Ivana Perkovic recently joined NewsX for an insightful conversation as part of NewsX India A-List As part of the interview, Ivana opened about her journey and how it is being a woman who is traveling around the world. Sharing about all of the things she juggles along with content creation, Ivana said, “I am a storytelling workshop organiser, next to being a content creator. I am a public speaker, with a TED talk that has over half a million views and I am also an international business consultant.”

When asked about how she managed to divide her time from content creation and then also doing the other things that she did that are probably day jobs or extracurricular, Ivana said “I am a hardcore productivity freak. In the past, that has worked very much against me but in due time I have learned how to manage it in a healthy way. I love to work in time blocks. Whenever I am doing content creation, for instance, I know I have to finish the video before Wednesday, I will block a few hours of my time on Monday and Tuesday for that activity. For instance, the afternoon hours will be blocked for other activities but I am not a huge fan of multitasking at all. I just don’t do multitasking because you lose your focus while you are like juggling too many things at the same time. My biggest productivity hack has always been to work in time blocks and just focus on one at a time.”

Speaking about the experience of being a woman traveler, she expressed, “I think until I was 23 years old, I had never travelled alone in my life. I was absolutely terrified of it. I thought it was for those super free spirits, who are willing to do incredibly adventurous things. Like in so many of our lives, I ended a relationship and I was totally in our lost state of mine. I was like I need to get out there. I need to see more of the world, but then rightfully as you mentioned, there are certain things that we have to take into account for as women. I decided to do something that I now recommend every single woman who wants to travel alone or at least try it out keep it as safe as possible for yourself”.

 “Don’t go venturing out in the middle of nowhere just because you see other people doing that on Instagram. Look at a trip that would feel safe to you. For me, that was a trip to Barcelona, a shopping trip during still time because all my friends were just busy with their jobs and their kids. My boyfriend, at the time, like obviously we had broken up so that was not an option. I decided to go to a city that I’ve always wanted to visit. I definitely didn’t venture out on some kind of mountain top, where you know I wouldn’t know how things would workout. I just kept it as safe as possible for myself,” she added.

 Lastly she mentioned, “You can look at simple things like doing a staycation in your own city. You can even venture out to market for a day on the other side of your town if you have never been alone. I think that’s already adventurous enough. Don’t get caught up with Instagram and seeing people do crazy things because that doesn’t always end well and I don’t think that always ends up being fun so keep it as close your own needs as possible.”

The National Commission for Women (NCW), along with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) on Saturday launched a pan-India Legal Awareness Program for Women titled “Empowerment of Women through Legal Awareness” to impart practical knowledge about legal rights and remedies provided under various women related laws, thereby making them fit to face the challenges in real-life situations, said a press release by Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Speaking on the occasion, Rekha Sharma, Executive Chairperson, National Commission for Women, said, “a large section of society is still unaware about the forms of aids that are available to them and we seek to rectify this situation with one step at a time or in this case with one camp at a time covering all the districts in the country.” She added, “It has become quintessential for women to be aware of the rights bestowed upon them by the constitution and the procedure to remedy the situation or seek justice if they are infringed upon.”

Justice UU Lalit said, “women empowerment will come through such awareness programs and I am very proud to say that in association with the National Commission for Women, NALSA has been organising these awareness programs for women.”

“The nature of these programs initially has been that we are training the teachers those who in turn will be training various women in cross-sections of the society and will make them aware of their legal rights,” he added.

The programme aims to cover all the states and union territories across the country through regular sessions to make women aware of the various machinery of the justice delivery system available for redressal of their grievances.

The project will sensitise women and girls about their rights as provided under the various laws including the Indian Penal Code.

The project will also make them aware of the procedure of approaching and utilising various channels available for the redressal of grievances, that is, the Police, the Executive, and the Judiciary.

Earlier, the Commission had launched a pilot project ‘Legal Awareness Programme’ in collaboration with NALSA for women at the grass-roots level on 15 August 2020. The pilot project had covered all the districts of eight states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Assam.

