In this scenario if we run campaigns like think before vote, choose the right one, they are of no use. Unless everyone in this scenario pick few morals and ethics so that the common man knows exactly what is happening and who is the right one.
The Lead India Campaign by The Times of India, supported by ZoOm, directed by Karan Johar.
Check out the exclusive video of Lead India’s Kuch Nahi Hosakta campaign starring Abhishek Bachchan, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Imran Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Retiesh Deshmukh, Asin, Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and Karan Johar himself.
The country’s financial hub, Mumbai, and the National Capital New Delhi are among the world’s 10 most expensive cities for expatriates to live in, says a survey by global HR consultancy Mercer.
According to the survey on housing costs and practices for employees sent on overseas assignments, Mumbai has emerged even more expensive than New York City in the United States China’s capital Beijing.
Mumbai has been ranked as the world’s fourth most expensive city in terms of rental property for expatriates, while New Delhi is eighth, the survey for February 2009 said.
Mumbai has moved up by one notch from its fifth position in the September 2008 survey, while New Delhi has fallen two places from its sixth place in the previous ranking.
Russia’s Moscow has topped the list of world’s most expensive cities and is followed by Tokyo (second), Hong Kong (3rd), Mumbai (4th) and New York City (5th) as the five most expensive cities across the globe for expats to live in.
The survey highlighted that Asian cities have dominated the list of the world’s costliest locations for expats living there, with as many as six locations from the region being among the world’s top 10.
Moscow is the world’s most expensive city to live in.
In second place - in terms of most expensive city to live in - is Tokyo.
Hong Kong is in the third place.
Mumbai, as stated earlier, is the world’s 4th most expensive city to live in.
New York City is fifth most expensive.
In sixth place is Beijing.
Geneva is the world’s seventh most expensive city to live in.
New Delhi is the 8th most expensive city to live in.
London is the ninth most expensive city to live in.
Singapore is the 10th most expensive city to live in.
Shanghai is the 11th most expensive city to live in.
“The world’s housing markets have been sliding since 2008, and major currency fluctuations in the past few months have also had a strong impact on the comparative cost of expatriate housing,” Mercer information product solutions India business leader Gangapriya Chakraverti said.
Interestingly, the survey stated that current slowdown has led companies towards a fundamental shift in the types of housing being offered in India. However, today, an increasing number are opting for luxury condominiums which provide the same kind of facilities but at a lower price.
As a result, expats are increasingly located in Gurgaon, Whitefield and Powai as opposed to more traditional locations such as Chanakyapuri, Indiranagar and Colaba. This has also resulted in more cultural integration between expats and the local population, the survey added.
Data is based on typical rents for 1-4 bedroom apartments and 3-4 bedroom houses, furnished and unfurnished.
New York is used as the base city, with a score of 100 points. Moscow at the top of the ranking scores 168.30, while Mumbai at position 4 (105.10), New Delhi at 8 (96.60) and Bangalore at 29 (51.80) continue to receive interest and demand for expatriate rental property.
As the index is based on cost comparisons using the US dollar, currency exchange rates have an influence on the rankings.
IPL 2009 will kick off at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town on April 18 while the final will be held at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on May 24 according to the new schedule.
The semi-finals meanwhile are to be held on May 22 and 23 in Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively.
In a double header on the first day, last year’s winners Rajasthan Royals will take on the Bangalore Royal Challengers, Bangalore, while the Mumbai Indians would clash with the first edition’s runners-up Chennai Super Kings at Cape Town.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi revealed that official broadcaster Sony will telecast the matches in three languages - English, Hindi and Bengali. Matches will be held at 4 pm (12.30 pm local time) and 8 pm (4.30pm local time) IST.
