How to get started with Internet of things?

In recent times, Internet of things has evoked greater interest among technical folks particularly from learning perspective. Generally, most common questions revolves around like how to get started ? OR I have good programming knowledge what would be next step towards learning IOT ? OR already into analytics / ERP and now I understand, IOT would play a part in analytics or ERP in future, so how do I get started?.

 Yes, IOT can even be considered as subset or part of Machine learning, Analytics or even Artificial intelligence, as sensor data might play significant role in all this. 

 Generally, pure software development is much more matured, one would find clear line drawn on role like - Database administrator, DB developer or front end UI developer etc But even in software development in recent times, with optimization or call it 'cost cutting' we also come across term like 'full stack' developer, who are expected to take care of front-end and back-end. Currently, IOT is also similar and its evolving. One need to have good understanding of all layers of IOT.

 Lets briefly look at different layer in IOT:

 1. Understanding about Sensor and control This part is more of electrical and electronics rather than programming. Ideally, measures the physical parameters such as light, heat, weight etc converts them into necessary signal for processing. Folks with pure programming background might find it difficult. However, if one has basic understanding as how electrical, electronics circuits work, it would be far easier to understand. One need to have some basic knowledge about Ohms law, AC/DC voltage, resistors , capacitors, power-supply etc along with some basics on digital circuits as well. Traditionally Sensor or Transducer was analog type, meaning its mv output or resistance used to vary. But, these days digital sensors too are common, which means one can directly feed the data into the input pins of IOT device, without the need for analog to digital conversion.

 2. IOT Devices IOT devices are the trigger for the growth of IOT in recent time. About a decade back, one need to build complete electronic circuit starting with a bare microprocessor(8085) or micro-controller (80C31). Internet or cloud were never used earlier. With internet catching up in late 90's and micro-controllers too evolved into a modular construct of having necessary associated circuit in place to make it as 'plug and play' type. Arduino boards were the first general purpose micro-controller board which got introduced in mid 2000, which had all the necessary electronic components and circuit in place, so that one could feed digital or analog (using its A/D Input pins) signal to the board. Post which, one can use C/C++ programming to acquire the data, process it and then based on processing send out digital signal to actuator or relay to control process. But still with early Arduino's (uno) the capability to connect to internet was missing. One had to use external ethernet board or wifi unit to connect to Internet to make it IOT ready, which led to complexity in Interfacing.

 After 2010, low cost Raspberry pi got introduced, it was introduced as single board computer towards kids learning. But interestingly, it has features to connect to external world through input-output pin, built in wifi to communicate to Internet, Linux OS and hence with multiple programming language support. Added to this, low pricing of about 35 USD, made its growth exponential and it also redefined the approach and cost to IOT.

 Also, in last few years Node MCU - ESP8266/32, the ultra low cost IOT device (approx.5 USD) make it even more simpler and cost effective towards building IOT applications. These IOT devices are still evolving and maturing, hence I believe as time progress, one would get better one - both feature and cost wise. Interestingly, Intel who had earlier offered IOT board like Intel Galileo, Joule, and Edison discontinued them towards end 2017.

Not sure, whether it was because of pricing impact made by Raspberry, Node MCUs. There are few other IOT devices from other vendors too but there quite a lot of similarities to the above described one.

 3. IOT platform To make it complete, the devices need to communicate anywhere across the world using internet for which cloud based platform are required. This is required, so that data acquired by IOT devices can be sent to IOT platform for storage and further processing, including analyses of data captured towards any decision making, as IOT devices are resource contained one There are multiple IOT platform - Azure, AWS, Google, Oracle and many more. Some of them are open source or free for limited time period for testing, learning as well. Have found Thinkspeak and Cayanne (mydevices) quite interesting and innovative too. Cayannce (mydevices.com) is 'plug and play' type IOT platform. There are many more.

 4. Programming and protocols. For integration of all these, one need to use programming language along with appropriate protocols towards communication. Python, Java, Javascript, C/C++ are most commonly used. In case of highly constrained IOT device - ESP8266/32, micropython is used in recent times. On protocols - MQTT, REST API, HTTP and associated protocols are generally used. For most IOT applications, high internet bandwidth may not be critical - meaning small data-set or messages is what would be sent to internet, at the same point of time the devices data communication need to have higher geographical reach - LORAWAN (long range wide area network) protocol is used, which is at infant stage and expected to grow over period of time. This is exactly opposite of wifi network - which is high internet bandwidth for bulk data and data communication reach is fairly less (say 10 meters) from wifi routers point.

