Fitness comes in all Shapes and Sizes

Fitness comes in all Shapes and Sizes

You make New Year Resolutions almost every Year and also on all other New years in the festival calendar to hit the gym. Your desperation certainly comes from the glamorous models, actors and celebrities you idolize on screen.  The drive gets pushy when you read all the rants of entertainment columns in newspapers on celebrity body, their diet and the extremes that these people go to achieve them. Adding more fuel to the ignited desperation are the health features in newspapers and on the internet, which showcase their own definition of fitness.

So what exactly is fitness? Is it a hot body? Sharukh Khan’s six pack abs or sorry eight pack abs (It may even get 12 packs by 2016), Deepika Padukone’s flat belly or the Bollywood's bhai Salman Khan’s bulgy muscles ? The generation today; young and old alike – are so hooked to the superficial parameters of fitness that the whole age old concept of fitness has become debatable.  Fitness according to your grandmother’s opinion was eating the Ghee loaded paranthas, tasty meals cooked to perfection and being immune to sickness. Fitness back then didn't conjure up to looking wafer thin or ripping off one’s body with chiseled abs. There was a certain pride in saying “Bhai, hum to khatey-peetey ghar ke hein.”  Nonetheless, the emphasis was on what the body can do and not on what the body looks like.

                                                      

Fast forwarding the time today, skinny bodies for girls and six pack abs for men with zero fats are projected as fitness. As a bottom line Fitness is no more being immune and having a good metabolism. It is not even about eating delicious meals or rather home cooked healthy meals but is now about 6 times a day meal, raw vegetable, boiled fish, grilled spice-less meats and green juices. Obnoxious as the fads sound too many, today it is all about ‘eating right’ and this habit of eating correctly is munching on like cave men did back in time. Precisely, even if the food part had to ignored, how can the body shape and size be sidelined?  Especially, as we are living in excruciatingly demanding age of photoshopped images that are airbrushed to perfection.

                                                     

When you think of fitness shapes, sizes; I am sure mathematically defying physical measurements toss up in the mind. The reason a physically huge girl gives up when she loses weight but fails to look wafer thin with all the exercising.  It has become so necessary to conform to the media generated norms of ‘Physical perfection’ that fitness has taken a backseat. Fitness has become easily associated with ‘physical perfection’ and this is dangerously become a matter of low self confidence and esteem among people.  A man with six-pack abs or a wafer thin girl fainting or suffering from fatigue is acceptable but a boy or a girl on a bulkier physical appearance but immune to sickness and who may be physically , mentally and socially strong are deemed as unfit.

It is time the focus has to be put where it belongs – fitness in its true sense.  To set the record straight fitness is being mentally, physically and emotionally strong. You need to accept that fitness as well as beauty in the world comes in all shapes and sizes. Stereotypes and hypes cannot define the real beauty, strength and creativity of a person. Be proud of the awesome person you really are. You may be tall, short , fat, skinny – it just doesn't matter unless you are ‘FIT’ – fit in a healthy way and not by physical perfections.

FORT KOCHI – PART OF KERALA YET DIFFERENT FROM THE REST

Kerala has always been known as a land of a lifetime. The distinctive culture, unspoiled tropical beauty, pristine backwaters of Allepy, relaxing Ayurvedic retreat centers and divine food have enchanted many visitors since ages. Located in the southern most part of India, the coastal state is rightly referred to as “God’s own country”. In particular, the whole of Kerala is commonly celebrated for its deep rooted cultural history, magnificent temple festivals, tranquility of backwaters, lush greenery of nature and world famous spices.

            

           

Kerala - God's Own Country

An expedition or holiday to Kerala always begins from the beautiful coastal city of Fort Kochi. Known as the ‘Gateway to Kerala’ the captivating coastal city, its towns and mini islands have always welcomed the guests with a surprise. What is the hidden surprise Fort Kochi offers? Well, it comes across as somewhat a surprise for first time visitors, as in how this small little city maintains an electric blend of Indo-European-Arab-Portuguese way of life till date.

