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Kriti Sharma

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Of lessons learnt-Musings of a final year student

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With effectively just a month to go before I face the semester-end examinations and graduate from college (fingers crossed!), the following lines from Shakespeare’s sonnet ‘The Seven Ages’ seem to constantly reverberate in my pensive mind, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances ,and one man in his time plays many parts; His acts being seven ages.”

Indeed, Shakespeare in his infinite wisdom was accurate in suggesting that life is nothing but a collection of various ephemeral phases. There is something to gain and lose from each phase: each ‘act’ leaves a little bit of itself with you, and such learning then reflects in the attitudes, opinions and perceptions you demonstrate going forward.

As a fresher I had always hoped that college would change me in fascinating ways and that by the end of three years, I’d walk out an improved version of myself.  As the curtains to graduation draw to a close, I can say that I have changed, as I had hoped I would. And it is the following revelation that has contributed the most to my personality:  It’s not what your college does for you that changes you. It is what you do for your college (and in your college life) that brings out the best in you.

I learnt this lesson after months of sulking over not making it to my dream college. I’m sure a lot of you dealt with such feelings of inferiority as well. It is true that some institutions provide you more exposure than others.  But true triumph exists in seeking opportunity, creating it even, and then succeeding in it by giving it all you’ve got. A majestic creature like the Phoenix rises from the ashes. Passion and ambition always shine through in even the darkest of times.

In hindsight, I’d say that college is all about self-exploration and discovery: things that come only when you immerse yourself into the world of possibilities. One needs to step out of one’s comfort zone and disregard limitations. Because honestly, in these prime years, limitations are nothing but a deceitful ploy of a timid mind.

Thus, invest your all for three years, and you’ll be rewarded in handsome dividends worth cherishing over a lifetime.

Good Luck!
Image Credits: picturesdp.blogspot.co.in

Kriti Sharma

[email protected]

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Uncategorized

MP Gaikwad – Common Goon or People Representative?

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On March 23, Shiv Sena MP Ravindra Gaikwad assaulted a 60-year old Air India staffer, hitting the employee 25 times with his sandal. The MP’s aggressive behaviour accompanied by the use of lewd language has sparked intense public outrage and social media furore. Due to this unruly behaviour, he has been blacklisted by Air India and the Federation of Indian Airlines that includes SpiceJet, GoAir, IndiGo and Jet Airways.
Unfortunately, the MP feels there is no reason to repent and has refused to apologise. In fact, he has asked Air India to apologise for bringing “ignominy” to him. Shiv Sena has come out in support of MP RavindraGaikwad. While saying that the party does not endorse his actions, Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said that anybody could lose their temper when provoked. HarshalPradhan, the media adviser to party chief, Uddhav Thackeray, said a “minor” incident was being blown out of proportion. In fact, the MP has gone so far as to ask for the appointment of a committee to probe into the causes for the declining standards of Air India.
People across India have been outraged by the MP’s hostile behaviour. Indecent conduct on the part of parliamentarians against ordinary, law-abiding citizens has the power to destroy people’s faith in democratic ideals. Gaikwad’s unapologetic response after humiliating the staffer in front of the whole cabin crew has raised apprehensions about whether representatives of the people truly respect the citizens of India

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The Auburn Umbrella

FAREWELL 101: Auburn helps you decode the farewell fashion conundrum!

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My earliest encounter with a saree was in twelfth standard. This was for the farewell. In the immediate period, running up to this grand day, I recall how one seemingly innocuous piece of clothing became the sole purpose of my existence; so much so that my priorities were drastically reorganised- acing the boards became second in importance to finding that perfect saree!

Three years later, I am faced by a similar fix: My college farewell is a month away and the challenge to look like an absolute diva (yes, I have great expectations from myself!) is upon me. Only this time, the task has become harder with time, age and the inimitable significance of the occasion.

