Unknown Tourist Destinations in India: Summer edition

Chopta Village, Uttarakhand The Chopta Village of Kedarnath is a Birding Paradise, with 240 species of birds living in complete harmony with Nature and Humans. This location is best to visit during the summer for its chilly weather and the prolific trees and mountains. Adalaj Stepwell, Gujrat Impress and flabbergast your followers with pictures of this historical monument in Gujrat this summer! The Adalaj Stepwell is a truly a breath-taking architectural heritage, with history from 200-400 AD! It is situated 5 kms from the capital of Gujrat, Gandhinagar. Sandakphu Mountain Peak, West Bengal Ever wondered what it might feel like to look at the border of a nation from a mountain peak? Say no more, because the Sandakphu Mountain peak is located just beside the Indian-Nepal border. To top the excitement, you’ll get to see 4 of the 5 world’s highest Mountains in the world! Witness the breath-taking beauty of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu from the peaks of Sandakphu this year. Best time to visit this peak would be between April and May, where the temperatures reside between 15 and 8 degree celsius, making it THE perfect time to visit.

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Trends

WAITING TO SERVE – THE NEW AND IMPROVED MADURAI JUNCTION

Southern Railway has taken up Station Redevelopment as one of the key areas for enhancing the passenger experience. Nine stations in Southern Railway are likely to undergo transformational changes as part of Station redevelopment. Of these 9 stations, Madurai junction is also one of the stations where the redevelopment work is progressing at a steady pace. Works executed so far Preliminary works such as Mapping and Topographical survey, soil investigation, Traffic survey, tree inventory, joint inventory of movable and immovable assets have been completed and validation in progress Shifting of materials and facilities completed to accommodate the redevelopment works Construction of offices for contractors in progress Project management Services have commenced work. Right of way, which is a legal right to enter and carry out the work, has been provided to the EPC contractor for carrying out the work A series of meetings are held with the stakeholders of the project Madurai Junction Madurai Junction is an NSG-2 category railhead serving the ‘Temple Town’ Madurai known for the famed Goddess Meenakshi Amman Temple. The station handles 96 trains per day and registers an average daily passenger footfall of 51,296.The station attracts scores of tourists from all over India and abroad. Award of contract Southern Railway had awarded the work of Redevelopment of Madurai Junction Railway Station on 22nd Sep, 2022 as EPC contract to M/s P &C Projects Private Limited, Chennai at a cost of Rs. 347.47 Crores, setting a time frame of 36 months for completion ofthe project. M/s TUV India Private Limited, Mumbai have been tasked with the work of Project Management services (PMS) at a cost of Rs.10.88 Crore. The PMS consultant is responsible for monitoring the project. Roadmap to Redevelopment Two terminals are proposed to be constructed, one each at the Eastern and Western side. Three Multi-level Parking structures will be built, two buildings on the eastern side and one on the west. A subway connecting Railway Plot and Periyar Bus Stand, a dedicated FOB for Parcel movement, and two Skywalks connecting the Parking facilities on the eastern side, are also planned. East Terminal Building The proposed East Terminal building is a G+2 structure with an area of 22,576 sq.m (excluding concourse area). The entrance façade of the station building would depict the vernacular architectural character of the region. The ground floor is planned to provide for clutter free movement with dedicated arrival and departure area equipped with world-class passenger facilities like toilets, cloak room, baby care, feeding room, help desk, commercial outlets and kiosk. The first floor will accommodate the passenger waiting lounges for the train clubbed with facilities like restaurants, retail commerce and toilets. The second floor of the East terminal building is proposed for commercial activity. Air Concourse The main feature of the first floor of East Terminal is the air concourse which would facilitate hassle-free movement of passengers to their respective platforms. For easy accessibility from concourse to respective platforms, two pairs of escalators, two lifts and four staircases to each platform will be provided. This air concourse is an integral part of the station and interlinks the two terminal buildings approximately 110 m apart thus ensuring seamless movement of passengers. The concourses will accommodate the passenger amenities, waiting area from where passengers would have better visibility of platforms. West Terminal The existing secondary West terminal buildingwill be renovated to include the facilities of a world class station. The two-storey building will be developed to include the departure / Arrival forecourt, various railway offices,ticketing counters and other passenger amenities. Multi-level Parking facilities In order to cater the existing and future demand for vehicular parking, 3 parking structures are envisaged in the redevelopment project, which are: East Side Multilevel CarParking Building-G+2 building9,430 sq.m East Side Multilevel Two-Wheeler Parking Building-G+3 building-2,822 sq.m West Side Multilevel Car Parking Building- G+1 building- 2,580 sq.m Besides, in order to facilitate safe transfer of passengers to and from the Periyar Bus Terminal, a subway connecting the basement of the bus terminal and the railway premises is envisaged.The main objective is to segregate departure and arrival corridors and to facilitate smooth traffic flow through inter-modal connectivity. Approach roads are planned for better movement of passenger vehicles. Madurai station redevelopment work, once completed will place it on the map of world class stations.

