Do an act of kindness, give a smile to someone today!

World Smile Day was observed yesterday and we all been using the smileys since years. Why, I got so many smileys - smile, wink, practical, devilish...alllll of them way back when I used the icqs and the pagers, chats ...Who invented smileys? And here's all on Kidsfreesouls. check it now....

Feeling hurried, worried and flurried? Give a smile - relieve stress - Do an act of kindness and give a smile to someone today - It's never late!

Btw, You can find an old article of bhai from my Archive here...stay tuned as I would be adding more articles of Bhupatbhai here...

- ilaxi

Navratri festival and Gujarati Bloggers:stay connected

Bingo! The Navratri festival begins with great enthu and I spotted our CM with his opening speech a bit nervous and scared...would he be? I wonder...However, later he spoke as usual, 'Terrorism divides, Tourism Unites.' Spotted was L K Advani, Vajubhai Vala, Ashok Bhatt, Adani and many, many...The University area is just around so bubbling and trafficky with all that glitter and glamour on the new 132 ring road where the Vibrant Gujarat, Navratri Festival , 2008 at University ground is held. At least the road is well lit and if the govt wants, there can be speedy work - at His Highness Service! Good, isn't it?

Here's Navratri Page in Culture pages on Kidsfreesouls. Also find the Eid page and all about the Banned Books week.

Well, Tarun Patel, an Educator from Vallabh Vidyanagar has launched GujaratiBloggers.com, a blogging community focused on the Bloggers from Gujarat. On GujaratiBloggers, Tarun posts the profiles of bloggers who are from Gujarat. Also he has started building a list of blogs maintained by Gujarati people.

Since the launch of this community, Tarun has posted more than 40 Blogger profiles. My profile is also available on GujaratiBloggers, you can have a look there. With GujaratiBloggers community Tarun wants to build the biggest network of Bloggers from the land of Gandhi and Sardar. "This community will give a common platform to the bloggers who have been trying to keep alive the Gujarati culture online", says Tarun.

Many of you are already listed and it's a pleasure to see all and know about Gujarati bloggers scaling higher. If you have a blog and want your profile to be featured on GujaratiBloggers community, send answers to the following questions at tarunpatel@gujaratibloggers.com

1. Please write 5-8 lines about you, your education and your hobbies.
2. When did you start your first blog?
3. Why do you write blogs?
4. How does blogging benefits you?
5. Which is your most successful blog?
6. Which is your most favorite blog? Why?
7. Can Tarun share your email id so that people can write to you? Y / N

You can send your answers along with your photograph to Tarun. Also you can submit your blog details to GujaratiBloggers.com by filling a form here.

Enjoy being Listed and Staying Connected.

- ilaxi

Road show and management mantra@Knol

A Road Show, Presentation and Test Drive of Volkswagon Passat and Volkswagon Jetta (Petrol & Diesel) is organized jointly by Ennovative Finanz and ICICI Bank Ltd. on 23rd September 2008. You are welcome to the show...More details on my Swagatgroup Blog.

Btw, How much Pocket money did you get when you were a child? How much do you think children should get Pocket money now? Read on this on my Kidsfreesouls Blog and post your comments too.

And you can find my Knol with all my Management Mantra articles (even sambhaav print articles) coming up here. Just search for 'ilaxi' and you find it. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

World Gujarati Conference

The three day World Gujarati Conference in NJ is gonna be the largest meeting of any regional Communities across the world. 'Chalo Gujarat', an initiative by AIANA led by the Chairman Sunil Nayak organises the second edition where more than 35,000 Gujaratis across the world are estimated to attend. Narendra Modi will once again address the international Gujarati convention via video conferencing from his Gandhinagar based residence on 31st August, 5.00 pm IST. His satellite speech will be simultaneously web-casted through internet. Saurabh Patel, Energy Minister of Gujarat will represent Gujarat government in ‘Chalo Gujarat’ convention. Two specially developed mascots — ‘Mani’ and ‘Harry’ — will graphically introduce the exhibition. While Mani is a Gujarati girl, Harry is a Gujarati boy living abroad. You can read more on this on the Express website. Here's my earlier post on this.