 Finally, IOT field is evolving and also Gartner predicts by 2020, its estimated that more than 20.8 billion IoT devices will be in use.

Hence, could open up plethora of opportunities for techies in near future. These days, number of institutes and professionals are offering both instructor led and online courses covering above. Towards, quicker learning, one could join them post due diligence considering the course coverage and with ROI in mind.

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Data modelling and Relational database design

Modern database and applications development software is so easy to use that  many  people  can  quickly  learn  to   implement  a  simple  database  and  develop  simple  applications  within  a  week  or  so,  without  giving  design  much thought. As data volume grows and when users request addition functionality, they might incorrectly add columns in table since appropriate database design is not available. This  not only causes data redundancy in database but also can cause performance issue to application and database as well. Ultimately, due to poor database design, the business would be the loser.

A good database design not only avoids data redundancy but also improves database performance over period of time as the database volume grows and when business changes are requested , it would be far more easier to understand as where to make the appropriate changes in the Database. The data modelling and database design is like a building blue print and ultimately it would  make application users happy and business would benefit.

Have published as course in Udemy. This course uses the Oracle SQL Data modeler extensively to discuss and demonstrate  Database modelling  and Database design.

Oracle SQL Data modeler is a tool, which make learning Data modelling and Database design much easier and also provides you with  a professional approach design database for business application effectively to plan, develop, implement and maintain them on an ongoing process.
In this course you would learn:

• Process Modelling
  
  • Develop a Data Flow Diagram by identifying processes, external agents, information stores and information flows that show how the information flows  Business flow Diagram

• Logical Model
  
  • Create an Entity Relationship Diagram by identifying entities, attributes, relationships.
  • Normalize the Entity Relationship Diagram to third Normal form
    
    
• Relational Model
  
  • Validate  Logical and Relational Model through Design rules
  • Engineer the Entity Relationship Model into an relational database design
  • Complete the Physical Model and generate the DDL scripts

Finally, at the end of the course, you would understand the importance of data modelling and database design.

To know more about this course, please  click here to know more details and for enrollment in the course

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Linux, Unix essential and basic of shell scripting

Linux and Unix is one among the preferred operating system due to multiple unique features including being open source.

With advent of Internet of things, the Linux skill demand would be growing, the primary reason being IoT device have constrained resources, such as memory and processor. Linux is not only open source, but being light weight and not virus prone, it's the most preferred as IOT device OS.

Happy to announce the launch of course in Udemy on Linux, Unix essentials. This course covers Linux, Unix command line - commands which are essential towards learning the OS and it also teaches Bash Shell scripting.

 Ideally suited for beginner to get started to progress to become an expert.

click here to know more details and for enrollment in the course

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Managing Project with Oracle Primavera P6 Professional

For managing projects, there are software applications which would help project team to plan, execute and control projects.

As the project gets executed project progress needs to be updated , its critical scheduled and budget are managed as per baseline set at the start of the project. Towards this, project manager has to be perform earned value analysis from time to time and take corrective actions when required

Also, importantly risk, issues needs to analyzed tracked throughout the project life-cycle.

Towards, all this one need to have a software application which support all this. Oracle Primavera is one such tool, which can perform all these tasks quite effectively right from initiation for the project till closure of the project

Have recently launched the course about Oracle primavera. The same can be accessed at Udemy. click here to know more details about the course

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Internet of things - Demystified

Internet of things is one area, which I have been focusing on last few years

It is predicted that 30 billion devices would be connected by 2023, from the present 15 billion devices. This would create huge opportunity potential for IOT and machine learning experts as well. Moreover, the source data or data set for machine learning are likely to be from IOT system. While machine learning or AI would be is around algorithm, IOT would be combination of electrical, electronic and software programming.

Quite happy to announce that, I was able to create the course passionately and launched it as online digital on demand course in Udemy.

It's one unique covers that, it covers the commonly used IOT devices such as - Arduino UNO, ESP8266 NODE MCU and Raspberry Pi 3. Interestingly, for ESP8266 NODE MCU has extensively used micro python firmware. The course also guides one as how to flash micropython.

