Airtel -- "Harass Yourself"

Old Logo , but worth putting here

               I did a worst mistake , and got a Airtel broadband connection . Promised to install every thing within four working days , but anyhow they took around two week to install connection when frequently inquired and coaxed. I was having 1099 unlimited plan. On a lazy sunday , got a call "Sir, I am from Airtel , you as a privileged customer, can upgrade your connection to 1199 unlimited  with speed upgrade from 1 MBPS to 2 MBPS and FUP to 25GB from 15GB  " . I nodded giving them licence to harass . So from 5th July i was getting speed of 2MBPS. Things were smooth . Suddenly , a series of historical event took place.

• On 8th July , got a SMS "Dear Customer, You have reached 80% of  your high speed limit . After 100% your speed will be will be revised as per your plan till the end of this bill cycle ". 
• I called airtel and enquired about my FUP and was cheated as it was 15GB only not 25GB, but airtel personnel assured that things would be taken care off.
• Bill cycle is 5th of every month, by 10th August bill for July was not generated , on 11th i checked online and bill was around 19k ! Holy Shit.
• On 11th , i went to Airtel Office in Kormangala, Bangalore in person and did inquired. Person over their told(giggling) . "Sir, u have 1199 unlimited plan , bill seems to be false and let final bill come at your place by that time things will be sorted out". I was convinced and came back.
• On 18th August , got bill amounting to 19k, immediately i went to same office and inquired, they registered complain (complaint - 2459550) assuring that within two days problem will be solved.
• Meanwhile , nothing happened and by mistake didn't get any call or mail.
• On 21st August i again went , and was told that in another two day they will call me and fix the issue.
• Meanwhile , i tweeted to @Airtel_Presence " and got a response  [ 22nd August @aquarius_vishal Hi! Please mail us ur concern and contact details at airtelpresence@in.airtel.com for us to get it checked. Regards."]
• Nothing happened , on 26th i mailed to 121@airtel.in and tweeted again and all in vain.[@aquarius_vishal Hope you have mentioned that in your e-mail. Team will get back to u on this. Regards.]
• Meanwhile , i got some SMS from Airtel for the month of August

"Kindly note that unbilled amount of internet usage for your airtel fixed line & broadband  no. 08041659517 as on 19-aug'11 is Rs 9139(excluding rental and discounts) This is nearing the usage pattern of your last 3 months usage"

"Kindly note that unbilled amount of internet usage for your airtel fixed line & broadband  no. 08041659517 as on 24-aug'11 is Rs 15378(excluding rental and discounts) This is nearing the usage pattern of your last 3 months usage"

"Dear Customer, You have reached 80% of  your high speed limit . After 100% your speed will be revised as per your plan till the end of this bill cycle" [24th August]

• Again after mailing and tweeting got this response

Thank you for writing to Airtel.

This is with reference to your e-mail regarding the billing issue
towards your Airtel broadband connection 08041659517.

Please be informed that we are in process to resolve the abovementioned
concern at the earliest and will update you accordingly with its
progression activity latest by 06th September 2011.

Meanwhile, you may contact the undersigned regarding the concern
highlighted by sending an e-mail directly at
airtelpresence@in.airtel.com.

Regards
Airtel Presence (Airtel Customer Service Team)
Bharti Airtel Ltd
airtelpresence@in.airtel.com

• On 7th Sep, got a call from Airtel that i have not paid bill . I informed them about my complain and asked them whether i can talk to the concerned manager. He confirmed that complain has been fixed and i would be formally informed soon.
• In evening , around 5pm ADSL was down and Airtel blocked the connection when i was in middle of a very important online assignment . No Internet when i require it the most.
• I again went to Kormangala office, Airtel inquiry team was busy wooing new customer for broadband and was giggling when we told our problem. Height of customer harassment. I on top of my voice explained them the problem and asked him to call his manager. Mr. Manager heard the concern and assured that connection would be up in 1-2 hours.
• At around 10 PM , 7th Sep we checked the connection and gave a call to Mr.Manager .
• Thankfully he lifted the phone after 2nd ring and told that by 8th morning it will be up.
• On 8th Sep , 10:30AM i called Mr.Airtel Manager and was assured that he will revert back in half an hour . Again a lie and harassment.

