There, it's Sunita Williams all the way here and in the minds of Children. A parent told me that her child was going to Interview Sunita Williams and she's gonna ask her how she got her inspirations. A question I quipped in the class and they all spoke her name with a bang and spelt the word 'Astronaut' correctly while they find mistakes in spellings of many other words. As these children here are so inspired by Sunita Williams, I wonder if Suni too need to get inspired by these kids here.

The reason is, Sunita Williams clarified and regretted, she cannot speak Gujarati or Hindi inspite of her roots here. Whereas the kids over here are Jack of all Trades - they learn (rathar schools and parents too teach them) Gujarati, Hindi, English and even go for Spanish, French, etc. learning.

And well, our Gujarat University here seems to lack knowing proper Gujarati! There seems to be lot of mistakes in a Certificate given to Suni - ugh, oh, now I guess I need not fear of making those rasvai-dirghai and all those spelling blunders I make while I write the Shabd Preet - Relax me, GU makes mistakes, so I am apt to;-)

- ilaxi

Guardian of Angels has been in news with the POD Technology - Read more on this on Guardian of Angels-Amazon.com Syndicated Blog here. The Kidsfreesouls Editor Blog will now be found here with all the links to Blogger Posts from main website kidsfreesouls.com - Newspaper for kids with resources for parents and teachers.

Check on the Feedburner changes and those using the ftp bloggers have more means and advantage to shift over to Blogger tools!

Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Got a very nice Blog and think you should be Awarded? Here's your chance at Bloggers choice Awards to get your Blog roll in for nomination or just vote a good blog in various categories. The voting for Blogger's Choice Awards 2007 will end at 11:55pm on October 19. Winners in each respective category will be recognized at a one-of-a-kind awards ceremony on November 10, 2007, at PostieCon in Las Vegas, NV.

You can brag badges for your site like this one below (Kidsfreesouls.com) :



Here are 2006 Blog Award Winners to inspire you - some way or the other.

- ilaxi

Reviews of my Book, 'Guardian of Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting' are placed on my Book Review Page on Kidsfreesouls. The Book was also covered in Divya Bhaskar with a different note with concerns on the future of POD Book Publishing and emerging trends on opportunities to be an Author. Here's my Press coverages page.



However, the one I really missed out was a Review by Ravindra Thakore in Jansatta-Loksatta, Ahmedabad and Baroda Edition. I came to know of this review when I got the copy of this edition after a month! Here is a brief review on Shabd-Preet.

Btw, Happy Janmashtmi! Here's the Krishna Pages on Kidsfreesouls and the print article on Krishna too. The same is yet not in unicode fonts, so you need to check on this font downlad:-( Anyways, Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Fashion in classrooms? It's an amazing change in Apnu Gujarat with Schools calling for Fashion Designers from Bombay and setting up Children's Unique School Uniform Wardrobe. Get to read on this on Kidsfreesouls Here.

Btw, have your burnt your feeds with Feedburner? Google earlier acquired Feedburner and now it's Headline Animator is turning to a Marketing Tool. Here's more to know on how you can take the best advantage to be popular on the web and reach to millions with your contents. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

The television and news reflect the story of Adnan and Orkut. It was in 2006 when Rupert Murdoch swooped in to buy MySpace, paying $580 million, Wall Street suddenly got the idea to line up for social networking. Face Book and Orkut has headed to get popular and I find almost all teenagers in town has made an avatar and a profile on such Social Networking sites including Flixter. They join becoz their friends have joined. I even see thousands of scraps and thousands of friends - Is that possible? I wonder. I can't understand how one can afford to waste three to four hours writing scraps! That to, to people you don't know! The 'He' may be 'She' and vice versa or 18 maybe 81 - who knows! Long way left outs are ICQs and Messenger chats. Every parent need to be alert for what purpose the kids are using the web and every school and teachers need to be careful while they make school sites and blogs with student comments - the search reveals the names and email ids!

Yeah, I do have my profiles here - At face book, it's the market place, at Orkut, there's all ex-students of Swagat, at My Space, the musicians who share staff notes and songs since I am a keyboard Player and at Flixter, Hi Fi, elsewhere, it's most about promoting websites.

Whatever, the New Mantra of Online Advertising is : "Advertise on social networking sites." 28 million Indians and the age group is 18-25 - a target audience with buying power. Content-specific advertisements have become a rage on networking sites like Orkut, Blogger, Linked In,TechTribe, Ryze, Flickr, MSN Live Spaces, Fropper and Facebook, which the advertisers are seeking to target as per the lifestyles of the younger generation. Here's Tech Crunch's Top Ten Social Networking websites-2006. And Here's the 2007 Top Social Networking sites Report. You may find the Internet Safety tips and links on Kidsfreesouls.com - I guess, why the kids or teens - Even women and all of us need to follow the codes of conduct on web and Beware - Take care.

