God, Sex and No Dhokha...helps thinking and creativity for a better society and life.

Ever tried to talk about sex or foreplay at a public place, say… sitting at a CCD outlet or at a jam-packed compartment of a moving train, in India, as a matter of fact or just like that, without drawing people’s attention, astonishment, shock, surprise and disgust? If not, please try it out, and if remained unscathed after your experiment, kindly share your experience. Would be a delight to know that.

Anyway, ever missed to witness a Shivling across India and the people folding their hands to offering their regard and respect to the Ling (Genital) of Shiva? Or for that matter, ever missed to do that, you yourself, consciously or subconsciously?

Okay, if things are becoming complicated, relax, and just ask yourself, why can’t you talk about sex or foreplay in public whereas you can express your regard and respect to someone’s Genital, precisely a Dick; not only a Dick, in fact a Dick which is comfortably placed into a Love-hole, connoting Open and Free Sex?

Any justifiable answer for what you see or do, apart from citing things like: “Everyone does that” or “Shivling is God” or “In Hindu Shashtra it’s written” or “My parents and Guruji asked me to do that” or “Blah, blah and blah”?

Actually you may give a million answers and win a debate or argument, however still the reality won’t change, and that reality IS, you have NO clear idea about what is what.

Look at a Shivling closely for 5 minutes, forget all Shastras, Dharma, Karma, et al. Just use COMMONSENSE and you can feel the pleasure of love making i.e. sex i.e. creation i.e. srishti.

A Shivling is not only the Genital of Shiva but also the Genital of Durga and together they form the ‘unit of sex’ symbolizing creation i.e. srishti.

This is the ultimate symbol of a balanced social structure and social peace conceptualized by the ancient Munis and Rishis as an integral component of Hinduism.

It signifies and amplifies, if the father and the mother i.e. a man and a woman indulge in good and quality sex, the outcome of their love making always helps the world be in absolute peace and eventually turn creative. Because a peaceful mind can think better and better thoughts benefit creativity and creations.

The derivatives of Shiva and Durga’s love making are Ganesha, Laxmi, Kartikeya and Saraswati.

Ganesha represents Wisdom and Commonsense; Laxmi represents Money and Wealth; Kartikeya represents Strength and Security; and Saraswati represents Education and Knowledge.

   

Means the entire family, precisely Shiva and Durga’s four children complete the Char-Disha or Khetra i.e. Four Directions and Quadrants of a plane i.e. life. 

If you look at the arrangement of the idols during Durga Puja, you can see, Laxmi-Ganesha are put together to form a pair and Saraswati-Kartiyeka are put together to form another pair.

Why so?

So that, money and wealth get duly balanced with wisdom and commonsense to create more values in life, while Strength and Security i.e. Muscle Power gets balanced with proper Education and Knowledge so as to keep the generated values well protected.

And when something is well protected, it generally doesn’t fear anything, so lives more freely thus contributes to creation to help mankind and human race or lives as a whole to grow and evolve – complementing Darwin’s theory survival of the fittest. And as an extension of that theory of the brightest as well.

Therefore, while you worship a Shivling, you worship no god but the ultimate source of eternal creations that ensure you a peaceful, positive and productive society… maintaining no gender bias but an absolute balance and equality of genders.

This proves the point, if you talk about sex or foreplay in public, you are not committing a sin or crime but actually helping some prejudices get erased from every closed and shady mind.

(Though talking slang or passing lewd comments on an opposite gender doesn’t mean you are helping any social cause).

How India can still become a champion side in Test Cricket : A note

India lost yet another test match to England at Wankhede, Mumbai. Not sure, given the present condition of the Indian Cricket Team in Tests, whether this incident worth a news anymore?! If my bias and love for Cricket put aside, I seriously think it's better the least is talked about this Team. For a simple reason, a team is as good as the result in produces. A set of students is really good in studies (read net practice) but fails in almost every examination shouldn't deserve empathy, even sympathy, to cut the crap short. 

As happened always after a loss, every nook and corner of the country will produce an expert who will suggest something to the team and on the contrary the team will keep playing as it is in the name of professionalism and the spirit of the game to lose. 

Inevitably Sachin Tendulkar will be a subject of PJs on the social media and the commentators turned experts will call Dhoni's name for 48 hours, maximum, post every defeat to help different channels' GRP and TRP go higher. 

Life will go on, nothing will change for the better, BCCI will mint money from telecast rights and other sources and the IPL will rock the nation sending test cricket a step closer to its peril. 

However, if sincere and honest efforts were adopted, even this beleaguered squad could bounce back and turn into a champion side again in no real time. 

The corrective measures should begin from the top. 

