The Gleam Within...

[thegleamwithin]

On Shopping And Beyond..

Dearies, in response to a writing-prompt on a microblogging site that I am active on, I came across these thoughts on Shopping (experience) and thus elicit your views on the same.. Do peruse and reply.. “I feel like I need more time when I…”

…am on the verge of making an E-tail transaction.. I just have to picture in my mind my making that purchase in a brick-and-mortar store, weigh the disparate options, and understand what exactly serves the purpose of my shopping.. And because of high competition, the ecommerce websites are making us lazy, something that should not be encouraged.. We deserve a more exciting and inviting world of shopping, particularly when inflation and high taxes are rampant.. The very act of shopping online and receiving products at doorstep is definitely thrilling besides being convenient.. But, the advent of E-tailing giants in the market has been far from gratifying, let alone be in our best interests, as mobility of people, especially children and women should be increased over time, and the next generation should not be kept devoid of the joys and mindfulness that stepping out entails.. We deserve to get full value-for-money for our shopping, and must take into consideration the inordinate man-hours that we end up spending in endless scrolling through product-range, price-comparison and seeking satisfactory after-sales service.. Just because something is alluring at the moment, I would not deprive myself of checking out my favorite stores at regular intervals, particularly for fashionable apparel, brand-loyalty benefits, because alteration has become a norm for me and I like to feel the consumer is the king/queen, and believe that "Caveat Emptor" (let the buyer beware) applies universally.. Basically, I take my own sweet time to shop as I am willing to add to my possessions in the age where people are shifting toward austerity and minimalism.. I better know my rights as a consumer, even more so because I am good at maintaining and keeping in good condition what I procure..

What do you think?

[thegleamwithin]

Musings Of The Day: (Penned by Yours-truly in response to a post shared on Sheroes, a women-only Social-network..)

Our ancient varsities like Nalanda, Takshshila had incorporated some very practical and progressive methods of teaching and training.. Then, great teachers like Samartha Ramadasa, Swami Ramakrishna Paramhansa, helped in creating age-defying leaders like Shivaji Bhosle, Swami Vivekananda, respectively.. Today, we have broken the patterns of pandering to colonial vestiges, such as Macaulay's designed Education System, and we are churning out such workforce that's making waves across the globe.. The plus is not just that little kids of today have started software development, but also that we are able to vest our faith in their calibre and in our relevance in today's age of YouTube, FaceBook, WhatsApp, with the last one having become indispensable and a super-useful tool for contacting any person, no matter where you or he/she are.. Now, smartphones are quadrupling as tutors, textbooks and even as trading-agents (in shares and debentures), and I am glad that we Indians have embraced this wave of transformational technology.. While some businesses like Amazon have given us lessons in disruptive business-practices, they are in essence contributing to the globalization that we are aiming at, and to the market-competition scenario that has undergone a sea change.. To cut long story short, our educational system is in for major overhaul and our students, for a truly world-class education experience.. The road to Self-reliance is paved with the five Is of innovation, inventiveness, initiative, inspiration and ingenuity, of our taskforce, comprising all the sections of the society and made more efficient and effective with contribution from personalities from all walks of life.. We must express our interest in and dedication to this cause, that can serve (has agelessly served) as the ultimate game-changer.. Today, even the kind of data packs (daily quota) and their options that Indians enjoy is also one of a kind as compared to developed countries, and we have to give it to the industrialization and the quality-control that our cellular industry eco-system is exhibiting.. All of this is adding to our employability, helping in tapping our potential as job-givers, and as assets (not a liability) in the youngest country of the world (in terms of demography).. No doubting this revolutionary and visionary wave and the capability of those (who are) riding on it successfully and with hard-core ethics and morale-boosting professionalism.. Amen to many such changes to follow, as we are on course to enhance our reputation of a 'force to reckon with', as termed by foreigners who are studying and mentoring India and its edge in the 21st Century..

[thegleamwithin]

(This post should have appeared yesterday on Hindi Diwas, but due to technical glitch, it could not be shared in time.. Pardon the delay..)

On Hindi Diwas..

As a well-read and well-travelled person with a mind of my own, I have made the following observations about thriving of native languages.. Please, read..

1. Whether it is U.S.A. nationals or the Indian populace, people tend to underestimate, ignore their native language or Mothertongue, be it in studying, writing, reading, or speaking.. I have noticed that we just don't accord enough importance and attach requisite value to the language that we know by virtue of descent and upbringing.. This is disrespectful and an irresponsible way to create and/or peruse content.. It therefore is no wonder that the international Spelling Competition (Spell Bee) is won by an Indian or Chinese person, nine times out of ten.. We are the ones who give two hoots to our very own language, and can speak and express ourselves fluently in any language other than our native language.. This fact applies to the Indian regional languages as well..

