Kadva Patel Parivar Mahila Vikas - for Patel Women

Are you a Patel? Here is your door to join the Kadva Patidar Parivar Mahila Vikas Organization headed by President Kala Amin. The wing works for the benefit of all Kadva Patel women, highlights on programs that focus on overall development of women and builds a community to stay aware, gain knowledge and get entertainment with value programs. Formed in April 1984 with minimum 25 women, the group now is vast extended with thousands of Patel women joining the organization. Health camps, entertainment, arts and crafts demonstrations, recipe demos, picnics, religious tours, etc are enjoyed by many.

The Navratri ends - but still you have a chance here with this Organization as they will celebrate the Navratri Festival Garba on 20th October 2010. Known as 'Rangtali', the event is held at D K Patel Hall, Naranpura, Ahmedabad at 8.30. All can participate as it is not restricted for only Patels - All you need is to collect passes from Kalaben Amin (Kaneesha Boutique, C G Road, Ahmedabad).

As for Kala Amin, she is a dynamic personality and I am sure, many would love to visit her boutique on C G Road or just go online to Kaneesha.com - Kalaben is an active social worker and connected to Lions, GCCI BWW as Past Chairperson and even head several other groups.

So, get women join the Kadva Patel Parivar Mahila Vikas - strictly patel members - But for Navratri, head on for the passes, Enjoy!

- ilaxi

Swarnim Navratri 2010 ends!

Swarnim Gujarat Navratri 2010 which also marked the golden jubilee of Gujarat came to an end and I am sure many of you must have attended the same if you are in Ahmedabad.

The Navratri Festival was organized at GMDC Grounds at Memnagar from 8-16 October and was known as Ahmedabad's CWG! Participated by top Industrial houses and supported by Guj State, the event marked as the world's longest dance festival with tourist attraction - over 40,000 people attended the event which included 18 ambassadors from countries like Nepal, Albania, Peru, Cambodia, Ukraine, etc. The venue saw a huge concert stage with non stop garba dance and folk dance performance, huge photo gallery of Gujarat, theatre show, theme pavillion with Champaner gallery (world heritage site) and other heritage places,the then and now places of Ahmedabad in huge photo frames and much more of Tourism with the Amitabh Bacchan campaign stealing the show as it attracted the audience. The handicrafts with craft bazaar, food outlets, games and adventure sports, fireworks, fountains and lighting were the major attraction.
As usual, I had a casual stroll but the feeling this time turned sour! The reason was Management - mis-Management - in the sense that it could be a chaos on the last day with thousands of people thronging to see the Gujarat glimpse. One can spot the masses and no classes - Free never has value, I guess. It did offer free entertainment and glimpse into what you all did not know about Gujarat.

The navratri ends but not too soon as you can always look for more to come with the Vibrant Summit 2011 on 12-13th January and the Kite Festival too.

- ilaxi

'Sanjog se Bani Sangini' - Ga41 Entertainment's guests

Sometime ago, stars of the Zee Television Serial 'Sanjog se Bani Sangini' were in town. The soap opera is somewhat based on the film 'Devdas'- a love story of a guy Rudra (Iqbal Khan) who fails to get his childhood love Pihu, played by Aditi Gupta and than he takes to alcohol. At this point of time, enters Gauri (Binny Sharma) into his life like a breath of fresh air. Both live in different worlds yet emotionally bonded - will their love bloom their live? Time will say as the serial continues during the afternoons.(I hardly get time to see but You Tube shows all if u want skip and even watch few episodes!)



Aruna Irani and Sudha Chandran makes an appearance and it's nice to see them in the episodes apart from many others. Aruna Irani is the mother of Iqbal and plays her devious role who wants to do anything at any cost and is shrewd one in the serial!

