Kajal K

Here is Why Prime Minister Narendra Modi Might Come to Udaipur!

Strike back, hold the things tight, and let this buzz spread as Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi may come to Udaipur on 29th August 2017.

Our Home minister of Rajasthan, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, stated this news. He said the prime minister would be addressing a mass gathering at Khelgaon Maidan in Lake City.

He also mentioned that PWD minister Yunus Khan, Urban Development Minister Srichand Kriplani & BJP workers would have a meeting ahead of PM Modi’s visit.

Along with that, PM Narendra Modi will also be laying a foundation of the Six-Lane Bypass, which will pass from Kishangarh-Bhilwara-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Ahmedabad, Grade separators – coming up at Debari and Kaya, and, will inaugurate newly constructed campus of IIM Udaipur.

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has invited PM Modi to consider this request of laying foundation stone and visit Udaipur for other functions as well.

While imparting out the information, National Highway board has asked the departmental officials to be prepared with arrangements in August said Chittorgarh MP, C.P.Joshi.

As per the previous arrangements, foundation of the six-lane highway was supposed to be held on 19-August 2017. However, in the direction of Nitin Gadkari, the programme has been postponed for now.

News as per reports by : Rajasthan Patrika

Did You Know About These 16 Movies Shot In Udaipur?

“Take 1: Roll sound, Camera, and Action!!” This is what we tend to hear on the shoots most whenever the scenes are pictured. And, if you have also got the chance to be on sets then, we don’t think you would miss that opportunity to look at the shooting for the first time. If we talk about the movies, no wonder locations that are ideal and infatuating enough are in demand by directors and units as well.

When it comes to the movies shoots, locations, and weather as well, our Udaipur has been entitled as one of the Heavenly Place and fits perfect on the list of many renowned directors of both Bollywood and Hollywood. With the blessed picturesque greenery, lakes, and sites, Venice of the East has got the charm to attract even the celebrities for the often visits.

And, in that series, we have got 16 best Hollywood and Bollywood movies that are shot in Udaipur:

Guide (1965)

Romantic drama film starring Waheeda Rehman and Dev Anand was the first script shot in Udaipur. The film was directed by Vijay Anand who also played a role. The film is based on a famous novel, written by R. K. Narayan and widely considered as one of the triumphs of the Indian film industry. The shots of Guide were taken at Surajpole, Hathipole, Fatehsagar, and also in Chittorgarh.

Mera Saaya (1966)

When it comes to a movie, IMDb is the better source to review. Though the film is recalled by the famous dance song “Jhumka Gira Re Bareilly Ki Bazaar Mein,” but this movie is watchable for the scenic beauty of Udaipur. According to viewers and IMDb, all credit goes to the spectacular beauty of Lake Palace and other locations of Udaipur.

Octopussy (1983)

Bond! James Bond 😉 Well if you remember the style and gesture of James Bond then, this movie is in senses of many fans where you can witness Jag Mandir and the thirteenth entry in the James Bond series starrer Roger Moore as the fictional agent of MI6.

Heat and Dust (1983)

Starring Shashi Kapoor, Greta Scacchi, and Julie Christie this film also captured the elements of heat and dust from the Lake City. Mesmerising scenes of our lakes and surrounding well matched the envisaged plot providing the banner with its much-acclaimed screenplay success.

Phool Bane Angarey (1991)

Directed by K.C. Bokadia in which Rajinikanth and Rekha played lead roles. In the storyline, where Namrata [Rekha] pledges to avenge the death of her husband. Shots of this film were taken at local market of Hathipole, Jal Mahal, Delhi Gate, Gandhi Ground, Swaroop Sagar, and Jagdish Mandir.

Khuda Gawah (1992)

Mega blockbuster and the epic romantic drama directed by Mukul S. Anand. With the lead role played by Bachchan, Sridevi (in a dual role), Akkineni Nagarjuna, Shilpa Shirodkar and Danny Denzongpa. Few shots of the film were also pictured in Udaipur and carrying lavish production values exclusively shots were done in different countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Yaadein (2001)

If you remember the song, “Cham Cham Chamakti Sham Hai…” Then, you might remember Lake Palace Udaipur hosted notable Bollywood feature Yaadein starring Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor. The Subhash Ghai film, shot in 2001, was shot in selected Indian locations including Udaipur besides foreign locations like Malaysia and UK.

The Fall (2006)

Another Hollywood movie shot in Udaipur. The Fall is a 2006 adventure fantasy directed by Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace, Catinca Untaru, and Justine Waddell. Various scenes were shot in selective locations of Udaipur like Lake Palace Hotel. It is based on the screenplay of the 1981 Bulgarian film Yo Ho Ho by Valeri Petrov. Officially it got released in 2008 and earned $3.2 million worldwide.

Eklavya (2007)

A movie based on the Royal Guard directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra was shot nearby Udaipur in the astounding property of Devigarh. The film was all about a guard safeguarding the secrets of a royal family carrying up the thriller in the screenplay.

Dhamaal (2007)

Bollywood comedy feature directed by Indra Kumar and produced by Ashok Thakeria. Inclusive of the star cast Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey and Aashish Chaudhary. It was a great comedy, and this movie was a semi hit across Indian cinema. Locations that you can probably witness in the film are Badi Paal, Sajjangarh, etc.

