Vodafone #CelebratingSuper In Delhi NCR

Delhi has always been a story – historical, mythological, fantasy. There are tales revolving around the Indian Capital right from the time of Mahabharata. We have kings and queens, princes and princesses and brave warriors. We have Mughals, their conquests, the rise and fall, and the subsequent dynasties, and across the time line, we navigate through the British empire, their rule, and the Independence struggle, the freedom fighters, valour, and sacrifices. Delhi, to me, thus has always been a book, a conglomeration of snippets and stories, which enrich and inspire us.

Thus, when I decided to shift to Delhi a few years ago, my joy knew no bound. This was an avenue I had looked forward to, and was excited to explore. The historical sites, monuments, and the innumerable sightseeing venues lured me. And here I was, right in the heart of the Capital.

However, over the years, there have been changes. Change is inevitable, and with time, both good and bad changes have surrounded the city. It’s our tendency to generally complain of the bad changes, and we have fretted over the increasing pollution level in the city, the congestion, and the likes. The most alarming of these has been the rise in pollution, and several initiatives have been launched by Delhi Government over the years to bring a check to it. Some were accepted, some debated, and some discarded. However, the aim is to make Delhi a cleaner, better place to live.

Vodafone, a renowned brand in the Telecom industry, has come up with its own sets of cards to transform Delhi into a smart city and a better city. With multiple projects running simultaneously all over Delhi NCR, we can aptly term the initiative as #CelebratingSuper.

One of the most innovative campaigns by Vodafone was launched during Diwali this year. With the Supreme Court announcing a ban on firecrackers in Delhi NCR during the festive season, Vodafone came up with a healthier and environment friendly alternative. During the four days of festivity (from 16^th October to 19^th October), Super Crackers were being sold at 52 Vodafone stores across the Capital. The Super Crackers are eco-friendly water soluble papers in shape of crackers, containing soya or tulsi seeds. Thus, there won’t be any harm to the environment. In contrast, it would rather help in decreasing the pollution level of the city. When one uses these Super Crackers, the seeds of soya and tulsi will get deposited in soil, giving rise to more trees.

For those away from family and friends during the auspicious festival of Diwali, Vodafone has brought forth E-Phuljhari. The E-Phuljhari is a one of its kind personalized GIF greeting which can be designed and sent to the loved ones via social media. One has to visit the Vodafone store and design the E-Phuljhari as per his own customizations. The joy of Diwali can thus be shared even if you are far away from your own folks.

The current generation loves to dream big. They have a passion to excel and the desire to achieve. They have goals which they have set, and aspire to achieve them step by step. Several start-ups have come up in the last few years, paving way to innumerable employment opportunities. Vodafone, too, is playing a perfect role in helping these start-ups grow. It has launched a ‘Ready Startup Kit’, which creates solutions and provides help to start-ups, so that they can grow and establish themselves.

Who doesn’t want to breathe fresh air? Unfortunately, we are used to inhaling the harmful pollutants while waiting for public transport on roads. Thanks to Vodafone, this is going to change.  Vodafone has constructed an Air Purifying Bus Shelter in Safdarjung’s bus stand, one of Delhi’s busiest locations. People can now wait for their buses and inhale pure air. Vodafone is planning similar bus shelters in other parts of Delhi NCR.

Not just Diwali, Vodafone had also taken care that people enjoy Durga Puja by visiting pandals with ease and comfort. The Vodafone team had ensured wheel chair and support for differently abled people and senior citizens so that they do not face any hassles in pandals. The team distributed free water bottles to visitors and pandal hoppers in some of the prime locations in Delhi like C. R. Park, Sector 22 Dwarka and Indirapuram.

We want to stay connected all the time. Our smart phones are nothing without internet connection. Sometimes, we need to be connected on the go. For such purposes, Vodafone has setup free wifi hotspots in many parts of Delhi NCR. Now, even if you do not have mobile data, you can still connect to these wifi hotspots whenever you are outside and in need of internet connectivity.

Vodafone has been putting immense effort in making Delhi a beautiful place to live in. The #CelebratingSuper motto has been staying true to its name. However, that brings me to a question. Can’t we, as citizens of Delhi, also imbibe the culture of #CelebratingSuper within ourselves? Can we, as responsible residents of the state, and country, ensure proper hygiene around us? Delhi, or any other state, can become Super by our combined efforts. Let us pledge for the same, so that Delhi can shine gloriously and be the beauty that it deserves to be.

 Visit https://www.vodafone.in/home-delhi for more details.

Me, She And Tata Sky Transfer

I didn’t know her. Neither did she. Fate intervened, and we met.

We talked, we laughed, and yes, we liked each other. The bond grew stronger, sharing our day to day activities, discussing our lives, our future.

We got engaged, and after a few months of wait that seemed endless once upon a time, we tied the knot.

Life was beautiful. Marriage made it gorgeous. With a constant company to share the thoughts and feelings, things were turning out bright. We were the best of friends, the ideal life partner to each other.

And then, fate intervened, yet again.

We bought a new TV. Large screen, LED, with an awesome sound quality and even more amazing picture quality. It adorned one of the walls in the drawing room, shining with its superior looks. It was one of our proud possessions, until the day when we took cable connection.

Our house soon turned out into a battlefield. While she wanted to watch songs, I preferred news channels. I was more into current affairs, while she loved watching updates on Bollywood affairs. “Why don’t you read the news paper?” she asked, changing the channels. “Why don’t you listen to songs on FM,” I retorted, the remote now in my custody.

Cricket matches were interrupted not only by commercials, but also by her daily soaps. She complained that I didn’t let her watch the episodes of Bigg Boss as my favourite News Hour debate was on at that time. And so it continued.

And then, fate intervened, a third time.

I came to know about Tata Sky+ Transfer from an online ad, and immediately showed it to my wife. The idea was brilliant, the execution novel. We realized that if we install Tata Sky+ Transfer in our house, we wouldn’t have to worry about conflicting interests in regards to TV programmes. While my wife can watch her reality shows and movies on TV, I can transfer my favourite News programmes and Sports on my mobile or tab via wi-fi and watch them in leisure. The best thing was that we can both watch our respective shows together. There will be no who-owns-the-remote challenges, nor any competition to sit in front of the TV first. Life would be so much easier. We immediately decided to go for it, and change our TV viewing into a splendid and rocking experience.

