The South African Indian community has changed drastically in the passed few years, and I believe that most of this change has been for the better. Indian women are not expected to be submissive and subservient; we are now independent, opinionated and career orientated. The patriarchal society that the Indian community has been enveloped in is almost a thing of the past.
Yes, a full transition into a modern cosmopolitan lifestyle will not be smooth to say the least. The older generations are head strong and steadfast in their beliefs and values, and what to me or any other young Indian person is progression and growth, to elders would be complete disobedience and defiance.
As a young Indian woman, my family is my highest priority, that is, my parents and sibling. I am 22 years old and all my life I lived with my parents. I was brought up with the morals, values and love that most Indian families consciously impart to their children; in an extremely sheltered environment.
My career path took me all the way from my home town in Johannesburg to Cape Town. Needless to say, this was not my parent’s first choice for me. But, I am fortunate to have parents who were able to put their apprehension aside for my benefit. My parents and I share a wonderful relationship, we are open, to the point that we are more friends than anything else; yet through this, my respect for them still holds strong.
I believe that they are the ideal example of this transition that our Indian society is in the process of undertaking. Their actions are not motivated by a dictatorial outlook but rather by their need to see me succeed in every facet in my life. Their trust and belief in my ability to live my own life and make the right choices, allows me to take on each day with confidence.
If nothing else, let this little account be a lesson in life…
Neha Singh - SUTRA READER
Thursday, December 20, 2007
SUTRA EXPLAINS 7 MYTHS OF EXERCISING..
With summer upon us, the warm African sun beckons us to the outdoors. And as typical South Africans, we can’t help but flock to our country’s enticing beaches. If we haven’t started already, we need to begin working on our fitness to ensure that we are in tip-top shape for a fun-filled holiday season!
SUTRA Magazine clarifies 7 myths to be wary of while we jog, stretch and tone our way to a perfect body this summer.
1. Exercise equipment is better than free weightsRather than buying equipment that will cost you over R5000 each, use barbells and dumbbells to build muscles and tone your upper body.
2. Sit – ups will flatten your stomachSit ups will work on your stomach muscles and tone them, but it cannot reduce the layer of fat that covers the abdominal muscles. A healthy, balanced diet is recommended for that.
3. It is best to work out in the morningsThis is true if you are an early riser, if not, a morning routine will not work for you! It is best to work out when you most feel energetic and then try to build an exercise regime around it.
4. Stretching prevents muscle painStretching is actually used to increase blood circulation.
5. Once you stop, muscle turns to fatMuscle and fat are completely different structures; hard muscle turns into soft muscle when you stop working out, NOT FAT.
6. A twenty minute jog will work wonders for beginnersRather, walk while you run. It is easier on your joints and tendons, and you are able to work out more intensely with periodic breaks.
7. You are bound to get hurtThrough careful exercise, injury is not unavoidable. In fact, the most common factor that causes one to stop exercising and that leads to injury is, over use.
SUTRA Magazine clarifies 7 myths to be wary of while we jog, stretch and tone our way to a perfect body this summer.
1. Exercise equipment is better than free weightsRather than buying equipment that will cost you over R5000 each, use barbells and dumbbells to build muscles and tone your upper body.
2. Sit – ups will flatten your stomachSit ups will work on your stomach muscles and tone them, but it cannot reduce the layer of fat that covers the abdominal muscles. A healthy, balanced diet is recommended for that.
3. It is best to work out in the morningsThis is true if you are an early riser, if not, a morning routine will not work for you! It is best to work out when you most feel energetic and then try to build an exercise regime around it.
4. Stretching prevents muscle painStretching is actually used to increase blood circulation.
5. Once you stop, muscle turns to fatMuscle and fat are completely different structures; hard muscle turns into soft muscle when you stop working out, NOT FAT.
6. A twenty minute jog will work wonders for beginnersRather, walk while you run. It is easier on your joints and tendons, and you are able to work out more intensely with periodic breaks.
7. You are bound to get hurtThrough careful exercise, injury is not unavoidable. In fact, the most common factor that causes one to stop exercising and that leads to injury is, over use.