- ilaxi

Want to book a Galactic suite in Space Hotel? Call on us at Swagat! Well, the Reuters news page on kidsfreesouls is all news as the first hotel planned in space, expects to open for business in 2012 and would allow guests to travel around the world in 80 minutes. A three day stay will cost $ 4 million and the most expensive on space. You can watch the sunrise 15 times in a day. Aerospace Engineer Claramunt came with a novel idea and is supposed to spend 3 billion for the project. So, start counting your $$ and get ready for the flight!

Well, dreams don't turn to reality unless and until you have sheer luck! Anyways, get on to kidsfreesouls for the Enid Blyton and the news piece on The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) recently urging parents to fearlessly file FIRs against schools if children complain of abuse by teachers and cases of spanking in the classroom. Read more on Kidsfreesouls!

Btw, there is not much time online these days and no chance for any updates on Shabd Preet Blog. Also want to reframe the blog and add topics - Any ideas there?

Well, Life is much happier drifting to the newly opened Malls and believe me, it's great shopping spree at the ISKON Mall with a very much bigger Reliance Fresh soon to begin. The problem only is 'TRAFFIC JAMS' - be it Himalaya Mall or Iskon or Gallops or wherever.....

- ilaxi

In the land of five crore Gujarati comes the pouring rain with the mega city streets submerged in water! Our savvy CM is in real trouble not only with the rains but with the political blows/rows too - And I heard, he's married and got a son too! Gossip...gossip...

Well, well, what do citizens care except they see a vision and a developing State! After all, those who have the double standards would no doubt, speak and write trash!

Btw, are you a parent or a teacher - Sure, you are in stress if you have children who are still schooling! I heard the English Medium schools here have planned for Extra English Speaking Course and parents have to pay Extra - All because the schools are incapable to teacher conversation in classrooms! And yeah, a certain website is recommended by teachers to parents and students and projects are given in classroom to use this website - who will incur the expense to log in as the site charges, I asked. Blank came the reply - Students and parents, of course! So, well, Education sure is getting tech savvy. After all....

- ilaxi

Did you read Harry Potter? Somebody asked me. And it's a blank "NO" - I read Barbara Cartland! And Judith Macnaught n my recent read is "Every Breath you take" and before this, "Perfect". By Nora Roberts, Spell Bound and Julie Garwood's "Shadow Dance". And we have the Robin Sharma, Paul Coelho and Cobra II by Michael Gordon and Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright - No Harry Potter!!! When the world goes mad, someone got to be sane.

Now, this calls for the video mashing of speeches of Robin Sharma and here's one, if it so interests you. Keep on the check for more to appear on my Biz site and kidsfreesouls too.

If you find this interesting, do mash it too:-) Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Atmanam rathinam viddhi shareeram rathameva tu,
Buddhim tu sarathim viddhi manaha pragrahameva tu.
Indriyani hayanyahur vishayansteshu gocharan,

(Translation):
The atman is Rathi - owner of the `chariot' - the body,
The intellect is the Sarathi - driver,
The mind is the rein,
The senses are the horses, and
The Panch Vishayas - material objects of the five senses - are
the fields of pasture for the horses.

i.e. The person whose Sarathi - intellect - is wise, whose mind fully controls the senses, can traverse Samsara to reach the desired goal - the Lord's abode.

You can read more details on Krishna here on Kidsfreesouls Krishna pages. However, the gujarati page do not show the fonts in a proper manner as I have yet to convert this to unicode. I've almost stopped writing spiritual and management articles, the day I no more wrote for the guj newspaper! Maybe, I drifted now writing on War and Education!

If you are interested in a research on the Use of Computers by Teachers, find the report on kidsfreesouls.com. Do let me know your use of Computers - if you are not into Tech field.

- ilaxi

Now, now that's what you call Unaware of Google Ad trends! A recent headlines on front page mentioned of website exhibiting some real bad ads appearing on a government website. I guess these ads appear almost on all the websites currently!!! Refresh the page and you see newer ads. I wonder the 2005 program has again arose or what???

Whatever, life goes on - Btw, Google referrals beta version is on way and as the experiments go on, here's fresh topic on Goal Setting for kids. Follow the tips on Goal Setting Ingredients in my book with this note. Yeah, if you have kids, check on the links on kidsfreesouls too and download the Mind what you do on web copy - for kids and for all.....enjoy!

- ilaxi

An American Amdabadi, Mahendra Shah is a businessman who over 30 years has recorded his musings of the Indian community in America in the form of original Gujarati and english cartoons. His book Ame American Amdavadi is a kind of a unique collection over 250 Cartoons to offer a unique perspective on the life of Indian immigrants.

Shah lives in PA and you can contact him for the book if you so believe in Faith, Hope and Charity coz all the profits from the book will be donated to designated charities under the Author's program "Art for Charity". You can contact him on mahendraaruna@verozon.net and visit his website too. Btw, the half cup tea or the rakebi fashion is now gone and almost the clubs are getting ready for bars here I heard but I guess the nri amdabadis still has the saucer tea!

Btw, I earlier mentioned of Karmacy Band who came out with a Rap and here is the You Tube Video on Blood Brothers and I am sure, you will enjoy!

