My constituency is Bangalore South. Here, according to me, competition is hot between

• Congress – Krishna Byre Gowda: http://www.krishnabyregowda.in Krishna’s was a very low key campaign.. Trying to be very professional.. But unfortunately too soft for an Indian election.. The congress brand and clean image could work the trick for him..

• BJP – Ananth: http://ananth.org/ Ananth’s campaign was very loud.. Lot of hoopla on the roads and literal spamming using SMS and emails too..

• Independent – Captain Gopinath: http://votecaptaingopi.com/ The very popular Captain Gopi is however the toast of the corporate world.. But the general public would want to vote for a party.. He would probably just split the vote..

May the deserving candidate win..

Some useful information:

For karnataka state:

• Search for your name in the electoral list : http://stg1.kar.nic.in/searchfinalroll_2009/Search.aspx
• List of candidates : http://stg1.kar.nic.in/GE2009Affidavits/

Krishna Byre Gowda’s website gives useful information about IDs accepted:

1. Passport.
2. Driving license.
3. Income Tax Identity (PAN) Card.
4. Service identity card issued to its employees by the state/central government Public sector undertaking, local bodies or public limited companies with photographs.
5. Passbooks issued by Public Sector Banks/Post Office and Kisan Passbooks with photograph.
6. Property document such as pattas, registered deeds etc with photographs.
7. SC/ST/OBC certificate issued by competent authority with photograph (issued upto 28-2-2009).
8. Pension document such as ex-servicemen’s Pension Book/Pension Payment Order ,ex-servicemen’s Widow/Dependent Certificates,Old Age Pension Order, Widow Pension Order with photograph.
9. Freedom Fighter Identity Card with photograph.
10. Arms License (issued upto 28-2-2009).
11. Certificate of Physically Handicapped with photographs issued by the component Authority(issued upto 28-2-2009).
12. Job card issued under NREGA with photograph (issued upto 28-2-2009).
13. Health Insurance Scheme Smart Card with photograph (issued on or before  28-2-2009),
14. Student Identity card issued with photograph issued by the Recognized Educational institution(issued on or before 1-9-2008).
15. Ration Cards with photographs, issued upto 28-2-2009.
16. Ex-Servicemen CSD canteen card with photograph.
17. Sandhya Suraksh Scheme card with photograph issued upto 28-2-2009.
18. The service identity card with photographs issued by the local bodies like Municipal Corporation, CMC TMC, Village Panchayat etc.
19. Senior Ctitizen Card bearing photographs of the holder of the card, issued by the government department.
20. Computer generated temporary ration cards, in original, issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department containing the relation to head the family.

Any of the above mentioned documents that is available only to the head of the family may be used for identifying the other members of the family provided all the other members come together and are identified by the head of the family.

After much thought and analysis, I have finally decided to move from wordpress.com to a separate hosting. We were earlier at http://indiareviews.wordpress.com.

The concept is to keep things simple, hence the name: India + Reviews + Blog. So, I hope the name itself describes everything about the blog.

IR is back ! Now to inform my co-blogger

URL: http://www.pgsem.net/index.php/Convergenz-09/Upcoming-event-Convergenz-09.html

Date: March 15, 2009 (Sunday)

Venue: Auditorium, IIM-Bangalore

Events:

1) Alchemy
The biz plan contest for all with a focus on technology innovations.

2) Case Contest
The case contest for all those with a passion to solve multiple challenges.

3) Quiz
A business quiz with a difference, conducted by the Karnataka Quiz Association this event, with its high profile prizes will be a quizzers delight!

4) Panel Discussion
A lively discussion with a focus on future growth on the following theme: “Search for the next business model in the Indian IT Industry – A wild goose chase or the need of the hour”

THEME – Innovation – Leading the Way:

The world is increasingly looking to the emerging economies to drive future growth. The days of seeking jobs and guidance from the developed countries are fast coming to an end. Our moment of reckoning is here.   India is poised to take the leap – a leap of courage, conviction, energy and imagination. In villages, towns and cities, small but progressive changes are taking place at every level. India has sprung to life, throbbing with expectation and vibrating with new ideas. Changes in every industry, every sector, are taking place at breakneck speed – revving up the economic engine like never before.

