14MAY18_XXXXXL56ENDIA: A Memorable Travel Experience
India, a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, was always on my bucket list. Finally, I got a chance to visit this incredible country last May. The trip was planned to experience the vibrant colors, bustling cities, and mouth-watering cuisine of India. I traveled with my friends and it turned out to be a memorable experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
The journey started with a flight to Delhi, where we took a few days to acclimate ourselves to the exotic environment and experience the mesmerizing Indian capital. The sheer size of Delhi, with its ancient monuments and modern architecture, was overwhelming. We visited several historic sites such as Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Red Fort, which left us in awe of the country's rich history. The Chandni Chowk market, with its narrow lanes and distinct smells, gave us a glimpse of local life and an opportunity to taste some of the most delectable street food.
From Delhi, we headed to Agra, the home of Taj Mahal. Our hearts were filled with excitement and anticipation as we walked towards one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal surpassed all our expectations and left us spellbound with its beauty and grandeur. We spent hours exploring every corner of this masterpiece and taking countless photographs to capture every moment.
We also visited the magnificent Agra Fort, which offers stunning views of the Taj Mahal from a distant hill. The fort was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar and is a remarkable example of Mughal architecture and engineering. The intricate carvings and beautiful gardens made the fort a perfect place to relax and escape from the chaos of the city.
Our journey continued as we headed towards Rajasthan, known for its royal history and rich cultural heritage. Jaipur, the Pink City, was our first stop, and we were awed by the beautiful Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and Amber Fort. The city's bustling bazaars allowed us to indulge in some shopping, as we picked up souvenirs and gifts.
Our final destination was Udaipur, a city of lakes and palaces. We stayed at a lakeside hotel that offered breathtaking views of the city's palaces and lakes. The City Palace and Jag Mandir were worth every moment spent exploring them. We also enjoyed a boat ride on Lake Pichola, which gave us a bird's-eye view of the city's magnificent landscape.
In conclusion, my visit to India was an unforgettable trip that allowed me to experience the country's rich history, diverse cultures, and mouth-watering cuisine. The hospitality and warmth of the people of India made the trip even more enjoyable. I will cherish the memories of this trip for the rest of my life.
14MAY12_XXXXXL56ENDIAN小孩: Discovering the Magic of Indian Childhood
Children are the same all over the world, curious and adventurous. As a mother, I always bring my children with me when I travel. India was no different. The trip to India with my eight-year-old daughter turned out to be an eye-opening experience for both of us. It gave us an opportunity to discover the beauty and magic of Indian childhood.
We started our journey in Mumbai, where my daughter was fascinated by the vibrant colors of the clothes worn by children. We visited the Gateway of India, and she was amazed at the sight of the Taj hotel, where she learned about the terror attack that took place years ago. We also visited the Elephanta Caves, where my daughter got to see the centuries-old carvings and sculptures.
In Jaipur, we visited the beautiful Jal Mahal, where my daughter enjoyed feeding the pigeons and taking a boat ride. The Amer Fort with its large courtyards and halls was also a favourite, where we spent hours exploring, taking photographs and enjoying the panoramic view of the city from the fort.
In Udaipur, my daughter was fascinated by the puppet show that captured the essence of Indian folklore. She also enjoyed the boat ride on Lake Pichola, where we saw many birds and the beautiful Jag Mandir. We also visited the Bagore ki Haveli museum, where my daughter saw some interesting objects and learned about the life of the royal people in Udaipur.
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting an Indian school in Jodhpur, where we interacted with the children and teachers. My daughter was amazed by the discipline and love for learning among the children. She was thrilled to see how children from different cultures can be friends, play and learn together, despite their differences in language and traditions.
Our visit to India was not just about the scenic and cultural attractions but about discovering the magic of Indian childhood. My daughter learned to appreciate diversity and respect for other cultures, and that made the trip even more special.
14MAY18_XXXXXL56ENDIAN60: Empowering Women Through Social Entrepreneurship
India, a country known for its hospitality, tourism, and culture, is also a country of contrasts when it comes to the status of women. Despite being a democracy, millions of women in India continue to face numerous challenges such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and vulnerability to poverty. However, there are also many women who have empowered themselves and others through social entrepreneurship.
The social entrepreneurship model involves the use of business to create social change, by providing goods and services to communities in need. Many women in India have used this model to create successful businesses that generate income and employment for women, while also addressing social issues such as poverty and gender inequality.
One such organization is the Araku Valley Women's Collective in Andhra Pradesh. This collective has introduced coffee farming as a way to provide alternate livelihoods to women who were earlier involved in the illicit liquor trade. The collective has trained over 10,000 women in organic farming techniques, empowering them to improve their economic and social circumstances.
Another example is the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA), a trade union based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. SEWA has over 1.9 million members from across the informal sector and provides a range of services such as insurance, credit, healthcare and childcare facilities. SEWA has empowered women to become self-reliant and has also become a voice for women's rights in the country.
The Barefoot College in Rajasthan is another inspiring example of women's empowerment through social entrepreneurship. The college trains rural women in solar engineering, enabling them to install, maintain, and repair solar electrification systems in their villages. These women have played a crucial role in bringing electricity to thousands of rural households in India.
These stories of social entrepreneurship are not just about women's empowerment, but also about the role of business in addressing social issues. In a society where women's rights are often neglected, social entrepreneurship provides a platform for women to empower themselves and become agents of change.
In conclusion, India has a long way to go in terms of ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment. However, the stories of these women's collectives and organizations are a testament to the resilience and determination of Indian women. They are inspiring examples of how social entrepreneurship can be used to address social issues and create positive change.