Now, offering introductory discount on the list price. Please refer link for more details and about the introductory pricing.

https://www.udemy.com/internet-of-things-iot-demystified/?couponCode=IOT-D01 

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PMP certification: Approach, Flash card and Mock exams.

You might be interested PMP or CAPM certification, but not sure where and how to start ?

This course not only provide the approach achieve your certification in a projectized way, but also you can test your knowledge as you progress through flash card and two mock exams. By taking this approach, you can confidently appear for exam. Alternatively, if you are already on your way to certification through preparation, you can then test your knowledge through use of flash cards and take up the scenario type PMBOK6 based online mock exams. Face the real PMP exams with enhanced confidence.

•  Approach : Help you to know more about the PMP/CAPM certification. 

•  Flash cards : You can test your knowledge to check your understanding on critical project management concepts and terminology from PMBOK6 perspective. 

•  Mock exams: It has real online scenario type multiple questions, this will assist you in preparing yourself for for actual PMP exams. The mock exams also has explanation for answer where ever essentials. 

 More importantly, the mock exams are uniquely designed, so as to provide the features, look and feel of the real exam.
It has feature such Timer with number of question answered indicator Skip question or mark for review.

 Now, offering this course at introductory discounted price. Please refer link for details


https://www.udemy.com/pmp-certification-approach-flash-cards-and-mock-exams/?couponCode=PMP-D01

 More importantly its all on-line.

 Happy learning!!!

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Software Project Management with MS projects professional

After a long gap, posting about the new online course on " Software Project Management with MS project". This course covers waterfall, Agile and Kanban methodology

 Proving introductory offer for the course, please visit the page link for details and discounted price

https://www.udemy.com/software-project-management-using-ms-project/?couponCode=SPM-D01

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Explore - Andaman Island - Part 2

This is the 2nd part of my review on Andaman islands.
Day 2 (Contd): Once we reached Havelock island, we had a pre-determined schedule to reach Radhanagar beach, which is supposed to be one of the scenic beach. One can take a bus from the Jetty or Auto / Taxi. It’s about 10 kms from the Jetty and most of the place on the route is surrounded by greenery.

When we reached the beach, weather was very pleasant with slight drizzle and not much crowded. The shore was mesmerizingly serene and beautiful and sent our time gazing the shore line and the vast ocean in the front.

One can easily send 2 or 3 hours here. The only drawback is that you may not find a neat restaurant nearby and all were road side eateries.

After sending few hours, we returned to the jetty around 2:30 PM for our return journey to Port Blair. We found the sea rough is the afternoon and the jerk in the ship was much more than the morning. The cruise reached Port Blair around 6:00 PM in the evening. It was a quite tiring day and did not get out of our Room once we reached the hotel.

If you wish to experience travel by Ship, then would suggest taking up this travel, preferably ‘Green Ocean’ as you can move around in the open in the ship deck. Since it’s a short trip of about 2 hours, you might relish the travel by ship. It's stated the other cruise is made of more of fibre glass, while 'Green ocean' is more of ship like construct and hence more rugged for rough seas

Day 3: We had booked a cab to Wandoor beach. This is about 30 KM from Port Blair city, once we crossed 15 km, the roads were narrow, deserted with greenery all around. The cab driver spotted few pounds and indicated they were created during Tsunami in 2004 and we reached Wandoor beach in about an hour’s time. Though the shore line was small, we could see the beauty after nature in front of us. The beach was quite clean and to our mesmerizing eyes, we were able to spot 12~15 inhabited islands which further enhanced the beauty.

The weather was also pleasant and hence was able to spend close to 2 hours. Started our return journey to Port Blair by afternoon. Weather was nice and cool and once we retired to room after our lunch, it was difficult to get out from the bed.

I had to push my family and based on review we decide to go to Samudrika Museum. This is maintained by Navy and though it was not huge, it worth the visit. One would come to know the history of Andaman, the people particularly the tribal people in Andaman & the flora and fauna particularly the sea life. It has good collection of amazing fish varieties, shell collections and sea weeds.

One can spend about an hour and later took an auto to Aberdeen jetty. As it was low tide time, we could spot star fish, army of unique fish varieties, sea weeds on the artificial lake formation due low tide.

