People
The Trail Goes On For Sandhya Chandrasekharayya
A travel enthusiast and the CEO of IndiaHikes, India’s largest trekking community, Sandhya Chandrasekharayya reveals all about her journey to the top and her passion for traveling
Text Credits: Anjana K
IndiaHikes is the name to get acquainted with in the hiking scene in India. Being an online community that conducts treks and hikes all over India and in Nepal, IndiaHikes co-founder and CEO Sandhya Chandrasekharyya has been awarded the recognition of ‘Women Of Worth 2017’ by Outlook Business. Find out more about this amazing entrepreneur and her love for nature in this exclusive interview with FWD Life.
What made you take the leap of faith by quitting your software engineering job to start IndiaHikes?
I have been trekking for quite a few years now. During my treks, I became aware of the problems associated with trekking and the kind of issues someone who wanted to trek would face. A lot of people who were interested in hiking didn’t know where to go, and information on the activity was very scarce. Also, there weren’t many guides or support staff who could organise the trip for us, and take care of the logistics. I realised that there was a scope for organising treks and providing information the right way, and that’s what spurred me to get into it.
What were the highest and lowest points for you in the course of running IndiaHikes?
The lowest point I would say is, when you start an enterprise, it doesn’t come so easily and you have to be involved in it completely. After its inception, IndiaHikes was growing; but during the Uttarakhand floods, we had no option but to actually refund everybody’s money, so we couldn’t do the trek. Losing the earning that we had planned out for six months was a huge hit to IndiaHikes at that stage. Customers started withdrawing future registrations as well. That was a tough time but we chose to continue, though we knew we were going through a low point.
On the positive side, we have been instrumental in opening up a lot of things about trekking in India. From trails to safety practices, we have brought a lot of things to the forefront for the trekking community in the country. At this point, we have about 20-25 treks in India, out of which many have been brought out into the trekking scene by IndiaHikes. So looking at it, it is a very good place to be right now.
Is the current start-up climate in India actually supportive of aspiring entrepreneurs?
I would say that the start-up climate is good because of the people, the entrepreneurs, and not really because of the government. The government hasn’t been really supportive, neither has it had a negative effect. It has been pretty neutral.
What was your support system while you were working on getting IndiaHikes started? Whom did you look to for support and guidance and motivation?
For IndiaHikes, my co-founder Arjun supported me. We would always put IndiaHikes first, and give in to whatever it needed to grow. Right now, IndiaHikes has reached a lot more stable state. It meant sacrificing our personal income; we did not draw money for quite some time, doing things in a minimalistic way. We agreed that we’ll focus on the things that matter.
Did you find the world of business hard to traverse as a woman?
I would say that because we’re in such a niche field as adventure and tourism, it really doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman. It doesn’t matter who you are, but it matters how you perform your work. But when it comes to dealing with people in the mountains, they are a bit hesitant when you are a woman.
How has your relationship with travel evolved since you started working on IndiaHikes?
I think that when you travel, you have to be very conscious about the impact it has on nature and ecology and that has been the takeaway or the biggest learning point for me. Travel is a very expensive affair on our environment. Unless we’re very conscious about how we travel, the impact is going to be huge.
What is the future for IndiaHikes?
Right now, we have treks all over India and in Nepal. It’s not just about increasing the treks and the number of trekkers, but we also want to make systems and practices better and up to the standards we find abroad. We want to carry on with that and bring trekking to more people.
What is your favourite destination?
Trekking in Kashmir is one of my favourites.
What is your personal philosophy in life? What does happiness mean to you?
I think what you do, how you engage yourself, what holds meaning and purpose for you, is what gives you the most happiness.
What would be your advice to all the young aspiring wayfarers who have dreams of travelling the world?
Be fit and try to explore a place on foot. Be adventurous and survey new places.
Spotlight
Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.
In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.
Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.
Architecture
Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style
Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:
Choose the Right Furniture
Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.
Add Textures with Throws and Pillows
Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.
Incorporate Warm Colors
Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.
Use Rugs to Define Spaces
Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.
Personalize with Artwork and Décor
Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.
Invest in Quality Window Treatments
Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.
Add Personal Touches
Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.
People
JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash
There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.
JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either.
In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.
Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.
Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.
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