You’ve put us on the top of the world!
It’s blazing hot right now. And no, we’re not talking about the summer. There’s something else that made the news
this season.
Vaswani Exquisite has won a huge award – scroll down to read all about it! We’re deeply grateful to each one of you
for walking this road along with us.
We build structures of brick and mortar – but we know that it’s people like you who convert our houses into homes. In this issue of Shared Space, we talk about the power of community, and how buildings like the ones we construct bring people together.What if that people power could be channeled into saving the planet? We talk about a concern that’s looming over all of us – water scarcity, and ways to mitigate it.
And since schools shut for the summer very soon, we bring you some hatke tips on keeping the little ones occupied.
Enjoy the light summery treats served up by our chef, and remember to hydrate.
And shhhh… there’s more good news on the anvil.
Stay cool and stay zen!
Team Vaswani!
We’ve won accolades – and it’s entirely thanks to you
It’s official!
Vaswani Exquisite has been awarded the Best Luxury Residential Project South Zone Award, at the CNBC-Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2023. It’s huge, and we couldn’t be more grateful. The trophy, conferred on 14 March 2024 at a ceremony at the Taj Westend, was received by Mr Asif, Vice President – Sales and CRM, Vaswani Group.
The prestigious Real Estate Awards, in the words of the institutors, “identify and honour professionals who have envisioned and created marvels in the real estate industry.” We couldn’t be more thrilled.
Our deepest gratitude to all of you, our clients, our partners, and our customers, for inspiring us to do better and better.
Thank you!
FEATURE
It takes a village… or a ginormous apartment complex!
When you live in the heart of a sprawling urban landscape, surrounded by towering edifices of concrete and steel, community might be the last word that springs to mind.
And yet, in these modern-day equivalents of villages – the giant apartment complexes – lies the possibility of building a community that could well become your home, your family outside of home, and your support system. Here are some ways to put this people powerhouse to work, for a richer and more textured life:
1. People Power Can Move Mountains… or Garbage
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa
We’re all agreed that climate consciousness is not just cool, but essential. Community is crucial to incubating sustainable living practices on scale. Get your neighbours together to plan and put in place an efficient recycling program, water-saving measures, or green transport options, including car-pooling. As Mother Teresa says, cast that stone, and watch the ripples of change take shape!
2. Nurture Resilience
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Large apartment complexes are mini universes in themselves. In times of individual or collective adversity, the relationships we forge in good times become a bedrock of support. The true strength of a community is revealed in such times. Residents can come together to form resilient networks of compassion, offer assistance to those in need, whether it be during natural disasters, health crises, or personal emergencies.
3. Shared Spaces Nudge Us Closer
“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ― Ruth Reichl
Leave the traffic and the noise behind, and take refuge in the shared spaces that large apartment complexes have to offer. Whether it’s taking a walk together on cobbled pathways, group yoga on landscaped gardens and rooftop terraces, sharing a meal to celebrate a special day in the community hall, or gymming together, there’s enough common ground to connect, unwind, and build lasting relationships.
4. DEI in practice
“If man is to survive, he will have learned to take a delight in the essential differences between men and between cultures. He will learn that differences in ideas and attitudes are a delight, part of life’s exciting variety, not something to fear.” ― Gene Roddenberry
Large apartment complexes are where corporate buzzwords like DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) come alive in practice. You rub elbows with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives and forming a beautiful mosaic of humanity. Embrace this diversity with a spirit of curiosity about other cultures, languages, and cuisine. Dive into conversations that foster a greater understanding, making sure all voices are heard and respected. World peace perhaps starts in a condo!
5. Workin’ and vibin’ together
“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.” ― Idowu Koyenikan
No problem is unsolvable when you have a bunch of heads working at it. In large apartment complexes, residents can pool their often complementary skills and knowledge to tackle common challenges, whether it be organising events, or advocating for a cause. Bring the right and left and neuro-divergent brains together, and watch the magic unfold!
Having said all that, a last reminder, from the always wise Bell Hooks: “But many of us seek community solely to escape the fear of being alone. Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”
RESPONSIBLY YOURS!
SAVE THE BLUE. LIVE GREEN.
No water. No life. No blue. No green. Sylvia Earle
Summer is upon us, and with it, come water woes. There have been warning signs for years, but now, it’s time to act. Here are some ways we can conserve water in our homes and gardens this summer.
Plug the leaks: No matter how vigilant one might be, there’s always one tap that goes drip, drip in the night. Find those elusive leaks in faucets, pipes and toilets, uncover hidden drips, and stop water waste.
