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mytravelfootprints: Lets help our Nepalese Climate Reality Mentor Brot...:   Lets help our Nepalese Climate Reality Mentor Brother- Phurpa Lama. Elsie Gabriel   The Nepal earthquake has killed at least ...

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SHAKEN AND STIRRED BY MICHELIN STAR CHEF VIKAS KHANNA Elsie Gabriel

 

SHAKEN AND STIRRED BY MICHELIN STAR CHEF VIKAS KHANNA

“I am a hard core green juice lover, daily raw juice drinker, and evangelist for the benefits of green juices; and of course Chef Vikas Khanna won me over.”

Says Elsie Gabriel

Its summer time and nothing can be more refreshing than a green cocktail! Meeting the super chef Vikas Khanna was such a delight at the Foodhall Palladium,Mumbai, where he churned out some amazing cool concoctions for the summer time.

I am a hard core green juice lover, daily raw juice drinker, and evangelist for the benefits of green juices; and of course Chef Khanna won me over. What more, the Foodhall offers so many fresh greens that you just want to indulge in a cleansing routine and good fresh raw food. I shopped a whole basket full of micro greens!!

 To add to this excitement the suave Michelin-star chef launched the book ‘Shaken and Stirred’ that is his brilliant gift to all those who love good old fresh liquids for the soul. Demonstrating his exceptional mixology skills, Chef Vikas showed the fascinated audience how to make mocktails, My favourites were Lime to Lemons and Green Machine. With the Green Machine, I know am gonna lose a few pounds and that makes it my favourite. He takes the  refreshing and hydrating juice blending scenario to a whole new level. He  is absolutely world class and let me tell you a secret –his best two ingredients that he uses for any of his culinary preparations are— laughter and love! Yes you guessed it right, he elevates food to a sublime state where his finale is a offering of so much adoration. No wonder he is loved the world over.

This book Shaken and Stirred is a dazzling collection of non-alcoholic drinks. From delicious teas to refreshing slushes and classic drinks, Vikas guides his readers on how to create unique and exquisite drinks that would keep guests satisfied and have them coming back for more.I love the way he uses fresh garden ingredients, a good closeby source easily available to people right in the back yard or store near you.

“I’m touched by the love and  affection and this is exactly what keeps my quest for undiscovered flavors. The versatile recipes in Shaken and Stirred allow you to play with your imagination, while keeping the pure flavor and wholesome goodness of the ingredients intact,”said an elated Vikas Khanna.

Trained at the Culinary Institute of America, Vikas Khanna runs the upscale restaurant Junoon in Manhattan. Having started a catering company at the age of seventeen  in Amritsar, he has been regularly featured on various international television shows such as Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares, Masterchef Australia and The Martha Stewart Show.

Let me give you a helpful tasting tip for green fresh juices,that will assist you while thinking about your flavor options. In terms of ‘greenness’ or that green taste you associate with leafy greens, the juices aren’t all that raw and bland. Simply try and experiment by adding lemon drops or coconut water or try simply mixing two of your favourite vegetables or fruits together, and there you go..you become a green juice addict overnight!  Be kind to your self, allow your palette time to adjust to a more ‘green-centric’ flavor profile as you begin your green journey.
Go on get your diet some good greens!

70 solar lanterns needed by Nepalese Brother- Phurpa Lama. Call +977 9818183958 and help. Elsie Gabriel

 

Lets help our Nepalese Villages light a home with solar lanterns.
Reach out to Climate Reality Mentor Brother- Phurpa Lama.

Elsie Gabriel

 

Six consequtive earthquakes again rocked the Himalayan Neapal region.
This is a call out for Solar lanterns to this village. The phone number and co ordinates are given below,please do reach out to Nepalese relief centers to reach out to them.

Earlier-The Nepal earthquake had killed at least 7000 people approximately and injured more than twice as many as of May 1^st 2015. The disaster occurred on 25 April with a magnitude of 7.8.

 When I heard of the news last weekend, I reached out to some of my friends in Nepal. And then my thoughts focused on our Nepalese brother in the Climate Reality organization - Phurpa Lama. I had briefly met him during the 2014 Delhi Mentor Climate Reality training. A very active leader, Phurpa ensured that he volunteered to any task asked of us Mentors. Later in March and April, we got chatting on the wassapp and facebook social media, I shared how my sister in law is a ‘Lama’ Nepalese by origin and how I could be connected.

