5 features of Asia’s longest drive-in beach situated in Kerala

June 13, 2020, 1:42 PM

Do you know India houses one of the world’s best drive-in beaches?

Unaware? Try visiting Muzhappilangad beach in Kerala which is one amongst the world’s best beaches. Also, it is the longest drive-in beach in Asia.

Wanna experience the delight of driving across this beach? Yeah, you must be eager to experience the delight, but before making a start, you should know the five features of this beach:

Get spoilt for choice here: Several water sports activities available here shall leave you spoilt for choice. Experience the adrenaline rush by choosing any of your favourite water sports such as paragliding, parasailing and micro lite flights. Power boating and a simple catamaran ride are yet another sports to give you a gushing thrill.

Stick on shores: The beach situated around 12 kilometres from Thalasser is quite beautiful and doesn’t go along with traditional beaches which you must have seen till date. However, while driving along the beach, you need to stick to the shores and should avoid getting into the further water if you are using your personal vehicle as sea water can corrode the metal parts of your vehicle.

5 features of Asia’s longest drive-in beach situated in Kerala

3. The beach is conducive for swimming too: The black rocks along the edge of the beach give it a crescent shape. Eventually, the beach remains safe from strong waves and is conducive for swimming.

4. Be ready to pay a nominal fee: A nominal fee is being charged for all vehicles entering here. However, you can feel the delight of driving here as the sand on the beach remains quite firm and does not let the vehicle tires sink in.The 4 km long beach is not much crowded and hence you can enjoy the pleasure of driving.

5. You can take two-wheelers also for driving here: The Muzhappilangad beach, surrounded by deep oceanic blue waters, lures tourists from India and abroad. Vehicles are easily available for beach journey here. You can also enjoy the drive-in experience on two-wheelers.

6. Soak in the festivities of beach feasts: The annual beach festival being celebrated here is too much fun. There are many other similar festivals being organised here from time to time which shall create beautiful memories for you.

So bask in the delight of soaking rich experiences and create some magical memories to cherish… forever!

A cable car temple in Rajasthan’s Pushkar shows nature in its most beautiful form

EBNW Story

June 10, 2020, 2:40 AM

This cable car temple in Rajasthan is located on Ratnagiri hills in Pushkar

Dating back to the 7th century, it is a renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus and is dedicated to Goddess Savitri and hence is called Savitri Temple.

As it is located on a hill at a height of 750 feet from surroundings, those visiting here have two options to reach the temple—roapway and steps. While the steps are steep, the roapway is better as it also presents the mesmerising view of Aravalis covering the surroundings.

On the other hand, the steps cover a distance of 1.5 kilometres but it comprises a strenuous effort to reach temple via them.

The temple bespeaks a story from ancient times when lord Brahma and his wife Savitri had a a tiff. Brahma was performing yajna for which a wife’s presence is sacrosanct, however, Savirti went late to join him in this ritual.

Eventually, Brahma completed his yang by making another girl, Gayatri, sit along with him who became his second wife. This annoyed Savitri who went on the hill top, aggrieved and annoyed. Later, Brahma convinced her that she will always be worshipped first and then will Gayatri be worshipped.

A cable car temple in Rajasthan’s Pushkar shows nature in its most beautiful form — Savitri Devi temple

This tradition continues till date in this temple as aarti is performed first at Savitri temple and then it is performed at Gayatri temple. Both Savitri and Gayatri’s idols are now installed at the Savitri temple here out of which . Savitri’s idol dates back to around 7th century AD.

The Savitri Temple overlooks the pristine town of Pushkar and captures the views of surrounding valleys. The temple can be spotted from the Pushkar Lake too.

If you wanna enjoy the view of Pushkar, then visit this temple and behold the beauty of nature in your eyes.

Oh, one more thing—you need to be extra careful of monkeys around who might join you in your party time while you are enjoying your snacks and choclates.

A grassroot organisation comes up to fight unemployment amid COVID-19

EBNW Story

June 10, 2020, 1:24 AM

Launches app which helps find employers, employees and newer business options

Can unemployment be eradicated if people from society join hands and come together to help those in dire needs?

This question might sound surprising but there is a live case being reported in Rajasthan’s Sikar district where a grassroot organisation called as Laghu Udhyog Bharati is showing the way to fight unemployment in society by helping those looking for jobs in getting decent earning opportunities.

The organisation recently launched an app which helps finding employees, employers and newer business options.

