Observen

"Which one do you think would do a better job in reducing global warming: the government, through laws intended to reduce the output of greenhouse gases, or businesses, through competition in the market system?"

2010-05-04T22:58:00.001+05:30

Global Warming, a phenomenon, which has started showing its effects, needs to be countered soon. Increasing earth’s temperature, rising sea levels, change in the amount and pattern of precipitation, tsunami and earthquakes, are all after-effects of Global warming. I believe, the larger accountability lies with the Government rather than businesses. Government, through stricter laws can ensure lower emission of greenhouse gases. Also, by incorporating systematic plans to reduce pollution can help world diminish the effects of Global Warming.
Governments especially of developed and developing nations should prepare a 10-20 year plan of imposing stricter laws. This would also allow businesses to adapt within a time frame, and will help them remain competitive. Businesses cannot be hold responsible for reducing global warming, as their primary goal is to achieve sustainable growth and profits. Governments are socially elected and thus are more accountable such social concerns. Also, global warming being a worldwide phenomenon; can be handled only by joint efforts of all the nations. Businesses can only support these efforts in the long run.

Kayastha ki Ladki, Brahmin ka Ladka…

2010-02-13T05:10:00.001+05:30

Colors Channel has learnt the trick, how to woo the Indian family audiences. Beating all the other channels behind, Colors’ strategy of mixing main stream family drama with social messages, is proving to be their trump card. Replicating real life issues on small screen and after astounding success of “Baalika Vadhu”, Colors latest venture “Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam” has been an instant success. The tagline “Kayastha ki Ladki, Brahmin ka Ladka…” has brought in many eyeballs to this program. Issues in inter-caste marriages and families giving more importance to petty rites and rituals, without even understanding the essence of it, has been portrayed in the serial. Through this serial, Colors have also tried to catch-hold of the younger audiences, as most of them face the similar problems.

“This is the story of Abeer and Leher's love set against the background of caste politics and class differences. The story unfolds in the picturesque town on Lucknow where a Brahmin's son Abeer falls for a Kayasth's daughter Leher. The show tells the often heard though never-seen-before love story of people from different castes battling their own families and the society in order to unite. The story is a scathing critique on our country's obsession with caste and class.”

“Yeh Pyaar Naa Hoga Kam” program at Colors Channel has brought me back to daily soap dramas. The show reminds me of my hometown back in Uttar Pradesh. It’s a place where everything is divided into castes and classes, from families to politics. The story and screenplay is very realistic and I can vouch for it, as I am able to identify with the characters and situations. One feels the pinch, when things like dowry are discussed; taunts are made over other castes; rituals are given more importance over people, and relatives getting baffled on receiving cheaper gifts during marriages. It is mesmerizing to see such real life drama on television, which everyone must have witnessed in some or other marriage. At-least I have seen my very close relatives doing that. One feels the romance, when the protagonists discuss their issues in backlanes of Ganj on their adjoining roofs, in chilly winters. One feels proud, when families find help from unexpected corners, when their close relatives failed to do so.
I hope this serial will spread the right message and bring some change in the mindsets of people, who are still stuck in castes and classes. I will suggest everyone to experience “Yeh Pyaar Naa Hoga Kam” on Colors. If not entertaining, it would surely be a learning experience.

Mast Kalandar - Bengaluru

2010-01-10T00:25:00.002+05:30

Working Singles like me are really handicap when it comes to good food. Girls still are able to manage their food, as generally they are good cook themselves. But a lazy guy like me, who does not know anything about cooking except Maggi, tends to search and research for good food joints. For us, a breakfast is an alien territory. And for lunch, we are dependent on home-made food brought by married office colleagues to fulfill our taste palettes. We look for food, which tastes yum, is lighter on my wallet, and some nutritional value. Moreover being a vegetarian, leaves me with minimal choices.

Mast Kalandar can solve all your food related issues in Bangalore. Mast Kalandar, is a vegetarian food joint with north Indian dishes at affordable prices. Its interiors are youthful and trendy. Its value-for-money meals are well packaged and interestingly named. It has variety of options from Punjabi dishes to Rajasthani dishes. If you are planning to visit their joints during peak hours in weekends, then forget about it. You can see people waiting in a queue outside their food joints during peak hours.

Mast Kalandar is been positioned well. It’s been targeted at the north Indian living in south India. Mast Kalandar has never lost its focus of catering to their target market even after their resounding success. Word of mouth marketing has helped the food joint to grow from 1 food-joint to 7 food-joints in the city in just 3 years.

I would recommend Mast Kalandar to every north Indian vegetarian.

Visit http://www.mastkalandar.com/

The Top Seven - Movies 2009

2010-01-10T00:08:00.003+05:30

The year 2010 saw 240 movie releases in bollywood, mostly in the latter half of the year. The year started with disappointments like Delhi 6 and multiplex strike. But ended on a high note with Aamir’s 3Idiots grossing 93cr in the very first weekend.
Here are top seven hindi movies as my personal favorites, released this year.

1. Kaminey
2. 3 Idiots
3. Paa
4. Rocket Singh : The Salesman of the year
5. 13B
6. Luck By Chance
7. All The Best

These movies are irrespective of the fact of their commercial success. These are few movies which I would like to watch again. They made me laugh, they made me cry, they made me think.

Which are your favorite friends?

Year 1999 to 2009: From Human to Machine

2010-01-10T00:04:00.002+05:30

My weekdays are quite simple. It’s full of work, with professional and family issues, a tired day and 8hrs of sleep! And weekends are spent in watching movie, networking with friends, washing and cleaning etc. But still far far away from mental peace. I have been running after success all these years (thanks to social and parental pressure). And realized, success is yet very far, but in the process, I lost… Myself.

Music was something that had always helped me in connecting me with my soul. Singing used to be my passion, Sonu Nigam, Rafi, Kishore Da etc. used to be demi-gods. Used to love singing for hours and hours. I used to listen to different songs, write their lyrics, and practice those songs. Everyone used to love my voice and my singing. Even though I have never learnt music, it was something that came naturally to me.

Interestingly, I was never the music buff. But in class 7th, school compulsorily asked everyone to attend activity classes. There were typography, computers, dancing, painting, electronics classes etc. I chose music, because there used to be no music teacher in my school in those days. I thought, it would be good to attend music classes as they would be free periods. I would use that time to finish my homework.

But the very day, a music teacher joined, Ms. Pratima Kumar. Every student was shocked. As they always thought, that music classes would be free time. Prathima Ma’am called every student one by one to sing “Hey Sharde Maa”. We all used to sing this song daily in our assembly. After everyone was over, she called me and Sumit Rathore to the stage. We were bit terrified. She announced, they were the best singers, as they struck the near perfect chords. I never looked back. Prathima ma’am was my motivation, my first Guru. She helped me in improving my singing skills, with Dice Sir who was an expert in English music. Soon I was among the best singers in my school. Next, I wanted to learn classical, I wanted to be trained.

In early class 12th, I asked my dad, “I don’t want to study. I want to be a singer. I want to learn music. ” My dad replied, “Finish up your board exams, become an engineer. Once you are successful, do whatever you want to pursue your ambitions.” His point of view was logical. But soon I realised that there is no connection between Passion and Logic.

So here I am today. I am an engineer, MBA, marketer, and yet “Nothing”. First engineering, then interviews, then MBA preparation, MBA, and now job. After 10 years of hardships, I realized, I couldn’t sing. I need to start afresh to polish my skills. I have lost the gift of God.

Programs like Indian Idol, Saregamapa, and Amul Voice of India, bring tears to my eyes, when I saw someone else fulfilling my dreams. Thanks to loved ones around me, as they keep motivating me to continue singing. And I even want to!

But thanks to the last decade, as I am more a machine now than a human. Emotions, aspirations and talent, all are lost in the process to be a machine, like everyone.

Why Do We Disrespect Women ???

2009-09-30T20:26:00.004+05:30

I was waiting for the day to get over, and was planning to pack my bags to home. Three twitter updates spoiled my mood completely for the day. It was on an issue, on which I have always spoken of. It’s about disrespecting women.

Read these three news items:-

“In a strange ritual 2,000 women, who were believed to be 'possessed' by evil spirits, were given severe, blood-oozing lashing in public to 'free them from these bad elements' in a village in Tamil Nadu. The whipping ritual included girls as young as 10-years-old.This strange ritual continued for five hours at the annual festival of the ancient Sri Achappan Temple on the Vijaydashmi day.
One girl was whipped for not showing interest in studies. The parents believed that the lack of interest was because there was an evil spirit residing in her. One girl received lashings for not attaining puberty on time and another for her irregular menstrual periods !!!”

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/new/NDTV-Show-Special.aspx?ID=365

“A 23-year-old hotel management student has claimed that she was abducted, gang-raped and filmed the act by four men after taking her to three states in about a month !!!”

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/index.php?issueid=97&id=64304&option=com_content&task=view§ionid=4

“Frances Gomes, a father was convinced that if his daughters left his flat, they would be raped or "corrupted". So he kept his daughters, 27-year-old Barbara and 21-year-old Elizabeth, locked up with their mother for 7 years in Mumbai !!!”

http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/locked_tortured_by_father_for_7_years.php

No justification (whether be it tradition, mentality, illiteracy etc.), can approve any form of disrespect to women. Can someone give one good reason, why such instances happen, in every form of society, be it rural, or urban.
As my title goes, Why do we disrespect women ???, I am still searching for an answer.

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…

2009-09-15T17:07:00.005+05:30

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…
Thinking hard about life
How it changed from a maverick college life to strict professional life…...

How tiny pocket money changed to huge monthly paychecks
But then why it gives less happiness….
How a few local denim jeans changed to new branded wardrobe
But then why there are less people to use them
How a single plate of samosa changed to a full Pizza or burger
But then why there is less hunger…..

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…
Thinking hard about life
How it changed…..

How a bike always in reserve changed to bike always on
But then why there are fewer places to go on……
How a small coffee shop changed to cafe coffee day
But then why its feels like shop is far away…..
How a limited prepaid card changed to postpaid package
But then why there are fewer calls; more messages……

Here I am sitting in my office @ night…
Thinking hard about life
How it changed…..

How a general class journey changed to Flight

Credits : Mr.Pravesh Mathur

Convocation @ Alliance...

2009-09-12T18:45:00.005+05:30

Last week we had a memorable convocation ceremony .Governor of Karnataka, Mr. H R Bhardwaj, Minister of Higher Education for the State of Karnataka and Mr. Ganesh Aiyyar, MD, Caterpillar witnessed our convocation. It was memorable for many reasons.

Now we all were Post-graduates. Two years of PGPM in Alliance Business School were finally over. Convocation was an official ceremony to announce that now we all were MBAs. Also, presence of such high profile Chief Guests and getting certificates through them, made the ceremony glittering. Moreover for the first time, we got the chance to wear robes and hoods for the ceremony.

But, I guess more importantly, for all of us, it was an opportunity to re-unite and remember our golden days of post-grads. We all had so much too share. Our lives after college, our short stints in corporate culture, our economic independence, our experiences and what not! Too much to share in just a day!

We all were feeling nostalgic on visiting our campus, and meeting our dearest friends. Felt like revisiting those memories again, spent with friends in college. I was missing those never ending lunches and dinners at the food-court, our one-night stand exam preparations and those butterflies in stomach before interviews. I was missing the unconditional support of my friends, the laughs and tears we shared. I was missing those times when we fought with each other, times when we were united against the administration on some or other issues. Was missing those projects we did together, those competitive rivalries, and the festivals we celebrated together.

Moment I was back home after the event, I realized, that all those good days are now over. I wish I could have brought them back. Few came to be a part of convocation; few weren’t able to make it. Yes we were able to meet few our old friends, but frankly, we still weren’t able to spend quality time. Thus I am waiting for many more reasons to meet my old good friends.

Millionaire Homes, Luxury Living Redefined

2009-09-12T18:28:00.001+05:30

After its immense success in Bangalore and Chennai, Millionaire Homes is now in Hyderabad on 19th and 20th of September, at Novotel. For those who all still unaware with Millionaire Homes event –

Millionaire Homes – the Luxury Living & Lifestyle Show is an exciting new concept in consumer driven business shows: The event is designed as a platform for connoisseurs of lifestyle and fine living to experience some of the finest concepts in luxury living. The event will showcase a host of realty and fine living options from some of the leading home builders across the country. The show also introduces guests to the finest high-end products and services for homes.

Millionaire Homes is very unique in its positioning. When everyone will find a Home Mela where all the builders come and showcase their properties, Millionaire Homes maintains its niche. Properties showcased in Millionaire Homes are luxury properties worth crore and above. Never ever a show has been show hosted in India of this nature.

To be successful, such niche events need unique and experiential marketing. Every other Home Mela depends on ATL advertising through newspaper ads, radio and hoardings to catch the attention of the masses. Millionaire Homes is marketed completely through BTL (Direct Marketing). Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), who have conceived and produced this event, have a huge commercial database of companies and HNI’s tagged on various parameters. In-house call center of D&B call these HNI’s to understand whether they are interested in buying such properties now or not? Accordingly, all interested HNI’s are exclusively invited for the event. Thus D&B has been able to bring in 1500 – 2000 HNI’s per event, interested in such luxury properties.

Moreover, to create the right ambience for these HNI’s, D&B also hosts various sub-events in evening like art-auction, musical concert, wine tasting session and fashion-show. These sub-events acts as incentives for these ultra HNI’s to attend the event and evaluate these luxury properties. If you are visiting Millionaire Homes, also watch out for exclusively designed booths created for each of the exhibitors.

With this initiative, D&B creates an interactive platform for leading luxury and premium brands to engage with customers in an exclusive environment. With a growing number of Indian's joining the ranks of the wealthy with the propensity and ability to spend on fine living, Millionaire Homes presents an excellent opportunity for luxury brands to be associated with this event and engage these customers.

“Khatron Ke Khiladi” – Level 2

2009-09-12T18:22:00.002+05:30

Akshay Kumar and Colors Channel are back with the next season of their highly successful show, “Khatron Ke Khiladi” – Level 2. Frankly, I was never so interested in such reality shows. A similar show called, “Is Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao” had just recently ended on Sony. I always thought “Khatron Ke Khiladi” would be on the similar lines to “Is Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao”, “Roadies” and “Stuntmania”. Moreover, neither the celebrities participating in the show were appealing enough to watch the show.
These shows, being featured on the major channels at prime time, leaves you without much option. And thus one can’t avoid having a glimpse of these reality shows. Even I had too. Interestingly, I was surprised and entertained. The stunts in “Khatron Ke Khiladi” were fearful, gutsy, exciting and innovative.

