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ARTICLE: CAR AND CAREER- A NECESSITY FOR THE WORKING CLASS

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DO INDIAN CAR ADS NEED TO BE MORE REALISTIC?

    Yes, they do. As most car ads that you see in the electronic media have a slant towards those usages that you may once in a blue moon put your car to. And it could be in the range of 10-15% of the total car usage time. Something, like going on a quiet cross country drive, or driving intercity, excessive speeding like a mad man, showing off etc. etc.

    Yet most car ads repeat, the same stale and brawny messages, of excessive speeding, high horse power availability, zipping speed and pick up from- 0 to 60 km in 5-6 seconds. When these should just be left as specs and features, since most cars in the same class, have it all. Not to forget the risky car acrobats as seen in some ads. The one I readily remember is a Maruti Swift ad, that cannot be performed on Indian roads and are risky for most people who drive them. As many may not even have the real sense of an impact, in case of an accident. Where, one in a million time, your life saving gadgets may not even operate. As it happened in the best of brands like the Toyota Fortuner, where, the court has awarded a huge compensation for an accident victim in U.P..

    There are however some SUV ads that stand closer to reality. Such as negotiating rough terrains, going cross-country on a holiday, features like comfortable leg-room, plush interiors, turning radius, ramp angle, mileage- kitna deti hai and so on.

WE NOW REQUIRE A NEW AD PARADIGM

    Advertisers should now sensitize themselves to the basic fact, that a majority of car sales happen in the metros. Which have huge traffic jams, with very low average running speed. Where, high speed or high horse power is of less consequence. Rather the irony is. Most of the times, in busy streets bikes and scooters overtake you and sometimes even a bicycle. And, perhaps you are too sheepish about that rogue auto-rickshaw that tends to push you off the track. For a dent in your car may cost you precious time, boss’s irritation as you’ll require leave to repair it and even money. But for him it’ll only be a hammer technology. And the Mary’s little lamb, the cycle rickshaw that might just deliver a deep scar with its jutting axle. So then what should a car ad convey is the big question?

MARRY CAR AND CAREER

    Car and career is now a necessity for the working class in India. About 60-70 percent of the times, when we drive our car, it is for going to work. India thinks in cars. Many important decisions of our lives and career are taken while we drive. It is the second most expensive purchase after a house. So tweak the focus of car ads to be more holistic, realistic, contemporary, and in Indian conditions. As I should not be reminded of abroad while seeing an Indian car ad and I have some suggestions in this regard:

  • Talk more of speeding dangers than speeding excitements.
  • Teach the art of patience: Such as peacefully waiting in traffic jams and signals.
  • How to avoid road rage. How to keep cool: Deep breathing
  • How to manage scratches: Can we develop stickers that protect our vehicles from minor scratches and rub-offs of two wheelers and fellow cars that often lead to road rage
  • Change Indian myth of masculinity: Speeding to safe driving tips.
  • Can we integrate a bit of our office or personal life into the driving time.
  • Apart from music can we have a gadget that can download thoughts, reminders while driving, send some voice mails along with some robotic operations.
  • Remove generic technical myths about car technology.
  • We sit in the car for long durations. How does it affect our health in terms of orthopaedic, muscles or even eye-sight.
  • At what speed can we take potholes without damaging the car.
  • At what speed can we cross a flooded street without the car stalling to improve on traffic jams in monsoon.
  • Security net and connect-GPS.
  • Driving tips for improving mileage.
  • Talk about pedestrian rights.
  • Professional tips for a professional drivers. Something like how to handle kids?
  • Routine maintenance- many owners and drivers don’t even read the manuals.
  • Explain new technology in layman’s language.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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ARTICLE: THE HYPE OF #LITERACY AND DILEMMA OF #EMPLOYABILITY

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961

DEFINITION OF LITERACY

    Literacy, as defined in Census operations, is the ability to read and write with understanding in any language. A person who can merely read but cannot write is not classified as literate. Any formal education or minimum educational standard is not necessarily to be considered literate.

    (UNESCO) has drafted a definition of literacy which is, “the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate, compute and use printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning in enabling individuals to achieve their goals, to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their community and wider society.”