The Cheetah Girls – One World (2008)

The Cheetah Girls One World (2008) is a Disney presentation that first premiered on Disney Channel on August 22, 2008. The Cheetah Girls filming trilogy is the third and final film. Disney Channel announced the film with the plot involving the Girls going to India to star in a Bollywood production. The film scenes are of Sajjangarh, Delhi gate, Dudh Talai, and city palace during March 2008 at various locations.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Slum Dog Millionaire fame ‘Dev Patel’ starrer comedy movie was primarily shot in Rajasthan cities (Udaipur and Jaipur). The film had shots from Pichola, besides the prime location of Ravla Khempur (50kms from Udaipur).

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

One of the overwhelming concepts of romantic and comedy produced by Karan Johar and directed by Ayan Mukherjee. The movie has the impeccable chemistry between Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone that floated well in the beauty of Udaipur at the location of Badi Lake, Gangaur Ghat, Udaivilas, and City Palace.

Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)

The Indian crime drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali was the blockbuster hit starrer Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Various scenes of this movie were filmed in Udaipur including the areas of Gangaur Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, and City Palace. It was the most awarded and the highest grossing Bollywood films that depicted the story of a couple from enemy communities crossing every boundary for their love.

Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo (2015)

A family movie that depicted the royal courtesy and double role of Salman Khan romancing with Sonam Kapoor. In the direction of Sooraj Barjatya, this film has captured the beauty of Udaipur in many scenes. No wonder why the production selected the locations of Fateh Garh, Kumbhalgarh, and Jag Mandir to present the heritage livelihood of Prince and Princess.

Mirzya (2016)

And, last but not least, a recent contemporary love story of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has been shot in the soulful vista of Udaipur. It is an inspiration from the folklore of the legend Mirza – Sahiban introducing Harshvardhan Kapoor and Saiyami Kher. The story goes around star-crossed lovers in two parallel worlds – one real and one fanatical.

So, if you are an ultimate movie fan, do watch these features and identify the spots that speak the classic rendition of Mewar.

Till then, if we have missed any of the movies on this list, you can mention them in the comment section below. 🙂

Video Album ‘IBADAT’ By Mukesh Madhwani Crossed 13K Views

If there is a will, no way is harder to achieve.

And, once again, enthusiastic and Multi Talented Gem of Udaipur City, Mukesh Madhwani proved it for the youth of Lake City. With his video album ‘IBADAT’, he has given a big shout out to landmarks and people of Udaipur.

Line Producer and Director by profession, Mukesh Madhwani took a new height by introducing significant work in the field of music and acting in the Sufi song of his video album ‘IBADAT’.

Launched by the world-class music company ‘Unisys’ on the popular YouTube channel, this video has crossed 13K views in and still counting.

With a vision of opening Film City in Udaipur, Mukesh Madhwani had himself scripted and worked in the video.

Executed under the banner of M Square Productions and Cinespectrum, this video album catches every glimpse of romance, suspense, and thriller with a heart touching Sufi Song.

Further, Mukesh Madhwani elaborated, “There is no short of talent, resources, and willingness in Lake City that is required in Film Production. Many great Directors from Hollywood & Bollywood have been to Udaipur since long for shoots and have appreciated our land.”

Directed by Kunal Chugh and sung by Mustafa RK, this video album has been shot at various attractive spots in Udaipur like Gangaur Ghat, Badi Lake, Fatehsagar, etc.

Throughout dedication, his primary motive behind working in IBADAT was to encourage the artistic individuals based in Udaipur. Keeping a priority to bring his dream “Film City in Udaipur” to reality, he has worked with many talented people till date.

With the well-established firms namely Ashoka Bakery, Ashoka Palace, and now M Square Productions & Events, Mukesh Madhwani is also full-fledged into the field of Documentary making, Film Shooting, Commercial Ad Making, and Event industry.

His remarkable works with the film industry and other activities made him one of the most recognised personalities, not only in Udaipur but Rajasthan as well. Currently, he also made an effort to felicitate many people from Rajasthan, who have emerged from the different regions into the TV and Film industry by organising Ashoka Cine Awards.

We wish him All the Best to rise, shine, and drag other people also towards growth with more impressive works to look at.

How To Enjoy A Day Outing With Lets Trip Cycle Tours In Udaipur?

“When you are in doubt, just pedal it out.”

Willing to work for something and taking it to new heights was not only a dream but also a risk factor for Bhawani and Dushyant while bringing up their venture – Lets Trip Cycle Tours.

Started as a trial, together now they run a recognised bicycle holiday company that is one of its kind based in Udaipur but slowly turning its way in different regions of India as well.

And, after knowing about their interesting concept, we had our conversation with co-founder Bhawani that what’s LetsTrip.in is all about and why people should be aware of it.

Since, how long Lets Trip is letting people enjoy Bicycle tours?

“We started doing bicycle tours in October 2015 from Udaipur, and now we have slowly expanded to various other cities. We have two kinds of tours. First, we have day tours in Udaipur, Jaipur, Pushkar, Leh Ladakh and Panchgani (Maharashtra), which are of 2 to 3 hours and are perfect for travellers on a fixed ride nary. For example, a tour in outskirts of Udaipur includes pick up and drop to the hotel, packed breakfast, drinking water, a backup vehicle to follow the tour. And, this tour costs INR 2000 per person.

Second, we plan custom cycling holiday, which varies from 2 to 10 days, this includes cycling plus accommodation at jungle lodges, camps, palaces and forts. And, no doubt, it is one of the best things to experience when in Rajasthan.”

