"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#beauty

Wanderlust

Kadamakkudy Islands with palm fringed shores and serene waterways is a hidden treasure waiting to be explored!

Kadamakkudy Islands, nestled in the scenic backwaters of Kerala, beckon travelers with their untouched natural beauty. This hidden gem provides a captivating and offbeat experience for tourists seeking tranquility and serenity. Located near Kochi, the Kadamakkudy Islands boast a pristine environment, adorned with lush greenery, palm-fringed shores, and winding waterways. The islands offer a serene escape from bustling city life and provide a perfect setting for nature enthusiasts and explorers. With its network of narrow canals and water channels, Kadamakkudy Islands offer a unique opportunity for tourists to embark on a mesmerizing backwater cruise. Visitors can leisurely glide through the calm waters, witnessing the idyllic countryside, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant birdlife that call the islands home. The islands also offer a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle of Kerala. Travelers can indulge in authentic culinary experiences, savoring delicious seafood delicacies and traditional Kerala cuisine prepared by the locals. For those seeking adventure, Kadamakkudy Islands provide opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the surrounding mangrove forests. The islands are also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. As Kerala continues to allure tourists with its natural splendor, the Kadamakkudy Islands stand out as a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With its tranquil ambiance, breathtaking landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences, this offbeat destination promises to leave a lasting impression on the hearts of travelers. So, why not pack your bags and embark on a journey to the captivating Kadamakkudy Islands for an unforgettable and rejuvenating getaway?

28 Dec 2023
Wanderlust

Pune's Timeless Treasure: Aga Khan Palace - Witness to History, Symbol of Heritage

The Aga Khan Palace in Pune is a magnificent testament to history, heritage, and architecture, with a legacy spanning over 125 years. It ranks among the most important sites in India's contemporary history due to its part in the nation's independence movement. In the past, Mahatma Gandhi and other notable figures from the freedom movement were housed in the palace as a prison. It is currently the Gandhi National Memorial Society's headquarters and one of Pune's top tourist destinations. Architecture of Aga Khan Palace: Situated on an expansive campus, the palace is renowned for its exquisite architecture in the Islamic style. Wide, well-kept lawns adorn the 19 acres of land on which it sits. The main building has five enormous halls and is situated on seven acres. The Italian-style arches are one of the palace's most distinctive architectural elements. The entire building is surrounded by a broad corridor that is 2.5 meters wide.The palace has three stories, with the ground floor occupying 1756 square meters. The palace's first floor is 1080 square meters in size, while the second floor is 445 square meters in size. Pune's Aga Khan Palace: At Present Today, one of Pune's most important historical sites is the Aga Khan Palace, which honors Gandhiji and his ideas. Within the palace grounds are the samadhis (tombs) of Mahadevbhai Desai and Kasturba Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi's ashes are kept in a samadhi that is dedicated to him. In addition, a museum with an extensive collection of Gandhiji-related artifacts is housed in the palace. This contains images, photos, and personal belongings like clothes, cutlery, slippers, and a letter he wrote following the passing of his secretary. Even a store selling khadi and handloom textile-made clothing is located on the property.  The palace's architectural beauty and serene surroundings continue to draw visitors, serving as a tribute to Gandhiji's principles and teachings. With its museum and memorial, the Aga Khan palace remains an integral part of Pune's heritage, inviting all to learn, reflect, and honor the invaluable contributions of the past.

1 Dec 2023
Wanderlust

Discover the Unexplored: The Ultimate Northeastern Adventure on India's Luxury Tourist Train!

The Indian Railways is all set to take you on a breathtaking journey through the northeastern states with the introduction of the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe Tourist Train. This train is all about exploring the unexplored and discovering the hidden gems of the region. The Ministry of Railways has shared a video that gives us a glimpse of the train's lavish interiors, making it clear that this journey is all about luxury and comfort. The 15-day tour covers the cities of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, with stops at some of the most fascinating destinations in the region. With a capacity of accommodating 156 tourists, the train offers three types of air-conditioned accommodation - AC I, AC II, and AC III. The train also boasts of enhanced security features like CCTV cameras, electronic safes, and dedicated security guards for each coach. The journey promises to be an unforgettable experience with a mini library, fine dining restaurant, and other state-of-the-art passenger amenities on board. The train is not just about luxury, but also about experiencing the culture, heritage, and natural beauty of the region. The tour covers visits to temples, sunset cruises on the Brahmaputra, and a pit stop at the majestic Umiam Lake en route to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. The starting price for a ticket is Rs1,06,990 for an AC 2-tier, Rs1,31,990 for an AC-1 cabin, and Rs1,49,290 for an AC-1 coupe. The ticket covers a variety of expenses, including trip insurance, hotel stays, all vegetarian meals, transfer fees, local sightseeing fees, and train fare.  This journey is not just about ticking off destinations on your travel bucket list, but about immersing yourself in the local culture, learning about the history of the region, and discovering the natural beauty that lies hidden in the northeast. 

