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Healthy snack alternatives that will keep you away from Junk food

0 Ever since the wave of the pandemic hit us, we, irrespective of our differences and diversities, have unitedly joined hands towards a healthier future. Although there are health-freaks and gym-lovers who have successfully overcome their problem with Junk food, there are still innocents like me who struggle to keep a track on their junk food intake. Quitting Junk food can be one of THE hardest things to do since we usually associate food with our emotions. May it be a piping cup of hot chocolate, or the desi celebration of Pani Pooris or the essence of the South, Bajjis, our craving is an endless abyss that keeps us going for another serving. These yummylicious yet healthy snack alternatives will help you watch your body and pacify the cravings of your taste buds! Kale or Palak chips for Potato chips It is quite unusual for someone to swap potato chips for kale or palak chips, but trust me, these are SUPER crispier and tastier that your regular store-bought potato chips and have tons of Vitamins C, A and K. Sweet potatoes are a good alternative, but Kale and Palak are your best pick if you’re looking to avoid the gastric issues associated with root vegetables due to their high fibre content. Fruit Yogurt for Ice Cream Ice creams are high in sugar and have added preservatives which affect your incremental pace of health. Instead, substitute ice cream with frozen fruit yogurt or home-made fruit and nut ice cream. Opt in for soya milk if you’re lactose intolerant and still love enjoying the cool, soft divinity of the summer. Protein Balls for Sweets Swap your daily sweets, which are made with harmful white sugar with protein balls which you can make in just 5mins! Simply add roasted oats, peanut butter, desiccated coconut, chia seeds, honey and chocolate chips for that extra touch of love and mix well before rolling into balls. Refrigerate for at least 30 mins before consumption for the protein ball to set. Creative smoothies for Milkshakes Get creative with your basic pantry ingredients and whip up your own smoothies with a good amount of ice to make up for your milkshake cravings! One of the great things about home-made smoothies is that the sky’s the limit for all the different smoothies you can make and become the smoothie master! Chocolate coated nuts for Chocolates If you’re someone who can give up ice creams and crispy potato chips, but can’t keep yourself from buying chocolates, then this alternative is dedicated to you. When you love chocolate enough to keep consuming on a daily basis, then why not make it a little healthier by buying chocolate coated nuts or making them yourself in 2 easy steps! Just coat your washed and dried nuts of choice with melted chocolate and chill before enjoying! Looking for more such yummy, scrumptious and healthy ideas? Follow us and keep yourself updated with more such content!

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Escape the Summer Heat: Discover Spiritual Havens and Snow-Capped Mountains in These 2023 Summer Destinations

0 GOA Think of summer holidays, think Goa! Goa holds a special place in the heart of every tourist in the country. Goa is one of India’sfavourite holiday destinations because of its laid-back, easy, and chill vibe. One doesn’t need to plan trips to Goa in advance. Goa can make your trip possible no matter what your budget is. For a vacation with friends, Goa is an absolute paradise. Check into a comfortable and affordable stay, hire a vehicle and step out to have some fun in the sun. You could go beach hopping and spend the entire day eating and drinking your favourite things on the menu. You could explore the city side or spend a day exploring the rich culture of Goa. Head north or south, Goa will not disappoint you. From beautiful churches to old architectural wonders Goa has something for everyone. No matter what time during the day, Goa will keep you and your spirits high. Best time to visit: March to June Things to do in Goa: Shopping, eating, drinking, partying, biking, beach hopping, clubbing and much more DALHOUSIE, HIMACHAL PRADESH Situated approximately around 6,500 feet above sea level, this gorgeous hill station is one of India’s most preferred summer destinations. Named after a popular viceroy of India, Dalhousie is located in the Chamba district of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie too, just like Manali, offers breathtaking views of the gorgeous Dhauladhar ranges, snow-capped mountains, lush green forests and beautiful waterfalls. These attractions make it popular among honeymooners and family vacationers. For people interested in architecture and design, the gorgeous buildings and structures following Scottish and Victorian styles are hard to miss. Adventure junkies can indulge in a variety of adventure and sporting activities that are easily available throughout the region, especially during the summers. Best time to visit: All year round Things to do in Dalhousie: Trekking, paragliding, horse riding, camping, zorbing, rafting, shopping and heritage walks PAHALGAM, JAMMU & KASHMIR Popularly known as the “Valley of Shepherds”, Pahalgam is a paradise for nature lovers. Situated in the Anant Nagar district of Kashmir, this gorgeous destination is known for its clear blue skies, beautiful lakes, lush green pine forests, beautiful Liddar valley and of course, it is considered tobe the gateway to the famous pilgrimage tour called the Amarnath yatra. The weather ranges between -8 degrees to 30 degrees throughout the year. Extremely pleasant during summers travellers can indulge in a variety of adventure sportsor just take it easy and soak in nature at some of the breathtaking camping and fishing spots in Pahalgam. One could also embark on a spiritual journey by being partof the Amarnath yatra during the months of June and August. Best time to visit: All year round Things to do in Pahalgam: Trekking, horse riding, camping, fishing, river rafting, cultural and spiritual walks RISHIKESH, UTTARAKHAND Popularly known as the “Yoga Capital of the World”, Rishikesh is nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayan mountain ranges. This holy city has been a major attraction for many who seek to attain spiritual enlightenment. You could always take a trip to these tourist attractions including the Ganga River, Parmarth Niketan, Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram and a few temples. Also, make sure you check out a few renowned yoga retreat centres. You should also plan a visit to any one of the famous Ganga aartis in the evenings. Apart from all its religious and spiritual significance, Rishikesh has also recently acquired recognition as a great adventure destination. Rishikesh will spoil you for choice when it to adventure sports. A great destination to enjoy holidays with friends or family, here you can enjoy activities such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, mountain biking, kayaking and much more Best time to visit: March to May Things to do in Hrishikesh: Zip lining, camping by the beach/river, hiking, kayaking, white water rafting and much more