          Airtel , claiming to be caring for customer , has started harassing its customer mentally in recent times. I am not the only one who is suffering but one among many.

I am still waiting ....for a solution or atleast my connection to be up - a deja vu ?

Fastest growing billionaire in a poverty stricken Nation.

                 A Common youth  has picture perfect of Dhirubhai Ambani, Tata's and few others as fastest growing billionaire in India as their role model . Let me acknowledge  one of most fastest growing billionaire of recent times. He is from Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh)  and very low profile personality. Too tough to guess ?? ...Robert Vadra ..heard of , You might have, yes i am talking about Priyanka Gandhi's husband and Sonia's son-in-law. His meteoric rise in last five year has been inspiring and  not much talked about even in media . Any Media person listening, you are missing a spice of a news or it is to be ignored ?

                  Priyanka Gandhi , daughter of Late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi fell in for Robert Vadra  around 1997 . This marked a important turning point in Life and Career of Robert as well as Vadra Family. Robert Vadra''s brother , sister and mother met with different accidents and lost their life in early decade. In 2009, Robert's father committed suicide , reason still not clear.

                Robert's family had a business based out of Moradabad. He owned a Jewellary designing firm Artex since early decade. Surprisingly since 2008 , his business has expanded  manifold. He owns hotels(Hilton) in Delhi, a major stake in 2G Scam hit firm Unitech and DLF.  Robert's family had a business based out of Moradabad. He owned a Jewellary designing firm Artex since early decade. Surprisingly since 2008 , his business has expanded  manifold. He owns hotels(Hilton) in Delhi, a major stake in 2G Scam hit firm Unitech and DLFRobert Vadra’s entry into the real estate business has been accompanied by a partnership with the country’s largest realty firm, DLF Ltd, a staggering feat by any standards (The Economic Times, 14 March 2011). Hitherto known for the export of faux jewellery and handicrafts, the 42-year-old Vadra quietly switched lanes in 2008, buying up land in Haryana and Rajasthan, a 50% stake in a leading business hotel in Delhi, and attempting to enter the business of chartering aircraft, a quantum jump that certainly merits an explanation.

                 Vadra seems to have floated a number of companies, some of which have received unsecured loans from the DLF group companies, including the Bombay Stock Exchange-listed flagship DLF Ltd. Readers may recall that during investigations into the Spectrum Scam, the CBI found that a number of non-entity (shell) companies had received and passed on unsecured loans that ended up in Kalaignar TV! It believes these were bribes received against the sale of spectrum at throwaway prices, and that the loans would ultimately be cancelled as ‘bad debt’ and the slate wiped clean. Thus, Vadra’s receipt of unsecured loans certainly merits a probe. Not only this he also owns a Antique showroom back in Italy .  When asked about joining politics , he says - "I want to be remembered as Entrepreneur and Businessman" . Well said Robert , you are inspiration for many UNMARRIED entrepreneurs  . 

               Seems its all family business, One does some Scams , his wife step-in and overshadows scams (like Bofors). Wife is making sure that her Son steps into Politics with all guns blazzing (famous Ravi Shastri idiom :D), so that he can rule the nation comfortably for decades to comes. On the Other , She is also making sure that her other son and her family becomes financially stable enough to live lavish life in coming decades. All in a family.Happy Family! 

Media / News Channel ..Listening??

References:

1) Economics Times 

2) Youtube  (Video has been removed, anyone can view from US/Europe proxy)

Bullshit and TOI

              TOI - Times of India , now a days is giving tough competition to Faking News. The authenticity of the news on TOI has reached new heights. Albeit , both of them trying hard to kick each other arse since last few years, but no third brand is coming even to close to TOI's masterpieces . Recently, as per reports available online TOI is way ahead by a huge margin . Faking News editor and reporters are having a hard life these days. According to one of correspondent of FN , Rupert Murdoch wanted to expand its empire to India in alliance with TOI , but due to a crisis deal is stuck in its final stages. Mentioned below is some sparta work of TOI in recent timeframe.

