That Special Day

That Special day

I was running on the treadmill when I heard a loud crash of the window shattering. It was the second time this is happening within a month - the cricket ball broke the balcony window into hundreds of pieces. It must be the 'cricket playing brats' out there. This time, I am not going to spare those idiots. I got down from the tread mill and went to the cricket ground with my tracksuit.

"Your nuisance to others is getting intolerable of late. I am going to complain to the colony secretary." I screeched.

“Who asked you to construct a house opposite to a cricket ground?,” a guy in that group murmured. I couldn't identify who.

"Was this an Airport or Army training center to make sure no houses are constructed around its yard? Just a cricket ground!."  My anger crossed all limits and I stressed more on “cricket ground" as an attempt to belittle it.

“If your dad built the window with low cost glass it would crash even for a mild breeze. Go, ask your dad to build glass windows with strong Saint-Gobain glass” another guy besmirched with a smirk. I attempted to erupt again, but i was interrupted.

"Hey guys, Please. . .The mistake is on our side" The hero of the match  my life came forward and continued, "Sorry Deepika, I hit the ball. It was my mistake. Will pay the damage cost."

I didn't expect this, at least at this situation, so I was dumb-struck . How could I reply further? He was the guy I am admiring from the past 5 years. He is more than a crush for me now! . To hide any sign of expressing anything in front of him,  I just returned the ball with a formal warning and turned back.

I could hear the guys as I was making a move. "Adi, why did you lie to her that you hit the ball?" Someone was asking him.

“It was for a purpose. Since, I said I hit the ball; she didn't make an issue of it. If I had told the truth, she must have complained to secretary, and we would be in trouble, boys.”

Adithya house was next to my house on the left and he was not entirely unaware about the crush i had for him. But until now, it is only at a reciprocation of formalities with exchange of smiles and hi-byes. Nothing more than that. I think he wanted me to proceed further, but I wanted him. A narrow bridge between the hearts, but nevertheless, a blocking bridge.

The next day, I was on the way to office. I observed Adithya's friends boisterously jumping out of our neighbor's wall with hiss and hustle. The house owner's family settled in abroad and it remained unoccupied since 3 years without being rented out. The front yard of house was unkempt with full of  thorny bushes and shrubs. People started throwing wastes inside the compound and in the yesterday's torrential rain, water has formed a sizeable pool.

“What are these guys doing there inside the unoccupied house? These incorrigible brats must have hit the ball inside the compound” my prejudiced brain made a guess.

“It is a Black snake! I am sure" shouted one.

“It must be the King cobra,” other guy refuted him.

“No da, its Anaconda” other guy thundered.

“It must be no less than 40 feet long”

“Looks like It can swallow even a human” another brilliant boy yelled.

"Guys. It’s a just a normal rat snake” another guy in their group tried to stop their wild interpretations.

Gosh. I wondered at their imagination on seeing a normal non-venomous snake. And then suddenly,  I felt some pleasantly shocking electric effect through every vein of mine and yes, (you guessed it right.) My eyes caught Adithya hopping out of the compound.

I could sense the fear in Adithya eyes, but on spotting me he said, "I could easily catch and kill it with my hand. But, I care for annnnnmimals. . .. .“ He must have heard some dry leaves slithering beneath his feet and without losing any moment he took a run. I didn't hear anything about the snake after that.

Evening I was returning back from office.While crossing that unoccupied house, I heard a long, high-pitched whining; I peeped inside the unoccupied house gate and observed a puppy got struck somewhere in all the messy vegetation of the front yard. The puppy must be 5 day old!  It must have entered the compound through a small gap in the gate. It got it's limbs entangled in the roots under the water and if left unattended,  it may not last a day because of starving. Who knows, if more water accumulates, it may even... oh God. My heart wanted to save that puppy. But there were mosquitos, flies and insects flitting around that stagnant water. The years of accumulated vegetable wastes caused an intolerable stench and was giving me a vomiting sensation even if I inch close to the gate. Only in the morning the boys spotted a snake in that. One boy even said it is an anaconda!

Whom Should I Listen !? Rational Brain or to the wisdom of my heart.

scratches around my body....

