Thursday, September 27, 2018

Top 10 Richest Person of Gujarat

Top 10 Gujarati Billionaires


There is a saying that – “No one can do a business as perfect as Gujaratis do”. Well! this holds true to a large extent. Whatever the field may be, there will be at least one successful Gujarati businessman involved in it. According to the Forbes, there are more than 10 Billionaires from Gujarat alone.



Here presenting you Top 10 Gujarati Billionaires. (*All the net worths are as per Forbes Feb 2018 data)

> Mukesh Ambani – (Net Worth : 2.65 Lakh Crore INR)

Mukesh Ambani is chair person of Reliance Group and runs $51billion (revenue) oil and gas giant Reliance Industries, among India's most valuable companies. Reliance was founded by his late father Dhirubhai Ambani, a yarn trader, in 1966 as a small textile manufacturer. He currently stay in Mumbai.


Image result for gujarati billionaires together



> Dilip Shanghvi –  (Net Worth : 81 Thousand Crore INR)


He founded Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and serves as managing director. The son of a pharmaceuticals distributor, he borrowed $200 from his father to start Sun in 1983 to make psychiatric drugs. The company is the world's fifth largest generics maker and India's most valuable pharma outfit with 2016 revenues of $4.1 billion

Image result for dilip shanghvi



> Gautam Adani – (Net Worth : 70 Thousand Crore INR)

Gautam Adani is the chairman and founder of Adani Group. Ports tycoon Gautam Adani controls Mundra Port, India's largest, in his home state of Gujarat. His $12 billion (revenue) Adani Group's interests include power generation and transmission, real estate and commodities. Adani's overseas assets include Australia's Abbott Point port and the controversial Carmichael coal mine, billed as one of the world's largest.

Image result for gautam adani


> Uday Kotak – (Net Worth: 69 Thousand Crore INR)


Uday Kotak is the Executive Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. He started a finance firm in 1985 then went on convert it into a bank 2003. His Kotak Mahindra Bank is now among India's top four banks in the private sector, boosted by its 2014 acquisition of ING Bank's Indian operations. In March 2017, Kotak launched 811, a digital banking app offering zero-balance accounts with the aim of doubling the bank's customers to 16 million.

Image result for uday kotak


> Pankaj Patel – (Net Worth: 32 Thousand Crore INR)

Indian pharma magnate Pankaj Patel runs listed company Cadila Healthcare, which was cofounded by his late father in 1952 to make vitamins. A pharmacy grad, Patel joined the firm in 1976 and took charge in 1995 after a formal separation between the two founding families. The $1.5 billion (revenues) Cadila is among India's top five generic makers, headquartered in Ahmedabad city.

Related image


> Sudhir and Samir Mehta – (Net Worth: 25 Thousand Crore INR combined)

Brothers Sudhir & Samir Mehta get the bulk of their wealth from Torrent Pharmaceuticals, flagship of the $2.9 billion (revenue) Torrent Group. The 58-year-old company was founded by their late father Uttambhai Nathalal Mehta, who was a salesman for Swiss pharma giant Sandoz. Their Torrent Power distributes electricity to more than 3 million customers in their home state of Gujarat and two other states.

Image result for sudhir and samir mehta


> Romesh Wadhwani – (Net Worth: 20 Thousand Crore INR)

Romesh Wadhwani is the chairman and CEO of Symphony Technology Group, which brings in $2.5 billion in annual revenues. In January 2017 the firm sold MSC Software to Swedish company Hexagon for $834 million. After graduating from the Indian Institute of Technology, he went to Carnegie Mellon and received a Ph.D. in 1972 in electrical engineering.

Image result for romesh wadhwani


> Anil Ambani – (Net Worth: 17 Thousand Crore INR)

Anil Ambani, the younger sibling of Mukesh Ambani, runs his separate empire with interests in telecom, financial services, media and infrastructure. His Reliance Defense has several joint ventures, including with Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and France's Dassault Aviation. His Reliance Communication called off its proposed merger with rival Aircel, controlled by Malaysian billionaire Ananda Krishnan, due to regulatory delays.