“Innovation” is the new buzzword – to increase efficiency and create new directions for growth. From the farmer in Ujjain who uses the internet to plan his produce, to the fisherman in Chennai who uses satellite data to find his next catch, to the taxi driver in Bangalore who uses the GPS to choose the optimal routes, India is finding homemade solutions to its domestic problems.

But as the recession gets deeper, India is also feeling the heat, as evidenced by the recent downward forecasts of GDP growth and mounting job losses in a few sectors. The world is indeed flat, and no country is completely insulated. However, the good news is that the key drivers of growth in this new golden age – Domain knowledge, technology ownership, flawless execution, creative marketing and charismatic leadership – are all found in abundance in India. We have the tools to beat the recession. Recession can be our opportunity.

What is required, though, is a common focus to streamline our thoughts and synergize our actions. Convergenz ’09 provides that focus by bringing together some of the best thought leaders in Indian Business to address the compelling issues of the day at both a macro as well as micro level .

· How can innovation help us beat the recession?
· What will the winning strategies look like?
· How will the world shape up in the coming decade?
· What are the major changes required for our businesses?
· Which are the most exciting tech startups in our country?
· What’s the next disruptive idea?

Convergenz ’09 promises many such fundamental insights that impact the dynamic world of Indian Business. Come March, the masters of the game descend on the sprawling campus of IIM Bangalore to chart the course of the future as they see it. And if you have seen the future a little differently, you belong here. PGSEM welcomes you to unleash your imagination in all its elegant fury. IIMB dares you to Innovate.

[slideshare id=1091326&doc=convergenzinvite-090302125746-phpapp01]

For this year’s event, I’m currently not able to exact link of Fireflies Music Festival 2008.. However, found some info on www.couchsurfing.com via samasmedialab.net.. Thanks for that buddy !

The Fest:
Fireflies Festival of Music begins at 6 p.m. on 23rd Feb and will go on till 6 a.m. on Sunday.

* The fest is ‘inspired by the World Sacred Music Festival, held annually at the mystical city of Fes, in Morocco’.
* The stage is set around the base of a massive banyan-tree. A beautiful amphitheatre overlooks the stage and a lake where beautiful people are sprawled on their colorful mattresses, right under the stars, completely enchanted by the melodious sounds coming out of the banyan tree.
* The sound from the Jamo speakers and colorful lights give the 2000-strong audience a celestial psychedelic effect. It’s a night where culture meets nature, east meets west, passion meets fusion.
* The festival covers a wide range of musical genres: Baul, Qawwali, Hindustani/ Carnatic Fusion, Jazz, Folk, Sacred/ Mystical Music.

[See my fireflies music festival 2007's review for more details of the different genres on show]

Location:
Fireflies, Dinnepalya Village, Kaggalipura Post, Off Kanakarapura Road (approx. 20 kms), Bangalore: 560082

A Brief about the location:
Fireflies is about 80 acres of nature where organic farming is applied. There is a variety of trees. There are about 5 dogs on the ground but only Gaali (meaning Wind in Kannada) entertains the guest. He is a 3 yr old Labrador, a treat for dog-lovers and bitches!

Other Activities:
* tarrot reading!
* Get introduced Indian Handloom fabrics
* A Walk in the woods

Food and Beverages:
* Food will be arranged on the venue.
* Only water will be available
* bring your own beverages

Things to Bring:
* mattresses and pillows
* mosquito repellants.

Tickets:
Last year, we got it at the venue itself and if i remember correctly it was priced around 100-200, don’t remember exactly..

Disclaimer:
I haven’t found the direct source of this news. Kindly confirm from other sources or look-back for updates (if any). Course, do let me know, if you find it yourself..

To my surprise, I found google ads both on top of the page and at the bottom of the page..

I thought it was just the wordpress guys (matt and others) testing some new ads platform.. i thought it could be exciting.. coz the WP guys usually come out with some really cool stuff.. I wanted to know if any posts on their ads model already out there..

