Volume 16 | Issue 10 | February 2017LET OUR VALUES EMERGE

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3Xpressions - February 2017

February 2017 Volume 16

Issue 10

INSIDE

09 Global News

10 Financial News

11 News Clippings

14 HR Awards

15 Updated News Bulletin

16 Travel Spots

25

IN EVERY ISSUE

04 Editorial

05 Note from our MD

06 Message from our Chairman

07 Scribbles

FEATURE

24 HEALTH TIPS

18 She

19 Days To Remember

20 Laugh it Out

21 Life Style

22 Amazing Reality

23 Hues of India

26 Feedback

27 Picture Gallery

28 Thoughts for February

29 Delicious Flavour

30 Travel World

31 Wedding Bells

Cover photo - by Jistomon Devasi Perumbavoor

SLEEP BETTER

Your Mental HealthChaLLEngE

Theodore Roosevelt said “Comparison is the thief of joy”. Comparison of yourself to other’s

accomplishments is a losing battle. The more we compare our life, the more difficult it becomes to cultivate self-respect. How well do we know the life of another person? There are umpteen issues and hidden imperfections in another’s life. Comparison to others can be like falling down an endless rabbit hole and inevitably, we will always end up on the losing side of the comparison.

Realize that each one of us is special and not an exact replica of anyone else. Even if you were the genetic twin to someone, you would have grown up with different ideas, thoughts, activities, experiences, influences and so on. Even our personal and career achievements may vary and may have proficiency in different places and manners.

Begin seeing everyone including ourselves as unique individuals, free ourselves from comparison and learn to celebrate the happenings of others and ourselves instead of comparing and losing. Work hard on our given areas without losing focus.

On meeting a friend after a month’s

EditorialEbby AbrahamEditor-in-Chief

CorrespondentDurai Raj R

February 2017 Volume 16

Issue 10

4 Xpressions -February 2017

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Compare not...

break, he said with a long face, ‘Oh my life is a failure, I have not achieved anything’. A month back he was very happy to say how he was elevated in work and proudly talked about his new position which was being celebrated and looked upon with jealousy by many others. Not withholding my surprise I asked him what made him say that. ‘Many of my friends draw a larger salary, some of them are getting married and few of them even purchased a brand new car. Now I cried ‘Why do you feel sorry for their successes? A month back they all celebrated your triumphs without a long face’. He looked perplexed at me; I was forced to make him realize it was only his jealousy that made him compare forgetting he had not gained anything but was a loser in terms of energy and time.

Focusing on what you are and your duties are the first step to self-respect. Accomplishments will follow as the next step as we have more time to concentrate rather than compare. Let us all be more encouraging and appreciative of others instead of developing jealousy. Let us all turn out to be winners; it can be made possible by developing self-respect from within and dignity of behaviour around us.

“Focusing on what you are and your duties are the first step to self-respect. Accomplishments will follow as the next step as we have more time to concentrate rather than compare”

5Xpressions - February 2017

Note from our MDV George AntonyManaging Director

India is moving through a cultural change when it comes to financial services. The government itself is

becoming a disrupter and innovator as if they are running a business. Changes in policies and process are becoming a daily affair. Normally all this happen due to extensive competition in the private sector, but here now government itself is on over-drive mode which will make things super-fast.

The speed of action started with demonetisation which has gained momentum with the dawn of the current budget. The way policies are being formulated, we can visualize a new India in financial payments getting shaped momentously. Cashless India is soon going to be a reality.

e-kyc, Aadhar payments, Digital signature, BHIM app payments, UPI mobile app payments, IRIS payments, a manifold increase in POS machines etc. are going to change the pattern of financial payments in the country. It looks as if companies embracing technology will move business as a whole to a new pattern which will bring a lot of disruption.

Hence it is essential to be alert and perceive the changes to imbibe insights for better development. Soon customers will get their transactions at the comfort of their home or office without any visit to any branch or bank office making it easier, safe and cheaper.

In this crossroads, UAE Exchange definitely stands to benefit with our latest mobile apps developed for customers and employees enabling all the above features. Our challenge is to welcome all these new features and get our customers to adopt it making us stand as the frontrunner. Infrastructure and resources have to be put in place to support these latest technologies. The speed at which we can acquire the business will be phenomenal with the new model because

customers will add customers through digital mode.

In addition, we have recently made structural changes in the company to give a clear focus on business channel-wise in a more efficient manner. Recently launched Alternate Channel, Wholesale Channel, and Digital Channel are new babies who will get matured in the days to come to run faster than our Retail channel. We are just starting fresh in these areas.

2017 is going to be a year of good happening for UAE Exchange, India, its employees, its customers and for its businesses. Let us be positive in our outlook and reap the benefits of all innovations in the best way possible.

Financial Empowerment through digitisation

“2017 is going to be a year of good happening for UAE Exchange, India, its employees, its customers and for its businesses. Let us be positive in our outlook and reap the benefits of all innovations in the best way possible”

6 Xpressions - February 2017

Speaking about the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince

of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces to India on Republic Day, Dr B R Shetty, Chairman of UAE Exchange and Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of NMC, said “I am extremely delighted that the leaders in both countries have been engaging actively with each other, further strengthening this historic relationship further. The Rulers of the UAE have visited India last year to the joy of all NRIs who have made UAE their home. This engagement has had many positive outcomes in bilateral trade and financial dimensions. For instance, the decision to invest $75 billion in India’s infrastructure in the long-term by the UAE government will not only boost India’s economy, but also encourage employment opportunities. Now this honourable invitation further multiplies that joy. I am sure it will strengthen the relationship, taking it to new heights.”

Dr Shetty spoke with pride about his establishment. “UAE Exchange is a 36-year-old UAE-born brand. We’ve been able to blend well with the nation’s socio-cultural and financial fabric, aligning ourselves with the government’s vision and contributing to this historic relationship.”

The company has been dealing closely with Indian expatriates who regularly send money home. As per the World Bank, expatriate Indians have contributed to make India the largest receiver of remittances. “Remittance

Dr. B R Shetty ChairmanUAE Exchange

is a dependable source of income for the Indian economy. Even during the toughest of economic crises, remittances have remained steady, sometimes even overtaking FDIs. The UAE has been a major source of remittance with more than 50 per cent of the remittances to India originating here. UAE Exchange handles 10 per cent of the total global remittance flow to India,” he informed.

UAE Exchange works closely with regulators in the UAE and India. It follows every regulation in letter and spirit, on both sides of the remittance channel. “To the enterprising Indian community, we offer a wide range of services including instant account credit, instant cash payout, currency exchange, payroll solutions, bill payments, prepaid cards, etc. We have correspondent relationship with over 30 banks in India. We have arrangements with many of them for real-time account credit facility, FLASHremit,” he explained.

CULTURE OF GIVINGDr Shetty said, “All the businesses that we have established are aligned to the UAE’s culture of giving. With a strong customer-centric approach, our establishments serve to enhance customer experience. Healthcare without doubt tops the list. Hence I directed significant investments to India and various other geographies.”

The UAE Government has taken a decision to invest significantly in India over a period of time. In line with that vision, the Group has invested across India in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, to name a few. There are plans for a 1,500-bed multi-specialty

hospital in Amaravati costing Rs12, 000 crore, which should be ready by 2018.

DIGITAL JOURNEYShetty reveals details on his ambitious digital journey. “Our passion for technology enables us to be trendsetters and drive customer-centricity intensively. UAE Exchange strives to be the first to enhance customer experience.”

UAE Exchange is the largest globally networked remittance brand in the world. “Our acquisition of Travelex, one of the world’s leading foreign exchange specialists with 1,500 branches across major international airports makes us the only group to have two category leaders under one umbrella. Acquisition of Remit2India, the online money transfer facility, takes our digital ambitions further.”

Source: Khaleej Times

FuTurE oF IndIa & uaE IS PromISIng

“UAE Exchange is a 36-year-old UAE-born brand. We’ve been able to blend well with the nation’s socio-cultural and financial fabric, aligning ourselves with the government’s vision and contributing to this historic relationship.”

Inspiring Quotes from our Chairman

7Xpressions - February 2017

SCRIBBLES

With the huge flow of money into banks due to demonetisation, all including the talking heads

on TV are talking about reductions and still further possible reductions in the interest rates. They are foreseeing a near to zero rates soon. Some are predicting a fall in the stocks and currency valuations also, citing a reason that money flows to an economy with relatively higher interest rate.

Before being so happy about a near to zero interest rate scenario, it would be wise to think about the menaces of zero interest rates.

The first and foremost danger is that the people become less motivated to save for the future. In turn, they try to spend more than they earn. This again leads them to an embarrassing financial situation sooner than later.

