On going to school

As long as a child is within the precincts of his home he or she feels comfortable and protected. The child is secure within the surroundings which are quite familiar and well known to him or her. Not yet exposed to the outside world the child is happy and content with all the attention he or she gets from the mother, father and grandparents. But as soon as the child turns of school going age every thing changes. A new world opens up before him or her, a world that may not be friendly.

I had grown up being cuddled by my maternal grand father. I used to enjoy tapping my feet to the peppy music which was my grand father’s favorite. I was not familiar with what school stood for. I only knew that it meant a new bag, a set of new books with colorful pictures and what attracted me the most was the box of pencils and the sharpener.

My father had been posted abroad and when we returned to India the new session had already started. My parents were in a dilemma and were afraid that if I did not get admission now I would be wasting a whole year. My grandfather discussed this with his friend who was associated with one of the leading schools of south Delhi. He put in a word to the administration and I got admission to one of the most prestigious schools in south Delhi.

A set of school dresses were bought and also a beautiful school bag containing books, copies, pencils, eraser and a sharpener. I was super excited. So far it seemed so good but now next day was going to be the testing time for me. My mother escorted me till my class. A fear gripped me as I found myself surrounded by a sea of faces who were all strangers. I gripped my mothers hand and the navigation through that mass of faces took some time as we moved towards my class. Then my mother stopped at a door. We were made welcome by a smiling face who was my class teacher. Panic gripped me as my mother turned to leave. Seeing my fear the teacher who had the kindest loving eyes guided me into the class and introduced me to every one there. She assured me that I would love my time in the school as it would be a fantastico experience for me. She guided me to a desk which she told me would be my special one reserved for me only. I lost much of my fear as I glanced around the class and met many smiling glances. It did not take much time for me to settle down and I made quite a few friends. Then it was time for lunch which was indeed a fantastico experience for me as we all sat down on the floor and were served a lip smacking lunch. The time flew fast and then I saw my mother waiting for me outside the class. The teacher told me to go out to my mother and go home. On reaching home my mother told me that the teacher had asked her to come to school early as it was my first day at school. This is how my school life started a day which is still fresh in my mind.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Its Fantastico that you are buying a new car

So you have decided to buy a new car? Fantastico its a great decision ! So what are you looking for in a new car? When I put this question to my best friend who was planning to buy a new car he appeared zapped.

Actually this is a question that a lot of people face and because they do not know the answer they may end up buying a car that may not be their first choice.

Buying a car in India is a big decision.

If I were to put this question to myself then I would list the following qualities or criteria while selecting a car.

1 A car made in India: Reason I love my country and a car made fully in India is designed to work on Indian roads and Indian conditions.

b) The spares are easily available and are more competitively priced as compared to cars which are fully imported.

b)Due to higher import duty on foreign cars I can buy a higher end model car in my given budget as compared to a base model of a foreign car.

c)When I buy a car that is made in India I am not only saving money but the money I spend on a car is giving employment to fellow Indians.

c) I want to buy a car that I look good with. Just take a selfie with the Indian cars that are being built and sold in the country and compare it with the foreign ones . With latest ergonomic designs and features

the Indian cars can give any foreign car a run for their money.

d) Indian cars have a wider service network and even if you need some help with your car in the middle of nowhere you are likely to find a mechanic who can fix your car.

By now I realize that this discussion of ours is getting a bit generic when I say an Indian car. So from here on I would be more specific and safely use the example of a car from TATA motors to take this discussion forward. The reason I use TATA motors is the fact that when I use the phrase Indian car the first word that comes to my mind is TATA motors as this is a brand that is producing trucks, passenger cars and all kinds of vehicles for a very long time now but the beauty is that they have been constantly upgrading and reinventing their product line .As a result they have evolved the Brand TATA motors into a company that exports their cars to various parts of the world. Such is their prowess at their trade that they purchased the leading brand Jaguar which was an ailing company then and have turned it into a much sought after brand once again. Today TATA motors is exporting its cars to various countries and has happy and loyal consumers all around the world. So what is good for the rest of the world is good enough for me as well.With the launch of TATA Motors Zica it would add another trusted car to its existing portfolios of passenger cars.

It is a hatchback. It is designed to look compact from the outside but spacious from the inside.

e) I want a car that has plush interiors and a good view of the road and with TATA motors functionality is part of the DNA of every model that they build.