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Trends

CHENNAI EGMORE RAILWAY STATION – THE NEW PRIDE OF CHENNAI

Chennai Egmore Railway station is one of the endearing structures of Chennai city sporting the Gothic style of architecture with imposing domes and corridors. The 114 year old station, the second major terminal of Southern Railway, is proposed for redevelopment to cope up with the ever increasing passenger volumes and also satisfying the aspirations and demands of a modern commuter. This NSG-1 category railhead handles more than 562 scheduled trains (442 Suburban Trains and 120 Mail/Express) daily, with an average peak hour footfall of 24,600. Award of Contract Southern Railway has awarded the work of Redevelopment of Chennai Egmore Railway Station as EPC contract to M/s DEC Infrastructure & Projects India Private Limited, Hyderabad on 07.10.2022 at a cost of Rs. 734.91 Crores, setting a time frame of 36 months for completion of the project. The sanctioned cost of the project is Rs. 842 crores. M/s Tata Consulting Engineers, Mumbai have been tasked with the work of Project Management services (PMS). The PMS consultant isresponsible for monitoring the project. Roadmap to Redevelopment Construction of two new station buildings The major scope of the Re-development work includes Construction of New Station buildings (G+3 structures) on both sides of the station (Gandhi-Irwin side & Poonamallee road side), Arrival/Departure Concourses, Arrival/ Parcel FOB, Multi-level car parking Redeveloped Chennai Egmore will offer superior infrastructure & novel facilities for passengers The main entrance to Chennai Egmore is situated on the Gandhi-Irwin Road and the rear entrance on Poonamallee High Road. The redevelopment project of Chennai Egmore Railway Station is planned at both the sides, i.e., Gandhi Irwin and Poonamalle Road sides of the existing station building for a total built up area of about 1,35,406 sq.m. The redevelopment is intended to provide an iconic structure with modern state-of-the-art facilities while retaining the heritage value of the existing structure. (MLCP) on both sides of the station, External development works, Refurbishment of the existing Station building, Provision of Arrival/Departure plazas, utility shifting etc. with connectivity to all platforms facilitated by escalators and lifts and importantly to Egmore Metro Station. The station will be upgraded to house additional toilets, drinking water coolers, shaded seating , escalators, lifts and differently-abled friendly facilities. Dedicated arrival / departure terminals The redeveloped station will facilitate efficient handling of trains and hassle free passenger movement besides providing facilities for maintenance and operations. Arrival and Departure passengers will be segregated at platforms, concourse and circulating areas akin to the system prevalent in airports. Three Foot Over Bridges will be constructed separately to facilitate ease of movement for passengers across the arrival corridor, circulating areas and for handling parcels. Intermodal transport facilities The project aims at harmonious development of the station with the surrounding Chennai cityscape, which includes design for seamless flow for pedestrians between public/private transport, boarding/ alighting points minimizing length of walking distances. In order to provide efficient, convenient and aesthetic solution to connectivity and integration between various modes of transport the circulating areas is designed for easier and convenient intermodal transfer facilities for passenger. WORKS EXECUTED SO FAR Utility survey & Tree survey completed Right of way handed for Multi-level Car Parking on Gandhi-Irwin road side and Poonamallee road side, Parcel office, Arrival FOB, Parcel FOB & Arrival Concourse Topographical survey completed Borehole for geotechnical investigation in progress (11 boreholes completed) Site office construction is in progress Setting up of Batching plant is in progress Drone survey completed Multi-level Car Parking Multi-level Car Parking facilities (G+5 structures) will be constructed on both sides of the station. The total built up area of the Multi-level Car Parking will be 19362 sq.m on the Gandhi-Irwin Road side and 18020 sq.m on the Poonamallee road side of the station. Parking facilities will be provided for various modes of transportation such as cars, taxis, private 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler as well as auto-rickshaws. Separate lanes for drop- offs/ pickups will be provided to enable logical and conflict-free movements. Provision of Multi level car parking will also be given to avoid the congestion in parking space.