The programme was launched on Sunday in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh by Supreme Court judge Justice UU Lalit, and Rekha Sharma, Executive Chairman, NALSA, Chairperson, National Commission for Women in the presence of Supreme Court judge Justice DY Chandrachud, and other dignitaries.

Thinking that he has not cleared the entrance examination of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), he slept under the tree until he was woken up by a senior doctor who said, “We are calling your name for counselling for a long time. Don’t you want to take admission?” He has traversed a long journey. From literally walking nine kilometres a day to reach his school in Rajgarh district of Himachal Pradesh back in 1961 to climbing stairs of a stage to receive ‘Oscar in Pediatric Ophthalmology’ in Barcelona in 2015 and ‘Best of the Best Award’ in San Francisco in 2013 and again at New Orleans in 2016. The journey is incredibly inspiring! And now after delivering over 42 years of service at PGIMER, Chandigarh, Prof. Jagat Ram, Director of the Institute and Professor of Ophthalmology retired on 31 October 2021. From very humble beginnings in a small village of Himachal Pradesh, Dr Ram rose through life to become a leading ophthalmic surgeon of international fame and subsequently the Director of one of the premier medical institutions of India in March 2017. He was on the board of governors of the Medical Council of India since September 2018 and subsequently was appointed as a member of the National Medical Commission. During his tenure as Director, PGI, he also held additional charge of Directorship of three new upcoming AIIMS including Director, AIIMS, Raebareli till March 2020, AIIMS Bathinda till June 2020, and AIIMS Bilaspur. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2018-19 by the President of India for his significant contributions in the field of medicine.

Under his dynamic leadership, PGI Chandigarh was consistently ranked as the second-best medical institute of the country after AIIMS, New Delhi. PGI was also ranked as the best hospital for organ donation for four years and won the Kayakalp award from the Government of India for its cleanliness. Advancing medical technology at PGI and multiple centres of advanced care have come up during his tenure. The 300-bedded Nehru Hospital Extension block was completed and is now fully functional. The work on the Advanced Neurosciences Centre and Mother and Child care Centre is at its advanced stages. Prof. Ram was successful in procuring 50.76 acres of land in Sarangpur for PGI at a reduced price and the same will be utilised for a 500 bedded Trauma Centre, Screening OPD, 500 bedded Cancer Centre, 600 bedded Gastroenterology and Hepatology Centre, Endocrinology Centre and Learning Resource Centre. Expanding the reach of PGI, Satellite Centre at Sangrur has almost been completed and work on Satellite Centres at Ferozepur and Una has been initiated.

The biggest challenge he faced during his tenure was perhaps the management of the Covid -19 pandemic starting from January 2020. He took the tough call of scaling down the physical OPD services for general patients. It was a difficult decision, but one that had to be taken. In retrospect, scaling down the OPD not only prevented the PGI OPD from becoming a super-spreader place but also gave time to strategise and come up with efficient ways to protect both our healthcare workers and the patients. Setting up facilities to tackle Covid patients was done at a war footing. A Covid management task force was constituted and a dedicated Covid-19 facility was established in the Nehru Hospital Extension block. Emergency services were never stopped. Covid testing facilities were scaled up rapidly and a facility for gene-expert testing for emergency cases was also established. Being an institute of national importance, PGI also mentored over 70 labs from all over north India and served as the referral centre for moderate-severe Covid cases from the neighbouring states. The second wave came with its own challenges with an overwhelming caseload of severe cases straining our intensive care facilities and the flurry of Mucormycosis cases only complicated the situation. But Prof. Ram and his team of healthcare workers including the institute faculty, residents, nursing officers, sanitation workers came together to successfully fight the biggest healthcare challenge we have faced in a century.