It would be more than apt to ask Ducan Fletcher to quit immediately because if a coach can neither motivate a team to win or at least fight like anything before losing nor make strategies when chips are down, his role becomes nothing but like a guest artist's in a movie. And a guest artist hardly makes a movie hit, so, his role is as worthless as my role at NASA as an advertising professional. 

Mr. Fletcher should ideally be replaced by a core committee comprising Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, where Sourav has to be designated as the chief coach. 

The present Indian team definitely lacks aggression and the crux of the problem is more of temperamental than technical, so Sourav's 'I care a damn, you bloody opponent' should be the key to success, currently, as well as on a long-term basis. Plus, Rahul's discipline and technique and Anil's fighting spirit got to be exploited to the best of effects and impacts. 

There's no need, absolutely no need, to retain Dhoni as the skipper for tests. Because he not only shows inefficiency in thinking during fielding but also seems to be clueless while batting. So for what he's in the test squad? Just because he's the captain of Chennai Super Kings?! 

Gautam Gambhir got to be selected to lead this team in tests for five series at least that will help him settle in as the skipper of the side. If his off form is an issue, I don't think Dhoni has been showing any such form either.

Sehwag as a captain or vice captain is a strict no-no. For, he lacks innovation on field and prefers to go with the flow and that is never going to help a test side while it's on the mat.

About Sachin, of course he is the best judge to decide when to quit the game. But still, he needs to perform. For a simple reason, his position No. 4 is equally important as the position No. 3. 

If motivation is a problem for him, as all milestones of the game he has touched already, then it's certainly the time for him to think whether he should continue. More so, as his last test century came in January 2011. And it's quite evident that his problem is not so technical but motivational, which is obvious for anyone when the person has achieved everything in his illustrious career spanning over 22 years and has nothing to prove for that matter. 

Regarding spinners, you can't expect them to come and start bowling their magical spells immediately, using fights and loops, while all through the year they actually prepare themselves for the IPL and practise to bowl at a batsman's boot in order to concede lesser runs in 4 overs. Whoever has played even school cricket will understand that it's NOT at all easy to give the ball any air unless it's practiced really hard, in fact relentlessly in the nets and matches. It takes a lot of skills which cannot be honed overnight or kept alive minus religious practice and experiment. 

And in the midst of IPL culture it's impossible to nourish a proper spinner unless he's at least half resolute as Anil. 

In the pace department, I don't know whom to pick up and whom not to. As whoever is picked up will either under perform or will get injured in a practice session. 

Honestly, I always find it quite bizarre how come one get injured in a practice session while there are so many modern facilities nowadays to practice with! 

Except Umesh Yadav and Ashok Dinda none has the pace either to beat a test level batsman, while it's still Zaheer Khan only who could spearhead the attack. 

Others like Vinay Kumar, Praveen Kumar are good for first-class standard; Sreesanth is good on a dancing floor while Ishant Sharma can book a privileged bed in any reputed hospital under injury quota. And where's Varun Aaron, well, I've no clue!

The team has to be rebuilt and that too keeping in mind NO Sachin for long. So the composition should ideally be - 

1. Gambhir (C), 2. Sehwag / Rahane, 3. Pujara, 4. Kohli (VC), 5. Tendulkar / Tiwary, 6. Yuvraj Singh, 7. Saha (W), 8. Ashwin, 9. Ojha / Harbhajan, 9. Zaheer, 10. Dinda, 11. Umesh Yadav, 12. Irfan Pathan / Varun Aaron. 

Yes, as a wicket-keeper, Wriddhiman Saha deserves more chances than he's got so far comparing to the amount look-ins both Parthiv Patel and Dinesh Karthik have enjoyed. 

If this squad is nourished properly under Sourav, Rahul and Anil, India has some hopes to do well in tests, otherwise nothing is going to happen on despite winning a series or two against teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand at home.  

And there got to be a penalty system as well applicable to every player, senior or junior, that if he's injured during a practice session due to his negligence then he has to pay for that. 

In short this Indian team has no resolve at present, so that needs to be brought back in the dressing room ASAP. And once it's done, rest will happen rather automatically.

Indian Classical Music, the real source of Leadership : A practical analysis

Disclaimer: This article of mine might offend, semi-offend and quarter-offend you. If it does, please accuse and abuse me. Openly and vehemently. Based on which Arnab might invite you to his show on Times NOW. Your 'gaalis' should ideally be either in English or in Hindi or in Bengali. Other languages I don't understand, so my apology in advance! And one thing, please note, if, as a social media don, you wish to call me 'son of a bitch', kindly write 'bitch' as 'bitch', not 'beach'. Okay? Because if you take it on me, I need to feel bad, not laugh at you. But in any case, for a change at least, if you like my lines, please don't like them only. Instead, try to love and support the cause, practically in real life, for which I'm bleeding from my heart.

