1860 3000 1555 l ...Sujeesh KV Business Head – Kasaragod Branch Appreciation letter from a group...

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Volume 15 | Issue 2 | May 2015Let Our Values Emerge

1860 3000 1555 l www.uaeexchangeindia.com

05 .........MD’s Message

06..................Responsium

08.............News Excerpts

10 ......Global Glimpses

14......................HR Faccia

18...................Health Tips

20 ..............Expedition

22..........My Scribbles

24....................Insight

26..........Photography

29..........New Contest

Inside

issueMay 2015 2

08

12

18

26

Cover photo byMr.Arunkumar C., AO Audit Department

EDITOR’S DESK

Editorial Team

Sheeba JohnsonAnn Susan PaulFeba Jacob

Correspondents

Ratheesh VRVishnu MBenny Joseph TX

Design

Creative Communication

Editorial Office

II Floor, Krishna Hospital BuildingMG Road, Kochi - 682 011Tel. No: 0484 3047092 [email protected]

Visit us

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Words once spokencannot betaken back

“Three things cannot be retrieved: The arrow once sped from the bow The word spoken in haste

The missed opportunity.”

In his book “Caravan of Dreams”, these words were penned by Mr. Idries Shah, who was born in India as the descendant of a family of Afghan nobles.

I remember learning a poem when I was in the primary school, the meaning of which resembles this quote. The crux of the poem goes like this – Time will heal a wound made by an arrow, the branches of a tree will grow again even if they are cut off, the forest will bloom again even if it is destroyed by fire, but the damage caused by the use of dreadful words could never be repaired.

Let us not criticize or find delight in malevolent scandal, let us not find fault with others. Instead, train ourselves to think with kindness and speak with courtesy. Let us guard our lips such that no evil words come out of them. Let us guard our hands such that they help us do our work diligently.

Friends, each morning and each day is given to us by the Almighty for using it without wasting or neglecting its moments. Remember that opportunity knocks only once.

Let us start each day cheerfully, always smiling and going the extra mile in service so that the people we are serving will be happier and contented.

Ebby AbrahamEditor-in-Chief

Xpressions - May 2015 5

MD’S MESSAGE

Thank youV George Antony

Managing Director

Be proud to be an inevitable part of a Company which has grown with the valuable contributions of each and every member who is and had been a part of it. Together, we

have made our company one of the most trusted brands among the money transfer companies in the world. The global brand has spread its wings over 32 countries, among which, India is the largest receiver of remittance and the one and only country which has 380 plus direct offices in the country.

India’s population is increasing, and the technology is developing at a very fast pace. When we began our operations 34 years ago in 1980 globally, we had offered only money transfer through drafts to our customers, and it was taking at least 10-15 days to be received by the beneficiary. From there, the technology has developed, and now, the money is received by the beneficiaries within minutes. Over the years, we have evolved to be a “one stop shop for all the financial requirements” of our customers.

Our constant update of available technologies and adaptation to advanced modes of services has earned us greater goodwill than our competitors in the market. Our country dreams a Digital India. Within a short span of time, it will come true, and we should be a part of this national mission. For this, our strong Digital network, keeping in pace with the digital era, is striving for the best outwork, eventually taking our company to higher levels.

As we are a customer-oriented company, the first and the foremost thing we have kept in our priority list is customer satisfaction. We have assured safe transactions with prompt and quality services

to our customers which are maintained till date. We have always been able to keep up this promise. As we always make sure that our customers are offered the best services and ensure they have a smile on their face while leaving our office, we have many more coming back to us, which is the real reward we have been earning.

We have been maintaining a culture for assuring operational quality in our work. To further develop ourselves and emerge according to the vision we have, we should develop ourselves to think differently, plan efficiently and execute effectively. There lies our success. We have a strong management and strong hierarchy in all levels which helps for a close monitoring.

We have been enjoying this grand position not only because we are extremely focused on network expansion, product diversification, strong infrastructure base, and efficient manpower, but also because we place our customers above all these. Moreover, the committed, hardworking, and the dedicated team we have and our strong partnership with our stakeholders are also helping us to continue in the lead.

The status we enjoy today as a fast growing MNC has to be retained. Cultivation of strong willpower and determination to overcome challenges should be initiated. Focus on our vision has to be the best provider to financial solutions in the country. This vision should be supported by the mission to be strong and forward looking.

6 Xpressions - May 2015

RESPONSIUM

ToThe ManagerUAE Exchange & FS Ltd.Kasaragod

Dear Tour Desk,

The tour was very nice. Transportation, food, and accommodation facilities did not pose any problem. The tour would have been more colorful if a slice of entertainment would have been offered. Should have tried to cover the Atlantis also in our tour plans.

Thanks for your overwhelming support.

Regards,The Tour TeamKasaragod

The name of the magazine, Xpressions, truly depicts the meaning of its content; it indeed expresses and represents all of us. While flipping through the pages of Xpressions, I feel I am part of a

festival. Each page awakens eagerness in the reader to see what is on the next page. The magazine brings the picture of our company as well as our staff in each of its pages.

When I was going through the March issue, The “Editor’s Desk” snagged my attention. “Health is Wealth’. We cannot finish reading it without criticising ourselves. It is high time we decided and moulded our aims. Many of us have inborn talents and qualities. How many of us are improving our calibre? How many of us are satisfied with it? In this modern age, the age of accumulating wealth, everything else seems to be unwanted. The modern age teaches us to throw away our inborn qualities and to go behind wealth. It is here that we see the importance of aims in our lives.

If you let me borrow the lines from the editor’s page, “Do we get

sufficient time to relax, to spend with our families, to socialise, or even to

develop our inborn talents?

If you let me borrow the lines from the editor’s page, “Do we get sufficient time to relax, to spend with our families, to socialise, or even to develop our inborn talents? Without fulfilling these personal requirements, life turns out to be like an engine that runs out of fuel after a specified limit…” The lines continue. My worries also...! About Xpressions, I have some humble suggestions.

1. As we all know, the company, which provides us bread and butter, has made some changes in the profiles of some of its employees. There could be one page dedicated for such employees so that they can share their heart touching and unforgettable memories they have had with the company.

2. We are dealing with many products and services. Changes in the society, world economy, and government policies will affect our products. If we had a few pages to share some academic knowledge related to our products, it will be more useful for our staff in their future.

3. One page can be used for sharing inspirational stories or happenings. If we include inspirational stories every month, it can attract the readers very much.

Sujeesh KVBusiness Head – Kasaragod Branch

Appreciation letter from a group of tour customers of Kasaragod branch

I feel I am part of a festival


RESPONSIUM

Dear All,

Hope all is well with you.

The service I received was really AWESOME!!! The quick response was really delightful. I will strongly recommend your service to anyone I know. This is the second time you people have given such a kind of service to me and my family members.

Keep the show up and you will definitely become the king of kings in Ratnagiri.

See you all soon again

Best Regards,Sajjad Kazi

ToThe Branch HeadRatnagiri BranchUAE Exchange India

Dear Sir,

I am very happy to be a part of UAE Exchange family. I came to the branch for a tour transaction. I would like to compliment your employees, Mr Mayur and Mr Sandeep, for the excellent service they provided to me. The staffs helped me in doing this transaction well.

