Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, folks! :)


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Thank you, BlogAdda!

Thank you so much , BlogAdda, for this wonderful contest in association with Gillette India! All those goodies I won (and yet to come) and the Flipkart voucher I won (and received) in the first week based on max. number of tags will always make me participate in more and more blogging contests. The Protest Against Unclean Stubble (P.A.U.S.) contest has been the biggest contest in my blogging history. The one before this was also a Gillette sponsored Soldier For Women contest held around Feb. 2013. I participated in both of these contests vigorously, simply because I hate that unclean stubble. And I hope for more such blogging events to participate in the future, and also to get my blog featured (but it won't, I am pretty sure :P) at the BlogAdda awards to be held on 18th Jan, I guess, at Mumbai.

Nevertheless, in my participation for more this particular contest, I must admit that I discovered an avid blogging side of myself which I was mildly unaware about earlier. Hope to continue this and explore and write more. My New Year resolution is also slightly related to this only (though I am not gonna reveal it so soon publicly; only when it gets completed to a sufficient degree). Till then, Happy Blogging to me! Good Year!!


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

The Last Day

So the last day of campaigning for Protest Against Unclean Stubble (P.A.U.S.) activity comes to an end today. It has been an awesome journey for last 27 days to ally with BlogAdda in empowering Gillette's PAUS campaign. Whether it be a hectic Monday or a lousy Saturday or an early morning bicycling Sunday, I tried my best to post my views as near as possible to 10 am everyday (as this was the start time nominated for the daily 20 bloggers to get eligible for surprise goodies, which I have yet to receive any ;) ).

Since I hate that unclean stubble, I enjoyed every minute of this wonderful blogging event in support of clean-shaving. Although it was very hard for me to write a new post everyday as I was always skeptic about where would I bring the content from on a daily basis for almost one whole month. But I just used to sit down, think for a little and jot down whatever came to my mind related to the contest.

And I think I made the best use of that time. I researched on the net about how to shave in winter which, in turn, helped myself also. Plus, I wrote about several incidents which I couldn't have blogged about. Good times! ;)


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Day of the Week

Monday, the most important day of the week, is here. Now some will ask, "Why and how most important?" The perfect answer to this question is that Monday brings a new hope for the whole week. You can start working on some new weekly goals related to either your professional or personal life. Weekends, the days just before Monday, are the resting and relaxing days after a tiring and exhausting full week. But they are also the assessing and analyzing days for the week just passed. You can evaluate your performance on Saturday and Sunday, where you get some free time apart from your day to day responsibilities.

Hence, after resting and catching on some important sleep and refreshing & rejuvenating yourself, Monday comes again to start a new beginning. So why not start this day with full-on confidence and positive outlook. We shan't be gloomy to see this day as the enemy after friendly weekends, and give our psyche the Monday blues. Instead just start the day with a healthy breakfast and a perfect Gillette clean-shave, and see what life has in store for you starting then and then. (Since I hate that unclean stubble, one of my foremost Monday activities is to clean shave my stubble which tends to overgrow on weekends.)

This is the best classification of Monday which I could thought upon for this post. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :)


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Cycle Day: Go Green

uploading pics soon

What a fantastic turn-out at the event! A crowd in the number of thousands, all on their bicycles, all looking their best. How could the society won't sway away! The point I was referring to yesterday about supporting the campaigns Go Green as well as P.A.U.S. - both of them (as I hate that unclean stubble) - seemed to be perfectly laid out at the event. One can see more of such pics at FB page of Cycle Day. It was an awesome experience, no doubt, for everybody present there. So many parallel events for kids related to games and environment awareness, an initiative very much needed on large scale for long time, and there it was.

After the event, I went to Bums On The Saddle, a premier biking and accessories shop, nearby and purchased a saddle wedgie for myself, which can be used to store smaller items like allen key tools, mobile, wallet, shaving kit, etc. So on this point of view also, I did my way for both the campaigns I am supporting.

And then we went back cycling again to our apartment at the end of this wonderful event. Come Bangalore, join us for Cycle Day last Sunday of every month... and gents, come clean shaven, yo! :)


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Cycle Day tomorrow

Last Sunday of every month., Cycle Day is celebrated in Bangalore nowadays. The trend has been carrying out for last 2 months. One can see the pics on FB. It's invigorating to see 2000 cyclists to rally for the common cause of Going Green.

I intend to add one more aspect to the campaign tomorrow - to protest against unclean stubble, by carrying my clean shaved face unlike last time. I hate that unclean stubble, as also my friend (who will be accompanying me similar to the Decathlon Mysore Road cycle rally last Sunday); will implore him so that he also shaves off his stubble today only, because there will be no time for the same tomorrow as we would have to leave around 6:30 or 6:45 am in the morning. Will upload the pics as soon as I come back from the event.