Full marks to Colors and the team of “Khatron Ke Khiladi”, for raising the standards of the show through such nail biting stunts. I would recommend you all to watch “Khatron Ke Khiladi”. It’s surely a level above to all other reality shows.

IPL – An Inside Story: Cricket and Commerce

2009-09-12T18:13:00.000+05:30

I recently finished reading this book penned by Alam Srinivas and T R Vivek. This book gives you a complete insight into the cricketing saga called Indian Premier League. How the idea IPL originated, the politics behind it, and how it became a success have been interestingly plotted in this book. It shows that with the mix of few intelligent decisions and luck, how Lalit Modi pulled of this event with unmatchable success. This book also beautifully covers the after effects of IPL on the Indian cricket. It also covers the stories of turnaround in the lives of Lalit Modi, Shane Warne and many small town Indian players who got a chance to prove themselves in this IPL. It describes each event associated with IPL in complete detail, from bidding process to the controversies around it. Sometimes the author deviates from the core issues, but then, if you are a cricket fan, you will enjoy it. The book could have been better if it would have been updated with the second season of IPL also.

My Ratings: 6/10

Sonu Nigam is back…!!!

2009-09-12T18:10:00.000+05:30

Oops…when was Sonu Nigam gone??? Yes he was there in the industry, but I guess even he was thirsting for a hit song.

Sonu is back with “Don’t say Alvida” in “Main aur Mrs. Khanna” featuring Salman Khan. It’s a hummable melody with trademark Sonu’s style of romantic singing. Moreover, he is been given chance to sing ”Chiggy Wiggy” with Kylie Minogue by A.R. Rehman for the movie “Blue” featuring Akshay Kumar. Again it’s a fun loving song, sung in patented Sonu’s Punjabi style. Both are hit with audiences.

Today’s music industry, when bundle of new voices are discovered every day, one needs to be consistent. Since he became selective in choosing songs, we got a rare opportunity to hear him. Yes he came out with few albums (Classically Mild, An Evening in London) but they were also quite niche in genre. I guess, he was exploring his singing skills by trying different genres and languages. Hardened fans of Sonu Nigam’s singing (include me in this list), were desperate to listen Sonu Nigam in contemporary form of film music. Music directors like Vishal Shekhar, Pritam and others have been very generous in giving songs to every other singer except Sonu Nigam. His loyalist music directors like Anu Malik and Sajid Wajid were also losing their sheen. Shankar Ehsaan Loy and A R Rehman use Sonu Nigam only when they realize that no one but Sonu can give justice to a song.

Nevertheless, he back with flurry of songs and I hope he continues to sing more. His singing inspires many amateur singers like me. Keep singing…Sonu Nigam.

BJP's "Chintan Baithak"

2009-08-29T17:21:00.000+05:30

I was completely shocked when I was told that BJP expelled Mr. Jaswant Singh. Unfortunately, there was only Jaswant Singh(among few) in BJP whom I respected as an intellectual. He was the only man or I should say the Man-Mohan of BJP. He was intelligent, highly qualified and above all, apolitical like many other BJP leaders. If not secular, at least he seemed secular to the general public.

Moreover BJP's "Chintan Baithak" came out with reasons of loss in 2009 general elections. All the reasons were pointing only two things.
Firstly, poor strategy and secondly poor marketing of ideas.
As per me,BJP used all media tools effectively to convey their ideology. But the problem was never in the promotion.
The main reasons for BJP's loss are the other two P's.
Product: The ideology of being stubborn, the ideology of spreading hatred, the ideology of introspecting the past and not planning for the future, the ideology of non-secularism, when mixed together, forms BJP i.e. a poor product. Such a poor product can only be sold to your customers(electorate) once. Soon the customers realize that they have been cheated.
Price: If we would have brought BJP back to power, then the price we had to pay for it would have been huge.BJP's ideology disturbs the social coherence of India. I have always believed that BJP is an Allopathic medicine. They may solve India's problems; but would also give various side-effects(for e.g. hindutva,moral policing etc.) that would hurt our country later.

My dad, who was once BJP loyalist, amusingly used to say, BJP means " Bhaago Janta Peetegi"...

KAMINEY... !!!

2009-08-29T17:07:00.000+05:30

This was the movie; I was desperately waiting for .Reason, interesting trailers and Visual Bharadwaj. He has given movies like Makdi, Maqbool, Omkara and The Blue Umbrella. All have been meaningful, interesting and entertaining.
I always wanted to watch premiere of the movie. Thankfully to CREDAI Karnataka Realty Expo, I wasn't able to watch the movie, whole weekend. Reviews were out, everyone had loved it. Now I have to see it.
Monday after the job, I ensured not to miss the movie. And guess what, it was memorable experience. As rightfully Rajeev Masand says,'Kaminey is imaginative and original’. It made me remembered movie of 70s era, which had everything, fun action thrill drama and romance.
Kaminey was nice blend of all. I had completely forgotten that there was Shahid Kapoor in the movie. I flowed with the story through Guddu, Sweety and Charlie.
I was mesmerized with Shahid's acting and the supporting casts. As per me the movie is "Fuberb". Movie is embraced with catchy and classy music blended with Gulzar Sahab's unmatchable lyrics.
Loved the line... "Ek dil se dosti thi... Ye huzur bhi kaminey...!!!"

My next target... "What's your Rashee" by Ashutosh Gowarikar.

SWAMI...

2009-06-01T19:00:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, I saw the movie “Swami” again on television. I loved the movie when saw it for the first time and even this time too. I decided to blog about this movie because many people would not talk about this movie.

“Swami” is a simple movie on a life story of titled fictional character. Movie casts Manoj Bajpai and my all time favorite heroine, Juhi Chawla. The story is about their unconditional love towards each other and later towards their children. It’s a complete family movie that will make you cry in some of its scenes.

The movie was a flop and I guess wouldn’t have even heard its name. Technically and critically speaking, this movie is below average. But its heart lies at the right place. Moreover, it teaches you the essence the relationships. The relation of Swami with his arm-chair shows you the love for his wife ”Radha”. Swami has only one dream, to fulfill the dreams of his wife through his children. Swami depicts a very good husband, father, and above all great man. His relation with his son is shown astoundingly emotional in the movie.

Moreover, this movie also shows a life of a common Indian middle class family. This movie beautifully depicts small but important moments of one’s life. One feels connected to the movie, and can easily relate to his/her life.

You will never understand all this nor will I be able to explain, until you watch this movie. Be patient, forgive the editing and try to appreciate the soul of the movie.

Team Manmohan !!!

2009-06-01T18:57:00.000+05:30

I missed the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Manmohan Singh through my blog on 24th April. On 24th I was elated when I got the news that Congress is back. Or I should say, back with bang. I was so afraid, on 24th morning. I never wanted to BJP to be back, atleast until they drop their idea of hindutva.

Moreover, I am more or less happy with the list of ministers in Manmohan’s team. I personally wanted people like Shashi Tharoor and other young guns in some form of ministries. Inclusion of people like Sachin Pilot, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jatin Prasad, Agatha Sangma etc. as MoS was a great decision. People like Pranab Mukherjee, P. Chidambaram, Kamalnath, Kapil Sibbal, Dayanidhi Maran, Praful Patel and others all getting key ministries to bring results rather than promises. Yes they had to compromise bit due to politics, but Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and adamant Manmohan hand-picked most of them.

I guess for the first time ever on Indian news channels, we found so much discussion on list of ministers and portfolios. As if Team Manmohan is on a mission to change India. Team Manmohan gives me hope, a hope for progress, hope for social security, hope for secularism. I trust Team Manmohan, because most of the ministers are extremely qualified with education and experience. Moreover we can see a nice blend of youth and experience in the team.

HORN OK PLEASE…!!!

2009-06-01T18:51:00.000+05:30

Firstly, a good news. I bought a bike, “Bajaj Platina”. It was badly needed as I have to daily travel to the office. Travelling in buses was horrible and “autowallas” of Bangalore were too demanding. So I had to waste more time in travelling, which could also have been spent doing something constructive.
Bike gives you a sense of freedom and a driving pleasure. I can now go anywhere in city, anytime. I am so happy, not only because, I own a bike, but also, I have to no more be dependent on Bangalore’s autowallas.

Bangalore traffic made me realize the importance of horns in your vehicle. Not only it is necessary to alert the vehicles around you, but it’s also a mode for expression. During long traffic queues, I have seen people honking to show their anger towards vehicle ahead them. Their horns yell asking people to make roads for them. Horns are also a great mode of stress buster. Angrier you are with the traffic, harder you press the horn. Horns are also used to irritate people. I myself have tried to horn out autowallas ahead of me, just to irritate them. It’s my form of revenge against all the problems they have given to me during my two year stay at Bangalore. Horns are also mode for fun. I have heard weirdest of horns,from a baby’s cry to police’s siren. But actually I believe horns should always be weird. I guess, only then you are heard among all the similar sounds in traffic.

So next time, when you listen to a harsh horn around you, just for one second, try to think the real reason behind it.

I am back…

2009-06-01T18:35:00.000+05:30

Hi all welcome back to Be A Step Ahead…

It’s been long since I have stopped writing.
Reasons? Infact many…

Early April, I joined Dun & Bradstreet, and it was a start to a working professional life after two years of life as management student.
Moreover, things leading to that were, shifting to a new house, a new life and many adjustments in terms of facilities. The new house had independence, a sense of belongingness but lacked facilities like internet, television, library etc., all needed to keep you updated and blog about that. We had to start from scratch.
During this phase, many ideas came in, many views, many reactions, but there was no medium to express it to the world. Moreover, I was fed with comments on my blog, which I couldn't answer due to this problems.

So, here’s I am back. Back to the world of blogging, back to the social media, back to something constructive and above all, back to the freedom of expression.

The importance of PR campaign... "Grappo Fizz"

2009-04-06T01:45:00.000+05:30

Just a week back, I wrote about Parle Agro’s new refreshing brand, LMN. But soon I found that, Parle Agro have also introduced a new brand named, “Grappo Fizz”. It seems they are going aggressive this summer. After the success story of Appy Fizz, the product is been extended to Grappo Fizz. As the name suggests, Grappo Fizz is a carbonated Grape- flavored beverage. Grappo Fizz comes in two SKUs — 300 ml (priced at Rs 20) and 500 ml (at Rs 27). I am yet to see its TVC and more importantly, yet to taste it.

Nadia Chauhan, Joint Managing Director and CMO, Parle Agro, says, “Grappo Fizz is targeted at the youth who is constantly looking for ‘new options’. Parle Agro plans to tap into this segment through various activities including a television commercial, which will be on air this weekend. The TVC will weave an “entire brand persona around” Grappo Fizz who is introduced as a “Youthful rapper” and the cousin of the Appy Fizz character."

But I am disappointed by few things. When I tried searching about Grappo Fizz on internet, I found only one article listed in Business Line and Money Control. I also tried to get the image of Grappo Fizz, but even that was unavailable. Thus, it means, a pro-active PR campaign is missing out. The only reason could be, Grappo Fizz may still be in experimental stage. I believe, Parle should aggressively market their new products to catch consumer’s attention. But the saddest thing was, one cannot find any information about these new products of Parle Agro even on their official website. Neither have they mentioned LMN as their new product nor Grappo Fizz. I guess Parle Agro have really forgotten to update its website.

Parle expects youth to buy Grappo Fizz, who is constantly looking for 'new options'. But they have forgotten that these new-product exploring customers will like to grab more information through either retail stores, or newspapers or internet. But due to lack of poor PR campaign, no information could be found in newspapers or internet. Neither Grappo Fizz is extensively distributed into markets, just after its launch. Parle doesn’t even care to inform their inquisitive customers through its website.

Parle Agro needs to be proactive in marketing and should be a step ahead. Moreover, they should realize the importance of PR campaigns to create successful brands in future.

Dun & Bradstreet... !!!

2009-04-06T00:40:00.000+05:30

With all your good wishes, I have been placed in “Dun & Bradstreet”, famously known as “DnB”. Being a business to business (B2B) company, very less consumers know about it. DnB affect everyone’s life all around the world. To let everyone know about the company, I decided to post a blog on it. Following is the company information.

“Dun & Bradstreet”, the world’s leading source of global business information, knowledge and insight, has been enabling companies to “Decide with Confidence®” for over 165 years. Through the D&B Worldwide Network – an unrivaled alliance of D&B and leading business information providers around the world – customers gain access to the world’s largest and highest quality global commercial business information database.

Customers use D&B Risk Management Solutions to mitigate risk, increase cash flow and drive increased profitability, D&B Sales & Marketing Solutions to analyze markets, locate prospects and increase revenue from new and existing customers; D&B Export Marketing Solutions to gain significant insight into overseas markets and increase sales; D&B Financial Education Solutions to facilitate professional growth and excellence among their executives and D&B Economic Analysis Group to derive pragmatic and solution-oriented analyses of strategic economic and business developments, thereby aiding informed decision making.

• The world’s leading provider of global business information, knowledge and insight
• Established in 1841
• Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
• Present in over 200 countries, in 82 languages or dialects, covering 181 monetary currencies.
• Manages the world’s most valuable commercial database with information on over 131 million business entities
• Annual revenue of US$ 1.6 billion
• Market capitalization of US$ 5.6 billion

Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Pvt. Ltd. (D&B India) started in 1995, offers a wide suite of information solutions and its services are used extensively by banks, financial institutions, multinationals, corporate entities, public sector undertakings, exporters and importers.

To know more : DnB

April Fool's Day...

2009-04-01T03:53:00.000+05:30

Enjoy friends! Play pranks on others and have fun. Don't forget to laugh at yourself !!!

Lemony... "LMN" !!!

