My Airtel, My App!

Mobile phones are no more the virtual world. The world of mobile phones is the real world. From paying your bills to connecting to your near and dear ones, the mobile world enables and empower you to save your time, money, and energy.

So, Let's shake it!

Don't take me otherwise. I am talking about My Airtel App. And why am I asking you to shake it? Let me explain in this post in the shortest possible way. 

Because that's how it works. You shake it and it throws at you amazing offers, customized plans, mind-boggling data packs, and a lot many surprises. The App Interface is simple and doesn't confuse you with too many details. You need a recharge, enter your number,  enter amount and get done with it.

For special occasions like your birthdays, it offers you surprises and special packages. 

The second best thing is adding tasks/actions to I Want To feature. With an App like this, you can do multiple things like recharging your mobile phone or taking care of your DTH connection. I Want To feature helps you to save your favorite actions at one place so that you can save time and cut to the chase in case you want to speed up the recharging process. 

A one stop solution to all your daily need tasks. No need to go through the tedious process of logging in, entering amounts, and then waiting for the browser to load. Single click solution. 

Last but not the least, the Calculator feature is another gem. Depending upon your usage, you are allowed to choose your data plan. And how exactly you calculate your daily usage? That's what this Calculator does. It asks you various inputs like the number of web pages you browse on a daily basis, number of songs/apps/games worked online on a daily basis. And then it performs some arithmetic and the best suited plan according to your needs is what you are told to take up.

So let the app do all your math while you enjoy your web experience at the best rates. 

So you read 50 odd articles in a day, listen to a couple of songs on music apps, and watch few videos online, My Airtel will calculate your approximate data usage and offer you the best available plan according to your needs.

Why spend more than you actually need to?

The App doesn't even occupy much space on your mobile phone and is quite light to handle even on the basic smartphones. All you need is a sound Internet connection and rest all will be taken care by the app.

In a nutshell, My Airtel App is the simplest way to manage all your airtel services through your handset. 

#EkNayiLeague with Kapil Dev!

The man who got us our first Cricket World Cup is inviting us again to join hands with him. A grand venture of sorts. Just that he wants us all to guess before he formally announces what his venture is all about.

He names it #EkNayiLeague. It all started with Kapil Dev asking celebrities to guess about his New League on twitter. He invited sports-persons and celebirities from all walks of life to be a part of his league. He just fell short of inviting the Prime Minister of India to join his league as well.

So now what this New League would be all about?

A sports league on the lines of IPL? Or a TV Series show where Kapil will invite celebrities to share their stories with him? Or some new online show where people will participate by means of Social Media Channels?

Before we make our guesses about this new league, let's have a look at a video where Kapil Dev talks about his new league.

All our lives we have been told that if you put your heart to your work, nothing can stop you from achieving what you want. Even Kapil Dev has said the same on numerous occasions, while commentating or while being interviewed by various channels.

However, while giving us clues about the new league, Kapil Dev clearly mentions not to khelo dil se because if you do that, you lose.

The Subtle Hint

However, there lies a subtle hint in the image shown above. Kapil is pointing towards his head. So what does that mean? 

My first guess would be a Quiz Contests of the celebrities. Most probably related to Cricket in particular or Sports in general. So you don't have to be emotional while you play this league. All you have to do is to apply your brains and think real deep so as to win this league.  

And because the word is Ek 'Nayi' League, most probably all the money involved will go to charity. My optimistic guess would be donating all the prize money to the victims of natural calamities across India. That's what would make it a new league for sure. 

My second guess is about the involvement of general public. A quiz contest between the celebrities and general public. Wouldn't that be innovative and fascinating? If public wins, they take their prize money home. If the celebrity wins, they donate all their money to the victims of natural calamities. 

A win win situation for all the stakeholders.

So that's what I think this new league would be all about. What's your guess?

You can mark your guess at EkNayiLeague and if your guess is any good, who knows, you might as well win 100,000. And a chance to meet Kapil Dev as well.

Redefining the Smartphone experience with Asus Zenfone 2

The world is inside a tiny little box called a smartphone, not virtually but literally. From paying your bills online to shopping online, a smartphone can do almost anything that you ask it to do for you. Probably the world of smartphones is the fourth dimension these Hollywood walahs often talk about.

The first time I saw an Asus Zenfone was last year when one of my friends was showing off his device. With all the cost vs features comparison done, I think he wasn't wrong boasting about his new phone that was literally smart. 

Image: Asus 

The company has fired another shot from its armory and this time they have come up with a heavy performer namely Asus Zenfone 2, an improvement over its predecessors.

How is it going to redefine my smartphone experience, let me explain in brief points in this blog post.