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    The National Literacy Mission defines literacy as “acquiring the skills of reading, writing and arithmetic and the ability to apply them to one’s day-to-day life. The achievement of functional literacy implies (i) self-reliance in 3 R’s-reading, writing and arithmetic, (ii) awareness of the causes of deprivation and the ability to move towards amelioration of their condition by participating in the process of development, (iii) acquiring skills to improve economic status and general well being, and (iv) imbibing values such as national integration, conservation of environment, women’s equality, observance of small family norms.”

    According to the latest report released on 31 March 2011 the literacy rate of India has increased to 74%. This means a decadal growth of around 10 %.

BUT CAN MERE LITERACY GUARANTEE EMPLOYMENT?

Is the moot point, as literacy only provides general ability to read, write and a sense of better awareness, but jobs, require deeper and varied skills that need to be created. In the recent Times Ascent edition of 27th November, I read; in the just concluded PAN-IIM World Management Conference held at IIM-KOZHIKODE our HRD Minister Smriti Zubin Irani harping on some appreciative facts about India as a routine lullaby.

    That India is one of the world’s largest democracies and according to some studies 57% of our population is under 30. Our average age is expected to be less than China and the US by 2050. This means more workers, or in other words, a demographic dividend. India has a large pool of workforce that is predominantly English-speaking. 4.4 million Graduates join the Indian job market annually, so there is no shortage of skilled workers in our country. So be it.

    But then do we have appropriate jobs for all as she has not spoken about those unpleasant figures of unemployment. ILO indicates sluggishness in the job market over the last two years where jobless rate could be around 3.8% this year which sounds optimistic. On a more historic note the unemployment rate has been hovering around 6-8 % on an average over the last decade or so. So, can one say, each time when literacy levels have gone up unemployment hasn’t come down?

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    This necessitates, we should take up skill building on fast track. Which horrifyingly comes up in India at a later stage of our educational system. And considering, the alarming school dropout rate of 40% with more girls facing the brunt, this should start at secondary school level.

CAUSE OF SYSTEMIC WORRY

    It is worrying to see, important ministers making isolated parroted statements in coveted milieus like IIMs and IITs, where even otherwise everything is hunky dory. And it goes without saying the stark reality continues to remain as it is and nothing much has changed on the ground. So the big question is how will the additional annual workforce of 4.4 million per annum be adjusted in the job market, and what is the road map for creating such jobs each year. Time has come when at least 74% of the literate Indians would want to know end-to-end on how these jobs would be created, before one brags about the English speaking workforce of 4.4 million and the young India. The central point therefore is the job-creators and the workforce creators of India need to meet on one platform to align, which is still missing.

    In any case most IIT and IIM graduates or post graduates won’t remain unemployed, rather would be gainfully employed. But what is more worrying is the lower end of the pyramid that will bear the brunt of unemployment.

    Considering the present unemployment rate. HRD minister would have done well by initiating a dialogue with those states and departments where huge vacancies are lying unfilled, especially teachers and police constables. The low hanging fruits. Which I guess is also the baby of HRD ministry. Needful to mention teacher appointments in some states have been subjected to scams, and appointments cancelled subsequently.

INDUSTRY INTERFACE

    One of the biggest sources of employment in any country, with India being no exception is through business and industries. Where, according to the World Bank we are still at an agonizing 142 in the ease of doing business out of 189 countries. And time taken for registration of a business is currently at 27 days that needs to be cut down to one day, as in Canada and New Zealand.

    Government intends to go online on approvals, for over 200 state and central permits by April next year which is laudable. Currently 81 state level clearances and another 133 at the central level are being put on line and out of these more than 50 relate to railway ministry, alone. But the big question remains; whether we can set up industries at a pace matching 4.4 million jobs a year, which will only increase by leaps and bounds. The answer as of now is no and that necessitates searching for other alternatives. And so; where is the MEA proposal (Ministry of External Affairs) if we were to export our workforce to various aging countries about which our Prime Minister talks so often? And which new countries have been identified where our young English speaking workforce can go and work safely with proper work permits and visas, in a safe manner. I guess, the two distinguished ladies Sushma Swaraj and Smriti Irani should meet on this agenda and at least identify the countries, and if for some reason it happens to be Germany, Smriti should not think of replacing German by Sanskrit.