What was the niche to set up Let’s Trip Cycle Tours?

“We studied together in a boarding school, Mayo College, Ajmer. And, since childhood, we have always talked about doing something together. But as we grew up life took Dushyant to Delhi and me to Udaipur.

And, it seemed like the plan had failed, but in 2014 we came back together somehow and started working for a small travel company in Udaipur, we worked there for a year discussing every day what we can do together as the 9 – 5 job seemed dull.

One day we had a query for an activity for a couple, and we thought of doing a bicycle tour ourselves, so we borrowed a few bicycles from few of our friends & conducted a tour. By seeing the guests review and reaction, we knew this is what we wanted to do. So, in October 2015 we took our step by starting Let’s Trip.”

What were the initial challenges that your tour company faced more often?

“Getting people to understand this concept was a major problem. There was very less support from our families, as making a cycling holiday company is not a conventional way for full time to fit in today’s scenario and that too after quitting a job.

We still have relatives who ask us what we do and when we tell them, they want to know what we do for income as cycling is considered just a sport or a leisure activity.

Initially, we went to a few banks to get a loan of just 1 lakh rupee, but none of them understood and believed in our business idea. But, now Let’s Trip has become a success, and banks are happy to lend us any amount of money to buy bicycles.

Another challenge was there was no set of norms or guidelines for something based on this concept in India. There are no instructions available till date on how to run a business like ours. We had to learn everything from our experiences and mistakes.

There are a million gestures and safety instructions that we need to follow while riding a bicycle. Then, there are things, which you can learn from the Internet, but they only apply to the European countries or America, but practically don’t work here. Getting the travel agents to understand what the idea is? Was another huge challenge!”

How can an individual choose cycle tours according to their convenience?

“All the tours we conduct are easy to moderate level of difficulty. The bicycles we use are best in the world and come with a gear system, so they are quite easy to ride.

We analysed a few foreign travel companies who do cycling, and in all of them before booking, you had to know proper cycling, but we have tailored our tours in such a way that you don’t need to be a cyclist to ride with us. No reason should stop people from seeing the real beauty of Udaipur or any other city.

We have a backup vehicle on each tour so you can rest your mind at ease that there is help available whenever the need comes. For the long tours of Rajasthan, we make the itineraries and routes as per the capacity of the guests; we get people who want to ride 30 km a day and also individuals who want to ride 100 km a day.”

Do you tend to organise exclusive tours according to seasons, or based on people’s demand?

“Our tours run an entire year, we have options, which vary from a basic sunrise tour, which is 20 km to a Lake’s loop, which covers Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Badi Lake and the countryside of Udaipur, and is of 30 km. Then, we also do customised tours of any desired distance.

We have an exclusive trail that we call the extreme mountain biking trail, which is a magical place to ride in, no cars can go there, you can either walk or ride a horse or a bicycle on that trail. This trail is mainly enjoyable in the monsoons, and no one in Udaipur knows about it apart from us.”

What’s the best thing that one can count as USP of Lets Trip Cycle Tours?

“Contrary to popular belief, we do not touch any typical sightseeing spots of the city (unless the guest’s requests). We tend to reveal the hidden and not so famous places, which deserve a wider audience as compared to an old city and central locations. So, our tours mostly highlight the countryside of Udaipur.

In general, an adventure tour company asks certain questions of being known to such kind of activities. They show all the dangers involved in cycling and recommend not do the activity if you feel scared. But at Let’s Trip, we first build your confidence through our teaching sessions and never refuse anyone to cherish the journey.”

Till date which tour has been unique and most admirable one in the entire journey of Let’s Trip?

“We perform day outings almost every day in many cities now and also do all Rajasthan tours, and we try our best to make each trip the best one yet, so we can not say or justify only one as the most admirable.”

Apart from Foreigners, do Indian travellers are also taking an interest in joining bicycle tours?

“When we started, there were about 5% of Indian clients, but now we have around 35% of Indian customers. The local travellers are now taking an interest in such activities and the youth, in general, is moving towards a fitter and better world, so people want to explore and get associated with adventurous activities.

Rajasthan, in general, is known for its heritage and culture, and we are trying real hard to make it recognised for Adventure. One of the best routes for cycling in the world is the way from Udaipur to Jodhpur, taking a few night stops at some places. It’s such a magical ride, and we believe everyone should do it once in their lifetime.

Riding a bicycle itself does 50% of the work, people get to see beautiful sights and experience the real beat of India on a bicycle, the whole idea of going to a place they did not know about is fun for them, we try our best to provide all services required by the guest.

We get Indian families where the mother is riding after 30 years or a child who has never done cycling before, and we tried to make everything safe for them during a trip. When it comes to a cyclist, they will find us, but we want to make a non-cyclist understand that they can also go for it.”

So, any upcoming cycle tours or plans that you are looking for to entertain people with?

“We want to start cycle tours all over India, we have already begun in 5 places, and there are many more cities in our plan, we are not focusing on just taking Let’s Trip to a higher pace, but we want cycling, in general, to rise in India. We have such a beautiful country and cycling is the best way to explore it, but the lack of awareness and dedication to adventure is the biggest problem. Sometimes we have guests who tell us that they were shocked to know that they could take a bicycle tour in India. That’s why with a perspective to change it, we want travellers to come to India and experience adventure the same way they experience culture and heritage. And, yes on the way to achieving all this we want to become the biggest cycling holiday company in India.”

