Lifestyle inflation- a reality in India

The inflation is here to stay for some time now says the RBI, the apex bank of the nation. this means there is going to be a lot of additional burden on the pockets of the consumers. Well this is not whats really worrying as compared to the topic of my current discussion. There is another significant phenomenon that is creeping into our economy. It is commonly known as the lifestyle inflation.

Let us try and understand what lifestyle inflation really mean and how it is affecting our lives. The pockets of the vast middle class that rules the nation have vastly expanded in the last few years to come. Well, that isn't much news, it is, the expenditure has increased too and in equal proportion. This is more of psychological phenomena rather than a physical one. It is a simple phenomenon that affects our thinking process.

We desire for the bigger and better standards in living than we have. As the income increases the desire for expensive goods and luxuries increase in the same proportion. The hole in our pockets never gets mended rather it only increases in size, the increase being directly proportional to the income increment. So to say, the level of satisfaction is always an elusive higher level. Once we attain this higher level, it is raised to a still higher level. So to say the satisfaction is always beyond reach. A person first desires a two wheeler, if he gets it, he would still not be satisfied as he would now possibly desire a car.

There are many reasons for the lifestyle inflation spreading its wings higher and encompssing the greater number of the populace under its spread. There are many contributing factors to aid this phenomenon. The first and the more prevalent being the peer pressure. Lots of people in the urbane middle class of the new emerging genre buy branded clothes and expensive watches either to boast their fortune or due to sheer pressure to move with the society. It is for the similar reasons that they buy Cars or hold credit cards to sport their wealth. It doesn't matter even if they have to borrow exorbitant loans for the purpose.

Another reason is that the goods that were within affordable limits have creeped upwards slowly in terms of cost, so now not only are the branded and luxury items costly, but, so are the items of daily use and absolute necessity. The problem arises here, where the societal pressure coupled with the rising costs pushes the individuals to live beyond there monetary limits.

Lifestyle inflation is more of a self imposed problem rather than being caused by the physical pressures, the latter may of course be the contributory factor to some extent.

Its time we anlaysed our budget and accordingly took some actions to fight out the lifestyle inflation affecting our lives

Make your dream home a reality- some tips

Home Sweet home, the most welcome place, a refuge from the worries and problems of the world thats locked out.

Owning a home that belongs completely to you and your family is a dream that is nurtured so passionately by the millions, who are trudging along, struggling with their lives to earn a decent living, to own a home, a place where they can feel secure, where they can enjoy and share the good times of their life and where no one is going to bother them with the rent agreements and rent payments or threaten to throw them out if they fail to pay back on the appropriate date.

However, not everyone manages to buy beautiful villa of their dreams. Of course dreams are different from reality, but that doesn't mean that we live through a nightmare after spending our lifetime earnings on something that is meant to spend the rest of our lives in. All I mean here is that we can keep in mind few important points before we finalise our house deals rather than deal with the nightmare of coping with the many shortcomings that would present them when we did not anticipate any.

When you start looking for a house, you must first decide on the amount that you can afford to spend on buying yourself a decent house, that would ensure you a comfortable living. Here you must keep in mind that buying the house is not an end to it rather it would lead you to certain other eventual expenses like furnishing, maintainance, society transfer charges etc. So your spendings must be in accordance, keeping in mind the future contingencies. A good idea is to get your loan sanctioned for the desired amount prior to beginning the actual hunt for your house. This would surely ensure your budget limits.You need to first compare the interest rates of the various loans available, before arriving at the final decision.For this now online help is also available on sites like www.paisawaisa.com. Once decided you must start looking for the house.

You would realise that the market has a wide range of choice available for you. There would be at least a hundred builders on your heels, trying to persuade you that theirs is the best option to invest in. Also be beware of those, who try to entrap you into a bargain that would be far above your own budgetary allocations. Remember no builder is interested in your welfare, rather they are interested in your money, so make your decision wisely.

Consider the following points properly before taking any final decisions on buying any property.

You must have good look into the house, check it out for the leaks in the ceilings or any where else, water fittings and supply of water, in the bathrooms and the kitchen. Space in the wardrobe, store rooms, electricity supply, lighting arrangements, general condition of the flat, availability of a parking space etc. The most important thing is to make sure there is a good security system in place.

An in depth survey of the location of the place is equally important. Find out for yourself the distance from your workplace, availability of good school, market and hospital in the vicinity of the location, accessibility to public modes of transport and connectivity to the city/ town.

You also need to study your neighborhood really well. Talk to the people residing nearby and try and understand their views and ideologies, problems faced by them etc. Your aim should be to get an in depth insight into their basic nature and ideologies. Everyone wants to live next to good and helpful neighbours, as they re the first ones to be in position to help you in times of need.

