Puppychino - Delhi's first dog cafe

This cafe in Delhi is catering to humans who don't want to leave their four-legged comrades wasting away at home.

It is Delhi’s first pet-friendly cafe that welcomes dogs and other pets. 

The cafe is divided into two parts - one where dogs and humans can sit together, second where dogs can play. People visiting the cafe without their pets can play with Puppychino official mascots - Simba (Husky), Bobo (Labrador), Kiara (Husky) and Moose (Labrador). Bobo and Simba are entitled to two weekend offs due to greater footfall and resulting difficulties.

The idea is to create a space where both humans and pets can have fun and relish their food together. The menu boasting of amusing dishes such as Snoopy Spaghetti and Toothsome Pancake give canines all reasons to spoil themselves silly. And of course, there are two different menu cards for humans and their pets. 

“We kept a lot of things in mind when we created the menu. We have gluten-free options for dogs allergic to wheat. The cream is replaced with yoghurt as a healthy option. Sugar and chocolate being unhealthy for dogs, pancakes are topped with vanilla ice-cream for that rare indulgence. We also serve dog beer which is made with chicken stock and molasses,” says Nayani Tandon, the mastermind behind the cafe.

The food items are well tried and tested for at least a month before finally included in the menu. 

At Puppychino spa, dog owners can get their pets showered, groomed and scented. They also can purchase accessories like lashes, collar, bandanas and a lot more. 

The cafe also offers a day boarding facility on need-basis. The dog is required to have visited the place earlier to get familiarised with it. Visitors need to inform the staff about the temperament and behaviour of their pet so that precautions may be taken.

Puppychino in association with Pet Home Boarding also hosts pool parties for both dogs and humans where they relish food and beverages.

Puppychino is a self-financed cafe that organises adoption events to encourage adoption over buying. They work as an alliance with NGOs and shelters like Friendicoes, Paws for a Cause for dogs, Purrfection and Adopt till you Drop so that dogs and cats can find a home with a loving owner.

Olli - The First Self Driving Vehicle

Finally, here comes a self-driving bus that has been brought out by IBM’s supercomputer platform Watson in partnership with Arizona-based Local Motors. The 3D printed autonomous bus is called Olli.

With this, the self-driving car segment will become more aggressive.

Olli will be hitting roads in Washington, DC first, then Miami and finally Las Vegas. The new vehicle was launched at the super grand opening event of the new Local Motors facility in National Harbor, Maryland.

Local Motors is preparing to test the bus in cities outside the United States such as Berlin, Canberra and Copenhagen.

Local Motors CEO and co-founder John B. Rogers said in a statement, “Olli offers a smart, safe and sustainable transportation solution that is long overdue. Olli with Watson acts as our entry into the world of self-driving vehicles, something we’ve been quietly working on with our co-creative community for the past year. We are now ready to accelerate the adoption of this technology and apply it to nearly every vehicle in our current portfolio and those in the very near future. I’m thrilled to see what our open community will do with the latest in advanced vehicle technology.”

Just like Uber, Olli can also be booked and paid on the app.

Advanced vehicle technology of IBM Watson called the Internet of Things for Automotive helps improve the passengers’ experience and allows them to have a natural interaction with the vehicle.

While in transit, passengers can interact with the vehicle about various topics such as the functioning of the vehicle, their destination, suggestions on restaurants and historical sites.

Most of its components are printed on a 3D printer making it an absolutely unique vehicle. Olli has 30 sensors that stream relevant data to and from IBM’s cloud. It can carry up to 12 people.

“We hope to be able to print this vehicle in about 10 hours and assemble it in another hour”, said Roger.

The company claims Olli not only helps in cutting down the output of emissions in dense urban areas but also helps in reducing noise pollution.

All good things come with a caveat, Self-driving vehicles are no exception. 

It is not easy to create and maintain maps for driverless vehicles.

