City Unplugged – Noida

‘Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.’  – Abraham Lincoln

And the right place is Noida! New Okhla Development Authority (NOIDA) is one place you would definitely stand firm on. In last ten years, regions near the capital have been thriving and going ahead. The city Noida among other National Capital Regions is one happening place. You can get all that you are looking for? You name it, you get it! Vibrant, dynamic, fast and frivolous, we call it NOIDA.

To welcome you, IT companies stand right in queue and bow you with their high end architecture. While the companies on one hand are busy greeting you, on the other hand, a gamut of mall catches all your attention. Check out best of the brands at DLF Mall of India, Great India Place or Center stage mall where you can get all that you want in the world. Come with your gang to have the best of hangouts and let it be the topic of debate when you are there online at Facebook.

Noida is a ‘Bahut-sahi-jagah-hai-yar’ kind of a place for everyone. What not do you get here? The latest clothes, trendy bags, disco, pubs, tamusing parks, film city, malls and the list doesn’t end. While you can get the best of tattoos on your back, on the other hand you can try out your favorite brands at Atta Market. Yes, the great Atta where going is as mandatory as appearing for exams. Come with your gang and relish at KFCs or McD. If thinking to get more for the Indian ‘Paapi Pet’, then food joints will just not stop! The Chole Bhature, the Dosas, gol gappe, chat and much more await you at all corners just to water your mouth. Snack may not be the last thing here, you get the best of trend setting clothes right here as well.

Wondering, what makes Janta to come right here and shop till they drop? Transport has never been a complaint as Uttar Pradesh Parivaahan and other DTC buses are right there at all stops. Something has really added well to the commuting of people and that is none other than the Metro train. From as far as Gurgaon to Anand Vihar, travelling is no more an issue for Noida people.

It’s not alone the IT companies, the flee markets or the malls attracting the ‘Mango People’ but it is the presence of good education institutions as well which are beckoning young from all distances. Some of the best schools and international schools are in Noida to educate your kids.  In addition, colleges like Jaipuria, JSS, IMS, AAFT and much more are there to tell you that education is in your reach now. No matter what you want to pursue – MBA, mass communication, engineering, medical, travel, humanities and
much more.

Once, you take the admissions here, the path gets constructed in its own way. No ambition goes unturned at Noida. If you really want to become something then the city can really bring in the real change. Want to see the better you? The real you? Get the transition! NOIDA awaits you for a better you!

Noida and its hot spots!

Atta – Call Atta as a medium of celebrating life. This place is among the hot and happening part of Noida. Just closer to Atta are Centerstage Mall and Great India Place so just eat, shop and enjoy with your gang.

Sec 62 Police Chowki: Here is the Gateway to the great city of prosperity. As you enter Noida, you come across the police administration and then begins an array of IT developments, education hubs and diverse attraction points.

DLF Mall of India, GIP, Spice, CSM, Sab : Noida may not have beaches but has vibrant malls. These well facilitated malls are the striking parts of Noida. If you are searching for food joints, clothes outlets, cafes then just hit GIP, Spice and others.

Noida Stadium: If sport is what beckons you now and then why not get going with Noida stadium. No matter it is badminton, cricket or any other sport, you will not be disappointed here.

Sector- 58 Police Station: When it comes to administration, Noida never fails to maintain a safe environment. In all corners, there are Police stations such as the sector 58 station. Any need, any help the police is right there to be with you.

12-22 – Transport is always a question when we are out. If you are in Noida then no worries! At 12-22, you get all the buses right from the DTC ones to Uttar Pradesh Parivahan.

UFlex or Flex : Noida is well known for Flex the organization. The nearby location well facilitated and near to all forms of transport. Here, you come to company and get the best of services.

Sector- 37 – The city ends with perfection. You get all forms facilities out here that is the buses, the eating points and others.

City Centre or City Centre Metro Station: Gone are the days when traveling to distances in Noida was tough. But today with metro such as City Centre Metro Station, it has been easy to go far places like Greater Noida or Delhi.

Film City : Here you are in Mini Mumbai! As you enter, you come across various studios and centers of well known media houses. Get there to be part of the world of media and entertainment.