SUTRA ATTENDS THE REGINE BELLE CONCERT IN CAPE TOWN
SUTRA MAGAZINE attended the soul diva Regina Belle’s concert on 28 November 2007, at the Grand West Casino in Cape Town, South Africa.
And what a spectacular performance it was!
Accompanied by Phil Perry and Glen Jones, Regina Belle put up one of the most memorable performances that Cape Town, South Africa has ever seen!With many R&B ballads under her belt, this Grammy Award winner left many fans breathless with her smooth soulful sultry sounds!
Regina Belle surfaced as a creative, charming soloist on the urban contemporary scene. Born in New Jersey, Regina’s music career began in gospel, although she was also fascinated by R&B during her youth. Belle performed in a New Jersey vocal band, and her tertiary education encompassed opera and jazz.
Regina captivated the audience with accounts of past experiences and songs that had great significance in her life, the sentiment and passion she feels toward music and her fans were clearly illuminated. “People will see that I love God, that I love my family and that I absolutely love music. – Regina Belle”
By the words of Phil Perry, former band member of Earth Wind & Fire, “the concert and genre of music is old school mixed with the new, if there was no old school, there would be no new school, and it’s all about the Blues…!”
The concert was a breathtaking, set of much-loved R&B staples, swinging jazz standards, moody torch songs and old school classics – all conveyed in Belle’s intense choice of words and the lingering fire in her voice.
To share your experiences with great artists, email info@sutramagazine.net.
And what a spectacular performance it was!
Accompanied by Phil Perry and Glen Jones, Regina Belle put up one of the most memorable performances that Cape Town, South Africa has ever seen!With many R&B ballads under her belt, this Grammy Award winner left many fans breathless with her smooth soulful sultry sounds!
Regina Belle surfaced as a creative, charming soloist on the urban contemporary scene. Born in New Jersey, Regina’s music career began in gospel, although she was also fascinated by R&B during her youth. Belle performed in a New Jersey vocal band, and her tertiary education encompassed opera and jazz.
Regina captivated the audience with accounts of past experiences and songs that had great significance in her life, the sentiment and passion she feels toward music and her fans were clearly illuminated. “People will see that I love God, that I love my family and that I absolutely love music. – Regina Belle”
By the words of Phil Perry, former band member of Earth Wind & Fire, “the concert and genre of music is old school mixed with the new, if there was no old school, there would be no new school, and it’s all about the Blues…!”
The concert was a breathtaking, set of much-loved R&B staples, swinging jazz standards, moody torch songs and old school classics – all conveyed in Belle’s intense choice of words and the lingering fire in her voice.
To share your experiences with great artists, email info@sutramagazine.net.
SUTRA SHOWS US WHERE TO GO THIS HOLIDAY!
2007 has undoubtedly left most of us feeling more than a little overworked, stressed and frazzled, but it’s finally time to get away from the boardroom and the office. The big question is; “Where do I go to relax, revitalize and energize?” SUTRA MAGAZINE HAS THE ANSWER!
BACKPACKING TO NORTH INDIA!
Almora
Almora is one of the most beautiful places in Kumaon region in Uttaranchal. Almora is a very virgin hill-station and is full of scenic beauty. Nestled in the lap of nature this region has small houses built on the slopes and splendors of this place are added colorful attire of the natives. Just besides city flows the Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali) rivers.
MussoorieIt is located at a height of 2,500 meters in the green Himalayan range. Due to its location and beauty Mussoorie is considered as the best hill station in the northern region. In 1820 Captain Young from the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made this place as his residence. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of ’Mussoorie’ which were found in abundance here. The modern bungalows, malls and well-laid gardens, which are located on the small hills around the area, are enough to attract any tourist.
Nainital
Once this area had many lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes or ’Chakta’. Most of the lakes in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nainital, which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini Lake.
Gulmarg
The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 meters, 56-km south west of Srinagar. The name means ’Meadow of Flowers’ and in the spring it’s just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Nots and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another. It’s a popular day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use it as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower slopes of the range, passing through rice and maize fields.
