Digital Thought

Nanadan Nilekani back in action with LPG database as platform for UIC project

2009-07-15T15:06:00.002+05:30

Yet to take over officially, but Nandan Nilekani cannot sit quiet and hence he began with his new job by meeting with oil minister Murli Deora and minister of state Jitin Prasad. The reason is that the database for cooking gas is huge and he can begin the mammoth task of creating unique citizen-Id cards by taking the first step in this direction.

What Nilekani expressed to do?
The Infosys co-founder decided to run a pilot project in the cities of Hyderabad, Pune and Bangalore where he will instruct to issue smart cards to kerosene and cooking gas consumers. Murli Deora is also impressed with the idea as he feels that in this way the government can keep a track on who receives the kerosene and cooking gas sole.

Presently 11 crore consumers is served by 9350 cooking gas dealers. This huge database will lay the foundation for the standardization and synchronization of data.

Before the clock starts ticking, UIC project has already made bold start.

Sourav Ganguly to be the BCCI President

2009-07-08T17:30:00.000+05:30

It has just been 8 months that the Prince of Kolkata, our very popular and beloved dada-Sourav Ganguly retired from international cricket and 8th of July being his 37th birthday, the news of Sourav Ganguly as a BCCI President is not a mere birthday wish.

This time, it is the turn of East Zone to select the top position of BCCI, marking an end of an era of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Sourav is happy to begin a new innings with a difference but he was quite calm and reticent in his approach. He said that he was in no hurry and that he is keen in doing some good work in the domain of cricket administration and in particular for Bengal cricket, if given the opportunity.

According to the BCCI policy of rotation, CAB President can become the BCCI President in next 5 years that is in 2014.

So, the stylish, bespectacled left-hander will take on his one time mentor Jagmohan Dalmiya to contest the CAB presidential election.

So, all the best to one time cricketing on-field legend for an off-field innings

MJ’s memorial ticket goes online

2009-07-06T10:58:00.002+05:30

As the registration time for Michael Jackson’s memorial ended, can you guess the total number of people who clicked at staplescenter.com to be a part of the King of Pop’s funeral service?

Its almost 1.6 million registrations for only 17500 tickets for the memorial ceremony.

To be a part of the MJ’s memorial service, you simply cannot queue without a valid ticket. So out of these whopping 1.6 million registrations, if you are lucky your name will definitely show up in the list. One will be intimated through the e-mail facility.

As you refresh your inbox and get lucky then an unique code will be sent as a communication and will direct you to visit the designated center to collect the tickets.

Each one will receive two tickets, either for the memorial service at Staples center or the simulcast at the nearby Nokia Theater.

Jackson family is still tightlipped about the private funeral ceremony before the massive public memorial.

So stay tuned and watch the live streaming of the memorial service of Michael Jackson at:

http://www.headlines24x7.com/buzz/michael-jackson-funeral-livestreaming-watch-it-right-here/

Kambakht Ishq is Kambakht torture to watch

2009-07-03T23:32:00.001+05:30

When you hear that it’s the exotic location, big Hollywood names with mega star casts and a woman with a bikini, you can be rest assured that there is no plot or story. It’s the same cliché where the initial hatred is the seed of ballistic love in the end.

The film is shot in Hollywood and the center stage of the movie is Kareena and her size zero body. However the film unfolds showing Akshay Kumar as a stuntman in Hollywood. He lives life with fun and women and his dictionary of living there is no place for love and marriage. Akshay as Viraj meets Kareena as Simrita in Viraj’s brother marriage. It is here that the war of words between Viraj and Simrita begins.

As in most Hindi masala movies you have the hero and the heroine bumping into each other for more than any reasons. As all story goes, even in Kambakht Ishq the hatred between two increases manifold. Simrita is a doctor and she operates Viraj and it s a watch that is left inside the stomach of Viraj (read accidentally). What else do you require for the love to bloom?

However Kambakht Ishq is a lavish production of Bollywood and people will definitely flock in to theaters to catch a glimpse of Hollywood heartthrob Sylvester Stallone in a Hindi masala movie. Stallone definitely commanded a terrific screen presence. Akshay Kumar, however was simply great in his award acceptance speech and Kareena simply cannot be hotter than in Kambakht Ishq. Her scene of the seductive song Bebo main bebo, dil mera le lo can only maker her real life hero Saif Ali Khan go green with envy and red with anger. So watch out with caution!

Besides, this no plot movie, Kambakht Ishq is shameful (read painful as well) to watch with family. The lunatic moments in the film could not be so deftly handled by debutant director Sabbir Khan.

So, as the hype of Kambakht Ishq gets settled, crowds too will vanish in thin air.

Another plane disaster on the Indian Ocean- Yemeni crashes in Comoros

2009-06-30T09:24:00.000+05:30

With 150 people on board a Yemeni airplane crashed into the Indian Ocean. Reports indicate that there is simply no hope of any survivors. This Airbus 310 was a connecting flight from Paris and is believed to be not very far from Moroni. The plane crashed near the Comoron archipelago that is about only 300 kms to the northwest of Madagascar. Once again it is believed that rough weather caused this crash. The accident happened in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Comoros is a group of three small islands, Anjouan, Grande Comore and Moheli in the Mozambique Channel.

Air disasters are striking hard these days. It was in this same month that Air France plane A320 crashed into the Atlantic on its flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris. Here again, it was turbulent weather condition that claimed lives of all 228 people on board.

Again it was only in the month of February that a passenger plane crashed in New York and claimed lives of 49 people on board.

Rescue operation for the Yemeni air crash is on.

Michael Jackson’s autopsy report reveals shocking truth

2009-06-29T16:08:00.000+05:30

At the time of his death the king of pop music Jacko was in horrible health condition. Anorexic Michael Jackson who barely ate one meal a day was a mere skeleton. Inside his stomach were some dissolved pills. The report also revealed that his ribs were broken and his body bore need le wounds.

It is believed that after taking the Demerol pain killer injection he suffered a massive cardiac arrest. In a frantic attempt to revive him as rescuers pumped his chest, his ribs got broken. Again, near his heart, there are scars of injection marks which say that to save him; doctors have pushed injection directly into his heart. Three adrenaline injections damaged his heart wall while the fourth missed the target and penetrated the ribs.

Again the report failed to explain the scar mark on his back and bruises and injuries on his shin. In the recent past he became completely bald and even at the time of his death he was wearing a wig. Even his face bore marks of many cosmetic surgery and even the failed ones.

It is believed that Dr. Murray was the person who gave MJ the last dose of Demerol injection. The first autopsy report rules out any foul play but his family went for a second autopsy report as they feel there lays a mystery shrouding the death of a music legend.

Whatever or however we try, it will be only his music and creation that will remain with us. It is believed that he was a loner with a golden heart that was filled with love and compassion for all.

Besides his comeback tour he was also in the process of creating another environment song. In his last days, it has been known through reports and close friends that had been reading noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s creations.

Michael Jackson dies at 50

2009-06-26T08:53:00.002+05:30

It was his last performance, the rehearsals that he was into for the last two months in Los Angeles for his comeback tour in London. However, the King of Pop, the Peter Pan of music breathed his last at UCLA Medical Center. He was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state.

It is being speculated that the legend suffered a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills and when paramedics failed, he was taken to the hospital.

Born in 1958, this pop icon rose to fame in the 80s with his scintillating album Thriller, considered to be the best selling album of all times. However, his career is punctuated with lot of controversies including sex scandal, financial calamity and innumerable cosmetic surgeries.

However, he has always been ranked with Beatles and Elvis Presley and is considered to be all time music sensation.

His comeback performance that was slated for July 13^th will never happen again…

Just shampoo to wash off your grey hairs

2009-06-22T11:31:00.000+05:30

The secret behind your No Grey Hair at the age of 40 will no longer be the hair color from trusted brands of L’Oreal and Garnier and neither it is your healthy diet, regular henna conditioning or hot oil massage. Then what it is the secret of this beauty?

Technology and innovation has stepped into this area as well and in no time you will find your self purchasing hair shampoo, hair cream or conditioner that will be capable to wash off your gray hair. The research is ongoing and we are hopeful of positive outcomes.

Why your hair does start graying?
Its not the hard years that you have put up to show signs of wisdom, instead scientifically it’s the melanocytes, the pigment producing cells that die or work less to produce the hair color. This is because those melanocytes lack an enzyme called TRP-2 that is important to protect the cell from losing its pigment.

The ongoing research stresses on this biological thread. They are trying to reawaken the cells by imitating the enzyme action on hair follicles. If it succeeds then not only hair color can be maintained for longer duration but the process of graying can be reversed as well.

It is considered as a revolutionary discovery and it will save people lot of money and worry. However the flipside to it is it that it might not work so great for ones who have very dark hair color as their eyebrows might turn to be grey.

Nevertheless graying hair has a solution other than coloring and streaking by itself is a great idea. So wait and watch as this beauty secret blooms into a product and becomes the buzzword in lifestyle segment.

World Environment Day: Go Green

2009-06-05T09:57:00.009+05:30

WED 2009 is being held in Mexico this year. A concept that begun way back in 1972 is being commemorated each year on 5^th of June to create awareness amongst masses, to urge people to be responsible citizen and to provide with a human face to the environmental issues. The forum reflects the urgent need to change the environment for the better. It tries to drive and encourage communities to Go Green and take responsible initiatives for a safer and prosperous future.

What is the theme of WED 2009?

From the first theme of Only One Earth in the year 1974 to Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change in 2009 is a long way. 35 years have passed by and the theme gets changed with warning tintinnabulation.

The morning is beautiful and each day a new beginning for millions of people worldwide and to let it remain so until the clock ticks we need to do something and not jot down action points amidst fanfare.

I woke up to see tiny tots in green dresses with a sapling in their hand towing unsteadily towards the compound. Children are going to school donning green tees with a caption on WED. From the little one, working class to the senior citizen, each seems concerned and there is lot of tittle-tattle on WED. The need of the moment is to Unite for a Global cause to save Earth.

From World’ Earth’s Day to World’s Environment Day, it means nothing just to commemorate with loose talks. It requires concerted efforts to make it Go Green!!!

Little steps that you can continue doing just begin it on WED with a firm resolution…

Plant trees. It will just take few minutes of your time and nurture it to say how it grows to add beauty and life wherever it has been planted. Be it your neighborhood, workplace or in your school. Just do it and make the UNEP’s Billion tree campaign a success.

Get into car pooling mode. It will help reduce carbon emission and the roads will be less decongested and you reach your destination faster.

Reuse shopping bag, defrost your freezers regularly and save your energy so that you can bequeath a healthy environment to your next generation, if not anything else.

'Rann' had a Run before its Release

2009-06-03T17:12:00.004+05:30

A Ram Gopal Verma film and it won’t get embroiled in controversy has never happened in Indian cinema. So, prior to the release the director and producer had a run with the song Jan Gan Man as censor board feels that the song is a distortion of Indian National Anthem.

The story line of Rann is all about a private TV News channel, the rise of the founder of India 24X7-the news channel as Vijay Harshwardhan Malik. The role is played by none other than Big B whose last venture with RGV was Sarkar Raj. Vijay is Harvard educated most respectable media personality and journalistic ethics is the corner stone of his channel.

In this film you can find Ritesh Deshmukh in a makeover. From a non-sensical comic character in most films, Ritesh Deshmukh comes on the celluloid as Purab Shastri in Rann. A dynamic young man, educated in journalism believes in reporting news and not manufacturing them. An idealist individual working to see a better India tomorrow and does not have any selfish motives. This Purab is in a live-in relationship with Nandita Sharma played by Gul Panag. However, she is not bothered as to what’s happening in the country as long as she and her boyfriend are living on with life. In the film the other threads are played by Mohnish Behl as Amrish Kakkar and Rajpal Yadav as Anand Prakash Trivedi.

The twist of the story in Rann is when Jay Malik, son of Vijay Harshvardhan Malik is all geared up to transform the news channel of his father and wants to make it a profitable enterprise to justify being in media business.

