Audition

Published in the Sunday Sakal on 19 January 2025

January is a busy month. Without any effort, a brand-new year is already in our hands. While we are still deciding what exactly to do in this new year, the first fifteen to twenty days pass by in the blink of an eye. Looking at the statistics or data of New Year resolutions made so far, or more accurately, their failure rates, I have mostly reached the conclusion not to make resolutions. Yet, there’s always a spark to start one or two things. I have resolved to keep it simple this year: to write down what needs to be done tomorrow, tick it off the next night, and enjoy the sense of achievement. Over the past fifteen days, my score with this resolution has been fifty-fifty. 

The habit of making the most of each day, chasing positive thoughts, and focusing on productive actions has settled in well. As a result, neither does time get wasted, nor do I wonder, ‘What should I do now?’ Tasks line up one after the other, and I dive into them wholeheartedly. By focusing on one task at a time, I can work efficiently and complete it in less time with better quality. When one task is done satisfactorily and on time, the enthusiasm to tackle the next one increases, ensuring it’s completed just as well. Building such a chain of small achievements eventually makes every hour, day, month, year, and life worthwhile. A happy and enthusiastic mind keeps the body healthy too, so taking care of your mind is essential. 

January also marks the preparation for the new financial year starting in April. This involves strategizing, budgeting, and planning, taking up at least 25% of everyone's time. Every department juggles current tasks while planning for the near future. Salary revisions also occur in this month. Measuring the past year's performance and receiving results at the start of the year can boost morale. If the outcomes aren’t favourable, January still provides an opportunity to plan. Sometimes, it’s necessary to look back, evaluate ourselves objectively, and reassess our goals. If that’s not feasible, January is also a good time to explore new opportunities. Instead of complaining or blaming the organization, one should be ready to decide, ‘This way or that’. 

The third significant task that keeps many of us busy this month is the annual evaluation of our tour managers. 

Currently, Veena World has 375 tour managers who lead tours across the country and abroad. Every January-February, new talent is added to this team. Fresh, competent tour managers who align with Veena World’s standards and discipline are onboarded. A large walk-in interview event is conducted on the second Sunday of February for enthusiastic youth keen on joining the tourism industry. This year’s walk-in interview is on February 9, for the positions of Tour Managers and Assistant Tour Managers. If anyone in your circle is passionate about tourism, do encourage them to attend. 

Tourism is poised to be an important industry in the future, as the government continues to emphasise its growth. Though the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant setback, tourism has rebounded at double the speed it had fallen. Over the past 2–3 years, youth were hesitant to enter the tourism sector due to COVID's impact, but this trend has reversed in the last 8–10 months. Fresh talent is now eager to join both the tourism industry and Veena World. Our corporate office has even run out of space, but fortunately, a floor we had leased to a fintech company during COVID has been returned to us two months ago, perfect timing! 

Having ample and well-organised workspace ensures efficient work, a belief supported by my own experience. Just as a well-organized home with everything in its place brings joy, the same applies to offices. If every person has a designated place and works efficiently, effectiveness naturally improves. 

At Veena World, evaluating tour managers is a continuous, consistent process conducted through one-on-one meetings, Zoom calls, audio messages, or group settings. January is the month of group evaluations, where we assess 15–20 tour managers daily, devoting four hours a day to this process. Every tour manager is important, and so is their career. Becoming a tour manager, exploring the world, and travelling across all seven continents involves hard work. Having been tour managers ourselves in the early days of our careers, we fully understand the effort behind this seemingly glamorous job. 

Veena World’s expert tour managers often start as Assistant Tour Managers for domestic tours. After 2–3 years of rigorous experience, they are evaluated in January for promotion. I liken this evaluation to an ‘audition’ because, like an artist, the tour manager is tested and assessed. We observe their appearance, not their looks, which aren’t in their control, but their smartness, neatness, humility, smile, enthusiasm, and confidence. Next, we evaluate their voice, whether it’s clear, audible, and resonant. Then comes their speech, whether it’s structured, relevant, and well-modulated. Finally, their knowledge is tested to see if they have genuinely studied the assigned topic or are simply parroting information. 

Some tour managers stand out with exceptional auditions, seizing the chance to prove their uniqueness. After all, differentiation is the biggest challenge in today’s world. This week, Dhawal Chhatbar impressed everyone with his ‘Maori’ dance demonstration. His outstanding commentary and performance earned him a spot for Australia-New Zealand tours. 