Image result for anil ambani


> Bharat Desai – (Net Worth: 7.8 Thousand Crore INR)

Bharat Desai founded IT consulting and outsourcing company Syntel with his wife Neerja Sethi from their apartment in Troy, Mich. The husband-and-wife team, who met in the U.S. while working for pioneering IT firm, Tata Consulting Services, invested $2,000 to get it going; it brought in $30,000 in sales during its first year.

Image result for bharat desai



Image Source: Google Images

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Unique Crafts of Kutch...

In the state of Gujarat, Kutch is a treasure trove of hidden gems. From grasslands to wetlands, the terrain has a hypnotic appeal. Along with the main towns, 969 villages call Kutch their home each rooted in its unique culture and craft. Needless to say, tribal cottage industries thrive in the region. Traditional handicrafts by skilled artisans are trademarks here and reason enough to explore the unique craft villages of Kutch. Here are some that you definitely include on this craft-y trail.

Khavda Village

Khavda Village in Bhuj is best known as the gateway to the famous flamingo colony at the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. However, the local village community is noted for skilled potters who produce their wares using the soft clay found in the Rann. With unique and distinct designs created using red, black and white paint to decorate, this traditional art form is kept alive by local artisans in the area.

Hodka Village

Quaint thatched-roofed mud huts scattered in Hodka Village are home to a select group of artisan families who produce colourful Banni embroidery. Characterized by bright hues of red, green, yellow and myriad other shades along with chain-stitched mirror, each piece is unique from the other. Patchwork appliques, home furnishings, apparel, jewellery and trinkets boasting of ornate designs are carefully handcrafted by local artisans.
Image result for banni embroidery

Jura Village

Unique to Jura Village is the art of copper-bell making. The skill, which was brought to Gujarat by the Lohar community from Sindh in what is today, Pakistan, is kept alive by Huser Sidhik and his family. Made from scrap metal, the copper is moulded and crafted into bells of all shapes and sizes. No two bells are alike in their chimes, which is truly remarkable.

Nirona Village

A few kilometres from Jura is Nirona Village where the delicate art form known as Rogan Art originated. The technique, which was traditionally used to adorn bridal wear, involves dipping a metal needle in vibrant oil-based paints to create designs on fabric.
Image result for rogan arts

Ajrakhpur Village

Ajrakhpur Village is the home of the traditional Ajrakh block printing style that uses natural dyes made from turmeric, pomegranate, ink and mud to create endless yards of fabric. The printing blocks are often shaped and carved by hand using absolute precision and skill. Almost every family in the village contributes to this complex art form in some way.

Getting there:

By road: While some state and privately run busses operate through the Kutch region, the best option is to hire a private taxi to the villages. The distance from Bhuj are – Khavda (75 kilometres), Hodka (65 kilometres), Jura and Nirona (60 kilometres) and Ajrakhpur (15 kilometres).

Where to stay:

Bhuj is the nearest town to all these villages were accommodation is available. Budget and mid-range options include Hotel Oasis (Rs. 1,397 per night), Grand 3D (Rs. 1,707 per night and Hotel 7 Sky (Rs. 2,240 per night); luxury options include Kutch Safari Resort (Rs. 2,752 per night), Regenta Resort Bhuj (Rs. 2,814 per night) and City The Village Resort (Rs. 9,600 per night).

Best Place to Visit in Goa

Calangute: Go Beaching Like Never Before

Calangute

One of the most popular beaches in Goa and also the largest beach in North Goa, Calangute beach is among the most recommended tourist places in Goa and popular with both domestic and international tourists. It is also the busiest and commercialized beaches in Goa and during peak seasons, this beach is swamped with people from all over the world. It offers a long coastline with an amazing view of the sea and the beach front is dotted shacks, restaurants, clubs and shopping outlets. Once can also enjoy a plethora of water sports at Calangute beach.
Anybody and everybody who has been to Goa would have visited Calangute beach, popularly known as the ‘queen of beaches’. It easily tops the list of top places to visit in North Goa.



