tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206622072024-03-13T17:21:36.511+05:30A little bit of everything!Started this blog in 2006, around the same time I started off on our venture, <a href="http://www.phonon.in">Phonon</a>. The sounds of my wheels driving me crazy. Capturing and sharing thoughts, moments and experiences for posterity.Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03265189396431864589noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-83732827552618613412018-11-29T12:56:00.001+05:302018-11-29T12:59:12.989+05:30Are There Backdoors to the New Do Not Call Regulations?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
TRAI, post deliberations, had earlier this year <a href="https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PRNo5829052018.pdf" target="_blank">released</a> a new Do-Not-Call / NDNC or <a href="https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/RegulationUcc19072018_0.pdf" target="_blank">Unsolicited Commercial Communication regulation</a>. This was well in the right direction, but it seems that companies are already finding backdoors to the regulation.<br />
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For example, I have lately been finding SMS' from Amazon seeming to be non-compliant to the present regulations. Present regulations require a set naming protocol in <a href="https://www.phonon.in/portal/2016/02/08/what-do-the-initial-two-character-prefixes-like-vm-ad-etc-mean-in-bulk-sms/" target="_blank">setting the sender ID</a>. But the SMS' from Amazon being sent to me seem to be from a generic prefix - 51466. (Till recently they used to come from Sender ID XX-Amazon).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zx7A1UR_bzY/W_95C0LmwXI/AAAAAAAAL_s/L5emoMkhUNoBgGnvck6AS7hbK_dYnnCfwCLcBGAs/s1600/Amazon_SenderID.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="717" height="114" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zx7A1UR_bzY/W_95C0LmwXI/AAAAAAAAL_s/L5emoMkhUNoBgGnvck6AS7hbK_dYnnCfwCLcBGAs/s320/Amazon_SenderID.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sender ID Seems Compliant with #NDNC Regulations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AlghXBmDNA/W_5jx7Qq4BI/AAAAAAAAL_E/9TBDZ5RlRQEo4qaHfgFua1cUqY_eMYaXwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20181128-150941.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1600" height="147" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AlghXBmDNA/W_5jx7Qq4BI/AAAAAAAAL_E/9TBDZ5RlRQEo4qaHfgFua1cUqY_eMYaXwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot_20181128-150941.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this SenderID Compliant with #NDNC Regulations?</td></tr>
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One of the largest Internet Companies in the world bringing this change, is something that made me notice this. Could these be SMS' sent from some international gateway and be a back-door the regulations? If so, this may warrant some introspection. How will the new Do-Not-Call regulations handle such scenarios? Would it lead to a scenario, that the regulation can be by-passed using global networks and cheap inter-connectivity to India? If that happens, it's just going to economically impact Indian enterprises with companies overseas getting windfall benefits (and a drain of foreign exchange). This aspect of the new regulations may merit a deeper analysis.</div>
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<b>Notes:</b></div>
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<li>My tweet to <a href="https://twitter.com/amazonIN" target="_blank">@amazonIN</a> asking for details on this and their reply is <a href="https://twitter.com/ujwalm/status/1068012766055858176" target="_blank">here</a>. </li>
<li>I have <a href="https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PhononCommunicationsPvtLtd28062018.pdf" target="_blank">contributed</a> to comments on the policy prior to it's being published.</li>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-44356403969661412802018-09-22T12:30:00.000+05:302018-09-26T13:22:15.891+05:30No Job Too Small. No Effort Too Little<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I wish I had a timestamp to this photograph. Approximately a few minutes past 11 in the night roughly at Plus Code: <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3nEctXn1HvN2" target="_blank">852C+WW Vadodara, Gujarat </a>is where I saw this young man focus on completing his day's tasks.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMxaTvN96qA/W6Xhfq-vS-I/AAAAAAAALhs/0CUmfsM3M7482OQ2Q20E0vwT57JhAGGJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Entreprenurship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1600" height="335" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kMxaTvN96qA/W6Xhfq-vS-I/AAAAAAAALhs/0CUmfsM3M7482OQ2Q20E0vwT57JhAGGJwCLcBGAs/s640/Entreprenurship.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Look at the pride on his face when I asked him if I could take a photo.<br />
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Discipline. Ensuring the task gets done. Whatever be your job. That's one of the things that is key to success in life. And as far as I have learnt, there is no easier way to success. Whether in a job or an entrepreneur; wherever I am, if I can set exacting standards for myself and live by them, no review can stop my growth. Where in the value chain I am is just a matter of time.<br />
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Each of us, want a life that is easy. One way is to be born with a silver spoon (<i>or get a spouse with a silver spoon, sic!</i> 😅). If none of those work, well, let's not shy away from getting our hands dirty. I need to be able to walk the talk.<br />
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Success does <b>not</b> mean that I need be the best in what I do. If I have to be the best in everything I do, I will probably need to be super-human. But what it means is that<i> I need to give the best in whatever I do</i>. That is what Success is. Returns will come on their own.</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com053, Swami Shivanand Marg, Urmi Society, Haripura, Vadodara, Gujarat 390020, India22.302438420200314 73.17241612724615222.295092920200315 73.162331127246148 22.309783920200314 73.182501127246155tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-63383939883659027022018-05-06T22:17:00.002+05:302018-09-25T09:08:52.724+05:3010 Years 10 Minutes - Lessons from Each Year as an Entrepreneur<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Was faced with a challenge earlier this weekend. Had to collect my thoughts for a 10 minute speaking slot at a startup series. (<a href="http://echai.in/" target="_blank">eChai</a>, Jatin and Nikhil, you folks are doing some amazing work!)<br />
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What would be the best way to compile these thoughts? There's always so much to talk about! So, Saturday afternoon, went thinking over, what would be the top 10 lessons I learnt (read - mistakes I made 😉) over the last 10 years as an entrepreneur.<br />
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So, here goes the list -<br />
<i>Lesson 1 - No job is too small!</i> Really, Mahatma Gandhi spoke about cleaning our own toilets. Apply the metaphor to work! Are you ready as an entrepreneur to do the heavy lifting? Are you ready to be involved in the smallest job (caveat: you might not be the most skilled) and yet, give it your best!?<br />
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<i>Lesson 2 - Margins are important! </i>It's not just the top line that matters. How controlled your costs are is a great indicator of the longevity of your business - new or old. Corollary: If you sell on cost, someone will always beat you. If you sell on product and services, you will invariably beat the biggest.<br />
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<i>Lesson 3 - Focus on Key Product!</i> We all work on filling a need in the market! The market has many needs! And filling each need is tempting for an entrepreneur. But then wouldn't you need 10 arms and 10 heads for that? So focus on your key product!<br />
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<i>Lesson 4 - Innovate and Protect your IP!</i> Intellectual Property Rights is something many entrepreneurs (atleast in South Asia tech) tend to give a low priority too. Well, if you have developed something, go for protecting that idea to implementation story.<br />
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<i>Lesson 5 - There is no such thing as Bad Publicity! </i>is an old adage. Often marketing and publicity take a back seat. As a salesman, you've got to literally be in the hair of your customer (because if you aren't, probably someone else is :-)). Make the right noises and ensure you are available and well positioned and unabashed.<br />
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<i>Lesson 6 - Cash is King! </i>A business is measured on the basis of it's turnover (invoice). A successful business is measured on the basis of it's invoice to collection cycle. How well you collect is how well you run your business! Lose your sleep over your customer. If you have a happy customer you will get more and you will get timely collections!<br />
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<i>Lesson 7 - Work is Life; Life is Work!</i> (Don't get me wrong; and wait till Lesson 10) but till then, you've got to eat, breath and sleep your business. Remember <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Alchemist_(novel)" target="_blank">the Alchemist</a>. If not read it, there's a very interesting thought there!<br />