Well, yes you have guessed it right. This latest flick Rann seems to reflect Pronnoy Roy and NDTV 24x7 on the big screen. So who’s Barkha Dutt? Just wait to see the performance of Suchitra Krishnamurthy as Nalini Kashyap, Programming Head of India 24x7 and see for yourself if Nalini fits the role of Barkha.

Once in the theater do not miss the opportunity to check out the fight between realism and idealistic thought in Rann. The release is expected on Gandhi Jayanti with a volatile theme where one needs to watch the high-voltage drama to find answer to whether faith in blinded tolerance is justified in today’s sci-fi age.

Do the Kefiyeh thing and sport a new style

2009-06-03T11:05:00.003+05:30

Are you sporting that chekered triangle-shaped scarf around your neck to impress girls, simply to make the bold fashion statement or trying to symbolize a revolt? Gone are the days when this piece of cloth referred to as kefiyeh was used to protect from harsh weather conditions.

Way back in the earlier days of twentieth century kefiyehs were used by the people in Palestine and Syria. After some time in the late 1930s Kefiyeh became symbol of Palestine Nationalism. It became the embodiment for class struggle against British occupation. However, the movie industry was not behind and men sporting Kefiyeh was seen in the film Lawrence of Arabia in the mid 1960s.

From there to here, Kefiyeh are now being used by celebrity icons Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. Be it in the promos of IPL, owner of Kolkata Knight Riders or starring in Billu Barber, Shahrukh Khan dons kefiyeh to put a break on the neck tie. In the fashion ramp shows you can hardly miss on the colorful checkerboard pattern around Akshay Kumar’s neck.

So, for the Gen-Z kefiyeh is another fashion trend, little knowing what it was all about. From Palestine head scarf to one worn around the neck, kefiyehs are being sold in dozen to satiate the fashion-conscious young urban population.

Are you the one joining the bandwagon? Check it out in the nearest stores. You will be amazed at the variety of Kefiyeh!!!

Mothers Day thoughts

2009-05-10T22:10:00.008+05:30

Beautiful is your face,
Gentle is your smile
Warm is your hug
And tender is your touch…
You have cast a ray of sunshine into my mind’s darkest place

Yes, that is you Ma…my mom!!!
Without whom I would not have been what
I am Today…

It’s been days, months and years of
Tireless efforts,
Selfless devotion,
Undaunting courage
And above all
Ocean of Love

To nourish my being and nurture my senses
To grow up…

And will you believe that Today…
I woke up to see a yellow rose on my bedside and got hugged with words whispering in my ears…. It was Happy Mothers’ Day wish from my 5 year old lil’ daughter.

And its here…
I pray on this day to Thy Almighty
That may You grant me the courage and the wisdom to sail on Life’s sea
And help me walk on the footprints of my MOM
So that years down the lane I can
Reminisce resplendent moments of togetherness
In the Sunshine of Today!

A tribute to Rabindranath Tagore

2009-05-07T16:17:00.002+05:30

Its 7th of May today, some hundred years ago, in the year 1861 on this day Rabindranath Tagore was born to create a legend, to mark an era that centuries will commemorate until earth perishes.

Born in a wealthy family of Brahmin, son of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore was a literary icon. He was a poet, artist, novelist, composer and even educationist, besides being a social reformer. He is the founder of Visva Bharati University. His short stories, verses and novels received worldwide recognition. He is the first Asian to be a Nobel Laurete. It was in the field of literature that he was awarded the Noble Prize in the year 1913 for Gitanjali.

Rabindranath Tagore is twined with our daily existence. Bengalis eat, sleep and breathe with Gurudev’s creations. Bengali culture was reborn and it reached its pinnacle of glory under his aegis contribution. He brought name, fame and glory for the entire nation and every child born in a Bengali family is first taught to know learn and think on Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore to broaden one’s horizon of thought. His spiritual thoughts so well chained in words that it elevates your senses to some extraordinary realm of surrounding.

Though he left us on 7th of August 1941, at the age of 80, he still lives with us through Rabindra Sangeet, recitations and through varied cultural forms.

Would like to end this post with some of his quotes that guides me in the journey of Life

Faith is the bird that feels the light when dawn is dark.

Emancipation from the bondage of the soil is no freedom for the tree.

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough….

From Kolkata Knight Riders to nightmares

2009-05-07T10:38:00.000+05:30

My last post was a line or two on the drama that went perfect with Buchannan and well enacted by our Mr.Billu Barber. As IPL season II is on its way, it’s pathetic to see that Kolkata Knight Riders is already out of the race well ahead of anyone. Yes, IPL-2 is now a sport with only 7 teams. Out of the nine matches played they have lost 8.

The performances that needs to be forgotten not only by the performers (aha yes a pun intended) but mostly by the owner of the team-Mr. Shahrukh Khan. He hates to lose but clarifies saying that you never win if you do not fail. But will IPL- 2 again come back for the Kolkata Knight Riders’ Team?

And what about the Great Multi-Captaincy Theory of our Mr. Buchannan? Sounds multi-failure and sudden demise of the highest valued brand of IPL-2!!! The Economic Times have pegged Kolkata Knight Riders brand value at a whopping $41.2 million.

The team is demotivated with no energy to play. You must see Mr. Buchannan on the stands when his team plays on the field. With a laptop and a long face, this coach has neither rhyme nor reason to be what he is. The players need to freak hard to come and play back the remaining 5 matches… either to add salt to the wound or to apply balm to aches…..

Be there to watch Kolkata Knight Riders plying their shots to make-up their defeats.

KKR gets new Captain, Sourav Ganguly sacked

2009-04-17T21:54:00.001+05:30

So, Shahrukh Khan proved one more time that he is a great actor. Sourav Ganguly sacked as Kolkata Knight Rider Captain. It was a plot of multi-captaincy theory for Kolkata Knight Rider for IPL 2 by Buchannan but finally it’s almost a new story unfolding. Its New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum who will lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL Season- a fact that just got known. The first match will be played on April 19th against Deccan Chargers by Kolkata Knight Riders….
The question is why this backstabbing of Ganguly? Second it was altogether a different thing told by Shahrukh Khan few days back… and again he said a different thing in a great way of acting … Rest is yet to unfold.

Tech Mahindra buys Satyam

2009-04-13T15:05:00.001+05:30

In 3 months time, the name of the acquirer for fraud-hit Satyam Computer Services is out today and it is Tech Mahindra that has won the bid at Rs58 per share. Tech Mahindra will now owe 31 per cent stake in Satyam by paying out 1757 crore (almost 357 million USD) in the deal.

The Telecom giant Tech Mahindra won the bid by beating Larsen and Toubro and Cognizant Technology Solutions as well. Tech Mahindra has paid Rs 58 for a 10-rupee share to acquire 31 percent stake. The bid made by Larsen and Toubro Rs. 49.50 per share.

It is expected that transition will happen smoothly and it will be quite a quick process too, with CLB approval will not take much time. Again Tech Mahindra officials have been quoted saying that there will be not mass layoffs in Satyam, but yes synergy with employees will be of highest priority.

The bigger challenge is now with seamless integration of the clients. Tech Mahindra is a telecom manager so there will be question on how the company will address and tackle issues of IT development in various sectors ranging from automobile to banking. Next, move is whether Satyam brand will remain as Satyam or will there be any change.

So lots of speculation on these moves and more is yet to unfold.

Missile Crisis with North Korea’s Launch

2009-04-04T09:21:00.000+05:30

According to official sources of North Korea, Kin Jong II‘s administration will launch a missile that will carry a telecommunication satellite anytime from April 4 to April 8. The North Korean government says that it is a part of peaceful space project program. However, the world condemns such an initiative especially countries such as US, Japan and of course South Korea.

Analysts believe that the reason behind this missile launch by North Korea is to test Taepodong-2 missile that is capable to reach Alaska.

Obama administration has warned strict action against North Korea if the country goes ahead with the missile launch program. US government have made it clear that this missile launch will lead to stricter UN impositions on this country and also severing all kinds of bilateral ties besides stopping financial aids.

Japan has stepped up its airspace security and has urged its men to shot down any North Korean object entering its airspace. While Kim Jong have reacted to this and said that any disruption to this peaceful project will lead to dire consequences. South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak is of the opinion that North Korea might go ahead with their plans.

There are confirmed reports that say that the launch site is Musudan-ri and the rocket has already been fuelled.

We need to wait-n-watch to write more on this.

New York Shootout

2009-04-03T22:58:00.001+05:30

40 people taken hostage; 12 killed in shootout in a building in Binghamton, New York. There is lot of casualties. It’s the American Civic Association Building and there is a man who began shooting. Few people could escape and many rushed to hospital. Some hid in the basement of the building.It happened in the morning
Eyewitness suggests that man is in his early 20’s in the hostage crisis at New York and he is loaded with high-end rifles and is simply shooting indiscriminately.

Another story of 26/11 takes place

Bengali Film review Dosar

2009-03-30T08:49:00.002+05:30

Just thought to scribble few lines on Rituparno Ghosh directed film Dosar as it stirred my mind and made me again question the intricacies of relationship.

Rituporno Ghosh has many critically acclaimed films under his belt such as Unishe April, Dahan, Utsab and even The Last Lear casting legendary Amitabh Bachchan. In all this films he have experimented and portrayed reflection of human relationship through different angles and with a story that leaves you pondering on how would you have reacted if it happened with you. So, here is a filmmaker who makes you question through his subjects on celluloid.

Again, in Dosar, its lust and infidelity that is the crux of the story. There is a woman too, torn apart between her sense of duty as a wife and deep sense of individuality as a betrayed woman.

The story unfolds with a car accident, sojourn to an extra-marital relationship of Prosenjit Chatterjee with his office colleague. The woman dies and Prosenjit is left with severe physical injuries and feeling of remorse. Prosenjit is in his recuperating period but he fails to come to terms with his mental trauma.

The segment of the film that keep you questioning and you wish to know more is that of Prosenjit’s wife Kaberi, role played by Konkana Sen Sharma.
Hearing about the accident, Kaberi rushes to the hospital and she is shocked not only with grief but anger too as infidelity of her husband is exposed. With this opposite feelings she begins to fight her days and tries to control emotional outbursts in a way that only a woman can do.

There were two sides of Kaberi. The wife who loves her husband and wants him to get well again, while on the other side there is the agonizing grief of betrayal by her husband.
She struggles, fights and tries to explain herself in her own way. And finally the wife in her wins and she cannot restrain herself from doing the duties as a wife.

But, what leaves me pondering is whether if the same situation has had happened with Kaberi, what would have been Prosenjit’s action and reaction? In the film Arth directed by Mahesh Bhatt, this particular thread of thought was beautifully dealt with.

Dosar meaning Companion is a good display of black and white shades of color with reflection of complex human emotion. The feeling is accentuated with background scores and recitation of Bengali poetry. However, there are some sex-scenes that have been unnecessarily intertwined and another relationship played by Parambrata and Pallabi Chatterjee seemed superfluous.

Dosar is a film of different treatment of the same subject but it failed to come out of certain stereotypical societal inhibitions.

Pakistan puts Terror in Cricket

2009-03-05T15:57:00.003+05:30

Another day of brazen reality of chaos and lies that shrouds Pakistan as a Nation, could be seen, heard and felt when the Sri Lankan cricketers have been attacked by gunmen in Lahore, few yards away from the Gadaffi Stadium.

This terrorist attack in Pakistan has targeted nation’s most popular sport. It has been just months before, the 26/11 attack where hundreds of people died and brave soldiers laid their lives down to protect their fellow men. It was the shots of gunfire, it was the hand grenade, the black smoke billowing, rocket launchers used, blood smothered everywhere and shrieks of utter helplessness and incessant wailing and crying numbed India… and again it happened in Pakistan where The Sri Lankan cricketers felt death whizz pass them as it was the same bullets, the gunfire and grenades.

