MISS TIBET, A REBEL’S TITLE

The very controversial beauty pageant Miss Tibet has been held since 2002 in McLeodganj. While it has been criticized for being “un-Tibetan”, and well, like other pageants, a platform to objectify women, it has been symbolic of rebellion by the Tibetans who fled their land. The Chinese government sees the pageant as an irritant, and […]

DON’T GET TAKEN FOR A RIDE

Many flyers don’t know the difference between refund and compensation. The airlines may not want to tell you, so here’s the lowdown It’s taking on monstrous proportions. Indian civil aviation, with 10 crore air passengers, is the third largest in the world in terms of air traffic. In a decade, it might be the biggest. But […]

WILD AND FREE IN NATURE

Even if you only see the top of a tigress’ head, a trip to Corbett National Park is rewarding in so many other ways Corbett National Park is special. For I have not seen a single tiger here for many years despite being a regular visitor, almost a resident. The big cats remain elusive, this […]

WELCOME TO STONE AGE KASHMIR

Situated not far from Srinagar in Burzahom, the Valley’s oldest proof of human existence is a story waiting to be told After driving some 16 km north-east of Srinagar, past the famous Dal Lake and a few Mughal gardens, you find yourself in the dust-ridden village of Burzahom. It is home to an excavation site […]

DOWN SOUTH AT ZAMBAR

Ever had a cross between rasam and tom yum soup? At Ambience Mall, Gurgaon, many coastal delights are on offer Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be […]

FASHION ON THE RAILS

No time to go window-shopping to pick up fashion tips? Look around you in the Delhi Metro. That’s the new fashion alley A kurta so long it touches the ground, worn with a mini-skirt peeping through the long side slits. No, you won’t find any mannequin sporting such a look in a fancy store window. […]

Veil lifts for Saudi women

They still crave for the rights that women in other countries have, but Prince Mohammed bin Salman deserves credit for easing restrictions Rohit Dhyani Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, 32, has said that it is for women to decide whether to wear abaya or not. His statement on women’s rights in Saudi […]

A WALK IN THE CLOUDS

Smiling faces, apple orchards, Bhima’s rock stove, high-altitude hockey turf–the hill town of Mashobra melts hearts and lifts spirits I was in paradise. No horns, no rush, just bright flowers and rolling green mountains. The sweet fragrance of fresh air urged me to keep my balcony door open, but “There are monkeys around and they […]