Btw, the unit of Ga41 ENTERTAINMENT who are Event Managers and works on promotions, events and all related to Entertainment had Iqbal and Binny Sharma as guests for a day when they came for 'Sanjog Se Bani Sangini' Promotions to Ahmedabad some time ago. I was the lucky one to be photographed with the artist but here's a pic to share of the unit Ga41 Entertainment managed by Atrish and Grishma Trivedi - the most talented people in the field of Event Management. As you find a pic above, you can call them for any Events Promotions - Be it wedding, Navratri festival, Birthdays, Exhibitions, etc. Even if you like the Bollywood and have stars shining down on your events too:-) They are the ones who have earlier done Gujarat Tourism Events and engaged in many Creative events of Film, TV and stage Artists.

Just call Atrish or Grishma 9374243383, 9374800031 and their office is based at 152,153,154 - Nidhi Shopping center, OFF. 132 ft. ring road, OPP.Pragati Nagar Bus stand, Naranpura,AHMEDABAD-13.

- ilaxi

Gujarat Tourism at TTF Fair

TTF Fair and with a Gujarat Tourism participation rocked the venue Gujarat Exhibition Hall. Being into Holidays Business, I casually strolled for a visit and was amazed to see the visitors lined for travel destinations.

300 Participants were from 21 states and 10 countries. Among the International participants, they were from China, Nepal, Dubai, Philippines, Egypt, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam participating in the Outbound Travel segment. Among the major State tourism participants were Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh , Rajasthan, Karnataka , West Bengal, Chattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Punjab, and Jharkhand. Over 15000 Travel enthusiastics turned up at the show and sort for perfect Destinations. More Gujaratis are found to be travelling round the globe with more attractions for Egypt, Switzerland and Japan followed by places in Kerela, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Though International travel attracted visitors, so was a glimpse into Gujarat was inviting.

The Gujarat Tourism promotion was amazing with live traditional and cultural programs. The vibrant garba dancing by girls and live showing of destinations in Gujarat showed the spirits of Gujarat Tourism on rise. Gujarat offers everything in the tourism landscape including heritage, archaeology, religion, wildlife/eco-tourism and handicrafts.

You can find details of Travel and Tourism on Gujarat State Portal (click Gujarat Tourism here) with links to Gujarat Tourism and explore Gujarat Destinations.

You can stay tuned to Swagat Group for upcoming Holiday packages or call on us for details. The site maybe unupdated but than time is always a restraint and I soon plan to complete the procrastinated tasks.

- ilaxi

Tomorrow's Young Achievers : Book Review

I confess, I love to read Management Books that inspire younger minds, that delve with the old as well as the ‘New Rules’ which work well with upcoming or established Entrepreneurs. Pushpendra Mehta’s Book ‘Tomorrow’s Young Achievers’ is Highly Recommended. The book is inspiring for young achievers as the Author shares his profound knowledge and experience with his readers.

Tomorrow’s Young Achievers by Pushpendra Mehta is an Enrepreneural package that consist of valuable 31 career defining insights for Generation X. In four Chapters, the Author shares his life experiences and lessons acquired during his Academic journey at Northwestern University, subject matter experts, personal observations, specific classmates and subsequent Professional careers. Travelled across 11 cities/towns within India and Overseas, Pushpendra Mehta is well versed with diverse cultures, is equipped with modern technology tools and gadgets and prepares young minds to be focused to determine their future in 2025 – 15 years from now, facing challenges amidst Learning curves and change, getting ready for Job or Entrepreneurship and even preparing the younger generation for socio-economic, cultural, political, legal, creativity, business, environmental and technical changes.

The Book is really a great entrepreneurial memoir with tons of interesting anecdotes and advise with insights to script own career destiny in an uncertain world. It Emphasize how Entrepreneurs can create a culture of candor that can allow them to grow beyond par to make a niche for themselves. Pushpendra Mehta gives an insight into some unique trials Entrepreneurs face and interestingly pin points key message highlighting illustrations that speak of entrepreneurial traits.

