Latest news with #MagicalMemories
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
In Conversation with Malika Sadani: Building The Moms Co., Family Road Trips & Lessons from a Life in Motion
In a heartfelt episode of Magical Memories, presented by Club Mahindra in association with The Indian Express, host Khyati Rajvanshi chats with Malika Sadani, founder of The Moms Co. Their candid conversation goes beyond business, exploring family traditions, resilience, and the simple joys of holidaying together. Malika Sadani's path began with engineering, an MBA, and corporate roles—until motherhood changed everything. 'Entrepreneurship just happened by chance,' she says, after struggling to find safe skincare for her daughter in London. That challenge led to The Moms Co., inspired by conversations with fellow moms. 'We wanted to create products that we could use fearlessly on our kids and ourselves,' she explains. Her husband Mohit joined as her 'first hire – and the toughest one,' she laughs. Together, they embraced 'work-life integration,' blending business with family life. Redefining Holidays: From Hustle to Heartfelt Getaways Whether it's rafting in Bali during a surprise rainstorm or watching glaciers shift in Iceland, Malika's holiday stories are equal parts thrilling and heartfelt. Family traditions include road trip games like creating chain stories and spotting cars in rainbow colours, or listening to travel playlists curated by their younger daughter. The family balances exploration with relaxation. 'We look for places with scenic beauty and enough activity to keep everyone engaged,' Malika explains. A perfect holiday for her? A beach destination with mild weather, calm vibes, and a chance to simply unwind. When not globetrotting, Malika finds peace in simple pleasures: board games like UNO and Mastermind with her daughters, or zoning out with a feel-good chick flick on Netflix. 'At the end of a long day, you need something that doesn't require your brain,' she jokes. As the episode wraps, Malika leaves viewers with heartfelt advice for anyone navigating the demands of work and family: 'You may be doing great work, but memories aren't made at your desk. Step out, explore, and create moments outside the ordinary. That's where real magic lies.' Make Your Family Holidays Magical From sun-kissed beaches to lush jungles, serene backwaters to majestic hills, vast deserts to captivating international locations – Club Mahindra has it all! Create unforgettable memories by embarking on a magical journey with our 140+ resorts across different terrains and amazingly unique experiences Disclaimer: This content is sponsored and does not reflect the views or opinions of IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd. No journalist is involved in creating sponsored material and it does not imply any endorsement whatsoever by the editorial team. IE Online Media Services takes no responsibility for the content that appears in sponsored articles and the consequences thereof, directly, indirectly or in any manner. Viewer discretion is advised.
Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
In Conversation with Chef Pankaj Bhadouria: From Classroom to Kitchen, and Holidays That Heal the Soul
In a heartfelt episode of Magical Memories, presented by Club Mahindra in association with The Indian Express, celebrated chef and MasterChef India winner Chef Pankaj Bhadouria joins host Khyati Rajanshi to share her inspiring journey of transformation, resilience, and the simple joy of family holidays. Before MasterChef, Pankaj spent 16 years as a teacher. But a TV promo featuring Akshay Kumar sparked a new dream. 'My kids said, 'Mom, you have to go audition—you cook so well!'' she recalls. It wasn't a planned switch, but a heart-led leap, which took her from a 3,000-strong queue in Lucknow to winning MasterChef India – at the cost of a stable job and peer scepticism. 'You're not going for cooking; you're chasing glamour,' she was told. From TV shows and books to her academy and digital content, Pankaj wears many hats. Through it all, her family is her anchor. 'Everything works out when you have love and support surrounding you,' she says. Growing up in Delhi, food and family went hand in hand. Despite losing her father at a young age, Pankaj's memories are rich with warmth. She recalls winter afternoons spent sitting on the kitchen slab with her brother, tearing rotis straight from the pan. 'There was no screen time – just stories, smells, and shared meals,' she says. Both her parents were excellent cooks, and the kitchen was always alive with aromas and activity. Her mother, who learned cooking from her father and grandmother, passed on more than just recipes – she passed on the spirit of togetherness. For Pankaj, early vacations meant trips to Gazipur or Himachal. With success, holidays became meaningful pauses to connect. A favourite was the Deccan Odyssey luxury train ride with her family across Mumbai, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. 