The vibrancy of Fort Kochi and absolute distinctiveness has always caught my curious eye. As it also happens to be my native, the rich diversity and unique character has been easier to identify with. Growing up, my idea of a perfect muse for a geographical and cultural stimulant to explore was my native Fort Kochi. During the vacations, I would run back to Fort Kochi as it packed a perfect punch for me to be acquainted with new stories of its rich legacy. Since then whenever in Kochi, I always take time to comb the neighborhoods of Kochi for the Chinese fishing nets among other techniques, Portuguese styled bungalows, Anglo-Indian and Jew households, churches and villas tucked in the quaint bylanes.

The picturesque Portuguese styled villas

It has certainly taken time for me to understand the reason behind Fort Kochi’s individuality, but finally I do have a basic idea. Fort Kochi has a slightly complex history of influence and developments with every historian having a different version. The origins of Fort Kochi can be traced back to 700-650 years ago. Kerala had been trading in spice with Chinese, Arabs and Portuguese since time in memorial. In 1341 when Tsunami hit the trade activities of Kodungallur, the spice traders shifted base to Fort Kochi as the new centre for all shipping activities. Fort Cochin was a tiny fishing village by then. The huge fishing nets known as Cheena-vala (Chinese nets) are said to be built by Chinese as early as 14^th century. Infact the name Cochin or Kochin too is derived from Chinese name Co-Chin which means like - China. 

 Chinese Fishing Nets - 'Cheena-vala'

Kerala and Fort Kochi were birthplace of Christianity in India; it has one of the early Christians of India and also the Arab Christians or Jewish Christians who had migrated to Kerala in early 5^th-6^th century. They brought with them their own set of Arab and Jewish traditions which later were incorporated into local Christian culture. The Jewish established a town called ‘Jew Town’ at Mattancherry. It was a town bustling with spice trade by prominent Jewish traders. The close-knit Jewish community established their very own niche in the heart of city. A walk in the streets of Mattancherry boasts about the vintage wood houses and Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry that was built in 1568, which is today one of the oldest synagogues in Asia.

Pardesi synagogue - Oldest synagogue in Asia

Vintage Jew Town

The Portuguese who eyed to establish a base in Kerala on back of the spice trade tried to influence and get the early Syrian Christians into their own cultural mould. The Portuguese, led by Pedro Álvares Cabral (in 1500) and Vasco da Gama (1502) set up colonial townships here. Fort Kochi therefore was under Portuguese rule for 160 years; they built huge mansions, churches and chapels to attract the local Christian population to support them. A walk through the nooks and corners of the sleepy little town would give you a slice of Portuguese influence. The old structures are still in use like the St. Franchis Church , Vasco Homestay – in which Vasco Da Gama is believed to have stayed and a few other adjoining Dutch bungalows and mansions either home to generations of these Portuguese traders or converted into hotels.  The layers of colonial influence that have been grafted onto the traditional tropical landscape can be seen in the architecture of Fort Kochi. Likewise, the Fort Kochi lifestyle got heavily influenced by Portuguese cuisine, traditions and make merry attitude.They introduced annual fest like the Cochin Carnival and Christmas celebrations at Veli grounds, which continue till today.

A vintage Bungalow in British Colony

St.Francis Church - The first burial place of Vasco Da Gama

The Portuguese and Dutch were soon supplanted by the British who were scrambling for dominance over this prized territory. Compared to rest of India, the Britishers were a little more compassionate towards this coastal city. It became a hot spot for the British officers to settle down with their families as the region offered them favorable climate, religious freedom and cultural liberty. They married local Christian and non-Christian ladies to seek an alliance with the powerful Christian and hindu families and started a line. This led to a total mishmash of Indo-European identity to the region. Hence, many families in Fort Kochi have a mixed parentage. 

The British rechristened the streets of Fort Kochi with English names like Princess Street, Lilly Street, and Napier Street, Rose Street to the roads here. 

 Napier streer

Princess Street

The locals smile in traditional Portuguese costume at Cochin Carnival

  Cochin Carnival

 The biggest Christmas Tree of Fort Cochin - Veli Grounds

My grandmother and elders in the family would narrate to me stories from the memory lane on how Fort Kochi – home to Anglo Indian families and a European way of life were known for its lively atmosphere. The nights would be regaled with melodious sounds of piano, violins, English classics being played at the beguiling balls and house parties. Many families like mine too, that have migrated out of Fort Kochi still try to maintain their ‘Kochi’ way of life. 

