Petrol prices are at an all time high! Distances are increasing! Salaries are not!

My brand new sedan is not so good at fuel. My workplace at an eleven kilometer long haul, I guess I don’t have an option but to pick the keys and crank it up and drive to work before it’s already nine and I get yet another pink-slip for showing up late. Grrr… I wish I had a petrol well in my façade, or I could just buy a whole petrol pump…I don’t know!!

This was the regular with Aakash, who is too happy to be an owner of a prized possession – his Sedan but not so happy with the petrol efficiency and the rising prices of fuel. His day starts with a Grrr… and ends with one too. Probably our friend has not considered the option to try out public transport to cut on the costs. Let’s ask him!

Hey Aakash, what’s up man?

You really want to ask that? I am way too miffed, getting late to get to work.

I won’t keep you for long, just one question – why don’t you take public transport if you are so concerned about the fuel and stuff?

Public transport? You mean auto-rickshaws? Tell me you are kidding me! I am not wasting my time and jeopardizing my life traveling in one of those overstuffed three wheelers. I gotta go now, bye!

So, this was how our friend reacted to the idea of using public transportation. Let’s have a look at the actual picture and examine the few things that matter when it comes to using public transit.

Grrr…I’m late: Traveling in auto rickshaws is considered a bad choice for those who want to get there quick. Due to the shared ride, the driver has a right to stop the vehicle at his discretion to let the passenger disembark or board one more in the already so full rickshaw. So by any chance if you are behind the schedule, call a cab or your own wheels are the best choice.

Ouch: It has been observed that many of us don’t consider these rickshaws to be the safest mode for commuting. Reckless driving by the drivers, overcrowding of the vehicle or some unsaid reason.  The high number of accidents involving auto rickshaws adds to the phobia in the minds of the populace.

Aaachooo: One happens to be sandwiched between two fat ladies in an auto rickshaw and one of them sneezes right there without warning. Just like Tsunami, the flood of allergens arrived without warning. Are you going to scold her? Reprimand her? You can’t! Sad but True! So if you are a health freak – you may not consider taking an auto to work.

Money Honey: One can surely save a few pennies or maybe many if one chooses to hop on a public transport. This totally resolves the worry about rising fuel price and the falling paychecks.

Go Green: Carpooling and public transport decreases the burden on exhaustible fuel resources. This is seldom thought of but has significant value attached to it. An auto rickshaw stuffed with eight like you is a blessing for planet earth! So go green – go public transport!

The factors and parameters mentioned here can surely make you ponder over whether you should or should not jump aboard a public transport rather than driving your wheels around – hurting the pocket and the planet!

There is way more to it. Keep your eyes open…Happy observing!  

She…the eternal soul

We will be a developed nation by the year 2020!

India is setting up an example for the world to follow!

We are at an all time high with development numbers!

Sound great? Don’t they?

The above were just a few of the numerous claims that pioneers of the state establish when it comes to the question of development and growth of the country. Have we actually ever pondered over the reason that why despite of all such claims being made, we are unable to rocket towards a status of developed country and still fighting our way out? The answer very much exists in the subtle facts and reasons that often go unnoticed. The major factor that plays a vital role is the discrimination that is put in place between the male and the female in the Indian society.

Modern society doesn’t discriminate… (I am lying)

It is ironical and sad that even the world and era that relies on a machine even to brush teeth every morning and uses yet another technological advancement to put him to a comfortable sleep also discriminates between the two genders. We undoubtedly think that with due course of time, things have changed and probably improved but without scrutinizing the issue it is more than impossible to judge the real scene.

The numbers speak!

According to the Indian census of 2001, the sex-ratio on an average was found to be – 933 girls for every 1000 boys in the country. Now if that does not wake you up enough, let us also quote that the same ranged from as low as 773 and 874 in Chandigarh and Punjab respectively. It is a nightmare folks! On the lighter side let’s imagine that out of every thousand men; nearly 250 will remain single whole of their lives because there would be no women left for them to get married to.

