Amidst a critical opposition, the Budget is finally set to route the chart map of Rising India. As crystal clear, the Industry experts are disappointed with the decoded budget of Finance Minister P. Chidambaram. Though, there is good to forsee with the pharma, chemicals, petrochemicals, gems and jewellery and Textiles, there is reduction in duties and vision for more job opportunities in sectors of Pharma and Textiles, the MAT is sure to hit the export units. For the Education, smiles takes to miles. Primary to higher education and that's paying more 1% cess, however, there is positive view with more fundings for IT Education and promoting Gandhian philosophy by setting aside 30 crores budget plans. However, there is no positive action towards IT business as on the charts. As to human consumption, I think FM has totally ignored the spiralling prices of commodities and given more importance to the prices of foodstuff meant for pets and dog food!

Also there is no special benefit to Non Resident Indians, but the increase the threshold limit of exemption in the case of a senior citizen is a good idea for NRIs. There are now provisions for NRI investors as consideration of PAN as identification for financial transaction is a better option.

I guess, the view points always vary - What the budget reveals is a sweet n bitter taste to digest. Only important for a common person is to meet the daily demands of roti-kapda-makan but if this is not fulfilling, no budget is perfect or rathar, can be perfect as long as poverty is seen across the lanes.

- ilaxi

An Explorer on web, I always tend to get drifted to newer horizons on web as well as in real life - That's how I came across the World Health Organization's website as I wrote the Blog on Health & Fitness/Food & Drink for The Statesman, Austin.

As such, I know of a PCA Group in Ahmedabad due to Milapsinh Jadeja - an enthusiastic young Photographer - Businessman and a family friend, who captures pics with unique taste. You can view his pics here on Flickr. His Pushkar Mela pics are just superb scenic beauty.

Well, as we talk of this, here's the related big bang Contest for all Photographers from WHO's Premier Photo and Video Contest "Images of Health and Disability 2006- 2007". This year's theme focus on Health & Environment, calling to capture emotions with creativity excellence and support WHO's global efforts to raise the awareness of the importance of ensuring healthier environments. Photographs can be submitted until 9th March 2007. More details can be found on the website of WHO here.

This reminds me to let you know of the recent features of Snap Galaxy. If you are an NRI and want to send back home, your pics can now cost you only Rs.4/- per print through Snap Galaxy, India. They also offer Free 10 prints to try out their service. Like the Flickr, you can access to unlimited Photo Space with Quick Uploader tool. You can show your talents with personalized pics here, tag it, comment or just enjoy! The best feature is that you can upload your pic at Snap Galaxy and link from your website or blog or just send the link in an email to your friends too. If you have a website or a blog, you can affiliate earning upto 200 free prints every year by referring Snap Galaxy to friends.

I got my cousin's pics through Snap Galaxy recently and it's great memories to share with our near n dear ones. If you have your pics to share with me at kidsfreesouls.com, do send me your link of Snapgalaxy and I will link your pics from kidsfreesouls. Only please be sure to send me links of pics related to Health & Environment or Scenic places. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Heard this? Proposals to install the close circuit cameras at busy traffic junctions of the city and the project is rolling to the final stage! CCTV - The secret electronic detective and officials claim that a few hidden cameras installed at four junctions stretching from Usmanpura to Ellisbridge Junction on Ashram Road and other two at kankaria lake, will report of incidents recorded on camera and serve as evidence in the court as well. These cameras will add value as in case of terrorist attacks or traffic management. These cameras can tilt, zoom, or whatever...The total project will be costed Rs.1.65 crores as a part of the mega city project.

Ugh, now I think, like the serials of Ekta Kapoor, we are so used to listening of projects in Crores only. And yeah, will these Cameras take the zoomed pics of the beggars on the road? Some time ago, Devki of Radio Mirchi mentioned during her radio show and I actually witnessed - A lady in a car waited for the traffic signal to give way, ignored a beggar girl at the cross roads of Stadium circle and whoaaa....the irritated beggar girl pulled the women out of the car and scratched her face - Hmmm, this can make a whole difference for the mega city govt to look to issues of poverty too! After all, with so many credit card companies tempting people to get attracted to make the buys at mega malls and super markets - there may be an increase...who knows! What do you say?

