When will India give IOK back to Pakistan?

Sorry, What is IOK? This is the first time I have heard IOK.

Oh!  Is it Indian Occupied Kashmir?

We would give it tomorrow if that is okay with you. But, don't ask us if we take back Whole Pakistan ( including Kashmir) back in return day after tomorrow.

You must be thinking that " How much illogical I am?"

Yes, I am talking nonsense and so are you to put a claim on something that was never of Pakistan.

Let us not talk nonsense and work toward living like friendly neighbours. We need your support to have coordial relation with Pakistan.

It is a shame that when smaller countries like Germany broke the berlin wall and the East Germany and West Germany got united. We are still fighting over Kashmir. Why can't we resolve this issue? When tiny countries of Europe have joined hand and the whole continent works towards shared common objective, we are fighting with each other. It has been 68 years. I don't know when a full stop will be put on it.

Don't get me wrong as I am someone who wants to have friendly relations with Pakistan. There are places in Pakistan which have been occupied by terrorists. Why don't you fight them?

We also mourned the death of the innocent school children of Peshawar who were brutally killed by terrorists. Our eyes were also moist. Hope, you can understand how we feel when terrorist attacks are conducted in India. Let us strive at individual level to do things that reduce bitterness between our countries.

I watched the Bollywood movie, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and for the first time realized that citizens of Pakistan and India can also be friends. In fact, when I went to South East Asia in 2K11, we were so happy to meet people from Nepal and Pakistan. You all look like us, because before 1947, we were both of the same country.

As a kid, in school, we hoped that one day India and Pakistan will merge in an undivided India. Don't judge our intention as it was pure and harmless. Sadly, the Kid has grown up and learned that it is not going to happen.

But, can't we be good neighbours! Someday the hatred will fade away, someday we would trust each other and would complement each other rather than fight with each other. Amen!

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What are your memories of Independence day?

My response to a Question asked by me on Quora

I don't know why I asked this question two days ago. And, it is ridiculous that I am writing an answer to a question  asked by me. My question failed to inspire people to respond to this and so I am sharing something from my memory.

Independence day has been a red lettered day in our calendar. I have vivid memories of going to school in complete white uniform on this auspicious day. I am able to feel the joy I got in buying paper flags as a school kid. There used to be cultural events in the school. Although, I was too shy to participate in any of the stage events. But, there was enthusiasm in our heart and mind. Everywhere you would hear patriotic songs that made me feel proud on being an Indian. It was a day when we remembered all the freedom fighters who lost their lives in the struggle of freedom. The legends like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdeo, Subhash Chandra Bose, Gandhi, Nehru, etc were all remembered and revered for their contribution to the struggle for freedom. 
 
I can remember vividly that we were made to stand in a queue and sweets distribution was done systematically in our school. I loved the Parade done by various platoons. We made sure to watch Patriotic Movies coming on Doordarshan like Kranti, Karma, Tirranga, etc. We had less means compared to today but looking back, I feel nostalgic about the childhood, the innocence and the carefree attitude.

I make sure to each Jalebis on Independence Day and Republic Day even when I am away from home. It has became my way of celebrating our National Festivals.

Having said that, now I realized why I put this question. I was a bit upset over how I the significance of this day has evolved for me. I know there is nothing wrong in celebrating our Independence Day in our own style. But, every time I treat it as just another holiday, it bothers me. Now, it has been a day when I would hit multiplexes or I would rush to a weekend destination in or around Mumbai. I am not complaining but I am missing the simplicity of my childhood when our day would start with the Flag Hosting and had the feel which is missing now. I don't know about the school kids of today but for me the significance of this day has changed and it hurts :(

I hope to wake up before the Flag Hosting at Red Fort and at least have a glimpse of the speech of the PM before proceeding to our weekend trip.

EDIT- It's a joy to see the Flag Hosting at Red Fort even on TV. One thing has not changed over all these years and that is the respect for our National  Anthem. It gives goosebumps even today and I am happy for that. Time to pack my bag and Alibaug is ON :)

 

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Can Youth Join Politics without losing out on their Income

Yes, youngsters can actively join politics  without losing out on their income. 

Some professions are more suited in this regard. When I dig deeper, I realize that if you a Lawyer, Actor, Doctor or Businessman, then you can keep pursuing your profession as well as Politics.

