Kiss and Make Up

December 29, 2015 , 26 Comments

source
Lovers forlorn
lovers torn
in tussle of ego and pain.

Lovers mourn,
complain and moan
and rush out to anger trips

Lovers aggrieved,
lovers believed
that fault is always two's own

lovers unite,
lovers ignite
the same love that brought them once along

Life is a mesh
happiness and grief mess
but a challenge that you must take up.
fight you must
but always remember to
Kiss and makeup
____________________________________________

I have written this instant poem towards the lovely picture prompt given by Magpie. If you liked my poem and think that it is too good to be instant, thank the lovely prompt. The prompt did that to me :)

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DoYourHomework for your child’s Education

December 24, 2015 0 Comments


Little ambitions and rising cost of education

Agatha is a very bright student. Given her deep inclination towards education and science, she harbours dreams of becoming an astrophysicist one day. Her parents are very much happy with her academic progress and aspirations but at the same time worry about her future. The reason behind their worry is how to fund her dreams. Agatha belongs to a middle-class family wherein both her parents work in a small firm to make ends meet. Giving the rising cost of living and education, they feel really helpless thinking about the time when Agatha will grow up and have to join a college for her higher education. They wonder whether their limited affordability will act as a hindrance to their child’s future. They were deep in worry when Agatha came running to the dining table. She had done her school homework and joined her parents for the supper.

While Agatha has done her homework, it is time for her parents to their homework.

#DoYourHomework with Axis Mutual Fund

Who says parents do not need to do their homework? It is not just Agatha’s parents but all parents in general, are worried about their child’s future. There is a beautiful thing about future that begins at the “present”i.e. today.

Give your child a present of present and gift her/him something that will not just help the child/ children build their careers but something that they will cherish life-long. Give them a gift of Axis Mutual fund Education Plan. For more details check- webLink(www.homework.axismf.com)

Why investment in education?

Parents need to plan for their children’s future and be prepared for their decision both emotionally & financially to fulfil their aspirations. A child goes through different phases of life and keeps on changing their future goals. Some children want to be a doctor and some aspire to be a wild life photographer. While competition and others do play a vital role between what they set to achieve and what they become, as a parent, you would like to be least assured that the money should not be the deciding factor. Hence, you need to plan well and what better than a planning or a lavish gift that is Tax-free?



I remember how I wanted to study abroad but I could not take it forward given the high cost of education there and a sudden loss in family’s business which suggested that I complete my education within the country, along with my other 2 siblings. It does not mean that the cost of education in India is low. This emphasizes how a well-invested education plan comes handy at the face of the sudden financial situation.

So parents,  visit site/app and learn more about how to plan better and be financially ready for your child's dream career. Take the first step in helping your child/children fulfil their aspirations. Visit the website or download the “Homework” mobile app for more info.


Have dreaming, happy fulfilling
And #DoYourHomework



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The See-saw of Life

December 18, 2015 , 4 Comments



via MagpieTales


In your life,
you will always find
people who pull you out
people who push you down
but Ahoy! my friend
stay calm and precious
Enjoy your ride
keep your innocence intact
and the childlike pride.

There will be many passers-by.
While some may watch,
some may turn blind eye.
At the end when you see
you will find life like a see-saw
where it does not matter
whether you are going up or down.
what matters is
if you had a fun ride.

Say yes to life and enjoy the ride while it lasts.

________________________________________________________
Every year, many people succumb to loneliness, depression and meloncholy. The ever increasing competition and pressure drives many of us wild, bewildered and lost. Do not let yourself carried away in waves of joy and depth of sorrows. Turn on that invincible smile and walk on....


Do Read- Children of Lesser God

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Donate Blood, Save Life with HDFC Bank 9th Blood Donation drive

December 16, 2015 1 Comments

The blood is red gold in time of saving a life



Banking major- HDFC Bank knows their finances well. They value equity, investments and gold alike. one such gold is the- Red Gold- the Blood. And like all other banking, financial and asset management services, HDFC Bank leaves no stone unturned to manage this precious stock well.

Recently HDFC bank organized a nationwide Blood donation campaign in Mumbai. It was the 9th blood donation drive that the bank has been undertaking since 2007. This year HDFC Bank has taken a step ahead and reached out to other corporates by setting and facilitating up blood donations camps. Their good intention paid and the drive saw more than 200 companies participating in the same. 

The campaign also saw a large number of volunteers lined up to donate blood at over 2000 designated centers in 930 locations across the country. Donors included people from different walks of life like- HDFC Bank employees, corporate executives, customer and college students among others. Talking about the active youth participation, the last 3 years saw the Bank getting an overwhelming response from the youth across the nation. The no of participating colleges this year was a whoopping 750. If you see participating students count, well it increased from 20,057 in 2012 to 67,871 in 2014. 

To bring forth this noble cause, the Bank had tied up with major hospitals and blood banks to provide technical and operational assistance. The campaign was inaugurated by its CEO- Mr. Aditya Puri and was led by business head Mr. Bhavesh Jhaveri, who also stepped forth  on this noble cause and donated his blood. 

“As a socially responsible corporate citizen, we wish to do our part to narrow the gap in demand and supply of blood. It is a life-saving resource which has no substitute. We thank everyone who has come forward this year and helped us in our mission to maintain safe and stable 
blood supply.” ” said Mr. Bhavesh Zaveri, Country Head, Operations, HDFC Bank.

