HDFC bank you made my day

Banks opened today after a day’s off and for the exchange and deposit of old 500 and 1000 currency notes. I didn’t had much cash in hand so thought of visiting bank today itself. I was sure to visit HDFC bank only because till now my banking relation with them was more than my expectation. I was sure this time too they will help me. I knew today privilege customer tag will not help me or anyone else but still wanted to go there.

The moment I reached there, I could see disciplined queue (no panic) at the branch. I entered in and check the procedure for cash withdrawal first, then deposit. For withdrawal photo copy of id card was required, which I was not carrying, so thought of depositing the amount in my account. Then an employee of the bank told me that we need photocopy for deposit as well. Then I told her that, I have an account with the bank and my PAN card details are in my account. Employee asked me to wait till she confirms and come back. In 2 minutes time she came back and told I just need to fill in deposit slip and stand in a different queue. I was carrying my bank cheque book to support my claim of being a bank customer.

Though was queue was big but it was moving fast as 2 persons were assigned at one counter so that things can move faster. While we were standing in queue one employee from the bank came to each one of us to check whether the details filled in, by us in the deposit form was correct or not. In the event of error, she helped them in its rectification. When people asked the purpose of doing so, she said this is to help you process your form faster. Forms with error will either need fresh form or signature. That is time taking, if everything is correct then you can leave the counter soon.

Within 25 mins I was at the counter to deposit money. My amount was small but still all necessary verification were done. During the process I requested the person, is it possible to withdraw some money from my account today for basic needs. I was asked the amount to be withdrawn, my response was 1000rs. She said fine and asked me to give her a self cheque. I filled in the details to the cheque, in the mean while she attended the next customer. Once I filled details in cheque, forwarded it to her, she asked me for my PAN card, which I gave her.  She jolted down my PAN number in the cheque and handed over the money to me.

I asked her what was the need for PAN card for a small withdrawal like 1000rs? Her response was today even if you withdraw one rupee PAN card is mandatory. I said thanks and left the counter.

Before leaving I just looked around at the bank one more time and could see all people standing there were calm, even bank’s manager was out of his cabin to support the customers. Employees of the bank were all around the premises helping people in filling the form and other banking activities. When I entered the bank we just has 2 counters but soon enough they created one more counter for senior citizens. How thoughtful and quick.

My decision to visit HDFC Bank was not wrong, they made my day, I was prepared to stand for atleast 2-3 hours for this activity but HDFC Bank’s efficient staff and supportive management made things so easy not only for me but also for other customers.

Commotion due to demonetization of 500 and 1000 rs in India

Yesterday (8/11/2016) was like any other normal day for me till evening. But suddenly things changed and what followed was huge confusion and commotion among masses of India. Yeah, India was going to witness a historic moment in couple of hours. Indian Government decided to nonrecognition India currency in the denomination of 500 and 1000 instead will launch new 500 and 2000 currency notes.  This recognition was going to happen by midnight of 8/11/2016. Banks and ATM will not function the following day.

When I received the first Whatsapp message from a friend of mine, took it in a casual way thinking it’s a prank. 10 mins later our building security knocked at my door, I thought he had something important to tell. I asked, what happened? His reply was tomorrow onwards 500 and 1000rs note is banned in India, my reaction was what? Who told you, how did you come to know about it, where my next series of question to him? He was already in panic and my questions added fuel to fire. He said tune in to any news channel.

Once security guard told me about it, then I thought of checking it myself. Who else can I rely upon at such crisis hours, Google, savior of millions. I bet most of the people would have done the same thing. I read about it and the first thing that came to my thought do I have currency notes other than 500 and 1000rs? And what will be the fate of those 500 and 1000rs note in my custody, even though it’s a small amount but still, every penny matters.

In next couple of minutes I was thronged with Whatsapp messages about the news and the confusion it lead to the mind of people. I decided to call my friends and get better picture but then thought of waiting till morning and get detailed information from newspaper.