"The world suffers a lot. Not because of the violence of bad people. But because of the silence of good people." Napoleon Bonaparte had quoted this.  

The said quote was not only relevant earlier but also relevant today. 

Giving an example: A few days back I went to an ATM counter. There I had to stand outside the counter for almost 15 minutes because a smart lady was inside. No, she was not withdrawing any money or depositing any cheque. She was simply enjoying the air conditioned comfort while reading her mini a/c statement. Attentively. As if a new history of mankind was written on that small piece of paper. (See the pic. Click on it to enlarge).

Of course, she was not a bad person who was committing any violence, while she was simply 'good' enough to 'silently' produce sufferings for me, as well as for other 6 odd people who were helplessly stranded in the queue.

Alternatively, as none of us was a bad person but good, so we also maintained our collective silence multiplying our woes by shrugging off shoulders and breathing out heavily like the hippopotamus deported to a desert. 

However, all was required to get rid of that suffering was just to tell the 'good' lady in a 'good' way that she had already taken 'good' enough time inside, so she was expected to let us - the other 'good' people - do our respective 'good' work. 

No violence or hard talk was needed but only some 'music to ears' words would have done the task. Because it's only 'music', an universal language, understood and appreciated by all. Even by animals. 

To prove this point, I've done an experiment on October 28th, 2012. 

On that day, a few monkeys, precisely hanumans, visited our place and were in a mood to make their trademark menace a great show from outside the window and the balcony.

Anticipating that, what I did was just played The Lonely Shepherd track of Gheroghe Zamfir on our music system and found the soothing effect of flutes - as he plays an expanded version of the Romanian-style pan flute of 20 pipes to 30 - actually captivated the leader of the monkey brigade and then all other members, gradually. 

Their menace came to a halt and they rather settled on the window grills to indulge in music, have some loafs and bananas and then eventually leave, merrily. (See the pic. Click on it to enlarge). 

This boils down to behaviour i.e. how we behave. 

One's behaviour actually varies from time to time; from person to person. If a claim is made that one behaves with everyone, exactly in the same way, every time, it's a lie. It's never possible. 

Because research has shown one's behaviour is very closely associated with his 'thinking process' and 'decision making ability'. But not so closely associated with DNA and other inherited traits notwithstanding the prevalent notion. 

On the other hand, you should take into consideration that one's 'thinking process' and 'decision making ability' as a whole depends on the balance of his 'left brain thinking' and his 'right brain thinking'. While the 'left brain' helps to think and decide 'analytically' the 'right brain' helps to think and decide 'perceptually'. 

Whose brain has a greater balance, possesses a better thinking process and decision making ability; thus can control and camouflage; manage and manipulate his behaviour according to a situation. (See the picture. Click on it to enlarge).

Though the thinking process and decision making ability depends on the balance of LB and RB but that gets developed and evolved by personality and character. 

These two are very crucial factors that can actually make or break one's life. 

Again to reiterate the fact that they are also quite distant from DNA - the sacrosanct, rigid and unchangeable factor present in one. 

This provides with an opportunity that, if proper training and methods are adopted, one's personality and character could be developed in a much better way irrespective of his DNA - bad or worse. 

One's personality and character together gets manifested by his leadership quality. 

This leadership quality helps one lead a meaningful life for self and for others without compromising on the finesse of life on the basis of morals, ethics and values. 

How to develop that leadership quality?

It can be developed through Indian Classical Music (ICM) from the grassroots level ideally across society. 

Four basic premises: 'Discipline', 'Devotion', 'Practice' and 'Perseverance' that help the construction of such a leadership quality are by default available in ICM. 

It's a simple pyramid structure by blocks that one can follow in ICM to obtain that coveted leadership. Which is imperative nowadays and a priceless disposition in order to counter and encounter the severe dearth of leadership worldwide... causing confusion, outrage, agitation and cacophony all around for nothing. (See the picture. Click on it to enlarge). 

The major problem gets created due to lack of leadership is, a tremendous decay in 'commonsense'. The incident that took place inside the ATM counter was nothing but a real life instance of such a 'commonsense lapse'. 

Nothing can help here but ICM which has been averring and augmenting the reality that 'Music is Life Knowledge' i.e. MiLK, since ancient ages. 

An essential and must component for one's growth - physical, mental, and overall.

The growth, what helps one build an attitude of a tree. Which is deep rooted i.e. humble and arrogant (not in negative sense) i.e. upright in the air. 

That kind of attitude always makes one acceptable to different SECs. And that too, minus any clash and crash of interest between or among the SECs. (See the picture. Click on it to enlarge). 