Another major hazard is that too low interest rates tempt people to borrow too much. This tendency is applicable to companies as well, and even the governing bodies spread across states, districts and

Happy aBouT FallINg Interest rates?

panchayaths. Needless to say the aftermath of this tendency of over-borrowing is what we saw in 2008 globally.

In our country, a considerable portion of the retired population depends on the interest income for their livelihood. This includes even pensioners. They earn interest out of their life time savings and depend on it for the rest of their life. With interest rates going down, life becomes miserable for them and the age factor leaves them helpless. This affect somewhere below 15 % of our population.

Again, people in search of other investment avenues promotes too high prices for assets, be it real estate, stocks or even debt instruments. This will, of course, lead to corrections or market crashes in large dimensions due to the simple reason that any excited movements tend to reverse with time.

A near to zero rate also boomerangs the policy makers with them having no steps to take in case of an emergency or an unexpected negative economic event. With the rates already at the bottom, they will

Ranjith Babu R Head-Concurrent Audit & AML

have no clue on how to adjust or bring back the economy back to equilibrium in such a situation.

To sum up, a lower interest rate makes sense only as a short term tool to streamline the economy and we should expect our policy makers also to take such a view. Hence it is wise and sensible to utilize the opportunity, lock in the lower borrowing rates and reschedule your financial plans keeping in mind that normalcy will soon return.

8 Xpressions - February 2017

SCRIBBLES

Kallada VinodHead-Investment Advisory Services

There is a myth spread across, that investing in shares make one to lose money as the share markets

crashes very often, which is only a meagre and narrow understanding about share market.

The economy of a nation is determined by the share markets and countries where there is no share market are very poor with even no per capita income like few African countries.

Share market plays a vital role in deciding the growth of a nation. It attracts people with excess money to invest for the growth of the nation. Countries with strong share market structure invite foreign investors to invest money which accelerates Trade, Industry and Commerce of a nation by making availability of funds.

Now a question arises “Why Should I

Invest in shares”. The answer can be furnished through the

following arguments.

1) To beat Inflation: No other investment option suits better than

WHy SHoulD WE Invest In shares

SToCK MaRKET aND UnIOn BUDGet 20171. The Impact of the Union budget presented in the parliament had boosted the sensex by 486 points.2. There was a positive upswing of Rupee by 34 paisa against Dollar3. The decision of the government to infuse 10000 crore in public sector banks helped to enhance their share value. 4. Realty stocks improved as Rs.4 lakh crore was allocated to infrastructure sector. 5. Shares of companies related to the agriculture sector ended higher by 3.71 per cent after the announcement of Rs 1 lakh crore

increase in credit target for the next fiscal to Rs 10 lakh crore as part of efforts to double farm income in the next five years.6. Most benefitted companies included Maruti Suzuki, M&M, ITC, ICICI Bank, GAIL and Adani Ports. The leading sectors were

realty, auto, banking, Consumer Goods, metal, capital goods, Public Sector Undertaking, oils and gas, infrastructure and power shares.

investing wisely in shares to beat the future inflation, which drives our buying capacity. If not invested we may not be able to meet our future financial requirements.

2) To Get Maximum Returns:Share market gives returns which stands better compared to many other investments in the long run as it has proved many times and many investors got benefitted out of that.

For Example, if a person had invested Rs.10000/- in Wipro in the Year 1980, he would have made around 284 Crore by 2010 which is unimaginable.

3) To meet long Term Financial Needs:Investing in long term markets enable one to meet the long term financial requirements like retirement, house construction ,marriage ,children’s education etc.

Anyone can start investing in Share markets with a very minimum amount, regularly and get benefitted.

UAE Exchange and Finance Ltd is a SEBI approved broker, dealing with Share market and Mutual funds which assist thousands of investors to attain their financial goals

.We have a centralized trading and research platform enabling a uniform investment strategy to get maximum benefit to the customers with advanced internet and mobile trading platforms. Call Centre also assists customers to handle queries, and get accounts opened.

Contact us at 04843990402/9947269225|974703664

“Even though investing seems risky,

considering the long-term threat of inflation, rescinding from investment also seems risky”.

9Xpressions - February 2017

GLOBAL NEWS

Relations between the UAE and India have witnessed significant growth, thanks to the solid foundation,

laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and sustained by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The rapid expansion in the relations is evident in the growing bilateral cooperation, the mutual ambition to continue to develop the potential of the UAE-India partnership, the continuous communication and the exchange of visits by their leadership. The UAE and India are striving to strengthen their relations and strategic partnerships in many fields, keeping in mind the rapid regional and international changes. The Emirati-Indian relationship is special for the age-old cultural connections of both countries’. This is further strengthened by Indian expertise, so long

The immigrants, who are in millions, living in the USA without proper documents is on the run as the

new president Donald Trump has come into power. Trump in his election campaign had promised to deport 11 million unauthorized immigrants if he is elected. Lots of Indians have travelled to the USA for studies and

INDIaN IT FIRMS pREFER To EMploy fresh talent frOm the Us

Indian IT giants Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services are looking forward to appoint more engineers from universities in the United States. This step was decided upon because of the new measures being taken by the newly elected president in the US. Earlier these companies used to hire the employees from India.

It is known that there will be strict directives for the issuance of H-1B visas for foreign workers. The Indian outsourcing industry with their main markets in the US was the prime beneficiary of this Visa. Meanwhile, hiring of the employees by Indian IT companies are gradually coming down.

uaE, INDIa TIES gRoWINg aMID strateGIc partnershIp

present in the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin

Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces once said; “The Republic of India is considered an effective regional and international force, which has a significant role in ensuring stability in the region and the world. The UAE looks forward to effective Indian contributions in tackling the challenges and dangers faced by the region and the world, finding fair solutions to the problems, crises and tensions in the Middle East, especially in light of India’s international policy, its balance and wisdom, and how it is widely accepted regionally and internationally.”

The UAE and India have agreed to strengthen their resolve to fight terrorism and work together to control the illicit financial

flows, while strengthening relations in the field of defence fields. Bilateral trade between the UAE and India accounted for US$ 17 billion during the first half of 2016. The two countries are aspiring to increasing trade by 60 percent to US$ 100 billion, reaching US$ 368 billion by 2020.

India is the UAE’s second largest trading partner after China. The UAE, on the other hand, is the largest Arab investor in India and the11th foreign investor, in terms of Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). The total value of Emirati investments in India was estimated at US$ 9 billion in 2015. UAE investments in India span over a number of sectors, including construction, energy, metal industries, services, software and systems, petroleum products, precious metals, chemicals and wood products.

Courtesy: WAM/bashir

paNIC FoR UnaUthOrIzeD ImmIGrants In the Us

as tourists and overstayed there with small odd jobs. Indian IT companies are also worried over the stringent immigration laws. According to a research centre around half a million unauthorized Indian Americans were staying in the US in 2014. In 2015 around 14000 Indians stayed back without proper documents. Some of them entered with fake passports or illegally crossed Canadian or Mexican borders.

Usually many Indians enter the US on a visitor or student visa and after their allotted period find job in Indian companies or in firms of their relatives. This will also be unauthorized when the revised law is implemented because the American Indians would be afraid to protect them

But practically it is not that easy to deport a huge number immediately. Initially the President may start the process with criminals and other unlawful persons.

FINaNCIal NEWS

10 Xpressions - February 2017

Economic activities in India seem to have destabilized because of the demonetization policy of the

government. The merits and demerits of the decision are still under debate and the final consequences are yet to be analyzed. The supporters of demonetization propagate that the purpose behind such a move was with good intention. But nobody can turn a deaf ear to the suffering caused to millions of people in India. The main drawback with demonetization was that it came as a lightning; no advance intimation was given to the common people. The government claimed giving advance notice would have defeated its purpose. But not everyone agrees with that view. “There was no need for secrecy,” said a professor of social sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University. “All demonetizations through history have been done with some advance warning. This

reduces the damage to innocent people. The government could monitor suspicious transactions after the announcement, just as it is doing now.

The government, meanwhile, seems to have changed the aim of their policy. The claimed objective of the exercise has apparently changed from rooting out black money to promoting cashless transactions.

Though ‘demonetization’ has already sunk-in, most people are still mystified by its impact. It must be seen as a part of a series. It is evident that it has halted or slowed a substantial part of transactions across the country in the last two months.

Every effort in direction of making economy cashless is getting potential. This is gradual process even though every change takes time to build the outcome. Cashless economy will turn into great advantages, in shape of black money out, development in country.