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Stay in the Know: Your Source for the Latest Lifestyle Trends, Events, and Happening

0 DRAPE TO IMPRESS Looking for new curtains to spruce up your windows? Check out The Yellow Dwelling’s latest collection! These curtains will definitely add some style to your home and create a comfortable and cosy ambience. With a wide variety of designs to choose from, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste and decor. From solid to sheer curtains, they’re all made with 100% BCI-certified cotton and feature prints like coral reefs, hot air balloons, and dandelions. So why wait? Start transforming your space today with The Yellow Dwelling’s curtain collection! THE MONSOON AFFAIR Goa is a great destination for free-spirited travellers who enjoy a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle. While most tourists visit during the winter for sunny beach days, the monsoon season offers a unique opportunity to experience the lush nature and greenery that flourishes during this time. The St. Regis Goa Resort provides a perfect sanctuary for a nourishing vacation during the monsoon season. Their offer, “A Goan Monsoon,” is an ideal way to create lasting memories with family, friends, or loved ones. The resort’s beautiful beachfront and serene atmosphere offer an ideal backdrop for a magical holiday. Take advantage of this opportunity for a one- of-a-kind vacation experience. The offer is valid until September 30, 2023 The offer includes:  Buffet Breakfast at our all-day dining venue 1000 Marriott Bonvoy points per stay Goan cocktail experience for 2 guests once during the stay A bucket of 6 chilled beers placed in-room once during the stay INR 1000 Spa voucher once during the stay 25 per cent discount on Food and Beverages and Experiential Dining 4 pieces of laundry daily per guest on a non-cumulative basis A delicious, handcrafted treat from our pastry team Late check-out till 4 pm, subject to availability RAISING THE BAR BARMOBILE offers a portable bar service for premium liquor parties at home that serves regular drinks but also provides a unique spin with designer cocktailsand mocktails. It’s the first mobile bar and premium bartending service of its kind, requiring minimal setup time. Your guests can now enjoy personalized beverages and add extra sparkle to your house party. BARMOBILE is perfect for elite parties, ushering in a new era of high- brow society and celebrity events.