Mobile entertainment has an all new exhilarating definition thanks to Tata Sky+ Transfer. Handheld devices will broadcast our favourite shows and channels, whenever we are, wherever we are. I often have to travel almost an hour in bus to reach my office. I can easily watch my favourite shows on my mobile device that time, having recorded them earlier. Long journeys will no longer be boring.

Who doesn’t like to watch TV? After all, everyone has a particular choice of programmes, with our varied preferences of entertainment. As such, Tata Sky+ Transfer is a great initiative that will cater to everyone. It is Television viewing for the future – innovative, easy, and people friendly.

This is my official entry to '#TATASkyTransfer' contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Tata Sky+ Transfer.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.tatasky.com/transfer/

For The Foodie In You Now, TinyOwl Is Wow

“Honey, do you know what day it is today?” she asked me on a morning Friday.

I thought and thought, but the day being too hot, my mind grew numb, my memory needed a shot.

I stayed quiet, not knowing if I would speak right.

“Fine. Keep sleeping till nine. You don’t even remember the date, and that’s why you I hate.”

The kitchen banged, the utensils clanged, spoons danced in haze, knives and forks flew in rage.

Oops, it was her birthday, but before I could realize, I had already ruined her day. Her mood was spoilt and her anger boiled.

"On your birthday I shall bake a cake, with your name written on top, and decorations I will make. A lavish meal on the table, my sweetheart I promise, this birthday you will forever cherish," my words rushed back to my mind, the vows I had once made with all flavour and shine.

I made a mess, and thus I had to handle the case, with care and caution, I tried to find a right reason.

"My dear wifey, how can I miss your birthday cutie? I just wanted to give you a surprise, trust me 'cause I speak no lies."

She remained silent, at least that was better than being violent.

Actions speak louder than words, they say. I decided to find out a way. I rushed to the kitchen, and started the oven. Luckily, the ingredients were all in stock, and I had to race against the clock. Delays should no longer hold my path, the cake should make her smile and laugh.

I turned on the LPG cylinder knob and subsequently the stove, and what happened next marred my hope. The flame didn't ignite, something was not right, I lifted the cylinder and realized it was too light.

No gas in the cylinder, couldn't fate be any kinder?

But hey, there was the oven, the cake was baking even. I decided to prepare the meal in it, once the cake turns out beautiful and fit. Minutes passed in lazy hue, the morning threatened to embrace the noon, when finally the cake was ready, soft and mushy. I took it out, placed on the table, decorations were next, my heart now stable.

I inscribed her name in creamy white, the icing on chocolate made her eyes shine bright. She gave me a hug, a peck and a kiss, and I ran back to the kitchen for the rest of her wish.

The meal now left, and I turned on the oven. But hey, why this malice, why this treason? The fans turned off, the lights disappeared, the electricity in our house suddenly acted weird.

A power cut in our locality, and with neighbours discussing loud, I guessed what it was all about. Rain had started in full flow, without an indication of the torrents turning slow. There had been a major fault in one phase, and power supply wasn't expected for the rest of the day. What could I do now? My plan had gone astray, wow!

I was sulking over my failure, when I heard her sweet voice near, "It's ok hubby, don't be sady. You tried your best, do not turn your mood into waste. I shall cut the cake now, and share a slice. We shall sing and dance, and it will be all nice."

She cut the cake, and we did celebrate. And then by the window, we talked and waited.

Finally, after a couple of hours, the skies dried in our favour. We went out for lunch, albeit a bit late, but alas, that was in our fate.

Now, when I look back to that day, I realize things could have turned out in a better way. With TinyOwl app in our smartphones, we could have ordered dishes from the comforts of our home. Just a few minutes, and a click was all needed, and the desired menu would have been served in a plate. No need to wait for the rain to stop, or the sun to hop, we could let our taste buds have fun all round the clock.

The app is Tiny, and attentive as an Owl, and thus using it you would never cry foul. It's a blessing to your cell, and trust me, life would turn to be all well. You do not have to befriend hunger, food will be available just around the corner.

I use TinyOwl today, and will use it in future, 'cause ordering food have never been easier. You can choose the stores, and the menu on offer, there are no hidden costs, a reason for your laughter.

I recommend the app, whether Android or iOS, go download it now. The foodie in you will surely shout 'WOW!'

This is my official entry to 'Food Tales with TinyOwl' contest organized by Indiblogger in association with TinyOwl.

Check out the download links below:

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flutterbee.tinyowl&referrer=af_tranid%3D3ST3WXX81YXXHWD6%26c%3DWebsite%26pid%3DWebsite-Android-1-

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/IN/app/id916154166?mt=8&pt=Website-iOS-Download&ct=NONE

Dry Baby, Happy Baby

Being the eldest among my cousins, I was often assigned the task to baby sit them when my uncles and aunts or other elders of the family went out. I liked it. I, actually, love playing with babies, ‘cause they have that innocence in them which rids away all your worries and anxieties. Their cuteness makes you forget all the negativities surrounding you, drenching you with new happiness and pleasures. Babies are beautiful, and when they are smiling, they make the whole family, and the entire world seem wonderful.

My little cousin who is just a couple of years old is one of the sweetest kids that I have come across. Always smiling, and willing to play, I love to take him in his lap and walk around the park in the evenings. There are a few rabbits there, and he likes chasing them, walking or crawling as speedily as he could after them. I sit on a bench and watch him. Perhaps, even the rabbits know that he is only a child, and thus, instead of galloping away from him, they linger close by, joining in the play.

However, you should see him in the kitchen (yes, you heard me right), as he is all destined to be a future Master Chef. He loves to play with the potatoes, and the carrots, holding them in his little hands, and then placing them again in the basket. Sometimes, it will seem like that he is counting, even though he hasn’t learnt numbers yet.

Another activity of his that I love is his constant giggle while watching cartoon shows on TV. Tom and Jerry seems to be his favourite (it’s mine too), and we watch it together sometimes. He mimics Jerry’s acts, while I have to play the role of the poor cat Tom. And that reminds me, often I have to obey his command and become a horse, with he riding on my back.

