I am full of gratitude to Ramji who gave an opportunity to start this festival celebrated every year:). His character has been described as an ideal human being and same way Diwali celebrations give us an opportunity to start our life following ideal values.What a refreshing start it brings in our homes and within ourselves.!

Diwali, for most of the families, is considered to be a  big festival for which preparations have to be started weeks before. Decluttering of the house is the first goal for every woman of any house, to start the Diwali preparation. We are amazed ourselves while decluttering our houses, there are so many things which we are not using. It helps in taking pause and rethink about our spending habits. Every corner of the house is cleaned to bring fresh positive energy and pray to goddess Laxmi to bless our families with abundance and prosperity.

With changing times,  perspective is also changing. It’s no more cleaning of the house only. If we change the way of thinking we can take this an opportunity to declutter our mind and let go negative feelings to welcome positive feelings which can help us in excelling in life. This line of thought if followed by all members of families can help in better understanding amongst each other and having a more stable environment in-house.This way we recognize and value our own and each other thoughts and values and when we harmonize together we play great music. I landed on a very interesting blog article of a fellow indiblogger Ms Swapna Thomas http://www.themomviews.com/5-ways-to-declutter-your-mind-this-diwali/. She has described various ways how you can declutter your mind effectively following few steps.

This message has to be passed to next generation so that they don’t become materialistic and learn skills in life how to be happy with contentment. Let’s take the pledge this Diwali that we will take a pause and think how to declutter mind while decluttering house!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Courageous Opportunist, Unflinching Entrepreneur, and Lady with ideas, meet entrepreneur of the month Purnima Kamath, owner of De Ideaz Pte Ltd Singapore.

Purnima started “De Ideaz” in early 2002 to utilize her past experiences in marketing communications and to make her passion come live by setting her foot in the education, events, cultural and arts ecology. De Ideaz Pte Ltd is an integrated marketing communications company. The company aims to blend creativity and technology to promote events, entertainment, education, and e-business to the social and corporate world. Purnima heads the company in the department of marketing, business development, sales and client servicing.
Purnima has an MBA degree in International Business from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. In 2000, she was elected as the Honorary Secretary of the MBA Alumni Club at NTU. She also holds the Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Communications & Journalism Diploma from Bombay, India. In Mumbai, Purnima has organized exhibitions, compared musical shows and acted on stage.
De Ideaz is a result of Purnima’s hard work and dedication towards her profession. At De Ideaz, Purnima shares “We endeavor to be the most creative event company in Singapore, always delivering a high standard of quality & value for money to our clients. We at De Ideaz are passionate, dedicated & fun when it comes to staging events.” She emphasizes that “Each event is a customized & tailored project, irrespective of size or budget and this is what makes us unique. Excellence is the name of the game and we at De Ideaz will exceed your expectations every time”.
Purnima’s unique passion for excellence becomes her client’s competitive advantage. She is very particular about maintaining the highest ethical standards and treating her client with the utmost courtesy and professional respect. Her Punchline for her clients says-“We want to see you successful, so will create deideaz for your best image!”
Some examples of hit events managed/organized by De Ideaz includes popular Bollywood artistes like Falguni Pathak, Sonu Niigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Asha Bhosle, Atif Aslam, Jagjit Singh, RahulVaidya, Raja Hassan, among others. In addition to that, it has handled numerous corporate events for banks, conferences, and exhibitions at venues like world-class venues like Suntec Convention Centre.
In addition to all her qualities, Purnima has this enormous capacity to balance her personal and work life. Over the years, she has developed the ability to manage events with excellence, unveil strategic initiatives, drive these to success and stay calm in a storm today’. She hates unprofessional attitude in today’s younger generation and makes sure whoever is joining her team is the person of integrity and principles. Purnima believes in the power of networking and concept of your net worth is your network. To keep her networking skills active she has become member of-

• Singapore Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industries
• IPRS
• Indian Women’s Organization
• Siglap South Indian Activity Executive Committee
• Singapore Indian Association

She is married and has twin boys. She loves traveling with her boys and taking them out for vacation. Her interests include networking, travel, theatre, fashion, and music.
As a team player, the driving philosophy that permeates her work is simple:
“I have an anthem even in small things. Don’t give up! Keep Going and trust yourself and the Divine blesses your hard work!”
Hats off to your ideas Purnima!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Womenlines welcome Mrs Ritu Khanna , a Singapore based Homeopathic Practitioner as a guest writer for womenlines.In this article she is sharing about benefits of Surya Namaskar , a type of Yoga considered beneficial for women as when practiced in the morning, relieves stiffness, energizes the body and refreshes the mind.

