My City Links: May 2022 Issue

Book excerpt: A decade ago, if somebody had said that you could earn money by cracking jokes, you would have been justified in saying, ‘You must be joking!’ React the same way today, and the joke would be on you! Yes, we are talking about careers like stand-up comedy and creative education courses which were unheard of then that are opening up a whole new world of opportunities. In our Cover Story, we explore the new, emerging landscape, driven as much by the urge to take the path less travelled as a growing acceptance of the unconventional. Amid reports of communal tensions in some pockets of the country, we bring you a heart-warming tale from Cuttack. City Lights chronicles the enduring popularity of the Kohinoor Paanji (ephemeris), which was first published in 1935. Over the decades, this almanac put together by a Muslim family has become a go-to resource when it comes to dates for Hindu festivals and religious rituals. A few weeks ago, the sound of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Academy Awards (Oscars) ceremony reverberated across the world, reigniting the age-old debate of how anger can trigger a dangerous personality transformation. We decided to get to the bottom of a problem that defies easy solutions or workarounds. Read all about it in the Health & Fitness section. The Showcase Odisha Awards continue to connect people associated with the state. This time, the event moved to Bangalore, where it honoured two exceptional Odias. Organic and eco-friendly are all the buzzwords these days. And you need to look no further than the duo of Sukanya Sahu and Farheen Sheikh who have launched a brand of apparels, accessories and stationery using eco-printing. My City Links also catches up with Susmita Misra, who is building a community marketplace for the exchange of pre-owned sarees. She tells us how the concept has caught the fancy of women across the world. The term street smart is no longer something that crosses your mind only when you see someone navigating difficult situations in life. It’s also something that’s increasingly visible on the streets, literally! In Fashion & Lifestyle, we look at a new brand of smart streetwear launched by four talented youngsters. Emerging Odia actor Sovan Samal is busy chasing his passion. In Screen Shots, he opens up about his early days, support from his family, and his inspirations from the world of entertainment.