I love playing with him. However, sanitation and health is an important factor in ensuring the child is happy. When he is with me, I make sure he is fed his cereals whenever he is hungry. Also, I keep his bottle of milk handy. His basic toilet needs are also taken care of diapers. But they also need to be changed regularly, else the child gets wet and his mood is spoilt.

However, Pampers Baby Dry Pants is a revolutionary technique to keep the baby’s skin dry and healthy for as long as twelve hours. That’s exactly what my aunt buys for my cousin. Thus, the kid is always jolly and charming, and hardly cries. Moreover, it gives the elders the freedom to do other household tasks while the kid is busy engaged with something, not worrying about him getting wet. After all, a dry baby in turn is a happy baby.

Check the official page of Pampers Baby Dry Pants here:

https://www.rewardme.in/tag/Pampers

I agree to ensure (to the best of my abilities and circumstances) that this blog post will remain accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year.

Let's Look Up To Optimism

I was tired, angry and frustrated. And I had my reasons. No, I am not the type of guy who keeps complaining about every little thing in life, but when dreams do not get fulfilled, it does hurt, very badly.

As days and weeks passed by, the wait was proving to be an unending one. Jobs interviews were turning out to be an irritating affair, and with every passing failure, my confidence was diminishing bit by bit. When would destiny smile on me? When would I be able to hear the precious words ‘You are selected’?

I had neither a clue, nor an idea as to what to do next. I stopped talking to people, my family and my friends. I stayed locked in my room, all day, contemplating about what life has to offer. Was this my fate? When would the sun rise?

Another failed interview and I was on my way back home. It was a hot May afternoon, and I was thirsty. I stopped outside a road side stall where lime water was available for a few rupees. A little boy, who was probably in his early teens, manned the shop.

I asked for a glass of cold lime water. He obliged and I paid him. He then pointed towards his left, where a food stall stood, asking me if I wanted anything to eat. Towards his right, I also noticed an ice cream cart.

“Do you manage all these three shops all by yourself?”

“Yes Sir,” he said.

“But what about your parents? They should send you to school. They can take care of these shops.”

He was silent for a few minutes, and then replied, “Sir, my father is blind. My mother is sick and weak. I cannot let them work in such conditions. I am their only child, the light of their future. I have big dreams, for me and my parents. But we are born poor. We cannot afford medical facilities. Hospitals charge a lot. How can I get the money? The only way is to work, and that’s what I am doing. I go to morning school, and then work from afternoon to night, saving whatever little I can. I will be a doctor when I grow up, treating my parents, and every poor person in this country free of cost.”

I was taken aback by his firm resoluteness. Here I was, wondering about job interviews, sitting in my leisurely home, having all the basic needs of life, and yet stooping down with minor failures. On the other hand, this little child had a smile on his face inspite of facing such hardships and struggle at such an early age. When I was in my teens the only worry used to be regarding my mathematics home work, but this kid was handling personal turmoil each and every day.

Suddenly, out of the blue, he asked, “Are you upset about your life, Sir?”

I was numb. I nodded.

He smiled again, and said, “Don’t be. Life actually moves in a rhythm. After every low, comes a high, and vice versa. You might be experiencing a bad time now, but tomorrow will be a new day, a new dawn. Trust me Sir, life isn’t as bad as it seems. There are people who are worse affected than you and me. But we have to go on. If we don’t move through the dark, how can we come out in the light?”

His words left me amazed, a small child talking like a sage. “What’s your name, boy?” I asked.

The smile never left his face throughout our conversation, “My friends call me Chhotu. My parents have named me Swapn. They say I will fulfill their dream, someday.”

“So you will,” tears welled in my eyes. I left the place before he could see me cry. However, these were not tears of grief or sorrow, but instead they denoted a fresh enthusiasm and a mystical feeling of peace. I felt an ambiance of optimism all around me. People have struggles, but that’s what makes them strong. I decided to work harder, with renewed vigor. I sensed that good times are near, and they will approach soon.

Next month I got a job in a big multi national firm. My dreams were finally taking shape. After a month of joining, I was transferred to another city where I worked hard and grew higher up in my career.

A few years later, on one of my visits to my hometown, I was walking down the same path where I had met that boy on a sultry May afternoon. He was nowhere to be seen. His stall too was not there. I walked towards a neighboring shop and asked about the whereabouts of Swapn.

“Ah chhotu. Sir he has made us all so proud. He was offered a meritorious scholarship by the Government and has joined a medical college. Very soon he will be a doctor,” the shop owner beamed with pride.

I smiled, I laughed, and danced. Life indeed is about courage, strength, hope and optimism. Do not be scared of the dark. Instead, endure the pain, ‘cause the light isn’t too far ahead.

I looked up to the skies. The heavens rained in joy, drenching me and the world in new promises of tomorrow.

This is my official post inspired by Housing.com - Look Up.

Driving With Quikr NXT

I love cars. Different brands, different colours. - red, blue, black, white, and a whole flurry of shades that appeal to my senses. It doesn’t matter if they are brand new or whether they have been used before by others. What I do care about is driving them, on busy roads, open country side, amidst vast expanses of greenery, or on smooth textured highways. I want my car to be strong, beautiful and sustainable.

I have this whim of changing my four wheelers and buying something new after every three or four years. However, I also need options that are affordable, and thus Quikr NXT provides me the best platform as per my needs. One can browse it on desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile, as it is compatible with almost every device. Thus, you are always in touch with the latest sales and offerings, and can zero in on the one that attracts your attention.

I have a Maruti Alto that’s running since five years now. I decide to replace it with some other models to get a completely different feel. I log on to the Quikr NXT site, and select my City. After that, I click on the Cars and Bikes option. It immediately gives me a list of the Popular brands that are currently in trend, and also provides me the option to minimize my search by being specific with my needs. I want to try out a diesel car, and thus I click on ‘Fuel Type – Diesel’ option.

The options are galore. There are buyers looking for sellers, and vice versa. I make a few selections and then contact the respective sellers via chat. Quikr NXT gives me the comfort of not sharing my mobile number and yet interacting with the sellers, which I feel is a great initiative. I am impressed by a model of Figo Titanium and decide to go with it. I also need to sell my current four wheeler. Thus, I click pictures of it and post the same with details on the site. In a short time, I am contacted by interested buyers.