Again, it is The Pakistani Terrorists… whatever be the group, be it Taliban. Lashkar-e toiba or Al-Qaeeda… the word Terrorism is intertwined with Pakistan

Its again Living with Fear with no action
Remembering Death each passing moment,
Breathing Insecurity
And then calling it mere Destiny !!!!

We may end it saying There are good Taliban’s also….. an irony of the highest order!!!

Wake up Nations before it’s too late!!!

Dreams: The psychological content of a physiological state

2009-03-05T15:37:00.000+05:30

From poets to artists, from fairy tale stories to scientific theories, there has been varied interpretation, myths and understanding surrounding dreams. Since ancient times, Sigmund Frued’s book Interpretation of Dreams to modern day experiment have made several attempts to question what goes on within our mind when we are sleeping.

Dream is an experience; an involuntary action that occurs during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of our sleep that can last from few seconds to hours. Dreams do occur in other stages of sleep too but then that is less memorable. Dreams reflect a world of imagery in our subconscious state of living and link our emotion to the deepest core secrets of our heart and mind.

Many theories suggest that by understanding your dreams you get a better insight on your life’s perspective. So, the imperative question that comes in our mind is…

What causes Dreams?
According to the Freudian school of thought dreams result from the subconscious thoughts while the other extreme school explains dreams as some noise in our neurons that has no special meaning.

Whatever be it Dreams are powerful and real. They can really help you unlock the hidden talents within you. There are several types of dreams and they are categorized into different segments based on factors such as content, occurrence and many more.

Repetitive Dreams: Dreams that keep on repeating themselves since a young age. This dream implies that there is a message within it and one needs to unlock to know the content. Psychoanalyst helps to solve this situation, as there might be some dark secrets of life and one simply pushes it to the unconscious state.

Message dreams: Here individuals peep into the pool of wisdom and tries to understand the message of his unconscious state. These dreams are like stories and always have something to unravel. Message dreams are sometimes repetitive dreams too.

Lucid Dream: Lucid dream is one in which you have a direct control because you are aware that you are dreaming. In this kind of dream you can also decide as what to dream. In a lucid dream, the dreamers wake themselves up once they realize that it was only a dream. An active participation by the dreamer occurs in this kind of dream.

And finally it is the negative dreams that are termed nightmares.

Other classification of dreams includes Astral dreams, Aspirational dreams and Release dreams based on their content.

Tata Motors’ People’s car Nano to hit headlines on March 23rd

2009-02-26T16:12:00.004+05:30

The much awaited $2000 priced Nano is to hit the Indian roads on March 23rd, bringing an end of year long speculation and criticism after the Auto Expo in January 2008. Speculation as to whether at all Tata Motors would be able to deliver to the promise made by their chairman Ratan Tata with severe problems plaguing the original Singur plant and criticisms on the forefront from adding congestion to the Indian roads to being a cheap vehicle to accelerate further pollution and global warming.

But, I beg to differ here with regards to criticisms meted out against Tata Nano from environmentalists, media people to anti-industrialization intellectuals. This is because Ratan Tata’s Nano is just not the car of Tata Motors, it’s a people’s car and quite importantly India will once again reiterate its stand as a power to recon with in the international arena with quality standards. The launch of Tata Nano calls for a celebration as it is going to make a paradigm shift in the auto industry.

Tata Nano is criticized on the grounds of consumerism and congesting of roads. Why can’t our anti-globalization leaders also take into account the benefits from trickle-down hypothesis? With the launch of Nano and its subsequent manufacturing, it will trigger demand and help create job opportunities for many especially in this time of recession. The job creation will not remain restricted to the auto industry, it will be created in infrastructure sector too as India will require more roads and flyovers.

Many speak of Nano adding to pollution. But then, do you know that Tata Motors’ Nano is Euro IV compliant and moreover aren’t there too many government buses running on the Indian roads in dilapidated condition adding fuel to further carbon-dioxide emissions? So, why blame Nano that is already complying with International pollution control norms.

Moreover why not appreciate that it will help realize the dreams of many in this land of billion populations. Tata Nano will help many to experience a four-wheeler ride for whom driving was a far cry as it is only riding.

So, if you are convinced of buying a Tata Nano, cough up Rs 70,000 as the advance booking which is scheduled to begin in April. The standard model of Tata Nano will be available at Rs. 1 lac while the other two variants is expected to be priced at Rs. 1.24 lacs and Rs.1.34 lacs.

Tata Nano booking- Where you can do?
State Bank of India has gone into an agreement with Tata Motors and it is expected that initially 100 branches of SBI will cater to Tata Nano booking besides the Tata Motors dealers. The online booking of Tata Nano is yet to take off.

Further reading on Tata Nano... check the links

http://topics-today.blogspot.com/2008/08/big-issue-for-small-car-in-west-bengal.html

http://topics-today.blogspot.com/2008/01/auto-expo-2008-peoples-car.html

Beat Stress Spiritually

2009-02-25T11:22:00.002+05:30

In this time of economic meltdown, crashing portfolio wealth, job losses, pay cut and everything that brings a frown to your face, there is a perpetual tension and that reflects in everyday living. Stress seems to have overwhelmed our selves and we are simply plunging into greater darkness of ignorance.

Here are few simply day to day things that can help you light up a candle hoping for a brighter tomorrow that you can live with a radiant face and beaming confidence.

Do not lose confidence and trust in your self. Believe in the hidden talent of your self and proclaim to the world that you are the best, not in loud words but in great and kind deeds. You need to constantly and consciously say yourself that time is fleeting and change is only constant; so a cycle of bad days will bring in time of good fortune.
Connect with yourself. In praying lies not only solace but strength too. So connect with the God within you by a regular prayer twice a day. It need not be chanting prayers, lighting candles or putting incense sticks to create the right ambience in front of an idol for worshipping; it can be simply reiterating any favorite lines within your soul, as you begin the day and at night when you take leave from your chores and hit your bunkers.
Discipline your mind and body. Try doing regular exercise, walking a mile, stretching for 30 minutes or just take a swim to fill your senses with fodder enough to chew for the rest of the day. Try incorporate deep breathing techniques in your daily schedule of things and feel the magic of meditation.
Listen to your inner voice, as it keeps resonating within you. It’s your conscience that is your greatest companion, so never betray your conscience. Let it reign supreme amidst turbulent times, so that you come out stronger with passing days and your peace of mind is not disturbed.
At the end, if you are a believer of Destiny, then continue doing your work honestly and live sincerely without any expectation of the outcome. It is Work that is Worship, so Keep working for the good of others, in no time you will find your platter filled with abundance of joy, happiness and success.

Friendship

2009-02-20T23:10:00.002+05:30

How often I nurture in my thoughts
The times that we shared in our yesteryears
How often I recollect in my mind
The moments of togetherness

How often I get nostalgic
To recollect and relive the days and nights
Of laughter and fun; Of joy and sorrow
Of splits of fights and seconds of understanding

And today amidst frenzied pace of life
In search of happiness
Sold my time for causes rife

Sailing rudderless in the fathomless ocean of Life
I simply Thank for living in Friendship!!!

A relation that cannot be defined; a relationship that has no need; A relationship that is above all. Yes, I believe Friendship is one relation where you can exercise your choice. Yes, all relationships are forced upon us by birth. It is only friends that we choose to live with. So Friendship comes with no extra baggage, it comes with no ownership tag.

Friendship is like a free bird.
Let it soar high in the sky of faith and empathy…
Let it get drowned in the sea of love and
Let it live in our daily living so that we can walk a mile with a smile.

It is Global Climate Change-Can you feel the heat?

2009-02-18T16:05:00.005+05:30

It’s still the month of February, but heat is catching up in this part of the Indian subcontinent. The winter seems over and the mercury has started soaring. One can really feel the effects of global warming and climate change in our daily pattern of living. I am using the term global climatic change just because it’s not limited to only one part of the world, but global warming effects can be typically felt in sum total of all the weather patterns in the world.

Here, in India, it’s the month of March, April and May that the temperature rises. But come 2009 and one has already packed off the woolen garments in January and is gearing up for a very hot summer. With little and almost no northwest monsoon in the months of October, November and December, there is hardly moisture in the soil. And if there is no rain in the month of March, you can be rest assured to feel the Global warming effects.

So, do you need government policy to take few steps to control the harmful consequences of this climate change? Of course not! You will definitely not want the glaciers melting and sea levels rising, but would work your life out as a responsible citizen. The awareness needs to light up your ignorance. So read more find out more and most importantly act judiciously to save our planet, our environment from global warming.

Can we not all do some simple things to make life free from the worries of global warming effects? Little steps taken can go a long way in taking the quantum leap.

Did you check that the Television power is switched off before you hit the bed at night?
Was the geyser on throughout the day? Take care to switch it off in time.
Check on all the lights and electric equipments and do not keep the machines in the stand by mode
If you are not using your computer even for a short while, ensure that the monitor is switched off.
Replace regular incandescent light with CFLs. This is because CFLs use almost 60 percent less energy than a regular bulb. This act alone can save almost 300 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year.
The filters on your air conditioners and furnaces need to be cleaned at regular intervals and that can save almost 350 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year.
Defrost fridges and freezers at regular intervals.
Choose and buy intelligently the electrical appliances so that they save maximum amount of your energy bill and also pollutes the least. Energy-efficient products are the need of the hour.
Switch your energy consumption into a greener mode as it is cleaner and renewable source of energy. Examples of green energy are solar energy and wind energy.
Reduce road congestion and emission of pollutants in the environment by walking, cycling or car pooling. So simply start off a car pool with your co workers or friends
Decrease travel by air.
Use more of non-toxic cleaning products and reusable bags and boxes.
Try recycling waste products as much as possible and begin using recycled materials.
Switch over to organic food consumption. This is because organic soils keep carbon dioxide store at much higher level than soils from conventional farms. So, as you grow more foods organically, one can remove almost 580 pounds of carbon dioxide emission in a year.
Conservation of forest is essential. So, last but not the least plant more trees .

These simple steps can really make Earth a better place to live and would give a true meaning to celebrate 'World's Earth Day'

Make Him feel special on the Valentines Day

2009-02-10T23:55:00.001+05:30

As Valentines Day is all about roses, chocolates, poems and mushy valentine cards, it is more of a day when the men go all out to impress their loved ones in an unique style. But, here in today, I want to write a post where doing simple things you can surprise the guy on a valentine’s day so that he takes care of you similarly the rest of your life. (Phew! Asking for too much … Never mind we all live for tomorrow in the world of expectations with hopes and dreams)

For some time you forget the Valentine red roses and the funky jewelry, instead concentrate your thoughts on him and try to make the Valentines day extra special for him without any over-priced valentine gifts and cards.

Here are few tips as to how to make valentine day thoughtful for you and filled with surprises for him.

As the adage goes that The easiest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, why not prepare a special valentine meal for him. Cook for him all the good dishes that he freaks on and surprise him with a candle-lit dinner with his favorite platter filled with sumptuous meals.

Hardly there is any man who does not freak on electronic gadgets. So, update yourself on the latest fads and speak about it with information and enthusiasm. The aim is to strike the right conversation to make him feel that extra special on Valentines Day.

Concentrate on the minutest details of your partner. Starting from the car keys in the morning to the coffee at night before he hits the bed, be extra-attentive. If you can be that little thoughtful you can leave some love notes either in his wallet or on the dashboard of the car.

If you are not staying together, then arrange for a dream date all by yourself and believe me it won’t cost you a dime. What you can do is speak a lot on both of yourselves such as things that you both want to do together, dreams that you chase, places you both wish to travel. Then jot them down on this Valentine’s Day with love and chase them to make it a reality for a meaningful tomorrow.

So, that extra step and little concern in a thoughtful way on this Valentine’ Day can go a long way to create that strong bond of eternal love.

Melt your valentine heart with gourmet chocolates on a valentines day

2009-02-09T12:22:00.001+05:30

In these days of recession where every cent is to be counted, you can keep your valentine day gift simple and well within budget with some valentine candies nicely wrapped in a gift basket. Valentines Day is all about chocolates, candies and roses. It’s just how you gift your valentine to ignite the romantic feelings and to bedazzle her beyond expectation is what matters the most.