23 Mar 2023
Wanderlust

Global News

A Festive Delight in Space - NASA Unveils Celestial Christmas Tree

The holiday season just got a cosmic upgrade as NASA recently shared a breathtaking image from the depths of space, revealing a stellar masterpiece resembling a Christmas tree. NGC 2264, famously dubbed the “Christmas Tree Cluster,” showcases a radiant display of youthful stars adorned with blue and white ornaments against a backdrop of vibrant green nebula, located an astonishing 2,500 light-years away from Earth. This stunning celestial tree, captured through a blend of data from diverse telescopes, unveils a sight that's truly out of this world. From the Chandra X-ray Observatory detecting X-rays emitted by the cluster's blue and white stars to the WIYN 0.9-meter telescope revealing the surrounding green nebula and the Two Micron All Sky Survey mapping the stars in infrared light, the image offers an awe-inspiring view of the cosmos. The remarkable image, uniquely rotated to present the tree's crown at the image's top, invites viewers into a universe where young stars, aged between 1 to 5 million years, shine with varied sizes and colors, promising an enduring journey through space unlike their older counterparts nearing their lifecycle's end.

25 Dec 2023
Global News

Sulapac - We're one step closer to ridding the planet of plastic trash.

Sulapac, a Finland-based company that creates packaging for beauty products using recycled and side-stream' content (byproducts and processed waste from production), was founded in 2016. It also produces straws, cutlery, and kitchenware. After "a lot of trial and error," it now has a portfolio of 13 products manufactured from a combination of plant-based biopolymers and natural resources such as wood chips. The material may be recycled or industrially composted, and if it ends up in nature, it will biodegrade at the same pace as a tree leaf or piece of wood. Today, the team collaborates with beauty brands like Chanel, Schwan Cosmetics, and Shiseido to reduce society's reliance on oil-based plastics one tub of face cream at a time. Sulapac's ideas have earned it several awards. Perhaps most notably, the Green Alley Award's highest honor in 2017, barely a year after founding the company. Addressing Microplastics in Water Bodies:  However, plastic packaging is a massive issue that no one pioneering firm can solve on its own. In 2019, around 460 million tons of plastic were manufactured worldwide, with packaging being the single greatest source. Its production and disposal account for more than 3% of global emissions, with the quantity in our seas expected to increase to 29 million tonnes per year by 2040. When it gets into the water, it dissolves into dangerous microplastics that are "almost impossible to remove from nature." Establishments by Sulapac:  However, for Sulapac, the goal is to create goods that truly work. When their biodegradable straws were introduced in 2019, Suvi Haimi, co-founder and CEO, stated, "Sustainability is important, but you can't change the world just by focusing on that." You must also provide an excellent consumer experience." For the straws in issue, this meant passing what Haimi refers to as the "mojito test" : drinking many cocktails with the same straw without it becoming soggy. In fact, the manufacturer says that one straw may be used for up to 24 hours.And it also implies elegant packaging in the cosmetics business.  For them, aesthetics hold paramount importance. Even if they've developed an exceptionally sustainable material, if it fails to meet their brand's stringent standards, it might not gain wide acceptance. They refuse to compromise, whether in terms of visual appeal or functionality. As sustainability emerges as a prominent future trend, pioneering entities initially took bold leaps, but now, numerous companies are actively joining this expanding field, collaborating and engaging with one another.

