Bahut Ho Gaya, Aap Yahaan Aaye Kisliye Award and Ra.One Award for Worst Premise.

Anvita Dutt, Lyricist, Ishq Wala Love (SOY) won a Golden Kela Award for most atrocious lyrics.

Golden kela Awards started in the year 2009 are in its sixth year whereas Anti-Kela awards were introduced by Golden Kela team in the year 2011. The Kela Awards are making their presence felt strongly all over. Voting lines are open till March 28, 2014. Log on to goldenkela.com to check out the categories for Golden Kelas, nominees, updates and cast a vote for vengeance.

Designer Devika Sethi unveils ‘Holi’ collection

Designer Devika Sethi has launched a special colour infused line inspired by the festival of colours – Holi.

The collection comprises stylish white kurtas which people generally love to wear on this festival. She has also infused interesting embroidery of Gujarat on it.

You can pair them with jeans or leggings and they ll just make u look perfect this festive. Price Range – Rs 4,000 – Rs 40,000. Availability: Gyans and Studio Devika sethi :

Plot No. 10, Block 2, basement, Eros Garden Charmwood Village, Surajkund, Faridabad.

LimeRoad.com offers collection of art to rejuvenate your home decor

Give your living space a touch of Indian beauty from digital posters to exclusive oil paintings, with LimeRoad.com’s collection of art to rejuvenate your home décor.

Celebrate Hindu mythology with the Dancing Ganesha digital print paper poster from Tungs 10, in vibrant shades of red, rust and orange. Frame it and place it at the centre of your living room wall, to give it that perfect touch.

Bring fashion and glamour to your living spaces with the delightful digital print wall art from Tungs 10. Printed on polyester canvas, this home accent will make your room chic in no painting two time. Fun, playful and edgy, ‘Pyaar in Buckingham Palace’ digital print paper poster celebrates two cultures with harmless humour, and vibrant beauty. You can also pick from the exclusive art pieces by Anupam Mandal and Anuj Malhotra that captures the simple pleasures of life in breath taking classic paintings.

Prices starting at Rs 499 onwards. Visit limeroad.com/home-furnishings/living-home-decor paintings. Brands Available – Tungs 10, Anuj Malhotra, Anupam Mandal and many more. Available through – Cash on Delivery and all major cards accepted.

Madsam Tinzin designer label now on Pernia’s Pop-UP Shop

Delhi based designer label, Madsam Tinzin, known for its fresh and minimalistic Indian Wear has launched its first collection on Pernia’s Pop Up Shop, the one stop online hub for designer wear, according to a company statement.

Inspired by the varied cultural and design elements of Moroccan architecture, the collection available at the online store is a scintillating combination of, sublime embroidery, vivid colours and intricate fresh patterns in anarkalis, sarees, shararas, kurtas and box pleated salwars.
Tina Bhardwaj, Co-founder and designer, Madsam Tinzin said: “Pernia’s Pop Up Shop is synonymous with the latest trends and quality clothing. It’s a great platform to boost new talent on an international level. Madsam Tinzn is proud to be a part of this online store. It motivates us to work even better”.

As the name suggests, Madsam Tinzin is the brain child of four young designers from NIFT Mumbai – Madhu, Saumya, Tina and Stanzin. With the sole aim of beautifying women with flattering silhouettes and innovative embroidery, the label approaches to fill the niche of intelligent clothing.

Relaxed and easy silhouettes form the core of the label. Young, fun and delicate embroidery coupled with a wide variety in the colour palette, the creations of Madsam Tinzin are as invigorated as the four designers themselves.

Electrolux launches domestic appliances under its power brand, Kelvinator

The SEK 109 billion Swedish giant Electrolux is launching a slew of small domestic appliance products under its power brand, Kelvinator. This includes a marketing partnership with Mumbai headquartered Sundev Appliances Limited (SAL). SUNDEV is known for its Desire brand of appliances that it sells Pan-India through organised retailers such Spencer’s, Bharti, Walmart, Auchan, Metro cash & carry, Reliance Digital, Girias & traditional retail, according to a company statement.
Speaking about the agreement, Mark Ryan, Electrolux Global Licensing said: “Electrolux is a global leader in household appliances, selling more than 50 million units per year to customers in more than 150 countries under various brand names including Electrolux, Kelvinator, AEG, Eureka and Frigidaire”.