              Bangalore, (Karnataka ) lokayukt Mr. Hedge report was leaked . TOI  presented to its urban readers about the caste division and reason for Yedurappa being Honorable CM of Karnataka something like this . TOI - "..with Lingayat population in Karnataka pegged between 17% and 21% followed by Vokkaligas and Muslims, they are a decisive factor in a candidate's victory in at least 100 of the total 224 constituencies . While the JD(S) enjoys good support of Vokkaligas (16%), the congress, which had unconditional support of the Lingayat community since the 1960s, lost after the summary removal of Verendra Patil as CM inearly 90s. Over the past three years , Yedyurappa's major tactic to gain community sympathy to veerashiava mutts and temples through donations....." .  What the fuck?? . Now a days, who cares about  caste politics and when people are moving away from these shits TOI left no ambiguity and published similar articles to make sure it has got unique news as compared to others competitors.

                In April , one of the corner of nation was witnessing a protest (IIIT Allahabad) and TOI was probably only newspaper or media covering the wrong side of story and tried to make it a satire publications. Not only this ,when Norway was mourning the tragic event which took life of 90+ innocent TOI was busy giving it a Varanasi connection .

                What is secret formula of success for TOI,  Any guesses ??.  TOI has got it marketing and strategy team rightly placed. They know pretty well that nowadays maximum demand  is for news related to SEX, Gossips and unwanted Controversies. Reporters are trained religiously for same . Training is considered to be one of the toughest in Country. Few retired army personnel, Experienced reports since independence and some scholar tried their luck but all in vain.

 If you want to be correspondent/reporter in TOI , you must meet following criteria
- Good acads (Duplicate certificates would work too)
- Excellent "Story making" ability .
- Excellent "photoshop" knowledge
- Should have some experience in morphing ( experience working with  websites like desibaba.com is big plus)
- Open to Controversies.

             These are the things which made TOI reach the height it has reached today , beating the likes of vivid and bold  news maker like Faking News. I wish TOI best of luck to continue the good work it has been doing since past few years..Cheers!!

Education can be panacea?

           India is nicely poised to be next Superpower. We as a nation have many milestones to count since independence thanks to democracy , human resource and education . Indeed, after  64 years of independence we have  lot to vaunt upon , would like to mention india's contribution to global economy . On contrary, what we have have not achieved in past is  due to "lack of education". According to recent provisional census of 2011 current literacy rate of India is around 74% which is around 9% more than last census of 2001. Nowadays , education doesn't anymore mean "to impart education to one who has some or none" , but it has became merely a arena for rooting one business . Education business is the one business which is flourishing to paramount heights  . It is probably safest business in our country these days without much of innovation and risk involved and profit beyond imagination. Just one need to have good political background or connection and some black money to convert it to white money .

            Tier two cities is considered perfect to setup Coaching institutes as aspirants are in abundance and unaware of possible opportunities ( due to lack of education) . Education here means knowledge about the options one has apart from unbeaten and tested path of engineering, medical , IAS and all. These institutions helps rather inspires the orthodox believe of good career option being restricted to above mentioned . If you are a topper in any competitive exams , then be ready some alluring offers can be made to you from one of these institution just to speak few words in their favour. Astonishingly,  coaching institutes are run majorly by teachers working full time in college/school. The UNESCO’s International Institute of Educational Planning study on corruption in education released recently says that 25% teacher absenteeism in India is among the highest in the world, second only after Uganda that has a higher rate. The global average of teacher absenteeism is about 20%. Now shifting our focus to tier -I cities which is witnessing a similar scenario on much bigger platform.  Go on a highway to Chennai, Bangalore or Pune , you would notice plethora of institution with good buildings and loads of advertisement claiming one's awesome past records. All claim to be AICTE approved and registered with many other universities (mind you some foreign as well) , assurance of 100% placement too is claimed by everyone with effortless assurance . Regarding infrastruture and faculty , you can witness  perfect business acumen of marketing  and you would made to believe that that college possess probably the best infrastructure possible. Seems college nowaday no more hire good professors/teachers but focus a lot more to hire sales and marketing person who can bring in more of students and donation for college. 
           Corrution - a sought topic now a days. If we dig in deep we get to know that people involved need more money , but why ? Reason is that they think money is only thing one need to possess in long run but amount should be large enough to make sure whole of generation can be fed freely upon . These pondering too shows the lack of "right education" among those babus, business tycoons, and  politicians  involved. Politicians , second most sought profession after prostitution is a perfect example of lack of education in today's scenario . It is considered to be a easier  method to earn money and fame , which again signifies lack of proper education .  Rather than making our primary education robust and of high quality , we are involved in fight against reservation . If same time and energy can be diverted to make primary education better then we could have witnessed not 9% but may be 30% rise of literacy. Thanks to Education ministers and secretaries who works day and night to make sure agenda for election would remain intact and people can be fooled around that one more time.
            "Divide and Rule" strategy of british worked in India for so long, main reason was that we lacked education  which curtailed our vision and influenced our ego in negative direction . This is what was required by Britishers to rule us. Since past to present we have many incidence to show what we have not acieved is due to "lack of education". 
            Without Education "India - Super Power" would be a castle of sand in air. One need to understand to become superpower we need to get rid of corruption, unemployment, poverty, apathy and other evils ruining our society (child labour, female foeticide, prostitution, dalit exploitation) . Education will help in better understanding of problem , better implementation of policy ,  broading of calibre and moreover will  help one to spin-off differences between right and wrong. In Nutshell , Education can be a panacea to all evils prevailing in society today . Hello ! Any Education minister or Secretaries listening ??

