Elite Life Feb09

8/14/2019 Elite Life Feb09

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From the CEOs desk

Dearelitecustomer,

elitelife

At the onset of the New Year, I would like to wish you and your dear ones a

happy, peaceful and secure 2009.

I am pleased to share with you that our consistent efforts to service our

customer needs have recently gained international recognition. ICICI

Prudential Life has been awarded the Life Insurance Company of the Year at

the 12th Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2008.

In keeping with our customer centric philosophy, we have launched a Return

Guarantee Fund - a close ended debt fund with our Unit Linked Insurance

Plans (ULIP). The money invested in this fund will be ensured a minimum

guaranteed NAV at the end of 5 years. In todays volatile market scenario,

this offers our customer an excellent proposition by the way of a guarantee

over and above other benefits offered by the ULIP he chooses.

We have also taken a step ahead in our commitment towards meeting yourhealth needs with the launch of an innovative product. Health Saver is a

comprehensive health insurance plan which covers your current healthcare

expenses and also invests for future healthcare expenses. It is also the f irst

of its kind reimbursement-based hospitalization cover with the benefit of a

health savings fund. The product is designed to enable consumers to cope

wit h the ever-rising cost of healthcare.

As on December 31, 2008, we have crossed the 7.5 million policies mark and

manage over Rs 28,445 crores worth of funds, while our renewal premium

collections have increased to Rs 5,427 crores.

These accomplishments have become a reality through your support and I

thank you for the t rust you have reposed in us.

Sincerely,

Shikha SharmaManaging Director & CEO

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited

Do w rite in to [email protected] w ith your feedback and suggestions.


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Young couples today live up to the challenge

of juggling w ork, family and social obligations.

Heres how you can participate in t he next

marathon.

You want a pad thats trendy and affordable;

heres how...

Updates from the w orld of health, fitness and

nutrition.

10 Food for ThoughtOpt for organic foods; they are a healthier

option.

14 InvigorateDance your way to fitness!

20 RetreatThis weekend, sneak off to one of these

romantic hideaways!

30 ArtefactA look at pan-Indian art forms

04

17

26

08

Cover Stor y

Unw ind

lan

Liv ing in Harmony

Haven

Healt h Capsul e

Sport s Connect

elitelifeWel lness

For Private and Privileged Communication Only.


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News you can use from ICICI Prudential Life

Insurance.

Marriages are made in heaven; or are they?

Your fortune foretold through tarot cards.

Exercise your mind with fun puzzles and

quizzes.

45 InspireMeet celebrity couple Sanjeev and

Alyona Kapoor...

48 BookmarkBook excerpts from Imagining Indiaand

Outliers

34

42

55

News &V iews

Tarot

Puzzles &Quizzes

Ensure

Empower

Soothsayer

M ind games

52

Succeed

A recap of the latest market movements and

an outlook for the next quarter.

41 Money Matters

ICICI Prudent ia l L i feInsurance Managing Edit or

Priya Nayak

ICICI Prudent ia l L i feInsurance Editor ia l BoardAgnel DsouzaDeep ChakravartySunita Dujari

Spenta Mu l t imed iaExecut ive Publ isherManeck Davar

EditorMadhavi Gokhlay

Ar t D i rec to r Rishita Chandra

GraphicDesigners

Yogesh JadhavPrachi Bhide

Printed and published byManeck Davar, SpentaMultimedia, on behalf of ICICIPrudential Life Insurance, EditorPriya Nayak.

Disc la imer : The views and opinionsexpressed or im plied in ELITE LIFEare those of the authors and do notnecessarily reflect those of SpentaMultimedia or ICICI Prudential LifeInsurance Company Limited. All adviceand suggestions given in the articlesare the authors own and are not theadvice of ICICI Prudential. The readermay follow the said advice at his/her own risk. It is suggested that theopinion of an expert be taken before

following any advice given in themagazine. ICICI Prudential shall not b eliable for any loss/harm caused dueto following any advice printed in thismagazine. Unsolicited material is sentin at the owners risk and the publisheraccepts no liability for loss or damage.Material in this publication may notbe reproduced, whether in part or inwhole, without the consent of SpentaMult imedia and ICICI Prudential LifeInsurance Company Limited.


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CoverSto ry

Tanyushka Hansotia

Today, you come across working couples wherein bothpartners are productively engaged in jobs/careers/businesses even as they go about fulf illing their marital,

parental and social obligations w ith practiced ease. While

men have been looked upon as breadwinners and caretakers

of the family, more and more women are now f inding

themselves in such similar roles.

Young w ork i ng coup les are m ore the norm ra ther

t han the except ion t oday. Wi t h 24x7 l i fes ty les ,

balanc ing w ork , fami ly and soc ia l ob l iga t i ons isindeed very chal l eng ing . Bu t i t s no t r ocket sc ience!

elitelifeFebruary 200904

Li v i ng inHarmonyLi v i ng inHarmony


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Whether theres a need to w ork

or its a matter of personal

choice, women today are

required to hold fort not only at

home but also in their respective

careers/businesses. Thus, new-

age couples must face the

challenge of juggling betweenthe demands placed upon them

by their careers/businesses and

their families. Needless to say,

you need to be as skilled as a

trapeze artist to achieve this

kind of delicate balance in your

relationship.

You might be busy working your

way up the corporate ladder

but it neednt come at the cost

of your married life. This trade-

off between career goals and

marriage is something each

partner needs to w ork out and

abide by. It is difficult but not

impossible. As is with everything

else, a little bit of planning can

go a long way in helping couples

achieve balance betw een work,

family and social life.

For instance, taking common days

off from work or meeting up for

lunch or travelling to and from

work together are some of the

ways couples can spend more

time with each other despite

hectic w ork schedules. They canleave early from work, meet up,

watch a movie or go shopping

together with a dinner date

thrown in. Just about anything

even an after dinner walk or a

cuppa togethercan add zing to

the relationship.

05

You can, with a little bit of planning andprioritization, effectively juggle betweenwork, family and societal obligations.

If you happen to be the more the

merrier kind, social gatherings/

outings w ith f riends and relatives

can do lots in terms of breaking

the monotony. You can make

these even more frequent as

opposed to restricting them to

weekends and holidays. Actually,

leisure activities tend to take a

back seat w hen both partners

are deeply involved in their work/

career; if ignored further, thesecould become even fewer and

far between. There are a whole

lot of leisure options available

nowadays that come in handy.

Weekends might be the perfect

opportunity for couples to catch

up on some together time;

whether it is a nature trek, a boat

ride, a long drive, a romantic

hideout or simply playing snooker

at your friendly neighbourhood

club. The simplest thing might

be to put on your jogging shoes

and go for a walk or jog together

or gym it out at the local gym.

Why only leisure? Even sharing

household responsibilities

enables both partners to spend

time w ith each other, apart from

reducing each others burden. The

good news is, men today, arentas averse to sharing household

chores as they were some

years ago. No doubt there are

exceptions. But largely speaking,

today, it is quite common to see

a man pottering about the kitchen

while his wife is busy working on

a presentation she needs to make

to a client the next day. Besides,

February 2009 elitelife


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Its for every couple to decide whatshould be the trade-off between theirwork and married life.

household responsibilities are not

so much of a burden thanks to the

umpteen household appliances

most people have easy access

to. In such a scenario, hiring help

around the house may also be an

option worth considering.

Again, a young couple is notgoing to remain a cosy twosome

forever. Sooner or later comes the

responsibility of looking after a

child and that adds a completely

new dimension to things. While

its gratifying to know that you

have successfully graduated to

parent status, parenthood comes

with its own set of responsibilities

which both partners/parents must

fulfill, and herein lies all their skill,

understanding and maturity.

Today, the joint family system has

been largely replaced by nuclear

families. However, a nuclear

family is not the answer to all

of the young parents problems.

While couples might have the

independence and flexibility to live

life on their own terms, they have

to face the possibility of having

to take care of their home and

child all by themselves without

any support from parents/elders.

Add to that the fact that they are

working parents. No self help

book is going to teach you how

to be able to do all of this. Youneed to experience it firsthand.

First and foremost, children need

love, care and attention in addition

to basic needs. Education is

supremely important for them to

be able to stand on their own two

feet. Values need to be inculcated

in them; they must understand

the importance of honesty and

integrity, independence and self

esteem, and so on.