Given the extreme importance that we as individuals and society connote to this single, most vital, mega celebration, it’s important we are absolutely on point on D-day when it comes to turning out to the best of our potential. ‘The Auburn Umbrella’ thus, presents to you a fuss-free guideline on how to rock your farewell: the attire, the make-up, and the works!

A. ‘Old is Gold’, and we’re not just talking wine
If you dream of turning heads and leaving an indelible mark with your saree, then wear something that you already own, or better yet, steal something from your mother’s wardrobe. If you buy something that Lajpat and Sarojini Nagar shop owners will sell you as ‘trending’, then chances are that you’ll end up looking like the next girl, who probably also fell for the same marketing trap. Heirloom clothing is indeed, unique and beautiful.

B. Give the salon a skip
Salons are like factories: they turn the fresh-looking and raw Plain Janes into made-to-order porcelain dolls. If you want your make-up to bring out your best features, do it yourself at home. Bring out your A-game and let originality and distinctiveness do the talking!

C. Go easy on the height
I’m short and I love my highest pair of heels. But, I’m not an idiot. Donning a saree in heels could send a clutz like me to the emergency room in a jiffy. So I’m going to stove away these insanely high pair of stilettos for another day, when I just have to sit and look pretty. Instead, I’ll opt for medium length heels, which will give me a decent elevation and comfort. My sincere advice: so should you!

D. Get the pose right
Alright, this might sound a little presumptuous. But even the prudes are allowed a field day when they can give in to social convention and pose for the paparazzi. To ensure that you have decent photographs from this ‘oh-so-important day’, practice a couple of your profiles (side, centre, upside down-whatever works for you!) before the actual day. Ugly mug shots just won’t do!

E. Keep Breathing!
Although I cannot stress the importance of farewell appearances enough, I do advocate that you reign in your OCD tendencies before you let them ruin your (and effectively everyone else’s) evening. So stay calm and keep breathing!

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Kriti Sharma
[email protected]

Feature image credits: WordPress.com
Image credits: Pinterest.com

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Sri Venkateswara College

Nexus ’17 at Sri Venkateswara College: Highlights and Events

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Nexus, Sri Venkateswara College’s Annual Cultural Fest was held from 23rd to 25th February. This year’s edition of the festival called Nexus ’17 took up the delightful theme of ‘Bollywood’. Every little detail, right from the promotional videos to the decorations and competitions, oozed a sense of Bolly-fun. Nexus ’17 witnessed performances by the Nizami Brothers on the ‘Sufi Night’, The Raghu Dixit Project on the ‘Rock Night’ and Kailasa on the ‘Pro Night’.

DAY ONE: Inauguration, A Capella, Choreography and the Nizami Brothers

 

Day 1 was an interesting amalgamation of dance and music. The Western Choir Society held its A Capella competition, which was won by Echo of Jesus and Mary College. Also held among the music competitions were the Western Solo and Instrumental Solo competitions. The three dance events of the day were the Folk Dance, Solo Classical and Choreography competition. While the first was won by SGTB Khalsa, the second was won Unni Vishwanathan from Hans Raj College. Terpsi Chorean of Hans Raj College took home the trophy in the Choreography competition.

The day ended with a stirring performance by the magnetic Nizami Brothers, who added meaning to Nexus’ famous ‘Sufi Night’ for a second time in a row.

DAY TWO: Battle of Bands, Razzmatazz and The Raghu Dixit Project

 

Setting the mood right for the ‘Rock Night’ to be held later in the evening was the first event of Day 2- Battle of Bands. ‘Thread Makers’ of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College secured the first position in this event. Also held was ‘Goonj’, the Inidan Classical Choir event where Samranjini of Gargi College bagged the first prize.‘Razzmatazz’, the Western Dance Competition was won by Zeal of Maitreyi College, followed closely by V-defyn by IIT Delhi.‘Madari’, the Nukkad Natak competition was conducted in the front lawn of the college. It was Etcetra of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur College that made their mark and took home the gold.