- ilaxi

Are you in US? Hmm..it must be a yummy treat for us here if you parcel the Ice-creams and yeah, I promise I am gonna send you the Kulfi from here - all fully packed and sealed in great containers - the pista and badams...Wondering why? First it's the US Happy Birthday week celebration and secondly, July is the month to celebrate 'National Ice-cream Month'.



Well, live life King style or the Queen. Try your hand on my TOI-SOFTEL (1995) Award winning Ice-cream Recipes there to observe the Ice-cream month and if you find cool, serve to guests too.
Here is my note with the link to Ice-cream recipes. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Want to read Spanish? Here's my new blog in Espanol - Earth Talk related Questions. Together we can build a better world! Click here.

And a Very Happy 4th July - Enjoy the bursts on kidsfreesouls - In association to New York Times link!

- ilaxi

क्या आप रेडियो सुनते हो? पता है एक दिन के लिए इन्टरनेट रेडियो बिल्कुल शांत हो गया था ! वजह जानना चाहते हो तो यहाँ पे क्लिक करे।

Well, this is the Hindi unicode written with the new Google Accounts. I guess, gujarati will soon be available too. Gujaratis, however need to be more on the run to keep the language alive as apart from English, Hindi is soon going to storm over on the web.

Anyways, there you go with the information for the online Internet Radio and listen to the cool Desi songs over there through my Tech blog link. And for all who wish to listen to my fav specials, there's Launch Cast - aha..Yahoo...on the right bar! Enjoy!

- ilaxi

I have been reading quite a number of blogs on the web lately. In gujarati, we call 'alankar' and I find the use is fading! As in English, we have the rich Idioms - the special uses of words or combination of words, phrases or turns of expressions that are peculiar to a language. When I take a Vocabulary class, the words meanings are searched for in a dictionary but when I take an Idiom class - the same very search becomes too hilarious coz the children find the exact meaning of the word - Double meanings and we end up with fun learning!

Well, here is a tip for many who find conversation flaws too. English has become a compulsory subject in Gujarati medium schools now and no point in fretting and fuming over the language barriers - In Gujarat, we speak the language of love and brotherhood - whatever language we speak or write or have to learn, the laws are all written in English! Enjoy!

- ilaxi

I guess the new look of the Blog says a lot for the time being. Btw, do peep in Kidsfreesouls for the Google News and news you can Mash around....Yeah, also for the Best Music Download site links as June 21st marked the World Music Day. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

There has been some errors with my Blog, so keep on checking with a smile to brush off excusing me....Google is on way to manage Google Accounts! Did you check out the igoogle feature? You can now add my Blog widget there from kidsfreesouls site!

Well, the news around here on my desk is again the CM - all with the development, in comes a flaw - The State's infants are found to be malnourished and the level is rising higher that the national average. Below 3 years children, the situation in tribal children is worst. The CM is shocked with the statistic reports of malnutrition in kids and have announced 'Bal Bhog' project under which 1000 specially indentified malnourished children will be brought from nine most under-nourished Districts - Banaskantha, Vadodara, Bharuch, Narmada, Dangs, Sabarkantha, Surat, Valsad and Navsari. Under the project specially made chocolates containing Vitamin A, C, folic acid and iron will be distributed.

Read more on Kidsfreesouls News - Btw, Now you can MASH my News at Kidsfreesouls! Check this out....News you can use, news you can pass......

- ilaxi patel

Thank you CM for the Path to the road ahead of Progress of the State....So, says the ad in the newspaper today! Anyone there for Kudos n three cheers to Narendra Modi and his Govt? Yeah, the kids may shout out there - 3000 kids taking part in the very busy Himalaya Mall - so big and packed with kids having fun galore...With more and more jam packed Malls in town and more coming in all states, Tourists sure to come! All with a cow on the narrow roads in the monsoon jamming the traffic and like shown in the movie Traffic Signal, the tourist will click the pic and the beggars will ask for a rupee and ultimately, if you don't give, you will be pulled out of the car by her! It happens only in ....CM's land!

- ilaxi

Resync your way to Healthy Feeds Now with the Chicago based Feedburner which has been recently acquired by Google! Currently, Feedburner feeds 431,171 publishers who've burned 736,494 feeds as of 29th May 07. Blogger. TypePad, WordPress, Myspace or podcast/video feeds are burnt at Feedburner. You can Publicize, Optimize, Analyze, Monetize at Feedburner.

More on this on Kidsfreesouls Tech Blog or kidsfreesouls.com. Subscribe my feeds and enjoy!

- ilaxi

It was always so easier to talk on three Ps : Press, Politician and Priest. You can rather add one more keeping in mind the Vanzara case - the 4th P - Police! Well, while surfing the Gujarati web blogs, I came across a profile which says:

" I can describe my life using three "P"s.
Power: In any physical or mental condition one should work with equal concentration
Punctuality: If you will appreciate time, time will appreciate you
Perseverance: Fight till the last breath.