The Author provides informative insights on Entrepreneurship, Marketing, NGO, Communication and Life visioning to dream big and talks of Unconventional risks creating lasting impressions. He draws lessons learnt from the under privileged in slums of Mumbai and Peru and having dealt with NGOs, he speaks of lessons learnt in marketing and striking a chord with customers on the street. How to live and fight risks each day is a challenge indeed for the underprivileged and yet, he observed through their business ventures, there are limitless options to explore as Entrepreneurs.

Summing up the contents, here is a glimpse into some important topics from Four Chapters:

Chapter I: It takes Learning and Change to Tango

The Author advise to facilitate Learning with change by being yourself and building own natural strengths. His interactions with a successful Entrepreneur reveal that Playing safe is one of the biggest risks in 21st century. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Marc Zuckerberg and many others started young and fresh without the burden of the word ‘experience’ and they made it Big. He recommends to experiment out of comfort zone and measuring performance each quarter. He feels the Importance of mentor or coach. ‘Objective, sagacious or experienced coach + smart young You’ to make up duo to brace up to the challenges leading to 2025.

Chapter 2: Script your own Career Destiny in an uncertain world

Learn to wear unlike hats – Job or Entrepreneurship. Developing skills for both. Should a job not work or you face a lay off – be prepared to be an Entrepreneur, advices the author. The chapter provides lessons for the mainstream and non mainstream professional with his month experience with the Underprivileged. He weighs force on mastering the art of negotiations and highlights that Tomorrow’s CEOs will come from HR and PR and get ready to master these skills apart from mastering voice techniques and speech skills. He Focuses on creativity and charting business plans. Updating on International Business, practices, new ventures and unexplored options.

Chapter 3: Life visioning, dreaming Big, Unconventional risks and clut of communicators

Most of the Authors talk of dreams but Pushpendra Mehta talks of life visioning and dreaming big. To start when young and fresh. Big dreams = repeated failures + Reject rejection + Vary Approach – bouncing back with bigger dreams to achieve goals. Rebuffing Pessimism and never give up are some success tips mentioned by the Author.

Chapter 4: Your Choice will determine your Future in 2025

Choices determine destiny, says Pushpendra Mehta. Being Friends and what friends mean is a topic which reflects today’s changing cultural scenario where friends are new family who stand by day to day. At University or job, the most overlooked aspect is ‘Interviewing the Boss’ and this is an interesting thought that the Author pens down. Other highlights of this chapter are asking for help, be caring or self absorbed leader and an amazing tip to go and work for a leader/boss who remains unchanged for years to grab the best experience but a tip more for which you need to read the book! And finally, being Chief Happiness Officer – Be Positive and stay Happy in an Unhappy world.

In an Economy Boom, opportunities have never been better for Entrepreneurs and I feel, Entrepreneurs should read this book as ‘How to stay tuned’ to their own business and even face challenges with competitive companies in their own markets. Pushpendra Mehta’s Academic and Professional journey gives an insight to grab opportunities and strike big with wide ranging resource that offer something for business pioneers of all stripes.

And finally my concluding note: Tomorrow’s Young Achievers – This Book is a Boon and a Blessing. It is Well-written, great Entrepreneurial message, passionate plea, bold and courageous and a great book to reflect on what it means to Achieve and find youself in 2025. A must Read - Must pick, Enjoy.

(Tomorrow's Young Achievers is available at all leading stores and you can even buy on the Author's Website.)

If you are an Author or a Publisher and want me to review the Book, send an email here.

- ilaxi patel

India - Land of the Free

Wishing all readers who pass by this blog, 'Happy Independence Day' as India celebrates 64th Independence Day tomorrow, 15th August.

An incident narrated by Gandhiji's interpreter Alexander Horace who first met Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram in 1928. One day when Gandhi was praying in a village, a Muslim caught him by the throat.

Gandhi almost collapsed. But even as he fell down, he recited some lines from the Quran.

On hearing them, the Muslim said, “I am sorry. I am prepared to protect you. Give me any work. Tell me what should I do?”

Gandhi replied, “Do only one thing. When you go back home, do not tell anyone what you tried to do to me. Otherwise there will be Hindu-Muslim riots. Forget me and forgive yourself.”