Talking about a car that is loaded with features I cannot help but mention the presence of parking sensors that would help me park the car even on difficult and tight parking spots.

g)I need a good entertainment option: Such as play music from my mobile , radio or saved on my device thanks to the smartphone integration, Bluetooth and a Herman sound system.

h) Show me the way. With India always on the moves roads ,cities and townships ate being built all the time and there is growing traffic as well so a navigation system is a must.

i)Good fuel efficiency and power under its hood. I am looking forward to the petrol variant with the

Tata Zica Revotron 1.2 engine you get 83bhp @ 6000rpm; 114Nm @ 3500rpm making it stand tall amongst its peers.

Don't take my word for it go ahead and take a test drive and experience it yourself first hand. After all “Test Drive Karne Ke Aur Dekhne ke Paise Nahin Lagte”

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Experience Made in India with TATA Zica

These days there is a lot of buzz about Make in India. There was once a time in our history when India was so prosperous that it was referred to as “Sone Ki Chidiya” or a bird made of gold.Wow what a fantastico feeling it must have been? Prosperity is related to financial stability and optimal use of our resources,manpower, skill and talent. When we produce product that are world class in terms of quality, cheap ,economical and value for money then these products and services would be in great demand both within our country and around the world making our country earn useful foreign exchange. It would ensure that more and more people in this country get suitable employment. What a fantastico experience it would be when every country of the world would be using products and services made in India. Thus with every purchase of a made in India product or service ,every Indian would get more prosperous.Our foreign reserves would grow, our export would increase and the currency would get stronger. However as it is said that charity begins at home so first we have to start using Indian. There are so many Indian brands around and we use them too. However when we pick up a brand or a service that is made in India and one of the best in the entire world that surely it is a reason for us Indians to feel proud. Take for instance the case of TATA motors it is a legend in its own right that has stood the test of time and it keeps reinventing itself to excel and remain ahead of the competition. Today it exports cars and other vehicles to so many countries around the world.

Ok so you do not own a TATA vehicle or maybe you do, in either case there is a wonderful opportunity to sample the quality and greatness of a brand that has proved to be truly #madeofgreat.There are so many innumerable reasons that have made TATA motors truly a great brand that is sought after not only in India but globally.

With the launch of its new hatchback TATA Zica there is an fantastico opportunity for every Indian to sample and experience what it feels like to be associated with a premium brand that is truly made in India. The opportunity presents itself by way of a test drive the new hatchback TATA Zica.

In the looks department the aerodynamically crafted chiseled exteriors can give a car of any other brand a run for its money.

So when you take a test drive watch out for these features that would make every Indian proud and say with pride here is TATA Zica from a company called TATA Motors that is madeofgreat and here is a car that is made in India .So watch out for there features in TATA Zica

I. The New radiator grille with the ‘Humanity Line’

II. The New tail-lamp enclosures

III. The Integrated rear spoiler

IV. The Dual-tone interior

V. The Harman-sourced ConnectNext infotainment system So playing and enjoying some peppy music is so much fun and rewarding experience.

VI. The New dashboard integrated console

VII. The 3-spoke power-steering with audio and mobile controls

VIII. The Electronically adjustable ORVMs (outer rear view mirror's)

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Reasons Why I would trade my bigger car for the fantastico TATA Zica

 

OK I have a big car , It takes me to my office and on some weekends to the supermarket. However with so much traffic on the road it gets stuck in the traffic more often, It is frustrating to see smaller ,smarter and faster hatchbacks zip past you as you are trying to negotiate traffic.

The Parking woes: A lot of big car owners like me would have experienced this that the parking attendant at the parking lot drives you away saying that the parking is full even though there may be still space left to park cars. The reason?: The parking lot can accommodate two mid segment or small cars in the space needed to park my big car. Thus they get  more revenue and I get no parking.

Why am I cribbing about the parking lot when I like most people live in an apartment block where there is no place to park my car under my assigned parking space as it protrudes out and not just blocks the traffic of all the neighbouring Sharma Ji's and Verma Ji's of the world but also makes it prone to scratches by passing vehicles. So be it rain or Sun I have to park my car at quite a distance away from my apartment and then take a walk weathering the climate. Where as all those compact hatchbacks zip around me mocking at my predicament of not being able to park close to my home.

I cannot take my car on narrow crowded streets as my car causes traffic jams so I have to park my car  at quite a distance from markets, wedding venues,fairs parking lots  and leave it unattended at the mercy of the elements and the unscrupulous operators looking for an opportunity to rob it of its side mirrors , the music system or any valuable accessory  that they can lay their hands on. After all the accessories cost a lot as compared to the accessories of a compact sedan like TATA Zica.