Apparently in 2014, the bank has collected around 1,28,642 units of blood from 1,55,599 participants at 1987 collection centers across 913 locations. Phew! Did we not tell you that HDFC Bank does know its Gold well? 

Numerounity was invited to witness this good-hearted initiative that was launched on 12th December 2015 at HDFC Bank Office. We understand the value of blood donation and how it gives a chance to any of us to save a life. The blood that we donate gives someone another chance to live and this is a noble gesture that costs you nothing as long as you are doing it under wings of a reputed and public brand. Let me tell you- 

Donating blood is painless, noble and costs you nothing. The myth associated with prevailing weakness post blood donation needs to be settled. Yes do consult the doctor if you have a health condition. If you do not have a health condition and can donate your blood, remember-

" Blood Donation Costs you nothing but saves a life"!

To substantiate this, I approached few donors at the HDFC Bank 9th Blood donation camp and asked them about their experience. Their enthusiasm and support was un-missable and I wanted to share with all my readers. So I requested and tried to capture at least some enthusiasm on my camera. Here's a dekko at what Amrita and her friend had to say- 





I told you it is inspirational. If you noticed neither of them were feeling weak post blood donation but were sporty and cherubic as ever. So if Amrita and her friend Nikita can donate blood, what prevents you?

Here few more glimpses from the HDFC Bank Blood Donation Drive -

Mr Aditya Puri lighting the lamp and inaugrating the 9th Blood Donation Drive by HDFC Bank
The blood donation camp in progress at HDFC Bank Office, Mumbai

 So I sign off with a humble appeal to all of you. Do donate your blood and save a life!

Numerounity!

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Taking Chandigarh on Global Map with WTC

December 05, 2015 4 Comments

India- Destination Infinity

Living and travelling in different parts of geography, gives you a new high, new experiences and valuable explorations. One such beautiful city I visited is Chandigarh.

Chandigarh is a sleepy little city at the cusp of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. I have visited this well planned city a few months back and was completely mesmerized by it. When I said mesmerized, I did not mean that I was affected by just the planned infrastructure or the lake or the food, it was everything put together. The beauty of it all is that Chandigarh is not only a [picturesque city, it is also a confluence of growing trade and economic powerhouse.

India is the hub of culture, tradition and natural beauty. Not just that, India is also one of the fastest growing economies in the world with 7.5% GDP growth that makes it the 3rd largest economy in the world [Source -World Bank]. If you see stats, some of the most powerful business houses across the world are being headed and managed by Indians. Needless to say, India is a talent house for the world and our language fluency and adaptation capabilities makes us a very sought after community.

Not straying from the point of our conversation, Chandigarh is one of the 98 approved smart cities of India. Its connectivity to other business and tourism hubs nearby makes it a very attractive location.

Chandigarh is growing, and growing steadily. The growth can be exponential, provided that it gets the right amount of commerce attention. That will not just add to the economic growth but will invite the world to invest in this beautiful city. It is indeed a vision, a vision that WTC- World Trade Centre has seeded in Chandigarh


World Trade Centre and Vision Chandigarh


WTC, a global name in building and infrastructure, WTC, a catalyst of regional development and growth, is opening business at Chandigarh. WTC is the largest network of office complexes in the world. It is present across 330 cities in 100 countries, and attracts higher occupancy, lease rates and capital appreciation, as compared to other properties.

WTC Chandigarh Aerocity, dream facilitation by the flag bearers of sustainable development-Viridian RED, is indeed going to be a boon to already booming economy of Chandigarh. It will not just up the ante for Chandigarh Real estate market but will take the productivity of Chandigarh by leaps and bound. The building, like other WTC buildings, across the world is going to house every single amenity and will attract prospective investors and businesses alike. Chandigarh has been ranked 7th in the top 50 IT and ITES sourcing destinations globally. It offers not just good quality of life, but great connectivity and power infrastructure as well. With WTC, Chandigarh will see a surge in different development project that it is harnessing for growth, including a 250 MW power plant set up project with GAIL.

Well, the beauty of it all is that not only Chandigarh, but cities, towns and even hamlets around the city are sure gainers in the whole scenario. I remember when I last visited Chandigarh, I loved it so much that I wanted to stay back.Who knows if my contemplation to shift there or finally invest in Chandigarh will see some good actions.

Did I not mention- possibilities are endless?
  

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Her Thanksgiving Feast

November 30, 2015 8 Comments

Joachim Buecklaer, 1560

The marketplace is set
buyers and traders
makes a beeline

Fruits, herbs, exotic vegetables
and meats of all kind.

She filled her basket
brimmed to the gasket
She is going to make a feast tonite.


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How To Fight Monday Blues #MondayMusings

November 27, 2015 , 19 Comments

Learning is a constant process and that is the absolute reason why I still have not yet learned to make perfect aloo parathas. Well for that matter, coffee too struggles when it comes in my hand. Needless to say, I make my coffee by pouring cold milk on my mug and jumbling a spoon of coffee powder and sugar into. Perfecto. Well, this is not about "How to make perfect coffee for lazybums" but it is all about that 2-word phrase that beat the blue of almost every working professional- Monday Blue.

Source
 What is Monday blue?
To answer that question, you need to live a life of the either-

1)  a student [the one like me, who never liked going to school much]
2) A working professional in corpo-rat. 

