Hon. Union Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Announces Haj 2019 And Unfurled The Highest Tricolor At Haj House

100 percent digital and without subsidy Haj 2019 was announced today at Haj House, Mumbai, Two months before schedule comparing to the last year’s Haj. While announcing Haj 2019 here at Haj House, Mumbai,Union Minister for minority affairs shri mukhtar abbas naqvi today said that it is for the first time that preparations for next year’s Haj (2019) has been started immediately after completion of the current year’s Haj Process (2018).

Shri Naqvi said online application process for Haj 2019 will be started from tomorrow 18th October while offline application process will start from 22nd October 2018. A total of 3,55,604 applications had been received for Haj 2018 which included 1,89,217 male and 1,66,387 female applicants. 

Shri Naqvi said that early stage of Haj process will ensure better facilities as well as smooth Haj process as the concerned agencies, both in india and saudi arabia, will get sufficient time for arrangements. Process of airlines tender will be completed by November and accommodations process in Makkah and Madina will be completed by December- January. The accommodation rates in Saudi Arabia will be sane as it was in 2018. All 20 embarkation points will be functional and Haj pilgrims will also be able to go from calicut airport.

Shri Naqvi said that Haj 2018 was pro-pilgrims even after removal of Haj subsidy. Elimination of middlemen and 100 percent online and transparent system ensured that even after removal of Haj subsidy, there was no unnecessary financial burden on pilgrims. 

In 2017, a total of rs 1030 crore was paid to airlines for airfare for 1,24,852 Haj pilgrims, going through Hah committee of India. It means, Rs 57 crore less was paid to airlines this year even after ending Haj subsidy.

Shri Naqvi said that Haj 2018 was successful. For the first time after the independence a record number of 1,75,025 Muslims from India performed Haj this year and that too without any subsidy. We are hopeful that indian Muslims will go in large number for Haj 2019 in comparison to the Haj 2018.

Shri Naqvi said that safety and better facilities, medical facilities for the pilgrims is the priority of the government and there will be no lackadaisical approach on the matter.

On the occassion, Shri Naqvi inaugrated ‘Viewers Gallery’ at the Haj house and unfurled monumental National Flag on the roof top of Haj House, Mumbai.

This monumental Indian National flag of size 20 feet by 30 feet on the high mast of 20 meter height has been installed on rooftop of Haj House making jt 350 feet High from ground level.

It is believed that this will be the highest tricolor installed on terrace of any building with such height (116 meters from sea level)

माननीय मंत्री मुख़्तार अब्बास नक़वी ने हज 2019 के ऐलान‌ के साथ ही सबसे ऊंचे राष्ट्र ध्वज को हज हाउस में फहराया

आज मुम्बई के हज हाउस में 100 फीसदी डिजिटल और बिना सब्सिडी वाले हज का ऐला‌न‌ किया गया. पिछले साल की तुलना में हज के शेड्यूल से दो महीने पहले इस बात का ऐलान किया गया है. हज हाउस में 2019 कर हज ऐलान करने हुए माननीय केंद्रीय अल्पसंख्यक मंत्री मुख़्तार अब्बास नक़वी ने कहा कि ऐसा पहली बार हुआ है कि 2018 के हज के पूरा हो जाने के तुरंत बाद 2019 के हज की प्रक्रिया शुरू कर दी गयी है. 

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि 

2019 के हज के लिए ऑनलाइन आवेदन की प्रकिया कल से यानि 18 अक्तूबर से और ऑफलाइन प्रक्रिया 22 अक्तूबर से शुरू कर दी जायेगी. हज 2018 के लिए कुल 3,55,604 आवेदन प्राप्त हुए, जिसमें 1,89,217 पुरुष और 1,66,387 महिला आवेदक थीं. 

