Episode 07 of Talk-a-thon focuses on the New Education Policy that was drafted by the Union Ministry in July-Aug 2020. Joining along with me in this podcast are my friends Aman and Shreyas along with my school batch mate Harish who is an educationalist and the co founder of an education based organization - "Infinite Engineers".
Click on the below link to listed to our podcast
In this episode we focus on the below topics
1) Overview of the New Education Policy and Opening comments by the pannelists
2) What could be the challenges in adapting the New Education policy
3) Language selection challenges in the primary education amidst the 3 language policy
4) Importance of technology and technology statndards in regard to the New Education Policy
5) University level education - 4 years UG, 2 Years PG and scrapping of M.Phil and the new credits system
6) Closing comments
Dont miss Shreyas sharing his experience with the German education system and how benchmarking needs to be done.
Epsiode 6 of Talk-a-thon with Sulaiman is an author's special episode. This episode is hosted by my Friend Shreyas which sees me move on to the panel of guest speakers which features Bragadeesh Prasanna and Mrs. Meera Shiva Shankar, well known authors from Chennai.
You can listed to the podcast by clicking on the play button below...
In this episode today, we discuss on the following topics
1. Our publishing journey
2. Self publishing, its avenues and advantages
3. The advantages of traditional publishing and its future
4. Our Inspiration into writing and genres of writing
5. Discussion on authors blog
6. How to start writing and the scope for editing and editor jobs
7. Life experiences contributing to our own livid form of writing
8. Message for future authors
9. Closing remarks
You can reach out to me if you want to have your questions answered as well in regard to writing or being an author.
Episode 5 of Talk-a-thon features a discussion on our love for the beautiful game of football. The different leagues we follow. Th reason we love the game. Some of our best footballing memories. Restarting of the football league after the global pandemic and finally selecting our all time best XI players.
Season 3 of Talk-a-thon with me Sulaiman Sait is back again. This week we planned for a Poetry special episode featuring two well known poets from the Indian Blog-o-sphere. Namrata Kumari and Simran Kauralong with me on the panel, while the podcast was hosted by my two best friends Aman and Shreyas.
Click on the below play button to listen to this poetry special episode
Episode 4 features a discussion on introduction to poetry cultures, history of poetry, the cultures across the globe, different forms of poetry writing. The panel of speakers give an insight on to how they took up poetry as a passion, what goes in their mind while writing poetry and narrating a few poems for us from their collection.
The floor opens on to certain questions on poetry writing preferences and styles before we wrap up the recording with a message for the generation ahead.
Talk-a-thon with Sulaiman is back again with season 3, episode 3. With the advent of the Novel Corona Virus breakdown, we decided to focus some light on Psychological Challenges amidst this lockdown.
You can click on the below play button to listen to the podcast or listen to it on spotify app (if installed) by clickinghere
This episode features a Clinical Psychologist along with Aman, Shreyas and Deepak who explain psychological challenges amidst lockdown with a focus on Anxiety disorder, fake news and anxiety, handling withdrawal challenges, identifying withdrawal symptoms and lastly suicidal tendencies during this lockdown period...
Talk-a-thon with Sulaiman is back again with season 3, episode 2. With the advent of the Novel Corona Virus breakdown, we decided to focus some light on the challenges faced by dental surgeons amidst this lockdown period where dental procedures are said to be avoided. This podcast also features what needs to be done in case of dental emergencies and some know how's to maintain a good oral hygiene.
You can click on the below play button to listen to the podcast or listen to it on spotify app (if installed) by clicking here
Episode 2 features two of my best friends Aman and Shreyas along with the guest speakers Shahana and Sahera Khan who are dentists by profession...
Below is the time frame of the segments you can click on the podcast to hear directly
00:00 -Introduction to the podcast episode and the speakers for the day
02:15 - How do dentists plan to keep themselves safe while handling emergency dental procedures
05:30 -When can we expect dental clinics to be open and fully functional ?
06:30 - What to do in case of an emergency and what are the different types of dental emergencies
13:56 - What to do if one has dental braces and needs to have a review done amidst lockdown?
Talk-a-thon with Sulaiman is back again with season 3, episode 1. With the advent of the Novel Corona Virus breakdown, we decided to record this podcast with an intent to demystify some of the common myths and challenges amidst these difficult moments.
You can click on the below play button to listen to the podcast or listen to it on spotify app (if installed) by clicking here
Episode 1 has Dr. Deepak, A medical Officer from a leading Medical College and Hospital from Chennai who enlightens us in regard to the Novel Corona Virus and the disease outbreak
Below are the time frame for the segments you want to directly hear
00:00 - Introduction
05:45 - Signs and Symptoms to watch out for
10:40 - Diagnostic Techniques and its principles
13:44 - How Dangerous is COVID-19, Do we need to Panic ?