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<i>Lesson 8 - Never Compromise!</i> God is in the Detail! Detail it out, give it your best and expect the best from others. You might fail while doing that. But you will also come out with, <i>no regrets</i>!<br />
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<i>Lesson 9 - People! </i>People, delegation & motivation. These are important. You've go to have things done through the right people. There will always be a temptation of let me do this, but you've got to be able to manage and get things done, because there is a right person for each skill.<br />
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<i>Lesson 10 - Get a Life!</i> Not contrary to Lesson 7. Don't forget yourself and your family in the process. Take time out for your own self (that's very often when clairvoyance in thoughts is achieved) and your family & friends (man is a social animal, said Aristotle).</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-89377011854453976462018-02-07T11:40:00.000+05:302018-02-07T12:44:09.987+05:30Is Capping of School Fees Killing Our Future?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Guajrat Government ruled to cap school fees through the <span 15.1875px="" droid="" font-family:="" font-size:="" justify="" quot="" serif="" text-align:=""><a href="http://gujarat-education.gov.in/education/images/GOG_GAZETTE_27042017.pdf" target="_blank">Gujarat Self Financed Schools (Regulation of Fees) Act, 2017</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span 15.1875px="" droid="" font-family:="" font-size:="" justify="" quot="" serif="" style="font-family: inherit;" text-align:="">Here's what I read of the Act,</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "droid" serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: =;">School Fees is capped at Rs. 15,000 for pre/primary schools, Rs. 25,000 for secondary schools and Rs. 27,000 for higher secondary schools for Academic Yr 17/18. No announcement yet on 18/19.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "droid" serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: =;">Any deviations need to be approved by a committee where in a break-up and justification needs to be provided by the schools.</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "droid" serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: =;">Here's what I hear as justification about the law:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Schools are supposed to be non-profit making, yet they charge high fees (more on this later) and are being run as companies rather than schools.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">There is an uncontrolled increase in school fees every year.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, in the short run, all of this makes good sense. But here are some thoughts that are making me sit back and think:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Schools may not make profits, but schools ar</span>e institutions and institutions needs Capital and Labour to survive. What is the function that defines the fees to quality of teachers and administrators, infrastructure, pedagogy, recognition, affiliations, quality of output? We had great teachers in our time at Bhavans, Vadodara and what a biology lab of specimen of all sorts we had! I wonder if the same teachers and infrastructure would be manageable at schools that have to work under strict budgets? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">The lack of a methodology to define the school fees and leaving that to committee to decide (and with all due respect to the committee) without guidelines or a formula is lack of transparency. That's not the most ideal way!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, can we compare this with the per capita cost of education that the Government spends in the state of pre-primary, primary and secondary education. I have no idea, but some people I spoke to said that this is much north of the cap set by the Government under the Act. I wonder if that is true. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My two cents on the above:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Schools charging what they wish to is probably free market economy. Government intervention in free market is like saying that the governm</span>ent should cap air fare? Fun fact: on certain days of the year, a one-way single airfare between cities a couple of hours apart in India is comparable to a years school fees per the Act! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">In security, we talk of the weakest link. For every control, there is a loop hole. Schools will probably find a roundabout way and that's not good for straightforwardness. (Which, I believe, is one of the traits that we want our kids to imbibe!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">A more positive way of handling this would be, that the government focuses on getting government schools to a world class level; such that parents want to send their schools to government schools than private schools. If this happens, that surely is a win and will be great and exemplary governance! </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But till then I am skeptical that this Act might be like a soothing balm in the short run, but in the long run can destroy quality of education and remove transparency in education.</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;">Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;">Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #141823; font-size: 15px;">I</span></i><i><span style="color: #141823; font-size: 15px;">nto the dreary desert sand of dead habit...</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;">....</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px;">Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake!</span></i></div>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-3361821562994194882017-09-09T01:23:00.002+05:302017-09-11T09:18:11.504+05:30The Balance Sheet of Ability!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of the kids got up with a pain in her ear this morning. So, Papa dear rushed with her to the ENT. Well, the darling kid had a talk with Papa and composed and carried herself with absolute co-operation with the doctor. Papa was surprised. Kid talk with Mumma on "Mumma - <<KidName> did not cry at the doctor". That's a proud moment!<br />
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But that's not what I am writing about. While waiting our turn with the doctor, I saw a very interesting quote framed in the doctor's waiting room:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">ABILITY</span></h4>
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without</div>
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<span style="color: purple;">DEPENDABILITY</span>, <span style="color: #bf9000;">FLEXIBILITY</span> and <span style="color: #38761d;">RESPONSIBILITY</span></h4>
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is a</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">LIABILITY</span></h4>
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:-) That was a Eureka moment! Wow! So, aptly put. (While writing this, I found that this is quoted in Shiv Khera's You Can Win. Kudos). That's what so many of us miss out on. Each of us has great skill-set. But no one could have put it better. </div>
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In fact, if I coud add to it, <i>Dependability, Flexibility and Responsibility, even with lesser Ability is still an Asset.</i> In the many years that I have worked, I know of some gem of people who might not have the best of Ability, but their Dependability, Flexibility and sense of Responsibility has been exemplary, and they have been Assets wherever they have been! </div>
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Well done to them! If there's something that I would like to inherit as my strengths and leave behind as a legacy, then those are definitely the above three traits that make an asset! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ura6ra0utok/WbL09mCe49I/AAAAAAAAGqo/IJI9GOH0jb8T7aYrS2VaRursMUM7YK2sQCLcBGAs/s1600/Presentation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DEPENDABILITY, FLEXIBILITY & RESPONSIBILITY even with less ABILITY is still an ASSET" border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ura6ra0utok/WbL09mCe49I/AAAAAAAAGqo/IJI9GOH0jb8T7aYrS2VaRursMUM7YK2sQCLcBGAs/s400/Presentation1.jpg" title="ABILITY DEPENDABILITY RESPONSIBILITY" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theorem & Corollary</td></tr>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-24590924083609363252017-09-06T09:00:00.000+05:302017-09-06T09:00:26.864+05:30The Practicality of Implementing #ChatBots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been three weeks since my last post about #ReadyFor2020 and <a href="http://ujwalmakhija.blogspot.in/2017/08/readyfor2020-automation-will-be-next.html" target="_blank">how bots are there to change the future</a>. It's also been close to three weeks since the <a href="https://www.phonon.in/portal/2017/08/17/phonon-launches-indias-first-multi-modal-flight-bot-aviation-sector/" target="_blank">launch</a> of Phonon's Chatbot Trixie!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujsb9iRGZos/Wa7MOHgdHiI/AAAAAAAAGn8/HRDu7FQJ0Lw7HPr63t9vdMZH9fLXdV-XgCLcBGAs/s1600/22North.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ujsb9iRGZos/Wa7MOHgdHiI/AAAAAAAAGn8/HRDu7FQJ0Lw7HPr63t9vdMZH9fLXdV-XgCLcBGAs/s400/22North.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Have been asked many questions through my sales process. I thought it best to jot down some of my thoughts. </div>