Are you a cycling enthusiast? If Yes! Then, here you have an option to take a ride and memorise your childhood on bicycles. And, to know more about the exclusive tours offered by Let’s Trip, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Also, you can visit their website http://letstrip.in/ to experience your journey in a fit and adventurous way.

This Is How Avani Sansthan Is Raising A Helping Hand For People In Every Possible Way

Happiness is in giving. And, being a helping hand to someone needy is the best you can do in your life. This gesture of influencing others to help needy ones is taking an urge with Avani Sansthan, a Non-government organisation based in Udaipur and working angels in our society for seven years.

Holding their dignity with social services, they have accomplished so much in their entire voyage to bring the change with small efforts every single time.

When we went up to meet the authorities of Avani Sansthan, Mangu Khan, Govind Paneri, and Dr Gaurav Agarwal they revealed us about the entire working of Avani Sansthan in their persistence with the joint endeavours.

Story of Avani Sansthan

The successful journey of Avani Sansthan has been implicitly working and growing for all the needy people specially urchins, down trodden, slum dwellers, and much more, who are not so privileged when it comes to necessities. And, when we asked Mangu Khan about the initiation and objective, he elaborated firmly about their efforts,

“We are working since 2010, but Avani Sansthan made its registration and got certified under the Rajasthan Co-operative Society Registration Act 1958 in the year 2012.

Our Sansthan always had a firm belief to nurture the unfortunate ones with love, care, and support evolved from society. Because, nothing can be accomplished beyond destiny but through contribution towards betterment, you can bring a smile on someone’s face, living in unbearable conditions of life.

That’s why we make our reach to the villages on the outskirts of Udaipur like Pipliya Ji, Jhadol, Dodawali, Iswal, and so on to provide them necessary things like blankets, food items, clothes, shoes, bags, books, etc. that are given by people as a donation.”

Pledge of Avani Sansthan

After knowing about the beginning, Govind Paneri pleasantly described the aim of this non-government organisation.

“We are focused on making a significant change through the little. And, for this purpose, our efforts are conjoined with donators and patrons for the major issues.

We help and bestow confidence such women who have been disowned by their families – irrespective of their age & reason for their misfortune. By supporting them to move out of their painful conditions, we motivate them to become independent and live with dignity by rendering all possible assistance they require.
Working to pour of the best efforts, our foundation extends aid to those unfortunates new born kids in our rehabilitation, who are abandoned by their parents due to poor economic conditions.
And, our primary efforts mark into the education and clothing to the ones, living in slums, to better their lot in life.”

Social Aspects That Avani Sansthan Look Into

According to Dr Gaurav Agarwal, we also got to know that Avani Sansthan proceeds ethically and elaborated,

“Our organisation works up for the multiple social aspects and different sections of the society. But, some of the follow-ups, we regularly look are

Raising funds for the national and social causes like Floods, Tsunami victims, Earthquake victims, etc. and imparting educational assistance to the ones who cannot afford studies in the rural zones.
Support for crèches as we have seen many orphan children and kids roaming on streets who are left to die and suffer from horrible situations that we cannot even imagine.
Ensure treatments of needy people by providing Medical assistance through generated funds.
Distributing clothes in the rural areas, to fill their basic need.
Training and education to less privileged in self-employment schemes and also giving them assistance for the purchase of land to work or establish something on their own.

And, most probably our good selves relies on to the liberty and will of people to contribute as per their wish to our organisation.”

Remarkable Deeds Of Avani Sansthan

As per our consistent conversation with all of them, authorities also let us discover the commendable achievements that are made by this non-government organisation so far.

“On the regular basis, we perform the activities by going in hand with the ones who want to volunteer or wanted to donate something on their memorable days. Through our efforts, till date, we have managed to provide monetary aid as well essential things to the number of poor regions in and around Udaipur.

There is no precise count of the amount as donation regularly goes into the education, medical, and self-employment assistance in the rural and not so fortunate areas.

Apart from a district, Avani Sansthan also contributed a specific amount for the flood victims of Uttarakhand into the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, for which we also received appreciation from the collector of Udaipur.”

Any On-Going Project People Can Connect With

“Right now, our foundation has come up with the services where we have raised helping hand for the girls and women, who live in rural sectors and willing to work or being independent by earning on their own.

So, for this keen purpose, we have Silai Prakshishan Kendra under process, where we have bought 30 sewing machines to let women earn through their tailoring skills. And, it will be executed by 1^st quarter of 2018.

Also, we are giving job assistance to girls, who have excellent skills of Mehendi and henna designing. So, people can hire them and pay for their artistic work as a genuine contribution.

And, this Sunday on 6th August 2017, we are arranging a Tree Plantation Event, which will be held in Udaipur in a government school near Kodiyat Road where individuals can contribute through their valuable approach. They can join us and volunteer for a good cause with their family and friends in the respective event.”

Udaipurites! If you are willing to perform a simple deed to change to rescue the charitable change, this Rakshabandhan, you have a chance to plan up and show your part by volunteering for change, supporting through your donations or planting a tree for implementing a step towards the eco-friendly environment.

If you want to know more about Avani Sansthan, you can connect with them on Facebook, or you can also browse through their website http://avanisansthan.org/.

Or, for direct call, you can contact their helpline number: +91-9414233126, +91-9829830107, +91-9929843206.