1 Dec 2023
Global News

Radical Redesign of Homeless Shelters Brings Beauty, Comfort, and Hope to Those in Need

Homeless shelters are often associated with bleak, sterile environments that offer little in the way of comfort or privacy. However, a new trend in shelter design is challenging this perception, with a focus on creating beautiful, welcoming spaces that have a positive impact on residents. The new designs, which have been implemented in several cities across the United States, feature bright colors, natural materials, and private living spaces that offer a sense of dignity and respect to those who are experiencing homelessness. In addition to improving the physical environment of the shelters, the new designs also prioritize community spaces and social activities, providing residents with opportunities to connect with others and build a sense of belonging. The impact of these redesigns has been significant, with residents reporting improved mental health, increased sense of safety and security, and greater motivation to seek permanent housing and employment. These innovative shelter designs are a testament to the power of thoughtful, human-centered design in creating positive social change. By prioritizing the needs and dignity of those experiencing homelessness, these new shelters are helping to break down stereotypes and create a more compassionate and inclusive society.

6 Jul 2023
Global News

Witnessing a Miracle: The Emergence of California's Superblooms

The recent major storms in California may have been intense and tragic, but they have also brought about an unexpected and awe-inspiring sight.  Nature has a way of bouncing back and bringing beauty and hope to those who look for it. This year's spring in California is one such example of the rejuvenating power of nature. What's causing excitement among nature enthusiasts and scientists alike are the "Superblooms" that have emerged across the state. These Superblooms are so large and colorful that they can be seen from space. But what exactly is a Superbloom? According to a scientist interviewed by the LA Times, it's a cultural phenomenon, rather than a natural one. When humans decide that enough flowers have emerged in one place at one time, it's considered a Superbloom. To fully appreciate the Superblooms, the California Department of Parks and Recreation recommends seven sites in Southern California, where visitors can witness the beauty of the wildflowers. To enhance the experience, Parks and Rec staff are urging residents to download the iNaturalist app, which provides information on each flower species. Learning about the flowers, their cosins, and coexisting species fosters a closer connection and appreciation of the land and its beauty. Superblooms serve as both a visual extravaganza and a reminder of nature's inherent duality, which is one of the reasons being outside is so spiritually gratifying. Flowers are only present for a short time on Earth and autumn leaves are beautiful since they change and eventually fall off the trees. After several years of drought, seeds go dormant until a welcome shower prompts all of the seeds to sprout at once, giving rise to the splendor of a Superbloom. Superblooms are a natural phenomenon that reminds us of the beauty of the land and its resilience. The current blooms in California offer an opportunity for residents to connect with nature and witness the splendor of the wildflowers.

22 Apr 2023
Global News

Star Citizens

Dia Mirza: Actress, Activist, and Nature's Champion

Dia Mirza is more than just a renowned model, filmmaker, and actress. She is a force for change, a champion of social causes, and a committed voice for the environment and wildlife conservation. Her journey is one of multifaceted brilliance, from her early days as a multimedia executive to becoming a household name in Bollywood. During her college years, Dia ventured into the world of multimedia at Neeraj's Multimedia Studio, which soon led to modeling projects and endorsements with major companies like Emami. Her striking beauty and grace quickly propelled her into the world of beauty pageants. In 2000, she emerged as the second runner-up in Miss India and clinched the coveted title of Miss Asia Pacific, catapulting her into the world of cinema. But Dia Mirza's story goes beyond the silver screen. She is a multifaceted personality, an award-winning actor, producer, UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, and United Nations Secretary-General Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals. Her commitment to nature and wildlife conservation is unwavering, making her a torchbearer for environmental causes in India. Inspired by her mother's social work with alcoholics and addicts, Dia has made substantial contributions to society. She's been a long-standing supporter of organizations like PETA and CRY and has worked tirelessly with the Andhra Pradesh Government to raise awareness on issues like female foeticide and HIV/AIDS. What sets Dia apart is her active involvement in on-ground initiatives. She supports cancer patients through the Cancer Patients Aid Association and even adopts patients, providing them with both monetary and emotional support. Her love for nature extends to adopting two leopards at a zoological park in Lucknow, and she serves as the ambassador of Wildlife Trust India. She's also shown immense courage by supporting the Narmada Bachao Andolan and challenging political narratives for the greater good. Dia Mirza, an embodiment of beauty, grace, and unwavering strength, personifies the divine Goddess Mahagauri, the embodiment of beauty and women's strength whom we celebrate on the 8th day of Navratri. Just as the goddess symbolizes purity and transformation, Dia Mirza is a beacon of hope, purity of purpose, and a transformative force for society. Through her tireless efforts and grace, Dia Mirza continues to inspire and uplift, embodying the spirit of the goddess in the modern world.