No wonder, 'જ્યાઁ વસે ગુજરતી, ત્યાઁ વસે ગુજરાત' - One thing just baffles me - the title ' Chalo Gujarat ' - Thank god those who have gone out of Gujarat want to at least say 'Chalo Gujarat' and hopefully, bring in more people to join their Chalo Gujarat theme. For sure, NRGs are moving ahead to make waves to bring Gujarat in the map on top of the world with its social, culture, traditions and economy. The CM knows too well how to reach people even if Visa is not granted. But than, the only aim is 'Apnu Gujarat' - why even Ratan Tata has been invited to set up Nano plant here in Gujarat - a place he should have chosen! Let's cross fingers for resident Gujaratis and non resident gujaratis to work wonders for Gujarat under the leadership of NM.

Btw, here's my new post on my Book Blog and more on Kidsfreesouls. Enjoy.

- ilaxi

Pop goes the iPhone!

The iPhone 3 G Launch and blast, it rips off 'Flop' show. Apple had made a great hype with the long awaited wait for the official launch. However, most of the young people had already got in the cracked version (ugh, did Apple know this?) and looking forward to this or just upgrade it for a few bucks was easier, isn't it? Well, the pricing is too high with the digits rolling higher as we all know - costing 8 GB is Rs.31000/- and 16 GB version for Rs.36000/-. The iPhone is choice of techies, the rich kids and savvy entrepreneurs. And than, one never knows - your iPhone can raise your bill to 25% - all coz of phone's internet surfing capabilities. Vodafone gives 250 MB and 600 MB data usage free per month on a plan of Rs.799 and Rs. 999 whereas Bharti Airtel offers free 500 MB per month on iPhone specific plans that will have basic rent of Rs.600 per month.

And ask me, what do I do with my iPhone? - all is a quick check on the facebook, a listen to ipod or click for a pic and feel happier seeing some pics - a chat here n there and sms to fill up a day. Would I go for a next pic and sure, it would be a Blackberry Pearl and upcoming Android.

Btw, Wired Magazine asked 2,600 iPhone 3G users around the world to contribute 3G performance numbers from their localities. The survey revealed network weaknesses. According to Wired, the carriers are to be blamed and not Apple. One analyst firm has suggested that the problems were due to bad hardware from Infineon. Other pundits suggested a firmware issue which they say Apple attempted to fix with the last update. The fastest 3G speeds were being reported on T-Mobile's networks in Europe, while Australian carriers Optus and Virgin reported the slowest 3G speeds.

Ask for our speeds? You just Guess! And yeah, by the time you wait for the browser to open, it happens that I always get 20% battery left......or just 10% - all at the end of the day!

Anyways, if you a Connexion junkie. You are sure to find a post coming soon here.

- ilaxi

Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! Here's the main note on Kidsfreesouls.

Btw, a quick post here with my First Knol published with my 'Management Mantra' article "Secret of Success" from the print media (In gujarati in former Sambhaav Newspapers Business page).

- ilaxi

Concerns!

Ask any person at random, you find them dealing in stocks! Economy doom is reeling on the minds of many business people and they have an eye on the International market. Most of the younger generation are found to be dealing in stocks and trading at times. The result is the gadgets we find them using extensively and the luxury they want at every stage. Even fancy are the motor bikes catching craze among the youth.

Recently cases of thefts of laptops, mobiles have increased and you never know when they are picked from a parked car. Even cars and motor bikes are missing and houses target for theft. There is an increase in cases and the hoardings keep speaking of progress of Gujarat and the development with less focus on curbing the criminal activities in state. It is high time, the government has a vigil on the culprits who are day by day increasing with economy getting jerky and high cost of living.

Well, here's a post on Abhinav Bindra and we, as Indians, feel Proud of his achievement as India wins first Gold Medal in olympics in 80 years!