Another important factor is to keep in mind is the reputation of the builder, to assure yourself that you are dealing with a genuine person and your relationship with the builder in the process of purchasing the house and afterwards is going to be a pleasant one. Also you are assured of the fact that what you would end up buying would be a genuine property and there would be no legal implications attached.

Finally while taking possession of the property make sure that all the documents are complete and appropriate with the ownership being registered in your name. If needed do not hesitate to take help of a lawyer to assure yourself that no legal implications arise after you gain possession of the property.

GLOBAL WARMING

Argentina’s Upsala glacier is melting at alarming levels when it is still winters, as per a recent research conducted there. Surprised? Consider this,the IPPC report claims that the sea level has risen at about 17 inches in the twentieth century, and may rise up to 22 inches in the twenty first century. The world is clearly facing Global Warming. The clear cut questions out here are why? what is the adverse impact of this intense warming on the world?

The global climate studies show that our earth has experienced a number of glacial and interglacial periods in the recent past, subject to the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth‘s surface. There are many past evidences of land submergence and marine transgression to prove this theory. The submergence of Dwarka under water is just one example to this. Many marine fossils have been recovered from landmasses. The current warming that we are experiencing is the interglacial period succeeding a global ice age. The warming that we are experiencing today coincides predominantly with the end of last interglacial period, thus it may be concluded that we are nearing the end of the warming phase and transiting into a global glaciation.

Extensive and widespread volcanic activity also causes Global warming. The eruption of volcanoes brings out hot lava to the surface along with the volcanic ash. This hot molten volcanic material contributes substantially to the process of warming, as the molten material flows through acres of land charring everything that hits its path. The extensive volcanic activity in Mexico in North American continent has recently become a cause of concern for the scientific community

However, the most important contributing factor for Global warming is the increase in the Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which, in turn trap the heat of the sun within the blanket cover of the atmosphere, thus warming up the environment. These Greenhouse gases are Carbon-di-oxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride, HFCs, PFCs, and CFCs are considered the major greenhouse gases that are contributing to the Greenhouse effect. These are mostly emitted as a result of anthropogenic activities. Burning of fossil fuels, vehicular and industrial pollution, use of refrigerators, aerosols, etc are a few causes for the emission of these greenhouse gases.

The impact of the Global climate change is no less than catastrophic. The Argentina meltdown is just the tip of the iceberg, there are other such indications as meltdowns are being experienced in Peru, Chile, Bolivia, etc. our very own Himalayas are nowhere left behind. These glacial melt are leading to a rise in the sea level. This rise is predicted to be so great that as per certain predictions within 50 yrs most of the currently populated landmass would be submerged under the marine waters.

Not only is this, the change being experienced by the climates all over the world, is leading to extinction and endangerment of many species of flora and fauna the world over. This means that the world will soon experience food crises too, as the change in temperatures and humidity conditions would effect the growth of crops that require specific climatic conditions. Thus the economic conditions of almost all the nations of the world would degenerate.

Thus it is important for us to take appropriate measures to bring under control at least, the anthropogenic factors that are, folds contributing toward Global warming. The effects of warming is not going to demarcate the rich and the poor nation so, it is important that all nations of the world sit together and decide the much needed plan of action that each is going to take. If there is one place the politics should take backstage, it is here. We have to understand that as citizens of the world community we have our own set of responsibilities to practice restraint wherever possible and needed, it is us who can make a great difference.

Global warming is a phenomenon that has been happening for long and if no action is taken now, then the consequences definitely going to be regrettable and definitely not to our liking. The impact is going to positively affect us and our future generations. What could be the intensity of this impact, I leave to your imagination. Think, ponder and act because that is the need of the hour.

India of my dreams

We all have dreams and, we have a dream. I too have a dream, a dream of a great nation , a nation in its full bloom, rising above the rest and shining the brightest best. A dream for which our fore fathers had laid down their lives, and it was realized. I too have a dream, a vision, a desire to see our nation rise to the greatest of heights. I have a dream of a country where the new revolutions would be fought, but to free ourselves of our mental slavery and social bondages and political mediocrities.

A dream where the youth would rise to the hour of need and set right what has so long decayed, a youth of intellect, logical and technological desires, who would not shrug responsibilities, would not budge from hard work and would strongly resolve to work for the betterment of the poor and downtrodden.

Where every child will labour, but on books and inculcate in him a strong desire to gather facts, knowledge and ideas, because, ideas lead to innovations an innovation is the base of a strongly developing society, a nation.

I have a desire to see justice and fairness in every field of life. T see a system where the masses are aware and help in the timely justice, where they participate in the process with full conscience and support the just. They realize the values of the system and help to make a society that is progressive. If the people are awake so is the nation.

