Demonetisation: Boon or Breakdown for the Economy??

Let's skip the usual introduction part. We all are very well aware about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetization of notes to combat corruption and terrorism. While this decision is appreciated by most Indian citizens, effect however, appears to be mixed.

-Firstly, we need to understand that Black Money, by its very nature, is hard to estimate accurately; therefore the gain from demonetization is also difficult to quantify. 

-We also need to understand that black money is not just in the form of hard cash. If someone has black money, they are likely to keep it either in the form of property, gold and jewelry, foreign currency or any other possessions or they have pushed it out of the border through the 'hawala' route.

Well, talking about the good part of demonetisation -

• Demonetisation has become a party pooper in Delhi-NCR as cash-based alcohol sales in bars, pubs and ‘ahatas’ have been going down since the announcement.

• Definitely a hit towards Fake Currency, the same cannot be said about Black Money. 

• Death of drug mafia and terror networks.

• This decision will help institutionalize the Real Estate Sector bringing more transparency in the Indian real estate industry.

• Demonetisation has come down hard on dowry seekers. According to a report a groom’s family in Bihar sought Rs 20 lakh dowry from bride’s parents. Now, demonetisation drive has dissolved bridegroom's family demand.

For the ones who can see only the brighter side of demonetization, here I go :

• Bankers are being overburdened with the exchange process and handling the restless queues.

• Weddings are being cancelled and are getting postponed as bills to wedding halls, florists and caterers are typically paid in cash across India.

• During announcement of demonetisation PM Modi said that, for few hours Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes will be acceptable by petrol pumps, hospitals, medical stores and for paying bills. While there have been reports of doctors denying treatment because patients had only 500 and 1000 rupee notes with them.

• People abandon their work to exchange money.

• Very difficult for more than half the population who are not well versed with the card transactions.

• In rural areas, where 833 million Indians or 69% of the population lives, the journeys will be long and arduous. We are possibly seeing the greatest churning of the subcontinent’s population since the Partition of 1947.

• And most importantly, people have DIED. Died waiting in ques, died in hospitals who didn't took old currency, died working in banks. 

How can you justify DEATH because of a poorly executed policy in the name of greater good?? 50 deaths have been reported due to demonetisation ( excluding all the fake dead news). Yet, this is only a 'little inconvenience' so we ought not unzip our mouths and criticize.. as we get branded as anti-nationals. 

Shortage of change issue. 

The new 2,000 rupee banknote is like a mighty, impractical sword when all one needs is a knife. Armed with this forbidding violet bill, Mumbaikars can scarcely buy food or medicines since few retailers can provide change.

"My daily requirement is a loaf of bread which comes for Rs 22, a litre of milk for Rs 50, vegetables worth Rs 50 and maybe Rs 40 for transportation. My weekly requirement of medicines is worth Rs 150. Each item is available at a different outlet. Which vendor will give change for Rs 2,000? This new note is of use only to those who hoard black money. For the middle class it is a showpiece that has no utility," said Anita Sitlani, a resident of Bandra.

The delayed arrival of Rs 500 notes and shortage of Rs 100 notes has hit all segments from homemakers to daily wagers, blue collar workers, middle class and the elite. Uday Singh, a security guard at Lokhandwala Complex, wondered what his family back home in Badaun, UP, will do with his monthly despatch this time. "There is no method of exchanging such big banknotes there yet. If in Mumbai I find it difficult how will villagers manage?"  (Source : The Times of India)

Do read an article published in Wire  by Rashmi Venkatesan here, if your views on demonetisation are still unclear.

Here are some questions which needs to be addressed :

   1. If people across India are facing problems due to a decision taken by government of India, which even lead to deaths, then who should be blamed and should be responsible for that?

   2. If government believes that black money is held predominantly in the form of notes of large denomination (500,1,000),why introduce a new note of a higher denomination (Rs 2,000)?

   3. There are still millions of people who are living in rural areas, who are not having access to bank facility. How is Govt going to handle such situations?

   4. If black money was aim of demonetisation, does Rs 2,000 note defeat the purpose?

The government recognises this is a problem but it is attempting to paper it over by invoking the spirit of voluntarism and sacrifice. We are told that a measure of “inconvenience” is necessary for the nation; temporary pain is “for larger gain”, as parliamentary affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu put it.

 Whatever the aims of the scheme, it is clear its impacts will be massive and hard to predict. No one is against curbing black money BUT if we literally had only this option of sudden announcement to grab those with black money then there should be proper arrangements and sufficient currency flow. Unless cash supply is set right quickly, the distress could deepen. It will take years to fully understand the effects of this shock to the economy, which politicians have insisted is just a "temporary inconvenience"


This video below will surely raise questions in the minds of demonetisation supporters. 