The highlight of the day was the concert of The Raghu Dixit Project. Raghu Dixit and his made captivated the crowd with their edgy and ethnic music, convivial wit and breathtaking stage presence. They belted out their famous numbers like ‘Masti ki Basti’ and ‘Jag Changa’. He also sang in his native language Kannada. But music is unbridled by language, and even his Kannada songs created ripples.

DAY THREE: Powerful and moving performance by Kailasa

Crowds of students from across Delhi University gathered on Day 3, to watch the music legend Kailash Kher perform with his band Kailasa. The melodious singer, who is famous for hits like Teri Deewani,Chaandan mein and many others made the audience swoon as he crooned. His talent and charm enthralled the large numbers that had gathered to hear him live.Besides singing beautifully, the vocalist amused the gathering with his witty rejoinders and anecdotes. He said that since he is also from Delhi, he loves Delhiites and performing in the city because he thinks that it is filled with passionate music lovers. He impressed all with his dance moves. He not only made the audience groove, but also sportingly shook a leg as he rendered Tauba Tauba and Chak de Phatte. On singing Allah ke Bande and Teri Deewani, he had the crowd stupified. He ended his performance by inviting the Principal on stage, who addressed the audience and ceremoniously closed the fest.

Here is a glimpse of the wondrous extravaganza that was Nexus ’17!

Find out what ensued on each day here:

DAY 1

DAY 2

Check out DU Beat’s Nexus ’17 Album HERE.

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Cultural Festivals

Day 1 at Nexus’17: Venky’s Bollywood themed fest kicks off with ‘Sufi Night’

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Sri Venkateswara College’s 3-day annual fest ‘Nexus’ began today. This year, the extravaganza is centred around the theme of ‘Bollywood’, something that reflected in the inventive and breathtaking decorations, events and general atmosphere.

Based on the theme of ‘Bollywood, Nexus’s ambience definitely did the theme justice

The event began with an inauguration ceremony, which began with invoking Goddess Saraswati, followed by the lamp lighting by Dr. Pawan Sharma, an alumna of the college, along with the principal. The dignitaries were joined by the members of the student advisory board and student union.

The first competition of the day was held by the Western Choir Society and was an A- Cappella competition. The event saw participation from eleven colleges and was a huge success. The first prize was won by Echo, the Western Music Society of Jesus and Mary College. Swaranjali- Music Society of Hans Raj College and Western Music Society of Lady Shri Ram College secured the second and third positions respectively.

This was followed by the Folk Dance Competition. High on energy and vibrant to the core, the event saw huge participation. Gargi College, which presented Badhai, a dance form from Madhya Pradesh secured the first position, followed by SGTB Khalsa. Maitreyi College earned a special mention.

 

Mudra, the solo classical dance competition saw Unni Vishwanathan from Hansraj College securing the first position, followed by Reetuparna Vishwanath from Lady Sri Ram College.

The afternoon session began with the Western Solo Competition. The event saw a string of soulful performances. Among the eighteen participants from across the university and the city, Mayank for his cover of the Eagles’ Despererado’ was adjudged the winner. Kishore, with Felix on keyboard from Amity University ended up as the runner-up for his cover of  ‘Over the rainbow’ by Judy Garland. Taeysha Kohli from Jesus and Mary College and Rohan from St. Stephen’s College received a special mention for their outstanding performances.

In ‘Saarang’, the solo instrumental competition,  Aditya from Kirori Mal College and Megha from Miranda House stole the show, bagging the gold and silver respectively.

The crowd turned up in huge numbers at the choreography event, which saw some engaging performances follow one after another. At the end of the event, Terpsi Chorean, the western dance society of the Hans Raj College and Sensation, the western dance society of Kirori Mal College were adjudged first and second for their superior performances.