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि हज की जल्द शुरू की जा रही प्रकिया से बेहतर सुविधाएं जुटाने में मदद मिलेगी. इसके अलावा, भारत और सऊदी अरब की एयरलाइन‌ एजेंसियों को इंतजाम के लिए खासा वक्त मिल जायेगा. 

एयरलाइन्स के टेंडर की प्रक्रिया नवंबर तक पूरी हो जायेगी, जबकि मक्का और मदीना में रहने की व्यवस्था से संबंधित तमाम प्रक्रिया दिसंबर-जनवरी तक पूरी हो जायेगी. सऊदी अरब में रहने की व्यवस्था की दर में कोई बदलाव नहीं होगा और ये 2018 के बराबर ही होगी. हज यात्रा के सभी 20 मार्ग सुचारू रहेंगे और इसके अतिरिक्त हज यात्री कालिकट एयरपोर्ट से हज यात्रा कर सकेंगे.

श्री नक़वी ने‌ कहा कि सब्सिडी के हटाये जाने के बावजूद 2018 की हजयात्रा काफी सफल रही. दलालों के खात्मे और आवेदन की प्रक्रिया 100 फीसदी ऑनलाइन करने के बाद के बाद बनी पारदर्शी व्यवस्था ने ये साबित किया है कि सब्सिडी के हटने के बाद भी हज यात्रियों पर आर्थिक बोझ नहीं पड़ा है.

2017 में कुल 1030 करोड़ रुपये हवाई यात्रा के लिए एयरलाइन्स को दिये गये थे, जिससे हज कमिटी की मार्फ़त कुल 1,24,852 हजयात्रियों ने हज यात्रा की थी. इसका मतलब ये हुआ कि सब्सिडी खत्म‌ किये जाने के बाद 57 करोड़ रुपये कम एयरलाइन्स को अदा किये गये.

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि 2018 की हज यात्रा कामयाब रही. आजादी के बाद पहली बार भारत के 1,75,025 मुसलमानों ने इस साल हज यात्रा की. हमें उम्मीद है कि 2018 की तुलना में अगले साल और भी भारी संख्या में मुसलमान हज यात्रा के लिए जायेंगे.

श्री नक़वी ने कहा कि सुरक्षा और बेहतर सुविधाएं, हज यात्रियों के लिए बेहतर मेडिकल सुविधाएं सरकार की प्राथमिकता है और इसे लेकर सरकार कोई सुस्ती नहीं बरतेगी.

इस मौके‌ पर मुख़्तार अब्बास नक़वी ने हज हाउस में 'दर्शक दीर्घा' का उद्घाटन किया और हज हाउज के रूफ़ टॉप पर विशाल राष्ट्र ध्वज लहराया. इसका आकार 20×30 फुट है और इसे हज हाउज पर 20 मीटर के हाई मास्ट के सहारे स्थापित किया गया है. इस तरह इसकी कुल ऊंचाई जमीनी स्तर से 350 फुट है. ऐसा माना जा रहा है कि ये किसी भी इमारत के टेरेस पर फहराया गया सबसे ऊंचा राष्ट्र ध्वज है, जिसकी कुल ऊंचाई समुद्र तट से 116 मीटर है.

Dawoodi Bohra schools and centres in Mumbai collect tons of food to feed the hungry

Organised Food Banks and Awareness Walk as part of the global drive

October 15, 2018

MUMBAI: Thousands of Dawoodi Bohra children and youngsters from all parts of the world have come out to engage in various activities for World Food Day on 16th of October. This year’s commemoration, themed ‘Our Actions are our Future’, is focused on youth and educators.  

Pupils from community schools and volunteers from Dana and FMB committees spanning over 50 cities have organised awareness walks, conducted seminars and initiated poster competitions to create awareness about global hunger and food wastage. Special food banks have also been set up at various locations to collect non-perishable food items from donors which are being distributed to the needy with help from local NGOs.

This worldwide initiative is conducted under the ‘Project Rise’ umbrella which is dedicated to helping underprivileged children and families by providing them with access to adequate nourishment, healthcare and hygiene with other opportunities that lead to a better quality of life.