Her Road to Spirituality – 30 Days Journey Of Shweta Dubey To Camino De Santiago

“When you have the will power, trust me! You can do wonders.”

The words of Shweta Dubey – Director, Fusion Business Solutions, sounds iconic when you have achieved that is one of a kind no one has done yet. Being the first ever female not only from Udaipur but entire India, she accomplished her path of 500 miles in 30 days of Camino De Santiago.

By dignifying power of a woman, Shweta herself has become a message for Indian females by breaking stereotypes of travelling alone to a foreign place and for men to support your lady, girl, or any other female in the best possible way they can and encourage her to get something for herself.

Shweta is a lovely mum of two sweethearts, and for her entire journey, she shares credits with her husband Mr. Madhukar Dubey and her in-laws for supporting her to accomplish a spiritual yet hard walk of Camino De Santiago.

What kind of person are you? Describe yourself in few words?

“I am very enthusiastic and take life optimistically. And, yeah! No doubt, I am fond of luxuries and love to travel as well. But on the other side, I am very non-adventurous kind of person. If you will tell me to take a boat ride or some sort of adventurous sports like climbing, or river rafting, I would be scared and won’t prefer to do it. In my 11 years of marriage also I haven’t done any adventurous activities before Camino De Santiago.”

Any person behind to inspire you for travelling alone on an immensely exciting trip!

“Behind this journey, I express gratitude to my husband as he had already done this trip in 2013. And, when we always used to talk about his adventures, he always gives a throwback of his experience in an exciting way that Camino walk is something that teaches you life. Of course, you make a lot of friends, you change words with people, and most of all it gives a different direction to your mental and physical check.

And it always seems to be very exciting. Then there was also a movie, which came along ‘The Way’. So, while watching it, one fine day he challenged me to take a trip to Camino De Santiago and told me to achieve something for myself that I could remember for the rest of my life. Even if any other person would see whether they are my children, my parents, or in-laws, they should be proud to know that yes! What a man can do, a woman can also do.

What were the biggest fears that you had in an entire trip?

“Well, I am quite of a courageous person. Other than non-adventurous I don’t get scared with anything. But, yeah although I am a director of an IT company, I am less of a techie person.

I can’t usually handle all these Google maps, and other things although I take care and look into the activities of entire HR department and CSR of the company but I don’t understand much of technological stuff.

It’s quite effortless, but it gets me tickle of not ready to handle it properly. And, there was also uneasiness of food as being a vegetarian, then feeding yourself just on ice cream and fries, it’s probably not an option.

Also, on the other side, when you are all alone from your zone, and some people are helpful, but they do have different mindset and barriers of language too. There was a sort of anxiousness running all the time and before a trip as well.”

What were the challenges in the entire walking journey of yours from France to North-west of Spain?

“There were a lot of problems, as every single day was a new struggle for me. The beginning of the voyage was quite brutal and insane as with a bag pack of 6kgs when you have to climb concrete roads going through mountains, it is no less than a disaster for feet and entire body. And, when you don’t have enough food to intake as per your diet, no private rooms to sleep or get into a comfort zone, waiting like other people to get accommodation in big cathedrals, sharing the washroom, fluctuating weather, unaware of the roads, places, and much more. It all goes like a never-ending struggle on that spiritual path.

I was missing everyone, my family, my kids, and my husband, who used to motivate me all the time with regular calls and messages. But, it was all going confronted with my irony. And, the entire physical ability was challenged but more of it my mind was facing a question that why am I doing this? Just to fulfil what my husband has said me although he inspired that this will bring positivity after an absolute hatred of every single day but will make me a different person from who I am.

So, what I love luxuries and privacy but who desires for a change that appears inside after such an emotional, physical, and mental pressure!!

Any of the time, because of challenges, did you got any second thought to give up on your walking trip or lay back with your nervousness.

“Yes, definitely, since my first day when I started the journey and reached to St.-Jean-Pied-De-Fort, which is on the border of Paris, France. By seeing the scenario of villages, few hostels, and facilities for pilgrims to take rest, all things made me think twice to walk further or not.

It was tough to come up every single day in all such stressful situations. I was pretending to be normal though I was not as walking on the long narrow roads when your foot screams with so much of pain while climbing, nails get hurt inside the shoes. It’s not at all easy to deal with.

When I reached Pamplona on the 4th day, I was unable to walk. So, I was advised to take rest. But, I didn’t give up and continued my walk by wearing the kneecaps.

When I reached ‘Burgos’, the third stage of the path, I was completely shattered from inside and wanted to get back to India. By reaching there, I went to see the doctor and called my husband crying literally on the phone to book my ticket from Amsterdam and let me come back to home.”

Your walk of nearly 500 miles was more of a spiritual or adventurous? What kept you moving and never give-up on this journey?

“It was more of an adventure that took me to spirituality. In the entire 500 miles, I got brutally hurt, injured at long paths, and it was not that easy to deal with climatic conditions. And, on the day, when I was in Burgos, other pilgrim friends invited me for dinner. But, I refused to go and told them that I need to be here alone and can’t walk tomorrow as I am not at all enjoying all this. So, they were cooperative enough and told that it’s okay; you take rest and don’t get stressed.

There I was sitting on the stairs of a grand cathedral for like 2 hours and having tears in my eyes thinking what’s happening, why I just accepted to be here. At that point of time, something strange happened, and it turned everything around. I don’t know what came up suddenly into my mind, soul, or heart that I was energized again to continue my walk on the next day.