THE ROUTE AHEAD

    For brand India, literacy to full employment will be a long and arduous walk, considering its size and scale. Where, premier institutions such as IIT and IIM should also brainstorm to show the way out. And we will have to figure out other avenues also, where I guess PM Narendra Modi’s team needs to come together on one platform.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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ARTICLE- INDIAN AGRI’S CHINK IN THE ARMOUR

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    If the 2011 agri census had its way. It would huff, puff and jostle the policy makers to have a hard look at the stressed agri scenario of India. That is entering from the back doors of gradual reduction in operating land holding size. It may sound primordial. Yet the tremors are only getting closer to the feet, slowly and steadily.

    Let’s take a close look at some of the key statistics thrown up by agriculture census of 2011. Which are rather alarming. More for those who thrive on agriculture and considering the fact that the census takes place every five years. What will emerge in the next one, could only be a heart broken anticipation coming true.

LAND HOLDING PATTERN UNDER STRESS

    The total no of operational holding has increased from 129.22 million hectares (ha) in 2005-06 to 138.35 million ha in 2010-11, showing an increase of 7.06%. This may sound good.

    The operated area has also increased to 159.59 million ha in 2010-11 from 158.32 million ha in 2005-06. A marginal increase of only 0.80%.

    But the average operational size of land holding which was 1.23 ha in 2005-06 has declined to 1.15 ha in 2010-11, at an all India level. Which is below 3 acres on a more prevalent terminology. What it might be in the census of 2015-16 could be anyone’s wild guess. All in all, this shift will only bring about economic stress. That will perforce change the farming paraphernalia of an Indian farmer. But are we ready for it is the moot question?

    From the veritable census report in the table below one finds. The small and marginal <2 ha operational area has gone up from 41.14% to 44.58%. While both semi medium, medium and large holding have come down. And the average operational size of holding in <2 ha class has gone up from 83.29% to 85.01%. Now this should at least ring bells if not alarm bells. Further the table also conveys:

REDUCTION SWING IN SIZE OF LAND HOLDINGS
CENSUS-2005-06 CENSUS- 2010-11
SMALL AND MARGINAL < 2HA
AVEARAGE OPERATED SIZE OF HOLDING 83.29% 85.01%
OPERATED AREA 41.14% 44.58%
SEMI MEDIUM AND MEDIUM 2.00 HA-10HA
AVERAGE OPERATED SIZE OF HOLDING 15.85% 14.29%
OPERATED AREA 47.05% 44.88%
LARGE HOLDING > 10.00HA    
AVERAGE OPERATED SIZE OF HOLDING 0.85% 0.70%
OPERATED AREA 11.82% 10.59%

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    Major farm productivity is going to come from <2 ha holdings. Therefore, the methodology of agriculture production changes from heavy and medium to mini and micro farm equipment. Which is a capital cost change for the industry. Distribution and marketing too will have to retract and align to the scattered farm production. That is helter-skelter logistics and smaller heaps to carry and deliver.

THE NEW PAGE IN FARM MECHANIZATION

    Reduction in the size of average operational land holding by 6.50% over the last five years ending 2011. Together with the trending future and historical past, has not gone on deaf years with major Farm mechanization companies. As they too, over the years, have added, scaled down variants of lower horse power (HP) tractors in their stable. That is from 60 to 45 to 35 to 25 and now to even 16 (HP). Yet the break-even points of these machines are spilling on to the kuccha village roads or the tarmac roads where they carry passengers, work in brick-kiln and get into seasonal transport jobs to make two ends meet.

    Also mere reduction of HP will not be sufficient in bringing about farmer profitability. The present average land holding size denotes–Like a nuclear family have nuclear farming. But this nuclear farming will be viable only with tilling machines in the range of 3 to 7 HP along with allied paraphernalia. Machines that even a lady can operate and that are self-sustainable, in terms of cost by the income of the farm alone. And do not escrow with other seasonal side operations to break even. Therefore, it is not far when the early birds of the industry will arrive in this segment.

    As a concerned friend of the farmers. I feel the Government of India needs to take a pragmatic view of the ensuing scenario, and work out a complete package for the new trendsetting ‘nuclear farming.’ Which I feel is a new skill set. And I say this for the following reason.

    For etching a full time farming career from a farm of less than 3 acres would mean performing most farm activities yourself. Or in the company of your spouse, and this would require small farm machines for all activities to match that. Especially, when the net farming profitability per acre stands around twenty five to thirty thousand rupees per annum per acre. That too on irrigated land.