India is a Can do Nation, A democratic country and I think it is high time our politicians in Delhi spread a positive signal of calm and peace to citizens. So many citizen voices and people power say it all, what more can I say in a small note here but to hope for a truly Independent country where nobody sleep without a morsel of food!

Btw, Click for the Gujarat Independence Day celebration and flag hoisting live. Also find Kidsfreesouls India Page. Download the National Anthem tune and celebrate freedom.

- ilaxi

55% of India's Population is Poor - Gujarat 9th MPI Rank

A report says, 55% of India's Population is Poor! 645 Million People are poor as measured by Multi-dimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Developed by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) for the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) forthcoming 2010 Human Development Report,the MPI attempts to capture:

Income poverty line
Education - years of schooling and child enrollment
Health - child mortality and nutrition
Standard of Living - Electricity,Flooring,Drinking water,Sanitation,Cooking fuel and assets

Gujarat seems to have 40% of population living in poverty as per the new composite measure. The incidence of poverty and its intensity are both measured. No wonder, so many of them are under nourished and education is far way distant dream. Though all efforts are tuning to success for the government in upgrading education level and focusing on health issues, it might turn the poverty ratio to lessen as the State Development growth may provide ample job opportunities to somewhat eradicate poverty.

Gujarat stand as 9th in MPI Rank. The stats read:

Gujarat 57.3 Population in millions (2007)
MPI - 0.205
Proportion of poor - 41.5%
Average Intensity - 49.2%
Contribution to overall poverty - 3.4%
Number of MPI Poor in millions - 23.8

I guess it is thoughful to take to task on issues that concern poverty though the development itself speaks of tremendous growth.

What do you think? Can you suggest measures to further eradicate poverty in Gujarat?

- ilaxi

Conference I attended - Building secure cities in troubled times

A half day conference was held on 25th May 2010 at The Hotel Gateway Ummed in Ahmedabad on the topic” Building Secure Cities in Troubled Times’ at The Hotel Gateway Ummed, Ahmedabad at 2.00 pm on May 25th, 2010. This conference was a part of the ‘Secure your City - Ahmedabad Initiative’ organized by SWI ( Security Watch India) in association with Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry, IPPAI, CSARN, BCIC, MCCI. The conference was sponsored by Indianeye, while the security partner was G4S and the Media Partner, Business World.

I participated in this Conference which has the mission of 'Secure Your City - Ahmedabad Initiative' and support and facilitate the efforts of the Government, security Agencies and Industry to secure Business and citizens of Ahmedabad. The Inaugural speech was by Shri Balwant Singh, Addnl. Chief Secretary, Home Department, Government of India. All sessions were chaired by Mr. Maroof Raza, Defence Analyst and Senior Advisor, SWI. The conference was meant for Hotels, Hospitals, Schools, Colleges, Malls, Banks, Airports, Nuclear Sites, Power Plants, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Seaports, Refineries & Mines

It is said that, 'Disasters don't happen to places, it happens to people.' It is a fact that the city of Ahmedabad is one of the most rapidly growing Metropolitan Cities set to become a global hub across many sectors. Ahmedabad needs to match the pace when it comes to threat preparedness, disaster and emergency management, and the incorporation of secure systems and procedures across business and various other establishments for continuity and resilience.

The joint initiative focused on Action several points as Government and citizen participation, coastal security operations, need for maritime development and co-ordination and other issues that relate to implementations of technology and latest equipment and coordination for police forces and preparing for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

As per the Information derived from the Conference, talking on world terror fatalities, till Dec 5, 2009, India had experienced 2062 fatalities, out of which 920 were due to naxalite operations, 782 were incidents in the North East and 360 were in the troubled region of J&K, clearly indicating that security is largely affected in the country through such disgruntled factions and insurgent groups. Additionally forest lands have become guerilla zones and 231 districts in the country have naxal influence, with the strongest presence in south Chattisgarh.