On remembering all these, I stepped back from trying to help that puppy. But my heart was not willing to leave that puppy to it's dreadful fate. Following your heart may be good for theory and in writing a post, but in reality!? The tired puppy is now giving up and it's neck got immersed into water further. I realized that I don’t have time to listen to my brain or even call out my friend. The compound wall was tall hence I need some support to jump into the front yard of the house. I rushed home, threw my bag somewhere, dragged a chair with me and using it, I hopped into the house. I had to cross at least a 100 meters of harmful bushes to reach for the puppy. The thorns were hurting and i could sense some mild bleeding somewhere too. Unmindful of the same, I stepped into the pud, while all the mosquitos started to buzz around me.  I reached for the puppy and I lifted it and started running back to the compound.

That Small puppy :) 

Sheesh. Never imagined I would be such a dumb-ass. The wall was out of my reach from the inside; I never gave a thought about getting back when climbing in. I left my mobile at my home, and hence could not call my parents even. Since the wall was tall, I could not see any people walking on the road. My parents will be back at home around 8 pm and it will be too long a wait in this dreaded place till that. The innumerable insects screeching and the mosquitos buzzing made me nervous and I started to sweat. As if my life is dependent on it, I cried out for help. But I think none could hear my voice. Tears rolled down my cheek. In all this tense moment, the puppy suddenly licked my hands. Glad that I could smile! There was a sense of contentedness in saving a life.

"Give" I heard someone shout with impatience, in my direction. Wait, I know that voice! It was him, Adhithya!

I got relaxed on seeing Adithya and offered my hand.

"Give the puppy first" he said and safely placed the puppy on road and offered his hand. He almost lifted me to the other side.

He was giving lecture for my blunder, but altogether I was enjoying the chemical reactions happening inside forgetting the physical damages that happened on the outside. The touch of his hands is adding frenzy to the chemistry.

“Go and apply medicine for the scratches.” He blurted again, which made me recollect my senses. 

I went home and the puppy started to follow me. Since it was looking dirty, I washed it while I cleaned myself. I took a hot shower and later when preparing tea for myself, I offered milk to that puppy. That’s it, from then on, it got attached to me. I had a nice time pass playing with that.

My Puppy 

Around 8 PM, My parents returned from work and scolded me for bring a puppy out of nowhere. I was ordered to leave that puppy somewhere far away from home. I took my scooty to drop the puppy, while thinking where to leave it.

Next day morning,

The puppy was sleeping in front of my house gate. This time, I don't have the heart to part with the puppy again. I decided to adopt it, whatever may come. My parents gave up convincing me and they finally agreed.

The puppy is now 6 months old and is my best buddy. He accompanies me always. Every day morning, he licks my face to wake me up. I grew to like this.

My Puppy Now 6 Months old :) 

My Best Buddy..

About Adithya?,

It has been six months now, and every morning he starts the conversation with, "How is your hand now? And what did the puppy do today!?" and our conversation never ends :P

One Rupee could educate a child

One Rupee could educate a child...

When I see kids begging on roads, my heart always pick up fight with brain. My heart desire to donate money to the kids. But my brain would point out that I am encouraging them. Kids at those age are to be sent to school. But unfortunately In India, every day we see at least one kids employed in a hotel/house or begging on road. 

While surfing the net, I came across do right today. Its an initiative by Tata Capital with a drive to spread the spirit of doing right. 

The below data from the "Tata Capital India4India" survey, which was launched to identify the top 5 challenges that our country is facing today also revealed that Illiteracy is the major concern of India.  

Illiteracy  - the major concern of India.

Data from Tata Capital India4India Survey

Varanasi all we know about the place is its the religious hub of India. But, it has been identified that a lot of children were engaging in different trades and aimlessly wasting their time. To help these children and to gift them with an ideal learning environment, Ajeet Singh started an innovative initiative called ‘Varanasi boat school!’.

Well, how can we contribute towards it? You can donate money online. Let’s bring a smile on someone's face by contributing at least a small amount.

The children’s are the inspiration of our nation and let’s make an enchanting Magical transformation in their life by contributing towards the boat school. Let’s pledge our self to contribute for their learning environment. You don’t have to spend something from your pocket. One Rupee of yours could change your life.

From next time, before you do the below, just think of the kids once.

1. When you offer those tips to server at a Restaurant.
2. When you feel embarrassed to ask those balance of 1 Rupee from the conductor.
3. When the shop-keeper offers you a "chocolate" instead of giving the remaining balance.
4. Have you not lost that one-rupee in that coin operated weighing machine?
5. Paying double the price for movie ticket. 

There are numerous incidents, where we ignored the money as it was not much important for us. But those small money would make a miracle in a child's education and would make a child's future. 

Still not convinced for donating the money!? well, still you can contribute towards the welfare of this kids by spreading the message and news about "Boat School" across social networks with the hash-tag #ScholarShip. Lets begin the Journey of Doing Right....