For the past 3 years, we have been going to various places through UAE Exchange. We got very good experience during all the three trips. Also, each trip was better than the previous one. Starting from arrival to departure, we were given very good facilities, food, hotel, and many more. Last, but not the least, as we were all women, the security part was also very well taken care of.

I am pleased with the services I have received at your branch. Your staffs have got good commitment and such customer service is to be commended. I will surely recommend the services of UAE Exchange to my friends and relatives. In the future also I will continue to do business with your team.

I wish you and your team good success.

Sincerely,Rachana Rajendra ManadikRatnagiri

The Branch Head Ratnagiri BranchUAE Exchange India

Dear Sir,

I am very happy to be a part of UAE Exchange family. I came to the branch for a tour transaction. I would like to compliment your employee, Mr Mayur, for the excellent service he provided to me. The staff helped me in doing this transaction well. The trip was very good, and the hotel was also good.

I am pleased with the service I have received at your branch. Your staffs have got good commitment and such customer services is to be commended. I will surely recommend the services of UAE Exchange to my friends and relatives. In the future also I will continue to do business with your team.

I wish you and your team good success.

Amit Bamane Ratnagiri

To ManagerUAE ExchangeWarangal

Sir,

The trip to Kerala in January conducted by UAE Exchange was good. The hospitality shown in Kerala was excellent. Hotels were good.

So, in the future also I plan to go on a trip. I can just ask UAE people, and I am having so much confidence on UAE people.

Your SincerelyDr. V Srinivas Goud

Appreciation letter from Dr V Srinivas Goud for Warangal branch

I will surely recommend the services of UAE

Exchange to my friends and relatives

Appreciation letter from Mr Amit Bamane for Mr Mayur, Ratnagiri branch

Appreciation mail from Mr Sajjad Kazi for Ratnagiri Branch

Appreciation letter from Ms Rachana Rajendra Mahadik for Mr Mayur and Mr Sandeep, Ratnagiri branch


NEWS EXCERPTS

UAE Exchange India has won South India Travel Awards for the category “Best Travel Management Company”. Mr Akula Srinivas, Branch Manager, in the presence of Mr Sunderraju, Mr Bhaskar, and Mr Prashanth, received the award on behalf of the company at an award ceremony held at Novotel, Vishakapatnam. The award was presented by Mr Ganta Srinivas Rao, Human Resource Development Minister, Government of Andra Pradesh, and Mr Neerabh K Prasad, Principal Secretary, Andra Pradesh, in the presence of other distinguished personalities. The South India Travel Awards was conferred on UAE Exchange India for its performance as a Travel Management Company.

Golden Feathers of HonourUAE Exchange India wins South India Travel Award

UAE Exchange India hosted a workshop initiated by National Pay-ments Corporation of India (NPCI), a direct setup by the Reserve Bank of India and an umbrella institution for all the retail payment systems in the country, at Grand Hotel, Kochi. Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) Manager Mr Rajesh Dangwani was the key speaker of the workshop. He explained about different products of NPCI with more focus on the process and technical sides of IMPS. He also detailed the needs of such products in Indian economic sys-tem. NPCI initiates various workshops throughout the country with the objective of creating more awareness in finance industry on its innovative products and services. Representatives from various banks, including Bank of India, State Bank of Travancore, South In-dian Bank, Federal Bank, etc., attended the workshop. Officials of UAE Exchange India were also present for the workshop.

Pradeep Ravindren Wins “Predict The Winner” Contest

Srikakulam branch of UAE Exchange India was shifted to a more convenient location, taking into consideration easy accessibility of customers. The new premise was inaugurated by Chief Guest Ms Gunda Lakshmi Devi, MLA, in the presence of special guests Srikakulam TDP President Mr Madhava Venkateswaralu, TDP Rural MP Mr G Nageswara Rao, branch managers of local banks, valuable customers of UAE Exchange India, invited guests, and the media.

A New LocationSrikakulam branch of UAE Exchange India get a new premise

UAE Exchange India had conducted “Predict the Winner” contest from 1st to 30th of March, 2015, to predict ICC champion. Mr Pradeep Ravindran, working with Matrubhumi Publications, predicted Australia and won the mega prize of Blackberry Z3 through a lucky draw. UAE Exchange India MD Mr V George Antony gave away the mega prize to Mr Pradeep Ravindren on 14th April 2015, the eve of Vishu as a Vishu kaineetam. UAE Exchange India Chief Marketing Officer Mr R Sudhakar and Digital Communications Head Mr Vaishak Uthaman were also present at the function. All the participants of the “Predict the Winner” contest have been gifted a discount coupon for two months for availing forex and travel & tours services of UAE Exchange India.

UAE Exchange India Hosts IMPS Workshop


NEWS EXCERPTS

UAE Exchange India conducted Branch Heads’ Meet for the officials of its 3 regions – Gujarat, Goa, and Mumbai. The meeting was presided over by MD Mr. V George Antony, and higher officials of the company graced the occasion. A fine platform for all branch heads under the regions to share their success stories, Branch Heads’ Meets are conducted to monitor the performance and achievements of the company, weighing against the set benchmarks and standards. Various strategic plans to be implemented in the future to bring about a healthy change in the company’s overall performance and customer service were also discussed in the meeting.

UAE Exchange India Conducts Branch Heads’ Meeting

MD Mr. George Antony, zonal heads, regional heads, and branch heads had fine opportunities to interact with each other and share their views on diverse fragments of business, following the company’s values. Imparting knowledge with each other, the officials of the company could build an atmosphere of motivation and determination, which are two of the main elements needed for building customer-friendly business that is not only up-to-date on various technologies, but also well versed in ethical and moral aspects of service. The best performing staff of the regions were honored by MD Mr. George Antony with tokens of appreciation for the hard work and determination they have put into their works.

Goa

Gujarat

Mumbai


BR Shetty honored with Tulunada Bolpu Awards

UAE Exchange Co-Founder Dr B R Shetty was honored with Tulunada Bolpu Awards by Tulu Koota Qatar (TKQ), one of the premier socio-cultural organizations established and run successfully by the Indian expatriate community in Qatar. TKQ, with the main motive to develop togetherness with feeling of security among the Tuluvas residing in Qatar and to provide recreation to the members in the midst of their hectic work and home life in Qatar, recognised the concern shown by eminent personalities like Dr BR Shetty towards the needy and the less fortunate ones and their love for culture and traditions of their native land. The awards were presented by Raj Kumar Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy Qatar on the occasion of the crystal jubilee celebrations of TKQ, which was conceptualized meticulously and presented professionally.