I may not know or recall the third category here and hence label it as irrelevant. Let me rather sing some of the well-tried practices and ideas to combat the deadly monster called- Monday Blue

Source: telegraph UK

How to Fight Monday Blues

1) Coffee Downpour- By this I did not mean that you should gulp that bean away to glory. Rather ditch your coffee mug after the first serving and switch to fresh water at room temperature. It is as freely available as my advices.

2) Wear the Blue- I meant figuratively. I often dressed in a blue colored dress on Mondays, living the adage "loha hi lohe ko kaat ta ha" [Iron cuts Iron idiom please]. Guess what? It works! If it does not work with you, you need to upgrade your wardrobe. Yay baby!

3) Social Media Rant- I mean "enchant your friends on social media" by posting "photoshopped- select photos on your social media. While some may die with envy and hurl you abuses down their breaths, they will still politically oops "social- media- cally" correct themselves and shower you with emojis, dime a dozen. Get Illustrious with your love.

4) Made up the Blues with makeup hues- Ah! It is no secret that how much a girl loves the makeup. If I can start an entire blog for it, I am sure, you will read it oops love it too. After all, it is we girls who makes this Gucci and Sephora popular and profitable. Ditch your old school- simplicity kit and get yourself some cool makeup in whooping shades and colors as available in the market. Plan a new look every Monday. While that will help you beat your blues, men too could take  the hint and pay a little attention to their well-groomed self. After all, we girls too need some good eye-tonic in our monotonous jobs and 200 slides presentation meetings. Who knows good karma returns to you and your favorite brand offers you job in their company to beat you Monday Blues with their glitter, gloss,  nudes and palettes?

5) Concentrate on work- Yes, if all the above fails, stop thinking about the blues unless you have so much of free time in your hand, legs or head. You may not like to "Eat That Frog" that Brian Tracy recommends. So instead pick your favorite dessert, I mean the task and work on it. Once you get habitual of concentrating your work, you would not find any Monday Blues but white and black. Oh! Ain't those are the colors we see dancing in front of our eyes after prolonged working hours, a moment before we faint? Tee hee

Bonus: Like some of the beauty bags gives you a bonus in your box, I have a bonus advice for you. However useless you may find it, Get married. And then you will start loving Mondays. How? Well, if you are a wife, it will be a good relief to send your husband and kids to work & school and some free hours for self. And if you are a man, need I still tell you?


Well these are the top 5+ things that I have learned for fighting Monday blues. I am sure, given my "in the genes- marwadi love for aloo", I will soon learn the art of making the perfect "aloo paratha". Till then, let me go and fix myself some coffee.

Till next time,
Tweet Tweet tee Hooo...

_____________________________________________________

Am back with my humor in a disguise of sarcasm writings. All thanks to my oldies inspirations Write Tribe [Monday Musings] and 3 Word Wednesday [ Jumble, Habitual, Illustrious] for their prompt that helped me park my lazism [tenporarily] and pen this up. Hope you like it. Do spread a word

Twitter- Numerounity
Instagram- ektakhetan
Facebook- Numerounity

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Feed The Birds

November 27, 2015 , 4 Comments

painting by Rubens Peale

We have taken their habitat
and replaced it with ours.
high rises and complexes
and yards to park our vehicles.

The trees that they built nest on,
are taken by electrical poles.
Meshed wires and billboards
sprawling all across the concrete roads

No, they do not need our golden cages
the birds like to fly and sing
just show them a little humanity
bring them water and feed

_________________________

written for Magpie Tales


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LIV this Diwali with Friends, Family and Sony LIV

November 11, 2015 0 Comments


Life is not about hitting a one-time jackpot instead, it is made of small, diverse gains. Life is all about moments. Moments filled with love, laughter and small-small happiness. It is those "Chhoti Khushi" that store up into a greater happiness. A lot of people ask me about one thing that I liked about Diwali? A considerable measure of them answered- Sweets, festivity, crackers, shopping and more.  For me, Diwali is not around a particular explanation of euphoria but rather had dependably been an accumulation of numerous things great that fills my celebration with merriment and beauty. It's about family get-together [wish one never needs to stay away], festivity, eating beautiful sustenance, light works, meet n welcome and that's just the beginning. In addition, Diwali, to me, has dependably been about homecoming.

Yes, that season of the year which was intended to be gone through with crew. Independent of work weight, instruction assignments, Diwali is dependably intended to be a celebration to be gone through at home and with family. 

Diwali in India is not about anything other than an enthusiastic interface. The join with our family, our roots, the great custom of the triumph of goodness over wickedness The sweep of goodness over malevolence is not just about the divine-satanic conflict but a lot more. It is about rising over trivial many to vital few of life, one such vital few is the relationships that we share. Including the less talked about relationships like the one between brothers.

#LIVThisDiwali
Yes, the relationship between brothers that have been beautifully visualised by Sony LIV. 

To expand more on the sibling to sibling relationship, I would propose you watch this excellent video by Liv [Its a Sony]. The video investigates the wonderful, implied relationship between two siblings. The two siblings unobvious about their affection for one another and fixed between adolescent battles, yet untouched with the acknowledgment of adoration for one another. How they implied a great deal without saying much, is the thing that this video recommends. To put it plainly, a less investigated or discussed the edge that I need to impart to all of you.


