Tag: Heritage

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Lite Blogs UK News

 Diwali on Trafalgar Square: A Triumph of Tradition, Heritage and TRS

Diwali on the Square served as an inspiration to many as they received a dash of culinary ideas and glamour with the presence of the renowned chef, Chetna Makan…reports Asian Lite News

London recently witnessed a spectacular celebration of Diwali on Trafalgar Square- an annual event on the London calendar that gets grander with each passing year. An enthusiastic crowd of over 60,000 people dressed in their finest, had brought along their festive spirits despite the quintessential English rain. Amongst the grey weather, one could see the bright blues and yellows of TRS. The event commenced with energetic dance performances and Garba routines, which were enjoyed by the crowd. The Mayor of London joined the joyous festivities too, bringing along the sun with him, ensuring the perfect weather for a day filled with food and merriment.

In the heart of this magnificent celebration, TRS played an essential role, seamlessly blending traditions, and flavours to create a relishing experience for all who came. It is rooted deeply in its core values of South Asian culture and continues to be a pillar for the community living away from their homes. TRS brings the essence of South Asian cuisine to kitchens worldwide, serving to the palate of every generation in one plate.

Diwali on the Square served as an inspiration to many as they received a dash of culinary ideas and glamour with the presence of the renowned chef, Chetna Makan. A successful author of three cookbooks, a maestro of all things cooking and a baking aficionado – Chetna Makan cooked some delicious recipes using TRS’s fine semolina, gram flour, and moong dal. From semolina vada to Bread Pakoras, she cooked just the right dishes to warm one’s soul on a rainy day. 

“I had a great time at the Diwali mela this year. Even though the day started with rain it was so lovely to see so many people come and make it a special day. There was an amazing range of delicious Indian food and the performances were outstanding. It was a joy to work with TRS and to meet so many people that day.” Chetna Makan  

“TRS served a fun twist to the classic salted popcorn with its own TRS kernels spiced with TRS chilli powder, another batch sweetened with TRS cinnamon powder, and then another Desi Delight popcorn that had many queuing up to get a taste of -all because of the magic of TRS All Seasoning powder. TRS’s claw machine was a huge success amongst children and adults alike, who displayed childlike wonder for the TRS goodies they each ‘clawed’ their way to win.” -Stephanie Rose O’Riordan, TRS Marketing Manager

This event also saw the presence of notable influencers, including Monisha Bharadwaj, Sharmin Choudhury, Sunia Imran, who added an extra touch of glamour to the celebration. From the beautiful statue of Lord Ganesha to the engaging Diwali Puppet acts and song performances on stage, ‘Diwali on the Square’ proved to be a day of tradition, laughter, and joy to all. The spirit of Diwali, which signifies the triumph of good over evil, was symbolically reflected in the smiles and warmth shared by the crowd.

As the festival of Diwali approaches, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone. May this festival fill your homes with sweets, savouries, and smiles! Happy Diwali!

ALSO READ-Yoshinori Mizutani Unveils Exquisite Menu at Shangri-La Bengaluru

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Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism

‘Soul of India’ to showcase India’s heritage

These heritage properties, steeped in history and architectural brilliance, offer an authentic glimpse into India’s rich cultural tapestry. ..reports Asian Lite News

To promote India as a most sought-after high potential tourism destination and shine a spotlight on its rich cultural heritage, Airbnb and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India come together.

The signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to underscore the cultural significance of India’s heritage properties and encourage travellers to embark on immersive journeys through the country’s diverse heritage.

At the heart of this partnership lies the launch of the exclusive ‘Soul of India’ microsite that showcases an array of heritage stays across the country. These heritage properties, steeped in history and architectural brilliance, offer an authentic glimpse into India’s rich cultural tapestry. Additionally, the travel platform will also offer support to Hosts in untapped tourist areas, assist them in promoting their homestays, build host capacity, and foster a culture of responsible hosting.