What a wonderful scene it would be if we get to see every cyclist clean-shaven to support both the causes simultaneously - Go Green and P.A.U.S., which normally we don't get to see any often. Let's hope for a better tomorrow. Moreover since this particular campaign from BlogAdda is entering its final week and coming to an end soon, let's pledge ourselves to follow this shaving routine forever.


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Weekend starts

So the weekend starts from today evening. How have you all been doing? I hope all the gentlemen reading my recent blog posts have got the importance of clean shaving one's face regularly. Why! Because a stubble is always unclean, no matter how much you take care of its hygiene. Its basic nature is to accumulate dirt and sweat (dirt from the atmosphere and sweat from the perspiration through sweat pores on our face). Since last few posts of mine have been in favour of protest against unclean and smelly stubble, even if atleast one person gets to understand and follow routine shaving (preferably with Gillette), then my blog posts would have attained their purpose.

Still, it's an appeal on my part to those who have not yet understood or are reading this 'related' post for the first time. I would like you to go through last 20 of my blog posts to ascertain the need and immediate requirement of not keeping up your stubble for long. As for the fact (based on a survey), 83% of women think men with stubble haven't taken a bath. Do you want to get counted in that category? If yes, fine, your wish. For those who don't, keep reading my blog posts for P.A.U.S. activity for a couple of days more.

Thank you, BlogAdda, for giving me this opportunity where I could proclaim - I hate that unclean stubble.


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is traditionally the day following Christmas Day, when servants and tradesmen would receive gifts from their bosses or employers, known as a "Christmas box". Today, Boxing Day is the bank holiday (not in India) that generally takes place on 26 December. It is observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Malta and some other Commonwealth nations. In Australia, Boxing Day is a federal public holiday. Australia holds the first day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

In South Africa, Boxing Day was renamed to Day of Goodwill in 1994. Also, today is the first day of the last Test match of Cricket between SA and India. Moreover, Jacques Kallis, one of the all time greatest all-rounders, has today announced his plan to retire after this match. 

So, everywhere there is happiness on this day. Why not combine your happiness with a clean-shaven face throughout the ongoing Happy Holidays! I hate that unclean stubble. Holidays are a mark of freedom, and freedom also signifies independence from unclean stubble, gentlemen! Since this is the best occasion to be meeting your friends and family, you need to look good to them so as to hinge the impression that all is really well at your end. Enjoy the life! :)

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Merry Christmas

Although the ambassador of the Christmas Day, everyone's dear Santa Claus, carries a large beard, that may be due to the reason that fictionally Santa lives in a cold country and whenever cold winters come in our world, he visits us (something like that, right!). Therefore, in order to protect himself from brutal cold, he wears that red woollen jacket and cap and also keeps that long trademark beard which provides him warmth, I guess! ;)

Hence, people! Do not get intimidated by that free flowing beard of your lovely present-bringing Santa :P

Personally, I hate that unclean stubble. For those who want to cheer up little children by posing in the Santa costume could, and they mostly do, use fake beard available on rent :D Or they can make one themselves from cotton, etc.

But the main point of this post is that never ever grow your unhygienic beard so large simply put because nobody likes it. So my suggestion is get yourself a new Gillette Fusion this Christmas and enjoy your shaving as much as you enjoy this festival.

Wishing here Merry Christmas to all my readers and followers. Enjoy the day! Make it yours, grab it clean-shaved, that's what holidays are for, isn't it! ;)


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Happy Holidays

Today's Google Doodle celebrates the fact it's Christmas Eve. The illustration shows a winter scene, the trees bare of their leaves and snow covering the ground. In the foreground, two children, wrapped up against the elements can be seen in an one horse open sleigh.

On coming to our topic of PAUS (Protest Against Unclean Stubble), instead of going to a face-shaving sabbatical, we need to remember and follow certain tips.

Since I hate that unclean stubble, I present you some tips for us to prep our skin for a better winter shave:

1) Stay hydrated.

Drink. Drink. Filling up on eight glasses of water per day may seem like a challenge, but you really need to quench thirsty winter skin.

2) Avoid over-washing.

Don’t wash your face in the shower and before shaving. Too much soap and water can over-dry your skin.

3) Skip the toner.

Toners work well to remove excess oil from the skin, but it can lead to skin irritation when applied to dry winter skin that actually needs that extra oil.

4) Use soap-free cleanser.

Soaps contain surfactants that can remove skin oils that you need to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Just like toners, soaps may be abrasive during the winter. If your skin can’t tolerate soap, think about the non-soap cleansers that may be milder for you.

5) Don’t forget pre- and post-shaving care.
Always shave after showering. Moisture-softened whiskers are easier to cut than hard ones, regardless of the season. Use shaving gel and take light razor strokes. Then, finish with a heavier cream moisturizer (as opposed to a light lotion) to hydrate your dry skin.

Wishing everyone a stubble free enjoyment with family and friends. Happy Holidays!

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

You look like...

Hii

Hey

So are you also attending today's writing workshop?!

Yes. And I suppose you too, right!