The Fort Kochi scrumptious cuisine like Roasted Beef , Vindaloo, Fish Moilee, the Anglo Malayalam, Maanglish or Fort Kochi Malayalam language (a variation of traditional Malayalam) and culture although completely contrast with the rest of Kerala yet has a identity that of its own.

The amalgamation of all these colonial influences has made this mesmerizing coastal city a confluence point for the east and the west. The next time you plan a travel to Kerala, reckon the cultural uniqueness and prized legacy of this beautiful city of Fort Kochi to EXPLORE..ENJOY and to live a piece of history.

BOOKS FOR SUMMER 'SHELFIE'

Snapshot of your Summer Shelfie 

The summer is shining bright and so are the vacations. While summer vacations are a time to unwind and enjoy on long holidays there are some parents who would pester their children to do something productive. Now half the energy is spent thinking of what hobby to pursue and other half of the free time in locating a class, so it is better to do something at the comfort of your own house. And what better than Reading!

Many get paranoid even at the thought of reading because even if you contemplate to finally read a book; what remains as a question is “What do we read?” Well, walking into a library or bookstore is further baffling and in addition it is a disappointment if you land up with the wrong book.

Therefore the Caffeine Junkie chooses 6 books for all the teens and young adults to stock up your Summer Collection of Book ‘Shelfie’.

1.     The Invention of Wing

Author – Sue Monk Kidd (bestselling author of Secret Life of Bees)

Genre -   Historical Fiction

Review– The Novel showcases an era of American History inspired by the life of Sarah Grimke, an important historical figure in American history who strived hard for women empowerment and liberalization.

Author Sue Monk Kidd has mixed fact and fiction in her power house narrative. The characters are well etched out with excellent storytelling and bought vividly to life. It will surely move anyone who reads it sincerely.

If you want to form your own impression out of the Novel, try getting the original edition of the book that is ‘The Invention of Wings: A Novel’ which is minus the comments by Oprah Winfrey after every page.

2.     The Scorpio Races

Author – Maggie Stiefvater

Genre -    Fantasy/Thriller

Review – The Scorpio Races is a fascinating story of an annual event called the ‘Scorpio Races’ which ends in mysterious death. On the fantasy island of Thisby, every fall brings with them the carnivorous and predatory water horses. The two narrators Kate aka Puck and Sean have lost their parents previously in the horse race. Years after Sean participates in the race to earn some money to buy his new horse while Puck is the first ever female to participate in the deathly race to save her family. Among all the excitement, conflict and difficult situation is the budding romance between the two narrators.

New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater presents a power packed novel with all the elements of Action, Adventure, Romance and fantasy through her spellbinding Narrative.

3.     Em and the Big Hoom

Author – Jerry Pinto

Genre - Literary Fiction/Humour 

Review – The story revolves around a typical Catholic Goan family in Mahim, Mumbai which is highly dysfunctional. The Mother of the house is a free spirited person until the day she loses her mental balance which creates situations and further havoc in the family. The whole story is a first person narrative by the son who is the Author himself. It is loosely based on Author Jerry Pinto’s real life. It is an indulgent mix of comedy, love, family bonding and affection.

Interestingly Author Jerry Pinto has been writing this novel since two decades and this happens to be his debut novel. It is not an easy task to write on somebody’s own family member that too with such light hearted and humorous strokes. Jerry Pinto paints a beautiful picture of his family which he brings to life through his own understanding.

A compulsory read for every teenager to understand the beautiful side of growing up understanding family situations.

4.     Capital in the 21^st Century

Author – Thomas Piketty

Genre -    Economics

Review - Ironically the world today is battling increasing threat of capitalism and this novel blows the very idiosyncratic nature of capitalism by the upper class. He describes the two main economic indicators ‘wealth’ and ‘income’ in a way nobody has thought before.