Once the Assistant Tour Manager or Tour Manager successfully completes all these responsibilities and meets the required standards, they are promoted to the next level. These levels are as follows: starting as an Assistant Tour Manager for domestic tours in India, followed by Tour Manager for domestic tours, then progressing to Southeast Asia Tour Manager, Far East Asia Tour Manager, Australia-New Zealand Tour Manager, and finally reaching the level of Europe or America Tour Manager. Eventually, these tour managers embark on journeys spanning all seven continents. 

We dedicate significant effort to the training of our Tour Managers because the ultimate goal is the joy on the faces of our guests and the satisfaction of ensuring a successful and safe tour. 

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Dekho Apna Desh
Dil se! Pyaar se! Samman se!

When we think of Kerala, what often comes to mind are iconic South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, sambhar, and appam. But the state’s culinary treasures extend far beyond these, featuring delicacies like puttu and kadala curry, payasam, pazham pori, and Malabar biryani.

It is said that Vasco da Gama first set foot in India at Kozhikode in Kerala. The state derives its name from the Malayalam word ‘Kera’, meaning coconut. Ancient lore suggests that the land of Kerala rose from the sea due to natural phenomena. Additionally, a legend attributes its creation to Lord Parashurama, who is believed to have thrown his axe into the sea, reclaiming the land.

Kerala is renowned for its serene, pristine, and tranquil beaches. From Kovalam Beach and the secluded shores of Kannur to Hawa Beach, Varkala, Marari, and Bekal Beach, Kerala’s coastline is truly captivating. These beaches are further beautified by iconic lighthouses, such as the 150-year-old Alappuzha Lighthouse and the tallest lighthouse in Kerala, the Vizhinjam Lighthouse at Kovalam.

A famous landmark in Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. The name originates from the Malayalam words Tiru Ananta Puram, meaning ‘The City of Lord Ananta’. Lord Ananta is believed to be the serpent Sheshnag, on whom Lord Padmanabha (a form of Lord Vishnu) rests. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, is one of the most celebrated temples in South India and across the country.

Kerala’s Wayanad is a picturesque hill station, while Munnar is one of its most popular tourist destinations, known for producing some of the finest tea. The towering hills and drifting clouds of Munnar create an unforgettable view.

Ecologically diverse, Kerala promotes eco-tourism, attracting visitors to its national parks and serene backwaters. Its spiritual and religious landmarks provide a glimpse into India’s rich past.

Whether it's the vast stretches of beaches, lush green hill stations, rejuvenating Ayurvedic health holidays, or the unique Kerala cuisine, this land offers a complete sensory experience. Kerala truly deserves a visit to immerse yourself in its natural, cultural, and culinary marvels! 

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Oh! I Didn’t Know This... 

It is often said that to truly witness the beauty of a state, one must first explore its villages. India is home to numerous villages that attract tourists from across the country for their charm and allure. One such village is Turtuk in Leh. 

While we have long considered Turtuk to be India’s last village, our Honourable Prime Minister has designated it as India’s first village. Nestled on the left bank of the Shyok River in the Leh district of Ladakh, this picturesque village is located approximately 205 kilometres from Leh, near the Nubra Valley at the edge of Ladakh. 

Turtuk has a fascinating history. Until the 1971 war, it was under Pakistan’s control. However, after the war, the Indian Army reclaimed the village, making it a part of India. Surrounded by the Karakoram Mountain ranges, Turtuk is a breathtakingly beautiful and unique village. During the night, the pristine, crystal-clear waters glimmering under the blue sky captivate visitors. 

The village is renowned not only for its beauty but also for its adventure opportunities. Many visitors come here for trekking, and the village becomes even more enchanting during snowfall. Turtuk is home to the Balti community, and just a short distance away from the village is a hilltop Buddhist monastery. From this spot, one can enjoy panoramic views of lush green Turtuk. 

In Turtuk, visitors can also see bunkers from both India and Pakistan. Using binoculars, one can even catch a glimpse of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The village also boasts a heritage house and a Balti Museum, where tourists can learn about the lifestyle, attire, cuisine, language, and wedding traditions of the Balti community. 

Winters in Turtuk are exceptionally cold, with heavy snowfall. The Balti language spoken here closely resembles the Ladakhi dialect. The primary livelihood of the locals is agriculture, and the abundant farming activity often surprises first-time visitors. 

One unique feature near Turtuk is a natural ‘freezer’ that keeps water frozen even at a temperature of 30°C. Every year, on March 21st, the Baltistan Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This festival offers a delightful experience of dance and music, with the main highlight being a polo match. Local players wear traditional attire known as kabai while participating in the game. 