This kind of dexterous balancing

between work, children and

the self is in itself an extremely

demanding, exacting and

exhausting task. Child care is

one of the biggest problems

facing young parents today. With

both parents working, there is a

shortage of day care centres andother such facilities for looking

after children while the parents

are at w ork. In the absence of

other alternatives, either parent

can opt for f lexi hours if it is

possible to do so. Else friends

or relatives (who are willing)

can pitch in to take care of the

child for a few hours. An ideal

situation would be one wherein

one partner has the flexibility of

working from home or have their

own business.

If the child is attending a nursery

or school, the least that parents

can do is spend time w ith him/

her after work. Encourage your

child to develop a hobby (enrol

him/her in a martial arts/singing/

dancing/painting class), t eachhim/her how to ride a cycle or

play cricket or badminton, etc

Indeed, young couples today

face a daunting task but with

a little bit of planning and

prioritization, its possible to rise

to the occasion.

elitelifeFebruary 200906 Images: Im agebazaar, Dreamstime.com


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D for DiabetesIn addition to shedding excess flab

and eating right ,

diabetics have

renewed hope of

preventing/curing

diabetesin the

form of vitamin

Daccording to anew study.

The study shows that a proper

dose of vitamin D is most likely to

help diabetics fight the disease or

better st illkeep it at bay.

Conducted under the supervision

of Professor Sue Penckofer

from Marcella Niehoff School of

Nursing, Loyola University, the

study reveals that vitamin D has

a very important role to play in

insulin sensitivity and secretion. As

part of the study, three thousand

people diagnosed with type 1

diabetes were evaluated. Therisk was found greatly reduced

in the case of patients who

supplemented their diet w ith

vitamin D. Even patients diagnosed

with type 2 diabetes were studied,

and it was found that taking

vitamin D supplements could help

in the prevention of the disease.

Updat es f r om t he w or ld o f heal t h , f i t ness andn u t r i t i o n .

Heal thCapsule

Sprouts are an extremely rich

source of vitamins (A, B, C and

E), minerals (Iron, Calcium,

Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc

and Selenium) and antioxidants.

Sprouts (lentils, soya beans,

peanutslegumes) are also rich

in proteins. Besides, they are

filling while being low in calories.

And they are rarely known to

cause allergies.

You can sprout a variety ofseeds, legumes, nuts and grains

including fenugreek seeds,

chickpeas, mung, kidney beans,

wheat, barley, rye, etc. Soak these

in water for around 8 hours, rinse

the sprouts thoroughly, and drain

well before storing in a cool place.

Sprouts, anyone?Did you know that amongst raw

foods, sprouts contain the largest

quantity of nutrients, including

food enzymes that are intrinsic

to every bio-chemical reaction

taking place in your body. When

you sprout a seed, you activate

enzymes, which in turn convert

starch into simple sugar; in asense, sprouts are a form of pre-

digested food and are naturally

bursting with nutrients.

Wellness

M o n i t o r

Wel lness

M o n i t o r

08

Calcium, naturally!The innumerable benefits of

calcium are well known; what is

less known is that calcium is best

consumed in natural form. Heres

looking at some common foods

that are a rich natural source of

calcium:

The best things in life usually

come free. For instance,

sunlight, which is abundantly

available all around us, is rich

in vitamin D which in turn helps

absorption of calcium

Fresh tomatoes contain vitamin

C which helps build collagen

which is good for your teeth

and bones. Other vegetables

rich in calcium include broccoli

and green peas

Popeye knew it all along:

spinach, coriander, fenugreek

and other green leafy vege-

tables contain calcium in

abundance

Nuts are a rich source of

calcium, e.g.

almonds (known

to have the highest

calcium content),

pine nuts, etc

Prunes, oranges,

soya, milk and milk

products are excellent

sources of calcium

Sprouts are very rich in vitaminswhile being low in calories



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Baisali Chatterjee Dutt

Food forthought

Whi le w e may no t be aw are o f i t , Organ ic i st he w ay M o the r Nat u re in tended fo r us to go .Organic f oods have alw ays been around. Buti t s now t hat t hey a re gain ing popu lar i t y as a

l i f es ty l e choice tow ards a heal t h ie r l i f e .

Back t o bas i csBack t o bas i cs

10 elitelifeFebruary 2009

The word organic has beenaround for quite a while now.Yes, we all know it equals health

but w hat does it really mean?

And what do organic foods really

do for us?

Eating the organically harvested

bounty of nature isnt just about

a lifestyle statement its about

a lifestyle choice; a recognition

of the fact that there are foodsout there that are better for us

and kinder to our bodies. Foods

that we can be positively sure,

wont slowly poison our blood

or corrode our systems. Foods

that have been grown the way

nature always intended for them

to grow.


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Bringing us back to the question:

What is organic food? It is food

grown using natural fertilizers

such as manure and compost,

rather than chemical-based

fertilizers. Herein lies the whole

difference the choice offertilizer used. Foods grown

using chemical-based fertilizers

tend to have traces of chemicals.

Thats not all. Crops are also

sprayed w ith harsh pesticides

and fumigants to prevent/control

damage by insects, bugs and

other pests. This becomes a

lethal combination not only for

those who consume the produce

but also for the crop itself.One might argue that a majority

of people across the globe are

eating non-organic foods and

still not f alling ill, which is t rue.

Eating non-organic foods may not

necessarily spell trouble in the

near future but it does rob you of

essential nutrients that are good

for you. These nutrients, that

are part and parcel of the natural

make up of most foods get

slowly and steadily depleted with

the use of external agents such

as fertilizers and pesticides.

As opposed to foods thus robbed

of their natural ingredients,

organic foods are grown in

harmony with nature; the

philosophy of organic farming

does not let crop rearing and

harvesting go against the grain of

nature, but rather along with it. In

organic farming, crops are grown

at their natural pace and using

natural resources, with just a

bit of human help in the form of

removing weeds, insects, frost,

rot and other such impediments.

Organic foods are rich in

nutrients and anti-oxidants;

this is their biggest health

benefit. Some people

argue that there is a

difference in taste as

well; t hat organic fruits

and vegetables taste

sweeter besides being

brighter in colour.

A common myth

associated w ith organic

foods is that theycomprise only fruits and

vegetables. Contrary

to popular perception,

milk can be organic

too when it comes

from cow s that graze

on pastures that arent

laced w ith chemicals

and other poisons.

Speaking of cows, even livestock

can be reared organically, for

the meat. Again, its all about

letting nature take its ow n course

and avoiding any kind of

externalities to accelerate thegrowth process; be it steroids,

growth hormones, etc. Thats

not all - organically reared

Organic foods are rich in nutrientsand anti-oxidants; this is theirbiggest health benefit.

11February 2009 elitelife


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livestock must be fed a

healthy nutritious diet if they

are being bred for A-grade

milk or meat.

Incidentally, organic food

harvesting started of f as a small,

family-run enterprise in certain

countries, with wares being sold

in local markets. But, as is with

every other product, once theword about organic food started

to spread, production required

to be overhauled. The result:

organic farming, as an industry,

grew steadily over the years and

its scope expanded to cover other

regions around the world.

Yet, cost and availability always

remained limit ing factors that

restricted a wider uptake of the

organic way of life. However, what

is a couple of extra bucks when

your health is at stake? Viewed in

that manner, spending a little extra

shouldnt be a problem. Qualitydoes come at a premium. But

overall, its a matter of individual

choice (and budget ) whether or

not to favour consumption of

organic foods.

Again, skeptics might quest ion

the credibility of so-called

organic foods. What qualifies

as organic and how can you be

sure it is so? Typically, organic

foods are certified as being so. Incountries where organic farming

is common, there are standards

and guidelines that need to be

adhered to while producing and

harvesting organic foods. There

are organisations that set these

standards. For example, in the

USA, there is the National Organic

Program while in the UK, there is

the Department for Environment,

Food and Rural Affairs. In India,if you are buying something that

claims to be organic, be sure to

look out for genuine certification

that says so. Only certification

bodies accredited by the National

Program for Organic Production

(NPOP) are authorized to certify

whether foods are organic or

not . The NPOP, set up by the

Department of Commerce, is

responsible for setting guidelinesfor organic farming, harvesting,

import and export, and all

related matters.

