‘Heritage hotels should promote local art and culture around them’

September 23, 2022, 9:02 AM

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for all sectors but the tourism and hospitality industry was the worst hit. The folk arts and artistes also had to face immense losses during the pandemic. When the heritage hotels are recuperating as important tourist destinations across the country, they must proactively promote and preserve the local art and culture around them. The way of life of the local communities, their handicrafts, modes of livelihood, the crops they grow, their traditional ways of entertainment and leisure should be part of the experiences the heritage hotels give to tourists.

This was stated by the Governor of Rajasthan, Kalraj Mishra on Thursday at the inaugural session of the 9th Annual Convention of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) at Alila Fort Bishangarh as the Chief Guest.

The Governor also reminisced about the Former Rajasthan Chief Minister, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat’s efforts in the development of tourism and conservation of heritage in the state. He further said that with a mélange of magnificent forts, palaces and castles, Rajasthan has immense possibilities for tourism.

The Former Governor of Punjab, VP Singh Badnore said that Rajasthan is the first state to declare Tourism as an Industry and this will give a big boost to employment in the state. This will also aid the hoteliers, tour guides, and restaurateurs etc. who suffered a catastrophic blow in the pandemic. He further stressed on the need to preserve not just the tangible heritage assets such as buildings, monuments etc but also the intangible heritage assets like folklore, culture, among others.

Former Deputy Speaker, Government of Rajasthan and Owner of Alila Fort, Bishangarh, Rao Rajendra Singh of Shahpura said that as per the World Travel and Tourism Council Report, in 2019 the hotel and tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy was worth INR 15 trillion. During the covid-19 pandemic, there was a 40% fall and it dropped to INR 9 trillion. Now in 2022, the industry has surpassed pre-covid levels and now stands at INR 15.9 trillion. Highlighting the importance of employment the sector provides, he said that every year it gives 2.4 million jobs. The sector is also gender neutral and provides employment to many women, he added.

'Heritage hotels should promote local art and culture around them'

President of Honour (Emeritus), IHHA, Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur said that heritage plays a significant role in reminding people of the social values of the ancestors. Every state has its own unique heritage which needs to be protected, he added.

Conference Chairman and Vice President, IHHA, Steve Borgia introduced the theme of the convention – ‘Reincarnation of IHHA to Conserve and Protect Indian Heritage’. He said that the world is eagerly looking for a different ‘India’ and there is a need to think and do differently and strengthen our destinations and focus on resurrection of all monuments, forts, palaces etc, he added.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, President, IHHA, Randhir Vikram Singh said that heritage hotels face a lot of challenges such as difficult maintenance, high cost of conservation and restoration , lack of infrastructure, among others. The need of the hour is to conserve and restore the heritage in order to be able to preserve this legacy for the future generations.

A souvenir of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association was also released by the dignitaries on the occasion.

The Vote of Thanks was extended by the General Secretary, IHHA, Captain Gaj Singh Alsisar

Moonlighting: Know what it is and why IT companies are opposing it…

EBNW Story

September 22, 2022, 10:02 PM

Moonlighting is the term used to describe an individual taking up a second job or multiple other work assignments besides his full-time job.

it is practice of working for multiple organizations while committing to one primary workplace has been taking place without the employer’s knowledge.

Moonlighting is popular in the IT industry as working from home became a norm during COVID-19 pandemic.

This has been opposed by companies as it might affect the employees’ productivity.

Companies like Infosys warned their employees against this practice without letting them know, failing which could result in the termination of the employment.

However, moonlighting could be considered cheating if the employee’s contract specifically calls for non-compete and single employment. The is mentioned in majority of conventional employment contracts.

Under the Factories Act, 1948, dual employment is banned. However, IT companies are exempt from this rule in several states across India.

There is no specific statute concerning moonlighting in the Indian labour laws.

Why girls in Iran are burning hijab? Know life of women before Islamic revolution..

EBNW Story

September 22, 2022, 9:49 PM

Women are once again on the streets of Iran tossing hijab in the air and shouting slogans against the moral policing. The reason is the death of 22-year-old Mehsa Amini due to police beating for her only fault was that she was not wearing the hijab properly.