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ON MY BUCKET LIST part-111

0 A sneak peek into SeniorWorld’s curated list of the top ten travel destinations voted by senior citizens for the year 2023! SINGAPORE One of the safest places to visit in the world, Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, cuisines, andethnicities. A spotlessly clean country, it offers numerous choices to its visitors from art galleries, museums, and top-notch shopping centres to vast green spaces. The best way to travel around Singapore is by its mass transit system. The modern transport system covers the entire island with a network of light and clean and speedy underground rail lines. Some of the senior-friendly activities that can be enjoyed in Singapore are Sentosa view via cable cars, flyer capsules to enjoy the night skyline, a river cruise at Marina Bay and nature outings at Gardens by the bay. MALDIVES This is a picture-perfect destination with striking blue waters, alabaster white sand beaches and mesmerising sunsets dipping into the horizon. The spectacular beauty of the Maldives is something to behold. The island nation is popular with seniors looking to explore the depths of the sea on a snorkelling excursion. Those seeking relaxation can unwind at one of the island spas and stay at luxurious water villas. JAPAN Japan is undoubtedly one of the most senior-friendly countries in the world. The country, full of rich and exotic heritage to explore, offers an age-friendly environment and amazing hospitality. There are tons of fascinating museums, amazing temples and flower gardens.Japan is also famous for hot springs – very picturesque natural springs located among scenic mountains and pretty foliage. Bathing in hot springs is especially pleasant for seniors because of its soothing effect on muscles and joints. Enjoy the beauty of nature for relaxation and witness the incredible view of Mt. Fuji. Senior citizens can explore senior group travels and live their second innings to the fullest with SilverWings Holidays by SeniorWorld. The company offers specially curated and comfortable holiday packages for seniors. They have completed 500+ successful trips with seniors around the world.

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Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Discover the Top Summer Destinations in India for 2023

0 GANGTOK, SIKKIM The beautiful city of Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok is nestled in the eastern Himalayan range and located approximately at an altitude of 5,400 feet above sea level. The average temperature during summer ranges between 18 degree to 25 degree During the summer season, one can enjoy the clear and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. The Rhododendron flowers in full bloom make for a great sight uplifting your mood instantly. Rise early to witness the first rays of the sun hit the earth. Feel the cool breeze, and soak in the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the mist lifting over the green hills. This is an experience in itself if you plan to spend a romantic summer getaway with your loved ones. For people looking for some adventure, you could always spend a day trekking, mountain biking, paragliding, enjoying river rafting, or going on an epic yak safari. Best time to visit: April to June Things to do in Gangtok: camping, boating, river rafting, biking, hiking, trekking, shopping and much more SRINAGAR, JAMMU & KASHMIR Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Situated in the Kashmir valley, this beautiful city lies on the banks of river Jhelum. Often referred to as “Paradise on Earth”, Srinagar is the perfect summer destination in India. The average temperature during summer in Srinagar ranges between 14 degrees to 27 degrees.Srinagar will not keep you locked indoors in your luxurious stays. Step out to soak in the warm and comfortable sun. For the romantics, a lazy boat ride on the Dal Lake could be a perfect start to your trip. Want more? Pay a visit to watch flowers in full bloom at the Nishat and Shalimar Gardens. They might just inspire you to write a few lines for your loved ones. If you want to get one with nature, head to Chatpal. Situated in The Shangas district, Chatpal is known for its lush green forests, gorgeous peaks and mesmerizing river streams. And for those who love architecture and design, a visit to the Mughal Garden is an absolute must. Best time to visit: April to September Things to do in Srinagar: Shopping, trekking, hiking, camping, boat rides, fishing, photography and much more THEKKADY, KERALA Nestled in the Western Ghats, Thekkady lies in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is also popular for its beautiful mountains, rich wildlife and wide range of aromatic spices. Summertime is perfect for your to visit Thekkady if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Naturally beautiful,Thekkady is blessed with an abundant number of wildlife animals and birds. It is also for its tiger reserve which forms one of the splendiferous wildlife reserves in India. For those who seek more thrill and adventure, you must sign up for an exciting off-road trip in a jeep. The vehicle takes you on a memorable ride across off-road tracks including rocks and non-existent paths. The trip is worth experiencing once. And for those who are looking for a more relaxed experience, you can always check into a comfortable stay. Head out for occasional tours in and around Thekkady, taste local flavours and delicacies and explore markets for some great shopping. Best time to visit: March to June Things to do in Thekkady: boat rides, bamboo rafting, wildlife safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and much more

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EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME part-11