So, it may not be such a bad idea

to switch over to organic foods.

After all, Mother Nature intended

for us to live that way!

References:

www.organicfoodinfo.net

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

Organic_food

http://www.apeda.com/organic/

Incidentally, organic food harvestingstarted off as a small, family-runenterprise in certain countries, withwares being sold in local markets.

Images: Dreamstime.com



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09

BattlingDiabetesWith diabetes

taking its toll

on more andmore people

across the

globe, it might

well be worth

the trouble to

follow a home-grown checklist of

dos and donts as follows:

Avoid sugar and sugary

foods including cakes,

puddings, chocolates, biscuits,

sweets, aerated waters, etc

Avoid fatty foods, especially

saturated fats such as

ghee and butter

Opt for cottage cheese

(paneer) over cheddar cheese

Opt for lean meat and poultry

over red meat

Increase your f ibre intake

by incorporating more of fruits,

vegetables and whole meal

breads in your diet

Include soya nuggets, barley,

gelatin and tofu in your diet

Significantly, eat regularly and

dont miss meals as this

causes blood sugar levels to

fluctuate

kind to study the long-term

effects of walking on weight

gain/weight control.

Typically, growing older is

associated with an increase in

average body w eight and BMI or

body mass index a measure of

weight in relation to height. The

findings of the study suggest

that men and women who walk

more are less

likely to gainage-related

weight.

Meaty treatMushroom s are the perfect

replacement for meat even

as they shave off signif icant

calories from your favorite

foods, says a recent study.

The study used chopped

mushrooms in place of meat in

dishes including lasagnia and

even beef chilli. Mushroom s

tasted just as good as the meat

and left the subjects feeling

satisfied for as long, they

vouched. Besides, mushroom-eaters were found to consume

nearly 420 calories less than the

meat eaters.

A toast tohealthIts common

knowledge that

drinking winein

moderationis good

for health. How?

Research reveals that wine, when

consumed in moderate quantities,

boosts omega-3 levels in blood.

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to

be beneficial, especially for the

heart. Not only are they good for

your heart but they also help protect

your kidneys and improve your

memory. Wine contains antioxidants

called Polyphenols that are likely

responsible for boosting omega-3

levels in blood.

WALK that weight!New research reveals that the

more you walk, the less likely you

are to gain weight as you grow

older. A half-an-hour walk daily is

sufficient to keep you from gaining

those extra pounds as you grow

older.

Penny Gordon Larsen from the

School of Public Health, University

of North Carolina, along with

fellow researchers, studied around

5,000 men and women aged 18 to

30 years for a period spanning 15

years, and found that half an hour

of daily walking reduced the annual

weight gain by 1 poundamongst

women who qualified as the

heaviest at the start of the study.The study is documented in

the American Journal of Clinical

Nutrition, and is the f irst of its

Mushrooms taste just as good asmeat while shaving off excess calories


February 2009elitelife


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Inv igora te

Put on y ourdanc i ng shoes!

Young working couplesare more the norm rather

than exception these days.

Add to that increasingly hectic,

24x7 lifestyles and you have

several new-age couples juggling

work, family and social life. Not

surprisingly, they are always

looking for fun w ays to add some

zing to their lives.

Dancing is one such activity. Not

only are young couples looking at

dance as a way to spend some

alone time together but also as

a way to burn extra calories. So

much so, they are

lending a new twist to the oldadage: it takes two to tango.

Says Venu Mehta, a Mumbai-

based dance and fitness instructor,

Dancing certainly helps to kill

the boredom in a regular exercise

routine by adding new zest to your

regime. And, couples always enjoy

an advantage. It makes learning

dance forms more fun and easy, as

you are already comfortable with

your partner. So, if youre not a

part of this growing tribe, its time

to put on your dancing shoes:

Foxtrot your way tofitnessThink Ballroom dance, and you

see a couple dancing to some

romantic song, right? Well, thats

the magic about this form of

dance. Its actually romance plus!

Couples who have taken these

classes, say, that in ballroom

dance, they feel muscles they

didnt know ever existed. In

ballroom dancing,

one often has

to move

backwards.

This helps

in working

the back of

Danc ing is a fun ac t iv i t y t hat can help

young coup les spend some a lone t im et oget her and s tay f i t at t he same t i me .

Meghana B.



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15

Ballroom dancing can help you burnup anything between 250 to 400calories in an hour.

your thighs, ankles and buttocks.

And experts say it is different

from other types of exercise.

For instance, if you are dancing

the Foxtrot, you are taking long,

sweeping steps backwards; this

is different from walking on a

treadmill. This means you stretchthe muscles much more than

you would in any other form of

exercise.

Once youve got your moves

right, stalwarts say your body

would move along automatically

to your partners touch and to the

right flow of music. The dance

floor of fers an exciting alternative

to the gym and its easier to

follow the routine, as a workout is

now fun, besides being healthy.

On the dance floor, I can be with

my husband and this adds more

thrill to the workout programme,

old Brazilian martial art form

that infuses dance and offers

an intense, physical and mental,

cardio-vascular work-out that

strengthens and tones core

muscles, improves flexibility,

agility, balance and burns off

excess weight.

To the pace set by a fast tempo of

drumbeats and music, deceptive

kicks, sweeps, trip-em-ups,

head butts, and elbow and kneemovements are played out in fluid

motion. Thus, the basic idea of the

class is: the faster the rhythm, the

more calories you burn!

Initially, Capoeria class saw

singles doing the routine, but as

the dance form gained popularity,

it found couples enrolling for

classes. Of course, for some

couples it does take some

amount of persuasion. But those

who have taken the class, would

assure you that there is no other

dance form that is as much fun

besides helping burn excess

calories.

Sway to the beatThese dance moves are best

done, when you have a partner.What we are talking about is Latin

American dances such as the

Cha-Cha, Salsa, Samba, Mambo

and Zumba. These dance forms

will certainly make you want to

give your treadmill a break, and

add zing to your life. The Latin

American style of dancing, which

as we are literally in step with

each other, says Sarita Nair, who

took up ballroom dancing with her

husband.

If ballroom dancing fascinates

you, heres something that will

make it even more irresistible.

Ballroom dancing can help you

burn up anything between 250

to 400 calories in an hour. This is

equivalent to half an hour of briskwalking on a treadmill.

Be a Capoeira champIts kicking its way into every

exercise programme and dance

class in the world. Its red-hot,

exciting and exhausting, yet

takes working out to a new

level. Capoeira is the 500-year-

Baba teaching students at centre for Capoeira India

February 2009 elitelife


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16

Kundalini is a dance form which derives itsorigins from Kundalini or the innate energythat resides in every human being.

has evolved from a variety of

routines, has now been widely

accepted in the US, Europe and

UK. The reason: Latin dance

offers fast-paced and enjoyable

movements and a means to a

healthier, happier life. Basically,

these dances combine fast andslow rhythms, resistance training

and aerobic exercise while

using Latin beats. If an exercise

programme guarantees some

togetherness and helps you burn

500 to 800 calories, then it s

worth trying out , isnt it? Here

are some popular Latin American

dance forms that promise to make

for a perfect couple dance routine:

SalsaThis popular dance form

follows a quick-quick-slow rhythm,

to the sound of a steady beat.

The combination ensures that

partner movement is involved in

Cha cha chaThis dance form

follows a slow, slow, quick-quick-

quick rhythm. A Cha cha move is

made up of two basic movements

forward basic and backward

basic. The Cha cha is best

performed to the tune of Latin

American beats.

MamboAs a dance form, the

Mambo offers great scope for

lower body (hip) movement. It

follows a quick-quick-slow rhythm

but your feet move only on the

second and fourth beats. The

dance, heavily influenced by jazz,

is set to saxophone tunes and

other brass melodies.

SambaThis Brazilian form of

dance, offers fun and energetic

movements. The Samba follows

the quick-quick-slow rhythm;

importantly, three steps are

performed in two beats.

Mind you, Samba is certainly not

meant for the weak hearted. It

makes you groove and shake the

whole body.

Zumba -The word Zumba comes

from a Columbian word, which

means to move fast and have

fun. It combines various Latin

American dances like the Cha-Cha, Merengue, Samba and

Rumba and even the Indian folk

dance Bhangra. Certainly, it s

tough not to find fun in doing the

Zumba.