I have never waited for newspaper so eagerly as I did on 9/11/2016 but paper didn’t come L. I knew few of my family members will call me today to get firsthand information and will have to help them with their queries.  My last resort was google again, I started reading more about it so that am well equipped to answer my friends and family.  No sooner did I finish my research I received a call, it was from my mom, the first thing I asked was “you called me know about the currency nonrecognition?” her response was yes. I said nothing to worry just take the existing 500 and 1000 rs currency to your bank and they will credit it to your account.  She has read it in paper but the panic among people added to her anxiety. It was then I came to know that still people are unclear about the entire thing. What has worsened the situation is the unexpected bank holiday and non-functional ATMs.

Next call was from my cousin again same topic he too had confusions but his biggest challenge was all his patients were either giving him 500 or 1000rs currency today. With no option in hand he was taking it as he is duty bound to look after ill people. But a strange incident happened with him

“ An elderly lady came to him and bought few medicines from him and gave him 1000rs currency, he took it and gave the balance amount. Lady then told him I have two more 1000rs currency you take that also and when you covert then give it back to me. No worries I can wait for few days, my cousin said no to her proposal and explained her that she herself can get the currency converted.” The lady was not convinced, is what my cousin could interpret from her expression.

I am thinking if we educated people have to do so much research and help each other, what will be the plight of uneducated people? Especially in villages, can just hope that no one fools, innocent people of their hard earned money. This is the best time for some people to come forward as savior of people and dupe them of their money.

It is testing time for banks and post offices as they have a huge responsibility of exchanging the currency and handling people who will throng into the bank tomorrow when it opens up for transaction. Success of this strategic thought depends on its successful implementation. We need to render our support to make it thought a huge success.

An episode exclusively for family at Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa

Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa celebrity dance reality show “ journey of a non-dancer to a dancer” is the concept of the show and it has been doing wonders every year. This is their 9^th year but the episode aired on 10^th Sep’16 was class apart which I have not seen in any reality show so far (correct me if am wrong). Till date celebrity contestants would dance with their choreographers and their family members would sit in the audience and enjoy the show. They may come onstage for sometime but on 10^th Sep’16 these celebrities danced with their family members, a thing which they couldn’t have imagined in their thought, was brought to reality by Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. A huge round of applauds to the team of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and colors channel

Contestants came with their wives, kids and parents. The energy with which they performed was worth watching. Family members of the contestants were apprehensive initially, when they came to know about it, but with no other option in hand, they plunged in support to their loved ones and took the challenge. While watching the show one thing was clear, that family members were enjoying sharing the stage with their dear ones, who were earlier spectators. Some family members out passed the performance of their celebrity contestant.  It was a moment for the celebrity contestants to show case their gratitude, love and caring towards their family members, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa just became a medium for it.

Recognizing someone’s effort within the four walls of the house is good but when you do it in front of the world, value of recognition reaches new milestone. That’s what happened during the show. This episode was an emotional journey not only for the contestants but also for the judges, few performances left judges with tears in their eyes.

Performance by Arjun Bijlani and Surveen Chawla was made more beautiful since their complete family was on stage. Arjun had his wife and son in act whereas Surveen roped in both her parents, a tough task indeed. But the most challenging task in my opinion was of Nora, she had none from her family to be there with her on stage, all she had was memories and a video. All other contestants had someone from their family present on stage. Apart from dance, Nora had to deal with an emotional turmoil when she had seen other contestants with their family members. It’s not easy to deal with a situation like this but not only did she handle the situation but performed at par with other contestants. That’s the spirit of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

More than anything else what I liked the most was Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa gave an opportunity for common man and woman to come on stage and perform. We all would have dreamt of performing on stage without the fear of criticism, this episode was for all such people and family members also, put their best step forward and performed within their caliber.

Few things done by individuals touches you within and makes you a part of it, this episode had the same impact on me when I was watching it.  Once again hats off Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and colors channel for the unique thought.

Reliance’s strategic business thought keeps it ahead in business

Newspaper, digital media and social circuit is abuzz with Reliance’s new launch Jio, a revolution in Indian telecom industry. Such is the impact of Jio that its competitors in India are trying to come out with more customer oriented plans now. Everyday companies are coming with new plan, reason they fear losing their customer base, which has started to shrink already.

Just to refresh, Reliance had been into telecom for over a decade now.  When Nokia was introducing its handsets in India year ago, Reliance was offering mobile phone with connection as a very reasonable rate, which led to a revolution, where people from all walks of life were in possession of cell phone. Reliance was able to roll out good number of handset in market. To retain customer it launched lot of plans for reliance customers. For Nokia phones one needed to buy a sim from any service provider of their choice.