1. A solid and sturdy design has always attracted end users. We, as the end users, know it. Asus as a manufacturer knows it. They have done a major overhaul to their design, not that the previous generation was ugly, and that is one genuine factor to look up to this device. With the volume button pushed to the back and an improved screen to body ratio, this phone surely will redefine your experience.

2. So, is it one of those devices which look good but lag badly? No. It's a marvel of Power and Beauty, in the Lap of your Hand, that's how the company describes it and they ain't wrong about it one bit. Powered with a 64 bit quad core engine and backed by a 2-4 GB dual performance RAM, this phone just doesn't fly. Anything else, like running n  number of apps or working with a heavy photo editing software, this device can do anything.

3. In a small-town like mine, Asus offers post sale services. I wouldn't take a guess how effective these guys must be in the cities. Post sale services have often remained a major problem in Indian scenario. However, my experience with ASUS (in a small Himachali town) is beyond all expectations. Not even the other marketing giants could offer me what ASUS could. So, on that front too, this device is going to change your behavioral pattern towards service centers.

All said and done, Asus also intends to empower you with its accessories too. A loaded power bank and a stylish earphone set is just round the corner. Quite unlike others, you'll not be left alone after the launch.

So go ahead and take a chance. Redefine your smartphone experience with ASUS Zenfone 2.

The real zen has arrived. Go meet the Godsent. And do talk about your experiences because sharing happiness is what the learned beings do. 

The Day of Happiness

What does happiness mean to you? Tell us about the simple things that make you happy.

This question leaves many dumbfounded, looking for a perfect explanation. However, the question answers itself. It’s those simple things that you enjoy doing that lead to the happiness galore.

Image Source: Coca Cola

The greatest deception is that money makes one happy. By that logic, the natives of Qatar, Singapore, and Brunei would be the happiest. Similarly, people living in Andhra and Maharashtra would be called the happiest.

But is that so? The answer is NO. 

The answer lies elsewhere. Its those simple little things that we do on a daily basis that make us happy. For me, it's being with the mountains that makes me happy. It's being with my wife by the end of day that makes me happy. 

Believe me, there is nothing better than being in the mountains (the places you love) with someone you love. No GDP figure can beat that moment.

A couple of days out in the wilderness with your beloved can make you forget all the worries and pains of the monotonous 9 to 5 life.

And its not that you feel happy and contended only when you are out in the jungle. Happy moments lived together with your family and dear ones is the best thing that one can look forward to by the end of the day.

Personally, I love to spend time together with the family and when I am not with them, I always crave to go out and meet my other family; the extended Himalayan family that always greets me whenever I visit them.

Why I Love These Mountains?

George Mallory, the great British Mountaineer, when asked why he wanted to climb the Mount Everest, quipped, "Because it's there."

The divine charm of these mountains is something that can't be described in words. A casual talk with the mountain folks, a nice Himalayan symphony, a walk across the treacherous hilly slopes, a day spent in the lap of the Mother Nature; all these little nothings of life help us value our life even more.

The way mountain folks lead their simple lives and spread smiles among their visitors is something to look up to. Their lifestyle and their needs are minimal but the amount of happiness they possess is infinite.

All this, all little sweet nothings of life, which we ignore otherwise hold great importance in our lives. This TVC by Coca Cola summarizes the idea of happiness in just under 30 seconds.

Watch happiness dancing on your computer screens. And remember that it's sweet little nothings of life that count in the long run. The idea of happiness is not to run behind the mirage. Once we start valuing sweet little nothings, everything else falls in place automatically.

Be Happy!

The Idea of #DigitalIndia

Technology helps every single stakeholder because it brings accountability into the picture. A document drowned in the ocean of files in a public office might take years to come out in the full public view but a comment posted on a Social Media Page, or an email sent to the Office Bearer is always traceable.

Image Source: Intel

The Public Officer Connect

A couple of months ago, I had to visit the local SDM Office for the routine task of updating my driving license. It took me three weeks to get the job done. I ran out of patience after one week and tried to meet the office in-charge, the Sub Divisional Magistrate. But he was outstation, as one of the ministers was in the town.

So, what did I do? I took to Facebook. 
The Facebook of the District Deputy Commissioner that was launched by the Chief Minister of the State only a couple of weeks ago. Within three hours, I was given the copy of my license.

Afterwards, the SDM himself got in touch with me and specifically asked me to help him setup an online page for his office as well.

Technology helps bridge such gaps, the gaps between the general public and the bureaucrats, the gaps which have unfortunately grown so wide that only technology appears to be the last resort of filling those voids.