Gol Chakkar : Gol Chakkar is where you get to see mainstream city. From autorickshaws to normal buses, you get everything. It is one central point in the city.

Choura More: Noida has strong locations where lot of companies and industries are built up. All places here are strategically located thus, giving you no hassle.

Mamura Chowk: Want to be right in the center of the city, come down to Mamura. Here you can find a gamut
of companies, export houses and manufacturing units all set to develop Noida.

Fortis – We need medical help at many events in life. Here it is for everyone, Fortis, one among the best known medical organizations in our country. If it is emergency or a general treatment, the hospital is all there to cater to your requirements.

Noida, where enlightenment glorifies in the form of education

Lord Buddha wandered several places just to get the truth and the enlightenment. Those days, books were less and institutions were rare. Knowledge and education was just for selected people. Today, with the effect of law and order everyone has the right to study and grow. In the present day scenario, education is everywhere and institutions of all kinds that you wish to pursue.

With the National Capital Region (NCR) booming in its own way, learning more is no more a dream now. There is a plethora of colleges and institutions which are catering to all the education requirements. One among the National Capital Regions (NCR), Noida is thriving to a higher scale on education front.

Gone are the days, when youngsters were struggling to commute to Delhi and other places for their higher studies. Today, Noida has become one demanding point of education with profitable returns. No matter whichever kind of course you want to pursue, you get all under the roof of Noida. With the advent of Metro and buses, it has been all the more easy to come to this place and also, save time.

There is a gamut of colleges in Noida which offer courses related to engineering, medical, computer science, mass communication or anything in the world. Let’s take a look at the institutions which have pioneered in the mainstream education:

1. Institute of Management Studies (IMS): As you enter the paradigm city of education, you encounter IMS which stands for Institute of Management Studies. The college is an epitome of management studies which trains young minds to become better managers. In addition to learning that you receive here, you nurture yourself with business oriented management values and ethics.
2. IMS Law College: If you are one fighter against the injustice, then you should be in Bar Council of India approved IMS Law College, Noida.
3. Symbiosis Law School: Symbyosis is a name to reckon with! The college offers BBA, BA/ LLB courses well accompanied with experienced faculties.
4. Priyadarshini College of Computer Science: Named after Late Mrs Priyadarshini Indira Gandhi, the college offers advanced courses in computer sciences. If you are one computer savvy then the college is yours!
5. Jaipuria Institute of Management: The college is affiliated to UP Technical University, Lucknow and offers AICTE approved MBA. You can pursue streams such as finance, marketing, international business and others.
6. Government P.G. College: This college has come out to be a revolution among the Government colleges in UP as it has come up with the concept of eEducation/iEducation. Go ahead with Government for a prosperous future.
7. Amity University: Noida is one happening for place for learning and anyone who is craving to gain more knowledge, then the city will never disappoint you. You can get going with Amity University for any kind of study you wish to pursue. Be it architecture, communication or biotechnology, Amity is one universe of endless learning.
8. JSS Academy of Technical Education: If technology and science is beckoning you then Noida has something experienced to offer you such as JSS Academy of Technical Education.
9. Jaypee Institute of Information and Technology University: It is one among the finest colleges in Northern India where you can learn technology to the core. Get going with the world where there is boom of technology. Come to JSS.
10. BBS Institute of Pharmaceutical & Allied Sciences: This College is affiliated to Uttar Pradesh Technical University, Lucknow and approved by AICTE. Furthermore, the college is recognized for its medical courses and is available at undergraduate level.
11. Footwear Design & Development Institute: For some time now, many young people had complaints that there weren’t enough colleges for design and art. Here is something rare for all the budding designers, Footwear Design & Development Institute. At this institution, you can find, graduation and post graduation level courses along with beneficial placements. Let the designer come out from inside and be there a name to reckon with in the world which admires art.

Do you really want to empower yourself with best of learning? Why not get started right away? The country awaits minds with great knowledge, values and ethics. Let the country be proud of you and the education you receive. Let your heart say ‘Chalo Noida’!