For instance, when Google had to test a self-driving car in a new city, its employees had to first drive the vehicles all across the streets manually to build a rich and detailed 3-D map of the area. Rotating Lidar camera on the car's roof emitted laser pulses to measure its surroundings, and the people on Google's mapping team then looked into the data to classify different features such as crossings, driveways, intersections and fire hydrants.

Lots of companies are constantly working on various types of autonomous technologies, one of them being partial autonomy.

Social interactions with robots may not be as easy as it appears

An even bigger obstacle is that driving is an extremely social process that requires frequent thoughtful interactions with other drivers, riders, and pedestrians. In such situations, robots may prove to be inefficient as they lack generalized intelligence and common sense that humans possess.

To deal with tough situations, the company may decide to hand over the controls back to the humans when computers are not confident of what to do. The biggest drawback of this approach is the threat it poses with shared control on a self-driving vehicle. For example, in the case of a crash like situation, a sudden shift of control to human may be unexpected and fatal.

Bad weather adds to the problems of self-driving vehicles. Vehicles fog sensors don’t work efficiently in bad weather. Vehicles are being tested at ill weather locations.

Many countries need regulations to ensure the safety of automated vehicles

This is more of a political problem in countries which are yet to approve its use. Their main concern is the safety of passengers. Many companies may not be able to justify to the level needed by authorities.

Cybersecurity can be a major issue if not dealt with smartly

Manufacturers have to be dead sure that their vehicles would not be hacked. With the vehicles getting more intelligent and automated, it is much easier to disrupt its functioning.

Software companies have been working on the issue for quite a long time.

The arrival of such technologies could have a simulating impact on the car industry, letting smaller startups battle and even move ahead of the industry’s established giants.

Shahpura Haveli - A Hidden Treasure

Built over 300 years ago, Shahpura Haveli has undergone a meticulous transformation under the direction of Rao Bishan Singh Ji. A further renovation and expansion project under the direction of later ruler Rao Pratap Singh gave Haveli the magnificence that it now boasts of. 

Situated in Shahpura, the Haveli is approximately 200-km away from Delhi. 

It is situated amid rural residency and the approach road to it is pretty narrow. Taking help of people in locating the hotel will only result in disappointment as not many are aware of its existence. However, with Google map, it can be easily located. 

A blend of modern technology and Indian architectural features, the Haveli's imperial interiors reflect the lifestyle of the emperors who lived there with their extended families. Having now been turned to a hotel, it offers accommodation in five suites.

The Haveli is also known for its unique hand-painted Darbar hall, the glorious hall of mirrors with excessively intricate work.

It is now a dazzling heritage hotel with beautifully and cautiously carved exteriors and majestic interiors.

The two in-built restaurants specialise in Rajasthan cuisines along with Asian and European delicacies. 

The guests can also relish their dinner with premium cocktails in the open surroundings of the garden as well as the terrace.

With its five luxurious rooms, the hotel offers unique experiences of royal Rajput way of living. All the accommodations are designed and furnished in the best standards of luxury.

Cosy beds with a feather-soft fabric, gracefully decorated lounges, en-suite bathrooms and exclusive courtyard, these are some of the delights that define the grandeur of the accommodations at Shahpura Haveli.

If you are looking for modern luxury along with noble hospitality, Shahpura Haveli is the place for you.

Joyfulness in Godfulness

'Nanak dukhiya sab sansaar'

(Hey Nanak, the world is in distress)

Are we really sad or is it our mind that tells us to believe we are sad. We have lost the ability to look at the overall goodness of life. We pick up one issue of life and on the basis of that, we label our life as sorrowful.

We are always cribbing about what's happening in our day-to-day life. We complain to God, "why me?" We never question ourselves at the time of performing 'karma.' There is no injustice in the court of the Lord. We reap what we sow. But if we have a true Guru, he can reduce the intensity of pain and sufferings we go through. This happens only when we surrender unto him. This is probably the toughest task. 

