PROJECT THARAMANI BY PEPSICO AND SMILE FOUNDATION

May 2017: A year and a half has passed since the 2015 floods which left thousands of farmers in distress. Many ended up bankrupt after the floods, which were then followed with water scarcity in many areas of Tamil Nadu. There have been unpleasant moments where in farmers have lost hopes of bringing back stability, especially due to high interest rates for loans. The women have always wanted to help their men, but were at a loss for opportunities themselves. That's when PepsiCo along with Smile Foundation decided to take up an initiative that would support the community.

With an aim to ensure upliftment of the affected class of farmers, Smile Foundation along with PepsiCo decided to join hands to bring back a smile on their faces by starting a project titled "Project Tharamai". Under this project, women were given training on sewing techniques which would help them in sustaining themselves while bringing home a decent income. Some 235 women were a part of this first phase which lasted for a few months where they excelled in the art of stitching.

The success of this event was well accepted when, smile foundation along with Pepsi co decided to felicitate these ladies for their achievement. The major event was held on 10th May 2017 Chengalpat Thaluk, Kancheepuram district. Dignitaries included state ministers Mr M C Sampath (Minsiter of Industries, Govt of Tamil Nadu), Mr P Thangamani (Minister of electricity, excise and prohibition, govt of Tamil Nadu) along with COO of Smile foundation and Vice president of Pepsico, Corporate social responsibility (Ms Poonam Kaul).

The success of this event was well accepted when, Smile Foundation along with Pepsi Co decided to felicitate these ladies for their achievement. The major event was held on 10th May 2017 Chengalpattu Thaluk, Kancheepuram district. Dignitaries included state ministers Mr. M. C. Sampath (Minister of Industries, Govt. of Tamil Nadu), Mr. P. Thangamani (Minister of Electricity, Excise and Prohibition, Govt. of Tamil Nadu) along with the COO of Smile foundation and Vice president- CSR of PepsiCo.

The event began with the spokesperson from PepsiCo, who highlighted how they have been associated with the people of Tamil Nadu since 1989 and mentioned the aid offered by PepsiCo during the 2015 floods, where their teams were involved in rescue operations and provided aid in terms of drinking water and oat meals.

UNBELIEVABLE DISCOUNTED ELECTRONICS SALE IN CHENNAI ONLY AT VIVEKS -THE UNLIMITED SHOP

Over the years owning electronic and electrical items have become a part and parcel of our life. Not only do these electronic equipment make our life easy, they make it comfortable as well. Every one wishes to own some of the best and coolest electronic items at their home though they come at a high price.  To buy these cool electronic items people sometimes go from showroom to showroom, travel from one end of the city to the other, while some spend money buying it on the internet and then regret about it.

Imagine one fine day, you get to hear that the heavens fall open and one of India's leading Electronic showroom dealer opens a one stop shop having electronic items from all leading brands for all your major electronic needs at one place. Well, It has happened and is currently happening now in Chennai and I'm talking about the #ViveksExpo2017.

Viveks for years has been one of the trusted brand for electronics retailers in the city and have always ensured their customer a wonderful shopping experience. This time around they decided to give their loyal customers a special deal by having the #ViveksExpo2017.

I was all excited to visit the #ViveksExpo2017 after having been invited there the previous year for the Warehouse Sale. I loved the brand Viveks and decided to check out their Expo this year around. Being a holiday on Tamil New Year's day, I decided to make it there despite the scorching heat of Chennai. I was glad to be welcomed and shown my way to the three giant AC halls each with thousands of electronic gadgets to make anyone go mad about it.

Hall one had TV's and AIR conditioners from all leading brands at display while, Hall two had Refrigerators and Washing machines from all top brands along with larger appliances. Lastly hall three had Mobile Phones, Laptops, Kitchen and Housing needs such as Mixer grinder, Juicers, Microwave oven, Iron Boxes etc.

The slashed prices were right in front of your eyes. The price tag included VAT and other details so that the customer gets to know what exactly he/she has to pay to get their loved item. At every point you had technically sound staff to guide you and explain every intricate details you wanted to know about the item you wanna purchase.

I did move around all the three halls to look at some of the gadgets and some amazing deals out there at the #ViveksExpo2017 . One of the deals that struck my eye was "Buy Now and Pay from June". The other offer for this sale was about pay 1 rupee and take home an AC/TV/Refrigerator/Washing Machine while you could pay the remaining in installments. This is just amazing to see how Viveks treats its loyal customers by having such wonderful offers. Apart from there there were two other offers regardig 0% EMI and good exchange offer on old electronic items. Also, there were other offers and deals on annual maintenance contracts and extended warranty available for certain items as well.

However, there was a mega deal today on the occasion of Tamil New Year's day where buyers would get Gold and Silver coins based on their purchase.

Do check out my below story as I share my experience of being there at the #ViveksExpo2017

It was a wonderful feeling being there at the #ViveksExpo2017 by @viveksindia

This small video covers my exciting journey made today pic.twitter.com/LbWNoW3iL1

— Sulaiman sait (@Sulaimansait) April 14, 2017

I made my electronic purchase today and returned back home as a satisfied customer. I highly recommend my readers to check out the #ViveksExpo2017 sale happening now at Manapakkam, Chennai. Don't worry even if you don't know the root, reach St. Thomas Mount and you have sign boards every where directing you to the largest electronic sale happening in the city. The entry to this sale is free and there is ample lot of parking space for two wheelers and large 4 wheelers. So, hurry !! don't miss this opportunity to grab some of the newest and trendiest electronic items that are available at such amazingly low prices.