Key elements of the MoU include:

  • Destination Promotion – The Ministry of Tourism and Airbnb will work together on positioning India as a sought-after destination for cultural and heritage tourism, leveraging targeted domestic and international campaigns that showcase the distinctive heritage stays available throughout the country.
  • ‘Soul of India’ Microsite – Airbnb will launch a dedicated ‘Soul of India’ microsite to promote heritage homes across India and share captivating stories behind the heritage properties and the destinations, with a goal to inspire visitors to embark on unique cultural adventures and immerse themselves in the unparalleled essence of India.
  • Capacity Building and Insights – Airbnb will endeavour to train hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in emerging destinations that are part of the Ministry’s flagship scheme. Airbnb will also share travel and homestay insights with the Ministry of Tourism for informed responsible tourism policies and training requirements.

Highlighting the importance of promoting cultural tourism and preserving heritage sites, G. Kishan Reddy, Union Tourism Minister, Government of India, said, “India’s age-old dictum “Atithi Devo Bhava” equates guests to God and what better way to extend hospitality to guests than by making them stay in homes with local communities? Homestay accommodations offer travellers a personalised, immersive and rooted in culture travel experience. We are delighted to partner with Airbnb, whose global reach will provide enhanced visibility to India’s unique and varied accommodation offerings and enable travellers an opportunity to experience our rich heritage first-hand. This partnership will contribute to the growth of inbound tourism, create economic opportunities for local communities and position India uniquely on the global tourism map.”

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager – India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan at Airbnb, said, “We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Tourism to celebrate the Soul of India. This MoU represents an important collaboration towards unlocking new economic and social opportunities through tourism in India while bolstering the Incredible India brand and bringing the richness of what India has to offer to even more international travellers. Airbnb has consistently placed Hosts and their empowerment at its core and is pleased to see the G20 countries, led by India, sharing the same commitment to equipping communities with the adequate skills and fostering responsible tourism practices.”

This year-long partnership symbolises the shared commitment  to enhance India’s standing in the global tourism market through promotional strategies and campaigns.

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India News

India adds three new cultural sites to World Heritage list

To ensure that more places get included in the WHS list, Muhammed said steps must be taken to improve the condition of cultural and natural sites…writes S Ravi

By adding three cultural sites to the tentative list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites (WHS), India is reflecting its rich heritage and history as well as cultural and civilisational values.

The sites are Geoglyphs of Konkan region in Maharashtra, Meghalaya’s JingKieng Jri, a living root bridge, and Sri Veerabhadra Temple and Monolithic Bull (Nandi) from Andhra Pradesh, making the total in the tentative list as 49.

Geoglyph is defined as a work of art which comes into being by moving or arranging objects within a landscape. What Konkan geoglyphs special and remarkable is that is the only proof of human settlement in that region. They also depict some forms of fauna that have ceased to exist in this region.

A product of human endeavour and effort, JingKieng Jri, is an aerial bridge, created by weaving and using roots of Indian Rubber tree. While the creation of such bridges may take 10 to 15 years, their life span is 500 years. These bridges built by Jaintia and Khasi tribes personify human-environment confluence.

Sri Veerabhadra Temple also known as Lepakshi temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva — Lord Veerabhadra. Located in Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district, this temple is well-known for its sculptures made by artists of Vijayanagara Empire.

Mount of Lord Shiva, the Nandi Bull’s monolithic idol has been chiselled out of a single granite stone and represents the best of Vijayanagara style of architecture.

In case any of the sites among the 49 is selected as a WHS, India will better its existing total of 40 sites which includes Ajanta Caves, Buddhist monuments at Sanchi, the Harappan city of Dholavira, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Konark’s Sun Temple, Taj Mahal and Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar among others.

Explaining the advantage of being part of WHS list, seasoned archaeologist who retired as Regional Director, North from Archaeological Survey of India said: “The site benefits from this inclusion as it helps tourism, both domestic and international, to grow by leaps and bounds. Whenever a historical or natural place is given this tag, it sees a growth in tourist inflow.”

Going further, he added that the tag reflects the site’s “inherent heritage and historical value”.

“Moreover, as the list is well publicised it creates awareness about the selected place on a global scale, making many more people know about it. For instance, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra after inclusion in the WHS list, became immensely popular. Likewise, is the case with Tamil Nadu’s Brihadeshwara Temple and the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, and also Madhya Pradesh’s Sanchi Buddhist monuments.”