In just a few clicks I am able to replace my existing car with another model. It’s thrilling because I get to experience a whole new drive in an affordable budget. Plus, I can interact with the sellers and the buyers and clarify all my doubts. It’s the flexibility that Quickr NXT offers that makes it one of the best choices in the current scenario to replace and exchange your stuffs.

Quickr NXT is a revolution that brings a complete 360 degree shift to the way things are being sold and bought from others. It’s compatible features, along with the wide range of options that are exhibited, makes it the go – to destination for all your regular replacing and exchanging needs.

This is my official entry to Get a better Car with Quikr NXT! Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Quikr.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.quikr.com

I agree to ensure (to the best of my abilities and circumstances) that this blog post will remain accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year.

Pampering With Pampers

I had no clue about babysitting. I loved playing with babies, but when they started crying, I gave up. My attempts to console them went in vain, and I searched for resignation. I didn’t know how to console them and stop them from crying, but then as they say, time is a very good master. It teaches you all. And it taught me on one December day when I received a phone call from my aunt.

“Hi Amrit. You Uncle and I have to go out of town tonight on a business assignment. We will be back tomorrow morning. Can you please take care of your brother until we are back?”

I said yes, and then doubts crowded my mind. The baby was just a year old, and as such, would be throwing tantrums at whim. I had no definite plan to calm him when such situations arise. I said my prayers multiple times and went to my Uncle’s place at seven in the evening.

“Lock the door securely, and do not open it for anyone. We will be back by nine in the morning,” said Uncle and took his car out from the garage. Aunt kissed the baby and went and sat besides uncle in the car. Through the open window, they waved at me, and I closed the door once they were out of sight.

Little Abir was a playful child. I took out his toys from the cupboard and arranged them on the bed, watching him play. After a few minutes, he started scratching his head which I interpreted as a sign of boredom. Aunt had already fed him his dinner so I didn’t have to worry about it. However, I had to make sure his mind was kept engaged until he slept.

Until he slept! When would he sleep?

The baby came and sat in my lap, tugging at my specs. I handed him a teddy bear and he got busy with it. And then I felt a certain warmth on my trousers. Oh no. He wasn’t wearing a diaper.

The baby started crying. I kept him on the bed and ran all over the room, trying to find a diaper for him. Finally, in one of the open drawers, I noticed a pack of Pampers Baby Dry Pants. I quickly took one diaper out of it and made the baby wear it. He started smiling and giggling.

Ah, what a relief!

I arranged his little pillows and made him lie on the bed. I massaged his hands and feet and started singing songs that I know, lullabies that I have heard. Babies are sweet, they don’t judge you. They just want your love and company. After a few minutes, Abir slept. I too lied down beside him, but I knew my ordeal wasn’t yet over. When his diaper would get wet in the middle of the night, I had to get up and change it. This was going to be a long night, I thought.

I was wrong. I didn’t remember when I had fallen asleep. I woke up with the bright sun rays pouring into the room through one of the open windows. The wall clock said it was seven o’ clock. I looked beside me and found the baby sleeping peacefully. I was amazed. Didn’t the diaper get wet in the middle of the night? Why didn’t the baby cry?

It was then that I realized that Pampers Baby Dry Pants is no ordinary diaper. It keeps the baby dry, relaxed and comfortable. As such, the baby is always in a happy mood, making you and everyone around happy. I am glad to have used Pampers Baby Dry Pants on the baby, and it made baby sitting an enjoyable experience.

My uncle and aunt arrived at nine, and thanked me for staying over.

“Don’t thank me. It’s Pampers Baby Dry Pants I should be grateful to,” I replied, and they smiled.

This is my official entry to Bedtime Rituals Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Pampers.

Check out the link below to know more:

https://www.rewardme.in/tag/Pampers

I agree to ensure (to the best of my abilities and circumstances) that this blog post will remain accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year.

The Perfect Valentine - Asus Zenfone

Let me tell you my story in flashback. You can name it my Valentine’s Day adventures, or rather the lack of them. It all started when I stepped into the shoes of adolescence, with my heart pumping love instead of blood. I so desired to have a partner, to share ice creams and chocolates, but then how can one fight against destiny? So while my dreams of ice creams and chocolates were being turned into reality by other couples, I slowly started avoiding the dreaded 14^th February.

But then friends turned evil, and often asked me my plans for the V-Day. During my initial years, I knew not what to say, so I used to mumble a vague response and run away. However, as I grew older, I developed the art of lying, and my response to their smirks used to be in the form of cooked up love tales with imaginary girls. They believed me, or I felt so.

Good things happen if you wait, they say. I don’t know who these ‘they’ are, but they couldn’t have been more correct. When all of a sudden, out of the blue, love held my hands, or rather I held love, tightly, passionately. 14^th February of 2015 was not about cooked up stories. It was about my real love affair with my perfect Valentine, my Asus Zenfone.

There are several reasons why she is so perfect, but the first and foremost feature that caught my attention was its primary camera. The five element optical formula lens added an all new dimension to the pictures I captured. The images were crisp and clear, and perfectly focussed. In fact, I abandoned my digital camera once I had Asus Zenfone with me.

This is the age of selfies, and my Valentine scored a perfect ten in that department as well. The front secondary camera is good, with a more than decent resolution, and let me click innumerable selfies, which I can upload to my Facebook profile, with the tagline – “Picture Courtesy: Asus Zendfone, my Valentine.” Jealous, ha!

Asus Zenfone is one of the prettiest partners one could have. Trust me, ‘cause I mean it. With a sleek body, and the option of changing the covers at my whim, I have the luxury to dress it in whatever way I want. The cases come in numerous colours, bright and gorgeous, and I could make it sport a new colour every day.

My Valentine scores brownie points in its incredible performance. The Intel Atom 2520 processors run most applications, without any lag or delay. In fact, even the high end apps and games ran with tremendous ease and smoothness. Now, who wouldn’t like to have a love like that?

Last but not the least, Asus Zenfone has a longer battery life, compared to several other phones in the market. That means I can perform my necessary tasks without worrying about the charger point. Isn’t that the best thing that a cell phone can offer you in the modern world?

Asus Zenfone is not just any other phone. It’s love, the perfect Valentine.

This is my official entry to #UnconditionalLove with the Zenfone Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Asus Zenfone.