Speaking on the program, Yusuf Mukarram of Project Rise shared, “It is very pleasing to see so many students and volunteers taking the lead and coming forward to join the global cause of food hunger. We strongly believe that a hunger-free world is possible if we unite our efforts every single day.”

In Mumbai, more than18 schools and community centres collected tons of food items which will be fed to hungry families with the help of local NGOs. A walkathon was also organised today by students of MSB Education Institute to convey the message of Zero Hunger.

The pivotal role played by food in the life of all human beings needs no enumeration. Islam places great emphasis of feeding the hungry just as it does on making sure that not even a single morsel of food goes to waste, all the more so as it has the capability to alleviate the hunger of another.  The Holy Quran and other scripture are replete with narratives on the importance of feeding the hungry. The Prophet Mohammed SAW decreed ‘there is no deed superior to feeding the hungry.’

Today the world produces enough food to feed everyone, yet one in every nine people don’t get enough food to live a healthy life. An estimated 821 million people suffer from chronic hunger. About 60% of these are women.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to triple number of outlets to 750 and raise Group turnover to US$7 billion in 5 years

Malabar Gold & Diamonds to expand its 2,700 plus-strong investor base by attracting investors from North and Central India to spearhead its India-wide and global expansion as it celebrates Silver Jubilee

·        One among the world’s largest jewellery retailer to triple its retail footprint to reach 750 outlets by FY23 as part of its global expansion plan

·        Malabar Gold & Diamonds adds the United States of America as 10^th country and cross 250 mark by end of the year

·        The Group celebrates 25 years of continuous growth in 10 countries in 22 different business verticals

·        Malabar Gold & Diamonds plans to extend operations to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Egypt and Turkey in the coming years

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the world’s largest jewellery retailer, announces ambitious global growth plan on the eve of its Silver Jubilee (25 years) celebrations that will see the company triple its retail network from 250 showrooms this year to 750 outlets in the next five years with annual turnover exceeding US$6.16 billion (INR 45,000 crores) and the Group turnover to US$6.85 billion (INR 50,000 crores) by 2023.

The Group currently operates retail outlets spread across ten countries in the India, Middle East, Southeast Asia and America. Its massive expansion plan will see the company expand its footprint across all Tier 1 and Tier II cities in North and Central India – in order to cater to the growing jewellery market. The company’s plan of major expansion in international market includes new territories such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Egypt and Turkey. As much as 40 percent of the group turnover will be generated from the company’s operations outside India.

Considering the characteristics of the new market planned to enter, Malabar Group introduced a new concept – MGD Lifestyle Jewellery – a smaller format store offering daily wear small-ticket jewellery and lifestyle articles.

The company plans to invest US$ 960 million (INR 7,000 Cr) to manage the growth and expansion. The expansion will see Malabar Group expand its investor base from 2,752 and include more investors from North and Central Indian states, so that they could also be a part of the success of Malabar Gold and Diamonds.

Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the jewellery retail arm of the diversified business conglomerate Malabar Group that includes other business verticals such as real estate developments, shopping malls, hypermarket, technologies, retailing of home appliances & electronics, watches, franchisee retailing and services.

The new expansion will see Malabar Group nearly double its headcount from 13,000 to 25,000 professionals on direct payroll within the next five years to manage the growth and expansion.

“Silver Jubilee is a major milestone in any company’s history and during this time Malabar Group grew from a local entity to an Indian International brand with a large loyal customer base. “Today, Malabar is a name to reckon with and known to almost every consumer. During the last 25 years, Malabar Gold & Diamond has grown from strength to strength and rose from being a small outfit to an international player across a number of verticals including gold and diamond jewellery retail, jewellery manufacturing and multi-retail concepts,” Ahammed MP, Chairman of Malabar Group, told the media at a press conference in Mumbai.

