“Congress or BJP, Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi, who will be able to translate their popularity into votes in the upcoming election? Besides, who actually deserves to be at the driver’s seat of the nation? The media is going blah blah blah over it. But the question still remains unanswered – Will our country progress under the guidance of a young leader like Rahul or shine if Modi proves “yamraj” to Congress?”

These were the last few sentences of my boss when we finished our meeting yesterday and while I was busy fiddling with my phone all the time throughout the meeting, the conclusion of the meeting blew me away completely. No, my boss did not answer the questions asked above but gave me the duty to analyze the situation and opinionate it. “Dammit!” was my first reaction after all Politics is not my genre in writing.

“Sir, according to me someone should tell Rahul that he is not a philosopher and India doesn’t need him. On the other hand, India doesn’t even need a “self marketing man” like Narendra Modi” I chucked as I said that.

“Oh Deepti, I do not want you to speak but write a thorough article on the topic. Meet me tomorrow with the article in the first half” He snapped at me.

I reached at my home all gloomy and miserable. My mom started ranting about her daily woes. I interrupted her by asking what she felt about Congress or BJP, she had just one answer – Congress. My phone beeped it was a notification of WeChat. My boyfriend had messaged me. I asked him the same question but he replied, BJP and Narendra Modi. It was 1-1 and the answer came from the two most important persons of my lives whom I always run for advices. Ask me about beauty, fashion and lifestyle, I can write pages and pages, but inquire me about Politics, I am equivalent to a ‘layman.’ My boyfriend calmed me a bit and gave me a lot of information (Congress Policies, History, Indian Politics etc) while we were chatting on WeChat. He is a bureaucrat with a Ph.d in International Politics. An avid follower and fan of history, he started telling me how the Indian leaders would react to this mess. I listened to him mentioning Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subash Chandra Bose, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Jinnah but could not concentrate and gradually while talking to him on WeChat, I went into my slumber assuming that these veteran leaders of contradicting views would come to my help, debate and gave me their insights for my post.

Me: Congress or BJP, Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi? Will our country progress under the guidance of a young leader like Rahul or shine if Modi proves yamraj to Congress?

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: I don’t know..I have lost hope in Indian Politics…And I don’t support any party…

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Clik here to view.Nehru: I tell you child, you should go for the Congress and even vote for the Congress which brought Independence under our Great Leader Gandhiji.

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: Oh Nehru ..Please stop relating me to the Congress Party. You have already used my name for political gains.

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Clik here to view.Nehru: But Gandhiji…You are misunderstanding me.

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Clik here to view. Bose:  I think you should help the child here rather than arguing about your personal agendas.

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Clik here to view.Bose:  I will say its better if you considerBJP and even vote for them. Mr. Modi is a real leader.

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Clik here to view.Nehru: Yes a real leader like Hitler himself… He will take India to the depths of misfortune…

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Clik here to view.Jinnah – Yes, Nehru for a change is saying something that is making sense after a long time..Modi is a monster, a communal person. It is only because of a man like Modi, we had to make our land of pure, “Pakistan.”

Every Indian is like Modi that is why the minorities are dying in India where as minorities along with the majorities are flourishing in Pakistan

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: How long this hatred will grow, aren’t we part of the same country? I tried so much to convince you Jinnah, but…

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Jinnah: Whhhhhat? Part of the same country, UNACCEPTABLE! Does it mean that India sees Pakistan as its own part?

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Gandhi – Leave it Jinnah, I am wrong

 Me – All you veteran leaders, please guide me and solve my issue, who should I consider more while writing this opinionated article?

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Clik here to view.Nehru: See Beta, Modi will do no good to our nation

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Clik here to view.Subash Chandra Bose: As if it is doing very well under the royal Nehru Parivar..

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: Ty Bose for saying just Nehru parivar

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Bose: Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Nehru: Please don’t team up against me…Gandhiji you are supposed to be on my side…Since I have always been on your side

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: Were U?…:/

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Clik here to view.Subash Chandra Bose: LOL

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Nehru: Don’t laugh Bose…You should stop supporting the fascist Modi..Ahh, whom am I lecturing..U were too under the fascist fold, taking Hitler’s side and Tojo’s help in the Independence of our Sacred Motherland

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Clik here to view.Bose: Yes, because they were my enemy’s enemies. I could have even made a deal with the devil for India’ independence,,,,,I have told you so many times…

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Clik here to view.Nehru: Yeah, yeah..But that doesn’t make Modi any better…I tell U let Rahul be the PM once and you will see how far he takes India.

Me: Thank U for your advice chachaji :)

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Clik here to view.Bose: Oh, please!!! India needs no more Nehru’s in the form of Mamma’s spoilt boy

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Clik here to view.Nehru: How dare you call him that

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Clik here to view.Bose: That is what he is

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: You two, please don’t fight make it a valid debate and not argument

Meanwhile, with the help of the WeChat “Shake” feature, I found that Tagore Sir was in a mere distance of 1km. I quickly greeted him and welcomed in the group.

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Clik here to view.Tagore: Hey guys what’s up..What’s the discussion about? Art? Literature? Or is it Music?

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: Welcome my friend…. It’s about Politics.. who should one support in the upcoming 2014 Lok Sabha Election

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Clik here to view.Bose: Nomoskar Gurudev

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Clik here to view.Tagore: Ehhh..Not again..There is so much better things to discuss about..

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: I agree but Deepti wants to know our opinions..And Bose-Nehru are quite vehemently  supporting their views

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Tagore: I see..So, Deepti, are you in politics? Is that why you are so interested in this mess?

Me: No, no Sir, I am a journalist/writer and blogger. Although my niche is not

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Clik here to view. politics, I have been given a topic to write about. However, I am more into short stories and poems.

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Clik here to view.Tagore: Poems and Short stories, wow, that’s the way to go, young Grasshopper Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. But, what is a blog?

Me: Sir, it’s an online platform where you can write about your opinion, view Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.and majorly, go gaga about what you like and dislike…

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Clik here to view.Tagore:

That’s a gift from me, beta..

Me: Whoa, Thank you so much Guruji Image may be NSFW.
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(Again Bose and Nehru starts arguing)

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Clik here to view.Bose: Nehru has gone so quiet..I Guess Nehru has accepted his defeat and agrees that Modi is the right man for India.

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Clik here to view.Nehru: Not in the least…I will never support a man who is into communal politics

Me: Oh, so does that mean we should not support communal politics? Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Bose: I agree but do we have any alternative today???…Even your Congress plays vote bank politics based on religion.

Me: Netaji, I agree and support totally you for this point

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Clik here to view.Nehru: But..Look at the development Congress has brought, The employment yojna, the Sarva Shiksha Abhijan etc etc..

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Clik here to view.Bose: U really call them development? The Economy has almost stopped growing…The industrial output has dropped to 2%. Look at Gujarat, it is far ahead than the rest of India..I tell you, this Modi guy is the right man or at least the best man among the current leaders who can lead India..All these Congress schemes have become new breeding grounds for corruption.

#(

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: If you ask me I think Aam Aadmi Party is the better than most of the parties. In fact, they are nearest to my Gandhi Policy of Decentralisation and more power into the hands of the people. The best Government is the government which governs the least.

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Clik here to view.Nehru: But Gandhiji…what about Congress, it’s your party after all. This Aam Admi party will only led to Anarchy..

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: To me an ordered Anarchy is better than a failing corrupt system.

Me: What an idea sirji

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Clik here to view.Tagore: To me no party is good enough until and unless they prove it to the people that they are efficient and corruption free.

Me: Point to be noted Sir!

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: To that, I totally agree

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Clik here to view.Bose: Even I agree to that. My own party forward has lost its way..Now every party is involved in some sort of corruption. The efficiency which is needed and which I myself fought so hard to maintain in Congress during my President ship and in the INA has disapperead altogether from the Indian Political scene. Not a single party is perfect. Though to me, BJP is the best of the not so good parties in India.

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Clik here to view.Nehru: Though I support Congress but it has totally threw away my socialist principles and ideologies out..I support just because it is close to my heart.

Me: Just like my mom Image may be NSFW.
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Gandhi: Hahaha…At least we agreed on something and came towards the common conclusion that – No party in India is perfect or very good. Hope the situation changes in not so far future.

Me: Jinnahji, you there?

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Clik here to view.Nehru: Forget him

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Clik here to view.Tagore: So we all agree? Let’s end it with Rabindra Sangeet, shall we?

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Clik here to view.Gandhi: Ahh been a long time…Wud love to listen to ur melody

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Bose: Go for it Gurudev!

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Clik here to view.Tagore: SendsVoice Text

Me: Wow that’s Ekla Cholo re in Guruji’s Voice…Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Tagore: Yes, for all the encouragement for the post as well as for your future.

Me: Thank you guys, I love you all for your support and giving me ideas to Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.form a strong analysis for my article. I am sure, I’ll come up with a dhaasu (awesome) article… muaahhhsss

P.S. When I woke up, I checked my WeChat only to find out all the analysis was sent from my boyfriend’s number on WeChat along with images and videos by his colleagues to support the article. Yes, my WeChat group of intellectuals Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. helped me complete my work towards promotion as Wechat not only allows you to send text, pictures and videos but also voice messages. Besides, you can add huge number of people in a group. Whoa, WeChat – What an incredible novel way to connect!

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“As every season seems best to us in its turn, so the coming in of spring is like the creation of Cosmos out of Chaos and the realization of the Golden Age.”

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This is what Henry D. Thoreau thought of Spring as he reminded us that spring is a time of revitalization. And for as long as I memorize, it has always been my darling season. Spring has always given me a reason to get excited about something.

As a kid, spring bestowed thrill and adventure mainly as it announced the closing stages of the school offering summer holidays of liberty and freedom. Also, as a grown up, it is the season of my travel, trek and adventure across diverse parts of our country

A season of rebirth and growth, it doesn’t just make the world alive once again after the ruthless winter but also brings out the joy in me making me ready once again to celebrate life in many ways.

The twittering birds, the blossoming flowers, the polka dotted beetles, the cheerful mantis and the lively grass is the enormity of spring which it brings every year during its spell. To me, the greatness of this beautiful season is the inspiration to make a fresh start and forget the past woes.  Since, it is almost the beginning of the year, the new canvas which the season unfolds brings a new hope in me to achieve my dream, goals and most significantly, happiness.