2009-04-01T03:23:00.000+05:30

Yesterday afternoon, after lunch, I went to my nearby retail shop to buy a soft drink. Generally, I tend to buy Thums Up or Coke. But there I saw a new beverage brand, named “LMN”. I liked the packaging, which attracted me towards that brand. Moreover, I was really impressed by name “LMN” as it sounds cool, young, yet meaningful. In today’s times of fast food and speed dating, the name “LMN” seems to be derived from the SMS version of the word lemon. I bought it. Price was reasonable and competitive, as 200ml. tetra pack was of Rs.10. I really liked its taste as it was a nice surprise to me. Unlike other carbonated drinks, “LMN” was a non-carbonated lemon drink on lines of traditional Indian ‘Nimbu-Pani’.

Being an inquisitive marketer, I tried to look up more about the brand. Interestingly, “LMN” is a brand from the house of Parle Agro. My favorite beverage brand, Parle Agro, has always given tough competitions to MNC giants Pepsi and Coke. As an industry pioneer, Parle Agro was the first to introduce fruit drinks in a Tetra Pak in India, the first to introduce apple nectar and the first to introduce fruit drinks in PET bottles. Its brands like Frooti and Appy are successful and have created their own niche.

“LMN” will interestingly get a direct competition from Pepsi’s “Nimbooz”. But, I believe, “LMN” has got better packaging and brand name than “Nimbooz”. The striking green and yellow color makes the pack noticeable and increases its shelf appeal. In the PET offering, the unique bottle design of “LMN” makes it stand apart from the rest. LMN differentiates its appearance from common carbonated lemon drinks like Limca and Mirinda. As per Nimbooz, it looks like another version of Limca, and thus it seems repetitive. LMN feels new and fresh. “LMN” also takes a refreshingly fresh take on lemon, with a catchy tagline – “The Emergency Lemon Refresher”.
Interestingly, "LMN" was everywhere into the market much before its TV commercial, whereas TV ads of "Nimbooz" is on every TV channel, but diificult to find in stores.

I am yet to taste” Nimbooz”, but personally, even if “Nimbooz” tastes better, I would still buy “LMN”. Reason, it being Indian (you know how nationalist I am).

Watch TV ad here: LMN

I salute you Mr. Kamlesh Patel !!!

2009-04-01T02:34:00.000+05:30

These days, on Friday late evenings, whenever I call up my loved ones, I get a same reply from all, ‘We are busy watching, Dance India Dance, so can we talk later!’ After months of being neglected on Friday evenings, I decided to check this show out. And believe me or not, I got hooked up to show! I was mesmerized by the emphatic dance performances of the contestants. I saw the whole show with the feeling of awe! I was personally impressed by the prince of popping and locking, “Prince” from Baroda.

But one performance made me cry (you know how emotional I am!). In fact everyone cried, including Mithun Da, the jury, the contestants and the audience. The credit goes to a man named, “Mr. Kamlesh Patel”. I was touched by his performance! As if, I was taught a great lesson of life, by that dance performance. You all must be thinking, what was so special in that performance?

Kamlesh Patel is a physically challenged man. He cannot stand on his legs, as his legs are paralyzed (at the age of 5). So he danced with his hands on Indian patriotic songs! We were all speechless by his performance with moistened eyes. We felt so small in front of him. As Mr. Remo (jury) said, ‘No one in this world can judge this performance’. When everyone was crying, Kamlesh Patel was smiling. I guess he was smiling on God, on the whole world, on us!

Kamlesh Patel had the fortitude and determination to fight against the odds. Even being paralyzed, he never bogged down, practiced dancing and honed his talent. Today, for me he is the man to look up to. He is the man, who teaches us, even in adversities, one shouldn’t accept defeat. Kamlesh Patel is an answer to all those who think, that being physically challenged is a curse.
Friends, learn not to complaint. Instead, learn to fight against the odds and emerge as the winner. And as always, be a step ahead.

Watch his dance performances here:
Kamlesh Patel Video 1
Kamlesh Patel Video 2

Will Manchester United Stay With AIG ???

2009-03-29T19:05:00.000+05:30

With $150 billion of US government support, there has been intense scrutiny on the insurer’s spending habits, including those bonuses, some of which have now been returned. But AIG has to pay somewhere in between $20 million and $28 million to finish its four-year deal it signed with the team Manchester United in 2006.

The Question is not that how is AIG doing this? But the issue is that whether Manchester United and the owner Malcolm Glazer really cool with sporting these jerseys as they continue their quest to win championships? Actually it’s hard to get a quick sponsorship deal in this environment, but you have to think that it’s worth shelving the embarrassment by paying back the money from the rest of the deal and trying to sign a temporary stand-in.

But what about the ‘Nike’ jerseys which are already in production for next year? As explained by the London Telegraph recently, should AIG change the name to AIU (American Insurance United) would be responsible for the jersey change, but obviously if ManU ditches AIG, or whatever they’ll be called, for a blank jersey or another sponsor they would probably have to pay the bill.

How embarrassing would it be then for ManU to wear the AIG logo on their chests as they try to win the Champions League in Rome in May?

Ref.- Reuters

Credits - Manik Gursahani

Biggest Holders of US Government Debt !!!

2009-03-29T19:02:00.000+05:30

As the US government spends an unprecedented amount of money to fix the nation's economy, there is an equally great need to raise the cash to pay for it. This is accomplished through borrowing, whereby ‘US Treasury’ sells Treasury securities of varying maturity.

For investors, the government bills, notes and bonds are considered a safe financial product because they have a guaranteed rate of return, based on faith in future US tax revenues. The government has been partially funding operations via Treasury securities for decades. This borrowing adds to the national debt, which is now above $11 trillion and is rising every day. Much of that debt is held by private sector, but about 40 percent is held by public entities, including parts of the government. Here's who owns the most.

1. Federal Reserve & Intragovernmental Holdings- $4.806 trillion
2. Mutual Funds- $769.1 billion
3. China- $739.6 billion
4. Japan- $634.8 billion
5. State & Local Governments- $522.7 billion
6. Pension Funds- $456.4 billion
7. Other Investors- $413.2 billion
8. Oil Exporters- $186.3 billion
9. Caribbean Banking Centres- $176.6 billion
10. Brazil- $133.5 billion
11. Insurance Companies- $126.4 billion
12. United Kingdom- $ 124.2billion
13. Russia- $119.3billion
14. Luxembourg -$87.2billion
15. US Depository Institutions- $107.3billion

I believe even if 5% holdings of all these entities enters the stock market of this world the volatility of the market will try to smoothen up and it would bring comfort and confidence to the financial market. Every entity being futuristic is still ready to hold and borrow more and more debt from an economy which is said to be the sole cause for this recession.

Ref.- CNBC

Credits - Manik Gursahani

"YOU” vs. “YOUR BEHAVIOR”...

2009-03-29T03:31:00.000+05:30

Why my friends don’t understand me?
Why does everyone don’t like me?
Why I am not getting selected?
Why my product is not selling?

If you get failed in your relationships, in your professional life, or in your business, there is only theory that can bail you out.
The theory of"YOU” vs. “YOUR BEHAVIOR”!

One should understand that it is not "You", who is getting failed; it is "Your Behavior" that is the loser. One needs to understand that, it all about how the world perceives you. It is not about "You". It is all about how you look like, how your behavior is, how do you interact etc. Your friends don’t understand “You”, because the imagery that they have formed about you is not matching with the real “You”. “You” failed to present the right imagery to your friends, the inner “You”! One should not change its inner-self, because there is a risk of losing your own identity. Instead “You” need to change your communication strategy so that the world perceives you exactly in the same way “You” are!

Similarly, in marketing, it is not the product that’s got failed. It is your communication with your customers, it is your imagery in the minds of the consumers, and it is how you are perceived that’s got failed. The brand has failed to present its real qualities to the consumers. Customers form some perception about your product and use their instincts before buying a product. Thus, a brand needs to change its communication strategy and make sure; concerns of its target audience (only) are taken good care.

Hence, it’s not about “You”. It’s all about how the world sees “You”!

OPEN... a weekly mind stimulant...!!!

2009-03-28T22:47:00.000+05:30

RPG group is entering into publications by launching its new current affairs magazine named, “OPEN”. It would be launched on 3rd of April. Sandipan Deb is the editor of the magazine, who, in fact, was one of the founder editors of Outlook, more than a decade ago.

The positioning of this magazine is quite interesting. As per the report from afaqs, the target audience would be. 'Individuals who belong to SEC A1, are around 32 years (both male and female) of age, with a monthly household income of Rs 2 lakh, hold senior managerial positions, drive C segment cars, wear branded apparel, use high-end phones or Blackberrys and travel abroad at least once a year.'
It would be available only in top 12 cities of India, with the price of Rs.30. Its competitors India Today, Outlook etc. charges Rs.25 per issue. Open, feels that there is no direct competition with these magazines, which, according to them, are more mass magazines. ‘It will be positioned as an interesting, intelligent and stimulating magazine.’

Open also thought of interesting form of marketing too. Firstly, magazine would be sold only on its merits and not on the basis of freebies. ‘Therefore, the magazine is actively pursuing an alternate model of acquiring readers. They have a database of their target audience that has passed through stringent filters. Open is sending an exclusive and personalized offer to these cherry-picked consumers, giving them an opportunity to experience the product for four issues free of cost.’

Moreover, Open’s size will be more than an inch wider than the standard A4 size of most of the magazines. Thus, when opened, the magazine gives an additional two inches for the content and also maximizes the ad impact.

Open has planned a 360 degree communication strategy, which includes outdoor in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, multiplexes and the Internet. To start with, television isn't part of the media mix. Ad films will be shown in multiplexes, before movies that are frequented by their target audience. Also, there will be buzz-marketing activities at malls to engage them.

It would be interesting to see, how successful is Open's marketing, once it is out in the market.

Ref. - www.afaqs.com

Ohh Ri Duniya... Gulaal !!!

2009-03-27T11:39:00.000+05:30

I was really impressed by the movie "Gulaal" based on dirty politics in Rajasthan. Anurag Kashyap, the director has its own style to portrait his script. But I was overwhelmed by lyrics and dialogues of the movie, all credits to Piyush Mishra. Here are few lines from the song "Duniya". Similar to the movie, the lyrics is hard hitting and very true. Read this friends !

"पलछिन में रातें चली जाती हैं ,
पलछिन में बातें चली जाती हैं !
रह जाते हैं जो सवेरा वो ढूंढें,
जलते मकान में बसेरा वो ढूंढें !!

जैसी बची है वैसी की वैसी, बचा लो ये दुनिया,
अपना समझ के अपनों के जैसी, उठा लो ये दुनिया !
छिटपुट सी बातों में जलने लगेगी, संभालो ये दुनिया,
कट पिट के रातों में पलने लगेगी, संभालो ये दुनिया !!
ओह री दुनिया, ओह री दुनिया...

वो कहें हैं की दुनिया ये इतनी नहीं है,
सितारों से आगे जहाँ और भी हैं !
ये हम ही नहीं, वहां और भी हैं,
हमारी हर एक बात होती वहीँ हैं !!
हमें ऐतराज़ नहीं हैं कहीं भी,
वो आई है फाजिल हम पे सही की!

मगर फलसफा ये बिगड़ जाता है जो,
वो कहते है..
आलिम ये कहता वहां इश्वर हैं !
फाजिल ये कहता वहां अल्लाह हैं,
काफिर ये कहता वहां ईसा हैं !!

मंजिल ये कहती तब इन्सान से की,
तुम्हारी हैं तुम ही संभालो ये दुनिया !
ये उजड़े हुए चंद बासी चरागों,
तुम्हारे ये काले इरादों की दुनिया !!

ओह री दुनिया, ओह री दुनिया..."

Why India needs a Nano ???

2009-03-23T21:41:00.000+05:30

Suhel Seth rightly says, "From a marketing perspective, it has already gone into the lexicon of India's people and the fact that Tata called it a people's car is even more suggestive of the transfer of ownership of the brand from a company to its users: the people. How many brands can claim this? And how many brands have ever used this form of positioning? It is rare in times such as these to avoid paid advertising and yet launch a brand that has a lot riding on it. But then again, Nano is one car that needs no definition. It has been embraced as a vehicle of change but even more critically; as a vehicle of empowerment and it is here that the Tatas have provided that huge leap as it were."

Read More - "Why India needs a Nano?"

A Small Story... "Smart Dog" !!!

2009-03-23T21:38:00.000+05:30

Once, a dog lost his way deep into the jungle.
He almost fainted to see a lion coming straight to him at a very near distant.
' I will be dead today ' , thought he.
There were some bones lying over there.
He turned his back towards lion and started pretending as if he is eating those bones.
When lion was very close to him he cried out loudly ' Wow, what a fun eating a lion, by chance if I can get another one, it will be a treat '.
Lion thought ' What a dangerous dog!!!!! He kills lions and eats it. Let me run away from here and save my life '.

Now, there was a Monkey hiding on the tree there watching the entire show.
He thought ' It`s a good chance to tell the truth to the lion. Lion will become my friend and I will not have to run saving my life from him '.
He just ran away to inform the entire episode to Lion.
The dog had seen him going and quickly understood the ploy.
Both lion and monkey were coming back to the dog and the lion was furious.
When lion was very close to him he again cried out loudly ' It has been half an hour and yet that stupid monkey can`t fetch another lion???

Moral of the story... you decide ???

Build your own NANO...!!!

2009-03-23T11:16:00.000+05:30

Without going to the showroom, now you can decide upon how your Tata Nano should look like. Tata Nano’s website offer’s you to build your own Tata Nano. Customize your Nano as per your preference. The website offers you to customize on colors, wheels, decals, scoop trim etc.

Go and check out yourself!

Visit - Tata Nano

Deflation On Inflation...

2009-03-22T13:45:00.000+05:30

In simple layman terms deflation connotes a contraction in the general price levels. As the inflation has fallen to a 30 year low of 0.44 %, which is now turning out to new darker clouds of deflation from inflation on India. The skyrocketing inflation has come to an end for now but had put us into new worrisome shoes in this dis-inflationary environment is a fallout of the drop in commodity prices, rollback in production and weakening demand. Such a sudden and frenzied fall in inflation numbers brings to another worry, namely Deflation.

For general consumers food grain prices are still holding high, vegetable prices have gone down lower on diesel prices. The decline in prices of food articles, fuel and metals has pushed the WPI to strange lows in March, 09. Mainly consumers and manufacturers defer spending, trying to cut production costs by either firing workers or employees which entirely leads to drop in demand and further fall in prices. Deflation has a deep and harsh impact on the economy. As companies are forced to sell their products at reduced prices along with reduce out their margins, which indirectly threatens job loss and pay cuts which is a cause of worry.