There are many such stories that we come across various social media platforms, where government officials interact with the public. Ministers, Police Commissioners, Passport Offices; everything is online. The public can talk to those who matter any-time, all you need is a working Internet Connection.

There are online complaint redressal systems. One doesn't need to go to through the painful hierarchical set-up of meeting the clerks, babus, and Officers in person. 

Another example of how e governance systems work. Have a look!

1. You have a grievance but want not to reveal your identity, file an online complaint.
2. You want to raise a demand but don't have the time to visit the head office, file an online demand. 

A single click will do the job. #DigitalIndia is rising fast and we all are a part of this ongoing process. 

The Public Government Connect

And it's just not about the complaints any-more. It's no longer 'We against the Government' scenario any-more.

The moment new PMO Portal was launched, I wrote to the Prime Minister. And the reply was beyond my expectations, within 24 hours.

Such proactive steps help build trust in the governments. When the people trust its government and the government addresses queries, one common objective of Nation Building becomes achievable.

A cursory glance through the eGov website and you'll understand what I', trying to say. There are real people participating actively in the campaigns organized by the government. There are ideas flowing all around, which are being implemented by the government in the real time.

There are new things coming out of the closet of our new tech savvy government, like the Digi Locker. A one step solution for carrying all your documents at one place. Like the newly designed web-portal of IRCTC. With the ever increasing reach of mobile phones in India, technology is not only going to bring accountability but it will also help us save a great deal of effective man-hours.

In 2013, it was reported that the Indian mobile subscriber base was a whopping 795 millions, which was estimated to go past the 1100 million mark by the end of 2020. And with our new government rolling out a new interactive portal for public participation and opinions, things are going to move in the right direction only.

The first step towards a great relationship is trust. If the government and public relation is backed by trust founded on the strong foundations of technology, a bright future certainly awaits the Indian horizons.

A digitized India is going to be a reality soon. All it needs is active participation of each one of us.

Getting a Better Car with Quikr NXT

It's a never ending battle of making your cars better and also trying to be better yourself ~ Dale Earnhardt

With Quikr NXT, things are becoming much better than what they used to be. Like selling your old car for a better one the Quikr NXT.

A better doesn't necessarily mean a new one. This might sound little confusing but stay with me here, let me show you how it works with Quikr.

I have long fantasized about selling my  dad's car because that's quite an old make. It belongs to one of those species, which if kept standing inside your garage will rob you off your monthly savings. And if they are taken to the outdoors, they'd cost even more because panting and giving up is a characteristic property of such cars.

Basically, damned if you park it, damned if you run it. But there is always someone out there looking for an update.

What you have might not be good for you, but it certainly doesn't mean that it's not good for anyone.

If I were to replace my his car, I'd certainly make use of the vast buyer-seller network of the Quikr World. Here are four best things that you can do on Quikr.

1. Browse through hundreds of available models. You don't have to visit multiple showrooms to find your deal. It's your one stop deal. Any make, be it vintage or the regular Indian Car, everything is just one click away.

2. There is always someone who is willing to upgrade. Upgrade to a new car, or a new make, by selling his/her current car, which might be far far better than your current car. There you have it. All you have to do is to make the right connection.

3. You are on your own here. No pressure of the salesman constantly nagging with you. You like it, go ahead and buy it. You don't, you don't have to feel embarrassed of walking out of the showroom. Actually you don't even walk-in, so no question of walking out either.

4. The best part being, you can ask anything about the car, read about it, find customer reviews, and then make your mind.

With all these guidelines in the place, I'd like to trade off my father's car with someone who is willing to let his upgrade be my upgrade.

If I were to make my move, I'd buy an old car that's waiting an upgrade in the market. Such cars come off cheap and if it happens to be your lucky day, you might as well hit the jackpot.

For instance, sample this

A 2010 Dzire selling for just under 400k. And you have all the options of virtually looking inside the car, giving a call to the owner, or if your shy types, chat with the owner.

So, if ever I get lucky with my dad, I'd definitely go with the Quikr World. Where hundreds of buyers meet thousands of sellers. All of them looking for an upgrade. :)

And remember folks, an upgrade doesn't always mean buying a new one. Getting lucky on Quikr is the new up-gradation.

Go Quikr!  The best place for upgrades.

Valentining with Asus Zenfone

Let's cut to the chase straightaway, I do love my real valentine, but its equally true that without a virtual valentine, the love affair would be incomplete. Some may choose a TV, or some may choose a popular gaming device, but I'd like to go with something that sort of comes as an All in One Package. 

A multifaceted device, you see! 