I have always been in awe with the spring sunrise because unlike the other seasons the morning sunlight has never bothered me but awakened me gently. The hurly-burly it brings each year is not only amusing but also blissful. Besides, all the young as well as old gets wrapped up in this season of joy because its advent is the end of the freezing woes of the elderly and the start of the fun ahead for the kids. And for me, the beautiful season is even more special because it brings with it, the most awaited day of the year – My birthday!

As a kid and teenager, spring was always filled with fun. However, as time passed, I started trading it with my stressful job and other adult consuming duties. Soon, it became difficult to find time to value its splendor but still, the childish marvel of spring subsisted in my heart. And today, as a footloose wanderer and traveler, spring is the season of capturing the beauty of nature behind my lenses and losing myself amidst the marvelous landscape and mesmerizing natural milieu.

Many of us may not relate to spring at all since we Indians have the habit of classifying seasons mainly into three categories –winter, summer and rainy (monsoon) but none of us would deny the pleasure the cusp of winter and summer brings which is none other than my favorite time of the year – ‘Spring.’

Monsoon was never dear to me during my childhood but as the years went by and I became a college going girl from the school going tomboy, the monsoon magic soon started ruling my senses. So much that I started ignoring the potholes, traffic disruptions and sewage problems. Now, along with the millions of other Bombayites, I too started waiting for monsoon as the skyline changed it shades of crimson to blue and finally gray.

To watch scenic Gateway of India from a watery miasma, observe Marine Drive beset by the vehemence and sound of the high tide, walking from the Colaba causeway sipping cutting Chai, munching on the hot Bhutaa, eating hot Kanda bhajjiya and relishing the Bombaiya Wada Pav. Besides, allowing the wind to blow through my hair and letting the waves to kiss my cheeks throughout the high tide while sitting right next to the statue of the common man from RK Laxman’s cartoons at Worli sea face.

However, just when I was enjoying the rain and loving the feeling of getting drenched, something hit me real hard. Well, how can I forget the fateful day 26^th July 2005 when the whole Mumbai was submerged in the rain and I for the very first time did a night out amidst strangers at GTB station, one of the worst and shabbiest of all stations on the Harbor Line. Following which I had to walk in neck deep water all over the Eastern Express Highway from Sion to Chembur only to find a stranger pulling me near Akbarallys at Diamond Garden. I started crying. No, it was not a goon but out of nowhere it was my brother who had come to search for me and luckily even in such a huge crowd could get a hold of me. I was brave and mighty all through the night but no sooner I saw my brother tears rolled down my cheeks.

Ever since that fateful day and night, the continuous downpour brings me chills and I fear moving out or boarding a train in the heavy monsoon. It is 2013 and 8 years now but the terrifying incident still gives me goose bumps when I think about it – eventually making monsoon a terrifying season for me.

Summers also have never gone well with me as it brought a lot of woes with it including the maladies of body, mind and soul. From sunburns to diarrhea, dehydration and break offs, summer through its humidity and sweat always pricked me and my relationships. I have nothing significant to say about summer besides the redundant chapter of my lives and of course the scarcity of water India faces every year. If spring is the month of blooming and prosperity, summer is the season of scarcity. Look at the menace of the summers – The same soothing sun which is so warm and friendly in spring suddenly turns out to be fiery and hot, blazing everyone from the innocent to the guilty.

Winter too shared love-hate relationship with me. Love mainly because it brought with it the holidays of Dassera and Diwali where I could spend some time with my grandparents back at my native place. Hate because, the dry weather would rupture my body completely and so I throughout my childhood was not allowed to venture out of the house in the evening to play or chill out. Moreover, the plight of waking up every day with a stuffy nose still irritates me to the core. And now that I have grown up its not stuffy nose but aching joints.

The seasons in a cycle come and go and keep on revolving, but the king of all the season is the one that has always remained close to my heart – the season of bloom, happiness and joy, “the spring.” For it embraces me in spite of all the negativity in me and give me a chance of reviving myself all over again. As Thoreau rightly mentioned that it is the time of the Renaissance and revitalization.

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Ready for some soaring altitude escapade in a soul-warming milieu? Then pack your travel bags and experience some of the most exhilarating torrents, majestic peaks and wonderful places Nepal has to offer. Here are the top 10 places to visit in Nepal, but remember, after visiting them you can also travel to its neighbor India where are some amazing cities to get lost in.

10. Dhulikhel

Located 30 km east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is a picturesque town on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). You can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas from this place. During your trip don’t forget to have a brief visit to Namobuddha with monastery and Buddhist stupa. You can also visit Panauti, a village well-known for its abundant temples with glorious wood carving from Dhulikhel.

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(img source: pigeontravels.com)

9. Wildlife Reserve of Koshi Tappu 

Located in Eastern Nepal near the river of Sapta-Koshi, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the most excellent place to view migratory and native birds in action. Thousands of birds unite together in this place, particularly during the months of January, February and March. What’s so exciting about the place is the trip; the trip which encompasses jeep drives, jungle walks and boat rides, together with treks to Sikkim and Bhutan or rafting trip in Sunkosi is ought to make your Nepal jaunt a memorable experience.

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(img source: adventuretansentrek.com)

8. Lumbini  

Lumbini is an ideal place to visit if you are into religion, cultural and archaeological treasures. With the numerous Stupas, courtyard, meditation grounds temples and so much more, a stroll in Lumbini is a walk with Lord Buddha. No sooner you enter the birthplace of Siddharta Gautama, founder of Buddhism and you are captivated by its serene, peaceful and tranquil  atmosphere.

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(img source: vam.ac.uk)

7. Pashupatinath Temple 

Just four kilometers east of Katmandu lie a shrine of immense holiness for Hindu people – the Pashupatinath. The Hindus think that cremating in Pashupatinath and scattering one’s ashes in Bagmati River will give them salvation and liberate them from the set of birth and rebirth. Have a preview of Hindus life, death, culture and tradition by visiting this sacred place.

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(img source: nepalfctrekking.com)

6.  Bhaktapur

Bhadgaon or Bhaktapur, is an ancient town in the Kathmandu Valley. Full of art, architecture and many sculptures you will find here many woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples sanctified to diverse gods and goddesses. The town is shaped like a snail, one of the insignias of God Vishnu and was established in 889 by King Ananda Deva. Do complete your trip with a taste of Bhaktapur’s home-made curd, “Khopa Dhau.”

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(img source: cityscapes.livejournal.com)

5. Royal Chitwan National Park 

If you wish for some jungle fun and adventure with the elephants, you will definitely want to stop by Nepal’s Royal Chitwan National Park. Covering some 932 sq kilometers, this national park is a home for 43 species of animals, 45 species of amphibians and reptiles and a whooping 450 species of birds. One can also have a look on the wild life breeding project, terai culture and enjoy guided jungle walk or safari drives inside 4WD cars.

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(img source: tripideas.org)

4. Patan 

Art enthusiasts  and lovers will anytime like to put a stop in Patan in their Nepal journey. Patan, the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley is the home for arts, crafts, architecture and tradition illustrations primarily from religious customs. Stroll the city and experience as if you are walking in an open museum. The city believed to be built in the year 299 is full of monuments, Hindu and Buddhist temples with guardian deities, fine bronze entries and wonderful carvings.

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(img source: sistersastray.com)

3. Nagarkot 

Nagarkot, located just 32 km from the east of Kathmandu is an amazing place to visit if you want to witness how gorgeous and magnificent the Himalayan Mountain range can be. A watch-out tower in Nagarkot, for one, permits visitors to have a 360 degree picturesque view of the Himalayan Mountain peaks and Katmandu valley. Drive up to the city, book a room in the hotel, wake up early in the morning and feel a different kind of sunrise with chilly breezes blowing.

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(img source: travel.yahoo.com)

2. Kathmandu 

Counted among one of the most famous places to visit in Nepal, Kathmandu is an amazing travel destination. Walking on the Kathmandu streets you will get to know many aspects of the Nepalese life, their culture, their history, their people and their faith which they have embraced and relived for centuries. The capital is also one of the Nepal’s first points in activities like rafting, trekking and other sports.

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(img source: trekkingntour.com)

1. Pokhara

You won’t experience Nepal if you won’t visit Pokhara. Situated at around 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, this enthralling and enchanting city offers the perfect scenery and spellbinding natural beauty not only for those who looks for  adventure and fun but also for those seeking solace. Whether its the row in Phewa Lake, preview of the Himalayan Mountain range, a peek to the Mahendra Cave  or a trek beside Devi’s Fall and Seti Gandaki River, a trip to Pokhara is a must-must if you are visiting Nepal.

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(img source: landmarkpokhara.com)

Source: My article published here on TopYaps

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Marine Drive, the place which embraces both the losers and the winners…Come here to express your happiness or to share your grief. …

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My Article Published on IndiaOpines

Dating/marrying cougars have been a fashion statement in the West. No wonder, the fad has reached the other side of the pond too. Besides, many would call these boys “crumb catchers” they are actually “booty seekers”. Let us find out how..

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While the girls of your age are busy getting insecure on their body shape, weight, cellulite, breast size and so much more an older woman is much more composed and relaxed under her skin. She appreciates your ingenious allure while you can enjoy her company at her peak. Being mature enough, she has heard and seen it all, so you do not have to go all the miles to impress her neither you have to hear all that crappy story which otherwise is so common with the girls of your age.

A wise pretty woman she has so many things to share and enlighten you rather than a damsel in distress who always wants your help 24×7. In India, dating a cougar or an older woman certainly doesn’t mean a teenager dating a 40 plus or a young man dating a woman in her 50s like in the west but something like dating a woman older from 1 to 10 years.

Unlike the west, where you see cougars in forties fifties dating young man in twenties like Demi Moore and Madonna, cougars in India are just a few years older. Super model Mehr Jessia who married at the peak of her career to Arjun Ramphal is just 4 years elder to him, similar is the age gap between Anjali Tendulkar and Sachin Tendulkar.

Dating or marrying a woman few years older is always beneficial and has its own advantages although it is still considered a taboo here.

So, how does it benefit? Older women unlike younger girls have an experience to share with a better understanding of life and its depth which can help you a lot. They not only understand younger men better but also can be a great motivator offering the best of knowledge and information to the young men without him actually experiencing the toil. This makes the men emotionally stable which otherwise is a matter of concern while dating and marrying a young woman.

Physically too the chemistry is quite interesting. Being understanding they identify your needs and are very adaptable. You neither have to persuade her, plead her for a round of physical intimacy nor give her expensive gifts just to impress her. All you need to be straight, positive and confident. If at all you are not, she will help you make one by her experience and attributes.