Not going deeper into why India is so susceptible to disasters, much about the Security Issues, which are the soft targets when terrorist strike and knowing the anatomy of terrorist and why such attacks are not handled well, the Conference gave an insight to major roles that can be played by Government and citizens to combat terror.

A mobile phone based alarm system named E-Watch, enabled through GPS was also demonstrated at the Conference.

You can read the overview and report with names of Speakers who participated on SWI website.
http://www.securitywatchindia.org.in/SecureAhmedabad.aspx

- ilaxi

Simply Gujarati - Proud to be one!

Soul curry for kids - That's Kidsfreesouls in Simply Gujarati, India Today, 28th June 2010 - Grab your copy now from the stands!

Read more on Ed blog.

- ilaxi

Girl Education and School enrolment Initiative

Girl Education and school enrolment initiatives takes off. A three-day ‘Kanya Kelavani' and ‘Shala Praveshotsav' programme is held during 17-18-19 June 2010 in rural areas whereas programme for urban areas will be held during 24-25-26 June 2010.

The Initiative is promoted by Gujarat CM along with his team of Cabinet Ministers, Secretaries, MLAs and Govt. officials who personally visit villages like last year and foresees a vision to higher the literacy rate and aim for 'zero - ‘0’ percent' drop out rate in Gujarat.

Around 1.05 Lacs of teaching assistants, 64,390 new classrooms, 50,350 sanitation facilities and 32,350 schools will be equipped with drinking water and electricity. This is a major change at Primary education level in rural and urban villages in Gujarat.

Moreover, Books will be donated to schools under the 'Vanche Gujarat' initiative. Toys will be donated which involves people participation to donate 'a book and a toy' for children. Yoga demonstration and Computer teaching will also be conducted. Great efforts are put for education reforms as there will be a system of Teacher-student Gradation in schools. Weaker students will be specially taken care for. Std. 8 will be included in Primary schooling too.

Vidhyalakshmi Bonds will be distributed and implementation of midday meal scheme will be assessed.

Now, we call this a dynamic approach towards improving Education. You can find few Projects and Initiatives on State Portal here.

Who says, 'Gujarat has high school drop out rate' - Prior to 2009, 40 out of 100 children use to drop out but now the figure stands low and comes down to only 2 !

Hats off to the CM and his team - Be proud to be a Gujarati and in Gujarat:-)

- ilaxi

GCERT getting ready to change the Primary school syllabus - for Good!

For the parents and teachers of class I-V - good news is that GCERT (Gujarat Council of Education Research and Training) is going to review the text book syllabus of classroom teaching. Best of the teachers are selected and I hear, the new group is formed which includes 160 resource persons - primary teachers, cluster resource centre co-ordinators, Education inspectors, experts from Textbook Board, readers and lecturers from GCERT.

This group will discuss how children learn, their tastes of learning and classroom habits. They will take about a year and a half to submit their recommendation to a curriculum committee headed by well known academician who will verify to further make their recommendation to the Education Department for final decision.

Long procedure, isn't it? Anyways, but some move is being made and that's for good instead of teaching children boring lessons - mistakes and language flaws apart...Children are move savvy today and the Govt. Text books need a complete revision.

Btw, ask an English medium primary class student, 'Do you know 'Cat in the Hat' and the reply comes, "Yeah, we learnt the lesson in the classroom" However, they hardly know it was Dr.Seuss' famous work and ask children, who is Dr. Suess and few can reply to this! This is English medium - naa gharna naa ghatna...And even, I am one of them!

- ilaxi

Go Green : Join the Green Campaign

E-green Initiatives:
Go Green and the Government has all plans set ready to roll down and involve environment lovers to go eco friendly. The State's Forest and Environment Department I hear has announced appointment of green volunteers in city areas for protection of trees and to increase the social forestry in urban areas. Interested citizens and organisations will be motivated to be Green Guards. Students, teachers, eco clubs, environment lovers, environmentalists, social workers or any citizen can join the Green Guard movement. Be Green Ambassadors and motivators will play their role to join hands with the government to face global warming.