What better than an Asus Zenfone as your first second valentine. :D

Here I write my 5 reasons to have the Asus Zenfone as my valentine of this season. And I'm sure by the time you finish reading my thoughts, you too will be head over heels like me drooling over the features of this amazing device. 

1. Love at First Sight

Its not possible to explain love in words, even difficult if it is love at first sight. I mean, looking at the figure, I mean specs of this amazing device, who wouldn't fall in love with this spectacular work of technology. Have a look at this classy gadget. Isn't it beautiful? 

2. Fun Camera, Great Memories

With great camera, comes brilliant photographs. Armed with a powerful 13MP camera, ASUS fone is one hell of a Memory Caretaker. And with all those stylish tweaks, you can add special colors and flavors to your memories. The camera stays with you, no matter how bad your mood is. The camera never complains too, no matter how ugly you look. Even if you are straight out of the bed, the camera will smile flash back at you, without complaining. 

3. Colorful Companion

A colorful companion with no mood swings. Style it, own it, and customize it in your own way. And it doesn't even look fat. There are more colors to this device than all your moods and shades combined. A great way to color your life beautiful.  :D 

4. Soda Lime Glass

It has nothing to do with the beverage you were fond of drinking as a child. It's the latest and the sharpest. Just like your alter ego. Crystal Clear like the bright blue sky on a sunny day in the winters. And all you need is a wipe cloth to keep it that way forever. 

No aging problems, you see! 

5. This

If they can make a love advertisement like this, think what would they have done with the device. This is one of the finest ads I have seen. The message of love and ASUS has been subtly put forward. Don't believe me, just catch a glimpse of this beautiful #UnconditionalLove Ad. 

Are my five reasons not enough for you to rethink about your valentine options? :D

I know it isn't a difficult choice, go ahead, take a leap of faith....

No Fikar, Chat Quikr- Go Quikr NXT!

The world of instant messaging is fast, and unlike in the late 1990s when we used to waste our times in shady chat groups assuming ourselves to be anonymous, the new chat world is safe and secure.

Being anonymous and being safe are not the same thing. That's where Quikr Chat scores big. And Quikr App makes it convenient for you to have the entire Buy-Sell world in your mobile phone.

The app has been named Quikr NXT  and rightly so because mobile is the new virtual planet we are going to live at until our brains explode. Its the NXT Gen app that makes your online buying-selling experience as smooth as silk.

I downloaded the app and worked my way around it. Here is my take why this app is a brilliant idea.

1. No Guesses Please, Ask Direct Questions

I was going through a product listed on the site and not much info was given except for the name of the product and its make.

So what did I do? 

I simply dropped a message to the seller. And within minutes I received a reply from the seller and then we had a good talk about the product.

That is cool, isn't it? You want more information about the product, go ahead and ask the seller. And as a seller you want only genuine buyers interested in your product, you simply ask your prospective buyers to contact you over the chat.

Clutter free business environment. Quick and efficient.

You talk to the buyer as if you were chatting with your friend. Not all people are comfortable with the idea of chatting with strangers.

The chat features simplifies your options.

2. Want Details? See More Pictures 

The Quikr Chat enables you to share pictures of the product you intend to buy or sell. You want to see the inside of a book, go ahead and ask for a photograph. 

You want to see the IMEI number of a mobile phone as it is, go ahead and ask for a fresh photograph. That can't happen over a phone call unless you intend to make a video call to a total stranger. 

Chat helps you to think about the deal you are about to make. It gives you ample time to think and to respond. 

3. Can't Make Up Your Mind, Come Back Later

You can not only just chat but can also go through your chat history. Sometimes you just don't want the product but just the information. Over a phone call, you can't recall what was said by whom. But with a chat history enabled chatbox, its just a matter of few clicks to recall every detail. 

That gives you the option of coming back and never worrying too much about the details. 

4. Location Based Search

Want your options sorted down for you? Narrow your search options by specifying locations nearer to your place. 

Click on the sellers close to your place, where from you can either personally go and see the condition of the product you intend to buy or have easy courier facilities available.

Now click on the chat figure ans start talking. Ask as many questions and in as many words as you want. There's no word limit.   

And it might happen that your seller lives just next door to you.










This post is written for Get Quikr NXT campaign hosted at Indiblogger. 

The Great Indian Litterbug

Aswachh Bharat Mision is our National Motto. That's what appears to be the hidden agenda of our Indian brothers and sisters. 

No, you don't have to confuse it with 'Swach Bharat Mission' initiated by the Prime Minister of India. He is new to the system, he will fall in line sooner or later.

Image: GreatIndian by TOI

But we, the sons and daughters of Mother India know our game pretty well. Those white skinned firangis ruled us for hundreds of years but even they couldn't deter our spirit of keeping our surroundings dirty and messy.