Career wise also, she facilitates you in taking better decision and help you to cope up with the pressure and become your aid while struggle. She has indeed become the woman behind the successful man as being matured she understands life better and instead of wasting your time in making her understand, she gives you plenty of time to concentrate on productive things.

Dating a cougar or older woman can really be a change of a lifetime. You’ll not only experience a great time and fun but also endow yourself with lots of positive vibes and influence which otherwise can be tricky or risky.

If you are attracted to one of those and are in the dilemma whether to date her or not, give it a thought, it might still be a taboo in India yet it has its own reward.

Source: IndiaOpines

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My article Published on IndiaOpines

Its’ been more than two years (2 years and 2 months to be precise) since I got my much hyped Aadhar card but its use still remains a big mystery to me. Back in 2011, when my mom compelled me to make this document, she, like many others, did not have any clue what was the purpose of this document. However, considering that it is a government document she insisted me to make one. I obliged to my mom’s request without any questions, mainly because, the booth was right next to my housing society. Besides, it did not cost me any of the additional time (I enrolled on a Sunday afternoon) or money unlike other Government documents. Since, I was not losing anything; I willingly enrolled for this government paper aka Aadhar Card.

I got my Acknowledgment Receipt instantly on February 06th 2011. In a way I was satisfied with the receipt as it flashed my date of birth on it. Date of birth on any Government of India document is always a valid document, isn’t it? However, when the final card arrived at my doorstep on April 7th 2011, I was shocked to see that the actual card reflected only the year of my birth and not my complete date of birth. A document with only year of birth minus the date and month, does it make any sense, that too when we already have a valid document in the form of PAN (Permanent Account Number) Card. At that instant, Aadhar Card was nothing but a waste for me.

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I still wonder why the Government is wasting its huge money and time in issuing such a UID when we already have a photograph and complete date of birth on our PAN Card. Perhaps, it’s the address and biometrics but then what’s the use of such a card which needs yet another card to validate the same?

Coming back to my incident, I later inquired at the Aadhar booth regarding the same. To my surprise, I was answered that “Aadhar Card” is a Unique Identity (UID) Card, i.e. it is a testimony of nationality and nothing else which contradicts the line mentioned on the card – “Aadhar is a proof of identity, not of citizenship”. With two opposite statements I thought of talking directly to the officials and tried dialing the Toll free Number available on the card and the UID website. I am still trying the number, but even after two years it doesn’t seem to work.

Not just me, my maid too made the card. She enrolled for the card only because she was told that through the card her family will be aided by the government in the form of subsidies, both in medical treatment and food supply if she gets the card. But, her card just like mine is kept in the cupboard, safe and sound. My neighbor, who is yet to apply for the card is although positive as he has been told that the Aadhaar Card is very important for Provident Funds (PF) transfer.

Speculations, guesses and only rumors but nothing comes as official, neither the purpose nor the benefits. I really wonder why, then the Government issues such a document and I am yet to understand, the hype around it.

Different people have different theory and different conceptions of the same card. Eccentrically, even the authorities at the UID have nothing concrete to share that can throw more light either on the card or its use and applications. The UIDAI website only mentions that Aadhaar will have numerous benefits. It confirms that it is an attestation of identity and would be a gateway to several services. So much that it will be sufficient Know Your Customer (KYC) information for numerous activities like obtaining a Sim Card, opening a new bank account and enrolling other State government services.

Chairman of the UIDAI, Nandan Nilekani, however mentions that the card does not stand as an alternate for other form of identity. Now, if just Aadhaar Card as a sole document gets the work done, it is all right to issue and have such a document. If not, then what is the purpose? Besides, it does not have the complete date of birth.

Source: IndiaOpines

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Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference ~ Robert Frost

Everyone have an idea of fun and adventure, for me it’s driving all along that unknown route to reach the target. As an avid traveler, it has always been about the journey rather than the destination. Yes, the less travelled road has constantly acted like a magnet, pulling me towards it and enticing me with its mysterious unexplored pathway and places as I stumble upon my ultimate mark.

While tourist would prefer flying to Bangkok in less than 5 hours, we, travelers and road trip enthusiasts with a triggering travel bone would love to embark upon a road expedition. Yes, that’s exactly my idea of Perfect Road trip – Driving through Guwahati (India) to Mandalay (Myanmar) and then finally reaching Thailand and back again to India, enroute the ancient lost city of Bagan, which is home to around 2200 temples and pagodas (stupas). So, in my ideal road journey, the final destination will not be the end point but the starting point, from where we actually geared up for an astounding voyage!

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For my epic voyage, constituting about 6000 km which may take nearly about 23 days, my travel companion will be my usual 4 other zealous travelers/universal rovers in their twenties who believe that life is either a daring quest, thrill and adventure or simply nothing. Our wild cohort would be 7 seater Toyota Fortuner, helping us to cover and cross three countries as we venture out in the world for our once in a life time experience.

Driving through the hilly terrain, broken turmac and dusty road, the SUV with 80 litres tank would be a great companion to cross the 45 iron bridges from the north east to reach Kalay in Myanmar. Besides, it will not only give us an access to the DVD and music system but also a rearview camera while we reverse. Music and food are the two things that let us going all through. We all are big foodies and so we tend to carry a lot of eatables along with us to munch throughout. Moreover, we do not have to worry about the smell and dampness due to the eatables. Thanks, to Ambi Pur for taking care and maintaining the scent of the car through its freshness quotient.

From Guwahati we would drive to our next destination, Dimapura (271 km) and on our way we would visit the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘Kaziranga National Park.’ From the vulnerable one horned rhino to wild water buffalo, elephants, bison and the swamp deer, we would be able to have the glimpse and experience of a remarkable National Park that covers around 850 sq. km area of wetlands, forest and grasslands along the Brahmaputra River situated at the foothills of Himalayas in the north. You never know we would be able to even get a glimpse of the tiger. Wild beast amidst the scenic beauty and beautiful fauna – Oh, truly a photographer’s delight!

Staying overnight at Dimapura, the day 3 would be our drive to Imphal (208 km). In Imphal, the boys definitely would be eager to visit the world renowned market of Khwairamband Bazar, where all the stalls are owned and run by women. While they enjoy the company of several women and capture in their lenses, we, the girls would certainly shop our best! Girls and shopping always go hand in hand, isn’t it?

Exploring the city of Imphal in day and its culture through night, we would stay overnight only to gear up for crossing the Indian borders. Day 4 would be the day of thrill, excitement and fun as we would move from Imphal to Kalay (239 km) and also enter Myanmar through the Tamu check point. After completing the border formalities there would be nothing to stop the fanatic five explorers from their quest. The journey ahead would be more thrilling and exhilarating as we will cross a whooping 45 iron bridges on our way to Kalay in Myanmar. I already hear my friend and fellow traveler Avi and Simmi roaring in excitement. Adventure indeed!

Discussing the day’s event and pulling each other’s leg, we would then snore our best only to wake up and get set for our next aim – that is Mandalay (360 km). Passing from hills and dusty roads and having our breakfast and lunch in the places between, we would then finally reach Mandalay. All tired from a long drive, we would slurp our dinner and get into our slumbers. Taking an off from driving, the next day would be spent in exploring the mesmerizing place. Yes, from travelers we will become tourist and indulge into sightseeing, shopping and experiencing the local cuisines. It is said that the night view of the Sagaing hill and Irrawaddy River is really a feast to eyes and we would certainly love to enlighten our eyes with its pleasure.

Day 7 and we refuel ourselves as well as our SUV to hit the 8 lane Yangon Mandalay arterial highway to NayPyiDaw (277 km) the brand new capital city of the old Myanmar. Till now, I have never experienced driving through a 8 lane highway so the very thought exhilarates me. No wonder, our handy cam will surely have an itchy feeling and it is quite plausible that we may post the video on Youtube as soon as we reach the capital. I doubt whether Vickrant would even have that much patience…

Next day, our journey would be to Hpa An (463 km) and Day 9 would be to Nakhon Sawan (457 km) in Thailand.  2 days, 16 hours drive and covering more than 900 km, whoa, that’s a perfect road trip! And of course we will take the local items of food to munch in our power-packed SUV which will be fresh in spite of the constant labor. Credits to the Mini Vent Clip of AmbiPur which would maintain the freshness inside and most importantly, keep us away from the farts of our silencer in the group unlike the one in 3 Idiots.

By completing the border formalities we will finally say Hello to Thailand via the Myawaddy border through Kyon Doe and Kaw Kareik. Day 10 and I hear everyone roaring at the top of their voices, “Bangkok Calling.” Aha, Bangkok ahead 253 km. Besides, the 6 hour journey would be mesmerizing as we pass through several scenic and historic places encompassing the renowned Kanchana Bridge over the Kwai river. Finally, reaching Bangkok in the evening!

Next day, surely we will hit the salon for the Thai massage. Yes, we do deserve that after a roaller coaster journey. Besides, while the guys get busy exploring what they want in Bangkok (Nah, I won’t reveal it here), me and Simmi get busy in our favorite interest – Shoppping!

Next day, after refueling, our target would be Pattaya, just 153 km away. Pattaya, mainly because of its tranquil beaches, water-sports and hippy city life. Paragliding, yes that’s on my wish list from quite some time now and I am sure to accomplish this in my perfect road trip crossing three countries.

After having our Wow’s, Aha’s and Awesome moments in Pattaya we would then move to our next target that is Uttaradit, roughly 644 km. On the way, we will even have the glimpse of the famous Phittsanulok Chinarat Buddha statue. The pleasure of driving through South East Asian countries is that you feel the air filled with peace, tranquil and spiritualism where people are bonded with common threads and teachings of Buddhism.

Day 14 would be our drive from Uttaradit to Chiang Mai (340 km) and here we will see yet another national park. Oh yes, the Chae Son National Park. Wow. A glimpse of the amazing waterfall and several caves that comprises the park – Wow! Besides, an experience of the hot springs in the attractive setting.

Next day, we would say Bye-Bye to Thailand and loose our shoes towards Myanmar again – From Chiang Mai to Mae Sot (395 km), the end of Thailand. Long drive, we would then relax and stay overnight. On Day 16, we would head to Hpa An (171 km) once again after completing the border formalities. Indulging in the local food and life, we will spend the night there because the next day would be the most awaiting day of our lives and especially mine. Mainly because I will enter the serene place which I always wanted to visit, the ancient lost city of Bagan!