Follow @ Facebook

Tweet @ Twitter. 

More Videos on Youtube

ekavach review

ekavach review

Its summer holidays and my sister's kids are at home. Summer is a spoilsport not because of hot weather, but due to the sweet torture I encounter offline and online. Offline and online!?

Offline: I have to play cricket with the kids, though dog-tired (only Bowling no batting) 
Online Mode: Have to surrender my mobile :( , so as to play games.

Though I change my security code as to stop the kids from accessing my phone, they observe my finger movements from far and captures my phone security pattern.
No wonder, Kids are smart! smarter!! smartest!!!

Most of the things they do, The Good and the Bad are out of curiosity.Those kids are not sure whether it's bad or good, all they know is Go, GRAB, EXPLORE!!!
Its parents responsibility to teach the kids, what is right and wrong.  We can nurture, teach them all morals and values and protect them in the offline world. What about online world? Its very much mandatory these days to monitor their activity.
"I trust my kids. I don't have to spy".  Was that your answer?
You don't have to be a sleuth and spy every online movement. But its important to be extra-cautious about cyber-bullying and your child getting access to inappropriate content.

Familiar with these words??? 

How to monitor and protect them in online world. Here comes the EKAVACH application.

About EKAVACH:
Its an application that lets you to monitor the children online world. It is very simply application that comes with Step-by-Step Instruction manuals with graphic representations and videos.

eKAVACH Features:

ekavach features

Internet Filtering & Safe Search:
Sometimes, the Google results with annoying results which you must have not intended to search for. For example, I wanted to search "How to be proactive" But as soon as I type, "How to " below is the result I got.

Google Search :( 

The ad's that get displayed on the side bar are another freaking head ache. I wish an application could be launched to block all these non-sense ads.

This application makes sure results the child get are appropriate and do not contain any adult content. Parents can even block un-wanted sites (please don't block my blog :P ) and set appropriate time limits for internet usage. In case of any violation by child, parents get instant notification about the same

Easy to setup & Superior protection:
STEP 1:
Go to Play-store and search for "eKAVACH Parental Control App" or click here to download the parent app on the parent's device.

Home Screen

Login Page

STEP 2 :

Go to Play-store and search for "eKAVACH Parental Control Child" or click here to download the Child app on the child's device and complete the registration.

Successful Message after registration. 

Add Mom as well to monitor

Internet dashboard

Site Filtering..  

Block based on Timings.. 

Ekavach Settings.. 

Preference.. 

Social Media Monitoring:
Whether the world population will touch 8 billion or not, the count of Social media websites will cross thousands. With ever increasing social websites everyday, its not possible to track their time and activities in social media applications. By the time you create an account in Facebook, Google+, Twitter to monitor their activity, a new social media will be launched. Its not possible for parents to create an account in each social media an track their entry. This app helps to monitor the child's all online social activity. It will give you the information about their friends, what types of content they’re sharing and what time they were active.

Real-Time Alerts:
Parents get to know about the child's search and activity instantly.

Application Management
Parents gets instant alerts about the application they install and the usage.

Gift your child:
This application has an inbuilt link to online stores like Flipkart and Mycity4Kids. Parents can gift the child with the toys and clothes and pamper their sweethearts.

PROS:

1. Single user-id for the entire family. 
2. Father and Mother can monitor the usage separately. 
3. Graphics and Graphs
4. Instant notifications.

Ekavach Logo

Crazy definition of girls to Men

Crazy definition of girls to Men

Admiring other girls is absolutely fine!
But you are not supposed to glimpse someone, other than me!!!

❤❤❤

Love that shabby look, but he should be neat and groom everyday

❤❤❤

He should be trendy and fashionable, but should not be extravagant and spend un-necessary money in branded/expensive ones for himself. 

❤❤❤

Should have knowledge on all girls stuffs. At the same time, should be answerable on his expertise!
No, If you say you have a sister and mother we can’t believe. We too have a brother at home and he never poked my mom or me!!!

❤❤❤

Double happy if he watch serials with us!
What Cricket!? oh no, it’s a match fixing. Please excuse us!!! 

❤❤❤

Love you a lot when you feel and say "You are mine". 
But, No you can’t be so be possessive.

❤❤❤

We need your complete attention and love, however busy you are!!  
No, I have other important stuffs this Sunday. Going parlor, meeting my old friends, make my puppy bath..

❤❤❤

It’s nice when you show that Men's attitude. 
But  No you can’t be egoist, dominating. 