The requirement for Iranian women to wear the hijab came into force after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Before that, Iran was quite independent in the matter of women’s clothing under the rule of Shah Pahlavi. Here, the Supreme Court is hearing the petition of Muslim girls to wear hijab in India.

Let’s learn about the changes in the lives of women in Iran before and after the Islamic Revolution of 1979…

Pahlavi Shah banned wearing hijab

In 1925, the Pahlavi dynasty came to power in Iran. The first ruler Raza Shah was influenced by America and Britain. In 1941, his son Mohammad Reza Shah also understood the manner of western countries and the equal rights of women. These two rulers took many big decisions to improve the condition of women.

On 8 January 1936, Raza Shah implemented Kashf-e-Hijab. That is, if a woman wears a hijab, the police will take her off.

In 1941, Shah Raza’s son Mohammad Reza took over the rule and banned the Kashf-e-Hijab. He allowed women to wear the dress of their choice.

In 1963, Mohammad Reza Shah gave women the right to vote and women were also elected to the Parliament.

In 1967, Iran’s personal law was also reformed in which women got equal rights.

The age of marriage for girls was raised from 13 to 18 years. Also abortion was made a legal right.

Emphasis was laid on increasing the participation of girls in studies. By the 1970s, the share of girls in Iran’s universities was 30%.

Shia religious leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini opposed these policies of Shah. In 1978, under his leadership, two million people gathered at Shahyad Chowk to protest against Shah. This is what is called Islamic Revolution. Women also took an active part in this.

In 1979, Shah Reza Pahlavi had to leave the country and Iran became an Islamic Republic. Khomeini was made the Supreme Leader of Iran. From here Iran became a stronghold of Shia Islam in the world. Khomeini greatly reduced the rights of women…

In 1981, cosmetics were banned with the hijab becoming mandatory. Religious police began removing women’s lipstick with razor blades.

The Islamic government abolished the reforms of the Family Protection Law of 1967, which gave women equal rights.

The age of marriage for girls was reduced from 18 years to 9 years.

However, after Khomeini’s death, Iran’s President Rafsanjani gave some relaxation to those strict laws and kept the focus on women’s education.

Embassy of India and the Gandhi Centre celebrated Hindi Diwas

Ravindar Nagar

September 22, 2022, 9:19 PM

The Hague: As part of Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the Embassy of India and the Gandhi Centre in the Netherlands celebrated Hindi Diwas on September 13, in presence of the Ambassador of India to The Netherlands H.E.Mrs. Reenat Sandhu. Mrs.Tara Pathak – Director of Gandhi centre welcomed all the participants.

Followed by a discussion to mark the significance and importance of “Hindi Day” by members of the Indian diaspora in the Netherlands.
On this occasion, prizes were given to all the winners of essay, calligraphy, and poetry reading competitions.The book ‘Bhasha Vatika’ written by Hindi Parishad was also released.

Children also presented Hindi poems, speeches, and Rashta gaan on the occasion of Hindi day at the Gandhi centre.

Three stories behind naming of the Oscar Awards

EBNW Story

September 22, 2022, 10:06 AM

There are three stories behind the naming of the Academy Awards being popularly known as Oscars, which started in the year 1929. Out of this, the claim of two women is strong.

The first story is related to American actress Bette Davis. She claimed that the Oscar trophy looks like her musician husband Harmon Oscar Nelson when viewed from behind, hence the name of the award. Bette was also the first female President of the Academy.

The second story concerns an American columnist named Sidney Skolsky. He was famous for writing Hollywood gossip. He claimed that the Oscar’s nickname was given to the Academy Awards. He used the Oscar nickname for this award in a 1934 article.

The third story behind the name Oscar involves librarian Margaret Harrick. In addition to being a librarian, Margaret was also the executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. He claimed that Oscar was named after his uncle Oscar.

However, there is no evidence to date as to which of the three claims was true.

The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and The Heritage Movement…

EBNW Story

September 22, 2022, 9:49 AM

The Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) came into being in 1990 as a result of the Heritage Tourism Movement – which was initiated to make Heritage Buildings productive and to maintain them.