If you have a budget of say $10 you can make your valentine jump with joy as she receives a 4-inch valentine chocolate frog on a white chocolate lily pad wrapped with colorful ribbons, while the valentine chocolate hearts range from $5-$11.

Did you know that chocolates has been used as a gift since the days of Aztec and is rightly associated with the food of God?

It’s not about only eating the dark chocolate and feeling the sensuality but it includes all; from receiving a nicely wrapped box of Belgian chocolates, to unwrapping it, to feeling the exquisite pleasure of melting the same in the mouth. So, you can begin the evening of love with a box of assorted chocolates ranging from caramels, pralines, ganaches to truffles. Well, if you know which chocolate is the favorite of your valentine, you can place an order for a customized box too and if it’s above $50, you can get your valentine chocolates delivered at her doorstep free of cost.

In this Valentines Day, you can also choose to celebrate your love with delicious irresistible Godiva chocolates. The chocolates might not last long but what lingers on the mind is the loving sentiment and emotion of the person who gifts it with love. While if your valentine freaks on chocolates you can simply overwhelm her with Ghiradelli Chocolate bars.

Do not be disheartened if your loved one can’t eat sugar, as you can find lots of sugar-free candies too. You can check on the Vermont Country store and pick and choose from a variety of categories by clicking on the following link http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/browse/Home/Food-Candy/The-Candy-Counter/Sugar-Free-Candies/D/30003/P/1:100:1020:10280:100820?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=869

One can also try the Fretzels.com for the chocolate dipped fretzels on a valentines day that has some great gourmet chocolates to savor the taste buds such as Pomegranate Bellini (champagne flavored white chocolate with dusted sugar crystals and sprinkled with sweet pomegranate flavor). You can also fill your valentines day with sweet sayings by gifting a box of chocolate wrapped fortune cookies.

And what is the traditional valentine day chocolate box look like?
It’s a red heart shaped box filled with assorted chocolates and tied with red ribbon. You can make it extra special by simply placing a long-stemmed red rose on its top with your recorded message of love.

Dark or white, truffles or bars, chocolate wrapped strawberries or cookies to assorted boxes and gifts baskets…is all that you need just to say...

Will you be my Valentine?

Say it with Valentine Roses on Valentines Day

2009-02-07T22:25:00.002+05:30

Wondering what to gift your valentine on this Valentines Day? No other message of love on this romantic day can match the beauty of Valentine roses. Be it either a bunch of resplendent valentine roses or simply a single long-stemmed red rose representing simplicity. And why is it that Valentines Day answers only to the cupid’s call of Red roses?

Roses come in variety of colors ranging from pink signifying admiration and gratitude, yellow reflecting friendship, white for innocence and purity, while orange is for passion and if you fall in love at first sight all you need to do is gift your valentine a lavender rose. But, it is Red roses that signify love in deepest and most passionate way.

Red roses are symbol of love and it dates back to mythological period as it was the color of Greek Goddess of Love. Again, red roses were also used in marriage ceremonies to bond love forever.

Today, with technological advancements and growth of internet business, sending wishes in a floral way online is now just a mouse click away. Just browse the net and you will find several websites offering services to send your valentine roses to your valentines who might be in different locations or your next-door girl. The varieties of bouquet ranges from carnations with red roses, blooming valentine roses in a red vase to valentine flowers decorated in a heart style and tag it along with a cuddly bear.

The most exciting valentine’s gift that can make your valentines day happening and memorable is to Say Your Way the everlasting love message with valentine flowers. As you place an order for your bouquet, you can record your personal message over the phone on receiving order confirmation. Your valentine will simply be delighted to hear your message in your own voice while receiving the bouquet with that smile and gleam on her eyes. Record your voice with http://www.ftd.com/say-it-your-way-ctg/occasion-essage/?noparent_bread=1 and make your valentine feel that extra special in less than $50.

The best is to book your valentine flowers in advance so that you are not disappointed with stocks and you can also save some bucks in the bargain as discounts and sale. There are several valentine flower hampers available in the price range $20 to $432. Yes, the price tag of $432 is for a 1 feet cuddly teddy with 500 roses decorated with candies and chocolates. As you browse through the internet, you would be amazed at the variety of styles in which a message of love can be sent to your valentines. For variety, I happened to click the http://valentinesday.indiangiftsportal.com/flower-hampers.html and you might browse it as well for they guarantee delivery of freshest flowers on same day order.

So, just take care to pick the roses in a thoughtful way and customize them with your creative mind to bring that elusive smile on your valentine’s face.

Why Valentines Day?

2009-02-06T23:57:00.000+05:30

Love is in the air and with the call of cuckoo; it’s the search of valentine gift for your valentines that is making all the noise amidst the fragrance of valentine flowers. With the dark clouds of recession, economic slowdown, job loss and what not, you can still feel the magic of Valentine day if you have a heart that pulsates, a mind that searches and a soul that is stirred with the murmur of the leaves and rippling of the brook.

Check out my week long blog posts dedicated to all Valentines worldwide from scouting for valentine gifts, sending valentine wishes in a unique way to how to win your valentines heart with the best valentine ideas.

Before that, did you know when Valentine’s Day got commercialized or what is the story behind sending the Archie’s or Hallmark Valentine card and with the post offices making the right business during this month of romantic February?

Mystery shrouds like a mist as we explore the history of Valentines Day. Besides fanciful legends, Valentines Day is associated with Roman tradition and Christian vestiges. All that most of us know is that this day of 14th February is associated with some St. Valentine.

One story is that King Claudius II of Rome was a stone-hearted man who believed that men without any family bonding made better soldiers. Hence he denounced and outlawed marriages in his empire. The Saint Valentine, priest, there realized the injustice of the decree and he secretly continued to perform marriages of young lovers. However, when he was caught doing this act, St. Valentine suffered martyrdom on 14th February about the year 270 AD.

Some legend says that when Claudius II caught St Valentine performing the rites of marriage secretly, he was thrown into jail and was pronounced death sentence. But there, he left a farewell note for the prison guard’s daughter who had become his friend and signed it as From your Valentine.

In no time St. Valentine’s popularity grew from a heroic figure to a romantic icon and by the Middle Ages he was the most popular saint in France and England.

Again Christian legends revolve around the feast of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Roman God of agriculture Faunus. On the eve of this festival name of Roman girls were written and placed in a jar. Each young man would draw the names of girls from the jar and would remain as partners during the festival. In many occasions the pairing lasted an eternal bondage.

Gradually 14th February marked the day of exchanging love notes and literary creativity with poems and valentine gifts rose to greater height. It was in 1800s that introduction of commercial valentine began. Since then and till now behind the veil of St. Valentine there is Valentine cards, Valentine gifts, Valentine ideas, Valentine flowers to Valentine sayings…. All with a Cupid’s heart !!!

Luck by Chance- Don’t miss it by any chance

2009-01-30T23:39:00.000+05:30

Finally, a breakaway and it is fresh new young talent in the Indian Film Industry in the veil of director, actor and producer and all are set to make it big. Yes, am talking about the Akhtar family and this time coming into limelight is directorial debutant Zoya Akhtar with Luck by Chance that took almost six years to run in the theaters.

Luck by Chance is again an insight into Bollywood industry with strings of some great star-studded cameos. The sequence in the film spells the in and out of the Indian film industry beginning with the guard at the gate, the never ending supply of tea by the chaiwala to getting the first role, thus giving a reason to dream for many million boys and girls as why its show business still the big business. Luck by chance portrays the darker side too, reflects the stark reality behind the veil of glitz and glamour, sweat behind the arc lights and the lump on the throat on failure to get clicked.

It’s a simple story of two struggling actors Vikram Jai Singh(Farhan) and Sona (Konkona Sen sharma). Vikram has left the plush lifestyle of his father’s home at Delhi, only to prove his mettle as an actor with a burning desire while Sona has come to Mumbai to answer her life’s calling with dreams in her eyes to make it big one day.

On the other side is the affluent Punjabi family with Rommi Roli (Rishi Kapoor) playing as a Punjabi producer who is worried as Zaffar Khan (Hrithik Roshan), has refused to sign his next film. Rishi Kapoor is simply a must watch as throughout Luck by Chance he has been extremely amusing a character with all his superstitious mannerisms. While the typical other part of glamour world is the coaxing and use of cobweb networking of a former celeb Neena (Dimple Kapadia) to give the first break to her daughter Niki (Isha Shravani).

It is here that Luck by Chance unfolds. Vikram and Sona did fall in love eventually, little knowing that their life is soon going to rotate in different orbit to keep the story of Luck by Chance revolving. Vikram gets the chance to be the lead role while Chaudhary (a typical film producer) opens the door for Sona . In this journey up the success ladder what is it that the couple compromise on.…. Watch out Luck by Chance in this weekend and unearth the fabric of the story while enjoying the season for cameos from Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla, Akshay Khanna, funny man Boman Irani, Sexy John Abraham to K areena Kapoor, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi. Diaz Mira did make an appearance too.

So Luck by Chance has pulled in all stars to twinkle together and do you know that Zoya Akhtar does not make too much hype of these guest appearances, but yes she thanks them for taking time out for her dream film.

If you did not see Luck by Chance you might feel that the film is all about Farhan Akhtar. But you need to know its end to realize that it’s the role of a woman that was more important throughout the film. So, essentially the film belongs to Konkana Sen Sharma too. Besides this, watch out the dance numbers of our superstar Hrithik Roshan while the dialogues of Javed Akhtar are as brilliant as ever.

A rating of 8/10 and I feel it’s a must watch for Zoya’s direction, Farhan’s brilliant acting, Konkona’s scintillating performance and Hrithik’s dance.

Aid to Pakistan continues…Does Obama administration have the answer?

2009-01-29T12:26:00.004+05:30

In spite of repeated proclaims that international terrorism has roots embedded in the soils of Pakistan…the flow of funds in the form of World Bank and IMF aid continues. Why?
Pakistan has always been bailed out, doled out by unheard moves and unseen gestures… the question remains as why?

Since the year 1952, Pakistan has always been receiving foreign aid of varied types for specific purposes. But where did all the funds go? Did the aid help transform Pakistan to a healthier state economically? The truth lies in the gruesome statistical numbers of literacy, education, quality of living. Since then and till now, nearly 75 percent population lives hand to mouth with income of not more than $2 a day. Apart from this, check on their foreign reserve that is dwindling and is almost negligible. So, once again and one more time Pakistan wants soft loans and who else but US needs to dole out Pakistan. Again US is the major trade partner of Pakistan. Apart from US, Pakistan receives aid from China too. With the recent moves, almost 27 signatures made on the dotted lines with respect to space technology, defense and further trading relation with China.

To survive Pakistan needs the aid… and why cannot we simply stop giving aid and sever ties with a country that is unleashing terror on all fronts. The answer is simple, the closest allies of Pakistan need this country for their own geopolitical reasons.

India is still watching, only contemplating on Pak’s response to the dossier… or waiting for another 26/11 to make the next move …or just being cautious so that it’s once again Obama who needs to make the first move and others will follow.

And now with the Obama administration, Pakistan has been warned that the flow of non-military aid to the country will be made conditional. This move is a part of Obama’s first foreign policy and to bring about accountability in Pakistan, a country that is reluctant to fight terrorism. Reported figure says that $55 million aid to Pakistan has been withheld by Obama administration.

President Obama…. Please hear the cry of the far-off lands too as you take decisions on International Terrorism and Pakistan.

Maruti Swift v Hyundai i20

2009-01-28T11:25:00.003+05:30

In response to a blogger's comment I just thought to share in some tit-bit details about Maruti Swift to help one make an informed choice as whether to spend few bucks more to upgrade pleasure driving with Hyundai i20....

Here is the car of the era, compact yet spacious, technologically advanced yet environment friendly from the pioneer of small car manufacturers Maruti Suzuki, christened as Maruti Swift. But then as Maruti was making inroads into the mindset of compact-car category, Hyundai made no mistake to capitalize on Maruti’s success with launch of Hyundai i10 and now with more advanced and spacious Hyundai i20. If spacious is synonymous with Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 promises value for money with no compromise on comfort and space.