We usually surrender when we don't achieve anything from all of our futile efforts. That's not surrendering. Surrender is leaving everything to God in all circumstances. If you have surrendered, you will see much involvement of God in routine activities. Everything will turn out to be magic. You will automatically thank God in every situation; thank God for showing good times and thank God for reducing the intensity of your sufferings that you are/were supposed to undergo. 

God is never happy to see his child cry. But for that, you have to behave like his child. Parents love kids who trust and follow them. You show your 'innocent child love" to God and he will love you forever. If he is the primary character in your life, you are his primary character as well. He will take care of your past, present and future.

We should learn to thank God when we get something we desire. We should thank God even when we don't get what we want because that is also his wish. Apparently, he is working in our best interests. Who knows we may be asking for things which can be potentially dangerous for us? He only knows what is right for us.

We are running after materialistic things and perishable beings. Human relations are variable vis-a-vis absolute relation with God. 

In Sadhguru's words that really impacted my thinking, "a relationship is a variable reality, it is not an absolute reality. If you want to have an absolute relationship, you must choose God because it’s an absolute. You can handle it whichever way you want. If you didn’t think of him for ten days, another eleventh day if you think of him, he is still there. You do that to your husband or wife or somebody important to you, he will hold it against you. So if you want to have an absolute relationship, you must choose God, you should not choose human beings.”

Basically, no person is bad. He/she has some limited or special role in your life depending upon your own 'karma' and your past life connection with him. Never curse anybody because you don't know what role he is assigned by God to play in your life. Forgive. Thank God. Move on. 

If you want to cry, cry before God. Talk to him. Never think he is inactive and not paying attention. The more emotionally you call upon him, the faster will be his reaction. Mind you, he loves you and doesn't like to see you cry. You are his child. You broke your connection with him, he didn't. 

Look for signs

The more you experience something, the more you believe in it. I never believed in angels but I am sure there is some positive energy that is trying to guide and help us every now and then in every possible way. They try to communicate with us through signs and thoughts they impress upon our minds. Talk to the angels/positive energy that is always ready to assist you whenever you seek help. Spend some time in solitude, meditate to be able to listen to them by way of impressions they leave on your brain. 

In order to live a gifted, abundant, joy-filled life, we must see it differently. We must look at the goodness of life which has been possible only with his grace. We must thank him for making our life much easier and comfortable compared to some who don't even have shelter to live under. 

Our life is not as distressed as we have made it with our thoughts. 

'Kiv sachiara hoiye kiv kude tute paal

Hukam rajai chalna nanak likhiya naal'

(How do we become truthful and how can the veil of illusion be torn away?)

Guru Nanak Dev ji says live in alignment with 'Hukam' (divine order) because everything in the universe happens according to the will of the almighty God. The whole of the universe is subject to the 'Hukam' of the Creator. Nothing ever happens without the will of the Lord. This commandment implies the complete surrender to the Supreme.

PS: I don’t advertise but one book that literally changed my attitude towards life is “The laws of the Spirit World” by Khurshed Bhavnagri. It changed my life and can change yours too.

Alila Fort Bhishangarh

Standing high above the village, atop the only granite hill in Aravallis, the stark Alila Fort Bishangarh has witnessed a lot many changes through its 230-year existence. 

The fort was built by members of the Shahpura-Shekhawat clan for Amer royals. After a rigorous seven-year cycle of restoration, the crumbling Bishangarh fort could retain its original structure and past glory. 

The architecture, inspired by the Mughals and the British, boasts of thick stone walls carrying openings for guns and canons.

The fort, just 3 hours away from Delhi airport and 1 hour away from Jaipur airport, is easily accessible from both places.

Once shielded by forces, many of these forts are now guarded by brigades of monkeys.

The magnificent layout of the hotel, with its imperial and elegant features, displays the history of the Shahpura royalty.