Invoke your innateenergyThink cosmic and you have

the Kundalini Dance, a kind of

ecstatic dance developed and

taught worldwide by Leyolah

Antara Dekanic for over a decade

now. The dance is derived from

Kundalini or the innate energy

which resides in every human

being, which, if invoked, leads

to rejuvenation, clearing of old

stagnant emotional energy,

selfrealization and awakening of

the higher consciousness.

Through rhythmic breathing

and movement, Antara inspires

dancers to invoke their Kundalini

to purify the body and mind andmove into the sphere of higher

consciousness.

Whether youre dancing the

foxtrot, capoeira, salsa, cha cha,

mambo, samba, zumba or the

kundalini, dancing can be a lot

of fun. Dancing is also a way to

release pent up energy. It is a way

to relax. It exercises muscles in

different parts of the body and

sharpens rhythm, balance and

coordination. And it also keeps

the romance alive in a relationship.Theres more. Memorizing the

steps, kicking and twirling all

flexes the mind. So put on

your dancing shoes and get

ready to tango!

every step right from spot turns

to cross body leads. Now, that

sounds like something youd want

to try out, doesnt it?

Images: Monitor Baba, Dreamstime.com

elitelifeFebruary 2009Kundalini Dance


19/60

Spor tsConnect

Hi t t i ng t he RoadHi t t i ng t he Road

Runni ng seem s t o have caught t he nat ion s

im ag inat ion . I f you asp i re to be par t o f t h i sb r i gade, here are a few t ips t hat mi gh t help

you run t he long m i le .

Ajeya Row

India running! Why else wouldeverybodyfrom Anil Ambani tocelebrities to wannabes to senior citizens to

college students be running; whether it is

for a pet cause or to stay fit or just for fun.


20/60

Just recently, the whole of

Mumbai converged at the

Standard Chartered Mumbai

Marathon, now in its sixth

consecutive year; some ran as

professional runners, others fortheir sixty seconds of fame, and

still others for a cause or simply

to showcase the undying spirit

of this cityespecially after it

was badly brutalized and bruised

by terrorist attacks on 26th Nov,

2008.

The marathon was f lagged

off from Azad Maidan; non-

professional runners starting of f at

6.40am and professional runners

an hour later at 7.40am. Themain event was broken up into a

series of smaller events, including

the wheelchair run (2.5kms) for

buddy, Sagar Joshi, said, Its

important to wear a good pair of

shoeswith ample cushion. Also,

avoid wearing cotton as sweat

tends to make cotton heavy and

that can tire you out faster. So if

youre a regular who likes his/her

morning run and if you aspire to

run in the next marathon, here are

some valuable tips that you may

want to use:

Build StrengthA time-tested formula for building

strength is weight training. Weight

training helps tone your body,

preparing it for larger pursuits.

Remember to work out both your

upper and lower body. On days

that you dont go out running,

the runners ran by; some even

offering the runners a fruit or a

glass of w ater or an energy drink

so as to help them keep up their

energies. After a gruelling year

with more than its fair share of

pitfalls, the marathon was the

perfect connect for the people

of Mumbai, who came together,

regardless of their social, political

and economic standing, and ran,

united in action and purpose, fora common cause. Mumbaikar and

graphics designer Dylan Lewis,

who ran the half marathon said, It

was fun but a lot of work as well.

I have been regularly hitting the

road for almost two weeks before

the marathon. I am confident I w ill

be able to run the whole marathon

next year. Fellow runner and

the disabled, senior citizen run

(4.3kms) for senior citizens, dream

run (6kms) for celebrities, half

marathon (21.097kms) mainly

for non-professional runners and

the marathon (42.195kms). A

cavalcade of two choppers, ten to

twelve bikes and five ambulances

followed the marathon from

beginning till the end; as

protection against probable

eventualities.

Typically, a test of skill, strength

and stamina for the professional

runners, the marathon also saw a

huge turnout of non-professional

runners who were there mainly

to support some cause by

running. Mumbai turned out in full

strength, applauding, cheering as

After a gruelling year with more than itsfair share of pitfalls, the marathon was theperfect connect for the people of Mumbai



21/60

still remember to lift weights as

otherwise, you may find your

muscles tightening up, making

it difficult for you to run as you

would normally.

Build Endurance

Run consistently to buildendurance. Prepare yourself

(through a combination of walking

and running continuously) to

be able to run continuously for

at least 30 minutes. Once you

reach the 30-minutes mark, start

running an average of three times

a week and gradually increase

the distance you run every week.

Keep increasing the distance

you run and peak off around two

weeks before the marathon. After

that, taper off by running shorter

distances, giving your body an

opportunity to recover from the

rigorous training schedule.

sources of reserve energy, and

are essential for high endurance

workouts such as long distance

runs. The trick is to opt for

fibrous foods rich in complex

carbohydrates such as oats,

brown rice and whole wheat

breads as opposed to white

breads and crackers which are

rich in refined carbohydrates. Milk(low fat), curds, cheese, tofu, soy

products, beans, chicken, fish and

eggs are rich in protein. A regular

Gain SpeedDo interval running once every

week. Interval running means

alternating bursts of fast running

and slow jogging or brisk walking.

Start with 4-5 30-second fast runs

and a 30-second walk or a one-

minute jog in between, building

on f rom there. Interval running

improves the delivery of oxygen

to your muscles, enabling you torun faster and further.

Eat rightA low carbohydrate diet is good

for losing weight, but when it

comes to long distance running, it

isnt useful. Carbohydrates stored

in your liver and muscles act as

Marathon. Similarly, Reebok India

was the Official Training and

Sportswear Partner for the Hutch

Delhi Half Marathon.

Additionally, rememberto:

Drink sufficient w ater before,

after and during the long dista-

nce run as water helps avoid

dehydration.

Warm up before the run and

cool down after it.

Give your body the rest it

deserves, particularly after a long

run.

Running is the ultimate exercise,

its also a lot of fun, and when

you run for a cause, the effect is

ecstatic! So set foot and get with

the programme!

intake of calcium and iron is also

essential.

Enrol in a training campRegister in any one of the training

workshops that are frequently

conducted across the length and

breadth of the count ry. Typically,

prior to a marathon, workshops

are held to train aspirants in the

nuances of long distance running.

These go a long way in teachingenthusiasts the dos and donts

of long distance running and

help them better prepare for the

upcoming event. For instance,

Talwalkars, a leading name in

the area of health and fitness, is

the Official Training Partner for

the Standard Chartered Mumbai

You need to build strength and staminato be able to run a marathon




22/60

Does t he rou t i ne get t o you at t im es? Here slook ing a t some great w eekend h ideaw ays w hereyou and your spouse can spend t i me t ogether.

Retreat

Far f r om t hem addi ng c row d !Far f r om t hem addi ng c row d !

Rishad Saam Mehta


23/60

11

You are a committed and loyal

spouse, a good parent and

a conscientious worker. And

though you juggle work, marriage

and bringing up a child with the

ease and grace of a circus juggler,

it can get a little dull at times. You

need to reignite that spark in your

relationship, forget the office and

spend some quality time together.

Here are some lovely getaways you

can sneak off to during weekends.

And with the vast airline network

that covers the entire country, you

really neednt be restricted by

your location.

Sojha, Himachal Pradesh


24/60

a Chital stag. Chances are youll

be spoilt rotten by the chef s

culinary skills and the staffs

unobtrusive service. Just to give

you an idea, youll be welcomed

with refreshing fresh lime water,

treated to a light lunch on the

shaded deck that surrounds the

swimming pool and overlooks

the nullah (dry river bed), which

is a favoured route of the Penchtigers. Alternately, you can have

lunch delivered to your suite if

you prefer a leisurely meal in the

privacy of your own bungalow.

Baghvan has an interactive

kitchen where guests are

encouraged to mingle w ith the

chefs and even learn to prepare

traditional dishes.

Place:Coorg

Getting there: Two hour drivefrom Bangalore

Romantic Hideaway: OrangeCounty Resort

Orange County is this vast

estate, bang in the m iddle of a

forest; there are coffee and spice

plantations all over. Cottages

are spacious, comfortable and

very private; they are protected

by high w alls and electric

fencing. Foodies can select

from a pick of delicious South

Indian fare and the service

couldnt have been warmer or

more courteous. The best part

is the Ayurvedic centre w hich

offers 12 different kinds of

traditional oil massages that are

known t o relieve stress, controlweight and even cure different

ailments. Added perks come

in the form of t he artificial lake

wit hin the resort where you can

go fishing!