BR Shetty wins BWF Decennial AwardsUAE Exchange Co-Founder Dr BR Shetty won the Bearys Welfare Forum (BWF) Decennial Awards 2015 for the category “Humanitarian Service”. The event is organised every 10 years for felicitating eminent personalities who have contributed a considerable share of their efforts for the society. As part of the forums’ 10th anniversary celebration, charity projects and philanthropic events would be held throughout the year. On this occasion, BWF, a forum aimed at reaching out to the poorest of the poor in the society and helping the needy, announced the launch of the third phase of ‘Shouchalaya Project”, a pilot project of construction of toilets for poor families in the society. According to sources, about 100 toilets have already been built in the initial phases of the project, and another 100 toilets will be constructed in rural areas of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in the near future.

UAE Exchange wins Best Remittance Exchange House Award

UAE Exchange was awarded the Best Remittance Exchange House Award in Bahrain for 2015. The recognition to the ISO certified remittance brand comes from the popular website Global Banking and Finance Review. Commenting on the award, Operations Head, UAE Exchange Bahrain, Mr Vineesh Kumar K said, “Global Banking and Finance Review Award is a prestigious one and winning it has only reinforced our belief is going that extra mile to enhance customer experience.” The remittance brand, established in 2007, has 13 branches across Bahrain. Globally, the company serves more than 7.9 million customers with about 750 branches in 32 countries.

Xpress Money

GLOBAL GLIMPSES

Xpress Money partners with MTN to provide mobile remittances in Ghana

Xpress Money has partnered with MTN Ghana, a telecom provider in Ghana, to provide mobile remittances in the country. Through the partnership, customers of Xpress Money will be able to transfer money to the mobile wallets of registered MTN Mobile Money users in the country. The global money transfer operator had earlier in 2014 launched a similar service in Kenya, in association with M-Pesa. As part of the service, a customer can send up to USD 1,500 in a month and up to USD 500 can be sent per transaction. To make use of the mobile wallet service, beneficiaries in Ghana need

to be registered with MTN Mobile Money service. Beneficiaries do not require a bank account in Ghana to receive money. The money is transferred directly into the Mobile Money Wallet. Mobile Money is an enhanced way of performing cash transactions using a mobile phone. Funds in the MTN Mobile Wallet can be used to transfer money, top up MTN airtime, pay bills (DSTV, ECG, MTN Post Paid Bills), pay for airline tickets, pay insurance premiums, as well as pay for other goods and services.


MEDIA CLIPS

Srikakulam branch of UAE Exchange India shifts to a new location. Andhra Bhoomi, 11th April 2015.

UAE Exchange India wins PRCI Awards 2015. The New Indian Express, 28th March 2015.

B R Shetty honoured with National Cultural Award. Chandrika, 12th April 2015.

UAE Exchange ties up with RCBC. Gulf Today, 16th April 2015.

UAE Exchange, the Fascinating Saga of 15 Years. Kerala Chamber Business Magazine, February - March 2015.

UAE Exchange Qatar Gold Card Tie-up with Cafe Brouq, Prothom Alo, 2nd April, 2015.


ECONOMIC NEWS

Low-income workers send 75 of wages home

According to recent studies, low-income workers are sending 75-80 per cent of their income home. These blue collar workers constitute three-quarters of all remittances from the United Arab Emirates. Blue collar workers send money home almost every month when they receive their salaries. Most of these workers are able to save more of their salaries because they get free food and accommodation from their companies, and they do not need to meet much expense except for a few hundred dirham on their social lives. One of the main reasons why white caller workers tend to send lesser money home is that they are more informed about market changes, due to which, they tend to wait for good exchange rates for remittance. Moreover, their expenses are also more than low-income workers.

Mobile Roaming Becomes Cheaper

From May 2015, people in India are enjoying phone calls without worrying about charges as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has slashed roaming charges to a considerable extent. Rates on mobile phone calling, while in roaming, have been cut up to 23 per cent and up to 40 per cent for sending SMS. However, according to TRAI, subscribers will not be able to avail any special schemes for making calls or sending SMS at home circle rates while in roaming. STD calls on roaming will cost as less as Rs 1.15 per minute. Similarly, national SMS rate has been reduced to 38 paise. For incoming calls during roaming, a mobile customer will be required to pay a maximum of 45 paise only per minute instead of 75 paise.

Cost of Remittance May Come Down Soon

In the recent G20 Summit, the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development had proposed a target for reducing remittance costs from the current 8 per cent to 3 per cent by 2030. Experts

point out that with the advent of technology, the cost is likely to fall further in line with the global reduction in remittance cost. According to Migration and Development Brief of World Bank published in April this year, India will get the biggest advantage owing to the reduction in costs as the average remittance cost to Indian is around 4 per cent only. “The decline in remittance cost as highlighted in the recent Migration and Development Report of the World Bank is a positive indicator since it means more money at the disposal of a migrant to remit back home, which can be channelized to savings and other investments. There is also a macro side impact as it will channel more money into the financial system of receiving countries, which in turn may be utilized for welfare and development activities,” said UAE Exchange Deputy CEO Mr Promoth Manghat.

RBI expands list of countries restricted from investing in Indian property

In a recently released circular, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has added Hong Kong and Macau to the list of the countries whose citizens need to take prior permission of RBI before acquiring or transferring immovable property in India. The list also includes neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, and Bhutan. The RBI’s primary goal is to have control over capital moving into and out of India; real estate has always been a sector which can consume sizable sums. There is a probability that funds coming into the country via real estate transactions might get used for unwarranted purposes. While residents of the mentioned countries cannot purchase or transfer immovable properties in India without prior approval of the RBI, they can definitely take up space on lease for a maximum of five years. The circular specifically highlights the two countries as additions to the earlier list of eight. This means that there is no change in rules with respect to citizens of any countries not part of the exclusion list. They can continue buying or transferring immovable properties in India by duly fulfilling the conditions laid by the RBI.


VG NAIR WRITES…

Leaving Office on Time Leaving Office Late

Efficient Inefficient and incompetentGood social life No social lifeQuality Family life Less Family timeProfessional Unprofessional

Moral: Enjoy your job and climb the career summit, but never compromise on leaving office on time because both complement each other.

Never sit late in office

My observations on the basis of these facts:

One should always leave office on time to reach office in time the next day.

It is a fact that work is a never-ending process. Therefore, it can never be completed.

The interest of your client is important. So is the interest of your family. If you fail in your life, you can never be successful at work.

Life is not only about work, office, and client. There is more in life. You need time to socialise, entertain, relax, and exercise.

Don’t let life be meaningless. You may be able to create an art only when there is a canvas on which you can depict your creativity.

A person who stays late at the office is not necessarily a hardworking person. On the contrary, he/she is a fool who does not know to manage work within the stipulated time.

One can be listed as a loser who does not have a personal or social life. He/she is inefficient and incompetent in his/her work.

If your Boss forces you to work late he/she may be ineffective and have meaningless life too.

M Gopinath


HR FACCIA

HR Head’s Note

Many people believe that we are either born leaders or we are not; they believe that we should not force someone to lead if they are

not a naturally take-charge person. Let me ask you one question. Instead of just reading such fancy statements, has anyone aspired to be a leader and failed? Well, it may be because you would not have dedicated one hundred percent of your skills to achieve your goal. Great leaders nurture potential, acknowledge success, and inspire action without fear of failure. The first step to becoming a great leader is to think like a leader. Here are three simple ways to turn thought into action.