It is evident in…

Schooling, fetus mortality, ill health care, diet and a lot more. The discrimination starts way before the girl child is even born. Foetus murder or foeticide is a menace that has eaten up the roots of our development and created an imbalance in the sex-ratio for more than over a decade. If by chance the girl child is born, she is deprived of basic conveniences like clothing, food and education. The girl child is choked every single moment she breathes, probably wishing for a silent death. Sad, but true it is.

      

Science kills…

Another curse of science is the technology that enables parents to foresee the sex of the foetus in the womb. Due to a reluctance to raise a girl child, they resort to killing the foetus instead. Strong regulations have been passed by the law but they fail to prove their significance for a reason that is unknown. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique Act (PC&PNDT) is one of such laws that fail to prove their worth. Probably ineffective execution and monitoring is the reason why such stringent laws have not been able to curb the menace till date.

Answer lies in…

Literacy is the word for it. Indeed the solution to the problem exists in the awareness, information and effective application of the knowledge thus spread around. To contrast the sad figures mentioned above, the state of Kerala, having a high literacy rate has a sex ratio of 1058 girls for every 1000 boys. It is more like killing two birds with one stone, educating the masses and eradicating the vices from our world so that we can prosper and head towards a better tomorrow!

Save the girl child…

Happy Tomorrow!!!

You met her, shared a nice dinner, drove her home and kissed her as she left. You fell in love or you thought that you did. It has been two weeks since that first kiss and you start realizing that she is not the one for you. Her phone calls are no more welcomed by you, her texts are not replied to and her picture is no longer the wallpaper on your mobile phone. Alas! You think you did a mistake by falling for her, at the same time one side of your heart still wants her around. This is exactly what happens with many among us. Often we are too quick to start a relationship but not too sharp and smart to sustain ourselves in it. The reasons can be many – maybe you were inebriated when you asked her out in the first place. It is also possible that the black dress she wore the other night tickled your feelings for her. Further it is also possible that you are seeing someone you think can be a better match than your existing partner can make with you. The more we look into these reasons, lesser they seem to justify the shift of attraction and bond that we once shared with this special person whom we asked out.

It is not that you have to live the relationship, choking yourself in case you feel that things will not work out. Be honest to yourself and your partner about what and why you feel that things may not work between you two. But before that make sure that you are not being impulsive in walking out like you were when walking into the relationship. Staying there, trying to make things work will not make them work but worse. Don’t hang in there for you have to; hang in only if you want to. Things may hurt you and your partner a bit initially but make her understand that without a lucid image of feelings and thoughts, the relationship could have actually ended in turmoil and the damage would have been irreversible. Don’t apologize too much and don’t go overboard trying to explain that you still love her for that would do nothing but just make it even harder for her to walk out. You surely don’t want that, do you?

The post-breakup period should not be the one that has hundreds of text messages being shared hinting towards being united again. Let the time take care of the part where you really want to make sure that she is doing fine. She will not wake up next morning singing her favorite tune and looking into the mirror, the way she did earlier just because she wanted to look even more beautiful for you! Give her space, give her time and for sure don’t give her any reason to go back and look into the memoirs of love and affection you shared. This doesn’t mean you pull her off your Facebook friend list or tweet on your twitter account declaring that you are once again single – it just means that stay silent, stay sound!

Another thing that often leads to ill in two people is that they choose not to stay as good friends after they part their ways as a couple. It will add to the credibility of the love you once claimed you had in your heart, if you can still be good friends. Make your partner feel that she can count on you like she would on her best friends.

Don’t forget – a tear today can save a hundred tomorrow. So decide and take that first step that you have been hesitating to take till now.   

Examination Edge

The season has finally arrived when almost every graduate across the map is geared up for MBA entrance tests. These tests can be any among CAT, XAT, GMAT, FMS, and SNAP…ok here we stop but there is a lot more to it. A competitive spirit and essence can be felt on the faces and in the minds of the test takers as they brace themselves for the big day. Long hours of study, attempting mock tests, hours spent for group study, bunking college for private tutoring are some characteristics of the examination epidemic that is widespread at the hour.