That most familiar of asana sequences, Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is as rich in symbolic and mythic overtones as it is in physical benefits.

Surya has a lot of significance in the Hindu religion, while the term literally translates to “the Supreme Light”. It is the chief of solar deity since the term generally refers to the Sun. The mythical image representation of Surya has… golden arms and hair. He is known to ride his triumphal chariot that is attached to seven horses that takes him through to the heavens. Those seven horses represent the seven chakras found all throughout the body.

One of the means of honoring the sun is through the dynamic asana sequence Surya Namaskar (better known as Sun Salutation). The Sanskrit word namaskar stems from namas, which means “to bow to” or “to adore.” (The familiar phrase we use to close our yoga classes, namaste—te means “you”—also comes from this root.) Each Sun Salutation begins and ends with the joined-hands mudra (gesture) touched to the heart. This placement is no accident; only the heart can know the truth.

The Benefits of Sun Salutation

These postures flex and stretch the spinal column through its maximum range giving a profound stretch throughout the entire body. The Sun Salutation has a deep detoxifying effect on the organ as well as a deep relaxing effect on the body. Some of the benefits are:

• Tones the digestive system
• Ventilates the lungs and oxygenates the blood
• Gets rid of large quantities of carbon dioxide and other toxic cases
• Strengthens the abdominal muscles
• Tones the nervous system and improves memory
• Improves muscles flexibility
• Helps reduce fat

Ref :: http://healingsforall.blogspot.sg/

I just stumbled upon a video on facebook-

http://www.upworthy.com/scientists-discover-one-of-the-greatest-contributing-factors-to-happiness-youll-thank-me?g=2

Nobody could have guessed such activity can raise their happiness level to such a great extent. Such virtues were part of our school curriculum once upon a time. Remember those Moral Science books and classes during school days which was taken as the boring lecture at that time and we never realized that seeds were sown at that age. And now when we are part of that survival of the fittest mad race we are getting back to those simple virtues to maintain our mental balance:).

Gratitude is defined as the feeling of being grateful, thankfulness of blessings, and also emotion expressing appreciation for others. Showing gratitude is just not a mere act sake but it benefits the person who is showing it by infilling him with positive energy. At present every day, the real challenge lies for us to maintain our positive energy for our daily activities, interactions, dealings, and actions. When we are bombarded with so many negativities from surroundings then the simple act of gratitude can just bring us back to saner self. Researchers also prove that-

“Gratitude is what gets poured into the glass to make it half full. Studies show that gratitude not only can be deliberately cultivated but can increase levels of well-being and happiness among those who  do cultivate it.”-http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/gratitude

Maybe not for other’s sake but for your own happiness sake fill yourself with gratitude to multitudes of people around who have benefitted you in some way as it is well said -Gratitude is an opener of locked-up blessings.  ~Marianne Williamson

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

It was really interesting to receive this invitation in my mailbox by The Kidz Parade magazine in Singapore sometimes back.-      

“We have seen the world going through a few tumultuous years of financial issues. Isn’t it better if our children learn financial literacy when they are young? Join us for a fun, interactive presentation of financial literacy by experts.Kids and parent team invited.”

I was aware of the magazine ‘The Kidz Parade” which works for igniting CURIOSITY, promoting CREATIVITY and providing INSPIRATION to children all over the world.This program was part of their  Creative Chat. They conduct Creative Chat independently, at schools as well as different organizations on various topics. They also do Creative chat for professional development for teachers at schools.

I suddenly became mindful what they are talking about.  Financial literacy and that too for kids between 7-13 years group. Will it be really beneficial to them?I thought its better if they organize a class for women group:). Somehow I got curious and took my 8 years old son for the presentation and I am happy to say that it was a good decision taken indeed.