For more information:

www.orangecounty.in

Place: Pench WildlifeSanctuary, Maharashtra /Madhya Pradesh

Getting there: Two hour drivefrom Nagpur airport

Romantic Hideaway:Baghvan Resort

Baghvan is an experience in self

indulgence. While the resort is

modeled on a jungle safari camp,

in terms of luxury, it is sheer

bliss. Inspired by game reserve

resorts in Africa, at Baghvan,

youll get to experience open

air showers and high machans

that can be used for a romantic

siesta-out at tree top level.

Sharing a boundary with the

Pench National Park means that

youll be serenaded by nightjarsand will stop mid-sentence when

you hear the sharp alarm call of

Coming to the safaris in Pench,

they yield fantastic experiences

like spotting animals in the w ild,

bird watching and tracking tigers

while riding on elephant back.

For more information go to:

www.tajsafaris.com/our_lodges/

baghvan/default.php

The Baghvan Resort is like a junglesafari camp on the outside but on theinside, its sheer luxury

Baghvan Resort



25/60

refresh and rejuvenate yourself at

the Spa Vyana or go for a beach

buggy ride or catamaran ride.

Theres a choice of restaurants

and bars as well: Bay View Point,

an open-air restaurant that serves

sea food; Upper Deck that offers

al fresco dining and candlelight

dinners; Seagull, a coffee shop cum

multi-cuisine restaurant; the Anchor

Place: Covelong Beach,Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Getting there: One hour drivefrom Chennai

Romantic Hideaway:

Taj Fishermans Cove

Originally a magnificent Dutch fort,

Taj Fishermans Cove offers an array

of garden and sea-view cottages

and luxury villas to choose from.

The cottages are spacious andafford an uninterrupted view of the

sea and the palm-fringed Covelong

beach; they come with their very

own private sit-outs and gardens

not to mention a private Jacuzzi.

Theres a lot you can do at Taj

Fishermans Cove: enjoy a swim

in the fresh water swimming pool,

work out at the fitness centre,

Bar, with its tropical ambience; and

the Poolside Sunken Bar, the local

watering hole of choice which also

offers breathtaking views of the

beach.

Fringe benefits include tours to

Mahabalipuram, which is about

10km away and Pondicherry,

which takes around 2 hours to

reach (by road).

The cottages are spacious and afford anuninterrupted view of the sea and thepalm-fringed Covelong beach

Orange County Resort

Taj Fishermans cove

February 2009 elitelife 23


26/60

Place: Sojha, Himachal Pradesh

Getting there:60 minute flightfrom Delhi to Kulus Bhuntar airport

and a 90 minute drive.

Romantic Hideaway:BanjaraCamps and Sojha Retreat

For the first hour or so after you

arrive here, youll be pinching

yourself to check if youre actually

awake. Because its dream like.

The previous evening, you were

amidst corporate urbanity and now

you are sitting and staring at the

magnificent Himalayas.

The beauty of this place is that

though it is secluded enough to

spark off a weekend romance, it

remains well connected to help you

out with your practical needs. Your

days could include soft treks to theJalori Pass and the Serolsar Lake

and evenings could be spent sitting

around a comforting bonfire along

with a sumptuous barbeque to

tantalize your taste buds. The lodge

is very comfortable and affords

astounding views of the mountain

peaks.

While Sojha is the perfect

weekend getaway, it might be best

experienced over an extended

weekend or one that has public

holidays attached on either/both

sides.


www.banjaracamps.com

The beauty of this place is that itis secluded enough to spark off aweekend romance

Sojha Retreat

Orange County ResortelitelifeFebruary 200924


27/60

Place: Khimsar, Rajasthan

Getting there:Flight to Jodhpurand a 2 hour drive spanning a 91

km stretch

Romantic Hideaway: KhimsarFort and Village

Khimsar looks like an ordinary

Rajasthani village, but it s got an

extraordinary fort with ancient

ramparts and high-ceiling dining

halls. The fort brings on the sense

of a royal romance as you are

served on by turbaned waiters

in sharply ironed liveries with

magnificent whiskers.

The bar by the pool is the ideal

hangout for chilled-out evenings

and the bartender, though a local,

appears impeccably trained in the

art of creating superb cocktails.Movie buffs w ill love the mini-

cinema hall set in a soundproof,

acoustically-designed room and

equipped with a Bose home theatre

system and a projector. They have a

mind-boggling collection of movies

over there, and the best part is that

guests can watch the flicks at no

extra cost.

The hotel also has a dunes

village 6km from the fort, which

is operational from October to

mid April. Its a cosy place to stayfor that rustic desert ambience,

to take in the gorgeous sunsets,

and simply relax by the artificial

waterhole that houses ducks. And

no, they are NOT on the menu.


khimsar.com/khimsarFort.htm

The fort brings on the sense of a royalromance as you are served on byturbaned waiters in sharply ironed liveries

Khimsar Palace

Taj Fishermans cove

February 2009elitelife 25


28/60

Haven

Home is w here the hear t l i es. I t s a personals ta temen t . You wan t i t t o re f l ec t y ou r s ty l ew h i l e tak ing care o f your pocke t . Here s howyou can do i t . ..

Nivedita Churiwal

Creating the right abodecan be adaunting task and homing in on ahouse that suits your style as well as your

pocket can turn out to be an overwhelming

experience. Your home is a statement

of w ho you are, your likes and dislikes; it

defines you, at the same time you would

want it to appeal to your guests. Its no26 elitelifeFebruary 2009

Budget a l a m odeBudget a l a m ode


29/60

rocket science really! We all

want a beautiful home w ithout

wiping our bank accounts dry

but dont know how to go about it.

The cheapest w ay of refurbi-

shing a home is to apply a fresh

coat of paint. A good way to

start would be to highlight onewall of the room with a striking

color. Bright orange, sunny

yellow, purple or cherry red can

make your room look very perky.

Metallic shades and textures on

a wall make a bold statement.

While one wall is accentuated,

it is important to maintain a

balance by painting the other

walls in ivory, beige or other

lighter shades. For the moremellow; peach, pastel blues,

yellow and greens on all walls is

the perfect option.

Use larger patterns for larger

spaces unless you want to

give a small space an air of

largeness. A textured wall is

typically used to highlight any

one wall of your room. Not only

does it change the entire mood

of the room but of ten, becomes

the most eye-catching feature of

the room.

Textured paints, decorative wall

finishes are readily available in

the market and are substantially

cheaper as compared to

textured w allpapers. Unlike

traditional wall coatings,

textured wall coatings can be

applied on a variety of wallsurfaces including paneling,

wallpaper, concrete blocks,

cracking plaster, finished or

unfinished dry w alls, raw wood,

cement and particle boards. An

added advantage of textured wall

coverings is their superior heat-

insulating and sound-absorbing

properties. Additionally, they are

environmentally friendly as they

contain no toxins, fiber glass orasbestos. Significantly, textured

wall coverings are easy to

maintain as they can be c leaned

using soapy cold water solution

and a dry cloth.

Now, as cliched as it might

sound, old is gold. An old

chair or an ottoman can be

refurbished, re-colored and put

together in an all-new way. Orget that old chair and upholster

it w ith new f abric, remove the

extra carving, polish it in a new

If a plain Jane look is

not your style, you can

go in f or textured walls

which are quite the in

thing now. Theres a riot

of colors, patterns and

textures to choose from

and these go a long way

in giving your home that

unique, sophisticated

look and feel. If you

want a rustic look, opt

for rough textures as

against smooth, glossy

textures. For rooms

with low ceilings, go

with vertical stripes as

they create an illusion of

height.

Textured paints are readily available inthe market and are substantially cheaperas compared to textured wallpapers.


Courtesy:Khotachiwad

i


30/60

of them come adorned w ith jari,

lace or other such handiwork.