If you love, express
Need I say that the video touched my heart and reminds me of my own sweet-salty relation with my brothers. Differences are bound to happen and accepting them may not come easier to all of us. In any case, there are distinctive approaches to express. If not words, in action at least. It goes on its way saying how is it vital for us to love, to be adored and all the more critically, express your adoration. Life is short and expression is essential. Frequently in the everyday tasks we put some distance between our looks and figure, a celebration like Diwali reminds us to bring back the lost touch. Welcome your friends and family. Greet your loved ones

Express and Greet
To take their expression of "Chhoti si Khushi" further, Sony Liv has launched a microsite where you can wish you family and friends this Diwali by creating and sharing personalized greetings. Greetings, yes the lost art of expression. 

So this Diwali, let's explore our emotion and connect with people who matters. or let's take that emotional connect/ bond that we share with others, irrespective of  our differences. Like the two Rastogi brothers in this video. 

Make a difference in the lives of others. Trust me, it goes long way connecting with people. So Live this Diwali and #LIVThisDiwali.

Happy Diwali to All of You,
Numerounity


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From The Soldiers Who Died in Wars

November 09, 2015 , 6 Comments

Source: Magpie

Reduced to mere memories
and memorials
a distant hope of war and peace

their souls knock your heart
and ask the questions to thee
what have you gained from your hatred?
what wars have done
to the humanity.

letting your ambition
get the better of you.
You plundered the lands,
looted existence.
In the name of blood
and gory.

and made it barren.
seeded explosives
in land of rose and Lillies.

We are born to die
and we shall fight
till our last breaths.

The battles that you have begun,
to conquer free will of someone
in the name of national timocracy
we shall strive and
even die, for the love of duty.

for austerity, if not the obligation,
think
what does war brings to humanity?
what does war give to the nation?

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The Smartphone Tiger

I, in association with Aircel, proud to announce a nation wide graphic design contest. The participants have to draw "Tiger Emoticons". 

Yes, Tigers of all type- White Tigers, Yellow, Bengal tigers, African and all.

We need thousands of emoticons, the smartphone enabled emoticons. Because in the future this is the only place you can see a tiger.

Tiger, tiger burning bright
Yes, like today we tell our children the stories of all extinct animals, birds, flowers and tree, it is not too far that we would be telling them about the magnificent tigers also who existed once upon a time. In the population of 1.27 billion [approx] Indians, we have only 2226 tigers left. Only 2226!

We are least worried about the fast extincting numbers of this majestic animal that Nature and God has created on the earth. We are more worried about the beef that we cannot eat or the two odd characters in tele-serial who couldn't get married to each other even after 400 episodes and 4 different marriages. 

In the fight of our own rights, our own survivals, we tend to forget or take granted for, the survival of other living beings. Hey we are human, superior of all. The ecosystem is only about us, we are the only authority on earth and biodiversity should be restricted till our books of geography.

I ask why? I ask how can we?

Save our Tigers
Yes, Human being the most superior of all living being. However, the superiority doesn't comes with singular existence nor showing dominance by killing others. Superiority comes in co-existence. And co- existence is a very important facade of our lives, our bio diversity and the world we live in.

Why save tigers?
I heard you. You said- they are man eaters, fierce and terrifying. I say- you do not meddle with their habitat, their lives and they may not harm. There are various other reasons to save tigers. They are-

1) Tigers protect Genetic Diversity- Tiger is an umbrella species. Conservation of tiger helps in conversation of a large number of Flora and Fauna and the entire ecosystem. 

2) Tiger helps prevent climatic change and, helps bring rains- large forests are the natural habitat of healthy tigers, which in turn is nothing but the natural sink of carbon. Larger the reserve, larger the carbon credit. Also, a tiger is not just a guardian of forest but also an indicator of a healthy forest. A dead tiger is mere a show piece but a live tiger can help in bringing rain.

3) Tiger is our national Animal- They are our national pride. Their grace, strength and enormous power has earned them to be a symbol of our national pride. Killing tigers will lead to extinction of various other flora and fauna. You should be ok with their extinction as long as you are ok with replacing Royal Bengal Tiger as national animal with Loyal Indian Donkey or Crow.

Save tiger- for National Pride, Biodiversity, Healthy Ecosystem and Tourism!
source

How can you help save tigers-

1) Stop the hunters poaching a tiger
2) Avoid buying stuff made from real tiger skin
3) Stop correlating your bravery with a real beheaded body of tiger in your living room
4) Stop Deforestation
5) Join the "Tiger Conservation programs"
6) Start making National Appeal, bring one, bring all
7) Blog about it, spread the word
8) Be Empathetic

Remember, You are the power of We. It is you that becomes we and can take the flame forward. Otherwise, we all have to live with the paper tiger or the Smartphone Tiger.






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The Great Indian Walmart Tamasha

October 24, 2015 2 Comments

Why "Walmart" is being blamed? Are we not to be blamed?

Over the last few days, we have been reading about the reports that Wal-Mart paid bribes in India. While, I unconditionally support the investigations and stand against the corruption, I am surprised to see the reaction, at large, in India. Walmart has been projected as a singular big villain while no one has questioned who received the bribe and for what.

As per reports, Walmart has paid bribes as low as $5 to $200 to excise officers for the custom clearances and real estate agents to run their businesses. Bribing comprised of thousands of small payments to low-level officials to help move goods through customs or obtain real estate permits. Reportedly, Wal-Mart has disclosed in December 2012 that it spent Rs 125 crore for lobbying activities since 2008 for “enhanced market access for investment in India”

Is it really surprising for any Indian? 