'It was our way of being tourists and royalty at the same time,' she laughs. Another highlight is Disneyland in the U.S. after a work trip. 'I always wanted to go, and so did my daughter. It was pure magic at every age.' From camping in Kanatal to European tours and Indian adventures, her travels are about people, not just places. 'Even today, dinner is a non-negotiable family event. We debrief, share laughs, and bond,' she says. In true chef fashion, Pankaj's holiday memories often involve food. From the men in her family cooking a feast on a trip to sharing sandwiches in European convenience stores, meals have always been memory markers. And traditions run deep. 'Christmas is big in our home – Secret Santa, a decorated tree, and baking together as a family,' she shares. 'We may travel the world, but these rituals ground us.' Make Your Family Holidays Magical From sun-kissed beaches to lush jungles, serene backwaters to majestic hills, vast deserts to captivating international locations – Club Mahindra has it all! Create unforgettable memories by embarking on a magical journey with our 140+ resorts across different terrains and amazingly unique experiences. Disclaimer: This content is sponsored and does not reflect the views or opinions of IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd. No journalist is involved in creating sponsored material and it does not imply any endorsement whatsoever by the editorial team. IE Online Media Services takes no responsibility for the content that appears in sponsored articles and the consequences thereof, directly, indirectly or in any manner. Viewer discretion is advised.
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Living a Full Circle: Leadership, Legacy & Leisure with Dr. Bharat Kaushal
In this episode of Club Mahindra presents Magical Memories, in association with The Indian Express, host Khyati Rajwanshi sits down with Dr. Bharat Kaushal, Executive Chairman and Corporate Officer at Hitachi India, for a heartfelt conversation on transformation, leadership, family, and finding balance in a world that never stops moving. What begins as a reflection on an extraordinary corporate journey soon evolves into something more personal- a philosophy of leading with humility, building with purpose, and living with intention, both at work and at home. Reimagining Leadership: A New Chapter with Hitachi In a stellar career spanning over four decades, Dr. Bharat Kaushal has worn many hats — from investment banking to global CEO. His journey is not just one of boardrooms and business metrics but of understanding change and evolving with both purpose and humility. When Dr. Bharat Kaushal joined Hitachi, it marked a reinvention — a turning point where the business felt entirely his canvas to paint. Whether it was large-scale sectors like railways, power, and water, or fast-moving digital initiatives reaching the last mile, he stepped in at a time when India itself was undergoing a significant evolution. As India transitions into a consumption-led economy — poised to become the world's third-largest by 2027 — Dr. Kaushal has positioned Hitachi India at the heart of this transformation. 'It wasn't about just pushing products anymore. It was about understanding the needs of the last mile, of creating something meaningful that aligned with where India was headed,' he reflects. This clarity led to a strategic shift at Hitachi India: expanding from a traditional B2B model to a more inclusive B2B2C approach — ensuring technology not only powers industries but also empowers citizens. Legacy of Values: Roots that Shape a Vision Raised in Delhi with roots in Lucknow and a lineage of civil servants, Dr. Kaushal's foundation was steeped in values, humility, and discipline—qualities that would later shape his leadership style in the corporate world. 'My father was a senior police officer, and my grandfather joined the freedom struggle after resigning from the British government. That sense of duty runs deep,' he shares. These early influences instilled in him a principled approach to leadership, a deep respect for institutions, and a long-term vision—traits invaluable in steering Hitachi through the complexities of digital transformation, green innovation, and inclusive sustainability. Innovation with Impact: Transforming India, One Solution at a Time While the successful voyage of Hitachi in India started nine decades back, transformation and collaboration have been the ethos and ideologies for Hitachi with a purpose to enhance people's quality of life. With Dr. Kaushal taking the command as the first Indian Managing Director, the growth trajectory