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<b>Response Time: </b>We've had a close to 90% positive response rate (usually within seconds) to tweets for flight status received on those #hashtags. Usually quicker than a 20 minute average response time and approximately 50% response time from manual #hashtag tracking. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Reminder to self: get a quantitative analysis done)</span>. And that's great. We've had some excellent likes and appreciations too.</div>
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<b>Predictive Responses</b>: While our information is sourced from public sources, our Bot tweeted the updates about Delhi airport delays in the last two weeks accurately. Here's a tweet from the <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/delhi-airport-live-igflight-operation-at-delhi-airport-halted-as-pilot-spots-drone-4805435/" target="_blank">drone incidence</a> delays. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfZo3X_UKAc/Wa6ucPNKrVI/AAAAAAAAGnk/IvQB-NK8BYMbAIsDDsTG4Agwnx9PytumwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-05%2Bat%2B7.32.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="595" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfZo3X_UKAc/Wa6ucPNKrVI/AAAAAAAAGnk/IvQB-NK8BYMbAIsDDsTG4Agwnx9PytumwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-09-05%2Bat%2B7.32.00%2BPM.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tweeting About Delays at Delhi Airport</td></tr>
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<b>The Bot is Supposed to Transact and Not Converse</b>: This is a death of many technology implementations. We go for the overkill. <i>How often does a customer make general conversation with a call center employee?</i> But why do line managers often want Bots to be super-humans.Many discussions I have had have had the product owners ask the bot the toughest, most convoluted question they can. <i>Nope, that's not how it works! </i>That's probably something your top performers do. Your bot is supposed to reduce the work of bottom-performers so that you can afford better top-performers.</div>
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The best implementation strategy in bots is to focus on transactions and <i>compromise on some more false negatives to have zero false positives. </i>So, if in doubt, ask the bot to STFU and get a human to intervene. :-) </div>
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Here's an example of how our bot STFU when it was asked a question beyond it's capability. We tracked #jetInstant and there was a counter question to which our bot kept quiet.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J2LitVtNw4/Wa7L5kJCO8I/AAAAAAAAGn4/k_dO-SwmF9YMyB1yPH3Yt8aAW3acjUuxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Transactional.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="423" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6J2LitVtNw4/Wa7L5kJCO8I/AAAAAAAAGn4/k_dO-SwmF9YMyB1yPH3Yt8aAW3acjUuxgCLcBGAs/s1600/Transactional.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep quiet when you don't understand it</td></tr>
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<b>Bots reduce human errors and ambiguity</b>. Here's an example of how our bot made a reply unambiguous and more importantly accurate. A flight 9W-856, was LKO/DEL/PNQ. The manual reply made a wee bit of a mess! It gave the departure time of the flight at LKO as the status at DEL. Luckily DEL departure was after the LKO departure. And compare that with the response of the bot!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Accuracy is Paramount</td></tr>
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In a nutshell - #ChatBots are the future. But be clever. Don't use them for #Chatting. Use them for #Transacting.</div>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0106, Blue Diamond Complex,, Besides Fatehgunj Petrol Pump, Fatehgunj,, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002, India22.3239711 73.188683999999967-6.6485033999999992 31.880089999999967 51.2964456 114.49727799999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-10499551923038578942017-08-13T20:09:00.000+05:302017-08-13T20:11:30.510+05:30#ReadyFor2020 - Automation Will Be the Next Big Thing! Decrypting Artificial Intelligence<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For all the debate around it, we all remember the infamous (sic) statement attributed in the 1940s to <a data-mce-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Watson_Jr." href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Watson_Jr.">Thomas J Watson Jr.</a>, the then head of affairs at IBM. It is said that he said, "<em>there world market for computers is five</em>". Maybe it was related to just a particular type of machines or whatever it may be. In the early years of the Internet, Newsweek carried an <a data-mce-href="http://www.newsweek.com/clifford-stoll-why-web-wont-be-nirvana-185306" href="http://www.newsweek.com/clifford-stoll-why-web-wont-be-nirvana-185306">article</a> suggesting, Internet being, wait a moment, Baloney! </div>
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Todays, there is a very interesting <a data-mce-href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/25/16024444/ai-safety-threat-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg" href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/25/16024444/ai-safety-threat-elon-musk-mark-zuckerberg">debate</a> between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerburg about the threat of Artificial Intelligence or AI. These are people who have been key contributors to the growth of the <i>Millenial Development</i>. And there's no way I can take away an iota of credit away from this discussion. It's very engaging! And I am keenly following this.</div>
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Having said that, threat of Artificial Intelligence or not, the reality is written on the wall. Artificial Intelligence is the future. Automation will be the next big thing. And let's not be scared, typists went out of jobs when the personal computer came. But what about the new opportunities that computing and the connected internet created for our economy and humanity in general. </div>
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Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning or Automation, whatever we may call these, are probably the next big inflection in our world. And let's warm up to it. I again feel that many industry pundits or analysts are talking about chat-bots being a $1B market in the next 3-4 years are probably being way too (I would add many more Os to the too) conservative. </div>
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Let's just think, even if AI automated 30% (grossly conservative by my estimates) of calls or emails being received by call centers. We are talking of 30% of a <a href="http://www.strategyr.com/MarketResearch/infographTemplate.asp?code=MCP-1145" target="_blank">$400B</a> or $120B global market by 2022. That's a huge chunk. So let's be prepared for it. </div>
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On a personal fron, <a href="http://www.phonon.in/" target="_blank">Phonon</a> developed <a href="https://www.phonon.in/portal/i-click-to-call/" target="_blank">Click-to-Call™</a> in the period 2008-2010. Click-to-Call as a services is a defacto standard in the customer service industry today. Lifecycle for technology is short and getting ever compressed. We've got to be #ReadyFor2020! And Phonon's working towards Phonon 2.0 at a feverish pace. </div>
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We've got some interesting products lined up and watch-out for some announcements later this week! In the meantime, here's a video with a sneak preview for what's in store.</div>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com1106, Blue Diamond Complex,, Besides Fatehgunj Petrol Pump, Fatehgunj,, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002, India22.3239711 73.188683999999967-6.6513888999999971 31.880089999999967 51.2993311 114.49727799999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-88550596953522135622016-03-19T13:34:00.001+05:302016-03-19T13:34:50.087+05:30Happy Holi! And Doing the Right Thing!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Water Scarcity as defined by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_scarcity" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> is:<div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;">Water scarcity</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;"> is the lack of sufficient available </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;">water</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;"> resources to meet </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;">water </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;">needs within a region. It affects every continent and around 2.8 billion people around the world at least one month out of every year. More than 1.2 billion people lack access to clean drinking </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;">water</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.84px;">.</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.downtoearth.org.in/dte/userfiles/images/4-Marathwada(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.downtoearth.org.in/dte/userfiles/images/4-Marathwada(1).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: DownToEarth.org</td></tr>