YOU can remIt Up tO $250,000 per fInancIal Year FoR MaINTENaNCE oF CloSE RElaTIvES aBRoaD

Under the exchange control law, a non-resident Indian (NRI) can remit up to $1 million per financial

year out of balances held in NRO accounts, and from sale proceeds of assets or assets acquired in India by way of inheritance on submission of documentary evidence and certificate from a chartered accountant in the prescribed format.

As an NRI, under the exchange control law of India, you can remit money from NRO accounts as per the provisions stated above. Your brother can remit money outside India under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme as he qualifies as a resident Indian under the exchange control law of India. Under this, a person who is a resident of India can remit up to $250,000 per financial year for permitted current account transactions, which includes maintenance of close relatives abroad.

Source: Live Mint

Since the attempts for obtaining a small finance bank licence failed, UAE Exchange India, is now considering

approaching the RBI for licence to set up a universal bank after loan portfolio crosses Rs. 1,000 crore-mark.

Managing Director Mr V George Antony said “We were not able to obtain licence for a small bank. But we intend to apply again after crossing the Rs.1000 crore portfolios. By the end of 2017-18 we are aiming to cross the mark and apply for licence. “We want to record a success before applying for licence

and ensure that it does not get rejected,” he added.

“Money transfer business is slowly dying since most of the non-residents are depending on banks for remittances. Earlier it was the core product comprising around 85 per cent of the total business. But now people have started sending money directly from banks and the stake is only 10 per cent. Alternatively Forex and loans are on the upward swing” MD said. He also pointed out that total portfolio is now Rs.500 crore.

TIE-up WITH pRaBHu MoNEy TRaNSFER fOr InDO-nepal remIttance

UAE Exchange India announced the launch of Indo-Nepal remittances for its customers through Prabhu

Money Transfer. Residents of India and citizens of Nepal dwelling in India can send money to Nepal instantly through 377 branches of UAE Exchange India.

Customers can send money up to Rs.50, 000/- per transaction, limit of 12 transactions per year. This service surely facilitates the huge Nepal diasporas based in India especially among working and labour-class to remit their hard-earned money through safe secure and reliable partner. Prabhu Money Transfer (Nepal) is one of the top remittance companies of Nepal.

effects Of DemOnetIzatIOnIN INDIa IN 2017

uaE ExCHaNgE IS THINKINg aBouT settInG Up a UnIversal Bank

NEWS ClIppINgS

Xpressions - February 2017 11

Soft Skills Session & XPay Promotion

Nizamabad team of UAE Exchange India carried out a Seminar in the Sudheer Reddy Engineering &

MBA College Nizamabad. Zonal Head Mr N Gopi dealt with the session on Soft skills and Interview techniques. The session was active with lively interactions between the ZH and students. They expressed gratitude for selecting their institution for such sessions. Around 100 students attended the meeting along with their faculty. Many of them installed XPay Cash Wallet application in their mobiles.

Tanjore branch at AAMEC, Kovilvenni

Tanjore branch of UAE Exchange India conducted awareness campaign on XPay Cash Wallet

and other products at Anjalai Ammal Mahalingam Engineering College, Kovilvenni on 24th November 2016.

Mr.N.Rajesh, Regional Head-Tanjore and Mr.Jai Ganesh, Branch Head, Tanjore conducted the session for the faculty. Around 90 faculties from various departments including Principal and Vice-Principal attended the meeting.

Adopting a Village for XPay promotion

All the branches in Nizamabad region put in a collective effort to promote XPay Cash Wallet

and thereby bring cashless transactions in Narsinagapoor village in Telangana. A few villages were allotted by Collectorate officials for promoting the product. The staff with the help of Gramapanchayath authorities succeeded in adding most of the village people who possessed smart phones. The revenue inspectors and panchayath authorities appreciated the team for their relentless efforts.

The team of staff aims at converting the whole village into fully digitalized one.

16th Anniversary Celebration Karimnagar branch

Karimnagar branch celebrated 16th anniversary in the presence of Zonal Head Mr N Gopi, RH-Mr Srinivas Reddy and staff. The chief guest of the event was Sardar Ravinder Singh, district Mayor, guest of honour Mr Md.Majeed Hussain,

ward corporator and Dr.Pradeep Kumar, Surgeon. The special invitee of the celebration was Guinness world record holder “Maddirala

Shiva Yagnika kardama govatrikara franzonia” a 10 year old girl, classical dancer who can sing national anthems of 65 countries. She exhibited her talent by singing a few national anthems and performed ‘bharatanatyam’ which was appreciated by all.

The Mayor admired the product range under a single roof and expressed happiness over the events. He wished success for all and requested to take up more CSR activities. Dr.Pradeep kumar in his talk pointed out the dangers of consuming junk food by children and advised the parents to be vigilant.

ZH Mr N Gopi briefed about the company history, people, services and recently launched XPay in support to digital India and about the proposal of adopting villages and making them completely digitalised with XPay solutions.

MD meets Andhra & Telangana Region Officials

UAE Exchange India MD Mr V.George Antony addressed the Branch Heads and Regional Heads of the Andhra and

Telangana Regions recently. He discussed on the effects of demonetization

as well as digitalization in today’s economy and advised them to take a positive approach towards it. He also pointed out that the advanced Mobile commerce revolution, the influence and importance of payment apps including XPay Cash Wallet in this digital era.

source: Business Insider

12 Xpressions - February 2017

NEWS ClIppINgS

Road Safety Week Celebrations

As part of “Road Safety week celebrations,” Karimnagar branch of UAE Exchange India conducted

Road Show to spread awareness about road safety. The branch staff and customers formed a rally under the leadership of the chief guest Mr Mahesh Goud, CI of Traffic circle, walked from Telangana chowk to Bus stand displaying the message of the event.

Mr. Mahesh shared that increasing road accidents and unsafe driving practices should be seriously controlled by formulating sufficient steps. He appreciated the branch for conducting such a programme.

As a responsible corporate, UAE Exchange India is obliged to spread the valuable message of road safety and has adopted its branches from various locations to conduct road safety programmes.

Managing Director, Mr V George Antony was one of the speakers on the topic “Digitalization of SMEs sector” in the launching of an electronic platform www.myloanassocham.com on 7th January

2017 at Hyderabad.Hon’ble Secretary, Shri K K Jalan, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises, Government of India launched the electronic portal.

UAE Exchange India Inaugurates Agra Branch

UAE Exchange India shifted Agra branch to a new location for serving the customers of ‘City of

Taj’ with proficient services. Mr. Atul Aswal, Zonal Head-Punjab, inaugurated the new premise in the presence of customers and officials of UAE Exchange. As part of CSR initiatives, school bags and study materials were distributed to underprivileged students.

“With the shifting of Agra branch to a new premise, the company further seeks to provide effortless services to the common populace upholding the motto Service is our currency,” shared Mr. Atul Aswal, Zonal Head-Punjab.

Mr V George Antony, speaker in myloanassocham.com launch

UAE Exchange hands out computers for Mancombu School

If you wish to make any change in society, it has to be done from the base level. As a step towards digitalizing the nation,

UAE Exchange distributed computers and classroom materials in Avittam Thirunal Higher Secondary School,Mancombu.

UAE Exchange Central Kerala Zone Head, Mr.Shalu Babu, National Purchase Manager, Mr. Lakshmikanth, and Branch Head, Alapuzha Ms. Elizabeth represented the company for the CSR programme in Mancombu School. Mr.Muhammed Aslam, DEO inaugurated the function by operating the computer in the presence of School HM, Ms Vishnu Kumari and Panchayath Member Mr. Prasad.

Branch Inauguration - Vanasthalipuram

On 2nd Feb 2017 renovated branch at Vanasthalipuram was inaugurated in the presence

of Zonal head Mr.N.Gopi , RH Alternate channel-Mr.T.Srinivas Reddy, RH wholesale channel Mr.K.Srinivas and Mr.Sastri ZO-HR Manager. The chief guest was local Corporator Mr. J.Rajshekar Reddy, The guests of honour were Mr. Prakash Rao PNB bank manager and Mr Rahul Mathew Federal bank manager. Around 20 customers attended the program. Mr N Gopi gave awareness about the company and services, especially on XPay Cash Wallet and its support towards digital India to the gathering. All the invited guests appreciated the services of UAE Exchange rendered to the customers.

13Xpressions - February 2017

Rotary Conference - Business Development Activity –Guntur branch

Vijayawada and Guntur branches participated in Rotary International District 3150 Conference with

the support of their Zonal head Mr. N Gopi who is also the President of Rotary Club Ameerpet-Hyderabad and Mr Ramesh Regional Head. There was a participation of 1000 Rotarians from 94 clubs from AP & Telangana. Many Celebrities attended as guests from various walks of life like Politicians, Media, Sports Persons, Spiritual leaders and Celebrities from film industry.