Well, I leave it up to you to decide whether it's a boon or breakdown for our economy?

 Take care peeps.!                                                                                                           

India Against Terrorism.

Letter from your younger self (to you)

Children find everything in nothing; men find nothing in everything. -Giacomo Leopardi.

This line says it all. You may have all the luxuries in the world but you're still an 'Unsatisfied' creature. Without a shadow of doubt yes, one should never be satisfied enough- NOT in terms of wealth, greed or appearance BUT in terms of graciousness, benevolent, compassion and that intent desire in your heart to do something worthy. You know where you'll find all these qualities? My dear..it's been there right within you. It always was, but seems in days like today it all vanished somewhere.    
          

Recall your childhood and ask yourself, what do you used to do when you didn't liked someone during those days? Yes, tell me. Can't even remember, right! You know the reason-it's because you never really hated people on the first place. That was the time of your life when everyone and everything seemed so nice to you, because of your pure soul. Now where is your innocence? Where did you left me? This world have become a bitter place. Can't you see the whole world out there holding hatred and grudges for each other. You people have become vicious being. Why do you do this? Don't let this happen my elder self. Make this world a better place to live. Many of you fall onto this category and the one who don't..you make this world a finer place. Be glad that you are not that low in life that you have to make fun of others and degrade them just to feel something.

Recall your childhood when those sweet-sour chocolates and those little toys made your day. You asked for nothing else!! Since when did you become greedy? Since when did your thirst for money and other materialistic things grew and grew and grew?? You where made to love, care and help other human being. Then why is that to fulfill your stomach and your greed you steal someone else's money? Let me tell you one thing..by doing this, you're showing how pathetic and how miserable you are!! You kidnap, you murder, you spoil other's life and you do all those insane things. I ask you FOR WHAT? Don't forget that at the end of the day when it's all said and done and you're lying on your bed tired and worn out, you will crave for nothing but peace of mind. And if you don't have it then it's not worth it.

Recall your childhood when your friend used to buy a new pencil,a new tiffin box. What do you used to do? Ahh..you used to celebrate their happiness by being more ecstatic than your friend itself. What happened now? Instead of being joyful and captivated why is that, that you feel jealous! Yes, you definitely show your happiness towards your friend in front of everyone WITH feeling of envious inside. Know that being happy in someone else happiness is a sign of pure soul and only by gratitude you can attract bliss.

Recall your childhood when there was not a word of 'EGO' in your dictionary. Yes, you used to fight, scold and quarrel with each other. How long that used to last? Ahh..not even for a minute. Now look at yourself, peep within you and you'll realize what have you become. Ego between two people and a whole loving, caring relationship is lost forever. You don't even bother to at least make a start. How much time does it takes to type a two letter word Hi. Yes, why should you say first? Pity you people and your thinking. Something within me die everyday to see what kind of world you're living in. Not to forget, this is the result of your own doing. Today do one favor on yourself- just for a minute keep your self-pride aside and go and initiate with the one you haven't interacted for a while and I promise you, you'll see the change yourself because of this one step, You certainly will!

Recall all those precious tender age years and you'll realize what have you actually lost. Where is your pure innocent soul, your kind heartedness, your joyful nature and your bindass attitude. Oh yes, you are now a grown up human being. But is this reason enough for you to leave behind your childhood. Be a child again my friend. Keep away your ego aside. Set your priorities straight by not giving too much importance to money. Only then you'll know how beautiful it is to be like a grown up child. Life is so, so short, don't you see? You've all been through enough. Be kind to yourself, to others. Once again start believing in miracles, believe in yourself and have faith and you'll see your dreams taking shape into reality. To sum up here are some of the most beautiful lines I've came across..

Jeb me ek Rupiye ka sikka 

Mujhe badshahat ka maza deta tha..

Aaj hazaron ki daulat bhi

Mujhe wo sukun na de payi..

Juth bolte the phir bhi kitne sacche the hum,

Ye unn dino ki baat hai jab bacche the hum. :)

6 Things People Should STOP Doing on Social Media.

Suppose you wake up one morning and come across the news that social media has been banned and you no longer have access to any of your social sites..be it a facebook, twitter, linkedin or any other. Well, you'll suddenly feel a sense of apprehension, endless thoughts & questions will occupy your mind as to how you'll be able to connect with your friends, how you'll brag about all your stuff and many more. Coming to the point, if this is how much priority you give to your online platforms, then you need to know about social media etiquette, you need to ponder that with millions of people out there having access to social media accounts..your lame posts, your senseless stuff can annoy others and can get into their nerves. The list is long, but here are 6 things one should simply stop doing on social media.


