UNICEF Applauds National Stamp Designs for Child Rights...

The Department of Posts, in association with UNICEF on the occasion of Children's Day in India (Nov 14) announced the winners of the 2019 Stamp Design Competition, whilst also commemorating thirty years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The top two winning entries have been adapted as stamps.

More than 14,000 children from across India participated with stamp designs in the annual competition run by the Department of Posts, this year in partnership with the Ministry of Communication, the Government of India and UNICEF. The theme for this year’s competition was child rights.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the United Nations on 20 November 1989, and is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. India ratified the CRC in 1992, committing to protect and promote all rights of children. In partnership with Government, civil society, communities and children across India, UNICEF is celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the CRC and 70 years in India working for the rights of every child. 

Speaking on this year’s stamp design competition, a senior official from the Department of Posts said, 

“Every year, the Department of Posts holds a Stamp Design Competition on Children’s Day inviting drawings, paintings and sketches from children on a particular theme. The theme of this year’s Children’s Day Stamp Design Competition was ‘Child Rights’.” 

On the partnership with UNICEF, the Department official continued, 

“The partnership with UNICEF this year has served twin objectives: on one hand, it is generating awareness about philately and on the other hand, it is creating awareness about child rights. Children have sent us excellent art work on what the CRC means for them. Today, children clearly identify new challenges facing them as well as available opportunities. Young people are speaking out for their right to education, demanding an end to discrimination, calling for end to violence, striking for action on the climate crisis, campaigning for digital reform and calling on leaders to protect their future.”

The winning entries – three winners and five consolation prices – will be awarded at a national event in New Delhi on 20 November 2019, World Children’s Day. While the top two designs on child rights are adapted as stamps, the remaining are used for preparing various philatelic items including first day cover, brochure etc. The 1st prize winner will win a cash prize of INR 50,000. The 2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive INR 25,000 and INR 10,000 respectively. The five consolation prizes are worth INR 5,000 each. 

Congratulating the winners and all children who participated, Foroogh Foyouzat, Deputy Representative for UNICEF in India said, 

“Indian children have brought the Convention on the Rights of the Child to life with their inspiring and beautiful stamp designs. Every child who participated is a winner in our shared responsibility to work tirelessly so that every child in India realizes all of his or her rights. In their entries, we can see girls and boys dreams for themselves and for all children. At a time when children and childhood itself are faced with new challenges in a rapidly changing world, these powerful images by children are a great reminder that we must all do more to put child rights at the heart of India now and for all future generations.” 

The following children have been declared as Winners:

First prize winner              :     Ms. Nidhi Rahul Mhatre (15), Boisar, Maharashtra

Second prize winner          :     Ms. Vibhushi Agarwal (12), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Third prize winner            :      Ms. Deepali Midha (17), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

Consolation prize winners:      (i) Master Rupam Mahanty (10), Jamshedpur, Jharkhand

                                                 (ii) Ms. Vaidehi Vikas Shirsath (17), Bengaluru, Karnataka

                                                 (iii) Ms. Arya Thapa (14), Tadong, Sikkim

                                                 (iv) Master Sarvesh Suresh Joshi (07), Parbhani, Maharashtra

                                                 (v) Ms. Kratika Chittoriya (14), Nagra, Rajasthan

An Anglo-Indian Gastronomic Sojourn...

Indian food is known across the world for its sheer variety and is characterized by its elaborate use of different ingredients and cooking techniques. But little do we realize that many of our acclaimed cuisines are a by-product of our unique history. 

For centuries, the Indian subcontinent attracted immense interest from all parts of the world, particularly that of contemporary European traders, who coveted the one cargo which was literally worth its weight in gold, spices.  In a welcome but rather unexpected twist of irony, the very spices which drove The British Empire to undertake this mammoth responsibility of colonial subjugation also became a reason for bridging two different cultures and winning over the hearts and minds of the 'masters', instead of the intended another way around. 

Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth Century, British and other European settlers would often be enthralled by the spectacular assortment of food and spices from the myriad regions of the Indian subcontinent. The flavours were exciting and the aromas enchanting, unlike anything they had ever tasted before. But to be truly palatable to most British settlers, these centuries-old recipes needed to be 're-imagined' with a little bit of good old British 'flavour fundamentals'. 

Here lay the foundations of what we now know as 'Anglo-Indian' cuisine, a hallmark of India's culture of acceptance and co-existence. 

The British essentially mellowed down and anglicised certain Indian dishes with acceptable levels of spice and tweaked some of their signature English meals with Indian flavours. The resulting cuisine was relished in formal settings and on evenings when English Sahibs, Indian Princes and bejewelled ladies would gather together to enjoy the finest whiskeys and wines, and the elaborate and extensive menus each night, prepared laboriously by the cooks were only outdone by others the next night. Their fare was honed to perfection at quintessential colonial institutions like gentleman’s clubs, railway kitchens and Army messes. 