    Indian agriculture has been slow but steady in catching signals of change. Perhaps, it is waiting for a point when push comes to shove. But this time it needs to be proactive. And it has the capability to imbibe change. Where, the GOI must facilitate with appropriate policies.

By Kamlesh Tripathi- Ex: General Manager, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.; Head Operations, Mahindra Shubh Labh Services Ltd.; Head-Agri-Business & Head Engines for Gensets, Escorts Ltd.; Vice President, Reliance Retail; Head of Marketing & Sales, SAS Motors; (WRITER AND AUTHOR).

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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SOME INTERESTING, #QUOTES AND #SAYINGS

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123

  • It is faith that removes mental turbidity and makes your mind clear.
  • Weakness on both sides is, as we know, the motto of all quarrels- Voltaire.
  • In the absence of writing, all knowledge was located in the mind of the Brahmin; this is why killing a Brahmin was forbidden as it was equal to killing a library. This made the Brahmin very powerful, too powerful. He jealously guarded his knowledge.’
  • The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die.
  • A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
  • How long can a snake keep straight.
  • Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.
  • What matters is not the idea a man holds, but the depth at which he holds it.
  • If there is a lesson to be learnt from success of IT, it is that openness leads to job creation.
  • Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.
  • What to eat and what not to eat are options available to only those who have plenty to eat and not for those who have very little to eat.
  • There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread
  • “Mind” the emperor of all remedies.
  • Consumers need a reason to stick
  • I became the dog who caught the car.
  • All cultures are distant relatives because they are all human contracts.
  • Every single time you make a merger, somebody is losing his identity.
  • The sweetest sound in the world is the person’s own name.
  • “Manam Pola Vaazhkai” Tamil- (The way your heart goes the way your life will be) law of nature.
  • The mind is everything. What you think you become.
  • Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.
  • They say behind every successful man, there is a wife and behind every successful woman a resentful husband.
  • Do not ask God to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.
  • Thinking is one thing no one has ever been able to tax
  • Life is a chaplet of little miseries.
  • The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the bladder.
  • Often it isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out. It’s the little pebble in your shoe.
  • Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls & looks like work.
  • Absolute leaders nurture absolute followers who believe in absolute intimidation.
  • An Idea- Take up one idea. Think of it, dream of it, live on that idea, and just leave every other idea alone.
  • Winning isn’t everything- but wanting to win is.
  • Beauty is a greater recommendation than any letter of introduction.
  • Forget the past and lose an eye; dwell on the past and lose both eyes.
  • You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus
  • You are what other people see you as.
  • There are weeks when decades have happened and there are decades when not even weeks have happened.
  • Well, I was always enamoured with the stepwells of India.
  • A city is like a person- you need to look into its darker sides to understand the whole thing. Everyone wants to present the beautiful to you.
  • I love cows, my grandmother told me, “If you want to feel God, look into a cow’s eyes.” Gandhi protected the cow because cow is the image of all sub human life.
  • You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.
  • ‘Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns it … he who doesn’t … pays it.’
  • There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same
  • Meaning of Life: What is meaning of life? Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is meaning.
  • Election and Governance: winning a majority is one thing, running the country another.
  • If you compare life becomes miserable.If somebody is better than you, learn from them; enjoy others success. If some one is better than you at some level, do not whip yourself with comparision-.
  • Poverty is the parent of revolution & crime
  • ‘No matter if it it is a white cat or a black cat; as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat.’
  • ‘If all had taken a leaf out of their Parents book, it would have been difficult for God to manage aspirations of mankind; as most would be on the right track.’

If you don’t know the author of these lines write to us.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Should you wish to donate for the cause. The bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES- A BOOK BY KAMLESH TRIPATHI, CO AUTHOR: SUJATA TRIPATHI

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51+O4fGLGaL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX324_SY324_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA346_SH20_OU31_#AADAB #LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES BOOK LAUNCHED IN RECENT- LUCKNOW INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL

E-book available in Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble. Print copies available in Poth.com, Flipkart.

EXCERPTS

‘whatever … whenever … Lucknow is forever.’

‘Aadab-Lucknow … fond memories’ is a story of a group of friends who spend their childhood and part of their adolescence in Lucknow. They part ways for their career and future but the umbilical-cord remains intact and they connect after many years, attempting to relive the city.’