Check out the link below to know more:

http://www.flipkart.com/asus

I agree to ensure (to the best of my abilities and circumstances) that this blog post will remain accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year.

Quikr NXT - The Next Best Thing For Buyers And Sellers

Do you have a product you do not need and wish to sell? On the other hand, would you like to buy something that would be useful to you from a person who currently owns it?  In case of most of us, the answer to both the questions will be a big ‘Yes’, isn't it? However, how shall we find out who is in need of what I want to sell, or who is willing to give away what I would like to have?

Gone are the days of classified ads in newspapers and magazines, where people had to wait for days to get a satisfactory response. With the advent of Quikr, things certainly have become a lot better, and smoother.

Quikr is a completely hassle free platform that allows the buyer and the seller to communicate with each others, gauge their needs and have a healthy transaction. It is a site that helps you get quick responses to your search, and fulfills your demands within the blink of an eyelid. Quikr as a tool is definitely a need of the modern times, with more and more people opting to this service.

With the introduction of Quikr Nxt, the online deals and transactions on Quikr is slated to turn smoother. It provides users the ability to chat with the seller, and proceed with the transactions even without a single phone call. Isn't it cool? I always felt that a proper chat mechanism should always be in place for sites like this, as chats are often preferred over phone calls. My reasons, here they are:

Privacy

Though we live in a social world, we all like to maintain a certain degree of privacy in our lives. We all demand a personal space for ourselves, without unwanted disturbances. When we exchange our phone numbers for product transactions, there is always a risk of our contact information being compromised and shared with others. Also, we wouldn't prefer unwanted calls at any time. A chat eliminates these risks, guaranteeing us a privacy we all have a right to.

Clarity

It’s difficult to trace everything that’s discussed in a telephonic conversation. Sure, we can install a call recorder that would store the conversations, but honestly, how often do we use this functionality. In a service like Quikr, where the minutest details of selling and buying are so important, a written record is the best option to have. Thus, if you are looking for a product, and a seller offers it to you, you can easily converse with him over chat (the chat conversations get stored and can be retrieved anytime) and get all doubts clarified. Both the parties will then be on the same page, and there will be zero confusion.

Time

A chat saves our time. It’s direct and to the point, and often leads to a quicker result than a phone call. What more, you can work on multiple things while chatting, thus utilizing your time in the best possible manner. Chatting doesn't need as much attention that’e required for a phone conversation, and hence is more relaxing and has an easy approach. Chat can happen anywhere, anytime, and in convenience of both the parties concerned.

Is Quickr Nxt the next best thing for buyers and sellers? Well, it certainly seems so.

This is my official entry to Get Quikr NXT! Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Quikr.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.quikr.com

I agree to ensure (to the best of my abilities and circumstances) that this blog post will remain accessible in an un-altered state for a minimum of one year.

Roy, Pimples And The Treasure Hunt

Life couldn’t have been better, for Roy, the go-getter. While his job paid him handsome, his love life had turned awesome. With a promotion round the corner, Roy had already planned for the summer - a holiday with Janet, his girl, in the beaches of Bahama, soaking the sun, sipping lemonade, in his blue pyjama.

And then like a villain fate intervened, what seemed sunny till now suddenly turned grim, when on a warm Sunday morning he passed by the mirror, the corner of his eyes caught the worst possible horror.

Pimples!!! Roy had got pimples, that hid his cute dimples.

How?

He knew not.

Why?

Oh God! Oh God!

He then heard a knock, on his door that was locked. Walking with tears, of doubts and fears, he peeped in through the keyhole. There, stood Janet, with a bouquet of roses whole.

Oops, no way could he face her now.

But she banged the door as hard as she could, until it finally turned into shreds of fragmented wood.

Then, with her mouth covering her face, she evoked a feeling of shock and disgrace. “What happened to you, Roy? Oh my my my!”

He looked into her eyes, and saw a hint of tear. Yet she smiled, perhaps to just make him cheer.

“I think this is it,” declared he, at the end of his wits. How could he fantasise of Bahama, in his blue pyjamas, when in reality life had thrown him into the worst possible dilemma. Wherever he went, people started at his pimples, ignoring his suaveness, his once visible dimples.

His work suffered, his morale hit a low, opinions with boss differed, and Roy’s performance became a no-show.

“I am sorry young man, but you have to leave. The spark in your work is now lost I believe.”

And thus our friend Roy, who once kissed the skies, now lived in sorrows and sighs.

Life, but, indeed is queer. Though it messes up weird, it also paves the way clear.

One night Roy dreamt of a treasure hidden, so real it seemed that even when he awoke, this thought had got him smitten.

“I need to find the treasure, to rub it on my wounds like an eraser.”

Next night he dreamt the same, but with a clarity that changed the game. He now knew the place – a forest by the beaches of Lake Klase, and off like a wind his dream he chased.

He carried a spade, and a saw, and a big bag of food, and then reached the spot in the darkened woods. He made a small circle at the spot of his dream, the excitement in his eyes transporting him to an all new realm.

He dug and dug and dug, when he suddenly felt his spade hitting something soft, he looked deeper, and surprise, surprise, this wasn’t what he had thought.

Instead of gold and diamond and silver sheen, there lied at the spot a pack of Garnier Pure Active Neem. He pondered for a while, and then he realized, to make his life go well, he didn’t need jewels, but a gift that would be wise, something that would boost his confidence and make him rise. He applied the pack on his face, and then washed it with the water of Lake Klase. He returned home with his treasure, happy and delighted, his endeavour gave him pleasure, his morale now alighted.

The next day he woke and ran straight to the mirror. He smiled and laughed on finding no traces of the horror. The pimple was gone, the dimple was back, his happy days returned, he got what he lacked.

Roy invited Janet to a romantic dinner at a chalet. They had wine, some music and even danced to a ballet.

He got back his job, his performance touched the stars, with promotion due next week, the Bahamas holiday is certainly not too far.

Be smart, be aware. Pollution harms your skin, so beware. A clean face will make you glow, good luck and fortune will then seamlessly flow. Adopt Garnier Pure Active Neem and change your fate. My friends, do not wait before it’s too late.

This is my official entry to 'Garnier Pure Active Neem' contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Garnier Pure Active Neem.

