Author: Archana

Once a Physiotherapist now a Wordsmith. Field Botanist. Bonsai. Proud Indian. Fauji Wife. Doting Mother and Mother-in-law. Devoted Grandmother. Reluctant Cook. Happiest on a road less travelled. 60s are the new 40s ;-)
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The Son Rise

While political analysts may have felt slightly deprived at the speed with which our new government was formed- they had a field day in speculating and counter speculating strategies, names and potential situations if the Congress ‘allies’ had decided to support the government from outside.

The dust has finally settled. With the second round of  swearing in India can now get back to business. 
While the exclusion of Rahul Gandhi in the cabinet did raise some questions, the Cabinet is well sprinkled with scions of political families. Sons, daughters and all manner of relatives that were political heirs have come into their own and landed ministerial appointments. 
In a country with a huge youth population, there are high hopes from the young ministers. They need to set the bar high and work towards it despite political, social or other pressures. This article talks of performance being the criteria. 
Many have questioned if we are a dynastic society. Does a constituency vote blindly for the progeny of the previous popular leader? Is pedigree all that matters? What about performance by the next gen?
Results across India would suggest as much which will explain why every such politician makes an extra effort to ‘nurse’ that region towards more growth. 
A sociologist would give us a better perspective on this. In the meantime,
the son has risen
there is hope on the horizon
a new day
a new beginning
time to start afresh…
Jai Hind!
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Three cheers for the Indian voter

A vast majority who had geared for a long suspense about our new government were pleasantly stunned. By us of course, the Indian voters! 

Experienced analysts and politicians could not gauge the mood of the people or even predict what was in store for them. Could it be that the voter finally will not be swayed by political gimmicks? Not fall prey to promises that he knows may never be fulfilled under the name of coalition politics? Developed the capacity to think independently? 
At least some of these must be true. That alone explains the clear mandate (opposed to the fractured one expected by a vast majority) and clipped wings of regional satraps. 
The voter does not always have to argue, protest, fight verbally. This is his power to tell the politicians that like all other jobs, delivery matters. Performance matters.  They would be evaluated continuously over five years. Instead of an annual report there is only one report at the end of five years. Illiterate and poor our masses may be, they are not dumb. 
The Election Commission of India did an excellent job of holding peaceful elections (barring a few incidents)- besides sheer numbers, extreme heat and security threats were issues they dealt with in a most satisfactory manner. Technology came to their aid in the form of EVMs. Obviously many would complain about the voter registration process, names going missing etc. 
There is a lot that needs to be done- infrastructure (roads, electricity, clean drinking water and food for starters) and employment come to my mind first. Womens issues still need to be looked into- female infanticide, dowry. Obviously every one has a wish list.
Those who missed out on casting their ballot this time, visit the offices of the Election Commission in your city this week itself. Start the enrollment process. 
Jai Hind!
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More about car colours and insurance premiums

My last post was about the relation between car colours and driving skills (06 May 09). To my surprise the Economic Times dated 11 May 2009 also carried an article on similar lines – relating car colour to insurance premium. Read the entire article here.

Their take was that vibrant coloured cars may end up paying higher premium as they are more susceptible to accidents. For insurers’ better visible colours like silver are less risky and may carry lesser premium. The article cited Rahul Agarwal of Optima Insurance Brokers as saying that “insurers who have conclusive data on the colour factor may tweak their premiums to charge more or less.”

If this works out then one may have to think before buying that red fast number to zip through the city. 
Irrespective of  what wheels  you own, remember drive safely. For someone waiting at home for you. For yourself.
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Of Car Colours and Brands

I recently came across this article that talks about car colours and insurance premiums and human personality. I know that colours are associated with emotions but this was new to me. 

I would like to go one step beyond this.
Are car brands associations with certain personality types limited to flaunting ones wealth, social status or machismo? Have you observed performance of  hatchback/ SUV/ sedan and multiple other passenger vehicle category drivers that zoom past us at signals, on highways, tiny streets and by lanes, at day or night? 
More often than not a particular brand recurrently tends to jump signals, overtake persistently from the left, honk endlessly and generally make their presence felt when driving on roads. Some incidents often get known by their car types more than the incident itself. Read this and this and this…
Similarly there are some vehicle types that are ones that I found to be maximally adhering to traffic rules. 
One thing I know for sure. The presence of a female pillion rider almost always sends the speedometer of any two wheeler driven by a young male, zooming in the clockwise direction. 
Whatever be the psychologists’ verdict (on relation between behaviour related to road safety and traffic rules and car brands), safe driving is as important to a driver, vehicle occupants as it is to pedestrians and other vehicle drivers.
Follow traffic rules.
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We Are Like That Only

Being an avid shopper and firm believer in ‘retail therapy’ I seized the first opportunity to read Rama Bijapurkar’s “We are like that only”.  Besides all those wanting a ‘pie’ of the Indian marke, this book is also a must read for consumers. 