Then to my surprise, I found matt’s post “on ads“:

We very occassionally show Adsense (contextual text ads) on post and tag pages. Why? To allow us to focus on free features in addition to paid and to offset costs of rapidly rising traffic.

These were relevant ads on volvo and bangalore, unlike others who got nasty ads..

With events ranging from Rock Shows, Fashion Show, Choreography, Pro-nite Performances to Debates, Jam, Quiz, Art events, Dramatics, Street Play, Music and Games, Unmaad this year will be 72 hours of non stop action and fun that promises you the experience of a lifetime. With a host of new workshops, new events, online games and the ‘War of the Corporates’, Unmaad 2008 is all set to be a roller coaster ride for everyone.

check out http://www.unmaad.com for more details on the events

The Pro-Nite shows (Music Concerts) this year:

1. Feb 1st – Rock show featuring Motherjane and Zero – Time 7 pm

They are among the most popular rock acts in the country. This being a rock show, there will be no separate enclosures or categories, nor there any seating provided. The ticket prize is Rs 100 and gates will open at 6.30 in the evening.

To buy online http://www.iticket.in/CinemaResult.asp?MovieList=715&TransDate=2/1/2008

2. Feb 2nd – Unity concert featuring Strings and Mrigya – Time 7 pm

We are proud to be host to this unique concept called the Unity concert, of which this is the 3rd edition. Strings is one of the most popular bands to emerge out of Pakistan and their shows are known to be simply mind blowing. Mrigya, with their incredible blend of classical and modern instruments, is one of the most well known fusion bands in India and have numerous international concerts to their credit.

For this show there will be 2 categories priced and Rs 100 and 200 respectively. The Rs. 200 section will be further divided into 2 categories, seating and standing. The seated section will be mostly reserved for Profs and sponsors.

To buy online http://www.iticket.in/CinemaResult.asp?MovieList=716&TransDate=2/2/2008

All ticket enquiries can be routed to Ankit Baveja ( 9986507020) and Shekhar Gupta: 9243444363.

First stop: Hidesign, 1st Floor, Garuda Mall
There were 4-5 Jackets and I found exactly what I wanted, great styling, exact color, thick leather.. But alas! Rs. 9000 (Hidesign, does it go on sale anytime ?)

Next stop: Shopper’s Stop, Garuda Mall
Surprise, Surprise.. We were sent to the 2nd floor by a salesman in the ground floor.. When we reached there, we were shown few denim jackets.. I spelt it out again, “L-E-A-T-H-E-R” jacket.. Then, he came out with it, they didn’t have any..

Next: Lifestyle, Richmond Road
We were sure, they would have good ones there, suspected that the price would be out of the budget, but you never know.. Surprise again, just one brand and one jacket to show for the “grand” Lifestyle. I was very disappointed..

Next: Bangalore Central Mall, Near Mayo Hall, Residency Road
Took the slow escalator towards the third floor. Just two brands, pathetic design and material is not the word..

Next: Brown Shop, Commercial Street
The guy showed us three basic designs. It cost around 3k. Had elastic at the bottom and not very well-designed. He over-heard us telling that and pulled out an in-fashion leather jacket. The ones with metal rivets that you see the road romeos wear. Not exactly what I wanted..

Next: <Forgot the name>, Commercial Street
He had a good collection of jackets in the top store-room. But alas, nothing in brown.. Sold out, I guess.. Price: Rs. 4k

Next: Thunderbird (exclusive leather store)
#118, 1st Floor, Commercial Street (Opposite Westside) Ph. 080-255979971, 080-41472673
As we entered the store on the 1st floor, I saw a lot of jackets in the corner of the store. Ding ding ding, Jackpot !!
We had hit the mother-ship, found quite a good collection of well-crafted jackets. Found the jacket we wanted.. a bit thin though. Price: Rs. 4500 (after 10% discount). Good choice of jackets and good service !!

