Ways I spend my free time during self-quarantined period Part -2

In my last blog I wrote about few ways which keeps me occupied during the self-quarantined period, continuing the legacy I am going to share few more ways in the second and final part of the blog. All these are my personal tried and tested methods.

Build rapport with family members and friends

In our busy life we don’t get time to sit and talk peacefully with our family members and friends as we have multiple thoughts running in our head then. Now when we have the time, let’s use it connect with our family members and friends and try to cover up for all the time which was devoid to them.

This can be done in 2 ways, for all those of you who are with your family, take time to talk to your family members individually, it will help them to feel connected with you and will help you to build new connections with them again.

For all those of you who are away from your family, you can e-connect with them through phone calls, video calls or any other mediums, I urge all of you to call your parents daily during these time without fail as they will be worried about you all time. A call from you will make them relaxed and consoled during this testing time.

When was the last time, you spoke to your friends at length?  I think months ago, who’s stopping you from calling your friends now to speak your heart out, just like school or college days. Or you can also update the contacts of your school and college friend’s in the alumni network.

Clear files from your laptop and hard drive

There are lot of unwanted files which would have piled up in our laptop and hard drive, since clearing these files takes lot of time and energy it is usually neglected and when we are overburdened we clear files randomly in haste. At times we end up deleting important file too. Use this time to do the herculean task for cleaning files from your electronic devices.

While deleting photos and videos, you can share some interesting clicks in your family group and relish those memories.

Build business connection

Business contacts play a vital role in business expansion and relationship building activities in the long run. Lockdown period can be used by you to connect with professionals in LinkedIn or any other professional website. Professionals will be able to spend more time with you now and you can discuss your proposal at length with them, who knows when situation normalizes you may bag a contract.

Work on your start up idea

Any start up idea need lot of time, research and preparation before presenting it to the investors. This time can be well utilized by you to work on your start up idea as time is enormous and since you are passionate about it so time will never be a constrain especially during your me time.

I hope some of the ways suggested by me is beneficial to you, if so do let me know about it in comments.

Stay home stay safe

Ways I spend my free time during self-quarantined period Part -1

India is under lockdown till April 15^th 2020 to fight the pandemic caused by Corona virus and to emerge winner in the fight against this virus. Together we can and we will, initially it was difficult for me also to stay at home all time and still be engaged. But now I have figured out few ways which keeps boredom away from me, so thought of sharing them with other too.

Web series

Don’t jump into conclusion, hang on till you hear me out completely, I am not talking about the set of new web series being launched on a daily basis rather I am taking about the ones you have already watched. I had watched few web series in hurry and wanted to watch them again peacefully when I am at ease. So I am utilizing this opportunity for the same, few web series which I wanted to watch were “Made in Heaven, Code M, Mission over Mars” to name a few. I watched them again and I enjoyed it thoroughly even more than my first watch.

Movies

Movies like DDLJ, Sholay are the ones which we can watch anytime. I am a big fan of action thriller movies and have a collection of them in my hard drive. Now I am using this self-isolation phase to go through those movies again. If you watch movies of your genre which have already collected you will never bored of it, just try it and let me know about it

Books

I was an avid reader once but due to lack of time, my reading habit declined drastically but I still used to buy books in the hope that one day I might read them. Only time when I read book is while travelling, that time am relatively and devote my self completely to the book in hand.  So in case you too have some books which you haven’t read or have read partially, find those books and go on a reading spree.

I have just mentioned 3 because they keep my busy but I don’t overdo any of them, ie I do them in moderation, watch one web series at time, then a movie and finally the book. This way I keep variations between my activities and I am inclined to repeat another activity when one cycle is complete. 

My gratitude to Indian Railways during Corona times

Corona or Covid 19, I think no one would have heard of term ever but will remember it till their life time now, thanks to the current pandemic situation globally due to this virus. Thousands of people have lost their lives globally and the numbers are just increasing daily. I just hope together we are able to defeat this virus globally by being self-quarantined.

During the initial stages of this outbreak I was at my hometown, that time I wasn’t much aware of the situation because numbers of cases were negligible and situation was under control then. Since my work at home town was not completed I decided to extend my stay by 5 more days. Those 5 five days were very crucial as by then Corona was termed as pandemic by WHO and travel restriction were enforced by the government.

Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I had to travel back to Bengaluru and for the first time I was in the dilemma, whether to travel or not? The situation was more intriguing on the day of travel, till I reached station, I was just waiting for a reason to cancel my travel.

