The Writer’s Flight

  Growing demand for technologically enabled systems now allow homeowners to take more control, besides saving on energy costs and increasing security measures   Namrata Kohli  New Delhi It was only a matter of time before technology – which we now depend on for the smallest of things, such as checking the time – made its way into that most personal of spaces: home. Proof of this invasion is the burgeoning demand for smart homes and tech-integrated living spaces, such as advanced home automation systems, including internet-of-things (IoT) devices that enhance security, energy management, and overall convenience. According to a recent study by real estate consultancy Savills India, over 65 per cent of individuals aged 42-65 show a clear preference for tech-enabled homes. Key technologies driving this trend include AI-powered home assistants, IoT-enabled security systems, energy-efficient climate control systems, and smart lighting solutions. These innovations offer conveni...

  Bold flavours, minimalist aesthetic and edible art such as  watercolor effects, pressed edible flowers are stealing the spotlight in the world of cakes and bakes, for their Instagram-worthy appeal  By Namrata Kohli What is edible, aesthetic and to its practitioners an art and science? Baking. The Indian bakery market was worth $12.6 billion in 2023 and it is expected to reach $29.4 billion in size by 2032, according to a study done last year by a group called Research and Markets. “Baking is love made edible”- that’s how Rihanna P. Narang, a class 12 student of Sri Venkateshwara International School, Dwarka describes her love for baking cakes. She started cooking at the age of 8 years and baking at 17 and says – “Baking is relaxing and therapeutic but requires patience, practice and creativity. It is incredibly magical to see how simple ingredients come together to become amazing bakery products. I love the bustle and aromas of pastry kitchen.” Her favourite cakes ...

                        Madan Lal Paliwal, the Founder and Chairman of the Miraj Group He is the man behind some of Bollywood blockbuster films such as Madaari as film producer, and runs the famous Miraj group of cinemas, a chain of multiplex throughout the country. As  chairman of Miraj Group,  Madan Lal Paliwal,  leads a large number of companies across sectors such as p rinting and packaging, food processing, pipes and fittings, real estate, hospitality and retail.  He started his entrepreneurial activity in class six as a small time businessman cum worker, doing business and different jobs alongside his studies and currently  leads a large number of companies spread all over India  such as  Miraj Products Pvt. Ltd., Miraj Developers Ltd., Miraj Entertainment Ltd., Miraj Multicolours Pvt. Ltd., Miraj Pipes and Fittings Pvt. Ltd. and Miraj Cinemas, Miraj Tradecom Private Limited. The co...

  By Namrata Kohli Did you know that Rajasthan is home to the world’s largest statue of Lord Shiva. Standing tall at 369 feet, the “Statue of Belief” is located within Nathdwara, 50 kms away from Udaipur. The statue, which includes a 34m high pedestal, reaches a height of 112 m and is among the five largest statues worldwide. It depicts Lord Shiva seated in a meditative pose, symbolizing peace and serenity. The intricate detailing includes Shiva’s matted locks, the crescent moon, and the sacred Ganga flowing from his hair- the Statue has been crafted by sculptor Naresh Kumawat, the same artist who crafted a 75 ft long Samudra Manthan mural inside new parliament building in the capital city. Visible from a distance of 20 kms due to its towering height and prominent location, the site includes a museum, gardens, and an auditorium to engage visitors. The statue has been finished with copper, and coated with zinc alloy, to protect it from rain and sun and increase i...

  By Namrata Kohli Columnist- WomanWise Did you know that the sheer volume of gold owned by the Indian woman surpasses the combined reserves of the top five gold-holding countries: USA, Germany, Italy, France, and Russia, as per the latest report by World Gold Council. We hold a staggering 24,000 tons of gold, which is far more than any country's gold holdings individually. What’s more, the quantity is growing with each passing year despite the fact that the gold rate has been increasing. Even the latest Deloitte report "Sparkling Success: Renaissance in India's Gems and Jewellery Sector" states that “Gold remains the dominant choice for jewellery, with a 97% preference.” Have you ever wondered why this gold fixation even though the jewellery and big fat Indian wedding circuit is largely dominated by Kundan, Polki and diamonds. These may be admired for their aesthetic appeal, but gold has outdone any other jewellery simply because gold is beyond jewellery. For generat...

  By Namrata Kohli “Before KP took over an almost dormant DLF at the behest of his wife Indira and sister-in-law Prem, he knew nothing about real estate – zero!” This may sound unbelievable but that’s the absolute truth about a man who is credited with turnaround of Gurugram and setting the gold standard for luxury real estate in India. K.P. Singh’s book “Why the heck not?” is an interesting account of his life’s journey where co-author Aparna Jain variously describes him as “a forever learner”, a “one man army”. His blueprint for success? Shares KP  Singh- "I believe every opportunity is like a train standing on a platform. The train’s door opens for a short while, either you get in or when the door closes the train leaves. Opportunity comes to every human being, it is your smartness how to quickly find out yes or no and then grab it before somebody else grabs it.  Every person should know when opportunity comes. T herefore I say, why the heck not?" Co-author Aparna ...

  With the advent of a slew of foreign makes, Indian bikers are now spoilt for choice, and the growing numbers of riders point to the emergence of a proper riding culture in the country      Namrata Kohli   New Delhi       “Biking teaches us to be a better human. Riding a motorcycle connects you directly to the road, the wind, and the environment in a way that feels thrilling and immersive. We all live in such a selfish world but when biking, you let people into your world .  As soon as I sit on a motorbike and put on the helmet it is my time with myself, and I drop all my worries on the highway and move on, ” says c elebrity motorbiker Dr. Maral  Yazarloo -Pattrick   Indeed, motorcycle-riding has come a long way in India. Until recently something that you saw in American movies, riding now has a clutch of clubs and a dedicated fan base among Indian riders, cutting a cross regions and classes.    Naturally, a hard-core bik...