On a personal note, he has provided compassionate patient care for patients suffering from cataracts for over 42 years. He has made outstanding contributions in restoring the vision of several thousand children suffering from cataracts from their infancy or childhood with state-of-the-art surgical techniques with intraocular lens implantation. Imbibed with a missionary zeal, he has constantly offered his services in over 150 eye relief services in the rural areas of neighbouring states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Prof. Ram is a regular participant at the rural camps at Beas, Amritsar where poor and deprived individuals are provided with high-quality care. During his two years assignment with the Republic of Seychelles as a Consultant Ophthalmologist from 2003 to 2005, he was successful in eliminating the backlog of cataract blindness in that country. He is a recipient of more than 36 international and national awards including the prestigious Best of the Best Award for Innovation in New Surgical Technique for children with cataracts at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Society Conference held in San Francisco in 2013. He was awarded the Oscar for Paediatric Ophthalmology at the World Congress of Paediatric Ophthalmology in Barcelona in 2015. He was awarded the Best of the Best Awards at the New Orleans USA in 2016. During this televised facilitation ceremony, the Indian National Anthem was played in his honour. Having published his research in the highest impact journals like the New England Journal of Medicine, there is hardly an honour that has eluded him. He leaves PGI Chandigarh with a big void and large shoes for his successor to fill.

The festival of lights Diwali is celebrated in India with great pomp every year. Exchange of gifts form an essential part of Diwali celebrations. People traditionally exchange sweets and dry fruits besides other gift items during Diwali as a token of love and regard. The festive season is just around the corner and you must be thinking about gifting options for your relatives, friends, and colleagues. 

Afterall, who doesn’t appreciate receiving Diwali gifts ranging from exotic treats to thoughtful presents, exquisite jewels or something surprising? Here’s a list of some of the ultimate gifting solutions to make Diwali of your loved ones extra special. 

A LUXURY WATCH FROM JAIPUR WATCH COMPANY DESIGNED BY YOU

India’s first and largest bespoke watchmaker Jaipur Watch Company is launching a unique and innovative program that lets people design their own watches on the watchmaker’s website to make the festive season more exciting for their customers.

This innovative program allows customers to choose what their watch will look like by selecting their preferences from various dials, indices, hands, and strap options. They can also get their name or that of their loved one engraved on the dial.

Customers will need to log on to the Jaipur Watch Company website www.jaipur.watch and design the watch they want. The company will craft the timepiece with meticulous precision and deliver it to the customers.

Jaipur Watch Company is launching this unique initiative to make Diwali gifting exciting not just for watch connoisseurs and collectors but also for ordinary people looking for unique gifting ideas.

Also, to mark the 5th anniversary of the Kings Wristwear Collection, a limited edition of 500 watches that housed a one paisa coin and the celebrated Swiss mechanism, and celebrate the spirit of Diwali, Jaipur Watch Company has launched the Kings Wristwear II collection. 

A one pice coin (the lowest denomination of British India coinage) is embedded in the 43mm dial of Kings Wristwear II. The historical narrative associated with the coin makes it a unique watch. Minted between 1943 and 47, the one pice coin or 1/64th of a rupee was the lowest denomination in the King George VI coinage era. It was also the first coin with a hole in the centre. 

Each watch in this limited edition carries a serial number, which imparts it a unique identity. The watch houses the Swiss-made Ronda 702 caliber and showcases a unique moving disc mechanism. King Wristwear II is available in new colours such as somber black (with gold and silver variants), salmon (only 50 limited edition watches), and sacramento green (with gold and silver variants – 25 limited edition watches each). As an introductory offer, the first 20 watches in each colour would be sold for Rs 30,000, after which they will cost Rs 40,000 each. 

IZZHAAR’S NEW COLLECTION

‘Around The World with Izzhaar’ is the theme for their new collections unveiled for the festive season. It is bound to set your travel genes on fire with its loving craftsmanship. Designed with motifs that are reminiscent of unique cities around the world, it is a theme that is a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, classy and chic elements, ethics hues and contemporary touches.