Check out the official pages below:

• bit.ly/GPABlogLinkIndiBloggerActivity
• bit.ly/GarnierPureActiveNeemWebsite

The Award

There are lies, that you speak to avoid falling into a mess, and then there are LIES, that, after the initial escape, lunges forward and grasps your conscience so hard that you are entrapped in a feeling of guilt and repentance. The courage to speak the truth can take us through all situations, even though there might be initial hurdles. Persistence with lie, however small that might seem, brings us to a cross road where dilemma and sense of regret flood our shores.

I was in the eight standard, a phase where we embrace our teenage years, and gain understanding of the good, bad and ugly. You know how competitive school life is. Pressure to study, pressure to excel, and pressure to be ahead in the race. It’s this constant pressure that’s exhausting, but then, when you live up to this expectation, the feeling is exhilarating. Exhilaration, yes, was what I experienced when I scored a perfect hundred in my Mathematics paper, thus making me eligible for one of the Subject Topper Awards. The teacher praised me, the entire classroom clapped for me, and the jealousy in the face of my competitors made me soar in pride.

I was thrilled, I was glad. And, then came the ugliest feeling of all – guilt.

The answer sheets were handed over to each student so that they could evaluate their mistakes, and know where they went wrong. When I went through mine, I noted that there were two questions that I had solved incorrectly, but the teacher had mistakenly marked them as correct. Had she been more careful, I would have scored 90, not 100, and definitely not the highest in class. The accolades and cheers would then all go in vain, and the Topper’s medal too wouldn’t land in my hand. It would surely be a losing situation if I informed the teacher and made her revise my marks. I kept quiet.

However, the voice in my head didn’t stay silent. It shouted and screamed, urging me to do what is right, inform the teacher, so that the student who rightly deserves the Topper Award receives it. I tried to shut the voice in my head. After all it was the first time that I was receiving any award. I would by no means lose this chance.

Next day our Principal came into the classroom to congratulate me, and also a few other subject toppers who were from my section. I smiled at her, even though the guilt was weighing heavily on my mind. I thought she would leave after the customary greetings, but she stayed on. What was even more surprising was the announcement that came next.

The Principal, in her authoritative tone, announced, “Every year, we have the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony in June. However, since our school will be hosting the All India Sports Competition that time, we will be awarding the winners in tomorrow’s morning assembly.”

If there is a moment when the heart really skips a beat, this was it. I looked around. Students were clapping, the teacher was smiling, and the guy who had the second highest marks in Mathematics, with a score of 98, had a dejected look on his face, even though he tried to look happy and bright. In that moment I knew how it felt to be on the wrong side of justice. If I accepted the prize tomorrow, he would be upset, but then, he would double his efforts to grab the trophy next year. What about me? Would I be happy? Would I jump in joy? Would I be able to proudly showcase the trophy in front of my parents?

Would I be able to beam in excitement when others refer to me as the Topper in Mathematics?

In that single moment, I got my answers. I stood up, and with a choked voice, and tears streaming down my face, said, “Ma’am, I am sorry, but I do not deserve this award.”

The entire class looked in shock. The room that was laughing and cheering just a few seconds ago, had suddenly turned silent. It was as if Gods from heavens had turned on the mute button on their remote. A pin fell somewhere, and I understood what pin drop silent really meant. This was it.

I narrated the tale of the mark that I had mistakenly received, and handed over my answer script for correction. The teacher and the Principal stared at me in utter disbelief. The two of them, then went out of the class. I looked back at the guy who had scored 98. He shrugged his shoulder, asking me why. I smiled back. Atleast, I could smile peacefully now, with no weight on my heart.

Five minutes later, the Principal and the teacher re-entered the room, and the former announced, “We are sorry for the error in marking. As correctly pointed out by Amrit, his paper was wrongly checked, and instead of hundred, his score stands at 90. The Maths topper for this year is Gaurav with 98 marks.”

The class cheered for Gaurav now. I too clapped at him.

“However,” the Principal continued, “it’s not easy to speak the truth, specially in today’s cut throat competitive environment. All of us want to win, by hook or by crook. We sacrifice our morals and values in the race to the top. But this young man here today, Amrit, has opened our eyes. Studies don’t just teach you to excel in studies, it should also teach you to excel in humanity, to be a better person, a better civilian of the society. It should teach you to adopt the path of truth, courage and honesty, and shun everything that’s wrong. Moreover, studies should teach every girl, every boy, every man and every woman, to be like this boy, who sacrificed the award and chose the path for righteousness. We are proud of you, yes, very very proud, and for your unselfish and truthful act, I announce a new category of awards this year – Honesty award. This goes to you Amrit.”

This was a moment of celebration, when I could proudly showcase my achievement to the world. True, I didn’t score high in Mathematics, but I did score excellently in honesty. Can there be any better award than that? After all, Kitna chain hota hai na sachchai mein.

This is my official entry to Kinley Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Kinley.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.coca-colaindia.com/products/kinley_water.html

The Slogan Of Awakening - #AbMontuBolega

Cleanliness is next to Godliness, they say. Who are this ‘they’ by the way? Leaders, thinkers, philosophers? Aah, do not make wild guesses. ‘They’ are us, you, me and everyone.

We all appreciate the beauty and power of cleanliness. We share Facebook posts and tweet about initiatives that have taken place in our country on behalf of Swach Bharat. We, trying to be a part of the noble cause, wake up early with a broom in our hand, and determination lit large on our face, sweeping the streets in our colony, beaming with pride when we upload those pictures on social networking sites, gaining likes and appreciations from our friends. But is that all? Is our duty towards a clean India confined to a few minutes of social work?

Cleanliness isn't just a physical aspect. Rather, it’s also about our mental and psychological well being. And along with keeping our neighbourhood and country clean, we should also try to rid our mind with all sorts of pollution and obstacles.

It’s time to raise our voice, show our concern, sweep the broom and clean every nuisance in our society.  Strepsil’s new campaign #AbMontuBolega is an awareness drive to raise our voice and make a difference. It’s about performing our duties as citizens of this country, as well as human beings, standing up for what is right and admonishing the wrong. Let us ignite the Montu within us, and voice our opinions to make our country better.