1.Tagging Hundreds Of People In Your Picture:

Why on earth do some people do this? Yeah, probably for likes?! for letting others know that you've changed your profile picture?! or for any other sluggish reason. Tagging those particular people in those particular photo is one thing, but tagging hundreds of others in your SOLO pic is something entirely different! Doing this makes you look dumb..and I hope no one wants to sound dumb on social media. You know what, the one who wants to like your photo will like it anyway, whether you tag them or not! So grow up my dear friend and stop tagging people unnecessarily.

2.Comparing Yourself To Others:

This is something one needs to take care of, because comparing yourself is the worst thing people can do. Yes, with thousands of people out there who flaunt about their looks, their attire, their jobs, their relationships.. it is difficult for one not to fall into the trap of inferiority complex. But hey, where will this lead you? Understand that not every post on social media need your response. You don't have to consider yourself inferior, low or feel jealous by seeing someone else post whom you don't even know! Remember that most of the stuff on social media is a big fat lie. People selectively self-represent online. They aren't sharing their real lives- they are sharing the life they want to project. So next time you go on comparing yourself and your life with others on social media, be aware of the fact that it will only deteriorate you. 

3.Judging:

I've seen people who judge someone on social media merely on the basis of number of likes they get on their pictures. More likes-more prominent, Less likes-less prominent. Oh Really?! How far is this logic accurate? The thing is - you simply can't judge others..not in real life, not on social media, not in any goddamn thing. And if you do so, then be ready and don't be surprised when others do the same!  

4.Posting Every Small Details of Your Life:

There's no denying to the fact that making people aware about the happenings in your life is one among many reasons why social media was created. But not every detail of your life needs an attention. These days people on social media are like..Eating breakfast with so & so person, feeling tired, listening to so & so music, various check-ins and what not. LOL. Are such posts really worth posting? To be honest, people don't even care what's going on in your life..they really DON'T!! regardless of few. They barely have time for themselves and their family, then how could you imagine that they'll be interested in your daily stuff. Post and share things which are worth reading. Post about your life events, about your life achievements, life lessons, share some motivational and inspiring thoughts, post about any of the places you've recently visited. These are the stuff people look out for & not any of those nonsense.

5.Posting Negative Comments & Making Fun of Others: 

You will come across plenty of stuff where people post abrupt comments about any person or any religion. They'll make fun of actor and actresses about the way they dress, the way some of them act in public and the way they live their life. Once you get small piece of news, you're in a hurry to post it! Just take a breathe and think for a moment..will your updates affect anyone's identity or culture? Will it end up offending someone? Dude, Grow up!! No one has ever made himself great by showing how small someone else is. And posting negative remarks especially on social media is definitely not a good idea. 

6.Pretending:

We are our worst enemies because of the way we manipulate ourselves on social media. With numerous filter tools we can now make ourselves look absolutely nothing like ourselves, we wear the best clothes and take selfies, people pretend like they have the best husband, better half..while in real life they probably they don't even have time for each other, people fake about their coolness, their relationships, their appearance, their perfect life..the list is endless. Why can't you be the Real You?? How long could you pretend about these things!! Maybe it's time you throw a little reality back into social media.

Friends, use social media the right way. If you're doing any of the things I listed above then it's time you think about it and if you aren't doing anything from the above list, you're already on the right track in the eyes of your Facebook audience. Don't let yourselves become a social media geek. 

Life - the ONLY game which is hard to play!!

 

 

               
There's this question I love to ask people: If you could describe life, then what would be your idea of a perfect Life? You may say a dream filled with a tree that grows money, the ability to eat cake and not get fat, relaxing afternoons lying on a hammock, an existence where nothing goes wrong and seem to float effortlessly through it all.. Wait!! Do you think that there's such thing as a 'Perfect Life?!' Everyone out there is living a hard life. Life is never perfect man, it never was and it can never be!! It's the imperfection that makes our life perfect. And let's be honest, perfection is boring anyway. People throughout their life comes up with endless life questions...many of which are left unanswered. Here are few stuff I think everyone should know when it comes to life, life goals and most important of all..Life dilemmas.

1. Life Is A Bitch
                

Yes, don't expect life to be fair. When you think you have got everything which you ever longed for, that's the time when life will show you it's true colour. That may come in any form..be it the loss of your loved ones, heartbreak, health problems, job loss, it could be any damn thing. Sure they must have been very painful, but friends, life is tough- deal with it! Life will knock you on your ass..it's upto you how you react. Some days are easy while some are demanding, but at the end of the day, all of them have a lesson to teach us- even the most mundane ones. Don't let any situation in your life tear you apart. And always be a fighter in your life. Don't go low when things don't go smoothly!