On one side, Central Government as well as various State Governments are inviting foreign investment by promises such as “Single Window Clearance” to “Account Officer” and on the other side we are not able to reform our attitude, approach and working culture at the lower level. Where is the professionalism and pride for our jobs? Some (rather most) might argue that is it the problem at lower levels only and yes, they are right in raising such questions. I am also of the belief that there is huge corruption at the highest levels (Government as well as Bureaucrats) but does it give a birth right to every citizen to be corrupt.

We Indians want Government job as gives us an easy life, assured income and allows us to be authoritarian and play god by coercion. While, many Government employees may not take favours to do something wrong but most will demand favours to do what is right and what they are supposed to do. I may be going overboard but the truth is that corruption is deep rooted in India and if given opportunity majority of us would get corrupt. I would not be surprised if the shipments and clearances of Walmart may have been deliberately delayed at every level as general perception is that they are deep-pocketed and easily meet the expectations. 

I have had extensive discussions with my friends on this issue and after long deliberations have come to the conclusion that MnCs are equally or more concerned with such low-level corruption. Such corrupt practices not only delays operations but also increases cost in the name of engaging middle-man and meeting expectations. 

Ever wondered why no Indian company makes such disclosures? Are they squeaky clean? No, they are not but they all know the trick of the game. Well, no one likes to pay bribes but they are forced to. Do we not pay bribe to traffic police or in every small government office? Same is the situation here also. Who is gaining in this whole process? A certain section of the society is gaining by making the whole process long and expensive at the cost of the entire populace.

Let us be honest that half of the Indians are appointed as middle-men and not helping in creation / production / development of anything new. Can write pages about this but I put my pen down as the message is crisp and clear - We need to change this and consider this as a wake-up call !!

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The Thematic Apperception



Often I would find
faces in places
Pictures in traces
form in gibberish
and stories in spilled ink.

I would play with shadows
or the wet mud in meadows
or mere splashes of water on tile

While I ran my imaginations wild
I often dismissed it thinking futile
until education that dawn this upon me

Drawing meanings from enigmatic descriptions
deciphering images from spontaneous perceptions
I came a long way
in the way I saw things.

it was not my wild meanderings
and I was pleased to learn more about scribbling[s]
psychologically they connected

The creative interpretations
were scientifically named
Thematic Apperception

you can make them run through
adults and child
let their imaginations run
discover the psychometric fun
of perceiving that goes behind
a developing and developed mind.

______________________________________

I have written this pen to finish within 10 minutes poem basis the picture prompt given by the beautiful magpie tales, and off course my own imagination that sew the words string. Do take a movement to read it. Oh yes, I am working of thematic apperception or paper blot study, ever since and, would be happy to help :)



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How over-regulations are killing Uber, Ola and stifling public convenience in India?

October 02, 2015 2 Comments

Shame, Sham and Shady 

I literally dread leaving office in the evening (not that I love being in the office late ;)) as I can’t push people around and beg / request / plead auto-wallas to ferry me home. Certainly, I do not seek a free ride but then there is desire of auto-walla to ferry passengers at least 10 kms to make a killing for the time they have spent idling outside offices for want of “long-distance” passenger. Yes, as per rule book auto-wallas can’t say no but I believe, I have only heard “No”.
Anyways, my hubby dear comes with a chest thumping idea of booking radio cabs in the morning itself for the day’s evening return from office. I told him it’s futile but knowing him he insisted and took upon himself to arrange for one. First day, Meru took the booking but in the evening declined that no cab is available – underlying reason being that no cab is willing to ferry for a distance of 3 kms. Anyways, the second day, he tried again and voila, Meru sent a cab. He was elated with joy and self-praise, insisting that I should be more planned etc..etc… etc to make life comfortable. Well, I board the Meru cab and at the end of the ride, I am asked to pay around Rs 220 (don’t remember exact no.) for 2.5 km ride. I was really sad and discussed the same with Meru’s customer care. I was informed that I have used service of Meru flexi and as per regulation minimum charge is Rs 200. I informed my hubby and he also raised this issue, went on social media, wrote an email to transport department, highlighting that we asked for a simple Meru and never for Meru Flexi (we were not even aware what is a Meru flexi service). Meru's call centre people reverted that flexi service is for short distance travel.

Well upon research, we realized that this “Meru Flexi” service is primarily designed for outside city travel; hence there is a minimum fare of Rs 200. Seems innocuous and logical but then how it is being misused to loot gullible passengers (recently my hubby was duped in Delhi by Meru Flexi – You can’t refuse taxi at last minute – always a trade-off miss the flight / train or take the flexi cab). Meru is smartly using this “Flexi” service for intra-city travel and more specifically for short hauls and making a killing. Which driver will not like to be paid Rs 200 for 2-3 kms ride? The language on Meru’s website reads as follows: “Cabs will get allocated for trips purely based on availability. Priority will be given to the Meru Cabs under Radio Taxi License”.

Questions that I am forced to think about:
  • Are regulators not aware of such pits-falls? If they can’t think then why do we go through such elaborate regulatory regime and spend tax-payers money?
  • Why can’t there be a simple directive that if taxi is used for intra-city travel, normal fleet cab charges will be made applicable?
  • Is there a bigger game at play?