Giving options in three categories, the app’s first category comprises people who want jobs, second category is for those who have vacancies and is looking for employees and the third category is of people who want to opt for self employment.

All those interested in enrolling with any one of the categories will have to register themselves in the app which can be opened using desktop, phone and e-mitra while logging into LUBnational.com

This app shall help the migrants returning from different parts of the nation to their native place in wake of lockdown to make decent earnings and earn their livelihood.

The officials launching the app said that as COVID-19 has brought in high rate of unemployment, we all planned to introduce this app which can serve the needs of all three sections of people, those looking for job, those looking for candidates to work and those who want to set up their own businesses.

Those who want to opt for any of these avenues can register with the app, said Vishal, the departmental pracharak (spokesperson).

Others who were present on the occasion were Dr Nagarmal Goyal, Mahendra Mishra and Hanuman Prasad Agrawal.

The app ensures that those looking for jobs can find livelihood near their native place. The unemployed can register at this app and can get specific job after getting his profile scrutinised. Also those who want to set their own businesses in their home towns shall also be helped in the endeavour.

Shweta Chopra: Once a little princess of her dad is now doing big soulful business!

Ravindar Nagar

June 9, 2020, 12:17 PM

Shweta Chopra imbibed the values her father taught her which was a real gift to him on Father’s Day

Once, a little princess of her dad, has now made big in business world, following the simple tips he shared with her in different walks of life. She is none other than Shweta Chopra who is a well-known name in Rajasthan business world. With all her values intact, Shweta leads from the front donning different roles!

Over the years, she has earned the distinguished distinction of being a successful business woman for she has been running many successful business ventures, has organised big and beautiful event and is also an RJ sharing all positive stories around. The leading lady is also engaged in sound world, has her own designer brand and there are many more credentials to her kitty, however, she credits her success to Lord Krishna’s blessings.

The woman of substance has also served FICCI Flo Jaipur chapter’s chairperson. During her tenure, she organised fire walk event in Jaipur, has invited Bollywood star Vidhya Balan and knowing no fullstops, had also organised an interesting interaction with film producer and director Mahesh Bhatt and admaker Prahlad Kakkar too.

Shweta Chopra: Once a little princess of her dad is now doing big soulful business! - Shweta Chopra imbibed the values her father taught her which was a real gift to him on Father's Day

While making big leaps in her career, she is simultaneously hand-holding many females who have been dreaming big.

Shweta strongly believes in the fact that ‘What shall stay with you is your bonding and relationship with others.’

Call it her simplicity or humbleness, but the lady gently credits her success to the teachings she imbibed from her joint family while growing up.

According to her, business is more like serving others and hence she remains all ready to extend her help to anyone who needs it. Eventually, she is cynosure of all eyes earning trust of people from different segments who love sharing their ideas for they know they shall be implemented thoroughly with her far-sighted vision.

The pretty lady also never forgets to mention her father’s word who, she says, taught her to make her deeds look taller and larger always.
“I was sad at that moment as three guys have turned down my marriage proposal due to my short height.”
My father at that time said, “Make your deeds taller so that your height doesn’t matter in front of it. (Apne karma noo wadda karo he said in Punjabi)

I have embedded those words in my life and I can see them making a difference in my life, says Shweta adding that she also found a huge support from her father-in-law who taught her how to respect money.

“When I entered this house as a daughter-in-law, I was informed that I am not allowed to work. However, looking at my zeal to work and perform, he changed his perception and I was allowed to spread the wings in professional world.

Serving as FICCI-Flo chairperson, she inspired five 5 entrepreneurs from Flo to get their names registered in the national compendium book of MSME which was released by Union minister Nitin Gadkari.
“It’s a pride moment for me that out of total 100 successful women, five were from my chapter. My input was to ask Flo members to send their work in a set format” she says.

Going further, Shweta follows a clear vision of ‘attach to detach’ she mentioned in her farewell speech while stepping down as FICCI FLO chairperson which speaks volumes of her humble roots.

Shweta further believes that good leaders nurture leaders under them. She further believes in practising and delivering the best without flaws as she says this is what defines your success.

Shweta remembers her father when it comes to values she learned from him.

Miles to go for Shweta who has generally given the best gift to her father by following what he taught her in simple tips.

Bishangarh Fort (Alila): Watch sustainability stories ‘streamed’ live at this Fort-turned-resort!