We like our streets dirty, our hospitals even dirtier.

We like our offices messy, our rivers multicolored, mostly black.

But we like our malls clean, cars even cleaner.

Also, we like our teeth shining, mobiles dust free. 

Although, this reads like a randomly written statement but it surely qualifies to be a National Song because that's what our reality is.

These days we hear about people asking for Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and all other sort of awards. About time, we start awarding people of our great nation for what they do the best, littering every nook and corner of India.

So, I recommend  the Great Indian Litterbug Award to my dear brethren. Here's how you qualify:

1. You must keep your house, your car, and you mobile screen clean but not your streets.

2. You must throw your garbage outside the garbage bin placed in your residential area. You may as well start training your kids by asking them to shoot directly from your balcony so as to have multiple potential Indian Litterbugs Awardees in your family.

3. Spitting, which will be announced our National Sport within a decade, must be practiced religiously. You may as well organize spitting competitions, but only at Public Places. The crowded the place, better the chance of producing a future litterbug.

4.  Never listen to anyone who tries to put sense into you or your kid. Always confront whenever someone lectures you about keeping our streets clean. You may as well start throwing garbage out of your car on a busy street, and then pick fights with random strangers who don't do the same. This not only makes you popular but also adds to your Litterbug Quotient.

These five points are not just rules but they must be observed as commandments. Scientific studies suggest that Indians anyway follow all these rules, just that they need to work a little harder to be precise and consistent.

And when all these rules will be inculcated in our mind, body, and soul; nobody can stop us from achieving the greatness that once was ours.

The Great Indian will emerge victorious.

That's how our India will shine.

All hail the Great Indian Litterbug!

Quikr goes Bangalore!

Quikr has shifted its Headquarters from Mumbai to Bangalore. And that's welcome news for all Bangaloreans. Who wouldn't want India's largest classified company stationed in their home city?

All this reminds me of an old story! 

An old friend of mine wanted to buy a Yashica Camera. Actually, he wanted to surprise his father by gifting him the same camera that he had misplaced long ago. He waited for ten good years after he lost his dad's camera on a school trip. And guess where did he find the same camera? Yes, Quikr! :)

So we ran hither and thither in search of an old digital camera but it was not to be found anywhere. Surprisingly, during his stay in Chandigarh he came across Quikr and within two days he had the same old camera in his hands.

Quikr is that fast! So, as far as recommending Quikr is concerned, I will always say Yes. No middlemen, no fake promises, its all about two people interested in one thing, dealing one on one with each other. 

Image: The24Club

If I were relocating to Bangalore, I would certainly use Bangalore Quikr to my advantage. Having India's largest classified company at my disposal would be great. And now with their headquarters stationed in Bangalore, as a techie, I would prefer if they give me a job as well :D

Who wouldn't want to work for a great start-up like Quikr!

If I think about things I would need, If I were relocating to Bangalore, here goes my list.

1. A Bean Bag - What's life without a bean bag?

2. A Motorcycle - Moving around in Bangalore without your own vehicle is real pain. And buying a new one and then waiting to get all the clearance is even more pain. I'd rather buy an old one with a Bangalore number. So, Quikr is my best bet.

3. A Bed - I would like to sleep in Bangalore and surely that means buying a bed. Getting a fully furbished flat in Bangalore sounds nice but it also makes a huge dent in your pocket. There are techies moving in and out of Bangalore and they keep selling their stuff on Quikr. Finding a bed on Quikr is never a problem.

5. A Bride  Well, if luck works this way, why not give it a try! I have heard good stories of people finding their life partners through Quikr. Hopefully, Bangalore Quikr will bring some luck for me too :) 

Relocating to a new city is always a problem. You not only need new stuff but also need to know your way around the city. In that way, Quikr doesn't come across as an online trading platform only, but also helps you meet real people with real experiences. 

A Word About Quikr

4.2 million listings and 150 million replies. That's what Quikr means to India. A place where real people meet with real people in the virtual world and transactions happen in the real world. Quikr operations are spread over more than 900 cities across the country. So if you have anything to sell or buy, which isn't available anywhere else, Go Quikr!

Pangna Mahamaya - Homecoming of the Goddess!

The mountains of Himachal Pradesh have many traditions and most of them involve dancing, singing, and drinking. If you ever happen to witness the homecoming festival of a local deity, which means entry of the deity into the temple after it has come back from its visit to another deity, you will be enthralled by the joyous atmosphere.

The following video is the homecoming ceremony of the Pangna Mahamaya Goddess in the hills of Pangna, a small village located some 150 kilometer from the state capital of Shimla.