Most of the Politicians not only in India but across the world from time immemorial have been  Lawyers, like Arun Jaitley,  Salman Khurshid, Kapil Sibal,P. Chidambaram,  A.K Anthony,  Barrack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel, Md. Jinnah, etc. ( the list is endless)

Why Lawyers, Doctors, Actors, Businessmen are able to manage their profession along with Politics?

They are mostly self employed  hence, they are not governed by any work contract which can prevent them from pursuing Politics.

Whereas, millions like me, who are working for a MNC have a clause in their work contract which bar us from taking part in any kind of political activity. We can neither form Unions unlike the 1950-1990's period when Labor Unions had a major role to play.

Still, PSU Banks have Unions which mediates between the employees and the management in case of any kind of dispute arising due to transfers, delay in promotion, etc.

Now, we have HR Department which has replaced the Union system. It reports to the management and acts as a bridge between the Management's Expectation and the Employees Need.

If a doctor is working for a Company or Institution, which bar them from joining politics then either he/she has to quit politics or quit the company and join somewhere else where there is no such restriction.  Doctors  always have the option to run their own clinic and pursue politics.

Bottom Line:-  If you are working for a company, please check your work contract before taking part in  political activities,  Workplace romance, etc. It will prevent  you from getting unpleasant shocks later. I don't want anyone to lose job  for these.

I am glad that this question has popped up here. Many people are not aware of it. So, spread the awareness among your friends so that they don't face a problem.  Do get back for clarifications if any.
-----------------------------------
Disclaimer- I am not a lawyer but I deal with Engineering, Procurement & Construction Contracts and know  a little bit about these things.

Photo via youngistan2013.blogspot.com

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People from North-eastern states are equally Indian

This is my response to a question on quora  "Why do mainland Indians hate/ discriminate against people from Northeast India?"

 I do not feel any such sentiment. People from NE are equally Indian as I am. However, I do agree that there are common misconception about NE Indians like:

• They would eat any kind of meat.
• They are not of such high moral/ ethics as the rest of India. This results in the fact that many a times people of NE find it difficult to get a place on rent in the rest of India.
• They do get employed mainly as security guard or other low paying jobs.
• NE is very unsafe and often violent incidents happens there.
• Sometimes, their looks is mistaken as that of Nepalese or Singaporeans.  It is ignorance of some people which offend the NE People.
• They are treated as Guest in their own Country

But, mind you that this is just a perception or stereotype and cannot be true. Only a handful of people have these opinions and its because they are ignorant about:

• The vibrant culture of NE India
• The beauty of North East
• The people of NE are hard working and passionate like the rest of India.
• They are also a die-hard Indian and love their country.
• In NE states, people are married only if they love each other, dowry is non existent in NE India.
• People in NE are warm and friendly.
• They play a prominent role in Indian Army, hope you know about Assam Rifles.
• NE Indian also make us feel proud for being an Indian... they have given us amazing sports persons like Mary Kom (Boxing), Somdev Devvarman (Tennis), Baichung Bhutia (Football),Jeje Lalpekula (Football), etc

• People must know about Mr. Jadav Payeng, the man from India who single-handedly planted a 1360 acres forest. Is it a joke? Oh..hello.. I forgot to mention that he is also from North East India.
• Respect fellow Indians irrespective of the place from which they belong.

And don't worry, everyone is stereotyped, I am from BIHAR, hope I needn't elaborate how people from bihar are seen by a handful of people.

• We are considered as mostly illiterate and utterly poor.
• Biharis are indentured laborer, farm worker and have very little access to education.
• We  don't have civic sense, we don't know English and we all are what Bhojpuri Movies show us to be.
• I have never seen any Bhojpuri movie but have heard it paints a picture which is far from reality.

Anyways, everyone don't feels the same way.

• We all are first an Indian and then only from Bihar, Bengal, kashmir, Tamil Nadu, North East, North, South, etc.
• Our diversity should be our strength not our weakness.
• This is something for which I have very strong opinion.
• Make friends with people from other states, learn their culture, heritage and  language. You will be delighted to know that they all are equally amazing like you.
• Respect your countrymen. While watching a Cricket Match, what do you see  a Marathi or a Bihari or a Punjabi playing or an Indian.
• We all have to respect our lineage and accept the others with open heart.

I love my India...and all Indian are dear to me !!!
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If you have liked, you can check out 100 Smart Cities coming up in India

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How the Indian Economy has shaped after Independence?