There are some misconceptions about the tests that often render the contender baffled and in worse cases even in fudge, thus leaving all the preparation they made waste. The hype created by previous test takers tend to make the test takers think that these exams are no less than rocket science and require let’s say 18 hours of study time each day. I strictly disapprove of such notions and misconceptions for they are simply UNTRUE. The first question an exam taker is asked is no other than – ‘Was it difficult?’ The one interrogated also replies with an apprehension and complicates the mindset of the questioner even further. Oh my God! ‘mera number bhi aane wala hai’ – this is how an individual tends to and does react in such cases.

Just identifying the problem does not help in the long run. The next step is rectification of the problem and to retain the excellence thus acquired. In majority of the tests, percentile is considered over percentage; percentage is that something that one is accustomed to since 1^st Grade at the school. Now that one is taken by a surprise with this thing known as percentile, it is very important to understand and plan aptly so as to get the maximum out of the same. To be precise, percentile can be easily defined as percentage of people or test takers who scored less than what you did. Wouldn’t you like if you could be ahead of the whole pool of test takers? The answer is undoubtedly a BIG YES! Now that is the definition of a 100 Percentile Score. Simply isn’t it? Trust me, it is.

One just has to make sure that one does not chase the score and focus on the attempt instead. It is really not that you have to attempt 100 percent to achieve 100 percent in such tests, even with an attempt as less as 50-60 percent, one can achieve a hundred percentile score. One just needs to focus on one’s strengths and the sections that have questions from the topic one is confident about. For instance, a student with expertise in reasoning may not be a master of vocabulary or vice-versa. As long as you can put all your might to get the questions of your proficiency level correct, no one can deprive you of a celebrated score. So get your heads up and hit it spot-on!

Happy learning!

From Parantha to Pizza!

I walked to the table next to the one that the cutest girl in the restaurant had occupied. She was dressed in the finest of the Indian silk that could have ever been produced. The loops hanging I gazed at her and then he walked to her and greeted her! It was the waiter, not her boyfriend that I am referring to. I somewhat developed an inquisitiveness for what her order would be. There she went – “I would have…. ummm… chicken lasagna with a goblet of sparkling water”. The replica of true traditional Indian turned into something that made me ponder over the emergence of the new ‘Parantha to Pizza’ times!

As we sit on our desk and wonder what to order for dinner after a long day at work, jotting options would surely not be a Herculean task. At the same time, choosing from the options we come across is indeed a task that takes up most of our time. The four page, take-away menu sitting on our desk does not ease the things a bit either. We think to zero it on something and ditch the idea for we know it may be too full of calories and spices and not sure what else. It looks like the immensity of the options to choose from often leaves us baffled when it comes to the hour of choice.  

Not only the delicacies but also the places to eat at are increasing towards an all time high. The city no longer satiates its hunger at the chosen few, old-school eating joints where one would be welcomed by a gatekeeper dressed in red, served by a server in black and white. The city has indeed seen a major shift towards the non-contemporary restaurants and eating joints. No doubt that the choice of food offered at the fast food joints may not be the best in a dietician’ book but when asked to comment on the same, Mohit – an MBA student replies “I don’t care”. One would surely give a nod to fast-food because it is ‘easy to grab’ and as the name itself suggests – apt for the FAST pace that we seem to be running at today.  The city now offers almost every chain of fast-food restaurants that only the metros did a few years ago. Just for instance, the Café Coffee Day outlets are now spread across the city and grabbing a piping hot cup of latte is not synonymous with a 30 minute drive to the outlet, like it was till a few years ago. Same implies to the famous pizza brands like Domino’s and Pizza Hut. On the move, at a party, in a meeting – pizzas are just a phone call away. Every time I develop a craving for a cheesy, delectable pizza; I ask myself “Hungry Kya?” and to answer that I dial the number and order my favorite with extra cheese!

It just does not end here; more of the international brands are entering the market as of recent weeks.  With Taco Bell after opening its first Indian outlet in Bangalore, may have the city as its next favorite destination to float a franchisee at. We the dwellers will welcome it with open arms and add another link to the chain that spells the revolution from Parantha to Pizza!

Great academics, stunning looks, crisp accent and a turn-down at the job interview – this is what happened with Sohail, a management graduate who appeared for a job interview but failed to get through for a reason that he can’t figure out.

Not just Sohail, a lot of us wonder and ponder over what apart from a good qualification, looks and language sets apart the best from the average. The problem just exists tin understanding that what makes the difference and also in applying what it takes.