Fort Aguada: Take a Trip Down Rich History
Fort Aguada

A well-preserved 17 century Portuguese fort, Fort Aguada is located on the Sinquerim Beach in North Goa. Built as the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas, it was the most prized and crucial fort of the Portuguese. The fort is ringed by thick battlements and a deep dry moat. 2 things worth visiting inside the fort are the 13 metre high lighthouse built in 1864 and a vaulted cistern capable of storing ten million litres of fresh water. From here fresh water was supplied to the ships that stopped there.
Some buildings of the fort are still in good shape having been converted into a jail and interestingly, it happens to be the largest jail in Goa. Fort Aguada is one of the top sightseeing places in Goa.


Deltin Royale Casino: Try Your Luck

Deltin Royale Casino

The Deltin Royale Casino boat is the largest casino boat in Panjim, Goa. It offers 24 hours of nonstop fun in an area spread over 40,000sq.ft of luxury live gaming on three levels with 850 gaming positions. Live entertainment is on the restaurant floor and during peak hours. You need to buy an entry and play package to gain access to the casino. You can also choose to buy a stay and play package which lets you stay at the Deltin hotel and access to the casino as well. For those travelling during national holidays, the casino is closed on all national holidays.


Chapora Fort: Discover Bollywood’s favourite fort

Chapora Fort

Popular as the place where the Bollywood flick “Dil Chahta Hai” was picturised, the Chapora fort stands at the mouth of the Chapora river as an old guard. Today this laterite fort is almost in ruins but does offer some sensational views of the coastline from the top of the fort. That itself is reason enough for any photo enthusiasts.


Basilica of Bom Jesus: Explore Goa’s Religious Legacy

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Churches in Goa are an important legacy of it being an erstwhile Portuguese colony. Built across centuries, these architectural wonders were more than just a place of worship; they hold a place of historical or cultural significance as well. One of the popular churches in Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is preserved here in this Basilica and hence revered by many. It also is an UNESCO World Heritage site.


Pandava Caves and Arvalem Waterfall: Witness the Beauty of Nature

Pandava Caves
About 9 kms to the south of Bicholim town in North Goa is located the 6th century Pandava cave complex and Arvalem waterfalls. The cave complex is divided into 5 compartments and the ‘linga’ enshrined in the middle compartment is held in great reverence by devotees here.
Another attraction close to the Pandava or Arvalem caves is the Arvalem waterfalls. The water cascading down from a height of 50 mts makes for an awesome view, and there is a park nearby from where you can view the waterfall as well as the lake at the bottom.


Mangeshi Temple: Seek Some Divine Intervention

Mangeshi Temple

Goa may have a long Portuguese history and quite a few famous churches, yet it is also home to beautiful temples and ornate mosques as well. Ponda region in Goa is famous for the 16th century Safa Shahouri Mosque as well as the 450-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva. The highlights of the temple are the seven-story lamp tower (deepstambha), a magnificent water tank, believed to be the oldest part of the temple and there is a prominent Nandi Bull as well inside the temple. Located on a small hillock, it is also one of the largest temples in Goa. Because of its temples and churches, Goa is also a popular tourist destinations in India for religious travel.


Dudhsagar Falls: Witness the Fury of Nature’s Glory

Dudhsagar Falls

Literally meaning a sea of milk, Dudhsagar Falls is a 4 tiered waterfall located and the 4th tallest waterfall of India. Located at a distance of 46km from Madgaon, the falls appear spectacular during monsoons after been fed by the rains. There is a railway bridge which passes right in front of the waterfall and passenger train passing through the fall tend to always slow down for passengers to view the fall up close. Unfortunately, there is no viewing platform or site for tourists to take in the full view of the enormous waterfall. Some people do get down at the Dudhsagar station and walk backwards on railway tracks, but that is certainly not recommended.


