A Missed Call

The practice of "beeping" or "missed calling" between mobile phone users! Beeping is simple: A person calls a mobile telephone number and then hangs up before the mobile's owner can pick up the call. If the beeper's name and number have been programmed into the recipient's mobile, then the recipient will see the beeper's name on the call log as a missed call. The missed call is often intentional; the beeper has sent a signal to the recipient without saying a word or typing a character. Better yet, sending a beep is absolutely free!

Missed calls have become in some way, part of society. Most beeps are requests to call back immediately, but they can also send a pre-negotiated instrumental message as “Where are you?” or a sign such as “I’m thinking of you”, “I’m down waiting”, “Come fast”, “It's time we leave”. Sometimes it’s taken to the zenith. For example a couple madly in loves sent this message to their lover “Your missed call is the beat of my heart... so please keep my heart alive love”.

This cost-saving behaviour has blossomed so dramatically in the 21st century. People have actually mastered the art of the missed call. It’s analogous to how people have mastered the art of text messaging—they are so perfect they can type out a message with their eyes wide shut. Similarly people simply look at their cellphone screen and as soon as they understand that the call is connected they press the red button and wait for the desired response to take place. Their timing being perfect, just like that of a tennis player getting the perfect forehand winner.

So this “missed calling” thing will soon create a revolution in telecom department. The idea being to communicate without spending units to call or to send a text message. And today 25% of mobile traffic in India is due to missed calls. Yes its true. A known fact.

This phenomenon is common trend among the youth, spreading like fire. Go ahead and become a part of this soon to be revolution!

Addiction

We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Doing our ‘karma’ and attaining salvation is our ultimate goal.

But the path we tread is such-full of trickery and deceit-that one must choose wisely. The one who fails in doing so will meet the fate of “The captain who must go down with his ship.” Under the guiding light of the Lord Almighty, most will make it ashore safely, but those unfortunate beings cast in His shadow, will go astray-often advocating the Satan’s Bible-down the path of ‘No Return’.

For me, the devil has surely played his cards well when a person has fallen prey to Addiction.

It manifests itself in many ways. Drugs, alcohol and smoking are common; lust, love and gambling are the other forms; none less fatal than the other. Whatever it may be-it never creates; it only destroys.

Once in its clutches, a person seldom returns, even so never to be the same again. For the Soul, once hallowed can never be rejuvenated, but through Divine Intervention.

It has caused me heartaches in the past and today, yet again, here I stand uncertain and disillusioned, helpless before the Devil’s might, knowing well that I will lose my loved one to Addiction. ‘Take my life, but grant him redemption’- my prayer is my only hope.

That God is difficult to find and Satan even more difficult to lose- I know well. And life-my friend- is a small price to pay for that.

Humanity At Its Topmost Pedestal

A group of benevolent people proved to be good samaritans by participating in a blood donation camp organized in the STES Vadgaon campus. The camp was organized by ‘Kshitij’, the official social service group of Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune, under the able guidance of Professor Dr. Mrs. Veena Doss. A whooping number of about a hundred turned up to donate the ‘royal elixir’ at the Sinhgad Dental College Seminar Hall. After a brief inauguration function by the chief guests of the function, the camp opened its doors for donors between 9.30 am to 2 pm. It immediately experienced a huge sea of humanity, in the guise of enthusiastic donors wanting to give their humble yet prominent share in saving a life. It is so well said - 'You need not be a doctor to save lives; donate blood, grant a needy his fair share of life!' About 23 volunteers of ‘Kshitij’ and 10 doctors reportedly present had taken the onus of the camp. The blood collected will be forwarded to Shrimati Kashibai Navale General Hospital, Narhe. The donors were thoroughly checked before donating blood, and the healthy ones were allowed to donate. Later, they were given refreshments to help them regain their strength.

‘Kshitij’ , with the co-operation of SKN General Hospital, has done a great job in organizing such events that promote a social message. The oomph and benevolence that they have put in their work is worth many accolades!

Kunte Chowk- Lakshmi Road

If you are a proper punekar, then which is the one spot thronged by people especially women of all ages, round the year? No!! It isn't a salon! It is indeed "Kunte chowk- Lakshmi Road".

The reason for the punctuation is no doubt, the grandeur this road and the chowk carries. It would be quite insubordinate to write "Kunte chowk- Lakshmi road" plainly. Nevertheless lakshmi road is embedded with many chowks, one of them being "Kunte Chowk".

"Kunte Chowk” lies right 'at' and 'in' the heart of the city and its citizens. It is proximal to tilak road, ABC, Tulshibaug, Raviwar peth, mandai and slurp also to "chitale bandhu mithaiwale'. Four roads bifurcating to four directions connect the chowk to the places mentioned. 'Kunte chowk' boasts of an array of shops and stores which provide you things right from a toddler's teeter to right upto an  octogenarian's apparel. Except for electrical appliances you get all commodities for your life-style. PNG for gems and jewellery, ‘Hy fashion’ for the name , ‘Jaihind’ for men and ‘Vama’ for women and chocolate for kids!! There are also shops on the pavements and in complexes around kunte chowk selling shoes, fabrics and cosmetics. In other words people from all walks of life and economy find their match all at one place, "Kunte chowk”.

The chowk as well as lakshmi road remains abuzz round the week except for mondays, some cricket matches of paramount importance and curfew. Frankly speaking 'curfew' is just an exaggeration for 'quiet' on lakshmi road. Believe it or not the sense of pride mixed with relief is the outcome when you find a space for your bike in the parking lots of kunte chowk.This is certainly not an exaggeration. The lakshmi road stretch measures about 1.5-2 km but yet, it falls short when flanked by shoppers.

In nature we have certain seasons eg: spring, autumn, winter etc. But to experience the spring in human habitat do visit 'Kunte Chowk-Lakshmi Road' during diwali. You do have to visit the chowk to shop for other festivals, but diwali, you could say, is the official sponsor of 'Kunte Chowk'. The shops literally bloom with discounts and goodies. Even a peddler earns a good fortune during this time of the year. The most noticeable thing during this fest are the freaked out girls on reaching the 'chowk' and then starts the phase of enormous shopping!! To top it all the traffic and the double parking add to the chaos and indirectly adds into the bustling activity of 'Kunte Chowk'. During the Ganpati festival, Kunte Chowk is one of the chowks honoured to welcome as well as bid adieu to ganapati bappa of all the organizations. In 'Kunte Chowk' you are endowed with all sorts of emotions. for eg; feeling of trepidation when you witness the RTO pick-up truck lifting your two-wheeler for wrong parking, feeling of achievement when you park successfully, feeling envious when you notice somebody already buying the article before you lay your hands on it, feeling sad when the object in the window-case of a shop is beyond your economic reach, in short you almost have a life-time experience in this legendary chowk. I don't know the history of the chowk neither do I know who the late Mr./ Mrs. Kunte is, whose name has been inherited by the chowk. But yes! One thing i know for sure that I love it and I sense a vibe of belonging!!