18:00 - Importance and techniques of wearing masks
Parenting is not just taking care of kids, its more of an art, an art only a few parents can master, that too only when they get close to their kids. You will be called a successful parent when you understand the needs of your kids and respond to it in a way your kid is totally satisfied with it; But, all I see these days is parents who like to enforce a whole lot of rules and restrictions on their kids to see them live a life like they want them to live. Also, there are some parents who see kids as future investments and treat them with everything they want just so that they take care of them when they grow old. Guys, Seriously, what's wrong with you ?? Did your parents give birth to you so that you can pay them back when they get old ? I mean where did this idea even come from ? I also don't understand why do you still insist on using the same old parenting tactics your parents used on you ?
I know I have been a little harsh above.. But, I also know how difficult it is to be parents amongst a busy daily schedule where the cost of living is high and both parents (rather the couple) have to work to live a comfortable life. I also know on one side there is a family pressure to bear kids which seem to be grandparent's only wish, but then finding a proper balance between work, bearing kids and raising them is really difficult. This is also the main reason why young couples like you usually resolve to have either one kid or a maximum of two and then let grand parents take care of the child till he/she grown just cause you wanna earn belly fully ?
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.
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 theWarehouse 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
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.
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 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.
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 hereto 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 50th 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 50th 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.
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.
To Start, I feel glad in letting my readers know the fact that I'm into the field of Clinical research, a field I love the most. I was waiting for long to graduate and to start my job. Here it is now, been three months and I stand at the position of a Pharmaco Kinetic Investigator, where I deal with BABE (Bio Availability and Bio Equivalence) studies in human subjects which we conduct at our research lab.
In lieu to my pending poetry for the month, here it is "The B-A-B-E Poem"
He was a test sample drug,
While, She was a reference drug,
They met at the research lab
Placed next to each other on the dosing slab
Based on randomization schedule,
they were individually dosed to the healthful.
Despite all research ethics and blinding,
They were ready for serum binding
Just as their concentrations were at prime,
samples of blood were drawn at scheduled time
They braved the serum sample separation
to reach the bio analysis station
Their pharmaco kinetic parameters matched
so perfectly at every time point, that they overlapped.
Our Lives today have become a lot hectic, many people have lost the track of sunrise and sunset while they look to chase money and dreams on daily basis. Sadly, back home, many miss to take care of their health. Our sedentary life style has affected us in such a way that most of us today are a victim of life style diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, along with each of these diseases comes risk of cardiac effects such as atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries due to fat deposition) , Coronary heart disease (or Ischemic heart disease) and even risk of heat attack,leaving behind a serious threat to our own life.
Earlier, I was a victim of being dragged into this sedentary lifestyle, my diet was untimely, and irregular. It had more carbohydrates and less proteins, my stress levels were high, my activities were limited and I noticed that my wieght kept increasing, which got me into depression of not being able to take care of my self. It was a long battle with my own self, till I finally found a solution to take care of my own self and ensure I have a good mental and physical workout every day.
I'm sure this problem is something that many people face today, and what we fail to see is that the problem is within us, we lag the motivation and dedication to take care of our own self. That driving force that is needed for us to stay healthy remains missing.
The mantra to most of these daily problems remains in staying active at work, eating better and healthy food, and being happy, away from tensions.
Staying active at work remains a major challenge with most of us being seated for hours together, right in front of the computer. I faced the same problem, and the solution to this was involving myself in enough ground work and moving up and down the stairs instead of using the lift. It was that inner motivation, that dragged me to do my own work, from running around to take print outs or scan documents, from moving down for a cup of coffee or gathering things for a presentation. I do my own work instead of calling on office boys for it. I even took this to the next level, that I stopped using the intercom and started going directly to the person I wanted to meet. This ensure that I stayed active and got me immediate solutions to my own needs. To wrap up my day, I use public transport (bus and train) to make my way back home, that involves enough walking and exercise.
Being happy is the most important mantra for a long life. Every one today has stress, I feel the stress as well on daily basis; but, I leave my tensions once I leave my office. As far as possible, I ensure that I don't reflect my tensions/ stress in any means. I move around joking with people, playing a few pranks and what not, that not only diverts myself from tension, but,keeps me happy throughout the day. Above all this remains the fact that I love my work, that makes me enjoy what I do and remain stress free .
Eating healthy and better is a major aspect in life's pyramid. I'm someone who lives to eat healthy, instead of being forced to eat to live healthy. I have started planning my meals with proper proportion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, that ensures good digestion and enough energy to last the day. Timely eating remains a little concern, but I mostly ensure that I eat my lunch within the provided time. I use the right quality and choice of oil in my food that makes it taste better and stays healthy for me.
Using the right choice of oil while cooking can also help us ensure that we stay active, eat better and stay happy. Saffola oils over the years have been promoting the need for a healthy oil for a healthy heart. Saffola oil does not only provide a good source of PUFA (poly unsaturated fatty acids, known to reduce risk of heart diseases) but, also has enough source of essential vitamins like Vitamin A,D,E and K, that keeps us healthy. Vitamin E of such oils is what has anti oxidant properties that ensures that stress doesn't hit our health.