Ashwem & Arossim Beach: Enjoy Soaking Up Some Sunshine

Ashwem Beach

Not everybody loves crowded beaches. For those looking for some serenity in Goa, Ashwem beach is kind of an oasis. Located in North Goa, around 27 miles from Anjuna beach, this beach is quite opposite to what the popular North Goa beaches like Baga or Calungute are. It is quiet, clean, less crowded and peaceful. White sandy beach with a smattering of restaurants and hotels scattered around the beach area.
Arossim Beach is another such South Goa travel destination or rather beach. Located at a distance of 12 kms from Margao, this beach also is a peaceful paradise with dazzling white sands and swaying palm trees. This beach is also famous for 2 very popular beach shacks; The Star Fish” shack and “The Venus” beach shack. Excellent food (both Indian and international) and awesome views are 2 primary reasons why these 2 places are hugely popular. Looking to watch the sun go down with a chilled beer? Look no further.


Naval Aviation Museum: Get Ready For One of its Kind Experience

Naval Aviation Museum

Unknown to many, the Naval Aviation Museum is the only one of its kind in the whole of Asia and the only Naval Aviation Museum in India. It has an outdoor and an indoor section and exhibits range from 7 different type of aircrafts, rockets, bombs, armaments, protective gears, parachutes, pilot’s outfits etc. Definitely a must visit on your next Goa tour, especially for those keen on life about the defence forces.


Mollem National Park: Spot the Big Cats

Mollem National Park

The Mollem National Park, located in the Western Ghats along Goa’s eastern border with Karnataka. Spread over 240 sq km, the national park is home to several species of wild cats, a wide variety of birds, several species of snakes and even a wide range of butterflies.
Besides wildlife, the park is also home to “the Dhangar”; a community of nomadic buffalo herders. It is also known for some awesome trekking trails and the 12th century Tambdi Surla Mahadev temple dating back to the Kadamba Dynasty.


Fontainhas: Enter into a New World

Fontainhas

Fontainhas, the old Latin Quarter of Goa seems to belong to another part of the world, maybe Europe but certainly not India. The narrow winding street flanked by brightly coloured houses with projecting balconies and red tiled roofs makes for a very picturesque sight. Even the beautiful number plates of the houses are like works of art. It gives a very Mediterranean look and feel to the entire place.
Located at the foothills, with the Altinho hills on the west and the Ourem creek on the East, it derived its name from ‘Fonte Phoenix’ (Fountain of Phoeni)’, which was essentially a water reservoir constructed during the Portuguese rule. The Fountain of Phoenix can still be seen on the way to the Maruti Temple in the Mala area.
You can also opt for a Heritage walk in Fontainhas to know more about the architectural marvels of the place.


Reis Magos Fort: Walk Back in Time

Reis Magos Fort

The Reis Magos Fort is the oldest fort in Goa and has been recently restored to its former glory. It was initially used as the viceroy’s residence and later converted to a fortress. It also served as a prison until recently. Surrounded by sturdy and distinctive reddish laterite walls and studded with typically Portuguese watchtowers or turrets at strategic points. The fort offers some remarkable views of the surrounding countryside and overlooks the Reis Magos Church which lies only a short distance away.


Arpora Night Market: Indulge in Retail Therapy

Arpora Night Market

Goa’s flea markets are also an integral part of tourist experiences in this beach city. Originally started off by hippies as a means of earning money by bartering or selling their stuff, today it is very much a part of any tourist’s Goan itinerary. Arpora night market is held every Saturday from 6pm until late night. This market is a more welcome alternative to the Anjuna market held during sweltering hot afternoons. Also, you can find food stalls offering an inexhaustible range of delectable fare and a centre stage which hosts live concerts.


Tito’s: Dance Away the Blues

Tito's
Goa has always being popular for its nightlife, and Tito’s is one of the best nightclubs in Goa. It is also one of the first discotheques of Goa. Located off the main road, towards Baga beach, Tito’s consists of 2 levels; dance floor on level 1 and level 2 is from where you can sit and watch over the action below. Saturday nights at Tito’s is all about pulsating dance floor, electrifying music, and throbbing lights. The food at Tito’s is also quite lip smacking.

Top 10 Richest Person of Gujarat

Top 10 Gujarati Billionaires There is a saying that – “No one can do a business as perfect as Gujaratis do”. Well! this holds true to a ...