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Image Source: Wikipedia

Bagan is 665 km and so it would take 12 hours of travelling. Once we reach Bagan, after watching the dawn, we would get into our slumbers so that the next day early morning we see the sunrise and set out to experience the ancient mesmerizing milieu of this glorious site built in between 11^th to 15^th century. I hope I get to capture all the 2200 (earlier 10,000) temples in my lenses. A spiritual paradise, my dream is to meditate there! The entire crew being spiritualist would really be lost in this ancient city which is not only influenced by Mahanaya and Tantric Buddhism but also diverse Hindu (Saivite and Vaishna) and other native animist traditions.

Day 19 after carrying with us the memories of Bagan, we will get ready to Gangaw (290 km) via Pa Kok Ku and Pauk. Following which, India will be calling us once again through the Tamu border (259 km). Tamu to Kalay and finally reaching Imphal on Day 21 after covering 112 km. Taking it easy and driving with leisure we will once again visit the beautiful city of Imphal in the heavens of North Eastern India.

Day 22 would again be scenic smooth and cozy as we travel from Imphal to Kohima (138 km) in three hours.  Day 23 will be the final leg of our exciting, adventurous, beautiful and remarkable journey as we will get set to reach Guwahati once again covering 344 km only to conclude the journey with a promise to have such a memorable road trip over and over again!
P.S : 

The total distance of My idea of Perfect Road Trip: Approximately 6000 km

The route: Guwahati – Dimapura – Imphal – Kalya – Mandalay – NayPyiDaw – Hpa An – Nakhon Sawan – Bangkok – Pattaya – Uttaradit – Chiang Mai – Mae Sot – Hpa An – Bagan – Gangaw – Tamu – Kohima – Guwahati.

Days: 23

Traveler’s element: Road trip capturing hilly terrains, scenic landscape, natural habitat of animals, tranquil seas, water-sports, ancient civilization, a taste of life of the people of three different countries and of course, a roller coaster ride through 45 iron bridges and smooth drive on the 8 lane express highway.

The vehicle: Toyota’s Fortuner including the Ambi Pur Mini Vent Clip for maintaining the freshness quotient.

The Utilities: A DSLR camera borrowed from a friend, a GPS navigation system or an Android phone with Google Map.

The Companion: My close friends and also avid traveler and road trip fanatics – Avi, Simmi, Vickrant and Sameer.

This post is a part of Indiblogger’s Ambi Pur The Perfect Road Trip Contest

Find more about Ambi Pur here - facebook.com/AmbiPurIndia

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“Don’t worry, everything would be fine,” I assured Debolina as she wept on her bed ready for her next chemotherapy in the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. I could see the tears coming out from her eyes. However, she was not as weak as she appeared today but the future of her 3 year old continued to haunt her even as she struggled to survive these days. Little Dabbu also ensured her that he will be a good boy in the absence of her mom and would not do anything that would hurt her. Debolina wanted Dabbu to be taken away before she went for her final round of her sessions. So, only Subodh, Debolina’s Husband stayed there while I along with Dabbu started our journey back to home from Parel to Vashi in Navi Mumbai.

I bought Dabbu his favorite Kinder Joy as well as Crax chips and sat in the cab which was waiting for us outside the hospital. “Chalo Bhaiya” I told the driver. While Dabbu got busy eating and playing with the toys in the Crax and Kinder Joy, I saw a happy couple crossing the road and went into flashback.

It was year 2006 and I was doing my Post Graduation when Debolina and Subodh shifted next to our home. Since, both of them were working, they often kept their single key at our home and that is how I was introduced to them through my mother.  Debolina was a perfect modern women – She was gorgeous, fashionista, well-educated from a prestigious college and had a decent job. To my surprise, she was even a good cook and had a great sense of beautifying one’s abode marvelously. Subodh was a perfect match and complimented her well.

The guys in our housing society often eyed Debolina and would envy Subodh. On the other hand, girls would want a husband like Subodh who was not only very caring but also a devoted husband. As the days passed, I slowly got to know the couple well. In Debolina, I found my sister who had recently married. While Subodh was like an elder brother always ready to help with my career woes. Sunday was always a fiesta time when in lunch Debolina prepared my favorite Kosha Mangsho (Mutton dish), Aloo Pasto, Bengali Fish Curry and in the evening me and Debo would chat and have girl fun while Subodh would either make some continental food or take us out for dinner.

I had become a part of their family and shared some idyllic moments. A year later, Debo gave birth to Dabbu. Debolina was a career-oriented women but she would not compromise anything with Dabbu and soon left her job. Subodh who always wanted to be an entrepreneur could not quit his job to pursue his dreams because he had to support both Debo and Dabbu and also pay the house loan. Yet he was more than happy to compromise his dreams for his little blissful family.

Soon 2 years passed, I completed my graduation, had a break-up and started working. Debolina was completely married to her household work and in bringing up Dabbu while Subodh concentrated in his work. Subodh was now promoted on a much senior position and was sent to the headquarters in the New York City. Dabbu was growing up and since he was a special child, Debolina was 24×7 behind him, stressed with his health and habits. Besides, she was all alone since her love, Subodh was busy earning grands to support the house and Dabbu’s medical bill.

In the process, Debolina forgot that she needs care for herself too. She would often ignore her health and physical conditions. In addition, since Subodh was not here, she even had to look after the bills and other work which normally men around the house do. Any peculiar pain and symptom was sidelined by her as Dabbu became her priority and she casually ignored any warning signal of her body thinking it might be stress, strain or the daily pressure.

Days passed and soon it was a big day for Debo and Subodh as little Dabbu turned three. I still remember the day, it was January 1^st 2010. Subodh was here in India to spend a month’s time with his family. But Fate had his own plans. Debo had a very serious stomach ache, so much that she could not even stand. We soon hospitalized her. After the doctor’s inquiry we came to know that Debolina was having such stomach aches from long back. However, she ignored thinking it would be due to other reasons. After the initial round of check-up, the doctor revealed to us that the pain Debolina has is not any normal pain but that of Stomach or Gastric Cancer and she is on the last and final stage of her life.

Subodh was shattered to hear this but he could not reveal his pain to Debolina who was battling for her life. Plus, Dabbu was just three and a special child. How would he and his son do without their major support.  Soon, Debolina’s fight began. This was her second chemotherapy.

The flashback was interrupted by the driver who parked his cab near my building. After an hour Subodh gave me a call only to declare the fateful news that Debolina, his lifeline was no more. She had tried her best but her fate was decided. So, within three months from Dabbu’s birthday and roughly after two rounds of chemotherapy she left us alone and brought an unusual void in our lives, especially Subodh’s and Dabbu’s.

Three years has passed by, Dabbu is now six years old studying in a hostel in Panchgani. He is a big boy, and very matured from the boys of his age. He is best in his class and a performer. Every summer vacation, Subodh comes to India only to spend 60 days with his son. The house next to us which remains isolated all through the year once again lightens up with laughter once the duo comes. However, they both miss Debolina, the doting wife and caring mom. I have seen both of them sobbing when alone but trying their best to hide in front of each other. However, if Debolina had not ignored the initial warning signals of her body the outcome today would be different.

The medical inquiry showed that Debolina had witnessed symptoms of all the three Stages of Stomach Cancer. From early stage symptoms of Heartburn, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, to symptoms of later stage like bloating, nausea, weight loss, diarrhea and bleeding. However, Debolina continued looking after her family neglecting her health as all the mothers do. Had she seen a doctor in the early stages without ignoring the warning signal the story of her family would be different today. Subodh would neither live a sorrowful life nor little Dabbu would have to stay in a hostel deprived of his parents love. The little family would be blissful and not devastated as it was today.

The moral of the story being, a woman is the pillar of the house, a strength that no money can buy. Plus, she is the one who can easily hold things together that are beyond the capabilities of men. So, it is very important for every woman to take intense care of her body and health without ignoring any peculiar warning signs and symptoms in their body.

No matter how busy you are or what the priority list is, take care of your health. Your health is important. It not only affects you but the entire family that depends solely on you. If you are hale and hearty, your family is, but if you ignore your health the future of your family goes on toss especially the children’s life. Life without a mother and wife is no more less than a hell for the survivors.

If today Debolina would have survived, Dabbu’s life would be much easier and so would Subodh’s. I haven’t seen him smiling expect the time he plays with the little matured Dabbu. The little bundle of joy wants to become a doctor so that he can save all the patients from dreadful diseases and every time he sees the doctor in the Colgate Total Ad in TV he yells that I will become like him one day and save all the mothers of the world.

The post is written for Indiblogger’s Colgate Pro Gum Health Contest.

Find more about Colgate here: http://www.myhealthyspeak.co.in/

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Defaming, discriminating and objectifying women

Is just a bird of evil omen

Throwing acids, raping women, and sexually assaulting them

Will not showcase your virility but declare you as a clem.

Stop this misogyny before it’s too late,

Coz she deserves every inch of love and not your hate.

She is the one who gave you birth, she is the one who fed you for years

Yet you like a monster, constantly hound her and increase her fears.

Stop this Crime against women and be a man,

End it right here before it passes on to your next clan.

Grow up folks as you are evolved and not apes!

Let’s revolutionize our thoughts and be the change,

Ring the bell and spread the word across your range.

A notion can transform the world we live,

An idea can abstain us from the polluted air that we breathe.

So, don’t wait for others to initiate, or to make the first step

Transform your thoughts and edify the rest.

Start from ‘I’ and move to ‘we’,

The virus of change will soon spread from every he to she.

Promise to revolutionize your thoughts by saying no to “BIGOTRY”

And vow to treat every woman with respect and dignity.

It’s time we bring the change and ring the bell,

So, that every woman leave in peace and do not compare the earth with hell…

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This poem is written for the campaign http://www.bellbajao.org/

You can find it more here on Indiblogger’s Ring the Bell Contest

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My article Published on NewsYAPS

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“A developed India by 2020, or even earlier, is not a dream. It need not be a mere vision in the minds of many Indians. It is a mission we can all take up – and succeed.” – APJ Abdul Kalam

Did you just have second thoughts about the statement made by the born visionary, people’s president, children’s favorite teacher and one of India’s greatest scientist? When one of our nation’s greatest minds does guarantee of its success why do we find it so difficult to fathom?

