Candles

Candles have been a part of our culture for many years .Candle burning is part of our day to day life and many of us don't even realize how much. In our day to day life candles are lit at church, lit at funerals and always lit at the top of our birthday cakes that we blow out each and every year. Candle colours to have their own significance which I shall deal with in my following post . "Candle Color Believers" usually burn candles along with other forms of beliefs and for many of us candle burning is a religious belief for others it is a form of therapy , for some a part of healing and for me one of the passions and are necessary element to enhance the interiors . Few candles ( along with the link to source ) that may tempt you to elaborate your collection.....

                                       http://www.fabfurnish.com/home-decor/candles/?page=1

                                                        Image courtesy Fab Furnish.com

Wall Decals

Wall decals are specially prepared paper bearing a picture or design for transfer to wood, metal, glass,etc and as the name suggests walls of course. I myself being an interior designer have an opportunity to play with colours all the time  but my all time favourite is white with a splash of colour and  that makes my style statement. Well , I really don't like to impose my  preferences on my clients as  its them , who ultimately have to live with those colours but I have rarely failed to sell my ideas to them. Here is a tip along with the links ( where one can source the relevant products from )   that can make a difference to your home as well .

http://www.fabfurnish.com/home-decor/wall-decals-stickers/

Image courtesy Fab Furnish.com

The Beginning Of Another Night

Every object around us has a story to tell so does the sun while it sets " The beginning of another night " I was fortunate to have the company of  A.M.Faruqui (Photo journalist) else  there was no way I could have captured the  mesmerising sunset !

all pictures Copyright ©2012alkanarula 
Photo credits A.M.Faruqui

Bedia Tribe Madhya pradesh

 Bednia often referred as Bedia , a Schedule Tribe in India,  inhabits Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. They are known to be skilled in the folk arts of dance and music, rural acrobatics and black magic. It is believed that to a member of the warrior caste, robbery or prostitution is preferable to manual labour. During the British colonial rule, this nomadic tribe was branded  as  Bad man  (known as  bedias in Hindi meaning wolfs) which later deteriorated and came to known as Bednia .  These people are notorious for their tradition of introducing girls into prostitution.Marriage generally is not allowed for Bedia girls, especially within their community, although community marriages do occur sparingly. But once these marriages take place within their own community, Bedia girls are not permitted to dance or resort to prostitution.

I waited for four months since I watched a documentary on a nomadic tribe in India who encourage their girls to prostitution and the boys therefore are pre-destined to become pimps. Driven by strong urge to visit to understand them and work for  betterment of this community took me to Madhya Pradesh last week . A different world which most of us cant imagine lies in out skirts of Bhopal , approximately 225 kms away from the city . There are about 51 such communities which inhabit Madhya Pradesh and live a non existent life. I travelled village to village and the bond I developed with them has given me one more aim to achieve, though an uphill task but I strongly believe " Where there is a will there's a way " And I am sure to find a way for upliftment of this tribe and the work has already begun.

In my next post I will be sharing the facts that I learnt from the ground zero and the perception people have about them from little they have learnt about Bedias on television channels or read about them . They live with a  painful past with some hope in the present  and  a bright future that I promised to them , which I hope I will be able to live up to with the determination I have. I make a strong appeal to everyone to support me in this great mission  

all pictures Copyright ©2012alkanarula 
Photo credits A.M.Faruqui. 

A must watch film JAL

After a long time a film that takes away the credit of a perfect combination of art and entertainment. The film, which had its world premiere at the Busan International Film Festival last month, stars Purab Kohli, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Kirti Kulhari in lead roles.

                                          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNNEXQ-YcV8

JAL is a high-octane, action- drama with a shocking climax. Shot on an epic scale, the film is a visual treat and has managed to capture ‘Rann Of Kutch’ like never before prompting even ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ to applaud Jal as “A breathtakingly photographed tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.



JAL is the story of the handsome and willful water diviner, BAKKA who is gifted with a special ability to find water in the desert. With the backdrop of water scarcity, the film tells a complex and intriguing story of love, relationships, enmity, deceit and circumstances that bring about the dark side of human character. Jal was the only Indian film to be among the selected 12 films in competition at the Busan International Film Festival. It received a great response from the International media as well as the audience at the festival. and was allotted 5 screenings at the festival and all the shows were sold out.