 

Little did I know that a natural disaster would again connect us... Phurpa kept sharing his recent Climate Reality presentations, infact two in the month of April, one for the Women and climate change on April 22nd; and another just as recent as the April 24^th,days before the natural disaster. Quote from Phurpa on facebook- “Made a presentation on climate reality to a selective group of participant program organized by Hamro Chahana Nepal marking Global Earth Day 2015. Power outages was a big challenges but able to overcome it.” And another, “Delivered a presentation on Climate reality to Indigenous women leaders from Sindhupalchok Districk at headquarter intitiated by National Women Indigenous Federation, Sindhupalchok. I am glad to see such a enthusiastic and inspiring participant from more than 10 different indigenous communities residing within a district.”

I remember visiting Nepal ten years ago, researching the Chitwan National park and creating awareness about the Rhinoceros. It is a rich country with valuable biodiversity, ancient heritage and monumental architecture. 

Usually environmental stress is mainly attributed to rapid economic and population growth but this high land Everest region seemingly had sustained its lakes, wetlands, fresh water ecosystems and glaciers. Future investigations and continued study of the climate change in the Nepalese Himalayas will throw light on the exact causes of such calamities. Science is still unable to predict earthquakes with accuracy. It is complex. Numerous factors, such as the depth of the quake and the nature of the rocks will surely be studied for future adaptations.

Over the years, unlike many other countries, development has been slow as Nepal has shown respect for its environment.  Ancient constructions, low lying valleys, transportation, seismic activity, pollution,infrastructure strength and population, all these will be top priority research studies now, hopefully to rebuild the land of Mt Everest.

But as of NOW, we need to network and support at the 'first' stage of crisis management which is basic survival kits and networking to direct aid in the right directions.

 So, Why am I sharing this today? Basically to help us all connect as Climate Reality Leaders and Mentors, strengthen the bond among us in order to work and network to uplift each other during such natural calamities. I keep picturing all the natural disaster slides which we use for our presentations, now one of them will be engraved as the recent Nepal earthquake. As a fellow Climate Reality leader and Mentor, May I ask each one reading this to reach out to send aid through which ever charity you may have chosen to patronize for the Nepal Earthquake, by giving Phurpa Lama’s contact and village address, so that Lama in turn can continue to be a Climate Leader in these trying times. He is available on Mobile number- +977 9818183958  and address- Kiul-7, Sindhupalchok, Kathmandu, Nepal 00977 .. @phurpa_lama(Twitter} / phurpayolmo@gmail.com

Phurpa Lama is from Nepal and belongs to the Hyolmo Indigenous community one of 59 Indigenous communities recognized by government of Nepal and affiliated to Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN). Presently he has served as a mentor during 27th Climate Reality Leadership Corps 2015 held in New Delhi. He has been working as a resource person at NEFIN Climate Change Partnership program in Nepal since 2011.

This is first hand information from Phurpa Lama on the Nepal  earthquake which he shared:

 -April 27^th 2015..”Dear all, thank you so much for your love and care towards me. I am safe from a terrible Disaster in Chautara Municipality head quarter of Sindhupalchok. Allmost 90% of villages near by Chautata are Destroyed. My prayers are with those who lost thier lives. And Just after arrival from Sindhupalchok with high risk by Motorbike I am able to reach Ktm and suddenly heard that almost all of my village including my house are destroyed. So trying to connect with my people. Good news Is no any single people are injured but now are living under one tent. And Now decided to do more with Climate change Issues in Nepal. There can be more climate related disaster and if we don't act Immediately. I could feel that. After all I was under tent for 41 hours.”

-April 28^th “ Earth Quake is a natural disaster and so many innocent people are under disaster loosing lives, being injured , hopeless, homeless, and it is for sure there will be more and more Disaster to come that will be climate related disaster. Time is coming up for proper caution I hope every citizen starts getting involved for better enviroment to overcome upcoming disaster.”

-On April 29^th Phurpa Lamam wrote, “The death toll has now climbed 4769 and number of people injured as 9239. Additionally, 61 were injured in the avalanche on Mt. Everest. Neighbor countries India, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Pakistan , Japan including America and Denmark providing tremendous relief fund, Material and supplies but could not reach to victims. Most of the relief materials are stocked at Tribhuvan International Airport. It’s a shame that there is still lacking coordination within government.”

Lets keep Nepal close in our prayers, during its road to recovery. We are all connected to the web of life.

Natural sunshine welcomes you to the warmth of the JW.Marriott,Mumbai,Sahar. Elsie Gabriel

Natural sunshine welcomes you to the warmth of the new JW.Marriott,Mumbai,Sahar.

                        Elsie Gabriel.