We are a great nation, aren’t we? Our accomplishments are astonishing. We are the number one in milk production. We are the first in remote sensing satellites. We are the second largest producer of rice and wheat in the world. We have the fastest growing economic growth rate. Four of the richest Indians are worth an astounding $180 billion. 38 percent of Doctors in the US are Indians. 36 percent of NASA scientists are Indians. The ISRO is the major threat to NASA’s domination on space study. Our communication systems are the most developed in the world. The Indian media have been hailed as the most proactive in the world. The IT sector here is growing at an unbelievable pace. Outsourcing is India’s business. Our Biotechnological sector is the fastest budding in the world. Bollywood is the biggest entertainment industry in the world. We have so much. Why then is it so hard for us to believe that our nation, India, can achieve the objectives of vision 2020?

Many of us may question astonishingly, “How can India progress with its illiteracy, poverty, dilapidated infrastructure, electricity deprived villages and with its ever growing corruption rate?” Although all others are achievable but it is the last one which disrupts everything; even the thought of achieving other goals. Corruption is a disease which has slowly spread its wings in the country and there is no brainer that corruption in India is at its peak. Not a single section of society is spared from it. Recent instances such as 2G, CWG and Adarsh Society Scams are clear examples of lingering corruption in all strata of Indian society. Corruption indeed hinders India’s dream to become a developed nation.

Considering corruption, turning India into a developed nation by 2020 is very much a difficult task if not impossible. Comparing it from an East-West perspective, the West is measured as more process oriented. There an average citizen or government employee will tend to follow system and will look for a methodical way to work things out. It is not shocking that over a century ago, Swami Viivekananda during his US visit found their country had an outstanding organization system which was lacking in India. No wonder this lacuna persists even today.

And why not? Officers and Government officials in India are ripping off the country’s future through “corruption” or “grease payment”. Here the real beneficiaries do not receive their dues from the government because of corruption and favoritism. The selfish leaders reap the electoral benefits of poverty alleviation programs like widow benefit schemes, old age pensions, housing schemes etc. though the manipulation in selection of beneficiaries. Often have the anomalies been reported. Lately, there has even been a public interest litigation on it. In this scenario how can we achieve the objectives of Vision 2020?

How many times have we read in the newspapers or watch in news channels about some recently built building, retainer wall or a certain section of the flyover collapsing? Many a times, right? In fact so many times that we have stopped counting. Well, this happened because of nepotism, favouritism and other forms of corruption involving contractors and supporters of our so called leaders. In such a situation, how come an average Indian envision Vision 2020? For him or her, the chances of India to be strong, stable and successful in 2020 indeed seems to be dim.

In one of his recent speeches,  Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam gave the remedy of this vice too. He said, “There are only three members of the society who can remove corruption. They are father, mother and elementary school teacher.” The inference of his annotation is simple. According to him the prevalent problem of corruption in India can be eradicated, if every child is brought up with a strong moral character – making “children” and “youth” the foundation of “Corruption Free India”. That reminds me of Theodor Geisel. He always said, “Adults are obsolete children and obsolesce is not only unfortunate, it is unnecessary.”

So when can the Vision 2020 function and bear fruit? A prominent Indian once put it powerfully, “A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.” Legendary words spoken by the nation’s foremost prime minister on August 15, 1947, just after midnight. What Jawaharlal Nehru addressed to, of course, was the birth of Independent India. What we want to witness today is the birth of India as an independent society — vibrant, colorful, boisterous, open and above all, ready for change.

India’s growth may be chaotic, frenzied and largely unplanned but India can easily rise above all ifcorruption eradicates. Now if you are wondering who is responsible for the change, I would say its “You.” As a parent, as a teacher, as a concerned youth of the empowering nation you can indeed change the corruption scenario to make the Vision 2020 possible.

With that note, I would like to recall Rabindranath Tagore’s vision for our country -

“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high. Where knowledge is free. Where the world has not been broken up into fragments. By narrow domestic walls. Where words come out from the depth of truth. Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection. Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit. Where the mind is led forward by Thee into ever-widening thought and action. Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.”

Source: My Article Published on NewsYaps

(img source: thehindu.com)

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“The best security for civilization is the dwelling, and upon properly appointed and becoming dwellings depends, more than anything else, the improvement of mankind” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

With rising price in real estate even a lower middle class is deprived of a house which he can call his own forget about the Economically Backward Class and the poor those who stay in jhuggis and jhopris. In addition, what happens when the same lower middle class who puts his life savings in a house washes out in Flood, drains out in Earthquake and get consumed in Tsunami? Back to square one, isn’t it?

Every 5 years during elections, the candidates of several parties enter our housing society seeking votes. This is the only time when our so called sophisticated Mrs. Patil, Mrs. Chopra, Mrs. Deb, Mrs. Sharma and Mrs. Iyer in synchronization complain about the slums (situated hardly 200 meters away from the compound wall). These candidate promises them with solutions of wiping out the slums. However, within half an hour you will see the same candidate consoling the slum dwellers and promising the slum development. While, both sections of the society – the building dwellers and slum dwellers seem to be contended by his reply, the problem still subsists. And mind you, this is not just the problem in my area but India as a whole. Nevertheless, it is also one of the very basic problems that is stopping India in its transition from developing to developed.

Neither we nor the Politicians or even the Government ever thought a feasible solution. Accidently, I being a blogger came across the Indiblogger-Franklin Templeton Investments contest and ended up watching a video which was part of the FT Idea Caravan in association with TEDxGateway Mumbai.

Youtube Link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haMM-hiG6k4

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The Design of Christian Sarkar and Vijay Govindarajan

$300 House is a project initiated by Christian Sarkar and Vijay Govindarajan. It all started through their blog post in Harvard Business Review and by reading the blog and watching the video, I witness many of the developing nations problems(not just housing but several others as well) including India’s vanishing off.

$300 House: Economically Perfect!

Clean atmosphere, pure water, mosquito nets, solar panels will supply the less fortunate with a proper dwelling and even enhance their standard of living. A self sufficient home will not only provide the slum dwellers with hygienic milieu but also save them from diseases and epidemics. In addition, the solar panels will help them go solar, saving maximum fuel and energy. This in return will not only help the inhabitants but also the country. While your charity might bring a temporary relief, this abode owned by the poor will be their permanent asset.

In case of a village washed out due to natural calamities, this affordable abode is not only economically suitable but also best in maintaining proper health and hygiene. Epidemics can be avoided and millions of both men and money can be saved. This can be applied all over the world including India – From flood and earthquake prone areas such as Assam, Orissa, Uttarakhand as well as Bihar to Cyclone and Tsunami affected areas of Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu such houses is a ray of hope. Besides, the house can solve billions of money that is spent in the name of rehabilitation around the globe during natural calamities when several become homeless.

$300 Home: Solution for the Social Evils

During the first quarter of the year many of the intellectuals, philanthropists, the feminist, the leaders and even the common man complained that people in the slums are the cause of all the social crimes that takes place in society. They are the ones who initiate robbery, sexual assaults, rapes and several other crimes. Well, a improper housing and unhygienic situation can disrupt man not only physically but also mentally. So, their assumption is right. However, if the deprived is given what he wants, will he switch toward crime or become a petty thief/criminal? Well, half of the problem will get solved and many would start a decent life. Wasn’t the same initiative taken in London post Industrialization when crimes flourished? Besides, proper housing not only prevented the London poor from turning rebellious but also solved the health and hygiene problem including spread of epidemics.

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$300 home will not just house the deprived but also their miseries as they will now transform towards better – From being a matter of problem and a curse of society to confident human beings who are ready to contribute positively towards the society. Fully feasible and functional, the idea also executes our utopian thoughts.

$300 Dwelling: Global Initiative

Talk about $300 house and we can visualize Asia’s largest slum area, “Dharavi” transforming from worst to the best. Moreover, not just in India but in all the developing nations of the world, the theory can be applied just like the theory of light, wave and sound.  From the poverty stricken Asia to the deprived Africa, all I can see people living peacefully in a modern place they can call a home. A better future together for all of us living in various part of the world – sounds like a United Nations initiative!

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$300 Resident: A hope for the middle class

It has been two years since I’m planning to buy a house but everyone seems to be talking in crores. When the markets went in dark bear phase and my equity investments became less than half, I thought real estate will now go down. But, nothing of this sort happened. Real estate as usual was scaling high. Then prices of gold and rupee fell and my hope revived once again. Here again, I forgot, failure of rupee is the success of dollar and this makes the NRI’s invest more here in properties including houses which is why the price will now go up and not below. Bummer!

Nevertheless, $300 house gives a hope to all the middle class people that a classy refined house can be built in less money. Let’s assume $3000 (10 times of $300 that is meant for the poor) and even they can have a nice home of their own in their affordable price. That means every month they can have extra money in hand to plan business and concentrate on many other substantiate things. No more spending the entire salary in Housing EMI. Even the thought gives us such a relief!!!

$300 Idea: A Noble Thought

There are some researches which if discovered, founded or explored doesn’t make a difference in our lives or existence. For instance, it doesn’t mean anything for us if tomorrow a person comes to us and tell us there are not 5 kingdoms but 6 kingdoms in Biology. In 1998 Cavalier Smith gave us six kingdom system (Bacteria-Protozoa-Chromista-Plantae-Animalia-Fungi) but we are still stuck to Whittaker’s 5 kingdom system (Monera-Protista-PLantae-Fungi-Animalia). The reason, well, because the discovery although is an achievement in the world of Biology, it hardly matters the human race or the world and most importantly the aam aadmi (common man). On the contrary, think of other discoveries – the light, lense, theory of frequency and waves, computer and World Wide Web. What had happened, if we were deprived of these discoveries?

$300 house is actually more of a noble thought than an entrepreneurial thought. It is a bright idea born out of profound love and affinity towards humanity – An opportunity to give all the human beings an equal chance to live hale and hearty lives!

Here’s an opening to contribute towards the betterment of the human race. Government can issue the land without hindrances, Political Parties/Leaders can promote the cause, NGO’s can support the cause and give in their volunteers, Corporate can take up the project as an innovative challenge and even earn profits as the volume would be high, citizens can move one step beyond the charities –So, are we ready to give shape to this brilliant Utopian idea?

This post is a part of Indiblogger’s – Franklin Templeton Investments contest.

Franklin Templeton Investments partnered the TEDxGateway Mumbai in December 2012.

To know more about Franklin Templeton Investments click here – http://www.franklintempletonindia.com/

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Industrial disasters are literally industrial in nature. A massive sudden outburst of the explosion or remittance of any fatal gas due to accident, incompetence or mere negligence, followed by hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and uncountable damages, disrupting the lives of not only the one suffered but also the generations yet to come, that’s what the deadliest and the worst industrial disasters of the world did and continue to threaten. Let’s have a look on the top 10 industrial disasters ever witnessed in our collective memory.