Yeah. Well, I am into poetry and planning to bring out my own novel soon, that's why I am here.

Wow, that's great! Poetry, huh! cool.

Yeah, just a means of... you know, processing wandering thoughts. So what do you write about?

Me! Mm, short stories, blogging mainly. 

Judging by your demeanour, it's difficult to say that a girl like you scribbles also.

Ya, many of my friends say like that. Waise, you totally look like a writer, if I can say.

And how is that?!

Well, your kurta - jeans and neatly trimmed stubble gives you that aura, if you know what I mean.

Oh, that! I just couldn't find time to, you know, get it shaved, so came here like this only. Otherwise, I hate this unclean stubble, and really like my handsome face be clean shaven.

Mm.. maybe! So what other hobbies do you carry out other than poetry, Mr. Old Times Writer!

A lot of things; will take a long time to even list them down. You tell about yours!

Not much. I like doodling around, and shopping is my best friend.

Great. Gillette is my best friend, speaking that way ;)

Awesome! When are we meeting next, then?!

:)

---------------------------------------------------------------


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Cycling Rally contd...

It was a great effort to cycle 30 km one way to reach our destination of Cycling Rally of 10 kms. The trail riding was good enough. Before our Rally, there was a 17 km race to be held. And the winners were to get awesome prizes at the newly opened Decathlon Mysore Road store. Due to the fact that we will be quite exhausted after pedalling 30 km already, me and my friend didn't take part in that race.

During the registration and before the start of the rally, I could see a girl clearly giving line to my friend who had come with me for the rally. I told him about it and he was like my reading was wrong. Then she moved from her place and went really close to where he was standing alone. Then also, I signalled him from distance where I was refilling my glucose water bottle. This was the time for him taking me seriously as well as feeling a bit enthusiastic., not embarrassed like me who couldn't clean shave his face due to acute shortage of time.

Since his clean shaven look bowled her over, he got a friendly opportunity to talk to that girl. And I got another incident to be teasing him for the rest of life. Well, who knows what the future could have hold for them together! 

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Today's Cycling Rally

On the occasion of opening of newest store of Decathlon at Mysore Road, it had organised various events for this weekend. One of the events today which I participated in was Cycling Rally of a 10 km trail. For the event, me and my friend had to start off at 6 am in the morning. And last night, watching 24 India with friends and discussion didn't give me any time to clean shave my stubble, and although I wasn't at my looking worst but still I would have loved my event pics with a face devoid of unclean stubble.

Plus, I rode a total of 90+ kms today on my newly purchased Scott Aspect 640, and throughout the journey, my stubble only helped in accumulating dirt and sweat. Fortunately, I decided to ride with my nose and mouth covered with a handkerchief mask which was helpful but again not what I would have preferred over a clean shaven face today. Alas! Next time, pakka, I'll take care. God! I so hate that unclean stubble of mine.

Overall, a new experience. A lot many adventures yet to come. And I won't forget to make my razor one of my best friends for these future journeys. Happy shaving to one and all always.

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Dream Run

Running a Marathon has been a dream for Vikram since childhood. And he got his first chance when he underwent for his 2008 summer internship at Mumbai, a place which is famous for different kinds of Runs, like full marathon, half marathon, midnight marathon, etc. He reached on time before the commencement of Half Marathon which we wanted to run before he would go for full marathon next time.

Vikram was nervous a bit, but not anxious about anything. As the run began, he started jogging slowly along with hundreds of others participating in the famed event. He had built up on his strength and stamina in last few weeks owing to a great routine of morning jogs and exercises. Now was the time to run his Dream Run, and he didn't disappoint himself as he finished in top 10.

Right after marathon, he spotted me in the crowd taking pictures of top finishers along with him. We met and he asked me to show his snapshots. But Vikram was so shocked to see his pictures looking so awful. Just because he had not shaved for last 3 days, his stubble, though small, created a significant dullness in his looks which was quite visible on camera roll. And then suddenly, he woke up from the dream. He was yet on his bed and there still was time for the marathon to start. Vikram bettered on his mistake in the dream, had his face clean-shaved and yes, he finished in the Top 15 of his real Half Marathon. He then thanked me later when he saw his nice running pics on my camera. And the words he was babbling that time were - "I hate that unclean stubble. It didn't even let me sleep and dream peacefully" :P

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Strangers with a stubble

Majority of the people have a strong affinity not to talk to strangers, and particularly not to those who seem suspicious. The last word in the last sentence is a relative term with respect to everyone. But most of us will agree on the point that if a person is looking shabby or carries a beard, (putting religious sentiments aside) we may not want to be talking to him even when he is keen to initiate or maintain a conversation. I myself hate that unclean stubble.

This is just a basic mentality of nearly everyone. How can you converse with one whom you cannot place your basic confidence in? An unclean stubble thus goes a long way in impeding the strike when a lovely chat could have pleased the people involved. Now directing my point towards the people with such unkempt look, I would like to ask you not to try hard to engage someone stranger to you because he/she won't able to place that little belief in you, and you shall understand this when you visualize yourself to be standing in his/her place.