‘What is #Lucknow up to? Smiling, giggling, laughing or weeping. Let’s figure out.’
‘Isn’t Lucknow the world’s showcase of #Hindu-Muslim amity? Do you have any doubts? We have none.’

‘#Imambara-to-see … Evening-in-Ganj-#Hazratganj … Kababs-to-eat …Chikan-to-wear … Attar-for-fragrance … Ikka-buggy-to-roam … Kite-to-fly … Hospitality-by-leaf-Betel-leaf … Sweet-tongue … and the great Lakhnawi pride … after-you-after-you.’

‘Langotia-Gang: A group of ‘Underwear friends’ nay ‘childhood friends’ a metaphorical and peppy expression. The Langotians take you through the intrinsic essence of life.’

‘And post #Kabootar-bazi, dressed in a crisp Achkan, seated on his flashy Ikka, he used to join Rehman for the evening Chai-Nashtaa which he ensured, he never missed after the game. After all … All was fair in love and Kabootar-bazi.’

‘Anyway, guys send me a quick update on, Vakil, Neta, Naukarshah and Abhiyanta … Shahid, IV, Irfan and Savita. Lucknow runs because of these four; business and industry are not there and rest can go to hell.’

‘Other states carry weight as a state, but we carry only some districts as weight.’
‘Mem-sahab, Babuji, kaan laga ke dhyan se suniya Lucknow ka har bachcha kya gaa raha hai.’ (Madam, Sir, listen intently to what every child of Lucknow is singing)

‘Mandar, Masjid, Church the Gurudware da shehar, change shehar Lucknow.’

‘#Awadh shrieks and shrills to the fading countenance of Wajid as she promises to herself to be in command and control of the fond memories of her Mehboob, #Wajid-Ali-Shah.’
SKU-000674302_COVERSKU-000674302_COVER

ONE TO #TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY- BOOK BY KAMLESH TRIPATHI

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T150_6248_9789382025030

Book on Singlehood

NOW ARCHIVED IN PRESTIGIOUS CONNEMARA STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY, CHENNAI

EXCERPTS

ONE
All this modern brag about #women’s-lib, male-bashing appeared as poster signs for the erudite to read and jostle through this not-so-good world, as you still had the Ria’s of the world to be saved from the callous studs and bitchy hens of the ‘scheming jungle’ called the ‘society.’
TWO
‘Come to the point, Zarine …. What do I do to sort out lives?’
‘What do you dream for Ria?’
‘Good question … Viren- no- Viren … I want Ria to be happy in her forced singlehood,’ replied Viren.
‘Then don’t think of moving out on her, plan to rust on her …. in the sense create situations where she comes and tells you she is not interested in you because of … these … these reasons …. It appears she holds you on a high pedestal. Start lowering your pedestal and do all of that in a subtle way and in no way direct.’
THREE
‘The premise of your friendship is quite chaste as I understand from your e-mail. She was ditched by her boy- friends … rejected by suitors, cold shouldered by sister and left to live by … helpless friends. A personality afflicted and wounded by fellow human beings … and in the middle of all this, she found you as her saviour and fell in love. I don’t blame her … Viren. You represent the … Dodos on this planet, they are not extinct, they live in you. Why couldn’t I get this Dodo when I was undergoing my bad time,’ the affection in Zarine’s tone was, as if oozing out of the mouth-piece.
FOUR
‘#Singlehood’ … to her was a curse. An assortment of … personal abuse, insecurity, vulnerability … incest, dirty eyes and hands.
FIVE
Unusual … end

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ALLURING MIRAGE OF RAJ ESTATE-LUDHIANA, A SHORT STORY BY KAMLESH TRIPATHI

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ALLURING MIRAGE OF Raj estate-Ludhiana

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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Published by: Shravan Charity Mission

Few lines for flavour:

  •  ‘Papa ji, my friend who recently went to Toronto was telling me around ten to fifteen lacs, when his Parents are still supporting him till he finds a job. O-O Daddy ji, it is very, very tough these days.’ replied Mandeep.
  • Soon the ambience at home deteriorated. Fun, cheer, smiles were replaced by gloom and suspicion. Rapid degradation followed in interpersonal. The boisterous evenings that saw all the three brothers clanging their glasses, nibbling rich snacks in the lawns of the Kothi had turned turtle.
  • Mandeep, had married a girl of Canadian origin without informing his Parents. Jasmeet invited Jasvinder and Sukhbir for his wedding to a Tamilian software engineer but they refused to attend.
  • A gloom had set in around the clan. Rajs were now past sixty … senior citizens. Some even had health problems. Banto, had recently informed Gurdeep that Upinder and Lovely had visited PGI Chandigarh a couple of times. Perhaps, between them someone was not well.”