- ilaxi

Did I not say of the city roads in my last note? Well, a search in Google Maps gives a glimpse of my city - scaling higher and getting bigger to be a mega city!

And all who ever said, we searched your house but could not find the location and yeah, we didn't have much time too...here's the tech savvy who can draw you to Google Maps - No excuses now...coz 'Where there is a will, Google shows a way" Keep on counting on Google technology for your day to day needs too. Even Amazon.com has set up its Grocery store with more than 14000 products, free shipping delivery to your door-step!

Yeah, if you click this link, you can find me computing here on my desk somewhere in University area:-) Enjoy!

You can copy my link and link from your site too - guess you may find CM Narendra Modi somewhere on the map sitting tall at Gandhinagar with the SEZ Bizmen around...lol

- ilaxi

The Global Investors' summit 2007 has taken the CM Narendra Modi's Govt. to higher grounds with the Big B's and who's who in town, shaking hands for a Vibrant Gujarat. Well, we vision a new Gujarat, a mega city in real true sense (What can we say of city roads in Ahmedabad?)

Anyways, here's my poetry 'Stranger in Disguise' selected by Voicesnet - and as I continue writing the blogs and websites, it's a welcome to send your poetry to be listed on kidsfreesouls.com - Maybe, you can be the Poet of the Year 2007 on kidsfreesouls! However, I admit, I do not believe in competitions nor winning on web but in the process, I guess it's learning and achieving while we strive to do so. You may check to read 'Stranger in Disguise' at kidsfreesouls and do send me your feedback too.

Cheers! n enjoy Life.

- ilaxi

As the new year 2007 rolls down the web lane, here is Best Idea I can pass on to all who are interested:-)

Best Resolution to Make for 2007

Do More than Exist
Live

Do More Than Touch
Feel
Do More Than Look

Observe

Do More Than Hear

Listen

Do More Than Listen

Understand

Do More Than Think

Ponder

Do More Than Talk

Say Something

Hmm..And now, for the stars to give to all Gujarati Bloggers, I quit voting coz I really appreciate all efforts on part of all bloggers especially those who are writing their own posts and coming out with their own creations, own design & ideas and above all, encouraging others to write in gujarati too...A unity to form a one big community remains when there is no competition, no push n pull method but a genuine posts, written with bottom of the heart. After all, search engines do see the results and yeah, as far as I know, gujarati people have one message board of SV on the web - If we really have to vote, why leave this board aside? SV deserves a star for the only Gujarati message board! I would rate for all bloggers and yeah, readers too!

Btw, here is a help file for readers on 'How to write in Gujarati' on the web. Here is your chance to Blog online and earn too:-)

Enjoy Blogging, Enjoy reading, Resolve to keep the unity!

- ilaxi

Attitude...Hmmm...it makes a Big Difference! With the new year bells ringing in, here's wishing all friends and readers of this blog 'A very Happy new year 2007' - May there be sunshine and love creeping in your life and peace prevail! Here's Attitude - It Makes a Big Difference, a part of my book 'Guardian of Angels' - Let there be new year resolutions and though we tend to miss out on them, here's again and again making Resolutions - firm and strong.

Enjoy the new year and partying is all way round here - so if you think, you need a break, Ahmedabad has all for you now:-)

- ilaxi

My book has been recently read by many of the readers and some of them rang me with their compliments and comments. However, here is a review I recently received from a friend that really is appreciating and encouraging.
Smita Dani, is herself, a person of inspiration and remained a noted personality with her charm and wits along with strong determination and ability to scale to heights. She is the author of 'Dani's Switzerland' - a Traveller's guide and remained active with the Karnavati Club activities in Ahmedabad and also engaged with other major social and political groups.

I welcome readers to comment on your views too - on kidsfreesouls site as well as my book.
Bouquets or Brickbats, please:-)

Keep the Faith!

- ilaxi

Ahmedabad has been rocking with Christmas round the corner and marriages too, are made in heaven with the VVIPs jamming the busiest ever S G highway streets. The NRG seems to have opted for end of the year to tie knots and the brahmins are more than happy to find an optional murats for them during the end and beginning of Jan.