❤❤❤

Guy - Will be there in 2 minutes!!!

Girl - Every time you are doing the same. You don’t know the value of time and pain of making a people wait. 

(During shopping)

Girl - Another 30 minutes please!  Yeah we know are repeating it 8th time. So what. True happiness lies when you wait for someone. 

❤❤❤

When a guy does a mistake : Whoever does the mistake, they have to ask sorry.

When a Girl does a mistake :
So what? Whats wrong when you come down and ask a sorry?
Why don't you value our relationship more than your ego?          
❤❤❤
Simply love his lies and reasons he tell his parents, when he is out with me. 
When he lies with us, "You are a big fat liar. You cheat....etc, etc,.."               

Digital India

Intel supports the Digital India Vision

Intel supports the Digital India Vision and is committed towards our government's vision of a Digital India In order to foster the digital literacy among all the people Intel has developed mobile applications and offers training in five Indian languages.

What is #DigitalIndia and what are its vision? Here is a snapshot

Soruce - Google (Screenshot from digital India PPT)

Here is my future insight about #DigitalIndia

Automated Toll Road system:

Frustrated of paying at every toll booths?. In order to avoid this, Transit Ticket card can be issued (just like our Debit card) where we can load the card with money and once we enter a toll, the details of the time and distance will be recorded. When a person exit a toll, the amount will be calculated and deducted based on the distance between the start and destination toll.

Advantages:

1. Less waiting time
2. No tension of accurate change

Digital Transportation:

Olden day Google Maps

At Present... 

Olden days, we relay on people for address. These days Google map. And in future, Interactive map system which will suggest road condition, traffic situation etc will be implemented. Traffic cameras will be installed along all the roads which will send live data about the road condition, temporary closures, one way.

Studies and Work:

Current Situation

Right now, 50% of the students aspire to study aboard and all techies, doctors dream to work aboard. Why? Is it right? Lets not get into the debate right now.

Future – Foreigners aspire to study and work in India

If Modi’s dream becomes true, foreigners will dream to study in India. They might even have to crack exams like TOEFL in order to get admissions in India. And our generations, will not long to go abroad.

Agriculture will flourish:
Farmers will install Commodity Price app in their smartphone and will research about the item before cultivating. Forums for agriculture will be easily accessible to framers which will help them to get their doubts clarified in less time and with no cost.

Well, what about the employment opportunity then? If everything is digitized, wont it slave the employment opportunity?Of course, now we are at the stage of technological evolution. Humans will be replaced with hardware/Software that does the work 100 times faster, smarter and perfect. And Humans? They would take over inventing new tools or enhance their knowledge in upgrading those software/Hardware. At the end, we would live a lighter life on the universe. 

My Bucket List

What are the 10 things you want to do before you die was the popular post in Today's IndiSpire and here is my list. Click here to read my Top 5 things on my Bucket List 

1. To take one inspirational Video that would change few people’s life.  [Reached more than 3 lac views]
2. To start my Second Novel and get it published by one of the top publishing house. 
3. Leave all the Gadgets and Stay one month in Ashram
4. Take up Chadar Trek
5. Run a Marathon without Snail pacing.
6. To start a business. 
7. To Start organic/Terrance gardening at my home
8. Take my parents for a long vacation. 
9. To Bag the winner title in at least one of the Indiblogger contest.
10. Educate a Child. 

I am so happy to see this post displayed in the Home page of Indiblogger website with maximum voting. 

#WashBucketChallenge

Wash Bucket Challenge

A while ago, BlogAdda organized #IsLaundryOnlyAWomansJob activity and I have shared "5 Tips to make your husband help in Laundry"  and won the contest,

As a result of its success, Ariel in association with BlogAdda hunts for the Men who is good at washing. They open up a competition "India's Washer Number one" for all men. All they wanted to do is to take up the #WashBucketChallenge and share their experience.

P.S - India's "India's Washer Number one" is purely fictional and not intended to hurt any fan's sentiments.

All our famous personality takes up the  #WashBucketChallenge and are proud to share their experience. Like other competition,  this contest do have elimination round and only one will be declared as "India's Washer Number one".

First our Hero Rajini:

Rajnii to Directors, "Kanna, no more mass introduction or mass opening songs or heavy stunts or fight scenes or Deepika Padukone needed for my opening scene. All my future movie will opens with a washing scene. Because I love washing."