“The culture of gifting lives along with human beings to express their love, affection and emotion for their loved ones. Our aim is to be No 1 in this segment and we will strengthen the gifting aspect of jewellery that is fast growing in India and other countries and use it as a growth-driver of our jewellery business.” he added.

Abdul Salam KP, Group Executive Director of Malabar Group, said, “As a responsible business, we are very mindful of our obligations to our societies. Our expansion will create more well-paid jobs and we are very excited about our future growth plan. We ensure our entire operation in a very transparent way. We understand the sensitivity of the industry and ensure compliance through responsible sourcing, ethical business practices, transparent and professional fund management. We associate with trade bodies, financial houses, government regulators to make sure that our operations are infallible globally.

The group has a unique business model where its expansion is fuelled by investors who become shareholders in different entities in a very transparent ownership model. Malabar Gold & Diamonds currently have over 2,752 investors under different entities who share the same vision, dedication and passion. Around 19.4 percent of these investors are full time employees with the Group, including the front-end managers and directors.

Added Asher O, Managing Director - India operations, said, “Our ambitious retail expansion plan in North and Central Indian states like Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, etc will be supported by a new set of investors from these regions. We will also continue to strengthen our retail foot print in the states where we currently have strong presence. Our unique business model of sharing and caring has worked for us very well and it makes us a transparent and accountable organisation with a solid foundation where all investors have a financial and moral stake in the company. We want our North and Central Indian brothers also to join the movement and share our success.”

The company’s expansion will help generate about 12,000 new jobs and help the youths to earn a better living. We are also planning to set up three more manufacturing units and in order to manage the expansion and to fix the skill shortage in jewellery manufacturing, we are in the process of setting up a skill development centre to groom the youth and absorb them in various job profiles, in line with the Skills India campaign,” Asher added

Shamlal Ahamed, Managing Director of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ International Operations, said, “As an Indian-born international jewellery brand, we take pride in our roots in India and help connect the global consumers to the Indian heritage and art. Our strong retail presence across 10 countries coupled with the jewellery manufacturing capabilities that mostly produces Indian culture-inspired designs that are exported to the rest of the world through our international retail network. Our further expansion in the international arena will lead to Indian artisanal jewellery being showcased at prominent global destinations.”

The group has earmarked 5% of its annual profit for CSR activities in five key areas such as housing, health, environment, women empowerment and education.

The group is also in the process of formally opening its new global headquarters at Montana Estate in Kozhikode, Kerala. Montana Estate has been set up at a sprawling 150-acre green tract as an eco-friendly township with signature bungalows, villas and apartments, international school, convention centre, organic farming, mini theatres, business clubs, etc.

“Diversification is going to be the key to the Group’s growth and are entering into more retail business segments and further strengthening presence in real estate, beyond Kerala,” MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group, told the media.

Malabar Developers, another subsidiary in the group, has already completed more than 2.5 million square feet of housing development. The group is planning to set up more townships, convention centres and affordable housing. Group has opened “Mall of Travancore” at Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. In the tourism space, the Group recently opened Marina Convention Centre, along the riverside of Chaliyar, along with houseboats.

Tissot Chrono XL Classic Virat Kohli Special Edition with its Brand Ambassador Virat Kohli.

Olivier Cosandier, VP Sales, Tissot SA, Virat Kohli Brand Ambassador Tissot

Tissot, the largest traditional Swiss watch brand based on volume, launched the Tissot Chrono XL Classic Virat Kohli Special Edition with its Brand Ambassador Virat Kohli.

Mr. François Thiebaud, Tissot President SA, sent a congratulatory message to Virat from Le Locle, Switzerland. He said, “This is the first time we have launched a special edition for a cricketer and I feel extremely proud since it is for Virat, who has excelled in every genre of the sport and has aced innumerable records.”

