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!