21 Oct 2023
Star Citizens

Falguni Nayar: The Woman Who Makes Sure You Look Beautiful

Falguni Nayar, the founder and CEO of Nykaa, has been a pioneer in the Indian beauty and cosmetics industry. She is a woman who dared to dream big, and turned her passion for beauty into a successful business. With her hard work, perseverance, and determination, she has built one of the most popular and trusted beauty brands in India.   Born and brought up in Mumbai, Falguni Nayar graduated from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, in 1985. She then began her career in the corporate world, working with companies such as Hindustan Unilever and Kotak Mahindra. After spending 18 years in the corporate world, she decided to take a break and explore her passion for beauty.   In 2012, she founded Nykaa, an online store that offers a wide range of beauty and cosmetic products from top brands. The idea behind Nykaa was to provide Indian women with easy access to high-quality beauty products that were not readily available in the Indian market. Today, Nykaa is a one-stop-shop for all things beauty, with over 1,500 brands and 150,000 products.   Under Falguni Nayar’s leadership, Nykaa has become a game-changer in the beauty industry. Her focus on customer satisfaction, product innovation, and employee engagement has helped Nykaa establish itself as a leading beauty brand in India. Her dedication to providing a platform for women entrepreneurs has also led to the creation of Nykaa’s “Naturals” line, which features products made by women-led businesses.   Falguni Nayar has been recognized for her contributions to the beauty industry and her entrepreneurial spirit. She was named the “Businesswoman of the Year” at the Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence in 2019. She has also been featured in Forbes’ list of “Asia’s Power Businesswomen” for three consecutive years.

13 Feb 2023
Star Citizens

Positive Reads

Be Beautiful in a herbal way!

All of us, no matter whether we admit it or not, are conscious about our beauty and looks. Monthly trips to beauty salons have become essential. We use cosmetics to keep your skin glowing and flawless. Soaps, lotions, shampoos; the list of chemical cosmetics goes endless. Also, we consult dermatologists for various skin ailments like pimples, acnes and so on. But at the same time, we also know that it can give side effects and can also create a problem for our health. Nature has alternatives for these chemical cosmetics. Here are some of them that will help you retain or regain your flawless look without any harm to your health and body! Want to dye your hair, use Heena Dying hair becomes necessary after they start greying. The easiest option for us is to buy a chemical hair dye or go to salon for the same. But usage of these chemical dyes has shown proven ill-effects on your body. Ammonia in most of the dyes blurs your vision. Other secondary amines or tar derivatives in the dyes have many such adverse impacts which are irreversible. So a natural alternative for this is using Heena. You can mix Heena powder with sesame oil and curry leaves or beetroot juice or with curd and lemon juice depending upon your choice. It also helps to keep your body cool. Moisturize your skin with Aloe-vera Many of the chemical moisturizing creams have petrolatum in them along with other harmful chemicals. On applying, our skin absorbs it and it enters our body. Instead, it is advisable to use natural moisturizing agents. Aloe-vera is the best natural moisturizer known. Just cut the leaves of aloe-vera and apply the fresh pulp of it onto your skin. Fight against pimples and acne? Use garlic and sandalwood Garlic is full of antioxidants and has blood purifying property. It works well against pimples and acnes. For application, peel off the covering of a garlic clove and rub it over the affected area. Also, you can grind a few garlic cloves and mix with curd for applying over the affected area. Sandalwood is a good alternative for anti-acne creams. Add few drops of sandalwood oil to almond oil and apply the mixture to your skin. Or you can just put few drops of sandalwood oil in boiling water and inhale the steam. Reetha and Shikakai are your natural hair cleansers Shampoos available make use of sodium lauryl sulfate for foam formation which removes dirt and grease from your hair. But they also remove all the essentials oils from the hair that are required for its nourishment! For avoiding this loss, wash your hair with a paste made of reetha and shikakai powder taken in equal quantities with warm water. If you have dry hair, use less amount of reetha powder. Have a natural lip colour with pomegranate seeds! Sun-exposure, drinking too much caffeine, smoking are some of the reasons for the darkening of lips. Also, did you know using lipsticks daily for a long period of time can also lead to lips darkening! To restore the natural pink of the lips, crush pomegranate seeds, mix it with milk cream and apply on your lips to make them naturally pink and fuller at the same time.

19 Jul 2017
Positive Reads

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