But the highlight of the day was the much-awaited ‘Sufi Night’. Returning to Nexus for the second time in a row were the fabled Nizami Brothers. Their music mesmerised the crowd. Their performance resonated with the large numbers that flocked Venky’s grounds to get a taste and sense of Sufi in its pristine form. The concert set the tone for a great start and one can anticipate more action to follow in the next two days of Nexus ’17.

 

Feature Image Credits: Hitanksha Jain

Akshara Srivastava
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Nikhil Kumar
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Kriti Sharma
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Events

Valentine’s Day Special: Top 5 Romantic Movies to binge on

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“Acceptance is the key to happiness.”


That’s some really sound advice, courtesy my astute grandmother. When I received these wise words of wisdom, I stowed them away in my sub-conscious mind. But with Valentine’s Day lurking around the corner, I see the perfect opportunity to employ them.

Another Valentine’s Day is going to come and go, and I’m going to be as single as a hydrogen atom, awaiting another of its kind to come along. Find the reference amusing? Pause and look at your own life for a minute, buddy. It probably is just as pathetically hilarious as mine.

But experience is a great teacher. And my several years of battling loneliness on the damned fourteenth day of February have taught me to take solitude in my stride. So while the couples out there are busy making fluffy plans, I’ve figured out an illustrious one for myself: Binging on dessert and romantic movies, simultaneously and harmoniously, in enviable synchronisation.

If this Valentine’s Day, you are a) single or b) too lazy to go out or c) too prudish to give in to V-day clichés, listen to grandma and be the master of your own happiness. Take the following cues and just fag out in the luxury of a warm bed, good food and lots of cinematic romance. Basically, give in to some ‘khud-khushi’, minus rat poison, ceiling fans and sharp, incisive instruments.

Top 5 Romantic Movies to binge-watch this Valentine’s Day:

1.Made of Honor

Theme: Best Friends fall in love, eventually!
For anyone who has ever loved their best friend, this one will reaffirm your faith in your friendship and make you believe that perhaps, some day, the two of you will land up together. Hope is the best companion a lone heart needs on Vday. This one will surely give you optimistic feels.
Also try: Love, Rosie and Valentine’s Day
For Bolly fans: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

Made of Honor
Made of Honor

2. Titanic
Theme: Mammoth sacrifice for soulmate
Some movies are classics. And classics are hard to let go off. Titanic is a movie that reverberates with all generations. Sacrifice has always been the cornerstone of true love. Jack and Rose do absolute justice to the portrayal of this concept. A must watch, even if for the hundredth time!
Also try: Fault in Our Stars and The Notebook
For Bolly fans: Veer-Zaara

Titanic
Titanic

3. My Best Friend’s Wedding

Sometimes, love is unrequited. And things become even worse when your harbour unreciprocated feelings for your best friend. But if you truly love your best friend, then you’ll find your happiness in theirs. Selfless love too is rewarding and gratifying.
Also try: 500 Days of Summer and Casablanca
For Bolly fans: Ae Dil Hai Mushkil

My Best Friend's Wedding
My Best Friend’s Wedding

4.Love Story

Based on Eric Segal’s classic novel of the same name, this one, although old, is sure to warm the cockles of your heart. Watch out for heavy sentiments, though (“Love means never having to say you’re sorry”). Also, spoiler alert: not all love stories have a happy ending.
Also try: A Walk to Remember, Dear John and The Last Song
For Bolly Fans: Kal Ho Na Ho

Love Story
Love Story

5.Sleepless in Seattle

Tom Hanks is like the SRK of Hollywood: The undisputed king of romance. Need I say more?
Also try: You’ve got mail and Cast Away
For Bolly Fans: DDLJ, Main Hoon Na, Dil Toh Pagal Hai and any and every SRK movie ever made

Sleepless In Seattle
Sleepless In Seattle

Some more suggestions: Love Actually, Letters to Juliet, Nights at Rodanthe, One Fine Day, The Last Kiss, Breakfast at Tiffany, Becoming Jane and Me Before You.