Further he insulates his belief in the narrative by giving a clear analysis and real life examples of various events like the Marikana Minning massacre, 18th century interest rates and colonization. The Author Thomas Piketty busts the very myth of justifying capitalism in the 20^th-21^st century. He throws light on hypocritical equality through organized bonded labour (corporates), high taxation and low income alongside increasing financial wealth of capitalists.

The Author Thomas Piketty is known as the ‘Karl Marx’ of the modern age because of his views on modern day economics. His views on capitalism have sent the right wing economists in a tizzy. The book is one of the bestseller on Amazon.com 5 bestselling books list.

5.     As I Walked Out One Mid-Summer Morning

Author – Laurie Lee

Genre - Literary Memoir/Travel

Review – It is a personal memoir of the Author Laurie Lee who sets out on a journey to Spain at the age of nineteen to experience life with meager possessions. The story is set in mid 1930 just fresh after the First World War and unleashes Laurie Lee’s personal travel around Spain inspired by his impulsiveness and interest in exploring the world. Playing his violin to earn some money for food and lodging it showcases ‘backpacking culture’ of a youth that too in a long gone time of 1930s. He also gives an insight to the socio-political scenario of Europe.

The Award winning poet and acclaimed Author Laurie Lee is known worldwide for his clean writing through which he transports the reader to a different era and motivates the reader to be carefree and travel. Through the semi-poetic style of writing the reader totally feels at the centre of the whole scene capturing the true beauty of the setting. The book although published in 1969 is still considered as one of the best evocative travel novels till date.

 If you are travelling this summer on a long holiday, do carry this book along for a good read!

6.     The Great Indian Novel

Author – Shashi Tharoor

Genre -   Historical Fiction/Satire

Review - The Book Great Indian Novel brilliantly recasts the greatest Hindu Mythology’s epic poem Mahabharata coupled with India’s freedom struggle. Every character from Mahabharata is compared to Freedom Fighters/National Leaders for example Gandhi is Bhisma Pitamaha , Jinnah as Karna , Indian Media as Arjun, Duryodhan as Indira Gandhi, Democracy as Draupadi etc. Every event from both sides of the field be it Mahabharata or 20^th century freedom struggle and politics is well defined with heavy doses of humour. One actually has to read between the lines to understand the references to the various situations. The book is vast and just like the Mahabharata divided in 18 chapters. Each chapter is packed with jokes on the political scenario and characters with the Mahabharata references. It surely is one of the greatest literary works by any modern day author.

Shashi Tharoor being an acclaimed international author and columnist has delightfully given an imaginative yet intense amalgamation of the whole scenario of the society.

The book requires a good investment in time and is to be read with an open mind to enjoy every chapter to the bits.

The Rise & Fall of the Rupee - Risk,Reasons,Potential

Rupee for the Economy 

Or 

Economy for the Rupee ?

The antics of Indian rupee is very exciting as it keeps swimming from a dive deep down to bumping back with a splash. It projects an image that of a nasty lover who throws up surprises for her partners (Indian stock market) as well as sets them in frenzy. While the rupee plays a catalyst to ignite some energy in the Indian economy constantly embroiled by other factors gaining fair share of attention, it still puts up a dramaqueen act. 

We Indians feel good about a strong rupee and somehow we equate the feeling to national superiority. But equating national prestige with a strong rupee is wide of the mark considering the proper analysis of the real economics. What matters is that India's exports are competitive, and current account deficit under control. If this co-exists with a strong rupee, fine. But if this requires a weaker rupee, that's fine too. However for the economy to be stable, the rupee has to perform and what better way than easing the pressure off the CAD.

It is not a hidden fact that foreign capital has seen an unprecedented inflow in the Indian market contributing to keeping the CAD under control but what remains a reality is that a large percent of the Indian free floating stocks are controlled by foreign investors. Moreover in financial year of 2013 the CAD was financed by short term inflows and portfolio investments by foreign investors. The problem which lies ahead is that these foreign investment are short term and may leave if they get even a little doubt about the potential risk in the market or out of political discourse. 