- ilaxi

Sun sign character and number astrology

Do you believe in Number Astrology? 8/8/8 and it brings luck but for those born with number 8 i.e. the two Chinese leaders were born in 1942 - So, as per the Chinese astrology, this is the year of the Horse in the 12th year cycle. There's a clash between the rat and a horse as you need an animal to attract away the rat, astrologers say.

Well, whatever, whatever.....here's on Beijing Olympics 2008 (beginning 8/8/8) on Kidsfreesouls along with the links. You can find your Sun sign character as well as Number astrology - I did write these pieces in print media in Sambhaav while I did the Op-ed page as 'Freesouls' - Enjoy.

- ilaxi

Mujhe meri biwise bachao

Here's the great news from guys who gasp for breath saying 'Mujhe meri biwise bachao' - Well, the story of Dilip Patel in AM, Toi features a book by Manoj Joshi, Author of a Gujarati book - પતિની તરફેણમાઁ કોર્ટોના (પત્ની વિરુદ્ધ) ચુકાદાઓ “કેસીસ ઇન ફેવર ઓફ હસબન્ડ.” What so interesting is, the book lists out 2500 cases where men have filed for divorce and won verdits in their favour. As it charts out, the reasons for which Divorce is sought by the man is:

> If wife spoils husband's image
> Insults him before his friends
> Taunts him for not performing well in b - e - d
> Calls him Ravan, butcher....the like words
> Doesn't prepare meals on time

Manoj Joshi is a High Court Advocate who has sold 25000 copies in four months since it was published. Readers have found it informative, eye opener, hilarious, sensational and even shocking and downright 'provocative'. Manoj Joshi has to his credits 22 books and is an expert in his field writing topics which include Hindu marriage Act, Adoption and maintenance. He has his best skills writing in subject matters as matrimony and divorce.

Well, there it goes. I had heard about 'Husband Morcha' against atrocities by wives and they sorted for justice some years ago. And sure, heard of a lot of cases of men being harassed by women and vice-versa. However, the highest problems are foreseen with the newer generation and especially NRIs - men who are scared of their wives threatening to complaint 911 and many parents are stranded back home! For them, this seems to be 'Home sweet Home' to get the right justice as I think no stringent law of lords apply here as Hindu Marriage Act safeguards interest of the couple in general and do offer justice someway.

Well, now I guess even I need to be too alert and prepare meals on time instead of hanging on the net.....A cook is no solution, after all:-)

Btw, sometimes you don't see an update here, draw your attention to 'Twitter' (on right column) and you can follow me to find what I am upto on the web.

- ilaxi

Gujarat is Safe??

The Asaram Bapu scam is almost forgotten as the terror strikes Gujarat! Rumours around has a lot to say on this but the current focus lay on the Ministers visiting the most affected areas. We all know, the PM came for a visit along with Soniaji and they were warmly greeted by the CM, Narendrabhai Modi. Whatever concerns, one thing is sure - we find people gossip that our CM did not purposely talk to Sonia Gandhi and she was completely avoided! It's even reported that she hang around with Manmohanji to promote the party and there was no need for her to accompany the Singh is king and Shivraj Patil.

Well, in time of terror news and bombs fused and de-fused, politicians keep playing their games and the reports keep appearing to highlight their actions - what about the plight of the many dead and injured? Just the announcements - Given a lac by CM and toppled with cream and sugary layer, the PM declares double lacs.....Can they give back lives? Can they stop the terror call? Again the CM is said to blur out the words and only words...."gujaratni pragatine koi nahi roki shake...." Mr. CM need to swirl in action to stop the Antank first - It's said, after Bangalore blast, he said, "gujarat maa shanti che ane antank naa avi shake" but unfortunately, the terror reigns.

Well, here's more on kidsfreesouls on fear and anxiety as rumours go around gripping kids with fear phobia asking, "why do they kill?" - Do our Politicians have an answer?

- ilaxi

Web comics - Fly, You Fools!

Fly, You Fools, People are mindless cattle - says the mast-head of the new Indian Web comic about Life and it's irritations. The site is presented by Saad Akhtar with a hilarious comic theme on day to day irritations. What is so attractive is the neat presentation but more, the reality that show at a glance. India is a land where all odds happen and endless irritations we face while we breathe free. Let's hope for the best to come....