Anyways, this is not the end of story. Rather, this is just the beginning.

What’s the Shame:
To upstage this collusion & super-normal profits made by fleet cabs (nearly Rs 27 per kms as against Rs 10-20 per kms charged by app-based cab services), market forces came to play in form of Uber, Ola etc. However, this is not acceptable to Maharashtra Government and they have now decided to “Regulate” such app-based cab services. Link to relevant news article is-


What’s the Sham:
What has government achieved by Regulating Auto, Kaali-peeli, Meru, Tab etc? All are making super-normal profit and a total chaos on the road. Ask a normal citizen and he/she will have their own daily agony of not being able to get an auto. I myself have waited for even an hour with more than 20-30 “empty” autos / taxis passing by but no one is willing to take the passenger for a short distance or over-charge for long distance.

Where is law enforcement, where are regulators and where are government agencies when the normal citizen is being “tortured” on a daily basis. However, now when Ola & Uber are growing on unprecedented pace – due to systematic failure – regulators are coming into the picture on one or other pretext.

I just submit that “LET MARKET FORCES PLAY OUT AND LET CONSUMERS DECIDE THE BEST FOR THEM”.
Or, is there a bigger game? Who owns maximum autos, taxis and contracts with fleet cabs? Are these government officials, locals, friends etc or there are some other gains? If not, then why such forced regulation
.
What’s Shady:
Why are the market forces not allowed to play out? Ask any driver of these fleet cab and you will hear a sordid tale wherein they have to pay ~Rs 1,300 per day. Why are such hefty charges are allowed to be recovered from poor drivers? Why not regulate their working hours? Why not ensure their quality of life? Why these regulations were created which are actually hurting public then providing better services? No one is challenging measures related to public safety such as driver verification etc but such regulation as are being designed are killing market forces. Is it not against the ethos of procurement process adopted by GoI or as a matter of fact any state government? Then why public is not allowed to take the similar advantage of competition?

I would request you all to ponder on each of the questions and act upon the same to ensure that we get better and economical services. If Political parties think that we are voting-minority then let them think this way “only” till next elections. 

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Film Preview- Talvar, another take on Ayushi Murder Case- Must Watch

October 01, 2015 , 3 Comments

Films are a quintessential part of our lives. We love, love and laugh with them. They not just entertain us but often help us see different perspectives. 

For often, what we see, may not be true. However, sometimes it is important to explore perspectives that are not visible yet exists, voices that are not heard but important to know and feel emotions that may not belong to us but touch our hearts.

One such perspective is promised to offered in the upcoming film- Talvar.

Talvar is a different take of perspective on the in-famous Ayushi Talvar Case. Ayushi, a young girl who was gone just too early. 

Ayushi murder/death case had rocked the media and people alike. It was a heartbreaking incident, surrounded with mystery, agony and numerous speculations. So much that critically acclaimed director- Bosky Gulzar, daughter of legendary film writer- Gulzar and yesteryear Actress Rakhi, and who is known for making strong, women oriented films took upon this subject and made- Talvar the Film. When we were invited to watch the exclusive preview of the soon to be released movie- Talvar, we couldn't resist to watch. Here's what our friend and film critic, B Ghosh has to tell about it. No spoilers alert ahead!


Talvar, the Film and a little insight
Talvar, is not yet another story regarding Arushi murder case. It is also India's one of the famous and unsolved murder mystery. The beginning of this year saw the release of 'Rahasya' directed and written Manish Gupta, again based on the same story. The film was though well-made, but it didn't work out at the box office, critics notwithstanding. While Rahasya was more of a claimed fiction and shown a different perspective, Talvar is altogether a different perspective and worth watching.

Talvar stars Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Neeraj Kabi and Sohum Saha in lead roles. Irrfan and Konkona as usual has done a fabulous work. Irrfan proves again that he is a class of an actor, an on screen delight and holds the movie till the end. The other actors including the supporting cast have done a fabulous job as well. The director Meghana Gulzar [Bosky] has done a wonderful job, showcasing a real plot with a different angle. For we knew about the different opinions and notions surrounding around this "famous unsolved case". When we entered the screening room, we went with a different perspective but post the film screening, we got to know something beyond the visible reality. It also explores little workings inside the Indian intelligence agencies and their investigations. The movie also touches matters of internal politics, success and fame, and much more that would appeal to your thinking hats.

You may find the first half of the movie too normal or little slow. However, the second half is quite gripping and nail biting. The most amazing part is that it will leave you thinking, even when you are leaving the theater - If that, what actually may have happened? Was it real and actually has happened? and much more. You will be shocked of our police and investigation system, what they have done in this case. 

Verdict- Talvar goes on to depict how office politics, professional rivalries and media coverage can influence the course of justice. Talvar is the movie to be watched by everyone [class and mass]. Especially those who have been following this case from years and have an eye for seeing things from a different angle. If you have skipped following this case or never heard of it, it offers as an interesting murder mystery. I am wishing all the very best for team Talvar. I hope public will do justice with this movie as well.

The movie releases on 2nd October. Do go ahead and book yourself a seat. 
You can watch the Trailer here-


Best,
Numerounity
______________________________________________

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Gen Transferkers with Tata Sky

September 30, 2015 2 Comments

Life is a Television daily soap. Unfortunately you cannot change the channels or have a commercial break without not losing the plot.

