You can't run a country, but how about owning a piece of land-even if only for a day-in Lakshadweep? On Bangaram Islands, you can virtually own an island at Rs 14,000 a day. A holiday can't get any more exclusive or private than that. A 60 sq km of pristine lagoons and colourful fish, Bangaram is also one of the finest locations for underwater sports like scuba-diving and snorkelling in the world. The diving school on Bangaram Island is run by Indian ad man Prahlad Kakkar. Access: regular flights operate between Kochi and Agatti. Bangaram is just a half-hour boat ride away from Agatti. Airfare: Rs 14,605 to Port Blair from Chennai. Call liaison officer at (011) 338-6807.

ACADEMICS
Joint Session

CBSE's All-India Engineering/Pharmacy/Architecture Entrance Examination, being held for the first time on May 19, will also admit students under the free/payment seats offered by institutes based on the score card and the reservation policy of the institutes. The exam will enable students to get into any of the 110 colleges in 14 states in almost 40 disciplines and is expected to fill some 9,000 Central quota seats. E-mail: cbserod@vsnl.net.

FOOD
Worth the Salt

If you're looking for a quick bite in Kolkata during lunch break, Grain of Salt, chef-turned-tv celebrity Sanjeev Kapoor's new eatery, might be just the place. A meal for two (without drinks) at this 140-cover place: upwards of Rs 700. Buffet: Rs 245 per head on weekdays; Rs 295 on weekends; At Block D, 5th floor, 22, Camac Street, Kolkata, Ph: (033) 281-1313.

PERSONALITY
Well Toned

Pamper your body and soul and give yourself an image makeover. The best way is to enrol into a self-appreciation programme. Dimensions, an image consultancy programme run by nift graduate and upcoming Chennai fashion designer Julie Varughese in Chennai, incorporates top to bottom grooming: makeovers, image analysis, corporate clothing, personal wardrobe, human relations-personality-attitude development, and spiritual lessons in yoga and meditation. Call: (044) 855-4084/ 858-6228. At 150/98, Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai-8.