Muhammed said these sites add to India’s soft power. Citing Bihar’s Nalanda Mahavihara and Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, he said “these places are revered by Buddhists from across the world and specially people of those countries where Buddhism is the dominant religion like Japan, Myanmar, Cambodia, Mongolia, Singapore, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam among others. This facilitates people-to-people contacts making diplomatic relations stronger.”

When asked why India whose past goes beyond 5,000 years has just 40 WHS, Muhammed said, “We joined on November 14, 1977 and by that time European nations had got a head start. Yet, when compared to other countries in the South Asian region we have done better and are in the sixth position after Italy, China, Germany, France and Spain.”

For making it to the list, there are several conditions to be fulfilled. Specifying them Muhammed said: “The monument must be unique in some way, should have historical value and architectural merit. It must have natural heritage like Kaziranga National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, etc.”

To ensure that more places get included in the WHS list, Muhammed said steps must be taken to improve the condition of cultural and natural sites.

“We need to invest more in them, especially the core conservation work. The heritage and history should be marketed in an effective and efficient manner. To do that, storytelling must be used to make them popular. Tourists and visitors must be told about the monument or place, its importance, and other details and stories, anecdotes, myths and legends connected with the site must be narrated, to develop a bond. For this qualified guides and efficient interpretation centres are required.”

He added that infrastructure like boarding, accommodation, seamless transport, food, etc at the site is necessary to make people’s visit and stay comfortable and pleasant.

“These measures can make these places attractive and help generate employment,” Muhammed observed.

ALSO READ-India elected to UNESCO panel on Intangible Cultural Heritage

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-Top News UK News

Sunak reflects on his Indian heritage

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak going through his Budget speech inside his office at No11 Downing Street minutes before heading to the commons for his first Budget. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street

But the UK doesn’t have a monopoly on opportunity. Too much of the migration conversation is about how many Indians come to the UK…reports Asian Lite News

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has opened up at length about his Indian heritage and growing up in Britain in a hard-working British Indian family at an awards ceremony celebrating Indian diaspora achievements across different fields.

The 42-year-old finance minister, born in the UK to National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner (GP) father Yashvir and pharmacist mother Usha, described the UK as a “rewarding karma bhoomi” where “someone like me can become Chancellor”.

He called for the India-UK relationship to look beyond the shared history to become a partnership of equals, where the brightest talent from both countries can travel back and forth to study and work.

“As the child and grandchild of immigrants, I can testify to the openness, fairness, and, yes, warmth, with which British society welcomes talented individuals who seek to contribute to our society and become a part of our communities,” said Sunak, in his speech at the UK-India Awards at Fairmont Windsor Park, near London, on Friday.

“So, if you want to build great businesses, undertake great science or create great art, the UK will be the most rewarding karma bhoomi you will find. But the UK doesn’t have a monopoly on opportunity. Too much of the migration conversation is about how many Indians come to the UK.

“This is a partnership of equals, so we need to make it easier for British students to study in India… I want to see us doing more to reinforce that ‘living bridge’, travelling in both directions between our countries,” he said.

Tracing his family’s roots back to his grandparents who moved from East Africa to the UK when his mother was just 15 years old, the senior Cabinet minister reflected upon his humble beginnings and working tirelessly for his family business.

“I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family. My overriding memory of childhood is how hard my parents worked,” he recalled.

“Dad was an National Health Service (NHS) General Practitioner (GP), and worked extra jobs, evenings, and weekends. Almost every night of my childhood, he worked until the early hours, writing up patient notes and referral letters. Mum owned a pharmacy – Sunak Pharmacy,” he said.

“Our life was built around the business. Out of school, I’d serve customers or do deliveries; help dispense medicines; do the bookkeeping. And every Sunday we’d pile into the car to clean the shop, all of us together, the whole family. It was a family business – that’s just what you do,” he shared.

Addressing the largely Indian diaspora gathering of parliamentarians, entrepreneurs and innovators at the annual awards organised by UK-headquartered India Global Forum (IGF) to celebrate the year’s highlights within the UK-India corridor, Sunak as the guest of honour said his family’s story resonates with the wider British Indian story as he thanked his own family for all their “sacrifices”.