Well, now it is ever common to meet the so many people at common functions and the very same VVIPs who block the roads are having a share of meal so common with the oh so common yet VIP people...So, you see - Ahmedabad is now jamming up with all the VVIPs and I hear, why I see that so many Malls are coming up and so much property is up for sale, booming up the Property buys. The NRGs are fuelling the reality biz too and there seems to be a rise in queries and bookings of luxury apartments, land and shopping complexes. This reminds me, my home is soon gonna be surrounded by Multiplexes, restaurants and Malls and it is sure going to be a walking distance to see a movie, go shopping or enjoy treats in nearest busiest restaurants. And all this developing at all Crossroads in town!

There, it is the route to a Mega city and the mega banner of CM sure to rise high with the IT Hub soon coming up in State at Gandhinagar...NRIs, Wanna invest? Sure fire way to send money to homeland and even take Loans. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Kidsfreesouls.com now present Online Kids Reporters (Journalists) & Jr. Editors. The idea is to promote children Talents and encourage them for creativity and Journalism with their Online reporting. This needs real time devotion, dedication and determination. To begin with, I have two kids Reporters who are on their way exploring to present their info pieces to kids round the world. (Namrata Jaykrishna & Nidhi Nair)

If you have students below 15 and wish to inspire them by adding their name to the Kidsfreesouls Crew (members Contribution), please send your email with their profile and pic with their info pieces and contributions.

Btw, here is my recent Plog on my Book Page Guardian of Angels'>'Guardian of Angels: A practical guide to joyful parenting'. Amazon has an amazing way to keep its Authors keep interacting to its Amazon customers and promote products. Well, here I go with my Author's Plog on the web - Enjoy your reads here and post your comments - Give my book **stars*, write review of my book, vote for me or just Add my RSS Feeds of Book Reviews & Amazon Blog/Plog to read in feed readers.

Bouquets or Brickbats, please - you're welcome:-)

- ilaxi

Yeah, no excuses for not blogging in for a while as life has been on a fast track lane and here, on the web is my own space that builds in my very own community on the web - far away with songwriters and musicians. The best part is, I am nurturing a genius in me and my days of my keyboard playing is finally turning my dreams with my computer turning to a Music Studio! Till I get my own played songs uploaded, here is a tip for all bloggers. There need to be strong traffic to your blog, numerous links to it from other blogs and frequent reader feedback are a few signs your blog is generating buzz that can attract readers and would be fans and buyers of your products, if any. Blogging for some is turning to a nightmare as you devote time, money and energy but slow in generating revenue online. Loyal bloggers keep blogging in their thoughts but a saturation point turn in sooner or later if there is no income from blogging.

Hired bloggers charge over a $4 per post and if your blog generates $10 a day, this is fine but unfortunately, we all know our time restraints and we end up making $$ ! It is time to be a 'Ghost Blogger' if you are writing good enough and your posts are appreciated.

Why blogs, now Authors have their own Plogs and here you can find my Author Plog on amazon.com - a way to go marketing and interacting with customers who buy at Amazon.

Anyways, here is a quick review of a book I just read and am sure, you will like to read the same. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

The dawn of new year in hometown has brought in a new hope for Gujarat as our CM visited Singapore recently and calls in for Singapore companies to play a greater role in Gujarat's economic development. Also on a six day business tour to China, Narendrabhai expressed his desire to compete with China. He aims to attract Chinese investment into sectors like chemicals and pharmaceuticals, gas and oil, tourism and medical tourism apart from other sectors. Modi's agenda during the visit to China is two-fold. He wants to study the functioning of the SEZ in China and, possibly, invite them to help Gujarat build China-style SEZs as he has has already put in place the infrastructure to build 11 SEZs spread all over Gujarat.

More over this...however, the denial of visa by the US authorities has obviously not deterred Modi from taking seriously the imperatives of 'globalisation' and I am damn sure, Narendrabhai can Dream it, Make it Big and with all the 35 Gujarat-based industrialists and top bureaucrats and the Chamber of Commerce supporting the CM and his team, there is all chance to vision a 'Dream Gujarat - aapnu Gujarat' on the success path to glory.