Branch obtained around 300 potential HNI data & 50 Atlanta package enquiries for RI Convention, Atlanta-2017. They are hopeful of getting more business as well as references from the Rotarians as almost all are High net worth individuals and are frequent travellers.

Scholarships are part of UAE Exchange India’s CSR policy for promoting education among underprivileged

communities across the nation. As a responsible corporate institution, UAE Exchange India invests time and resources for nurturing the weaker sections, thereby building a better platform to their success. The company had announced educational scholarship scheme on June 2016 and has initiated the programme in Chavakkad and Kothamangalam branches.

UAE Exchange branches distributed educational scholarships to the best students from 5th to 10th standards of Govt. Higher Secondary Schools, Adimaly

& Mullassery on 28 January 2017. Students were selected on the basis of overall academic performance for the year. Central Kerala Zonal Head, Mr. Shalu Babu & Branch Head, Mr. Nithin Narayanan distributed the cash award and certificate to academic performers on the Annual Day celebrations of respective schools.

Scholarships are expected to motivate students to aim better, breaking financial barriers on education. Empowering students in their education through scholarships is the long term investment for any corporate, as it cultivate a resourceful generation capable of transforming India into a developed nation.

XPay promotion by Siddipet

Siddipet branch conducted promotion of XPay Cash Wallet in two villages Burgupally and Mittapally with the

support of Mandal parshad development officer and Joint Collector. The team approached the villagers and merchant shops and succeeded in installing many customer and merchant Apps.

UAE Exchange India Distributes Educational Scholarships

NEWS ClIppINgS

UAE Exchange Bags Service Olympian Award for Best Customer Experience Measurement

UAE Exchange emerged as the winner of Service Olympian Award 2016 under the Best Customer Experience Measurement category. The award is in recognition of the brand’s commitment towards continuous improvement in enhancing the

customer experience. The award was presented in a ceremony held at the Emirates Tower Hotel.

This is the third win for UAE Exchange at the Service Olympian Award ceremony. Earlier in 2013, the brand won the People’s Choice Award and in 2015, it won in the category of Best Leadership Commitment.

HR aWaRDS

Region Branch Stars of the Region Total StarsBANGALORE BANGALORE - KAMMANAHALLI RANJITH S B 16

BIHAR I SIWAN DHANJEE THAKUR 13

CALICUT VADAKARA SEEMA ANILKUMAR 9

CHENNAI CHENNAI - KODAMBAKKAM R NARESH KUMAR 14

COIMBATORE COIMBATORE P PREM KUMAR 8

DELHI NOIDA GAURAV SOOD 8

ERNAKULAM ERNAKULAM - M G ROAD SANGEETHA G S 12

GOA PONDA PRIYANKA S CHANDAVARKAR 12

GUJARAT BHUJ SHRIVASTAV PARTH JITENDRABHAI

14

HYDERABAD HYDERABAD - TOLICHOWKI B GANESH 16

KANNUR IRITTY RENNY E 13

KOLKATA DUTTAPULIA SANJOY SWARNAKAR 15

KOLLAM PARIPPALLY ARUN V 10

LUCKNOW VARANASI ABHISHEK KUMAR SRIVASTAVA 24

MADURAI THENI KARTHICK M 10

MANGALORE MANGALORE - KANKANADY SHREENI 11

MUMBAI MUMBAI - KALYAN SANDHYA P SHETTY 15

NAGERCOIL NAGERCOIL U G GLADWIN JEBA 16

NIZAMABAD ARMUR MAKURI RAKESH 12

PALAKKAD CHERPULASSERY ANSARALI A K 20

PUNJAB I PHILLAUR MANPREET SINGH 17

PUNJAB II MOGA SATUTI SHARMA 18

RAJASTHAN JHUN JHUNU SURENDRA KUMAR 15

TANJORE MAYILADUTHURAI D SUGANYA 16

THRISSUR GURUVAYUR ANAND M V 16

TIRUVALLA THALAYOLAPARAMBU JENSON JOSEPH 15

TRICHY ATTUR MALATHI M 17

TRIVANDRUM TRIVANDRUM - MANACAUD ASWATHY M G 13

UDUPPI HUBLI PRAVEEN KUMAR S 13

VIJAYAWADA RAJAMUNDRY VASAMSETTI RAJA 16

Regional Toppers star employees for the month of October 2016

National Topper Star Employee for the month of December 2016Region Branch Name Total StarsGoa Panaji Dayanand Dattaram Sangare 26

14 Xpressions - February 2017

Xpressions - February 2017 15

UPDATED NEWS BullETINHoNg KoNg’S WITHDRaWal oF vISa-FrEE FaCILITy For IndIanS

The decision of Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, to withdraw visa-free

entry facility for Indians from January third week has adversely affected the Indian travellers, who will have to complete a pre-arrival registration.

“The online service for Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals is now open. The Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals was implemented on January 23,” the Hong Kong immigration department said in an announcement on its official website.

Earlier, Hong Kong used to be part of a block of countries that gave Indians unconditional visa-free entry. Indians were permitted to enter Hong Kong with a valid passport for a period up to 14 days without a visa. However in recent times, it was found that Indian nationals were overstaying in Hong Kong by violating visa norms.

“Now Indian nationals seeking to enter the HKSAR during transit must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the HKSAR visa-free. Pre-arrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in

direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area,” it said.

Indian passport holders without the Pre-Arrival Registration Slip, except those belonging to any of the exempted categories, would not be allowed to board a conveyance bound for Hong Kong, a notice on the Indian Consulate in Hong Kong said. A Pre-Arrival Registration is normally valid for a six month period or until the expiry date of the Indian passport linked to it, whichever is earlier, it said. This is going to be a key hindrance for a huge number of Indians who visit the former British colony for business, trade and holidays.

Hong Kong has permitted Indians to enter with valid passport for a period up to 14 days without a visa till now. But the facility has been withdrawn despite representations from India allegedly on the ground that the number of Indian asylum seekers was on the rise, official sources told. Indian officials said that it was an unfortunate decision which affects millions of Indian businessmen and tourists visiting Hong Kong. Most of the Indians visiting Hong Kong are wealthy and

they spend money which contributes to the economy of the country. The numbers of asylum seekers are very small when compared with the large number of tourists and businessmen.

Hong Kong’s unilateral decision came a year after its government had sent a delegation headed by the Assistant Director of Immigration from the Immigration Department and Hong Kong Police in December 2015 to India. It had informed concerns about “illegal employment” and “human trafficking” involving Indians in Hong Kong to the Union Ministry of External Affairs. They had expressed concern that many Indians were taking up jobs even though Hong Kong does not allow visitors to work.

OPERATION CLEAN MONEY The Income Tax Department of India launched Operation Clean Money (Swachh Dhan Abhiyan), an e-platform to evaluate large deposits in cash made during the demonetisation period -9 November to 30 December 2016.

Around 18 lakh persons have been selected in the first batch and their cash transactions will be verified along with their profile. The account holders whose deposits do not tally with their income as per the records of ITD will be notified on their e-filing portals. IT department has sent emails and phone text messages to these accountant holders to seek their explanation about the source of funds and a response within 10 days.

In absence of a response, they will receive a notice from the tax department or further action. The verification will also be closed if the cash deposit is declared under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna .

Xpressions - February 201716

TRAVEL SpoTS

TOPOGRAPHY Known as the largest national park in Maharashtra, the Tadoba Andhari Reserve holds a total area of the reserve which is 625.4 square kilometres. This includes Tadoba National Park, created in 1955 with an area of 116.55 square kilometres and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1986 with an area of 508.85 square kilometres. The reserve also includes 32.51 square kilometres of protected forest and 14.93 square kilometres of other areas. Densely forested hills form the northern and western boundary of the tiger reserve. The elevation of the hills ranges from 200 m to 350 m.

To the southwest is the 300 acres Tadoba Lake which acts as a buffer between the park’s forest and the extensive farmland which extends up to Irai water reservoir. This lake is a perennial water source which offers good habitat for Muggar crocodiles to thrive. Other wetland areas within the reserve include the Kolsa Lake and Andhari River.

Tadoba reserve covers the Chimur Hills, and the Andhari sanctuary covers Moharli and Kolsa ranges. It’s bounded on the northern and the western side by densely forested hills.

Thick forests are relieved by smooth meadows and deep valleys as the terrain slopes from north to south. Cliffs, talus and caves provide refuge for several animals. The two forested rectangles are formed of Tadoba and Andhari range. The south part of the park is less hilly.