I will categorize the Indian Economy into three phases:

A. Prior to the Liberalization of the Indian Economy (1947-1991)

B. Post Liberalization of the Indian Economy (1991-2014, May)

C. Positive Sentiment for Business after May 2014 till date

Photo Via TheHindu

a.     Indian Economy during 1947 to 1991

·        Our economy was driven by Agriculture and allied industries.

·        The economy was inspired from USSR.

·      Centralized unit like Planning Commission was assigned the task to make the road map of all the expenditures like planning and allocating funds for major projects.

·      We were born a new nation and the works done by the Government at that time might not be very good yet commendable. They opened world class institutions like IITs, AIIMS, etc

·     Nationalization of Banks was done. It was believed that Private sector are only for profit and hence it was believed that only government run projects can provide growth to the nation. Private sector was looked down upon. Entrepreneurship was a rare species

·     There was less competition and I remember one incident from the book India Unbound, where I read that once someone asked Nehru to encourage competition. His response was like why we need 15 types of Toothpaste.

·      Corruption was rampant but due to lack of transparency and lack of media awareness, everything looked perfect.

·      Licence Raj made it really difficult to do business in India. Foreign companies find it a hard nut to enter Indian market as we were a closed market.

·     As a result, our parents didn't had so many options like we have today. They hoped to get a government job. Private players were not respected baring the exception to Tata, Birlas etc. MNCs was not a buzz word then. Probably that's why people in my home state Bihar, are still so fond of Government jobs.

·       We had seen two revolutions- green revolution and white revolution during this phase. They helped in making India self reliant and decreased the dependency on import. It was a wonderful achievement for India at that time.

·      People had less choice and less expectation then than our generation. Probably they never felt, what they were deprived of. I am reminded of one scene from the Movie Swadesh, where the villagers are telling that the Ravan Vadh ( Burning the effigy of Ravan) looks more beautiful when the power is not there. [ People never mind frequent power cut as they got used to it and started to love it..]

·     Our Foreign exchange reserve was at its rock bottom in 1991 which compelled the then Finance Minister to open the Indian Economy to bring India out of that difficult economic crisis.

b.    Indian Economy after 1991 till 16th May 2014

·        The economic crisis of 1991 let to Globalization of Indian Economy and it turned out to be the landmark event for the World. It opened a floodgate of opportunities for India. It was India's Independence 2.0

·     Although, Globalization was never new to India and Indian species, gold, precious stones, etc was traded with traders from Central Asia, Europe, etc from the time much before the Great Ashoka. In fact the Indian Empire was controlling territories as far as Present day Afghanistan.

·      But, After the colonial rule, India, forgot all the glorious history for some time and then had to start all this from Scratch.

·       Due to opening of Indian Market, many companies tried to enter Indian Market because it has tremendous potential.

·     India had a lot to offer, it has natural resources, cheap labor, hard working people and a huge market to tap. This has changed the entire scenario of the way business is done in India.

·     Monopoly had to pave way for the Competition, which ultimately benefited and created millions of better paying jobs for the Indians. In fact that is the true democracy- For the people, by the people, of the people.

·     The process of doing business has become easier compared to the License raj, prior to 1991 but there is  a long way to go on.

·     Globalization has paved way for companies like Larsen and Toubro to enter into Defence sector despite being a Private Company.  It is possible just because of the Globalization of Indian Economy and subsequent positive decisions thereafter. I am an employee of L&T and our visionary Group Chairman, AM Naik once told us that we are not in Private sector but a National Sector. Major gigantic infrastructure projects like Delhi International Airport, Mumbai International Airport, Hyderabad International Airport, Bangalore International Airport, etc have been constructed by L&T on Turnkey basis because the government has allowed private players to take up these types of Huge Infrastructure Project.( Turnkey basis means doing complete work from scratch to finish including Design, Engineering, Procurement and Construction) Note- L&T is an Indian Conglomerate and her founders, Mr. Larsen and Mr. Toubro were Danish. Though they were foreigners but they were more Indian than most Indians.

·     India is well respect today by all the Developed Nations, just because we have tremendous potential for growth. Developed Countries have market which has saturated or near saturation and they also need us as we have a huge working population and tremendous growth potential.

c.    From 16th May,2014 till date

·      Our current PM, Mr. Narendra Modi, is putting sincere effort to transform the way in which business is done in India.

·   He is travelling to various countries to make strategic partnership with them. He is    promoting his pet Initiative, Make in India, which is well received by CEOs of most of the MNCs. Many feel these are just gimmicks and are not yielding any results. But, I would politely differ as I feel that we have to wait and watch as Rome was not built in a day.