But the moment I reached station, I felt I was in safe hands, they was Covid 19 medical desk at the entrance of station and place was being cleaned by disinfected at regular interval and safety instructions were being announced through speakers. The station had deserted look with bare minimum passengers at the platform and all of them were either masked or had covered their face with handkerchief, first soothing experience.

After sometime train arrived and I board it, to my utter surprise there were hardly any passengers in the coach, including me 10 passengers I believe. I went to my berth and settled my luggage, coach was little different today, as curtains and blankets were removed from AC coaches. All I was offered was a pair of bed sheet and pillow but the temperate was moderated, so it didn’t bother me, so it took some time to get the feel of AC.

I realized that janitor of the coach was making periodic rounds of coach at regular interval, initially it was scary initially but later I got used to it. Then the ticket checker came asked my seat number and glanced over my Id card and went back. He was in mask and gloves, I have never seen them with these additional gears as they are mostly in black coat with white trouser, so was little surprised.

By 8 pm onwards rounds of janitor was intensified and they were accompanied by ticket checkers as I could hear their footsteps till 12.00 am, after that I slept.  Morning when I woke up I realized that the whole drill of periodic rounds by janitor and ticket collector was done to safeguard our interest as we passenger were less in number and were scattered in our seating arrangements. So staffs of Indian Railways made regular rounds, in order to prevent us from any towards incident as we were prone to them in this Corona time.

I would like to my express my heart felt gratitude to all staffs of Indian Railways for thinking so much about us passenger even in this pandemic situation. Thank you and keep up the good work

Social media platforms the most effective tool for escalation management

Brand’s reputation plays a vital role in attracting more customers to itself and reaffirming people’s faith in them in the long run. It plays more important role in service industry which is fragile and easily targeted by people for their service offerings. With advent of large number of e commerce firm’s things have become more complicated now. That’s the reason organizations have started giving more importance to escalation management.

Today most organizations have internal escalation management team to address the concern of their customer efficiently in a short span of time. Organizations try their level best to resolve issues offline so that customers don’t vent their anger online at social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Reason is the large scale visibility of these platforms and its harmful effect on brand value.

Based on my person experience I can say that Twitter is the best platform for quicker resolution of concern and I would like to substantiate my stance by the most recent incident countered by me.

I ordered an item from an e commerce firm on 5^th February 2020 with the probable delivery date as 8^th February 2020. On 8^th Feb, I missed delivery guy’s call and when I called him back after 5 mins, he didn’t respond to my call. I tried to call him 2 -3 times, since he was not responding I decided to wait for his call back.

He is didn’t call me back but I was astonished by an SMS which stated, that the item has been delivered to me and it was collected by me personally. I was furious at the receipt of this SMS as the item was prepaid, I immediately called the customer care to apprise them of the situation and they requested me to wait for some time.

After 24 hrs I called customer care again to check the status of my complain, this time too they requested for more time for resolving the issue. Hence I decided to approach the appellate authority for quicker resolution of issue, here also they requested for more time without divulging exact time frame.

Since there was no response from appellate authority even after 48 hrs, I approached them again, this time too they tried to appease me with same old punch line “give us more time”. I was literally drained out by now, hence I decided to vent my anger on Twitter and the response was amazing.

5 minutes after posting my concern on Twitter, I was asked to DM (direct message) my concern to them on Twitter along with my number which I did promptly. I post my concern on Twitter  by 11 am and by 3 pm I received call from the delivery guy inquiring about my package and address one more time, he apologized for this conduct with an assurance that my package will be delivered to me by 7 pm.

At 7 pm delivery guy called me once again to inform me that he was on his way to deliver my package, in another 5 mins, he was at my palace and handed over the package to me personally this time and apologized for the entire fiasco.

I wondered if I had posted my concern on Twitter initially only, this issue would have been solved on 8^th February 2020 itself. This is not the first time that Twitter has been instrumental in resolving an issue, I have seen similar response in past too and the same has been resonated to me by my friends as well.

So my question is “Why do we need offline platform when online channels are more effective in resolving customer’s woes?”

My IELTS computer based test experience

Finally, I am done with my IELTS exam, now I can heave a sigh of relief. I undertook the computer based test through IDP (official partners of IELTS), as it have been more than a decade since, I have written an essay on paper with pen. I am more proficient in typing than writing and the other reason is, my handwriting in illegible.