10. Port Chicago Disaster

The Port Chicago disaster during the World War II was a fatal armaments explosion that happened on July 17, 1944, at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Chicago, California,US. Armaments exploded while being loaded on a transport vessel bound for the Pacific Theater of Operations, taking the lives of 320 civilians and sailors and harming 390 others. The majority of the injured and dead were found to be African-American sailors.

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(img source: nps.gov)

9. Chernobyl Diaster

On April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear plant in Prypiat, Ukraine (then Ukranian SSR) a trial on a nuclear reactor went out of control ensuing in a catastrophic nuclear meltdown. As per the Chernobyl forum the estimated death due to radiation is almost 50 people but the estimated deaths due to radiation induced leukemia and cancer is 3940. The lot of people exposed to it was an astounding 600,000. The fallout was discovered as far away as Canada!

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(img source: boston.com)

8. Enschede Firework Disaster 

The Enschede fireworks disaster was a disastrous fireworks blast at the SE Fireworks depot on May 13, 2000 in Enschede, the eastern city of Dutch. The explosion killed 23 people and injured 947 people. The explosion had so much strength that it destroyed 40 hectare area around the warehouse, damaging 1500 homes and leaving 1250 people homeless. Damages of around Euro 450 million are believed to have occurred.

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(img source: geobron.nl)

7. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

The Exxon Valdez oil spill took place in Prince William Sound, Alaska, on March 24, 1989, when an oil tanker, the Exxon Valdez bound for Long Beach, California, US smacked Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound and trickled  260,000 to 750,000 barrels of crude oil. As a result 100,000 to 250,000 seabirds were killed. The disastrous effects of this incident are still felt in the sea.

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(img source: earthlyissues.com)

6. Seveso Disaster 

Seveso in Italy suffered one of the major catastrophic industrial disasters on July 10, 1976 in a small chemical manufacturing plant of ICMESA due to the release of dioxins (TCDD) into the plain and atmosphere. Around 3300 farm animals died mostly rabbits and poultry and later 80,000 animals were slaughtered to avoid TCDD from entering the food chain.

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(img source: robinlloyd99.tumblr.com)

5. Courrieres Mine Disaster

The worst mining disaster in European history, the Courrieres mine disaster caused the death of 1099 miners, mainly children on 10^th March 1906 in Northern France. The primary cause of the disaster cannot be determined with utter certainty as most of the witnesses are not alive. However, the cause of the destruction is generally agreed to be an explosion of coal dust which swept through the mine.

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(img source: daibach-welldigger.blogspot.com)

4. San Juanico Disaster  

The San Juanico Disaster occurred on November 19, 1984 in San Juanico, Mexico due to a substantial series of blasts at a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) tank farm. The explosions damaged the facility and devastated the local town of San Juan Ixhuatepec, killing 500 to 600 people, and hurting 5000 to 7000 due to severe burns. This disaster is considered as one of the deadliest and the worst industrial disasters in the world history.

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(img source: heraesteparia.wordpress.com)

3. Texas City Disaster 

The Texas City Disaster was the worst industrial accident in US history. The unpleasant incident happened on April 16, 1947, when an explosion took place in a vessel SS Grandcamp which was docked in the Port of Texas City. The fire ignited around 2,300 tons of ammonium nitrate and the subsequent chain reaction of fires and explosions took the lives of at least 581 people while more than 3,500 people were injured. It also triggered the first ever class action lawsuit against the US government, under the then enacted FTCA, on behalf of 8,485 sufferers.

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(img source: texascity-library.org)

2. Benxihu Colliery Disaster 

The second on the list is the worst industrial disaster in the history of coal mining, the Benxihu Colliery disaster. On April 26, 1942, a coal dust and gas explosion in the mine of Benxihu Colliery situated in Benxi Liaoning, China killed 1,549 people. Out of which 31 people were Japanese and rest Chinese. Most deaths were caused because of the poisoning of Carbon Monoxide due to shutting the ventilation after the first blast.

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(img source: dailycognition.com)

1. Bhopal Gas Tragedy

The worst of the industrial disasters the world ever witnessed was in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India when a faulty tank containing methyl isocyanate leaked on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. The instantaneous death toll was 2,259 and the Madhya Pradesh government has confirmed a sum of 3,787 deaths connected to the tragedy. A government official declaration in 2006 confirmed the leak caused 558,125 injuries with 38,478 temporary partial and roughly 3,900 permanently disabling injuries.

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(img source: srai.org)

Source: My Article published on TopYaps

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On my way back from Bangalore to Mumbai (Oh ya, I’m back btw J) I had a privilege of travelling with the special lot of our society – The lot who calculates everything in terms of money. No, they are neither merchandisers nor your local baniyas but a bunch of women who have a tendency of talking money all the time. Yea, they will never let any moment go in haste without showing you how they have paid for every single thing. Besides, they will make you realize in intervals about the same. Not a single second passes when you won’t be made to think about the money they pay for each and every service.

10 pm was the time when I boarded the bus from Madiwala, the starting point after waving goodbye to my beloved friends and in an hour the bus was at the final stop in Bangalore to fetch all the passengers at the Anandrao Circle. Already missing Bangalore, I was busy recollecting the moments when suddenly a lady in her early forties bumped into me and my thoughts.

“Hello Miss, you are sitting on seat no. 1” she said arrogantly

I said yes, wondering why she has objections. Although my seat was already confirmed by the conductor even then I checked my printout and phone – Yes it reflected seat no. 1.

I soon went into my thoughts of the three amazing days, when all of a sudden I heard the commotion. The lady was fighting with the Bus Service people.

“Kaisi service hai aap logo ki. Hamari seat par koi ladki aaram se baithi hai..Humne paise diye hain aap log aisa kaise kar sakte hain.”

“Madam please relax hum dekhta” was the only thing the service guy from the bus stand could tell the howling lady who was ready to bump me with her fiery eyes and extra large body. 1 slap and I could sink in the seat.

“Jaldi dekho, who ladki toh mast baithi hai aaramse”said the lady ready to steal my comfort level and giving me that Lalita Pawar looks.

The conductor came in and asked for Deepti Verma and I shook my head, he then asked the lady for her name. The conductor then couldn’t stop his laughter but scared of the lady’s reaction he politely told her that her seat was “A1 AND NOT 1”

Now Seat A1, A2 was behind the driver whereas 1 and 2 was the opposite seat.

Realizing her mistake the lady gave me that “Oh bade-bade desho mai aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hain” types look.” And I was even scared to give her “it’s okay” look”

***

Next day early morning at 6 am I woke up with the lady’s cry “When will this bus, stop. Bloody I have paid the amount..”

“Oye conductor, ye bus kab rukega?” she howled again pulling the curtain roughly.

“Madam Kolhapur ke baad, 7-7.30 baje”

“Aare tumlog sirf aadmi ka hi sochte ho jaara aurat logo ka bhi socho aur jaldi roko” She grinned not forgetting to mention her favorite line – “Hum bhi paise dete hain sirf aadmi log nahi”

At around 6.30 the female again jumped off her seat, looking at me angrily and warning the conductor that if they wouldn’t stop she could complain their main office and make sure they are fired for not stopping the bus. The driver and conductor requested her not to create a scene as the bus was almost reaching Kolhapur and soon they would stop that is within half an hour.

“My stomach is paining very badly, I need to urinate you bastards, better stop the bus or I will complain…I have paid the money and you can’t do this to me…You understand…I do not understand what the other ladies are made up of in this bus,,,,” she said looking at me.

There was no place where the driver could stop for the lady. However, what I thought that if the lady had requested the driver rather than cursing him or giving him dhamkis, he probably would made some arrangements for her to feel okay. But she continued to curse the driver and conducter for around 7.15 am till the bus was stopped at a good place for her to finally relax.

***

It was afternoon and we had crossed Pune only to reach New Mumbai, my destination in two hours but the bus stopped near Lonavala so that people could eat something as the last stop was another 5 hours. Now in Pune the sit next to me was occupied by a girl.

“Please evacuate the bus” the security guard at the petrol pump accompanied by a nice food court announced standing at the door of our Volvo.

The girl next to me protested that she did not want to get out. I was delighted that someone said precisely what I wanted to. However, the security guard requested her to get off since it would be a problem if anything goes missing she would be blamed.

The girl without letting the security guard complete his sentence shouted “Humne bhi paise diye hain”

I had no clue wherein the question of money popped in right here in this conversation. Although the girl appeared sophisticated while boarding the bus but by the way she went with her “paisa” and stuff, she only appeared moron not only to me but even the poor security guard who tried to request her.

***

While everyone boarded the bus and the conductor switched on the TV with Dabaang 2 another lady complained that she had already watched the film zillion times and had not given the money to watch the movie all over again in this bloody bus.

An hour later, I was at home still having the taste of the delicious vada-pav I had at the food court along with the amazing tale of “humne bhi paise diye hain” by my so called sophisticated female travelers and the plight of the poor bus conductor and driver of a very good bus travels.

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“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived” ~ Helen Keller

Many a times we are caught up by a whiff of a fragrance which instantly makes us nostalgic. It not only reminds us of the long forgotten good days of our lives but also revives feelings associated with the bygone era. Not even a second passes and the evocative odor fills us with a strong déjà vu stir, that’s the kinship between specific smells and memory.

As the day passes and I write in my closet, several aromas across my room and home altogether perks up with all the old memories in different phases of my life – right from the childhood, adolescence to the beautiful memoirs which I left behind with time but are still engulfed in my heart. Here feel the aromatic air topped up with lots of mischief, fun and joy in chronological order -

Ah, the luscious smell of toasting bread takes me down the familiar tread

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As soon as the aroma of toasting bread makes a way through my olfactory bulb, it takes me down the memory lane of a young me around 6 years having Sunday breakfast along with my siblings (elder sister as well as brother) and parents. The fights, the howl, the fun and the happiness of spending time together while watching our favorite cartoon show and mythological serials on Doordarshan still makes me yell “God, why did I grow up.”

The notorious Phenyl Smell, rings the memoirs of school bell

Aha, while you may wonder what’s nostalgic about the phenyl smell, I’m already having a gala time inside the toilet of my school. Yes, those were the days and since it was school and not college we used to bunk entire period in the girls toilet gossiping and waiting for the bell to ring in order to escape the tantrums of our craft ma’am Ms. Leelamma. Thank God, we had a clean, sparkling and hygienic toilet in our school which always had the scent of the phenyl. Even today the phenyl smell all at once, makes the atmosphere smiley from smelly and tingle my notorious nerve to think, “Aaj kuch toofani karte hain.”