·     Land Acquisition is a major bottleneck: The initiative to pass land bill is crucial for the success of Make in India because I am from  Construction Industry and have seen, faced, experienced and  understand how projects gets delayed just because of unavailability of land.

·    Hope: We must never lose hope. And, I believe that someday India will be a developed country with strong social and family values. Everyday I am learning about new startups and entrepreneurs in India, and they make me believe that India is going to evolve into one of the most desirable places to do a business. Black money and red-tape have to be the thing of the past. We have to move ahead without them.

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PM Modi and India

My personal views on the various schemes of PM Modi: Take it Easy…it’s just my opinion… may be  optimistic but still I am entitled to wear my opinion. Isn’t it?

PM Modi's Image via NDTV

“Koi bhi desh perfect nahi hota, usse perfect banana padata hai” (No country is perfect, it has to be made perfect) – From one of my favourite movie Rang de Basanti

I am presenting my views on the various schemes of PM Modi as follow:

Make in India 

Our current PM, Mr. Narendra Modi, is putting sincere effort to transform the way in which business is done in India. He is travelling to various countries to make strategic partnership with them. He is promoting his pet Initiative, Make in India, which is well received by CEOs of most of the MNCs. Many feel these are just gimmicks which are not yielding any results. But, I would politely differ as I feel that we have to wait and watch as Rome was not built in a day.

Land Acquisition Bill

Land Acquisition is a major bottleneck to kick start major developmental projects. The initiative to pass land bill is crucial for the success of Make in India because I  have seen, faced, experienced and  understand how projects gets delayed just because of unavailability of land.

Hope to millions of Indians (#RayofHope)

We must never lose hope. And, I believe that someday India will be a developed country. Every day I am learning about new startups and entrepreneurs in India, and they make me believe that India is going to evolve into one of the most desirable places to do a business. Black money and red-tape have to be the thing of the past. We have to move ahead without them. 

Mass Opening of Bank Accounts for poor and marginalized section of the society ( Jhan Dhan Yojna )

My father is a banker and I know how painstakingly he opened account of several marginalized people under the Jan Dhan Yojna. This is one of the most mocked schemes of the present government. Many argue that people don’t have money, what they will do of Bank Account. I feel that the Bank Account will connect them with the mainstream. The poor can get the subsidy money in their account directly and many benefits can reach them directly. I firmly believe that 10-15 years down the line this will be considered as one of the milestone decision. Just to quote an example, when Graham Bell invented Telephone many felt that it was not of much use. It was so because people couldn’t envisage from the old prototype of telephone that it could transform the way people would interact in future.

Personal Insurance for all for life cover and accidental cover ( Pradhan Mantri Beema Yojana)

Many people of our country don’t have insurance cover. In fact I haven’t taken any policy for myself but I am covered by the policy taken by my employer. So, I give a thumb up to these policies from government.

Life cover for approximately 1 rupee per day and Accidental insurance cover for 1 rupee per month is available for every citizen of India. Anyone can avail this facility from the bank where you are having your saving account. Detailed terms and conditions must be read and understood before proceeding further.

#CleanIndiaCampaign (SwachaBharatAbhiyan)

It is often shrugged as photo-ops or gimmick. But, I would be delighted if this gimmick is creating a positive change. I am feeling proud every time I don't throw a wrapper here and there and would carry it in my pocket to dispose it in a dustbin. It all happened because of a sense of belongingness to this campaign of clean India. We all want things to change but seldom think that we have to be the change we want to bring in this world.

Digital India and Selfies

We all are entitled for our opinion, hence I will voice mine that I support the #SelfieWithDaughter and many other so-called gimmicks. Because, the middle class and internet savvy people are also as Indian as extremely rich and poor of this country. What is the harm in creating awareness? I never heard anything bad about #IceBucketChallenge. Why this double standard? You have right to protest but please compel the government to do more ground works for the upliftment of women and girls. Focus on that rather than criticizing harmless, if not useful (as per some) initiative like #SelfieWithDaughter which was not started by PM Modi. This was started by a Sarpanch of Haryana, where boys to girls ratio is disturbing. PM Modi liked the idea and had pat for it in his Man ki baat.

Promoting Social networking and innovative communication tools which were thought to be outdated.