Losing the plot? Well no one like to lose plot even if a family drama turns into suspense thriller or saga of " kaun banega 5th pati".

Nothing touches our lives more than television and we so much love its sense and nonsense-iblities that we are hooked to it.


And so is our family with their divergent taste and read carefully their diverse television viewing needs.

Absolutely!

 So if your home,  looks like a warfront like mine, during prime time, read this on...

How television sets us together and set us apart

Every morning, my daddy wants to watch market news followed by his list of serials from Gotham to The Mentalist, till the noon when Tanhai telecast on Zindagi TV. His love for Jia in the series supercedes the one for daughter, who wants to watch Dr Adil, when her father is watching "Person of Interest". Another interesting person is her brother who can watched movies anytime.

Result? Entertainment War at home front.

Damn all Goosy serials have to come in same slot. Including taking commercial break at same time. Yes you can record but how long can you watch? You need something more than recorder and that is Tata Sky Transfer


To know more about Tata Sky Transfer, check their website.


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Along the Cusp

September 10, 2015 , , 6 Comments



Along the fence door,
at each side,
there was a road.

A hilly terrain
flushed and kissed
by rain

and the greens grown in all moss.
All most in the uniform semblance
the roads had a poetic resemblance

One lead to the sky,
through the meadows.
And other ending up to maybe
to the wooden window.

The window between the woods and stone
windows, which I call home


Would you stay back in the confines,
in the comfort of your place and dine?
Or take on a journey of unknown
a quixotic walk to auroral sky

Between your unborn dream and to definite
the boundary stood still
a wooden enclosure, a barn gate
doesn't matter who built it
what counts is if you can open the same.

explore the world and
return back to your den.

______________________________________________
I wrote this poetry within 20 minutes basis the picture prompt from the Magpie Tales. The thoughts expressed here were the very first thing that came to my mind. In case, if something doesn't fit the bill or something that you liked, I would be happy to hear from you.



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Of Creative Writing, Awards and Celebrating Blogging

September 07, 2015 8 Comments

I may not know from where to start, but I faintly remember when I started.

It all started when an uncle of mine gifted me a beautiful dictionary- Collin’s Co-build. He bought that for me along with many books from the legendary Higginbotham's stores in Chennai. He came to see the ailing daughter of his business partner who has just returned home after 10 months stay in Jaipur Hospital. At that time, he just came to offer condolence but he ended up making a friend in his friend’s daughter and on his next visit, gifted her some interesting books to read.

That dictionary remained the most cherished gift of my life. It helped that little girl, me to build her vocabulary, learn interesting words and soon she started playing with words, not as pun but poetry. Yes, it was summer of 95 when I chose to withdraw myself away from the friends who made a mockery of my leg or lack of it, until they drifted apart themselves over insecurity and inner competitions. I chose to make new friends; I chose to make friends with poetry and words.
Words never fail you. It is us, who fails the words, maybe

I was young and enthusiastic then, full of ideas, full of causes. I started learning 5-6 words a day from my Collins Co-build dictionary and a little encouragement from my renowned English Tuition teacher who said I do not need coaching in English but should not claim a seat that a weak student may require. I couldn’t tell her that I heard a lot about her and wanted to learn more her. I guess she understood my love for the language that was pushing me to spend more time with it. Mrs Papparao admitted me to her elite classes of English, where almost all top students of my batch attended. She divided all the students in to two batches- One slot of weaker students and other for not so weaker. Off course, she allotted me in latter batch. I was happy for her trust in my ability; it was indeed moré than what I had.

I started weaving poetries from my words. My words that I would learn from English dictionary and write all of them behind the used old computer paper prints that my dad would bring for me to write scrap. I would write my poems on them and treated them dear. They were indeed dear. They gave wings to my words and thus I started writing poetry.

Such was my love for English literature that my first lecture in college turned out to be of English Subject. The chapter was on Pele and I fell in love with My English teacher Mrs. Shyamla Nair.
Mrs Shyamala Nair met Mrs. Papparao and once again I started romancing my favorite subject- English language. Maybe it was my love for her that I would never want to miss her class. Or maybe it was my love for creative writing, for Yeats, Wordsworth and more.

As Asher Roth once sang- the world is never enough for us. [James Bond]


Writing and Awards

Somehow my love affair with poems stopped in between my graduation and post graduation years. It is only in MBA 1st year that on the insistence of my professor I sat for a “creative writing” contest and was amused to win 2nd prize. Yes, it was my first official prize. I have won few elocution awards in schools but again they were the contest I participated on spur of the movement when my school house leaders won’t find enough participation and urge me to speak, even though I would be the one who wouldn’t have prepared a word in the entire competition.  I spoke with heart and still do. And that is what drew me to Blogging after a long hiatus, in the year 2008 when I wrote my first post for this blog. Yes my lord, this blog.



Celebrate blogging with Creative Writing

Writing was a freedom that set me free from daily agonies. When I said I spoke with my heart and still do, I was not boasting about self but revealing what influences my style. I poured my heart when I learnt about Curry bashing, about on Gitanjali who committed suicide due to social ostracism on her disability and also gave my unique tribute to Legendary Singer Michael Jackson. 