“I learnt early on that family matters. Families nurture our children and teach them good conduct; support us, unconditionally; pass on culture, religion, and identity. No government could even begin to replicate the profound bond family forms,” said the minister, who was joined by wife Akshata Murty – the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.

The minister, an Oxford and Stanford University alumni who made history by lighting diyas on Diwali outside his 11 Downing Street home in November 2020, shared that he will be back at a childhood temple in Southampton for family prayer day this weekend.

He added: “Sixty years after my Naniji boarded a plane in East Africa, on a warm sunny evening in October, her great-grandaughters, my kids, played in the street outside our home, painted Rangoli on the doorstep, lit sparklers and diyas; had fun like so many other families on Diwali. Except the street was Downing St. And the door was the door to No 11.

“I’m incredibly proud of where I come from. It will always be an enormous part of who I am. And it brings me joy to live, and belong, in a country where, for all our faults, for all our challenges, someone like me can become Chancellor. Our task now is to make sure that’s not the end of the British Indian story, but the beginning.”

Touching upon UK-India relations and the ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, the Chancellor highlighted financial services as a big opportunity that would help mobilise large amounts of capital from around the world for India’s economic growth.

“The flow of savings from the West to attractive investment opportunities in fast-growing India will be one of the defining movements of capital of our working lives,” he said.

Addressing Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla directly at the awards, the minister hailed the Covishield partnership between the countries as a great example of joint India-UK innovation.

ALSO READ-Sunak accused of wasting £11bn servicing govt debt

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Lite Blogs Travel & Tourism

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany

The 400-kilometre section of the ancient Roman border fortifications runs along the North Rhine-Westphalia to Katwijk Rhineland-Palatinate through the Dutch North Sea coast…writes Siddhi Jain.

Germany’s rich cultural heritage has been further recognised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), after seven new locations in the country were awarded World Heritage Site status during the 44th UNESCO meeting in China. With the updated official UNESCO list counting more than 1,000 sites in 167 countries around the world, Germany now boasts 51 recognised World Heritage Sites, the third-highest of any nation globally after Italy (58) and China (56).

Germany’s World Heritage Sites comprise three natural locations and 48 cultural locations. As a key destination to experience natural and cultural treasures, Indian visitors can discover a plethora of diverse World Heritage Sites along eight routes in Germany, which begin and end near international airports, making them easily accessible from regional gateways. Due to their uniqueness and authenticity, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany are considered significant for humanity therefore under special protection.

Mathildenhohe artists’ colony in Darmstadt

Founded in 1899 by the Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, Mathildenhohe artists’ colony has been noted as a historic centre of modern-day architecture and art in Europe. Prior to the turn of the century, aspiring architects and artists had the opportunity to turn their ideas into experimentation, inspiring what is now known as the Bauhaus art movement. The infamous location includes a wedding tower designed by the architect Joseph-Maria Olbrich, seen as a landmark of the city and an excellent vantage point over the RhineMain plain.

The Lower Germanic Limes

The 400-kilometre section of the ancient Roman border fortifications runs along the North Rhine-Westphalia to Katwijk Rhineland-Palatinate through the Dutch North Sea coast. The Lower Germanic Limes is now noted as a World Heritage Site as part of the ‘Borders of the Roman Empire’ series. The river formed a natural border between the Roman province, where life across 44 towns, forts, legionary camps and temples formed the roots of today’s large cities, including Bonn and Cologne.

The Danube Limes

The Danube Limes follow the course of the Danube River from what is known today as Bad Gogging in Bavaria, through Austria and Slovakia. As the second-longest river in Europe, the Roman military frontiers stretch approximately 600-kilometre and has contributed to the development of the cultural landscape. Parts of the earlier facilities are still visible today and are carefully developed for tourists to visit, the archaeological sites ‘document niedermunster’ and the ‘Porta Praetoria’ in Regensburg are key examples of popular destinations.