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Scarcity is reaching disastrous proportions. I too am guilty of wasting water. Starting today, I will be careful about it. Will also have a waterless Holi! Happy Holi and may we all be grateful!</div>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-26989261930979096942016-03-10T07:00:00.000+05:302016-03-10T07:00:14.040+05:30Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, Scheming in the Right Direction!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We've been hearing advertisements on radio about <a href="http://pmjandhanyojana.co.in/awas-yojana-housing-for-all-2022-scheme/" target="_blank">Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna</a> last few days. Interesting to note about it is 6.5% p.a. subsidy on interest for home loans of less than Rs. 6 lakhs.<br />
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" 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" style="height: 186px; margin-top: 0px; width: 232px;" title="" /></a></div>
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The scheme mentions this as:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.272px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The current rate of housing loan in India is at 10.50 per cent. If someone buys a property currently on a loan of Rs 6 lakh for a tenure of 15 years today, he/she would have to pay an EMI of Rs 6,632 per month currently. However, with 6.5 per cent subsidy under the scheme, the beneficiary would have to pay just Rs 4,050 per month as EMI. Thus, there is a significant reduction of Rs 2,000 in the EMI itself.</span></span></blockquote>
This is interesting on multiple grounds. Economically a no-brainer, it prevents bloating an unnecessary leveraging of the economy and support micro-spending.<br />
<br />
But from a policy perspective it is a level of spending based subsidy. So, the subsidy goes to the right set of people irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Objective policy making. Think, if this gets extrapolated to the current reservation debates! Will it not be a wow for our country?</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-39564633406587997942016-03-09T15:00:00.000+05:302016-03-09T16:28:19.422+05:30Freedom from Nothing! Anupam Kher at Telegraph National Debate 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was forwarded this video of Anupam Kher at the Telegraph National Debate a few days back!<br />
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I saw upto four minutes of the video and then shut it off! For I felt Mr. Kher was doing what he does best, <i>playing to the gallery</i>! Mr. Kher, immense respect for you, but here's why I stopped viewing your video:<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>You were personally in accusing your co-panelist, Retd. Justice Ganguly. That's not done! Debates are to put forward your views. Not get personal.</li>
<li>You didn't have your facts right. '84 emergency! Nope. If a person of public stature does not have this fact right, how can I hope for researched views?</li>
<li>JNU Matter - the matter you referred to is sub-judice. None of us can pass a judgement on that. Plus being abreast with current affairs is important. Independent forensic labs said that the tapes are doctored.</li>
</ol>
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That's when I decided to stop viewing the video. At four minutes and a few seconds. Found it beyond amusing!</div>
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<div>
You know, my problem is not with you as an individual. My problem is with all of us, Indians. We've started getting the mentality of <i>either you are with us else you are against us</i>. We've become too myopic, too blind! We need to start asking, questioning and tolerating (sic!) difference of opinion.</div>
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<div>
I quote words of Guru Rabindranath Tagore that we all learnt in junior school:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Where the clear stream of reason has not lost it's way </span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">into the dreary desert sand of dead habit.</span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Where the mind is led forward by thee </span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">into ever widening thought and action.</span></i><br /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">In to that heaven of freedom, my father, </span></i><br /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">LET MY COUNTRY AWAKE!</span></i></blockquote>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-16926754037704472292016-03-09T08:47:00.004+05:302016-03-09T13:47:31.563+05:30Good Moon-ing, Mallya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Guys, Mr. Mallya would have long flown over the cuckoo's nest (in one of his private jets maybe)! Happy hunting! Mr. Mallya just mooned us all!</div>
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Can't do anything but laugh at ourselves!<br />
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Here's what I read in the papers this morning, <a href="http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-stop-vijay-mallya-from-leaving-india-banks-ask-supreme-court-1284937" target="_blank">Banks ask SC to prevent Mallya from leaving India</a>. Further, the article says, <i>the Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter today!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Me thinks: Yes, Sir, Dear Banks. Mr. Mallya will definitely wait for the matter to be heard by the Supreme Court (sic).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goanews.com/uploads/news/big_vijay_mallya_waving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" class="irc_mi" src="http://www.goanews.com/uploads/news/big_vijay_mallya_waving.jpg" height="193" style="margin-top: 91px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">मल्ल्या हुआ फुर्र। ..... बैंकों को मिला ठेंगा !</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dear Banks, please get practical. You reacted to the Diageo cash offering. You should have acted long back. What about all the personal property and multi-firms sitting on assets!? Those should have been liquidated long back! Atleast, for nothing else, pay-up dues of employees. So much for our strict labour laws.<br />
<br />
What we need is good corporate governance in our country! Good discipline. Bank mandate along with revenue targets should be proper evaluation and stricter enforcements.<br />
<br />
We Indian, should be better Indians. Not only in personal life, but businesses and corporate life too! Lets use our brains and bring in discipline. We've got lots of the former, but the latter is a precursor to success!<br />
<br />
God bless us! :-)<br />
<br /></div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-50111901499079626012016-03-08T12:46:00.001+05:302016-03-08T12:46:30.031+05:30COO in Managed Security Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.sagenet.com/Portals/0//EasyDNNnews/152/SageNet-MSSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="irc_mi" height="146" src="http://www.sagenet.com/Portals/0//EasyDNNnews/152/SageNet-MSSP.jpg" style="margin-top: 52px;" width="320" /></a>Isn't it interesting when technology complements traditional businesses? There's significant value to be unlocked. Private security services is one area where technology can bring great value addition. That is one of the business focus areas we are working on.<br />
<br />
I am looking for a COO / Partner to lead our foray into Managed Security services. Will be great to meet people with the following skills:<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Have a a background at head-of-department level in managing security for companies / SOHO / residential businesses. Retired defence personnel with a gazetted officer post equivalent to a Major or higher will be a good fit too.</li>
<li>Atleast 20 years experience.</li>
<li>Most important will be sharing a common vision of making a scalable business out of managed security.</li>
<li>Technology savvy. Will need to understand usage of technology tools and business applications for a holistic security strategy.</li>
<li>Preferably based in Baroda or Ahmedabad.</li>
</ol>
<div>
The COO will be responsible for overall function, developing and executing the business strategy to be a leader in managed security services. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please spread the word. You could email me at ujwal [at] phonon [dot] in.</div>