These collections are perfect for the festive season and wedding gifting and will be forever remembered as a token of love during auspicious ceremonies. You can find Izzhaar stores in New Delhi, Gurugram, and Mumbai. 

FRUITY MOCKTAIL-INSPIRED CANDLES BY WK LIFE

The cute candle set contains one pink lemonade spritz scented candle, one strawberry fizz scented candle, and one summer punch scented candle, all contained within little glass jars with screw-top lids. Mocktail Candlesare delivered in a box. This fruity mocktail-inspired set makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves nostalgia. They feature a scent like your favourite mocktail and would make perfect gifts. One can avail of these candles for just Rs 699 at https://wklife.in/.

ARTISANAL CHOCOLATE HAMPER BY COLOCAL 

With the arrival of the festive season of 2021, Colocal has launched its premium gifting hampers specially curated to make your festivals sweeter. The Diwali Feast Hamper priced at Rs 3800 contains three different spreads, six different chocolate bars, pour over coffee sachets from Roastery, a marshmallow box, a cookie box, a greeting card and two diyas. You can order it at https://colocal.in/ or at their outlet in New Delhi. 

CONNOISSEURS COLLECTION TEA BOX BY YOUCARE LIFESTYLE

Make the celebrations delightful with Connoisseur’s collection tea box by Karma Kettle available at YouCare Lifestyle YouCareLifestyle.com. A perfect gift box for tea connoisseurs and those with fine taste In the box: Istanbul- green tea with apple, rose, hibiscus and berries. The box contains 40 silken pyramid tea bags, with 4 varietals X 10 each, priced at Rs 720.

HOME DECOR PIECES FROM THE DECORKART

The DecorKart’s latest collection is ideal to illuminate your existing decor and or to give a new look to your favourite corners. The brand brings you the most beautiful selections that you can shop at https://thedecorkart.com/. Cosmos Temple Jar is priced at Rs 8,800. Their collection comprises decorative jars, teapots, dinner sets, and even lighting options such as table lamps, wall candle stands and more. 

HANDCRAFTED PIECES BY RANI PINK GIFTS

Rani Pink Gifts has launched two beautiful and nostalgic Diwali collections: The 90s Candy Collection and The Khilauna Collection, which are Inspired by Indian childhood memories. The 90s Candy Collection: The colours of this collection are borrowed from the colours of our favourite candies that we grew up eating. The brand took a big bite of nostalgia and poured our 90s heart out into the design of these handcrafted products—A sweet trip down memory lane, with pockets full of mango bite. The Khilauna Collection: With festivals around the corner, the winter months’ onset brings grand feasts and fairs. From the colourful phirkis to the guccha of futes, each khilauna is someone’s definition of a Sunday well-spent during the festive months. Choose your favourite khilauna from the Rani Pink collection of handcrafted products that come in different colours of joy and celebration. Check out their collection at https://www.ranipinkgifts.com/

A UNIQUE ICE BUCKET FROM SIEGER BY FÜRSTENBERG

Prometheus Ice Bucket from SIEGER by FÜRSTENBERG is available at Sources Unlimited. Prometheus—the hero of Greek mythology, lends his name to the ice cream container and cups. Matt-finished on the outside, the Prometheus facial features are particularly striking and underline the noble charisma.

Each striking masculine-looking ice bucket features a precise relief of a man’s face that transforms it into a tiny sculpture. To achieve this superlative quality and fineness, the designs are handcrafted: unparalleled artisanry is combined with cutting-edge technology. Prometheus is available in the colour combinations matt white/gloss white, matt white/gold and matt black/gold. Price: On Request