My LRW( Listening, Reading and writing) test was on 6^th Aug’19, got its schedule immediately, when I booked for the test on 31^st July’19 and by 1^st Aug’19 my speaking test schedule (5^th Aug)  was shared to me through email and sms. But in order to complete the test booking process, I had to attach scanned copies of the first and last page of my passport. This can be done either while booking for the test or later though logging in to IDP website.

On 5^th I reached the venue opted by me for the test, with my passport for the registration process. I had to finish the registration process first, in order to get inside the waiting room. Registration was done near the reception area, where my passport was verified, few details were asked, my finger print was scanned and a pic was clicked. Once the registration was over, I was asked to deposit all my belongings comprising of phone, keys, handbags etc in a locker provided by IDP with a badge number and key. I was permitted to carry only my passport and locker badge, rest everything was in a safe locker.

After the, I was directed towards the waiting room, first impression of the room was like, I was entering  PVR to watch movie, similar seating arrangement with water bottles on each seat and a LCD screen displaying test pattern. After waiting for around 15 mins, I was called in for the test, which lasted for about 15-20 mins. After that I reached the reception area, to collect my belongings and left the venue. Both before and after the test my fingerprint was scanned.

On 6^th too, I deposited my belongings in locker and headed towards the waiting room, where few other examines like me were waiting.  About 10 mins before the test, we were informed to use restroom, as during test,  its usage is restrictive. After restroom session, we were informed about the test, then we were directed to the test room, again finger print was scanned and we were directed towards our respective seats.

My desk had a big computer with keyboard (normal keypad not feather touch like we have in laptop) , mouse and headphone, along with  a water bottle, pencil, sharpener, eraser, 3 sheets of paper and a pen was nicely placed on the desk. Then I had my first set of instructions, most important among them were, I should not talk to fellow examine all throughout the test, incase of any difficulty, I should reach out to invigilators only and check my headphones to adjust volume. Details about washroom breaks were also shared.

Then instructions were given about listening test and I was on with the test for the next 32 mins, after the stipulated time, my answers was automatically saved by the system, same drill was followed for the remaining 2 tests. For all 3 three test, the timer on my system notified me, about the time remaining for the test to wind up and there a clock in the test room too but I preferred system timer for accuracy.

After test, once again my finger print was scanned and I left the room, but I was allowed only  to take my passport and badge out of the room, remaining items were supposed to be left behind in the room. Then I came to the reception area, thanked the staff for their support and left the venue.

Before appearing for the test, I was more scared about the entire process of undertaking the test, than the test itself, now I feel the test is conducted in highly professional manner under the guidance of experienced and friendly staff members, they support and guide us, all through the process. So thought of sharing my experience in a blog for people to read and get benefited from it.

A note for the readers - Reach the venue at the time specified in the mail, as staff is strict on timings and conduct test on time.

Private airline’s adieu to Indian skies

Aviation industry is touted to be next big sector making its way in market and opening doors for numerous employment opportunities. Forecasting the future potential of this sector, education institutions have already started their bit by training and grooming potential work force for them. But my question is will India be use this opportunity to the fullest?

Reason number of private airlines flying on Indian skies is on declining spree. The ones currently flying are uncertain about their future prospects. Most private airlines have faced  issues in past, few were able to sail through and be back in operation like Spicejet but few left the place like Air Sahara, Kingfisher and the fate of Jet airways will be out in some time.

Air Sahara was launched by Sahara India Pariwar with much pomp and show and was doing good till it embroiled into financial issue and curtains were drawn to this airlines. And Jet Airways came to the rescue of Air Sahara and bought the airline from Sahara group. Air Sahara was then renamed as JetLite by Jet Airways. JetLite joined as a low cost subsidiary of Jet Airways.

Then came Kingfisher airlines, luxury airline of Indian skies launched by Vijay Mallaya. Kingfisher Airlines was like the Virgin Atlantic Airlines in Indian skies. It changed the look and feel of aviation industry since its launch. Kingfisher airlines gave its flier premium class experience during their flight. That was something which was missing in Indian skies for long. Kingfisher Airlines bought Air Deccan the low cost carrier of Indian skies, which boosted up its business further. But Kingfisher airlines too got embroiled into financial crisis and the airlines shut down its operations. Vijay Mallaya left the country, now government is trying to extradite him to India to recover the dues he owes to Indian banks.