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Citizen Corner Editions

Your Platform Magazine February 2023 Edition

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Destination Travel

10 Best Wedding destinations in India

We pick ten of India’s most preferred wedding destinations The wedding season is here. We can guarantee someone in your family is getting married or has recently tied the knot. The months between October and February will see a lot of couples tie the knot. The pleasant weather and the holiday season combined make this period perfect for weddings Here’s our list of India’s most preferred wedding destinations. GOA Known for its pleasant winters and beautiful weather Goa happens to be one of India’s most preferred wedding destinations. From luxurious properties to some of the most pristine beaches, Goa has all the right ingredients for a perfect wedding. Goa has tons of luxurious private properties that can be easily rented for your big day. Get in touch with your tour operators or locals to zero in on your wedding location in advance. Best time to visit: October to February UDAIPUR Only a fool would let go of the opportunity of tying the knot in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is known for its rich culture, traditions, and architectural wonders. The city is situated amidst beautiful lakes and palaces. This city should easily top your priority list for wedding destinations in India. Make sure you book your venue in advance as the prices tend to go up during peak seasons. Best time to visit: September to February KERALA Often referred to as “God’s own country”, Kerala is known for its beautiful lush green landscapes and pristine beaches. Kerala is blessed with its unmatched natural beauty and pleasant weather (barring the summers) around the year. The long coastline of Kerala is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in India. A few beaches maintained by private properties could be a perfect beach wedding destination for you. Or simply plan a romantic wedding at one of the backwaters in Kerala. Best time to visit: September to March AGRA No place in India would be as iconic as Agra for a destination wedding. Home to the Taj Mahal, Agra is popular for its rich culture, heritage, traditions and the stunning Mughal architecture. The city has everything that you need to make your wedding a memory of a lifetime. Book yourself a perfect venue at any of the many properties available in the city. Walk underneath the clear skies, exchange wows and tie the knot to make your wedding a memory of a lifetime. Best time to visit: October to March AMRITSAR Home to the famous Golden Temple, Amritsar is one of India’s offbeat wedding destinations. Amritsar generally appears on the list of couples who are into temple weddings. The city has a unique blend of rich traditions and modern celebrations. The city has ample properties and venues that could play a perfect host to your wedding. Enjoy the rich traditions, and experience the unique culture through music and food. Best time to visit: October to March ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS Thinking of a small yet grand wedding with your family and close friends? Well, look no further than the gorgeous islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Check out a wide array of luxurious properties that make sure you have everything that you need that defines a perfect wedding. Raise the perfect toast and share and enjoy world-class cuisine with the people who matter to you the most. Best time to visit: September to May KOLKATA Kolkata has its own charm. The gorgeous victorian architecture all over the city of Kolkata brings tourists from all around the world year after year. The vibrant city of Kolkata has a lot to offer. The rich culture, tradition and diverse cuisine will add to the wow factor. Being one of the major cities in India, make sure you pick a venue that doesn’t get you or your guests stuck in traffic for long hours. You have always the option to pick from private bungalows to luxurious properties to celebrate your wedding with your near and dear ones. Best time to visit: September to March SHIMLA Nine out of ten people will choose Shimla as their ultimate wedding destination for sure. And why not? Who wouldn’t love to tie the knot up in the gorgeous snow-covered hills of Shimla. A perfect summer destination for many, Shimla now has earned a reputation for being one of India’s most preferred wedding destinations. The cool climate combined with some of the most gorgeous properties ensure your wedding is close to perfect. Best time to visit: April to June GUJARAT Always expect the unexpected in Gujarat. Gujarat can be a bagful of surprises. Get ready to be bowled over by the rich traditions and cultures of this great state. Just like its neighbouring state Rajasthan, Gujarat too, is home to numerous forts and palaces. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a royal venue for your big day. Best time to visit: September to February RISHIKESH Offbeat but a place guaranteed to pleasantly surprise you is a little paradise called Rishikesh. Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is known as the ultimate destination for peace and spirituality. Pick a venue near the banks of the Ganges with the gorgeous mountains acting as the perfect backdrop for your wedding. A wedding destined here, in the land of Gods, will be a memory to last you for a lifetime Best time to visit: September to March