Write in with your recommendations! I would love to hear from you.

Image Credits: Pinterest, Joblo.com, hollywood.com, ats.edu.mx, pinterest.com, parkcircus.com

 

Kriti Sharma

[email protected]

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Features

Explore Delhi with Musafir, the Heritage Walk Society

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Wise men opine that it is the lessons learnt outside the classroom which stand the test of time and the limitation of a fading memory. Travel is the best teacher and the musafir (traveller), the most fortunate student. With this philosophy in mind, the History Society of Miranda House presents to you its Heritage Walk Society, Musafir.

Started in July 2016, Musafir organises heritage walks that aim to create awareness about the rich history that the city has to offer. Delhi presents a mind-boggling scenery of sorts, the juxtaposition of the old with the new. In the background of modern infrastructure, consisting of high-rises and malls, live the remains and ruins of a glorious shared past, rich in heritage and culture. Through the medium of a heritage walk, Musafir strives to educate those with an active interest in Delhi’s vibrant history.

These walks are conducted by the students of History from Miranda House. Soumya Sahai, Vice President of Musafir , says, “ Each walk is headed by a history student of Miranda House, who is able to provide a lot of historical information in a fun and interesting way.  Unlike tour guides, these walk leaders are able to contextualise facts and talk about a wide variety of things, from architecture to the society of the past.”

While initially these walks were held only for Miranda House students and faculty, now these are open to all DU students. Last semester, walks were organised to Lodhi Garden, Qutub Minar, Qudsia Bagh, Jahanpanah-Begumpur, Old Fort and Red Fort. This semester, one walk was held in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park on 15th January and another is scheduled for 5th February to Jama Masjid. To participate, check out the poster given below for details.

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A chance to explore and discover one’s roots rarely comes along. Do take this opportunity and join ‘Musafir’ as they take you on an enlightening, yet equally delighting journey through Delhi’s deep and insightful past.

Feature Image: Jasmine Chahal for Musafir and DU Beat

Kriti Sharma
[email protected]

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Placements

CV essentials for the Fresher and Sophomore

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As first or second year students, we seldom refer to our resume, barring the rare occasions of applying to college societies or for summer internships. But as the third year comes calling, the significance of the ‘Curriculum Vitae’ (CV), a document that can make or break your career, glares menacingly back.

Many a times, a CV can become the sole impediment that stands between you and your dream job. Most companies begin their recruitment process with ‘CV shortlisting’. A poorly conceptualised CV can altogether disqualify your job application, while a well-planned, coherent and smartly presented CV can catapult you through the subsequent rounds of selection.

Although you are exposed to campus placements only on entering the fifth semester, you cannot enjoy an oblivious and inert existence through the preceding four semesters. Agreed, the act of formally laying down content of a CV is done in the final year of college. But, development of that content is an on-going process that must span all three years of college. After all, the parameters on the basis of which you will market yourself to a prospective employer can’t be acquired overnight. Your net worth is the value that you acquire over a period of time, requiring consistent effort to hone and sharpen your skill set of employability.

Therefore, as a first or second year student who hopes to grab a meaty campus placement in the future, you must start working now.  Essentially, a good CV format requires that you address the following heads: Educational Details, Internships, Research Project, Position of Responsibility and Achievements and Awards.

Following below is an attempt to guide you, so that when the time comes, you have ample content to fill the above heads:

1.Educational Details
Here, you must mention your class X,XII and college percentage. Thus, start working on your college marks. Aim for an aggregate of at least 80%, where anything above will certainly fall to your favour. The best of the best companies eliminate you on the basis of your marks, so doing academically well in college can put you in a comfortable position.

2. Internships
It’s important to productively employ your skills in a professional field of your choice during the long summer and winter vacations allowed by DU. Internships not only give you an opportunity to explore yourself and your talents, but also equip you with professional etiquettes that employers rank high on their checklist.