IWN Contestant Number One (IWN RJ 1)

Next Shah Rukh,

IWN Contestant Number One (IWN SR 2)

The complete "India's Washer Number one" set goes out of power and become dark. After few minutes, a bright light appears and the controversial god-man Nithyananda enters and shares his experience. 

IWN Contestant Number One (IWN NA 3)

Next Contestant, TamilNadu's Mass Hero Vijay.

IWN Contestant Number One (IWN VJ 4)

Next Contestant, "IWN VA 5", the Indian chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand

IWN Contestant Number One (IWN VA 5)

The competition comes to an end and the chief guest of the program Lord "Ardhanareeswara" is invited to talk few words about the Contestant performance, #WashBucketChallenge, #sharetheload and to declare the winner.

"I, Ardhanareeswara (Shiva-Parvati), androgynous form of the Hindu god symbolizes the equality of male and female as one. Indirectly, I am preaching every male to share the Load of laundry with the ladies of the house"

Now, its time to declare the winner. And the title "India's Washer Number one", goes to. . .
Goes to. . .
Goes to. . .

Tensed for Results...

"Everyone"
Each and Every one of you bags the title.

Whoever shares the load at home are the real champions. 

Here are the Top 5 Reasons for Men to wash their clothes:

1. Don't have to complain that wife has forgotten to empty important things out of the pant and Shirt pocket. 
2. No Tension of getting caught about Cigarette packets. (DISCLAIMER - SMOKING IS INJURIOUS TO HEALTH.)
3. Pizza Bill, Movie bills spent with friends (if in case forgot to trash), can be caught by our-self and disposed while washing. 
4. "No Fear of wife's scolding in case of dirt". Before she scolds, you can switch on the washing machine, put your favorite cricket channel and wash (watch) the match and wash the clothes.
5. Consume less Cost (No cost) for cooling wife's rage. 

Here are the Five people I am nominating to take up the #WashBucketChallenge. 

1. My brother Vignesh
2. My Friend Anil Kumar
3. My Very little Sister's Son, Sanjith Raghav (Must say, he was inspired on observing my dad washing the clothes. He wants to wash his clothes by himself and hence I am nominating him to make him happy)
4. My Friend as well as my brother Siva.
5. Finally, My acquaint blogger RZ. 

And now the nominees, all you have to do is

1. Click a picture of yourself in the household using the Ariel Matic pack with your washing machine.
2. Post your experience of taking the #WashBucketChallenge in my comments section.

My Bother Vignesh, shares his experience of taking #WashBucketChallenge

My Brother accepts WashBucketChallange

"My Mom's always screech that I am 28 and I need to get married soon, so that my wife will take care of my things like washing and cooking. WTH? Do I need to get married for the sake of washing my dress and cooking? But I was not having a strong answer to reply back. After taking up this #WashBucketChallenge I can give her a reply, "Mom, Now, I know washing and can wash by myself. Can you postpone my marriage for another two years. Let me enjoy my bachelor's life"

Here is RZ sharing his washing experience,
"Rz is basically a cleanliness freak. Unfortunately, he is a conservative as well, so he did not wash any of his clothes, for he suspected that this guilt will kill him for loads of wasted water than the soiled clothes itself. Once in a bluemoon, he would send his faded faded jean to laundry service only when the blue jean looks faded brown. 

So today, his online acquaintance and an avid blogger, D, sent him the #WashBucketChallenge. Since NZ was playing it terribly anyway, and since the harsh sun seemed much friendly than reading some blog posts, he went and took the challenge head on.

The results were nothing short of the ordinary. The conservative he is, his washing utensil is just a tumbler of water, a spoon and a toothbrush. This makes microeconomic sense, though. Soaking for 2 minutes(Yes! less than the maggi making time)by applying just few teaspoons of ariel solution of water on the dirty spots of his jean and scratching with his old Cibaca toothbrush and VOILA! The jean was restored to garment factory fresh condition"

IndiBlogger - A Special Thanks & Dedication

Men are addicted to Cricket and Women are addicted to Shopping.
And
Bloggers?
.
.
.
.
.
.

They are addicted to IndiBlogger.

It was in December 2009, I started a blog with no purpose.  What to write about?

Cooking? Oh no, I am good only at eating.

Fashion? I am known for outdated styles.

Technology?  Oops. I am yet to find the answer for the question "How am I surviving in this software Industry?"

Photography? I am good only at posing for photos.

Parenting? I myself still a baby :P

Relationships?  Excuse me !!!

So, What to scribble about?