No Tees please…

It is widely known that to carry oneself around professionally, one should replace the tees in the wardrobe with collared shirts. T-shirts present a casual and informal essence of one’s psyche. On the other hand, collared shirts are synonymous with professional appearance and style. Evidence very much is visible in the dress codes of corporate houses across the globe.

What fit fits?

Today the trend has shifted from the traditional chosen few to a myriad of styles and fittings. Skin fit is the one that has entered the corporate arena too. A skin hugging shirt with crusty collars just adds to the exquisiteness of the attire and persona both.

Spectrum is wide…

True! The spectrum of colors is wide and what color to wear is indeed another mind-boggling issue that worries most of us. Natural and subtle shades are often the one that should to be worn at work, whereas vibrant and much brighter ones can be worn at parties or over the weekend just to add a tinge of delight in the mood and attire.

What’s with trousers?

Flat front? Pleated? Khakis? It is a perplexity that haunts us all. Trust us, as long as you can match a fine shirt with any of the types of trousers, it can make things beyond just fine. Ironed, clean and fitting – three traits those need to be taken care of though.

Ties break the tie…

Sounds Poetic? But true! A tie can make a huge difference in the way one is perceived by the onlookers. Ties too are to worn and chosen in contrast with the color of shirt put on. It is history when ties were endorsed solely in winters, even the summer apparel can be beautified with an addition of a tie in the said. But, make sure that the tie you wear is crisp and clean for the icing on cake, if not good – soils the taste.

Cufflinks? Ahem Ahem!

If you just coughed on the mention of cuff links, this is exactly what the bystander would do on the head-turning look that you and your cufflinks would result in. The said is best for the days when you are to walk-in for an interview or for a dinner at the finest diner in the town with your boss.

Whew! That dust sucks!

We always are way too cautious about our dressing and the things related but often fail to notice one factor that turns things upside down. Yes, if you guessed it right – we are discussing footwear. Floaters and sneakers don’t go well with a groomed soul that a professional ought to carry in him. Wear shoes, wingtips or slip-in, they both work best when it comes to official and professional dressing sense. Polish them till they luster, the shine should match the one you strive to carry on your face.

For those who are tired of following a preset style when it comes to clothing, fusion is the thing that would eliminate the monotony and give dressing and clothing a new definition. Sounds unheard of? Too scared to experiment? Pour the worries down the drain and get ready to give yourself a head turner look.

Dressing, since the earlier ages has been a mania. True essence of dressing does not end with wrapping a piece of cloth around the waist; it in fact is more about innovation and addition of that ‘extra-edge’ – the one that bridges the gap between hmmm and wow! Not just about how you feel, carrying yourself but also about what others perceive from that look that you carry around, no matter even if when wearing a plain white tee. Undoubtedly, I will hesitate to spend a fortune on shopping clothes every month from the tiny paycheck I get. So why not do something that would keep my wardrobe and pocket both rich and full? Once again, the answer lies in fusion. The typical mix and match theory while buying your favorite snack at the grocery store does help here too. The insanity of designing own combinations, conquering the high costs involved in shopping will surely bring a smile on your faces, wouldn’t it?

The mix-n-match theory requires a correct methodology to start with. Diversity and variety is the first in the list. Have a wardrobe that is rich with a gamut of tank-tops, some cool Tees in vibrant shades and a bunch of denims or cargos to go with the aforesaid. For a sensual date, black can do wonders especially when clubbed with leggings. Another part that multiplies the grace is bangles. Today, thick bangles and ornaments that flaunt bead-work are in and the traditional gold and platinum is nearly out. The lust for fusion and innovativeness should be visible in the approach you use to define a ‘newer’ self.

Stop there! I haven’t finished talking. There is a little caution that needs to be exercised while performing the mix and match because overdose of the fusion drug can be a little damaging too. True and rational judgment blended with know-how of colors and combination is required to achieve the most from our innovation. Accessories should be treated accessory and not primary in the fusion-age. Also don’t forget – Fusion like whiskey, loses its significance when in excess!    

If you really understand and follow that something, which can help you succeed in fusion dressing – two words can summarize it all “Watch-out Boys!”