FLORATadoba reserve is a predominantly southern tropical dry deciduous forest with dense woodlands comprising about 87 per cent of the protected area. Teak is the predominant tree species. Axle wood is a fire-resistant species growing here. Palas or flame of the forest adds vibrant colour to the forest. Black plum trees grow in the riparian habitat around the lake. At the waterhole at Panchadhara, huge arjun trees are seen.

Patches of grasses are found throughout the reserve. Bamboo thickets grow all over the reserve. The climber kach kujali (velvet bean) found here is a medicinal plant used to treat Parkinson’s disease. The leaves of bheria are used as an insect repellent and bija is a medicinal gum. Beheda is also an important medicine found here.

LOCATION - Tadoba Andhari Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra with a total area of 1727 km2 which also includes Tadoba National Park, created in 1955. It is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra state in central India, notable as Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park and one of India’s 43 “Project Tiger” - tiger reserves.

ORIGIN“Tadoba” is the name of the God “Tadoba” or “Taru”, praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, the name Andhari originated from the Andhari river that strolls through the forest.

HISTORYLegend holds that Taru was a village chief who was killed in a mythological encounter with a tiger. A shrine dedicated to God Taru now exists beneath a huge tree, on the banks of the Tadoba Lake. The temple is frequented by tribal groups, especially during the fair held every year in the Hindu month of Pausha, between December and January.

Tadoba andharI TIgER RESERvE

Credit: Stephenekka, Wikimedia commons and Saumitra Newalkar, Wikimedia commons

FAUNAThere are 88 tigers, as of August 2016 in the reserve, and 58 in the forests immediately outside the reserve. Aside from the keystone species, the Bengal tiger, Tadoba Tiger Reserve is home to other mammals, including: Indian leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai, dhole, striped hyena, small Indian civet, jungle cats, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, chital, chausingha and honey badger. Tadoba Lake sustains the marsh crocodile, which were once common all over Maharashtra. Reptiles here include the endangered Indian python and the common Indian monitor. Terrapins, Indian star tortoise, Indian cobra and Russel’s viper also live in Tadoba.

The lake is an ornithologist’s paradise with a wide diversity of water birds, and raptors. 195 species of birds have been recorded, including three endangered species. The grey-headed fish eagle, the crested serpent eagle, and the changeable hawk-eagle are some of the raptors.

Other interesting species include the orange-headed thrush, Indian pitta, crested treeswift, stone curlew, crested honey buzzard, paradise

flycatcher, bronze-winged jacana and lesser golden backed woodpecker. Warblers and the black-nape blue flycatcher exist here and the call of the peacock may often be heard.

74 species of butterflies have been recorded including the pansies, monarch, Mormons and swordtails. Insect species include the endangered danaid egg-fly and great egg-fly. Dragonflies, stick insects, jewel beetles and the praying mantis are other insects located in the reserve. The signature spider, giant wood spider and red wood spiders are often seen during the monsoon and soon after. Some hunting spiders like the wolf spiders, crab spiders and lynx spiders are also common.

THREATSThere are around 42000 people living in and around the reserve in 59 villages of which 5 are inside the core zone. These villages in the core zone still do farming activity inside the core area. The process of rehabilitation is going on. There are many numbers of cattle with the villagers in the core and buffer zone. While cattle grazing are not allowed in the core zone, regulated grazing in the buffer zone is allowed to cattle of the village inhabitants. However, cattle of peripheral villages sometimes sneak into the reserve and cause additional damage to the habitat. . Forest fires are a constant problem in the dry season, consistently burning between 2% and 16% of the park each year. Killing of domestic livestock by tigers and leopards is a frequent phenomenon in the areas neighbouring villages. This has an adverse impact on the economic condition of the local people and

results in antagonism towards the management.

TOURIST INFORMATION The jungle safari trips through the Tadoba National Park is the main attraction of tourists. Open top Gypsy vehicles and buses with trained local guides are available for visitors. Accommodation is also made available at various locations.

HOW TO REACHThe nearest International Airport is Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur (140 km via Umrer, Bhisi and Chimur).

The nearest railway station is Chandrapur (on the Delhi-Chennai main line) 45 km away.

Nearest main bus stand is Chandrapur and Chimur (32 km).

ACCOMMODATIONMaharashtra Tourism Development Corporation provides self-contained rooms with adjoining restaurant at Tadoba.

Reservations can be made in advance through Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation at Mumbai and Nagpur and Deputy Conservator of forests and wildlife, Chandrapur.

““Tadoba” is the name of the god “Tadoba” or “Taru”, praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and andhari region, the name Andhari

originated from the Andhari river that strolls through the forest”

Xpressions - February 2017 17Credit: Rudraksha Chodankar, Wikimedia commons and Sushilghugul, Wikimedia commons

REEBA V KPublic Relations UAE Exchange, India

Xpressions - February 201718

SHE

For every human being, FAMILY is the backbone of everything. All are being taught and brought

up from the ethics of family. The sustainability of family depends on LOVE. As said “Where there is LOVE, there is peace and the FEAR is thrown away….

In most of the families, father will not express his love towards the children. Most of the parents are alike in this. But Love should be expressed in some way or other to the children and wife. For a kid, love is to be taught and understood from his parents, so that they can adopt in their life too. For that, first parents should be ideal to them. The family who adjust the ups and downs, love and respect each other and who fears God will lead a peaceful life.

We had in the past large families, living together without any major conflict of interest. The family head was respected and his intervention was always available to settle interpersonal problems. Several factors kept their large families united and the system existed for hundreds of years. There were mutual love and respect among members.

With the evolution of modern age and influence of western civilization, the family system started quivering. The political views of Marx, Lenin and other western philosophers generated the young people to think free in all spheres of life. The influence of elders started diminishing and technological revolution have started replacing old value system.

Young members of family started thinking of nuclear families and separated from the joint family system.

LOVELY... .FAMILY

This condition has spread throughout India and we have today more small families and as a by-product, we have more old age homes. The absence of love and affection for the elders remain the last concern and they don’t want to be disturbed by circumstances that prevent them from enjoying.

The increase in the number of old age homes has really gone up and their children hardly visit them once or twice a year.

The family happiness, love for other members, tolerance and a heart to accept all members have really vanished. The following story illustrates the changes that had overtaken us:

There was a family consisting of a very old grandmother, her son, his wife and the little granddaughter. They used to have food together, but were disturbed by aged grandmother for making sounds and objects falling down from the plate. So they decided to have a separate table for grandma so that they are not further disturbed. Then one day the mother noticed the daughter making something and enquired what she was making. The child replied that she was making a table for her mother just like they had

made table for grandma. The mother was really terrified and expected such a situation which may arise in future. From that day onwards they sat together for having food.

Nothing can replace the old. We all have to go through the same stage. But remember to have the old tradition of mutual trust, love and affection in all spheres of your life.

We know that in the month of February, all the lovers have a special day. All the lovers purchase big gifts to express the love to their valentine. It is all the passion of the age. When it develops to a family, the similar love and respect should be there between the husband and wife.

19Xpressions - February 2017

DAYS TO REMEMBER

Darwin Day is a celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the birth of

Charles Darwin who was born on 12 February 1809. The day is used to highlight Darwin’s contribution to science and to promote science in general. Darwin Day is celebrated around the world.

The celebration of Darwin’s work and tributes to his life has been organized now and again since his death on 19 April 1882, at age 73. Events took place at Down House, in

International Mother Language Day is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February

to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution establishing 2008 as the International year for Languages. It was a social movement built on the spirit to defend the rights to write in one’s mother language.

International Mother Language Day was observed since 2000 to promote peace and multilingualism. The date corresponds to the day in 1952 when students from the University of Dhaka, Jagannath University and

International Mother Language Day

Dhaka Medical College, demonstrating for the recognition of Bengali as one of the two national languages of East Pakistan, were brutally shot dead by police (then under Pakistan government) near the Dhaka High Court in the capital of present-day Bangladesh.

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. On 16 May 2009 the United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution, called on its member states “to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world”. In the resolution, the General Assembly proclaimed 2008

as the International Year of Languages to promote unity in diversity and international understanding through multilingualism and multiculturalism.

Languages are the most powerful instruments for preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.

Downe on the southern outskirts of London where Darwin and members of his family lived from 1842 until the death of his wife, Emma Darwin, in 1896.

Ever since Charles Darwin published his radically insightful book, On the Origin of Species, Darwin has been the focus of honour and tributes by scientists, artists, scholars, and freethinkers throughout the world.

International Darwin Day will motivate people throughout the globe to reflect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual

curiosity, scientific thinking, and hunger for truth as embodied in Charles Darwin. It will be a day of celebration, activism, and international cooperation for the advancement of science, education, and human well-being.