In the mini-car segment, both Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20 comes with 5 door hatchback but Hyundai i20 comes with an extended wheelbase measuring 2525mm. This aspect gives greater stability to Hyundai i20 as compared to Maruti Swift with wheelbase of 2390mm. And the size does matters and rightly so Hyundai i20 stands with 3940 mm in length and 1710 in width in comparison to Maruti Swift overall length of 3760mm and overall width of 1690mm. In height you might see our Hyundai i20 a bit shorter to Swift but in its look Hyundai i20 reflects sturdier appeal. With increased overall length and width, I feel that the interior space of Hyundai i20 is always greater thus enhancing comfort with style. When it comes to voting for spaciousness, I felt that spending few extra bucks will help you enjoy a better leg space with roomy interiors in a Hyundai i20 than in Maruti Swift. However, check the performance statistics before you make your choice.

The greatest innovation in terms of lighter weight is the all aluminum engine and the Hyundai i20 is equipped with modern Kappa engine for optimum fuel efficiency and minimum gas emission. And the Maruti Swift too responds at the slightest touch in the all aluminum 1298cc engine with 16 valves that generates torque of 113Nm@4500rpm. The maximum speed of Maruti Swift is 160km/h and from 0-60 km, Maruti Swift takes just 6 seconds. The gearbox matches perfectly with the power and the torque curves. Whereas, the Hyundai i20 with differential gear ratio clocks 0-60km in 12.9 seconds. Hyundai i20 is good for the Indian roads but I know not how the car will perform in the highway.

Available in five variants and six shades of metallic hue, price of Maruti Swift ranges from Rs 4 lacs to Rs 5.6 lacs. While Hyundai i20, launched in eight vibrant shades is priced at Rs 4.79 lacs for Magna version, Rs.5.59 lacs for the Asta and Rs.5.82 lacs for Asta (O), New Delhi, ex-showroom.

So, just check out and drive with pleasure

National Girl Child Day-A Satirical Thought?

2009-01-24T09:39:00.001+05:30

New-born girls thrown into dustbin, malnutrition, female foeticide, unequal education rights to girl child in comparison to boys, restricting her thoughts just because she is born a girl. In every way, everybody wants to earn from a girl child just because it is still considered in this land of billion populations a burden, a liability and above all a curse…

What are we doing to change the minds of this people who trade girls as a breeding stock to feed their hungry mouth and filthy minds? One need not to go to a theater and spend some bucks to watch a horror movie, just take a sneak-peek into domestic violence and everyday torture that a girl child bore in her daily living.

Its been 61 years that we have gained independence from the slavery of British Rule but we are still in the shackles of selfish thoughts, cruelest ideas and gruesome motives. India represents the poorest child-sex ratio. As an emerging economy with technological advancement and growing popularity, we are institutionalizing a day as National Girl Child Day when we retrospect what we have done and then we make some five-year plans to make it happen in black and white…. Ridiculous ain’t it?

There is a celebration of Valentine day, Mother’s day and Father’s day and now with respect to National Girl Child Day on 24th January, Archies will launch their daughter’s day campaign. Wow! What a way to strike the right emotional chord and make few bucks in name of a Girl Child.

Do you know why our slugabed politicians chose 24th January as National Girl Child Day… Just because to commemorate the date as on this day Indira Gandhi was sworn in as the first woman Prime Minister of India. Since then and till now what has changed…??

A question that is answered with several statistics and innumerable numbers such as there has been an increase in the girl child enrolment in education institution, there has been improvement in dismal sex ratio, there are upward trend in decreasing female foeticide…. Ironical are these statistical figures when the reality strikes you hard either through a happening in the next door or you read about a girl child found abandoned in pile of dust and heap of wastes.

It exists at all levels of the society and the growing concern is that it is not a direct consequence of poverty or illiteracy; it is the mindset of individuals. And it is my personal opinion that declaring a National Girl Child Day is not enough and neither it’s a starting point. It only highlights the fake promises and the meaningless actions.

It is the Girl Child only who can save another Girl Child…
Simply let there be a refusal to be born…
Let a Gay society emerge and let us silently see its consequence and a death of a Nation.

So do not save a Girl Child by paying a tribute in a National Girl Child Day….
Let the girl in a mother-in-law helps realize the girl in a daughter-in-law not to give birth and
Do not Save Me because I am a Girl Child….
Let me Dream because I am a Child !!!

Jolly Days Movie -Set to relive good old college days

2009-01-23T12:37:00.003+05:30

A remake of Telugu film, Happy Days, this Kannada movie Jolly Days is hitting the theatres today with a bunch of newbies-Vishwas, Praveen, Pradeep, Spoorthi, Raghavendra, Rathuba and Rahul. So what this huge star cast got to do in Jolly Days?

Aha, it’s the college group and it is around them that the story revolves, vibrates and resonates. This bunch of engineering students’ plays, laughs, giggles and keep the movie going with Ruthika acting as a teacher. This movie helps one and all to rewind old college days and take few steps down the memory lane in the sands of time.

Jolly Days will help you smell the fragrance of yesteryears trapped in celluloid, thus giving a break into stereotypical living. The script-writer, director and actor all work in unison to reflect the optimism in youth. Music reverberates in Jolly Days with six songs and sheer melody that cuts across all barriers and captivates one and all. It’s a great musical treat from Meyer. The music infuses nostalgic feeling and you clock back in time.

Director M. D Sridhar optimizes on the talent of Aishwarya Nag and makes this film Jolly Days on the natural landscape of Om Beach and Kumta, making the audience feel connected to their earlier days of studying and ragging. Some settings are at very own Bangalore and Mangalore.

So check out at the theatres in this long weekend and get connected to your old buddies in new way.

Hyundai i20 review

2009-01-22T11:56:00.005+05:30

With the success story of Hyundai-i10 and inspired by instincts, Hyundai launched its latest hatchback variant Hyundai-i20 only to reiterate its tagline Drive your way with a difference. The heat is ignited with dynamic imagination, innovation and intelligence of the designers. These engineers and manufacturers of Hyundai who placed this new Hyundai- i20 a little higher up to Hyundai Getz thus giving a threat to market of the Maruthi Swift. Hyundai Motors have been innovating to provide innovative solutions to the busy Indian roads; the small car Santro, the smart Hyundai-i10 or now the latest and smarter Hyundai-i20 reiterate the same.

Designed and developed in Germany, Europe the company says that the manufacturing of Hyundai-i20 will be done in India and then exported to the other countries, adding up to the mini-car segment. Hyundai-i20 doesn't differ too much with its younger brother Hyundai-i10. However, the plus one gets with Hyundai-i20 is that it comes with a 5-year warranty and three variants to chose from- the Hyundai i20 Magna, Hyundai i20 Asta and Hyundai i20 Asta (O). The difference between Hyundai-i20 Asta model and the Asta (O) is that in the latter, Hyundai-i20 comes with side and curtain airbags.

Look: The all new Hyundai-i20 reflects a unique blend of power, energy and luxury. The car is longer, wider and shorter than the Hyundai Getz with an overall appeal that is anytime stronger than Maruthi Swift. As the target segment being the upwardly urban clientele, Hyundai-i20 is stylish with perfect exterior paneling. It sports an athletic look than Maruthi Swift and bears spacious interior design and architecture so that Hyundai Getz pushes into nostalgia. Different from Hyundai-i10 as i20 comes with 5 door with expanded wheelbase. Available in myriad hues of black, blue, white, red, silver and beige, one can simply drive one’s way to an exciting lifestyle with Hyundai-i20. Good large headlamp coupled with sporty fog lamps further adds to its look while the raked steep windscreen merges with the tail section

Performance: All favorite Hyundai-i20 is also equipped with 1197cc Kappa engine-the all aluminum engine that provides with a whopping torque of 110 Nm and 79 bhp @4000 rpm, along with improved fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions keeping the air clean and green. This new generation futuristic engine generates all time low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) making the environment eco-friendly. For initial speeding from 0-60 Hyundai-i20 takes just 12.9 seconds. Equipped with 5-speed manual gearbox, it responds swiftly and enthusiastically at the slightest throttle pedal. One can surely derive substantial amount of fun and excitement if not speed driving a Hyundai-i20 back home.

Additionally the interior storage space of Hyundai-i20 is anytime larger than its competitors with its upright tailgate, be it Maruthi Swift or Fabia. The adjustable and the foldable feature of the rear bench, makes Hyundai-i20 quite unique and helps in going for fishing with all its anglers and necessities. The allied comfort features are adjustable head rest (both front and rear), electrically adjusted rear view mirrors that are foldable too, integrated music system in the dashboard with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters while audio can be controlled from the steering. Drive Hyundai-i20 with additional comfort by adjusting the seat in accordance with height and that’s not all one can also adjust the steering for greater visibility.
Hyundai-i20 incorporates enhanced safety features too and that includes air bags, front seatbelt pretensioners, new generation anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control.

Final Verdict: Even after writing this Hyundai-i20 review I would still say that wait before you go ahead to book it as come the first quarter of 2009, all variants of Hyundai-i20 will be fitted with ESP(Electronic Stability Program) and also with CRDi version engine.

Outplacement-A concept that helps grow amidst loss

2009-01-21T11:42:00.001+05:30

With worldwide economic slowdown and market indices touching low, retrenchment, downsizing, work force rationalization, job loss, strategic business units closure, mergers and acquisitions are the most common terms. What are the first-hand consequences of these business terms?

More often it is employees parting from their organization and being forced out of the job before they had planned. It is here that the services of an outplacement agency come in the forefront. Outplacement is a process by which the exit of an employee from the current organization is made smoother by placing the individual in another organization analyzing the potential and skill set of the person.

The outfall of a major business decision in the face of globalization might be parting with few hundred employees to several thousand working people. Thus retrenching becomes the order of the day and it is quite a complex process. An executive business decision for an organization might be a life changing situation for the parting employees. For some, it becomes a blow to their morale and often people begin to suffer from low self-esteem upon this eventuality. Additionally in countries like India, there is no unemployment benefit and neither any social security system exists, further fuelling extremely low self confidence.

It is here that the outplacement consultants can help motivate the parting employees to work effectively for a better opportunity. Outplacement agencies can help people find alternate jobs matching with their skill set without much compromise on the financial standpoint. The services of the outplacement agency can be beneficial for all-for the parting employees who get opportunity to work elsewhere; employees who are working need not to be scared and hence the productivity and efficiency is not hampered as they can feel assured that an alternative is possible and last but not the least the organization benefits from its brand image remaining unscathed.

The outplacement agency provides with programs of counseling, coaching and training to meet a specified personal goal and to achieve greater benefit from a systematic job-search process. Thus, a transition at no cost can be made smoother if the concept of outplacement is more formalized particularly in the emerging economies of the world.

Thus, an outplacement agency can ensure better lifetime career management but one thing must be kept in mind that some norms also need to be put in place so that the under performing employees might not develop any kind of feeling of complacency that might lead to counter-productivity.

With the given economic situation, I feel an efficient outplacement agency can bring forth a win-win situation for all.

Hope of Change as Obama delivers his inaugural speech

2009-01-20T17:46:00.000+05:30

My blog had posts of Hilary Rodham Clinton running for the Presidential election, there was few knocks and punches of words that found space in my thoughts and hence in my writing between Mc. Cain and Barack Obama as they raced for their seat in White House and finally when it was President elect Barack Obama won an overwhelming victory, I chose to write few lines on people’s expectations of a change.

And today when the 44th President of United States of America takes oath, the whole world looks up to him with a ray of hope for streak of changes that would leave an indelible mark in the lives of millions and especially on the ailing US economy.

From Cuba to China from Kongolo to Japan all is geared up to witness a historic moment in the international arena, only showcasing the fact that there is no geographical barrier to celebration. And what an appeal the man has made with his true statesmanship.