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Destination Travel

5 Family Destinations to visit in Winters

Winters are perfect for a short family trip. Travelling in winter is an experience in itself. India as a travel destination has a lot to offer no matter what the season. From snow-peaked mountains to unexplored beaches, we have it all – just waiting to be discovered! We have shortlisted five destinations that a perfect for families in winter. So buckle up and get ready to experience winters like never before! Ladakh Overrun by travellers in the summers, at least in the well known tourist spots, Ladakh in winter is a special treat – both as a visual treat and for being less explored when snow and sun show up next to each other. Though many parts of the recently sanctioned Union Territory will be snowbound and inaccessible and most of the hotels will be shut, for the adventurous there will always be some areas to explore, especially those who are interested in wildlife and wish to seek the elusive Snow Leopards and other wildlife and birds of the trans-Himalayas. Winter is also the time when some of the shepherd communities come down from the higher altitudes with their livestock to escape the harsh winter, mainly sheep-rearing nomads who lead an interesting life depending on sheep rearing and weaving as they move from place to place. Another reason to be in Ladakh in the winter is to be a part of some of the winter festivals like Losar and the Oracle Festival and games like ice skating. Connect with your travel agent to help them curate a program that allows you to explore Ladakh at your own pace without the crowds. Just before the region transitions to winter, is the time when myriad colours light up the landscape as the poplars, willows and various wild shrubs take on fall hues. Closer to spring is also the time when the apricot flowers bloom in gently blushing clusters. Where to Stay One of the best hotels in Leh, The Grand Dragon Ladakh. is on the edge of the main town. A 15-minute drive from Leh Airport, the property is a family-run standalone hotel with the best suites in the entire region. The Grand Dragon boasts a multi-cuisine restaurant and a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect both for families and friends travelling together. For couples celebrating events, the hotel’s top suites are an other worldly indulgence. On request, the hotel can organize close-by excursions to the Indus confluence, LAMO and Central Asian Museum with a guide, besides visits to monasteries that are open at this time. Western Ghats Siruvani and Valparai: It is easy to miss Siruvani, a small hamlet right over the Western Ghats and the Muthikulam Forests of Palakkad district. But those who live in and visit Coimbatore know that the water supply for Coimbatore is from Siruvani. touted to be the sweetest water in the country. Combined with Valparai in the Annamalai Hills, this will be your intensive of the western ghats, known to be one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its population of endemic bird species, forests, communities and walking trails – Valparai is a sanctum for wildlife and nature lovers. Where to Stay Dvara offers ten cottages offering you a glimpse into the traditions of Tamil Nadu from its cuisine, local farming (baby shallots are grown in this region), floor art and the delightful stories woven into your rooms as Dvara (thresholds), architecture, calendar art, snacks and vintage furniture. Highlights include bike rides, walks along the reservoir, visit to the Isha Yoga Ashram, local temples and hand-woven textile units. With Salem and Tirupur close to Coimbatore, there are some interesting textile immersions, including a museum in Coimbatore and relics that suggest that Salem and Tirupur supplied fabric to ancient Romans. On the other hand, Sinna Dorai Valparai is your definite base, set inside thousands of acres of tea gardens that meander over slopes that hug forests and meadows, small reservoirs and gushing seasonal streams. The Sinna Dorai Plantation Bungalows are the ideal between heritage stay, personal services and local cuisines. A good team will help you hike through the forests and plantations, giving you a glimpse of the region’s birding habitats while short excursions around include visits to Roti Kadai and also the Reservoir. North Kerala North Kerala is still unexplored in parts and has many visual treats to offers and hot spots that are unspoilt by unchecked tourism. Bekal Fort, Chembara Peak, the forests of Wayanad, the remote beaches of the Malabar coast to name a few. The Malabar Coastline of the Arabian Sea has several towns and small hamlets accessed by trains or flights and good road connectivity from major metros. One such beautiful village is Neeleshwaram in Kasargod District, a little under two hours from the Kannur International Airport. The pride of the district is the miles of undisturbed beaches lined with palm groves, peaceful inland waterways and clean sandy beaches. Where to Stay: An oasis of calm set in twelve naturally landscaped acres, Neeleshwar Hermitage is built according to the traditional architectural principles of traditional Kerala architecture that leans towards the perfect Vastu. The whole site is oriented towards the east to catch the energy of the rising sun, while the buildings are positioned cleverly in relation to each other for privacy and views, and in sync with the four directions and the site as a whole. The traditional wood-and-thatch architecture is balanced with stylish contemporary touches and familiar modern comforts. Neeleshwar Hermitage overlooks a gloriously unspoiled beach of sand, stretching as far as the eye can see all around. The sea is clean and safe for swimming most of the year, perfect for families to spend time together, meditate or begin a day with Yoga. Murshidabad Murshidabad is a historical town about six hours by road from Kolkata, also accessible by day train. Flanked alongside the eastern bank of the Ganges river (called Bhagirathi in these parts), you arrive at