Significant spa towns in Europe

With European spa culture peaking between the 1700 and the 1930s, Germany’s abundant spa towns around mineral springs have far more than historic and medical significance; these major urban developments created an architectural framework for recreation, cultural and social life. Not only have the German spa towns of Baden-Baden, Bad Ems and Bad Kissingen been recognised by UNESCO, eight additional European spa towns have been awarded listings Germany began welcoming European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved, fully vaccinated travellers on June 25. All travellers are advised to check individual German states entry requirements before travel.

ALSO READ-Now, India has 40 sites on Unesco World Heritage list

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India News

Spirituality, heritage marks German envoy’s Amritsar visit

Also he experienced the Punjabi culture, heritage, colours and flavours by exploring the city’s old winding lanes housing grand heritage and enjoyed the butter-rich ‘lassi’…reports Vishal Gulati.

Spirituality, heritage and some traditional cuisine, all the ingredients nicely and properly blended to offer recipe for a perfect memorable trip of the German ambassador to Amritsar city in Punjab.

German Ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner, on Wednesday told that he was spiritually rejuvenated after paying obeisance at Harmandir Sahib, the Sikhs’ holiest and largest shrine in the world, popularly known as the Golden Temple.

Also he experienced the Punjabi culture, heritage, colours and flavours by exploring the city’s old winding lanes housing grand heritage and enjoyed the butter-rich ‘lassi’.

“Definitely yes, I feel spiritually up after the visit to the Golden Temple,” the 65-year-old envoy, whose fascination once brought him to India as a backpacker in the 1970s, told during a telephonic interaction.

He said he read a lot about the Golden Temple before finalizing his maiden visit to Punjab.

Explaining his visit to the Sikh shrine, he said: “Once you enter the temple you feel a certain spirit — the spirit of solidarity and peace. You can see (the spirit) on the faces of people in devotion, in good spirit, you can feel it. The holy water, the holy trees and the holy book (Guru Granth Sahib).”

The envoy, who was back to the national capital on July 27 after a road trip of over 1,000 km, said he was impressed with the world’s largest kitchen in the Golden Temple where on an average free fresh vegetarian meals are being served to 50,000 to 75,000 people all day and night and the number increases on weekends and special occasions.

Donning a head scarf, Lindner, who was seen with his palms held together in a “Namaste” greeting in the Golden Temple, said he visited free kitchens during his visit to gurdwaras in Delhi on several occasions.

“Seeing the people bathing in the holy ‘sarovar’ and drinking the holy water gives you an idea of the strength of Sikhism and its message. These are the values of which we are in need today in the world.”

Sparing time from his hectic visit, the envoy, a musician and a lawyer by profession, visited streets and alleyways to discover the heritage of the city of Amritsar.

“I read a lot about Amritsar and intentionally wanted to visit the markets of the city. I visited four or five markers and all of them were interlinked. And I especially want to see those areas where the buildings are 100 years and 150 years old.”

Walter says, “During the visit to one of the markets, I enjoyed the ‘lassi’ on the street despite my security and staff. It was very hot day to have a very good ‘lassi’.”

Before the sunset, Walter visited the zero point on the Attari-Wagah international border, around 30 km from the holy city.

The flag-hoisting, ceremonial drill and Beating Retreat was a low-key affair at the Joint Check Post owing to the coronavirus pandemic but worth it, he said.

The border guards were stomping their feet and raising them high, besides shouting.

“It is not a theatre (that they are making aggressive gestures). It (the drill) gives a kind of feeling that the border is difficult one, but the soldiers are saluting from one side to another so that they can have some practical relationship and to see each other every day,” he said.

During his return journey to the national capital, Walter had interactive meetings in Chandigarh with Punjab’s Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Governor V.P. Badnore and Haryana’s Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.

“Very fruitful talks about Punjab and Haryana and what we can do together and what would be the future prospective on environment, students’ exchange and mutual strategies to explore new trade and investment opportunities in both the states,” he said.

ALSO READ-Air India Links Amritsar with London

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-Top News Culture India News

First heritage site from Telangana gets coveted UNESCO tag

It was in 2014 that Ramappa temple was nominated for the inscription. A team of UNESCO officials had inspected the temple in 2019…reports Asian Lite News.