</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-2238253496902972372016-03-07T16:06:00.002+05:302016-03-07T16:06:28.087+05:30Exemplary Governance in Public Enterprise!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An example of exemplary governance in Public Enterprise is the Hon. Minister of Railways, <a href="http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Suresh_Prabhu" target="_blank">Suresh Prabhu</a>, bringing customer centricity in the passenger division. Many a news articles have come about their being instant responses from the minister himself or the railways responding to customer tweets. One such was the coverage by the <a href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/how-the-indian-railways-is-leveraging-twitter-to-reach-out-to-the-millions-who-ride-on-its-trains/articleshow/51070318.cms" target="_blank">Economic Times</a>. Another recent article on the team behind Twitter response at Indian is at the <a href="http://www.thebetterindia.com/46672/indian-railways-on-twitter/" target="_blank">Better India</a>.<br />
<br />
One off or reality is a question an ever skeptic would ask. Here's my experience. Last week, I was on my return journey back to Baroda by 12955 BCT-JP Gangaur Express. And there was a <i>minor </i>inconvenience - <i>no running water in my coach</i>. I sent a tweet to @RailMinIndia with my concern. Here's what happened then.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_LIRna9wSA/Vt1ZWcIhl3I/AAAAAAAADEM/qOmFGEJGkmk/s1600/IR%2BTwitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Twitter Conversation with RailMinIndia" border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_LIRna9wSA/Vt1ZWcIhl3I/AAAAAAAADEM/qOmFGEJGkmk/s400/IR%2BTwitter.jpg" title="Twitter Conversation with RailMinIndia" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Twitter Conversation with IR!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>In about 10 minutes, I got a tweet from @RailMinIndia that the matter was directed to relevant DRM office and some senior twitter handle in the Mechanical division of IR (maybe the coaching division).</li>
<li>In about 15 minutes from my tweet, I get a tweet back from a concerned officer, Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer (SrDME-BCT), saying what, a. regretting the inconvenience b. giving prompt solution and c. soliciting my confirmation of matter resolution. </li>
<li>In about 20 minutes from my tweet the train reached Surat, the coach was watered, and I overheard the coach attendant speak to some senior people over a mobile phone of the matter being resolved. </li>
</ol>
<div>
Wow! World Class! That's all there is to it. Customer is King, that's something that we are taught in business schools and companies strive for those. Turning around the biggest employer in the world to be so customer centric, and that too, in a public service enterprise (mind you, railways main charter is not for commercial gain, but for transport) is nothing short of revolutionary. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
An excellent case study in top-down management, setting priorities right and bringing customer centricity. @SureshPrabhu Sir, corporate sector can learn a lot about customer service from IR today! Kudos, IR machinery from the twitter back-room of IR to individual Indian Railways staff on ground! You are showing your class!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-3077682167100404922015-09-08T20:38:00.000+05:302015-09-08T20:38:11.090+05:30Senseless Politics! Interpretation of Abhishek Manu Singhvi's Interpretation of Jizya<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet.<br />- Autobiographical dictation, 30 June 1907. Published in <i>Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 2</i> (University of California Press, 2013) <i>Source: http://www.twainquotes.com/Politics.html</i></blockquote>
<div>
Starting this blog, I am occasionally going to try and blog my interpretation of daily senselessness in our lives. It's getting too often, and chronicling that is a good way to channelise thoughts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Journalist of Courage today reported <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/is-taxing-pilgrims-for-chopper-ride-to-vaishno-devi-jizya-abhishek-manu-singhvi/" target="_blank">Abhishek Manu Singhvi calling service tax on chopper rides to Vasihno Devi jizya</a>. Here's what I made of it:</div>
<div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Jizya</i> was imposed by Aurangzeb, a Moghul ruler on Hindus. BJP-RSS now according to Mr. Singhvi therefore has muslim leanings. Makes sense! (sic!)</li>
<li>Chopper rides are pilgrimages, not a service and therefore should not be under the purview of service tax. Makes sense! (sic!)</li>
<li>Railways is a utility but still has service tax applicable, but choppers to Vaishno Devi should be counted as a pilgrimage and therefore should not be under the purview of service tax. Makes sense! (sic!).</li>
</ol>
<div>
Thank you, Mr. Singhvi, I had a nice morning today reading this article.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
p.s. Neither this article, nor I have any specific political leaning towards any party in power or in opposition.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-75572159215202653032015-08-31T11:23:00.001+05:302015-08-31T11:24:54.630+05:30What Champions are About!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a long time yesterday, saw <i>The Doctor,</i> aka <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Rossi" target="_blank">Valentino Rossi</a> in action. Switched on the TV to see the live telecast of the wet and action-filled <a href="http://www.silverstone.co.uk/" target="_blank">Silverstone MotoGP</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbzutiv83NM/VePrxmpSnGI/AAAAAAAACeQ/a5d6zTCwoAM/s1600/PA1782052.0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbzutiv83NM/VePrxmpSnGI/AAAAAAAACeQ/a5d6zTCwoAM/s320/PA1782052.0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Descriptions of his racing style included the adverb, <i>metronomic perfection</i>. Following him through the 20 laps at Silverstone was exactly that and nothing lesser. Turn after turn, the same rhythm. Similar to what <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mika_H%C3%A4kkinen" target="_blank">Mika <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Häkkinen</span></a></span> was known for, especially in his McLaren Mercedes days.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And, the post-win gesticulations, greetings, energy and the interview, showed an excitement as though it was his first win. And that's what the commentator commented, <i>it appeared as though this was his first win</i>.</div>
<br />
That is what champions are made of. This is what I believe champions do:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>They are thrilled by their victories, each time! It's like getting laid for the first time, every time. Yes, that's the kind of joy that each victory gets.</li>
<li>They work harder, each time! They don't take their place for granted! Their are always others changing the coveted top-spot.</li>
<li>They are consistent, each time! At the cost of redundancy, perfection is made into a habit by them.</li>
<li>They value competition, each time! <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_M%C3%A1rquez" target="_blank">Marc Marquez</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danilo_Petrucci" target="_blank">Danilo Petrucci</a> were hot in pursuit. And, how Rossi warmed up to Petrucci at the end, motivating him. That's what champions are.</li>
</ol>
<div>
That's what a MOTO GP seen after almost 15 years does to me. That's when Rossi stormed into the MotoGP arena and that's how he took it on! </div>
</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-7102687115435598862015-03-23T17:43:00.001+05:302015-03-23T17:56:01.037+05:30Spring Equinox and the Chaitra Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Beginning of Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand. Spring Equinox. This year they happened to be on the same day. Is the Hindu lunar calendar actually in sync the Spring Equinox every year?</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03265189396431864589noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-60448804496712991912015-03-18T10:03:00.000+05:302015-03-18T10:20:28.731+05:30Malls and Multiplexes - Is this Financial Discipline? I am not Sure.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Malls, multiplexes that I have observed in Baroda (don't know about other cities) maintain a practice of taking back the parking ticket while exiting the mall. This also effectively can mean <i>no evidence of collecting parking fees</i> for the coupons taken back. :-)<br />
<br />
Assume, a mall has an average daily parking of 500 cars and 1000 two wheeler; on weekends, given the queues, estimate that the number of vehicles conservatively multiplies by 3. With the discipline that parking tickets are collected back, assume a bare minimum 80% tickets are taken back. Rs. 20 per parking is charged for four wheelers and Rs. 10 per parking ticket for two wheelers.<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Weekday collections where tickets taken back are = {(500 * 20) + (1000 * 10)}*80% * 5 week days = Rs. 80,000 collected in five days where receipt taken back.</li>
<li>On Weekends = Rs. 16,000 per week day * 3 times expected traffic * 2 (Saturday / Sunday) = Rs. 96,000.</li>
</ul>
<div>
So, in a week, Rs. 1,76,000 is collected in a manner where receipts are taken back. 52 weeks in a year, assuming the same average traffic = Rs. 91,52,000 in a year. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have seen this in Inorbit Baroda and Inox Baroda at the least and don't see any logical reason why this would be done. If they are worried about reuse of tickets, punching is an easier way, the discipline of collecting back tickets is eerie to say the least.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A petty matter for some but is this just Financial Discipline to ensure no one reuses tickets...<i>I am not sure</i>.</div>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-38980783619914515282015-03-17T11:06:00.000+05:302015-03-17T12:58:40.498+05:302paise on the Current AAP Crisis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Dissent is central to any democracy. - Harry Belafonte</i></blockquote>