for Hitachi has further witnessed unparalleled yet cosmic expansion. Under Dr. Kaushal's visionary leadership, many idiosyncratic projects have been realized covering the length and breadth of the nation — from pioneering the Kolkata East-West Underwater Metro and the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link, to deploying Telemedicine Kits in remote areas and white-label ATMs in underserved communities. The incessant progression of Hitachi also exemplifies a sharp, yet well-structured pragmatic growth plan, that encapsulates business ventures to further fortify Hitachi India's position across business segments. Dr. Kaushal has steered Hitachi India to transit more than a solutions provider — it has become an enabler, a partner in progress for India. The stories of success for Hitachi in India are endless but the focus remains – 'Making Hitachi a part of everybody's life.' For Dr. Kaushal, every transformation — whether personal or professional — must be human-centric. Take healthcare: with Hitachi's MStar™ Telemed platform, the company has revolutionized access for over 33 million users, offering a unified, connected care system that brings specialist consultations to the country's remotest geographies. In acknowledgment of Hitachi's pioneering efforts, the National Health Authority has officially certified the MStar™ e-Governance Platform for integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) modules M1, M2, and M3. Through offering such inter-connected solutions, 'We're not just innovating for innovation's sake. We're innovating to touch lives of billions,' he says. The Personal Side of Purpose: Balance, Family, and Connection Despite the demands of high-powered roles, home life for Dr. Kaushal remains rooted in shared values and intentional connection. 'In our house, no one eats alone,' he says, smiling. 'One meal together, every day. That was the rule.' This philosophy extends into his professional ethos. At Hitachi, cohesion, communication, and team alignment aren't just boardroom terminology — they are lived experiences. As Executive Chairman and Corporate Officer, he also emphasizes resilience in leadership, often navigating the balance between constant connectivity and presence. 'The phone's always on,' he admits, 'but I've learned to respond on my terms — early morning, during nap time, or late at night. I make sure it doesn't disturb the experience.' This intentional balance echoes Hitachi's larger strategy of embedding digital intelligence into real-life contexts — from UPI-enabled ATMs that turn mobile phones into wallets, to green grid technologies that illuminate remote corners of India with the flick of a switch. Even on holidays, this ethos continues. 'My wife plans holidays like an artist,' he laughs. 'She doesn't just book places — she curates experiences.' And while the CEO hat never fully comes off, these curated family moments become lessons in leadership, too. 'We're five individuals, but when we travel, we move as one.' For someone orchestrating large-scale transformation, that unity isn't just personal — it's a metaphor for business success: alignment, trust, and a shared vision. For a leader navigating the complexities of global business, Dr. Kaushal's most profound insight is refreshingly human: 'Success isn't just about climbing the ladder — it's about widening the circle.' Letting others lead. Listening more than speaking. Remaining a learner at every stage. In many ways, his leadership mirrors Hitachi's India vision — building an inclusive, digital, and green future where technology doesn't just automate but elevates. As India emerges as a global powerhouse, Hitachi is right there — driving urban mobility, digital payments, tele-healthcare, e-education, and net-zero initiatives with bold precision. Because when work, life, and leadership stop functioning as isolated tracks and begin to align into a single, intentional journey — that's not balance. That's integration. That's when you stop managing life and start truly living it. Make Your Family Holidays Magical From sun-kissed beaches to lush jungles, serene backwaters to majestic hills, vast deserts to captivating international locations – Club Mahindra has it all! Create unforgettable memories by embarking on a magical journey with our 140+ resorts across different terrains and amazingly unique experiences. This content is sponsored and does not reflect the views or opinions of IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd. No journalist is involved in creating sponsored material and it does not imply any endorsement whatsoever by the editorial team. IE Online Media Services takes no responsibility for the content that appears in sponsored articles and the consequences thereof, directly, indirectly or in any manner. Viewer discretion is advised.