Srinagar
The capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the state, Srinagar (1,730m) is famous for its canals, houseboats and Mughal gardens. The city itself is quite unlike most other large Indian cities for here you are much more in Central Asia than on the sub continent. It’s a city full of intriguing alleyways and curious buildings. A place where it’s very easy to spend a few hours simply wandering - particularly along the old city streets near the Jhelum river.
Pahalgam
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar, Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the night time temperatures do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River running right through the town. Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them.
It is needless to say that the experience is exceptionally exhilarating and invigorating, for these and other East Asian getaways, go to www.sutramagazine.net or get a copy of SUTRA™ MAGAZINE at your nearest retail outlet.
SUTRA MAGAZINE, on shelves now!
BACKPACKING TO NORTH INDIA!
Almora
Almora is one of the most beautiful places in Kumaon region in Uttaranchal. Almora is a very virgin hill-station and is full of scenic beauty. Nestled in the lap of nature this region has small houses built on the slopes and splendors of this place are added colorful attire of the natives. Just besides city flows the Koshi (Kaushaki) and Suyal (Salmali) rivers.
MussoorieIt is located at a height of 2,500 meters in the green Himalayan range. Due to its location and beauty Mussoorie is considered as the best hill station in the northern region. In 1820 Captain Young from the British army was influenced by the beauty of this place and made this place as his residence. The name, Mussoorie, is derived from plants of ’Mussoorie’ which were found in abundance here. The modern bungalows, malls and well-laid gardens, which are located on the small hills around the area, are enough to attract any tourist.
Nainital
Once this area had many lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes or ’Chakta’. Most of the lakes in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nainital, which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini Lake.
Gulmarg
The valley of Gulmarg, a large meadow about 3-sq-kms in area, stands at 2,730 meters, 56-km south west of Srinagar. The name means ’Meadow of Flowers’ and in the spring it’s just that, a rolling meadow dotted with countless colourful Bluebells, Daisies, Forget Me Nots and Buttercups. The valley itself is about 3-km long and up to a km wide. All around are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat is one direction and Srinagar is another. It’s a popular day trip from Srinagar to Gulmarg, although many people extend their stay or use it as a base for trekking. The road from Srinagar rises gently towards the lower slopes of the range, passing through rice and maize fields.
Srinagar
The capital of Jammu and Kashmir and the largest city in the state, Srinagar (1,730m) is famous for its canals, houseboats and Mughal gardens. The city itself is quite unlike most other large Indian cities for here you are much more in Central Asia than on the sub continent. It’s a city full of intriguing alleyways and curious buildings. A place where it’s very easy to spend a few hours simply wandering - particularly along the old city streets near the Jhelum river.
Pahalgam
At an altitude of 2,130m and about 95-km from Srinagar, Pahalgam is probably the most popular hill resort in the Kashmir valley. Since it is rather lower than Gulmarg the night time temperatures do not drop so low and it has the further advantage of the beautiful Lidder River running right through the town. Pahalgam is situated at the junction of the Aru and Sheshnag Rivers and surrounded by soaring, fir-covered mountains with bare, snow-capped peaks rising behind them.
It is needless to say that the experience is exceptionally exhilarating and invigorating, for these and other East Asian getaways, go to www.sutramagazine.net or get a copy of SUTRA™ MAGAZINE at your nearest retail outlet.
SUTRA MAGAZINE, on shelves now!
SUTRA ON BRIDAL HAIR AND BEAUTY
Women, even in this day and age dream of that perfect fairytale wedding. Whether she is exquisitely dressed in white or elegantly draped in red, a key factor that makes her day is her hair and makeup.
In each edition, SUTRA Magazine takes you on a journey surrounding various elements of bridal beauty and hair.
SUTRA showcases professional make up artists and hairstylists; while also providing us with tricks of the trade for our own personal touch ups.
“The elaborate flower-infused hair piece of South Indian tradition has undergone a style revamp through the use of elaborate beading interwoven in the existing hair piece.