1. Be the captain of your own teamGreat captains are successful because they never lose sight of the fact that they are still a member of the team. Though you may have team leaders, try being a leader of your own, without challenging yourself against the team. Believe in your own capabilities, your exceptional intelligence, creativity, and skill sets.

2. Build trust to encourage creative solutionsTrust is a magical tool that pushes people beyond their comfort zones and gives them the confidence to take risks, knowing they will still feel supported in moments of failure. Just as athletes, who compete without fear of failure, are more relaxed and able to optimise their skill set, you must feel empowered to think outside the box and should be capable of coming up with more creative solutions.

3. Make excellence the norm by acknowledging SuccessAcknowledging success is as equally powerful as it is underrated. Make sure your outstanding performance is made known to all in short, you must try to outshine in

your particular work. As being the captain of your own, try to understand your skill sets, and you will be able to consciously grab the opportunities available to produce quality work and stand out to the group in a positive way.

Know the Concept

Yellow Dog Contract: An employment contract or an agreement, either oral or in writing, that forbids employees from joining or continuing membership in any labour union as a condition for continuing or obtaining employment.

Waiver: A document signed by either an employee or prospective employee, in which, he or she renounces certain specified rights or considerations.

Vacation Buy-back Plan: A program that allows an employee to sell back to the employer any unused vacation time balances.

The Top 200 Secrets of Success and the Pillars of Self-Mastery

By Robin S. Sharma(Author of “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”)

Develop the wonderful habit of a daily swim. It will promote excellent health, keep you relaxed and concentrated, lean and trim. Swimming is not stressful on the body, provides a great workout for the lungs and requires little time to do effectively. Remember that in a fit body resides a fit mind.

People who are doing well today are ensuring their happiness for tomorrow.

The key to successful time management is doing what you planned to do when you planned to do it. Keep your mind fully on the task at hand. Only then will you achieve all your goals and have time for the things that matter most. Although it is imperative to be flexible (a bow too tightly strung will soon break), following your planned schedule requires no more than simple discipline.

An excellent visualization technique: if you are worrying about something, picture the words of your worry on a piece of paper. Now ignite a match to the paper and watch the worry dissipate into flames. Bruce Lee, the great martial arts master employed this mental control device regularly.

Compartmentalize your worry. Set aside a certain amount of time to ponder over a problem and map out an effective plan of attack and your options. Once this is done, have the mental fortitude not to come back to the problem and go over it again and again. The human mind is a strange creature - things we want to forget keep coming back and those things we want to remember are not there when we want them. But the mind is similar to a muscle and the more you flex it the stronger it will become. Make it your servant. Feed it only the best nutrition and information. It will serve you well and perform magic if you believe in it.

(will be continued...)

Johnee Praveen R

Why being a LEADER is better than being a BOSS


HR FACCIA

HR Puzzle 27

1. Which is the hardest substance available on earth?a. Gold b. Platinum c. Diamond d. Iron

2. What is the ratio of width of our National Flag to its length?a. 3:5 b. 2:3 c. 2:4 d. 3:4

3. The base plate of the emblem of India has the words“Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed are taken froma) Rigveda b) Satpath Brahmana c) Mundak Upanishad d) Ramayana

Answer to the previous HR Puzzle is

1. 18 x 12 ÷ 4 + 5 = 592. Blackboard3. Johnny

Please send in your answers to [email protected] with HRPZL 27 as subject line, mentioning your employee code. From the first 50 answers, one lucky employee will get a surprise gift from HR.

Winner of HR Puzzle 26 is Mr Sreejith KV, Malappuram branch.

Congratulations to those who joined in the month of April and have completed 10 and more years in the company!

Branch Name DOJAO - HUMAN RESOURCES DENNY O P 16-04-2001

AO - AUDIT & COMPLIANCE R RATNAKUMAR 15-04-2002

PALAYAM (PYM) SUMESH C T 15-04-2002

THAMARASSERY (TRS) JINCY PREMS 15-04-2002

KANNUR - KVR TOWERS (KAN) RANJITH .P.K 15-04-2002

MUMBAI - CHEMBUR (MUB) ANIL DATTARAM CHAVAN 15-04-2002

EDAPPAL (EDA) JATHISH BOBBY. P 15-04-2002

AO - AGENCY BUSINESS SATISH CHAWLA 20-04-2002

PAYYANNUR (PAY) HEMALATHA M K 14-04-2003

UDUPPI (UDU) JYOTHI K 14-04-2003

AO - FINANCE SMITHA SURENDRAN 01-04-2004

AO - FOREX VINIL.P.WILSON 01-04-2004

TRICHY - TRAVEL DIVISION M SANKAR 01-04-2004

HUBLI (HUB) RAKESH K J 01-04-2004

BARODA (BAR) AJAY B TAMBOLI 01-04-2004

KASARAGOD (KAS) P REEPA RASHMI SHETTY 01-04-2004

SHAKTHIKULANGARA (SKN) NISHA KUMAR B 01-04-2004

KARKALA (KKA) PRAVEEN SHETTY. 01-04-2004

KUNNAMKULAM (KUN) SAJEEB.N.A 01-04-2004

THRISSUR (THR) NISHA BAIJU 01-04-2004

VADANAPALLY (VAA) SIJI.C.JOHNY 01-04-2004

RO - TRIVANDRUM JINU GEORGE 01-04-2004

AO - ACCOUNTS KAVITHA K 01-04-2005

AO - IT DIVISION BIJU VARGHESE ALAPPAT 18-04-2005

NIZAMABAD - QUILA ROAD (NQR) P SARITHA 18-04-2005

VARKALA (VAR) SHAFEEK A 18-04-2005

MUMBAI - THANE (MUT) SITARAM BAJARANG GADADARE 19-04-2005


FEATURE

The Nepal earthquake of 2015 continues to shake our minds with its tremor. The loud cries of who have lost their dear ones, their family, their home, and their hopes, linger in our

ears, leaving us entangled in the sorrow of the event.

The earthquake, in fact a series of earthquakes, which killed about 10,000 people and injured more than twice as many, is reportedly one of the most powerful disasters to hit humanity. Thousands of people were left abandoned, homeless; their entire villages were flattened across many districts of the country. The earthquake even triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest, which killed about 20 climbers in the mountain, including Google executive Dan Fredinburg. The earthquake has also brought down a number of architectural marvels, historic sites, and legendary monuments that were once the highlights of Nepal.

The earthquake also affected India and other neighbouring countries of Nepal. In India, the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and New Delhi were affected by the tremor. Many building were brought down in Bihar, and minor cracks in the wall of houses in Odisha were also reported. In the south, especially in Karnataka and Kerala, minor quakes were reported. The earthquake was experienced across southwestern China. Tremors were felt in Pakistan and Bhutan as well.

WhenEARTHlosesits balance

The deadly disaster has not only left the lives of people miserable and displaced, it has also left the geography of the nation, as well as of India, misplaced. Kathmandu, situated on a block of crust approximately 120 km wide and 60 km long, reportedly shifted 3 m to the south in just 30 seconds. According to reports, the earthquake was not a sudden surprise, but an anticipated one. Many geophysicists and other experts had warned for decades that Nepal was vulnerable to a deadly earthquake, particularly because of its geology, urbanization, and architecture.