2. Indians can do even better in foreign languages including English, if they understand the interrelation of various languages, and the fact that there are roots of every word, that may not be confined to the region of its usage.. The native language of the Chinese people, (Mandarin as well as Chinese Language), is proof that if we study our national language effectively, no matter how tedious (its) script and comprehension are, we can do well in the field of other countries' language (or in foreign countries) as well.. The need is to identify our core strengths..

3. Hindi is not going to evanesce into oblivion, by your ignorance or refusal to give it its rightful place.. Just do what works best in the bigger picture, for Hindi to be intact and worthy of your attention and focus..

[thegleamwithin]

"A Teacher affects eternity.. You can never tell where his influence stops.." This quote by Henry Adams sums up the impact of my tryst with the teachers whom I came across in my academic career.. While some of my former Teachers taught me to be fiercely competitive, some others are responsible for my being a Book-nerd or book-lover.. Some of them had a one-of-its-kind command over the subjects that they taught, a few others were everybody's favourites.. Anywhichway, I am sharing about my favourite teachers, who added a new dimension to my schooling and/or learning with their extraordinary qualities..

1. Ms. Kanchan Sant: The way she made us memorise tough mathematical tables in Primary-schooling, is only a part of her greatness.. She gave us interesting assignments and helped us become pro-active students, and because of the rudimentary focus that we attained because of her, today her pupils are confident and competent, and at par with the best..

2. Mr. Manish Trivedi: He taught me English, my ever-favourite subject.. End Of Matter.. Nobody quite like him in whetting our appetite for studying English.. Simply very sincere and influential..

3. Mr. Anil Vyas: Though he was not an extraordinary teacher of the subject, I like him for the leadership qualities that he observed and enhanced in his students.. He was ever so positive and very kind to me..

4. Mr. Kavaseri Krishnaswamy: He taught me to not do journalism of the lame, shallow kinds.. He was the one to guard us against Yellow-journalism, Armchair-journalism, among other malpractices in the Scribe's profession.. I cannot thank him enough, that suffices to say..

I am genuinely grateful to all my teachers, and wish them A Very Happy Teachers' Day, delighting in the knowledge that they imparted and the values and virtues that they helped in enhancing.. Having said that, I was always a Teacher's Student, so their influencing me in the most impressionable phase of my life should not come as a surprise..

[thegleamwithin]

Howdy ?

Happy Independence Day, to all my Indian (at heart) friends.. I am sharing my perception of simple solutions to some tough problems Indians face at this time.. Please, read on and give me your valuable inputs on the same..

1. Potable Water. Just need Tata Swachh and other similar products (portable, with non-electric functionality) to make their brands more widely-marketed, and most importantly, the filter cartridge to be made more easily accessible..

2. Girl school-dropouts post puberty. Not just functional and usable washrooms and/or sanitary-pads dispensing machine, the much-needed leniency in attendance-rules and at the same time, incentivising good educational track-record right, not just by the means of mid-day meals or by making their education (Elementary) free and compulsory.. And yes, we need to rub the decades of better performance by the females as compared to the males in important examinations in, so that they are in a position to apply their learning and make their family value them more.. Plus, stamina and endurance come handy in all walks of life..

3. Idiocy of Television. Just make the audience aware of the paycheque, hard-work, (literal) sweating due to working under arc-lights, among other factors that put the idiot-box in the proper perspective for them.. Let the viewers not be influenced by Page-3 news and other gimmicks of stars and starlets.. Just tell them that everyone in the industry has an axe to grind, and that it need not influence their career decisions or define the extent of glamour in their life..

4. Lack of knowledge of the Current affairs that matter. 'Sourcing' is the word.. Nope, wikipedia is not for formal/official referencing, simply because it is editable by a layman.. As parents, make sure that the ward is in the habit of reading at least one newspaper (preferably in English language) timely and on daily basis.. Think of it like 'NEWS' is what tells them of 'North', 'East', 'West' and 'South', and it is very much advisable to keep up with what all happens or is undertaken in the other parts of the country/world..

5. Lack of practical Life-skills training. Cooking, doing the dishes, basic-sewing/stitching/altering of own outfits and their ironing - these are non-negotiable when it comes to raising a child's game for the very real scenario in post-Pandemic times.. Nope, you are not bonded labour.. Just mix two spoons of dishwashing-liquid in a bowl of water, and get your posterior moving.. And, please, don't fall sick if the maid doesn't turn up for a day.. Nothing beats a good household chores-regimen when it comes to staying in shape, and also healthy, if one has got it right..