Not just social, political, celeb issues, I poured my heart with humor when I wrote about the brides wanted and “ Chetan Bhagat, 3 idiots meets Farmville, twitter and Khanna Aunty”. I thought humor, they said sarcasm and we made satire with economics writing "changeOnomics". When I poured my heart over as many different subjects, why leave my first love poetry behind? Hence, I also wrote poems and Haikus. You thought creative writing is only about reviewing books? Then numerounity reviewed books, wrote on food, movies, Aam Animal party, Murders and took her creative writing to next step when with her zero cooking skills but creativity, she made a dish for Masterchef Vikas Khanna and won his heart too :)

And thank you all of you to also like my take on- celebrity Endorsements.

The beauty of the writing is that it doesn’t confine you in a boundary; it rather sets you free. That is the beauty of writing, blogging, inspiring and networking. Thus, I proudly #celebrate Blogging



Blogging, My best friend

Blogging never let me down, it never failed me. It understood me and stood by my side. Blogging is the honest companion, honest master and absolute honest employee that engaged me even when I was lost, alone and heartbroken.



WIN with Blogadda

Circa 2013, many things started changing in blogging. From the write and inspire, it started moving largely through networking. Yes, your voice needs to be heard, to prevent it from becoming noises. I cannot tell you the joy when a stranger tells you- I love your writings. It inspires me and motivates me to see life outside my comfort zone thinking.

Today I have another blog- haute kutir which is primarily a lifestyle blog. It is blogging that made me meet beautiful minds around the world, around the cities I traveled and lived in. From Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Nagpur, NCR, Mumbai and other cities, some of my fondest memories are purely surrounded with my blogs.

Blogging seen a few lows too. Work pressure, time constraints prevented me to write. And if it was not enough, pseudo-blogging took precedence. From productive networking, it started becoming – “scratch my back and I scratch yours”. I was demotivated and withdrawn.

And then in true Munnabhai MBBS style- Ek Din Blog mohalle mein Blogadda WIN aayi [One day Blogadda came]. It announced a one of its kind blog awards and I was smitten. My joy saw no bound when I saw my blog shortlisted for “Best Blogs in Creative Writing”. Alas, I could not win the award that time and was very bitter and heartbroken. When I gathered myself, I realized how the nomination and appreciation, per se were my best prize.

Circa 2015, Blogadda announced chapter two for WIN and much to my surprise my Blog is re-nominated in “best creative Writing award category”. Whether I win or not, I am not going to stop WIN [ning]-  i.e. Write – Inspire – Network.

Let’s #CelebrateBlogging , it is an everyday festival!

And I still think that I can save world with Rhythm and Rhyme.


_________________________________________________

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5 people you would like to see in Big Boss Season 9

September 03, 2015 4 Comments

You may find it silly, over the top bitchy and a complete nonsense, but still you cannot ignore Big Boss, no matter how rigged you may found it.

After doing the Halla Bol in season 8, Big Boss is back with Season 9. Coming Back to TV screens soon, Big Boss Season 9 is generating all the necessary interests and eyeballs like never before. With speculations rife about Bollywood Actor Salman Khan hosting this season to guessing the new inmates, Big Boss is in news, [again] for all the right reason. And yes, if sources to be believed, our favorite host will be doing this season again.


While a lot of contestants like ex Housing CEO Rahul Yadav, Shweta Prasad and Rashmi Desai have confirmed their participation, there's lot of guesswork that is going around the "soon to be revealed" contestants, here's sharing a lost of Top 5 contestant that a lot of us would love to watch in Big Boss Season 9-

1) Arvind Kejriwal - This political motor mouth who loves to give Dharna at every given notion and loves to call all corrupt, will make a great contestant at BB house. Given his tongue in cheek replies, muffler man antics and calling everyone a culprit, he will make a great contestant who may give Big Boss some sleepless nights and surge in TRPs.


2) Indrani Mukherjea - Her name needs no introduction anymore. The newsmaker who grabbed all possible news line in last 2 weeks for allegedly murdering her daughter from first marriage, who was seeing the son of her 3rd husband from his first marriage, with help from her second husband, is stuff that high voltage, spicy, TRP attracting dramas are made of. I am sure Big Boss will spend the entire season about finding her relationship tree, while laughing away to the bank. She could probably become a source of inspiration for women who are unable to find a husband for self or learning the art of changing husbands, with better [read richer] at every change.


3) Hamza Abbasi- If you watch tv and do not know who Hamza Abbasi is, you must be kidding me. Hamza is the actor who played lead role in Zindagi superhit, recently concluded and highly popular drama- Pyare Afzal. It is not just Hamza but if you pick any character from that serial, they will sure to garner good eye-balls and entrust interest in the season 9. Oh he did a remarkable job and have become the national favorite over his Pakistani counterpart - Fawad khan, who incidentally was female heart-throb wherein Hamza had received huge appreciations from different TGs alike.

Source
4) Radhe Ma- God woman or "Goud woman", Radhey Ma has become a popular household name post the recent controversy which started with her wearing Red skirt? Err no may be allegations from ex-devotees including Dolly Bindra or the dowry case filed by one of the disciples. The source is irrelevant, but the matter is important. If not for anything else, at least for spiritual well-being of the locked in-mates, Radhey ma would be one ideal contestant. With her Trident off course. 


5) Caitlyn Jenner- Or Bruce Jenner would make for an interesting contestant in the "firang mate" entry. Jenner who broke the Internet with her sex change act, may also fit the bill of trans-gender candidate in the show. As might well, a consolation for Kim Kardashian who could not make in last season?

Source: Vanity Fair

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