The pleasant aroma of Ambi Pur Lavender Air Freshener, how can I ever forget how it acted as the ultimate savior

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Like all the young boys and girls out of the cocoon we were ready to taste life once we stepped out of school and there we had a brief rendezvous with none other than the smoking hot sticks – the fags. While we were the occasional smokers, we made sure none of the gossiping aunties or their poky kid ever catches us indulging the act. So, when Vicky’s mom went out for her usual grocery in the evening we would puff and then fill the room with Sara Lee’s Ambi Pur Lavender Air Freshener which his dad brought during his tenure in the Europe. Uncle was in the Merchant Navy and Lavender was Aunty’s favorite fragrance. Today, when I get the same smell in my living room, it not only refreshes my room environment but also my mood.

The spirited scent of nail paints sends me back to the chemistry lab taints

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Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

The moment it is time to dress up and get going for a party, marriage, meeting or a casual meet-up, it’s also the time to adorn my otherwise shabby nails with some sparkling colorful nail paints. And, the moment I open the cap, the spirited scent that spreads across my home takes me to the last room of the corner of the ground floor of my junior college. For scientist, it is a temple, for researchers it is a paradise but for students like us, our Chemistry laboratory was a place for fun, gup-shups and team-effort. Breaking test tube just for the sake of fun, purposely creating mild useless explosions by bringing phosphorous in contact with water and ending up with holed lab coats along with various little mischief – Oh, if only we could relive all those moments all over again!

The pleasant yet emotional smell of Mehendi brings back the happy moments of the day before my Sister’s bidai

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Image Source: http://mehndidesign2013.blogspot.in

The fragrance of henna is one of the most beautiful scents which have the potential of filling every corner of your home with a feeling of celebration. No wonder the moment the whiff of Henna enters my nose, it directly makes my eyes glitter in delight as I witness my sister dressed for her wedding with her hands with the beautiful designs and patterns outshined in mehendi color. The smell brings back the sisterly love which was exposed for the very first time on the D-day.

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Image Source: http://ayurvedicroast.com/brew.php

And finally, the smell of the brewing filter coffee everyday jogs my memory of my beloved – urging me to call him up or whatsapp him. No wonder, all our initial days of courtship was majorly spent in the various coffee outlets all over India…

This post is a part of Indiblogger’s – Ambipur Smelly to Smiley Air contest.

To know more about AmbiPur click here – http://www.facebook.com/AmbiPurIndia

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Travel is all about happiness, isn’t it? Exotic locations, stunning sights, delicious cuisine, breath-taking adventures and equally intriguing locales – Oh, what a delight!

But when it is a family holiday, travelling can be a lot of chaos, cat-fights, disorder and blame-game. Why not, after all what the nana-nani wants is seriously despised by the munna-munni and what the adolescent likes, the grown-up hates. Besides, the male crowd wants to have fun and adventure while their spouse, the aunties are in the mood of some pilgrimage. Then are the crazy folks who are ready to explore and flow in the mood whilst the quiet ones would insist sitting by the riverside and take the pleasure of the sunlight.

Moreover, a NRI cousin wants to set his foot to capture exquisite landscapes behind the lenses of his DSLR whereas the chubby dur ki chacha ki beti, a gaon ki chhori is eager to indulge in the local market to gulp the food. And finally the Bachcha party…Oh my God!

Various folks with a wide range of taste, choice and preference, chances are some might enjoy and some might curse the holiday. Haven’t you come across such a situation before? Hmm, we all have sometime or the other. So, I wondered what could be the ideal place that would make every traveler a Happy traveler? And at once, retorted the inner self – Scenic Nepal, what else!

The gorgeous milieu, glorious monasteries, Jungle walks, Huge National Parks, breath taking Bungee jumping, grandeur art, craft and sculpture along with scenic falls and mysterious caves – Nepal indeed has the potential of creating Happy Travellers out from the clan of dreary tourists.

Out for a family holiday in Nepal, our very first destination would be Kathmandu. While the ladies and the believer pay their respect in the Pashupatinath temple, the fun lovers and adventure fanatics can enjoy their hand at trekking, rafting and of course, Bungee Jumping. The oldies busy praying inside the temple wouldn’t then care to express their concern over the thrills of the young and blooming while the wanderers, foodies, shoppers and explorers can venture into the Kathmandu streets to experience their life, arts and culture.

Vikram Gupta, a travel enthusiast and a fellow blogger pushing himself off

The Wildlife reserves of Koshi Tappu would again delight the thrillers, adventure fanatics and also the kids. The boat rides, jungle walks and pleasant view of the migratory birds are not only a delight to eyes but also to the lenses. Aunties and Grannies who are not interested can surely spend time inside the various nearby temple and monasteries without bothering the fervent while others can get in action to experience the enthralling part of Nepal.

Patan, the oldest city of Nepal then would be our next destination. This would amuse the silent ones, the oldies, the art lovers, the spirituals and of course the photographers. Strolling down the streets, Patan will make the family roll out together in excitement. The art, the architecture, the museums and the stupas are sure to delight the eyes of all the members of the family.

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Image Source: ilga.org

“You won’t experience the real Nepal if you won’t pay a visit to Pokhara” insists my watchman who is a native of Nepal. The enthralling beauty, the mesmerizing scenery along with a chance to explore some amazing lakes and caves, Pokhara is sure to delight all the members with its captivating charisma. No wonder, creating happy travelers as everyone seek solace in the pristine beauty away from the worldly chaos and mess.

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Image Source: www.film.gov.np

To make sure the children of the family don’t complain, we would make sure that we visit the Royal Chitwan National Park so that the kids celebrate a glorious time inside it – Glancing and discovering several species of animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. In addition, the Safari drives and elephant walks are sure to make them happy and content.

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Image Source: alltournepal.com

Lastly, who would ever complain a view of striking sunrise and sunset by the mountains and peaks – No one, right? And so we would finally conclude our Yatra at Nagarkot by screening the panoramic 360 degree view of the Himalayas!

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Image Source: www.nepalbeautyonly.com

Rejoicing each other’s company for a change as everyone had their own share of fun and enjoyment without the interference of the other the family would even come together in unison – making the trip not only the finest but also the happiest!!!

This post is a part of Indiblogger’s Creating Happy Travellers Contest in association with Yatra.com

To learn more about exhilarating holiday packages visit http://www.yatra.com

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“Congress or BJP, Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi, who will be able to translate their popularity into votes in the upcoming election? Besides, who actually deserves to be at the driver’s seat of the nation? The media is going blah blah blah over it. But the question still remains unanswered – Will our country progress under the guidance of a young leader like Rahul or shine if Modi proves “yamraj” to Congress?”

These were the last few sentences of my boss when we finished our meeting yesterday and while I was busy fiddling with my phone all the time throughout the meeting, the conclusion of the meeting blew me away completely. No, my boss did not answer the questions asked above but gave me the duty to analyze the situation and opinionate it. “Dammit!” was my first reaction after all Politics is not my genre in writing.

“Sir, according to me someone should tell Rahul that he is not a philosopher and India doesn’t need him. On the other hand, India doesn’t even need a “self marketing man” like Narendra Modi” I chucked as I said that.

“Oh Deepti, I do not want you to speak but write a thorough article on the topic. Meet me tomorrow with the article in the first half” He snapped at me.

I reached at my home all gloomy and miserable. My mom started ranting about her daily woes. I interrupted her by asking what she felt about Congress or BJP, she had just one answer – Congress. My phone beeped it was a notification of WeChat. My boyfriend had messaged me. I asked him the same question but he replied, BJP and Narendra Modi. It was 1-1 and the answer came from the two most important persons of my lives whom I always run for advices. Ask me about beauty, fashion and lifestyle, I can write pages and pages, but inquire me about Politics, I am equivalent to a ‘layman.’ My boyfriend calmed me a bit and gave me a lot of information (Congress Policies, History, Indian Politics etc) while we were chatting on WeChat. He is a bureaucrat with a Ph.d in International Politics. An avid follower and fan of history, he started telling me how the Indian leaders would react to this mess. I listened to him mentioning Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subash Chandra Bose, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Muhammad Ali Jinnah but could not concentrate and gradually while talking to him on WeChat, I went into my slumber assuming that these veteran leaders of contradicting views would come to my help, debate and give me their insights for my post.

Congress or BJP, Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi? Will our country progress Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.under the guidance of a young leader like Rahul or shine if Modi proves yamraj to Congress?

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Clik here to view.I don’t know..I have lost hope in Indian Politics…And I don’t support any party…

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I tell you child, you should go for the Congress and even vote for the Congress which brought Independence under our Great Leader Gandhiji.

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Clik here to view. Oh Nehru ..Please stop relating me to the Congress Party. You have already used my name for political gains.

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Clik here to view.But Gandhiji…You are misunderstanding me.

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I think you should help the child here rather than arguing about your personal agendas.

I will say its better if you consider BJP and even vote for them. Mr. Modi is a real leader.

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Clik here to view.Yes a real leader like Hitler himself… He will take India to the depths of misfortune…

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Clik here to view. Yes, Nehru for a change is saying something that is making sense after a long time..Modi is a monster, a communal person. It is only because of a man like Modi, we had to make our land of pure, “Pakistan.”

Every Indian is like Modi that is why the minorities are dying in India where as minorities along with the majorities are flourishing in Pakistan

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Gandhi: How long this hatred will grow, aren’t we part of the same country? I tried so much to convince you Jinnah, but…

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Whhhhhat? Part of the same country, UNACCEPTABLE! Does it mean that India sees Pakistan as its own part?

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Leave it Jinnah, I am wrong

All you veteran leaders, plz guide me and solve my issue, who should I Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.consider more while writing this opinionated article?

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Clik here to view.See Beta, Modi will do no good to our nation

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Clik here to view. As if it is doing very well under the royal Nehru Parivar..

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Clik here to view. Ty Bose for saying just NEHRU parivar

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Clik here to view. ;)

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Clik here to view.Please don’t team up against me…Gandhiji you are supposed to be on my side…Since I have always been on your side

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Clik here to view.Were U?…:/

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Clik here to view. LOL

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Don’t laugh Bose…You should stop supporting the fascist Modi..Ahh, whom am I lecturing..U were too under the fascist fold, taking Hitler’s side and Tojo’s help in the Independence of our Sacred Motherland

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Clik here to view.Yes, because they were my enemy’s enemies. I could have even made a deal with the devil for India’ independence,,,,,I have told you so many times…

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Clik here to view.Yeah, yeah..But that doesn’t make Modi any better…I tell U let Rahul be the PM once and you will see how far he takes India.