Even I have a reliance phone, it was bought by me couple of years ago do unlimited STD calls, with the condition being, other user should also be a reliance customer. The experience was awesome, had I tried the same in any other service provider would have been robbed. It was not that I didn’t try with other service provider but no was able to beat Reliance’s offer so didn’t had a choice. I know couple of people who still use reliance phone WHY? Because reliance to reliance calls, are unlimited at nominal charge.

Then came the era of smart phones, where people’s phone changing frequently was at peak. A person would not keep a phone for more than 6 months or so. Then some prominent players in the market came up with lucrative yet expensive mobile plans. After sales service of few of them were lethargic but they stayed in market with their deceptive ads. People suffered a lot. But with not much option in hand they decided to continue with their respective mobile service provider

 Reliance was still in business but had slowed a bit to come out with something revolutionary. It was studying all these behavioral changes in the customer pattern especially in term of usage like net pack, voice calling, SMS etc. The outcome of the study was “Jio” its meaning in hindi is “to live”. Must say their plan offering will is meant for people to live with joy in terms of mobile usage, without worrying much about the cost.

When someone slows down in the race, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she is out of race but it can have a different view as well. That they are planning something out of the box to make grand comeback, reliance’s new offering Jio is one such thought. The team which has worked on Jio has thought about one thing ie to benefit to its user in cost effective manner.

I feel that’s the reason WHY Reliance has been to retain its position in market for such long time without much difficulty.

Finally got over with my MRI Scan

For my back pain, doctor recommended me to undergo an MRI scan as it will give clarity to the problem. I have no clue about this test so did some research on internet and it gave me rough idea about it. I was able to recall a cousin of mine who has recently undergone MRI scan, so thought of meeting them personally to get first-hand information about it.

Our conversation was an eye opener for me as all my myths about this test had vanished by now and I could understand the seriousness of it now. Then I realized going all alone for this test would be foolishness. In case a patient is not cooperating during the scan then they may be sedated, I was confident of myself being sedated. Second thing was we can’t take things like mobile, wallet, keys inside the room. We have to change to a set of clothes given by them for scanning purpose. Price was also exorbitant.

So I decided to call either of my parents to be by my side during the scan. My mom decided to come to my aid for this scan. I called the scan center to book an appointment for Sunday. They asked us to come by 11 am. We reached there by 10.45am and informed them of our arrival. They gave us a consent form to fill and asked us to wait as there are patients waiting before us. I had to fill one more form, post that money was paid to them.

After 45 mins a guy called my name and asked me to free myself from all metallic objects as am next. Then he gave a trouser to change and asked me to wait for some more time. Waiting time was killing me. Finally my name was called again and I was asked to wait in front of the scan room. The door opened and a lady came out of the room stating, it was too scary and the entire experience was not great. Whatever little courage I had gathered, now vanished into thin air.

I stepped in and the attendant asked me a question “are you scared?” I said yes. A look into the equipment scared me more because of my phobia for tunnels. This was once such things. He asked me to relax and cooperate, incase am uncomfortable they will come to my rescue. I just need to lay calm and close my eyes.

Then he made to lie on the bed and put blanket upon me, cotton in my ears, locked my neck and head with some object. That’s it, I could feel the bed going inside the tunnel, it stopped at a point. There was lot of noise throughout the scan and some strange sound will come when the bed is stopped. Again it moved a bit and stopped, I closed my eyes tight but couldn’t withstand my urge to open eyes. Finally at one point where bed was stagnant, I opened my eye. The difference between the ceiling of the tunnel and my head was too less, observed it for couple of seconds then closed my eyes.

Bed moving and stopping continued for some time, then bed came out of tunnel and the attendant removed the blanket from my body. I opened my eyes to ask him “Is it done?” and his response was Yes. I was so relaxed, and then he removed the locks and helped me get up the bed. I was feeling bit giddiness but when I came out of the room it also vanished into thin air. My mom was shocked to me see out so soon as I had completed the process in 20 mins flat. When I saw attendant after the process even I had the same thought but that never turned into reality.