Some would ask, what would a musician know about politics? I much lesser! But still, an opinion matters. And I believe, what is happening in AAP is Good! Good for politics, good for India. Dissent, factionalism.... most importantly people airing their views. This is good. And, their working for resolution is better still. For what would be a democracy, if everyone held the same view. I see maturing of the Republic of India and am happy.<br />
<br />
Long live, India. Long live, Democracy.</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-37078038850487317722014-01-31T17:18:00.001+05:302014-02-01T12:32:47.660+05:30200km Kem Cho Brevet - Baroda - Kosamba - Baroda<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The last long distance I biked was Baroda - Pavagadh - Baroda a distance of about 96kms in Sep '13. That was without much practice and took me about 4 hours and 5 minutes to complete the distance and got me this.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7DLpi0Qodo/Uut5BRRopHI/AAAAAAAAAxo/pNjTbYh5xOc/s1600/1236241_10151843562587070_873699927_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d7DLpi0Qodo/Uut5BRRopHI/AAAAAAAAAxo/pNjTbYh5xOc/s1600/1236241_10151843562587070_873699927_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Since then have been off on a few 50-odd km bike but didn't get myself on to longer rides. Timing, work, priorities, no enthu or general lack of fitness. Whatever, be the alibis, just did not get on the bike to go long distance. Earlier last week I ran out of alibis and decided to go ahead with the 200km Baroda - Kosamba - Baroda brevet. Good weather, more or less a flat surface, decent roads on NH-8 and close to two months of regular work outs at the gym. I felt up to it.<br />
<br />
A pre-brevet meeting was planned by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Raghvendrasinh" target="_blank">Jhala</a> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shah.rushabh.m" target="_blank">Rushabh's</a> office the day before the ride. That's the 24th evening. But on the 23rd, I developed some cold feet. That's when I picked up the phone and spoke to Jhala. How much water, how much ORS, chikki. Jhala's informative planning answers regarding puncture patches, things to take etc helped, and the nonchalance of it being a <i>short</i> 200k ride bucked me back up. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ziyaad.ginwala" target="_blank">Zi's</a> feedback on the 24th morning - "<i>keep drinking, it will prevent cramping</i>" and I was almost set for the pre-brevet meeting. I now understand that water is what he meant (sic!).<br />
<br />
Spent the better part of an hour at Rushabh's office on the 24th. Met the other participants on the ride. Each friendlier than the other. Such positive energy! Was almost ready to get off home and set the bike up. Tied up the brevet number cards, ensured tyre pressure (forgot checking an important part the chain - more about this later) and while I wanted to hit the sack by 9.30, was past 10pm before I ensured all batteries in place etc and calmed down for the snooze.<br />
<br />
25-Jan: 4.45am was up (including coming back home once - forgotten bike keys) and out of the house at 5.40am to reach start at Malhar Point. Jersey pockets so overful that I misplaced my debit card. Found somewhere fallen by Ravi Kashyap (or Ravi's sleight of hand, I wonder!). :-). After a few photographs, and at a few minutes past 6 we were all off.<br />
<br />
6.40am, were out of Baroda on NH-8 and riding together with Sanjay Pater and slightly later with Deep Udeshi, rode on till a few km short of Bharuch. Where I stopped for a short break. Around 8.30am, was a Bharuch fly-over with about 30-odd km left for TP at Burger Hut. I had this feeling that would be at the TP by about 10am latest, will take an hour's break and then leave back for Baroda to complete that about 5 hours. Had added an hour due to the strong head-winds expected.<br />
<br />
Approx 8.45am, there was a spanner in the works. A flat! Lucky me! Just off the Sardar Bridge and I have a flat. Well, ok, let's start off remove the wheel, start removing the tube, all ok. Suddenly fatigue catches on. And it's more than 45 minutes, that I just about am managing to get the tyre back on when Jhala with Jitendre Sharma come along. They move on and about 10-odd minutes laters, around 9.45 am back on the bike headed for Kosamba again.<br />
<br />
A few kms I find a massive accident with about half a km of traffic piled up; and here's where the bike helped. I could just manoeuvre between all the vehicles. Crossed Ankleshwar GIDC and kept cycling on to find Jitendre stopped at 108km (3 km short of Burger Hut) searching for the TP. We guessed a few km ahead and rode on to finally reach the TP around 11.20am. An hour tweny behind schedule.<br />
<br />
Well, that's when I had one of my best morning snooze's this winter. On the lawns of Burger Hut, with direct sunlight into eyes being protected by a plastic chair.<br />
<br />
About 12.20pm, and after a quick bite of a chicken wrap, I leave back on the <i>much-dreaded-headwind blasting-return-leg.</i> Man, every 10km is an effort. First break at GIDC Ankleshwar. Second break, just a few km before Sardar Bridge. By this time the GPS battery had given up, had no idea of the time, distance covered or pace. All, I was capturing was km left to Bharuch and the Kosamba. By the time I crossed Sardar Bridge, a thought ran through my head <i>zombie on the bike</i>.<i> </i>So, humming Zombie by the Cranberries, I biked on a few km to Hotel Atithi. Stretched my legs, a few more half-liters of water (was probably 4 liters water down already).<br />
<br />
Somewhere roughly between 2.45-3.15pm, is when I saw Mayur, Sanjay (Sporty), Nikhil, Hrudik bike past the hotel. Well, I carried on snoozing and left a few minutes later heading towards Baroda. Barren stretch of road, next target was Palej. Where's Philips Carbon Black ki chimney. About 20km further on, I crossed Palej. That's when I was getting thoughts of giving up and called up <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pooja.t.chopra" target="_blank">Pooja</a> to talk me through this. Here's what she said, "<i>Don't feel dizzy!</i>", and while hanging up, "<i>you can do what you put your mind to!</i>". I remembered that I hadn't eaten much, so reached out and had half-an-energy bar. Decided that I'll ride on to the Cafe Coffee Day at Kosamba, have a big cold coffee with black-forest cake shake and then decide. They didn't have that, so opted for a simple cold-coffee with ice-cream instead.<br />
<br />
Approx. 5.15pm, met Mayur, Sanjay, Nikhil and Hrudik while leaving CCD and we all rode on together. Setting milestones, Por - Varnama - Baroda entry. Taking short 2-3 minute breaks every 5-7 km. Just a few km more, narrow-bridge and we enter Baroda. Crossed Jitendre on the way - puncture on the home stretch! Bummer!<br />
<br />
Possibly, 6.15-6.30pm, when we entered Baroda, and I stopped for a quick breather. Hrudik saw Sanjay Sporty and said, "bye! I am going to finish first". :-). Then the traffic hours in the city and finally reached Malhar Point for the swipe at 7.12pm.<br />
<br />
Here's what my thoughts through the ride were:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Tail-wind feels good! </i>Wheee!!!!</li>
<li>Truckers are the best and most disciplined drivers, followed by ST buses. The small cars and private buses - be wary of them. I mean, on the highway - truckers were patient, maybe short horns, just to indicate they are coming. On Sardar Bridge while returning, patient to follow me than honk me out of the way!</li>
<li>You don't just have cold coffee with ice-cream, <i>you earn it!</i> That's an instant energy drink!</li>
<li>Remain hydrated while biking. Listen to your body. Stop when you feel like. You are not competing, not even with yourself. You are doing it because, you feel like doing it.</li>
<li>Be disciplined on the highway. As Jitendre put it "<i>you don't need to improve everyone in the world!</i>".</li>
<li>Resolve is what matters. Kudos Hrudik - my 13 year old riding partner, Yogeshbhai, though DNF, first ride after ages, Jitendre, finishing a minute over-time, after a home stretch puncture. Finishing has it's own fun!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Ciao now, till the next ride.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Here's the ride map:</div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="450" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m27!1m12!1m3!1d947785.3552916036!2d72.5477044761788!3d21.885038941718026!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m12!1i0!3e0!4m5!1s0x395fc8a416cf6361%3A0x65fded6787b29488!2sMalhar+Point%2C+Chikuwadi%2C+Haripura%2C+Vadodara%2C+Gujarat%2C+India!3m2!1d22.303856!2d73.16561399999999!4m3!3m2!1d21.4656324!2d72.9954091!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1391168835303" style="border: 0;" width="600"></iframe>