Ek Prem Katha

Picture Courtesy - Sutanya Mahapatra

Ek prem katha

Kuch ankahi, kuch adhuri

Shwet Kanha sang khelu holi

Rahin main Radha, saavri saloni

Samay dekhi rahi, 7 baras

Taake rahe toke chori chipe

Saaj kare, singaar kare

Kachu na bhaayo toke

Saade mann, saada rang

Aiso rang daalo mere tan par

Main rangayi rahin na savri saloni

Tohe rangila dekhe

Baawri hui har rang pe

Dekhe rahin daag anek

Daag mohe bhayona

Is jeevan ke daag anek

Kaiso daalun meroprem rang

Tu na rahin more, tu rahin kayi ho or

Rahin diu chor

Kis or jaaye ye Radha

Ek prem katha

Kuch ankahi, kuch adhuri!

Shwet Kanha sang khelu holi

Rahin main Radha, saavri saloni

Defining Fashion

Defining Fashion
Let’s find out
What is fashion?
I drink and smoke
That’s fashion
I drive at 17
That’s fashion
I failed to shy
That’s fashion again
I was killed for being feminine
That’s Fashion
My funeral had Sandalwood
That’s fashion
I am a girl in India
That’s fashion!

Online shopping – tips and tricks

Picture courtesy - Google

Since the emergence of ecommerce, several people have become online shopping enthusiasts. From ordering apparel to bananas, you name it and you get it. As per a study done during March, 2016, online shopping was expected to increase by 78% in the Indian market. 2015 saw around 55 million shoppers and we are yet to see the current facts on 2016 online consumers.

What makes internet an ideal platform for shopping? Certainly, it is less time consuming and doesn’t ask you to slog in the market either. Several varieties and abundant deals make e-commerce a hit among 'a-time-bound' generation. Still, there is a small ratio of people that doesn’t prefer doing the purchases over internet. Why?

Upon inquiring a friend Yamini Gupta, a professional with an internet company, she shares, “It is ironical but I still prefer going physically to the shops, feeling the products and buying in front of me. I am quite particular about clothing, if nothing else. That doesn’t happen online. Well, deals, I still get them anyway anywhere. It is the confidence that goes berserk when I decide to spend a good amount on things online - what if the quality is not up to the mark, hence I cancel my aim.”

It is just not one person worried about online shopping but several like her. I am going to share certain tips to keep in mind before you decide to buy products.   

1. Start with buying something trivial – If you are a first time buyer and a little skeptical then buy something that is worth a small denomination. Do not try to buy something too expensive, until you are sure.
2. Only genuine and popular sites – There is no dearth of sites that are popular among people such as Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm etc. These sites work extensively hard on customer contentment and do optimum customer service in case of any grievance.
3. Check reviews – Whenever you are planning to buy something online, check with the reviews that are available below any product. These are put by customers who have already bought it. Sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm, Snapdeal, Shopclues and similar are run on grounds of third party vendors so these sites work as mediums. As a result, you may find remarks on every product below which shall build up your confidence and help you decide. As long as sites like Jabong, Myntra, Yepme, etc. are concerned, just copy the product name from the sites and paste it on Google and you may be navigated to the actual vendors or places where you may check reviews and prices.
4. Check with customer care, address, prices etc. – Before you make a purchase, always check the authenticity of customer care numbers, addresses and related information. If you see a foreign location as an address, avoid. Also, check the prices of the product on search engines. Pick the keywords and check the similar products on other sites and verify if the prices are correct.
5. Keep a track on social media – Check the presence of various shopping sites on social media and their general standing. Well known online stores are very proactive on Facebook, and Twitter and as a matter of fact, they respond spontaneously. This will help you meet with your concern if any. Also, these social media inclined stores have customer friendly policies that make shopping an easy task.
6. Word of mouth – Whenever you plan to buy something, speak to those friends of yours who are frequent buyers. Try to make brief surveys and understand who feels what. Experience differ from one person to another and a lot of people are not good at buying both physical and online. Take your own call.
7. Prefer brands – When I say brands, I say affordable ones. For clothes, go for brands like Aurelia, Abof, Sangria, Shree, Jabong, Myntra, Indian Ink, Ajio etc. For jewelry, go for Tjori, Ozanoo, Mirraw etc. For books and day to day products, go for Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm, etc. You may find things of your choice within a certain bracket you like.
8. Check the delivery time, return policies and courier service – Go for online stores that take less time in delivery, and also check the courier service that the store is using. Always check the policies of the online store you are buying from. Never ever save your debit and credit information at the sites. This will help you do successful purchases.
9.  Make purchases mostly on COD – If you are looking forward to safe purchase, go for ‘Cash on Delivery’. This way, you are paying only when the product arrives. You may get a chance to see the product and refuse if you do not like. Otherwise, you can return it later.
10. Do not buy from everywhere – Do not get swayed by the models wearing beautiful apparels. Not everybody is genuine. Never ever buy from ‘every site’. Make a research and check reviews of the sites before you do a purchase. 

