Lasting impact | Feature | wavemag.com.np

The colour you wear sends out a message and forms the basis of what people think of you. Do you want to know the secret to creating a positive impression? To learn all this from international experts? You don't have to go very far.

Fifth Dimension Private Limited at Kupondole offers courses on Grooming and Personality Development. The course is designed to help people learn effective communication, interpersonal skills, body language, leadership, time management, negotiation techniques, and more. International personalities are invited to teach the courses. Recently, India's famed ramp choreographer Kaushik Ghosh was invited to conduct a workshop on grooming and Rita Gangwani, instructor of Femina Miss India, lectured on personality development.

"I didn't know that the number of roses in a bouquet gave a certain message," says Indu Gurung, a nurse by profession, who took Gangwani's classes. "For birthdays, it's seven yellow; to say sorry, it's five baby pink roses; 11 of any colour is for appreciation." Gurung took the classes to learn how to carry herself. And she laughs as she tells us about the three kinds of laughter she's learnt.

Ekta Ojha, who works as counsellor at SK Group, and attended the classes says, "I didn't know that wearing dangling earrings could distract my clients." She says she also learnt that bosses shouldn't wear pink shirts as pink stands for immaturity. Ojha added, "For interviews, never wear purple as the colour gives out romantic signals."

Former Mr Lalitpur, Samip Koirala attended Ghosh's workshop and says, "The grooming class taught me how to present myself in public. Koirala won the Model of the Year title once the workshop was over. He'll be participating at the Fashion Week in Delhi next month. "Hairstyle and fitness is important for men. Even guys need to shampoo and condition their hair," says Koirala. He received a year's contract to work on shows with Kaushik.

There are many people hesitant about taking courses on grooming. "Most people want to learn better manners but usually, their ego hinders them," says managing director of SK Groups, Binod Dubey. "Learning proper telephone, table and other etiquettes can affect our professional lives." Usually, they charge Rs 3,000 for three-day workshops but Dubey adds, "If someone really wants to learn, I can arrange for free training. At least they'll learn something." This month the group is organising a free workshop for traffic policemen.