Month: August 2021

Rootsandleisure_faces_friends in Kohima-profile

#Faces | “This Photo Will Forever Remind Me of My Best Friend, and Our First Outing in a Long Time!” Neimeseu Wetsah from Kohima

“This photo was taken on 12th July 2021 in Kohima, near the Lotha Church in Chandmari colony. My best friend captured it while we were on our way to do some grocery shopping. We have been friends since Sunday school days, but it has been ages since we last met, due to the lockdowns. Moreover, now that we are in college, we don’t get to meet often, as she studies at Patkai college (in Nagaland) while I’m in Delhi. On this particular day, Kohima was blessed with nice sunny weather so I thought I’ll pay her a visit. It felt so nice meeting her after all this time. Later, we went out grocery shopping together, and then to our favorite restaurant – and stuffed ourselves! I still remember how much we ate that day as we jabbered about everything under the sun, like the old times…we spoke about our hostel lives, our school days, our day-to-day happenings, and how the pandemic has affected us all. When I look at this picture, it makes me think …

Rootsandleiure-Duia Trailblazers-Meghalaya

Samuel Duia – Adventurer and Founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers’ Talks about Their Exciting Canyon Discovery in Meghalaya!

Interview by Deno Dolie Exploring the mystical Northeast of India is on the top of the bucket list for many, and with the region becoming increasingly accessible, a growing number of local and foreign tourists have been visiting the region in recent years. That said, I personally believe that the real joy of traveling to the Northeast lies in exploring the local gems – in the unknowns. This is where I would like to introduce Samuel Duia from Shillong, a passionate traveler, and founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ – a Govt. recognized tour operator based in Meghalaya whose unique offerings include expert local tours, village stays, local food & culture exploration –  and more. Most notably, Samuel and a team from Bangalore Adventure School (BASCOOL) recently discovered an unexplored canyon in Syntung village – now named (by Samuel’s ‘first descend’ team!) as ‘Upper Shonghang Canyon.’  I chat with Samuel about his venture, responsible tourism, canyoning, and of course, their recent canyon discovery – in detail! Samuel Duia – Founder of ‘Duia Trailblazers‘ Meghalaya posing in front of …

Rootsandleisure_Moi Bake-Nagaland

“I Tried Baking for the First Time after Getting Inspired by the Cooking Shows on TLC” – Meet Self-Taught Baker and Budding Entrepreneur Sony Jemu of ‘Moi Bake’ Nagaland

Interview by Menule. ‘Moi Bake’ is a home-based venture in Nagaland delighting local customers with custom-made cakes and other baked goodies. I chat with Sony Jemu – the baker behind ‘Moi Bake’ – who interestingly picked up this baking hobby at a time she was unemployed post her Masters. “After completion of my masters, I struggled with being an unemployed youth. It was during those days when I would stay home, and watch television shows on TLC. I was especially glued to the baking shows. That’s when I decided to give it a go and try baking myself..” What started as a leisure activity, is today, an admirable venture, enticing and inspiring many around her. And most importantly, it is something that brings Sony much solace and happiness, as a budding entrepreneur – and a happy baker! Meet Sony Jemu, a self-taught baker and budding entrepreneur – and the chief baker behind ‘Moi Bake’ Nagaland. Menule: Hello Sony, nice to meet you. Please introduce yourself to our viewers. Hello, my name is Sony Jemu, owner …

Three Friends from Manipur Introduces us to The Art of ‘Humble Luxury’ in a Cup | Meet the Trio Behind ‘SAM’s Tea House’

Interview by Menule. Three friends from Manipur gave up their city jobs to open their own Tea Shop – SAM’s Tea House in Ukhrul with a mission to do their bit for their local community. The three co-owners of SAM’s Tea House have been friends for decades – since their Higher Secondary days, and today, they run their venture like a family. With their eclectice collection of premium teas – and tea blends, these friends hope to provide the humble luxury of enjoying a high quality cup of tea to tea lovers in Manipur. They’ve come a long way from being friends to running a business together!  The Trio behind “SAM’s Tea House”, Manipur Menule: Hi! Please introduce yourselves to our readers. We are a group of three friends who co-own and run SAM’s Tea House. SAM is an acronym from our initials : Sathingla Shokwungnao, Aggripa Jakoi and Machuk Kora Zimik. Giving up our city jobs, we returned home with the vision to contribute towards our community in our hometown in Ukhrul, Manipur. We wanted …