The real obstacle on the Indian economy is that it still struggling to overcome distribution system and supply-side constraints on growth. Even if the evaluation is done on the basis of the Quantitative Easing methods that can act favourable, the stark reality is that two key indicators are likely to govern the duration and extent of quantitative easing (QE) measures – the official unemployment rate and the annualised rate of growth of consumer/retail prices. Although Foreign capital inflows continue to be dominated by short-term portfolio investments into India and this situation is unlikely to rebalance in the immediate term. Foreign direct investment (FDI) and, therefore, long-term investment will only begin to recover when the economy's key macro economic parameters are stabilised. In particular, the government will need to show meaningful progress in addressing the twin deficits, so as to reduce the sovereign and long-term investment risk that is currently inherent in the Indian economy. For India as of now the data indicate the economy is struggling to overcome distribution system and supply-side constraints on growth.

Today, corporates are just holding back their investments in project .A lot of cash is waiting to come into India as China is no longer a preferred destination for capital, given its internal problems. But Japan is the next stop for investors before India eyeing even the portfolios of foreign investors. Overall, global investors are now seeking investments that will deliver enhanced yields and this is supporting a major migration of funds from sovereign government bonds into equities and lower-rated (higher yielding) corporate bonds. 

History has repeatedly shown India's vulnerability to sudden stops of forex inflows. Such sudden stops can be triggered by global events even if there is no disaster in India itself. The best remedy is continuously rising productivity, making exports more competitive and imports less competitive, ending any significant current account deficit. The current account deficit will shrink but will be mainly because of the conditions on import.

Either ways what needs to be improved is the trust in the Indian rupee which is exposed to external shocks as investors divorce it for the much attractive Dollar. Take the case when US Fed announced tapering off quantitative easing while the Indian Rupee was at an all time high back in May-June 2013. As soon as investors got a hint they fled for the safety of the Dollar leaving its short term interest in the Indian rupee in a lurch.

Hence the financial planners of the country should aim at improving domestic productivity and lessen its import. It may not help the Rupee climb the highest peak but it will surely insulate the economy and the Rupaiya’s Nosedive Saga.

Beardography – ‘Manning it Up’

Art of Beardliness

A handlebar mustache, stubble or a fully grown beard; facial hair has always been the symbol of Indian manliness and ethnicity. Over the years sporting the facial fuzz may have lost its importance to a more clean-shaven chocolate boy/corporate look. But growing the fuzzy manly accessory has again caught the attention of Indian men.

Beardsman: Model Abbis Ratansi

While trend analysis say that after the six-pack craze in India the beard look has been the much followed trend. The reason for it being Ranveer Singh’s beard look in Ramleela which kickstarted the trend. Bollywood stars have raised the beardography meter with actors like Shahid Kapoor and Akshay Kumar growing the facial sprouts for their upcoming movies. The woman folk too aren’t complaining .

Growing a beard may seem fun but getting the right kind of desired style and shape is not an easy task. Boys who start growing a beard often give it up after few weeks as they find difficulty in maintaining it. All said and done growing a beard is like an important life decision you have to grow up with. It may sound philosophical but growing the beard is a choice you make. Hence patience , discipline and grooming is necessary.

Just allowing the forest on your face to grow continuously till it starts stinking like rotten food is not the way you grow a beard. Surely you do not want the girl cozying up to you fainting or slapping your face for all that poky brutality caused to her. You have to travel that extra mile to stop looking like a person loathing basic hygiene.

The thumb rule to growing any kind of facial fuzz is basic male grooming.

Well, simply not shaving for a few months is necessary but there are few tips that are essential.

Initially the basic hard and fast rule is “STOP SHAVING, START GROWING”. However the sprouts need some essentials to grow. Comb your little grown hair to give it a direction and follow skin care routine. Remember in the first two weeks do not play with the beard with clippers or razors just slight trimming with scissors should work. 

Patience is what you need and a proper vision for the look. Invest in a good hair oil and moisturizer to prepare your skin for those sexy manly sprouts. The skin may not get the required hair density in the first week but do not lose hope. Instead of giving up the idea, try planning out your look. Consult a barber or a hair professional for some serious advice. The Indian Mantra however is applying the good old ‘Coconut Oil’ for hair growth as well as a jet black shiny beard.