Thus the best way to go about is to Gillette shave your stubble regularly so as not to make others as well as yourself uncomfortable at a strange place and time. Have a lovely day!

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

BlogAdda Blog Award: To win is dream come true

My tentative winning speech for BlogAdda blog award:

Thank you so much, BlogAdda, for selecting me for their Blog Award. The reason I got to blogging was to showcase my poetry on a global platform. How much happy I am I just can't describe in prose, so I have written a poem for this moment:

(*personic = personal + public)

My blog is my personic* diary 

An organization of random thoughts

A medium of convection of ideas

Contests, book reviews, as well lots

Satisfaction is what keeps me alive

Happiness be the meaning of my life

Dreams perfected into blog stories

Winning moments created new memories

Started blogging to vent out my thoughts

In the process great milestones I crossed 

Blogadda contests gave it a new testing

Book reviewing always been interesting

Into blog posts, my life I got to brew

From the nature, inspiration itself drew

Thanks BlogAdda for this blog award

To win with you is a dream come true

My secret desire to be receiving this blog award is from the hands of the esteemed multi-blogger and the founder of grand project Kavita Kosh, Mr. Lalit Kumar, who has literally revolutionized the online hindi poetry scenario through Kavita Kosh, and hindi blogging through Dashamlav.

I would really, really like to get my first congratulatory hug either from my favourite Amrita Rao of Bollywood, or the great sporting icon Saina Nehwal of Badminton, or Dipika Pallikal of Squash ;)

In my moments of over-exultation on winning this coveted award, I would like to do a complete make-over of my blog, maybe get it a professional transformation and convert it to my personal domain.

And as is my habit over getting any recognition, I would celebrate with my friends by throwing a beer party. All my BlogAdda friends are also surely welcome ;)

Speech Ending Note: Although winning is the epitome of success, may my best be yet to come! :)

P.S. -- This would be My Winning Speech on being rewarded the BlogAdda Blog Award!

Asking for love

Your soul is serving its purpose when it's asking for love. And to get loved, one needs to be pure from inside as well as outside. Inside is a complex mechanism. To be pure from the heart, one needs to have his moral fiber intact with a self-consciousness of not being unhelpful to anyone. Indeed it's a complex matter because our personality development is something which is not exactly in our control, only to an extent. The family and friends environment factor plays a very important role in shaping us what we are from inside.

But on the outside, we just have to take care of only a few things, like our looks, dress, etc. Looks obviously add most of the charm to one's persona. And carrying a clean-shaven face (I hate that unclean stubble) is the most important aspect of it. It makes us look relatable as well as presentable, making us to stand out of the regular crowd in more ways than one. Best things may or may not happen by chance; but why leave it to chance I say! A job interview, a date, a get-together... all these events are directly and readily influenced by how one carries himself/herself. Girls always spend a large part of their day time in getting themselves ready for groovy moments. But boys clearly lag behind. All they have to do is just to dress properly, show-off a decent hairstyle, and most importantly, stay away from an unclean stubble, that's it, that will make all the difference.

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- Protest Against Unclean Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Somewhere sometime

Somewhere sometime we have to let go of our pent-up emotions, so as to be lively at other times, so as to breathe fully without any psychological blocks in our mental framework. And it is fine also, unless we don't hurt anybody in the process, which includes ourselves too. Especially when we are clean shaving our stubble, an act of anger or frustration due to something else can cause fatal injuries if we are not careful. I know it's not an everyday issue, but it can happen anytime to anyone. Hence we need to calm down before holding any such thing in our hands which may lead to more or less severe repercussions. 

Although this post isn't directly related to the P.A.S.S. activity for which I am writing everyday and will be doing so for the whole month. But still I wanted to get this out to the readers because when one is frustrated, he acts on impulse which at most times isn't fruitful. 

I got to understand this fact in the scenario of shaving when a few weeks ago. I really hate that unclean stubble of mine. My mind was busy somewhere else, I guess it was working subconsciously to come out of a problematic situation that time, but my body system was centered on the act of clean shaving my face. And in such clumsy state of affairs, I took a cut on my chin from my sharp Gillette Vector Plus razor, though fortunately it didn't cut very deep, but it took me a few days to get it completely healed after applying dettol and then turmeric on it. So...

Be careful, everybody!

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Is this it?!

Clearly, one of the life's facets whenever we accomplish something is to ask ourselves afterwards - "Is this it?! Is this what I wanted to achieve?" If the answer is yes, then the feeling of exhilaration is going to be over you for a few more hours till it sinks in your heart. But what if the answer is no?! Would you go for it again or would you change your course? It all matters on your priorities as well as your perspectives, and also on the importance of the completion of that task in your daily life. 