Btw, here's the glimpse and for more, visit Saad's site - Fly You Fools - An Indian Webcomic about Life. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Media scoops: Misleading?

Divya Bhaskar is one newspaper who conducts great seminars in town recently. At GCCI, DB in association to the chamber, held a session on Parenting and now today, to celebrate its successive five years, DB will be felicitating outstanding women at GCCI; namely Paru Jaykrishna, Ami Yagnik, Rupa Mehta and Mallika Sarabhai. DB with GCCI has jointly organized a Seminar on Women empowerment - thereby debating on the socio-economic and emotional strengths of women. Their fight for Freedom and Power.

Well, it makes me wonder with today's news in media which speaks of a stepping down leader of GCCI, Paruben. Through her tenure, the press has been - for and against - make her rise and fall! Just today, I read somewhere that the CM will now grace GCCI functions which he didn't attend lately due to the outgoing President. Well, I've attended a host of functions all round the year where the CM was present! I think the press is wrong! Are they misguiding people? If so, why? Under who's pressure do they write or do they want masalas for stirring soups?

Power sometimes go in the wrong hands and they leave no blank areas to tarnish the image of people. Paruben is projected all negative (sometimes positive!) in newspapers and they've mentioned her as to be 'ambitious'.....Well, these reporters aren't ambitious? Without ambition, I don't think one can reach a goal. Next step is a determination and that she had. Completely dedicated to the chamber, Paru Jaykrishna has made an achievement and she's changed the GCCI scenario in just one year! Those who're reading the GCCI Bulletin are aware of the Bulletin presentation lately and also the working is much better organized than before at the premises. Why don't the Press write the Positive? Only they know...

One thing I hate at workplace environment is 'Pulling and pushing' tactics. Politics is bad but worse is human nature and we find politics at every stage in our life esp. at workplace, at clubs, social organisations - all where committees are formed! These very leaders and committees speak of goals and achievements but lack a unity!

Btw,the CM is to remain present for the Installation ceremony of the new elected GCCI President Rupesh C Shah on 27th June. I won't be saying more on him as his 'Ek Vichar' speaks a lot on him and more, you can read in the press! Keep watching the posts and keep reading the print newspapers - will make you wonder the way of reporting - good going to bad.....it's all wait and watch to Watch the News - Life comes to News, is it?

- ilaxi

Narendra Modi will get visas for Chaalo Gujarat???

I hear that the AIANA (Association of Indian American of North America) will use their best influence to convincePresident George W Bush to grant US visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi enabling him to attend a Gujarati conference in New Jersey.

The three-day ‘Chaalo Gujarat’conference will be held at Edison, New Jersey from September 1-3 and this time, our CM will take no risk. Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, The big brothers -Anil-Mukesh Ambani, Minister Shankersinh Vaghela, Irfan Pathan, Kiran More are among the few dignitaries to visit the conference.

We all know, Modi was denied visa in 2005 by the US following the 2002 riots. This time, unless the US consulate gives a sure green signal, Narendrabhai will not apply. It can hurt his reputation and sure it will - not only his but leave scars and stains on the reputation of Gujarat too. What do the big shots of US think? Video conferencing or live telecasting is a way to go but denying visa to the CM is an insult. Show a Minister who is clean chit? Why lay hurdles in Gujarat progress? After all, the CM brings Gujarat in the world map and is the best State in India winning awards for excellent administration and Sonia Gandhi herself had given the Award earlier too.

Well, I think Narendra Modi's influence is far and wide and this time, all cheers...he's gonna get the Visas for sure and if not, Where there's a will, there's a way - Gujarat CM can reach people and win hearts - all coz he's got words and words are all he has to take hearts away - Indeed, Narendra Modi is a great Orator (only he spill beans with harsh words sometimes!)

- ilaxi

Kidsfreesouls 9 tips for Dads

Happy Father's Day to all Dads. Here's to wish :

What Makes A Dad?