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Trends

What is India’s oldest railway headquarters

Home to one of India’s oldest railway headquarters, the Southern Railway Headquarters building celebrated its 100th anniversary recently. Join us as we pay homage to this iconic legacy that is second to none A massive heritage structure in present day Chennai, the Southern Railway Headquarters building situated next to Dr MGR Chennai Central celebrated its centenary year on 11th December 2022. It was on 11th December 1922, exactly a hundred years ago, the palatial three storey building was inaugurated by Her Excellency The Lady Willingdon, C.I., D.B.E. the wife of Freeman Freeman-Thomas, 1st Marquess of Willingdon, the then Governor of Madras. In commemoration of the centenary celebrations of the vintage building, a group of about sixty heritage and rail enthusiasts led by Shri V. Sriram, a renowned heritage activist based in Chennai, took a heritage walk in and around the majestic edifice today. Shri V.Sriram elaborated on the history of the building which served as the headquarters of Madras & Southern Mahratta Railway (M&SMR) and later became the headquarters of Southern Railway in the year 1951 when the new zone was formed by the merger of erstwhile Madras & Southern Mahratta Railway, Mysore State Railway and South Indian Railway systems. Shri V. Sriram also shared interesting vignettes on the various heritage installations and architecture of the building. The rail and heritage aficionados who participated in the commemorative heritage walk thanked Railways for the unique opportunity to retrace the history of the magnificent structure. DID YOU KNOW? The Iconic heritage structure housing the Southern Railway Headquarters completes its Centenary year on 11th December 2022 A Commemorative Heritage Walk was held to mark the Centenary Foundation stone laid on 8th February 1915 & Inaugurated on 11th December 1922 Indo-Saracenic type of architecture with a blend of Dravidian style Porbundar stones used in construction and were ferried to Chennai by H.H.Wadia & Bros Constructed by T. Samynada Pillai, a Bangalore-based contractor at a cost of Rs.30.76 lakhs, in 1922 Transcending the Ages: The Southern Railway Headquarters Building The majestic building was designed by N. Grayson, an architect and employee of the erstwhile Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway. The Foundation of the palatial headquarters building was laid on 8th February 1915 by Lord Pentland, the then Governor of Madras. Based on the Dravidian style of classic architecture the foundation of the Indo – Saracenic type structure consists of a reinforced concrete raft from 5 to 8 feet below the ground level set upon a stratum of pure sand, nearly 20 feet deep. The building was constructed by T.Samynada Pillai, a Bangalore-based contractor at a cost of Rs.30.76 lakhs. It took nearly 7.5 months to lay the foundation structure consisting of 500 tons of steel bars embedded in 10,000 tons of granite concrete. Built of stock brick with Porbundar stone, the central towers rise to a height of 125 feet 6 inches above the roadway. H.H. Wadia & Bros, pioneers in quarrying Porbundar stones were instrumental in bringing Porbundar stones from Gujarat. The stones were transported for 8 years via sea to Kerala and then by Rail to Madras. H.H. Wadia & Bros camped in Madras from 1913 to 1922 along with their team of skilled masons from Porbundar under the leadership of master mason Pitambar Hira. Each of the four corner domes of this majestic edifice houses water tanks with a total capacity of about 35,000 gallons. After seven long years of intensive labour and a massive investment of Rs.30,76,400, the building was opened on 11th December 1922 by Her Excellency The Lady Willingdon, C.I., D.B.E. the wife of the then Governor of Madras. It may be noted that a commemorative special postal cover was released to mark the launch of the centenary year of Southern Railway headquarters in January 2022. Presently, the three-storey vintage building houses the Southern Railway General Manager’s Office and several other departments. Over 1500 employees work here. Text BY: B. Guganesan, Chief Public Relations Officer