Welcome Home NRIs to find a changed Gujarat - Metro city Ahmedabad to begin with....Yeah, Narendrabhai is sure to meet you all and concerned for your welfare too! Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Here's wishing all passing this way my Blog "A Happy New Year" May there be peace and love in your life. As the year rolls down, there are magical moments in life awaiting for each one of us to reach newer horizons. The real scoop lies in reaching for a goal coz it is during this time that we pick up the stars while striving to reach the moon.

Recently, I read a success mantra. It says, Every Underdog has his way! It is said, people are always ready to pull down the Top Dog. We have the examples of a Top Singer, Top Actor, Top politician and even a Top Criminal. Being second, always gives one the energy to work harder and credibility with productive results. He has the itch for achievement and the right pitch that can hitch-hike him to heights of success. Bill Gates, a school drop out always makes a point to ask one question potential employee, "Tell me about one of your significant failures in life." He thinks unless and until a person knows his failures, he cannot understand the elements of success.

So, now you know - Being an Underdong is the best zing thing - no hurries, no worries, no hot curries in the soup plate of life but all inspirations and achievements to grab and enjoy every moment in life. This is my message this pitching new year to all who are'nt Top dogs and crave to be one.....Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Rajendra Shukla – a name synonym with Poetry and spirituality, recently won the ‘Narsinha Mehta’ Award on my birthday ‘sharad poornima’ (Full Moon Day) from Junagadh’s ‘Adhya Kavi Narsinh Mehta Sahitya Nidhi Trust’. No wonder, he’s Libra, born on 11th October - a total inspiration with amazing super powers of his prowess and skill in his writings for love of nature.

Though not much into Gujarati Literature but with some exceptions, I came across Rajendra Shukla’s profile at Kaavyasur Blog and than dig into research for his poetry. There, I find the treasure trove of rich gazals. I heard, he’s a delight to hear when he recites the pieces. What I feel is, when we write poetry, it indeed is our own thoughtful creation but very rare the real listeners and even if there is an audience, it is a rare talent to recite the poem.

Here’s some pieces that says all - at Dhaval's Blog.

Well, here’s an appreciation from the bottom of my heart and wishing well to Rajendrabhai Shukla and may he spell his magic wand to let flow his words to gujaratis all around the globe.

However, a great Contribution on web comes from his own family member – Rajeshwari Shukla who recently started a website Blog for Gujarati kids. The efforts are highly appreciated as the attempt will make gujarati language popular among English medium students and children residing in foreign lands. Rajeshwari is an expert in Science, Biology field and won many awards for her work from NCERT, Delhi, at Dist. & Guj State level etc. She has authored many books of Gujarat State Textbook Board on Biology for higher schooling and also authored Reference Books on Biology for students. What impresses is her various hobbies.She manages to fulfil her dreams in reading, writing, painting, Ceramic, Handicrafts & collage work, Educational experiments and writing short stories on scientific explorations, Meditation, Reiki, cooking, and teaching – at what she is an Expert. Finally, now on the web, leaving her impressions to pass on to generations – a unique gift and that is the Gujarati language: Learning web for kids. Rajeshwari Shukla happens to be sister of Suresh Jani, the young old man who presents Gujarati Literature Profiles on web.

Wow, now that’s what the family strength is all about.

- ilaxi

Guardian of Angels:A practical guide to joyful parenting - My New Book is available at leading International Bookstores on the web. Grab Your copy Now online or order/Buy from the nearest Bookstore in your area.



My special thanks goes to many people who made this book possible. Not to forget to mention my parents and esp. Bhupatdada and MJ Akbar and all my Freesouls & Kidsfreesouls fans and my readers online whose comments, suggestions, concerns helped me a lot to write the book and publish in print. Here's what I quoted last week "If you do everything with the feeling of happiness, there is no task too difficult to perform. A human mind is like a parachute, always keep open and allow the great ideas to enter - after all, it's work a worship and creativity, a step towards nourishing your talents. So enjoy life, enjoy all that you do." And here I am - enjoying all that I do:-)

I hope this book will be useful to many individuals who nurture a genius in their child. Please feel free to add your comments on my Plog/Blog and write your reviews too at Amazon. Feel free to email me too. Thank You!

