Soulful Ramblings

Photo by Andreas Wohlfahrt from Pexels In my country, unfortunately, free advice is distributed like condoms at an orgy. On 18 September 2019, I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy, Rivan. Since then, I have received a cornucopia of advice and comments from family, friends and absolute strangers. Here are some of these gems. Baby’s Massage Lady: He is not digesting his milk. Burp him. You don’t know how to hold the baby. You should always swaddle him. You should always keep his head covered. You should never use a bottle. Stop using the AC. Don't switch on the fan. He feels cold. How will you find his powder puff if you never go out and look for it? You're too slow. He'll turn 6 months old by the time you finish putting on his diaper. Doctor: Don’t use a bottle. Husband’s relatives: (When I was carrying my baby): We are only telling you the list of names that you should not keep. Or this child will be doomed. (On the day ...

For the last 10 months, I have been a witness to sneers and remarks from multiple people. All for leaving work on time. One person actually seemed confused as to how I managed to do it every day: “How can you say that you have so much work when you leave on time every day?” Here is how my silly colleague: Our shift starts at 10 am and ends at 7 pm. I reach at 9.30 am and get to work immediately. You reach between 10.30 to 11 am, scroll on your phone, chat with your colleagues, discuss which movie is worth watching, choose which songs you are going to be playing on the speaker at full volume, eat, talk about lunch. The next thing you know, it’s 1 pm. Time for your lunch. I take a 30 minutes lunch break. You take an hour. Once you’re back, you declare that you’re sleepy. So, you while away your time talking to your colleagues about random stuff. Mostly petty gossip. Or take your afternoon nap. Guess what? It’s tea time. I take a 15 minutes break. You take 45 minu...

1. Alarm Clock Reaches on time  Works sincerely Never misses a deadline Leaves on time 2. Slacker Found mostly by the coffee machine  Reaches after working hours have begun  Leaves after working hours have ended  Highest usage of entertainment websites  Passes on work to others  3. Office Santa Always cheerful Liked by all Brings food and gifts for everyone  4. Gossip Junkie Usually seen talking to large groups over a cup of coffee  Focused on other people’s work and affairs  One of the biggest reasons for workplace controversies  5. Official DJ Headbanger  Karaoke specialist  Starts a song about any and every word uttered  Introduces people to new music  Creates an atmosphere on boring, slow days  Plays requests made by people  6. Party Planner Plans trips, parties and events on a whim  Guarantees participation by reiterating the ...

For anyone who was born and raised in Mumbai, ‘Bambaiya’ language is the native speak. It comes to Mumbaikars as naturally as the language they are accustomed to speaking in their households. Although it may sound crude or even impolite to someone who’s a visitor or a new resident of the city, it sure is fun and very useful in a lot of situations. Here is a list of a few slang phrases used exclusively in Mumbai. Tumhara bhi nahi, mera bhi nahi Translation: Not your price, not mine.  Meaning: Every street shopper in Mumbai has used this slang at some point in their lives to avoid getting fleeced. After a lot of bargaining, this phrase can be used either by the seller or the customer to come an agreement about the final price. Example: Tumhara bhi nahi, mera bhi nahi. Last price 350. ---------------- Vaat lag gaya Translation: I/We’re screwed! Meaning: If you ever find yourself in a soup, you should know Vaat Lag Gaya. Example: I was ...

This is a lovely poem that my colleague and mentor Vivek made for me on the day of my engagement. Why does everybody seem to be jumping up and down? It’s all about the engagement party that’s the talk of the town, When Amruta's and her best dude’s paths shall unite forever, Overcoming mortally inflicted strains on the mind, heart and liver. Hey Amruta and Pratik, take a bow! A lifetime of happiness awaits you now, Along with the sunshine, there’s bound to be rain, Dance and be merry, smile thru’ the pain. Meanwhile at the party, your guests will be thrilled, They'll relish the feast, their expectations fulfilled, While witnessing the coming together of two great souls, In a wonderful relationship that’s not punctured with holes.