Crisp strong sunshine and warmth greet you as one walks into the JW Marriot Hotel Sahar, Mumbai.  Beams of light play with the suspended tear drop crystal chandeliers all across the multi labyrinths of the expansive front lobby. The hotel pays homage to nature and environment alright.

Visitors may be just likely to gasp when taking in the first glance of the hotel itself. Intelligently constructed to evoke the rays of the rising and setting sun, the shimmering all-glass window facades illuminate not only the entrance but your very senses.

 

 

Explains the Hotels G.M. Saeid Heidari, “We are glad to make use of the natural sunlight, not only saving electricity but also using the sunbeams to throw warm bright lights on the earthy theme used at the front entrance lobby. These rays render colors accurately, even to the point of intensifying the use of the chandeliers placed to welcome guests at our new hotel.”

Here at the hotel, direct lighting creates drama and fosters anticipation to discover the spaces within the hotel. Spanning more than 15 acres, the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is set to offer an unparalleled experience. Highly knowledgeable the globe trotting hotelier, Heidari, is a German by origin, has over twenty five years of  hospitality leadership with Marriott hotels across Middle East, Europe and now India, with the past three years as the General Manager for Renaissance Mumbai.

                                        

Continues Heidari, who has a good sense of humour and a very contagious energy level, which made the afternoon brunch at the in house exquisite Italian restaurant ‘ Romano’s’, a pleasure, “I hold two graduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and Law but fate has brought me to the hospitality industry . I am enjoying my experience here in India. Experience has taught me to never judge a book by its cover, we are always welcoming guests from all sectors of life with utmost respect and good service.”

Back in the lobby which has an extended coffee lounge, softer tones are echoed on the circling ceiling which resembles the ‘Queens Necklace’, an iconic landmark of the city of Mumbai. Filled with the energizing effect of intense hues, the opulent entrance invites me to the adjacent  JW Café which is an all day multi cuisine dining arena. Of course I will take you through that extravagant experience in my next naration,right now am still feeling the warmth of the natural sunlight!

It is amazing how the hotel uses sky light which is constantly moving, to capture different hues inside, this is cost effective and surely pays tribute to Planet Earth!

 

 

Sipping Typhoo Chai means cutting carbon footprints! Elsie Gabriel

 

Sipping Typhoo Chai means cutting carbon footprints!

A single mature tree can absorb carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs./year and release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support 2 human beings."
- McAliney, Mike. Arguments for Land Conservation, Sacramento, CA, December, 1993

Elsie Gabriel.

 

On Earth Day, we must commit to the challenge of supporting a growing global population while preserving precious soil, air and water resources. And the Apeejay Typhoo brand did just that! Healing flavors of environmentally-sustainable Typhoo tea has been termed as a green step towards cutting carbon footprints and preserving nature. Typhoo has announced the launch of the first globally certified environmentally sustainable teas to be marketed across India. The ‘Gold’ products  bear the distinct seal of the Rainforest Alliance. The Rainforest Alliance is a global non-profit that works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices, and consumer behavior.

This means that responsible food marketing in the country through this collaboration with Rainforest Alliance is all set to grab the attention of the ‘chai’ addicts in the country. India is synonymous with tea, it’s the common mans cure to health, bringing in zest and vitality; and ever so often than most of the time, its tea time for almost half the Indian population. Every gathering, every social association kick starts with Tea, so the marriage of good tea production certified by Rain forest Alliance heralds hope for ‘dharti’ here in India and most of all brings about healing touches also to planet Earth.

The amount of oxygen produced by trees depend on the species of tree, its age, its health, and also on the tree's surroundings. According to research, "a mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year." The more greenery encouraged in our country , the more carbon dioxide would be absorbed from the atmosphere, making India a leader in fighting climate change through more agriculture.

"Rainforest Alliance is one of the leading stalwarts in sustainable farming and environmental cause. It is a globally accepted seal which puts the stamp of authenticity. We are delighted to announce the start of our plan to offer certified teas pan India. Our certified products are aligned with the evolving consumer attitudes; their growing environmental concerns as well as mindful living linking consumption  and sustainability. With our products sourced from estates that have implemented stringent best practices as well as rigorous standards for the last few years and a certification seal now on our Product Packs, we seek to spark a debate on the connection between Climate, Community, Consumption and Consumers.”, said Subrata Mukherji, business head, Typhoo's India operations.  “Consumers are going to be key driver as long as we are taking the responsibility of educating people regarding environment, Mukherji added.