These are the inspiring words on Vishal Monpara's website! He's a savior for many English mediums and non tech savvy as Vishal has specifically developed a plug n play gujarati type pad "Vishal Monpara - gujarati type pad" - Yeah, no need to download fonts to write, no need to set up the system - Just straight away click to Vishal's Ready to Type and cook up the story you want or write comments to post on gujarati blog posts. A quick write, copy and paste where you want. Not only gujarati, there you find Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malyalam n more. There you go....Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Interested to read my blog on your blog? Well, even if not, here is a site where you can just add feeds and within flick of seconds, blog notes can roll down. Go here and for eg. Add http://sambhaav.blogspot.com/atom.xml - use the colors you wish for bg and text and submit.There, you see my blog rolling....copy the script and paste it in your blog template or website html page. Let me know if you add this url or else you can add your very own url like this one with an atom xml or rss and enjoy the sweet rollings.

For more info on Google gadgets and widgets, click for details on kidsfreesouls. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

In front of my desk lay a Quote:

Of Wisdom's way you would wisely seek,
Five things observe with care:
Of whom to speak,
to whom to speak,
And how and when and where.

Saying is a lot easier than actually putting into practice!

Well, here's to say, Kidsfreesouls.com get into Alliance with Rediff.com for Question & Answer Column on kidsfreesouls.com. You can now click on the Categories at the Question Box and Ask any Question. Even Answer with your expertise skills and earn points to get into "Hall of Fame". If you have any question worrying you and wanna get a quick reply, the interactive people on the web easen up your minds. I wonder, so many of us are exploring the www and so many answers yet remains unanswered - So, why not get into being interactive. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Gujarat Day - 1st May and did I miss out - nah, I was watching the CM on the Television!

Here's a note from kidsfreesouls if you happened to miss out visiting the site on Gujarat Day. I am surprised, it appears in google search too as key words 'Gujarat Day, may 1'

From kidsfreesouls....

It always happens - When a Politician works favorable for the citizens, the media slash over the negatives of the politician and the party. It is said, check the P's and beware of them - the Politician, priest and the press. I wrote this article on Politicians-Endangered species quite long back. However, I do admit that some politicians may be a lot corrupted but our Gujarat government CM is on way to road ahead for promoting the state to newer heights and give a label of metro city to my town Ahmedabad, which is just about next to a Bombay or Delhi and Bangalore city in India. No wonder, by 2010, we can see tremendous changes for sure if the CM is able to fight out the odds and the black scars on his image.

Btw, 1st May is the 'Gujarat Day' and I heard Narendra Modi, the CM on the television. A man with a vision, he spoke on the development of the state and mentioned the many Initiatives taken by the Government. The government has implemented a scheme to impart education to children in rural areas through ‘Gyan Rath’. The other Initiatives are Raksha Shakti, Jal Shakti, Urja Shakti, Jan Shakti - Education, Security, Water, Energy and human resources are covered up by the State government and major initiatives are being taken for the e-Governance and with IT implementation, the Gujarat state is expected to reach milestones in the coming years. Here is the Gujarat State Profile and the CM's earlier speech.

- ilaxi

On the recent World Book Day, there has been a record number of people reading books with top on the list mentioned by a local newspaper which has books like Harry Potter, Wuthering Heights, Great expectations, Bible, etc. What is missed is the rich English Literature. Now, who would mention on Gujarati rich Literature when even English medium schools lag behind English Literature - hardly able to celebrate World Book Day and remember Shakespeare!

Well, I have a couple of Shakespeare books but the most easier for children and a must in Library shelf are Cherrytree books "Shakespeare for Everyone" by Jennifer Mulherin and Illustrations by George Thompson (As You Like It (Shakespeare for Everyone Series)). If Shakespeare plays are performed in the classroom, children may understand the story and its character.

I have a couple of thousands Archies and comic books in my library and like every year, organized an "Archie & Comics Day" with open reading participants for all children 1-7th std. It's time to encourage kids for reading as this is one activity that has taken a back-seat and most of the parents opt for summer activities like sports, music, drawing or math workshop. Even majority of parents do not find time for reading. There may be exceptions but most of the time, it's a show biz "I read a robin sharma" or I read..blah blah...

Btw, what do you read?

- ilaxi

A recent survey conducted for Deloitte & Touche, US revealed that job dissatisfaction was a leading reason people make unethical decisions at work. The survey 'Ethics and Workplace' further says,91% believe that workers who enjoy good work life balance are more likely to behave ethically.

I think that the behavior of the leaders in the organizations; the managers, supervisors or as in a newspaper, the main Editors and sub editors are more responsible to be the most significant factors in encouraging or discouraging good behavior at work. What they do matters, what they do perform, makes a big difference too. They are in some way observed, used as role models too, whether they know or not. Being straightforward, honest and treating all employees equally is a good example of management. Taking credits for someone else's accomplishment, lying to impress or even lowering down the employee is the weak point of the leader manager who do not know how to balance job satisfaction levels. Ultimately, the employee may try to be in books by pleasing the manager for some time but when the self respect or the ego hurts, the job dissatisfaction arise. Competition among employees are nevertheless charted programs for motivation and building team spirits but if management fails at levels of its own understanding, unethical acts arise out of bad behavior patterns of their superiors. After all, most of the Bosses are found to be "Too Ambitious" and will go to extreme points in many cases. Ultimately, a dissatisfied employee will face the grudge unless he becomes a leader.