Not Just Charity, Safety too Begins at Home | #NSDF

I will start with two incidences, which show how funny and painfully ignorant our traffic sense is.

Why are you wearing a seat belt? That's not mandatory in the hills. You know, if a vehicle rolls down a gorge, how would a person unbelt himself and come out? 

This is a common misconception in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, a small mountainous state where I come from.  It is believed that a vehicle rolling down a gorge, which happens frequently because of poor roads, will even give a chance to a person to move or jump out of the vehicle.

Therefore, wearing seat belt is stupid. 

Are bhai, Punjab Police has told this to people living in cities. Those who live in a city  need not wear a helmet because it becomes difficult to ride through narrow lanes with a helmet on. Peeche dekhne me problem hoti hai. 

 Heard of rear view mirrors, anybody? 

Then there is the classic case of high-beamers. It doesn't matter to them if their vehicle is parked, or cruising through a well lit city highway. They love it to flash. In Chandigarh, after the city police started strictly imposing the rules and fining the high beamers, the number of high flashers came down like anything.

It's not that people are ignorant. They do know. It's just that they do not care!

Those who belong the era of late 1990s must remember the TV commercial with coconuts about importance of wearing helmets while riding a two-wheeler. The ad went something like "Marzi hai aapki, aakhir sar hai aapka" (Its your choice because after all the head too belongs to you).

Haven't you seen young kids zooming past you at absurd speeds while their helmets hangs from their elbows. Because it is believed that wearing a helmet on your head will reduce your chances of pataoing a girl. After all, womenfolk in India identify their soul-mates this way only.

It can't be scientifically argued that by what percentage, the chances of finding your soul-mate are increased by not wearing  a helmet.

But the chances of getting your head squeezed like a coconut surely increase by not wearing a helmet.  

These three incidents show that we do have bad, rather pathetic traffic sense but that is not beyond amends. Chandigarh is the best example of imposing traffic rules and making people fall in line.

To make India a better traffic sensitive place, we need the following three rules, to begin with;

a) Administration does their part, fining people is far better than giving posthumous compensation
b) People need to remember that helmet-coconut story, a head gone once can  never be retrieved.
c) Parents need to work harder with their kids. A lost life, that too of your kid, is probably the most painful experience of human life.
d) Safe driving as well as parking practices are the need of the hour. With out cities shrinking by the day, haphazard parking not only create traffic problems but it also leads to fatal accidents.

Traffic condition in India will improve only through Public participation because its the public that has to begin making sense. Safety Begins With Me by Nissan is One such initiative that must be talked about.

Nissan Safety Driving Forum brings on-board experts from public and expert space to talk about and share the ideas and benefits of Safe Driving Practices.  The campaign has already moved into its third year and every year a couple of new cities are covered under this program. 

An ideal way of raising awareness through public participation. 

Kali Ghaghari - Multiple Renditions

Remember we talked about a video by Laman Band. An old classical Himachali song rejuvenated by these guys.

I was looking for other variants of this song since Laman's video got out. Surprisingly, there are quite a few songs that have been reshaped and remoulded by different Himachali artists. And each one of those songs is different than the other one.

Have a look at them yourself.

India Rising - The Power of Voice to Clean India

India is rising. 

Historical evidence suggests that India needed a leader to free itself from the claws of its detractors. But not any-more! The times have changed and for good they have changed.

With the advent of technology, we don't need a leader to muster our courage. Technology has made authorities accountable for their actions. All it takes a 'responsible' citizen with Facebook, YouTube, Twitter or a blog to raise his/her voice.

Earlier, people used to talk in a hush-hush manner. These days people talk shout because technology enables them to do shout openly and seek their rights. And rightly so. Its not 1760 and we are not the snake charmers anymore.

We have been hearing a lot about 'Mission Clean India' these days.

Imagine our country free from dirt, filth, 'paan ki peek', and 'roadside -pee~ers'. Sounds impossible?

In the early 19th Century, a foreigner visiting America described it as 'filthy, bordering on the beastly'. 

The entire nation stood up against the demon of filthiness and all it took a determined lot of citizens to make USA what it is today. Today USA is one of the foremost nations that has made public cleanliness as its motto. 

If America can do this, India too can. And why restrict ourselves to just eradicating filth and garbage from our streets? If India can throw the mighty Britishers out, we sure can throw away corruption and unaccountability from our country.

And the magic of social media enabled with the weapons like Right To Information have made inroads into the 'sarkari departments' that otherwise lived under the impression of not being servants but the owners of this nation.