Worst Earthquakes In History

Shensi, China, 23rd January 1556Death: 8,30,000

This earthquake occurred in the Shaanxi province (formerly known as Shensi), China. More than 8,30,000 people were reported to have been killed. It is reported as the deadliest earthquake on record of human history. The damage of the quake was extended to 270 miles northeast of the epicenter of the earthquake. In some places, almost 60% of population died.


FEATURE

Tangshan, China27th July 1976Death: 2,55,000

This earthquake is considered to have caused the most number of deaths from an earthquake in the last four centuries, and is considered the second greatest in recorded history. Though the number of deaths initially reported by the government was about 2,40,000, there were other reports indicating that the actual death toll was much higher, approximately 6,50,000.

Aleppo, Syria9th August 1138Death: 2,30,000

The Aleppo earthquake, considered the first of several occurring between 1138 and 1139, is said to have been felt as far away as Damascus, about 220 miles to the south. Aleppo’s citadel collapsed, killing hundreds of residents, and Al-Atarib Fort was also destroyed. Several towns and manned forts were leveled to ground.

Sumatra, Indonesia26th December 2004Death: 2,27,898

This is reported to be the third largest earthquake in the world since 1900 and the largest since the 1964. In total, 2,27,898 people were killed or reported to be missing and presumed dead. About 1.7 million people were displaced by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in 14 countries in South Asia and East Africa.

Haiti12th January 2010Death: 2,22,570

According to official estimates, 3,00,000 were injured, 1.3 million displaced, 97,294 houses destroyed, and 188,383 damaged in the Port-au-Prince area and in much of southern Haiti. Tsunami waves were also reported at several places in Haiti.

Damghan, Iran22nd December 856Death: 2,00,000

This earthquake struck a 200-mile stretch of northeast Iran, with the epicenter directly below the city of Demghan, which was at that point the capital city. Most of the city was destroyed as well as the neighboring areas. Approximately 200,000 people were killed.

Haiyuan, China16th December 1920Death: 2,00,000

This earthquake brought total destruction to the area. More than 73,000 people were killed in the place. A landslide that occurred as an aftershock of the quake buried the village of Sujiahe in Xiji

County. Nearly all the houses collapsed in some cities, and about 125 miles of surface faulting also occurred. The quake was also accompanied by a large number of landslides.

Ardabil, Iran23rd March 893Death: 1,50,000

Thirty seven years after the devastating Damghan earthquake that shook the country in 856, Iran was again hit by a huge earthquake. This time, it cost about 1,50,000 lives and destroyed the largest city in the northwestern section of the country. The area was again hit by a fatal earthquake in 1997.

Kanto, Japan1st September 1923Death: 1,42,800

Also known as the Great Tokyo Earthquake, it brought extreme destruction in the Tokyo-Yokohama area, both from the temblor and subsequent firestorms, which burned about 381,000 of the more than 694,000 houses that were partially or completely destroyed. Several significant geographical changes were reported in several places of the area.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan5th October 1948Death: 1,10,000

This quake brought extreme damage in Ashgabat (Ashkhabad) and nearby villages, where almost all the brick buildings collapsed, concrete structures were heavily damaged, and freight trains were derailed. Many sources list the casualty total at 10,000, but a news release from the newly independent government on 9th December 1988, advised that the correct death toll was 1,10,000.

Source: NBC News


HEALTHY CORNER

Being healthy is a gift from god. Maintaining your health is a gift you can give others. In this chaotic world where we are busy trying to create an order, we seldom ponder

on our temple – our body. Though our body is capable of regulating itself, we have been continuously abusing it with all sorts of unhealthy, deleterious habits. It is high time we took these issues serious and implemented simple healthy habits in our lives. Here are simple health tips that we would like to share with

Keep itSIMPLE I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the

world is a healthy you. Joyce Meyer

you. These are not going to require much attention or time, rather just a pinch of patience.

Walk- It is the simpler and less time-consuming aerobic exercise you can do. It increases the supply of oxygen to our skin and muscles, thereby building physical endurance of our body. Walking can also lessen chances of heart attack as it will open the narrowed areas of our blood vessels. Take the steps. Leave the elevator. If you are going somewhere near, walk. It can easily be incorporated in your daily routine.


HEALTHY CORNER

Sleep- Your body deserves it. It has been working all day, just as you have been. It needs time to relax, just as you do. You may set alarm to wake up at a particular time. Try setting an alarm to remind you to go to sleep. Establishing a routine for sleeping can help you bring a right track to your disoriented sleep. A good sleep can not only improve your memory, it can also help your body increase its immunity.

Drink. If you do not like drinking plain water, try something different. Add a few slices of lemon or any fruit. The essence of the slices will drizzle down the water and give it a pinch of flavor. You could also eat fruits or vegetables that have good water content, such as water melon, pineapples, tomatoes, etc. Water can help remove toxins from your body, and can also refresh and soften your skin.

Eat. Eat right and never skip breakfast. Though it is a common tip everyone would have already heard a hundred times, there are not many people who follow this simple fact. In this world where we are on the run every minute of the day, the first thing we would think of skipping is breakfast. If you do not have time, brown-bag your food and take it to office. Find time and eat, but never skip your breakfast.

These are just a few simple tips which you would have already heard of. To be healthy, you need to implement them in your life, not just read through. Do not wait for 1st January 2016. Begin it today, and be determined. If you do not find it practical, start with just one. Rome was not built in a day.

Cycling increases cardiovascular fitness by avoiding stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack It improves blood circulation It increases muscle strength and flexibility Cycling is a low-risk exercise, and is good for people with arthritis It decreases stress levels and improves posture and coordination It strengthens bones and decreases body fat levels It is an easier way to maintain health and reduce obesity Cycling can also reduce risk of certain types of cancer It can lessen the chances of developing diabetes It causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise It is good for strength and stamina Cycling is eco friendly. It helps us enjoy nature while helping the environment

Cycle your way to health!

The health benefits of cycling

Cycling is more of a leisure activity than an exercise. It can be enjoyed by the people of all ages, and is a low-impact exercise. Regular cycling can not only provide soothing time, but can also benefit us in physical and mental health. It is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of health problems that can affect our heart, mental health, bones, and it can also curb some cancers and arthritis. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity. It means that the workout will have a direct effect on our heart, blood vessels, and lungs. It will make our breathing easier and increase our body temperature, which will eventually improve our overall fitness level. The easiest way to involve in this exercise is by riding to work or to nearby shops, which means it will not require additional time. Combining regular exercise with our daily routine will not only help us save time, but also keep us healthy without much investment on exercises. According to some studies, it takes only a couple of hours of cycling every week to improve our health to a general level. The benefits of regular cycling are innumerable. Here are just a few of them.