The Swarnim pledge is happenning and everybody wants to contribute and add zest to life. Be it Read Gujarat initiative or Go Green - life moves on and maybe soon enough, we have the Health Gujarat initiative to guide our kids and stop them being obese by eating the junk outside!

Well, here's a new topic on Environment Column and be there, every week for a question that rolls down on Environment concerns. If you have one, do send your question right away.

- ilaxi

Swarnim Live Show on Gujaratindia.com

Sardar Patel Stadium - Pre Gujarat Day - Swarnim preparations is in full swing.

Swarnim Sankalp Jyot Rath Yatra began on 12th February 2010 on the auspicious ocassion of Shiv Ratri to mark the people's festival of 50 Glorious years of Gujarat. Every citizen of the State participates in the celebrations of Swarnim Gujarat and as countdown begins, on 1st May at Sardar Patel Stadium, Dr. Kamala Beniwal, Governor of Gujarat will inaugurate the cultural show. Around 4000 participants from various regions of Gujarat will perform live amidst light and sound show. 'Vande Gujarat' - the theme will focus on History of Gujarat and remember all those who contributed for gujarat. There will be a fusion of traditional folk music and dance to the modern era with laser shows of illuminated lights and effects with echo surround sound effects that truly will be enthralling.

I witnessed the extraordinary pre preparations and am sure, many will like to be there lest they miss out.

To watch live, click Gujaratindia.com for following views:

Swarnim Gujarat, Vaishwik Gujarat
(NRG meet & Cultural Event)
Swarnim Kalash will be presented to country and state representatives
Date: 30th April, 2010
Time: 5.30 pm
Venue: Convention Centre, University Ground, Ahmedabad

Mahatma Mandir Foundation Ceremony
Soil and water locations around the globe, India and Gujarat will be placed in the Mahatma Mandir
Date: 1st May, 2010
Time: 9.45 am
Venue: Nearby Gandhinagar Railway Station, Gandhinagar

Vande Gujarat
(a Gala Cultural Event)
Date: 1st May, 2010
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad


- ilaxi

Swarnim Gujarat celebrations

Swarnim Gujarat celebrations Countdown begins....Here is a pic pre practice for Vande Gujarat event at Sardar Patel Stadium some days ago prior to the decorations done.

In case you missed the event details on Swarnim Gujarat website, here is the link to Divya Bhaskar. Info below mentions of some celebration events:

સ્વર્ણિમજયંતી વર્ષની ઉજવણીના કાર્યક્રમો

સવારે ૭.૦૦ કલાકે : લાલ દરવાજા નજીક મહાગુજરાતના પ્રણેતા ઇન્દુચાચાની પ્રતિમાને શ્રદ્ધાસુમન.
સવારે ૮.૦૦ કલાકે : શહીદ સ્મારક ખાતે પોલીસ બેન્ડ સાથે શહીદોને શ્રદ્ધાંજલિ અપાશે.
સવારે ૮.૩૦ કલાકે : સાબરમતી આશ્રમમાં ગાંધીજીને અંજલિ, સ્વર્ણિમ સંકલ્પો, ગુજરાતીઓનું બહુમાન.
સવારે ૧૦.૦૦ કલાકે : ગાંધીનગરમાં પૂજય રવિશંકર મહારાજની પ્રતિમાને પુષ્પાંજલિ.
સવારે ૧૦.૩૦ કલાકે : ગાંધીનગરના સેકટર-૧૫માં મહાત્મા મંદિરનો શિલાન્યાસ, દેશ-વિદેશમાંથી આવેલી માટી અને પાણીનો મંદિરના પાયામાં અભિષેક.
૧લી મેએ બપોર પછી : સરદાર પટેલ સ્ટેડિયમમાં ઉજવણીનો શાનદાર પ્રારંભ.
લાઇટ એન્ડ સાઉન્ડ શો સાથે ભવ્ય ઇતિહાસ રજૂ થશે.