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... Dad - Author is unknown

Well, here's Kidsfreesouls 9 ways that help Dads to stand by Moms in bringing up kids gracefully and help them manage their workplace with positive rewarding experiences. Those who have read the article 'New Parental Concern:Dad a Role Model' in the first chapter of my book Guardian of Angels find the useful tips on how a Dad can stand by moms and pose to be a Role Model. If you have not yet picked my book, grab a copy NOW! Enjoy!

Btw, time takes a twist and a turn with irregularities here - so sneak in for my quick posts on more to come from time to time.

- ilaxi

"Five questions sum up the breadth of news: What, When, Where, Why and How. The breadth of politics is spanned by a single question: Why? What, When and Where become largely irrelevant because you can hardly undo the past; and How helps with the gossip but does not interfere with facts. "Why" is crucial because its answer is the only means by which you can try to pre-empt a similarly unpleasant surprise in the future." says M J Akbar who launched 'Covert' - a political magazine in mid may.

In politics, the 'why' is always crucial but a lot goes with 'How' too and by and large, this how leads to when and where - How it happened, when and where it should happen and why it should not happen....you know what I mean - the situations we find absolutely alarming when common people become the victims. Ask a CM or a PM and the rules are ever changing with the party leaders! Politicians - Endangered species!!

I guess, this post comes after a break - all amidst my social, professional and personal health issues demanding my major attention. Anyways, do freak in for a casual stroll to kidsfreesouls to find something new and to the newly launched Covert with a new adds to columnists posts on the MJ blog and of coz, my biz site with the Biz blog now going the feedburner way to go..

- ilaxi

Twitter, twitter and twittering.....that's the way to Go - as long as new explorations continue, everything seems rosy and gold but it seems to wait how long we continue with these social networking sites - My Space, Face Book, Orkut, Wayn, Linked in, Flixter....many many more...and here's Twitter you see me Twittering for a while (on right bar of the blog) - Find more on this on Kidsfreesouls Blog note.

Btw, Yesterday at the launch of Smita Dani's Book "Diary of a Survivor", it was a pleasure attending the book release. Specifically, a lot to learn on living life and listening to the wisdom words of Smita Dani and Narendra Modi - on Life and their Books. I was the one fortunate to get a copy of Narendrabhai's 'Jyotipunj' but well, it was the words of the CM that were driven to musings on Dare to do it and what is life all about.......Read more on Kidsfreesouls and keep checking in for more in print newspapers too.....

- ilaxi

A long time with no posts and do we call this a Writer's Block? Maybe - coz when we keep silent, there's a way to go and it's always said, 'Silence Speaks a Thousand Words' - Probably, this is the reason why I like the song of Debbie Gibson where the words go 'Don't worry, I'll return the song of silence.....Silence speaks a thousand words!

Anyways, here's the New York Times Bestseller Joel Comm's 4th Book launch of revealing 'Adsense Secrets' - Find on Kidsfreesouls as I blog my way to newer areas....Be a Millionaire with Joel's tips. Believe me, I used this long ago when I started this Blog and Adsense secrets of Joel really works :-) Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Every day is a new day as well as every day is a festive day when you live in the land of the Free in Gujarat. Well, with Holi, Good Friday and Easter to celebrate, here's wishing 'Happy festivals'.

And here's presenting Fairy land for children and I am sure many of the kids will love to surf the Kids pages and Story pages on kidsfreesouls. Also presenting the stories of Artie Knapp's Library. Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Do I ever miss remembering 12th March? I guess not and will never! Well, here's the post on kidsfreesouls and also, get to subscribe my blogs. Enjoy.
- ilaxi

“India’s democracy is a little more powerful than its temporary rulers.” - M J Akbar

And the news came around my desk on 1st March! However, here's more on this on links on M J Akbar's Blog - In case you missed on this piece of info (call it news!)

- ilaxi
- Read More in Tehelka Magazine, Vol 5, Issue 10, Dated Mar 15, 2008
- Is Decline to the Fourth Estate here and happening?