Day 4: As we had flight scheduled by 3:00 PM, we planned to go to Cellular jail in the morning. This place is quite near to Sun Sea resort and hence took an auto. It’s worth a visit to know about Indian freedom fighter and early days of Andaman.

Post lunch left to Airport for our travel back to Chennai.

One point is that, one can customize his trip accordingly one choice based on the number of days one can spend at Port Blair and their interest.

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Explore - Andaman Islands - Part 1

Explore Andaman.... I am saying this for the reason, that there are 500+ island but only about 30 + of them have been inhabited. There are many island and places which are still in its pristine form with not much commercialization. This time for a short vacation had a opportunity to visit this place.

How to get there: Andaman is part of India, however it quite far from mainland. The best way to reach this place is through flight. There are daily flight from Chennai and Kolkata and take about 2 hours to reach Port Blair, which is the Capital of Andaman. In early 1900, this place had prison to crush the freedom movement.

Interestingly, flight charges varies depending on the day and date one chooses. I chose a Sunday to travel to Port Blair and return on Wednesday and was able to get a good deal, though I booked flight just 3 or 4 days in advance.

Depending upon the number of days and interest one can plan their trip. Many choose package tours including accommodation. However, choose to be on my own in deciding which places to visit including the hotels. After quite an analysis in internet choose Sun Sea Resort, Port Blair and quite happy that I made the right choice considering the location, budget  and the restaurant facility at this hotel.

Day 1: Took morning Jet airways flight from Chennai to Andaman. It takes about 2 hours from Chennai to Andaman 

Weather being nice it was smooth journey and was quite scenic to spot small island with clear water during flight descend at near Port Blair.

The airport at Port Blair is quite small and we reached hotel around 4:00 PM. For the next day, we planned to take a cruise to Havelock island. Havelock island is 20 KM from Port Blair and to reach Port Blair there are 4 option. Take a government ferry or private ferry, we decided on private ferry. Earlier while planning the trip found there are 3 private cruise namely Makruuz, Coastal Cruise and Green Ocean. Since July was an offseason Makruuz and Coastal Cruise had stopped operation. The only option was Green Ocean. Hotel reception made booking in Green Ocean for next day journey to Havelock Island.

Since we had some time to kill in the evening, took an auto to Abeerdeen Jetty. If one is interested in water sport then one go to Rajeev Gandhi water sport complex. Nearby, you will also find a Anna Purna - A South Indian Restaurant, which I felt quite good.

Day 2: Cruise to Havelock starts early at 6:45 AM and you need to board the ship 30 minutes in advance and hence woke up early and went to Pheonix Jetty.

Our journey to Havelock island started on time, the weather was quite nice when we started and ocean of smooth. If you are travelling by Green Ocean, make sure you get at least Luxury class ticket, luxury class are located above sea level and provides ocean view through the side glass pane.

As the cruise moved on was able to talk to some of the seamen at the cruise. They indicated that Green ocean is similar to Ship construct (more heavier) and while the other cruise are made of fiber glass when hence prone to more jerks in rough sea. As this cruise ship is heavier you can move around freely in the open desk on the top floor of this ship. As the journey progressed there was slight drizzle, but nevertheless the ocean was not rough.

In above two hours time reached Havelock island.

(To be continued).

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Ramayana - The Game of Life by Shubha Vilas

It has always been my wish to read the greatest ancient epic history, particularly Ramyana and Bhagawat Gita. Ramayana which is said to have happened in Tretha yuga about million years ago and Bhagawat gita in Dwapara Yuga about 5000 years ago. I believe reading them completely requires patience, dedication and a passion. In this Kaliyuga, we are driven and pulled across by so many forces towards survival of fittest and more particularly to satisfy materialistic needs. This being the case, one may find it difficult to read and accept this epic facts and happenings.

By chance, I had a opportunity to read a part of Ramayana written by Shubha Vilas called “The Game of Life”. This book covers just a small portion of Ramayana, the author’s narration and particularly notes at the bottom of each page make reading interesting. Even though this part 2 book covers a portion of Ramayana, I understood some of the interesting facts behind Ramayana. Like, ancestor of Ravana, relationship between Ravana and Kubera and the ease with which Rama is able to handle the happening around him.

These writing teaches us to be humble and content, but then modern day happening are very different, with so many attraction and distractions, one can get easily lost in pursuit of acquiring material comfort.