A desire to see women rise to the position of equality, not just by laws, but, by attitudes too. The attitude that is highly lacking in its perception in considering women as secondary and weak in the country of Gargi, Maitri, Lakshmi bai, Srojani Naidu, Indhra Gandhi and many known and unknown heroines of the past and the present. A society where women are downgraded does not progress. For this progress is needed the desired shift and a conscious efforts.

India would one day become a country that, it has always claimed to symbolise. A country where there exists complete peace and harmony among societies and among religions. Where people understand each other and practice there own religion freely and without fear. The political agendas speak of development and progress rather than the narrow communal divides. Where votes would not be counted on such divisional biases and basis. A country where secularity would come to exist in its true sense.

If all the above comes to exist the bigger problem that the country today is being chocked with, is of the fifty percent of the population is still surviving in sub human conditions would soon come to resolved. As the country evolves and attitudes change, so would the status of underlying problems the progress would result in economic betterment of one and all.

Thus my country of dreams would be one of progressive nature with enlightened and conscious people striving towards a goal of better society and nation. My India would lead the world in all aspects. My India of Dreams would be a nation among nations- a superpower.

A trip to Hemkunth Sahib

Hemkunth Sahib situated in the high rising terrains of the Uttrakhand Himalayas is an important sikh pilgrimage site. Situated at a height of 4320m above sea level and encircled by seven high rising peaks, Hemkunth Sahib offers eternal peace and sanctity to the pilgrims. The journey to this blessed site, where Guru Gobind Singh ji had prayed to Kalika the Shakti in his prior incarnation, is long and tiring but none the less a rewarding one.

Our trip to this eternally beautiful religious place situated in the lap of Himalayas began on the afternoon of 8^th June, 08, the Sunday. The initial journey was undertaken by car. We were eight of us in our family, so we had to travel by two cars, one a Tata Indica and another Maruti 800. This of course wasn’t our first trip, but none the less equally thrilling

It took us two days to reach Govind Ghat. From Govind Ghat the rest of the journey to Hemkunth Sahib is on foot. There are some other options available too like the mules and the palkis for those who find the climb difficult. This is the toughest part of the journey and spans over two to three days. The entire distance up to Hemkunth is about 19Km, of which first 13km need to be covered on day one to Govind Dham and the remaining 6km up to Hemkunth Sahib and then back to Govind Dham on Day two. The final 13km back are taken by some on day two, while others take it on the third day.

We started the climb to Govind Dham early in the morning at about five o clock. The track that followed was rather an uneven one sometimes leading us to a steep climb, and then at other times falling down with an equally steep dip. The rise and the fall were intertwined with the merciful gentler slopes and even patches. On one side of the never ending trek route was the fast rambling river accompanying it for most of the way. The entire flora that covered the other end of the path was of the exotic kind and entangled the pilgrims in its seductive beauty. There were a million varieties of beautiful herbs like the snake plant (Rauwolfia serpentine) that are a beauty to see, especially for those who have never seen a plant which has its terminal leaf spread like a fang of snake, then there were millions of bushes of rare wild flowers in full bloom. There were so many bushes of wild roses covering the slope that it was difficult to hold your attention to the sole task of climbing up the snake like topsy turvy path.

A lot of strong will and determination was tested all along as we slowly trudged along towards our destination. There were many small stalls too diverting our attention towards the various eatable and cold drinks, but we walked on carrying only a bottle of bislery water, as it is a well known fact and of course our previous experience too that the little we eat and drink will climbing up the better. The blood circulation must also be maintained to avoid cramping. So we only took one stoppage en route 3km less of Govind Dham.

The rest of the climb was a steep rise and a rather tiring one. The pace of steps became slow and the determination began to dwindle, but the distance was short and the destination near, so we kept crawling slowly towards our goal. There was a slight change in the flora now and the thick shrubby growth below started giving way to more of herb varieties. We of course had to concentrate more on our own breathing than the beautiful flora around. It wasn’t till we reached the Helipad that our spirits began to soar again as after this the path had become more even for about half a km before the final half km steep rise, but, by then we could see the signs of approach of Govind Dham.

We booked up a dormitory with Garhwal Vikas Mandal rest house, for our large group of eight people. There after lunch we collapsed into our beds, tired with our long journey up the slopes. We also needed adequate rest for the next days traverse up the mountains to our final destination, Hemkunth Sahib.

We spent the evening enjoying the cold mountain breeze and the stunning view presented to us by the high rising peaks that completely protected us from all sides. The soft white clouds were slowly creeping down and the tops of the mountains seemed to penetrate the sky. We could also make out the snow clad holy peak that beheld within its flanks the holy lake of Hemkunth Sahib where Guru Gobind Singh ji had meditated for long. We watched this enchanting view till the darkness began to spread its black cloak over all that was to be seen. We then visited the Gurudwara to seek blessings for the final success in reaching our destination and after a light dinner retired for the night.