Speaking on the occasion, Virat Kohli expressed, “I’m thrilled to launch a personalized Tissot Chrono XL Classic edition. My three years of association with Tissot have been a wonderful journey. I was totally involved in the designing of this line and I hope you all like it as much as we do.” The watch will be in stores from October 2018 onwards.

8 Sports Athletes - Satnam Singh, Karman Kaur Thandi, Aadil Bedi, Shivani Kataria, Sachika Kumar Ingale, Jehan Daruwala, Pinky Rani, Manoj Kumar were also presented the Tissot Chrono XL Classic Virat Kohli Special Edition by Virat.

Häfele Unlocking Inspirations in Thane (W)

Häfele, the international leader in Interior Functionality, brings the choice of Architects and Interior designers around the world, closer to its customers at Thane QUBIQ HARDWARE & SOLUTIONS, 2,3 Vishram Appartments Opp. Three Petrol Pump, Thane West. At our showroom, we bring design creativity to reality by uniting globally-acclaimed interior trends with innovative functionality, through our interactive functional display settings.

At the onset of the launch, Mr. Manish Mahajan, Business Head of Trade, Franchise & Distribution, Hafele India, said; “Hafele unlocks the ideal design inspirations, with the best functionality for your application needs, whether you are an architect or interior designer, whether you are catering to the commercial, hospitality or residential sectors. An innovative and space-optimising range of Architectural Hardware, Furniture Fittings, Kitchen, Wardrobe and Sliding Solutions, that have set benchmarks around the world, are yours to experience first-hand. Our showroom displays efficiently manage space and functionality, without compromising on design and comfort,”

Häfele's furniture fittings (hinges, drawer systems, handles, connectors, ambient lighting), architectural hardware (door hardware and electronic locking systems), and other related fittings are specifically designed for the furniture, building, and hardware supply industries. According to the high officials of Häfele, this is a combination of smart concepts, innovative solutions and infinite possibilities.

Häfele is a strong believer in the mantra that ‘Form follows Function’ and the trick is to combine Functionality with Aesthetics and make them work in almost unperceivable unison. This is explicitly displayed in all Häfele Design Showrooms worldwide. 

Made-in-India Jeep® Compass Portfolio Expands with the Launch of the ‘Limited Plus’

Mumbai | September, 2018: FCA India today, announced the roll out of the Jeep Compass ‘Limited Plus’, a new, upmarket variant based on the range-topping ‘Limited’ trim. True to its name, the *Limited Plus is complete with eight premium features, adding incredible value to the Compass package that may go well beyond customers’ expectations.

FCA India President and Managing Director, Kevin Flynn, sees the addition of the Limited Plus as the next important step in India’s business strategy.

“When we launched the Jeep Compass in August 2017 we were determined to keep setting new standards with our product quality and continuously make it more desirable for customers. The Limited Plus package is an important step in that direction” he said.

Including the top-of-the-line Limited Plus variant, the entire Jeep Compass range is now available to customers between Rs. 15.35 lakh and Rs. 22.85 lakh (ex-Delhi).

The Jeep Compass Limited Plus, which is now the top-of-the-range variant in the Limited trim and is available in three derivatives:

Variant	Engine	Transmission	Price (ex-Delhi)
Limited Plus	2.0-litre, 173 PS, 350 Nm Multijet II (Turbo Diesel)	6-sp Manual 4x2	Rs. 21.07 lakh
Limited Plus	1.4-litre, 163 PS, 250 Nm Multiair (Turbo Petrol)	7-sp Automatic* 4x2	Rs. 21.41 lakh
Limited Plus	2.0-litre, 173 PS, 350 Nm Multijet II (Turbo Diesel)	6-sp Manual 4x4	Rs. 22.85 lakh

“We have completed the manufacturing of more than 37,000 Jeep Compass and have exported 10,000 in just over 12 months of it being in the market. We have now extended our export commitment to 13 international right-hand drive markets, with more markets planned in the near future,” said Mr. Flynn.