The fairly new Anglow is a one of its kind Anglo-Indian Themed Whiskey Bar and Kitchen that embodies the spirit of this culture for its sentimental patrons who still reminisce about the glorious days of the British Raj. Situated in central Delhi's Khan Market (often compared to the famous Regent Street in London), Anglow is the brainchild of Ajit Singh and Arpan Gupta, two seasoned restaurateurs who have curated a one-of-a-kind Anglo-Indian dining experience. Anglow goes beyond its exquisite food and whiskeys, it's a deep dive into our shared cultural history and the way it shaped our cuisines of today, a unique tradition handed down over generations.

Anglow pays tribute to the Khansamas, the Indian cooks of the Memsahibs of the British era. Inspired by the tales of well-kept secrets of the Anglo-Indian kitchens that only a few from the previous generations have managed to keep alive, Anglow promises to bring us the stunning flavours from our past in a setting which is inspired by the grandeur of our colonial heritage. 

Offering an array of options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners, the restaurant specializes in distinctly Anglo-Indian fare ranging from the aesthetic Deviled Scotch Eggs, to the dish that became legendary among European settlers here in India, the Fish Fingers, which the classically panko fried River Sole strips. The kitchen also serves up a popular Anglo-Indian dish that owes its origins to a north Indian staple we all know as Khichri, made to include a few 'western-world' herbs and ingredients like parsley and flaked fish and lovingly called Kedegree by its growing base of fans back in England. Sweet conclusions like Tipsy Pudding layered with cake, custard, and fruit chunks make the meal worthwhile. 

To complement this one-of-a-kind food experience, Anglow offers a carefully curated selection of beverages to ensure that even the most rigid connoisseurs end up with a sly grin of satisfaction when they enter the elegant surroundings of Anglow, namely Ginger Smoke with the distinct subtlety of nutmeg and the authentic Virgin Mary served in a salt-rimmed glass. 

The setting is elegant and posh, evocative of Drinking Parlours and Clubs of colonial India with memorabilia predating Independence, collected and unassumingly displayed for the keen observer. Anglow exudes old-world charm fused unequivocally with present-day India to bring forth a wholehearted celebration of our rich Anglo-Indian cultural inheritance.  :)

Derma Woes Begone With Ultherapy By Merz...

Advocated by Hollywood A-listers Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, and International beauty editors from Vogue US, Bazaar, to Marie Clarie, a non-invasive face lift technique that helps us defy aging is here in India. People especially women have increasingly been flocking for firming treatments that ditch the knife, understandably so, as minimizing complications and recovery time are priorities in view of leading such hectic lives in today's day and age.

For the first time in India Dr. Tatjana Pavicic - Global Ultherapy Trainer & Faculty of Merz Institute of Advance Studies introduced uniquely customized treatment packages using combination treatment of Botulinum toxin, Fillers and Ultherapy  for fulfilling the need of Indian patients during the DEEPSEE Master Course event at New Delhi organized specially for Ultherapy users in India to aid to their learning on a new Ultherapy treatment protocol and Merz Aesthetics Serendipity Journey (MASJ) treatment packages.

Ultherapy is a collagen boosting treatment and is the only non-invasive FDA-cleared procedure aimed at lifting the skin and improving the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage. Developed by one of the world’s leading aesthetics and neurotoxin companies, Merz Aesthetics which is part of the global Merz Pharma Group, Ultherapy was introduced in India a couple of days back at the said event. 

Organised to provide a platform to Indian aesthetic practitioners in skill upgradation through DEEPSEE Courses offered by Merz India for combination treatment with toxin, fillers and micro-focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) offered as unique Merz Portfolio, welcoming the gathering and setting the tone for the event Mr. Raymond Ong – Regional Commercial Director, Merz Aesthetics said 

Till date more than 1.5 million treatments have been accomplished globally with Ultherapy. We’re very happy to see how it has been received, and are inspired to continue providing patients with more ways to have access to Ultherapy as Merz enjoys 111th year of existence in the industry. Also, as the world of aesthetic treatment is now moving towards a combination treatment approach, we are happy to remain the only company in the world to offer a combination of toxin, dermal fillers and energy-based devices for skin lifting & tightening to the patients. 

Merz India Country Manager - Manju Garg said, 

Since it received US FDA clearance in 2009, Ultherapy has been improving and innovating with its technology, while still maintaining its unparalleled patient safety and efficacy. It is a great addition to the country's beauty and wellness industry. There is great demand for non-invasive procedures, especially for skin lifting. Ultherapy answers that call for people as the procedure is non-invasive, safe and a natural way of stimulating body’s response to aging and it’s for Indians to try their hands on. 

She further added, “We’re proud how Indians have responded to Ultherapy. Till now it has been made available at more than 20 accredited partner clinics across all metro cities in India and we hope to be able to widen its reach in coming years.”

The DEEPSEE Master Course event saw multiple theory as well as practical sessions by Global thought leader Dr. Tatjana Pavicic, wherein she broke down this beauty breakthrough and why it’s gained a lot of popularity. 

“Ultherapy’s patented DeepSee visualization technology is unique as it helps a doctor to reach to the deeper skin layers and treating them without any damage to the outer layers. Other treatments either treat on the surface (e.g. lasers) or do not reach to the all the layers where treatment is required for skin tightening (e.g. radio-frequency). These treatments may also not be US FDA-cleared to lift the skin”, said Dr. Tatjana Pavicic. 