Your stubble may give you ‘Itchy’ experiences hence to minimize the itchiness make sure you keep the neck shaved clean just around your Adam’s apple and a little on the cheeks. The skin might feel irritated and the best you can do is try applying a gentle moisturizer with no alcohol ( alcohol might make your skin dry) .

 Nivea After Shave sensitive Balm works great too instead of any moisturizer . The Nivea product comes without alcohol and moisturises your skin to have a soft texture.

Once you have well grown stubble grooming it rightly comes into play. Apply a generous Beard Oil for that perfect gloss and shine . Blow dry them after shower for a fuzz free and smooth stubble.You never know, you might just get kissed for that glossy beard.

Try Botanical Bay Lime Beard oil – beard conditioner or Aromatherapy beard and mustache roll on.

      

Regularly maintaining, trimming your beard is the next step to keep you going.Decide upon a look and design your masterpiece accessory in the style you like. A Goatee,Chevron mustache or balbo styles are easy to maintain, Full grown beard styles like Chin strap , brett or a hollywoodian would require some expertise.

Beard Styles

 Internationally there are a range of products available specifically designed for men for shaving and skin care. But in India Philips and Gillette with their respective shaving ranges are easily available in market.If you are confident to maintain the look all by yourself than visiting a saloon; probably you should invest in a Shaving Kit.

  Beards are now officially cool and in trend. So commit your time to that beard,follow basic rules and enjoy that sexy beardy attention

Make a Pastel Statement

Pastel For Summer

Yes it was bright! Eye Popping! Shocking!  The electrifying Neons ruled the runway, streets and wardrobes for quite some time and this is certainly the right moment to bid the big hit incandescent –jarring fashion a farewell!

While you may think what can be the next appalling trendsetter after neon-bling affair, don’t you worry because the season calls for classy and warm fashion sensibilities having inherent versatility!

Fresh Pastel shades and lighter hues like chalky blue , soft pink , juicy yellow , pearl white , and light muted colours may sound boring but dressing down to a sober personality is the vogue  this spring summer !

Smattering bit of these exceptionally refreshing colours, displaying a focal point of reference to the nursery need not necessarily be childish. Instead letting go off the screaming neon to embrace the shining summer with clear options of the pastel colour scheme is the fashion forecast to be taken aplomb. While the colour scheme is quite synonymous with the girly brigade, using the sorbet shades wisely without much of detailing and in contrasts with deep hues will make you fashion forward. 

For the girls warming up to the summer with a breath of fresh shades not necessarily be dressing up head to toe in pastels and rather end up looking like a cup cake ! Instead play with tone and fabrics without major detailing. Contrasting your outfit with neutrals and sea colours like corals will do wonders.

 The men flock too need not be shy at trying out these macroon-candy shades tagging it as girly. You too can jump into action by embracing a dash of light weight fabrics in pastel shades. Opting for classic polo T-shirts in mint green, lavender , cream and teaming it up with the uniform blue-black denims not only look mannish but also trans-seasonal. If blacks, whites, blues are only the colours ruling your formal wardrobe roost, its time you experiment! For a more contemporary approach hone a yellow shirt with muted colour formal pants in chocolate brown, indigo and reflect the image of a modern man. If you are a metrosexual man, then probably experimenting doesn’t get difficult. Try parading in fresh blues , ballet pink , lavender , mint green T shirts , Polo T shirts , Cotton shirts clubbed with contrast deeper hues; thus showing off the pastel goodness.

 Well a well tailored white, mint green or sea blue suit will work wonders for your ease free personality and make you feel light and lovey this summer.

So what are you waiting for? “Easter”!!! Get set go trying out the ice cream colour and mute shades repertoire.

An Ode to Rizvi BMM Faculty - Heartfelt Thank You

Finally the time has arrived to bid farewell to college and say hello to the real world .But neither does the heart nor the mind allows me to do so, without thanking some angels who have molded me, guided me and are still beside me always helping with their precious advice!

Three years of college has just been a roller coaster ride with all the moments adding up in the right measure making each memory a timeless frame to cherish. Each year has made me evolve and egged out the hidden me from within. While going out from college gushes into my mind nostalgia of every moment spent transforming myself into a more confident, professional and tough individual, it also propels my memory to recall the amazing faculties who have taught me 36 subjects in 6 semesters for 3 years. From Communication skills to History, Political science to Sociology, Photography to world cinema and some serious hardcore Journalism subjects like reporting, editing, newspaper designing in my journalism majors.