Darwin Day will be observed by the United Nations and its members as an opportunity for international partnerships through the common language of science for the common good of all.

Darwin Day

20 ’Xpressions - February 2017

LAUGH IT ouT

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL

The Boss asked for an evaluation report of Amit varma.The following report was prepared by the manager.*Amit Varma, my travel executive, can always be found*hard at work in his cabin. He works without help, without*wasting company time chatting with co-workers. He never*think twice about helping fellow employees, and he always*completes given tasks on time. Often Amit takes extended*procedures to finish his work, sometimes skipping tea*breaks. He is a devoted person who has absolutely no*pride in spite of his high accomplishments and deep*awareness in his field. I definitely believe that he can be*considered as a highly-talented staff, the type which cannot be*dispensed with. Therefore, I duly suggest that Amit Varma be*elevated to executive management, and a proposal will be*executed as soon as possible.A subsequent memo was soon sent following the letter: That idiot was reading over my shoulder while I wrote the report sent to you earlier today. Kindly read only the odd numbered lines (1, 3, 5, etc...) for my true assessment of him.

THE NEW CEOA company appointed a new CEO with the intention of bringing tight control over its staff. This new person decided to remove all lazy and unproductive staff from the company.The new CEO while visiting different departments noticed a man lazily leaning on a wall. The room was full of employees and he thought this was his chance to show everyone he meant business! The CEO walks up to the guy and asks - “how much money do you get a week?” boldly, the young man looks at him and replied, “I make Rs 1500 a week. Why do you ask?” The CEO then pays the guy Rs 1500 in cash and shouted,” here this is a week’s pay, now get out and don’t ever come back!” Feeling confident about his first firing, the CEO looked around the room and asked “can anybody tell me in which department that lazy guy was employed?” With an ashamed smile, one of the other employees murmured, “That was the lunch delivery guy”.

THE INTERVIEWRupesh applied for a job as a signal guard for railway. He was asked to attend the interview at the chief inspector’s office. The inspector after collecting the personal details put in a question to Rupesh. “What would be your response if you see that two trains were heading towards each other on the same track?” Rupesh said, “I would switch one train to the next track.” “Suppose the lever got stuck?” asked the inspector. “I would sprint down to the tracks and use the manual lever,” answered Rupesh. “Assume that lever also is jammed?” challenged the inspector. “Then,” Rupesh continued, “I’d race back up to the signal office and phone the next signal box.” “What if the phone was busy?” “In that case,” Rupesh replied, “I’d run to the street and use the public phone near the station”. “What if that also is not working?” “Well,” said Rupesh, “in that case I’d run into my house and bring my father.” The inspector was confused, so he asked, “Why did you want that for?” Rupesh retorted “because he has never seen two trains crashing!”

21Xpressions - February 2017

LIFE STylE(Continued from January edition)

We all have natural senses to give signals to our body before an intake…. The first

sense is our eyes, if we see food which is uncomfortable to our eyes the body will reject the food, for example, if our eyes spotted a hair in the food we reject that food… The second sense is our nose; if the nose sense decayed food coming near the mouth, we automatically reject the food. Next sense is the tongue. If food tastes unpleasant we will spit out the same automatically and reject it.

Let us imagine that a person has consumed poison/unhealthy food accidentally, the poison goes down through the throat where, up to the throat is under his control. Subsequently our Internal Life Force (ILF) takes care of everything. The ILF prompts the stomach to send the unwanted poison out of the body in the form of vomiting. When the stomach is trying to send the poison out by vomiting, generally people will approach a Doctor and take medicine to stop vomiting.

If the poison is not removed from the body, the ILF has to do its GOD given responsibility, it instructs the Large Intestine to send the poison out as diarrhoea. Now the patient will start with discomforts in the stomach making them approach the doctor for medicine to stop diarrhoea. The ILF detects the poison still inside the body and asks the Lungs to remove the poison

Rajesh M CHead, Risk Monitoring (Mr Rajesh MC is the holder of Diploma in Acupuncture Science (DASc))

as mucus. Now the person coughs and starts medication to control it. As the fourth attempt the ILF instructs the skin to send the poison out of the body in the form of rashes and itching in the skin, again patient tries to treat the rashes and itching caused due to the poison.

When all attempts to remove the poison from our body are prevented, the ILF vigorously tries other alternative ways to remove the poison. It builds a dust bin inside our body and tries to accumulate all the poison there. After sometime due to one or more reasons the patient goes for body scan followed by Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Radiation etc. trying to disturb the dust bin, spreading the poison throughout the body.

As there is no use in believing anyone, the ILF brings the poison under its direct control. There is a danger that the accumulated poison may become a brain tumour. Thus ILF speaks to us with clarity in an understandable language the requirements of our body.

The essentials of the body are communicated in expressive languages and for these we shouldn’t approach a doctor. When we feel hungry, will we go to a Hospital or to a Hotel? Also when thirsty will we take four or five bottles of glucose drips? The ILF creates a kind of discomfort in our body to remove the poison from our body. The sense of diarrhoea, vomiting etc. were created to remove the poison out of our body, it is not a disease. Even without our knowledge our hands try to scratch the area of itching. Is it a

disease? Running Nose, Cold, Cough, etc. to be considered a disease is ignorance.

All of the above indicates the health condition of our body. And they are God created elimination process of waste from our body. We should not disturb the cleansing of toxins from our body. Accumulation of toxins may increase the quantum of the disease and will lead to cancer also.

Always try to understand the language of our body! NATURE NEVER DOES WRONG THINGS; OUR BODY TOO NEVER DOES WRONG THINGS!!! Our body is always ready to eliminate the toxins. But we always suppress the functions of our inner doctor and retain the wastes by taking drugs. Listen to our body’s communication. Try to extend our fullest co-operation to the body’s function. Enjoy the bliss of natural God given health!

AWARENESS ON NATURAL SENSES…NATURE NEVER DOES A WRONG THING.

22 Xpressions - February 2017

AMAZING REalITy

FLyIng SauCEr CLoudS

Stationary lens-shaped clouds that form in the troposphere, normally in perpendicular

alignment to the wind direction are often called Lenticular clouds. Lenticular clouds get their name from the actuality that they’re shaped like a lens or a saucer. This is why they are also sometimes called ‘flying saucer clouds’ and sometimes mistaken for UFOs. Some other nicknames for lenticular clouds include ‘cloudships’, ‘clouds of heaven’ and ‘lennies’. They also have a fancy scientific name: Altocumulus lenticularis. Although lenticular clouds may look like they’re from outer space, they’re actually just the result of normal earthly scientific processes. Lenticular clouds are stationery clouds that form at high altitudes in the sky. They’re usually aligned at a right angle perpendicular to the direction of the wind.

As air flows along the surface of the Earth, it encounters obstructions. These are human-made objects, such as buildings and bridges, and natural features, like hills, valleys, and mountains. All of them disrupt the flow of air into eddies (circular movement of air). The strength of the eddies depends on the size of the

object and the speed of the wind. It results in turbulence classified as ‘mechanical’ because it is formed through the ‘mechanical disruption of the ambient wind flow’. Where stable moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. If the temperature at the crest of the wave drops to the dew point, moisture in the air may condense to form lenticular clouds. As the moist air moves back down into the trough of the wave, the cloud may evaporate back into vapour. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can form near the crest of each successive wave, creating a formation known as a ‘wave’. The wave systems cause large vertical air movement, enough that water vapour may condense to produce precipitation. The clouds have been mistaken for UFOs (or ‘visual cover’ for UFOs), particularly the round ‘flying saucer’-type, because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth saucer-like shape; also, because lenticular clouds generally do not form over low-lying or flat terrain, many people have never seen one and are not aware

that clouds with such shape can exist. Bright colours (called irisation) are sometimes seen along the edge of lenticular clouds. These clouds have also been known to form in cases where a mountain does not exist, but rather as the result of shear winds created by a front.

Lenticular clouds are also unique in that sometimes you may see bright colours — what scientists call irisation — along the edges of the clouds. This can give them a definite outer space feeling!

Pilots of powered aircraft tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence of the rotor systems that accompany them, but glider pilots actively seek them out. The precise location of the rising air mass is fairly easy to predict from the orientation of the clouds. ‘Wave lift’ of this kind is often very smooth and strong, and enables gliders to soar to remarkable altitudes and to great distances.

Source: Wikipedia

Photo credit : Omnisource5 wikimedia commons

23Xpressions - February 2017

HUES OF INDIa

Goa Carnival is the most awaited event in Goa, preparations for which start

from December itself. Other than music, dance and other entertainment, the carnival in Goa also features short plays depicting the tradition and culture of Goa in a unique way. The carnival today is more Goan in flavour and is one of the most important events with the entire state of Goa being decked up with colourful streamers and ribbons.