After Busan, Jal was selected in the Indian Panorama section at IFFI, Goa alongside such celebrated films as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and Paan Singh Tomar. At IFFI also it received an overwhelming audience response, strengthening the belief that this is a film that caters to both the intelligentsia and the masses.A worth watching filme indeed .




Photo credits Google image search results

The Heritage Suite

As mentioned in Noor Us Sabah Palace Bhopal# ,  my previous post  The WelcomHeritage# , not only had oozing beauty that one could not take eyes off but the interiors of the The Heritage Suite were equally impressive and done up keeping in view the regal times . .The colour scheme  ( though not commonly used by Nawabs# ) was so effectively that I ignored the dominant colour mauve that otherwise could have been an eyesore for me ! The blend of mauve , lavender with subtle beige with intricate wood work in deep wall nut and natural colur made it  appear not only stunning but also reminds one of the gracious living and traditions of Bhopal# .The palace is a perfect setting for a sublime stay . Few pictures of The Heritage  Suite# leading to a balcony overlooking lush green gardens and serene beauty of the Bhopal lake ...

all pictures Copyright ©2012alkanarula

Noor Us Sabah Palace Bhopal

When I was told that I am booked in Noor-Us-Sabah Palace# one of the best hotels in Bhopal   I wasn't too sure about the property but my opinion changed after I stepped in the hotel. A Welcom Heritage Hotel  atop a small hill , overlooking the tranquil beauty of Bhopal lake# turned out to be one of the best experience for me .The name "Noor Us Sabha meaning "The Light Of Dawn "built in 1920's by By HH Hamid Ullah Khan for his daughter Abida Sultan , a a white palatial building reflects the regal times and grandeur of a bygone era. The Central Cascade courtyard brings back the memories of a charming Nawab Evening . Few pictures of the elegance of past -#noorussabhapalace #bhopal

all pictures Copyright ©2012alkanarula

Mission Muzaffarnagar 2013

My trip to Shamli Relief Camp UP . captured on camera

My first hand experience with riot victims last week .I must say what relief it is to share others pain but a pain to watch others do politics over it....

  

Has UP Govt done enough for the riot victims that took place on 27 August 2013. in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas in which several people were killed and thousands displaced ,a blot on the state government and a major administrative failure of Akhilesh led SP government. The condition of victims who months after continue to live in relief camps was displayed by the media ,who day after day gave coverage on displaced people living in relief camps facing adversities without proper clothing , food ,water and other basic amenities . to make the mater worse children dying in cold without medical aid kept shaking my conscience for not being able to do something for them on humanitarian grounds until I decided to visit them and help them in my own capacity. I am grateful to my all those friends and business contacts who contributed generously for these people and made my visit more meaningful .

^[

तुम

Once again few lines in hindi 

मेरे जीवन की हर कड़ी हो तुम 

मेरे मुस्कुराने की वजह भी तुम

मेरी तकदीर में लिखे संगीतकार होने की वजेह

हो तुम

कैसे कहूँ मेरी ज़ुबान हो तुम

मेरे गीत  भी तुम

मेरे संगीत की जान हो तुम

आ रंग दे मुझे

इस से पहले गुमशुदा हों हम

खो जाय मेरा वजूद 

मिट जाए मेरा नामो निशान

हवा में हो जाए गुम

सुन ले मेरे कदमो की आहट

मेरी पायल की रुन झुन

वक़्त की रफ़्तार के आगे किस का चला है दम

फिसल जाता है हाथ की उंगलिओन से जैसे
बारिश की बूंदे
मगर एहसास होता है सन्नाटे की आवाज़ से 
जब सुनाई नहीं देती रिम झिम

ले चल ऐसी जगह जहाँ मेरे सिवा बस हो तुम

मेरे दिल का नगमा  सुन सको 

और कुछ ना सुन सको  तुम

फिर से कहा जो तुमने

किसी और की आहट से परेशान हो तुम

चल दू गी मैं मुस्कुरा करबस इतना  कह कर

मेरे मुक़ुद्दर में नही हो शायद तुम

मगर बन जाओ गे ना सिर्फ़

काग़ज़ के कोरे पन्ने होने की वजह बस   तुम 

मेरे बेज़ुबान होने की वजह  भी  तुम 

Kumar Vishwas Before And After

According to his official website Kumar Vishwas the AAP (AAM ADMI PARTY) leader
is an Indian Youth Icon, who carries several aspects in his personality. As a celebrated Hindi poet, he is well known across the world. He is credited with reviving Hindi poetry among young generation.