Having learnt some of the aforementioned aspects and having addressed many problems the hard way in life, this might be considered sage-advice.. I repeat, ignore at your own risk.. What are your thoughts on this ? Let me know in comments.. Have a great evening..

[thegleamwithin]

Is there anybody looking to add spice(s) to everyday eating..

1. Take up the challenge of learning to cook the entire Menu-card of any restaurant you love..

2. Ditch गिल्की, लौकी, टिंडा and कद्दू Forever... Embrace Aloo, Tofu, Paneer, Soya -chunks, Flaxseed, (pure) Ghee and lots of milk & water..

3. If you must put on weight, let it be out of healthier food-items (healthier, as in processed hygienically and cooked with love & care)..

4. Stop Coca-cola (or Thumbs Up!)..

5. Try meal-planning on weekly or fortnightly basis, and stick to it..

6. Replace Chapati with Parathas/Poori (at times, I would advise).. You would thank me for it, trust me..

7. Make fried snacks such as Chiwda, Chakli, Namakpaare, all round the year and not reserved for Diwali, Christmas, etc. ..

8. Eat lots of Fruits (particularly the seasonal ones).. They still are cheaper than those chocolates, sweetmeat and other desserts, and Fructose is still better than Glucose or Sucrose.. Buy that cute, kawai fruit-forks set, R.N. ..

9. Take help of every family-member in cooking..

10. Feel free to consult your Mom/Mom-in-law or any other woman who has been there, done that much before you.. Else, youtube zindaabaad..

11. With all due respect for start-ups, they are still businesses, and do not promote good health by any means..

12. Thank God and please thank the persons whom you depend on, for your food.. "अन्नदाता, पाककर्ता, तथा भोक्ता, सुखी भव."

13. समझो हो ही गया!

[thegleamwithin]

Today Is Safer Internet Day..

On Cyber-safety..

Staying and keeping ourselves and our gadgets safe while surfing the Internet is imperative..

To stay safe on the Internet, try these steps while surfing..

Consciously do not click on adverts or take clickbaits..

Try to prefer surfing the web in https:// mode..

Do not visit shady websites, particularly those about which browser gives you a warning..

Never enable 'Autofill' or 'Save Password' in Settings..

Keep your anti-virus updated, fully-functional and run a full-device scan regularly..

Prefer to browse some websites in place of their smartphone applications, as apps inevitably have to be granted certain "permissions" that seem intrusive..

On public computers, do not access sensitive info, and always clear browser-history before leaving the terminal, erase any downloads (just in case) if you get printout(s)..

Do not forward articles/posts containing controversial/sensitive information..

Try to get rid of bloatware, or the pre-installed apps that you don't use, or disable them in settings..

Grant the Location/Access Clip-board/Send Notifications/Camera permissions very carefully, mindfully..

Always use an updated browser or its latest version..

Try to stay away from spam (Email or otherwise) by applying proper settings..

Browse and trust only reliable sources of information, and do not trust "Wikipedia" and the like for formal information sharing, as they can be edit by all and sundry..

Do not use apps which include spell-check, auto-correct, or that claim to correct Grammatical mistakes.. Trust your knowledge-base, and most importantly, double-check on Google in case of confusion or doubt, before using or placing any piece of information in the cyber-space..

Always choose to go to official websites/handles of organizations/products/services/government only, in Google Search/on You Tube, or simply use "I'm feeling lucky..", when not sure about the official web address of a particular entity with presence in cyber-space..

Try to stay away from pop-up windows, close disturbing tabs instead of perusing them or wasting time on what could possibly harm your device by installing spyware or carrying out phishing activities..

[thegleamwithin]

20 Important Things We Could Learn From COVID-19 Pandemic..

I am putting forth my quick analysis of what COVID-19 pandemic gave to the world and more or less, to all earthlings.. I hope it strikes a cord with you too..

It has made us consciously decide to be clean, neat and hygienic..

It has made us unrealizingly reach for the newspaper every day without fail..

It has made us understand the value of honestly devoted professionals in Healthcare sector..

It has made us feel more comfortable and cosy than ever inside our homes..

It has made us understand the crucial difference between essential products/services and low-stake streams of work, thus improved our prioritisation skills..

It has given us avenues to have more meals with the entire family than we ever managed to do, earlier..