Thank U for your advice chachaji :) Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Oh, please!!! India needs no more Nehru’s in the form of Mamma’s spoilt boy

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How dare you call him that

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Clik here to view.That is what he is

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Clik here to view. You two, please don’t fight make it a valid debate and not argument

Meanwhile, with the help of the WeChat “Shake” feature, I found that Tagore Sir was in a mere distance of 1km. I quickly greeted him and welcomed in the group.

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Clik here to view.Hey guys what’s up..What’s the discussion about? Art? Literature? Or is it Music?

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Clik here to view. Welcome my friend…. It’s about Politics.. who should one support in the upcoming 2014 Lok Sabha Election

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Clik here to view.Nomoskar Gurudev

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Clik here to view.Ehhh..Not again..There is so much better things to discuss about..

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Clik here to view.I agree but Deepti wants to know our opinions..And Bose-Nehru are quite vehemently  supporting their views

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I see..So, Deepti, are you in politics? Is that why you are so interested in this mess?

No, no Sir, I am a journalist/writer and blogger. Although my niche is not Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.politics, I have been given a topic to write about. However, I am more into short stories and poems.

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Poems and Short stories, wow, that’s the way to go, young Grasshopper Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. But, what is a blog?

Sir, it’s an online platform where you can write about your opinion, view Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.and majorly, go gaga about what you like and dislike…

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That’s a gift from me, beta..

 Whoa, Thank you so much Guruji Image may be NSFW.
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(Again Bose and Nehru starts arguing)

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Clik here to view. Nehru has gone so quiet..I Guess Nehru has accepted his defeat and agrees that Modi is the right man for India.

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Clik here to view.Not in the least…I will never support a man who is into communal politics

Oh, so does that mean we should not support communal politics? Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.I agree but do we have any alternative today???…Even your Congress plays vote bank politics based on religion.

Netaji, I agree and support totally you for this pointImage may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view. But..Look at the development Congress has brought, The employment yojna, the Sarva Shiksha Abhijan etc etc..

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Clik here to view.Bose: U really call them development? The Economy has almost stopped growing…The industrial output has dropped to 2%. Look at Gujarat, it is far ahead than the rest of India..I tell you, this Modi guy is the right man or at least the best man among the current leaders who can lead India..All these Congress schemes have become new breeding grounds for corruption.

#(

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Clik here to view.If you ask me I think Aam Aadmi Party is the better than most of the parties. In fact, they are nearest to my Gandhi Policy of Decentralisation and more power into the hands of the people. The best Government is the government which governs the least.

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Clik here to view.But Gandhiji…what about Congress, it’s your party after all. This Aam Admi party will only led to Anarchy..

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Clik here to view. To me an ordered Anarchy is better than a failing corrupt system.

 What an idea sirji Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.To me no party is good enough until and unless they prove it to the people that they are efficient and corruption free.

  Point to be noted Sir! Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.To that, I totally agree

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Clik here to view. Even I agree to that. My own party Forward Bloc has lost its way..Now every party is involved in some sort of corruption. The efficiency which is needed and which I myself fought so hard to maintain in Congress during my President ship and in the INA has disapperead altogether from the Indian Political scene. Not a single party is perfect. Though to me, BJP is the best of the not so good parties in India.

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Clik here to view.Though I support Congress but it has totally threw away my socialist principles and ideologies out..I support just because it is close to my heart.

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Just like my mom Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Hahaha…At least we agreed on something and came towards the common conclusion that – No party in India is perfect or very good. Hope the situation changes in not so far future.

Jinnahji, you there? Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Forget him

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Clik here to view.So we all agree? Let’s end it with Rabindra Sangeet, shall we?

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Clik here to view.Ahh been a long time…Wud love to listen to ur melody

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Go for it Gurudev!

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Wow that’s Ekla Cholo re in Guruji’s Voice…Image may be NSFW.
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Clik here to view.Yes, for all the encouragement for the post as well as for your future.

Thank you guys, I love you all for your support and giving me ideas to Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.form a strong analysis for my article. I am sure, I’ll come up with a dhaasu (awesome) article… muaahhhsss

P.S. When I woke up, I checked my WeChat only to find out all the analysis was sent from my boyfriend’s number on WeChat along with images and videos by his colleagues to support the article. Yes, my WeChat group of intellectuals Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. helped me complete my work towards promotion as Wechat not only allows you to send text, pictures and videos but also voice messages. Besides, you can add huge number of people in a group. Whoa, WeChat – What an incredible novel way to connect!

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We are quite well known with the historic love at first sight tragic story in the form of Cleopatra-Mark Anthony, nothing much however has been said about one of the happiest historical love at first sight. Here, I would like to share one of the happy love story of all time – The glorious love affair of Chandra Gupta Maurya and Helen, the Greek princess and daughter of Seleucus Nicatar, the ruler of Western India and Persia (earlier the general of Alexander)

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To read the entire love story check out my article on IndiaOpines here -

http://indiaopines.com/chandra-gupta-maurya-greek-princess-helen-love-story/

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Harka Bai or Jodha Bai or Hira Kunwar or Mariam –Uz – Zamani, The name is well-known in the history either as Emperor Akbar’s wife or as Jahangir’s mother. However, nothing much is said about the person as an individual. Her identity is still rolled between a Mughal Emperor’s wife and mother. Here I reveal certain facts and data about the Rajput Princess-Mughal Begum beyond these identities –

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To know her history Read here —–> http://indiaopines.com/history-jodha-bai/

Img Source: https://fineartamerica.com

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“The finest things in Bagan are found when you are not looking for them at all. “

Across the world, there are many large places but with just one prominent monument. However, have you ever heard of a less traveled small place with more than 2000 temples in a given area? Well, that’s precisely Bagan, the heart and capital of the first Burmese Empire in the ancient Myanmar (earlier Burma).Home to around 2200 temples and pagodas (stupas), these temples were built by numerous kings and leaders in Burma from the 11^th to 15^th century. An ancient place with lots of remarkable archaeological sites and amazing pagodas, it not only lets one embark on a historical but also a spiritual voyage as one ventures from one temple to the other in the arid central parts of Myanmar situated on the eastern banks of river Ayeyarwady.

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Let’s have a look into this beautiful town and dig out some ancient temples here at Indiaopines

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Humans have definitely been the only fatalities of emotional somersault surrendering imminently to the sturdy gravitational pull of relationships. Not a soul can lead a lonely life out of personal choice. Regardless of the form of relation, man seems to be attached to a special person in his life. Talking about relationships, romance certainly cannot be left behind, can it?

India is extensively well-known as a nation with age-old ethical integrity and traditional values. Perhaps, that’s the reason why daring demonstrations of love and romance go for a toss in such an archetypal society. If you notice, it is a land full of contrasts. Here you’ll examine the simplest kind of living and at the same time an equally complex one; the most rustic manner of doing things and the most progressive ones. A cup of cutting chai to Italian expresso, a bowl of kheer to Chinese noodles, a full length saree to the skimpy biknis, everything has been accepted, adopted and rejected by the nation.

The ever growing bond between the peninsula and the rest of the world has made it a mixture of diverse components. Import of goods from western countries has been in place for long but when it comes to ideologies even the world’s largest democracy has a good number of ‘against’ than ‘with’.

One such import which has made all the diverse social groups fortified on their line of control is the idea of a ‘Live-In Relationship‘. When Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta entered into a live-in relationship in Salaam Namaste, the Indian movie goers didn’t mind enjoying it. However,  the same  Indian society suddenly becomes traditional and fails to approve live-in relationships in real life. Although it is not illegal, it is considered immoral. The reason? Perhaps because in our country, the union of a woman and a man is considered very sacred. No wonder, living together prior to the customary nuptials is a sin in the eyes of the staunch upholders of ethics and morality. However, the new era has slowly brought in enormous changes, even within the nation, that has eternally been enshrouded in a mantle of rich customs and tradition.

Going by the definition, live-in relationship means “a living arrangement in which an unmarried couple lives together in a long-term relationship that resembles a marriage.”

The definition reminds me of the prominent line by William Congreve, “Married in haste, we repent at leisure”, and perhaps it truly defines the mindset of the live-in couples. With the privacy and independence involved in such a relationship, anybody would consider it to be an ultimate move. Everybody likes a life which is independent of tensions, commitment and responsibility. So why enter into matrimony and forsake one’s freedom?

But there is more to the ‘happy picture’ we see. One should really excavate the pros and cons of living together to be familiar with what he or she is getting interested in. Granted that the entire ball game of a live-in relationship looks more enticing than a triple fudge sundae but the smudge can irritate you more than the harmless cup of ice cream.

The best part of being happily unmarried is that, both the partners cohabit mutually without any legal obligations so there is no ‘red sticky tape’ involved in the relation. Being flexible, the relation comes with the escape clause as the affair can be ended without any legal involvement. What’s more, you don’t even have to pay any alimony and maintenance. Most significantly, it offers freedom and liberty to both the partners to lead a life in their own style without any interference of the other. The amazing aspect of live-in is that partners can enjoy the thrills of married life without actually carrying the bundle of responsibilities that comes with marriage.

But as the relationship has no commitment the probability of straying is more. If you thought living together is just like your initial dating days, think again darling! There’s much more here. Irritating routine that never emerged until yesterday will start gawking at your face. When you move in with your partner, you’ll soon realize how allergic you are to the smelly socks, and perhaps even by the sight of wet towels on the bed. The adjustment is the magic word in any relation. However, due to the lack of commitment partners here are not willing to adjust as they are not legally bound to each other. This makes it appear that the two have been screwed together.

Due to the same reason there is a high chance of breaking up. Add to it our conservative society and you will be living a socially ostracized existence. Live-in couples will also miss out the family bonding which is a fundamental characteristic of the institution of marriage. Even if your idea of live-in is just for fun, think again, because you certainly wouldn’t want to end up humming Shaggy’s ‘It Wasn’t Me’ only because she has another pair of keys of your home now.

Live-in-relationships involves a lot of energy, love and devotion if not responsibility and commitment. Regardless of your grandmother’s opinion that “marriages are still the rulers of the game”, live-in is gaining precedence over marriages. It’s all up to you whether you want to wake up and smell the sunshine with the ring or without it.

(img source: ibnlive.in.com)

Source: My article Published on NewsYaps

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