It is all about awareness at right time. I strongly believe that besides the bookish knowledge kids should be made mindful about practical knowledge too which is going to help them more in the long run. It is so true that world is facing a very tough time dealing with financial crisis. And somehow if we connect the dots at the backside it is due to lack of financial literacy on the part of youngsters. They were never taught how to handle money. If they had been taught about being mindful about concepts of spending habits, saving money, making buying decisions on the basis of necessity vs buying compulsion then the scene would have been different. I am grateful to Liam consultants (a group of financial professional who holds the belief that the foundation of financial literacy should be built from childhood) for delivering such an informative presentation. The activities organized by them in form of quiz, testing knowledge regarding prices of a various high end and daily use products was really eye-opening for parents and kids both. Discussion regarding traits for becoming a billionaire was quite interesting for kids. They were surprised to know that all billionaire not necessary come from rich families If kids have the right mindset they can also become a billionaire.

I had some apprehensions regarding talking about financial literacy to my kid as I thought it will make him materialistic. But after attending the presentation my thinking changed and I realized that there is no harm in making kids mindful of spending habits and prices about various products. After all, it is going to make them smarter and aware individuals.I am grateful to  The  Kidz Parade magazine for organizing such informative session.

Money matters after all:)!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Tulsi plant, an integral part of every Hindu home, has always been regarded as divine. Planting   Tulsi/Basil in the courtyard of the house is a thousand of years old practise. Tulsi/Basil plant creates holy living in the home environment and its aroma in the air destroys disease causing bacteria and other toxins in the atmosphere.

• • In cough and Sore throat keep the root of Basil plant in mouth.

• • In respiratory diseases Basil leaves with Black salt gives a good relief.

• • Chew Basil Leaves along with 4 roasted cloves to relieve cough.

• • In high fever, Chewing Tulsi Leave along with Honey every 3 Hours gives relief.

• • Drinking Tulsi /Basil juice ,1 teaspoon everyday prevents fever.

• • Tulsi and Ginger paste mixed with honey relives fever in cold.

• • Taking 10 Tulsi leaves along with 4 Black Pepper relieves malarial fever.

• • The medicinal properties of Tulsi juice contains Thaimol element which is beneficial in skin diseases.

• • To treat Leucoderma by Tulsi leaves have been used successfully.

• • Grind the roots of Tulsi and mix with water and add dry ginger .This mixture taken in morning helps in leprosy.

• • Leprosy which may be affected by basil leaves. Eat and rub the juice on the affected spot.

• • Tulsi Leaf paste applied on eczema is very beneficial.

• • Tulsi leaf juice mixed with orange juice and applied on face removes acne.

• • In case of vomiting Tulsi leaf juice with honey should be taken.

• • In Diarrhoea Tulsi leaf juice mixed with roasted cumin seeds to be licked with honey three times a day to get the benefits.

• • Tulsi leaf extract along with one spoon honey, taken every morning and evening removes headache permanently.

• • Tulsi Tea helps to remove headache.

• • Mouth ulcers and other infections are proven to be cured  by use of Tulsi leaves.

• • Dry Tulsi leaves mixed with Mustard Oil is used to clean teeth and remove bad breath.

• • Tulsi tea removes ulcers of mouth.

• • Basil helps to strengthen the kidneys. Kidney stones can be removed with the juice of Tulsi leaves (basil extracts) taken for 6 months with honey , consumed regularly in slips.

• • For painful menses, Tulsi seeds in a glass of boiled water, boiled till it remains half to be taken during menses to remove pain.

• • Ten basil leaves, four to five black pepper and a teaspoon of honey mix all and with half a glass of water to be taken in winters to recover from all types of heart diseases.

• • 4-5 Tulsi and neem leaf juice added in 2-4 tablespoon water, to be taken for 7 days in the morning empty stomach cures high blood pressure.

• • Tulsi is a blessing in heart diseases, it also regulates cholesterol in blood.

• • Ground Basil leaves and make a paste and apply on wounds , stops bleeding immediately.

• • Basil juice along with coconut oil , cook together on low flame till the tie it starts leaving oil, apply on pimples and leave.

• • Basil seeds on grinding and applying hot fills the wound.

• • Basil and camphor powder applied to wound dries it quickly.

• • In Children’s common ailments such as colds, fever, vomiting, diarrhoea etc. basil juice is beneficial.

• • Tulsi extract helps children in vomiting, diarrhoea, cough, cold etc

• Do not pluck Tulsi leaves at Night because it may cause body disorders as it’s electromagnetic waves are prominent after sunset.
• Do not drink milk after intake of basil, skin problems can occur.
• Do not warm Tulsi juice with honey because with the hot objects honey acts as a venom.
• Milk , radish, salt, onion, garlic, meat, citrus fruits are harmful to eat along with Tulsi.
• Do not chew basil leaves with your teeth , if you do eat, be sure to rinse immediately because the contents present in Tulsi destroys the enamel of teeth.