3. Research Project
Although not necessary, spending one summer or winter break on a research project can give you an academic edge over other contenders. However, to gain credibility, make sure that you conduct this project under a mentor.
4. Position of Responsibility
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And needless to say, no one wants to hire a dull employee! Ensuring a good academic record must not come at the cost of being a college nerd. You have to present yourself as an all-rounded personality and therefore, invest yourself in extra-curricular activities. For this, make sure you’re in at least one college society. Further, be proactive in assuming responsibility. For example, take charge of organising your college/society/departmental fest; stand for a society post; volunteer and perform social work etc.

5. Achievements and Awards
Nailing this aspect is consequential to how well you utilise your inherent talents. If you do well academically, you’ll become the recipient of academic awards given by your college. When you are actively involved with a society, you will compete at fests and other outstation competitions, coming away with participation certificates and experience, if nothing else. So if you tactfully tap your potential, this part of your CV will pretty much fill itself.

So come on, young ‘uns! Get to work now! Sow your seeds of ability today, nurture them with hard work and you shall reap the fruit of a great placement tomorrow!

I’m here to answer your queries. Feel free to drop in an e-mail.

Good luck!

 

Feature Image credits: chipright.com

 

Kriti Sharma
[email protected]

 

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DUB Speak

Nothing ‘Common’ about the CAT

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Why run the Rat Race when you can run the CAT Race?

The cat is out of the bag! CAT results for 2016 were declared on 9 January. As per data, the top 20 performers who scored 100 percentile are male engineers. But this hardly comes as a surprise as, for at least the past three years, all 100 percentile scorers have been men from the engineering background, with the exception of one female engineer scoring a centum in one of those years.

However, what is dispiriting is that in spite of recognising the need to promote diversity in Indian B-schools, the trend of male engineers getting admission to premium institutions still remains unbroken.  Earlier last year, the administration redesigned the test pattern to create a level playing field for applicants across all streams. But clearly, either their efforts were insincere or there still exists a lacuna in the entire system.

The disparity that prevails in the process of selection for a management degree in India is so heartbreaking that on becoming aware of it, I quickly abandoned my plans of pursuing MBA in India, and started planning for higher studies abroad.

I am a student of commerce. Like many others from my field, my decision to study economics and commerce at the graduation level was guided by my intention to pursue MBA and eventually find a place for myself in the corporate world. I chose commerce over engineering not because I was incapable of pursuing science, but because at the time, this path seemed only natural.

But at that tender age, how was I to know how paradoxical the Indian formal education system is! At one end, we laud our growth and progress by quoting the decline in the number of students opting for science and engineering, and the parallel increase in the number of students taking up commerce and humanities instead; at the other end, our society still rewards science students in the form of relatively lower cut offs for admission to degree courses and a clear edge in major entrance exams.

Indeed, it is rather ironical that there is nothing ‘common’ about the Common Aptitude Test (CAT). Ideally, it should be a test which gives an equal opportunity to students from all academic backgrounds to secure a seat in a management school. But what it actually does is give the science takers an edge over others and confer them with an opportunity to study in elite B-schools on the basis of past training.

This is extremely problematic at the macro-level, let alone the micro-level, of the individual. Disenchanted, MBA aspirants then choose to pursue their degrees overseas, eventually securing work and settling down there. The brain drain causes a dent to the country’s potential human resource and hurts India’s intentions of achieving supremacy as a global economic powerhouse.

My grouse as a commerce student is simple. Our education is devised to equip us with the knowledge and temperament of a corporate professional. Yet, when it comes to the CAT Race, the science students overtake us. Not because we’re any less; but because we’re running a race to win, but somewhere along the course, the rules change, swinging it in favour of another category of contenders. Patently unfair! Is anybody listening?