EXPEDITION

Before joining our company, I was in sales for years. I used to travel through many parts of the country, and, to an extent, I loved travelling. In the youthful days of my life, I used to be

active in playing football, basketball, and cricket, and I also loved riding my BSA cycle. As time passed by, the interest changed to riding a motorcycle, which was necessary for my sales job. When I got married and had a family, we needed a car. By God’s grace, I managed to get all things that were necessary in those days. Mobility increased, but the lack of time and exercise increased my size.

As time passed by, due to the nature of my work, time constraints, and the lack of exercise, I put on weight, which adversely affected my health in the form of back pain, neck pain, joint pain, fever, and cold. I understood that my immune system was trying to shatter my life and, if not treated, it may end up in tragedy.

To my surprise, one day, when I was waiting at a bus stop at 7.30 a.m. in the morning to travel to office, which is around 30 km away from my home town, I saw a group of people riding bicycles. To my curiosity, I found two of the group members were former staffs of my branch. They encouraged me to buy a cycle. Pondering over this idea for some time, I went to Decathlon shop and brought an MTB Btwin Rockrider 5.2 and started my cycling rides alone. During the first few weeks, I rode only 10 to 15 km every day. To my surprise, I was getting weaker and I noticed that my body’s endurance level was pathetic. So I decided to set it right.

Cycling – A passionTribute to nature and health

Our passions and our hobbies may change as we grow up and pass through various situations in life.

I started cycling during early morning hours and late night every day so that it would not affect my professional and family life. I increased my daily cycling workout to about 35 km. On weekends, I joined the group rides, which were more than 80 to 100 km, and I used to be the last one in the group to reach the destination. Gradually, I increased my daily workout and started showing improvement in group rides. Some of the group members advised me to change the cycle to a performing bike because my bike’s tyres were big, bearing a lot of weight that could reduce the performance. During this course, I noticed a lot of improvement in my health; I noticed that my immunity had grown stronger. My weight reduced considerably and I felt a positive change in my structure and stamina, which gave me courage in investing in a new bike as well as investing for a better health.

Our group performed a few rides which were more than 180 km a day. As I had performed well, I got appreciation from seniors who were champions in various cycling events. One evening, we had a meeting with all the team members of the group, and one member suggested a trip to Munnar, which is situated about 5,200 ft above sea level with several steep climbs and high ghat roads with lot of hairpin bends and curves. Some of our group members were not confident to go for the ride as they were not sure about their endurance and stamina level, but 10 of us decided to give it a try. We fixed a date and started practicing by going 115 km up and down on Sundays to Athirampilly and Vazhachal. These places have similar climbs and curves, but we were focused to achieve what we intended in our mind. Everybody took it as a challenge to put to test our energy and stamina levels and all were committed to achieve “Goal Munnar - A milestone in every cyclist’s life”.


EXPEDITION

We had a meeting with some of the seniors and charted out our plans about support vehicle, spares to be carried, maintenance tools, first aid box, drinking water, lodging, and other important things. We made all arrangements for the ride. One of our team members suggested

that we should give a social message through our ride. Through our trip, we decided to spread the message of de-forestation and cycling for a greener earth and healthier human race. We also arranged for media coverage through Mathrubhumi newspaper about our ride and its message.

Next, we divided the total distance (137 km for one way) and fixed the distance to be covered each hour, including 5 stop points. The perfect advice given by one of the seniors was to ride within the sight range of each other as we had to pass through Neryamangalam, a thick and dense forest, where there is no mobile network coverage. Moreover, we might come across wild elephants or animals, which could be dangerous and might spoil all our plans.

As per our plan, we started our journey from my hometown on Saturday, 7th March 2015, early morning at 3.30 am and started pedalling at a normal speed of about 20 km per hour. We reached our first stop point Perumbavoor at 4.30 am. More members joined from there, and we resumed our journey after taking a small break of 10 minutes. In the morning, it was a pleasant ride without much traffic, but the only hazard was the poor condition of roads in some places and inadequate light. The next stop point was Kothamangalam. We reached there at around 5.30 am, and our average pedalling speed increased to 23 - 25 km. After light refreshment, we started our journey to our next stop point – Neryamangalam, which is the gateway to Idukki and Munnar.

The sun had begun emerging out of the mountains and there was mist in the air. We enjoyed every road side view, the beauty of which can hardly be expressed in words. Up to Neryamangalam, the roads were plain and smooth. We reached our destination at 7.45 am. We had breakfast from Neryamangalam as there were not many hotels after that point and it was the beginning of the forest area. After food we had rested for 30 minutes and started for our next destination – Adimali, where we planned to have lunch.

After the royal Neriamangalam Bridge, we reached the forest roads where there was less traffic. We pedalled slowly, enjoying the forest views, streams, birds, and the landscape. The sounds of various species of birds seemed so loud because of the silence that prevailed in that place. The sun was getting hotter and hotter, and many of us felt our skins burning, though properly covered with cloths. The climbs began! It was the ultimate test of our body

muscles and we were moving at a snail’s pace as the climbing got harder. Some of our team members were so tired that we took timely breaks for helping them to cop up with our mission. We saw some people riding bikes and cars and bus passengers who were going to Munnar. Some cheered us and some whistled at us and made fun of us. But nothing stopped us. We reached Adimali at around 12 noon. We had lunch from a hotel and rested for an hour there. By this time, the temperature was at its peak and it was about 37 degrees. Body sweat poured down like rain water, but it did not stop us from achieving our goal.

At around 1.15 pm, we started our journey to Munnar. Our path comprised of steep climbs which were beyond our imagination. Many a time I had gone through this route in a car but never felt this much difficulty. It was the engine of the car that took our load then, but now, it was our body acting as the engine. At some point, I felt it was a wrong decision to cycle up to Munnar. But my mind signalled that everything is possible, and I decided to go ahead. After hours of peddling through heat and sweat, we felt the air becoming cooler and delicate breeze began patting us.

There was a welcome drizzle that we all enjoyed. We reached Munnar at around 4.30 in the evening. After coming through all the hardships, we felt as if we had reached heaven. We had tea from a small shop with local snacks, but everything tasted so good that our body engines consumed whatever fuel that came across our way. We checked in to a home stay, where we had already booked. Running water from faucets felt like freezing, but we had no problem in taking bath as our bodies were extremely heated up and they had to be cooled off. After the bath, we gathered in a small garden with campfire, where all of us shared our experiences of the ride. We decided that, whenever we get chance, we will ride to Munnar again. We had dinner and hit the pillow. Everyone fell into a deep sleep as our bodies needed complete rest.

The next morning, we started our ride to the green tea garden plantations of Devikulam. At 6.45 am, the sun was not visible. More climbs accompanied us till Devikulam. We saw the sun coming out of the mountains and the rays were falling like showers on the earth. The scenic beauty was breathtaking while riding through the lush green tea plantations and the pine forests in the mountains. Everyone was busy capturing the golden moments in camera. We had breakfast from a local tea shop at Devikulam. The taste of the food was excellent, which was far better than any of the five-star hotel food I ate. We returned from there at around 10.30 am as we had to start our journey back home.