Sometimes, there can be questions that these are stories and has it really happened? That too million of years ago. I believe, this is where internet places a crucial role, not just one evidence, if one does a research in internet they are sure to get evidences of Ramayana at multiple location not just in India, but even out-side India.

In Electronics, there is a moore’s law which states the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles every two years, I feel we can extend the concept to our modern day living. The number of appliances or gadgets in modern day house hold needs triples every decade. For example, about a decade back owning house, car, mobile phone, laptop, Washing machine, micro oven, TVs etc was an ultra luxury for people in age group of 20s or 30s. Not any more, all these appliances has become a need now and interestingly, as many of them has a shorter shelf life, new sophisticated model keep coming year after year and so is the pursuit to acquire more keeps growing. So naturally, when materialistic needs grow year by year without saying humility and being content could decrease.

Kaykeyi mind was corrupted by Manthara and she takes it granted about the expectation of Bharata. Unfortunately Bharatha expectation was different and as matter of fact, Kaykeyi lost so much due to this greed. One may have a goal or aim in life, that doesn’t mean if one achieves the goal it will always lead to success & happiness. Life is all about how one perceives the world is going to be, but the reality can be different.

Finally, even thought this book covers only a small part of Ramayana, the depth of coverage, the presentation and philosophical narration at the bottom makes the reading interesting. In all, a very good book to read and look forward for the author’s next release.

This review is a part of the biggest Book Review Program for Indian Bloggers. Participate now to get free books!

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LPG - Subsidy direct transfer.

If you have LPG connection from BP, IOC or HP then you are supposed to have Aadhaar and Bank account linked to your LPG connection to get difference in subsidy amount. It looks simple isn't it.

Once this scheme or process was announced few months back, my wife was after me to get this done. Due to lazyness and more importantly, the complexity in execution involved (well it's my thought), I kept postponing it thinking it could this scheme might be postponed.

It is said in Chennai alone there are about 60 lakhs customers who are suppose to receive subsidy money transferred to their bank account. This requires mammoth effort to have the data entered in the appropriate systems at multiple ends. At-least 4 or 5 parameters are critical: the gas agency with city, Aadhaar number, Gas number, Bank and Account Number. Hence, naturally any data entry error can pose a higher challenges or even wrong pay out to account. Further there are going to multiple human touch point or different agency, can create confusion, particularly if pay out does not happen to one's account it could just be difficult to find out as what went wrong. 

On top of this being a continuous execution, would require high costing resources to be in place to function without a hitch. Hence, to me, the combined cost of having this new system, including subsidy pay out might turn out higher then the current system. Though the intention of the government is good that subsidy needs to reach directly its citizen, but sheer volume and different systems in place might cause a nightmare in its implementation 

Now, did I register?.

Yes, first registered my Adhaar card with the online bank site and then linked my Aadhaar through https://rasf.uidai.gov.in/seeding/User/ResidentSplash.aspx. Though had registered about few weeks before but still awaiting confirmation.

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Happy New Year - 2015

Wishing you all a very happy & prosperous.

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Indian Youth

The general life trend in an Indian youth's career has changed over the years, particularly graduates of engineering  colleges.  But, always there are exceptions.
1970's to 80:

• Engineering degree was still a male bastion, with few exception.
• Preferred jobs in Railways, Telephones, TNEB and public sectors like BHEL, BEL.
• Once in job, book 'Bajaj' scooter which take 7 years to delivery. 
• Save excess money towards taking delivery of ' Hamara Bajaj' Scooter and marriage.
• Post Marriage save money for kids education.
• 'Loan' for personal use from  Bank is unheard.
• Close to retirement, plan to buy house from saving.

1980's to 90's.

• Girls prefer Engineering too. Yes, both are equal, what's wrong. Engineering is no longer a male bastion.
• Preferred jobs still in public sector and some in large private sectors.
• If Parents not dependent, if one is good in studies look at going abroad for post graduation. No worries, if stipend not available ready to work in Petrol banks, stores.
• Still 'Loan' for personal use be it home, consumer, education not available. 'Loan' from Public sector bank are only for Commerce & Industry.
• 'Body shopping', 'H1 stamping' is widely discussed, if one has couple of years experience. 'H1 stamping' is treated as a life time achievement and probably, the eligibility for marriage.

2000's and beyond.