Kriti Sharma
[email protected]

Image Credits: DU Beat

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Arts & Culture

Top 5 Winter Road Trips for a Delhi University Student

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This winter vacations, certain reasons best left to the vivid imagination of the reader, have prevented me from flying back home. Therefore, as I write this down, I find myself stranded in the hostel: a captive of my own hapless circumstances.

But last night, I had an epiphany. You see, as an outstation student of Delhi University, any break, no matter how long or short has always meant a trip back home. So for the last two and a half years, travelling to me has equalled boarding an Indigo flight on the Delhi-Visakhapatnam corridor and back. But when you have the freedom of a collegiate life, travelling shouldn’t be so monotonous! Rather, it should be spontaneous and unexpected, like backpacking away to new destinations with friends or traversing solo through unknown lands in the process of self-discovery.

So when I awoke this morning, I had an agenda: to take a solo road trip. After many hours of research, spent beaming at the computer screen and bothering Google with my travelling queries, I have perfected a list of ‘The top 5 places worthy of your resources this winter season’. Here goes:

For the Cold-Averse
If Delhi winter has you shuddering and quivering at its mercy, you’re best off avoiding any and all places north of the national capital. Therefore, try Rajasthan, which presents the following gems:

1. Udaipur
download-39  

‘The City of Lakes’, Udaipur is all about elegance and magnificence. Touted as ‘The Venice of the East’, Udaipur is capable of stirring romantic feels in the steeliest of hearts. Even when you’re here on your own, you must take in the vibrant culture and history of the city. You could visit City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Fateh Sagar Lake.  You could also sign up for the Old City Cycle Tour.  September-March is the best time to visit Udaipur, making this deal even more alluring.

2. Mandawa
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A mere 271 kms from Delhi, Mandawa is ideal for satisfying your artsy streak. The Mandawa Fort is the most popular tourist destination. But you can also visit the numerous havelis and castles that dot the landscape. For a taste of the royal Shekhawati life that is spoken of in such high value, do give Mandawa a visit.

3. Jaipur
download-41 

How can one not visit Jaipur when in Rajasthan? It takes round-about 4-5 hours to get to Jaipur from Delhi. Once there, you can satisfy the history buff in you by treating yourself to the palaces, forts,   and temples. Go a step further in self-indulgence and shop and eat to your heart’s content at the local markets.  If you can afford to take some time out in January, then also catch the Jaipur Literature Festival from 19-23rd January.

For the Cold-Loving
For the truly brave hearted, who can not only handle, but rejoice in the Northern winter chill, the Himalayan hills offer the best getaways:

4. McLeodganj
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Whoever said that hill stations are meant for only summer holidays? If you find yourself in McLeodganj in December, you could trek up to Guna Devi or take the Kangra Valley Trekking tour. You could also enrol for the Cycle Tour of Kangra Valley. For sightseeing, visit Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang, Tibetan Museum, Bhagsunath Temple, Bhagsu Falls, Church of St.Johns,  Dharamkot Kareri Lake and Kangra Fort. Wow! So much in one tiny part of Dharamshala!

5.Lansdowne
download-42

Unlike Mussorie, Shimla and Nainital, Lansdowne is untouched and unspoilt by rampant tourism. Located just 248 kms off Delhi, Lansdowne is known for its picturesque landscape, old colonial bungalows,  sunrise and sunset points, rare views of the Himalayas and Ganga and trekking activities. If you’re a foodie, you can additionally enjoy the delicious baked goodies(quiches, cookies and cakes!) that the many cafeterias and bakeries have on offer. A warm cuppa with a muffin, warmly snuggled inside a blanket in a wooden café: My Garfield moment.

My solitude in the hostel as the lone inmate made me want to disappear. But looking down at my list now,  I realise that you don’t need magic to disappear. All you need is a destination. And now, I have five of the very best!

I’m off! Anyone care to join?

Feature Image:  quotefancy.com

Kriti Sharma
[email protected]

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