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

Protest Fast !

          Cricket World Cup, IPL were all over media , press and public in past few months. But recently , the buzz around is all about corruption, protest, fast, Anna Hazare etc. Media now a cunning fox knows pretty well when to do what and how, in order to make sure insipid stuff could be turned into a full-fledged farce with some help from political parties and public figures. Modern Gandhi - Anna and demigod Ramdev chose a path of non-violence against corruption prevailing in  society. Media were equally involved in editing of the scenes and adding flavor to protest with help of few prominent politicians and public figure. 

         Empty threats were bellowed on empty stomachs and the government responded with equally empty promises. Digvijay Singh was drafted to write the screenplay. Is he so named because of his ability to take a dig at everyone The Delhi police was cast in the villains role and Kapil Sibal assigned the comedians role.The media filled the character slots with Congress PR men and character assassination slots with BJP spokespersons. This is how the slapstick comedy-cum-mystery thriller-cum-horror show currently running on all channels was set in motion.Wake up Kurt Vonnegut Jr and Stephen King.You guys have serious competition in this part of the world.

Same Timeline, Same Nation ,Same Issues ...Some more hunger protest  . To name a few 

• Swami Nigamananda fasted until death to save Ganges but all in vain
• Irom Sharmila Chanu has been fasting for more than 10 years, against government insurgency in Manipur , but except forceful feeding and wrong allegation s had gained nothing.

On the other Side of fence i would like highlight few other hunger protest 

• People protest against Botanical brinjal
• Against India's new Visa rule

             Is Hunger Protest , the strongest weapon in "INDIAN Democracy" to protest or raise your voice ? What about other means of non-violence protest which was patronized  by Gandhi and Luther? Does starving oneself and persuading others to follow is the only right way to show one's disagreement over a issue. To understand why so much heat and dust ,noise and hype is being caused by a few men going on fast,we need to look at the other forms of protest in vogue . Sit-down strikes and pen-down strikes are quite popular with government employees.They have no emotional value . And people indulging in pen-down strikes more often than not do not know how to hold a pen,let alone make use of it . Candlelight protests are devoid of any drama that evokes media interest.Slogan-shouting and bandhs are considered more of a hindrance than a legitimate form of protest by the general public.Stone-throwing and setting buses and taxis on fire may offer some visual delight,but these are criminal activities which the media cannot aggressively glamorize and claim credit for.

                But the protest fast is desi stuff with made in India stamped all over it. It has glamour,emotional appeal and evokes sympathy, media add flavor. On one side is a man who stakes his life and honor ,and on the other side ,the authorities who will leave no stone unturned to keep him alive, humiliate him and finally dishonour him. In conventional fasting,only the enemy within needs to be tackled. But in the protest fast, the fire inside the belly and the fiery opponent outside will both squeeze the juice out of the faster. Baba Ramdev will vouch for it.