Using chocolate brown or

black with bright colors, or

complementary/supplementary

colors from the color palette

are some of the ways to ensure

aesthetic coordinates for yourbed/cushion settings. Coming

to curtains, these have always

formed an intrinsic part of

home dcor. Today, curtain

arrangements have morphed into

trendy, colorful combinations

that use a range of fabrics in a

variety of w arp and weft. Even

the style of curtains and curtain

stands have changed. You can

get beautiful yet affordablefabrics to m ix and match and

use as curtains in stores.

casual, funky and com fortable

seating, bean bags are available

in diff erent colors and shapes;

they are the perfect answer and

affordable too. Just snuggle up

with a book, lounge with friends

or channel surf in the comfort of

your easily movable bean bag.Many people dont realize that

bedding forms the focal point

of a room. Trendy bedspreads

wit h coordinated cushions and

pillow covers can transform

a room to an image right out

of a magazine. Cushions in

diff erent shapes and sizes,

dressed in diff erent covers, add

to the glamour quotient of the

bed setting. Nowadays, thereare cushion covers available

in various fabrics including

cotton and handlooms; some

Once your home is set w ith all

the basics, upholstery/tapestry

other furbishing, furniture,

paint, and so on, you can then

go about personalizing w ith

accessories and other element s.

A range of accessories are

availablelocal handicrafts

in flea markets and state

emporiums, decorative articles

in stores such as Westside,

Lifestyle and Nirmitee. You

can also opt for wooden

accessories that add an

element of warmthmagazine

racks, decorative stands, and

so on. For the techno look

and feel, go with steel and

glass accessories, including

dark oak polish, black or white.

You could also try and use a

combination of fabrics, maybe

two or t hree, in complementary

shades or patterns. As cheap as

it might sound, this reinvented

piece could well turn out to

be the most arresting pieceof f urniture in your home. You

could also use knock dow n

furniture available from various

South East Asian countries such

as Malaysia and China. Knock

down furniture is typically

available in a wide range of

modern st yles and finishes. Not

only is such furnit ure pleasing

to the eye but it also off ers the

flexibility of putting togetherin a number of permutations

and combinations that most of

all, optimally utilize space. For

Knock down furniture is an availableoption; it comes from various SouthEast Asian countries



31/60

lamps, candle stands, trays and

jars. For the perky look, add

colorful ceramic accessories.

Also available are decorative

items in w icker, wrought iron

and clay. An in-door plant in an

earthen clay pot (blue pot tery is

another option) gives a finishing

touch to an already beautifully

decorated house. Do it yourself

techniques can be terrific too.

For instance, making a collage

of phot ographs on a wall or

using several diff erent frames

with photos both as memory

and as wall art is a great idea.

Using black and white photos or

treating them t o give a vintage

look, graphic methods used on

photographs, create a dramatic

yet personalized space.

One could also use graffiti,

mirror frames, w all hangings,

paintings, wind chimes, the list

is endless

Your home can be decorated

using one or all of these ways

but the most important thing

is to maintain parity in the

look. Using elements that are

representative of d ifferent

styles can create an altogether

disconnected look. It is impo-

rtant to know your theme before

you start; Rustic, Modern,

Techno, Victorian or any ot her.

The right planning wit h a

defined color scheme and

elements that look good yet dont

drill a hole in your pocket will

ensure that your home is indeed

budget a la mode.

Elements representative of differentstyles can be used but you need tomaintain parity in the look



32/60

Ar te fac t

bejewelled f igurine, at Pompeii,

thus dating it back to pre 79 A.

D.! Over the centuries, art and

architecture, have been created

with exquisite detailing and form,

Since ancient t imes, India has

been famed for her art and craft,

as evidenced in the discovery of

a small, beautifully carved ivory

mirror handle, in the shape of a

Brinda Gill

I nd ia i s know n fo r her a r t and c ra f t , s inceanc ien t t im es. Here, w e take a look a t my r i adar t fo rm s t hat have f l ou r i shed in d i f f eren tpar t s o f the count ry .

Mithila Painting


A n I nd i an A es t het i c


33/60

in different parts of the country,

reflective of the skill and creativity

of Indian artists and craftsmen.

From finely hand-knotted carpets

to detailed miniature paintings,

from ornamental Tanjore paintings

to the rustic Warli paintings,

from stunning South Indian

bronzes to endearing bell metal

figures, from traditional pottery

to studio pottery; each work

of art, holds in its fabric, our

centuries-old heritage. And placed

in homes, these objectsdrawn

from a classical, folk, tribal or

contemporary idiom- always add

interest, colour and character to

spaces even as they decorate

them.

Small is beautiful!Drawing from the courtly traditions

of erstwhile kingdoms in different

parts of India, are extraordinary

miniature paintings. As the name

suggests, they are small in size,

yet are rich in detail, colour,

symbolism and skill; elements

that meld together to present a

microcosm of the world of Gods,

humans and nature.

In each defined format, just 12 by

6 inches or less, artists create a

perfectly executed composition

that vividly portrays a theme, storyor event. As tradition goes, they

strive to create a work that would

` cleanse the soul, curb anxiety,

augment future good, cause

delight, kill the evil of bad dreams,

please the household deity and fill

the empty spaces in the house.

Miniature paintings come alive as

one slowly takes in the details.

Gods are painted with a halo;

a hint of romance is suggestedby a peacock, a symbol of love;

the progress of a hunt conveyed

through multiple images of a

tiger; the time of day or a season

by elements such as dark clouds

or distinct trees in blossom; the

status of a person through his

stance and attire.

Viewing these delightful creations

through a magnifying glass

multiplies their visual impact

manifold as it reveals the hundreds

of fine strokes that go into creating

each of these small gems of art.

And grouping a set of miniature

paintings on a wall brings home

the beauty of this legendary

heritage.

Ebullient expressionsAmongst the tribal art expressions

in India, are the charming Warli

wall paintings t raditionally created

by the Warli tribals who have long

been living in mountainous and

forested areas north of Mumbai.

Isolated in their environment, the

Warlis have retained their artistic

expression over centuries, and it is

the simple, ebullient charm of their

works that has instantly appealed

to art lovers the world over.

The Warlis respect for every

manifestation of nature, their

traditional dependence on forests

and fields, their beliefs, rhythms of

life and festivities spontaneously

offer subjects for their paintings.

Simple lines enclose space andcreate form in their paintings: the

human figure is formed by two

triangles that intersect at their

apex; while a deity is painted with

two triangles that do not intersect

at their apex.

Though traditionally created with

rice paste used on brown mud

walls, the Warlis now create

Amongst the tribal art expressions in India,

are the charming Warli wall paintings,

traditionally created by the Warli tribals

MiniaturePainting

MiniaturePainting



34/60

paintings on paper and cloth

surfaced brown, and paint with

white pigment to simulate the

effect of their wall paintings. Theycreate scaled-down versions of

their traditional compositions for

the urban clientele, and these lively

compositions infuse homes with a

rustic charm.

Beautiful bronzesThough the legacy of Indian

bronzes can be traced back

over four thousand years to the

figurine of the dancing girl found

in Mohenjodaro, historically

speaking, the craft of the metal

sculptor reached its glory underthe patronage of the Cholas (850

to 1275 A.D). The deeply religious

Chola rulers built hundreds of

magnificent temples that still

stand erect in Tamil Nadu, gifted

beautiful metal statues to temples,

and performed elaborate temple

rituals. And their religiosity and

patronage encouraged metal

sculptors to create beautiful

bronze images that are the

treasures of Indias heritage.

Inspired by the Chola bronzes,master craftsmen even today

create solid bronze images in the

traditional lost wax technique,

adhering to specifications of

traditional iconometry and

detailing. Each statue is made

anew as the wax model melts

away and the mould is broken for

every cast. The result is unique

images with a distinct feel of

movement, a flowing silhouette,

full height, elongated limbs,

beautiful facial expressions, and

perfect proportions. A Chola-

style bronze, infused with life and

grace, is perfect for placing in a

contemporary living room along

with a small diya or a bowl of

flowers placed before it.

Allure of metalIndigenous to West Bengal and

Orissa is Dhokra or bell metal

craft; it is created using an alloy of

copper and tin or copper and zinc.

Inspired by mythology, nature and

creativity, craftsmen create a wide

spectrum of charming figures.