A journey with and without navigator app

What’s the one word that comes to a person’s mind when he/she has a query in mind? Answer is Google, it has solution to most of our queries. As it’s not region specific, it supports you across globe. Google’s navigator app is one such feature, which can help people to locate a particular place and even guide them.

I am addicted to google maps to locate a place but use of navigator is limited. Reason didn’t want to divert attention while driving and land into trouble. Driving in Bangalore roads is no less than a challenge thanks to the potholes and traffic mismanagement system of the city. Till date none has been able to find a concrete solution to address the problem.

Last week I decided to pay visit to my friend who has recently shifted to a new accommodation. Place was JP Nagar 8^th Phase and I stay close to e city.  Only option I could recall was NICE road but then decided to take maps help, to my surprise it showed me a new route close from my place with no traffic and toll. Despite trying level best to identify the place I was clueless about the areas of map, so thought of using navigator app.

Set the location and let home this time my concentration was more on app than on driving, luckily there wasn’t much traffic on road so was relaxed. Must say, travelling through the app is an amazing experience, the way it guides you at turns is magnificent. 

Everything was going fine until my battery drained out and mobile was switched off (didn’t charge it in morningL). I have covered 80% of the journey, had 2 options in hand either to move back or continue further using tradition method (taking help from people). After blindly following the app now I was reluctant to talk to people as it is a cumbersome task reason even if a person doesn’t know the route, still they will try to guide you.

I asked one person about the place, he asked me follow a route but I was not convinced hence I cross checked it with someone else. My intuition was right I was driving in the wrong direction. Then I took the right path and after covering some distance spotted traffic cops (for the first time in life was happy to see them). I stopped my vehicle went to them and confirmed the location one more time. He said I am on the right direction. After covering 3 km in the same direction, I reached my destination.

 My happiness had no bounds, luckily I called my friend before the battery was drained off and he was there. Else all my effort would have gone for a toss. In this era of mobile phone recalling someone’s mobile number and finding a PCO are cumbersome task.

Back at my friends place we were discussing that our addiction to technology is good but still we should keep also traditional methods handy, God knows when we may need it.

A day at cousin’s place

Sometimes I sit back and think, wish I was still a kid who could play around with cousins and enjoy a tension free life except for exams. But the reality today is we are all grown up and settled in our professional life.  We hardly have time for our self.

My cousins also stay in Bangalore one is close by other one far away.  The one close to my home is hardly 20 minutes’ drive but still we hardly find time to catch up. Only time we catch up is during our parents visit to city.

This Saturday was one such occasion when my aunt was in town while uncle and my cousin brother were out of town. I reached my aunt’s place after breakfast, it was then I realized that my last was 3 months ago, when my cousin brother was ill and aunt had come.

I didn’t feel that, am meeting them after a gap of 3 months because warmth of our relation was like, we last met yesterday. My cousin sister was at kitchen today to showcase her cooking skills, I think it’s the first time am trying her dishes. I was skeptical to try her dish but when she told, initial experiment was conducted successfully on her brother, it gave me confidence to try it. It was yummy, courtesy youtube. Anyone can cook today using youtube today. Even I have tried few recipes.

Post lunch other cousin sister landed, she has traveled good 3 hours to reach us. We all got enclosed in talk about what is happening in our life but most important talk was about movies we had seen recently and the ones we have in phone. Next couple of hours was spent in Shareit (file transfer app) transferring movies from one phone to another.

Since it was getting late I got up to leave but aunt asked me to stay back, as it has been long since we cousins have gathered. I decided to stay back and spend time with them. Then we all started with real fun, pulling legs and the target was our younger sister, since childhood she has been our favorite. I was pulled, being the eldest among them (seniority matters at time). Then childhood memories, missing links to the stories were added by aunt. It went on till 1 am in morning, post that we retired to bed.
Next day was tough for all of us to leave bed, we got up very late and just to have breakfast. After that sleep had vanished so we all decided to help aunt in kitchen with in our purview, she wanted us to take rest but we wanted to be together all time so this was the best option.

Post lunch one cousin left as she had to travel far and late evening traffic will be too much. By evening I also left, on way back was thinking how soon time passed away? But was happy that we all enjoyed it thoroughly and we should try to meet like this, whenever time permits.