Then, immediately I called my husband not to book tickets, as I was willing to complete this journey. Even other pilgrim friends over there were also amazed that how come suddenly I changed my mind. That turning point led me to wake up first in the next morning and proceed the remaining 658Km.”

What positive changes did you notice in yourself by this trip?

“AHH!! Lot many, as through this spiritual walk I saw a different aspect. There were many people with me on this journey from various countries. Dedicated to fulfilling this path, being comfortable with whatever they were having. Either they were in their early 50’s or their 20’s.

But, most importantly, what I learned was nothing would go with you or remain forever no money, no cars, not even your family. Only your memories, achievements, or your innovations are going to stay alive are on several points of life. I can never forget this experience from beginning to end when I reached the final destination, a massive cathedral and I was standing outside of that church having tears of happiness in my eyes. That feeling of being there was out of the world. And, it made me realized a new me, which is beyond comfort into the remarkable place.”

So, do you have any plans to take such a different trip again?

“Yes! But after some time, as after this long journey of mine I prefer to take rest and then maybe in the next year will plan for Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa. And, till then let’s see what happens.”

This achievement of yours is remarkable for many women not only Udaipur but in India. So, any message that you want should reach our readers?

“For women, all I want to say is do something of your own! Think out of the box. Don’t just rely on or be dependent, do what you love and achieve something that you can say is your own. If you have the support of anyone, keep up with that and never give-up. And, for men support females, as they are no lesser than anyone. Challenge your abilities, as you never know how destiny can surprise you or bring something admirable into your bucket of life.”

Shweta! We believe that every woman should learn from you to get out of their comfort zone once in a life to grab opportunities that can remark commendable tag to their life. And, also men should learn to support and encourage just as your husband did.

If you want to get inspired and know more about the achievers, entrepreneurs, and many other people like her from Lake City, you can check out the People section at UdaipurBlog.com.

Here’s All You Need To Know About Robin Hood Army Udaipur Chapter

Are you aware of the story of Robin Hood? If yes, then you would understand to the core of initiative of Robin Hood Army, as “Hunger knows no friend but its feeder.” This quote satisfies the mission and vision of this non-profit organisation.

Robin Hood Army is a not-for-profit organisation with a passion for serving food to the people; Robin Hood Army Udaipur is the saviour of many needy people with an aim to abolish hunger by eliminating food waste across the region. They serve those who are unable to afford food and go empty stomach most of the nights.

Either living on a footpath, or in small villages, it’s painful to witness that children, adults, and aged people suffer commonly from malnutrition. And, it’s not only the problem of our Udaipur but an entire country.

That’s why to know deeply about the agenda of Robin Hood Army to serve the hungry citizens; we reached to meet Chahat Arora, who looks after the entire management of Robins i.e. volunteers in Udaipur associated with this organisation day & night. And, while having the conversation we got awareness of many things that probably everyone should know.

What is Robin Hood Army? Can you let readers know about its origination?

“Robin Hood Army is a non-profit organisation founded on August 26, 2014, by Neel Ghose and Anand Sinha in Delhi and registered as a charitable trust in India so far. It is a volunteer-based organisation that works to get a high amount of food to the less fortunate sections of society in cities across India and 11 other countries.

Right now it consists of over 8,435 volunteers spread across 41 cities, and have served food to over 1,848,210 people till date. Most volunteers are young working professionals from varied fields who reaches out to feed different places and unprivileged people including homeless families, orphanages, night shelters, homes for abandoned children, patients from public hospitals, and much more.

Robin Hood Army is decentralised and does not accept monetary contributions. What we require only is a time of the people who are willing to help.”

What’s the focus and inspiration behind objective of Robin Hood Army?

“The primary focus is to bring an end to food wastage and to make meals consistently available to those who need it. As we have seen the challenge is not the lack of food, but it’s the starvation and deficiency of calorie intake, which the main reason for deaths. If you look at the statistics, there are approximately 850 million hungry people in the world. Out of which, 82% individuals live in countries with food surplus, not the food shortage.

It’s seen by many that hunger kills people more than AIDS, Malaria, and combined with any other diseases or terrorism activities. In every 10 seconds, a child dies from starvation.

And, we are living in a world where one-third of the food produced is never consumed due to which one in every eight people sleeps hungry each night.

By clarifying our facts about these issues, Robin Hood Army was inspired to work with a vision to create self-sustained chapters who will look after their local community. And in the process, motivate people around us to give back to those who need it most.”

Robin Hood Army has focused on the problem of Food wastage globally. So, what’s more, you guys have noticed that you are willing people should know about this issue?

“There can be many reasons, like for Syria it’s war, for Africa it is poverty, it can be a flood, geographical positioning, etc. But in India is being the disparity between the rich and the poor that leads to wastage of food.

Wastage of food is a universal problem, but our country can afford it a lot less than any others. The amount of food wasted in India annually is enough to feed a country like Egypt for one year.

There are many pieces of research, which also shows this. Out of which, when a team of 10 professors from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, surveyed 75 of Bangalore’s wedding halls over six months, they recorded a wastage of over 943 tons of good quality food i.e. enough food to feed 2.6 Crore people a regular Indian meal.

But all this can be avoided with little efforts of many volunteers who can manage to get surplus food from restaurants or any other place across to the less fortunate people.”

In works of Robin Hood Army, there’s a section of Robin Hood Academy. Can you brief about that?