The Jeep Compass ‘Limited Plus’ Package

The Limited Plus is the result of feedback from market studies undertaken by FCA in the past year to better understand consumer requirements and their expectations for a premium, yet capable, driving experience.

The Jeep Compass during its market launch, set a new benchmark for the SUV customer. However, in order to keep up with evolving segment expectations it was imperative that the Compass package had to deliver an improved value proposition, for the ultimate ownership experience.

The Jeep Compass Limited Plus offers eight premium features in all its three aforementioned derivatives:

Calvin Klein’s Classic too watches for men.

CALVIN KLEIN classic too

Essential. Timeless. CALVIN KLEIN classic too. Clear-cut designs and materials dedicated to functional sophistication and relaxed simplicity. Subtly designed to accentuate contemporary style, the watch echoes the characteristics upon which CALVIN KLEIN classic has built its reputation. Offered in three sizes – lady, midsize, gent – the polished stainless steel case is round and beautifully balanced. The wrist molding stainless steel bracelet is adjustable for ultimate comfort. The understated charm of the black or silver dial is enhanced by the “CALVIN KLEIN” logo at 12 o’clock for a clean yet modern style.

Water resistant up to 3 bar

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Model - gent

Functions hour, minute

Case polished stainless steel

Dial silver, black

Bracelet polished and brushed stainless steel

Hands polished

Closure butterfly buckle with pushers

Movement ETA F03.111

Exim Bazaar to showcase best of handicrafts at Mumbai from Sept 28-30

Mumbai, September 11, 2018: Export-Import Bank of India is organizing the second edition of Exim Bazaar, an exhibition that showcases specially curated handicraft items from across India. The exhibition-cum-sale will be held fromSeptember 28 to 30, 2018, between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm at the Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai. The exhibition will be bringing together artisan groups from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, showcasing their products. Exim Bank supports handicraft clusters and artisans under its various programmes and Exim Bazaar is a special platform for the artisans to display and sell their products.

This year, Exim Bazaar will have 60 exhibitors, of which 10 are National / State Awardees. Handloom products, textiles, handicrafts and handmade products such as silver filigree, metal craft, pottery, dry flower, handmade jewellery, patch work, paintings, wooden products and many more from 23 states of India, will be on display at the exhibition.

GO WOO-HOO WITH DUCKTALES ON DISNEY CHANNEL

THE MULTI TALENTED SHAAN AND HIS SON - SHUBH REPPRISE THE POPULAR DUCKTALES TRACK IN HINDI

It’s time to go Woo-Hoo as Disney Channel India gears up to launch DuckTales - the comedy adventures of Duckburg’s most epic family of ducks - Donald Duck, Scrooge McDuck, and the triplets Huey, Dewey, Louie on 1st  October 2018. Created for kids, families, and kids-at-heart -- with several nostalgic nods to the original --. the series will also reach out to next generation of fans with adventurers Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby as they each embody characteristics of real kids and set examples for young viewers to be confident, curious, independent and innovative.

 

One of the many popular features of the DuckTales series is the iconic title track which has wooed fans all across the world. Bringing in a local feature to the song, the very versatile singer - Shaan and with his talented 13-year old son Shubh are joining in the world of adventure by singing the Hindi version of the popular DuckTales music sequence.  

 

“DuckTales holds a very special place in Disney’s storytelling history, especially in India. The new series brings the same energy and adventurous spirit for a whole new generation of young fans. Shaan and Shubh coming on board to reprise the iconic DuckTales song in Hindi, will excite kids and adults alike, move to the beat and join in the adventures of Uncle Scrooge and the three nephews,” said Devika Prabhu, Executive Director and Head- Product, Media Networks, Disney India.