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IT COULD BE FOR MORE THAN ONE REASON: SO JUST DON’T DUMP YOUR FRIEND YET.

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BY KAMLESH TRIPATHI

Recently, I visited an old friend-cum-colleague of mine, whom I knew quite well. An innate live-wire, I should say. Whom, I had known for the last thirty years but was meeting him after three years. With the idea of reminiscing those good old days. I was now plonked in his drawing room holding a fancy glass and some mouthwatering snacks.

In the initial moments of warm-up I felt as usual; and as usual as I used to feel in his company earlier. But then a little beyond that. I felt as if the winds had changed. For he was not the same, and had become sober, quiet and somewhat unresponsive. Anyhow, I went past those unwieldy moments and left with an overbearing him.

Later on. I pondered and pondered, about what I thought. The diffident behaviour of my friend. And, each time I only came across emotions and insinuations that had no logic. Next day, as usual, I was back, dabbling my laptop. When, I decided to surf around certain industries, where I found some logical co-relation with my friend’s behaviour.

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The industry in which my friend was working was undergoing torturous times. When, I decided to peep into his company figures, which I found were even more pathetic. As for the past two years it was in deep red. I then decided to drop the disturbing thoughts and leave the whole thing to unknown destiny.

Time trickled by. It was three months since I had met him. When, one day. I got a call from him again. And, his very first sentence took me back to times immemorial. Thirty years, to be precise. He had found a new job. I found in him the same chirpy soul talking to me, and once again he invited me home. In the manner, he usually invited me. Which, I couldn’t refuse. Sure enough, he had regained himself, and it was heartening to visualize that. So, I drew a moral out of his story.

In life don’t ever misunderstand any such friend and don’t write him off. For you really don’t know, who might be standing next to you when you are close to crossing the broken bridge. They may look and behave in a manner that may make you feel, they are annoyed with you. But they could be annoyed with themselves. Yielding and bleeding to their own circumstances in this unnecessary tough world.

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WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FEEL LOW?

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    ‘I’m feeling low, sad or depressed’ is something we all hear almost on a daily basis from friends, colleagues, peer groups, relatives and even close family members. You may call it depression, a state of mind, a dejected syndrome, life style occurrence or all in one, as it is difficult to delineate? So, for the time being let’s call it a ‘Sad State of Mind (SSOM). The frequency in some may be high and in some low. However, it spares no one, except children up to a certain age group. Does it therefore mean, that as soon as you start facing life you encounter SSOM?

    Perhaps yes, and it transcends all age groups, sex and even professions. Where, it encounters everyone in the journey of life. I too have suffered from SSOM. It comes uninvited, and at odd hours like an unwanted guest, not knowing how long it will stay. One day when I got frustrated. I decided to cross check with some of my colleagues and friends if they too were infested by SSOM and most of them said yes. I wasn’t surprised. As it leaves you hapless, makes you lethargic and impedes you from doing even your normal chores at home and routine work at office. And, in this manner it also affects India’s GDP and leads to a negative trail. So, I decided to do something about it.

    First, I thought of ways and means to prevent it, if not cure it. Or, find a sound way to dispel it but failed in doing so. So, I decided to survey some men, women, students, professionals, academicians and politicians with just one startling question:

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‘WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU FEEL LOW?’

    Sample size was two hundred. And to my astonishment no one sulked at the very question. In fact, everyone just promptly replied in a one-liner, which I am writing below as quote-unquote or verbatim. Results showed that every person had a way of resolving his or her own SSOM but broadly preferred to stay under the nine sub-headings mentioned below.

SURRENDER TO #ALMIGHTY … He will take care

    I talk to God. I visit the temple. I chant verses from holy Ramayana. I read a few pages out of my handy Gita. I flip through my Holy Quran. I go to the Gurudwara. I pray to Goddess Durga. I read a few pages of Holy Bible. I watch a devotional channel on TV. I recite Hanuman Chalisa. I ponder over my equation with God. Mind you, I didn’t find anyone telling me that I go to a powerful person to resolve my SSOM.