I recommend a book for all those dissatisfied employes on "How to manage your Boss" . Bosses miss out the time factor in knowing the individual strengths of the employee and here is the book that guides to follow the path to show the boss how capable you are. The boss is a human mind with full of power and pressures which lead way to make him to be a politician too in his own field.

Summed up, 72 chapters, the most important I find are:

1. Assessing yourself & Assessing your Boss Type
2. Building Trust
3. Complementing your Boss Style
4. Managing your Workload and managing teams
5. Receiving Feedback
6. Taking Initiatives
7. Self Development
8. Resolving Conflicts
9. Negotiating a Raise - Getting Promotions
10. Assessing abilities

Best on my Library shelf, this book gives me a reminder that if you wish to be an independent mind and working in own areas of interest, stick to your own work style and be your own Boss. Be your own role model as Bosses you believe in and make them your role models, sometime turn out to be role disasters as they themselves act unethical way!

Another book Managing your Boss (DK Publishing), Essential Managers series is a good pick and I remember gifting it to some friend.



It had good topics like:

1. Assessing your situation
2. Working with your Boss
3. Managing Conflicts
4. Improving your Prospects

And More. I have many books in this Essential Manager series of DK and well, these are the best picks on my library shelf.

I would say 'Be your own Boss' - You reach to scale higher every single day and reach your goals. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Google is on way to travel to London Book Fair (April 16-18) and here, to my happy moments of joy, I find my book now with the Google Books Partner Program. New lines of communication are on way with newer hopes. That's what Google (friends) are for.....! If the below link do not work, click here...on right bar - powered by Google. You may find Google Books Search page here too.

- ilaxi

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A story of rags to riches of a man 'Dhirubhai Ambani' and whose business philosophy led to the building of an empire 'Reliance Group of Industries' - a vision he foreseen when he came back from Eden. This book by is presented by
A.G.Krishnamurthy with a foreword from Mukesh Ambani. Way back in 1980 Dhirubhai had handed Krish the mandate to begin the Mudra Ad Agency and create the best textile advertising in India with a minimum Rs.35,000/-. Krish has closely felt the breathe of Dhirubhaism - Dhirubhai Ambani, a no ordinary leader but a leader who gave management a whole new "ism". As AGK says, "Dhirubhai was a person whose heart and head both worked at peak efficiency levels, all the time. And that resulted in a truly unique and remarkable work philosophy, which is what I would like to define as Dhirubhaism." The book gives a glimpse into the Dhirubhai's Leadership and management influence on AGK as he experienced working with him.

Dig more in the book for detailed Dhirubhaisms that we all need in our life exclusively listed by A.G.Krishnamurthy and I am sure, you will be more than happy to thank me for this recommendation:-)

Look more for the Dhirubhaism review here.

The Book Launch/Meet the Author in Ahmedabad: 7th April at Crosswords, Mithakhali - 6.30 p.m. with Ramnikbhai Ambani as Guest of Honor.

Btw, Krish has ever been my first Boss as I started my career in an Advertising Agency 'Shilpi'

- ilaxi

Niel Patel, an SEO prove his talents as he challenged SEO criticisms made by Jason Calacanis some time ago. Niel Patel had given open challenge to the co founder of Weblogs Inc and the GM of Netscape Jason Calcanis. Niel challenged to prove that he could boost search-driven traffic on the Calacanis site by a minimum of 10 percent within 30 days of making the changes to the site. With over
7,449 search engine hits within just a 5-day span, Patel has been able to prove a 21 percent increase in traffic on the site. And that’s with only around 10 percent of the SEO changes. In a phone interview with Webpronews, Patel had this to say about the changes:



Another interesting thing is the Analytical report of google and I am quite aware as I find a considerable increase in my traffic rank since last many months. I guess any good person with great contents, average good design, great deal of seo tactics and implementing search strategies can reach to a milestone with high traffic as well as rolling with revenue too.

Get on to kidsfreesouls to explore and get to know how kidsfreesouls stand # 1 in Google (Results 1 & 2 of about 13,400,000) , yahoo (1,2,3,4 of about 8,890,000 )and MSN (1,2,3 out of 1,343,032 results)! More on this, coming soon on kidsfreesouls!

- ilaxi

Pop Star Shakira & Gazal singer Gulam Ali prove to be a better choice for entertainment than the Indian Cricketers who miserably failed to show their performance in on-going Cricket world cup. Maybe that is one reason I always go for the Soccer games as I do not wish to hang for long with hopes and get disappointed!

Well, as there is lots more going on kidsfreesouls News Desk, here is the news of the sudden death of Robert Krakoff, president and CEO of Nielsen Business Media in his Boston apartment. Nielsen Business Media is a leading market-focused provider of integrated information and sales and marketing solutions. It helps businesses go to market more effectively and efficiently with over 42 publications, over 60 trade shows and 185 digital products and services and offers insight,analysis and face-to-face contacts to help professionals better understand their markets, serve their customers and grow their businesses. The detail view can highlight more of their activities, if you are interested to know about it.