One of the simpler examples I can give you here is related to our daily upkeep when it comes to the matter of shaving our stubble / beard. The question here is also the same - "Is this how I want to look?" A mirror is a great invention of mankind among several others of more utmost importance. It not only gives you a perspective of your outer body but also your inner thoughts in connection to the former. So when you see your face in the mirror every morning, do you ask yourself this question - "Is this it?! Should I shave or should I leave the stubble to grow for one more day?" And then your heart looks in the mirror while your mind replies to the daunting task at hand. All depends on the particular individual. 

God knows I hate that unclean stubble, therefore in my case, most of the times, I just make up my mind and go for the morning face work (shaving) so as to let mirror admire my handsome looks :D 


Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Never too late

The best thing about life is that it's never too late to do what we want to do, to change what we want to change, to look how we want to look at any time. You just have to promise yourself that you have got to change for the better. It's obvious that the time already gone won't come back ever. But that doesn't stop us from utilizing whatever little or more time we have currently at hand to do what we always wanted to do.

One of the finest instances of this scenario I have been observing in my neighbourhood lately. I came to know him a few years ago when I found him clearly under depression. On my insistence, he told me about his child abuse problems at home. His father even beat the hell out of him when he shaved for the first time in his 11th class. Lack of freedom always used to irritate him much but he couldn't take a formal stand against them as he was totally dependent on his family for living and education.

I too hate that unclean stubble myself, so what's the problem in shaving it off as it totally looks uncool among one's school fellows. Therefore, I advised him to take a silent stand in front of his abusers by clean shaving regularly from then on. Although he got scolded various times for shaving while being in school, he didn't back off.

He has now separated from his family after his college got over and he got a job. He sends a significant portion of his salary to his parents, but doesn't keep any contact with them. His will showed him the way to follow his own path as soon as he understood what he needed from his life.

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Gulzar mania @ BLF

Ah, I hated that unclean stubble, as it ruined my pics with Prasoon Joshi yesterday.

Continuing from where I left off in the last concerned post, on the third day of Bangalore Literature Festival 2013, I got a fabulous window of opportunity to get my copy of his own book signed by Gulzar sa'ab himself. He came to sit in the audience for the opening session on the last day, which was a poetry recitation of major Indian languages.

I got to get a photograph with him too, just like my experience with Prasoon Joshi the day before. But this time I was prepared. I had clean shaved my face last night after getting that stubbly pic with Prasoon. I had learned my lesson, and fortunately the pic came out very good indeed.

It's the same thing. Life can happen to you anytime, anywhere, anyhow. It's just that we have to be prepared to seize the opportunity and make it work best for us. Second day of BLF I wasn't prepared well for that, but the last day I made up for it. So, so happy! 

I may also be attending Delhi Poetry Festival soon going to be held in the second week of January 2014. I have confirmed my participation and booked my travel tickets as well. Will be meeting some legendary figures there. And who knows, myself being a published poet, might get a chance to recite one or two of my own creations on the stage ;) Hope all goes well.

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Santa's parental gift for life's better drift

Christmas is just around the corner! The best time of the year when everybody comes together and celebrates with exuberance. The atmosphere is warm and cheerful. The Christmas trees are all lit up and beautifully decorated with all the presents bought by families and friends for each other, kept under it. Gifting with Love rules this season.

Parents play the role of Santa Claus in the lives of their children throughout.

It begins from the gift of life and goes up to looking after all their needs. Anything affecting your child directly makes a difference to you. You always wish and hope that they lead a comfortable life. Sometimes though, these acts of love take a toll when parents have to give in to the tantrums thrown by their little ones and give them what they demand. Every birthday has to be made special! They deserve it and you love doing it for them! With prayers and good wishes there’s always something you wish to give them that would make sure they lead a comfortable, hassle-free life.

As parents, nothing worries you more than your child’s growth and future. There are innumerable wishes you make for the well being of your child, the following 5 being the most prominent from my perspective:

1. A good Education

2. Strength of Character

3. Instilling traditional and moral Values

4. Insurance as well as educational policies, such as YoungStar Children's Plans, HDFC Children's Plans, HDFC SL YoungStar Super Premium, HDFC YoungStar Super II.

5. Successful Career of his own choice/aptitude/skill

P.S. -- This post is a part of the 1001 Gifts Activity by HDFC Life in association with BlogAdda.

infibeam

I had an experience at BLF

During the second edition of the Bangalore Literature Festival held in the October 2013, I got a sacred chance to meet two of my revered poets-cum-lyricists of Bollywood. The event was for the duration of three days. On the second day, the destiny favoured me when Prasoon Joshi came out to sit among the audience to attend the upcoming session about languages. I was amazed to see him take his seat just a few rows ahead of me. As the crowd around him asking for pics and autographs scattered slowly, I pushed myself to go and ask his permission for a close-up snap together. He readily agreed, I took the seat next to him, and asked his liaisoning volunteer to click a pic or two using my digicam. It was a treat for me, truly.