Dev Anand, Director – Sundev Appliances Limited said: “We are pleased to partner with one-of-the-biggest domestic appliance brands. In less than a decade, Sundev Appliances Limited has created an enviable team of 100 professionals and 80 after sales service Engineers. Our in-house research shows that the Kelvinator brand has very high recall amongst Indian consumers.  With the help of modern, traditional, online and offline retail, we are all geared up to take Kelvinator to newer heights with our distribution reach for cities up to 100,000 population”. In the next few quarters, Sundev will be regularly launching several products under the Kelvinator brand in India.
Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances, based on deep consumer insight and developed in close collaboration with professional users. Under esteemed brands including Electrolux, AEG, Zanussi, Frigidaire and Electrolux Grand Cuisine, the Group sells more than 50 million products to customers in more than 150 markets every year. In 2013 Electrolux had sales of SEK 109 billion and 61,000 employees.

Mumbai-headquartered Sundev Appliances Limited is one of India’s largest sourcing, distribution and after sales service company. Sundev owns and distributes small domestic appliances under brand name “DESIRE” (www.Desirehk.com) through organized and traditional retail across India.

Sundev’s Service Division ‘SERVICEMAN’ (serviceman.in) has countrywide Multi Product Service centres along with 80 plus well trained service engineers from varied industries having experience in servicing Audio, Video, White goods, Mobile, Telecommunication, Computer, Accessories and Electrical Appliances. ‘Serviceman’ provides support to Sundev’s Desire and the soon to be launched Kelvinator brand with its wide network of nationwide call centre and web support.

International Women’s Day 2014: Rit Foundation organises Rit Nari Vimarsh Conclave in Delhi

The Rit foundation organised ‘Rit Nari Vimarsh’ a conclave to celebrate the International Women’s Day on March 9, 2014 at Indian International Centre, Lodhi Road.

From (L-R): Dr Asha L Pandy, Chitra Awasthi, Bimla Mishra and Miss India Princess Chandni Sharma.

The event was segregated in a series of discussions to ponder over the numerous issues revolving qua the status of the feminist movement and the status of women’s rights in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and other South Asian nations by those who have been closely associated with the movement. The conclave brought together some eminent people from various fields such as politics, governance, law, media and performing arts those who have always stood against all odds and have been in the forefront of the movement to assert equal rights for women.

Dr Chitra Awasthi, Gyan Sudha Mishra, Bulbul Das, Nasira Sharma and Amod K Kanth.
What they realised in the course of both research and casual interaction was that there is a huge disconnect between feminist theory and law on the one hand and general perception and media representations on the other. So things that have become almost commonsensical in academia are not even part of much of the public discourse. Rit foundation felt that such programmes, which would bring together people from different fields and eventually help bridge this gap. The elite panel talked about the present social structure that continuously hampers a women’s position in our society and had a discussion on the measures to counter them.
The speakers shared some important aspects of Hindu Succession Act with the audience. Taking a cue from the Nirbhaya Case, the panel also highlighted some key points of Justice Verma Commission and their drawbacks. With the concluding note Dr Chitra Awasthi, Founder of Rit Foundation announced two schemes for the free legal aid for the women who cannot afford it and Vocational training for needy women.

While speaking on the occasion, Chitra said: “Rit Foundation is dedicated to level the proverbial playing ground. We are aiming at providing everybody the same kind of opportunities and a shot at a good life, regardless of their financial condition or their challenges, whether mental or physical. The point of Rit Foundation is to recognise the underlying unity of mankind and helping each individual realise their inherent potential to the greatest extent possible. What is more, women should keep their lives as their careers and children, parents and other family ties as their projects. This will certainly help them to gain their much deserved social and emotional independence”.

 
The Guests at the conclave included Amod K Kanth, General Secretary, Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre (JAC); Dr Malini Srivastava, HIHT University, Jolly Grant Dehradun; Sabu M Goerge, Priya Hingorani,  Vimla Mehra, Dr  Asha L PandeySociologist Dr Pro Pawan Mishra (UPTECH), Roma Debabrat President of the STOP and Gyan Sudha Mishra, Sitting Judge – Supreme Court of India.
 

Rit Foundation was started by Dr Chitra in 2009 with a vision of providing free education to under privileged and disabled children, vocational training to unemployed young women, providing legal and medical help to needy women and for promotion of ancient Indian Culture