Also, here's Google News Desk on kidsfreesouls with specific news. Schools worldwide has been using kidsfreesouls Google News and all other news section on Kidsfreesouls for their school projects. I am sure, you will find a lot informative and updated news - of coz the Reuters Video News which show up news quite before print newspapers too:-) Enjoy!

- ilaxi

A-ha...as I made a post and opened my mail outbox, here is Sureshbhai Jani's mail and for all those very interesting people who sort to dig deep into Spirituality, here's an invite from Sureshbhai to discuss on open topic "Why Religion is required for human beings?"

I may not have the time in my whole life to participate at every step but than I do read all my in-coming mails while I drift to horizons writing my way on web at Kidsfreesouls - a commitment to all my other websites too.

Keep the faith.

- ilaxi

If Life is a Game, Play it. But, If Life is a Game, These are the Rules!



A must read for people who are Too Nice to be Too Good! A basic spiritual primer for what it means to be a human. The author explains 10 simple rules. No mistakes but only lessons to be learnt. As per my experience, any person in life needs :

1. Acceptance & Appreciation
2. Self Esteem
3. Respect
4. Endless learning in a school called 'Life'
5. A better living style

We are enrolled in a full time Life School where there is endless experiencing and endless learning. We may like to learn these lessons or just hate this experiences but ultimately, it do make you a better person. There is no better place than 'Here' living on the edge, whatever Life offers and in this presence, we simply get to reach 'There' - And yeah, this is a better 'There' always than 'Here' coz the very experiences in life takes one to a higher ground and makes a better compromise with life - Some things happen in life just for GOOD.

The Rule 9 in the book says all :
All you need to do is look, listen, and trust

This gives Inner Knowledge - Just listen, vision and trust in own abilities and in your own beliefs - But Never Speak! Silence is a blessing and silence is peace.



Well, grab the book from the book shelf or just Find your strength in difficult times through books by Tata McGraw Hill editions or Chicken soup for the soul series (my ever fav')or even, I would say, Get a copy of 'Tough Times Never Last but Tough People do'

Enjoy n Cheers reading in....

- ilaxi

12th March 1930, Gandhiji in his boldest act of civil disobedience against British rule, began a long march to the sea in protest of the British salt tax. Gandhi and his followers eventually reached the Arabian Sea, where they made their own salt by evaporating sea water. The march, which resulted in the arrest of Gandhi and 60,000 others, earned new international respect and support for the leader and his movement. Gandhi's nonviolent methods, including dramatic hunger strikes, eventually did bring great results to his goal of Indian independence in 1947.

Well, 12th March is ever been my Dad's birthday and the birthday of Sambhaav. Years roll by....12th March and this date is wishing Sambhaav...Sambhaav started on 12th March 1986 under the flagship of Bhupatbhai Vadodaria. And so here's wishing him Happy Ageing and may he always be in pink health and best spirits as ever.....Also to Bhanuben, who has ever stood beside Bhai and walked all her life in thick n thin.

Nothing ever was built to rose to touch the skies, until some man willed it! Isn't this, oh so true!!!

Here's the pic of last year. So many changes but sure, Narendrabhai's vision will hopefully see a light. Apnu Amdavad gonna be a great Mega city ...

- ilaxi

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

The loving form of Radha Krishna is the ocean of divine bliss and as the celebrations goes on, I am sure you must have enjoyed reading Krishna shlokes & Bhagwad Gita Review etc at Radhe krishna pages on Kidsfreesouls.com.

Well, the news around late night was a call of panic as Sabarmati river was rising above the danger level and we all got the sms from the Ahmedabad Collector office with the warning that approx. 2 lac cusec water is expected...Gosh, at least the Disaster management ain't too bad. Warnings are given to the low lying areas to shift....What I can't understand is what will happen to the river front project!

Anyways, here's belated Happy Janmashtmi & Belated Happy Independence day...ooops...the computer cable lines are all tricky...

- ilaxi

I remember reading a book of Stephen Covey "Principle Centered Leadership" . In Chapter Seven, the Author focus on Seven deadly sins referring to Mahatma Gandhi's quote:All to do with social and political conditions:

*Wealth without work
*Pleasure without conscience
*Knowledge without character
*Commerce without morality (Business without ethics)
*Science without humanity
*Religion without sacrifice
*Politics without Principle

He charts out how the seven habits will help you avoid seven deadly sins. I guess every person should read this esp.those who are the so-called Leaders and need to adopt living with Principle centered Leadership.

I am glad to be free - a 'Free Soul' as I continue my notes here as an Ex-online Editor for Sambhaav.com. However, I am more happier Blogging for MJ Akbar and of coz, reaching to newer heights on web each passing day as I run the Net Newspaper for Kids online 'Kidsfreesouls.com', a # 1 with keywords 'net newspaper for kids'; on Google (#1 out of 34,100,000 sites), Yahoo (#1 out of 8,170,000 sites)& MSN (#1 out of 1,499,621 ) as on today. This has been a very satisfying experience as the web searches understand 'content is the king'. I am thankful to all readers who appreciate reading my sites and blogs and I highly value your kind words in my mail box with your compliments, comments, views and suggestions. Thanks to all my Readers and Fans.