0 Our pick of some of the best hotels and properties that you must visit in the year 2023 We hoped you enjoyed our coverage of some of the best properties that you ought to visit this year. We received such great options that we had to split this feature in two issues. If you havent seen our previous listing, we urge you to visit our website. Continuing on with our coverage, we were actually spoilt for choices. Here’s our final list of properties that really deserve a visit this year. So sit back and enjoy our feature. We would be absolutely delighted if you do decide to visit one of these properties! FOUR SEASONS BENGALURU LOCATION: Bengaluru BRIEF DESCRIPTION: An urban resort in India’s tech capital, The Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy One is Bengaluru’s destination of choice for gourmet dining, bespoke private residences and a luxury experience. Located in North Bengaluru, home to some of Bengaluru’s largest corporate tech parks, the centrally located space is a combination of legendary Four Seasons hospitality with private residences, office space, retail, dining and entertainment. REASONS TO VISIT: The luxurious Four Season Bengaluru is just minutes away from the Kempegowda International Airport. Moreover, the property is in close proximity to major IT Parks – Manyata Tech Park being the closest. Spend a relaxed evening at the award- winning bar, Copitas. The bar is chic and an intimate hub serves some of the best unusual cocktails and delicious light bites. They have also been featured as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, this is the place to experience uber-luxeartisanal craft cocktails. BEST TIME TO VISIT: All year round NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Take a stroll at Cubbon Park, also known as Sri Chamarajendra Park which is just a few kilometres away. You could spend your mornings at the hub of Bengaluru, Brigade Road which is just 7.5 km away. Make sure you visit the Bengaluru Palace for a little lesson in history. FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES AT LANDAA GIRAAVARU LOCATION: Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Lying in the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru provides a sense of freedom, space, and tranquillity—a feeling that might not easily be seen in sync with family resorts. It is one of the world’s most beautiful islands where iridescent blues, jungle greens and dazzling whites meet innovation, conservation, and wellness. The indoor-outdoor living accommodations of Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru feature direct beach or lagoon access. Open-air living and dining spaces with huge pools allow multigenerational groups to kick back and savour luxurious island living, while the wellbeing haven, AyurMa—guided by a team of Ayurvedic doctors, naturopaths, and yoga therapists— offers transformational treatments and shared Planetary Wellbeing experiences for parents and children. REASONS TO VISIT: Embark on a magical underwater adventure in search of turtles at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru or sail across the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to a secluded beach for an idyllic snorkelling and picnic excursion. The resort has also launched the Maldives’ first Hologram Room: an interactive opportunity for the whole family to swim with whales, spot sea horses and explore the life-size underwater environment via a range of experiences and games.To satisfy your gastronomic cravings, sample a specially curated menu at Blu Beach Club, marrying Tuscan delights with Maldivian and island-grown products. This legendary all-day hangout serves up sophisticated Italian cuisine, spectacular sunsets and an unbeatable ambience. Chill under poolside cabanas as you savour Neapolitan pizza, authentic gelato and menus crafted by Michelin-distinguished Italian chef Gaetano Trovato. For authentic Arabian food, Al Barakat is a definite experience. In addition to these, there is Seabar, Fuego Grill and Café Landaa that guests can pick and choose from. BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. The climate is warm and tropical, with average highs at a consistent 29°C to 31°C year-round and average lows rarely falling below 24°C. January to April are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this the perfect time to take a trip.

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THE PRIDE OF INDIA part-IV

0 With its stunning architecture, historical monuments, and spiritual sites, India is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top destinations in India with historical significance that will leave you amazed. MAHABALIPURAM Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town known for its rich history, culture, and fantastic architectural wonders. Mahabalipuram is home to several UNESCO World Heritage structures, including the Pancha Rathas, Shore Temple, and the Varaha Cave Temple. These structures are over 1,000 years old and exhibit the excellent architecture of the Pallava dynasty. The town is located on the coast, which offers visitors the chance to relax on the sandy beaches and frolic in the Bay of Bengal waves. Indulging in adventurous water sports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and surfing is also an exciting activity to try. Mahabalipuram is known for its handicrafts, especially stone carving. Visitors can watch the skilful artisans carve intricate designs from stone and even purchase their creations as souvenirs. The town’s cuisine is worth trying. The delicious local dishes cooked with traditional spices and flavours will leave your taste buds wanting more. MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most iconic temples of India, located in the heart of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, who are considered to be the embodiment of divine power, beauty, and wisdom. The serene and spiritual ambience of the temple is deeply calming and refreshing. The intricate details on the temple walls will leave you in awe. It’s a great place to capture photographs and selfies. The temple is huge and stretches over sixty thousand square meters, with several enormous mandapams (pillared halls), a large tank, and several smaller shrines. Exploring the entire temple complex will take you at least two to three hours. The temple is home to several festivals throughout the year, the most famous being the Meenakshi Thirukalyanam which takes place in April or May. During this festival, the whole city comes alive with a carnival- like atmosphere, and the temple becomes the center stage of the festivities. This festival attracts millions of devotees from all over India and the world.