Bell metal figures, are made of a

clay core and are light in weight;

with their feature and form, theyadd an element of local customs

and traditions. Animals, especially

the elephant, are popular forms,

while deities like Lord Ganesh

and Goddess Durga as well as

kings, lamps in the form of trees,

are also popular. As they are

made from alloys, the bell metal

figures have a burnished, antique

appearance which enhances their

The patronage of the Cholas

encouraged metal sculptors to create

beautiful bronze images

WarliPainting

WarliP

ainting



35/60

Pichwais originated around LordShrinathji or Lord Krishna, as he iscalled at Nathdwara near Udaipur

charm. Dhokra artefacts are now

being crafted for urban homes.

Sacred textilesIndian textiles - created by

different techniques such as hand-

weaving, resist-dyeing, printing

and embroidery- reflect centuriesof tradition, beliefs, creativity

and hereditary skills. Within the

fabulous spectrum of textiles,

are the revered Pichwais that

originated around Lord Shrinathji

or Lord Krishna, as he is called

at Nathdwara, near Udaipur in

Rajasthan.

Traditionally placed behind the

Shrinathji deity in the Nathdwara

temple, Pichwais depict scenes

from the life of Lord Krishna.Deeply religious in nature, Pichwais

are a labour of love for artists and

craftsmen, who spare no effort in

creating them with fine painting,

weaving, hand-bloc printing,

and embroidery. Some Pichwais

are even embellished with gold

for a decorative touch. These

revered textiles are treasured in

urban homes where typically,

they are hung on a wall befitting

their sanctity; viewing these

sacred textiles is believed to be

propitious.

A touch of goldTanjore paintings are perhaps

the most spectacular of all

traditional Indian art forms.

Rooted in mythology, tradition and

religion, most Tanjore paintings

feature deities. Created on a

base of wood, the paintings are

embellished with semi-precious

stones, glass, pearls and gold

leaf. Hung in prayer rooms that

are softly lit by the light from oil

lamps, the deep and vivid colours

and decoration of these paintings

appears rich yet muted.

Tanjore paintings generally feature

a central figure, beautifully attired

and adorned with jewellery, framed

by an arch with smaller figures

filling up space in the composition,

each of these figures with their

symbolism - recreating an entire

episode from Indian mythology.

Relief work brings out the detail

in some compositions, creating

a three-dimensional effect. With

its elaborate composition, details

and colours, a beautifully w orkedTanjore painting can be placed by

itself on a wall. A beautiful wooden

frame enhances its traditional

charm, while dif fused general and

accent lighting in the room brings

out the sanctity and muted beauty

of the gemstones, glass and the

gold work.

So a home adorned with Indian

art and artefacts creates warmth,

style and comfort. After a long

day at work, there is nothing as

soothing as stepping into your

home, tastefully decorated with

beauteous artefacts that radiatewarmth and happiness.

TanjorePainting

JewelleryBox

Lithograph



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jury included Clement Cheung-

Commissioner of Insurance,

Hong Kong, Sara Lamsam

Chairman, Asean Insurance

Council, Michael Huddart - Past

Chairman, The Hong Kong

Federation of Insurers,

Yogesh Lohiya Chairman

cum-MD, General

Insurance Corporation

of India, amongst other

industry representatives

from across the region.

Entries came in from

across Asia with a focus

on regional or specialised

activities. Each company

had to showcase their

achievements and present their

credentials to the judging panel.

These submissions were further

News y ou can use f rom ICICI Prudent ia l L i f eInsurance.

Ensure

ICICI Prudential Life was awarded the Life

Insurance Company of the Year at the

12th Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2008

Company

Showcase

Company

ShowcaseThe true test of a leader, they say,

is when the going gets tough.

Certainly, ICICI Prudential Life has

become adept at sailing through

challenges to emerge victorious,

winning accolades and awards

along the w ay. This year saw

us winning many prestigious

recognitions including the Best

Business Partnership at the

UK Trade & Investment Awardsand being felicitated at the

Outlook Money & NDTV Profit

Awards. Apart from this, we

have now received unsurpassed

international recognition that of

being the best Asian life insurer,

steaming ahead of competition

from not only India, but across Asia.

ICICI Prudential Life was awarded

theLife Insurance Company

of t he Yearat the 12th Asia

Insurance Industry Awards 2008,

held in Hong Kong recent ly. The

Asia Insurance Indust ry Awards

are hosted by Asia InsuranceReview, Asias most respected

publication dedicated to the

insurance industry in the region.

The Awards, an annual feature,

aim to capture the spirit of

innovation and professionalism

in the market; reward the best

practices and salute excellence

within the insurance industry in

all its forms. The Life Insurance

Company of the Year is awarded

to a company for its constructive

contribution to efficiency and

effectiveness in the financing of

insurable risk in Asia.

The elite jury & rigorousjudging processThe 25-member strong

internationally acclaimed jurysaw representation f rom industry

associations, regulators as well

as peers from across Asia. The

scrutinised thoroughly by an

independent auditor.

Three companies were short-

listed in this process. ICICI

Prudential Life was declared the

winner in the category after the

final jury discussion.

The award acknowledged our

customer responsiveness,

efficiency in assessing risksand handling claims, and our

sound financial management and

professional standards.



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ICICI Prudential recognizes your need

to channelise efforts and invest in a

sound life insurance policy

Up Cl oseSince the day you got married,

you have been dreaming,

planning and working towards

the perfect life. Even as you toil

away at w ork, the thought that

keeps you going is--its for thewellbeing of my family. Then

comes your first born, and like

every other parent, you dream

away and think of your child

graduating from one of the f inest

business schools.

You might have even started

saving for your familys future

but w hat if, due to unforeseen

circumstances, you are not

around for long for your family?

The solution is to channelise

your efforts and invest in a life

insurance policy.

Term lif e insurance is a cost

effective way to protect the ones

you care about. The proceed of

such a policy will help your family

pay off your outstanding home

loan, your childs education,and provide for your spouses

retirement apart f rom the normal

cost of living like paying utility

and grocery bills.

Even high net worth individuals

need life insurance because

houses, property, and other

investments cant be sold fast

enough to provide the required

assets. If your loved ones are

forced to quickly sell investments

such as houses, property, stocks,

or mutual funds, they possibly

will take a loss just to get the money.

It is true that your life is

invaluable. Your family members

love you too much to attach

any number or economic value

to your life. It is also true that

insurance can only compensatethe financial loss to your family

and can never compensate the

emotional loss suffered by them.

But, it is equally true that you

need to ensure their happiness

against any adversity because

adversity can strike at anytime.

Keeping this in m ind, ICICI

Prudential brings to you Pure

Protect Classic & Pure Protect

Elite, with which you can insure

your life and provide total

security to your family, at a very

affordable cost.



38/60

Pr oduct Updat e I

Secure your familys future with

ICICI Pru Pure Protect Classic and

Pure Protect Elite.

At a Glance

ICICI Pru Pure Protect Classic

Min/Max Entry Age 18-65 years 18-65 years

Min/Max Terms 10-30 years 10-30 years

Max. Coverage Age 75 years 75 years

Min. Premium Rs. 2,400 p.a. Rs. 2,400 pa

Min. Sum Assured Subject to minimum premium as applicable Rs. 25,00,000

Max. Sum Assured Rs. 24,99,999 -

Tax Benefit Premium paid towards the policy will be eligible for tax benefit under Sec 80C.

ICICI Pru Pure Protect Elite

# Tax benefits under the policy are subject to condit ions under section 80C of the Incom e Tax Act, 1961. Death Benefit is tax free under Section10 (10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.Service tax and education cess will be charged extra, as per applicable rates. The tax laws are subject to

amendments from time to time.For further details, on risk factors and terms and condit ions please read the policy document and detailed benefit illustration before

concluding the sale 2008. ICICI Pru Pure Protect Classic: Form No T20. ICICI Pru Pure Protect Elite: Form No - T21 UIN 105N084V01. ADBRUIN105A018V01 WOPR UIN 105A019V01.

We customise your protection

plan keeping in mind the

insurance protection you need.

We bring you ICICI Prudential

Pure Protect Classic f or insurance

cover up to Rs. 24,99,999 andPure Protect Elite for insurance

cover of Rs. 25,00,000 and above.

Key features of ICICI PruPure Protect: Get insurance protection at

extremely affordable rates.

Avail of discounts on

premium for high sum

assured.

Enhance your policy with

the optional Waiver of

Premium Rider and Accidental

Death and Disability Benefit

Rider.

Avail of tax benefits as

applicable#

You will need to pay regular

premiums for the term chosen.