It has made most of us comprehend the ultimate truth, we are mortal humans and tomorrow is not exactly guaranteed..

It has made us more aware of the importance of purchasing life insurance and medical/health insurance..

It has made a sizeable proportion of the affluent class accustomed to and adept at cleaning, washing and sanitizing by themselves on a regular basis..

It has made human relationships land on the honest, realistic ground of what works (and what does not)..

It has made us more connected to our family members, friends, followers and fellow-residents, even if out of health-concerns..

It has made children better communicators as they got the time, energy and willingness to interact more effectively with parents and siblings..

It has undoubtedly made us more techno-savvy and digitally-oriented..

It has instilled a new sense of confidence, pride in the government and system W.R.T. their capability and readiness to deal with untoward turn of events..

It has made eating-out a rare privilege, just exactly how it should be perceived and observed..

It has helped people upskill in professional life, whether the reason is lay-offs, pay-cuts or any other unfavourable situation..

It has taught us restraint (regardless of how much) in bed, and why we should not take love-making or the partner for granted..

It has led us to believe in enhancing our leadership skills, at any and every level, given the more precarious, vulnerable nature of the world of today..

It has given us the time for catching up on our hobbies, favourite pastimes and areas of interest..

It has made us reminisce of God more, and this has worked in our favour, because we have experienced and practiced faith, hope and providence (divine intervention)..

[thegleamwithin]

My Covid-19 Story..

My 2020 ended with my father contracting Covid-19 infection.. We always tend to think, it won't happen with our life, to us.. But, I understood that it was meant to be so.. I learned lessons in abiding love, importance of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) brought forth by the 'new normal' protocol.. There were times the pizzeria seemed to beckon me or when even I longed to go for Morning-walks (I am averse to any exercise mode).. Now, I feel the pain that has left thousands destitute and impoverished.. I feel solace in me taking the first dosage of Covid-19 vaccine and the second, final dose is due in September.. I have become slightly edgy and irritable, but now I realize what I owe to my mind, body and spirit..

[thegleamwithin]

My disillusionment with Journalism job..

It so happened that I became a journalist,

But I never had the itch to be an activist..

I edit many stories every day of my job,

sometimes of the corrupt government, sometimes of the angry mob..

I did not underestimate the power the pen wields,

Mostly, the mightiest of force in its effect yields..

It is not like I am a mobile "Sensitive Index",

But there are problems which arguably vex..

To the criminal, I give one hour a day,

The celebs just can't be kept at bay..

I always wonder what I was thinking,

Did I dream of a transformation with my inking..

But, it doesn't make any sense at all,

Why I converted into a job-offer the P.I. call..

Today, I apply lessons from my stint as a scribe,

The disenchantment made it very weird to describe..

I still find faults in the news I read and watch,

But I have risen above the mundane by a notch..

Job-satisfaction continues to be elusive,

At least I was firm, honest and decisive..

That I do not wish to work with the Press ever again,

Some day, I might see what there was in it to gain..

[thegleamwithin]

Putting the Pain in Perspective..

I came across some diverse concepts of 'Pain' that I wish to share with all..

1). You Get To Decide..

Pain is inevitable.. Suffering is optional..

2). Make Pain Count..

Pain is temporary.. Glory is for ever.

3). Have Fun With The Pain..

No Pain.. No Gain..

4). Pain Is not A By-product..

Just because you were pained as a child, or in your formative years, it does not give you the license to give pain to others..

5). Pain Never Leaves An Indelible Imprint..

You don't remember pain, not as much as you think that you do..

6). The Power Of Pain..

Pain goes, but not without teaching the lesson that it intends to teach..

7). Pain Happens..

Some people are a pain in the posterior, they like themselves better that way, and you have to live with it..

8). Pain Is For Real..

Pain is the quintessential ingredient of life, because it makes us appreciate joy and pleasures that we would have taken for granted..

9). Look At Pain Differently..

Pain is not the problem.. Your way of looking at the pain is (the problem)..

10). Ignore Pain At Own Peril..

Pain is not to be ignored..

11). Pain Gives Humility..

Pain has a wonderful effect on some of us.. If not anything, it does make us more humble..

12). Deal With/Lead Despite Pain..?..

How you deal with Pain is your signature on the document called 'Life'..

13). Pain Is A Bigshot..

Pain need not be cured always.. Sometimes, it just needs to shed its skin..

14). No Disdain For Any Pain..

When you face your pain points bravely, you show the world one more way to do it with theirs..

15). Learn From Your Pain..

Pain is an unimaginably effective teacher, don't disregard the value it can add to your character and persona..