The Time has Come to Vote

The campaigning for the October 13 Assembly polls has finally come to an end. This will test the popularity of major political parties, especially after the results of the Lok Sabha elections held this year.

The campaign has been done on massive scale with all parties trying to woo the voters in every possible way to vote for their respective netas during the assembly poll. The time has finally come to step out of your houses and vote for a deserving candidate. There cannot be any excuse. The decision you make today is going to shape your future.

We need to prove to the netas that although they may fight over petty issues and call each other names, we are united and have pledged to take the right decision this time by voting for the deserving one.

The Government has graciously declared October 13, 2009 a non-working day, which is great for people who always find some reason not to vote. So let’s get going now. Let the voting commence!

Voting Double Standards

After the barbaric attacks in Mumbai on 26th November 2008, there was widespread agitation and the city saw thousands of protestors coming together lighting candles, chanting slogans and demanding a change in the political system.

However, not even five months later, in the assembly elections, the Mumbai voters’ turnout was abysmal. About 43% of the eligible voters turned to cast their precious votes. While the majority of them didn’t make use of the power vested in them by the government of India.

Most of them said that they didn’t go to vote since they were aggravated by the management at the booth. Some were just too lazy.

At one hand we talk about bringing about a change and at the other we don’t want to make that change. Aren’t these double standards we are resorting to?

Voting is our right, and we should make correct use of it or else what’s the point of living in a democracy. And with all kinds of awareness campaigns after the Mumbai attacks, if we still don’t know how to bring about change, then it’s something to be really ashamed about.

So please go out there and vote!

Vote Today or Pay Tomorrow

Vote! We hear this word every time we near an election. Just hear.

But how many of us actually realize the true meaning of it?
The true power which has been vested in us by the Government of India with a view that we the people are going to decide the fate of our country.

India being the largest democracy in the world gives you supremacy as you are the one who will decide who runs your country. By this freedom you also get to decide how your country would be run.

Now, we all know that registration can be a bit of a problem, but we all need to understand that it’s essential for our own betterment.

Parties while running campaign spend millions in attracting the public, but they somehow overlook the youth-market. Why?

Because the sad reality is that year after year, the percentages of youth who are actually eligible for voting turn their back on the voting system, thus causing a low turn-out.

Some may say that how would voting help? How does my single vote matter? But surely it does. They say that even a flutter of a butterfly’s wings can cause a tornado to form, similarly your single vote can create the butterfly effect which India is waiting for.

Wake Up and Vote!

What is the difference if I don’t vote? I am just one in billion. That is where the problem lies. Many citizens think that their vote does not matter. Picture if everyone felt that way! – We would never elect a leader! Maybe you feel that when it comes down to it, all the candidates are the same, so why bother voting. Some other useless reasons for not voting are that the polls are too crowded, or you don’t have the time-though there are many organizations that volunteer their time to ensure everyone's right to vote.



The potholes on the road, delayed subways, less trains, water-cuts, rising inflation­- are these your problems? If the answer is yes then you should vote. That alone will change the face and fate of our nation. Change starts at a grass roots level whether you live in a small town or the plush city, and all change starts by electing people to implement change. Change is constant, change is pragmatic, and change is what change does.



Ok now that you have made up your mind to vote, where do you begin? Start with a simple check-list before you go and vote :

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While voting for any candidate, go through his/her:

Education - What is their qualification?
Personal Assets - What is their current asset value?
Criminal Background - Do they have criminal records against them?
What kind of social work has he/she done in the past?


I know getting up on a lazy morning when you have a rare precious holiday, getting up and vote is not such a lovely thought but just think about what can happen if you wake up and go voting! You have the hope of better and a brighter future, for you for your nation. By not voting you steal the right to someone’s better future including yours. Wake up & Vote! Jai Hind!

Learn Earn & Return—Need of the Hour

Jaago Re Jaago Re Jaago Re! …what comes to your mind when you read these words? Elections…Votes….Tea…Tata…Trust. It’s a perfect example of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). However it is vital not only for big corporate companies to participate in CSR but also mid-sized and small companies to take small but powerful public interest initiatives.

I believe that you meet different people in your life. Some play ordinary roles while some influence you to move ahead and make a change to the society, which further brings that change back. What goes around come around, it’s a law of nature. Learn, Earn & Return is a mantra, I truly believe:

• Education is very important for a growing and progressive nation like India. By education I do not mean simply stacking up certificates but practical education that would make a difference in one’s life and the people around him.

• Learn, Earn & Return: I believe and want to give my student the power of Learn, Earn and Return.

• I believe success never tastes sweet alone. I want to share my knowledge and leaning with others so they too can pass it on. Remember whatever you give to the society sooner or later it will come back to you. We need to leave a legacy of solid principles and learning for our future generation.

• Corporate Social Responsibility: Let’s cut the jargon—it’s not meant for big corporates alone. Each of us should take it up and volunteer to make a difference in whatever way we can. It can be as small as funding 10 cataract operations in a year, scholarships for students like I do or as big as what Tata Tea did. Remember every drop counts. Apart from the goodwill and powerful positive aura that it will bring to your work, you fulfill the role of a responsible citizen—it gives a new dimension and meaning to your life. As Maslow’s Law states—once the basic human needs are fulfilled you seek happiness in higher goals. Here is your chance to achieve that.

• Branding & Marketing India Globally: I want India to be outstanding in all fields- Be it Olympics, Travel, Food, Entertainment, Finance, etc. India in itself is a very powerful BRAND. Nano grabbed the word’s attention and so did Slumdog Millionaire—it put India on the global map. India has immense potential and each of us need to do our bit for our country. Let’s start now- take small & powerful steps. As Neil Armstrong said, “I believe every human has a finite number of heartbeats. I don't intend to waste any of mine.”

Progressing India

India is progressing on a war footing and is an economic power globally. Purely because of the large consumer market potential and being the largest middle class population in the world.

For India to progress vertically and also horizontally, the Indian enterprises need to play a very vital role. Each enterprise needs to have a mindset of a social enterprise. An attitude of LEARN, EARN and RETURN. Not only in words but in actions.

Success should not be only personal but creating an environment of success where all become successful and the nation succeeds as an end result. That's what has happened in all the developed countries and that is what that needs to happen in India too. Every entrepreneur needs to take a lead, whether big or small.

Everyone needs to play a role. The ratio of the population compared to the number of big corporates is a complete mismatch. Magic can and will happen when each enterprise, irrespective of the size, plays a social role apart from just making profits.

Social entrepreneurship and social enterprise is the need of the hour in India and this is what will take the country marching ahead. Creating opportunities for all, Enriching the lives of all Indians. The social mindset needs to evolve and then, magic shall happen.