The downhill was another challenge as our cycles were accelerating more than 50 to 55 km per hour and the brakes were always on. We felt more pressure on our hands rather than legs as it was the opposite while going uphill. Thank God that there was no puncture or any accident. We reached back home at around 8.30 pm carrying all the memories which we can cherish for ages. Arun C

AO – Audit


MY SCRIBBLES

The morning looked bright and fresh after a bath from the heavy

downpour of the previous evening.

It was a Saturday. As usual I woke up hearing the alarm at 5 and finished my scheduled morning routine in 20 minutes. Without waking up my wife, I managed to make a cup of coffee and got ready for my usual morning walk. Often my neighbour accompanies me and we are back after an hour’s walk by 7 am. By the

time my wife will be ready with another steaming cup of coffee.With the news paper in one hand, sipping the coffee I sat on the bench set on our portico. Droplets of water from the previous day’s rain hung on the leaves sparkling in the morning sun. The early morning rays of the sun made the droplets twinkle and shine. The smell of wet soil and the early morning cool breeze made me snooze on my seat.

Suddenly, I heard the chirping sing-song music of some birds. I lifted my head to find two little heads peeping through the bushes. I realised they were bulbuls with black head decorated by a pointed cap, sharp beaks and round eyes with a red

The Bulbuls

spot below. Their body was a mix of grey and light brown, ornamented with off white colour on the trunk and belly. Their eyes were making a survey of the surroundings. Suddenly, one of them flew to a creeper growing near the portico. The creeper, with attractive white flowers, had spread on the roof tiles through the drainage fixed for rain water. The little female bird started tweeting in a peculiar way. Immediately, the male bird came and sat with her and started communicating with strange sounds, nods, and gestures. I understood they were in search of a safe place to make their nest and were expressing their happiness in finding one.

The next few days were exciting for my wife and me. We started watching them. Both the birds started off by using the husk of coconut and other materials to build a nest with a semicircular armchair shape. I also made sure that their home is never wet while watering the plants.

Days passed by. The two birds kept going in and out of the nest regularly. One day, the weather was steaming hot and suddenly it became very cloudy. By evening, it started raining heavily with a high speed wind blowing down everything. The fury of the wind did not spare the creeper which started moving vigorously with the little nest. I was worried about how to protect the nest. I peeped into the nest to find two tiny white eggs with purple

Ebby AbrahamEditor-in-Chief


MY SCRIBBLES

HumanPut to the testsI own the crossReady to shoulderCome squeeze me

Exposed to lifeFor god and devilI will stand my ownOr all alone

I own my worldMolding my lifeWith dreams and hopesNever surrendered

Life’s still learningA trail to the endOne day or otherI will find the real

spots on it. As I kept watching and pondering about them, the female bird came into the nest and spread her feathers stretching like an arch to protect her eggs. The torrential pour increased accompanied by thunder, lightning, and storm. Since the nest was close to the drainage, water was splashing in. I thought it was all going to be wet. But God has given each living being certain measures for self protection. The little bird further opened its feathers like an umbrella and protected the eggs. The male bird was watching all this from a distance. Finally, the tempest came to an end. At last I was also at peace because the little nest was not destroyed.

But on the second day, nature’s fury was in full swing. The entire creeper fell off the roof hanging in a suspended position. I immediately checked on the nest, but, despite its position, the eggs were safe. I did my best to give an extra support to the nest and ensured its safety. Once more, the rainstorm came to an end.

The next morning again I checked the nest to ensure their safety but, Oh! It was a shock to see the eggs broken and the little bulbuls were nowhere to be found. Why had nature been so cruel to these little harmless birds? Both my wife and I felt very sad about it the whole day. But we were helpless.

Two weeks passed by. One fine morning, we saw two little heads peeping from the bush in our garden and their bright eyes were making a survey once more. Their eyes were full of hope enthusiastically getting ready to make their nest. Have they come back to make another nest? I trust they are back with their new venture.

I believe these tiny beautiful creatures are passing on a message to the superior creatures of this universe - Don’t let the past steal your present. Listen to the whisper of hope – try again.

Failures are stepping stones to success. Deepu TCustomer Care Officer

Sujeesh K VBusiness Head – Kasaragod branch


INSIGHT

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway(DHR) Popularly called the ‘TOY TRAIN ‘was the first Hill railway of India and inscribed as ‘WORLD HERITAGE AREA’ in 1999. This prestigious train was

accorded the UNESCO world Heritage Status.

The railway is about 78 kms long with an elevation which varies from 100metres to 2200 metres. The headquarters of the railway is in the town of Kurseong. Plans to lay out the Darjeeling town began in 1839 which included the construction of a hill road connecting Siliguri, Pankhabari, Kurseong and Darjeeling.

The settlement of Darjeeling began in 1828, further developed by the British with tea plantations and related expansions. Darjeeling was developed as a Sanatorium for the invalid servants of the British East India Company. Initially it consisted of a monastery and 20 huts with a population of 100 people. Subsequently to meet the growing needs of the expanding area a new road fit for carts was developed in 1861. In 1879 the Himalayan Railway was constructed on the same hill cart road and the DHR came into service in 1881. The first proposal of laying a steam tramway was made by Franklin

The Toy Train of India

“DHR 780 on Batasia Loop 05-02-21 08”. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

A tight loop (Agony Point) on the DHR


Prestage an agent of Eastern Bengal Railway Company and being accepted the construction started in 1879.

The railway(DHR) was constructed by Gillanders Arbuthnot & Co. The official opening of the line from Siliguri to Darjeeling was on 4th July 1881. Despite the natural calamities (earthquake in 1887 & cyclone of 1889) the services improved and it even played a vital role by transporting military personnel and supplies to various camps of Ghum and Darjeeling. The DHR was absorbed into the Indian Railways soon after Indian Independence.

The DHR is a narrow gauge railway plying between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling of West Bengal. It is also listed under the Mountain Railway of India World Heritage Site. Unfortunately since 2010 operations between Siliguri and Kurseong has been suspended temporarily followed by a landslide.

DHR is an outstanding example of an innovative transportation system which promotes the socio-economic development of a multicultural region. The DHR has thus become an essential feature of the Darjeeling landscape at par with the tea plantations and Ghurka culture. This ‘Toy Train’ is a part of the life of Darjeeling.

Moving busily through hedges and wedges, breathtaking mist covered hills, overcoming slopes and gradients, proudly projecting the beauty of terrace farming and the prestigious tea gardens, serving as an important transport link to various Himalayan hills and sharing the burden of the local livelihood, DHR serves as an artery for life and stands out for its engineering and creative skills as well.

This railway line often resembles urban tramway tracks as it follows the Hill cart road which is partly the same as NH55. It is on the roadside flanked by huge buildings, shops, moving people and naughty school kids hoping up and down. Since 1881 the original route has been retained in a remarkable condition. Every movement is keenly monitored by the drivers and repairs are done on the spot wherever possible or in the loco sheds. Major parts of this little train were built in Glasgow, UK and still maintained up to the mark. Some routes of DHR are run by steam engines even today but the major areas are run by diesel engines which are faster and more efficient.