Our decisions on why we choose a particular soap, TV, car or paint affects the fortunes of these corporates. As consumers we must know how each of our decisions is analysed or interpreted. 
Written in a simple easy to understand style (there is enough management jargon and figures for the corporate honchos)  “We are like that only” takes an in depth view of all aspects of our lives. 
Even the evolution of the marriage market has come under the scanner. 
Though not a conventional thriller, it certainly will hold your attention all through. The book was published in 2007 but thoughts expressed therein continue to be valid.
Read my review here.
Happy shopping! 
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At last, a Plant Hotel!

Each time I have to move out of Pune for more than a day, my biggest fear is for my plants. My small bonsai collection, few perennials and the usual foliage pots are my extended family. I had read of a ‘hotel’ for pets when owners travel or are on a holiday and desperately felt the need for a similar plant hotel.

Quite by chance I came across an article about Plant Doctors in the Good Housekeeping magazine March 2009 issue. Green Carpet – The Garden Centre offers a home for plants when we are away. They have centres at Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Surat, Goa, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Coorg, Cochin and Pune (Hooray!)… According to the article, the centre also offers help for a sick plant. Click here to visit the Green Carpet website. Location addresses are available on the ‘Network’ bar on the home page.
I have yet to use their services but for those with travel plans this summer holidays this may be worth checking out. Those of you who have experience of this or other such centres, do share your views.
As for me, I can now plan a holiday this year that I was partially avoiding due to my plants. 
Happy Holidays!
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Shoe gate

Its election time and in the current financial environment, politicians should be ready for the worst and I don’t mean only in terms of tough journalists’ questions and an irate and disgruntled vote bank.

Along with former US President George W Bush who had a shoe thrown at him other global leaders too have faced the same fate. The same offending flying object made its way into our Home Minister’s press conference yesterday.

Channels and other media are thoroughly dissecting this incident so let us just think what it means going forward…

  • Security prior to entry to hallowed precincts to be graced by the political VIPs will be toughened. In addition to leaving behind our belongings, we would have to leave our footwear outside. But what of other tools like pens, stinky socks etc…
  • Politicians must undergo training sessions to learn ‘duck and smile and stay cool’ techniques before addressing a press conference. By the looks of things, the current lot have done very well.
  • In addition to learning tricks of journalism, newbie journalists and old ones too must undergo training to improve accuracy in throwing shoes.
  • Boost decision making skills for journos- is one shoe enough, go for both of a pair or also take up the neighbour’s shoes. Others must train to hold on to their ‘soles’ if an emotional journo tries to grab their shoes.

Will the paradigm change to shoe being mightier than the pen?
What do you think?

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Massage

Massage undoubtedly has several benefits. It has been in vogue since ancient times across several cultures across the world. Ayurveda accords tremendous importance to snehan (massage) as a preparatory to Panchakarma treatments . 

Do inform your therapist if you are under any medication or are allergic to any thing. Also select a therapist with necessary qualifications to administer the massage.

Some conditions where it must be avoided are as follows:

Thrombosis of Veins (blood clots)
Varicose veins
Skin conditions like eczema or other contagious conditions
Open cuts/wounds
Cancer/ Tumours
Rheumatoid arthritis
Recently healed fractures
Recent surgical procedures
Osteoporosis
Fever
Pregnancy (subject to which area to be treated and which month)
Recent scars
Swelling
Certain abdominal conditions
Go ahead and Relax and Rejuvenate!!
Archana
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A Classic Romance

I have decided to put down my ideas of books I have read over the years and ofcourse current publications.

I read ‘Gone With the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell when in class nine. I was happiest when my daughter too enjoyed every page of my well thumbed copy. I watched the movie much much later so all these years my mental visualisation of the cotton fields, Mammy waddling in and out of the house, Scarlett’s famous green gown made from curtain cloth or her final rush to find Rhett as she discovers her love for him are owed to the author’s powerful words. 
This classic is heads my list of romance novels. I can still read it at any time, cry with Scarlett in her times of distress or  get angry or laugh with her. 
Happy Reading everyone!
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Health is Wealth

This old saying obviously meant that being healthy is the best wealth for a person.

Yet now it can have a different meaning- from the medical providers point of view. Obviously they are into this profession for the love of it AND to make a livelihood.
Medical establishments have grown from being one man stand alone shows to huge set ups. Hospitals, path lab chains are now registered entities. This obviously means they must report profits. I am told that some set ups have ‘targets’ for CABG (open heart bypass surgery)… 
Obviously the ‘patient’ then becomes a consumer and should be eligible for protection under consumer laws. Often those affected by a mis-diagnosis or carelessness prefer to ‘let it be’ after they get relief from a second/third opinion. 
While advertising was a almost a taboo for the medical profession some time back, we have huge hoardings, television commercials, print ads for medical products like artificial joints, diabetes and weight loss solutions (without dieting or exercising) just to name a few. Surgeries are available as ‘packages’ ! 
Does this strike a warning bell? 
They say one’s friends circle must always include one who wears a white coat and one a black one. (Doctor and a Lawyer). 
I would prefer to exercise regularly, meditate, set achievable goals and try to be happy and avoid going down this street as much as possible.
What about you?
Take care
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