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Out of Office, Into Insight: Kriti Mehrotra's Leadership Lessons from Holidays
In this episode of Club Mahindra presents Magical Memories, in association with The Indian Express, host Khyati Rajwanshi sits down with Kriti Mehrotra, co-founder of one of India's most loved organic brands, Organic Tattva for an intimate exchange on holidaying, leadership, family, and the meaning of home away from home. What begins as a story of entrepreneurship soon unfolds into something deeper: a life fueled by curiosity, an eye for detail, and a soul deeply nourished by nature, people, and memories. Kriti's Journey, in Her Own Words The story of every entrepreneur starts long before they get their first significant break. I started off with an inquisitive mind, a keen sense of detail, and a passion for people and the natural world. From my earliest academic endeavors to my first employment, my journey ultimately brought me to create one of India's most adored organic brand today. However, my journey is firmly anchored in something far more straightforward—holidays—than business strategy and boardroom choices. Leadership & Life In my experience as an entrepreneur, those who succeed at home also succeed at work. No strategy session can compare to the insight that comes from holidaying and personal time. I can lead with empathy and vision when I have the time to think, rebuild, and re-establish a connection with my inner self. I develop my core during these calm times, which helps me see things more broadly and transition from reactive to responsive leadership. It's difficult to juggle work and family obligations, particularly for women. Guilt becomes our middle name sometime along the line. There is an unseen pressure on us to always do everything. I've come to understand over the years that quality, not balance, is what matters. Lessons from Holidaying & Experiences You learn to adjust when you holiday. You get to new places, find a way to blend in, and manage to get by. I appreciate that effort because it serves as a reminder that being adaptable doesn't mean altering who you are; rather, it means remaining open to the person you could become. My trips have also been the source of my creativity. It's interesting to see how several cultures react to the same item or circumstance. Every response is different, but we are all connected by a basic human trait. These realizations have influenced several workplace decisions, frequently resulting in more human-centered solutions. And resilience comes next. Holidaying throws everything at you, from misplaced luggage to rerouted plans, from missed flights to language hurdles. You get the ability to remain composed, think quickly, and persevere. No MBA or textbook can impart the self-assurance and independence that were formed in those moments. Holidays spent with my loved ones are where I have some of my most cherished memories. These are the times when you are reminded of the important things in life. We have always valued quality time over quantity in our household. My leadership style is directly impacted by these domestic experiences. I try to foster an environment at work where people feel encouraged rather than condemned. Because you appear more self-assured and genuine when you know that someone is looking out for you. Final Thoughts If I were to give you one bit of advise, it would be to schedule time for important moments. Work will always exist, but what makes a life worthwhile are the memories you make with your loved ones and with yourself. And one holidaying-related life lesson that all leaders ought to adopt – Remain inquisitive and modest. You're never too old to pick up new skills, particularly when you're stepping outside of your comfort zone. Leadership is ultimately about more than just numbers and benchmarks. It has to do with people, perspective, and presence. So go ahead and schedule that vacation, take that day off, and make the most of that time. Because you're walking toward the kind of leadership that really counts in those situations, not away from it. Make Your Family Holidays Magical From sun-kissed beaches to lush jungles, serene backwaters to majestic hills, vast deserts to captivating international locations – Club Mahindra has it all! Create unforgettable memories by embarking on a magical journey with our 140+ resorts across different terrains and amazingly unique experiences. Disclaimer: This content is sponsored and does not reflect the views or opinions of IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd. No journalist is involved in creating sponsored material and it does not imply any endorsement whatsoever by the editorial team. IE Online Media Services takes no responsibility for the content that appears in sponsored articles and the consequences thereof, directly, indirectly or in any manner. Viewer discretion is advised.
BBC News
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Devon's Plough Arts Centre celebrates 50th anniversary
An arts centre in Devon is holding exhibition to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The Plough Arts Centre, in Great Torrington, has invited members of the public to add their memories of the centre to a story box. An exhibition, Magical Memories, is taking place in its gallery from Friday until 31 May. Centre CEO Emma Martson said: "There's tonnes of memories here and we'd love the community to get involved." Youth theatre There is also a 50th anniversary pantomime due to be performed on 11 and 12 April. Actor Emlyn Harris said one of his main reasons for moving to Great Torrington was because of Plough theatre. He said: "It's wonderful to be part of something that's so important ... 50 years is quite incredible. "The wonderful thing about this panto is just the young people who are involved in it, the youth theatre; it's how I sort of started in theatre and it's such a great way to get out there and mix with a community." Bella, who is taking part in the pantomime said: "I love theatre because, at this point it is my life, it's just the most amazing thing - I think it's a creative outlet... and through it I've made so many friends."Evie, who is also also in the pantomime, added: "The Plough is really important to me. "I've been coming here ever since I was little and I'm also really into acting as well, so I thought it was a great opportunity."