For instance, there have been numerous debates on Black Money stashed in foreign bank accounts, and several promises have been made by our leaders to bring the money back to India, for the betterment of the country. We get to hear about these almost on a daily basis. But is that what we have been reduced to now – a blind spectator, a mute audience? It’s time to exercise our power as citizens of one of the largest democracies. Most of us have honest means of livelihood, but when we see dishonesty and corruption ruling the roost, our blood boils. With a large fraction of the country below the poverty line, we demand a thorough and quick probe, and to make this nation corruption – free as soon as possible, because #AbMontuBolega.

Potholes are often left uncovered, and there have been several accidents of kids and adults falling into them, losing their lives. Whom do we blame? The Government of course. This is something we need to change. We need to take responsibility at times. It’s easy to pass on the blame, but instead of doing that, we can spend a few minutes and cover those open potholes, thus saving lives on the way. Listen to your inner conscience, because #AbMontuBolega.

Talking of safety, how can we ignore the crime and violence against women? It’s sad how even in modern time and age, when girls and women have achieved such great heights, they still feel unsafe walking on the roads of our metropolitan cities. We can boast of developments in fields of technology and economic, but without ensuring our women a proper environment to live in, can we really feel proud of our society? Stricter laws must be implemented and harsher punishments should be meted out to culprits. Along with that, we also need to shift our mindset, respect women like we respect and pray the female deities and Goddesses, because #AbMontuBolega.

Swach Bharat isn't just a daily or a weekly or a monthly program, but an initiative that we should adopt in our heart, working for it effortlessly. Nothing is perfect, but everything can be made better. It’s time we clear our mind and get rid of all the clutter, focus our soul in the positive direction and raise our voice for the right causes.

We have been quiet for too long, and hence it’s time to speak up. Let’s unite and march ahead, and shout the slogan of awakening - #AbMontuBolega.

This is my official entry to '#AbMontuBolega' Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Strepsils.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.abmontubolega.com/

Like Strepsils India on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/StrepsilsIndia

Follow Strepsils India on Twitter:

@StrepsilsIndia

Play And Share, Share And Win

Mobile gaming has taken up the country by storm. The advent of new games that are addictive and socially engaging have made a deep impact in our lives. Gone are the days when we had to think of ways by which we could avoid boredom. Now, with millions of games available for download at the tip of our fingers, we can engage ourselves in moments of fun and excitement.

Most of the games allow us to post our scores on social networking platforms and share them with our friends. What if I tell you that a new concept is being launched in India that provides the players not just the opportunity to share their scores but also with a chance to win real prizes? Surprised? Well, don't be, 'cause Fat Cat Gaming is arriving to turn this dream into reality with the launch of Lucky 6.

At some points in our lives we have all played games dealing with lottery, aiming for the jackpot and hoping to grab the big prizes. They were fun and relied a lot on your intuition, and if luck smiled on that particular day, you won. Lucky 6 follows the same concept. The player has to first download the game on his Android or iOS device, post which he needs to create an account so that he can start playing. The game asks the user to select 6 brands out of a long list of popular ones like Castrol, Wipro, Samsung, etc. Now, on the game day, that player wins whose 6 brands see the highest gain in stocks on that particular day. Isn't that simple?

The best part of this game is 'Sharing'. Suppose you don't win, but you had introduced a friend to this game, and he or she wins the jackpot, then you also receive a bonus. So the more number of friends you introduce into the game, and make them a part of your 'crowd', the higher is your chance of winning a reward. Sharing was never so fun, right?

The user interface is easy to navigate through, and even a new player wouldn't need help or a guiding document to start playing. We all trust our luck, and this game takes the belief farther, giving us the chance to win big. It promises to invite us to Eureka moments of sudden successes, surprising us and our friends with lucrative rewards.

Lucky 6 looks promising, and is here to stay. Since this game doesn't need much of your time, you can create your Brand list for the game day in a few minutes and then focus on your other tasks. The game is addictive in a harmless sort of a way, and each day brings with it the new excitement to win. You can enjoy it with friends, family and relatives, and together engage in a healthy competition to see who ends up with the jackpot. After all, their happiness is your happiness too, for as I said before, even if you don't win, but your folks do, you still get rewarded.

Don't miss this chance at any cost. Download the game, play, and win.

This is my official entry to '#Lucky6' Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Fat Cat Gaming.

Check out the official page below:
http://fatcatgaming.com/

Bring Back The Touch

Projects, deadlines, rewards and opportunities to roam around the world, life was definitely in full flow. Lucrative incentives and exciting bonuses surely ensured a healthy growth in my current organization, and I could only bless God for that.

I was in the midst of an important meeting with prospective cclientèleswhen her number flashed on my mobile screen – “Sapna Calling.” I clicked the red button on my cell and disconnected the call. However, it beeped again after a few minutes. I excused myself and received.

“I am in a meeting. What happened now?” I was somewhat agitated.

“Akash, I’m sorry. It’s … it’s just that we had planned to go out for dinner tonight, and its already 8pm …” she said.

I took a deep breath, and tried to keep my tone as calm as possible, “It’s ok. We can go tomorrow, or day after. No big deal, right?”

“Right,” she was quiet for a few minutes, and then said softly, as if measuring her words, “but tomorrow, or day after, isn’t our marriage anniversary. It is today, Akash.”

I sighed, “Yes. Ok. I will be home in an hour.”

We went to a Chinese restaurant, as per Sapna’s wish. I gifted her diamond necklace, and she smiled. We placed our orders, and waited. Meanwhile, I received a few mails from my associates regarding the meeting and its future course of action, and I started replying to them one by one on my smartphone.

“Akash,” my thoughts were suddenly interrupted by her voice.

“Yes,” I answered without looking up from my mobile screen.

“You know,” she said, “I have always felt so lucky having married to someone like you. You are such a nice person, doing good with your life, and have provided me with everything that I couldn’t ever dream of. But today, there is one luxury I miss the most.”

I looked at her. Across the table, was the girl whom I had fallen in love with, had proposed in only our second date, and together we had celebrated five years of togetherness. However, there was something amiss in that beautiful face of hers today. Something was not right.

And then I noticed. Her eyes, dabbed in forced smile, exuded a feeling of pain so humble that I hadn’t cared to notice it ever.