Moreover, the youth of this nation is no more a passive participant in the activities of National Interest. There are Social Activists, NGO's, and independent 'anonymous' groups cleaning our streets, protesting against corruption in colleges, and empowering kids against the evil of Eve Teasing.

Our streets are unclean? The Youth of this Nation has picked the broom
Our women are being harassed and molested? The youth of this nation has picked fight against the lawmakers and politicians.
Our officers are corrupt? The Youth of this nation is naming and shaming them in the public.

Dependency on the government has come down substantially and people are building their own future. People have learned to speak for themselves and technology has a great deal to do with this.

In short,  #AbMontuBolega! And who is Montu?

It's you! It's me. It's your friend, your relative, your distant cousin, and everybody in his friend circle.  

#AbMontuBolega is a campaign started by Strepsils to raise awareness among the Indians to stand up for what is right and just. The campaign brings stories from across the nation of common Indians standing up against the injustice and wrong.

You may follow the campaign on-line by following Strepsils India on Facebook 

Keep track of the campaign at twitter by following Strepsils India.

And I would like to say again what I have said already.

India is rising!

Laman, The Band - Reviving Old Himachali Folk Songs

Laman is a song-form that developed in the highlands of Himachal Pradesh ago. A group of three youngsters have given a new shape and outlook to this song-form by re-composing the old classical folk songs of Himachal Pradesh.

According to the Facebook Fan Page of the Band: The name laman is taken from the folk song form laaman which originated in himachal pradesh.This melodious song was  developed in the beautiful kullu valley but latter became an important part and blended with the diverse culture of whole himachal pradesh. This song form is highly romantic in nature and symbolizes the emotion of love. This is the reason that band has been named laman which is synonymous of love. Laman believes that folk melodies have immense power to keep people rooted to their basic inherent nature which is love and compassion.

The Band has come up with a new music video 'Kaali Ghaghari' that has become quite popular within three days of its release. Prior to that, 'Bhole Baba' was their melodious number that has already garnered more than 36000 views on YouTube.

However, the new song Kaali Gghaghari is a soul stirring number that has resurrected this old classical Himachali Song. Thie song features Renu Bhatia and she has done wonders with her eyes. 

Have a look yourself!

Arijit Singh Unplugged - Infinite Loop

Although Mohit Chauhan, the Pahadi boy is my favorite and I hate to admit that Arijit Singh has replaced him to an extent in the Hindi Film Industry.

I think Arijit Singh has a better voice than Chauhan Sahab' and that's why I have been listening to his songs on a loop for quite some time.

A treat for just not your ears but to your soul as well.

Traveling to the Mud Volcanoes of Pakistan with SkyScanner

Where would you like to travel to if you get an all expense paid trip someday?

I have been asked this question quite a many times and every time my answer was Pakistan. I got a chance to visit Pakistan in 2012 and since then I always wanted to go back to that country. My last trip was self sponsored but this time, thanks to SkyScanner, I have got an opportunity to travel to the far-off lands of Pakistan without hurting my pocket.

Why Pakistan?

I’d say why not Paksitan? Because Pakistan is not what we see in the movies or TV channels. Because Pakistan is another colorful country like ours. Because Pakistan must be visited at least once by all the Indians. That way we will understand our neighbor in a much better way. My perception about Pakistan changed entirely after my first visit. And also Pakistan has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And not to mention the grandest of all, five of the fourteen Eight Thousanders belong to Pakistan.

So without wasting any time on thinking about location, my SkyScanner journey would mean traveling to Karachi, Pakistan. And then off to the remote tribal lands of Balochistan where one gets to witness the divine confluence of Hindu & Muslim faiths. Followers of both the religions revere the Hinglaj Temple of Balochistan and that’s where I am going with SkyScanner.

The Other Side of India: Wagha Border, 2012

Although I wanted to travel more and spend less but because mode of entry/exit to Pakistan have to be same, and these are harsh summer times, so I have decided not to go by bus or train but take the aerial route. Flying to Pakistan via Sharjah and deliberately choosing a long wait flight so that I get to see the best of Sharjah. An evening walk in Sharjah, sounds fun, doesn’t it.

Al Noor Mosque,. Sharjah | Image: Dubai Chronicle

Now comes the fun part, treating myself with the luxurious stay at Karachi Marriott. If I saw the best of rural Pakistan in my last trip, I would see the best of luxurious Pakistan in the SkyScanner Trip for sure. A relaxing day while I stroll around the National Museum of Pakistan and Mazar –e-Quiad. Visiting old friends would also be on the agenda. And of-course, Karachi beaches.