- ilaxi

Google celebrated its 8th Birthday on 27th September, once again And I celebrated completion of 2 years blogging on web for MJ.

A free pack was also announced at its Birthday and here is the same for download by people residing anywhere.

Well, here is a born genius and a poet Nikhil Parekh, based in Ahmedabad who is blogging his way to fame with the most largest, longest and most prolific Poetry Blog on the web. His blog already has 550 posts in just 7 days of blogging. At the rate of 60 posts a day, he would be rolling 2060 posts within the end of the month with a word count of over 13.6 lac words and 8000 pages. This would be the Largest/Longest/Most prolific blog on the Internet.

A born genius and a Poet, Nikhil Parekh is the recipient of several international awards and has been published in the World's leading magazines and websites. A complete listing of his poems, awards, media coverage can be viewed at his website. He is a 24 X 7 fantasy man, immersed into winds of poetry and admiring God's infinite natural creations. Nikhil has to his credits 2000 plus poetry written in categories like Anti Terror, World Peace, Environment & Wildlife Conservation, HIV & Aids Awareness, Immortal Love, Friendship, Humanity, Unity, Adopting the Girl Child and many other countless global topics. A recipient of Limca Book of World Records India in December 2005 for ‘Most number of letters written to and received from World Leaders and World Organizations’, this category of record was created for the first time in 17 year old history of the Limca book. The Limca Book of world records 2006 will include the information. Nikhil is set to win with his accomplishments and his records will also appear in 2006 in the EPPIE award 2006 for best poetry e-book entering the EPPIE award winning lists as the first Indian in the history of the award . This record entry of the poet would be published in the 2007 edition of the Limca Book of Records. International EPPIE Awards are the highest honor given in the world to e-books in every genre of writing. They are awarded annually by EPIC-Electronically published Internet Connection, www.epicauthors.org in the USA. With many more feathers in the cap, Nikhil ‘s poem has been selected in an anthology ‘Spirit of Humanity’ which will be released at the AFABW 6th Annual Arts Festival in Hollywood in October 2006.

Nikhil Parekh has published more than 54 different Poetry Book titles which is available on web through the links on his website. He influences his role as 'Inspirational Role Model' to the younger generation with the rhythm and rhyme.

Poetry writing nor blogging is not a cup of tea for any Tom, Dick & Harry. Continuous writing on web requires strong determination, hard work and sincerity in making every day posts on a routine basis. It is nevertheless great efforts as it demands the TEM - Time, money and energy. Over and above, an ambition to reach to desired goals.

You can visit kidsfreesouls for my poetry pages and click on the Poet of the Year 2006 Award. The yearly Poetry competition at kidsfreesouls is about to end so if your children below 15 wish to participate, here is the chance to still RUSH the entries. If you are a Blogger and made an achievement on the web, send in your details too and I might shine you out there on web too.

- ilaxi

September 18, 1851 - "We publish today the first issue of the New-York Daily Times, and we intend to issue it every morning (Sundays excepted) for an indefinite number of years to come." said the founders Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones of NYTimes, this day. Originally, intended to be published every morning except sundays, today, its a newspaper with the term coined "All the News That's fit to print"

For further read, visit New York Times wiki. The newspaper is a class apart and the Crosswords has ever been my fav. Check out the NYTimes page on kidsfreesouls. Enjoy reading.
Btw, the impact of the change is Information Media and Internet is the age of Participation. Readers are not passive recipients of news, but participate in the process. You decide, which is the media? The TV channel or newspaper? Or the SMS platform? Or the web, forums, blogs & social networking! Read further here and add your comments or email me your views.

- ilaxi

The terror threat of 9/11 is never over as it hovers in the minds of people. Is the United States more secure today than it was before September 11, 2001 - The questions remains burning. An estimated 2,973 people were killed in the 9/11 attacks.