Some trivia (you may or may not know):

Hidesign, a premium leather product brand from India has made clear its ambitions to become one of the top brands in the world. A strong competitive position in the domestic market, coupled with a global presence in retail stores like the House of Fraser, Selfridges, and John Lewis. Hidesign could boast of celebrity clients like Nelson Mandela and Steven Spielberg.. “Too cool or what !!” [Source: www.icmrindia.org]

Lifestyle is part of the Landmark Group, a Dubai-based retail chain. With over 30 years’ experience in retailing, the Group has become the foremost retailer in the Gulf. Positioned as a trendy, youthful and vibrant brand that offers customers a wide variety of merchandise at exceptional value for money, Lifestyle began operations in 1998 with its first store in Chennai in 1999 and now has 12 Lifestyle stores, 5 Home Centres and 1 Babyshop store across Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. [Source: www.lifestylestores.com]

If you know of other stores in bangalore, do add a comment.

PGSEM (@ IIM-B) & Cisco take immense pleasure & pride in soliciting your august presense at Convergenz-08, a forum for interaction between Industry, Academia & Alumni. It is on this day, in the environs of IIM Bangalore, that some of the best minds from the Industry would discuss on challenges of the day.

Theme: Innovation & Product Management

Date: Sunday, 13th Jan, 2008

Events:

1. Business Quiz (Starts: 1 PM)

• Open to all folks of the hi-tech companies from Bangalore
• Organized by Prof. Rajeev Gowda (of Karnataka Quiz Association)
• Prize Money worth Rs. 40K to be won
• Over 100 teams to participate

2. Panel Discussion (Starts: 6: 30 PM)

Topic – ‘Building an Innovation Ecosystem in India’

Panelists:

• Mr. Vinod Deshmukh, CTO, Mindtree
• Prof. Sadagopan, Director, IIIT
• Mr. Rajeev Mehtani, MD, NXP Semiconductors

Other potential panelists:

• Mr. Vineet Nayar, CEO, HCL Technologies
• Mr. Bobby Mitra, MD, Texas Instruments
• Mr. K.B. Chandrashekhar, CEO, Jamcracker

3. Case Analyses (Starts 1:30 PM)

• Participation open to IIM-B students
• Business Challenges faced by the hi-tech industry in India on product management
• Analysis by students who handle technology and business with equal poise
• Judged by industry experts and the eminent academia in IIM-B

[slideshare id=224951&doc=iimbs-pgsem-presents-convergenz-08-1200075153711937-4&w=425]

[Slides above: Convergenz 08 Invite]

What is PGSEM all about ?

• Executive general management education program offered by IIM-B
• Developed in close partnership with Software and IT industry
• Customized for mid-career professionals in the Software and Information Technology industry

For the patient souls, few videos about PGSEM:

The movie is a must watch for every mom, every dad, every teacher, every kid and everyone who has ever been a kid.. It will mostly make you cry at moments when the characters are sad or even happy.. You most probably will identify with the kid “Ishaan Awasthi” played by Darsheel Safary in the movie in some way or the other.. The kid has acted really well and will mostly win a few awards this year for this performance..

This movie breaks away from the usual singing and dancing around trees sequences of bollywood.. This movie will definitely increase the awareness of dyslexia in India.. But I suspect it will definitely change the outlook of parents towards their misunderstood (so called academically weak) kids in this unforgiving materialistic competitive world..

The music and songs for the film are just brilliant and very moving.. Especially the song “Maa” will have your tears rolling down your cheeks.. Super stuff “Ehsaan Ehsaan Loy” !! I was crying and foot-tapping while seeing the songs

Debut director & Actor Aamir Khan and all the members of the crew.. hats-off to you guys !!

What is Dyslexia ?

Source: wikipedia

Recommendations to parents/teachers: http://www.ldonline.org/article/14907

Watched movie at Fun Cinemas, Cunningham Road, Bangalore

Official movie site: http://www.taarezameenpar.com/

Updates:

Found this good review on the reviews of this movie by the GreatIndianMutiny guys !!

Also read Review Rip Off – II by Sanjukta

Guess the (paintbrushed) image says it all..

Happy New Year Folks !!

Hope you succeed in finally finding the happiness you always were seeking this year..

Hmm.. 2008 New Year’s Resolution: Must post more often..