Kongolo being Obama’s birth place will soon witness a transformation into a great tourist hot-spot. And do you know even in Japan, the name is selling and people are making money? Yes, in the land of the rising sun, several hundred thousand masks of Obama is being sold as the inauguration has generated scintillating senses of excitement even amidst deep feeling of insecurity.

As Barack Obama takes his oath on the Bible used by Abraham Lincoln, speculation on the content of his speech is far too many. According to him the road ahead would be long and the climb would be steep but he says “Its not a day to pause and reflect-it’s a day to act”

So said, with an inspiring life story of Barack Obama and his great oratorical ability to instill and infuse confidence into the hearts and minds of millions, he is inheriting a weak global staggering economy, innumerable cases of bankruptcy, aftermath of war, nuclear proliferation to climate change…

Here are we on the other side of the subcontinent waiting for the wave of Change to engulf one and all for a better and brighter tomorrow.

Ghajini : Film in the name of a Villain

2009-01-19T09:52:00.005+05:30

Count his packs.....????

After almost a year, actor Aamir Khan resurfaces from the role of teacher in the movie Taare Zameen Par that is already buzzing with Oscar nominations. The new avatar is in eight packs ready to uproot the evils that shook his living and killed his beloved. A story of love and revenge.

There is the same cliché... A rich boy falls in a love with a poor next-door kind of girl. And this falling in love of Sunil Singhania (Aamir Khan) is more of Kalpana’s (Asin) Mother Teresa kind of attitude. She takes care of the old, orphan and special children with a smile of love, care and tenderness. However, the romance that was yet to bloom was nipped in the bud by Asin's sudden killing whereas she was unaware about the identity of her beloved (sachin or sanjay). Viewers can enjoy some moments of fun and expression of emotion as Asin talks laughs and feels for Sachin.

The story vibrates in flashback and thanks to the 2 year memoir written by Sanjay Singhania. This Sanjay Singhania was hit when his love was killed and he suffered from short term memory loss.

Where is the punch line?
It is how Sanjay Singhania takes revenge of his love not knowing as to who killed Asin except one name that was lipped in his ears as Asin breathed last. As he suffered from memory loss so he made his killing plans through taking notes, photos in Polaroid and above all by tattooing his body with his mission to kill.

However with reverberating music of A R Rehman and utter perfectionist mode of acting of Aamir Khan that the movie holds you on the edge though you know that what the end looks like. But here again, I felt that most songs are forced.

It can be a weekend evening entertainment where the character begins a new life with every fifteen minutes as he suffered from anterograde amnesia for the whole three hour movie. The story basically unfolded with the medical student (Jiah Khan) exploring the life of Sanjay Singhania as a project case.

My last verdict on Ghajini
A total Hindi-masala movie that runs on script stolen from Memento. And if you take out youthful, fresh-faced Asin from the movie there is just nothing in it. And oh yes… how much did Aamir Khan tried to save A. R. Murugadoss through his brilliant performance and those muscular looks is for you to watch and find.

Fight life with Fear staying United

2009-01-16T15:19:00.001+05:30

As another day dawns and you sit with a morning cup of steaming coffee to browse through the newspaper, you should not be surprized to read churches are attacked, suicidal rates are increasing and your value of money is experiencing a free fall. Thus, we are being asked consciously, carefully and categorically to live in fear each day with… rising prices, job cuts, scams, frauds and getting killed or paralyzed by a terrorist.
Everywhere the tittle-tattle is on, living amidst Fear but who cares?

As we get up to tie the snicker laces for a half-a-mile jogging on the tracks, we forget that the news write-ups have affected someone somewhere. We fail to recognize them or feel repulsive or even impulsive to act just because it did not happen to me. However, it is believed that we cannot blame us. As because the system is running and if we you fail to take the lead, the axe might be on your shoulder. So, our daily chores force us to move ahead trampling anything and everything that comes under our feet. So, live your life first is the motto of this generation. But, not being collective brings with it the horror of terror-driven life, where no one is bothered about none, and everyone thus living in fear that it might happen to them one day.

The thought needs a change, action needs a reaction… the undeniable truth is Unity is Strength, so why not we unite under the umbrella of Humanity and take a step forward to feel for each to live free. Instead of a robotic way of life, why can’t each one of us spare some time and share a joke or ask with empathy as to how are your next door neighbor’s family people? Will it take too much of your measured time? The answer is a vehement NO. Just try out and you can feel the change, start it with one to make it with the Rest…

Take a kit-kat break on a monotonous daily life to add humor to it, instead of taking stress reliever pills. Why not, laugh aloud, instead of timing your workouts? It is well researched, surveyed and published in varied journals, that advocates happiness is the key to a successful, stress free and longer living. So, no need to restrict carbs on diet or put facial packs, instead feel happy from within to reflect cheerful demeanor and radiant skin.

The adage “Don’t worry, Be happy” needs to be implemented consciously to tide over volatile situations, joining hands all together, apart from defining a Purpose of Life to live longer and healthier than the rest.

It should not be I am existing in Fear instead it should be We are Fighting Fear to be Happy !!!

Is it a New Year or the Old Habits in a new way?

2008-12-31T08:59:00.002+05:30

The unthinkable attack on humanity that held the city Mumbai and kept hostage the entire Nation left me numb. More than 30 days have passed by…
Where we and what are we doing?
Did the flicker of the candle get blown away in the snow storm of verbose thoughts? Here we are today standing with fear in our mind and head bowed down, quite contrary to Rabindranath Tagore’s ode of "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high…”

As you, I and all around us except the families who have lost their dearest and nearest ones will again usher in the New Year with renewed hope, zest and vigor, but this time punctuated with horripilate eeriness.

They did what they wanted to do. Killed many mercilessly, Orphaned many more and shaken the very existence of one’s being only to prove their Jihad.

But, what did we do? Arrange for debates, talk shows and salute the brave heroes…
Get a better TPR for the channels and promote products striking the emotional chord and selling words, encashing on the tragedy-This is what the Fourth Estate had to do!!!
And our inept, clumsy, slugabed politicians donate 5 lakhs for the lives we salute, quite contrary to crores that you shower on a boy born with a golden spoon to bring home gold in the Olympics… What is the principle and where is the logic?
An answer that I dare not expect from a bunch of clumsy, careless and corrupt people who live like parasites and have silently shaken the roots of our Nation.

We are going door to door seeking international unison to put to justice the perpetrators…Why?
Are we not liable and capable to protect our own people?
No, just because we don’t owe our Nation. We do not owe our people. It’s just the loss of individual families and you react only when it hurts your bum.
It’s just a Reaction with no Action because killing 400 odd lives in the land of billion populations cannot create an upheaval to change the Nation that is dominated by Politicians worse than Terrorists.
I say this because Mumbai incident brought in a terror face while our Netas are faceless terror that engulfs our existence and shrouds our being like a cobweb.

35 days… and still the identification parade is being held for the lone surviving terrorist. With evidences in our hand, we are diverting attention to different issues just because we are involved in our selfish motives.

It’s hurting but it’s true… if your mom knew you from fetus; terrorists know you till your corpse!

So it’s not this New Year but each day that you need to celebrate being alive amidst fear n insecurity, hoping and praying silently for A Wednesday to happen in reality!!!

Barack Obama : US President and its effect on India

2008-11-05T17:26:00.000+05:30

Celebrations started in the United States of America as it has its new president; Barack Obama became United States' 44th President but the first African-American man to win the race to the White House. The 47-year-old gentleman is not only an inspirational leader with a vision to CHANGE, but is also a great writer, philosopher and a thinker. A journey from slavery through White House has thus recreated history in its own way.
Barack Obama name will be inscribed in Gold in the history of America and the Americans voted him seeking a new beginning in the changing demographic status of America- a change that Obama vouches to bring about in the United States and that will eventually spill its impact through the entire world; India not to be an exception to receive it.

Most Indians in US voted consciously and subconsciously this man and are obviously happy as his win marks an end to the racially fanatic society. The effect on India seems manifold from the nuclear non-proliferation deal to the never-ending war for the soil of Kashmir; from influx of foreign aid to terrorism; the concerns are many and every Indian will follow his moves in the White House.

On the nuclear front, India might be forced to sign the CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty), but India should be prepared for a diplomatic debate to sustain a strategic relation with US.

Second, the growing concern especially in the IT sector is Barack Obama's viewpoint on outsourcing- he had been categorical in his campaign that he would provide with tax-breaks to companies that will create jobs for its own people. India, here, needs to wait again to react to the changes that might evolve with Obama gracing the White House.

Each President of America, in his own way wants to be the peacemaker. Thus, with Barack Obama at the helm of US affairs, might like to play as an interventionist player in the war over Kashmir between India and Pakistan. However, on this issue, India needs to have a stronger viewpoint as Kashmir tension has essentially been a truffle between countries, India and Pakistan, and none other but they themselves can sort it out between them.

That apart, there exist other worries especially on foreign aid, as Obama hinted already that if not the aid is going to be trimmed, the foreign aid influx to India might get delayed.

To strike and ensure continuing dialogue, there are amicable grounds for discussion on issues concerning global warming, fuel and energy crisis, and most important, the fight against international terrorism.

And, as an Indian, I am joining my friends in US to rejoicing (but with caution) Barack Obama's win. More importantly, I am as curious to follow the changes that can augur a beginning of new era.

Obama or McCain : Wait n Watch !!!

2008-11-04T10:59:00.005+05:30

As the world superpower goes to voting its 44th President amidst fear of economic crisis, financial crash with bankruptcy and bail out package being the buzz word, the entire world is keenly following the debate, the policies, the issues and the areas of improvement talked about, by the Democratic leader Barack Hussein Obama and the 72 years old, Republican Senator McCain.

Many might ask that it is America going on election, so what is there on the other side of midnight? The truth is, there is no denying the fact that even with a reflection in reality of a failed leadership of Bush regime, America still dictates the world economy. Everywhere, people will follow the proceedings as Americans go voting before or after their working hours to give shape to America's future. America's Presidential election holds importance everywhere, be it Korea's Kospi, Japan's Nikkei or Indian Sensex. The need of the hour is Wait n Watch.

US Presidential Election has a manifold interest for people to flip on news channels, read through media reports as well post comments on debates. The year 2008, race to Whitehouse got hotter initially with the entry of Hillary Clinton, who raised the bar for American Women. The heat generated continued to refract enthusiasm and gather momentum as the 47 year old Law graduate from Harvard, Barack Obama stepped in with its contrasting reform measures and policies on outsourcing, nuclear proliferation, fighting terrorism and deadline to withdraw troops from Iraq. On the other hand, McCain, still promises to carry on the legacy of Bush administration with regressive thoughts and beliefs of Sarah Palin. So here again it’s the Wait n Watch once more.

The bleeding American economy still has a critical global influence. Hence, it’s President and policies will cause differences even to the common man in the streets of the entire world. The final bell of the world's most robust American Presidential election campaign is about to ring and the rest of the world is waiting to hear its consequences.

Smile....the curve that sets everything right !

2008-08-26T10:53:00.002+05:30

Before you read this post, just ask when was it last that you have laughed your heart out? Did you smile today? Well, the answer in most cases is not spontaneous. You really need to think hard to recollect when is it that you really laughed with all your 32 teeth (if you still have them intact) out.

In today's modern pace of life, don't you think that we are just slaves of Time chasing a mirage to realize and achieve the Unknown ? Are we conscious enough to realize that in the process we might have stampede the little moments of life that nurtures a bond, a relation? Yet we move on and on adding to our worries and anxieties increasing the stress levels, thereby increasing the release of hormone called Cortisol. In extreme cases, it often lead to memory impairment. Stress also adds to hypertension, has a negative effect on your metabolism and reflect early signs of hair greying and hair falling.

So, why add to these worries to your otherwise hectic life ? Why foot medicine bills? Thus, one can avoid frequent visit to doctors by simply laughing and smiling for a better physical and mental well being.