“Akash,” she continued, “the one luxury I have been missing today, and since the last few months, is you.” She wiped her eyes with the tissue paper.

I didn’t know what to answer. My voice choked, and my heart broke too. I placed my right palm over her left hand on the table, gently squeezing the tips of her fingers, circling her ring finger where the divine symbol of our union shone bright in golden hues.

“I am sorry Sapna,” I said, still holding her hand, caressing her, gently, warmly, “In all these work commitment I had completely forgotten about one commitment that I should have held the closest to my heart. I am really sorry, but trust me, I will make amends for this. I will never let you cry again. I promise.”

Out thumbs mingled, our fingers kissed each other, deeply entwined in a feeling of serenity, and I made a decision. I opened the Email application on my smartphone, and mailed my associates – “I will be on leave for the next seven days, and will not respond to emails or business calls.Thank You.”

Our dinner arrived, and we ate, looking into each others eyes, finally having found the missing touch in our relationship.

“What about another honeymoon, to rekindle our passion?” I winked.

Her eyes sparkled, “Wow. Where?”

“You tell.”

“Mauritius.”

“So be it Madam.”

We flew to Mauritius the next day, to #BringBackTheTouch into our love life, to relive the dreams all over again.

This is my official entry to '#BringBackTheTouch' Happy Hours organized by Indiblogger in association with Parachute Advansed Body Lotion.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.pblskin.com/

Toilet For Babli

We talk of progress, high end development, and initiatives to bolster the nation’s economy. There has been widespread improvement for sure, in various fields, and we have all benefited from that. However, one major issue that still needs to be dealt with is open defecation.

We, sitting in the luxury of our homes, may not be able to grasp the hazards of open defecation at first. We have toilets that serve our needs of sanitation. However, what about those who do not have these basic amenities at hand that we always take for granted. In several parts of the country, especially in rural areas, people still have to defecate in the open, just because either there is no toilet available at their homes, or the public toilets have become too dirty by constant use and lack of cleanliness. Poverty forces people to adopt such extreme measure which is unhygienic as well as unsafe.

Open defecation leads to several diseases like diarrhea, intestinal infections, typhoid, cholera and hepatitis. Due to lack of medical facilities in those areas, these diseases eventually lead to death. The worst affected are the women and the children. Open defecation leads to safety issues too, especially after sunset or before sunrise.

Women and girls have to search for places for open defecation when it’s dark, away from evil eyes, and that leads to several cases of crimes against them. Often we have read about incidents of rapes and sexual molestation when a woman or a girl goes out in dark to find a place for defecation. This in turn impacts their dignity and injures them both physically and psychology. Fear grows in their mind and causes serious repercussions. For girls, this constant fear often leads to depression, due to which they are not able to concentrate on their studies and other healthy activities.

Thus, as a responsible human being, it is for us to look into this matter and take proper actions. The Government surely tries its best, but we, the citizens too should act in a matured manner and work towards the betterment of our nation by undertaking initiatives related to areas like health, sanitation and safety. By utilizing our free times in such causes, we can surely make a difference in the lives of several million people.

Domex, the leading toilet cleaner brand of Hindustan Unilever Lever, has come up with a noble program named as the Domex Toilet Academy (DTA). The World Toilet Day is celebrated every year on 19^th November, and Domex makes the day special with its well thought of initiative. It aims to build several toilets in villages and rural areas that do not have proper sanitation. Its pilot project in Junapani in Maharashtra is going in full flow, aiming to make it an open defecation free village. DTA plans to undertake similar measures in other parts of Maharashtra and Odisha, and then in the entire country. It is collaborating with various local groups to spread awareness and educate the villagers about the disadvantages of open defecations and the benefits of healthy sanitation.

You can bring about the change in the lives of millions of kids, thereby showing your support for the Domex Initiative. All you need to do is “click” on the “Contribute Tab” on www.domex.in and Domex will contribute Rs.5 on your behalf to eradicate open defecation, thereby helping kids like Babli live a dignified life.

This is my official entry to 'Toilet for Babli' contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Domex.

Check out the official page below:

http://www.domex.in 

Health Is Happiness

Children make the house more vibrant. They are the source of happiness and the joy that binds the family together. Their playful antics, the naughtiness and their innocence add beauty to any abode. However, when these children fall sick, a gloomy atmosphere haunts the entire household.
I recently visited a friend of mine while vacationing in Delhi. He is married, and has a five year old kid. Always a jovial person, Arpan, my classmate from school, was known to be a man of unparalleled humor, always being the life of any social gathering. However, when I met him after almost half a decade, his appearance narrated a sorry tale.

I found him aged beyond years. When asked about the reason, he said that things were all going well until the last few days, when high fever gripped hold of his son. Always an active boy, the five year old Kito was now confined to bed. The medicines were hardly doing any good, and the fever was accompanied with chills. A few medical tests, and it was evident that the little child was suffering from Malaria.

Immunity plays a key role in our lives. For a kid, that's of prime importance. A healthy kid leads to a healthy teenager, and eventually to a fit adult. On the contrary, a kid who is not taken care of properly turns out weak as he grows older. With proper supervision, Kito got well after a few days. The family doctor then suggested to give him proper food, reduce his junk intake and make sure that he gets a good dose of outdoor games and activities. Also, he suggested a spoon of Dabur Chyawanprash for the child, every morning and evening, as he said that would increase his inner immunity, providing resistance to germs and diseases of all forms.

Kito recovered, and the house was back to its brimming self. Arpan once again returned to his natural form, cracking jokes and entertaining me and others with his bagful of humor. Kito often invited me to play Cricket with him, along with his friends, and I didn't mind. After all, isn't it nice to relive your childhood? I was doing exactly that.

My vacation eventually came to a pleasant conclusion, and I bid farewell to my friend and his family. The last few days taught me how important a child and his/her health is to the entire family. Shouldn't a kid be provided with the best of care, so that not only he/she keeps smiling all the time, but his/her parents too live in a happy and peaceful ambiance?

That is the world we should all look forward to. That is the dream we should all turn into a reality.

After all, Health is Happiness.

Indeed !!!


This is my official entry to 'A healthy child makes a happy home' contest organized by Indiblogger in association with Dabur Chyawanprash.

Check out the official page below:
https://www.liveveda.com/daburchyawanprash/