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Citizen Corner Editions

Your Platform Magazine January 2023 Edition

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Health and Wellness

Diabetes, Things you need to know

Is it common to get diabetes after 70 years? Anyone can get diabetes at any age. In general, in young people it is known as Type 1 diabetes and in adults, it is known as Type 2 diabetes. Do these patients need to follow the same HbA1c values at 80 years or can they relax on general values? HbA1c gives three months’ average of blood sugar levels. In senior citizens, the general values don’t apply. The target HbA1c varies from individual to individual, depending on their functionality and associated longterm medical conditions. Do we start on anti-diabetic medication immediately? Depends on the blood sugar levels. Overall, lifestyle modifications like diet advice, exercise, weight reduction and sleep issues need to be addressed. They need to be monitored closely. If there’s a rise in sugar levels and no improvement over a period, then it is advisable to go onan anti-diabetic medication. Do diabetic medications need to be taken after food? Most of medicines should be taken after food. Some formulations of insulin and some medicines should be taken before food. Do adults have a higher risk of hypoglycaemia? Senior citizens comparably have a higher risk of hypoglycaemia due to various factors like altered metabolism of medicines, reduced food intake, etc. How do senior citizens follow diet advice when alone at home? Upon consultation with a dietician, simple food can be prepared or made available. The proportion of vegetables and fruits in your diet can be increased. Sometimes, senior citizens don’t remember whether a dose has been taken. What’s your advice? This is a common occurrence with people in old age. Forgetting one of two doses of medicines (except insulin in a few patients) is okay. Senior citizens are advised to use labelled pill boxes to ensure the doses of medicines are periodically taken. It will also help prevent the risk ofoverdosing on these medicines.. In case of overdose, what will be the immediate symptoms? Overdosing varies with formulations. Commonest of all will be low sugar levels, giddiness, confusion, falls, racing of heart, etc. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the nearest hospital. How often should they monitor their blood sugar levels? In senior citizens with uncontrolled sugar levels, it is prudent to follow the physician’s advice. Otherwise, monitoring sugar levels twice or thrice a week should be perfectly fine. Apart from these, it is imperative to follow up on any recommended tests by your doctor. What is the risk of high sugar levels in adults? Sometimes, senior citizens do get high sugar levels due to non-adherence to the recommended treatment, defaulting to take the pills, and sometimes due to infections, pain, sleeplessness, etc. For long-term patients with a diabetic condition, when they become aged, what is the advice on lifestyle? To follow the same lifestyle and check for complications like vision, kidney function, nerve disease like tingling, numbness, stomach problems, etc. What is the geriatric advice for diabetes? Diabetes is a lifestyle disease, and it can be managed and treated. This can be done through lifestyle changes along with medicines. Remission is possible when the age is well-advanced like people (85+ years) due to various changes in physiology. Research showed remission in the very select types of people, though 45% of the population relapsed within a year. Some of them needed insulin for initial control. If you have any queries regarding the treatment or medicines, kindly contact your doctor. Kindly follow the medical advice given. Dr. Manicka Saravanan S, Consultant Geriatric Medicine, Kauvery Hospital, Chennai helps you with everything you should know about diabetes