Schedule: All times IST (GMT + 0530)
April 18: Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Mumbai Indians (MI) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK) (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 19: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Deccan Chargers (DC) (4 pm) at Cape Town; Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 20: RCB V CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 21: RR v MI (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v KXIP (8 pm) at Durban
April 22: DD v CSK (4 pm) at Durban; RCB v DC (8 pm) at Cape Town
April 23: KKR v RR (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
April 24: KXIP v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
April 25: KKR v CSK (4 pm) at Cape Town; DC v MI (8 pm) at Durban
April 26: RR v KXIP (4 pm) at Cape Town; RCB v DD (8 pm) Port Elizabeth
April 27: KKR v MI (4 pm) at Cape Town; CSK v DC (8 pm) at Durban
April 28: DD v RR (4 pm) at Pretoria
April 29: MI v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; KKR v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
April 30: DD v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria; RR v CSK (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 1: RCB v KXIP (4 pm) at East London; MI v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 2: RR v DC (4 pm) at Johannesburg; CSK v DD (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 3: MI v RCB (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v KKR (8 pm) at East London
May 4: DC v CSK (4 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 5: DD v KKR (4 pm) at Durban; KXIP v RR (8 pm) at Durban
May 6: MI v DC (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 7: KXIP v CSK (4 pm) at Pretoria; RCB v RR (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 8: DD v MI (4 pm) at East London
May 9: DC v KXIP (4 pm) at Bloemfontein; CSK v RR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 10: KKR v DD (4 pm) at East London; RCB v MI (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 11: DC v RR (4 pm) at Bloemfontein
May 12: RCB v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria; KXIP v MI (8 pm) at Pretoria
May 13: DC v DD (4 pm) at Durban
May 14: MI v RR (4 pm) at Durban; CSK v RCB (8 pm) at Durban
May 15: KXIP v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley
May 16: CSK v MI (4 pm) at Johannesburg; DC v KKR (8 pm) at Port Elizabeth
May 17: RR v DD (4 pm) at Kimberley; KXIP v DC (8 pm) at Johannesburg
May 18: CSK v KKR (4 pm) at Pretoria
May 19: DD v RCB (4 pm) at Johannesburg
May 20: CSK v KXIP (4 pm) at Durban; RR v KKR (8 pm) at Durban
May 21: DC v RCB (4 pm) at Pretoria; MI v DD (8 pm) at Pretoria
Ruchi Chopra is a graduate in fashion design (NIFT), but two years ago, a small incident and the resulting brainstorm got her to drop these stylish aspirations in order to pursue a truly unique venture. She now runs ASAP, short for Any Surprise Any Place - a one-stop shop for any surprise you want to pop for a loved one. From decustomised soap bars to coffee table books, travel packages to hot air balloons, this enterprising young lady will organize it for you.
In an interview with rediff.com, Ruchi discusses where she got the idea to start up, her career success and how a small business, started with just Rs 50,000 now has a turnover of Rs 20 lakh - in less than two years.
What made you think of ASAP?
The idea came to me in October of 2006, when I was at work - I was assistant merchandiser with clothing company GAP - and a hostel friend messaged me saying “I want pizza”. I really felt like surprising her by getting it delivered. However, I was at the office and couldn’t leave, so I tried calling a number of pizza services, asking them to send one out to her and charge me for it. However, all my efforts failed - not one was willing to do so. Apparently, you can only place a pizza order for yourself! So I got thinking - all I wanted to do was surprise a friend with something as simple as a pizza and there was nobody to organize if for me. There should be some service that can help a zillion people who want to do something nice for someone, right?
People either don’t have an idea of what to do to make someone feel special, or they do and they don’t have the means or the time to organize it. This is what made me start a company that helps people organize surprises for others. It was an idea born out of a need of the hour. I started working on the concept and ASAP - short for ‘as soon as possible’ and ‘any surprise any place’ - was born.
What was your family’s reaction when you decided to start your own business?
There was initial hesitation on my mom’s part. We all have mothers who think with the heart and she was worried that I had decided to venture out and do something crazy. Dad was supportive, though - I had given him the confidence that I’d seriously thought this out and seen a future.
You studied fashion designing. It’s a big jump - fashion to business. What inspired you?
If I hadn’t started this company, I would be a baby clothing designer. This idea was the need of the hour - it was something I saw had demand and no supply. Starting a business venture of your own is the combined result of having way too much energy, way too many thoughts and a lot of passion to make people happy. I have started something good as a result of all my ideas and passion. I love what I do. I started this the day I wanted to surprise someone and no one could help me with it.
How do you work out the logistics of arranging surprises that are so varied and elaborate?
It’s a lot of creative work to start with, trying to understand from each client what works for their brother, sister, grandmother etc. Then comes the implementation, which is actually the easier part, because it’s more difficult to put a finger on what will surprise a person, rather than arrange it.
I have a great time doing what I do and I have a great team helping me out. Mansukh Mann handles the creative end - she’s young and has some great ideas. Akram Saifi, who has been with the company almost since inception, helps me implement our plans and Subhash Sorout works to ensure the timing of the surprises is perfect.
I mainly generate ideas, too - I read a lot and keep tabs on what people do for each other in various other parts of the world, but Mansukh and Akram help me out equally.
Was it a struggle to start off ? Did people take your idea seriously at first?