As a thought leader on aesthetic treatments and being regarded as one of the forwards concerning the combination treatment approach globally, Dr. Tatjana has been an advocate of an aesthetic treatment plan customized to the patient’s need.

Because of how convenient and flexible the treatment is, it’s no surprise that women & men of all ages and lifestyles are drawn to it. Moreover, Ultherapy works on patients ranging from as young as 20 years to as old as 70 years and more, with results lasting from anywhere between 1 year to 1.5 years after a single treatment. 

All in all, it was an insightful session being introduced to Ultherapy thanks to Merz Pharma. :)

Regional Specialties From A Culinary Journey...

The G.T. Road is a restaurant modelled around the concept of Asia's well-known trade route by the same name - linking four countries and leaving its traces through three empires beginning from the Mauryan Empire.

Spanning across the length and breadth of the massive 2600 km, the Grand Trunk Road still facilitates transportation for commoners and traders alike. And hence, The G.T. Road is a culinary journey that traverses 2600 km to bring the best of dishes from Kabul to Chittagong. 

Spinning off on the concept of dining like a prince but paying like a pauper, G.T. Road caters to the variation of spoilt-for-choice buffet with the local specialties of the countries that the roadway passes through being brought to the table.

The G.T. Road spells vintage like no other, with the customary vintage car at the entrance, coins, rifles, artefacts, photographs and archaic utensils perfecting the ambiance.

On a recent visit to Chandigarh over the long weekend, one of the restaurants we chose to dine at was this one, and pleasantly, the Delhi outlet and this outlet could be said to be the mirror images of each other as far as the overall experience is concerned.

From on-table grills to the live kitchen counter vested in the preparation of the choicest of street foods and also crisp Jalebi, to the extensive variety in Main Course and cheat meal kind of indulgence as far as the Desserts are concerned, this place is for patrons who like being spoiled for choice.

Also, do try their Bunta served in the 'glass bottle with a marble' especially the Lychee variant, and the Kala Khatta mocktail.

As always, a meal here concludes with a handful of सौंफ-मिश्री.

Continuing The Culinary Legacy At Daryaganj...

Daryaganj is one of the most iconic outlets on the culinary map of the capital city. Named after the place in Delhi where founder Kundan Lal Jaggi set up his restaurant in 1951 - at a time when Daryaganj was a part of the newer areas in Delhi, the same restaurant Daryaganj has now come to Aerocity at Worldmark One, helmed by his grandson.

Daryaganj Aerocity is in the nascent stages of its establishment being a mere eight-month-old outlet, but from nowhere does it look so, rather feels like a seventy-year-old legendary one, and rightfully so.

Each facet of the establishment, from ambiance to décor, to service, and most importantly food, is taken care of meticulously and with a smile too. The restaurant is chock-a-block at all times thanks to its popularity, especially on weekends with stewards on their toes, but it all seems effortless.

Done up in pastel tones, with beige and red dominating, the outlet has memorabilia of the vintage era lining the walls - be it monochrome photographs, old-school cameras, or antique phones. Even the menu has Mr. Jaggi's story engraved on its pages with fun facts like his pop-up restaurant at the trade fair in Russia and a tandoor being flown in straight from Peshawar making for a great read while browsing through.

All things aside, flavour is placed on the throne at Daryaganj with Mr. Jaggi being the father of Tandoori Cuisine and the inventor of Dal Makhani and Butter Chicken - two dishes that are a staple at every Indian restaurant across the globe.

Relying on closely guarded recipes to bring out robust flavours, Daryaganj is a place of rich culinary legacy where each dish is perfected to the tee.

Coming to what all is must-relish when at Daryaganj…

Begin the meal with tangy Aam Panna or sweet Thandai served in a tall glass, whilst munching on Tandoori Fruit Chaat, perfectly grilled and coated with tangy tamarind.

A number of dishes are marked as 'The Original' and the aesthetic as well as preparation of those reflects the same. One of those is the Paneer Tikka or cottage cheese char grilled with bell peppers and stuffed with cream cheese.

Apart from that, the Kurkuri Mushroom is a crispy delight and the Hara Bhara Kebab is soft and simply melt-in-mouth.

Even the Tamatar Adrak Ka Rassa is, for a pleasant change, served with crisp Ajwain Mathri and the subtle flavour of black pepper dominating, instead of the usual bread crumbs that are served usually with Tomato Soup.

Also, for Mains, none of the dishes are overly oily or creamy, instead the flavour of Ghee is prominently palatable. I would suggest to try the Subz Biryani paired with Boondi Raita, and the Dal Makhani and Malai Kofta with breads of choice.

The desserts are prepared to perfection and for anyone who has a sweet tooth, it is a delight. The Rasmalai and Kala Jamun are special recommendations, though the Phirni is nice too, and the Kulfi is prepared in flavours of Paan and Kesar Pista.

All in all, Daryaganj, under the patronage of KL Jaggi is the name that taught Delhi to dine out, coming at a time when there was no trace of restaurant culture, and it is this place that is absolute must-visit in Delhi. :)