Simply laugh your way to a better cardiovascular system, respiratory system and metabolic system. The word of advice is, please stop suffering from the syndrome of Seriousness! Life is short, so live it fully to relive each moment for a meaningful existence.

Do you know there is again a release of hormones when you laugh or smile?
Yes, it is the happy hormones called Endorphins that does the trick and tickle and giggle its way to fight stress hormones cortisol.

So, if you are not spontaneous and lacks humor bone, please develop it cautiously and genuinely. There are Laughing Clubs mushrooming in the neighborhood where people of all ages exercise with laughter to continue their day energetically. If you can join one, good enough or else, pass a smile to one and all as you meet and greet on your way to workplace or at home. If you can crack a smile, and strike a conversation, the battle is half won. It decreases your level of anxiety and helps put things things Straight by one Curved Line... yes a true genuine smile.

You can check for yourself... If you are too worried, just stand in-front of a mirror and see your smiling face for few seconds, you are bound to feel better and with continuous practice you master the art of healthy and perfect living. Look through each thing with smiling eyes, soon you will find multiple opportunities from a tiny spark. Look at the funny aspects of life and laugh watching a comedy film or read a funny joke.

So, just take a lil' effort... giggle, chuckle and laugh at work to lift your spirits to greater height!!!!

Big issue for Small car in West Bengal

2008-08-23T10:19:00.003+05:30

It’s been long ... and I was out of blogging. But it’s a sudden freak of thought like a thunderbolt that I decided to keep it updated... read on

It was Tata's Nano launch that I wrote and it was Mr. Ratan Tata's promise to make the cheapest car in the world hit the road by November 2008...and being a strong Kolkatan felt proud that this world's popular auto project will be associated with Kolkata, to be precise with Singur.

Yes, it is in Singur, 40 kms from Kolkata that Tatas have invested worth Rs 1500 cr to build the automobile factory. The land acquired by the West Bengal Government was given in lease to the Tatas. The controversy spiraled with the West Bengal Government and the opposition party on this 1000 acres of land given as domestic investment to the Tata Group.

The opposition party proposes to ‘gherao the Singur Tata plant’ to protest against the injustice meted out to the farmers. They are of the opinion that out of 1000 acres of land, 400 acres need to be given back to the farmers. Thus the seed of industrialization sown in the soil of West Bengal met with strong protests from the opposition party members.

Who are at loss at this political crisis? The opposition leader will shout slogans saying through the blood of farmers industrialization of cultural Bengal cannot be achieved. But is this true? Is it not through investment in manufacturing industries that generation of employment is possible? Is it not through successful
implementation of this factory that we can attract further investments through channels of either domestic investment or foreign institutional investments ? Are we not closing doors for future growth of Bengal?

In the hands of opposition are the instruments of bandhs and strikes.. Be it upgradation of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport or the growth of IT hub in Rajarhat, Kolkata. Are we conscious enough to know what lies behind this veil of controversies?

With project in Singur, which are the lands that they want back? Those that are meant for ancillary investment and moreover that 400 acres is not available together. These are pockets of lands spread all over.

Thus before the Tata really bid Ta-Ta to Bengal, its high time that we delve deep into this crisis to find an amicable solution through negotiation, re-negotiation and dialogues for a prosperous Bengal.

IPL-The New Face of Gentleman Sport-Can It Entice The Gentleman Fans of The Game?

2008-05-24T18:17:00.001+05:30

Life in this 21st century has been changing a lot and we have started to run with time. Change in pace changed the ways and means of entertainment as well and these have undergone a drastic makeover. Gone are the 8-ball over in a cricket game that we saw as children and the 6-ball overs took them over with 60-over games. Later came the 50-over matches and people seem to be not satisfied with it, rather have no patience to sit for 100-long overs of a match. Now came the 20-over innings and the 40-over matches in what are called as league matches, probably someone who watched soccer and hockey matches a lot would have conceived this shorter version of cricket match. Lets give the credit to him and jet set to watch these dwarfened matches? Are they interesting at all?

Amidst heated arguments on controversy and hype this gentleman’s game, has transformed to a new bonsai version at Bangalore in the form of IPL or Indian Premier League. Along the same lines of county cricket, the Indian Premier League was split into several teams, which are then auctioned. Each team has players from different cricket playing nations. Business behemoths such as the Ambanis and the Mallyas and celebrity personalities including King Khan and Preity Zinta sweated out to own the teams. Then the respective team managements selected players from all over the world forming a great Asianafrican and Australian-English mixture. Leave the fact whether they teamed together well or not……the T20 season of cricket started raising cricket fever and fervor across the world.

8 teams are sweating out for the past 30 days under the floodlights for the coveted title of T20 IPL champs. IPL prompted Cricket Australia to start similar league and it pronounced that by next summer they are there with a similar one. But we will have to wait if people would entice this version of cricket. After all they are just an evening affair and so far people are enjoying the cricket and sidelights of it as well. The cheerleaders with their twisting abs are taking a center of attraction at the grounds and people going crazy as and when they start their way of cheering their team members.

Teams too are getting extra kicks by way of jaadoo ki jhappis and IPL brought women into the dressing rooms as well (Preity Zinta paid a surprise visit to the dressing room of Punjab XI Kings). Slaps and bans are the adverse effects if we can say any of the IPL. Best part is that there is no waste of a casual leave to watch a match. Instead of a whole day affair, IPL has made it an evening affair where one can enjoy the game after a day’s hectic daily chores.

Having said that IPL no doubt involved BIG MONEY... from the vaults of biggies and a turn of game can make them mad; whether Vijay Mallya lamenting on Dravid or firing Charu Sharma for the team’s poor performance or SRK’s continuous frowns (not made at a cosmetic clinic for sure. They seem to be manifestation of his reaction to Kolkata Knight Riders performance) or pretty Preity Zinta’s never ending hugs to her team are just examples. For a commoner though it is no doubt a game that always gives thrill of an edge-of-seat and he can enjoy the game to the hilt but time can only say whether this game will enthrall the gentleman fans.

Ode to World's Earth Day

2008-04-23T11:12:00.002+05:30

Everyone is reeling under the blazing sun, trying to catch a glimpse of the weather report in the news channel, an upsurge in the sale of air-conditioners and even the anorexic women cannot resist a sip of carbonated drinks to quench thirst... yes...it is the SUMMERS...on most part of the Indian subcontinent. The headlines of our morning newspaper speak on how to beat this heat as the mercury is soaring higher and higher. There are cool tips on almost everything, from food that one should eat and the perfect sun-screen lotion with the correct SPF number to be put on, from colored camisoles to spaghetti tops that should adorn the closets and various options to spend the summer evening such as sipping a mug of beer at the poolside or dancing to the tune of soft music in a cool air-conditioned ambience with twinkles of dim light all around.

We do all, taking a tip from here and there. But do we ever question as to why this heat on every summer is rising at an increasing rate. Did we ever delve into the reason for this increase in temperature?

The reasons are far too many and people are divided into different groups debating on the causes, concerns and solutions to salvage the extreme weather conditions. The obvious reason which often keeps coming back on our thoughts is the drastic effect of global warming. India is one of the most worst effected country by global warming. A much talked about topic, discussed in forums, actions points jotted in board room meetings to tackle issues concerning global warming but actions are still a far cry.

The soaring temperature of today has an inevitable correlation with the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. It is this excess of gases in the atmosphere that includes carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone gases that increases the temperature of the planet. We as humans, instead of marauding the ecosystem, need to take conscious measures to prevent emission of these harmful gases into the atmosphere or else we need to be prepared for the doomsday.

Yes, I say it a doomsday, which might read as a horror story, when the Himalayan glacier will melt causing unprecedented flood, rivers will get dried up causing desert like surroundings coupled with shortage of water and mercury will soar higher killing thousands of people. So, to avoid this horrific end, can we not join hands to check the emission of the greenhouse gases?
To combat the adverse effects on every sphere of life from national security to economy as a result of global warming, a strong environment policy need not to be only formulated in black and white but requires implementation under strict supervision and adherence to laid down rules.
Or otherwise the World Earth’s Day of 22nd April will one day transform into doomsday.

Hillary Clinton - in the race to Whitehouse

2008-03-02T17:37:00.004+05:30

As the sun shone on the eastern horizon on October 26, in the year 1947, the year of Indian Independence, that a lil’ girl born in the state of Illinois in US, is today the most favoured Democratic candidature for the Presidential post in the US General Election 2008-- Hillary Diana Rodham Clinton.Since her childhood her participation in public welfare activities and various social issues was noteworthy. She had mental keenness in various sport activities too. During her college days, her mettle as a leader was well proved. Her academic excellence coupled with ability to work for the school government made her a unique persona.

Armed with the Law degree from the Yale School in 1973, she went into wedlock in 1975 with the 42nd President of the United States Bill William Clinton. As the Nation’s first lady she exhibited remarkable strength and confidence in balancing the private, public and social life. She has also served as the Arkansas First Lady for 12 long years. Her contribution in the field of education, child health and legal services of Arkansas has been immense. As the US first lady she continued to be a leading advocate with the Health Insurance plans, she did extensive coverage and work on child immunization and creating awareness on health issues.

One cannot deny her existence as a writer too. She had been a regular columnist with Talking it over on which she wrote on various aspects that she saw and experienced as US First Lady. She did also pen a book in 1996 titled It Takes a Village and Other Lessons Children Teach Us and she did receive a Grammy Award for the same.

It was in 2000 that the lady was elected as a Senator for New York State in 2000. As a senator her role had been immense. She felt and understood the needs of the New Yorkers and strived to address majority of the growing concerns. Her role in protecting communities, investing in education, strengthening the children health-care system and improving public health has been quite remarkable contribution in the progress of the state. Rodham Clinton fighting her way with the other Democratic Senator from the state of Illinois named Barack Obama. This community organiser, university lecturer and a civil rights lawyer, son of a Kenyan father and American mother, Barack Obama poses several daunting debates on the way of the democrat Clinton’s race to the Presidential seat in the upcoming US elections 2008.

However, Hillary Clinton felt the optimism and strength within to debate all odds and work more and more to bring about the American Revolution, which is much needed in this time of slowdown in the American History. The US General Elections of 2008, need to provide the leader who would face an array of challenges plaguing the Nation today. The next President of US will inherit the qualms of two wars, a long campaign to curb the global terrorism, a resurgent Russia, growth of China as an international power, the unpredictable political conditions of the oil-rich Middle East countries along with the global issues of environment and health hazards.To achieve all, America needs a leader who would blend all strategies with immense motivation, diplomacy and persuasion. As the race begins, we know not who will hold the mantle....the Republicans or the Democrats for the US General Election 2008. We need to hold on to our views and reviews to know if Hillary Clinton can fight out Barack Obama to contest for the Presidential Post to reintroduce America in the 21st century with much more than just Vision.

The noise of 'Halla Bol'

2008-01-14T09:09:00.000+05:30

Its' once again a call to the people of Nation to stand up and fight against injustice, corruption and bribery. Raj Kumar Santoshi's Halla Bol is a one man crusade against the evils of the society.

Ajay Devgan alas Ashfaque-ullah is a small townstreet theaterist who under the guidance of Pankaj Kapoor fought the evils for a better cause. The Halla Bol also gives a glimpse on the movement of street theaterist against the social and political evils. Pankaj Kapoor turned into a social reformer from being a dacoit has a credible performance, few riveting scenes keeping the audience quite engrossed. Ashfaque-ullah changes to Bollywoods' Sameer Khan..not only by name but by all ways that could have been. He makes it big at Bollywood & his living changed bigger. The glams and glamour ruled his life day in and day out. However it just took an incident at a party night that brought out Ashfaque from Sameer Khan. The murder hinting of the reality (Jessica lal Murder case) on that party night fuelled the climax of Halla Bol. And it is here that the story fights out all the bads with support from Ashfaque's wife (Vidya Balan), mentor ( Pankaj Kapoor) and his conscience.

Like Raang De Basanti, Damini, Ghayal, the noise of Halla Bol focuses on the conscience of the man on the street. It lies within as a sleeping volcano, when erupted will cause changes for the better.