There are four dining options within the fort premises - the indoor specialty restaurant Amarsar, an outdoor terrace restaurant Nazara, the Madhuveni Bar and the Kachhawa Lounge

Amarsar is an all-day dining restaurant, Nazara an outdoor dining place with an astonishing view. While Madhuveni has a bar, cigar room and wine cellar, Kachawa lounge serves the three Cs - champagne, coffee and cake.

The fort offers 59 luxury suites, all supplied with modern conveniences. 

Breathtaking Presidential suite.

One night fare to stay in the presidential suite is INR 94,000. Heritage room, being the most reasonable, costs up to INR 30,000.

Alila Fort Bishangarh is an exceptional place with marble floor, stone walls and a long history. It is the only warrior fort that has been transformed into a hotel.

Folk music at Nazara during dinner

"We make money with folk dance and music. We perform and try to impress tourists who come to the hotel. When they are happy, we are happy. This motivates us to perform better. We want to keep this tradition alive. I want this art to live forever", says Champa Sapera, who along with her husband, heads the group. 

Appearing simple, the dance moves require strong focus and balancing. The dance starts with balancing an earthen pot on one glass, followed by two, three and finally four glasses. The joyous expression of the artist brings out a smile on every onlooker's face. 

Another challenging dance moves

The splendid night view of the fort

Thank you and have a nice day

Delhi's heritage Sunder Nursery

Sunder Nursery is a 16th-century heritage park complex next to the Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site in New Delhi. Earlier known as Azim Bagh and built by the Mughals, the park lies on the Mughal-period Grand Trunk Road, and extends over 90 acres. The 'Sunder' part of the name comes from the Sunder Burj tomb located inside the premises.

Earlier a famous plant nursery of the British times, Sunder Nursery is now being used for quasi-agricultural purposes. 

Today Sunder Nursery encloses 20 heritage monuments of which six are UNESCO World Heritage sites including Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Sundarwala Mahal, Sundarwala Burj and Lakkarwala Burj.

In fact, Sunder Nursery is part of the larger Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Project of the Aha Khan Trust, masterplan which involves restoration work on 30 nearby heritage structures. Once complete, the park and resorted monuments will cover 900 acres (3.64 km sq). 

Future plans aim to run the area as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between various government authorities in India and the Agha Khan Trust. 

The Agha Khan Trust for Culture has, in the last 10 years, transformed the nursery into a city park with spaces like none other in terms of tranquillity, water, traditional flora and so on.

The Trust planted many tree species to create a micro-habitat zone, home to about 80 bird species. It also serves as a buffer zone for Humayun Tomb.

Commonly, Delhi nurseries and parks have a dozen odd types of tree species but Sunder Nursery has about 300 tree species and 4500 trees.

 

The essential features of a Mughal Garden include running water and a pool to reflect the beauties of sky and garden; trees of various sorts, some to provide shade merely, and others to produce fruits; flowers, colourful and sweet-smelling; grass, usually growing wild under the trees; birds to fill the garden with song; the whole is cooled by a pleasant breeze.

An amphitheatre, with a capacity of about 300 people, has also been built inside the complex for cultural events. 

“The challenge at the moment is to make this garden a hub for culture, nature, ecology and heritage in Delhi akin to the Central Park. So we are still building facilities that would allow that to happen. The other big challenge would be to make these facilities self-sustainable so that revenue may be generated to be ploughed back to maintenance to match international standards,” says Ratish Nanda, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Agha Khan Trust for Culture. 

Haunted by boy's spirit, Nagpur engineering student commits suicide

In a bewildering incident that raises questions about the very existence of life after death, an 19-year-old engineering student of Priyadarshini Bhagwati College committed suicide leaving behind a note that cites the presence of a spirit around him.

The suicide note recovered from Saurabh Nagpurkar pocket referred to the fatal accident of a 14-year-old boy he had witnessed a month ago on Umrer road. He repeatedly mentioned how his soul beckoned him from time to time and how it was not letting him live peacefully and kept materialising in visions and voices.

He also mentioned that he met with two minor accidents caused by the boy’s soul which was obstructing his path. Family members confirmed that Saurabh met with an accident at the very place where he had witnessed the accident.