Baniya – a way of living

Upon typing “Baniya” in the search box of Google, one finds automatic results like:

• Baniya gotra
• Baniya jokes
• Baniya caste
• Baniya matrimony
• Baniya deals

The business class community dominant in the northern region of Uttar Pradesh is widely made fun for the above but it is way beyond the generalization. The category majorly involves bankers, merchants, dealers, money-lenders, traders in spices and enterprise drivers. Baniyas are known for food, grand weddings, shrewdness and smart money management. Trust me, I have never seen a poor Baniya in my life. Nikhil Inamdar wrote a famous book – Rokda: How Baniyas Do Business. One of the quotes from the book goes like the following:

“Seven pillars make or kill a brand,’ says Goenka. ‘Packaging, pricing, product, promotion, distribution, advertising, and margins to retailers. We ensure there is equal focus on all these aspects.”

No wonder why Baniyas are a personification of chicness, agility, sharp mind, and intelligence. You can easily identify the people with surnames like Gupta, Garg, Bansal, Rastogi, Aggarwal, Jain, Mittal etc. From a typical sweet shop in the locality to CEO positions in big enterprises, across various businesses, you will easily spot a Baniya ruling everywhere. Not a big deal for them, in fact, smartness comes naturally to them. Remember Lakshmi Mittal?

I was raised among Baniyas mostly and had this opportunity to come a little closer to them. If there is something that keeps them apart from their intelligence, it is their grand weddings and food. Often when it comes to snacks, people spontaneously answer Gujarat. Let me tell you, if you haven’t yet savored snacks by Baniyas, you have missed something big.

In any typical Baniya household at any point of time, you can barge into their kitchen and find snacks like kachoris, laddoos etc. Strongly vegetarian, it is the only community that gives tough competition to non-vegetarian cuisine. Which wedding in the world gives you a box of snacks while returning from a wedding? Baniyas do!

Their weddings are equally worth talking about. The weddings are a 5 day event full of grandeur and gloss. Attend one and tell me you were not awe-struck by it. I bet. On this note, Neeraj Garg, VP with an IT company says, “Our weddings are food exhibition. We love food, we love rich food. Either food is on our mind or money. Nothing else.”

Money, something that is twisting the world upside down. Why wouldn’t Baniyas make most of it?

Vishal Gupta, CEO with an IT company shares, “It is a vicious cycle where our money keeps revolving. We just keep putting our efforts and it is just a generalization that we are money minded. We simply take care of our money.”

Robin Garg, a passionate sales guy shares,"You may find a Baniya poor but the zeal a Baniya will put in coming out of his adversity shall be matchless. This is the reason why you see almost all top places ruled by Baniyas - doctors, engineers, CEOs, businessmen, IAS etc. Though, with regards to IAS, we do fall behind the Biharis, its their winning region."

Often people confuse Baniya with that of Marwari. Both are different and so are their geographies. Marwaries hail mostly from the regions like Rajasthan. It is because both are involved in trade and business, confusion is obvious.

I was raised among north Indians and mostly Baniyas, never did I come across in my life a below average Baniya, a poor Baniya, a dumb Baniya or an aimless Baniya. I guess, intellect, smartness and culture runs in the genes of each and every Baniya. Next time, you meet a Baniya, appreciate them for their food, weddings and business, chuck the jokes on being scrooge.  

Picture courtesy - Google