EBNW Story

June 9, 2020, 7:59 AM

At a time when organic seems to be the order of the day, a resort tucked between the Aravali hills barely 6 km off the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway, is scripting a successful story of sustainability by hiring local artisans to give local taste to its guests visiting here from far off areas of the world.

Local artisans from nearby villages have been hired here for farming, cooking, pottery making, lac art, among many others.

The resort serves local-inspired food for the guests which is made by locals, who are staying around. They are hired and trained by us to make sure our guests get a local taste while earning a sustainable income, says Binny Sebastian, General Manager, Bishangarh’s Alila Fort heritage hotel.

This heritage property has also engaged villagers in tasks like organic farming and its association with locals is quite strong.

Guests love watching them making beautiful pottery and weaving colourful carpets. They visit village houses and sip aromatic tea (masala chai) with villagers watching them engage in handmade artistry. Locals are also being paid for giving time to guests to ensure they earn something from guests visiting them.

The property has engaged bangle makers engaged in lak art, pottery makers, farmers, cooks, and many alike. There is no plastic being used in the resort since last many months but a handmade bag has replaced it. Paper made straws have replaced plastic straws.

Now, you must be interested to know the history of this report. It once was a warrior fort which is now creating successful sustainability stories following the theory of co-creation.

Alila Fort Bishangarh is easily accessible from both Delhi and Jaipur. Situated in Bishangarh Village in the Jaipur District, Alila Fort Bishangarh is 180 km (3 hours) from Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi while it is 55 km (1 hour) from Jaipur Airport.

The locals in Alila Fort are engaged in diverse tasks from garden landscaping to housekeeping, driving to kitchen, dish making to local pickle making.

Our property is situated on the outskirts and we have surrounding villages with people engaged in farming. Hence, we train them in diverse tasks to make them stand on their own. With villagers earning decent amount, our surroundings have changed as there are many shops and businesses coming around, he adds.

Our guests are taken token to a local barber shop where they are given a head massage called as ‘Champi’ in local language. Villagers are getting a decent price for it.

We have been running zero mile cuisine system under which food produced within the vicinity of one mile is being served to guests. This again boosts local economy, Sebastian says.

Last Diwali, paper bag made from newspapers with an earthen pot having tulsi plant grown in our garden were gifted to our guests. Again local services were taken to make bags and pots, he adds.

5 principles of Shivaji’s Good Governance Model which every Indian should be knowing

EBNW Story

June 8, 2020, 8:49 AM

Good Governance Model! This subject has been discussed far and wide in present circumstances in India. But how many of us are aware of the man who implemented this model successfully in India when Mughals in India were running a terror trail in 17th century.

It was none other than Shivaji, a great king, who introduced the concept of Swarajya in India by implementing a good governance model, working on principles of creation, construction, self-reliance and Swadeshi foundation. He instilled patriotism and nationalism amongst people who unitedly fought against Mughals and later against East India company’s set-up to implement Swarajya in the entire nation.

Let’s discuss his five sacrosanct principles of his Good Governance Model which we all should know as Indians:

1. Policy Making: With his ability to deal with tough situation along with his far sightedness, Shivaji, in a mere 33 years of his military and political career, had set high standards. His policies speak on individual independence, discipline and fair governance. In fact, the employee policies, financial policies, military and naval policies helped him in implementing the dream of “Swaraj”.

His flexible taxation policy is yet another marvel which was established under his reign.

2. Secularism: Swarajya, under his reign, ensured that Secularism was followed in all ways and means under Shivaji’s reign. All religions were equally respected and religion never interfered in the successful running of administration. Even during his raid on Surat, he clearly instructed his troops to ensure that none of the religious shrines were disturbed. The Marathas, as per Shivaji’s instructions, followed liberal religious policies showing respect to all religious texts. Both Hindus and Muslims were deployed in civil and military departments.

3. Environment Conservation: Chhatrapati Shivaji during this days have strongly emphasised on developing policies promoting the plantation of trees including Mango, Neem, Chikoo etc. There were strict instructions given by Shivaji that these trees should never get hurt during any military expedition. There are many letters written by him to various village heads which reflect his love and concern for nature and eco-conservation.

4. Respecting women: Swarajya, under Shivaji, ensured that each woman is respected and honoured all across. He was strongly against any kind of violence and dishonour against women. Those women from captured territories were also released with full respect and integrity.