Although the pics came out to be quite good and clear, but the only thing not looking up to the mark in it was my appearance due to my stubble, which I could not get time to trim or shave, before the event. To this day I ask myself what a classic pics those could have been had I taken out sometime even at late night to clean shave my face. Ah, I so hate that unclean stubble, God! 

Well, no problem, but that pic is still one of my raring pics ever :)

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

You need a ...

"What else do you want? I have Louis Philippe shirt, Levi's jeans, Adidas shoes, Gucci perfume, Mercedes car. I can give you whatever you want, Ms."

"You need a change of attitude, Mr. I-have-it-all. Don't you dare to talk to me like this again!"

"No yaar, just tell me na what do you want, I will present it before you in just a few minutes."

"Oho, you don't understand. It's not a matter of what I want and what you can provide. It's a thing of mutual respect and admiration. You are a good person but you have a downside of being arrogant also."

"I don't know how to ascertain your expectations. Uff, it's so hard to understand ladies."

"It may be hard, but it is surely not impossible, one just has to search deeper into her psyche and emotions to understand her."

"Okay, Ms. Philosopher, I will try more now. Will give you more of my time. Now come, let's go for a coffee, what say!"

"First go home and come clean shaven. Then, we will go for a movie too, Mr. Charming."

"Ah, I hate this unclean stubble! But I just don't get much time between work and you, to shave it off regularly. Can't we go for the coffee directly?"

"Don't be a jerk now. You go and come back with your original looks. Meantime, I will also call my parents and fix a meeting to introduce you to them in the coming week. Happy!"

"I am the happiest person on the Earth right now, sweetheart. Let me give you a kiss."

"Uh huh! Your stubble tickles. We will enjoy like this once we are at the movie. Now go and come back clean-shaved, my darling! ;)"

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

A glance is all that's required for a chance...

His clean shaven look bowled her over. He was a cricketer practicing in the nets, and he looked as sharp in his looks as his bowling skills. She used to watch him outside the nets, where she used to practice for her archery competition. Both of them were around the age of 17-18. The stubble had come naturally to him and the beauty to her in the last couple of years. 

Before this day too, they had seen each other practising their respective games, but none had taken the initiative to talk to each other. Guess they were shy of approaching each other although both had a smitten look all over them whenever their eyes met. Just the catch of a glance or two from the other one made their day everyday.

But today was the first time, she was seeing him clean shaven. What she didn't know was he had taken care of his looks so that he can go to her and ask her name that day. As soon as she entered the playground, she observed that he was standing near her archery practice stand. She was surprised to see him strolling over there, but more than that she was pleased to be herself approaching the handsome. Their eyes met and just a simple glance that day clean bowled her even though he wasn't bowling that day :D

Now that was the start of something interesting between them ;)

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Be good to life, it will be good to you

This incident happened not long back. Last year I was visiting my aunt's home around August when suddenly a programme was hatched to go to see the prospective bride for my cousin brother. He was slogging long hours in an MNC and his personal hygiene was a thing rarely touched upon by himself. My aunt called him at work and asked him to come atleast two hours early than the time they had to leave to future in-laws' home. Upon my enquiry about the odd time of calling my cousin two hours early, she told that this will ensure him reaching here only one hour before, and that he had to shave and take bath too, hence the two hours of time.

When he came home, he was resembling some junglee adivasi. His beard was unkempt and he was not at all looking good in this form. When I confronted him how could he go to office in such condition and would his boss or HR not say anything to him regarding his personal presentation, he said that he is in R&D department and is not required to keeping high profile looks all the time. I replied it was fine but now that he was going to see a girl to be his life partner, he need to work on clean shaving his face now right now. He went in exasperation on my indulgence and insistence, and was looking so handsome once he came out of the bathroom. Luckily, his clean shaven look bowled 'her' over. the alliance matched and now they have got married just a few months ago :)

Life is like girls. If you are good to it, it will be good to you.

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Shiksha Sharma, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Life is no life without...

Of course, life is no life without respect and integrity, grit and determination, love and care. It's a common thing that we take most of our loved ones for granted, thinking ourselves of what they want or need, without even asking them once or putting ourselves in their shoes. And when these acts tend to happen quite often, the person starts losing respect in his circle - friends or family.

One of such acts is not shaving regularly while keeping stubble without taking into consideration whether our partner likes it or not. Although I myself hate that unclean stubble, and I am not saying that she has to decide even on such personal tasks for us; but keep this in mind - the satisfaction and happiness of your better half ain't going to do any damage, rather it will only help strengthening the bond between you two. So next time, if you find yourself under confusion or you don't feel the need to shave after a long, tiring day, or in the early morning before going to office, just ask your partner for her bit of advice. You are going to love the outcome, I guarantee you.

Life is really simple, you know. You just have to take care of yours and your near and dear ones' small small things which gives them happiness. That's the gist of life, go ahead and live it, grab it, share it, and in the due process, make it better :)

Have a happy shaving. Have a happy partner. Have a happy life!