</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com2Vadodara, Gujarat, India22.3073095 73.1810975999999322.07229 72.858374099999935 22.542329 73.503821099999925tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-40638163023068415512012-12-29T13:06:00.000+05:302012-12-29T13:06:27.872+05:30Quality Check and Plagiarism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Another example of how lightly we take quality and plagiarism. Here's the latest ICICI Bank Speak of the Week mailer - spot the problem!<br />
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-7805329128623134632012-12-24T16:06:00.000+05:302012-12-24T17:58:44.733+05:30Delhi Carnage and Our Reactions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The most heinous of crimes and the perpetrators upon conviction deserve the maximum punishment permissible under law.<br />
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Having said that, I also feel people demanding change of law and also promises of change of law being made is nothing but knee-jerk reactions. And somehow a lot of policy lately has been knee-jerk reaction; which is not how policies are made.<br />
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A more important aspect we are missing out is a thorough revamp of our laws and regulations. The Indian Penal Code, the Companies Act to name a couple. These laws are outdated, and the enforcement machinery outdated, disillusioned and painfully slow.<br />
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How about our police force? Is there salary and respect at a level that will prevent corruption. I was at Baroda Railway station last evening and it was a poor site seeing soldiers from paramilitary platoons sleeping in the open on the porch of Baroda Railway Station? And then we do the lip-service of saying, we need to sensitise our law enforcement machinery. Didn't Maslow say self-actualisation and similar were the higher needs that got fulfilled as soon as the lower needs were fulfilled?<br />
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How about the law itself, laws as archaic as 1860, 1885, even the 1950s were made then. Considering the socio-economic situations of then. Not this date. We can manipulate and change all we want. That won't help! What might help are focus groups and more importantly the will to redraw the entire skeleton.<br />
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Finally, justice. Crimes against women will now be fast-tracked. Is this not knee-jerk? All cases need to be fast-tracked. No don't work 24x7; but can we not go out of the box in scaling up? I am sure experts will have a lot of valid inputs and keep giving those. For example, Justice Katju's <a href="http://justicekatju.blogspot.in/" target="_blank">blog</a>. Read it and we can find his inputs coming through.<br />
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An inside out approach, an overhaul is what is needed. Not just changes. Those won't help.</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-78860445621736741022012-12-23T23:34:00.001+05:302012-12-24T17:59:18.187+05:30Mandu Tritiya - The Journey Back!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day three of our trip to Mandu was again a relaxed morning, with Pooja, Simba and me off on an early morning walk exploring the ruins around our resort. The Dai ki Chotti behen ka makbara, the caravan serai and Dilawar Khan's masjid. Again the same story of Hindu and Mughal architecture, expansiveness, intricate designs. Wow!!<br />
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After completing our checking out formalities and delaying our departure with as many alibis, cups of tea and sandwiches, we decided to take a longer route back to Baroda. Go on the Dhar route for about 30 kms and then turn towards Indore Mumbai highway, took us through one of the most scenic routes we have been for a while, deep valleys, streams, greenery for about 20kms on a road on which one can cruise between 40-60 kph. An hour from Mandu and we hit the busy Indore-Mumbai highway at Dhamnod.</div>
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<small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=MPSTC+Cottages,+Mandu,+Dhar,+Madhya+Pradesh,+India&daddr=22.4479289,75.4263924+to:22.4390489,75.4545958+to:Barwani,+Madhya+Pradesh,+India+to:Kukshi,+Madhya+Pradesh,+India+to:Pavijetpur,+Gujarat,+India+to:Jambughoda,+India+to:Urmi+Society,+Urmi+Society,+Haripura,+Vadodara,+Gujarat,+India&hl=en&geocode=FUnDVAEd2oF-BCHATb3oIrzUVik1sgj_d2piOTHATb3oIrzUVg%3BFTiHVgEdWOp-BCn9YrmfokZiOTEVkCGItpvHPw%3BFYhkVgEdg1h_BCk1EdD0DkRiOTEAzFSZvfyuCA%3BFXwyUAEd-tF2BCk1vTBNFPlhOTEwTG9-Kj3Uaw%3BFQvUUgEdt7J0BCnPXF7lle1hOTEA2MVrDLyJJA%3BFWTsVAEdNLdmBCkvjyYpIGhgOTEeKXqhf1wY_A%3BFUZOVQEdnAxlBCmvxOId7mVgOTGFYCsHQK7L7Q%3BFc5LVAEdnYlcBCkLAFodqchfOTG2_XeZYQZx9A&aq=0&oq=pavi&sll=22.133987,74.874573&sspn=1.549348,2.469177&t=h&mra=dpe&mrsp=2&sz=9&via=1,2&ie=UTF8&ll=22.23826,74.32251&spn=3.558724,4.669189&z=7" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small>
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Continued on from Dhamnod towards Thikri on NH-31, we crossed the Narmada, us driving southbound to Thikri 5kms away.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Narmada at Kalghat, Thikri</td></tr>
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At Thikri, we turned eastwards towards Barwani and on to Kukshi. The drive from Thikri to Barwani took us along the Barwani Sugar Mills and a whole lot of sugarcane farms along the route. These sugarcane farms then gave way to cotton and chillies being dried. Stopped enroute where Pooja picked up her momento from the trip - a bag full of dried red chillies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The white is cotton being dried</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pooja with her red chillies</td></tr>
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From Barwani we again turned northbound to cross the Narmada about 50kms downstream from the Kalghat crossing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maa Narmada at Barwani</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w-2NuCTrwk/UNdFTxn-j8I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/biUZ2Gsh9CY/s1600/101_8641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4w-2NuCTrwk/UNdFTxn-j8I/AAAAAAAAAGQ/biUZ2Gsh9CY/s320/101_8641.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bridge over Narmada</td></tr>
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Another 30kms and we reached Kukshi, from where we were back on the same Kukshi - Alirajpur - Chotta Udepur - Pavi Jetpur stretch. Given the poor stretch at Bodeli, we decided to take the inside route from Pavi-Jetpur to Jambhughoda by-passing Bodeli. Along, the Pavagadh - Champaner bypass, Halol toll road and we were at Baroda at seven. Ending a relaxed and eventful weekend. </div>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-27061420792795687682012-12-23T22:06:00.002+05:302012-12-24T17:59:57.162+05:30Google Sync and BIS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This post is for all those of us who are dependent on <a href="http://www.google.com/sync" target="_blank">Google Sync</a> for keeping Blackberry contacts synchronised with your Gmail or Google Apps accounts. Google had announced earlier this year discontinued support and later an <a href="http://support.google.com/a/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2495269" target="_blank">end of life for Google Sync on Blackberry</a>. Google Sync stopped working a couple of weeks back for Indian networks.<br />
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So, I tried spending this week, trying to synchronise my contacts and calendars between Google Apps and my Blackberry, connected on an Indian operators Blackberry Internet Server. Matters came to a head earlier this week, when I uninstalled Google Sync from my phone and all contacts downloaded from my Google Apps accounts were no longer visible on my phone. Quite a situation.<br />
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I logged on to my BIS account and couldn't see option for Synchronise contacts or calendars as an option. Quite a bit of fretting later, I called my operator support as a shot in the dark. And wonder, for the first time, a technical issue with the operator got resolved.<br />
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The solution is that if sync contacts and calendar is not available in your BIS configuration interface, delete your email account and then re-add your account. On adding the account, one can in the options, select Synchronisation options for Contacts and Calendar. You will then need to authenticate your account from your BIS and upon authentication, the Google Apps / Gmail calendar and contacts get synchronised with the Blackberry handset. Voila!<br />
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p.s. I think this is available only for Blackberry OS 5.0 and higher only.</div>
Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-7534966881664650782012-12-23T00:43:00.001+05:302012-12-24T18:01:35.999+05:30Mandu Part Deux - Romance and Technology<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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An extremely hectic week, a slow Saturday, the wife on holiday, synchronised / restored my Google Apps contacts on the Blackberry (<a href="http://www.google.com/sync" target="_blank">Sync</a> not working for the last few days, and my uninstalling it erased the Contact List from phone the last few days) and the last 30 minutes of Deewar. A day well spent! Wait, maybe part two of the trip to Mandu.