If you want to bookmark any of my Blogs or sites, just press Ctrl-D on your keyboard and the page will be instantly bookmarked. For eg. go to http://sambhaav.blogspot.com and Press Ctrl+D on your keyboard.

- ilaxi

"In music, one must think with the heart and feel with the brain" and truly said, especially when you listen to the vocals of Aniket Khandekar.
















Recently, Sports Club of Gujarat held a show of Aniket Khadekar. Incidentally, this happened to be the first show in the newly rennovated Hall as informed by the Sports Club Entertainment Committee chairperson Maheshbhai Desai. Aniket Khandekar happens to be a person of Inspirations. His vocals, teaming up with live performance with Ami Thakore and the Khadekar team, is all a rave with Gujarati & Hindi Classical song listeners. The evergreen song 'Laga Chunrimae Daag' and 'Madhubanmae Raadhika' sung by Aniket Khandekar prove 'par excellence' with the music beats behind blending to perfection. You'll want to hear these songs again and again endlessly!

Aniket Khandekar is the cool voice that springs the emotions and surfaces a feeling of strong sense of caring for the classical music. The music is stunning and you can call 'Music, the speech of angels' - undoubtedly when his soft, deep tones vibrate the air with the Gujarati or the Hindi scores and you know, its 'Music' that spells joy.

Ami Thakore too, stands a class apart when she sings a solo or a duet with Aniketbhai but than, Aniketbhai is the soul behind many students like Ami Thakore, who equally performed excellent on the stage. Aniketbhai runs a Khandekar Institute in Ahmedabad and strives to excel every student - be it vocals or learning instruments. The Khadekar's also has been active with the Inter Talent Club shows in Ahmedabad and has been encouraging members for participation and motivating them.

I had been lucky to attend this show by chance as we had been for the chinese cuisine festival at the club. Being members, we normally tend to miss out the club circulars. Attending this show, we realized how much we miss out due to our very own busy lifestyle patterns!

(Wanna learn Music? Wanna arrange a Music Show? Call Aniket Khandekar at 9898023872 or just reach here: 51/52, Nalanda Complex, Near Mansi Towers, Ahmedabad)

- ilaxi

I volunteer - ugh, I met a student recently and she told me that she is into a Social Networking Organisation where she conducts a Community. This was an amusing encounter for me as little did she know that I am a net person and quite savvy with Social Networking on the web. She happened to be running a community at 'Orkut'!!!

Well, in recent times, its the latest buzz with employees of Organizations volunteering to be a part of their company's Community Programmes. These communities are on a rise in the Corporate sector where time, effort and money is spent to prove socially responsible citizens who emerge to work as NGOs or work for the cause of Aids, Education to underpriveledged children, for the Disabled - a host of volunteering projects in the diversed areas like environment, slum cleanliness, post-disaster rehabilitation, suicide prevention, etc.

However, on the web, we find Social networks on a rise. Earlier, I got a lot of invites for Friendster who has now introduced its own for-pay blogging tool as a money-making scheme. LinkedIn started charging for its job listings. Social networking like Blogging communities or the Myspace, Hi5 or the Orkut are all great attractions as reports come in to my desk that teenagers are spending more and more time with 3-5 hours per day on an average, just talking with friends on scraps or writing blogs, joining communities, sharing pics and so on. Even I hanged on these places for a while to explore and I feel, its just 'Tempting' - also tomfoolery, wasting time, money and energy for people who are into serious business on web.

Google released a social networking service called orkut in 2004, named after Orkut Buyukkokten, a Google software engineer who developed the project during personal time allowed to him by Google.All employees at Google are allowed to spend twenty percent of their time working on personal interests, a policy Google has to encourage creativity. Buyukkokten had an interest in social networking and so developed his service. Google decided to open it to the public and here, Orkut is just a Craze with guys n gals, irrespective of the negative that Orkut offers a lot. As many schools in India adopts and embrace technology, children at school are given assignments and they need to get a personal computer/lap tops for them. Little do the parents or teachers realize what they do, many of them hang around these social networking places and I feel this is a 'warning' signal. Even if you are a music lover, these places offer audio as well as video to watch and sure, you get hooked.

This site Social Networking Meta List is interesting on web. It features all the networking sites that you can choose from. All you need is your reach to places on web and of coz, the TEM, like I said - time, money and energy - Enjoy! Be careful, too!

- ilaxi

Indian Govt has a lousy idea of Blog censorship that their Instructions landed up the ISPs to block all blogspot blogs!Post 7/11, the Government decided to block sites and gave a handful of list to ISPs. Out of a misunderstanding of both Technology and Security, ISPs blocked all the Blogger Blogs. CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) of the Telecommunications demanded the block to some sites with no explanations to the drastic action of blocking all blogger sites. As a result, Indian Bloggers on the web with over 42,000 Bloggers on the Google owned blogspot.com suffered from this action. They have already formed "Bloggers Collective Group" and Wiki on Bloggers Against Censorship - a Campaign against Indian Government's apparent notice to various ISPs to Block the various websites and blogs hosted on blogspot.com. The bloggers demand their constitutional right to Freedom of Speech & Expression as Indian Citizens.