I can not discredit Kumar Vishwas of being a good poet  or undermine his capability of being a shrewed politician  but after hearing him debate  and watch the  increasing arrogance on display through  his body language I refuse to accept him as Youth Icon. Kumar Vishwas has constantly been on my target for the arrogance and the filthy language he uses without hesitation yet with over confidence that he seems to think the entire nation loves him and only him and he is The Best . I have  closely watched this young man's image grow from a  simpleton  to larger than life and have not only observed ,a drastic change in his way of conducting himself from good to bad  of course but also the dramatic change in his dressing  style , which is getting better and better day by day ever since he came into politics. The fact that I can not deny , from a boy next door to a totally transformed  Kumar Vishwas who of late is seen only in designer outfits  for every occasions , surely seems  in race with The Fashion Icon  in the country , Well that's not the point I was trying to make to make through this post  but draw every one's attention on his latest wardrobe. If we look at his before and after pics they have a story to tell for me its from rags to riches or could be foreign funding effect ...

Before                                                             After

Before                                                         After

Before                                                            After

Before                                                            After

                                                      

Before                                                              After    

  Before                                                              After    

  Before                                                              After    

Few lines I would like to dedicate to him in his language ,  in his honor 

Watch me I am a new Kumar Vishwas

Why do you look so dazed

I am in race with fashion Icon 

If you have a problem get lost 

I am here to bring about much needed change

From dull ordinary face to branded shades

 Don;t mention my sloppy T shirts but talk about my crisp jackets

That can set you ablaze

                                 I am done with  pujari ji's scarves I only adorn Burberry 
                                                  And other designer's .range !

Disclaimer - The post is not meant to hurt any one's emotions or is politically motivated but is purely based on my personal views and opinion . 

Photo Crdits - Google search results

Letter to Election Commission of IIndia

I feel disgusted each time I watch AAP (Aam Aadmi Party ) candidates or workers holding a Jharoo (broom) in their hands . It may have been during the election campaign or during the celebrations I felt the same .Well one may wonder why should it concern me its purely AAP's choice ! To cut it short AAP claims to represent the youth of our country , and do we want to see our youth holding some thing that represents future and growth or a broom in their hands  and above all today AAP is contesting at state level but tomorrow when they contests at national level can we accept our PM candidate waving a broom , at least I can't . More over what message are we going to convey to international community . Recently I wrote a letter to Election Commission Of India expressing my concern over such election symbols of which the copy has been shared in this post.. Since it's not illegible one can read the contents below

To                                                                                                                                        27/'11/03

The Chief of Election Commission

Election Commission of India

Parliament Street

N Delhi

Dear Sir 

I would like to introduce myself  before I proceed any further , I am alka Narula , by profession I am  an Interior designer  the author of poetry book " Deep In My Heart "  and an avid blogger , above all a  patriot and  a responsible citizen of this country 

 Sir  , to my understanding  the  election symbols are approved and allotted by Election Commission to various parties in the country and I have a strong objection to the symbol allotted to AAP ,  A  Jharu ( a broom) no doubt when AAP claims to clean the system it may sounds ok to half  the population of this country but the system does not really require a broom to be cleaned  . I  associate , for that matter many people like me , a  broom with  either dirt or filth and particularly when the party has indulged into  verbally spewing  filth all over  .A large no of AAP   supporters are the youth of this country and I feel a party which claims to represent the future of our country should be associated with education and growth which could have been represented by a book , a pen , a laptop  or by any futuristic symbol , there is a list to choose from. 

We certainly need to understand  mind  of the youth which is impressionable at this age they need to think  positive not remain shrouded in traditional ways of  politics of mudslinging ,people like me don't want to see our youth holding the broom in their hands while they walk the streets .

Sir right now its at assembly level , tomorrow when the party contests at national level I wonder ,what message shall be conveyed to the international community  by such symbols? I strongly believe political parties should be discreet about their symbols as well their language .

I suggest their symbol should be replaced  though it seems impossible with elections around the corner but in future the sentiments of people  like me should be taken in  to consideration while allotment t of election symbols. The  patriot in me feels disgusted every time I see a bunch of our upcoming generation walking  with a broom in their hands , the hands that should be holding books and pens  !