There is still a room of scope and joy as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a reflector of retail prices at the end-consumer level, held firm at 10.45%. Along with that Oil prices has again started soaring in international market along with that all time gold prices will bring some respite to the commodities market. Along with that this was just on week figures so deflation has not officially entered Indian Economy. I believe both RBI & Present government won't give easy permission giving out more scope to debt to expand from now onwards for a medium term. So folks don’t panic…..

Credits - Manik Gursahani

Ref. - Business Line

Limca's... “Haseen Lamho Ko” !!!

2009-03-22T12:41:00.000+05:30

Saw the new Limca’s advertisement, “Haseen Lamho Ko”? This ad featuring Niketan Madhok and Sushma Reddy (mine favorite) is a huge hit these days. On Orkut, more often you can see this ad featuring in everyone’s favorite videos list. People are making “Haseen Lamho Ko” as its ringtones and caller tune.

Imagine, showing this 2.30 minutes advertisement at the prime time slot, and paying nothing! Reason, “Haseen Lamho Ko” is been played on the top music channels, over and over again, as a song. Coke is not spending a single penny to these music channels to show the advertisement. Moreover, Music channels are bound to play its music video, due to its popularity.

Srinivas Murthy, GM-marketing (Flavours), Coca-Cola India agrees “When the Limca ad was first aired, it was a 40-second TV commercial for which we had to pay the channels,” he says. “But when we started getting innumerable requests on our toll-free number for the song, we thought why not scale it up.” Murthy feels that music channels are only too happy to play “Haseen Lamho Ko” over and over again because it has all the elements of a music video — great visuals and an engaging background score. “And in the video the Limca brand is not too much in your face either,” adds Murthy. “This doesn’t put off the viewer even if he watches it a number of times.”

That’s called intelligent marketing!!! Three cheers to Limca’s “Haseen Lamho Ko”!!!

See the ad here - "Haseen Lamho Ko"

Ref.- Economic Times

A day before its launch... Tata Nano !!!

2009-03-22T03:58:00.000+05:30

Just a day is left, when the most eagerly awaited car, Tata Nano would be launched. Tata Nano holds huge importance not just only for Indian consumers, but also for Tata Motors. Tata Nano has the heavy burden of expectations. Tata Motors expects Nano to turn their fortunes. When I was in Tata Motors, dealers used to ask me in every meeting, “When will Nano get launched?” Moreover, Indian consumers were waiting for this 1 lakh car. Nano brings dreams (of buying a car) of the lower class and middle class families into reality. Tata Nano is already been termed as “People’s car”!

Similar was the feeling among Indians, when Tata Indica was launched as the first indigenously made car.
Following are the similarities between Tata Nano’s launch and Tata Indica’s launch.

Read Here - The Economic Times

EMAMI.. Going Britannia’s way !!!

2009-03-22T03:33:00.000+05:30

“Tin tin tin tin”… Remember this Britannia signature tune! Britannia used this signature tune successfully to link all its brands in a common thread. Now Emami is going Britannia’s way. Emami has planned to come with a sign-off tune for its brands in advertisements (April onwards).

Emami group of companies’ director Aditya V Agarwal said: "The Company has more than 25 brands under its umbrella, but all of them are not power brands. Since the brand equity of our lesser known brands was getting lost, the sign-off tune will help the smaller brands to ride on the huge acceptance and popularity of our power brands."

As per me, it’s a smart idea, but Emami shouldn’t expect any radical shifts in sales! It’s just a brand building exercise! Yes, the lesser known sub-brands of Emami will get a little push. But does Emami holds enough Brand equity that consumers will buy, just on its name? I have lot of doubts on this aspect.

A Rs 2,000 crore diversified group, Emami owns power brands like Boroplus, Navratna, Fair and Handsome, Sona Chandi Chyawanprash, Mentho Plus, Himani Fast Relief as well as the entire range of Zandu Pharmaceutical products.

Ref.- Economic Times

Tata's "T!ON"...

2009-03-22T03:11:00.000+05:30

Tata is planning to enter the Pepsi and Coke's den. Tata Tea, has launched non-carbonated beverages as "T!ON". Due to the strong presence of Pepsi and Coke, the barriers to entry in this industry were really high. Tata's only, with their humongous distribution presence in India, can have dared to enter this monopolized market. Parle Agro (Frooti and Appy) is fighting the battle with the giants of the beverage industry, in India.

As per now, T!ON is under concept testing. The brand has been launched in a small way, only in Chennai region. The product has been launched in three flavors-Mango Rush, Peach Punch and Apple Buzz. If the consumer's reaction is positive, sooner the brand would be made available to every retail store, pan India.
Tata's can gain super-normal profits if they are able to establish their brand T!ON. The journey would be tough, and the toughest challenge would be the Positioning and Price. The 400 ml bottle has been competitively priced at Rs 22. I believe, its smart pricing. Because, consumers don't really differentiate between a 400ml. bottle and a 500 ml. bottle. Moreover, pricing of Pepsi's 600 ml. bottle is Rs. 20 itself. Thus the just negotiable difference is less.

But, positioning still holds the key to success. I guess, we have to wait for few more months to get our answers!

By the way, I am still confused how the brand "T!ON" would be pronounced!

Ref.- Economic Times

Citigroup: Crisis along with Shake-up

2009-03-21T19:46:00.000+05:30

Citigroup, is changing its way significantly. Gary Crittenden as the new Chief Financial Officer, is being made responsible to manage all its underperforming and toxic assets. Crittenden has earned the confidence of the financial community. It is a welcome relief for the firm as they want to release these assets as soon as possible.Gary Crittenden along with Vikram Pandit wants to live with the dream to restore the third-largest U.S. Bank even after $38.5 billion in losses over five quarters.

Citigroup is also involved in some financial gymnastics to raise its sunken share price. Citigroup is planning a reverse stock split-equivalent of giving $10 billion to its investors in exchange for split. This lead to a short term rally in the share price of Citigroup since the beleaguered company is earning profits in the first two months of this year. To my view this won’t make a significant change in its fundamental outlook for the company. In financial terms a reverse stock split reduces the number of shares outstanding and therefore the share prices also increases proportionately. This financial housecleaning will also help in the bailout plan to go smoothly.

Credits : Manik Gursahani

Male vs Female MBAs...

2009-03-12T20:23:00.000+05:30

"Female MBA graduates not only earn significantly less than their male colleagues, but the gap grows over time, according to a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research. The authors tracked the earnings of 1,600 MBAs who graduated from the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business between 1990 and 2006; they attribute the differences to choice of subjects (women took fewer finance courses), that women’s careers were subject to more interruptions, and that the women worked fewer hours than the men.

The main underlying reason for the second and third of these explanations is that once women MBAs had children, many cut back on hours, or dropped out—13% of the women in the study were not working at all ten years after graduating, while the corresponding figure for men was a mere 1%. The researchers stress that active discrimination is unlikely to have played much of a role in the pay gap—but the continued influence of gender roles in determining career paths is clear."

Read More : The Economist

"I VOTE NOBODY..."

2009-03-10T23:34:00.000+05:30

Did you know that there is a system in our constitution, as per the 1969 act, in section "49-O" that a person can go to the polling booth, confirm her/his identity, get her/his finger marked and convey the presiding election officer that she/he doesn't want to vote anyone!

Yes, such a feature is available, but obviously these leaders have never disclosed it.

This is called "49-O".
Why should you go and say " I VOTE NOBODY"... because, in a ward, if a candidate wins, say by 123 votes, and that particular ward has received "49-O" votes more than 123, then that polling will be cancelled and will have to be re-polled. Not only that, but the candidature of the contestants will be removed and they cannot contest the re-polling, since people had already expressed their decision on them.

This would bring fear into parties and hence look for genuine candidates for their parties for election. This would change the way; of our whole political system. It is seemingly surprising why the election commission has not revealed such a feature to the public.
Seems to be a wonderful weapon against corrupt parties in India. Expressing desire not to vote for anybody, is even more powerful than voting. So don't miss your chance. So either vote, or vote not to vote (vote 49-O).

Use your voting right for a better INDIA !

Happy "HOLI"day

2009-03-10T13:18:00.000+05:30

"Music" or "Sound"... !!!

2009-03-08T00:22:00.000+05:30

I am a music freak! I love to hear old Hindi songs, classical and folk songs. But, I have been told many times by my friends, "What boring songs do you play!". I reply them with a smile and silence. As per me, one who doesn't know the difference between a small glass piece and a diamond, its better to be silent rather than debating. I believe those who understand music will appreciate any form of music.

Later on, I felt, why do youth (most of them) doesn't like old Hindi songs. And literally hate classical and folk songs. Moreover, they even didn't respect melodious songs of new albums. Similarly, old people, doesn't like present day songs. They are stubborn of the fact, that only those old Hindi songs were gems.
Why there is such an aversion?
Is this what we called a generation gap?

My answer is NO!

There are generally two dimensions to a song, "Music" (tune) and "Lyrics". Where Lyrics is been handled by lyricists and composer are responsible for the Music. I believe old songs were more based on music and lyrics. Composers preferred melodies with meaningful lyrics. In those times, orchestration of the song was not a major issue. Neither did they had the technology to complement with it.

With the advent of technology, a new dimension was figured out, i.e. "Sound". Technology was used to generate different sounds and the major emphasis was given to the orchestration of the song. Various musical instrument were used and computer was there to generate any form of sound. Many new age composers really don't care about music and lyrics of the song.

Old people feel that, the Sound have overshadowed the importance of music and lyrics and the new age feels, that at the end of the day, music is all about sound. Another reason for the emergence of sound as a new dimension is because, today people relate songs with fun and dance only. With the Sound, remixes and dance numbers have also increased. In yester years, songs were a soulful bliss, and a form of art.

Only R. D. Burman and A.R. Rehman are the composers in Hindi cinema who have tried to have all the three dimensions into their songs.

So whom do you support, Music or Sound ???

High Retail Markups in Beverages...???

2009-03-07T19:40:00.000+05:30

Some of our favorite refreshing beverages carry some of the heftiest retail markups.

Bottled water is wildly popular -- Americans spent $16 billion on the ubiquitous drink in 2007 -- and it's wildly overpriced, considering that 40 percent of bottled water is nothing but filtered tap water. In fact, for the price of a single bottle of "Evian" bottled water, you could pay for 1,000 gallons (3,785.4 liters) of municipal tap water. With bottled water, you're not paying for the H2O, but rather the packaging and the convenience.

Coffee is another culprit, especially if you buy it in a coffee shop. If you make coffee at home, it costs between 25 and 50 cents a cup, depending on the quality of your beans. That same cup will cost you well over $3 at "Starbucks" -- the same price that store might pay for an entire pound of beans wholesale. Interestingly, only about 25 cents of a $3.75 latte is profit for Starbucks. The rest pays for importing and roasting the beans, milk, the cup, labor and overhead costs.

But the biggest beverage markup of them all belongs to Wine in restaurants. The average retail markup on a bottle of wine in a restaurant is 300 percent. The best advice: Bring your own bottle and pay the $10 corking fee.

Read More : Howstuffworks

Coke Ke Sath Dost Free...

2009-03-05T19:08:00.000+05:30

Coke has come up with a new TVC "Coke ke sath dost free" with Gautam Gambhir. As per me, I really liked the idea as well as the advertisement. Its riveting and refreshing. Its refreshing especially after horrible series of ads, Coke recently had. Earlier ads (Hrithik and Diwali ads) were really boring and unattractive.

People are able to connect with such ads. Cricket season is starting in India with IPL and T20 Worldcup to follow. This ad with Gautam Gambhir and Cricket as background has a great potential to click with the customers. If these "Coke ke sath dost free" ads are extended with the same theme, I believe, it could really help in building strong relationship with the customers.

It seems Coke has tighten its belt to compete with Pepsi's "Youngistan" ads in this advertising space. Hope Coke doesn't falter again in brand building through such ads.

Coke has also roped in Aamir Khan back for a 2 years contract. I still love the Coke ads with Aamir Khan theme. Hope to see these two iconic brands back in action again.

Slumdog Millionaire & Politics... ???

2009-03-05T01:06:00.000+05:30

When everyone was jubilant of the fact that, Slumdog Millionaire has won 8 Oscars, India was busy debating, whether India should really take its credit? No matter what everyone thinks, there were many who were ready to take the credit of movie's success in American film awards.

There were, Bollywood, Mumbai, Media and even Politcians boasting about their contributions.
I just couldn't think how do politicians helped the movie win Oscars?
I have no clue about it?

I guess, following cartoons, can answer our questions.

Know your Customer...!!!

2009-03-04T17:10:00.000+05:30

A disappointed salesman of Coca Cola returns from his Middle East assignment.
A friend asked, "Why weren't you successful with the Arabs?"

The salesman explained, "When I got posted in the Middle East, I was very confident that I would make a good sales pitch as Cola is virtually unknown there. But, I had a problem I didn't know to speak Arabic. So, I planned to convey the message through three posters...

First poster - A man lying in the hot desert sand...totally exhausted and fainting.
Second poster - man is drinking our Cola.
Third poster- Our man is now totally refreshed.

Then these posters were pasted all over the place"

"That should have worked," said the friend.

The salesman replied "I also didn't realize that Arabs go from right to left" !!!

Saturn is Dying... !!!

2009-02-25T15:36:00.000+05:30

In this recession, when General Motors are into tough times, they have decided to give a planned death to one of biggest sub-brands it used to have, "Saturn".

Saturn was a unique car,launched by GM to compete with the japanese cars. But with time,brand Saturn faded. Declining sales and cash crunch have compelled GM to end the brand "Saturn". If the brand would have been managed well, with all the sources upfront, then Saturn could have been the flagship brand of GM.

Saturn, a great product, a great idea, superb positioning, and a great brand.
Just lost its sheen, as GM didn't handled this brand consistently with time, neither provided it with enough marketing resources.

Can You Read This...???