• Layoff or recruitment freeze in Public sector.
• Whatever be the field of engineering study, preferred jobs are  from so called 'Tier 1' IT services company.
• Yes, campus recruitment and who is bothered about whats the job role. Experience matters.
• Private banks enter Indian market, with door step services for all loan needs be it home, consumer, personal. Hold on, bank did not advertise door step services, if you want to make part payment later.
• Word such as 'Body shopping', 'H1 stamping' looses charm. The word 'EMI' is widely known and available for whatever you want.... right  from baby birth till the end.  Yes, includes the recent addition of education loan too....
• Once in job, buy a smart phone(size of laptop) for text ting and browsing wherever you are. Can't waste time. Ensure to change every six months to a year.
• Few years in jobs, buy a house - more due to parents and peer pressure, preferably with metro city pin code and a car as well. Yes, otherwise real estate will go up every month - inputs from well-wishers and off-course purchase is through bank loan ranging  10 to 30 years.  Hmm... start working to feed the bank !!?!! ..............meant EMI.
• Few more years on... with husband and wife both working, debate about who will take care of kids. No worries SOS parents to take turn to take care of kids.
• 'Saving'.... where?.... money disappears to service EMI, life needs and off course the ever increasing inflation......

Already, you should have started hearing about 'Reverse Mortgage' option of house for senior citizen. 
Yes, Banks are innovative and would continue to offer door step services for all loans needs at whatever stage of life, if you are able to work or make your assets work for bank and you..... at any time or any where..

Yes.. its all 'virtual reality', I own everything but its not mine ......................... (Hypothecated to bank :-) ... ). 

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PM: The Indian way with Modi wave.!

It had been quite some time since my last post on my blog. May be, run out of thoughts as what to post or nothing interesting happened to write on it. With General election results out, its time to express my personal views.

All exit polls predicted a win for BJP. But, non would have expected Congress getting less than 50 seats in final tally. Cong by getting less than 50 seats, cannot even have a leader of opposition on its own. This might be also a first time in 30 years there may not be a leader of opposition, as they ask is the party needs to be have won at least 10% of the total seats.

Gone are the days of one way communication from politicians to public through DD or news paper. The visual media and social media have become powerful and a small mistake any where can cost politicians dearly. Like a T 20 match, the margin for making errors have become very narrow. Public focus these days, are just not limited to politician, a political set up or those who are related to it cannot get away after making adverse comments like 'Mango people' or 'Banana Republic' or having undue protection from Government. 

Everyone acknowledges that change is happening, but changes seem to happen quite fast, even less than a year changes can happen. AAP, which made a dream start in Delhi assembly, seems to have lost focus. When Team Anna was agitating the agenda was on corruption and on the ruling government for allowing it. However, in general election AAP performed badly. Not sure, whether  AAP, lost focus about the objective for which it was formed and in the process all seats even in Delhi was lost, which they won in Dec 2013. People decision on voting changed in less than six month towards AAP. 

After 30 years, a party on its own is having a majority and a first non-congress party to have majority in its own. Last time, it was in 1984 when Congress won over 400 seats and since 1984 each successive government was in collision. Even, in case of collision the country look upon a government and more particularly its leader to be decisive. A collision leader could be true and honest, but the people do not to take lightly the statement such as 'Collision Dharma' from  leader of a ruling party, particularly when corruption or kick back happens uninterrupted.

 Democracy is great and at times it can be challenge as well for political parties. At certain point of time a democratic leader have to take tough decision on his own and take responsibility for it and at times the leader might needs to consult elected representative or people. Again, when to consult and when to take responsibility to take tough decision on his own defines the present day ‘democratic leader’.

 I hope, BJP does not get carried out by election victory. The BJP is bestowed with a responsibility to lead the country which would require them to be cautious in all its action and critically need to deliver as per expectation  by providing good governance. 

 Having governed the state of Gujarat for 4th terms interrupted, the people of India had provided a decisive mandate for Modi, with a belief  better days are ahead for India. 

Signing off with a hope that,  India Shines under democratic leadership of Modi!

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Wonders of the world - Pallava and Chola temples

Being a vacation time, was able to visit quite a few temples in Tanjore, Kumbakonam belt in the last few days.