2. Don't Give Up Just Because Things Are Hard

Many of life failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up. If you really wanna give up on something, be it your habbit of quitting then. Who said 'CAN'T'?? Success is always doing something someone else said was impossible! TRY, TRY, KEEP TRYING MAN...let the fire inside you burn brighter than the fire around you. Progress is better than perfection..and the only time you fail is when you quit!! Recently I was reading Randy Pausch's 'The Last Lecture' where he mentioned a very inspiring line. It said.."The brick walls are there for a reason. They're not there to keep us out. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something."

Well, I can say that Nick Vujicic is the Living example when it comes to living a life to the fullest and to never give up no matter what!! Almost all of us knows this great personality
..an Australian-Christian evangelist born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterised by absence of all four limbs. Despite of his disability he still performs all those things which we all do in our day to day life. He could have sat in one corner of his room moaning and whining over his disorder. But destiny had other plans. He didn't let his disorder to abstain him from doing what he wants. At the age of only seventeeen, he started his own non-profit organisation and he now presents motivational speeches worldwide which focus on hope, finding a meaning in life and most importantly to never give up. This is how heroes are born, this is the spirit, this is what we call as Indomitable! Are you still thinking to give up?! 


3. Don't Be A Coward All Your Life.

Okay, tell me one thing-  how many of you would really stand up for people who are being discriminated, harassed and beaten up. Very few, right!? I've seen many videos on youtube where bystanders do nothing because they don't want to get "involved" but the truth is, they're too scared to take offense. Do you do that? Don't. Please. Try to be brave. Stand up against unethical things. If you see bulling in your school, don't turn your back. And after it's announced that the person who you turned your back on committed suicide, don't you dare to feel bad. 

Only reading about this will get us nowhere. Somebody has to say "ENOUGH". Stop turning your heads in a crowd to see who will say YES! first. It's only because of this that most of the crime takes place. Stand Up. Be Brave. Raise your voice. You think you alone are not enough to change anything?? Well, let me remind you-  it was Mahatma Gandhi alone who stood up against Britishers to give us freedom, it was Adolf Hitler, a German leader who led the world into the most devastating war in history, It was Martin Luther king- a Baptist minister who campaigned against the segregation of blacks in the southern states of the United States. Don't underestimate the power of words and actions. It takes just a slip of rocks to cause a landslide. Push the damn rock, man!!!

4. Nobody Grows Inside Their Comfort Zone

I think there's no need to say much about this topic. Since our childhood we've all heard this cliche "Comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there." Just one sentence which will sum up this saying very well...'You may get all the knowledge in the world from all the books you read, but there are lessons you will ONLY learn by handling tough situations and going through hardships.' 

5. Winning Doesn't Comes Cheaply, You Have To Pay A Big Price. 

No matter what goals or ambitions you might have, there is one thing certain: There is a price you must pay to get what you want in life. And price just not in the form of money...it may costs you your sleep, your time, your tears, your peace of mind and it may even costs you your years of hardship. But who cares!!  Because if you want to reach that goal so bad you will have to make sacrifices. So before you go into battle you better decide how much you're willing to lose. By the end of this topic I would like to add these two of my favorite quotes...
"Take what you want, god said to man, and pay for it." -Jim Rohn
"Nature cannot be tricked or cheated. She will give up to you the objects of your struggles only after you have paid her price."  -Napolean Hill. 

6. Live Your Life With Passion.

How many of you are doing exactly or at least most of what you've always envisoned? Well, everyone out there is stuck between their 9-5 job. Yes, one has to earn for a living. But then, that's not how it should be man. Don't live the same years for 75 times and call it a life. Damn, get out of your monotonous life. Take out some time from your routine and do things which you always wanted to do. Most people go for a life never discovering what their talents are, most people never develop their talents. The only thing that's gonna make you happy my friend  -is to step up, is to discover what you're capable of and to feel that incredible power pushing through whatever is holding you back and get to the other side of more of your true self. That's what this game is all about! 

You know there's a writer, a painter, a singer, an expert, a dancer inside everyone of us. Pick up that damn pen and write whatever thoughts come up in your head, pick up that damn brush and paint whatever you have ever imagined, sing and dance with all your soul and heart and I promise you friends, you will be Amazed to see the results of your work. You know the human spirit is powerful, it's hard to kill a human spirit. You're unstoppable. Live your live with passion. Do things that scare you. Feel the adrenaline run through your body, you'll know how it feels like to be really alive!! 

And above all, Express Gratitude towards whatever you have. My friend, Ups and downs in life are necessary to keep us going, because a straight line even in an E.C.G. means we are not alive. Though good or bad, perfect or flawed always be thankful, it's the only attitude which will keep you moving and positive!! Become a badass and become the best version of yourself. Till then..keep smiling, keep exploring! :)