Now Man Ki baat is another aspect I want to touch- PM is communicating with the masses. He has taken the initiative to reach out directly to the countrymen and it’s commendable. He is trying to connect with the Youth and I think it is a good sign and will be a good precedence for the future governments to follow. You can say that he is doing marketing. But Marketing is equally important as other aspects. It is the right of the PM to interact with the Countrymen in what so ever mode he or she chose. Now, is it his fault that TV and Radios have been ignored for decades as a deadly tool to connect with masses.

Why everyone must understand the following things:

For those who have a different opinion - I have high regards for all of you, because we are a democratic country and everyone is entitled to wear their opinion. You all are equally required to show reality to optimists and in fact, good things can't happen without your contributions. Love you all! Keep it up. Only request will be to target wrong polices rather than protesting for the sake of it.

Please don’t make a mountain out of molehill. Our people are innocent; they get confused by so many contradicting viewpoints when they all seem correct and logical. Take the protest for Land Bills for example. Please take care of the needs of the Farmers.  Why don't you propose to prefer waste land for land acquisition for a project rather than a fertile land in the constituency of a prominent person.

Propose solutions and out of the box ideas which inspire the government to act on them. At the end of day, in a democracy it’s for the people, by the people, of the people.

This country equally belongs to poor, middle class and rich: The government policies should cater to everyone irrespective of their social strata.

India is a fresh pasture ground for the developed countries (Milking Cows). Just by taking some wise decisions by keeping in mind the national interest and long term vision, we can transform the opportunities ahead of us. I request each and every one to have trust in the present leadership of our country. I have faith that something spectacular is in the making. We just have to hold our breath and have some patience.

Advice to my Social Media Friends-Many feels that they are harassed for voicing their opinion on social networks. My friends, it is not a sign of our cultural and national heritage. Why can’t we ignore comments or statements which are not in line with our belief. Why people are denied the right to free speech. I am sorry but free speech means freedom to express one’s opinion without getting trolled. 

I read the interview of one actress, some Seth who has been trolled for her opposition to #SelfieWithDaughter. I feel sad to know that she has been targeted by some people on Twitter because of difference in opinion. Although, I personally vouch in favor of #SelfieWithDaughter but I am against personal attack on someone with a different opinion. As a matter of fact, I too disagree with the actress but that cannot be the reason of me joining the band to troll her. She is also someone’s wife, daughter or friend.

India has a culture of Tolerance. We have been taught that Ahimsha parmo dharma (Non- Violence is the highest religion) and that World is a Family. Please don’t troll anyone anywhere.

So, whether you agree or disagree with me…. You are still my own. We all belong to one community called “Indian”. Jai Hind!

Disclaimer- India is the only religion that I follow and the above piece is my personal opinion so you have all rights to disagree and I respect views of everyone. My views are not the only way of seeing things and they don’t endorse any individual or party.

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What are the funny things about Indians?

Photo Via Wikipedia

Log Kya Kahenge (What others will say) - Most Indians are obsessed with what others have to say. In fact it is the most important consideration while taking all major decisions of life.

Education- Many will sacrifice what they truly wanted to be just because their family wanted their son to become engineer (Mera beta engineer banega)

Marriage- What? you want to marry that guy, he is from a lower social strata, what people will say that we have not done enough for our daughter. In India, Marriage is about union of families more than individuals.

Fat Indian Wedding- Those who never spent a penny on restaurant  will also spent lakhs on the Fat Indian Wedding of their daughter's. Really strange.

Everyone wants a fair bride  Indians are in general obsessed with Gori /Fair skin.

Everyone wants to go to IIT but not 1 out of 100 reach inside the IIT campus. Strange but True!

No one wants to be a driver, plumber, fitter, welder, rigger, painter, artist - It is not America! where people do what they love. The above mentioned may not be preferred in India. But many people in US take up these jobs very proudly.

We have more influence of Britishers in our daily life, still we want to go to US for a plum job.

For an Indian, it is easier to go to America but it is difficult to adopt American culture.

We are still discussing Why are NITs not as popular as IITs when there are more than 100 better colleges in the world.

We indians are emotional fools and anyone can exploit that weakness.

We are crazy about deals and are very price conscious while buying vegetables but we will book flats online without detailed background check of the property and the builder.  Penny wise Pound Foolish!

We buy fruit from footpath but our footwear will be from big showrooms.

We are good at giving free advice and taking jibe at shortcomings of others Come on Flipkart...overcome this communication problem and give me a hug?

All the things have been written with a pinch of salt. Don't take it seriously, recharge your creative batteries at Life is Beautiful: About Me

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