Tap, tap, tap out: Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or scrubbing dishes. Keep showers short and sweet – or even better, embrace the bucket bath! You might lose track of time – & water use – while dreaming in the shower, but you can’t ignore an empty bucket, can you?
Garden gush: Now that you’re being mindful about the water you use for ablutions, do the same for your plants. If you have a hose, switch to a watering can or bucket. Try and use water that’s left over from washing vegetables. Water your plants in the cool and early hours of the morning or around sunset, so that it doesn’t evaporate in the hot midday sun.
Rainwater rhapsody: We’re all characters in the film Lagaan, waiting for rain. And when the heavens open up and the rain falls on parched earth, collect it! Put out the buckets or as a community, large barrels.
Continuing the theme of community, join forces with your neighbours and create a crescendo of water-saving efforts. Invite experts to talk about water conservation, share tips, and tricks on residents’ WhatsApp groups, and put in place large-scale rainwater harvesting systems.
We invite our readers to share their water – conservation tips with us.
MALL
SUMMER SPECIALS AT THE BROOKEFIELD MALL
It’s hot outside, so have a chill holiday inside Vaswani Brookefield Mall. Summer stocks are aplenty in stores. Put your look together for any occasion from brands such as Soch, Pantaloons, Go Colors, Levi’s and Reliance Digital. Find sundresses, shorts, cargos, Kurtis, tees, tank tops and swimwear and when you’re done, treat yourself to a meal at the restaurants. And in case you don’t feel like getting out of the mall, we totally get it. Slink into the cool darkness of the Inox here. Sounds like just the plan for summer?
UNDER THE SHADE OF THE LEMON TREE
The spanking new Lemon Tree Suites, in Whitefield, is the talk of the town. Come and experience it for yourself!
The hotel offers a stay that’s all about relaxation and luxury. Whether you’re craving a long vacation or a productive work-cation, we’ve got you covered. Make yourselves at home in our swanky rooms, each with its own private balcony.
While you’re working away in one of our 44 executive suites or the 53 Superior rooms, your family can enjoy the beautiful lawns or chill by the pool. Speaking of the pool, it’s safe for the little ones with a shallow area – worry-free fun for everyone!
At Lemon Tree Suites, we know full well that your furry companion animals are an integral part of your family. So, bring them along when you holiday with us, and we’ll make them feel right at home.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing drink at the Slounge or dive into a scrumptious meal at our delightful restaurant.
Once you step into The Lemon Tree Suites, it’s like finding a second home.
SPECIAL
DELICIOUSLY, YOURS
WATERMELON MINT MOCKTAIL
Nothing says summer like this refreshing watermelon mint mocktail! It’s light, crisp and made with only a few simple ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
- Fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
- Small slice of watermelon for garnish
- 3/4 cup watermelon juice
- ½ cup soda
Preparation
- Mash mint leaves at the bottom of a large cocktail glass or pint glass with a muddler.
- Fill the glass one-third full with ice.
- Add watermelon juice.
- Top with club soda.
- Garnish with a watermelon slice and mint leaves.
Simple, n’est-ce pas?
Also, did you know?
The watermelon is almost 92% water. Talking about water you can eat! What’s more, don’t throw away the rind – you can make delicious and healthy curries with it.
GREEK ORZO SALAD
Recipe Image Courtesy: cookingclassy.com
Take this Greek-inspired recipe to the park for a light picnic lunch, or as fresh summer side to your group potluck. No matter the occasion, this Greek orzo salad was made to please.
INGREDIENTS
For the dressing
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil • Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup minced red onion • Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the salad
• 8 ounces orzo • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved • 3 Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 cup crumbled feta (about 1/4 lb.) • 1 (15.5-oz.) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Preparation
In a pot of salted boiling water, cook orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice and mustard. While whisking, slowly add oil until fully combined. Stir in dill and red onion, then season with salt and pepper.
Make salad:
Add orzo, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and olives to the dressing and toss to coat. Fold in feta and serve with more dill on top.
Recipe courtesy:
Chef. Kamalesh
Lemon Tree Suites, Whitefield – Bangalore
Get in Touch
Bangalore
Vaswani Victoria, 30 Victoria Road, Bangalore – 47
Phone – 87479 87479
Mumbai
601, Sant Nivas, 14th Road Corner, Khar West, Mumbai
Email – sales@vaswanigroup.com
www.vaswanigroup.com