INTROSPECTION & MEDITATION … helps you in rediscovering yourself.

  I meditate. I introspect. I ponder over my past. I start worrying about my future. When did I help someone last? I try and remember. Why did I hurt someone? I think. Why did I make fun of someone? I regret. Perhaps it’s a reminder for some noble deed.

TO SERVE … gives a feeling of soul cleansing.

    I donate. I feed my cat to some milk. I feed ants. I feed a cow. I feed a street dog. I feed my pet dog. I feed an old beggar.

PHYSICAL EXERTION … refreshes you to take on the world.

    I take my dog for a walk. I go for a swim. I jog for a while. I go cycling. I go golfing. I go swimming. I go to the gym. I go to the spa. I do indoor exercises. I do deep breathing, it helps. I go fishing.

ENTERTAINMENT … rejuvenates you.

    I open my bottle to have a swig. I read a novel. I switch on the TV. I go for a movie. I watch cricket. I start playing computer games. I read jokes. I play indoor games. I laugh in my toilet, as you would in the laughing club. I sing in my bathroom. I watch a cartoon channel. I Play with my Pet. I listen to music. I play my keyboard. I smoke a cigarette. I eat excessively.

MIND DIVERSION … helps you forget.

    I read anything just anything lying around. I start writing. I start painting. I go and sit in the lawn amidst plants. I call up my girlfriend. I call up my boyfriend. I call up Dad. I call up Mom. I call up my daughter. I call up my son. I call up my daughter-in-law. I call up my wife. I call my up husband. I call up my best friend. I speak to my boss, he gives me some sound advice. I start thinking of pending work in office. I speak to my mentor. I flip through a magazine. I read newspaper. I go for a drive.

KILLING SSOM … with other powerful thoughts.

    I think of my last holiday and the pleasant moments with my family. I build determination to confront the situation that makes me feel low. I recall, ‘No matter how bad things are they could be worse.’ ‘Nothing is permanent’ I say to myself. I think of the best surprise of my life. I think of the best episode of my life. I think of an ugly episode of my life. I still have a healthy body and soul so why worry. I have a loving family so why feel low. I have a bright career so why feel low.

DOING NOTHING … just another way of handling by not reacting.

I sulk. I just shut my mind for some time. I know something good is coming next so I don’t bother. I just doze off. I take a small break from work. I just have a cup of tea. I do nothing and wait for the mood swing to be over. I stop eating. I fiddle with my mobile. I consider it to be like common cold, so I just move on. I believe in- no matter how bad things are something is going right and no matter how good things are something is going wrong; this balances life. Even the President of the US suffers from SSOM so who am I? Feeling low is cyclic, so why worry. Once in a while we all feel low, perhaps it’s the order of the nature. Chalta hai- don’t be too serious about life, let life be serious about you.
    The moral of the story is we all feel low at times, and many a times during a lifetime. Whilst, such occurrences happen, we should not feel isolated and down beaten as it happens to most human beings on the planet. Life is not a bed of roses but a constant struggle and more the struggle is shared more life becomes easy to take on and this is a small attempt towards that.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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    Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

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Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

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GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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BHULBHULAIYA- DO MONUMENTS REFLECT THE ETHOS OF TIMES?

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    Yes they do if you hear them intently. I could feel it during my visit to Bara Imambara (BI), Bhool-Bhulaiyaa (BB) and the tall Rumi Darwaza (RD) while doing a book on Lucknow. A tourist guide took me around these signature monuments, and believe me, it was sheer delight. He coaxed me to listen to what the monuments hummed and conveyed while standing tall and tanned under the strong summer sun. Indeed, it is a mirror and reflection of the civilization of those times, when the monument was constructed.

    BI, BB and RD were all constructed by, the then Ruler and Nawab of Lucknow, Asaf-ud-Daulah (AUD) in 1784 about whom, it is said: ‘Jis ko na de Maulah usko de Asaf-ud-Daulah.’ (AUD grants benevolence, even to those, whom Almighty denies—a catchphrase in the honour of the local ruler). AUD imbibed the ethos and spirit of Awadh, only to convert it into grand edifices, further catapulting it, into iconic monuments around which these civilizations flourished.