RAVISHING MELANGE BY MIRANA JEWELS 

Mirana Jewels is set to launch its 2021 Festive Collection with a lot of exciting and amazing jewellery. The entire range is crafted with utmost care and perfection that suits the best for every festival be it Navratri or Durga Puja or Diwali. The festive collection features captivating traditional designs. It comprises Mahalaxmi Temple Necklace that goes perfect to redefine the Diwali look. The collection also comprises Mint Minakari Chokers, Padmini Kundan Chokers and stunning earrings to complete the festive look. The entire range that you can explore at https://www.miranajewels.com/ comprises copper-based alloy material with gold plating and Kundan and other Imitation Stones having embellished finishing that captures the essence of elegance with refined cuts and designs. Price: On Request

Tarzan and Jane have stiff competition from this family of four, that’s the story of Adventures of A2D2. They began their Instagram expedition in April 2019. They are the go-to blog that features boutique and experiential options for young families who wish to travel with their children in India.

A2D2 decoded, are the names Arush, Disha, Amer, and Dinaira. Arush and Disha are parents to the adventurous Amer and Dinaira. The awesome foursome together have a ravenous appetite for travel and new adventures. Arush Sogani, an explorer and a wildlife enthusiast only dons the garb of a businessman, his heart and soul being besieged by travel.

Disha Chopra, a former anchor and journalist with a news channel, has now stepped into the role of a Culture & Communication specialist. Amer, the duo’s 8-year old son is obsessed with trekking, golf, cricket, swimming, and the outdoors! Dinaira, a self-learning gymnast at 6 years of age, searches for rainbows and unicorns wherever they go!

From the jungles of Jim Corbett and Binsar to the peaks of Sitla and Mukteshwar to the crystal clear blues of the Andamans, they journal snippets of their adventures to inspire other families to experience the beauty of Incredible India – with its diversity, majesty and vast expanse! These mindful experiences for the family of four, they hope other young families take a cue and take in new travel experiences! 

The adventures of A2D2 started in 2019 back after the family watched a heart-warming film “Captain Fantastic’ that’s based on a family that lives in the wild. Arush and Disha felt the need to reiterate the power of nature and of sustainable understanding. The blog documents blue skies, eating locally sourced wholesome food and watching animals roaming free in their territory. The Covid-19 Pandemic corroborated the value of health, healing and the attractive outdoors! The Adventures of A2D2 blog has an organic following with no commercial interests.

In my conversation with Disha Chopra, the leader of the pack and co-founder, Adventures of A2D2, I asked her questions pertaining to their experiences of wanderlust of A2D2 and their long term goals as a sustainable travel blog. Excerpts:

Q. What are you trying to state with the Adventures of A2D2 travel blog?

A. We hope that our experiences etch themselves as beautiful memories not only for our family but as inspiration to others to explore and preserve the natural bounty of our motherland, our beautiful India …. Along with having loads of fun along the way! 

Q. What are the 3 most memorable places you’ve explored in India?

A. For a family that is smitten by Incredible India – our favourite and most memorable holidays include Pahalgam in Kashmir, Turtuk in Ladakh and Havelock island in the Andamans. The diversity of our country is just phenomenal! 

Q. What are some child-friendly vacation spots you would recommend to travel to with children?

A. We think the notion of being child-friendly is in the minds of the parents – kids are most resilient and adaptable! However, some of the places our children have enjoyed the most include Landour, Andretta, Rishikesh and of course Goa! 

Q. How can we intervene with regard to making vacation spots more suitable for travelling with children?

A. Children find happiness in the most basic and fundamental activities – plucking vegetables from an organic farm, hearing folktales about the area, learning basic cooking skills, having access to some local art and craft! The range of activities is endless! 

The lack of cleanliness is the key factor that distinguishes our tourist spots from others outside the country. What we also feel is missing in most homestays and hotels across the country are small play areas for children made with sustainable materials- the kind that one especially finds in European countries. Even small spaces are used so effectively!

Adventures of A2D2 Instagram blog is recommended to anyone looking to explore novel places and other gems practising sustainability and offering experiences to all age travellers. Follow them on Instagram @adventuresofa2d2.