The next step was the recognition of heritage classification by the Department of Tourism & Culture, Government of India on 1 January, 1990. The IHHA was thus formed in 1990 and was registered in 2001. The main objective of the Association is to promote Heritage Tourism by preserving and reviving the heritage hotels. This, in turn, also helps in reviving the rich, cultural, historical and architectural heritage of India. Furthermore, it also gives a fillip to revive the traditional arts, crafts, music and folklore by projecting their skills through these Heritage Hotels.

The Government of India recognised Heritage Hotels as a separate category in January 1991 and categorised the Heritage Hotels in three categories viz. ‘Heritage’, ‘Heritage Classic’ and ‘Heritage Grand’.

IHHA continues to work dedicatedly towards the preservation and revival of forts, castles, period buildings, palaces and traditional havelis.

The association is not only establishing standards in heritage hospitality but also laying down heritage classification guidelines and promoting heritage tourism in the in-bound tourism market. Members from across the country have continually shown their support and joined hands to preserve the rich, cultural, historical and architectural heritage of India.

Rajasthan: IHHA 2022 to discuss heritage tourism at Alila Fort in Bishangarh

EBNW Story

September 22, 2022, 9:44 AM

The IHHA Convention 2022 to be held on September 22 and 23 at All Fort Bishangarh is themed ‘Reincarnation of Indian Heritage in & around the Heritage Hotels – Let there be art, culture, heritage et al in the air’.

A variety of unique sessions and presentations by various experts of the industry like – experiential tourism and sustainability, heritage architecture, youth and family business, wildlife tourism, social media presence, etc. will spark interesting opportunities for knowledge sharing between the members and delegates. This was informed by President, IHHA, Randhir Vikram Singh Mandawa. Also present on the occasion were General Secretary, IHHA, Capt. Gaj Singh Alsisar; Convention Chairman, Rajendra Singh Pachar, and Joint Secretary, Prithvi Singh Kanota.

Rajasthan: IHHA 2022 to discuss heritage tourism at Alila Fort in Bishangarh — Convention Chairman, Rajendra Singh Pachar, Capt. Gaj Singh Alsisar, Randhir Vikram Singh Mandawa, Prithvi Singh Kanota

The exhibition will be inaugurated on 22 September at 11 am. The inaugural session will be addressed by dignitaries like the Governor of Rajasthan, Kalraj Mishra; Minister of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Vishvendra Singh; Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje; Former Governor of Punjab, V.P. Singh Badnore; Former Deputy Speaker, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Rao Rajendra Singh of Shahapura; President of Honour (Emeritus) IHHA, Maharaja Gajsingh of Jodhpur; President, IHHA, Randhir Vikram Singh, and Steve Borgia.

There will be interactive sessions and talks on topics like — Proposing Project Plan Between IHHA & Government of India to Promote Tourism; Experiential Tourism & Sustainability; Pre Engineered Buildings as an option to expansion of room or restaurant capacity in existing properties as well and using them to create new properties; the importance/power of mediation in dispute resolution spectrum, improve and restructure the current risk management program, etc.

On the second day (23 September) of the Conference, the 21st Annual General Meeting will be held at 11 am. This will be followed by an address by the Minister of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj.

The day will also witness interactive sessions on topics like – Heritage Architecture A Major Driver of Tourism; Various Styles of Hotel Management options for the owners which would be ideal for them; Introduction of Youth and Family Business; Development of Wild Life Destination Tourism; New Trends of Tourism; Family Contribution in Business; Finance & Taxes; Film Tourism Wedding Tourism, etc.

Jaipur designer Haneet Singh’s collection stuns viewers at London Fashion Week

EBNW Story

September 22, 2022, 9:34 AM

Renowned Jaipur designer, Haneet Singh stunned the audience with his collection ‘Stannic Luxe’ at the Fashion London 2022-23 (London Fashion Week). The show took place recently at the Royal Horseguard Hotel in London and was directed by Geoff Cox. What was unique about the event was that no music was played during the show as a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II, who recently passed away. However, the applause and appreciation of the viewers for each garment filled the models as well as the designer with enthusiasm and zeal.