Remember the movie, You’ve Got Mail? The 1998 Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan starrer wherein the lead pair falls in love with each other after communicating back and forth? Well, how did this communication happen? Email! That’s right, reiterating the fact that email was a very resourceful and popular medium of communication, even back in the 1990s. Although businesses may not employ this tool for finding love, they can surely use it for attracting potential customers and engaging existing ones. Especially, in case of small businesses, email is one of the most cost-effective and result-driven marketing channels, compared to traditional and other new-age mediums of communication. According to a survey by Direct Marketing Association , an average email marketing campaign’s ROI is 122%. That is four times higher than social media and paid search. Another interesting study on eMarketer stated that 80% SMB professionals believe that email marketing is the best channel for driv...

Viky: It’s better to be a virtuous beggar than a murderous millionaire. --------------------------------------------------- Nars: People who have made losses are still dear to the bosses. -------------------------------------------------- Viky: Relax. This is just one of those days. Amy: This is one of those months for me. -------------------------------------------------- Koch: I can explain it to you. I can’t comprehend it for you. -------------------------------------------------- Viky: Most people here have joined via reference. Amy: Yeah, look at our bosses. -------------------------------------------------- Viky: You don’t require to go to a gym if you visit a bank in India. -------------------------------------------------- Viky: Anything that is theoretically good is practically bad. -------------------------------------------------- Viky sends an attachment. Boss: This is neat. Viky: I like my whisky the same way. --...

At a restaurant after meal Amy: Is there anything on my face? Momo: Disappointment. ----------------------------------- Subs: Money is not enough. Coming here and torturing people is like his cocaine. He gets high on that. ----------------------------------- Viky: He has built a career on the misfortune of others. ----------------------------------- Amy: Your sanitizer needs a sanitizer. ----------------------------------- Amy: Those guys can’t handle girls screaming at them. Unless they are in bed. That will give them a major ego boost. ----------------------------------- Amy: It’s not good to be too good. ----------------------------------- Amy: Self-deprecating humour is always appreciated. ----------------------------------- Viky: A writer’s best friend is not a dog, but a dictionary. ----------------------------------- Amy: Hey, listen to this. Be who you were before all that stuff happened that dimmed your shine. Viky: I think I’l...

I am a February born. 14 Feb. Which makes me an Aquarian Meat eating and binge drinking Mangalorean who was born and raised in Bombay On weekdays, I brush my teeth after having breakfast I dislike the concept of skin lightening creams Favourite colour: Black Favourite ice cream flavour: Butterscotch Favourite poison: Whisky with water Favourite food: Maggi Favourite fragrance: Gucci Guilty Favourite song: Hey there Delilah by Plain White Ts Favourite vacation spot: Goa Dressy or Casual: Somewhere in the middle I never litter and I hate it when people do Non-smoker who encourages her friends to stub the butt Dog person. Not a fan of cats Mosquito Magnet I have more family than friends You can be yourself with me or anyone you want. I won't judge unless you are a mean person I have 5 tattoos LGBTQ+ supporter I have an overactive sense of smell and have a sneezing fit if something around me smells too strong The moment I see dust on a surface, I have to clean...

This was a poem dedicated to me by Naresh , my colleague. There it was - An empty cup of steaming foam Today I’ll tell you what I have had enough It’s something that has made me assume I’m tough In mysterious ways it has worked on my nerves As a hot beverage that’s poured in a cup of curves At times, it’s nothing less than boiling wine For the taste and texture are just fine Too late to regret as it’s gone in my DNA….or deeper I’ve found that I’m no longer a great sleeper Now watch it well, if you ask me what it was called I’ll spill it on your head and make you bald I was never too close to mention about the damned drink It’s a coffee, made to lift you and not sink This is my first poem and is dedicated to an ardent coffee lover who was a coffee bean herself in her past life. It’s none other than Am Ma’m.

A poem Vivek made for me. Before you begin reading, you must know that my colleague and dear friend Vivek pronounces soft Ts as hard Ts. Oh Amruta, oh Amruta Why don’t u go to Calcutta? And eat Paneer Mutta Alongside your favourite kutta Even if your dil is tutta

My colleague Vivek and I composed this poem together for our CTO’s birthday. When our air conditioner caught fire one day Ankit Sir came running to our bay As we ran helter skelter in fear He bravely put it out with the extinguisher Ankit Sir stands tall by accomplishing great deeds While always fulfilling his organization’s needs Humble, often carrying a gentle smile He’s a mentor to all, young and senile Virus, Trojans and Scammers beware! Because he can even trounce ‘Ransomware’ Stop wondering why our servers are never down It’s because Ankit sir is always in town