    He decided to build the BI for Azadari (mourning). To provide relief to his poor subjects who were reeling under severe famine in 1783-84. The construction provided employment to nearly twenty two thousand people at a time. But his concern did not rest there. To encourage men folk of respectable families who felt embarrassed working during the day, fearing they will be recognized as labourers during daylight. The Nawab directed that the construction work be continued even after sunset, and throughout the night, when men would work in darkness without being recognized. Many people who worked in the night were unskilled. Work done by them was therefore sub-standard, which was demolished during the day and re-built by skilled workers next day. Though, this arrangement caused a lot of wastage, AUD put forth some remarkable points relevant to mankind by weaving a fabric of social security system for the society.

    Even today, BI conveys the tale of pain, human suffering and so, is dear to all, as forefathers of many may have participated in this project cutting across religion and strata of the society. AUD had shifted his capital from Faizabad-Ayodhya (twin cities) to Lucknow therefore Ram-Raj was not unknown to him.

    The main hall of the Imambara is 50 x16 meters. And is 15 meters tall without any central pillars or columns supporting it. This is said to be the world’s largest ‘arched room’ without pillars. As if conveying. It is possible for a society to exist and survive with each other’s support alone. As Hindu-Muslims do in Lucknow like the arched room.

    Within the Imambara AUD had also carved the labyrinth … the ‘BB’ which is, three storeyed. It has 489 similar looking galleries without doors, where one can roam endlessly for hours. But by roaming endlessly you don’t reach your destination. To reach your destination you require proper direction, is the lesson it conveys.

    The narrow lanes of BB were carved to confuse enemy intruders during invasions. Only the King and a few of his trusted men knew the way out. Just as your Guru or the Almighty knows the way out for you, in troubled times. And keeping the enemy confused is a robust strategy even today.

    These constricted lanes can make anyone feel lost, as you sometimes, feel in life. Their passages, some of which have cul-de-sacs, exhort us to keep moving in life, even during hardships, and not fear the dead ends. For hardships will only dissolve in front of your endurance.

    Flights of steps go up-and-down like a sinusoidal curve. It is steep, dark and narrow. Where, even the sound of a lighted match stick, amplifies and seems to travel through the length of the corridor. The lit-up effect of which illuminates, right up to the other end of the corridor. Signifying, don’t worry. For, there is always light at the other end of the tunnel.

    There are a series of closed narrow passages. In the form of an intricate network, that connects them to a set of staircases. That suddenly change direction, going up or down just to confuse a person. Only, one correct combination of the passage and staircase when negotiated correctly, leads you to the roof top. In a manner hinting, that perfection requires precision. Like a combination lock. Where, only one correct combination of passage and stairs together, can take you to the top.

    It reminds, even real life is like a combination lock. Where all combinations need to mesh for fruition. You cannot reach the top of BB without the help of a guide, who is trained to perfection to take you up. Just like the journey of life, where the Almighty holds your hand and takes you through and through. Next,

   The grand Rumi Darwaza (RD) standing 60 feet-tall, was also a part of relief operations during the famine. It is devoid of wood and iron and an outright novelty, of its times. When viewed from the West, it looks like a huge Mehraab—a grand gateway. East is even prettier … resembling a Mexican hat. Its three gates in a row absorb the fast, medium and the slow moving traffic, symbolic of the trait of absorption in human life. Born tall, it lives tall and looks prettier from wide angles. The tough, rough and the dainty mix of personality that human beings need to imbibe.

   AUD’s character possessed the sponge to absorb the ethos of the masses, and convert it into these everlasting golden scripts of brick and mortar. Try it out, yourself. As and when you go close to these monuments. They shear off your existing nub of thoughts and fill you with some gentle self-introspection. Which only helps you in re-determining your values. They say values of a man rarely changes. Not even during his lifetime.

    In the flux and flow of life. If someone, were to ask me to describe the Awadh of 1784. I would simply tell him to go and see a movie produced in that era. Or read a book published around that time. But sad, movies were not invented then and books were not too prevalent. So, my request to him would only be, to go and visit BI, BB and even RD.

    I now, never miss an opportunity to visit old monuments, and spend some quality time there. As each monument has something beatific to tell you.

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By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. Book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

Story of an Indian salesman who is lowly qualified but fights his ways through uncertainities to reach the top. A good read for all salesmen. Now available in Amazon.com

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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