2009-02-24T01:28:00.000+05:30

"一个人呼吁上帝，和我坐在！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！

世界上说，让它成为一个人！
不爱他那么多，他让我们感到不安！
为了让别人高兴，我的所有生活，休憩的愿望为您！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！

如果一个人的痛苦，另一方面是为了好玩！
Jkdha是连锁店，我得到的惩罚是严厉的！
现在只是在等待上帝，绝望时坐！
在世界上的英明，我坐在这样的犯罪！"

Guess what is written ???
Is this in Japanese or Chinese

This is the poem, "अपराध" (posted earlier) in Chinese language!

Translate any webpage and text using Google's Tool called, "Translate"
One can convert any language into someother language in moments.

Its something Wow!!!

World going GungHo... on "Jai Ho"

2009-02-23T12:36:00.000+05:30

Congratulations to Mr.Rehman, Mr.Resul, Slumdog's Team!
Also, congratulations to the team of "Smile Pinki".
India rocked at the Oscars!!!

What if, this movie have been produced and directed by Indians?
I guess, there would have been no oscars!
Is this irony, tragedy, racism or what?
You Decide!

Nevertheless, I am proud of you Rehman!

And as Amitabh Bachchan says,'Rehman doesn't need an Oscar to prove that he is the best.He is better than the best!'

Admit your mistake...!!!

2009-02-22T01:41:00.000+05:30

I have always believed that there are three kinds of people in the world.

One, who does a mistake, never admits them, neither improve on them.These are offensive, arrogant and over-confident people. In the long run, these people are generally unsuccessful.

Second, who does a mistake, admits it, but never improves on it.They are humble, defensive and unconfident people. In the long run, these people live an average life, without risks.
As per me, I belong to category Second.And working on to become a part of Third category.

And Third, who does a mistake, admits it, and never repeats it. They are the leaders, who are confident as well as humble. They take risks in life and live a successful life.

Why is it so, that most of people lie in the category One?

Which category, do you belong to???

After Sky Scrapers... its time for Sky Villas !!!

2009-02-18T11:29:00.000+05:30

Mumbai-based Lodha Group is all set to roll out Sky Villas in Hyderabad with an initial investment of Rs 900 crore. Despite recession in the financial markets, the group is developing sky villas, called Lodha Bellezza, which are themed on Californian style living and where the ownership comes by ‘By Invitation Only’.

Imagine about features such as these: a helipad atop the towers, personal elevator whisking you directly into your private lobby, each floor built as an individual villa and it fitted with motion sensors or facilities such as at a touch of screen, the doors lock, curtains part and air-conditioning comes on. Ushering in the concept of Sky Villas, the individual units will be completely autonomous, replete with a private pool, sundeck, home theatre lounge, private office and concierge on call.

And the project also brings to the city for the first time the concept of ownership "By Invitation Only". Priced presently at around Rs.2.27 crore, the units are not available for anyone who walks in. The Group decides who should be occupying the villas and accordingly sends an invitation to them.

The fully loaded club house at Bellezza will have a spa, gymnasium, aerobics/dance studio, indoor games arena, mini-theatre, reading and TV lounge, banquet hall, food store-cum-coffee shop, conference facilities, emergency medical desk and a wi-fi enabled business centre.

To know more, visit "Lodha Bellezza"

I am thrilled to know these endless facilities available but I have my doubts over the concept of "By invitation only"!

Interim Budget 2009: The Pros and Cons...!!!

2009-02-17T22:48:00.000+05:30

Major positives of this budget are:

•Major growth drivers this year would be agriculture, services, manufacturing, education & defense
•Increased Rural road development is positive for auto industry
•More emphasis on education by allocating Rs 40900 crore for Bharat Nirman Scheme
•JNNURM will be spending about Rs 11842 crore in this financial year
•Rural Jobs scheme would be provided with Rs 30100 crore in this financial year
•Steps to encourage private placements in infrastructure via PPP
•Interest subvention of 2% for export heavy industries like textiles, handlooms, gems & jewellery, SME and marine products have been extended till September 2009
•The government has relaxed the Fiscal Responsibility Budget Management (FRBM) targets to counter global economic slowdown

Major negatives of this budget are:

•It will be difficult both for domestic and foreign investors to raise money as no reforms have been laid out
•Infrastructure developments had been levied only to government institutions leaving out no specific scope for private investors to raise money easily out in this market
•Industry reforms were missing especially for various sectors like infrastructure, manufacturing, banking, exports which led to a steep fall in stock market for two consecutive days correcting to about 5.5%
•Finance Ministry has relaxed fiscal responsibility and budget management standards reflecting that its not going to be a progressive year
•During crisis or slowdown taxes should cut to relax the burden of common man but it’s not an aam-aadmi budget
•Additional plan expenditure has to increase by 0.5-1% a post poll which is next to impossible and it is expected to go up by 4-5% atleast
•Budget revenue deficit seen at 4%, fiscal deficit at 5.5%-currently at 6%
•Budget plan spending is very limited need to be increased after elections
•Industry production fell by 2% in 2008 & left out completely and is expected to a major fall in this period
•Challenge related to FDI & FII capital flows along with meeting inflation target of 4%
•Industrial growth fell by 2% on yearly basis still nothing much has been done in this budget

What Interim Budget holds for India?

2009-02-17T22:45:00.000+05:30

Where on one hand, the industry didn’t have much expectation from this four month period- interim budget and on the other hand; it had few adverse effects on the economy and especially financial markets. The interim budget gave away nothing yet left many asking if this was indeed the time to play it safe, politically. This interim budget had opened up new gates for the next fiscal and monetary policy by RBI in the coming period which might live up to high expectations towards economy. But looking at the current market conditions it will be difficult for RBI to make extraordinary changes. It’s an extremely dry budget as the major emphasis was on agriculture only. The hard-hit real estate sector had been leading the call for fiscal sops for it. This budget came as non-event for the entire corporate world as it would lead to one more year of uncertainty and investments.

The government had left out many things and is indirectly dependent on RBI & stimulus package, which might not be a luxury for economy. The government is mainly looking at new pump-priming, interest rate cutting kind of solutions; and they are not looking at new solutions for a new crisis. The government could declare excise holidays for items which are in great trouble like cars or even can add a special interest rates subsidy for new house buyers and many other things. Accordingly this government is handling this economic downturn and it is believed they would be able to handle it better than any new government coming up with various experiments, thus Dr. ManMohan Singh, the ball is still in your court.

Analysis Done by : Mr.Manik Gursahani

TRP of life...

2009-02-14T11:40:00.000+05:30

One should always take care of three things in life:

1) Trust

2) Relationships

3) Promise

Because, they don't make noise, when they break !

Happy Valentine's Day once again to all.

Bandra-Worli Sealink: India's engineering excellence !!!

2009-02-14T06:10:00.000+05:30

Bandra Worli Sea Link Project has been one of the most highly recommended project of all the transport studies done for the metropolitan region. The Bandra Worli Sea Link will be an 8-lane, cable-stayed bridge with pre-stressed concrete viaduct approaches, which will link Bandra and the western suburbs of Mumbai with Worli and central Mumbai.
The Sea Link will enable speedy travel between Bandra and Worli, cutting travel times up to one hour.The eight-lane flyover will have capacity of carrying about 1.40 lakh cars per day. Large multi-axel vehicles and two-wheelers would not be allowed on the sea link. Speed limit would have to be maintained at 100 km/hr.

The Bandra-Worli Sea Link is an engineering marvel.It weighs as much as 50,000 African elephants, the tallest tower equals a 43-storey building and steel wires that could be lined up to form the circumference of the earth have been used to make it.Putting it all together was a feat in itself.Each of the concrete girders weigh more than 150 metric tonnes. The massive gantry cranes help move these girders. A 96-wheel trolley helps carry the enormous structure to fit one into another and form a continuation of a bridge that will go on and connect to the other end.

The Bandra Worli sea link project has certain unique features. These include:

1)An 8-lane bridge with 2 lanes dedicated for buses.
2)Unique bridge design for the Link Bridge to emerge as a land mark structure in the city.
3)Single tower supported 500 metre long cable-stayed bridge at Bandra Channel and twin tower supported 350 m cable-stayed bridge at Worli Channel for each carriageway.
4)Modern toll plaza of 16 lanes with automated toll collection system.
5)An intelligent bridge with state-of-art systems for traffic monitoring, surveillance, information and guidance, instrumentation, emergency support, etc.
6)Development of promenade and landscaping to enhance the environment.

World-Sourcing... !!!

2009-02-14T05:30:00.000+05:30

India has reached a critical juncture in determining whether it will shape or be shaped by globalisation. It’s now faced with the daunting challenge of moving toward becoming both a net producer and consumer of high-value intellectual property.“Worldsourcing” can help set India on a new course to prosperity and its fair share of the global economy.

Worldsourcing, in short, is a business strategy that smart, ambitious companies use to take the underlying forces of globalisation and shape them to maximise the value and quality they deliver to customers worldwide. At the same time, it makes maximum use of all the dispersed resources of a company, from talent to intellectual property to manufacturing muscle.

The distinctions between the so-called emerging and developed markets are rapidly fading, a trend that began with the emergence of information technology and global communications. This made it possible for billions of people in every part of the world to join a rapidly growing middle-class.Those consumers, no matter where they are, demand access to high-value products and services. This means producers must increasingly reach and sell wherever profitable markets exist, anywhere in the world. Thus, a worldsourcing company can create value 24 hours a day, following the sun.

There are crucial differences between worldsourcing and outsourcing. Outsourcing is a centralised, top-down strategy designed to save money on non-core operations by handing those operations to a third party evaluated by a single criterion: the lowest price.
Worldsourcing, by contrast, is a global, decentralised strategy designed to drive greater value and quality by distributing an organisation’s core functions — management, operations, processes, and production — across multiple global hubs of excellence located wherever the best resources, talent, ideas, and efficiencies exist or can be created.

Yang Yuanqing, CEO, Lenovo, coined the term Worldsourcing,in an article,where he referred Lenevo as a Worldsourcing company.

February... The 14th !!!

2009-02-14T05:01:00.000+05:30

A Lizard Story...

2009-02-13T02:41:00.000+05:30

"In order to renovate the house, someone in Japan breaks open the wall.
Japanese houses normally have a hollow space between the wooden walls.
When tearing down the walls, he found that there was a lizard stuck there because a nail from outside hammered into one of its feet.

He sees this, feels pity, and at the same time curious, as when he checked the nail, it was nailed 10 years ago when the house was first built.
What happened?
The lizard has survived in such position for 10 years!!!
In a dark wall partition for 10 years without moving, it is impossible and mind-boggling.

Then he wondered how this lizard survived for 10 years! without moving
a single step--since its foot was nailed!

So he stopped his work and observed the lizard, what it has been
doing, and what and how it has been eating.
Later, not knowing from where it came, appears another lizard, with food in its mouth.
Ah! He was stunned and touched deeply.

For the lizard that was stuck by nail, another lizard has been feeding it for the past 10 years..."

Imagine? it has been doing that untiringly for 10 long years, without giving up hope on its partner.

Source : Ms.Niyati Priyam

ANGER MANAGEMENT

2009-02-13T01:42:00.000+05:30

Your close friend, suddenly shouts on you, yells at you!
He/she criticizes you, condemns and complains, in public, of no reason!

How should you react???

Generally observed behavior suggests, that there are two ways to react.

First,tit for tat! Give your friend a nice, harsh reply, so that it never happens again. Teach him/her a lesson, so that he/she may never ever dare to repeat such behavior!And again if he/she reacts,make sure you win "The War of the Words".

Second, listen calmly, and try to clarify.If the situation gets heated up,leave the topic and just don't react. Later, try to understand the reason, and try solving the issue. If its your mistake, go and say "Sorry"! Try to clarify your reasons and patch-up. But if its your friend's mistake, make him/her realize it, politely, when he is calm and ready to listen.

As per me, I prefer the second one! I found it more mature, logical, and effective.

But, why so, that most of the people around us, chose to follow the first method?

First method, will surely led to an end of relationship. And even if the relation doesn't end, there would be no mutual love and respect.
Second method, will solve the issue once for all.Moreover, relationship will get strengthened. And even if relationship ends, you will always retain a level of respect.

What's your call on it?

An Army of Beasts...!!!

2009-02-11T12:40:00.000+05:30

Just don't forget to read this article by SHOMA CHAUDHURY of Tehelka.com.By this article she tracks the underlying psychology of vigilantes across the country.

"In Mangalore, they beat women for drinking. In Pune, they tear priceless manuscripts because they feel a historian has insulted Shivaji. In Delhi, they spit on a man at a podium because they feel he is a traitor to the nation. In Bhopal, they break a school because they feel the principal has violated the national anthem. In Bombay, they raid and pillage because they feel outsiders are stealing jobs and thwarting their mother tongue. In Orissa, they burn houses and kill people because they feel their faith is in danger of dwindling. In Gujarat, they rape and kill thousands because they want to teach a community a lesson. They pull artists’ hair, threaten writers, slap women, hit men, burn paintings, ban films, tear posters, pulp, burn, rape, kill, beat. As a matter of routine, they spill into the street.

This is not an army of beasts in some futuristic film. These are contemporary ‘keepers of tradition’, ‘protectors of society’. Zealots driven by such fierce rage and selfrighteousness, they see no irony in cannibalising the very culture, religion and nation they claim they defend."

Read the complete article here.
"The Idea Of Indignation"

Dr. Manmohan Singh... My next PM...!!!

2009-02-09T02:50:00.000+05:30

Yes! I believe, in Congress. Led by,a qualified person like Dr. Manmohan Singh, is the best choice for India as PM.
Before that, first lets follow the link to the Resumes of both the candidates:

Dr. Manmohan Singh

Shri. L. K. Advani

Clearly, in terms of experience and qualifications, Dr. Manmohan Singh is way ahead of Shri L.K.Advani.
In Congress, there is long list of highly experienced and qualified politicians like Mr. P.Chidambaram, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee etc.Adding to it, there is Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, handling politics very well,just to keep politics out of governance.

Moreover, Congress has more no. of promising young politicians like Rahul Gandhi, Milind Deora, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot etc who could lead India in future.BJP led NDA clearly lacks on this front.

Even if,I consider the fact that BJP can give a better or equivalent governance, then also, I don't believe them coming into power.Reason,their ideologies i.e. Hindutva!
This moral policing and the idea of "Hindutva" will ruin the Indian society.