૩૦મીની પૂર્વસંઘ્યાએ શું થશે?

ગુજરાત યુનિવર્સિટીના કન્વેન્શન સેન્ટરમાં એનઆરઆઇ સંમેલન.
વિશ્વમાં જયાં ઉજવણી થવાની છે ત્યાં મોદીનું માર્ગદર્શન.
સ્વર્ણિમ કળશ પ્રત્યેક પ્રતિનિધિને સોંપાશે.
સંસ્કાર-વિરાસતનો સપ્તરંગી ગુજરાત કાર્યક્રમ.
સાંજે સાડા સાત કલાકે ગુજરાતમાં જયનાદ અને ઘંટારવ.
ગાંધીનગરમાં નેવી બેન્ડની સુરાવલી સાથે નાગરિકોનો જયનાદ.
મહાનગરોમાં વોર્ડવાર જયનાદ.
૨૮મી એપ્રિલ થી ૩જી મે સુધી ગુજરાતભરમાં રોશની.

For more news to appear, follow Gujarat State Portal. And, for your Swarnim Pledge, log to www.swarnimgujarat.org - follow Gujarat Day Page on Kidsfreesouls too.

- ilaxi

Samaydan - donate time

Celebrations of Swarnim Gujarat continues with yet another movement “Vanche Gujarat” - Cultivate reading habits amongst kids and citizens. A kind of initiative 'jagya tyarthi savar' - late but welcoming! Watch and listen to live web telecast at Gujarat State Portal or at CM Narendra Modi's site on 1st April 2010, 11 a.m. sharp.

Kidsfreesouls conducts Childrens' Library since 1991, encouraging kids for reading and other creative activities - once a week, two to three hours, round the year with 100 per cent results.

Now, you can be a part of the campaign by joining 'Samaydan' - donation of time and offer community service.

Read more on Kidsfreesouls News and follow blog.

- ilaxi

Remembering 12th March

12th March and an unforgettable day for me - My dad was born this day - Gandhiji's Salt Satyagraha and Sambhaav Newspaper's birthday. It is not a death of a newspaper with five years of continuous Sambhaav Metro - However, there is no match substitute to the newspaper that Bhupatbhai managed. One got to accept with grace. And, when I see Bhai today, my heart fills with emotions that have no words to say except wish him happy ageing and happy memories of the yester years.

Here's a review of a Book I share with you:



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

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 - Silence is a blessing and silence is peace. The fruits of karma are here and here alone.

ilaxi

Advaniji says on his blog "It's time for compulsory voting" - The idea of CM Narendra Modi's initiative has a supported voice. Gujarat has introduced this measure for all local body elections. The law has been passed by the State Assembly, but it is still to be implemented. The rules etc are still being worked out, says Advaniji.

And right opined. Compulsory voting will have higher percentages from the literate, Graduates, post graduates - the youth and who have a clear voice.

Advaniji adds "Not many may be aware that as many as 25 countries inhabited by more than 700 million people today have compulsory voting even for their parliamentary election. These countries include Australia, Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Thailand and Singapore. I feel political thinkers in India also must apply their mind to this."

So, what do you say? Your Opinion, your voice always counts. The Government of Gujarat is open to voices and what better voices could it be other than yours? Do you support Compulsory voting initiative of CM Narendra Modi or you won't?

Btw, let me be honest - I never voted in my life but only after seeing the CM working wonders, I've started voting since last two years! The perspective has to change....

- ilaxi

ps. The picture of Advaniji is exclusively taken at a family function - edited and placed here.

Rambling thoughts on Gujarat Development

Ahmedabad and have you arrived to a Mega city? Yet? Somewhere I read, "Every city has a page 3 culture" - I guess Ahmedabad has a 'Page 3+3+3..." culture. We need many 3 pages to speak of the glory of the city of Gujarat!

