My Dwarka, my delight

Dwarka sub city is a well planned and an organized residential area located in the south west of Delhi. Around six to seven years back, this place was nothing more than barren land. With huge apartments, tall buildings, clean wide roads and plenty of greenery, it has become one of the healthiest places in the capital.

As a resident of Dwarka I do face a few problems within the locality. To start with, people here often fall victim to problems like less parking facility, shortage of water, power, and lack of transport available and so on. Each problem has to be sorted out meticulously keeping in mind that no place on earth is perfect. As residents of Dwarka, it is not only our duty to make it suitable for living but is also our responsibility to make sure that our area is made better.

Dwarka is my home since seven years and I have seen this bare piece of land turn into a posh locality. Even basic necessities like grocery, water and electricity used to be a problem. People were not only hesitant to visit Dwarka but also stayed away from exploring this unknown piece of land on earth. But today it is known as the largest sub city of Asia. Some may argue saying, Dwarka does not have theatres or malls. In a way Dwarka-ites should consider it to be a blessing in disguise. Coming up of theatres or malls will pull in more crowd. More crowds would pull in more traffic. People would throng along from different parts of Delhi causing congestion and would make way for unscrupulous activities. As it is, Delhi is called the crime capital and no place in Delhi is free from crime; at least the number of crime happenings in Dwarka is less as compared to the other areas in Delhi.

The minute I slide down from the flyover and enter Dwarka, I get the feeling of entering a new world all together. It appears to be away from the crowds and happenings of the main city. Every sector or rather every plot in Dwarka is developed after a great deal of planning. Almost each sector has a DDA park for the kids to spend their evenings. Not only this, most apartments in Dwarka are spacious and have parking facility inside their apartments. So, one need not worry about parking their cars somewhere outside. Whereas, in the much talked about areas of South Delhi, parking one’s own car nearby becomes a problem.

The domestic as well as the international airports lie in the vicinity of Dwarka. Metro has been Dwarka’s pride ever since the beginning. The metro line connects Dwarka to central, north and east Delhi. Dwarka has certainly been a blessing to its residents and I would call myself lucky enough to stay in such a place. Right from temples to churches, schools to colleges, and hospitals to clinics, Dwarka-ites need not worry about anything

After setting up a number of schools within Dwarka, the government is already planning to set up colleges here. Delhi University’s Bhaskara Charaya college of applied sciences is already functional and along with it Indraprastha University is also hopeful of coming up with colleges within a year. Private colleges like Apeejay Institute of Management and Mass Communication has students from various parts of Delhi. All these colleges offer a variety of regular courses to students. This takes away the burden of commuting to far flung places for a degree or a diploma.

Popular joints have also opened their branches putting an end to travel all the way till CP or South Delhi. Pizza Hut, Bercos, Dominos, Pizza Corner, Costa Coffee and KFC have all reduced the strain of going out of Dwarka. Everything is made available in an easy manner. Restro- Bars like Club 7 and Godavari have come up for those who love to share a drink of beer or whisky.

Dwarka was earlier considered to be a dreadful place with no connectivity to the outside world; but looking at so much of developments, Dwarka has blossomed from a desolate land into a world class habitat in just no time and is no longer a godforsaken place as it was thought to be. Dwarka has changed beyond recognition and in no time it will be among the list of avant-garde places of the country.

My first day at work and a plethora of information

I entered my first day of work at Compare Infobase Ltd with a lot of anxiety and anticipation in mind. After finishing the paper formalities with the HR department of the organisation I was brought to my work station and introduced to my colleagues. A basic introduction on the company and its various ventures was then briefed up. The next task given to me was to go through a website called www.indiahousing.com.

I had often heard about www.indiahousing.com and might have even logged on the website, out of curiosity. But to my surprise I never examined the website in a careful manner as I did it just some time back. It was today when I realized that this particular website has information about almost everything. The first impression that a layman gets after hearing India housing, is probably a one line statement – details of real estate. But on the other hand, this particular website talks not only about real estate but it weaves a very dreamy picture of owning a lovely looking house.

Gone are days when we ourselves had to go looking out for a property dealer in the hot sun or windy winters. All thanks to the cyber world as all such information is available just a click away.

To begin with, the home page of the website opens with a statement of fact. It summarizes saying, every one of us have been habitual of drawing and painting a beautiful house with lush greenery around it. While drawing a house most of think about owning the same in our subconscious mind. Nor a single state neither a city goes without mention on www.indiahousing.com. Be it small affordable flats in the metros or a hill view house near a mountain, it has it all.

The number of links that this website has is indeed enormous and according to me, even a whole day would be less to read all the information given in different links. There are people who travel to different parts of the country for a variety of reasons; like, education, jobs, official transfers or even a holiday. www. indiahousing.com acts like a guide to all these people and helps find an accommodation suitable for them. Details about furnished houses, unfurnished houses, houses on rent or even paying guest accommodation is easily available on the website.