“The Robin Hood Academy empowers 1200+ street child’s with basic primary education. Our Robins i.e. volunteers conduct regular weekend classes and excursions with a standardised curriculum to introduce and drive the spirit of learning. The Academy aims to be a bridge between the street and schools, by giving children the tools and knowledge to go to school.

Also, we are looking forward to creating access to education, which is the purest form of building a better nation. Every kid on the streets of our cities should have the opportunity to a better life.”

So, how many needy and hungry people Robin Hood Army Udaipur Chapter has served till date?

“In the region of Udaipur, the organisation is serving since 1.5 years. And, till date, we have served around fifty thousand (50k) people so far and still counting. Our volunteers reach through call inquiry and collect food from different locations to feed in the day as well night.”

Chahat, It’s overwhelming to see that you and many other volunteers like you are associated with such a great effort that only needs much more robins to feed the hunger of less fortunate people. So, this won’t let anyone sleep hungry on streets at night in our city.

Wish you all the very best for your efforts. Keep working Robin Hood Army. And, people if you want to contribute them just by serving people or providing food in any way. Be a Robin Today!!

To know more about Robin Hood Army Udaipur, you can join their Facebook group. Or, you can also ping them on +91-9929996922 to associate as a volunteer and be a part of their Udaipur Chapter.

This Software For Returning GST Returns Is Easy To Crack All Your Tax Deeds

One nation, one imposed tax to direct? Not quite, not yet.

Everywhere there is a boom of GST i.e. Goods & Services Tax in India, which headed its lead on 1st July 2017. A multistage, destination-based tax, GST is now levied on every value addition. This indirect tax throughout the nation is anticipated to make India one unified common market.

From buying raw materials to processing, manufacturing, storing, and selling to customers – A monetary worth will be added at every stage to attain the final sale to the end customer will be taxed.

Hence, a final buyer will only realise the GST charged by the last dealer in a supply chain, with offset benefits at all the previous stages.

A look through GST

Now, when we look deep into the comparison of GST, it is entirely different from the existing system. Currently, the central government imposes excise duty on the manufacture and then VAT (Value Added Tax) when the item is sold at the next stage in the cycle.

Therefore, from processed raw material to be manufactured into finished product there would be a VAT at the next point of sale. And, then the final product is sold to the dealership, then to the consumer and so on.

Whereas, if you take a look at GST, it is dual layered tax system with both central and state tax imposed on the same base on all the goods & services.

Software Lineup

Now, there is a difficulty and a common query in everyone’s mind, How to calculate GST and file returns? As, it’s little hard for almost every business person, CA, CS and job worker to adopt this taxation on short notice. But, on the other aspect, it is necessary to work and buck up with the benefits of the new tax system. This can be only possible by adopting new technology in your day-to-day business.

Hence, one of the start-ups based in Udaipur has got something for all business persons and the financial experts; GST ready user-friendly software designed by https://gstpay.in/ is convenient for creating GST invoices and file GST returns.

This software is approved application service provider in Udaipur meant for business people, chartered accountants, and for job profiles. And, it is specially developed for MSME industry of Udaipur and other zones.

Benefits of this GST Software

And, how it is beneficial for all? Well, when we had our conversation with CEO and founder of GSTpay.in, Nitesh Seth, his response over GST came up like,

“Filing a return on a monthly basis and managing returns of multiple clients is not an easy task. And, nowadays the government has specified online return filing, which may not be so familiar to many.
Therefore in case, to align your IT and software needs for goods & service tax, you can check out a worry free GST returns filing process with it.”

And, by taking a look at this software, we got to know that it has added benefit for small-scale industries. It can be easily interfaced with Tally and other ERP using open data formats like CSV, XML and Excel. Whereas main features work for small players where they can follow inventory management, invoice generation, Return filing, and GST Compliance Report, etc. within a single software.

So Folks! Here you have an option to get a GST compliance reporting and flexible client-server software for your benefit. And, if you want to have consultancy for GST software development or customised software designed for solving your purpose of return filing, you can visit a website https://gstpay.in/, or you can also reach them at –

Oyaa Information Technologies Private Limited

Bhupalpura, Udaipur, Rajasthan India

For your better information, you can connect with them on call at +91-9460828179

Did You Just Missed Shouryagarh Food & Wine Festival? Then, Here You Can Have It All

Combined with different types of cuisines, workshops, food sessions, and rich flavour of wines, Shouryagarh Food & Wine Festival was a terrific event for the people of Udaipur. The festival got its hype in all the three days from 7th to 9th July, 17 enriched with the glory of participants, chefs, and guests presenters.

Organized in Shouryagarh Resort & Spa, the grand occasion got a favourable response and was relished by all the attendees so far.

And, if you have missed to attend it, here are the glimpses of Shouryagarh Food & Wine Festival 2017 to take a look at.

Day 1: Flawless Beginning (7th July, 17)

With an accurate timing of monsoons, Food & Wine Festival 2017 was inaugurated with the blessings of Lord and these were the people from the chief guests, participants, and jury who enlightened the event with their presence.

Inauguration by Mr. Bibhor Srivastava (Group Publishing Director – ITP Publishing India)

Jury people:

Chef Love Mathur (HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur)
Chef Kasim Khan (Sous Chef, Old Belly Cafes, Mumbai)
Chef Manish Joshi (Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur)
Mr. Rupam Sarkar (GM Shouryagarh Resort & Spa)

And, in the evening, start day was packed up the delicious baking of pastry & chocolate demo by Chef Kasim Khan from Mumbai and Mr. Rupam Sarkar, in which total participation strength was around 100.