The Auto Expo 2008--The People's car NANO

2008-01-10T10:57:00.000+05:30

Amidst 29 countries participation,in front of 2000 companies the Hall 11 of Pragati Maidan,New Delhi will feel the magic of unveiling the most popular Ratan Tata's dream of rupees one lakh priced car. Way back was Maruti-800, which was the first car for millions of India. So this people's car is bound to put India in the Global Auto Map. As the car hits the road the 10% of around 7 million strong 2 wheelers will migrate to the four wheeler drive. It was the sight of four people with baggages in a two wheeler which ignited the spark in the minds of Tatas'to make the dream car possible today. Mr Ratan Tata shows indication of rural catchment also for this car sale.This high technology small size car is 8% small in size than the Maruti 800. However the inner space is said to be 21% more.It says to have a fuel economy of 23 kms per litre. Nano unveils in three basic models.

However, we also find the Renault-Nissan-Bajaj will also come up with a ultra low cost car at Rs 1.25 lakh.Their USP will be on higher mileage. Gordon Murray's small car T25 seems not far behind. Even BMW who aims to top the Indian luxury car segment is doing a feasibilty study on a luxury small car. This in itself speaks a volume on the potential of small cars in the emerging market. with the developed countries already saturated & has a more strict carbon emission controls the MNCs' is now vying at India on a large scale.

However with all these goodies, something that comes by natural is the concern on environment. With the people's car there would be a price cut across automobile industry to make vehicles affordable to people. As a result streets will be over crowded, roads to be more congested & emission of pollution will be no less.Its a growing concern as people all around the world is propagating on Global warming. The concern is with such low price will these cars be able to maintain and sustain the pollution control standards. Keeping our fingers crossed we wait for the car to hit the road.

As the Indian economy is growing hot. the automobile industry is growing hotter !!

Parenting

2008-01-08T23:07:00.000+05:30

As the sun rises in the Eastern horizon, the calendar flashes another day, millions and thousands of people in different parts of this world celebrate their birthdays in one way or the other. It might range from a 105th birthday to an hour old birth of a child. Every one of us have our childhood memories in a special way to oneself. An individuals' childhood is very important in shaping ones future. They are just born in this earth, as naive & innocent as the freshness of the morning dewdrop on the grasses and flowers. It is the parents that they first look upto. It is the smell of the mother first, that they feel comfortable with. As they blinks to open the eyes for few seconds more they learn to see the fathers' wave. They grow few days old and then get familiar with the colours around, the noise everywhere and recognises the smiling faces all over him. They know they are important, they feel special always and make you utterly special too.The parents begin their noting downs in child book like the first sitting, the first crawl, the first tooth, the first walk, the first sound. The notes remain shut in their books. Begins the wave of comparison with the similar child around him or few children above his age in the neighbourhood.

Knowingly or unknowingly the child has been subjected to a feeling of not good.
Then as the child put his first step away from his familiarity to a school where he is expected to practice self discipline, a place where he would learn how to become a successful man, he is just thrown away in a melee of the unknowns.Their splash of colours here and there seem to fade away. It gets replaced by dotted lines & cursive writing within the stipulated time frame. They fail to respond to their own stimuli. Courtesy--the both working parents or the hectic schedule of this frantic pace of life. This modernity, tech savvy way of life carries with it a baggage of disadvantages too.Everywhere & in every step we look out at the "faayda" (profit)..little knowing that the damage on the minds of the lil' ones is already done...

Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par potrays many a "Ishaan" amongst the children of today. Its an awakening. Parents to realise that they are the bows & their children are like arrows going in varied directions according to their own pace & wish. Inculcate in them the values of Life not the value of only numbers. Children are really special. In our daily life with busy schedules and hectic pressures, the important question to ask us, the parents... are we spending enough quality time with our children... are we having that much patience and time to listen to them... to understand them.

Retail Boom-Growth & Challenges

2008-01-08T11:10:00.000+05:30

India being the second most populous country with over 1 billion population, the retail segment is bound to make a difference in the economy. However the Indian bourses is still predominated by the Infrastructre stocks, and partly by the Financial stocks & rest by the IT sector. It will not be long when we would find that the retail industry contributing a significant portion in the SENSEX, as in the US developed market economy. Indian retail industry is broadly divided into organised and unorganised sector.We need to pull on the unorganised sector more to reap the
benefits. This boom in the retail segment of the industry owes much to its young population.With a high growth in the economy, rise in the income level, there is an increase in the disposable income. This income has resulted into a higher propensity to consume.

The increase in the consumerism can be felt when we see a growing number of shopping malls across the cities of India. These malls provide the people with all comforts-being a one stop shop for all goods to easy credit facilities with low interest & less documentation. Previously people went to a market place with different shops scattered in different directions. You needed to specify what you want to buy. Now customers have everything lying in front of them, packaged in most hygenic means, marketed in the minds through exclusive media interfaces. So you
might have gone to buy one thing but have ended up buing more than few. These shopping malls have also been a great help to the working women. To maintain a balance between work and home, hard pressed with time, shopping out in the mall on a weekend helps to run the family with much ease. Kids also find the places attractive, with escalators to go up & down, play area & rhymes CD to hear around. So Life made easier for a particular class of people. Yes, with
urban spending of Rs 10, it increase the rural income by Rs 40. This urban-rural linkage will be made more strong in the coming years with an upward surge in the retail industry.The increase in the consumer spending can also be attributed to the attitudes of this young people. As the saying goes "we wear our attitudes"- it is found that to be updated, contemporary & a willingness to change has become the order of the day. These young people do not mind in having more than one of the same gadgets. This is because they want to be updated, they want to be different & they have more choices in Life. This effect can be best described by the Mobile Handset Industry.This industry has been offering now and then with handsets targeted to different segments of its everincreasing customer base. With few changes, an updated version,added features and a multilayered promotional activities is bound to make a hit. This generation of today never minds to buy another one although the existing handset is doing good.So we are not surprised when we see there is a 50 percent plus growth in the gadget
market.

According to data from Economic Times investment in this retail sector is to be around $365 million in 2008. It is said that big players like Reliance, Aditya Birls Group, DLF and Spencer is expected to invest in Retail Business in 2008 an amount of $25-28 million.

However this segment is to face challenges too for its upward curve in the economy. Infrastructure, rising property price, multiple layers of tax, shortage of skilled manpower, lack of clear policy on FDI, underdeveloped supply chain to name the few.

Yet the India Inc to brave all these hurdles to be amongst the developed economy.

In Search of Happiness

2008-01-07T23:16:00.000+05:30

A Search of Life….What we humans search in our day to day existence? Do we all know what is it that keeps us kicking in life & ticking with time ?

Esconsed in the couch with a book on her chest, she mumbles to herself the REASON of LIFE.
Is it the mere existence?Just getting up each morning ,going to work the whole day to buy few thousand dollars to come back home & sleep tight to wake up for another day ..This is the life of the people who just live to sustain each day. They know not what tomorrow holds for them. As the sun rises in the East they walk out to the calls of DESTINY. Have they ever questioned themselves as to where, what, why & how they LIVE.A thought which have often crisscrossed my understanding of LIFE.

Are they happy? Do they suffer?Is the feeling of sadness creeps into their existence?..Do they FEEL the feelings of LIFE .. or is it that they live LIFE as it comes.This is a strata of people belonging to our own society.They are large in number & ever if they question there might be a REVOLUTION !!They have no luxury to feel the feelings but I make myself believe that they do enjoy & are happy because they live for another day & their WANTS from life is minimal.
It is in this society of ours only where we have another class of people who have the luxury to dance to the rhythm of raindrops … Have the time to listen to the songs of the birds from the faraway lands…Believes in the flow of the rivers in the mountain terrain..They work each day to achieve something higher, something greater than LIFE…In this pursuit of material gain & comfort they lose on to the charm of Living…

However are they happy?.. These strata of people can question as what is HAPPINESS?!
A fleeting moment? .. a recollection where you sit & smile..?.. A gesture which can make another person feel good? A deed of kindness bringing a ray of light in the eyes of a deprived child ? A warm hug from your loved ones ? A moment of togetherness ? Sipping a cup of Hot coffee together in a chilly wintry morning…

Do we buy these moments with the thousand dollars we earn?Do we feel these moments just because we have a hefty bank balance?Do we live & relive these minutes just because we know we have a better tomorrow…
The answer to me & me alone is No! … never !!

It is a state of mind …. You can never be happy if you do not want to be…Yes a WANT ?? a want is what defines your way of life… A want is what defines your attitude & it is this WANT that I feel we need to put a rein into to feel the Happiness in Life ‘s Living…

She comes back to reality … back again to the journey of Life like the other 364 days, let the search for Happiness continue … are you chasing it ?

Benazir

2008-01-07T09:45:00.000+05:30

It was on the 21st June of 1953, a lil’ girl born in an affluent, renowned, political family of Bhuttos in Sindh, Pakistan. Like every child she also toddled to Jennings Nursery School holding her mother’s finger. In no time she took her fist steps to Jesus & Mary Convent School. As the ray of learning streaked through her mind she fancied within her a word-”Power”.

As years passed by, that lil’ girl grew up to be a beautiful lady. Graduated in Political Science from Radcliffe College, Harvard, she earned her MA degree from Oxford University. In these growing years & learning phase she came close with her father, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Within the subconscious state of her being she admiried the political charisma of her father & longed to feel the power. This feeling of her is best expressed as she sacrificed a year to be the President of the Students Union in Oxford college. Thus her chase for the dream begun.

Armed with western education, this tall good looking lady of Pakistan touched her people with the one charismatic smile. However, although she wanted to join Foreign Services yet she had to take the path of Politics to be what she was.

Hanged was Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, & her life took a turn for the people of Pakistan. His execution in the year 1979, resulted in Benazir’s denunciation of Zia-ul-haq, & she began organising a political movement against him. It was the silent rage within her, that erupted now & then. She was put into a solitary confinement in year 1981.

In her book “The Daughter of the East ” she writes ”The summer heat turned my cell into an oven. My skin split and peeled, coming off my hands in sheets. Boils erupted on my face. My hair, which had always been thick, began to come out by the handful. Insects crept into the cell like invading armies. Grasshoppers, mosquitoes, stinging flies, bees and bugs came up through the cracks in the floor and through the open bars from the courtyard. Big black ants, cockroaches, seething clumps of little red ants and spiders. I tried pulling the sheet over my head at night to hide from their bites, pushing it back when it got too hot to breathe.”

This was the kind of torture she suffered physically. Mentally too she felt the pain of her idol being hanged. An intolerable suffering, yet she comes back to the people of Pakistan every now & then. Released from her confinement in the year 1981, she went to Britain only to come back in 1986. Her race to Power began & finally in the year 1988 she became the Prime Minister of Pakistan. That lil’ girl chasing her dream unknowingly came to the helm of POWER. However, the subsequent years were not free from events. In 20 months time her government fell off on corruption charges. It again rose to power in 1993. This time a three year tenure where she wanted to reach out to the masses. However in no time again that her democratic elected government fell prey to corruption charges & she left Pakistan.

I believe Power is an addiction. It beckons you now & then. It drives you to see the unseen, to hear the unheard & to make all things possible.

A mother of three children, a wife, Benazir could not restrict her inner self to come to Pakistan once again. Little knowing what the destiny is to unfold. It was her strive to be at the helm, that overshadowed her any other existence. She did not restrict her presence only to her children, because she felt her need in the hearts of the people of Pakistan. Knowing that her life is at risk, she continued to campaign once again & one more time. What would you call this? —-
Is it her passion to work for the people? Is it to avenge the death of her father in a military regime? Is it a feeling of duty ? Is it to be an embodiment of Patriotism OR is it that dream she once nourised within her. To be POWERFUL..to gain POWER.. to rule & reign at the helm.
She fell prey to a Terrorist attack. She was assasinated in 2007. The end of her Life, a struggle, a journey to POWER and the unfulfilled dreams of a great leader.