Amongst many temples, was really amazed at architecture and sculpture works of Brihadeshwarar temple- Tanjore, Darasuram , Tripuvanam and Gangai konda cholapuram temples. These temples had been constructed around 1000 AD by the Chola kings. These massive temple structure has withstood time and the sculpture work is real beauty. One question, which came to my mind is, how come these temples built 1000s year ago still standing tall and majestic does not find its place in wonders of the world, while some of the ruins OR structures built few 100 years ago are considered as wonders of the world. Well, I am not undermining the other wonders of the world, but after visit of these temples, I believe due importance are not given to promote these wonders.

As per history, Kailasnathar Temple at Kanchipuram built around 700 AD by the Pallava king, is said to have inspired Raja Raja chola to build Brihadeshwarar temple in Tanjore.

Brihadeshwarar temple, Tanjore: Build in late 900 AD. This is the first of the Chola's temple. Right in center of Tanjore and hence easily accessible. Have been to this temple quite of few time, due to popularity and being at city center at times its crowded. Due to this, it would be better to visit during early morning hours.

Airavateshwarar Temple, Darasuram: Built around 1000 AD, 40 Kms from Tanjore and near to Kumbakonam.

Gangai Konda Cholapuram: Build around 1100 AD, its about 70 Kms from Tanjore. This temple is said to have been built by the Chola king when he moved his capital from Tanjore to Gangai Konda Cholapuram.

Tirubhuvanam: Built around 1200 AD by Kulothunga Chola III and its near to Kumbakonam. Unlike the other Chola temple which are still preserved in its pristine form, one would find gopuram of this temple in color.

There is lot of similarity in the structure of these temples. Except Bragadeswarar temple at Tanjore, we did not see much crowd in other temple. Hence, you can really spend time and relish its beauty, if you wish.

Further, its just not time, but these structures have withstood various ruler invasion as well.

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Seed India - How to navigate seed capital in India by Sramana Mitra - A review

Recently, I had an opportunity to read this book.

Sramana, starts by comparing India business scenario in early 90's with recent times about availability of capital. In early 90's venture capital was totally unheard and was pretty much restricted to couple of leading banks. My father been an entrepreneur himself those days in 80s and 90s, I used to keep hearing about VC in India and about couple selective banks which offer VC in early 90s. As far as I know, have not come across a 'start up' or small business funded through VC those days, though there might have been very few of them. In 80s and 90s, only option to fund the gap in working capital is through bank debt finance, which had interest ranging from 16 to 18% per annum, even though small industry was a priority sector lending those days.

It is pointed out that situation has changed in last few years and there are select angel investors who are intensely passionate about technology and have started funding some of the 'start up'. Having said that, one cannot expect VC to tap on doors of entrepreneur as soon as one starts the venture.  To me, apart from funding, there are challenges for a start up for their business to be successful, couple of them being,

• If the start up is promoting a product unique of its kind, however unique and beneficial it might be for buyer, one cannot expect buyer to buy the product on the first look itself, it always difficult for any one to accept a new product when there is tried and accepted approach to a business process, even though the existing process has many gaps and challenges.
• Complexity, opportunity cost and price, reliability of product plays a critical role in success of 'new' product. To break even - takes time and till that time one has to sustain.

Its interesting to read about Sramana's lucid interview with various successful entrepreneurs.  Few of them being first generation entrepreneurs. Interview with Phanidra Sama about his Red bus venture and Sachin Bansal about flitkart are really good and the rest are interesting as well. The book could also be pretty useful read, particularly for those, who just ventured as entrepreneur or about to take a plunge into entrepreneurship.

As a matter of fact e-commerce in retail is catching up fast. In last few months, there seems to be competition even amongst retail e-commerce sites. Not just Flipkart, now, there are few other retail sites like Jubong, Snapdeal etc in India. The increased acceptance of these site in India is, particularly due to offerings  like 'cash on delivery' and 'customer returns' if not satisfied, make it more 'friendly' for Indian buyers.  I believe process like  'cash on delivery' or handling 'customer returns' may not be easy, but once the process is set to handle it efficiently, I am pretty sure it would going to pose a greater challenges to shopping malls and physical store which has real estate overhead and they being location centric. The real estate overhead already being high in Indian cities, physical retail stores could find it difficult to compete with e-commerce retail site on price. It might be so happen that, e-commerce in retail could bring price correction in commercial retail real estate space in cities and there by other dependent ones as well.