If you think I am referring to the Kankaria Lake, the BRTS service or the flyovers, you're little bit right. However, it's more about the word 'Development' - the Projects, the schemes, the initiatives. 'Apde ketla taka' is now getting to 'apan ne ketla taka' - This does not matter as long as the development process is on as Gujaratis have a vision and the future belongs to the people who beholds. 'M' is a word more popular after the word 'M' in 'Millinnium' and this M for Mega is creating waves in all Corporates, Education places and Estate-housing schemes. The word 'Charity' is freely used and the funded concepts works wonder - be it economy housing schemes for low class or education for deprived.

The present is ever greeting the past in different ways with the traditional gujarati ways stepping a comeback to urban homes. The city has got Entrepreneurial spirits which ticks off to global map.

Lacking is Traffic management - any other? mindsets of people and man power with professional polished skills. The weakest part is lacking in 'English language skills' and also fail to preserve its own traditional mother tongue 'Gujarati' language. We can go on....if we ever try to find faults...so many of them for which we can't blame the government all the time!

Well, We got to think Positive and focus on present and future. What is so unique about all the developments is 'Governance' - And, Gujarat is # 1 in Governance - fifth time in six years!Gujarat CM's statements, critical or appreciative, are noted seriously. No other CM has made political presence of Gujarat felt as much in New Delhi on matters of development. No other CM has pursued such a dynamic diaspora and aggressive tourism policies.

'Chalo Gujarat' and it's development of not only Gujarat but India too. It only remains to be seen how well, the 'Good Governance' can survive amidst all the major plans and how well can tact and intelligent governance skills be used for 'Swarnim Gujarat. - a Golden Gujarat where Life is a celebration.

Watch this space even though I post random now as more to focus on ramblings of thought about my loving land Gujarat and stay tuned to Kidsfreesouls for info, edu, entertainment and my Blog world. You can look forward for some news too....

- ilaxi

Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra

Join...A Unique tribute to our constitution - Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra and watch the live web telecast from Gujarat State Portal at 4.00 pm today (24th Jan. )

Various groups will join the yatra like Dhol group, nrutya group, sant group, Ambedkar group with cultural, Police stand group, Women's group, ministers group, vakil group, army group, kshatriya samaj, muslim samaj, maldhari samaj, gayatri samaj, vora samaj, anya samaj, ranakdevi group, zalavad chamber of commerce and industry, youth from colleges, Ganga sati group of women, bhajan mandali group, miraben group, etc - all these group will show their love and loyalty to the nation, give a glimpse into the culture and heritage and be proud to be free.

Click to watch the Yatra as it begins now at Dr. Ambedkar chowk (zalawad) and do come back to Kidsfreesouls - Republic day page.

Now, this is the time when all of us involved in our busy schedules remind us of all those very great songs of yester years which really missed today like...
avo bacho tumhe sikhaye....vande mataram...
nanha munha rahi hun desh ka sipahi hu...
ae mere vatan ke logo...

- ilaxi

BRTS Impressive!

Recently, I attended the Traffic Seminar on occassion of Traffic Police celebrating Traffic week in the city. It was nice to see active participation of AMC Mun. commissioner IP Gautam, Mr. J P Gupta, Transport Commissioner (person behind City Disaster management), Mr. Mohan Jha, Police Commissioner, Mr. Anarwala, Dy. Commissioner of Police who answered the queries and discussed on issues related to Traffic at GCCI.

No wonder, with officers active initiative, aapnu Gujarat is sure to scale high as I hear that Janmarg Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) in Ahmedabad is chosen by Transport Research Board (US) for the Sustainable Transport Award-2010 recently. Top World Bank officials too were impressed by development and urban governance work undertaken by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC).

Earlier, I had mentioned in news about the officers to attend a session on 'Arrangements for managing and operating Bus Rapid Transit System'. Municipal commissioner IP Gautam made a presentation of development projects like UMEED program, Sabarmati riverfront development, waste water treatment plant and solid waste management apart from financial reforms taken by the AMC.

Read more here and stay tuned to Kidsfreesouls for more to come.

- ilaxi