My sister's son was born in 2007 and even after 8 years, I always reminisce the baby’s first touch, his first whoop, his first roll-over, his first kiss. It flash in my mind like it happened yesterday. Penned about the excitement of his birth and posted my first article in my blog.

"My Fun, My Memories, My Life..." I added the title for my blog and decided to capture my opinions and thoughts. I am choosy and very bad at networking. Those days, I was not in social networking sites too. So I hardly had Zero readers. My mom and dad were always busy and never even looked at the link I mail them. My sister's automated recorded reply when I share my post link would be, "Will read later". Unfortunately, all my friends have an aversion to reading too.

But to be honest, I never bothered about getting readers. I feel content, when I complete an article and I loved that feeling.

Months Passed.. 

All work and No play makes Jack a dull boy. 

Same way, All writing and No readers made me a dull blogger slowly. . .

I don’t remember how I landed up in Indiblogger. I registered with Indiblogger and my blog was approved after few days. I remember the silly mistakes I did after signing up. I posted my blog link in a forum for which I got a warning from one of the fellow bloggers. As days passed, I learned the rules of the forum.

When I was a newbie with IndiBlogger (ie, one week old), I got an invite for The Surf Excel Matic IndiBlogger Meet (#SoakNoMore.)

The word “Bloggers meet” persuaded me. Since its on a Saturday, I did not give a second thought to register for the meet. It was the first meet in my life, that I was facing a big crowd. I have never been for a get-together too. It was a thrilling moment to see all bloggers at a place. When the Blogger meet kicked off, Anoop triggered his first question to the crowd, “Do we have any Bloggers celebrating Birthday’s this week.” I got goosebumps when I heard the word "Bloggers" and August 10th was my birthday, hence I got up from my seat.

“These birthday babies get a gift hamper from Surf Excel and Indiblogger” He announced and handed a big gift. Since I came with empty hand, I was concerned about carrying the gift back to my home. (Took an Auto to carry the gift back to my home :) )

Dear Indiblogger, 2011 was a dreadful year and hence I was hoping 2012 would be a good start. When I received this gift in front of 200+ people, I felt myself as a lucky charm. All the bloggers conveyed their advance birthday wishes. One will not understand my emotion, But that moment gave me a confidence for the future

Someone captured this beautiful picture of me.

@IndiBlogger meet

This picture gave me guts to upload my picture in Facebook. Till that time, I was not confident to display my face in social media and hence one could see Jyothika or Dog photo as my profile picture.

Each and every second I spent in that meet was spectacular. Not only our first bicycle ride, first love, first holiday trip with family, first smart phone experience are treasured(IndiBlogger's know, the reason for this mention :P ). But, first Blogger meet experience would be remembered by every IndiBlogger.

I must mention a point here, after a big tragedy that happened in 2011, I cornered myself at my home. This blog meet made me to come out of that. I decided not to Soak more in my problems.

After that meet, with full fledge I started writing more post, and promoted it Via Indivine.

Every month there were lot of competitions launched and I never fail to take part in it. Though I never bag the title, (one day I will) I love participating in it. I realized that my writing is getting better day by day and my creativity quotient is fostered.

Coming to happy hours. Before few months, the first thing in the morning and the last thing at night is to check my What's app and mobile. After the Happy hours launch, the first thing and the last thing I do is to check IndiBlogger website for HH contest.

I failed in HH too. My first 3 entries were continuously terribly rejected by Indiblogger. Then I learned my mistake and surmounted. When I won, 1500 voucher in Happy hours for the first time, the happiness I felt was phenomenal. I researched a lot to buy an item that I can keep as a momento for my IndiBlogger triumphant. I brought a photo frame and kept it as a memory. My parents feel so happy when I call and say, "Today’s happy hours also got approved."

Crazy Happy Hours

There were days, where I stopped my car in highways to submit my entry...

There were days where I rushed to nearest Airtel tower to get faster internet access.

My sister who was observing all these from long got motivated to start a blog. We never knew she was a good writer too. When we were kids, you were giving tough competition in academics and discipline. Now in IndiBlogger contest too. ITS NOT FARE!!!

Just kidding! All the best Sweetie :)

Thank you Indiblogger, for such a wonderful opportunities and memories..

You cheered my mood during my tough times...

You made me to believe that I have the capacity to scribble something...

You made my family members happy...

You blessed me with lots of blogger friends...

You gifted me with lots of prodigious readers...