Jaipur designer Haneet Singh's collection stuns viewers at London Fashion Week

Talking about the collection, Haneet Singh shared that ‘Stannic Luxe’ is a luxurious fusion collection that is inspired by its shine. The metallic fabric in this collection was adorned with gold, rose gold, silver, grey and other lustrous details.

Featuring local artisans and a glimpse of Jaipur’s City Palace, the collection embodies the essence of Jaipur. Quirky and detailed Indian handwork of 3D sequins was fused with Western silhouettes for this unique collection. Earlier, Singh has also showcased his work in Dubai and Colombo and has collaborated with many Bollywood and television celebrities like Mugdha Godse, Bipasha Basu, Aarti Chhabria, Karishma Tanna, among others.

Guruvayur Temple: The new priest is YouTuber, Vlogger, model and Ayurvedic doctor who served in Russia…

EBNW Story

September 21, 2022, 9:45 PM

The next head priest of the famous Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur, Kerala is an Ayurvedic doctor, YouTuber and vlogger as well as a singer.

Thirty-four-year-old Dr. Kiran Anand Kakkar was elected the next chief priest of the Guruvayur temple through a draw last week. He belongs to a family of priests and has served in an Ayurvedic clinic in Moscow, the Russian capital, for six years.

Guruvayur Temple: The new priest is YouTuber, Vlogger, model and Ayurvedic doctor who served in Russia...

Dr. Kakkar will take over his responsibility as ‘Melshanti’ of Guruvayur temple next month. He will offer prayers as the chief priest of the temple for six months. He said, “It happened by the grace of God. It is his blessings that I have got this happiness.”

Dr. Kakkar told that he had to undergo several sacrifice and worship before applying for Guruvayur temple to become head priest, so as to eliminate the ‘bad and dangerous effects on the body during his stay abroad’.

He said that as per tradition, people going abroad are not allowed to participate in the rituals and activities of the temple, as it is believed that it is difficult to perform ‘Nityakarma’ while living abroad, so the body of such people is believed to be difficult to perform. There will be some bad effects. ‘Nityakarma’ are rituals that Hindus have to perform daily.

Dr. Kakkar said, “The remedy is that you return home and do some rituals or ‘Parihar’ to eliminate the bad effects. I used to worship even during my stay in Russia, but I did ‘Parihar’ worship only after returning to India.” When asked why he gave up his successful six-year career as an Ayurvedic doctor in Russia, Dr. Kakkar said that he did so as per his father’s wish.

According to Dr. Kakkar, “Many of my ancestors have been priests. My father is also a priest. He is one of the four Othikkan families of the Guruvayur temple.” He said, “Since my father is getting old, he asked me to come back and take over the responsibilities of Othikkan. That’s why I came back.”

Dr. Kakkar told that the priests of Othikkan category perform daily rituals like ‘Abhisheka’ or Panthiradi Puja in the temple. He said that apart from taking his responsibilities from his father, he also plans to open an Ayurvedic clinic. However, Dr. Kakkar will have to stay inside the Guruvayur temple at all times as a ‘melshanti’, so he will have to postpone his plans to open the clinic for six months. He said, “I can’t even go home. However, after six months with the new ‘Melshanti’ taking over my responsibilities, I will be able to return to my old routine and work as an Ayurvedic doctor.”

Why become an Ayurvedic doctor?

Dr. Kakkar said that he also knows how to play the musical instrument ‘Mridangam’. He is also trained in Carnatic music. On the question related to becoming an Ayurvedic doctor, he said, “I think it was written in my destiny. To have a son, my parents tried a special Ayurvedic treatment method ‘Pumasavan’.

Dr. Kakkar told that my maternal uncle was aware of those medicines and treatment methods, by which this could be possible. Since, I was born due to such ayurvedic treatment system, I wanted to make a career in this field. He said, “I did not give up my passion for music in the quest to become an Ayurvedic doctor. I made music a part of my profession. Apart from being a Panchakarma specialist, I also work as a Music Therapist.

According to Dr. Kakkar, apart from practicing music therapy, he has sung for several music albums and he also runs a YouTube channel along with his wife. “On our YouTube channel, you will find our songs, travel videos (travel vlogs), experiences of living in Russia and health tips on our YouTube channel.

1...720721722...891 Page 721 of 891