It was clearly a struggle. It’s easier to create just another brand of high heels, for instance, than a product that doesn’t exist and then make people love it and get used to using it. After hearing about ASAP, people would say to me, “That’s interesting - so what exactly do you do?
Tell us a bit about the early days of the company.
It was a lot of work, there were many days with no surprises. We could just look at sourcing new products, creating new things. These were times when a lack of orders did dishearten us. I was sure, though, that it just needed more people to know about it and they would come to love the idea. I completely believed in my plan, never did I doubt it!
What kind of challenges have you faced in the course of your career, and how have you learned to deal with them?
Basically I am a pioneer in my line. I had a dreamy idea, I selected a dreamy name for my company. I sell surprises which are very close to the fulfillment of dreams. I ventured into it with an open mind. Having creative fun more than making money was my raison’ de entre. I built teams of creative people to support my ventures. Everything is based on ‘just-in-time’ actions and activities
A big problem we face in our kind of business is sampling. There are so many vendors supplying a lot of quality products, but because we want only personalized ones, they find it difficult to work with us. We customize every surprise and only have one piece created per customer. And so, we have issues with some vendors who make great products but are not happy doing just the one product. We’ve convinced some of them to stay on board, after promising a great continued working relationship, others are yet to be convinced.
How does it feel to have succeeded in your venture?
It really feels great. It’s a passion that has proved its belief. I love giving surprises personally and to do that for a living - it’s my favourite thing to do. Working is rarely like ‘working’, if you know what I mean. It feels good, there is a sense of confidence which has come in quite early for me; I don’t think anything is impossible after bringing ASAP to where it is.
Has your success impacted your personal life at all?
Not at all. I have always been a person of balance and I maintain that. Yes, it has affected how often I can take holidays - I could take a lot more leave working in a company other than my own - but I have no complaints about that at all.
Do you have any success mantras?
Absolutely: Start small. Don’t rush to get a big office, great-looking laptops, a personal secretary and then start work. Start from your room.
Also, have clear focus, strong willpower and the desire to succeed. The sky is the limit. I wake up every morning with a passion to make people happy and that’s what makes mine a success story.
What do you think is the most common mistake newcomers make?
They want to start big. Most newcomers think the only way to start a business is to start with an office. Also, it’s not good to try and re-invent the wheel. Taking advice is very important from people who are into any kind of business.
What tips do you have for today’s youngsters looking for a break as young entrepreneurs?
Like I said, start small and don’t give up - there will be some points when things wont be as rosy as you planned, but that’s the testing time. Don’t give up then and sunshine will soon be on its way!
Women have to balance family and a career - how tough is that for you?
I am single and successful and I’m happy to say it’s not a problem for me just yet. I have a hectic social life and balancing for me means not tripping on the dance floor and choosing the right pair of heels!
But I think balancing work and life is something everyone needs to start doing anyway, hectic worklife or not - and it is a good thing as well. Just because I love my work doesn’t mean I don’t love my life outside of it. I hope I will strike a balance when I need to because we have only one life and you gotta do everything - work hard, earn enough wealth, live it up, party hard and then get married and build a family.
What are the main issues you have to deal with as a working woman?
I’m happy that career women are seen as a normal part of the working world. Issues, therefore, are hardly any - women-worrying issues only crop up when you think you are any different from any other working individual. In fact, when it comes to running your own business, women may actually be in an advantageous position.
What tips do you have for other young women balancing their work and personal lives?
Stay focused and do what you want, but stick to just one thing. There’s life beyond business and every second counts, so it’s not worth spending your life away only working, working…phew!
Remember it is impossible to please the whole world. Just try and please yourself and be at peace.
What challenges do women entrepreneurs/ career women face in India?
In some parts of the country, men have not prepared themselves sufficiently to deal with women as equals. Most metros and cosmopolitan cities are totally reconciled. Man or woman, you have to prove yourself to earn the respect of your colleagues. There are always some narrow-minded men, though, who are best ignored.
I worked in an MNC for a short while after I passed out of NIFT. The company was woman-dominated and even the men were extremely professional and understanding. Even in other fields, I find the mindset of men has come a long way and they treat women as teammates and assets. Indeed, we are outperforming them in many key areas.
Your inspiration…
Wanting to lead and not be led. Wanting to be my own master, desiring to explore my creative inner self, setting my own pace and taking a flight of fancy was my inspiration to get going.
Any advice on pink slips?