In case of death of the life

assured during the term, thesum assured w ill be paid to

the beneficiary.

There are no Maturity

benefits.

If you still feel the need to take

it a step further you can take a

look at the additional features we

provide at a nominal extra cost.

Additional features ofICICI Pru Pure Protect:

The death and disabilitybenefit rider allows the

beneficiary to receive the

additional sum assured.

In case of a total and

permanent disability due to

an accident, under the waiver

of premium rider, the

company will pay the

remaining premiums t illmaturity.

36 elitelifeFebruary 2009P/II/211/2008-09


39/60

The comprehensive whole life health

insurance plan for you and your family

Health care has become a

growing burden for Indian

families, as medical costs and

out-of-pocket expenses continue

to rise at alarming rates. This

has led to a demand for ahealth plan that covers not just

hospitalization expenses but

also provides for a means to

meet rising day to day healthcare

expenses of any kind - now and

in the future.

ICICI Prudential Life proudly

brin gs you ICICI Pru Health

Saver The com prehensive

w hole l i fe heal th insurance

plan for you and your f ami ly

wh ich :

Provides guaranteed

Hospitalisation Insurance

coverage upto 75 years of age.

Health Saver is our attempt to

provide you the most

comprehensive health plan. While

the Hospitalisation Insurance

Benefit ensures complete

coverage for expenses incurredin the event of hospitalisation,

the health fund created by

investing a part of your premium

in market linked funds under the

Health Savings Benefit assures

you of an adequate support

system:

To meet day to day medical

expenses that occur outside

the hospital.

To cover the steady outflow

of funds that occurs at the

onset of chronic ailments like

diabetes and hypertension.

Invests in a Health fund

to cover any other healthcare

expenses after 3 years, like

medicines, diagnostics, and

dental expenses.

Flexible premium payment

options; including the option

to continue cover even after

stopping premiums post 5

years of policy.

Free health check-up once

every two years.

Also get t ax benef i t

upt o Rs. 15,000 o n

premium paid u/s

Sect ion 80D!

Further, most of us realize that

once we retire, the need to

provide for your health care

expenses becomes even more

pronounced as the income

earning capacity erodesconsiderably. This is w hen you

can rely on your health fund built

over the years to meet health

costs and also to pay for your

future medical cover.

The benefits coupled with the

unique advantage of availing

tax benefits under section 80D

even on the part of the premium

invested in the health fund makes

it an ideal health plan to take care

of all your health needs today

and tomorrow.

Product Updat e II

For further details, on risk factors and terms and conditions please read the policy document anddetailed benefit illustration before concluding the sale.

37February 2009 elitelifeP/II/212/2008-09


40/60

Tax Gurucracking the tax code

The hardest t hing to understand

in the world is income tax. Albert Einstein

Income tax. Two words that

can make even the bravest of

souls shift in their seats. And as

for the rest o f us it drives us

pretty close to a state of nervous

anxiety. How much to save?

What to invest in? How to file

tax? Questions. More questions.

Its almost as if, the end of year

annual examination of school

days is back to haunt us.

And this is one exam for which

most of us dont seem to have

any preparation.

A recent research conducted by

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

with market research agency

IMRB International shows a

shocking lack of awareness

about even rudimentary tax

related information even amongst

educated Indians. The research

which covered 900 respondents

across Delhi, Mumbai and

Chennai showed that peoples

awareness on various tax related

sections, tax savings instruments

or how much they can invest

in such instruments was much

lower than what one would

have expected given the overall

interest in the topic of tax.

In order to bridge this knowledge

gap ICICI Prudential Life has

launched www.taxguru08-09.

com, a first of its kind initiative

for providing assistance to

consumers as they plan their tax

saving investments. The website

has been conceptualized withthe objective of empowering

consumers to take an informed

decision when it comes to saving

tax.

The website covers a range of

topics under the ambit of income

tax. Currently the site covers

Tax saving rules and relevant

sections of t he IT Act

Factors to be considered

while making tax related

investment decision

Comparison between various

tax saving tools

Insurance and the income tax

edge

Tax calculator to help calculate

the tax liability

Additionally www.taxguru08-09.

com also allows the consumers

to interact with experts in thetaxation field via a unique online

tax query resolution helpline.

Consumers can write in w ith their

tax related concerns which are

then answered by a dedicated

panel of expert. What more, it

also allows you to view questions

posted by others & the answers

provided to those questions.

So, this year make sure that the

tax season doesnt leave you with

more questions than answers.

With Tax Guru, you can get ready

to crack the tax code.

www.taxguru08-09.com provides

assistance to consumers as they plan

their tax saving investments.

Care t o Shar e I

38 elitelifeFebruary 2009 P/II/213/2008-09


41/60

Health Active is a complete solution for managing

your health through a combination of adequate

insurance protection & preventive care

The NeedWe have seen a drastic

transformation in our lifestylesover the last few years. Growing

affluence and urbanization

have led to several changes

in our lifestyles. Technological

innovations such as PCs, mobile

phones, internet have made our

lives simpler and have brought

us closer. At the same time, a

growing economy and higher

disposable incomes have made

it possible for more and more

people to have access to theseconveniences. However, the

effects have not all been positive.

Stressful w ork environment, poor

ways in which one can tackle

these health risks. One being

preparing for future eventualities

(through adequate savings and

insurance) and the other being

taking adequate precautions to

avoid complications in future

(preventive care). Both areequally critical to ensure that one

is completely prepared.

The SolutionAt ICICI Prudential, we

understand how a holistic

solution is a combination of both

these elements and therefore,

we present to you our wellness

offering Health Active,

integrated w ith our insurance

products, available exclusively to

all our policy holders. With Health

Active, you get a complete

solution for managing your

health through a combination of

eating habits, longer working

hours and sedentary lifestyles

have contributed to an alarming

increase in the incidence of

lifestyle diseases such as

diabetes, obesity, hypertension,

coronary heart disease more

so, at a relatively younger age.

These may also result in a host

of complications that could

be fatal to life. To compound

the problem, escalating

medical costs have made

medical treatment for these

complications costlier.

This rising incidence of these

diseases along w ith grow ing

urbanization has led to increased

health awareness. There are tw o

adequate insurance protection

and preventive care.

How it helps?Aimed at helping you stay

healthier, Health Act ive is a

personalized wellness program,

designed not only t o encourage

users make health promises but

also provide them with tools to

keep them! It is a platform which

helps you assess current health

status, take corrective measures

and get rewarded for staying

healthy.

The entire program is a fun-filled

journey to health and well being.

It gets you started by assessing

your health through HealthCheck,

a comprehensive assessment

tool that evaluates you on all

relevant health parameters.

Zappy guides you through the

questions and once you are

done, you instantly get your

HealthCheck score and a detailed

report which is a complete roundup of your current heath status,

the health risks you are prone to

and detailed recommendations

on each area on how you can

avoid them.

After taking stock of where

you stand, the next step is to

know where you should reach.

Here, Zappy encourages you to

set health goals on parameters

such as weight, b lood pressure,

cholesterol and blood sugar to

ensure that you stay focused

towards well defined health

objectives.

Once youve set your goals,

Health Active

Car e t o Share I I

39February 2009 elitelifeZappy, your companion on your journey to good hea


42/60

Theres more: Health Active even

rewards users with HealthPoints

Zappy helps you channelise your

energies towards achieving the

desired target. Based on your

health goals, you get customized

diet and fitness plans to get

you started on the right note.

Thereafter, you are guided

through the rest of your journey

with the help of various tools and

services. The resource centre

acts as a ready repository of

health information. Health Active

Coach & Hotline are phone-based

services where expert counselors

and dieticians advice you. To

encourage you further, we

have even partnered with select

healthcare providers such as

fitness centres and diagnostic

centres to provide you withspecial offers on these services.

And theres more

In addition to ensuring a

healthy lifestyle for you, Health

Active also rewards users with

HealthPoints on the efforts they

make for staying healthy! These

points get you exciting rewards

as you accrue more and more of

them.

So what are you waiting for,

enroll yourself in the programmetoday and reap the benefits of

good health!

How to get started?

As an ICICI Prudential policyholder, you now get exclusive access

to Health Active. Start your journey towards good health today by

following these four simple steps:

1. V

Documents

Elite Life Feb09