The UNESCO World Heritage site status to Ramappa temple has come as the first global recognition of the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Telangana, India’s youngest state.

Also known as Rudreswara temple, this Kakatiyan architectural marvel is located at Palampet in Mulugu district near Warangal, about 200 km from Hyderabad.

“Today, because of a historic decision taken at the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee, Ramappa temple now belongs to the whole world, to the entire humanity. I congratulate the people of Palampet,” India’s representative at the online session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) said, expressing excitement over the inclusion of the temple among the list of World Heritage sites.

Seventeen countries including Russia, Oman, Brazil, Saudi, Egypt, Spain, Thailand, Hungary, Ethiopia and China described Ramappa as an outstanding heritage site and a manifestation of the master of human geniuses at the session.

Ramappa temple is the 39th site in India and the first in Telangana to get the coveted tag. This comes as the first major success of Telangana to get global recognition for its cultural heritage after attaining statehood seven years ago.

It was in 2014 that Ramappa temple was nominated for the inscription. A team of UNESCO officials had inspected the temple in 2019.

Last year, it was one of the global sites nominated for the coveted tag but the WHC meeting could not take place due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Ramappa Temple emple was constructed in 1213 AD during the reign of the Kakatiya Empire by Recharla Rudra, a general of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva. The presiding deity here is Ramalingeswara Swamy. The temple became famous with the name sculptor Ramappa who executed the work for 40 years.

The temple complexes of Kakatiyas have a distinct style, technology and decoration exhibiting the influence of the Kakatiyan sculptor. The Ramappa temple is a manifestation of this and often stands as a testimonial to the Kakatiyan creative genius.

The temple stands on a 6 feet high star-shaped platform with walls, pillars and ceilings adorned with intricate carvings that attest to the unique skill of the Kakatiyan sculptors.

The sculptural art and decoration specific to the time and Kakatiyan Empire have an outstanding universal value. The distinct style of Kakatiyas for the gateways to temple complexes, unique only to this region confirm the highly evolved proportions of aesthetics in temple and town gateways in South India.

European merchants and travelers were mesmerized by the beauty of the temple and one such traveler had remarked that the temple was the “brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan”.

According to B.V. Papa Rao of Kakatiya Heritage Trust, which led the effort to get UNESCO tag, India had reached to 24 countries to inscribe Ramappa temple as World Heritage site. The countries were presented documents to show the importance of the site.

The Telangana government had also taken steps to conform to the demands made by the WHC in their agenda papers.

Two days ago, the state government announced that it is initiating formation of a management committee at the state level and Palampet Special Development Authority at the local level for adequate legal protection to the temple and to ensure regulated development by appropriately zoning areas near the temple.

Minister for tourism and culture V. Srinivas Goud stated that these steps will ensure that serenity and natural beauty of the surroundings of the temple are maintained. He announced that two temples near Ramappa will also be brought under the jurisdiction of Ramappa temple property as recommended by the International Council on Monuments and Sites.

ALSO READ-UNESCO lauds Saudi education portal

READ MORE-Hima listed as Saudi Arabia’s sixth UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Fashion Lite Blogs

A slight change from heritage prints

The apparel is crafted with premium-quality fabrics that are lightweight and perfect for the summer, such as cotton voile, poplin, modal, rayon moss, and chiffon…designer Ritu Kumar interacts with Puja Gupta.

Lockdown and pandemic are not at all a hamper for fashion aspirants. Catering to an increasing trend of work-from-home, athleisure and an overall need for more relaxed casual wear, veteran designer Ritu Kumar has launched Label Basics under her fashion brand.

An interaction with Amrish Kumar, Managing Director of Label Ritu Kumar, to know more about the new collection and how it aims to cater to the ever changing consumer consumption patterns.

Excerpts:

The brand has always been known for the heritage prints and rich colors. Label Basics seems a change in direction and aesthetics, tell us more.

Over the past year and so, there has been a sharp shift in the way in which we dress. While comfort and function were attributes previously kept ensconced in our homes, they are now accepted in work and public, for often they occupy the same space.

As a brand, we understood that business models need to be agile and willing to accommodate such transitions. Our introduction of Label Basics, explores the new way of dressing comfortable and easy with elements traditional to the Ritu Kumar labelï high-quality fabrics, fascinating prints, patterns and seamless dressing.