Day 2: Paired with Twist (8th July, 17)

It sounded with the love of day 1, and it was the time for another sneak peeks to Food & Wine Festival 2017 on the second day with the gracious presence of young chefs, amusing competition, and a special session in the evening that are mentioned below.

Health Food Workshop: By Chef Sudhir Pai from Holiday Inn, Mumbai, in which a total number of entrants were around 50.

Udaipur Young Chef, 2017 Competition Top 10 Finalist:

Treebo Jaisingh Garh
HRH Group of Hotels
Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa
Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa
Radisson Green
Park Exotica
Hotel Landmark
Hotel Trident
Hotel Lakend
The Royal Retreat Resort & Spa

Jury People:

Chef Satish Arora (Executive Corporate Chef Taj Group India and Presently Director DSI Foods, UK & Culinary Director MAHEC Dubai)
Chef Sudhir Pai (Executive Chef – Holiday Inn, Mumbai)

Food & Beverage Pairing Special Session by Ms. Shatbi Basu (India’s First Women Bartender, in which a total number of participants was around 90.

Day 3: A Splendid End with Celebrities (9th July, 17)

Lastly, all’s well when ends well. And, nothing can be better when you get to witness celebrity chef Kunal Kapoor to give a pinch of excitement to an entire event along with other chefs, special appearances, and awardees that are enlisted below.

Beverage Workshop by Ms. Ami B Shroff (India’s leading female Flair bartender & Mixologist. And, the total count of participants present in a demo was 80+.

Fusion Food Demo Workshop by Chef Vimal Dhar that was attended by overall contenders around 110.

Comfort Food Demo by Celebrity Chef Kunal Kapur, which added the highlight to an event with total Participant for the demo around 200.

Award Ceremony

Guest Chef Mr. Rohal Sable (Complex General Manager, Novotel Goa Resort & Spa, and The Novotel Goa Shrem Hotel as well as La Brise by the beach)
Stage Performance By Devo Khan Group
Udaipur Star Chef Winner 2017: Mrs. Itrat Sidduqi
Runner Up: Mrs. Mansi (11000/- + Certificate + Shield)
Udaipur Young Chef Winner: Jaisingh Garh Chef Sohan & Chef Somnath Runner Up: HRH Hotels Chef Vinita & Chef Deepak
Lifetime Achievement Award: Chef Satish Arora (Contributed more the 50 Years in Hotel Line, India’s first Executive Chef and worked as The Corporate Chef of The Taj Group) and Ms. Shatbhi Basu (Contributed 35 year in the industry and India’s first Women Bartender & Celebrity Bartender).

So, folks! If you have missed the Food & Wine Festival 2017, then don’t get low. All you can do is stay connected with Instagram to witness more new updates by Shouryagarh Resort & Spa.

Big Fan Of Dim Sum & Noodles! Then, You Should Not Miss This Food Festival

Savour Dine-In With The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur At Dim Sum & Noodles Food Festival

Exotic, authentic, and delicious feasts are the super choice to delight your guests when it’s all about a dining experience. And, in the season of monsoon, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur has proposed a retreat of Dim Sum & Noodles Food Festival for invitees.

From 7th July – 16th July 2017, you can relish a wide array of succulent and flavorful Dim Sum and Noodles at this beautiful luxury hotel.

The core reason behind this ten days festival is to rejoice a snack of rural farmers taking respite in teahouses, which has now turned into a staple of Cantonese cuisine. From five-star restaurants to family-owned street stalls, this variety of pan-fried dumplings and steamed bun are tempting diners around the world.

And, to celebrate this Chinese culinary, which respectively translates to ‘Touch the Heart,’ arrangements are made at Padmini restaurant of The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur. To host the event, the Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace has kept a-la-carte offerings for diners including varieties that are light on tummy and a delight for the taste buds like Soup, Dim Sum (like Chicken Bao, Kothay, Wohtib, Sui Mai Vegetable), Noodles, and Desserts.

From the desk of Resident Manager, Mr. Gourav Deb, “The festival will let you sample an excellent selection of vegetarian & non-vegetarian dim sums & noodles. It will all be prepared in a range of styles along with different stuffing, served in various forms for you to choose from- steamed, baked, shallow fried and pan-fried, you can take your pick.”

Also, being as head-and-hand behind this cuisine, famous Chef Sudarshan Sharma from The Lalit New Delhi elaborated, “The festival is a treat for those who love authentic Chinese cuisine and not the fusion ones. In India, authentic Chinese cuisine can rarely be found. Everywhere Chinese dishes are a blend with Indian taste. But, here we are particular about the authenticity of preparing Chinese style dishes – making this festival unique.

The special food promotion will surely give all guests a memorable experience to enhance their taste buds. We are sure that this mouth-watering event will truly amaze all the food-lovers of the lake city.”

If you are also a hardcore lover of Chinese cuisine and want to witness delicacies of the exclusive occasion by The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Udaipur, you can check out the details below and visit the event.

Particulars of the ‘Dim Sum & Noodles’ food festival:

Date: 7th July – 16th July, 17

Time: 12:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Venue: Padmini, The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur

Pocket Pinch: Rs. 250 – Rs. 450

Phone: 0294-301 7777