 Anticipating a positive response'

With best regards

I remain , Sir

Alka Narula

Congress 2013 Debacle

 With the magnificent victory in Delhi assembly elections, Kejriwal-led AAP has emerged as the second-largest party in Delhi assembly after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) . It has not only shook the political order in Delhi assembly Election s but also forced the opposition to introspect their electoral show !

 Surprisingly the big giants have not understood that this is not the victory of any party but  a victory of the people of this country and a victory of democracy. As usual BJP has joined the Congress party who has been  living in  denial and became evident from from BJP/s claims that Congress got blown away in Modi storm . I have all my sympathies with Sheila Dikshit (the ex CM of Delhi) who despite the good work she has done in the capital had to bear the brunt and became the victim of the anger the people had for UPA  II . Its high time for BJP and particularly Congress to realise that you have to be among people to understand their needs  but both the parties seem to be completely disconnected from ground realities .  Cong , I believe kept away from the public out of nervousness after unfolding of several scams . Knowing the fact that human beings  have short memory, had they rather  connected more often with them , in  particular a commoner and  the youth of this country to understand  their anguish and  promised  not only to perform better but also taken measures to correct   their mistakes there was a chance of  better results in  the Assembly elections. Surprisingly they continued mudslinging on the opposition and introducing  populous  schemes  as a  measure to damage control.  What surprised me even more was Rahul Gandhi  who once upon a time was a YOUTH  ICON went into isolation who could actually have remained connected with the people and should have been there among them and not distanced himself completely. I also felt of late he has got into traditional way of politics , lambasting the opposition rather than talking about their own contribution and their Govt. manifesto.  Or was he lost in the scuffle of finding his very own  identity  and  emerge out of his Pappu image .  He was seen  trying hard  to project himself  like a tough  Modi  who being a good orator has an edge over Rahul . He must not ignore the fact that it is not necessary that a good orator can be a good states man and a good statesman does not need to be a good orator on the contrary have good spokes persons who are intelligent with excellent communication skills .In fact Rahul needs to go for personality development a finishing school, he needs to build back the  confidence that he had shown in his early political career to come out of complexes he  seems to be suffering from ever since the media started comparison  between Modi and him and with the kind of strong  political background he has  he should not allow opposition and the media affect him and be himself.
Yes  Cong certainly needs to learn a lesson from AAP that how imp ti is to remain connected with  public . Also  they need  hire a PR agency to create a better image for the party and make their brand acceptable that seems to have lost its shone . Above all deal strictly with tainted  leaders and of course a someone with strong  leadership  qualities to lead the party which of course  Rahul lacks 

Also AAP needs to learn a lesson from the two giants , not to forget  that people of this country had given a  mandate in their favour which is not performance based but they have given them an opportunity to prove themselves   rather than behave like a bunch of arrogant leaders who have never tasted power before , in particular Kumar Vishwas who has already begun to behave like a  king ,who can not talk without pointing finger at the others  which is quite annoying . He also needs to mind his language as well as have the patience to hear others out   at least when he is on National television  . Not to forget its the people's power who brought Cong in to power and it is the same power that brought them down  and the same applies to him and every one else.

Who Killed Arushi ?

Who killed Aarushi ,for many it may remain a mystery  , those are the people who believe Talwar's really loved their daughter but who  is doubting that ? The fact , at times insanity takes over human mind and that;s exactly what happened in Arushi's case

 "Even one circumstance is enough to nail a person," said lawyer Sanjay Hegde. "Even one circumstance can damn a person. One circumstance can be clinching in a criminal case. The behaviour of the couple was very suspicious. I am sure the judge has valid reasons to declare them guilty of murder," Hegde 

Pronounced guilty of murdering their own daughter Aarushi and servant Hemraj, the Talwars were sent to Ghaziabad's Dasna Jail .Just before the verdict I watched a programme on television where Nupur explained why she never shed tears after her daughters murder ." I have always been like that" said Nupur "More over a woman whose daughter has been murdered , who's husband has been sent to jail , all that has happened to me has made me react like that" she said on being questioned on her body language after the murder , In fact being a mother myself I have been quite intrigued by her reaction,expressions and the body language . I always wondered how can a mother be so calm and composed whose 14 year old child has been brutally murdered ? But she answered my question soon after the verdict came out ! Both the Talwars broke down in the court and both of them are believed to have cried the whole night the day they were sent behind the bars . Finally Nupur proved that she is no exception but she has a heart and soul like all other mothers , there is an old saying silence speaks more than words and it was her silence that told us that she is one of the culprits .