February heralds the carnival at Goa. For three days and nights the streets come alive with lights and colour. Held in mid February, the week-long event is a time for lively processions, floats, the strumming of guitars, graceful dances and non-stop festivity.

The origins and nature of the carnival can be traced to the hedonistic feasts of ancient Rome and Greece.

The festival is an exciting and fun-filled three-day non-stop extravaganza of fun, frolic, song, music and dance that is uniquely Goan which is a pagan festival popular in Latin American countries that were colonies of Portugal at some point of time.

The Carnival is distinctively Goan

as it is not celebrated anywhere else in India. . Meant to be a feasting-drinking-merrymaking celebration just before the beginning of the 40 days Lent; a time of self-discipline and sanctity.

The carnival is presided over by King Momo, who on the opening day orders his subjects to party. King Momo, or the king of Chaos, is a character derived from the Greek god Momus, who is the god of sarcasm. He is usually exposed removing a mask. The highlight of the exotic frenzy of merriment is the appointment and arrival of ‘KING MOMO’and his retinue to the capital city Panaji on ‘Fat Saturday’, the eve of Carnival, followed by a parade of colourful floats and troupes of masked revellers attired in gorgeous costumes singing and dancing in gay abandon to lively music that is usually performed live. The best floats are given handsome prizes. Carnival is also celebrated in the Goan countryside by the Christian populace and is called ‘Intruz’. It assumes a unique form of creative spontaneity wherein folk songs/Canters are sung from door to door in villages by troupes of mainly Christian

peasants inviting everyone to join in the celebration.

Like many of the Latino Carnivals, the Goa Carnival also crowns a King Momo, usually a large gentleman. The court of King Momo in Goa is usually made up of fire eaters, jesters, dancers, a brass band and other revellers who make their way down the streets of Panaji whilst the King encourages people to “Kha, piye aani majja kar” i.e. “Eat, drink and make merry. The festival attracts thousands of tourists. Earlier, the festival was generally meant for the Christians residing in Goa but now it attracts a lot of people from around the globe.

The carnival is not celebrated anywhere else in India and was in decline even in Goa during the last few years of Portuguese rule. Its revival with the liberation of Goa, and a boost to its tourism was therefore welcome. From being almost on the brink of decline, this three day festival of gay abandon and riotous revelry now attracts thousands of tourists to Goa from all over India every year.

vIva CarnIvaL oF

goa

HEALTH TIpS

It is often said that a bath in warm water and a drink of hot milk will help us settle down before going

to bed. But sometimes these things will have no effect. Many people suffer from sleep disturbance and they rely on different types of sleeping pills.

But experts suggest that we can have deep slumber by following a few natural tips.

Breathing techniqueA yoga technique helpful for reducing blood pressure and soothe a person. Lie on your left side, close the right nostril with a finger and slowly take deep breath through the left nostril. This is said to be the best method to cool down and sleep.

Muscle relaxation skillLie on your back; take a deep, slow breath in through the nose curl the foot up toward the knee, then release. Breathe again; contract calf muscles, thighs, buttocks, belly, chest, arms, and so on until you have moved all the way up your body, squeezing and releasing the muscles one by one. Relaxing all the muscles in the above mentioned manner can prepare your body for sleep.

Stay awakeForce yourself to stay awake – your mind will fight back! Keep the eyes wide open, repeat to yourself ‘I will not sleep’. The brain will not process negatives well, so it understands this as an instruction to sleep and eye muscles tire quickly as sleep creeps up.

Reverse your dayRemember the routine details that happened in reverse order will clear the worries in your mind. It will help to reach a mental state that’s ready for sleep.

Rolling eyesClose your eyes and roll the eyeballs up three times. It imitates what you do naturally when you fall asleep and may help set off the release of your sleepy hormone, melatonin.

Blissful ImaginationImagine cheerful things that will

relax and calm you. Think of a pleasant hill station, cool waters, walking through a garden etc. Your mind will loosen up and you will drift off.

Pressure pointsThere are special points in the body

SLEEPBETTER

that help sleep when pressed gently but firmly. Put the thumb on the point between the eyebrows at the top of the nose. Hold for 20 seconds, release briefly and repeat twice more.

Sit on the edge of the bed and put right foot across left knee. Find the slight curve between your big toe and second toe and press in the same way.

Finally, still supporting your right foot, find the point just below the nail on the upper side of your second toe. Using the thumb and forefinger of your right hand, gently squeeze the toe.

Cast away worriesDo not take to bed the worries of that day or the things to be done the next day. Instead prepare a list of things to do and leave it there until the next morning. You will be calmer and more likely to sleep.

Find your triggerDo something unusual, such as stroking your own cheek, gently rubbing on your hair etc to make you feel sleepy taking you to a deep slumber.

24 Xpressions - February 2017

Xpressions - February 2017 25

FEATURE

Mental strength is an achieved quality through life experiences for many

and natural to some. Mentally strong people are very clear about what they want and how to achieve it. They are never steered by emotions but only through level-headed thoughts, always holds courage to overcome any hurdles, moving upstream swimming against the normal flow.

Mentally strong people accept the hurdles of life knowing well there is no other way. When mental strength comes naturally for some, others have to work hard and groom it - an art which has to be honed.

Below are a few things mentally strong people do and don’t do, whether naturally or practiced, to remain focused, goal oriented and to maintain their mental strength through all of life’s ups and downs.

1.Control over emotionsThey are masters of their own emotions and you will never hear them say ‘I was emotionally hurt or my friend makes me feel bad’. They never permit negative comments rule over their goal. Such strength helps them hold the power in any situation.

2.Never waste time on self-pityThey know very well that feeling sorry for themselves is never a solution to hurdles but it is merely a waste of time. They are ready to take up responsibility for their actions, understanding life isn’t always fair and keep treading forward.

3. Always ready to accept changeMentally strong people are flexible and trust themselves on their capacity and adaptability to new conditions. When the majority hate change, mentally strong people salute positive change with open arms.

4. No anxiety about uncontrolled occurrences but focus on things that can be manipulated People who realize that everything is not in their control but accept things which cannot be changed and navigate forward to positive areas of change are mentally strong. The quote by Reinhold Niebuhr is worth mentioning. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Mentally strong people don’t waste time on complaining or chewing the

cud of past days, instead realize the importance of changing their own attitude.

5. Aren’t afraid to speak up their mind.Mentally strong people realize they cannot please everyone at all time and have no problem saying ‘No’ to anyone at any time if that is required. They are capable of handling mentally weak people with tactics and stern answers. At times it is a disappointment to certain people but helpful to put things in the right track. They also make sure that they don’t go back or regret their actions.

6. Fearless to take calculated risks.Mentally strong people recognize the

difference between foolish or reckless risk-taking. They study the pros and cons of a situation, understand the potential consequences of any big decision and then take calculated risks. They are never scared of such risks and remain calm prompting and supporting those in the process to get the positive result.

(To be continued)

Your Mental HealthChaLLEngE

26 Xpressions - February 2017

FEEDBACK

appRECIaTIoN FoR premjIth, raGhee r naIr, anD rahUl pathanapUram Branch

appRECIaTIoN FoR ms.reshma shettY, manIpal

Our Dubai Festival programme (Jan 22-26) was arranged by Mrs Reshma Shetty of UAE Exchange Manipal. Although we had anxieties, Mrs Reshma assured us and truly our trip was arranged professionally. All the tour agents at Dubai were

pleasant and professionals. I would like to especially mention two persons who were very courteous to tourists. 1. The chauffer Mr Nizamuddin who took us for the city tour (24 Jan) and to Miracle garden and Global Village (25 Jan).2. The plumber at Al Khoorj who fixed our bathroom faucet immediately, even though the problem was reported at 12 ‘O’ clock night.On the whole everything went smoothly according to schedule. Package was excellent and superb.

Naik Chandrakanth &Nayak Lakshmi

Note: The transcripts of these letters are slightly edited

We enjoyed the trip very well. Excellent services provided by Pathanapuram branch head Mr.Premjith and staff Ms.Raghee R Nair were incredible. They were in contact with us throughout the trip.

Service provided by Mr Rahul was exceptionally good. He was there at the airport in Trivandrum during departure and arrival.The multicurrency card issued at the branch was very useful.Altogether on behalf of all the 10 members we salute the service and dedication of the staff of UAE Exchange Pathanapuram.