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ON MY BUCKET LIST part-11

0 A sneak peek into SeniorWorld’s curated list of the top ten travel destinations voted by senior citizens for the year 2023! UMNGOT RIVER, MEGHALAYA The Umngot river which flows near the Indo-Bangladesh border is a crystal clear river – one of the cleanest rivers in Asia that flows through the cleanest village of Asia – Mawlynnong. This Indian village, also known as God’s own garden, boasts a 100% literacy rate. Meghalaya is scenic and an ideal Northeast vacation spot for senior citizens as it offers a mix of sightseeing, trekking, adventure and picturesque views. ANDAMAN ISLANDS One of the most prominent reasons to visit Andaman is its natural beauty and tranquillity. The Andaman Islands are known for their pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, lush green forests, and diverse marine life, making it an ideal destination for seniors looking to relax and unwind in a peaceful environment. This place also offers several opportunities for seniors to engage in various activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, trekking, bird watching, and more, which can be both refreshing and rejuvenating for them. MUNNAR, KERALA The most picturesque hill station in Southern India, Munnar offers a perfect getaway for pleasant weather, verdant valleys, virgin forests, savannah, rolling hills, streams, waterfalls, winding walkways and lush tea and spice plantations. Trekking, camping, and staying in a treehouse are some of the activities to explore for a surreal experience. August receives a good amount of rainfall which enhances the spectacular beauty of this hill station in Kerala to another level, making it an ideal holiday spot. BALI, INDONESIA Bali is known for its warm hospitality, friendly locals, and slower pace of life, which can be a welcome change for seniors who may be looking to escape the stress of their daily routine. The island’s beautiful beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and lush green rice terraces offer a perfect setting for travellers to relax and unwind in a serene environment. There are several wellness retreats, yoga centres, and spas, which provide seniors with anopportunity to rejuvenate and focus on their well-being.

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EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME part-1

0 Our pick of some of the best hotels and properties that you must visit in the year 2023 We hoped you enjoyed our coverage of some of the best properties that you ought to visit this year. We received such great options that we had to split this feature in two issues. If you havent seen our previous listing, we urge you to visit our website. Continuing on with our coverage, we were actually spoilt for choices. Here’s our final list of properties that really deserve a visit this year. So sit back and enjoy our feature. We would be absolutely delighted if you do decide to visit one of these properties! FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES AT KUDA HURAA LOCATION: Kuda Huraa, Maldives BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Kuda Huraa is an award-winning luxury property that beckons guests with the welcoming embrace of a lagoon, flower gardens, and a private spa island in a charming setting of a Maldivian village. Tastefully designed, there is an infinity pool overlooking the clear waters of the Maldives where guests can spend the entire afternoon lounging on the outdoor deck, sipping cocktails, and enjoying occasional dips in the pool and the view of the endless ocean. Extending across three majestic islands, this opulent resort is home to the Maldives’ first private spa island, a world-class surfing tournament and an impressive sea turtle conservation sanctuary. REASONS TO VISIT: Experience the charm of being surrounded by crystal waters at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Centrally located amongst the country’s most celebrated surf breaks, a surfing holiday at Kuda Huraa is an exceptional experience. Idyllic beauty, island spa, sumptuous dining, unrivalled Four Seasons service and world-class surf are what the resort is known for. BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. The climate is warm and tropical, with average highs at a consistent 29°C to 31°C year-round and average lows rarely falling below 24°C. January to April are the driest months, withlittle rain and low humidity, making this the perfect time to take a trip. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Located at a slight distance from the main resort, one must sail across the blue waters, and step onto a green island to soak up the ethereal whites. THE KUMAON LOCATION: Kasar Devi region of Uttarakhand BRIEF DESCRIPTION: The Kumaon is a transformative luxury retreat tucked away in Kasar Devi region of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by the spectacular undulating hills and rich biodiversity with unparalleled views of the mighty Himalayan range. Conceptualised by Dr. Vikrom Mathur, one of the co- founders, whose profound love for the region and special relationship with its people goes back to his childhood days. He has researched and written about environment, society and development for the past 20+ years. Genesis of The Kumaon is rooted in his passionate beliefs as well as interest in the region’s ecology and its coupling with the culture and livelihoods of local communities. REASONS TO VISIT: The comfortable and secluded setting of The Kumaon provides a perfect ambience forstargazing where one can fully immerse in the beauty of the mysterious night sky. The experiential journey at The Kumaon is a natural paradise where one can explore the rich biodiversity and unchartered landscapes with retreat as a base camp. Locally sourced, farm fresh produce makes for a splendid culinary experience at The Kumaon. While one can go foraging for various ingredients in the forests with the team, insights into the sustainable local cuisine can be found in complex fibre and biodynamic superfoods that are native to the region. One can try a variety of produce like protein-rich black soybean daal, bhaang chutney made with ground cannabis seeds, and millet flatbreads! A combination of indoor or al fresco dining can be enjoyed at the gourmet restaurant that sits in a cantilevered structure of floor- to-ceiling glass with an adjoining main terrace area. A formidable juxtaposition of minimalism and modernism, The Kumaon is uniquely crafted as a secluded private sanctuary. Award-winning Zowa Architects from Sri Lanka – Pradeep Kodikara and Jineshi Samaraweera, have taken their love for nature, natural materials and minimalism to weave these together into contemporary design aspects that reflect at The Kumaon. NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: From The Nanda Devi temple that sits on the top of Crank’s ridge, to the Chitai Golu Devta bell temple, one can visit these sacred sites frequented by the local worshippers. Then there is the nearby town of Almora with an old-world charm and secrets from history.