I can't speak for others but from the day one when Hemraj's family was found I said " Its an Honor killing" for me all the circumstances were clearly pointing towards them. I could not buy the CBI's earlier theory that the servants killed them both.

The trial court judgement in the Aarushi-Hem raj double murder received support from several eminent lawyers who maintained that circumstantial evidence left no other conclusion possible. but there has been much hue and cry by the family members of Talwars . The news channels were flooded with their interviews where they tried to put forth

their grievance against the CBI , the same CBI who they appreciated at the time the pronounced the servants responsible for the double murder . Nupur Talwar's mother, Lata Chitnis, tells a news channel that her husband's health has gotten worse n the wake of the verdict holding her daughter and Rajesh Talwar guilty of Aarushi-Hemraj's murder. Chitnis further accused the CBI of hiding facts and spoiling the case. Why did the CBI give a clean chit to the servants, asks Nupur Talwar's mother. My husband fought for country and he expects a fair judgement, she added So have the  other members condemned the CBI's investigation,and called it trial by the media.

Are they trying to tell us that only those who fight for the country should get fair trial ? More over every family suffers for no reason but at the hands of one  member turned  criminal and they are no exception. And watching the debates on the media I felt its got on to defencive soon after Talwar's allegations where as they should have announced the verdict and moved on to next news . Why are Talwars being given so much impotance , how about Krishna , Rajkumar and Mandal why not show their side and broadcast their views or am I right in believing media belong to the people who matter Scores of killings and injustice happens in the poorer sections of the society and often it goes unnoticed and the Talwars’ case is being given unnecessary importance. The media , the family members and the panel must respect the judgement and not become judgemental. In case Talwars feel they have enough evidence to prove not guilty they should appeal to higher court and not to the media or public to prove their innocence.

Crime Against Women in India

 "Amid the clamour for punishment to be awarded to Tehelka magazine’s founder-editor Tarun Tejpal for alleged sexual assault and the harassment complaint made against a former Supreme Court judge, women’s rights activists have lauded the trend of women taking on the “powerful and the mighty” as a sign of empowerment  - The Hindu

These episodes  remind me of the incident that  haunts me till date . It was in the first quarter of  year 1998  when I separated from my Ex husband  . I registered a complaint against him in women's cell in Lajpat Nagar Police station N Delhi which was forwarded to the main Moti Bagh branch where it was being dealt by a senior Officer ,a commissioner then  who was probably in late fifties I had charged my Ex  of infidility and converting to Islam for the purpose of getting married to another girl while he was still married to me . After several meetings with the officer  at the women's cell for several  months I got no where nor I saw a ray of hope of getting justice when this officer totally devasted me with his one remark " You have a nice figure " The message came to me loud and clear from the man who was there to secure a woman's rights " Girl you can not get justice here "  and discouraged me from ever appearing in the women's cell again and deprived me and my daughter of our rights.  I did not  have the strength to go back to him for justice as I had none by my side at that point of time , no friends , no family . Neither I was aware of the fact  that a strong action can be taken against him nor I had the resources and the time to fight it out . For me then time was money and arranging one meal a day became the priority. Had he taken my case genuinely I would have been better placed now in all respects in .He made me lose faith in both police and judiciary that resulted in my divorce with a mutual consent  , which otherwise would have been a war ,if not for myself but for the alimony and rights  of my daughter Thanks to the supreme court  guidelines and the awareness that is being brought about by the the media that more and more women  are feeling empowered to complain against the culprit ." The change from “suffering in silence” to “taking on the powerful” is a sign of women finally finding their voice.

Keep Warm Look Hot

The year 2013 has been a year of short tops and high waist pants and denims , showing a little bit of skin around waist looked awesome until the winter set in Dressing up as I have always said is an art
and all that one needs is right dress sense and the confidence to carry what one is wearing . Few tips to follow this winter to keep warm and still look hot .http://aakriti-narula.blogspot.in/2013/11/keep-warm-look-hot.html

Please click the link on top to follow tips