For the North Indian hair style, hair accessories encrusted with diamonds, pearl headgear and silver hairpins are fast becoming in vogue.
The overly made-up look of yester-year is a no-no, and bronzed glitter and shimmer is all the rage.
For tradition lovers, matte finishes are still used while the colours used are fresh and contemporary. Heavily kohl lined eyes with long eyelids painted with heavy mascara is the much-needed traditional touch.”
-SUTRA™ MAGAZINE
SUTRA gives us extensive information on wedding dresses and saris, venues, hair and make up, bridal jewellery, bridal accessories groom suits, skin care, and the perfect honeymoon destinations.
SUTRA is the ultimate wedding guide for your big day!
In each edition, SUTRA Magazine takes you on a journey surrounding various elements of bridal beauty and hair.
SUTRA showcases professional make up artists and hairstylists; while also providing us with tricks of the trade for our own personal touch ups.
“The elaborate flower-infused hair piece of South Indian tradition has undergone a style revamp through the use of elaborate beading interwoven in the existing hair piece.
For the North Indian hair style, hair accessories encrusted with diamonds, pearl headgear and silver hairpins are fast becoming in vogue.
The overly made-up look of yester-year is a no-no, and bronzed glitter and shimmer is all the rage.
For tradition lovers, matte finishes are still used while the colours used are fresh and contemporary. Heavily kohl lined eyes with long eyelids painted with heavy mascara is the much-needed traditional touch.”
-SUTRA™ MAGAZINE
SUTRA gives us extensive information on wedding dresses and saris, venues, hair and make up, bridal jewellery, bridal accessories groom suits, skin care, and the perfect honeymoon destinations.
SUTRA is the ultimate wedding guide for your big day!
THE MEANING OF SUTRA - SUTRA MAGAZINE EXPLAINS!
Factually Sutra means a strand that connects things, and more figuratively refers to an aphorism or a series of aphorisms; a way of embodying and communicating guidelines of ancient religious and philosophic thought.Sutras commonly relate to the Vedas, that is; Ancient Hindu Scriptures of which there are three types. The Kalpa-sutras are rules of ritual; the Grihya-sutras are domestic rules regarding regular family matters such as marriage, and the Samayacharika-sutras concern customs and worldly duties.
South Africa’s premier lifestyle magazine, SUTRA™ has successfully brought these aspects and more together, adapted for the unique South African lifestyle in this cosmopolitan age.
Editor-in-chief, Dr. Kommal states that: “Indians in South Africa have over the years developed a very unique and intriguing culture that is deeply rooted in Indian values and culture, yet proudly South African. The Indian people of South Africa have always been a very dedicated, and hardworking, and are much more than simply Bollywood. We lead very complex lifestyles and it is about time that world knows this”.
SUTRA™ magazine is the ’thread’ that links and eases the change in our ways of life, from the traditional to the forward-thinking approach we know today.SUTRA™ strives to bring with one voice and enrich lives by providing relevant information based on positive ideals for individuals who know what they want and who are willing to take it.
“SUTRA may be an ancient concept but is in fact a modern approach. With the fast paced life in our global village, we need Sutra to keep us interestedly informed, enthusiastically entertained, and focused. All this in the palm of our hands!” Kamal Maharaj
In this season’s edition, readers can look forward to; Gavin Rajah the concept of this international fashion guru; Marriage across the colour line approve or disapprove; Your Wedding Sutra scrutinizes your big day; Love online the do’s and don’ts about internet dating. Sutra on Hair and Beauty; Restaurant Reviews; Festive Feelings Sutra celebrates at Eid and Diwali; Honeymoon Hotspots Sutra takes you on a journey to exquisite honeymoon destinations.
SUTRA MAGAZINE'S DR. TERRENCE KOMMAL IS SELECTED!
Sutra™ magazine’s editor in chief, Dr. Terrence Kommal was recently selected to profile on Who’s Who of Southern Africa. For the past 99 years Who’s Who of Southern Africa has strived to profile individuals in Southern Africa who, through their own expertise, genius and powerful efforts, have achieved more than most.Sutra™ magazine’s editor in chief, Dr. Terrence Kommal was recently selected to profile on Who’s Who of Southern Africa. For the past 99 years Who’s Who of Southern Africa has strived to profile individuals in Southern Africa who, through their own expertise, genius and powerful efforts, have achieved more than most.