Latest to join the brigade of Sahara Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines is Jet Airways. An airline launched by Naresh Goyal in collaboration with other to conquer Indian skies.  Naresh Goyal and his family have major stake in the airline. Jet Airways catered to Indian skies for over a decade before its ceased it operation temporarily from 17^th April’19. There’s no clarity whether this closure is temporary or permanent.

Having gone through the journey of these airlines which ones ruled Indian skies, one thing is common in their exit journey and that is financial crisis. None of them were able to overcome their debt which ultimately forced them to adieu the market.

If financial crisis is one the major reasons for the airlines to stop their operation in Indian skies, I think its high time that government should come with some concrete measures to ensure the longevity of private airlines in Indian skies. An in-depth analysis should be done to ascertain the factors that led to accumulations of debts for these airlines during their operations.

A limit should be set by the government to inform airlines when they are about the deep dive into unrecoverable debts. Airlines should abide by it, this will beneficial for both the parties. Airlines can reduce their debt liability and timely intervention by government can enable the airlines to retrospect on their strategies and come out with remedial measures.

When airlines cease their operations, most effected are their employees who are suddenly rendered jobless with the burden of liabilities on their shoulder. Reason, speculation of airlines closing operation will be there in news but employees never get a clear picture about the actual scenario. They come to know about it at the 11^th hour. Then employees aren’t left with much option in hand.

Employees are the actual sufferers of airlines closure as their salaries are due from their employers and after closure of operation, employees never get their dues cleared. When kingfisher airlines closed, salary dues forced some of Kingfishers airline employees to commit suicide. Government should pay special attention to this issue, when an airline is about to cease its operation on Indian skies.

Airlines quitting Indian skies will hamper the growth of aviation industry in the long run and will even discourage private player to venture in the industry which can help foster the growth of Indian economy. Hence its high time government to look into the issues faced by private airlines while operating in Indian skies and come with measure which can benefit both in long run. And no other private airline should adieu Indian skies again.

Can water woes be reduced through water meter?

Cities are never planned in advance they grew and developed with growth of the city and people migrating to those cities for better career opportunity. Career is one of the deciding factors which lead to the growth and expansion of cities. Rapid growth of city lead to rapid urbanization, it can be harmful at times.

Bangalore has also grown by leaps and bounds but the city today is reeling under water shortage. Bangalore relies completely on water tankers for its water needs. Independent house, housing societies, business establishment all are depended on water tankers and the need is acute during summers when tanker guys charge exorbitant amount for supplying water.

People are forced to pay the price tanker guys ask them as they are in dire need for it. Despite such struggle no concrete measure has been taken by the people to tackle the issue of water shortage in the Bangalore. I wonder WHY? If we do something towards water conservation today, we can tackle water scarcity issue over a period of time but we are reluctant to do anything.

Looking at the way, how the city is growing, the time is not far when we might run out of water in future. Instead of taking a step then, better start with a small step today for a better tomorrow. Rain water harvesting is one the ways but again the participation of people to this program isn’t encouraging.

I think government should mandate all housing societies, apartments (big or small), commercial establishment to adopt rain water harvesting technique. These are the places where consumption of water is highest. All of them depend on tanker for their water needs, as their bore wells can’t meet their water needs. But with rain water harvesting these places can reduce their dependence on water tankers.

Another effective measure is water meter, wondering HOW? According to an article published in a leading daily it has been found that water meter has been able to reduce the intake of water tankers. Few housing societies and apartments installed water meter for their residents and water bill amount was charged according to the water intake of the residents.

From the moment water meters were installed and residents were accountable for their water intake and pay accordingly to the meter readings. So residents became cautious about their water intake which wasn’t the case earlier. Earlier irrespective of water usage resident paid fixed amount and this lead to water wastage couple of times. Now with water meter in place, water wastage has been arrested to a great extent.

Every drop of water wasted will now be added to your monthly water bill. Hence residents have been cautious and have a taken all necessary measures to save every drop of water. Now no leaking taps are left unattended rather it is fixed at the earliest. Water meters have been a boon for people who were consuming less water were still made to pay at par with others who were consuming more water.

Since the installation of water meters, housing societies and apartment’s water bills on tankers have reduced. Reason now they need fewer tankers a month. Though water meter can’t address the water problem of the city completely but it’s a small step towards cautious usage of water.

I feel water meter and rain water harvesting if initiated properly can bring some respite to water woes. But constant effort should be made towards more water conservation techniques before we head towards a grim situation.