Healthy Breakfast with Kellogg's Corn Flakes

I always admire Guptaji’s family. Everyday morning, they wake up at 4.00 AM, play Badminton with family and have breakfast together in the garden. I always admire their family members for their fitness. All were slim, fit and active. Whenever Gupta goes for shopping, she never forgets to buy Kellogg's corn flakes.
I am a typical software Engineer who works till late night and hence end up getting very late in the morning. My cab is at 9.40, but I am smart enough to sleep till 9.00 and get ready in 40 minutes to catch the cab. Hence I always end up missing the breakfast. My parents always says, skipping breakfast would result in major health effects. Hence with love she packs idly in the box and request to have it in Cab. But somehow, I feel shy to have idly in cab. My fellow co-workers would tease me.
One day my mother was complaining about this to Gupta Ji aunty. Then she suggested to give Kellogg's Corn flakes. This is just like snacks and eating in cab would not embarrass your daughter. But my mother is a typical south Indian who believes idly and sambar is the healthy Item and rest all foods are junk.
Then Gupta Ji explained about the nutrients and vitamins that Kellogg's contains. She also explained about the benefits of each vitamins and my mother started to dream about consuming all Vitamins like A, D, B12, B6 for breakfast. She was double happy. My mother now believed Kellogg's corn flake is the healthiest food in the world since it contains all the vitamins and nutrients.
Next day my mother brought 5 packets of Kellogg's in all different flavours like honey, chocolate, Mini-wheat’s and so on. It helped a lot for my rush morning. I was comfortable in having it in cab. Skipping breakfast never happened in my life again. I was not bored for having Kellogg's every day morning, since it comes in different flavours.

Image Source - #KelloggsWaleGuptaji

But one fine Sunday, I happened to visit Guptaji’s house. A sweet smell attracted me to kitchen. There I was saw her creativity in the breakfast. With just Kellogg's corn flake, she made a fantastic dish. All I knew was Kellogg's Corn flakes is to be ate only with milk. Sometimes, I add Almond and pista to it. But what I saw in Guptaji’s making was completely different. In Cornflakes she mixed apples, cinnamon in cold milk and served me. She in fact named the dish as Cornflakes Apple Cinnamon.



I was so excited to hear that she prepares many innovative items like this. To name a few, walnut cornflakes choco balls, Grapes cornflakes and much more. One evening, she gave me laddu. I ate that and asked was it prasad from any temple. Usually the laddus offered in temples tastes awesome. Gupta Ji replied that she made it with crushed cornflakes. I put the question other way round. Tell me one dish that you don’t prepare with cornflakes. She smiled and left the place. I am a die-hard fan of #KelloggsWaleGuptaji innovative corn flakes dishes.

#ChooseToStart with Moto E

#ChooseToStart with Moto E

It was in 2010, people were migrating to Smart Phones and I was the only odd women out who was genuinely contented with a basic version of phone.

“Phone is meant only to attend the call. Whether it’s a high-end smart phone or Nokia 1100, the purpose of accepting/receiving the call is going to be fulfilled.” This was my fixed answer when someone ask, “Why don’t you upgrade to a Smartphone.”

Well, I am a typical hi-tech software Engineer and you could easily make out people’s expression when an extravagant software techie use Nokia 1100. What’s app group was created for my team and they share team updates in the group. But every time, they send updates for me via normal messaging system. Even after repeated request for sharing picture, videos and files I never bothered to upgrade.

One day my Aunty asked in a concerned tone, “Is Software industry down?”

“No Aunty. Why?”

“Then why are you still using basic Nokia 1100?”

Other day, my sister son who is 8 years old was looking out for my sister’s Smartphone to play a game. I offered my mobile and asked him to play. He rolled out on the floor and said, “Do you have games in the mobile”

“Well Sanju, I have a Snake game”

“But my mom’s mobile has Temple Run, Candy Crush, Talkie Tom…”

"Enoughhhhh." I replied him and left the place immediately.

There was another incident which I could still remember. I got invite to attend my friend marriage. The marriage was in remote location and hence I note down the address in a paper and was wondering whether Auto drivers would know the address. I called out an auto driver and showed my paper that contained the address.

The auto driver took out his Smartphone, typed the address in Google maps and placed the mobile in the mobile holder and said, “Madam Ji, Just 12 KMS from here. Sit” He followed Google Maps directions and took me the exact place without any troublesome.

90% of the world including my entire family members got migrated to Smart Phone. But I never bothered to upgrade. When people see my phone, they treat it as if it’s something to be kept in museum. Unfortunately, spare parts for my phone had stopped and it’s not available in market too.