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NEXT STEP FORWARD…

0 Industry guru Alok Bansal answers all important questions on upskilling and how it can lead young professionals on a successful career path The world is constantly changing. We are thrown with new challenges and demands each passing day. Hence it is extremely important to stay updatedand to upgrade ourselves to stay relevant in this competitive world. This month, we have our Mr Alok Bansal, Managing Director (Visionet Systems India) & Global Head (BFSI Busines) to help you understand the essence of upskilling. How will upskilling help in preparing professionals in the country? I hope that these 30 Skill India centres will help bridge the gap between academic degrees and employability in the post-pandemic, hyper-digitized job market. Without skill-development systems and frequent upskilling modules, the potential of India’s demographic dividend cannot be utilized fully. Conventional education does not really prepare young professionals to join industries where new-age technologies like AI, Machine Learning, coding, Robotics, Mechatronics, IOT, 3D printing, drones, etc., and soft skills are becoming increasingly important. I am glad that Budget 2023 envisions the skilling of lakhs of youth within the next three years by offering them on-job training, industry partnerships, and courses that align with the needs of the industry. Ihope this will also contribute to healthy employment generation while taking into consideration micro and macroeconomic conditions so that collectively we can stride towards the long-term goal of a $5 trillion economy. What has been the current situation of skilling in the country? The unemployment figures are indicative of massive skilling gaps and I welcome the government’s increased focus on this issue. There is a supply and demand faultline that I hope the vision of the current budget will repair. We cannot also forget that there exists a digital as well as gender inequity when it comes to diverse employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. This is why Visionet introduced a free-skilling initiative ‘Unnati for India’ in May 2020 to empower young men and women in tier 2 and 3 cities who aspire to work in the technology sector or to start their own businesses via digital platforms but do not have the requisite skills. Our workforce has also absorbed a large number of trainees, including a large number of women, who had joined ‘Unnati for India.’ For the economy to grow in a sustainable manner, it is essential for women to get equal access to technological skills. Has the government achieved the previous target for skilling people in the country? Only the relevant government department can answer that question accurately. According to the Ministerof State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mahendra Nath Pandey, the government has met its skilling goals by training 1.07 crore youth by January 2021. I also welcome the increased emphasis on skilling that this budget is promising. As a country with a youth population of over 65%, we cannot afford spiralling unemployment rates and growing skill gaps. As I have said repeatedly, one way to reap our demographic advantage is through the skill development of the youth. Last year the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela was also launched and I believe, offering apprenticeships is the most effective way to skill young aspirants. As a leader, I am cognizant of the increasing demand for professionals who are proficient in new age skills and so we are also doing our bit to formally upskill more employees within the company and also absorb as many freshly skilled trainees as possible. I truly believe, if our youth are skilled and empowered to take on the global workforce, India will soon develop into a formidable growth engine where all citizens have equal opportunities to grow and thrive

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