One of my absolute favorite days from the college memory is my first day…..

Nervous, out of the Thane hinterland, leading a heroic campaign on my path being squeezed, sloshed and thrown out from the Mumbai Locals at Bandra, spirits dampened by the monsoons and butterflies in my stomach, I entered the class with anxiety. A Beautiful Young lady with a round apple face and tantalizing kohled eyes , exquisitely dressed to impress and with a completely poised attitude entered my class introducing herself as Riddhima Parab, my professor for Communication Skills … she set the stage for the circus the very first day … bombarding us to grow up and act as mature young adults. Her one such tip on writing skills “Why should a reader read your article?” my mind still recalls this before I pen down any write-up.  The ideals so penetrated in the mind with that aura of her personality still influencing my every step and  the decisions I take till date.

Being from a science background entering into a field of arts/media had come with its own share of shocks. Trust my antics to be seamlessly blend into this new never heard subject called ‘Sociology’ as the lecture was announced in the August of 2012 . Who knew the one teaching sociology would always be at the core of my heart’s sociology and change my geography.  Yes! She came … she saw and conquered my heart! Still guessing? She was my sociology, later psychology, culture studies and mass media research Professor Mrs. Alefia Topiwala… To describe her prized neatness and spell bound beauty would be an insult. While I was staring at her evenly shaped eyes which sat exactly in proportion and that unruly splash of freckles further enhancing her charm, a pat came on my bench “Are you a new student”? A soothing voice danced through my ears and I woke up with a thud … replying with a yes just because I was tongue-tied. Her valuable notes on every subject supported with contemporary examples are so excellent. Mrs. Alefia is one such ‘Perfect’ Professor you can ever have.

Friday is always a dry day and yes with history it is a bheja fry-day. But here was an outstanding personality whose annotations and analysis of life was in the best possible way – with smarts to get beyond the obvious and an eye for rich details. He would always narrate tails of his impending fascination with Hitler. He would always be greeted with a filled classroom …even the most lazy, doped junkie would attend his lectures. He was the student’s Professor …simply superb and  awesome the way he was - Our very own Late. Junaid Sir (you still reside in my heart). A person who influenced the way I thought, I spoke and presented myself.  When I was representing the college for Inter-collegiate debates with my colleagues Batul Netterwala , Fatima Haidery it was he who groomed us with his precious tips ,advice and important information. On a personal level too he would always encourage me to write and was the reason behind me getting active on the social media with sensible FB updates. Junaid Sir You will always be remembered !

Dove eyes, bespectacled, shining smooth hair and the fuzz free Professor. My Professor for Mass communication Mr. Sunil Jhurani, who would encourage us and make the horses of our mind run with his mock debates , Press Conferences and other such exciting activities at the end of every class. He would leave the students every time wanting for more. The boys would want to imitate his chilled out persona while the girls gawked and gushed over his handsome looks. The sad part  is he could only teach us one subject and before we knew it the semester was over and Professor Sunil Jhurani bid farewell to us .

Being a student of mass media reading habits weren't taken seriously until one day when the winter winds really blew hard and bought with them a strong person called Professor “Anjali Talreja” I call her ‘Iron Lady for my own reasons’, nevertheless to give you an insight into who Professor Anjali Talreaja was - at the first opinion you would hate her for being a straight forward person but she gradually grows over you and  until you start realizing; she is all over your personality. Walking straight into the class dressed up casually and looking pleasantly fine. She was a firebrand in her own way with a motor mouth and in your face answers. The very first lecture she cleared the air of being a giggly little Professor but a person with bullets to be fired. She fired a question to the class "Do you’ll carry books/novels being mass media students?" After few chipmunks and oversmart classmates of mine showed up their Chetan Bhagats and Paulo Coelhos… her voice echoed out and all that Chetan Bhagat brand of books thrown out. She imposed on us George Orwell, Leo Tolstoy and other literary authors….. and molded my reading sensibilities of not only novels but also magazines and newspapers.

“Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” resounds in my ears in a sequined baritone voice as I describe Al Naseer Sir. His polished and impeccable English and Urdu so fluent and sweet that you would never want him to stop speaking. Dressed in smart formals or crisp white Kurtas with Nehru Jacket and so fair that he would make snow white feel jealous(joking) . A charismatic personality with sexy baritone and who knew his onions well. In two semesters that he taught me, subjects like Introduction to mass media and Introduction to Journalism he left a strong impact. I would just attend his lectures to listen to his baritone voice and the polished style in which he speaks.

I could rightly say he is a professor who is one among us , who is still a hit among all the batches. He would come every Thursday to open the windows to world cinema. Showing us at least 2 global movies and explaining fine nuances of film-making every week. My Professor  for ‘Cinema & Filmmaking’ and later ‘Radio & Television’ Mr. Prajay. I owe all my Movie Review and Analysing sensibilities only to Mr. Prajay.

Photography has always been take a camera and click for me ! But my myth was busted by my Professor for photography Mrs. Sheetal Gogri . She taught us the A B C of Photography. The apertures…camera angles , lens , lighting etc etc the list is endless. I would cringe , cry and crib in her lectures because photography as a practical as well as theoretical subject was that confusing. But Professor Sheetal nailed the subject in our minds. The real reason why today I understand the intricacies behind good photography.

Marketing as a subject would shackle my brains but here was a man called Professor Sameer Charaniya who decoded the subject altogether just for his beloved students. Concepts explained in such a way that you would not even want to open the books for exams. He deeply embedded the Why’s and How’s of Advertising and Marketing Subjects with his amicable teaching style. He has an amazing command over the subject. He is the only reason why I have started loving marketing as a subject.

Journalism students often spend their summer vacations doing internships with media companies. But in Rizvi BMM (Journalism) we had a ‘Ringmaster’ called Lecturer Abbas Dodhiya (Senior Education Reporter with the Asian Age) who made us run from pillar to post with some really hardcore Reporting Assignments. In a way he gave us an experience into the practical aspects of on field Journalism and I thank him for the same.

Loaded with years of experience in the industry and being one of the Senior Journalists in the News Media Industry Mr. Raju Korti made us experience the industry basics inside the four walls of the classroom. He Shared his experiences on field as a journalist whilst explaining the concepts of his subjects like Reporting, Newspaper Designing, News Media Management and Press Laws. Sir always had a complain about me that I didn’t attend many of his lectures but from what I have attended he was always a Star for me. His masterful essays and articles on his personal blogs would always be bookmarked by me to read them over and over again. My dream would be someday to write at least 50% like him.

Old age is just a state of mind and Professor Marcellus D’souza exactly justifies the saying. He is a friend you could just hang out with. Marcellus Sir re-christened me with a name Joel which he fondly called me on forgetting my original name. Professor Marcellus is a typical ‘Paowalla’ with his zany humor (his cool quotient) and incredible Knowledge. I would always imagine him like a Santa Clause who comes to class with a bag full of Knowledge on subjects like Journalism & Public Opinion and Business Journalism; which he shared adding his great humor and sensitivity. A personality I would fondly recall and describe even when I become a ‘Grandfather’. His way of teaching with fun and patent dialogues like “My Dear, Dimple was never simple because she always had a pimple” and Shri Shri Ravi Shankar teamed with clean jokes*pun intended* and mischievous yet innocent smile makes him THE COOLEST PROFESSOR ALIVE. Fabulous Professors like him aren't born every day.

Last but not the least a small thank you to Miss. Huma Sultan my Professor for Editing , Features , Broadcast and Global Internet Issues. She too was young, enthusiastic and relatively new to the profession and learning like we do; on a personal level too Ma’am was always friendly, cheerful and helpful in nature.

I could never be grateful enough to Our BMM co-ordinator Mr. Furqan Shaikh for such wonderful journey of  Rizvi BMM, providing us with such good faculties and constant support. A sincere thank you ,to all other Professors about whom I haven’t mentioned.

"A Journey ends, a chapter is about to close: A new beginning awaits."