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Sarika Patkotwar, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput, Bharadwas LS in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Where are you?

"Where are you?", she asked. "I am waiting here for so long."

"Coming soon, baby!", he answered on the phone.

"Why, what's the matter? You never get late whenever we rendezvous?"

"It's..... nothing... I will reach there soon enough. Just wait for a few more minutes, love!"

"I ain't gonna talk to you if you don't tell me what's the reason behind you running late, honey", she teased but making it stern.

"It's just that last night I came home very late due to an unscheduled meeting at the office, couldn't skip it. So, woke up quite late in the morning. A look in the mirror and lights on, I could see that my face needed a shave. That's it, half an hour wasted there; hence, late in meeting you, sweetheart. All unintentional." He explained. "I so wish I didn't have to do this wasted act every alternate day, huh."

"Whoa, don't you dare come to me with that pinching stubble of yours. It's so irritating, you know!", she quirked.

"I know, darling, therefore I thought a little bit of delay is nothing in comparison to not making you feel disgruntled due to my beard." He smiled in between the conversation.

"Aha... it's good, very good, how you care about me too in your life. I love you, dear!" She hesitated in the last few words slightly.

"Wow, so the first time I got to hear that. Thank you. And I love you too very much, my dearest! Look behind you."

And there he was standing with a rose in his hand, on his knees. His clean shaven look bowled her over definitely. She accepted the beautiful rose and they hugged, like it was never going to come anytime soon.

Love wins the heart. Shaving wins the eyes

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Sarika Patkotwar, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Left or Right.. a clean-shaved face looks bright

Whenever due to crunch of time, I am not able to shave my face clean of ever-growing unwanted stubble, and I have to go somewhere to meet someone or attending a book launch / poetry event, I do feel slightly embarrassed on my unkempt looks. And I hate that unclean stubble as mine grows into a thick and dense stubble, high hormonal activity I guess, so it needs regular shaving time of atleast twice a week. And I don't like this activity much, because I deem it an unnecessary, boring waste of my time and effort. I even get slightly scolded by my family/friends sometimes when I go without trimming/shaving my facial hair for more than a week :P

But I do understand that to be presentable, you have to make yourself look good, first of all. And a clean-shaved face coupled with a comfortable attire is the best way to go for it. So mostly every Sunday, I take care of my personal hygiene and I can feel the strong connection between my razor and my cheeks; their love making once a week is what keeps rolling me too :P quite high on confidence that I am, at the least, looking my best. Going out then is never a thought which I have to ponder upon twice. Ever-ready! ;)

Left or Right

A clean-shaved face

always looks bright

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Sarika Patkotwar, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Once upon a time... there was a stubble

Once upon a time there used to live a hunky-dory couple on Earth. The hunkiness of the male and the beauty of the female was revered even by the flora-fauna of the jungle. As they stepped into adulthood, they started exhibiting changes emotional as well as physical. The face of the male got hairy, while the female resembled a cute fairy.

But there was one problem - once the beard started growing, there was no way for Him to revert to his previous looks as the idea of shaving wasn't in practice. The absence of male's earlier hunkiness gradually led to female's grumpiness in character.

Then it happened that they came across a hunter-gatherer society across the hills. While He observed the party, the female got attracted towards another male drinking from a stream. They struck a chord. The male, certainly aware that the stream boy looked much handsome than his own image in water, left in frustration, went straight to the hunter-gatherer pack, and inquired about their clear face secrets.

There he learned the method of shaving using sharpened stones. High in confidence, now, he went to his earlier playmate. And His clean shaven look bowled her over. Happy with his new sexier looks, they reconciled and lived happily ever after.

But the one lesson He learnt was to never let grow his stubble thereon. He also made some experimental changes into the technique of getting rid of facial hair more evenly and smoothly, thereby inventing world's 1st razor, thus developing the art of clean-shaving on Earth. I feel proud to be a descendant of world's first inventor, and we are now propagating this gracious art into the universe further.


Year 2345
Star Alpha Centaury
Galaxy Milky Way
Earthling VPS 'हितैषी' signing out

Moral: Men should never take women for granted, when it comes to unhygienic stubble.

Moreover, I would like to tag my friends Ankita Singhal, Sarika Patkotwar, Sahil Mahajan, Rohit Rajput in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

I shaved, I conquered, I left

I hate that unclean stubble. That's why, I have written a poem just now, dedicated to the P.A.S.S. campaign, initiated by BlogAdda and mentioned in my last blog post as well:

Once the mornings used to be breezy

Shaving didn't come out to be so easy

For all, the barber had to rescue the day

Always a long queue, come what may!