Even though, India still faces many challenges in many front. As pointed out in the book, the technology and low cost man-power could still be an advantage for an Indian entrepreneur !.

In all enjoyed reading this small book of 140 pages.

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The Grand Mall, Chennai

The list of mall included in Chennai city seems to increase day by day. Till about last year, Chennai had Citi center, Ampa mall, Abirami Mega mall and Express Avenue. All these came into existence post year 2008.

Now, after Pheonix at Velachery, Forum Vijay at Vadapalani which opened early part of this year, the latest addition to Chennai is Grand Mall at Velachery. This is located on Velachery - Tambaram main road very near the Velachery metro rail station.

As of now, Croma, Shopper stop and food court is open. Many others are expected to open in due course of time.

                
                                 

Compared to Pheonix mall, this is comparatively a smaller mall. Its said to be about 3.5 lacs sq feet. Its just about 2KM from Pheonix mall.

One of the attraction seems to be 'food street' as advertised. But, it is yet to be completely open or occupied.

With online shopping site like flipkart, Jubang, Snapdeal,ebay and many others now being increasingly used by technology savvy people of India primarily due to convenience and better discount offered, one needs to see as how these malls keep up its attraction with buyers and thereby break-even, considering quantum of capital investment and recurring investments.

Anyways,consumer would have multiple choices to have a real time look at products. By this consumer can also compare the prices with online web store, when they really decide to buy.

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Reasons to pray

Hinduism is one amongst the oldest region in earth. None is able to say when and how the religion started.

As per Hindu mythology there are four yugas' namely Satyayuga (golden age), Tretha yuga(silver age), Dwapura Yuga(bronze age) and currently we are in Kaliyuga(Iron age).Each of these yuga are said be millions of years each. This is an indication, as who old is the religion. I had earlier written a post on Hinduism.

In previous yuga, Rishis performed meditation or tapas for very long time to get their prayers answered. However in this Kaliyuga due to various distractions, it is stated, if one is true, pious  and perform even short prayer or thinks about god sincerely, they are bound to get blessing from god.

This universe is millions of years old, whereas of our life span is so very short. In this yuga, we as human being run behind materialistic comfort, we at times feel having materialistic comfort and achieving what we think can bring us happiness. This may not be really so, if focus is only on getting materialistic comfort then, I believe we could complicate our life and thereby become unhappy, as focus is towards materialistic acquisition. In this uncertain world it’s difficult to predict what would happen the next moment.

Here, I would like to bring forward the famous Bhagavat Gita quote,

(The above, Bhagavat Gita quotes, the reality of life in this earth, I keep getting reminded about this, when things do not go as I wish)

The mind is source of one's action. Once deed will be based on what is sowed in mind over a period of time. However, some time, unpredictable events do happen. When unpredictable happens and if its negative there is always a question of 'why me’? . Many times, we do not have answer for many questions in life. We could have some solace in prayers and spirituality. Even, when things happens as per expectation, I would not like to forget that life is journey and attribute success to blessing of god or having my prayers been answered.

I read an article in newpaper on spiritual health., sharing the same in this blog post

Well, is prayer meant only for asking something always?. I believe not, it is for expressing my gratitude to god, also to guide me in this life and even beyond it, 

• Expressing my gratitude for what I am today and what I have accomplished till now in life.
• For being born to right parents, whom I have not asked or cannot ask.
• Guiding and providing right family. Also being in contact with right people at right point of time.
• There are millions of homeless people, but being provided with a home.
• There are millions of people go without food on daily basis. While thankful for the meal, I receive every day.
• Finally, having guided so far, I am thankful to almighty and believe they would guide me for rest of life.

We are made up of body and soul, while body is temporary the soul is said to be permanent and hence pray to him, so that I am guided all through this life journey and beyond this life as well.

Being a festive season, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous Deepavali. On Deepavali day, we do perform Kedareshwarar vrata which is prayer towards lord Shiva, Parvati and Lakshmi to provide us with good health, wealth and overcome all our sorrow. The prayer starts with Ganesh pooja. This time planning to get 'Sampoorna Lakshmi poja kit.' This pooja pack is said to contain  all basic materials required for the pooja as mentioned in the Skanda Purana. There is also CD with  Shree Vinayak Ashtottarashata Naamaavali.

To know more about ‘Sompoorna Lakshmi pooja kit’ click here.

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