Interiors of our house are as important as the house itself is. Simply buying a house does not finish our job. The actual work starts after the house is bought. Interior decoration plays a vital role here. What curtains to put, what colours to paint; which furniture to use and how our kitchen should be are the questions that remain in our minds constantly. The simplest solution for all those who cannot afford to put much time thinking about it is to log on to this website and find answers to their never ending queries. Information on home appliances, modular kitchens, flooring, ceilings, lightings and so on can be found out after logging on to this website. Apart from just interior designing it also provides information on Vaastu and Feng shui.

It would not be wrong if said that www.indiahousing.com offers a one stop solution to all housing related concerns. Be it the interiors or the exteriors, it puts an end to our search. This website is surely a blessing for all those who are hopeful of beginning a new living.

Honeymoon in Hawaii

Honeymoon is the most memorable time in a couple’s life. It is the beginning of a new future with a lot of inquisitive feeling. This time is the most cherished period and a key to a successful marriage. With a wide range of options right from the huge mountains to the deserted beach, I am sure all of us might have dreamt of having their honeymoon in the most preferred location.

Hawaiian Islands are pieces of land, located in the North Pacific Ocean that extends up to 1500 miles. It comprises of 137 islands and is the 50th state of the United States of America. Nature is undoubtedly the most beautiful thing on earth. It secludes you from the chaotic atmosphere on earth; it takes you to a land of paradise – a land that every one of us yearns to be in.

Hawaiian Island remains one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in the world. The wide variety of beauty it offers is unbeatable. With perfect climate, supreme resorts, total privacy, stunning looking beaches and a lot more to offer; it leaves the couple forget the outside world.

There is no end to romantic places in Hawaii and of course when you are with the right person, whole life becomes a honeymoon. Hawaii certainly helps you to fulfill the desire of going in to another land with the love of your life. There is nothing more romantic in life other than sitting with your loved one and watching the sunset together. Nothing in life is more important than a smile on your loved ones face. Virgin waves touching both of your feet feels like heaven. A picture speaks a thousand words. It rekindles the joy of being in love after looking at those mesmerizing pictures of Hawaiian Islands.

It is said that the first impression is the last impression, so a honeymoon is Hawaii is surely going to leave a perfect smile on your life partner forever.

Singapore's serenity

Singapore is a tiny piece of land situated in Asia, well known for its cleanliness and impeccable beauty of beaches, roads and gardens. Some of the most sort after places in Singapore include the Orchid road, Botanical garden, Gem stone factory, Jurong Bird Park, Sentosa Island, Little India, Mustafa shopping arcade, and so on.

There is no dearth of gorgeous looking places like well built buildings that include schools, universities, churches and even houses. To start with, Orchid road is said to be one of the most beautiful roads of Singapore and it clearly shows signs of complete prosperity. It contains an exhibit display of shopping malls and brands like Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton and so on.

Love Orchids? Then the National Orchid Garden is a must for all visitors. Located in the lush and peaceful Botanical Gardens it remains the pride of Singapore. It includes a large variety of beautiful flowers which instantly catches our attention and makes us wonder, what else on earth can be prettier than these wonderful looking flowers. The orchids found here will not let you decide what to do? Whether talk to them or look at them. With over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids, this is one of Singapore’s most colorful spot. Princess Diana was also one among us who fell for the charm and beauty of lovely looking white daisy flowers. Vanda Miss Joaquim is the national flower of Singapore with a mixture of pink and white colours embracing the beauty of the flower.

Nature is God’s gift, but the amount of talent present in the people of Singapore cannot go without mentioning. If flowers catch our attention within a minute’s span then the gems in the Gem stone factory leaves us spellbound. The art work is done in such a creative manner that it actually leaves life in the things made. Gem stones are carefully placed in a very creative manner that in turn looks stunning after it is completed. Wall hangings and other such decorative items are meticulously made with the help of gem stones.

Jurong Bird Park of Singapore is another spectacular place on earth. We normally get to see birds in black, brown and green but looking at red, white and orange flamingos confuses us to an extent where we ourselves start believing that somebody has painted these birds. Penguins, Pelicans and Caribbean Flamingos have found shelter in Jurong Bird Park of Singapore. This bird park organizes bird shows and spreads cheer amongst its onlookers. The birds are trained in a brilliant manner and leave no stone unturned in making the shows a great success.

Sentosa Island is another beauty in itself. The cable car that leads us to the island gives us a glimpse of this wonderful city and also adds to our thrill by taking us above the sea. The Dolphin show, 4D Show, Wax Museum, Underwater world are some stunning features of the same. Dolphins are man’s best friend and it seems as if they understand our language. The co-operation and dedication they show to man is indeed invaluable. Underwater world in Singapore shows us a different picture altogether. The fishes in the aquarium appear to have surrounded us, putting us inside a cave. So here, the fishes are not in boxes but we are put in boxes.

After a joyous city tour how can we miss out on the most important part? Shopping of course. Mustafa shopping arcade is a boon to all shopoholics. Being open 24 hours in a day, one need not worry about missing out shopping after a whole day of city tour. If one has the stamina and the inclination to look out for things after a tiring day, Mustafa is the place to be. Right from a small nail cutter to a napkin; laptops to lipsticks, clothes to chandeliers you get it all; putting an end to hunt for things in different places.