The horns of the train are often very loud, capable of drowning the sounds and horns of any other vehicle which helps to warn residents and other vehicle drivers about the approaching train. While the train moves at a snail’s pace, a helper keeps busy spreading sand on its track to prevent sliding and ensure efficient grip for the wheels.

Tourists look at DHR with special enthusiasm and affection. Riding the ‘Toy Train’ is a desirable experience and often very few tourists are ready to miss the opportunity. Where else can you find a small steam engine carrying mini coaches up the steep mountains absorbing the magnificent beauty of Darjeeling hills?

Note: The photos are taken from Wikipedia

INSIGHT

Photo credit: “DarjeelingTrainFruitshopCrop” by Arne Hückelheim - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via

Wikimedia Commons

“DHR 778 05-05-01 15”. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

“DHR 787 at Siliguri Shed 05-02-18 19”. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

“Kur seo ng” by PP Yoonus - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons


PHOTOGRAPHY

Aravind RChinnakada branch

Shobha ShettyMathikere branch


PHOTOGRAPHY

Kiran MPathanamthitta branch

The entries for photography contest are really appreciable. These are just a few of the photographs we have received. The contest is still open, and if you wish to participate, you may send in ONE of your best clicks to

[email protected]. The 1st and 2nd winners will be rewarded with a cash prize of INR 1000 and INR 500 respectively.

Gethesh BabuAO - IT Department

GandhinathanDharmapuri branch

Anuragh RKalpetta branch


MATRIMONIO BELLS

Mr Anil Kumar of Kallambalam branch with Ms Anjali

Mr Rajendra D of Yellareddypet branch and Ms Ruchitha

Mr Mithun of Vadakara branch and Ms Syamily of Vadakara branch

Mr Santosh of Kamareddy branch and Ms Navya

Mr Shanil Kumar of Mattanur branch and Ms Bavina

Vishu is a season that never fades away. Clad in vibrant yellow colours, even the nature prepares for welcoming Vishu. Marking the beginning of a year according to Malayalam calendar, Vishu is a festival celebrated by all Malayalees, regardless of their religion or sect.

Symbolising the harvest festival, Vishu brings about a nostalgic aroma in the hearts of all, making the occasion all the more important with the spectacular blend of material life and Mother Nature. In this occasion, Kasaragod branch of UAE Exchange India, welcoming the new year of prosperity and richness, celebrated Vishu at the branch. Spreading the message of togetherness and cooperation, the branch has set a path for many to follow.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT


NEW CONTEST

Dear All,

I am happy to see that more employees are showing interest in being a part of our in-house magazine – Xpressions. There are a few points that I would like you to note.

Photography contest

Thank you for your active participation in photography contest. We have received really wonderful photographs. The winners of the contest will be announced soon.

Cover image

We are dedicating our cover page for our employees. Hereafter, our cover page will have photographs taken by you. This is a fine opportunity for everyone who is interested in photography.

Your contribution

Xpressions cannot see light if you do not take it up as your own magazine. Though more number of our employees are coming forward with their contributions, there is still more room. So send us anything that you want to see published in the magazine. After careful scrutiny, we will definitely publish them in Xpressions.

Letters to Editor

The “Letter to Editor” column is awaiting your suggestions and feedback. You may write to us on the various articles published in the magazine. Letters to Editor will hopefully help us improve our magazine.

Xpressions is for all, and every person has to contribute to its success. Be open to Xpressions. This is a magazine for the employees, by the employees of UAE Exchange India.

Please send you entries to [email protected] & [email protected].

Thank you,Editor-in-Chief


SPECIAL DAYS

International Workers’ Day is also known as Labour Day in many places. It is a celebration of labourers and the working classes on May 1, every year. A result of the labour union movement, it celebrates the economic and social

achievements of labourers and workers in the world. Another source for the emergence of the Labour Day is the eight-hour day movement that advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. Being a traditional European spring celebration, May Day is a national public holiday in many countries. In India, Labour Day is a public holiday, and is tied to labour movements for communist and socialist political parties. The first May Day celebration in India was organised in Chennai Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on 1 May 1923. On the day, a resolution was passed for the government to declare the day as a holiday.

World Red Cross Day is celebrated on 8th May, every year. The day is observed by paying tribute to the volunteers for their unprecedented contribution to the people in need. Since the inception of Red Cross, voluntary action

has been its quintessence, which serves as a means in helping the society to bridge the gap between the crisis and the crisis management. Red Cross Volunteers are honoured in different parts of the country, and special programmes for spreading awareness are conducted as part of Red Cross Day observance. Governors and Ministers of the respective states also attend such important programmes and they are extensively covered in the media. The day draws inspiration from the many little acts of humanity in everyday life and in times of crisis. A day, when everyone gets motivated by the efforts towards humanity, made by millions of Red Crossers across the world, that culminate and make it such a massive humane movement.

Mother’s Day is an annual event celebrated every year to honour and respect mothers around the world. Originated in North America, Mother’s Day is celebrated to salute motherhood and to increase

maternal bonds to children. Mother’s day in India was celebrated on 10th of May. It falls every year on second Sunday of the month of May. Mother’s Day is a very special day of the year for everyone. People who care and love their mothers celebrate this special occasion in many ways. It is an only day of the year which has been dedicated to all the mothers in this world. Special programmes are organised in schools by teachers to celebrate the day and kids present their mothers with sweet gifts, thanking them for their love and care. It is holiday in some countries in order to give full opportunity to kids to enjoy with family and have lots of fun.

8th May

10th May

Mother’s Day in India

Special LTC OffersMake the most of yourLTC tour plan with ourspecial offers.

Andaman: Archipelago of picturesque extravaganza shimmering in blue waters

Singapore & Malaysia: The land of local curiosities blended with global amusement

Kerala: God’s own paradise beckons to thrill your senses

Hong Kong & Macau: Discover the wonders of the Asian mythical land

Dubai: A relaxing gateway to the land of Arabian dreams China: Unravel the treasures of the world’s scenic runway

Tamil Nadu: The land where history nestles amidst traditional marvels

Connect to smart living /uaeexchangetravel /uaeexchangetrvl

/in/uaeexchangeindia /channel/UC2UcdnfvBtpsUreDp-AhMzw

1860 3000 1555 | +91 99460 86666 | 8067006162 | www.uaeexchangeindia.com

Special LTC OffersMake the most of yourLTC tour plan with ourspecial offers.

Andaman: Archipelago of picturesque extravaganza shimmering in blue waters

Singapore & Malaysia: The land of local curiosities blended with global amusement

Kerala: God’s own paradise beckons to thrill your senses

Hong Kong & Macau: Discover the wonders of the Asian mythical land

Dubai: A relaxing gateway to the land of Arabian dreams China: Unravel the treasures of the world’s scenic runway

Tamil Nadu: The land where history nestles amidst traditional marvels

Connect to smart living /uaeexchangetravel /uaeexchangetrvl

/in/uaeexchangeindia /channel/UC2UcdnfvBtpsUreDp-AhMzw

1860 3000 1555 | +91 99460 86666 | 8067006162 | www.uaeexchangeindia.com

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