Sustainable agriculture will protect India’s environment, biodiversity, waterways, wildlife habitats and the rights and well-being of Tea plantation farmers, workers and  their families as well. “We ensure that our farmers replenish the soils with natural manure and the decisions they make with regard to agricultural production influence surface and ground water, air quality, and soil health positively.” Explained Harki Sidhu,Consulting Programe coordinator, India.

 

Dominique Gangneux, Vice-President, Markets Transformation, The Rainforest Alliance said, “It is hugely progressive and commendable of Typhoo to bring a suite of products to the market that carry the Rainforest Alliance green frog seal. Committing sourcing tea from Rainforest Alliance Certified tea estates and to display the Frog seal so prominently in its luxurious as well as premium popular brands gives consumers confidence that the tea they are buying has been responsibly sourced.”

 

India sure does have a growing community of socially conscious consumers who want to purchase brands that enable their commitment to a more sustainable world. Said Ashok Batra, Consultant Markets transformation and Sustainable values Rainforest Alliance India, “Farmers, after all, are stewards of acres of precious land. Typhoo has acknowledged the fine conservation work done on acres of land and enabled these farmers to acquire the technologies and tools they need to make best use of their land. We must educate the community in gaining knowledge about products which contribute towards sustainability.”

As the water and land needed to produce food become more and more limited, it is essential to examine all the opportunities that will renew the resources that keep our earth strong, thriving and plentiful. Like the Media guru Bachi Karkaria said at the launch, “ It is not enough just to be a green brand to be featured in the papers, it is how much positive difference you have made in promoting sustainability and in what quantum that get one media attention. Media then surely shares its responsibility in promoting sustainability.”

This Earth Day, we should all commit to making personal changes that can help the environment, and give thanks to the farmers for the work they do. I believe that farmers are true ecologists.Congratulations, Typhoo!

“Elsie Gabriel a world wide travel,lifestyle and ecology writer, she is also a Climate Reality Mentor. She is founder of the Young Environmentalists Programme Trust an NGO dedicated over the last two decades in educating the youth and community on sustainable living,Climate change,environment education and green living habits as a certified green teacher.She is also an award winning author of the book called Get Out Get Going Outdoors . The Climate Reality Project is an organization involved in education and advocacy related to climate founded by Al Gore,the former VP of USA."

 

Come away enriched with lessons of culinary history with Chef Sandeep Pande.

Come away enriched with lessons of culinary history with Chef Sandeep Pande.

Elsie Gabriel.

 Many of our Indian cultures contain expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving; and celebrating the  ‘Baisakhi’ festival at Nawab Saheb, at the Renaissance Powai was extraordinarily enriching. The food festival gave thanks for all the offerings Mother Earth has bestowed on us, being treated like royalty on the eve of Earth Day was a blessing one can not forget easily.

 A wide variety of grains, vegetables, herbs and nuts go into the breads and food items from the various country farms to celebrate the seasonal festival of life on earth. The Nawab Saheb showcased just that and much more; as Executive chef Sandeep Pande took us on a journey of culinary research. In the world of sleek celebrity chefs and master chefs, his down to earth knowledge sharing about the rustic lanes and villages of Punjab which actually gave rise to the festival, was a relief. Chef Sandeep traveled into the inlands  and farms of the Punjabi villages collecting resources, masalas, know hows and ofcourse culinary lessons himself.He has hand picked the combinations and earthy recepies.

When you hear Chef Sandeep Pande speak, you want to listen, his deep research treats the epicenter of ‘food’ as a medium to connect with people. It is a culinary journey of his explanations that lead you to respect and savor every bite that his offerings set the table for. And then you realize once again, that it is the medium of food that binds us all together on this planet after all.

And he’s had excellent success. His dynamic makes him an intriguing food expert, and a good source for understanding what festival food is all about.And why we all should care to celebrate the harvest of life at the beginning of the solar year.  

Of course, he downplays the whole thing. His gourmet journey began with the Oberoi group and then he collected world class culinary experience from the Far East , Middle East and the European world to come back to India . He excels in Mediterranean, Indian, Thai and festival food. Chef Sandeep Pande was also involved in milestone gourmet dates abroad like hosting MICE Functions, conducting international food festivals, and trained in Michelin starred cuisine restaurants. Chef Sandeep Pande obtained his Masters in Hospitality Administration from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration after completing his Post Graduate Diploma in Kitchen Management, and Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology. He is also a senior member of the UAE Culinary Guild and a member of the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, USA.

The Nawabi food is served through out the year so indulge. Relish the dishes once prepared for the Indian Nawabs . Indulge in the dishes like Dum ka Murgh,Biryani Oudhi and Dal Khaas Nawabi.Ofcourse I loved the huge Achari lobster,Jhelum ka jheenga, Amritari machli with many vegetarian offerings like Jalandar de tikke, Sarso da saang,Missi roti and lachcha paratha.