The next day began early too as our group split into two parts the elders decided to scale the remaining six km of the ever rising steep climb on mule. We, the younger lot started early to reach up there in time as, our plan was to complete the entire descent down to Govind Ghat on the same day. Our aim was to keep ample time in hand for the visit to one of the four Dhams, Badrinath.

The climb this time was a steep upward rise in a zigzag shape of z. I took were small steps and climbed up with small durations of rest for catching the breadth. With height the oxygen begins to decrease and we cannot rush up with great speed. My strategy worked well and I climbed up steadily to my destination without any much help. The physiography here was fast changing and we could see glaciers in the slopes that were around. There were wild daisies flowering around at places and some other wild herbs too. This was no less a view than the valley of flowers that lies not so far off from Govind Dham.

We encountered the glacier 2km below the Hemkunth Sahib. There were quite a number of young volunteers cutting through the snow to pave way for pilgrims like us to pass through. This is the final part of the climb and the most difficult one too, especially the 1100 stairs at the end that take us to the end of our journey.

The view that lay ahead at the end of our journey was far more enchanting than any eye could have envisaged. It was heavenly a truly holy place to be. No wonder the pilgrims believe that Gods come down to bathe in the holy lake before dawn.

Beyond the Gurudwara is a small Mandir dedicated to Lakshman ji and the lake was half frozen as was the whole place around. It was really cold up there even though the sky was clear and there was no trace even of a whiff of cloud. The water of the lake where unfrozen was rather chilly but a dip was enough to end all tiredness that had accumulated over the days.

We walked down the top six km to Govind Dham from where after lunch we hired mules to reach down to the ghats as our intention was to reach Badrinath the same day.We reached the Ghats by 6:00 PM and Badrinath at around 10:00PM.

This was my third trip to Hemkunth Sahib, the previous being last year, and there is no wonder in the fact that I intend to return there next year too. It is one place that offers us spiritual harmony and also the thrill of adventure. It is where I get to test my determination and will power and get immense satisfaction too. Every experience that I have had journeying up to Hemkunth Sahib has been truly enriching.

A Seventy year old woman gives birth to twins

Yesterday, I came across a very strange news item while watching television. It strange in the context that, one hand, it spoke of the applauding level of feat that our society has attained in terms of scientific growth, while, on the other hand it spoke of the backwardness in terms of social equities that still plague our society.

A Seventy year old woman has given birth to a pair of twins, one a boy and the other a girl, through the technique of test tube baby production. well, a seventy year old giving birth is definitely no ordinary news item that you come across. It positively depicts the amazing pace with which the field of medicine today is progressing. I must make no mistake in extending a hand of congratulations to them.

On the other hand if you contemplate deeply on the beliefs and the thought process that led to the old couple, nearing the sunset of their life, to take such a step in spite of having a couple of married daughters, you would realise the strangeness of the entire event. What was the need, so intense for a child, when the already had children! what circumstances led them to take such risky measures at such an advanced age?

There is not much mystery underlying their need for a child. It is nothing more than the century old desire that haunts every married couple. The desire for a boy child. It is the same desire that has led to female foeticide and infanticide. Well, it was the same desire for a boy child that led the old couple to take such life threatening risks to have a boy child.

A boy child that they desired probably to support them in their old age. A boy child who would take care of them at the near end of their life. A boy child who would need their support and care for another ten to fifteen years. A boy who would still not be independent probably by the time the turn ninety.

The entire cache lies in the fact that on one hand we are seeing the slow and silent revolution within the society where women are taking over many key positions in various fields of work.
The women have proven their creative talents and intellectual skill in almost all spheres of life, and the remaining would soon be within their reach.

Here is a case that clearly states that whatever status women might achieve in the society. Whatever claims they may make to the much deserving equality that they have long fought for. The men would be considered superior for who knows for how long.

We may have shoved our veils aside for good to prove we are no less. Unfortunately the veil of traditions and long redundant beliefs still remain to be shoved away for the betterment and progress of our society.

It is strange then that the progress in terms of medical science and technology is so skewed as compared to the societal growth

If Life were so easy

If life were so easy

If life were so easy ,

and the passing time lazy,

I would sit back and see,

the sights that nature offers me.

The distant rising mountains,

that hold themselves as curtains,

though hide the life beyond,

present a picturesque background

The giant brown trees,

nodding their head in breeze,

whisper tales of the past,

that forever will last.

The ever ending green cover,

Sprinkled with raindrop shower,

looks lovely in the sunshine,

and the warmth flowing is divine.

I love the green and brown,

I love it all around,

the beauty captured at that instant gaze,

you know can never be erased.

In one single glance I would love it,

And forever shall I treasure it,

And for one long life it will remain,

To recall during great strain.

I wish I could sit back and see,

The natures ever binding beauty

But, life isn’t so easy,

And the pace of life just crazy.