Muscle & grace  Sudhir Chowdhury had the last laugh at the exclusive male pageant ‘Malestorm — The Ultimate Challenge Contest 2008’ at Royal Regency at Bamunimaidam, Guwahati recently. The beauty pageant organized by fashion house Kreative People saw 17 contestants vie for the top honours at the grand finale where Pratik Bharali and Shamik Sharma were the first and second runners-up respectively. The glittering evening was punctuated with items like a soulful Odissi recital to rhythmic and funky dance performances. There were three colourful ramp rounds — ethnic Muga by designer Ashish Chowdhury, a khadi sequence by Jay Singh and another round by Yana. The crowning followed with a rocking performance by the band Moonwind.

Glowing beauty  Beauty is not skin deep, it is the glow of the inner self that makes one beautiful. Taking cue from this adage, Amway India organized a gala pageant, billed ‘Amway Artistry Miss Northeast’ the other day, with an aim to create awareness about the need of a regular skin care regime and grooming among the youths of the region. Judged by celebrities like actresses Moloya Goswami and Bina Baruwati, writer Mainee Mahanta, ghazal singer Anirbaan Das, swimmer Mithu Barua and designer Payal Chadha, the event saw Nibir Sabnam walk away with the winner’s crown, followed by Niharika and Panchami respectively.

Medical wisdom  The other day Dr Gakul Bora — a practising child specialist who was among the handful of paediatricians in Assam two decades ago — handed us the second revised edition of his book Akanir Melat Daktor Mama. After reluctacantly reading the book we found it irresistible to leave for the bits and pieces of interesting information contained in the articles on child health. Though primarily meant for children as the title suggests, no one should raise an eyebrow if we say that we finished the 60-page book in just two sittings. and yes, it’s really worth reading not only for the children but also for the parents who can learn a lot of new things. Moreover, it could help clear confusions about some illnesses vis-a-vis superstitions. In his simple and humorous style, Dr Bora writes about blood, safe drinking water, cough and influenza, infectious diseases, toothcare, seasonal fruits, peas and nuts, vegetables, hair and nails, ancient medical practices, besides contributions of Louis Pasteur and Alexander Fleming. The book is sure to enhance the wisdom of children and elders alike.

Rock on!  The annual music event Campus Rock Idols is here again. Into its fifth year, the event managed and conceptualized by DNA Networks, will have regional rounds in various cities, including Shillong, followed by the mega finals in Hyderabad on February 7. CRI has over the years produced a number of talented rock bands that have gone on to achieve national as well as international exposure. The Shillong round of this year’s ‘Nokia Hero Honda CRI’ will be held on January 10 at the Polo Ground. Rock bands from the region can log on to www.campusrockidols.in for more information and participation.

Simanta / Mridumoloy