I wish a very Happy Birthday and a bright future to my country India on her 67th Birthday.I am proud to be Indian Woman and am full of gratitude for so many things in my life which happened because of my strong Indian upbringing and roots which are difficult to let go! 

Indian women are special in her own way. We can say that modernization has affected Indian women in a certain way and many attributes of her personality have changed. She is no more than a silent woman who used to bear all negativeness of life quietly. She has got a voice and she knows how to get equality in the society. In spite of modernization few values are been maintained by most of the Indian women and that too without any pressure. I would like to share about few values which I love to maintain and pass to my daughter too-

Being Indian has taught me the importance of culture and respect for each other in the family.Comfort level of elders in a family is given priority and Indian culture teaches to maintain it in the family forever. The festivity celebrations throughout the year bring happiness and mood of celebration in families. I love to pass this culture to my kids. I really want them to have a clear understanding behind the celebration of these festivals and celebrate it with full enthusiasm. My Indian heritage has taught me the love for the variety of food and I just love to have those special festive snacks cooked in my home as it brings reasons of smiles and celebrations in the family.

I am proud to be Indian woman because my Indian heritage has taught me the importance of family values which are very important especially when you are not staying in India. The unique culture of touching feet of elders not only teaches to have respect for them but also makes one more humane.No matter what atmosphere is in the country I am staying but my Indian upbringing makes me fearless and my family comes as a first priority in my life. I am proud of my Indian dressing and want it to be carried it by my daughter too. The grace which I feel in saree is incomparable to any other dressing in the world.

The list is long and there will be still many reasons for which I am full of gratitude to my country. Long live India!

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

Dear Singapore,

Happy Birthday to you! Its 48th year of age for you but you are getting younger and more beautiful every year.

The National day is one of the coveted events of the year which reflects your colorful spirit and sets a mood of celebration across the country in a colorful way. Initially, as an immigrant, I eagerly waited for this event as it came along a long weekend break which allowed me to plan my outings. After 6 fruitful years, I have fallen in love with you and want to express my gratitude for all the comforts and inspiration you have given me.

You are a lively country to stay with a family with kids. The government really pampers its citizens here to an extreme that at times I wonder how come any government can think so much about the wellbeing of its citizens! I love the fact that the moment any problem arises government focus shifts fully to find a solution to that problem. The way recently Dengue, Haze problems were tackled, kudos to instant government action plan which really helped in handling the problems in short time. I love the fact that government has done a wonderful job in opening libraries here. It’s a blessing to those who are avid readers like me. All books ranging from parenting to arts are available in libraries and can be borrowed from any library. I consider books as the best friends and the ease I have access to books here has helped me in gaining knowledge on the variety of topics. I love the fact that I can plan so many activities for my kids here and that too with so much ease. Going to Sentosa, beaches, bowling, fishing, adventure parks, cycling tracks, sports complexes, is always fun and kids just love to be at such places and enjoy their weekends. Besides playtime what I cherish most is the awesome family time spent together.  I am in love with you because I don’t feel alien here; all races respect each other and care for each other sentiments. The government has planned setup in such a way that everything is accessible with ease and this makes our stay more comfortable. I also love you for the reason that   I can celebrate my festivals with gaiety and joy as I do celebrate in India, as community centers around here do a wonderful job of organizing activities for festivals in the similar fashion. I love the fact that I can feel secure here at any place and at any wee hours. The government makes sure that security of women is taken care for in the country. Another reason I love you is your civilized society and you are a clean place to stay. The government has done the awesome groundwork to maintain the cleanliness of the country 24/7. I am in love with you because a government is regularly adding a new tourist attraction to keep the place lively. After staying for 6 years still, I have so many places to cover here and new places are getting added every year. I am assured that my family will never get bored of you.

I look forward to more wonderful years to come here with lots of lovely memories to remember for all residents. May God bless you!:):)

Yours truly,

Charu Mehrotra

Promoting Excellence in Women!

3. Can you share with us, some of the challenges you faced during your initial days?
It seemed a mammoth task sourcing products from India, dealing with artisans and manufacturers, getting the products shipped, renovation of the store and finally set up. But patience and perseverance are what one needs always. Another continuous challenge is to hire and retain the right kind of salespersons and training them so they could do justice to your products. And of course who can forget the finances 😉