And here, the terror yet prevails with a threat not only in US but all over the world - with man made and natural calamities. I've heard the NRIs are sorting for home as no more US is safe for a peaceful life. Whatever, Al Qaeda releases 9/11 anniversary message recently. The video released by Ayman al-Zawahiri, issued on the eve of the fifth anniversary of al Qaeda's attacks on the United States, calls on Muslims to step up their resistance to the United States and warns that "new events" are on the way. "Your leaders are hiding from you the true extent of the disaster, And the days are pregnant and giving birth to new events, with Allah's permission and guidance." Watch the video here.

As thousands of people participate in the freedom walk, the leaders pledge not to succumb to terrorism, to build a better country and better world for freedom loving people. Now this is US! The king rules the world! A saying goes, if anything happens like 9/11 in US, the whole world shakes. This example should be taken by our leaders - So much happens - natural as well as man-made disasters, its just a routine. Only there would be political word wars and in Gujarat, Narendra Modi is target. Why can't Indian Government adopt some of the Bush govt. rules? India is most eyed today for economy and business growth. Now is the need of the hour to look to major issues that remain hurdles in the way.

- ilaxi

Vande Matram - Lata Mangeswar

As for now, all schools are in some or the other way, going to sing the National Anthem 'Vande Mataram' of Bankim Chattopadhyay. However, some schools prefer to get the song played on a cassette whereas some schools will adopt their own easier way of singing the song and not how the well-known singer Lata Mangeshkar sang.

The National Anthem is made compulsory to sing yet, been very controversial whether to sing or not. Whatever be it, one thing is sure, the National Anthem is very rich in its words and reflects the culture of the nation India and believe me, very classical, the song itself raises your inner self for the love of the mother-land. Any country's National Anthem has to be so rich like this one and any person residing anywhere always do feel proud to belong to their own country. So will be an Indian - the National song 'Vande Mataram' is saluting the nation and in praise of the rich India.
Here's the Google video with the song in action. Enjoy!

I am Proud to be an Indian and you too, be Proud of our Nation.

Keep the faith!

- ilaxi

The print media is yet to make up its mind whether to compete or cooperate with the new challenger - The Internet & the Blogs! Print journalism players have a Web presence, that is mostly the result of a domino effect rather than a carefully thought out strategy. Sadly, the egoist attitude of the editorials always think their domains as 'own territory' but unfortunately, no more on the web. Here rules the righteousness. With Internet gaining popularity, the dynamics of readership changes. The fundamental principles of captive audiences changes. The Internet changed the way commerce and business functions. There lies the real challenge for the media to compete. Many of them remain content cum distribution centric activities with rising expenses, no marketing gains except the politicial triggered liasons!

Internet is media plus, not a print media property and so, web is the biggest revolution in our lives. Internet has in the last decade reached 40 million people and growing. It substitutes for your shopping; it substitutes for your bank; it substitutes for your newspaper and much more. Every minute, the news on web are updated and more, you read your choicest newspapers, websites and blogs in your newsreaders. Why, you can create your very own newspapers with the contents and feeds - the AP, Reuters, etc. and earn too. A journalist acquires great significance; he can make or break, destroy and mould. Depends on the attitude! A writer can expose, review, inform, entertain, teach, preach or just about perform his role in online media with clarity, power and impact. News, comments and entertainment are the axis on which the media world revolves and on the web, here is kidsfreesouls presenting Video News Feeds alongwith kids news, New York Times news syndication, more news for the tech savvy.

In recent months, it is fashionable to point at the increasing popularity of blogs as sign that traditional media may be under threat from so called citizen journalists. Yonder, with the recent Blogger bans, the proliferation of independent bloggers tells us that independent voices are more likely to be heard today than in the era where a few media oligopolies ruled. And with the rising tech savvy, watch out for the search on the search engines to see more Bloggers with their voice, more news and kids news websites coming your way - the 20-30s generation when reached to 35-40 bracket, the web is to rule.

The impact of the change is Information Media and Internet is the age of Participation. Readers are not passive recipients of news, but participate in the process. You decide, which is the media? The TV channel or newspaper? Or the SMS platform? Or the web, forums, blogs & social networking!

- ilaxi