Me and my family have switched over to Saffola and we have seen a good change in our daily life along with the small steps (chhote kadam) we take at work, diet and fun we have at daily basis. I even happened to check my healthy life score on Saffolalife.com and it was indeed healthy, its your turn now to lead a healthy life. Switch over to a healthy oil and live a healthy life.
To begin, let me introduce you to Arun Jaykaran (AKA- AJ Karan). A consultant to the Hotel Industries AJ Karan has had a passion for writing from his early days in the hotel industry, its only now after retiring from a full time job in the hotel industry, that he decided to publish his work that he had treasured in him for long. This book "Sensual Attractions" is his debut novel and it has all that is needed to make it to the best sellers list.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Designed by the publication house, the cover of this book looks really looks good as it portrays a bit of lust in the eyes of the lady, which goes apt with the stories inside.
Published by Story Mirror publication house, this 189 pages book has 10 short stories that deal with suspense, passion and most importantly sensual attractions. The book costs around 225 rupees and is available at leading online stores and books stores around the country.
THE PLOT:
The book begins with a strict warning "For readers above the age of 18" and it stands applicable for all the 10 chapters in the book. The 10 chapters in the book are all well penned, with well defined characters that exist in the society around today. Dealing with love, lust, betrayal, revenge, politics, personal benefits, friendship, love triangles and other emotions, this book, with multiple chapters goes deep into the psychological insight of the minds of the characters and brings our the dark side of reality. Chapter 3 - "Corporate Espionage" was my personal favorite, the way author managed to keep the twist till the end and used the characters very well till the end. Other chapters/ short stories like "Emotional Conflict", "Love Jeopardy", "Friendship Pact"etc were equally well written and had enough strength to keep the reader glued till the climax (of the story).
I boarded my flight to her pleasing smile,
Unusual was something such sexy and in style.
She was gonna fly with me for miles,
And I could see her confidence as she walked past the aisles.
I enjoyed the coffee that came with her
And her scent that aroused me stronger.
She turned again, and gave me a smile,
That cured my mid air emptiness for a while.
Within no time, we had to land,
Everyone was ready to disband,
So was I. After a little whew,
I looked back, while her smile was still to continue.
- Sulaiman Sait
This poem is dedicated to one of the flight crew members (The air hostess specifically) who made my dull morning bright with her everlasting smile.
I've heard some people call them (Air hostess) plastic while some look at them with a wrong insight. They are someone who are doing a commendable job and to what I've seen many enjoy their role and commend their presence in the flight.
Salute to those women for making our journey comfortable.
My life had been in a terrible stress a few months back, the floods, the set of medical camps, personal life tensions, deadlines and stuff. My life came to a point where I was wondering whats the purpose of life and that's when I happened to get his copy of Songs of the Mist by Shashi. This book took me to a world of calmness which was what I was craving for. Shashi also happens to be a friend of mine, he's an Engineer by profession a writer by passion who is very well known for his Haiku's over the social media. Awarded as the best blogger under spiritual category, Shashi has always written posts which have a deep sense of connectivity. He's a regular visitor to the divine shrines and seeks peace out of it.
But, before I go deep into this review, let me tell you I had to temporarily forget the fact that the author was my friend so that I could read the book more comfortably and do justice to the book before I write a proper review.
ABOUT THE BOOK
This book is the first book of the "The Monk Key"series which has further chapters to come in its upcoming book. Speaking about this book one; The book has a wonderful appeal with the title written in bold. Designed by Notion press, the publication house, the cover design is very relevant to the story. The book has 197 pages which is priced around 299 rupees and is available on all leading e- commerce sites.
THE STORY PLOT:
The songs of the mist is based on the character of 5 different people/protagonists (Ayan, Ashutosh, Anishka, Calliope and Vasudha) who are from different walks of life that plan their way to visit a Tibetan monk up in the Himalays just to know about things they don't know about life and to gain spirituality and connect with life. What happens next ? Do they seek guidance to what life is ? Do they discover what they have been looking for ? Read Songs of the mist to know more and get connected to reality
We now live in a generation where every one wants to own a car and its more or less become a necessity than a luxury. Everyone who wants to own a car desires to have a car which has the perfect look and luxury features which he has always dreamed about. Datsun from Nissan understands this need and has come up with their new low budget car called Datsun Redi- Go.
A unique fusion of compact cross over and urban hatch back this urban cross car is loaded with an 800cc engine,with triple petrol cylinders for combustion, with a maximum power of 54 PS and mileage of 25.17 kmpl. The car sports a low ground clearance of 185 mm like any other hatchback car. Priced between 2.5 and 3.5 lakhs, this car is definitely a clear stand out among other cars in this range.
This car has impressed me with its very first look, and now has cemented a stand out place in my mind wanting to own it. This ultimate Urban Cross Datsun Redi- Go has got me define my very own 3 reasons from its wonderful features about why I'd wanna have my hands on this car's steering and drive my way through Chennai city.