Whom you are voting for???

9 year... Apple iPhone Programmer !!!

2009-02-09T01:59:00.000+05:30

Believe it or not! A 9 year kid, named Lim Ding Wen from Singapore,who is in fourth grade, writes applications for Apple's popular iPhone. Lim, is fluent in six programming languages, started using the computer at the age of 2. He has since completed about 20 programming projects.

His latest, a painting program called Doodle Kids, has been downloaded over 4,000 times from Apple's iTunes store in two weeks.The program lets iPhone users draw with their fingers by touching the iPhone's touchscreen and then clear the screen by shaking the phone.Amazing !

When I read about this kid, I felt, we all should learn from him. At the age of 9, he is whizkid and above all a self-motivated person! Like him, we should be a step ahead, and should keep on working upon our strengths and weakness. There is lot to learn, lot to read and lot to do.There is no time to waste, life is short, and much to do.

Source: www.Tech2.com

अपराध !!!

2009-02-09T01:09:00.000+05:30

Earlier, in my engineering days, I used to write poems in Hindi. But all those habits withered away with time. After a long gap, I have tried to write a poem. I know its bit kiddish, but hopefully you all will appreciate the effort.

एक इंसान को खुदा बुलाने की, हिमाकत कर बैठा हूँ !
इन समझदारों की दुनिया में, मैं एक अपराध कर बैठा हूँ !!

दुनिया कहती है, इंसान को इंसान रहने दो !
इंसान परेशान हैं, उसे परेशान रहने दो !!
किसी को ज़िन्दगी भर खुश रखने का, लिए अरमान बैठा हूँ !
इन समझदारों की दुनिया में, मैं एक अपराध कर बैठा हूँ !!

जहाँ एक इंसान का दर्द, दूसरे के लिए मज़ा हैं !
बेड़ियों में जकड़ा है, मिली मुझे ये कठोर सज़ा हैं !!
बस अब तो खुदा के इंतज़ार में, बेताब बैठा हूँ !
इन समझदारों की दुनिया में, मैं एक अपराध कर बैठा हूँ !!

Virgin Mobile.... "Honeymoon is over" !!!

2009-01-29T02:57:00.000+05:30

Tata's and Virgin Corporation came together in 2008, to launch GSM mobile services in India, as Virgin Mobile. It was launched with heavy fanfare, with new innovating schemes and youthful advertising. It came up with "Hatke" schemes like "Earn 10paise on incoming" and "Free SMS". But it seems, that even after lot of path-breaking marketing efforts, and even being backed by huge corporations, it couldn't find its space in consumer's evoked set. One of the major reasons could be huge competition in telecom sector, leaded by brands like Airtel, Reliance and Vodafone. Its been an year after the launch. Let's analyze its shortcomings from the customer's perspective.

1) New Users : Virgin mobile targeted youth, who could be the first time buyers of mobile in urban areas. Consumers enjoyed their fun-filled advertisements, but this liking never turned to purchase. Reason, Virgin being new! Consumers doubted quality and availability of their services, throughout India. Virgin couldn't break this perception of consumers, that even being new, it has good service all over India. Virgin never used brand Tata to promote itself. Brand Tata would have added credibility to its service, as it being already into industry as strong CDMA player.

2) Existing Users : Virgin Mobile failed to convince consumers to switch their services from Airtel, Vodafone, etc. to Virgin Mobile. Even being switching cost not so high, there is some sought of loyalty seen in telecom industry. A Vodafone user usually doesn't switches its service to some other service, until he/she is extremely dissatisfied by the brand. Or some other telecom player gives him/her enough good reasons, to change.

3) New Markets : Players like Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance and Tata Indicom are trying to expand their customer base by entering into rural markets of India, as huge potential is hidden there. But Virgin Mobile, targeted itself to urban youth, which is already been captured by existing players. Moreover, being new, it didn't have infrastructure to support rural market needs, i.e. lower calling rates, low priced handsets, better service.

To grow organically, either Virgin Mobile should add more content to its advertising or use the brand Tata to add its credibility.

What's your take on it???

A Small Story...!!!

2009-01-27T14:24:00.000+05:30

My friend Sumit Gahoi mailed me this sweet little story. And I was so overwhelmed by the story, that I decided to post it on my blog.Here it is.

"A boy and a girl were playing together. The boy had a collection of marbles. The girl had some sweets with her. The boy told the girl that he will give her all his marbles in exchange for her sweets. The girl agreed.

The boy kept the biggest and the most beautiful marble aside and gave the rest to the girl. The girl gave him all her sweets as she had promised.

That night, the girl slept peacefully. But the boy couldn't sleep as he kept wondering if the girl had hidden some sweets from him the way he had hidden his best marble."

Moral of the story: "If you don't give your hundred percent in a relationship, you'll always keep doubting if the other person has given his/her hundred percent.. This is applicable for any relationship like love, employer-employee relationship etc., Give your hundred percent to everything you do and sleep peacefully."

Shashi Tharoor... On Indian Diversity !!!

2009-01-27T01:10:00.000+05:30

Once, in HINDU newspaper, I read an article by Mr. Shashi Tharoor, on Indian diversity. I was so impressed by one of his statements that even after couple of years, I searched for it on web, to blog it.

He said,

"If America is a melting-pot, then to me India is a 'Thali', a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."

And those who have heard the name,"Shashi Tharoor" for the first time, or know less about him, beneath is his profile.

Shashi Tharoor was born in 1956 in London and educated in Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi (BA in History, St. Stephen's College), and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Since May 1978, Tharoor has worked for the United Nations. He served over 11 years with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, whose Singapore office he headed during the "boat people" crisis (SAJA). In October 1989 he was transferred to the peace-keeping staff at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In this position, he served as Special Assistant to the Under-Secretary-General for Peace-keeping Operations. Dealing with a range of issues in this capacity, Tharoor addressed a variety of peace-keeping issues around the world and led the team responsible for the United Nations peace-keeping operations in the former Yugoslavia. On January 1, 1997 Shashi Tharoor was appointed Executive Assistant to Secretary of the United Nations Kofi Annan.

As a diplomat and writer, Shashi Tharoor has explored the diversity of culture in his native India. By exploring the themes of India's past and its relevance to the future, he has produced both works of fiction and nonfiction. His most recent work, India: From Midnight to Millennium, is a nonfiction account of India's past and projected future inspired by the 50th anniversary of India's independence.

Republic (HOLI)Day... !!!

2009-01-26T19:54:00.000+05:30

Last 8 years, spent in my engineering college, company and B-school, I have never seen people turning up in huge numbers for Republic day or Independence day functions. Today is 26th January. India's and our's "Republic Day"! I have intentionally used "India's" and "Our's" separately. Reason, many people living in this country, separate themselves from India.

Today, out of 500 people in my B-school campus, only 50 appeared for the Flag hoisting ceremony. Not to forget, out of those 50 students, 20 were staff and guards. Above all, none from the administration and faculty department appeared for the function. And the ceremony finished in just 30 minutes. Nothing new in it,actually. I have been seeing this for the last 8 years.

People feel patriotism, when movie based on India gets nominated in Oscars!

People feel patriotism, when India beats other teams in Cricket!

People feel patriotism, when Indians are awarded on global level for their exemplary work!

But when it comes to Republic day, it's a mere Holiday !

The common feeling is,

"To hell with patriotism! Its better to sleep for an extra hour rather attending the flag hoisting ceremony."

I know, just not attending these functions, doesn't mean that someone is not patriotic. But if it would have been functions like, Valentine's day, Ethnic Day, Lohri, Holi etc., ceremony would have been jam-packed ! Reason, these functions have fun, dance and entertainment elements into it. Moreover, people get chance to showoff their dresses or to click snaps of themselves. People tend to believe, Republic or Independence day functions as boring and unnecessary.

Yes, these functions don't have fun element, but don't they make you feel,"Proud"?

It reminds me of my School days, where Republic Day and Independence Day functions were compulsory. Patriotic songs are sung, folk dances are presented, ,sweets are distributed, march-past and parades are held. We as teens, used to enjoy those functions with enthusiasm. All these events, adds to the feeling nationalism and patriotism among us.

So what's difference between "School Days" and "College Days"?

Now we are more educated (graduates and post-graduates) and we all are less patriotic!

Is there any relation between education and patriotism?

Doesn't it make a statement!

HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY !!!

2009-01-26T19:39:00.000+05:30

VANDE MATARAM !!!

Common Man's Best Friend... Rickshaw !!!

2009-01-25T07:26:00.000+05:30

India is growing, its economy is well-stabilized, infrastructure is improving, income levels are raising and the whole world wants to invest in this country. My journey from Kanpur (my birthplace) to Delhi and finally to Bangalore, have seen immense change in terms of city infrastructure, especially transport.

In Kanpur, roads are as slim as the footpaths.Four-lane roads are rarely seen, that to in the very outskirts. Smaller Mahanagar Buses, are as full as a popcorn pack, where men and women are popping out of doors. Moreover, in buses, more likely are the chances of pickpocketing and eve-teasing (Kanpur boasts of it). To add to it, you could never ever find a seat to sit even in your wildest dreams. Thus "Sharing Autos" (Vikram) are prominent mode of transport as they are cheap (literally), quick (just see them driving), and safer (you have to experience that). But, for small distances, Kanpur still depends on "Cycle-Rickshaws". I guess, whole of North-India depends on them.

According to Calvin Trillin of National Geographic, "Most rickshaws serve people "just a notch above poor" who tend to travel short distances. He added that some people use rickshaws as "24 hour ambulance services," as escorts for shoppers, and as a way for businesses to transport goods. Trillin added that children enrolled in schools were the "steadiest" customers. Many middle class families contract with rickshaw pullers to transport their children; a rickshaw puller who transports children becomes a "family retainer.""

The best part about cycle-rickshaws is that, it makes a common man feel as if he is "The King of the Road". Yes, they are damn slow, but its like a elephant-ride of King, who sits alone, and rules the road as well the driver. Moreover they are eco-friendly and cheap. Yes, it doesn't save you completely from the heat of summers and rains. But friends, drenching yourself in rain while travelling, is an experience. Rickshaws are the best-friends of people living in smaller cities.

No matter, how thin a lane is.

No matter, how rough a road is.

Rickshaw would take you there!

But, with times, the cycle-rickshaws are reducing in numbers. And I always felt that my children would never be able to live this experience. Rickshaws are losing the race with times. In more developed cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, rickshaws are banned. Reason, their slow pace affects traffic and it involves excess physical labor.

Sorry Bangaloreans, you are missing the experience of travelling in a rickshaw !

Atleast I miss them!

Welcome!!!

2009-01-25T06:13:00.000+05:30

I have introduced, a new form of my blog, as "vibsmats.blogspot.com", for slower connections.

This for those of my readers, who suffer from poor internet speed, thus the blog includes lesser gadgets and widgets.

Moreover, there have been a feedback from my readers, that they wished to have a simpler URL, as "beastepahead.blogspot.com" seems cumbersome. Neither it was easy to remember, nor were they able to associate it with my name. Thus, I planned to run a parallel blog,by the simpler name as "vibsmats.blogspot.com", related to my name, and easier to remember.

So, friends, extend your support to this parallel blog as you all were being doing earlier.

Thanks.

Be a step ahead !!!

G for "Greed" or "Generosity"... !!!

2009-01-24T19:26:00.000+05:30

Gone are the days when in business, the letter G denoted "Greed". After crisis, people of Europe, Japan and prominently USA are disgusted with these greedy corporations. As if they no more believe in the brands, they trusted before. Now no more, they follow brands blindly. Common man believes that the greediness of these brands and corporations led to downfall of their economy.

So what to do, to win back the trust of the common man!

I guess, corporations need to understand that in today's business arena, there is no room for greed.
To succeed, the letter G should be replaced to "Generosity"!

A corporation need to be more customer responsive, ethical and value driven. Brands need to crush their arrogance and should communicate their "Generosity" through Public Relation (PR)campaigns, Corporate Social Responsible (CSR) Activities and by providing more value to customers through their products and services.

Thus, it introduces new form of marketing, as "Generosity Marketing".

Trendwatching.com discusses this concept and explains how could corporations and brands can have long term success, and can be a step ahead from their greedy competitors.

What's your Facebook status... ???

2009-01-23T20:09:00.000+05:30

Can you imagine, what is the impact of Facebook in the world's most powerful country, USA ?
Let me be blunt and straight.

A man brutally attacked his wife with knife and killed her.

So what’s so special about it?

He killed his wife just because, she changed her profile status on Facebook from married to single !

As per news from BBC, "Edward Richardson, 41, was found guilty of stabbing Sarah Richardson to death. He killed the 26-year-old hairdresser at her parents' home in Brown Lees, Staffordshire, on 12 May, 2008."

Among all the social networking websites, Facebook is the biggest phenomenon among US citizens.

I am speechless !!!

U.S.Future in Safe Hands... ???

2009-01-22T19:36:00.000+05:30

George W. Bush is gone, after having two successful terms at the highest level, as the President of USA.
And here we welcome, Mr. Barack Obama, as the new "hope", as the new President, who promised "Change".

I still don't know, whom to laugh at, Mr. Obama, or his campaign "Change".

Or at the 2 million people of US, standing near Capitol and White House, just to be a part of inaugral ceremony, as if Mr. Obama is the saviour arrived, who has the magic wand and will "Change" the future of capitalistic US.

Could someone, please give me the rationale behind this!

Well, congratulations, to Mr. Obama.

When there is so much of uncertainty, its better to laugh at the picture beneath.

Future of USA, in the hands of both the leaders. Watch out for the reactions!!!

HA HA HA....

Calvin and Hobbes... view on Crisis... 15 years back !!!

2009-01-22T01:21:00.000+05:30

My dear friend Sumit Gahoi mailed me this cartoon which is suggestive of today's economic crisis and bail-out packages.It clearly depicts today's scenario in a form of cartoon.

"Calvin's explanation of his Lemonade Stand's business perspective has a resonance to the American Banking and Auto industry's position in the economy. Remember that this cartoon was drawn over 15 years ago!"