If Indo-Pak rivalry is known across the world, so is the Indo-Pakistan hospitality. Every time I said I came from India, people refused to charge me anything. From auto guys to adventure clubs, they refused to take any money from me.

A walk across Pakistan bazaars is a heartwarming experience always. Stories of cricket, movies, songs, and pre-independence era always make you emotional.

Visiting Hinglaj – The Land of Mud Volcanoes

Mud Volcano, Hinglaj | Image: Bashir Osman Photgraphy

Now comes the adventure part, traveling to the remote lands of Baluchistan. Some 300 kilometers from the mainland of Karachi lies one of the most important pilgrimage sites of both Hindus and Muslims. While Indians call it ‘Hinglaj Mata’, the Pakistani’s call it ‘Nani Ka Haj’.

Close by lies one of the largest active mud volcanoes of the world, the Chandrakup Volcano. The sand dunes rising against the backdrop of Makran Mountain Ranges takes you back to the Spiti Himalayas. The land is barren and the mud volcano looks like a rising guardian protecting the pilgrims from the evils of the deserts. And if time and money permits, there are 18 more mud volcanoes in the region.

Then head back to Karachi, spend another blissful day at the Marriott. 

My Travel Itinerary 

Day1: Karachi - Sharjah - Karachi - Stay

Day2: Karachi - Hinglaj Drive - Stay At Inn

Day3: Trip to Mud Volcano

Day4: Hinglaj to Karachi

Day5: Return to India 

My Expenses

Initial Budget – 100,000

Air Fare (Return) – INR 40,630

Hotel Stay Marriott – Two Days – INR 20,000

Sharjah Travel Spree – INR 10,000

Food and Shopping – INR 10,000

Hinglaj Yatra Registration – INR 5,000

Taxi Fare – Karachi to Karachi – (approximate INR 20 per km for 327km) – INR 7540

Total = INR 93170/-

Meanwhile, I am still left with 8,000 in my kitty.

Karachi Sweets? Anybody! J

This post is a part of Skyscanner travel wizard activity at BlogAdda.com

The CarConnect Experience and Drive to Spiti

I came across Car Connect when I was surfing for feature comparison between Maruti and Chevrolet, as both of them had launched new hatchbacks (case in point Sail and Celerio). I browsed through the website and realized that the site was effortlessly smooth and also it did have a feature where users can not only share their car reviews but also drive experiences.

I also shared my Spiti Drive experience that we did in 2010. The road trip reminded of the marvelous views and amazing memories of the trip. Let me share an experience from that road trip here.

The journey started in July and we were told by a traveller friend that removed all our doubts regarding a Maruti 800 making across the Rohtang Pass (13000 feet) into the Lahaul Valley.

He said to us, “The machine doesn't matter. What matters is the courage of the person behind the wheel." At 21, you don't think much about the practical aspects and such one liners often pump up the adrenaline, and precisely that's what happened in our case too.

We ended up with a stranded Maruti 800 in the middle of the snow desert. But that we will talk about sometime later.

So we were talking about the features of Car Connect. The website sends you customized comparison sheets directly to your mailbox and that's what makes it a unique website. Also for the passionate ones, there is a special tab that talks about car news and new gadgets, which in my opinion is a good feature to keep the readers interested.

The user can submit as many drive stories or car reviews as he wants. There is no cap. Sharing your experiences and reading about the adventures of like minded people is a blissful experience. And then there is always the option of finding your name on the home page of the CarConnect.

Isn't that cool?

Currently, Car Connect allows only Facebook Login, which I think they must be working on. Because assuming all the users have an FB account, although not having a Facebook account in the current times is equivalent to blasphemy, but still it wouldn't hurt to have a normal login, along with other social logins like Twitter and Google Login.

I hope the Car Connect team has already taken notice of the same. Another interesting feature is keeping the User Community active by giving them badges and sharing top posts on the home page.

Who wouldn't want his/her name shared on a prestigious website like Car Connect?

The leaderboard feature along with find friends is another unique feature that helps the user to find people with similar interests.

Car Connect is all set to be the Carbook of the Internet World! :)

Arnab's Qtiyapa - Bollywood Style

The Viral fever has time and again produced satirical gems that take on the current socio-political situation of our country. This Arnab's Qtiyapa video is an absolute gem. What happens in Arnab's Circus every night at TimesNow is described in Bollywood Style.

A must watch!

You may follow The Viral fever on You Tube. 

Jack Nicholson Oscar Speech - As Good As It Gets

There are three Hollywood actors who have always inspired me; Jack, Bob De Niro, and Di Caprio. I was just browsing through You Tube and came across this award winning speech by Jack Nicholson for his role in As Good As It Gets.

Sharing the joy with you!