Some more links to surf through:

• The Hunger Artist who was inspiration for  Gandhi 
• Hunger Strike which left a mark on international scenario.

[Inspired by TOI and Hindu editorial ]

Politics, Fame, Money !

        Recently , Mamta Banerjee and Jayalaitha won state elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu . But question arises was it their victory or merely they won as people had no other option but to vote for them ."Aam Adami" has no other option but to choose best of the worst  pool. Congress People are mostly corrupt proven in recent times, and remaining are silent as our honorable Mr.Prime Minister . BJP dosen't have good leaders , regional parties concentrate more or less on a particular arena. So , what should be done by Aam Adami ??

• Leave it as it is
• Join Politics

         In case he/she choose first option , he will suffer on a long run . Few Examples i would like to quote is like rise in prices of petrol , inflation .etc. In Reality Prices of daily household things have risen to almost 60% in last 4-5 years . Thanks to good governance at center . Where dose these money go? Eventually it flows to swiss account of Sonia and group or people who believe in firm nepotism like Karunanidhi,  so that their great grand children can enjoy the money and power hard earned for them as legacy .

        In case he/she chooses second option, who will look after their bread and butter. Majority of Indian family has poor legacy/family property to count upon. Only individual who can manage their bread butter without worrying about  source of income can think of joining politics , but that means he/she should earn bread and butter by unfair means. Look at Politician around you take any example , existence of a national level politicians who belongs to common family is rare (likes of Atal Bihari etc). Most of powerful politicians are either big shots (financially) or have a legacy of politics left for them. 

       Talking about youth leaders like , Sachin Pilot, Rahul Gandhi, Sindia , Deora etc. Who do you think is a potential candidature for Prime-Minister of India ? You might think of all option but in reality every one of us knows "Rahul Gandhi "  is the right answer . Reason ?? He surpasses all other when comes to family name and money. Some might disagree on this point . People disagreeing might surf these links for more information related to this:  (Some one rightly pointed out  "Sleeping in poor's hut and working for poor - their is a big difference" . )

• http://www.facebook.com/notes/nitin-gupta/the-curious-case-of-rahul-gandhi/10150165037156384
• http://gandhiheritage.org/

       Whats common in Rahul Gandhi becoming a successful politicians and Abhishek Bachchan becoming a successful actor ? Everything , both have Gandhi and Bachchan behind their name and good amount of bank balance which will make sure both succeed in their life. I won't be amazed to see Abhishek becoming a politician and Rahul becoming an actor , either  way they would be able to earn fame and money. Politics, Fame and Money - If you have any two you can make third one pretty easily. And While making third who suffers the most - "Aam Adami".

"Politics I supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first." - Ronald Reagan

PS: This is my personal opinion and i don't belong to any political party.

"Sab Chalta Hain"

"This particular article present my personal view and please don't take it up for a debate."

      Recently , We lost a friend at IIIT-Allahabad , my alma mater . We have been shouting since then about college administration , director's monopoly , vandalism and nepotism . Students gone for peaceful demonstration on campus , alumni supporting them from outside .

      Few people , are trying to do whatever best they can do to get justice for poor students protesting for three continuous day . Few - "abe chod na sirf Facebook ya Twitter update karne se kya hoga" , rightly said . Facebook and twitter is only for entertainment and to peep into one's social life . As per my perception is concerned , when you are doing great  people tends to attach themselves to you. If a institute features in news for innovation we say - "this is my great institution" . But when institute features for bad reason we tend to ignore it. A academic institution constitutes of  administration , student, alumnus, and intellect. A institute is made great "only if" all if it constituent goes well in tandem with each other.
      In society where i live "sab chalta hain" -  Ignorance is bliss. We often criticize corrupt people we are surrounded by , corruption , right or wrong , but will never take a step forward to bring what ever change we can . One is  in  habit of adjustment , sitting with coke in hand and criticizing what's  going on is total rubbish. People who try to do whatever they can, are most of time demoralized . I personally feel , people here should be held more responsible than corrupt politician or gangsters.  Yes , we people are more responsible of what happens around us, we have got no one to blame upon.

Few reference - http://iiitaprotest.blogspot.com/