5. Strategising war tactics: Shivaji was a great strategist and swarajya was established under his rule following unique strategies. He was considered as a father of Indian Navy who realised of setting up a naval force and therefore established some stunning forts which leave people stunned looking at its unique architectural beauty. Shindhudurg, Jaigad, Vijaydurg stand straight with pride even today singing the successful script being written strategically by Shivaji.

Besides these five principles, Shivaji followed many other policies which made him one of the bravest, progressive and great rulers of India. Born on Feb 19, 1630, he formed the Maratha Kingdom.

Upholding the Swarajya values following the rich heritage of Marathas, he won millions of hearts of his people and established a unique model of Good Governance.

When a queen turned a village into the metro city with her acumen…!

EBNW Story

June 6, 2020, 6:05 PM

This is the story of a Holkar queen Devi Ahilya who changed fortunes of her Kingdom with grit, determination & bravery and converted once a small village-kind town—Indore— into a metro-kind city by bringing a holistic development here.

A living legend in true form, she dedicated her life for the prosperity and happiness of her people.

Despite being married to the royal family’s prince Khanderao Holkar at the age of 8 years, the little girl quickly learnt the art to run an empire with utmost dedication.

The queen emerged as a proficient ruler and a brave queen who remained undeterred despite facing many adverse challenges in her life which included the untimely death of her husband, her father-in-law, son, daughter and son-in-law.

Despite facing all these odds, she continued serving her people with grit, loyalty and dedication.

She ruled Indore for over 30 years and brought in prosperity for her town by converting it into a flourishing city which once existed as a small village.

During her reign, she built many forts, developed roads in Malwa and also sponsored many festivals.

Also, there is a long list of donations she gave to many Hindu temples.

Her philanthropic activities stretched far and wide crossing the boundaries of her empire. Also, many temples, ghats, wells, water tanks and rest-houses were constructed under her tenure which stretched from the Northern Belt of India to the south of the country.

She beautified many religious sites which included Kashi, Gaya, Somnath, Ayodhya, Mathura, Hardwar, Kanchi, Avanti, Dwarka, Badrinarayan, Rameshwar and Jaganathpuri.

She announced Maheshwar her state capital which over the years emerged as a melting pot of literary, musical, artistic and industrial achievements. A beautiful Ahilya Fort was created here on the banks of pristine Narmada which was based on 18th century Maratha architecture.

The queen had a great respect for craftsmen, sculptors and artists who grew by leaps and bounds under her kingdom. Also, the merchants produced the elegant clothes and the trade flourished in her kingdom.

Queen Ahilyabai shares the credit for converting Indore into a textile city as many textile industries being set in during her tenure.

Besides being a queen, she was also a strategist who knew how to defeat her enemy strategically.

She was also a diplomat, who knew how to use her intellect skills to come out as winner during disputes with other kingdoms. Basically, she was a noble soul who wanted everyone in her kingdom to prosper.

The stories of this unconquered Maratha Warrior continues inspiring people around who go awe-stuck listening to the tales of valour, grit and determination!

This NGO works differently; celebrates plants’ birthdays & makes 5-Star Green Houses…!

EBNW Story

June 6, 2020, 8:22 AM

Have you ever heard of normal houses being converted into Five-Star Green Houses?

Sounds a little newer concept? Isn’t it?

But an NGO in Rajasthan on this World Environment Day pledged to convert normal houses into five star green houses. Around 10,000 people avowed to turn their houses into 5-star green houses on the occasion.

This NGO since its beginning has been making a difference since last four years.

Right from celebrating the birthdays of newly planted saplings to making of 3-5 BHK houses for plants, the NGO is all dedicated for environment preservation.

Celebrating birthdays of newly planted saplings for two years ensures that a plant turns into a tree after being nurtured regularly.

Being run by Rashtriya Swamyam Sevak men, the NGO has created 26 dense forests out of which Bhilwara has the highest number of dense forests counting to 16.

Apart from this, the dense forests have also been developed in Sriganganagar, Kapasan, Pisangan, Nasirabad among other districts.

This NGO works differently; celebrates plants’ birthdays & makes 5-Star Green Houses...!

Vinod Malana, the man running the NGO, says, “We are taking tasks which are not too expensive but can be accomplished in the given time line. Our NGO plants 300 different kinds of saplings on 1000 square feet area.

These plants are first made germ-free using cow urine and then are being planted. The biodiversity parameter is also been taken care of so that plants help each other grow. The initiative can help in bringing up dense forests on even less than 1000 square feet of area.

With regular care, these forests grow quickly and serve as oxygen bank for the people living nearby,” he says.