Amplified customer satisfaction is the key to increasing the number of returning customers. In addition to offering exceptional products and services, it is very important to lay emphasis on the importance of good customer service. When customers are acknowledged and kept happy, it leads to increased word of mouth publicity. With good customer service, companies can retain their existing customers as well as attract new ones. For the greater good of the business, it is very necessary to ensure that customer service team is efficient. Since the customer service agents are the face of the company to the customers, there can be no room for errors. Certain mistakes committed by the support team that may seem innocuous initially might actually become a reason for a loss of customers. It is highly likely that a disgruntled customer will vent his frustrations online or within his peers. One often comes across negative reviews about a company or a product when its customer care does not...

Regardless of the industry, product or services, customer satisfaction is one of the key factors that influence the success of a business in the long run. Not only does it eventually lead to a steady and loyal customer base, but also attracts new customers through word of mouth. But how do we get there? To find out if your customers are happy with your offerings, it is crucial to gather their honest feedback. Customer feedback can help businesses identify shortcomings and work towards eliminating them. Here are some ways to elicit honest feedback from your customers: Trigger feedback forms Very few customers volunteer to give their feedback after purchasing a product or service. One good way to encourage feedback post purchases is to set up triggered feedback forms. This can also be helpful in gaining customer appreciation, as the customers will realize that the business takes their opinions into account. Have a wide array of feedback channels Different people prefer dif...

I penned this letter to my Dad a few months after he passed away. Here goes… It has been 8 months since you left but I still can't bring myself to accept the fact that you are gone forever. Everyday I think of ways of how I can bring you back. It makes me want to scream when I realize that it is not possible. All I end up doing is cry till my eyes hurt. When you left, you took a part of me with you. Nobody and nothing can ever fill the void left in my heart by your loss. I am sorry for not telling you each day how much I loved you. Sometimes, I used to wonder if you had superpowers because you somehow managed to do the most impossible tasks with utmost ease. All of this just to bring a smile on my face. You played multiple roles - best drinking buddy, most patient shopping & day-out partner. This is why I called you my Superman and you shall always continue to remain my hero. Although I can no longer see you, I can still feel you guiding and supporting me in my...

An essential part of every woman’s vanity case is a fabulous lipstick. Such a tiny little object, but it was the first thing that used to catch our eye as young girls, - just starting out in our pursuit of femininity. Lipsticks have the power to transform any drab looking outfit into a gorgeous one in a matter of a few seconds! But you ought to have more than one. Lipsticks have had a long standing history with hundreds of colours. There is a shade suitable for each and every occasion. So many shades to choose from, so little time. To help clear your confusion, here is a compilation of 6 lip colours every woman must have. Let's get started! Caramel Orange Orange lip colours exude confidence. It is a vivacious shade which comes in different variations making it easy for women with different skin tones to use it. Orange can intensify any look. When you are trying to beat the Monday blues, bright tangerine lip colours act as a great help. They will immediately lift ...

Mobile learning, also known as M-learning involves acquainting oneself with content and educational material with the use of personal electronic devices, namely – smartphones, tablets and so on. The virtual world is becoming increasingly powerful as each day passes. Smartphones, notebooks, tablets and the like are used by millions of people, especially students. The present generation of students is completely dependent on the internet for their learning purposes. Today, organizations have teams solely dedicated to develop high quality and interactive content for m-learning. App stores are buzzing with teaching applications covering a wide range of topics, from physics to social sciences to literature. Many universities are already adopting new mobile technologies to create a stronger connection between the students and the subjects they are studying. Through mobile learning, students get an opportunity to access content anywhere, anytime. Mobile learning makes it easier for ...

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" was stated by St. Augustine and I believe it to be true. I am a travel enthusiast. As often as possible, I try to get away because I know travelling can be a powerful tool for personal development. It tends to magnify all human emotions. One of the principal values of travelling is that it breaks the monotony of life and work. Life is a mad rush for most people. In this process, people tend to forget who they are. Travelling is a time when people get a chance to relax and reflect. All of us tend to take things for granted. Some of these things include food, electricity, transport, heating and safety. Going to a country where these basics are not always available is a real eye opener. Certainly, travel can enlighten us about many other things like environment, attitudes of people, quality of food, cultural behaviour, differences in fashion and much more. It has a great informative value. For example,...