Dr Sleeba Varghese

27Xpressions - February 2017

Click by Premjith P - Pathanapuram

Click by Bhamesh Bhat – Audit North Kerala Click by Anoob T A - Aluva

Click by Unmesh P U – Audit South Kerala Click by Jithin U - Calicut Palayam

PICTURE gallERy

Click by B Durga - Dharmapuri

28 Xpressions - February 2017

THOUGHTS FoR FEBRuaRy

Once there was a company which maintained very cordial relationship with its

staff. It was a usual day as any other and all the staff were in a hurry to reach their seat before 9 AM. At the main entrance of the company there was a very big notice stuck on the door. On the exhibit it was written …Yesterday, the person who was hindering the growth of our beloved company expired. You are all requested to assemble in the main hall where the mortal body is kept and join the funeral which will take place within a short while.

All the workers were very sad and gloomy for the sudden demise of one of their co-workers. But who is that person who has been a hindrance to the growth of their institution; full of anxiety each one hurried to the main hall.

The entrance of the main hall was so crowded that many who ran behind

were not able to enter. The hall was in a chaos and the security people were unable to control the gathering. A coffin was placed in the middle of the room and all were eager to view the person who had passed into eternal rest. The nervousness reached its peak and most of them were not able to even peep into the coffin.

At last some discipline was brought in and they all were asked to form a queue and walk beside the coffin.

Everyone was quietly thinking - ‘Who is the person in that coffin who was blocking my future as well as the company’s future?’

Patiently the employees started walking in a line and one by one they got closer to the coffin, each one was allowed to look inside. They were all suddenly dumbstruck and stood still unable to speak, all silent and shocked as if something had touched the innermost part of their heart.

A mirror was placed inside the

coffin and those who looked inside were seeing their own reflection! Near the mirror there was a note that said….’ IT IS YOU who is the only person capable of setting limit to your growth’.

Our company boss may change, company may change, our friends may change, husband or wife may change, our religion may change, living location and standard of living may change, status and income may change, but our life will not change unless ‘WE’ change allowing us to go beyond the limiting beliefs. We humans have a very short span of life and we have to take our life to novel heights.

Therefore, we should scrutinize and observe ourselves. We should not be afraid of intricacies, unfeasibility and losses. Undoubtedly be a winner; build ourselves and our reality. It’s the best way to face life navigating through ups and downs yet always assuring our life makes the difference.

anunuSuaL burIaL

29Xpressions - February 2017

DELICIOUSFlavouR

Procedure:Marinate Chicken: Take a bowl put in the chicken and add a portion of the onions, Coriander Powder, Ginger garlic paste, Red chilly powder and mix with some water. Keep the marinated chicken for one to two hours.

Pour oil into a Pressure cooker and when heated add onions, salt and curry leaves. Fry the onions till it turns to light brown colour and then add ginger garlic paste .Now add the marinated chicken into cooker along with Cinnamon Powder, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, ShawJeera Powder and Turmeric Powder. After chicken gets lightly fried add some water (for 1kg chicken add 500-750 ml water) coconut powder, rest of the

mirchi powder and mix it well. Close the lid of Cooker and wait for 5- 6 whistles.

After taking off the lid switch on the stove once more, add Clove Powder, Cinnamon Powder and Cardamom Powder and mix it, if required add some salt. Garnish with Coriander Leaves and serve it.

Ankapur Desi Chicken is ready …

Whoever visits Hyderabad make sure to order this dish which is available only in some selected hotels.

Ingredients:

Country (Natu) Chicken : 1 KgGinger Garlic Paste : 2 table SpoonsSalt : as per tasteMirchi (Chilli) Powder : 2 table SpoonsCoriander Powder (Dhanya Powder) : one table spoonOnions : 4 ChoppedShawJeera Powder (Sajeera powder) : half tea spoonCumin Powder (Jeera Powder) : one tea spoonCoconut Powder : 2 table spoonsCardamom Powder : one tea spoonCinnamon Powder (Dalchin Powder) : one tea spoonClove Powder : one tea spoon Coriander Leaves : one bunch Turmeric : one tea spoon Oil : 4 table spoonsCurry Leaves

Ankapur Desi (Natu)

Chicken Recipe

K.DeepikaZonal Co-ordinator Andhra & Telangana

ABOUT ANKAPURAnkapur(Ankapoor) is a small, self-sufficient, progressive ‘Model Village’ located in Armoor Mandal, Nizamabad District, Telangana,In recent years Ankapur has earned a great name in agricultural development. The farmers have started adopting modern methods and they have succeeded in substituting subsistence orientation with commercialization. Besides, cultivation of commercial crops like turmeric, maize and vegetables on a large scale the local farming communities have been raising various crops for seeds in preference to cereals and traditional crops for food grains.This village is considered as one of the model villages in the country due to an overall development in general and agricultural development in particular, recognized as a

Model Village.In this Model Village food is also cooked at its best with fresh home grown vegetables and spices. Authentic recipes from this village are getting to the taste buds of people in nearby villages, towns and different parts of Telangana Districts.

One of the specialties of Ankapur is the ‘Ankapur Desi (Natu) chicken’.From the past many years this dish has gained enormous publicity due to its great taste. Eating this dish is literally a finger licking experience. It has become famous in entire Telangana & AP.There are many hotels opened for serving this Ankapur Desi chicken wherein they serve the dish along with Rice or Chapatti.

30 Xpressions - February 2017

TRAVEL WoRlD

EGYPTEgypt with its first seeds of civilization sown along the banks of river Nile, a country that dates back to the time of the pharaoh rulers, connecting northeast part of Africa with the Middle East has so captured the imagination of scholars and laypeople alike. The Egyptian pyramids are the most famous of all the ancient monuments, the only remaining wonder of the seven wonders of the ancient world. . Millions of year old monuments and shrines are scattered along the fertile Nile River Valley, including Giza’s colossal Pyramids and Great Sphinx as well as Luxor’s hieroglyph-lined Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings tombs. The capital, Cairo, is home to Ottoman landmarks like Muhammad Ali Mosque and the Egyptian Museum, a treasure chest of antiquities.

Any traveller would presume the cost to be a lot more because of the vast ancient treasures. But by picking budget accommodation and inexpensive but decent food the exorbitant cost could be brought down and most of the important sights could be covered.

LAOSFlanked by river Mekong and the mountainous terrain, Laos is augmented with, French colonial

architecture, hill tribe settlements and Buddhist monasteries. Vientiane, the capital, is the site of the That Luang monument, where a reliquary reportedly houses the Buddha’s breastbone, plus the Patuxai war memorial and Talat Sao (Morning Market), a complex jammed with food, clothes and craft stalls.

A truly exotic travel destination of the world which renders a back in time feel with a really friendly population combined with atmospheric Buddhist temples, places of interest and enigmatic heritage sites. Any one visiting the place is guaranteed to reach the peak through a cultural ride while exploring this country. It would be a fascinating site and really astonishing to take a view from the UNESCO world heritage site of Luang Prabang to the baffling and mysterious Plain of jars.

Never should a tourist omit Luang Prabang, a charming little town that ranks among the top must-visit destinations in the country. Van Vieng, simply a piece of heaven on earth that has attracted many world travellers for years. Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is famous for its great scenery, ethnic villages and unexplored corners. It is probably best known for being home to south Asia’s most spectacular waterfalls including Tad Fane and DongHua Sao.

INDONESIA Indonesia popular for tourism has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, known for beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers.

Bali Island received the Best Island award from Travel and Leisure in 2010. Urban tourism activities includes shopping, sightseeing in big cities, or enjoying modern amusement parks, resorts, spas, nightlife and entertainment. The capital city, Jakarta, is a shopping hub in Southeast Asia. The city has numerous shopping malls and traditional markets.

Java, Indonesia’s vibrant, sprawling capital, Jakarta, and the city of Yogyakarta, known for gamelan music and traditional puppetry, both nature and culture are major components of Indonesian tourism. The natural heritage can boast a unique combination of a tropical climate, vast archipelago and long stretch of beaches. Indonesia has a well-preserved natural ecosystem with rainforests that stretch over about 57% of Indonesia’s land. There are over 3,500 species living in Indonesian waters, including sharks, dolphins, mantarrays, turtles, morays, cuttlefish, octopus and scorpaenidae.

Xpressions - February 2017 31

WEDDING BEllS

M Kannan & DevikaNamakkal

Manoharan V & Sathya PriyaSirkali

P Raju & Sujatha - Bheemgal

Anusuya & Vasantha KarthikeyanKaraikudi

Sadana Chaurasia & Narendra Kumar Chaurasia – Deoria

Jiththendira Babu N V & Brinda R O Chennai

Ajith P & Vineetha - Cherpulassery

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Editor

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