The database has become more representative of Southern African society with each passing year, as we endeavour to reflect the changing values of the region and contextualize the accomplishments of its citizens. Many in depth biographies are featured and compiled from information provided by the subjects.
The database includes an array of recognized South African leaders including Mr. Thabo Mbeki: President of the Republic of South Africa; Mr. Nelson Mandela: Former State president of the Republic of South Africa; Mr. Tokyo Sexwale: Non Executive Chair: Mvelaphanda Holdings; Mr. Mahesh Amarath: Chief Executive Officer DISA Hotels (Pty) Ltd; and Mrs. Helen Zille: Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town.Achievement is not only about rank, title and wealth; it is about a great deal more. Who’s Who of Southern Africa wants to be sure that we include our leaders, our achievers, our champions and our heroes in equal measure.
Dr. Kommal meets these requirements in more ways that one.
He is a martial arts exponent with more than 12 years experience in the Shotokan style of the arts, and had been invited twice to the world championships. He was also a youth member of the Durban City Council and had undergone many training courses as offered by the council.
He has also served in the SANDF for many years as a commissioned officer and his specialised training in various fields including Specialised Field and Urban Insurgence Combat, Nuclear Chemical and Biological Warfare Disaster Management, various other United Nations courses. He further specialised in International Operations via UNITAR, United Nations and was admitted to the International Roll of HonourDr. Kommal’s academic career started early with him pursuing parallel degrees. At this moment he holds various qualifications including a Doctorate Degree, and various other legal and medical qualifications.
His academic excellence has been crowned and commended by being Nominated for full membership of the South Africa Royal Society, by Prof. Daya Reddy, Dean of Science and recipient of the South African Highest National Order - Mapungubwe Order. He was then awarded full membership to the Society by the National Executive Council, in recognition of academic research and work excellence.
His exposure into the business world started as a part-time data capturer at a freighting company. He noticed on a daily basis, that millions worth of IT related goods were being sent between various levels of wholesalers and distributors, leaving the consumer to bear the costs of this long chain of distribution. At that stage he identified the need for consumers to have direct access to IT related products and consumables. Within few months of this period he became the first business owner to make IT related consumables esp. CD’s and DVD’s available directly to retail chains, including the Edcon and Massmart Groups, and from the international exporters.
Through his experiences in the IT fields he had gained much exposure and insight in the online arena and began developing various applications online. These included wedding services websites, online B2B relations, 2010 portals and various other projects.
Dr. Kommal’s excellence in these fields had gained him much acclaim and he was awarded the SABC and International Marketing Council’s Top Ten Business Entrepreneur of the Year award by Lotus FM in 2004.
His business excellence was also recognised by various international corporations including People Interactive, the multinational services company that owns brands such as Shaadi.com, the world’s largest matchmaking brand. He was offered partnerships with this and other companies for Southern Africa, but refused as he still felt that there was need to create a viable medium both into and for the Indian and related markets in South Africa.
Through the period that followed in these years, he was offered the all Africa license to publish a US based Indian Magazine, Nirvana Woman, in South Africa.
Soon after being awarded this license he met with Mr. Gavin Rajah to discuss the possibility further developing the Nirvana Magazine into a more South African product. After much deliberation and discussion they jointly decided that the Nirvana product had to be abandoned and a purely South Africa product be developed. Gavin was and is still very enthusiastic about this publication and came on board as a creative and strategic director. He took the great liberty of naming the publication as SUTRA.
Through the recent periods he has finalised the registration of subsidiary companies of Kommal Holdings, besides in South Africa, in London and Mumbai.
SUTRA Magazine look forwards to sharing further successes of this dynamic man, while he creates opportunities for South Africa using the Sutra brand as a stepping stone in the international market.
Congratulations Dr. Kommal!
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