"Calvin and Hobbes is a comic strip written and illustrated by Bill Watterson, following the humorous antics of Calvin, an imaginative six-year old boy, and Hobbes, his energetic and sardonic—albeit stuffed—tiger. The pair are named after John Calvin, a 16th-century French Reformation theologian, and Thomas Hobbes, a 17th-century English political philosopher. The strip was syndicated daily from November 18, 1985 to December 31, 1995. At its height, Calvin and Hobbes was featured in over 2,400 newspapers worldwide. To date, more than 30 million copies of the 18 Calvin and Hobbes books have been printed."

Oops... !!!

2009-01-20T02:09:00.000+05:30

Sorry to say, but I get totally irritated with Hindi News channels especially like Aajtak TEZ, India TV, Zee News and STAR News. Their news stories are so dumb and funny that sometimes it makes me feel, as if there are no more important issues left in India.

A friend of mine posted this picture in his Orkut profile. See what a co-ordination between the news and the forthcoming news.
I just couldn't imagine what would be the news with the tagline "इस कुत्ते से सीखिए" ("Learn from this Dog").
And does this news has enough relevance.
I guess its better to keep our brains shut, and laugh our hearts out at this blooper.

Sorry Advaniji and BJP fans!

Mahindra XYLO… an answer to Tata Sumo Grande !!!

2009-01-18T01:43:00.000+05:30

"Tata Sumo Grande", have you heard of this car before? Yah, I know friends, some may knew it, and some would have never even heard of it. Since, I did my internship in Tata Motors, and was handling specifically Tata Sumo Grande, I know this car in and out.

Tata Sumo Grande was introduced in the market to compete the likes of Chevrolet Tavera, Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Scorpio and especially Toyota Innova. It was positioned as a mix of SUV and a family car. The major advantage it had was its price. It tried to market itself an SUV with comfort of Toyota Innova, looks of Mahindra Scorpio and Mileage of Chevrolet Tavera at the price of Mahindra Bolero.
The result, it failed miserably !!!

Reason, it tried to target everyone, and hence couldn't satisfy, anyone. Neither SUV lovers as it lacked power and pick-up, nor families as it lacked good interiors and had poor rear suspension(leaf-spring) with almost no luggage space.

Now Mahindra has launched "Mahindra Xylo", on the similar lines of Tata Sumo Grande, as projects itself as a mix of sedan and SUV. The target market is same, competitors are same, positioning is same.

Exteriors are good. It has more power than Sumo Grande and better rear suspension (coil-spring).

Let's see what lies ahead of Xylo!!!

Slumdog.... INDIA !!!

2009-01-17T19:29:00.000+05:30

I am eagerly waiting, for the Oscar nominations to announce. "Slumdog Millionaire" has won 4 Golden Globe awards and many others prestigious awards. The best part, an Indian, A.R.Rahman, winning international awards all round the world. Now, its time for Oscars !

But I have always felt that, only those movies (related to India) have done well in Oscars, which depict India as a underdeveloped poor country. Movies like "Salaam Bombay", "Gandhi", "Mother India", "Lagaan", "Water" and finally "Slumdog Millionaire", all depict India living into villages and slums. These movies showed poverty, socio-imbalance, riots, and what not. I guess, for the Oscar jury, India is still a land of "snake charmers".
Amitabh Bachchan rightly says, "Slumdog Millionaire has portrayed India as a Third World dirty underbelly developing nation"!
I still believe, that there were many other movies, which were equally good, and deserved an Oscar nomination, atleast!
My fingers are crossed, and all the wishes to "Slumdog Millionaire".

But I still wait for a movie, winning awards globally, depicting India's economic success.
I still wait for a movie, winning awards globally, that talks about Indian culture, diversity and unity.
I still wait for a movie, winning awards globally, that talks good and positive about India.

This one is for Ghajini...!!!

2009-01-01T16:01:00.000+05:30

Thanks to my friend,Sumit Gahoi, who got me the ad of Ghajini, an Amul's perspective.But I still prefer the "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" one.
What's your favorite?

Amul's take on "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi"... !!!

2009-01-01T12:55:00.000+05:30

There is been a war between the fans of Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan. Which movie will be the highest revenue grosser this year, "Ghajini" or "Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi" ?

Amul, has its own take on it, via humour.

I am waiting for the Ghajini ad !!! Are you ?

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

2009-01-01T12:33:00.000+05:30

"Walt Disney of India"

2009-01-01T12:12:00.000+05:30

I guess, many of we Indians must have read CHACHA CHAUDHARY, SHRIMATIJI, PINKI, BILLOO and RAMAN comics in their childhood. All under the banner of Diamond Comics, were the favorite pastime of children. Let me introduce you with Walt Disney of India, Father of Indian Comics, Mr. Pran Kumar Sharma. Entertaining generation after generation, PRAN'S comics have been constant companion of every youngster's growing up. His all character are drawn from middle class society. He was the one, who in 1960, created first indigenous cartoon strips having Indian characters and based on local themes. Before that all comics were imported from foreign countries. Pran began his career in 1960 as a cartoonist for the Delhi-based newspaper Milap with comic strip Dabbu. In 1969, he sketched Chacha Chaudhary for the Hindi magazine Lotpot, which made him famous.

He has influenced all our lives through his cartoon characters. I still remember buying Chacha Chaudhary, Pinki and Billo, whenever I used to cross any bookshop. But, today Indian kids are no more interested in reading comics and that to Hindi… never !!! Indian kids are over burdened by high standards of education.

I am proud, to be born in that generation, who had enough time to live their life up, had fun and spice in life. We dreamt and desired, and see them fulfill through these comic characters.
In the end, very famous lines from these comics,

"Chacha Chaudhary ka dimag computer se bhi tez chalta hai !"
&
"Jab Saabu ko gussa aata hai, to Jupiter me kahin na kahin jwalamukhi phatata hai !"

Reebok vs. Nike !!!

2008-12-27T19:25:00.000+05:30

When Nike outbid Adidas and Reebok, to become the official kit supplier for Team India and used its famous ‘swoosh’ on the arms of the Indian players, every one thought it would be Nike all the way.
It spend 200 cr, to get best possible form of branding available in India, i.e. sponsoring Indian Cricket Team.

Reebok, answered they rivals in style, with the following steps,

1) Seven players of Indian Team, endorse Reebok which include, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, Ishant Sharma and Irfan Pathan.

2) Reebok persuaded them to sport the Reebok logo on their bats, pads and gloves.

3) Around 50 domestic and international players sport the Reebok logo on their bats, compared to almost none by Nike.

Now compare the impact of "Swoosh" on the arms and "Logo" on the bats !

According to Subhinder Singh Prem, MD of Reebok India,

"A cricket lover perhaps wouldn’t remember the logo on Sachin Tendulkar’s jersey but ask him about his bat and pad would come the reply — is it MRF? It makes sense because according to industry estimates, a promising player who has just burst into the scene earns only a couple of lakh of rupees to sport a logo on his bat for 2-3 years. And with Rs 200 cr you can have a lot more players doing that with greater effect. The trick is to catch them young. "

For Reebok, its now, jingles all the way !!!

***In the Rs 800-crore Indian premium sportswear market, Reebok is the leader with a marketshare of 51%, followed by Adidas at around 25%. After Adidas acquired Reebok globally for $3.8 billion in September 2005, the combined share stands at 76%. The balance is accounted for by Nike and Puma, with Nike in the third spot.

Source : Economic Times

End to Early-Age Rat-Race !!!

2008-12-22T15:41:00.000+05:30

Let's get back to memories of the childhood!
Remember, you always wished play with your friends or to watch cartoon, but were always pulled back! Remember, all the scolding that you have got, either from your parents and teachers!
And every time you protested, you were repetitively told, "Study, otherwise you will FAIL !"
From the day we entered the school, we all were victims of tuitions, coaching, peer competition, parent's expectations and what not!
Thank god, the next generation would not be victim of this "Early-age Rat-Race".

Recently, Rajya Sabha, have passed a bill, "Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, 2008", according to which, a student cannot be failed for the reasons of poor performance, up to a certain age.

As quoted in economic times, "No school in the land can fail or turf out children for reasons of poor performance until a certain stage. The onus of responsibility for academic progress would, in fact, rest on the schools themselves. Now this is reason enough to cause rapturous joy among the youngsters, hitherto victims of the undeniable tyranny of an early-age rat race. "

Hurray !!!

People's Car - Not for people !!!

2008-12-22T15:38:00.000+05:30

Tata Nano will be launched soon in months of January to March. But the shocking news is, it would be rolled out in limited quantity. Ravi Kant, the company's managing director announced, "We are looking at something to bring it (out) as fast as possible ... kind of an interim arrangement ... from one of our existing plants. These will be small quantities. Let a few customers at least have a touch and feel of the car."

It’s a risky strategy!
Reason, "First impression, is last impression!"

I believe, Tata Nano should not be launched in a phased approach. Because, if customers found some technical glitch (high probability) in Tata Nano, it will spread the negative word of mouth. Also, all the auto experts would be ready to give reviews on Nano. And if reports would be negative!!! This negative image would lead to sharp fall in the demand of Tata Nano, for the next phase of roll-out.

Tata Motors, have never been famous for product quality. Moreover, questions have already been posed on Tata Nano's safety features. People will rather wait for a better quality product, than a poor product.

Adding to that, it will also give competitors a chance to have "touch and feel of the car". Competitors like Bajaj could also influence in spreading negative word of mouth.

You're Still The One... !!!

2008-12-21T00:08:00.000+05:30

One of my favorites by Shania Twain, this song is dedicated to all the love birds, fighting it out, against the biased rules of the family and society. And when everyone cribbed... their love grew stronger.
Listen to this...
"When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me, I felt love.
And after all this time, you're still the one I love.

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong
(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

I'm so glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby"

Malnutrition... by Choice !!!

2008-12-20T20:25:00.000+05:30

Kingfisher Calendar for the year 2009 is about to release. I just saw, few teasers of that.And one thing came to my mind.
Malnutrition!!!

Find the difference between the above pictures!!!

For me,

One is "Malnutrition by Choice"!

Other, "Malnutrition due to Hunger"!

One get paid to be malnutritioned, the other one, being left to street dogs!!!
Is this we call,Diversity or Adversity !!!

You decide!!!

Recession... A Boon !!!

2008-12-19T16:36:00.000+05:30

I am fed up listening to teachers, industry, media etc. talking only about recession and its negative impact of economy. But I always believe that there are always two sides of the coin. Let there be some positivity in the environment.

So what are the advantages of recession?
Are there any?
Shouldn't they be discussed?

Few I could think of, are as follows:

1) Recession led to drop in inflation. That's a really good news!

2) Students getting jobs in this time frame, will have great future ahead. Companies are really selective in hiring students and only the best will be recruited. Earlier when companies were on a hiring spree, It was about, "Survival of the fittest". But now, "Survival of the best". And I found, students preparing themselves extremely hard, to become the best.

3) All the "Whales" of the business have been struck badly by recession. Thus, companies with better operational strategies, better management, and better marketing would only succeed, even they being a "Fish". Now the playing field is leveled.

4) Its good time to do an MBA! Those who were planning to do it, but couldn’t get time out of their jobs, should get an MBA right now. Reason? In their job, their would be no increment in salary,and chances of being kicked out. Pass these 2 recessionary years, in an MBA college, and come back with flourishing salaries again.

5) Home Loan interest rates have reduced. Buy a house !!!

6)…

7)…

8)…

Its an open forum friends! Suggest few other advantages of recession, or criticize those pointed out.
I want this list to be as long as the disadvantages of recession.

Be a step ahead, think positive, think out of the box, and think… think… think…!!!

Dare to speak in Hindi...!!!

2008-12-19T16:14:00.000+05:30

Have you ever been scolded of speaking in Hindi ? I am sure, that the answer would be yes. It is a common phenomena in Schools (English medium) and Colleges of India. I am in a business school, and here we find students studying from every part of India. I have recently found my friends scolded of, "Murmuring" in Hindi. They believe, English is language of corporates, businesses and the industry.
Not an issue!

Languages have always helped in socializing. Let us take a day to day example. If you find your faculty, a "Bong", and you being too, you will soon find a rapport with him/her, chattering in Bengali. Similarly a "Kannadiga" would be able to please his/her "Kannadiga" teacher, "Mallu" has a good rapport with "Mallu" faculty, and the same story repeats for Tamil, Gujarati, Telugu etc.. But you cannot follow the same rule for Hindi. Dare to speak Hindi in front of your faculty! It is been considered that, English is the language of the literate, where as Hindi, "a cheap language". Similar phenomena is also seen among the students also.
Not an issue !

The issue?
Even regional languages are more respected in India than Hindi. As Hindi is considered as the language of weaker section of the society.

The reason?
Hindi is the language of the masses. And I have always felt, something which is in abundant never gets respect. Hindi being spoken in all parts of the country, doesn't get its due respect. Where as regional languages like Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil etc. are not considered as low as Hindi, in comparison to English.

The solution?
Even I don't know. Might be people associated with Hindi literature could suggest something on it. Might be, we could ever stop thinking, one language being superior to other.

But why to blog about it?
It was just an observation, that even Hindi being our national language, it never got due respect whereas other regional languages have scored much more in dignity.
And in the end, as every one believes, Hindi is our "मात्र भाषा " !!!

My dream?
Someday, the world would be striving to learn Hindi language, similar to, as we are desperately running after English!

Exciting American Bailout...!!!

2008-12-07T22:54:00.000+05:30

My friend Manik Gursahani mailed me, these interesting facts about American Bailout. I couldn't resist it posting it on blog.Read on.

"Adding in the Citi bailout, the total cost now exceeds $4.6165 trillion dollars.
Some what around $7 trillion after auto bail out.....
People have a hard time conceptualizing very large numbers, so let’s give this some context. The current Credit Crisis bailout is now the largest outlay In American history.

Crunching the inflation adjusted numbers, we find the bailout has cost more than all of these big budget government expenditures – combined:

• Marshall Plan: Cost: $12.7 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $115.3 billion
• Louisiana Purchase: Cost: $15 million, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $217 billion
• Race to the Moon: Cost: $36.4 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $237 billion
• S&L Crisis: Cost: $153 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $256 billion
• Korean War: Cost: $54 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $454 billion
• The New Deal: Cost: $32 billion (Est),Inflation Adjusted Cost: $500 billion (Est)
• Invasion of Iraq: Cost: $551b, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $597 billion
• Vietnam War: Cost: $111 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $698 billion
• NASA: Cost: $416.7 billion, Inflation Adjusted Cost: $851.2 billion

TOTAL: $3.92 trillion"

Source : http://boingboing.net/2008/11/25/bailout-costs-more-t.html

Campaign Against Terror... Perspectives !!!