Why just the accessories even the running cost and maintenance of a big size car or an SUV is much more then that of a Compact hatchback like TATA Zica.

Every time my car goes for a service it costs me up to two or three times more then it cost a hatchback user to get his or her car serviced.

I am an experienced car driver yet there are moments when while reversing my car I hit a wall, a bicycle or a strategically parked scooter just because I simply could not see it in my rear view mirror.

However with improved visibility from the drivers seat due to its design I would be able to get a good view of the front while driving ahead and of the rear while reversing my car. Besides it has a state of the art Parking assist feature that would help me park it even in tight spots.

Powered by its Revotron 1.2 petrol and the Tata Zica Revotorq 1.05 diesel engine I would be able to zip past the bigger cars that jostle for space and parking.

Besides the features like

The New radiator grille with the ‘Humanity Line’ that makes TATA Zica give its fantastico look and makes it stand out from the crowd.

II. The New tail-lamp enclosures that makes it look classy and elegant

III. The Integrated rear spoiler: This adds to the looks

IV. The Dual-tone interior: To make me feel I own this space . The interiors promise to be plush,comfortable and elegant.

V. The Harman-sourced ConnectNext infotainment system: This is the thing that I have been looking forward to . For that immersive audio experience. I can play the media on my mobile through this system via bluetooth.

VI. The New dashboard integrated console: This blends so well with the rest of the interiors . Accessing the Navigation or any other feature of the car is a breeze.

VII. The 3-spoke power-steering with audio and mobile controls would enhance my overall drive control and experience

VIII. The Electronically adjustable ORVMs (outer rear view mirror's) come in handy to adjust the mirrors to view the approaching approaching traffic.

Above all my parking space would be mine alone and no parking attendant would turn my TATA Zica away That is the advantage of TATA Zica a Car made in India for every Indian

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

My 5 minute fantastico guide to selling your old car

So you want to sell your old car or trade it in for a new one? Fantastico ! Great decision

1)Get your car serviced,cleaned and any minor repairs taken care of: A clean,running and functional car is relatively easy to sell then a old car that is dirty , non operational and collecting dust.

2)Maintain and share the service record with the prospective buyer. This is a good way to display to the buyer that it is a well maintained and well looked after car. Self driven vehicles that are well maintained can fetch you a good price in the second hand car market.

3)Make sure the car has a valid pollution certificate and insurance as selling a car without these records is not only difficult but also illegal.Without proper paperwork you do not get the true value of your car.

4)Keep a copy of RC that is the registration certificate handy and other documents that may have come with the car. If your car was originally bought against a car loan or EMI (Easy Monthly Installments) then keep these documents ready. Also if you have bought accessories,battery ,tyres etc which you have bought recently and may still be under warranty then make a list of these additional items and bring it to the notice of the prospective buyer(s) this way you can get a better price for your old car.

5) Once the car is cleaned do click a few pictures of it from various angles. These pics can be used to post ads on online sites which sell and trade in used cars. Posting ads with recent pictures of the car you want to sell is a good way of attracting genuine buyers. As this way the buyers know what to expect when they come to see the car. This saves time,money and disappointments and you can come to a deal with the right buyer.

6) Take a test drive: Actually this should be the number #1 thing for you to do when you are planning to sell your old car.Yes you read it right. As for a lot of buyers selling their old cars is the first step towards the buying of a new one so take a test drive. Play some peppy music on its music system and check the navigation system, see if the model comes with airbags fitted, enquire about the fuel efficiency.Tell the car dealer that you want to trade in /sell your old car. In a lot of cases when you trade in an old car you get additional discounts on purchase of a new one.This way you get to know about any exchange offers that may be going on for your old car. You get to try a new model and the latest technologies that are being used in these cars. As you already have your old car with you so there is no stress for you to rush into a buy decision. You can weigh the pros and cons and take a informed decision about the model you want to buy. Check the various features. See if the color you want to buy is available or not. At times it would be there and on other times you would have to make a booking and wait. So having a stand buy car that is your old car in the mean time helps.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

Why every Indian cricketer and fan should celebrate Valentine 365 Days a year

Here is my open letter to  Ravichandran Ashwin and every player in Team India:
Dear Aswin and Team India,
when you are a cricketer whose name is Ravichandran Ashwin then your fans expect you to deliver a fantastico performance every time. So what do you do when India needs you most?