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Around 11 after a leisurely breakfast; and delaying all we could, we hired the guide services of Qureshiji. The father of a government approved guide, Qureshiji is one of the oldest guides in Mandu area. Places of interest at Mandu are spread around a 3-4 km of radius of Mandu Resort, and so we decided to hire bicycles from the Resort. So Qureshiji on his bike would tell us where we needed to meet him next, and we would leisurely cycle to the place of interest, taking in view the beauty of the place enroute. There is a monument almost every 200-300 meters; so after the first few halts, we decided to bike along a little quicker and not test the ever patient Qureshiji.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first guided tour halt was at Baaz Bahadur Palace (Placeholder B on the map); the palace he built where he and Rani Roopmati would hold their Riyaaz and also, from where Baaz Bahadur would address his over two lakh subjects. A water channel that would fill the swimming pool inside impressed us, till we were told that this technology was just the beginning of the wonders we were to see. An impressive rectangular hall, with an enclosure on each end of the hall was where Rani Roopmati and Baaz Bahadur would hold their musical evenings. We heard Qureshiji's rendition of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXQYZeP41Ac" target="_blank">Jashn-e-Bahara</a> instead :-). And then on to the porch from where Baaz Bahadur used to address his 5 lakh + subjects on the plains about 200 mtrs below. A normal loudness conversation carried to the plains down below.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Qureshiji at the Steps to Baaz Bahadur Palace, Mandu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our next stop was the ever famous Rani Roopmati Mahal (placeholder C on the map), at probably the highest point in the Malwa region. Rani Roopmati Mahal, legend has it was built because Rani Roopmati as a condition to be wedded to Baaz Bahadur wanted to see the Narmada, that presently flows about 20kms from Mandu, every morning. And in the early morning on a clear day, one apparently still can. Days that she could not see, she would visit the Rewa Kund. Another legend has it that Narmada Parikrama by devotees is not complete till they visit the Rewa Kund. A beautiful palace, this palace had a rain-water harvesting system. Channels that would collect rain water and after filtering (more on this later), store this for consumption. And we are talking about the 15th century A.D. here.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain Water Harvesting at Roopmati Mahal, Mandu</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few glasses on <i>nimbu pani</i>, we were rehydrated, and back on the road; to Jahaz Mahal, our next stop. Place holder D on the map.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the road again!</td></tr>
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Oh, what an impressive sight, the Jahaz Mahal. Built like a ship with water reservoirs on both sides, Jahaz Mahal sits proudly as the crowning glory of the civilisation that was. The steps seen in the picture below were built by Jahangir. In today's world Pooja and I walked down those stairs holding hands. In years of the yore, you might have been punished for standing where the royalty tread. 15,000 consorts of the king, yes, 15,000 stayed in the precinct of the Jahaz Mahal.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jahaz Mahal, the Crowning Glory of Mandu</td></tr>
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An intricate system of multi-layered water filtration, chambers below, use of gravity, charcoal, sand to filter water is what is done by the Aquaguards of today. Sloping roofs, water being collected and channeled from a height, fountains made due to varying thickness of pipes, air conditioned rooms two stories below earth and cooled through an array of water channels. Makes one wonder, we abuse the world live in. Those were the technologists, who co-existed and leveraged what Mother Earth gave them, <b>without</b>, gorging into the eco-system with little thought for tomorrow. Food for thought for us. Let's be a little civil (sic!) and stop the ruthless plundering of our planet. Let's coexist!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water filteration at Jahaz Mahal, Mandu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRzOT9sQP-w/UNX6FMk_eBI/AAAAAAAAAEw/tL_mRBfCbdg/s1600/101_8576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LRzOT9sQP-w/UNX6FMk_eBI/AAAAAAAAAEw/tL_mRBfCbdg/s320/101_8576.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfectly circular pipes, from 15th century. A concealed water supply system.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YttY7to7L8c/UNX6PZ8WbDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/dAUyJ7nmByU/s1600/101_8577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YttY7to7L8c/UNX6PZ8WbDI/AAAAAAAAAE4/dAUyJ7nmByU/s320/101_8577.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess, the star-lit hamam (Turkish bath) and Qureshiji's photo-op for Pooja. </td></tr>
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After, seeing some of the other wonders in the Jahaz Mahal precinct including a hamam (Turkish bath) with steam bath and hot and cold water supply, swimming pools, and admiring the ASI's efforts, we then left for our last stop of the day, Jami Masjid (stop E on the map).<br />
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The Jami Masjid, said to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, is built in a compound having a caravan serai, built in a dharamshala style, columns having lotuses, a huge medley of Hindu and Mughal architecture, how each ruler contributed to build our historical heritage. It's an eye-opener. Buildings of today are a shame! The size, the grandeur of the India of then can just be imagined. This makes one just figure it would have meant, when we say, that before the British we were over 80% of the world's trade and today, a mere 2-3% (or lesser?). Pride and adulations!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFJ7VERnbvU/UNX6tKV6k9I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/ZokTug3aklg/s1600/101_8604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFJ7VERnbvU/UNX6tKV6k9I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/ZokTug3aklg/s320/101_8604.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Jami Masjid, Mandu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNN4Vka6nMM/UNX6iWIvG2I/AAAAAAAAAFE/118mFiRp0Gk/s1600/101_8601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNN4Vka6nMM/UNX6iWIvG2I/AAAAAAAAAFE/118mFiRp0Gk/s320/101_8601.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tomb at Jami Masjid.</td></tr>
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p.s. Thanks, Pooja, for your wonderful anecdotes of the days yore and interest in our historical heritage. Made History fun!! </div>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20662207.post-48056163991860502972012-12-23T00:01:00.000+05:302012-12-24T18:02:01.404+05:30Google Zeitgeist - Gangnam Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So Google got Gangnam Style as the <a href="http://www.google.com/zeitgeist/2012/#the-world/searches" target="_blank">second most searched item</a> for the year 2012.<br />
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In the span of an hour today, I got two spoofs on Gangnam Style.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/f9Eo_T86GpE" width="420"></iframe>
And spoiler alert, but another one:
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BbQu5oWuOHs" width="560"></iframe>
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Ujwalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07671817051494325163noreply@blogger.com0