With a new more extensive product line, Basics will now enjoy greater visibility in our portfolio with dedicated sections in-stores. We’re certain that the Label Ritu Kumar patron will resonate with this collection as well that brings together timeless style and comfort.

Elevated essentials and relaxed wear are the way in 2021. What does the new line have to offer?

Catering to an increasing trend of work-from-home, athleisure and an overall need for more relaxed casual wear, Label Basics are a perfect addition to any wardrobe. It is focused on versatile pieces that are stylish yet comfortable, this is the new must-have for the homebound generation. Think of fuss-free dresses, relaxed bottoms and easy co-ord sets all pointing to a sense of minimalism with well-cut, comfortable shapes and quality materials.

The apparel is crafted with premium-quality fabrics that are lightweight and perfect for the summer, such as cotton voile, poplin, modal, rayon moss, and chiffon. The placid and soft colour palette includes the summer classics ranging from blush pinks, tropical greens and sky blues, to deep hues such as monochrome blacks and browns. The line also offers a sharp price, making it more accessible to the average consumer and the consumer wrought by the pandemic.

Fashion is consumed very differently now. In your opinion, what is the priority?

As our lives shifted in the pandemic, so did fashion. Given the spike in working from home and an affinity to dress in athleisure, we’ve witnessed an increasingly functional approach being adopted to fashion dressing down stylishly has now become central to our work-from-home philosophy. While consumers enjoy innovation and new styles, purchases are being made very differently. There is an increased focus on durability, longevity, and sustainability as opposed to one-time-wear pieces. It is key to focus on these sensibilities stylish comfort and durability while providing the consumer with a friendly price point.

The past year was difficult for all. What have been your takeaways as a brand.

High functionality will drive the future of fashion. Clothes that are easy to transition from workwear and daywear to evening or travel wear. However, we can speculate what the future will look like but, at the end of the day, only time will tell how fashion will evolve in the next year.

WFH generation prefers comfortable yet chic clothing. What do you think is going to be some preferred looks?

Label Basics offer customers the best in quality and styles at sharp prices. Each product from this collection is fashioned from fabrics that are soft, lightweight and ideal for the summer, for working and lounging at home and dressed up for the evening with statement pieces and accessories. The summer-friendly maxi dresses synthese this philosophy with their innate comfort and style.

How would you define Label Basics in one line?

Label BASICS are fashion essentials for a seamless transition of work-from-home to out with elevated everyday essentials for day to day work and so much more, with an element of year-round style.

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Europe Lite Blogs

Mainland Europe’s first underground railway turns 125

In 2002, the underground railway was included in the Unesco World Heritage List…reports Asian Lite News.

The Hungarian capital of Budapest commemorated the 125th birth anniversary of its underground railway, which was the first of its kind in mainland Europe and is the world’s second-oldest after the London Underground.

It is known as the Millennium Underground, as it was inaugurated in 1896, the year when Hungary celebrated the 1,000th anniversary of the arrival of Magyar tribes in the Carpathian Basin in Central Europe, reports Xinhua news agency.

“The Millennial Underground is a favourite of generations of Hungarians and of tourists alike,” the municipal transport company BKV said in a statement marking the occasion on Monday.

In 2002, the underground railway was included in the Unesco World Heritage List.

The 4-km underground railway was a technical innovation in the late 19th century and it is still considered a milestone in the history of transport.

In 2020, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) named the Millennium Underground as one of the world’s major technical milestones.

The construction of the underground railway line was a significant innovation in itself, but its low-floor cars with cabs on both ends were also state-of-the-art solutions.

Old surface alignment of Millennium underground in Heroes’ Square (Wikipedia)

One of the original cars, a timber-framed vehicle with track number 11 has been preserved in mint factory condition in BKV’s museum in Budapest.

The 10.5-metre vehicle had a capacity of 46 passengers and was in service until 1960. It had a maximum speed of 50 km per hour.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, BKV marked the day with an online event.

The Hungarian National Bank (MNB) issued a commemorative coin on the occasion.

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