 

“I am a huge fan of the original series and really happy that a new generation of kids, including my son, will have the opportunity to grow up with DuckTales. The title sequence absolutely complements the sense of adventure and excitement of the show and it was fun recording the Hindi version; especially because I could share the experience with my son Shubh,” said Shaan

 

Featuring a distinct animation style inspired by the classic Carl Barks' comic designs, the new series’ adventures will once again take viewers along as Scrooge McDuck, his curious and mischief-making grandnephews—Huey, Dewey, and Louie—and the optimistic-yet-temperamental Donald Duck embark on high-flying adventures worldwide. It celebrates the importance of family and friendship, with comedy, mystery and adventure at every turn. Each 22-minute episode follows the ducks on thrilling explorations as they embrace courage, creativity and the rewards of stepping outside your comfort zone. Other beloved characters slated to be in the new stories are: Duckworth, Gyro Gearloose, Launchpad McQuack, Flintheart Glomgold, Magica DeSpell & Poe, Ma Beagle and the Beagle Boys (Burger Beagle, Bouncer Beagle), Mrs. Beakley, and Webbigail Vanderquack.

Dia Mirza launches The Sound of Silence By Akanksha G Mittal

Om Books International celebrated the launch of The Sound of Silence by Akanksha G Mittal on 05th September 2018. The tome was launched by Actor and UN Environment’s Goodwill Ambassador for India Dia Mirza

On the occasion author Akanksha G Mittal shared her experience of putting together the book, with Dia and the gathering.

Also present at the launch were publisher, Ajay Mago, Rohit Bal, Photographer Raghu Rai, Ramola Bachchan, Designer Charu Parasher amongst others.

About the Book

The Sound of Silence, Akanksha G Mittal’s debut collection of poems, is a poignant exploration of themes including love, longing, loss, melancholy, liberation and euphoria. Thoughtfully crafted, each poem weaves a cautionary tale for the wandering heart, while it upholds a fragile, yet tenacious belief in life and light. With its evocative imagery, The Sound of Silence, presents an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of emotions in the course of a sinuous journey called Life

About the Author

Akanksha G Mittal spent her growing-up years at Ashok Hall in Majkhali, Uttarakhand amidst the magnificent Kumaon hills. Ever since, she has nurtured a deep love for nature and poetry. A district-level champion in badminton doubles from Almora, she is equally drawn to theatre, fine arts, photography and horse-riding. Akanksha, a Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi, divides her time between writing poetry, reading, heeding the call of the hills, and looking after the Punjab chapter of the Corporate Social Responsibility of a leading conglomerate in India

Farhan Akhtar, Actor, Film Director and Producer: Life’s meanderings captured beautifully in verse.

Tisca Chopra, Actor, Film Producer and Author: Akanksha’s words glide beautifully and precariously across an emotional tightrope.

Shakun Batra, Award Winning Film Director: Such complex emotions in such simple words that it takes a moment before the depth of Akanksha’s thoughts become apparent.

Ajay Mago, Publisher, Om Books International: The Sound of Silence earns its stripes on all fronts—through its poems, its illustrations, its whispered words, its stifled pleas, it sighs and its deep silences. It is an act of courage that merits applause, an offering to be received with grace, and an exploration of those silences in our lives that help us decipher the power of words, of Nature, of Life itself.

About Om Books International

One of the largest English language trade publishers in the Indian subcontinent, Om Books International has been a name to reckon with for over five decades in the Indian publishing and retail industry. Headquartered in Noida, OBI has a diverse publishing list including cinema, biography, memoir, mind-body-spirit, photo essay, art, architecture, lifestyle, fiction — commercial and literary. It counts amongst its notable authors Khalid Mohamed, Mushtaq Shiekh, Bharathi S Pradhan, Nasreen Munni Kabir, Rauf Ahmed, Kamala Das, William Dalrymple, Vir Sanghvi, Christopher C Doyle and Abhay Vaidya.

Om Books International has won several awards from Federation of Indian Publishers and Gourmand World Cookbook Award for several of its best seller books.

OBI has an equally strong and varied children's publishing programme under its imprint, OmKidz.