You go out and play like you have never played before. You go for the jugular right from the word go. Even if the opposition is Sri Lanka who are known to be good players of spin. On your day you can make any opposition look ordinary. Indeed 14th of feb 2016 was a fantastico day for you ,your fans and all of us as a cricketing nation. With a record of 4/11 you made the statisticians happy as you created this record for your team and country. It was even a record for Sri Lanka ,the opposite team though not a very pleasant one for them as they scored their lowest total in T20I. It was also the second lowest score by any team in a T20 International game against India.

By improving upon Ashok Dinda's record of 4/19 against the Sri Lankans by any Indian you helped almost single handed bundle the Srilankan team for a paltry 82 runs in the third Twenty 20 match on Sunday the 14th of feb 2016 at Visakhapanam. The end result read a victory for India by 9 wickets. If this was not enough the final series result read a 2-1 series victory for India.

You are a cricketer who can give his best even under pressure. This was a do or die game for both the teams. So when M.S. Dhoni handed  the ball to you to open the innings your body language exuded confidence. You tasted blood in your first over itself when you scalped the opener Niroshan Dickwella. Tilakratne Dilshan was soon to follow in that very over as you mounted the pressure with your lethal bowling.When you consumed Dinesh Chandimal the skipper of the Sri Lankan side you were proving your class once again.Against your lethal and accurate bowling the Sri Lankan batsmen were never comfortable and always looked so susceptable. So potent was your attack that even though T20 is considered to be a batsman's game but on the 14th of feb 2016 no Srilankan Cricketer could stand his ground for long. !9 was there highest score and only two of the Sri Lankan batsmen could manage to get in the double figure. This was the business end of the tournament and as you hit top form at just the right time for your team and your country. This  brought delight to the face of every Indian c ricket fan as it was the first time that an Indian cricket team won a T20 International by 9 wickets.

Even in overall rankings due to this fantastico performance by team India we have retained the top spot in the ICC T20 rankings. However Sri Lanka has slipped a place and are now in the fourth place in the ICC T20 rankings.Winning a game like this on the Valentine's day you and team India have proved that cricket is your first love and may you and Team India play and win each match like you played and won on this Valentine's day. This is the news that appears as music to every Indian cricket loving fan.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.

For a fantastico internet experience

So you have a 4G connection congratulations! You are all set to browse the internet at breakneck speeds Fantastico! But wait before even you can realize your quota of data is dwindling fast and soon its time to get another recharge in case you are a prepaid user. In case you are a post paid subscriber you depending upon your plan you may be paying use as you go or may have opted for a unlimited plan which assigns you a set amounts of usage bandwidth in terms of gigabytes and once you have used it it would slow down your connection speed till your next billing cycle starts or till you have either upgraded or purchased an additional pack. Well all this depends on your mobile connection and the type of plan you have subscribed to. However my point is irrespective of the type of connection, when you go on to the internet and are browsing content of your choice your device is downloading content that you had not even asked for. Most people would agree that Navigation on the internet is filled with distractions, teasers of videos ,games images are all there to tempt you and entice you so that you may clink on a link and be taken to another piece of content. If that was not enough you find that even when you are trying to read and focus on a task at hand you might find a peppy piece of music playing in and embed video on the pages that begins to play in a form of a movie trailer or an advert. Video the moment you open a page. Do not get me wrong I am not at all against peppy music but the only point I am trying to make is that irrelevant content or free advertising can eat into your bandwidth and make it swindle faster and also slow down your browsing experience.So what can one Do?

I did some research and broadly found two types of content that can be auto played in your browser one is the good old flash content and the other is the HTML5 based content. So in an attempt to maximize my bandwidth use and to keep my internet running fast I found a number of things that can prevent or in some cases reduce the multimedia content that gets downloaded in the background. These settings would work for you 

If you are using the chrome browser then you can add this to your chrome browser from here

https://goo.gl/t9n1f0

For firefox browser

 I).Type “about:config ” (without the quotes) in the address bar and hit enter & Pass through the warning  

II) Search for “media.autoplay.embed” and double clicking it changes the value to false

For disabling flash content in firefox 

I)Click on the menu by clicking on the horizontal lines on the right hand corner

II)Click on add-ons this would take you to the plugin section

III) Under the category plugins > Browse to the section which reads shock wave Flash and set it to “Ask to activate” if not already selected

This should do the job for you.

However there may be reasons for you not to disable the flash content entirely.

One can also use FlashStopper and Stop YouTube HTML5 which replaces flash and HTML5 playable content with thumbnails and clicking on them one can play the content linked to the thumbnail.

There is Adblock Plus from https://adblockplus.org/ which can block adverts from appearing in your browser.

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Zica from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Zica today.