APOLLO HOSPITALS, CHENNAI - MY EXPERIENCE OF #ApolloThroughMyEyes

Hospitals are health care institutions which provide health care and treatments to the diseased or sick in order to help them recover over their illness. There are many such hospitals which provide health care services, but when it comes to health care services with quality and trust, there is only one name that every Indian talks about "Apollo Hospitals".

Rated as the No 1 hospital among private sectors in India, Apollo Hospitals have constantly dominated this position for over a decade now and have excelled in all clinical and non clinical aspects. On the eve of 24th Feb 2017, I bagged my opportunity to visit Apollo Hospitals, Chennai (Greems road branch) to experience the facilities there and to share my thoughts.

To begin, I have grown up seeing Apollo Hospitals as it was the building right behind my school (Asan Memorial) and I have read all articles of brilliance about them across leading dailies. Upon have got a confirmation about visiting Apollo Hospitals I was excited, for it was the very first time I was to visit a hospital for a very different purpose apart from my usual purpose of being to a hospital for my clinical research activity or as I earlier used to visit as a student and then Intern, where I have spent years across various clinical departments learning the art of providing Medical and therapeutic care to patients. 

COLGATE MAGICAL STORY - SPACE JOURNEY

Colgate is one of the leading brands when it comes to dental care. One of the best ways to start your day and chase away those lousy mornings is when you brush your teeth with  Colgate. Having used  Colgate among my choice of toothpaste I was glad to receive a hamper from them in order to craft a magical story with kids in the family.

The Colgate packs had stories on the inner side, which had to be cut and made into a story which the little one in the family could relate it too.

For this Story, I was with you youngest cousin brother - Aseem, who's in his junior KG. The Story reolves around 3 parts (i) The Space launch (ii) The Space Walk and (iii) Alien Planet. I have also taken Aseem to be the protagonist of the stories as he was joyous when the characters were revolving around him while we built the story.

(i) The space launch.

Aseem has always had an interest in Astronomy and has desired to bee there chasing the stars. It all started with his very young days, where he has seen radium lit starts on the ceiling top. That's when he desired to be there reaching for them.

He worked his way and made it to the ISRO, where he was selected as a lead Astronaut for their maiden man in universe mission. He was selected along with Ayisha, India's leading, female astronomical scientist. Aseem and Ayisha were all geared up and were undergoing their in house training for surviving in treacherous conditions outside planet earth. The countdown was going on right at the back of their mind as the days neared. They made their way to the space station as they bid a goodbye to their parent.The control room staff took their seat as Aseem and Ayisha entered the space craft and sat inclined on their seats. The National media focussed on them and as the countdown was near. Aseem remembered those great words of Adivse he heard from the great Dr. Abdul Kalam whom he conceptualized as his idol, While Ayisha was recollecting her memories from Childhood. There was a heavy thrust as the space craft took off. Aseem and Ayisha look into each others eyes as the control team was giving them standing instructions. Within a span of 2-3 minutes, they started lightweightless as they left the earth's gravitational force. Their mission to the space station was a day away from there. They were all ready for the action.

LOVE OVER THE GENERATIONS (PART II)

The part one of this Story "Love over the Generations" has been written by Siva Subramanian as a part of blogging activity by Chennai bloggers club. Click here to read Part I of the story.

Prabakaran and Samantha were all excited to get back to Pondicherry. Anita was planning for surprises online that she could offer her grandparents on the eve of their 50^th wedding anniversary. Kevin joined in giving his choices and opinions over the planning of a surprise.

Elsewhere, back at Pondicherry Geetha and Shankar were excited to hear that their son and daughter-in-law were making their journey back. Geetha, who was in her early 70’s had planned to go for local Sunday market shopping to grab all the required groceries and itineraries her son liked so that she could do it all by herself before he could come. There was that bit of joy and happiness in her over the return of her son.

A day to go for their 50^th anniversary, Geetha was at the kitchen making coffee for Shankar as she was speaking about some old memories that she had about their early days of marriage. That’s when she heard the door bell. Shankar who was sitting in the hall reading newspaper made his way to the main door and opened it, Geetha came from behind. They were wondering who this young Indian looking girl and a foreign guy were.

“Thatha, Namaste” Said Kevin, and  Anitha followed ‘Namaste Thatha, paati’.

Geetha and Shankar were so happy to see Anita, Prabakarn and Samantha followed their way and took blessings from the elder couple before stepping inside.

Geetha and Shankar took over and ensure that the two couples settled down with time. She made coffee and breakfast for all as Samantha helped her mother-in-law.

Following their breakfast, Anita and Kevin made their way out into the city, while Samantha was busy having long talks with her mother in law.

Prabakaran joined his dad who was busy watching a game of Cricket.

FRSHLY- YOUR AUTOMATED FOOD RETAIL STORE

Being a foodie is a great experience, it also means that it becomes a difficult task to keep our taste buds away from yummy food every time we encounter it. There are moments when we really wait for a weekend to get over only to rush to our favorite restaurant to hog a plate or two of one particular dish we have been craving for the whole week. There are moments, when midweek tiredness gobbles all our energy about waiting at the restaurant or we have to travel over the weekend. This leaves our taste buds waiting. 

How I really wished there could be a kiosk, where I could go and get my favorite dish (cooked), just ready and hot enough for me to consume directly. How I really wished to avoid waiting gazing at the face of other enjoying their meal while I jealously look at them cursing at the waiter for making it late. Well, I'm glad there is a solution now....  With Frshly, your gastronomical delights have been made to simplify.

Frshly is a first of a kind automated retail market place, where common man can have access to their choice of dishes from leading food chains served to them at a kiosk installed at common places such as IT Parks, Railway stations, Airports and leading Malls.