Saurabh had constantly been discussing the accident with his friends. He told them how the soul of this boy, who died in front of him, haunted him and persistently called upon him.

His grandmother Sulabha said nobody knew what he was going through apart from the fear he expressed as a result of the accident he witnessed. “Citing uneasiness, he refused to have his dinner with us. We had gone to attend an engagement. On returning, we called him to the ground floor to join the rest of the family but the door was locked. We found him hanging when we opened the door.”

The police observed that the boy was very studious but had not been talking to anybody for about a month.

Saurabh ended his life by hanging himself with the ceiling fan in his room. In the note, he repeatedly asked his parents for forgiveness and urged his sister to look after them. His father Yashwant, an NCC employee and mother Aishwarya are devastated and inconsolable.

Psychiatrists, however, explain the extreme step as an outcome of psychosis which takes the form of hallucinations and claim that the same can be cured with medicines and counselling.

Saurabh was reportedly very compassionate and always looking forward to helping homeless people. He lately celebrated his birthday at an orphanage.

Kung Fu Nuns

Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, Setu Gumba is a captivating little monastery boasting of beautiful murals and paintings that speak volumes of the grand Buddhist culture. The monastery stands tall on Druk Amitabha Hill, near Swayambhunath Stupa of south-west Kathmandu. 

Not just that, it houses statues made of sacred medicinal clay. The Buddhist flags and chants are simply mesmerising. 

The monastery houses statues made of sacred medicinal clay. The flags and chants here are captivating.

A closer look at the monastery. 

Nuns queue up for Kung Fu practice. Never seen a place so beautiful and the weather so pleasant. Simply, it is heaven on earth.

"Women' role is not confined to kitchen alone. She should be allowed to participate in all activities that men perform. Parents should encourage their daughters to participate in all types of sports and extra-curricular activities", believes Rupa Lhamo, a nun. 

The temple where nuns offer prayers for hours during the day. Clicking pictures inside the hall area is restricted. Got to know this after clicking one.

Our lovely protagonist Rupa Lhamo poses before we wind up the shoot for the day.

Swayambhunath temple is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The complex consists of a stupa, a number of shrines and temples, some even dating back to the Licchavi period.

Though the site is Buddhist, it is worshipped by both Buddhists and Hindus.

As per Swayambhu Purana, the entire valley was once filled with a huge lake, out of which grew a lotus. The valley came to be known as 'Swayambhu', meaning "self-created." 

The temple's name Swayambhunath originated from the eternal self-existent flame (svyambhu) over which a stupa was built afterwards.

Kung Fu nuns clean the greased diyas at the temple. Community service is part of their routine. With this, they want to spread the message of cleanliness and hygiene.

"Since childhood, I wanted to become a doctor because I wanted to do something for the community. After I became nun, my dream to serve the community came true", feels Rupa. 

Swayambhu temple is also famous for a large number of monkeys thronging it. Be careful with your eatables.

Kung Fu nuns relish refreshment as they take a small break from the service. This monkey is particularly optimistic. It even managed to grab a piece of bread while nuns were busy chatting up with each other.

Heavy stuff for home decor

Only a fit body can delve deeper into the mysteries of the mind. The nuns cycle regularly to keep themselves physically fit. They educate people on the importance of pollution-free environment. They even undertake 'padayatra' (foot march) to spread this message far and wide. 

"It is painful to walk long distances barefoot. We even get boils and blisters. Seeing the people following our message makes us forget all our pain. This gives satisfaction," says Rupa Lhamo.

Cycling downhill

At the very first sight, turkeys fell in love with me and started fluttering. They seemed to be posing for this one click. By the way, this is at the monastery where nuns practice Kung Fu.

I kept gazing at the picturesque surroundings. Completely lost, I just did not want to come back. 

We got lucky to get some time for boating on the last day of our trip.

As they say, all good things come to an end. Thank you, everyone, for spending time reading my blog.