2008-12-07T03:31:00.000+05:30

I am a bit confused after the Mumbai attacks, about the rage that is seen among the media and people.But before that let's see, where were recent terrorist attack in the near future.This year, it started in May at Jaipur, then in July at Ahmedabad, in September at Delhi and the last, in November at Mumbai. So I was discussing that why there is so much rage among Indians this time. There were attacks earlier also, but we have never seen people coming to the streets as one voice, against the government (due to their lack of preparedness) and the politicians (because they being politicians). I could see two aspects to it.

One, which is popularized by the media, as "Enough is Enough". The series of attacks in recent times have affected the mindset of Indian people. Each attack has added fuel to the fire within every Indian. But this time, they couldn't resist more. Indian public, for the first time in such quantum, have came out on roads to support martyrs and to criticize the Government. And luckily, all these people on the road does not belong to any party, caste or community. Thankfully, they all acted as Indians!

Second, with which many may differ is, for after a long long time, terrorist attacks have affected the affluent and rich section of the society. This time the victims were the people, who could afford to be at Taj, Oberoi's or Nariman House. Before this, attacks at Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Delhi, were the attacks on the "Common Man". In the Mumbai attack, there were foreigners, high profile industrialists, celebrities. At Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Delhi, people died were poor people who use public transport, were at bus-stops, or shopping at streets of these cities. It could be possible, media is getting support of these affluent people to publicize this attack as this has affected their lives directly (for the first time).

These are just perspectives. Nothing is right or wrong.
The purpose of writing all this, is to ask the people of India, that why aren't they expressing themselves in the same way, every time!
Why aren't they coming forward, taking responsibilities, and helping a change!
And why isn't media highlighting similar issues in the same way, the way it is been this time!
I just know one fact. No matter who died, whether a beggar or businessman, we all lost a "Human Being" irrespective of his/her stature, caste or creed.

Death came in same way for all, every time!

Anand...never dies...!!!

2008-12-06T17:20:00.000+05:30

I saw the movie "Anand" today, I guess for the n'th time.
Yes, I had tears in my eyes, I guess for the n'th time.
Yes, the movie influenced the way I live life, again, I guess for the n'th time.

Certainly, the movie is an epic. Not just because, it was a huge hit of 1970s, neither it being a path-breaking movie. Rather, adding to the above two reasons, it leaves you with a thought!

The thought is, "Life should be great, not long !!!"

"Anand" the protagonist, is the patient of cancer, and has only 6 months to live more.
And in the words of "Anand" himself,

"What’s the difference between 70 years and 6 months. Death comes in a second. But in these 6 months, I will live every moment. If you are scared of death, what's the essence of death. As long as I am alive, I am not dead."

Friends, see this movie, if you have not seen it till yet. See this movie again, even if you had.

And the mine favorite dialogue from the movie,
"Does, every smile means joy, sometimes its sorrow also!"

No "Brands"… No "Business"!!!

2008-12-05T20:15:00.000+05:30

We all are surrounded by, Brands! Today, a person don't go to a mall or store to buy a commodity like salt or flour. They go to buy a brand. Now salt is associated with Tata salt and Flour with ShaktiBhog Atta.

But imagine a world without brands. Imagine you enter a store to buy toothpaste. And you realize that, in the shelf, all toothpastes are kept in white packaging, without names attached to it. What will you buy? In fact it could be a world without choice, moreover without competition. And the word "Business" has no relevance without the word competition.

Give me few answers.

Why a toothpaste promotes itself as Neem based toothpaste?
To differentiate!

Why to differentiate?
To gain competitive advantage!

Why to gain competitive advantage?
To gain market share and to be market leader!

But in the world without brands, where, customers have no choice, then why to differentiate, why to compete, and then why to lead!
Thus, I believe business is all about brands.
No "Brands"… No "Business"!!!

AL-QAEDA HIRING !!!

2008-12-04T02:55:00.000+05:30

In a recession, when companies are freezing there recruitments, jobs are few. Students of 2-tier MBA colleges are waiting for companies to come for placements. B-schools have also tighten up their belts, working hard on their students to make them industry-ready (rather I would say interview-ready).
Imagine Al-Qaeda comes to hiring to these schools !

The letter from the placement office would then look like this.

"Dear Students,

We are pleased to inform you that Al-Qaeda would be visiting our campus on 30th February at 9:30 PM. The mass- recruitment process would be held at Underground Library.

Al-Qaeda, is an International Sunni Islamist Movement founded in 1988. Al-Qaeda have attacked civilian and military targets in various countries, the most notable being the September 11 attacks in 2001.Its management philosophy has been described as "centralization of decision and decentralization of execution."Following 9/11 and the launching of the War on Terrorism, it is thought al-Qaeda's leadership has "become geographically isolated", leading to the "emergence of decentralized leadership" of regional groups using the al-Qaeda "brand name."

Students of Marketing, Human Resource and Finance all can apply.
Freshers would be given preference.

The Position offered would be "Assistant Manager"

Salary Package :

4 Lakhs Basic + 5 Lakhs reward for family (yearly) + 5 Lakh Incentives per terrorist act
p.a.. Company will provide accommodation, transport & food / allowance.

Profiles would be according to various following verticals within the organization :

• The Military Committee, responsibility for training operatives, acquiring weapons, and planning attacks.
(Only Marketing, engineers preferred)

• The Money/Business Committee, to run business operations, to provide air tickets and false passports, to pay Al-Qaeda members, and to oversee profit-driven businesses.
(Only Finance)

• The Law Committee to review Islamic law and to decides if particular courses of action conform to the law.
(HR only)

• The Islamic Study/Fatwah Committee to issues religious edicts
(All can apply)

• Media Committee, to ran the now-defunct newspaper Nashrat al Akhbar (Newscast) and handled public relations.
(Only Marketing, Mass Comm. Or advertising background preferred)

• Al Qaeda's As-Sahab, a media production house, to supply its video and audio materials.
(Only Marketing)

Location would be as per students preference among the following countries :
USA, UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Iraq, Saudi Arab, Indonesia, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt and Israel

Selection Process :

Physical Test
GD
Psychometric Test
Interview

Those of you who are interested to apply, be a step ahead, and give your names to your Placement Volunteers not later than 6.p.m tomorrow

To know more about the company read "Al-Qaeda's Training Manual".

Regards,

XXXXXXXX "

It's a Dirty Job...!!!

2008-11-09T22:59:00.000+05:30

Placements are on! Everybody is busy evaluating opportunities, in this turmoil. For some, Brand is a key issue. For some Package, and for few, the Profile is important. But their are few jobs, which are "Dirty" in nature, but their should be someone to take the responsibility.

Imagine jobs like cleaning up human excrement or taking care of the dead ! Finding it Dirty ? What if, there is no one to do such jobs ? A sweeper, an undertaker does all this for us. In return, they didn't even get our respect.

And jobs like cleaning up social evils or taking care of the needy ? Finding it tough ? Again, what if no one helps the needy? What if, no one fight against the social evils to reform societies?

Yes, someone should stood up and take any one of these responsibilities ! Gandhiji stood for Harijans, Raja Ram Mohan Roy for Widows and CRY for under-privileged children.

We need to thankful to those people, who does these "Dirty" jobs !

Nowadays people are earning good money, by doing these dirty jobs.
Let's see "The top 10 high paying dirty jobs".

Educated, but Sadistic...!!!

2008-11-09T17:27:00.000+05:30

Hmm... this is what always scares me! I couldn't find any good reason, when educated people find fun in irritating or torturing others. I guess they all study,just to get good jobs and fat salaries. For me education is not mere a mode of getting jobs. Instead, eduction is a mode to enlightenment, that helps you thinking what is right or wrong. Many people never understood this. Infact, they enjoy being sadistic and torturing people as their slaves.

Read this one friends, another example of sadistic behavior. For live examples, we have one in college!

"Couple-allegedly-tortured-housemaid-to-destress !"

Irreplaceable... DADA !!!

2008-11-08T02:22:00.000+05:30

Just yesterday I wrote about,motivation to write. One thing, or infact I should say, one man that motivates me to write this article is Saurav Ganguly "The Off-Side GOD". He is retiring.He is playing his last test-match at Nagpur.Today we all wished him to score a century before he leaves, but Krejza got him on 85.Nevertheless, it didn't affect "Dada's" stature.

Cricket was (or is... I am confused) the game of Gentlemen. Indians took this term a bit too seriously, whereas teams like Australia snubbed it.Indians were more of "Gentle" rather being "Men"!
When Dada took captaincy,he insured Indian team should play like "Men" even if not being gentle.He injected aggressiveness in Indian line-up.He nurtured his young talented mates and supported players like Harbhajan, Yuvraj, Sehwag, Zaheer at the time of their despair. He fought for anti-regionalism in Indian team. He never played cricket as just a game, it was war for him. It was always about India's honor.

And not to forget about his batting.
Genius, when it comes to off-side!
Powerful, when it comes to hitting sixes to spinners!
Patience,when it comes to anchoring innings and hitting centuries!

I salute you Mr.Ganguly for motivating us.For making us believe, "Yes we can do it"!

Many people criticized you, but you were among those who came out tougher,when the situations were tough.
You taught us to be a step ahead when it's about your country, your morals, your honor.You dared to face any adversities, whether it was Steve Waugh, Greg Chappell, injuries or BCCI.

I bid you adieu Dada. You are irreplaceable!

Blogging... is what???

2008-11-07T19:49:00.000+05:30

You all must be thinking, is blogging a fad? Why many people start their blog,write for few days...and fizz...!!!
As per me,I have an excuse.I am not finding anything that could motivate me to write and the real reason could be, that I am not reading a lot these days. For others, blogging may be a fashion, marketing tool or source of earning. But for me, it helps me propagating a thought,which I believe should be spread among all as a social necessity.Whenever I ever stumble upon something interesting, I don't forget to be a step ahead. Let me be the torchbearer.

As Mr.Seth Godin rightly comments,
"The best measure of a blog is not how many people it reaches, it’s how much it changes what you do. Changes your posture, your writing, your transparency, your humility. What blogging has done for me is made me think. I get to think about how the outside world will understand something I’m trying to do, for example.
This means, of course, that you get almost all of the goodness of a blog long before you have a lot of readers."

Fight Back Gals...!!!

2008-08-03T01:44:00.000+05:30

Saturday evening, sitting in McDonalds, Gossips n Food!!!
What a Life!!! Life full of fun.

But if you will spare your eyes away from friends, you could see a promotional screen in most of the McDonalds. Many advertisements are shown in the screen from movies to websites.
Just a glimpse to it, and I read,"Visit www.fight-back.net".
It created a curiosity in my mind.What is this fight-back? I waited for that advertisement to repeat.And I saw something special, something of my interest.
I rushed back home,browsed the website and I was impressed! It was something which I always wished to do.

www.fight-back.net is website made to reduce gender-biasness,especially any form of female harassments. This website includes detailed information regarding helpline no.s, legal resources and forum for discussion. It teaches you how to file complaints against any form of harassment, gender biasness.

"FIGHT-BACK is finally your movement. It will take the shape that you give it. Use it like a tool box, a rallying cry or a shield against violence. Woman, man or child, gender violence has to end."

Moreover, it also includes Hall of Shame which includes name and stories of famous cases, their convicts and other relevant information. So if you want to read something about Priyadarshini Mattoo, or Manu sharma, go this website. Moreover, this website is linked to Facebook also.

This websites is really relevant for women, as they can acquire more knowledge, and they can be more alert, smart, proactive. We need our women counterparts to fight-back against any type of harassment. It may be eve-teasing, rape, molestation or something else.

So friends, go to this website, read, and spread awareness!!!

Such initiatives should be praised.
As when it comes to morality, we should always be a step ahead.

SORRY !!!

2008-06-03T23:18:00.000+05:30

Sorry friends,for not writing a blog for so many weeks or I should say months.
I guess its been 3 months.But now I an back,and I would try to be bit more regular,even after a tight schedule these days.
In these 3 months, I was busy in my term end examinations and then a hectic TATA MOTORS internship.Internship is still on,still tough, still hectic, with more intensity. But that's where the challenge lies.
We will be meeting soon, with my new experiences and articles!

Mentos "Dimag ki batti jalaa de" !!!

2008-02-10T19:40:00.000+05:30

Have you all seen the latest advertisement by the Mentos.It shows a Monkey as slave of Donkey. Monkey is driving the donkey through the jungle. Donkey decides to take rest. Overthere, the monkey finds a "Mentos". It offers it to the donkey. But being egoistic, the donkey refuses. Monkey eats it, and runs away. And as its tagline says, "dimag ki batti jala de". While running, evolution of monkey to a man is shown. Man meets the donkey at same place and now, Man rules the donkey.

That's the funny part. But it could be used for learning as well. I assume our Indians as monkey, and developed nations like U.S.A, U.K. etc as donkeys. We just need to take some risks, some quick aggressive moves, some innovations and soon we will be developed as Men, as referred in the advertisement. Sooner or later, we would ruling them!
In the same way, we alliance students can be compared as monkeys! And IIM grads as donkeys! Don't worry. Let them be in their dreamy world. We just need to take some risks; we need to run bit faster, work a bit harder. And soon we will be at the top, with better salaries, better profiles.

And as I always say, we need to be a step ahead!

India into "bits n pieces"....

2008-02-07T00:23:00.000+05:30

A question to you all.
How do you identify yourself as?
As an UP bhaiya, kannada, mallu guy, or as marathi?
Or as kayastha, kurmi, brahmin or as rajput?
Or you wanted yourself to be a part of hindu, muslim, christian or sikh community?
Unfortunately, most of us,don't think ourselves to be identified as INDIAN.For them, there state, there religion and there caste comes first.From political parties to media houses, every one is using this aspect of us, to gain personal mileage.I read an article in The Times of India and that really touched my soul.Yah,the article has a hindu perspective but still, it touched the key issues of India.I suggest you all to read this article and being the youth,we should be a step ahead in changing our society.Can we make India into as ONE!!!
Read this "India bruised and shrunk"