Then were invented the personal razors

With pinpointing accuracy just like lasers

Friend of men, and the enemy of stubble

Gillette then came out with the blades double

The act got reduced to just a few minutes

Shaving nowadays doesn't require any guts

It's all become so easy, it's all so fun

No cuts, nor any kinda burning irritation

A well-lit face complements one's dress

Gives extra confidence before the fairer sex

The glow & the zing be the talk of the town

Lo and behold, He gets Mr. Charming crown

--
Vikas Pratap Singh 'हितैषी'

Gone are the days when one could have ruled any relation, or the world, with just his good behaviour or killer intelligence or flawless humour. Well-maintained looks go a long way in making or strengthening any bond. Greatness lies not only in character but also in nobility. Somewhere sometime I learned this lesson to my benefit and the quote below signifies it the best:

I shaved, I went, I conquered, I left

I wish to prove my allegiance to the activity of Protest Against Smelly Stubble through the poem of mine above. I P.A.S.S., I win :)

Moreover, I would like to tag my blogger friend Ankita Singhal in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

BA_ P.A.S.S. -- Bachelor of Awesomeness: Protest Against Smelly Stubble

We, as a community, have always witnessed the fact that women love grooming themselves almost on a daily basis, and they always try to look their best no matter where they’re off to, while men with their stubbly and unkempt look do not seem presentable everywhere they go. Even though ladies' makeup time is comparatively much more than gents' shaving time, still the former indulge in making themselves more presentable, whereas among the latter, the self-grooming practice is not greatly followed every time they step out.

Furthermore, surprises can take place any time. We may bump into someone we know, or even get friendly with some stranger any time of the day, but if our looks are unkempt at that time, it sure lets to a bit of embarrassment on our psyche, and the other person may also feel slightly uncomfortable due to us. Therefore, I hate that unclean stubble very much.

An unhygienic and smelly stubble only translates as ‘no bath’ for women. Hence, shaving their stubble/beard should be a more regular activity for men, so as to look at par with their counterparts and to leave a great impression as the saying goes 'First impression is the best impression, and a great part of it is your physical looks'. When it comes to me, personally I find my Gillette razor to be my best friend for this purpose.

Hereby, I proudly declare myself to be BA Pass -- Bachelor of Awesomeness: Protest Against Smelly Stubble. 

Moreover, I would like to tag my blogger friend Ankita Singhal in this post.

P.S. -- This post is a part of the Protest Against Smelly Stubble Activity in association with BlogAdda.

Book Review: 'Chained' by Mehek Bassi

Tagline: Can you escape fate?

Synopsis:

Love: One of the strongest emotions

Money: One of the deadliest powers

Fame: One of the most poisonous drugs

When fame overpowers trust, when money rules the relationships, will the true love survive?

Will Arjun be able to drag himself out of the pool of guilt, for killing his wife, Shiya?

When the superstar Rehan, is dragged from riches to rags, will he be able to live the life of a common man, again?

Is patience, always worth it?

For how long can you wait to re-unite with your lover?

What if the wait is as long as three decades?

Will they be able to change their fate, or they’ll forever remain ‘Chained’?

Story:

The novel starts with the sad and depressing condition of one of the protagonists, Arjun, and then it moves quickly into flashback. The story revolves around Shiya, a super-talented singer, and her usual college life, her friends, family, and soon-to-be boyfriend Arjun. As the narrative progresses, the reader encounters some shocking revelations based around her family life, due to which, in addition with her ever-increasing singer fan base compel her to reside in Bombay and work with superstar Rehan.

As Shiya's fame grows, she and Arjun start having some tough time together due to various insecurities. Other characters like Rehan's gossip reporter gf Tanya, Shiya's sister Mansha, their father Shekhar and her past, famous poet Razia also play important role in taking the story forward. 

Will Arjun and Shiya ever remain united? What's the mysterious past of Razia? Who is the murderer among them? Do the protagonists remain Chained to their fate?! To know answers to such questions, grab and read the book.

Review Analysis:

The book is just an average run-of-the-mill story. Laced with superficial narrative, confusing emotional scenes and naive storytelling, it never offers a feel of a quality read. The dialogues in any particular scene unfold in quite a melodramatic and capricious manner; never settling fully into poise, thus lacking finesse. It could have better been packed and published as a novella in order to offer a good quality read.

Likes:

Simple language; good editing.

Dislikes:

Superficial narrative; naive storytelling.
Mediocre plot setting

Melodramatic and capricious dialogue writing

My Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Review Copy Source: Author

About the Author:

Mehek Bassi, born and raised in facility of a small town Ludhiana, Punjab, is a fiction writer and day-dreamer! She is currently pursuing computer engineering from a college in her hometown and started blogging in April, 2012. Her debut novel ‘Chained’, which is a fictional love-story, was published in April 2013. Besides ‘Chained’, her short stories have won the heart of many readers. She manages a page on facebook (link below) where she uploads her short stories. Her website and her blog (links below) contain her entire literary work from the beginning till the present day. Besides a writer, she’s a daring Punjabi, who is always ready to take risks!Author of ‘Chained: Can you escape fate’?