Lastly, Little India in Singapore is one such place that keeps us Indians closer to our country. Tamil and Hindi are widely spoken in Little India and it also offers a place to have home food. Rice, roti and chats are available all under one roof thus putting an end to search for Indian food.

Singapore is a beauty in itself. Small and serene it wins the hearts of all those who visit it and leaves you with a lifetime of happy memories.

Does Handicrafts in India need promotion?

Handicrafts are part of our age old culture and heritage. This art form started almost 5000 years ago and is still an integral part of our tradition. Now-a-days, our life has become very swift and so we do not get time to think about all this.

It is said that Indian villages occupy more than 75 per cent of our land and the rest comprises of cities. People in the villages still believe very strongly on their customs and lifestyle that they got from their ancestors. It is sometimes sad to know that our own culture is being diminished day by day and we ourselves have to be blamed for the same.

Handicraft is an art work recognised by all of us. But the question that puts us in a dilemma is that are we even aware of the fact that this art is not getting its right platform and thus is not get promoted as required?Indian culture and civilisation is filled with art in different forms. One such art is the making of handicraft products. Indians are well equipped with handicraft items available in our country.

But the information that we have seems to be insufficient. Within our own country if we ourselves do not have sufficient information about handicraft products, how can we expect to promote it world wide?Promotion of any product is as important as its manufacturing or finishing is. Handicraft products are generally made in the interior parts of our country and are sold to the metro cities.

The very first step of promoting handicraft items is by organising exhibitions and inviting artisans from all over the country to display their items. This will enable them to communicate with other handicraft makers in the country and will also help them to show their products to a number of visitors. Holding exhibition is one way to promote handicrafts in our country.

The Government of India must act as a biggest source of help to these artisans. The Government must do everything possible to keep these artisans comfortable during exhibitions. Providing financial aid is one step to motivate them.Recognition of such art form encourages the artisans to work better. Best Handicraft prizes should be given to the deserving candidates and his products must be made available throughout the country.

State Government should take up projects to promote traditional craft. If such small measures are taken by the country then definitely this age old culture of handicrafts can be passed on to generations to come.Handicrafts in India definitely need promotion. Promoting our own art is not only our duty but our responsibility. There is lot of talent in our country and if we ourselves do not recognize it, how can we expect of taking it to our future generations?

Racism: A matter of concern

After the recent racial attacks against Indians in Australia, now Canada also seems to be moving in the same direction. Indians have been reportedly assaulted and attacked in Vancouver after a petty fight during a tennis match. Indians have always been subject to such racial discrimination ever since British rule. Be it the caste divide or the language divide, Indians have faced every kind of discrimination.

It is a matter of great concern for developed countries like Australia and Canada, that such racism is present even in the 21st century. It questions not only the integrity of the country but also casts an ugly shadow on the working of the government. Racism is not something new or something that has come up recently. It has existed since time immemorial. America has experienced the worst outcome of racist attacks ever since blacks were considered to be untouchables and were treated as slaves by the whites.

The high-low, black-white debate seems to be still fresh in this changing good-bad world.It was hoped and assumed that after Obama became the first Black President of a White Nation, racism would die out by itself. Obama promised to bring about a change in the world and the very first change was when he himself was elected the President of a country that was dominated by Whites.

Although Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is determined to stop racial attacks, he has not been very successful in doing so. Strict action should have been taken against those who had indulged in such awful incidents such as those perpetrated against Indians in Australia.But why talk about Australia and Canada, when Indians experience racial discrimination within India.

New York not so appealing

NEW YORK directed by Kabir Khan opens with a story of three friends who share a very deep friendship with each other. Starring Katrina Kaif as Maya, John Abraham as Sameer or Sam and Neil Nitin Mukesh as Omar. The story revolves around these three friends after the 9/11 terrorist attack in America. It shows how the American Police was desperate to find out the real culprits of the attack and thus suspects almost everyone.
Irfan Khan plays the role of an investigating officer who detains Omar after finding arms and grenades in his taxi.

It is when he starts narrating his life story we come to know about their friendship. Omar is tortured for several months and is held responsible for the 9/11 attack; the reason of his detention being his caste and his name. Physical and mental abuse on innocent Muslims is very well portrayed. Though the concept of the movie was one of its kinds, it could not bring out the actual essence of the script. There was fault in either the narration or the screenplay of the movie.

It had high hopes of doing well in the box office but it seems to be a one time watch movie only. The soundtrack of the movie leaves a positive sign and hopes to be heard for a long time.

Especially the song “Hai Junoon,” in which all the three actors share a common space with each other. The comfort level between them will be the main reason, which might drive the audience to watch the movie. The major issue of global terrorism, however, goes for a toss after the film turns into a dramatic issue. Though John does very well in publicising the agony faced by him, but still we expected more of intense acting from his side.