My friends were so speedy that they kept upgrading their Smartphone’s instantly when a new version of phone was launched. When they show their latest mobile for my review, I just flip it front and back ( as if I am looking at a groom), blush and say “Nice”

On the other end, there were many advantages in using this Nokia 1100. If I miss my phone at any place, no one takes or steals it. Even after a week, the position would be still the same.

December 2014...

I got promoted as a Team Lead and was offered with two year on-site opportunity. March 1st I was supposed to travel Australia for two years.

February 2015...

I took a break from work to spend my time with my family, since I can’t see them for the next 2 years. One day, when I got up, I saw a gift packet on my bed.

“To our lovable daughter Deepika” was written on the gift packet and I opened the box and found Moto E mobile. My parents entered my room and said, “Best wishes for your promotion and on-site opportunity and  #ChooseToStart your Smartphone journey AT LEAST from this year”

I flipped front and back and said “Nice” in my usual tone.

“We will miss you a lot, when you move to Australia. We would like to have Video call when we miss you. That’s the reason I gifted this smart phone” my dad replied.

 “I don’t want to gift you a black color. So, White color. Hope you liked it” My mom gave her justification for mobile color.

“Soon, install what’s app. I will search toy items online and will be send you the pictures of it through what’s app. You should place order it to my address” my sister son replied from his side.

“I know giving something to you is like giving it to a Monkey. That’s why we chose a display that has corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection with oleophobic coating.” My sister teased.

My sister second son who was just 3 months old was the only one who was left without giving the reason for choosing Moto E.

I turned towards the baby and asked, “Baby ma, do you have any reasons?.”

He drooped and giggled. I immediately opened camera and started to record the baby actions. Since the internal memory was build with 1 GB RAM, it was quick to process the operating system and the camera opened in Nano seconds. The video got recorded with high quality and with good audio. The baby voice was sweet at its best. I realized that I began to enjoy my Moto E smartphone journey.

I turned towards my family members and said, “Thanks for gifting this. I absolutely love it. After going Australia, this video will be cherished when I miss him”.

“At last, Deepika migrated to Smart Phone” my family members roared with joy. I took the camera to capture that moment and when I was about to click their snap, my sister’s son shouted, “My God, you are still behind the era. Join with us. Let’s take a Selfie.”

What does happiness mean to me

What does happiness mean to me

Image Source - Coca-Cola

I am a person who keeps me energized and happy always. The happiness keeps changing based on time and situation. 

When I was a small kid, I was happy when my dad returns home from his duty with snacks. 

When I was in higher education, getting century in Mathematics gave me happiness. 

When I was in college, going to a movie by bunking the class gave happiness. 

When I am in office, if the code I develop runs without any bug, the happiness I get is uncontrollable.

For me happiness always comes in two forms. 

1. when I help and make others happy 
2. when I do something for myself.

Above all, there is one thing that snaps out my soul with cheer and bliss. That’s driving. It’s the only thing that makes me feel paradise and it’s never fails to bring my motivation back during my tedious days.
I still remember my first Car drive. It was in a straight road and one could hardly see any vehicle passing by. My dad gave the car to me and asked me to drive. When I turned the key on and the engine started, a thousand watts smile stretched on my face. I felt as if I had manufactured the car. I caressed the steering wheel with love, held the gear with passion. When I pressed the clutch and switched the gear from neutral to one and released the clutch slowly, the car moved. I immediately turned off the car keys to stop the car and got down. I started dancing on the road with pleasure.
Just for an inch movement, I felt so happy. “Oh my god, I drove the car” I shouted in that empty road. Then I joined driving class and learned car driving. I brought a car for myself. The car, brand name, registration number, everything was of my choice. Since It was through my hard earnings and savings, I love it when I see it. It gives me a great joy when I drive in highway. I don’t like rash driving or neither going beyond speed. So I always drive in 80KM per speed in highway. The dividers are always fostered and nourished with plants. The roads are constructed well, and I love that smooth ride. I love it, when I swift the lane from left to right and from right to left. In particular I love the Bangalore to Pune highways.

Every week-end, one or the other friends call me to Nandhi hills. My trekking friends call me for trekking and my photography friends invite me to capture the sunrise in the early morning. We all start at 4.00 AM from Bangalore and drive towards Nandhi hills to capture the Sunrise. In a month, at least once we go to Nandhi hills, enjoy the sun rise and spend some time over there. It gets rejuvenated for the entire month. I also love to take a long drive at night-time.

Coca-Cola is celebrating International Day of Happiness, so why dont we join hands with them. Share what does happiness mean to you in the comments sections.