If you wish to visit this remarkable first village of India, ‘Turtuk’, Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado with Veena World!     

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Veena World Travel Mission
100 Country Club 

 The Joy of Travel 

If there’s one true way to break free from the monotony and exhaustion of daily life, it’s travel. I travel to various countries and regions across the world with my mother for this very reason. For us, travel means relaxation and happiness. Even at the age of 75, my mother is eager to visit new countries and places because the joy she gets from travelling rejuvenates her. 

As someone who is deeply fascinated by wildlife, traveling allows me to connect more closely with nature, which is why I am always ready to embark on a new journey. Veena World has been our trusted partner in this passion for travel. Their thoughtful service and impeccable planning have made us loyal travellers with Veena World. To date, we have visited 18 countries across the world and 31 states in India. 

We typically take one or two trips every year, and we maintain a list of destinations we wish to explore. Last year, we visited South Africa, and this year, we plan to visit Kenya to witness the Great Migration. We are also eagerly looking forward to experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Bhutan and the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Among all the countries we’ve visited so far, Vietnam and Cambodia remain unforgettable. I particularly loved the impeccably clean cities and excellent roads in Vietnam. The world-class infrastructure made sightseeing incredibly comfortable and allowed me to indulge in my passion for photography. 

My mother’s favourite destination is Dubai. She thoroughly enjoyed exploring its diverse attractions. Iconic places like Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Frame made her trip truly unforgettable. Now, she has just one wish: to visit Ayodhya again and offer her prayers at Shri Ram Temple once its construction is completed. 

We also have a habit of collecting fridge magnets from all the places we visit as souvenirs of our travels. These little treasures bring back cherished memories of the places we have explored. 

• Anant Murthy
  With his mother, Shanta Murthy
  Pune 

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Private Holiday Ideas
With Veena World Customized Holidays 

Friends, the wedding season is here, and Valentine’s Week is just around the corner. February is the month of love, the perfect time to celebrate romance. Have you planned something special for these romantic days? 

Imagine celebrating your love with an exclusive dining experience at a restaurant atop the Eiffel Tower, enjoying a panoramic view of the City of Love. Or, if you are more of a ‘Mountains or Beaches’ person and your answer is beaches, how about driving along Australia’s stunning Great Ocean Road? A memorable self-drive adventure awaits! Or perhaps you are on board the iconic Glacier Express, experiencing one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, passing through picturesque landscapes and majestic mountains, while enjoying top-notch services in the Excellence Class. Doesn't that sound dreamy? 

If you prefer to stay within India and are a coffee lover with a penchant for nature, then a treehouse stay amidst the coffee plantations in Coorg is also a great option. 

For those who seek both romance and thrill, plan a trip to Cappadocia in Turkey. Imagine the two of you in a hot air balloon, sipping champagne, surrounded by breathtaking views. Or live like royalty by staying in a Scottish castle and indulge in whiskey tasting. 

Want to try something unique? Explore the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Charter a private yacht, enjoy a sunset dinner, and make unforgettable memories. If you want to spend your holiday in complete privacy with your special someone, relax by the serene shores of Rotorua Lake at the Polynesian Spa in New Zealand. 

Stay in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives for an extraordinary experience or enjoy a private sandbank picnic surrounded by crystal-clear waters. 

In Bali, unwind in a private pool villa and savour a floating breakfast. Alternatively, in Finland, stay in a glass igloo or a luxury lodge and witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Watch this magical display of colours in the sky with your loved one and be mesmerised. 

From these dreamy destinations and more, choose your perfect romantic getaway. Make your moments memorable with Veena World’s Customized Holidays team, ready to craft a special trip tailored just for you. 

Contact Veena World Customized Holidays today:
1800 22 7979 | customizedholidays@veenaworld.com

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Around the World... 

The concept of 'Tulip Mania’ originates from the tulip flower itself. Among European countries, especially in the Netherlands, the bloom of tulips is a captivating sight. With their vibrant colours and enchanting beauty, these flowers bring new energy to the world. The renowned Keukenhof Garden, famous for tulips, is also known as the ‘Garden of Europe’. 

By mid to late April, tulips are in full bloom, primarily in shades of red, yellow, pink, white, or orange. Some flowers even have distinct patterns or spots of different colours near the base, making them even more striking. Walking through the vast tulip fields, one is greeted by a sweet, lingering fragrance in the air. The scene resembles a beautiful, colourful carpet laid out on the ground, offering a feast for the eyes. 

So, why not head to Europe in March or April to witness the spectacular tulip festival and experience this breathtaking celebration of nature?