The five star green houses shall include organic kitchen garden, houses and shades fo animals and birds with proper arrangement of food, water conservation, reusing water after washing clothes and the AC water recycling, using solar water heater and solar energy and to convert kitchen waste into fertiliser.

A different campaign to promote tourism during COVID-19 times!

EBNW Story

June 5, 2020, 4:25 PM

At a time when lockdown has kept people indoors and the tourist spots in Rajasthan are lying deserted, the state tourism minister has launched a different social media campaign to promote tourism which has been called as #safawithtwittertrend

In this unique initiative, people of all age, caste, creed and genre have participated. Surprisingly, politicians from across the parties enthusiastically joined the campaign.

The camping was started by Rajasthan tourism minister Vishvendra Singh by starting a twitter hashtag – #SafaWithTwitter to encourage others to share their ‘Safa Experience’ on social media.

Many State Ministers and Congress MLAs have responded to the trend and jumped on the bandwagon.

A different campaign to promote tourism during COVID-19 times!

Talking about the campaign, the Tourism Minister said that history shows that the ‘Safa’ (turban) has played an invaluable role in preserving the old heritage and honour of Rajasthan. Even today, its tradition has been kept intact as part and parcel of the dress code. The campaign is a unique initiative to not only promote the tourism of Rajasthan but also a pledge to preserve the State’s heritage through its people for times to come.

The trend began with the Tourism Minister sharing a photo of himself wearing a colourful ‘Safa’. Soon, the campaign received overwhelming response, cutting across party lines with Rajasamand MP, Diya Kumari and State President, BJP, Dr. Satish Poonia and BJP leader, Abhimanyu Singh Rajvi, grandson of former Vice President of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat joining the campaign.

Following in the footsteps, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister, Sachin Pilot; Minister for Transport and Soldiers Welfare Department, Pratap Singh Khachariyawas; Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Ashok Chandna; Minister for Mining and GauPalan, Pramod Jain Bhaya; Minister for Higher Education (Independent Charge), Bhanwar Singh Bhati, among others also shared their photos of donning a ‘Safa’.

Rajasthani folk singer, Rajnigandha Shekhawat; Indian film director, Vivek Agnihotri; author, Anuradha Goyal as well as several civil servants, bloggers, journalists, anchors and the general public have also joined the campaign.

Hathigaon (Amber Fort in Jaipur) came a step ahead to pay floral tributes to the Kerala elephant

EBNW Story

June 5, 2020, 3:54 PM

As humanity came under question in Kerala for killing the elephant and her unborn baby by feeding it with cracker-stuffed pineapple, the humans in Hathigaon (Amber Fort in Jaipur) came a step ahead to pay floral tributes to the Kerala elephant, showing a different face of humanity to the world.

The Mahouts organised a tribute laying ceremony for the deceased mute animal in Hathi Gaon situated near Amber Fort in Jaipur where elephants and Mahouts together paid floral tributes to the deceased elephant.

Hathigaon (Amber Fort in Jaipur) came a step ahead to pay floral tributes to the Kerala elephant — elephants and Mahouts together paid floral tributes to the deceased elephant.

The elephants were seen standing straight following strict discipline.

They silent marched ahead, garlanded the elephant’s picture and then offered flowers to it.

In fact, many elephants also raised their trunk up and bid adieu to their family member saying Rest in Peace to their family member who lost life to human cruelty.

Elephants and mahaots in Jaipur have been sharing a family kind relationship for over four hundred years since the time this city was established.

In fact, Amer Fort is the only fort in India where elephant rides attract foreign and Indian tourists equally.

Amid lockdown, it has become difficult for these elephant owners to satisfy the elephantine needs of this animal, but on humanitarian basis, the mahouts are spending Rs 3000 a day to feed their animals.

Speaking to the media, one Aseef, a caretaker of elephants said, “Together, we bow our heads down in shame with the incident which has been reported in Kerala.”

“We have been living with elephants since the last many centuries and this incident has left us red-faced. Trying to emerge as humans, we organised a ceremony to pay rich tributes to the demised soul.

The elephant’s picture was staged right at the centre of the ground where we paid rich tributes to it. Even elephants came ahead to give it an honour by raising their trunks together.”

“We and our elephants have shared a long-term family bond. These mute animals brought us our daily food. Now, in these testing times when there is lockdown all across and no tourists coming anywhere, it is our duty to help and feed them,”he said.

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