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Destination Travel

Top 8 masterpiece football stadium in the world

Each a design masterpiece in itself, we take you on a tour of the eight stadiums that will host some of the iconic matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium Tournament Capacity: 40,000 Legacy Capacity: 20,000 Distance from Doha: 22 km Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated on 18 December 2020 when it hosted the 2020 Amir Cup Final. Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the round of 16 stage during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Legacy: Home of Al Rayyan Sports Club. Design: The stadium’s most striking feature is a glowing façade, comprised of patterns that characterise different aspects of the country: the importance of family, the beauty of the desert, the native flora and fauna, and local and international trade. A fifth shape, a shield, brings together all the others, representing the strength and unity that is particularly relevant to the city of Al Rayyan. How to get there: Fans will be able to reach the venue using the Doha Metro. Al Riffa station, on the Green Line, is within walking distance of the stadium. Al Bayt Stadium Tournament Capacity: 60,000 Legacy Capacity: 32,000 Distance from Doha: 46 km Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated on 30th November 2021 during the opening day of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 Spotlight: The stadium will host the opening match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, along with numerous other matches up to and including the semi-finals stage. Design: The stadium takes its name from ‘bayt al sha’ar’ – which were tents historically used by nomadic people in Qatar and the Gulf region. The design honours Qatar’s past and present, while keeping one eye on the future of the community. Al Janoub Stadium Tournament Capacity: 40,000 Legacy Capacity: 20,000 Distance from Doha: 23 km Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated on 16 May 2019 when it hosted the 2019 Amir Cup Final. Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the round of 16 stage during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Legacy: Home of Al Wakrah Sports Club. Design: The design is inspired by the sails of traditional dhow boats, in tribute to Al Wakrah’s seafaring past. An innovative cooling system and retractable roof mean the stadium will be used all year round. How to get there: Al Janoub Stadium is served by a network of new expressways and roads which provide easy access to residents and visitors to both Al Wakrah and Doha. The stadium will be served by Al Wakrah station on the Red Line of the Doha Metro. The station is located 4.5 km from the stadium and will be served by shuttle bus services on match days. The precinct has dedicated bus stops, interconnected cycling paths and safe pedestrian routes. Al Thumama Stadium Tournament Capacity: 40,000 Legacy Capacity: 20,000 Distance from Doha: 12 km Inauguration: Al Thumama Stadium was inaugurated on 22nd October 2021 when it hosted the Amir Cup Final between Al Sadd and Al Rayyan. Spotlight: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ quarter-finals venue Design: The stadium’s design represents the gahiya – a traditional woven cap worn by men and boys across the Middle East. The gahiya forms a fundamental layer of the traditional clothing of the region. It is also a symbol of dignity and independence. How to get there: Fans will be able to reach the venue using the Doha Metro and shuttle buses from the nearest station. Education City Stadium Tournament Capacity: 40,000 Legacy Capacity: 20,000 Distance from Doha: 12 km Inauguration: The stadium was inaugurated in June 2020 during a virtual event that paid tribute to frontline healthcare workersduring the coronavirus pandemic. Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the quarter-finals stage during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Design: The façade of the stadium features triangles that form complex, diamond-like geometrical patterns which appear to change colour with the sun’s movement across the sky. Like diamonds, the stadium’s design represents quality, durability and resilience – and will become something to be treasured, both for the memories it holds and its future value to the country. How to get there: Fans will be able to reach the venue using the Doha Metro Green Line. Education City Station is located just 500 metres from the stadium. Khalifa International Stadium Tournament Capacity: 40,000 Distance from Doha: 11 km Inauguration: Built in 1976, Khalifa International Stadium underwent an extensive redevelopment in order to prepare it for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Spotlight: The stadium will host matches up to and including the 3rd place match during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Legacy: Qatar’s national stadium Design: The stadium’s dual arches remained intact following the redevelopment and have now been complemented by a wide canopy below which supports the stadium’s integration of the new cooling system. The new tier added 10,450 seats to the capacity, while the stadium now features a new facade. The new LED lighting system adds a new dimension to the fan experience. How to get there: The stadium is served by Sport City Station on the Doha Metro Gold Line. Lusail Stadium Tournament Capacity: 80,000 Distance from Doha: 20 km Spotlight: Qatar’s biggest tournament venue will host the final, along with matches during every stage of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Design: The stadium’s design is inspired by the interplay of light and shadow that characterises the ‘fanar’ lantern. Lusail’s shape and facade echo the intricate decorative motifs on bowls and other vessels characteristic of the golden age of art and craftsmanship in the Arab and Islamic world. How to get there: The stadium will be served by the Doha Metro Red Line. Drivers will be able to access the stadium by using the Al Khor Expressway. There will be a number of park-and-ride facilities in close proximity to the stadium. Post-2022, people will be able to reach the facility by using the Lusail Light Rail Tram Stadium 974 Tournament Capacity: 40,000 Distance from Doha:

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