During ‘Baisakhi’ the farmers give 'thanks' to the creator for their fortune and pray for a better crop the following year. I enjoyed the 'Baisakhi di Raat' at Nawab Saheb at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel & Lakeside Chalet Powai, you should try the gourmet journey too.

I, for one, came away rich with the Akshay Tritya celebration sweet desserts, sprinkled with gold and silver edible leaves, another parallel festival being celebrated at the Lakeside coffee shop on the same floor.  Meet chef Sandeep Pande and come away educated with many lessons in culinary history. He is not only a powerhouse of gourmet journeys but an excellent chef!

 

Building bricks from renewable raw materials-The BOHECO Boys!Climate Change fighters in their own right.Elsie Gabriel

 

Building bricks from renewable raw materials-

The BOHECO Boys!

Climate Change fighters in their own right.

Elsie Gabriel

We all talk about sustainable building materials, eco friendly crop based materials contributing to  low carbon emissions but the BOHECO Boys walk the talk; and talk the walk, literally through Hemp….

I believe these boys originally from the H.R.College of Commerce Mumbai have come a long way. And how! So, if you must know Hemp is a crop, a very domesticated crop, used since time immemorial for everything from food, clothing, rope, paper and plastic to even car parts. Research has outlined that hemp is incredibly versatile and can be utilized as cooking oil and cosmetic products as well.

So how are these boys climate change fighters in their own right? Well, for one, they provide relief to the atmosphere by researching and conducting a new green economy rather than invest in an already established polluting easy job, they  uplift socio-economic standards of local farmers, identify and utilize the untapped value of natural geographic advantages. In a time of high unemployment, they have endorsed that hemp could provide farmers green jobs, motivating cultivators to keep growing this ancestral crop, and most of all producing biodegradable bi products from Hemp which contribute to  environmentally sustainable industries, thus fighting global warming and climate change.

The need for crops and plants to grow, for trees and healthy cultivation to continue has never been greater. Given all of these benefits these boys are surely true environmentalists.

It is also believed that the Hemp fibre requires very little water to turn into cotton cloth. That’s cutting production carbon emissions by half already.

 The BOHECO boys are still researching on a variety of low carbon building materials from Hemp. As well as reducing the environmental footprint, Hemp will be stronger than steel they believe.It was the first time ever I saw the Hemp bricks.Hopefully these will contribute to more sustainable green buildings.

“Hemp plastic is completely biodegradable and let's the Earth breathe,” Says Jahan Peston Jamas co-founder of  BOHECO,  India’s first industrial hemp company which now works with the Indian union and state governments to reform the agriculture industry with natural fibres, Adds Jahan,“Hemp can be used to make nearly 25,000 products including textiles, oil, milk, paper, biodegradable plastics, tofu, flour, protein powder, bio-fuel and construction material.”

I have known Jahan as a school kid, winning the trophy for his school at a tough debate competition,ever since he rocked the stage and shook the audience with his powerful articulate deliveries, I knew this boy would go far.Ofcourse Sarla Jamas, his Mother is his true motivator and guides all the BOHECO boys through thick and thin,sharpening their skills to continue being strong professionals.  

 

 

 Team BOHECO is presently composed of  seven full time co-founders and first generation agri-entrepreneurs,  with undergraduate, post graduate and PHD academic qualifications, they are a very enterprising lot.

Master Chef Vicky Ratnani cooking with BOHECO Hemp oil.

BOHECO began with handloom fabrics but today the Hemp Couture is actually BOHECO’s in-house fashion brand. Now they work with local industry and farmers to manufacture innovative agro-products for pharmaceutical, construction, energy, paper, food,cooking oil, textile, lubricants, automobile, oil and cortage industries from the industrial hemp crop and now are working to use this model pan-India for poverty alleviation, empowerment and rural development.

 ‘Educate. Cultivate. Elevate’  is their mission statement, they are green advocates in every sense.

 Research shows that Henry Ford spent more than a decade researching and building his Model-T car which was not only constructed from hemp but was also designed to run off hemp bio-fuel? These BOHECO boys are here to stay, and carry on the legacy of Hemp which I believe, Ford would have saluted them for!

The BOHECO boys make a safe, strong and clean future for the environment, always researching and developing. Well this year 2015, on April 22^nd which marks the 45^th anniversary of world EARTH DAY , the BOHECO boys could not have paid a better tribute to planet Earth!