I love the color pink but for very many other reasons and have always wondered how it got associated with this beastly idea of showing employees the door. I am basically a team builder and not a family breaker. I don’t believe in pink slips.
What are your future plans?
To take ASAP much further that it is now - really make it any suprise any place. I want this company to bring smiles to faces everywhere in the world. As long as you want to make someone feel special, we will do what it takes. Careerwise, I have only just set sail - I will soon be hitting the ocean and the horizon, where the earth and sky meet. I already deliver surprises in Europe, North America and Australia. Africa and the Amazon are my next targets!
I invited an American friend to see Slumdog Millionaire with me during its limited release in New York in November with some trepidation. Not knowing anything about the movie other than that it was set in India and received positive early reviews, I was expecting the usual Bollywood fare - beautiful but long dance numbers, over-dubbed action sequences, and unrealistically happy endings.
Previous attempts to acclimatise my Western friends to Bollywood cinema had been less than successful - we couldn’t stop cracking jokes during Aishwarya Rai’s Bride and Prejudice . Even my more dedicated friends couldn’t make it through the hour-and-a-half cricket match in Lagaan .
To my surprise, however, the audience of that sold-out show consisted not only of Indians, but people of every background and every age. By the film’s end, I understood why - Slumdog Millionaire is one of those rare movies that - in its handling of profound issues and questions - naturally brings people together. It may have been set in India, but Jamal’s story of determination, devotion, and trust in the good in life, despite evidence to the contrary, are themes that resonate with all of us, regardless of where we were brought up and where we are today.
Child stars of Slumdog Millionaire: (from left) Ayush Mahesh Khedekar, Rubiana Ali and Azharuddin Ismail
Since November, Slumdog Millionaire has been released across the country, with more success than I - and perhaps even any of those involved - could have anticipated. My excitement is tempered, however, by the recent backlash from Indian icons like director Priyadarshan and actress Preity Zinta . Priyadarshan called the film a ‘cheap, trashy, mediocre version’ of earlier, more worthwhile films by Salim-Javed, and expressed anger that Indians would celebrate a film created by ‘a white man’ that depicts Mumbai as ‘a wasteland’.
Preity Zinta, on the other hand, believes Slumdog Millionaire viewers will assume India is a dirty, poverty-stricken place Incidentally this comes from the lead actress of Kya Kehna, a successful movie about a pregnant single teenager, and Kal Ho Naa Ho - but, er, no intelligent viewer would assume all women in India are pregnant by 18 and love to disco.
Of course it’s not easy to accept that one of the first widely critically-acclaimed films focused on India is precisely about some of its faults. Poverty, child abuse, gangs, and corruption exist in India; just as they exist in any country. It simply appears that most successful films in India shy away from these themes. If an Indian is willing to pay hard-earned money to see a movie, he wants escape and entry to a world that exists only in the movie theater - hence the beautiful actors and actresses in beautiful clothes, in well-choreographed dance numbers and difficulties that only extend to unpleasant mothers-in-law.
Perhaps it takes a movie as powerful as Slumdog Millionaire for Indians both residing in India and abroad to recognize the evils that plague it still, and take action to stop it. Like 2004’s Supersize Me opened America’s eyes to the harmful health effects of fast food and Crash helped redress issues of race and intolerance, Slumdog Millionaire may bring about positive social changes in India. While it is difficult to watch what the children in Slumdog Millionaire had to endure, we may take solace in the fact that there are real children across the world that we have the power to help.
Still, to dwell on the horrors Jamal, Salim, and Latika underwent is to miss the movie’s message. Every moment in Jamal’s life, even the most heartbreaking ones, had a purpose and reason - in a literal sense, because they served as answers to the game show’s answers, but metaphorically, because they shaped who he became, and tested his love so that it endured, all the stronger.
When faced with a difficulty in our own lives - whether it be loss or injustice or betrayal - it’s inspiring to believe that even our pain can lead to our happiness. More than a story of squalor or sorrow, it’s a story of perseverance and faith - and indeed, what better city to serve as a backdrop than Mumbai, a city that has seen so much in recent months only to emerge resiliently.
It is for that reason that when people ask me, after watching the movie, whether Mumbai is “really like that”, I give a qualified “yes.” The particulars of a movie are never as important as the message that stays with you long after you leave the theater.
Can I remember the name of the character who ran the children’s orphanage, or the leader of the gang that cut Latika across the face? No. But what I do remember, and will remember, is what the Indian spirit is all about.
Thanks to Aarti, 18, studies at Columbia University and Rediff.com
In an interview with 