A unique script has been provided by Dr. Awab Alvi, a Pakistani founder of 'Dont Block the Blog Campaign' and the Blogger Blogs can be viewed here. All you need to do is, just enter the name of the Blog. eg. kidsfstech, kidsfreesouls, sambhaav - all blogs that are hosted on Google's Blogger (blogspot.com) You will be able to read these Blogs here. A lot Thanks to Dr.Awab Alvi that you can read the sambhaav blog through these two sites - pkblogs.com and inblogs.com.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) has now instructed the ISPs to Block only the websites and blogs specified in the Instructions to them earlier. The order further says that the ISPs operating in India should strictly comply with the order dated 13th July 2006 and provide unhindered access to Internet. They are only supposed to block the limited number of web pages and websites not the entire network of domains hosting some of these blogs. They are also asking the ISPs to clarify why they should not take action against them for blocking harmless sites and causing a lot of troubles for the end user in the country.

Yet, strangely, the blogs are still not viewed! Some Bloggers are moving for legal action ironically to be based on the Information Technology Act, 2000. In Section 66, this Act defines 'Hacking' - as gaining illegal access to any website, or preventing access to a website through illegal means.

- More on kidsfstech Blog - If you are in India and cannot view the Blog, go the pkblogs.com and enter the name eg. kidsfreesouls, sambhaav, kidsfstech, shabdpreet (all are hosted on Blogger:-) coz I am a google Blogger Fan since the day it launched its Blogger services! Enjoy!

- ilaxi

News websites, RSS feeds and Blogs - The next 'Big Battle of Journalism' is maybe the Internet! Advertising, sponsoring, donation and contribution by Readers on major Blog websites and online media channels is a way to go on the web. Thereby more journalists emerge every day and many news websites and blogs emerge with enhanced Information.

So far, Gujarati language websites had a limitation but with adopting the unicode way of writing, a number of Gujarati websites and blogs have mushroomed on the web and more gujaratis have the opportunity - not only to blog but also be a part of the Gujarati worldwide community online. Here is Sureshbhai Jani, Harish Dave and Mrugesh Shah who are teaming up with Gujarati Bloggers on the web to build one main centrally designed website joined by all Gujarati Bloggers. This means, we are going to find links to various categories like Literature Profiles, Poetry, Songs & Gazals, Gujarati Newspapers (Print & Online), Arts, Personal Blogs, Gujarati Dictionary, Gujarati Forum, etc. - All at one place. The idea is novel but only to be seen how the issue of copyright, freedom of speech, fonts and proper weightage is given to all Gujarati newspaper and bloggers!

Sureshbhai Jani's contribution towards the Gujarati Sahitya Sarjak Parichay and his Swarachit Rachnao is a toast on the web. At a time when Gujarati Literature is lurking behind with the upcoming, tech influenced generation, here comes the Literature Profiles that keeps alive the Gujarati Literature world. Surehbhai's efforts to bring all Gujaratis under one roof is highly appreciated as it would give a common syndication to be read worldwide.

Well, while I started making a Guj Literature Blog with Bhupatbhai's articles, I had come across the first Gujarati Literature website of Mrugesh Shah. He has a unique way of presenting Gujarati news and Gujarati Literature on the web. Initially started last year on 7th July 2005, readgujarati.com offers the rich gujarati literature Authors' Articles & Poetry, short stories and news to Gujarati world. The upcoming writers get a chance to publish their work on this website. Remained on Top selection of wordpress in its Bloggers Category for 15 days, readgujarati.com is worldwide read and appreciated. It has already been featured in major newspapers like Sandesh, Divya Bhaskar and Mrugesh Shah has been interacting with people worldwide with his outstanding work and contribution in the field of Gujarati Literature. I highly appreciate Mrugesh Shah's work and may readgujarati.com lead to newer heights in time to come.

Also another, Shri Ratilal Chandaria's Online Gujarati Dictionary & Language resource. A simple, eye catching website with explanation of more than 2.2 million words in unicode encoding and a gujarati spellchecker is all a rich resource for gujaratis. This simplifies work for people like us who've studied in English medium and are at a loss to find words in gujarati - During these times, gujaratlexicon helps English words with gujarati meaning specified with their grammatical form and pronunciation. Thus, it has English to Gujarati and Gujarati to English words alongwith Gujarati to gujarati words + idioms and proverbs, opposites, thesaurus, etc.

If you are a Gujarati and want to contribute on web, here is your chance to blog in Gujarati -Blogger.com. (Blogger.com is much easier than wordpress. com for a beginner according to my experience). All you do is, follow the instructions and just begin to write. You only need to copy+paste your writing in the blogger and submit - Blogger.com is a Push button publishing. Enjoy!

-ilaxi