A certain standard automatically gets built by one with such an attitude. As a result, the overall standard of society tends to go up, providing more oxygen - in terms of care, compassion and concern - to lives. 

So, obviously, the sufferings of the world are likely to come down to a nadir almost, following a system that's neither based on violence nor based on silence, but Music. Precisely, PURE Indian Classical Music that unfurls Life's Knowledge which in the process motivates one lead from within, healthily and happily. And all for a future that's no mean to a Fairy Tale.

Paanch Adhyay Music Review - from an unbiased point of view

Am I singer? No. Am I a music director? No. Do I know sargam? No.

Then? Read on…

I used to sing in my college days and never came back home empty-handed from any inter-college competition. And to do so, I never had to manipulate any judge, though I was very keen to do that as a student of engineering who always studied at canteens and table-tennis rooms thus knew it better than anyone else how to pass exams with good marks. 

Anyway, that’s why I guess, I’m entitled to write Khullam-Khulla what I felt about the music of Pratim’s Paanch Adhyay.

I saw the trailer of the movie and it didn’t make me jump off the chair, frankly. At the same time, it didn’t make me helpless either, as because I couldn’t flee from the spot. Though the movie didn’t move me instantly but a sense of interest grew inside me, and I think, for that, the trailer did its part rather convincingly.

Now let me begin with the music director: Shantanu Moitra.

Needless to confirm, he’s one of the best in the world. No bias intended given our Bong connection, but after R D Burman, if there’s someone who can blend western music into eastern folk which can also be termed as ‘Indian Country’, it’s none other than Shantanu da.

Plus creating an infusion of music… using electronic sound along with acoustic sound, honestly, many people in the industry should actually learn that from him, while they don’t even bother to change the chord structure as part of their inspiration drawn from the western numbers.

What I’ve really liked about the music of Paanch Adhyay is, all the songs are based on a signature tune. It was a huge risk in fact to give into monotony, but it didn’t happen. Of course thanks to Shantanu da who knows how to fiddle with musical instruments to create a magic in sync!

The number ‘Ure Jaye – sung by Subha Mudgal in Bengali which again belted out by Swanand Kirkire in Hindi as ‘Uda Jaye’ – is a fantastic piece to indulge in again and again. A typical Kirtan feel of both the songs but with a non-typical Kirtan rendition has made them class apart which I reckon you won’t mind to hum, consciously and subconsciously, if not unconsciously, once the tune sets in on your mind. Lyrics are also very good of these numbers that have helped Mudgal and Kirkire alike to leave their marks behind as singers.

Not very sure of the numbers ‘You and Me’ – sung by ever-green Usha di (Usha Uthup) and ‘Phire Paowar Gaan’ – sung by Ashutosh Ganguly aka Ash King. It has somewhat felt, finally age is catching up with our beloved and respected Usha di, while neither the lyrics nor the music could also tick. And for the Ash Kings, I think it’s time to understand that pronouncing simple Bengali words with lots of tongue distortion or Herculean labour doesn’t elevate a song up to the genre of Pop. Since, Pop is a different thing altogether.

In the number ‘Baavri’, Shreya Ghoshal has proved once again why we should believe in the reality that she has everything in herself when it comes taking the musical legacy of Ashaji forward with an almost equal aplomb. Shreya's been just the best fit to this song which is too good a composition – both music and lyrics-wise.

‘Agontuk’ – the number sung by Shaan and Shreya hasn't really cut the mark. Despite being a huge admirer of Shaan, I would take the initiative to state it with conviction that days are rife of late for film and music directors to use the real talent in male voice instead of going by names.

I strongly and vehemently feel, Parthasarathi of the band Ekalabya would have sung it a million times better than Shaan had in that particular song. And I’m not saying this because Partha is a good friend of mine but I’m saying this because I knew it for a fact.

Last but not least, the number ‘Rahoon Tere Peechhe’ sung by Kaushiki Chakraborty is THE SONG OF THE MOVIE! I’m not getting into Kaushiki’s singing prowess, as I don’t qualify to do that. Not even in my wildest of dream. But, it’s indeed mesmerising the way she has expressed and exuded each and every word. Not to mention, the texture of her voice in that song that will surely give you many Goosebumps, if you bother to go deep into the lyrics and close your eyes to get lost in the tune.

Overall, Paanch Adhyay music is going to give us a good treat for our soul through the ears. As Pratim D. Gupta, being an intelligent guy, has understood… it’s always easy and wise to get into the audience heart in India, precisely in Bengal, through their ears.

So, all the best to Paanch Adhyay and its entire unit!

PS: You can hear all the tracks here: http://m.soundcloud.com/tracks/search?q=Paanch%2Badhyay....for

Get a home. Not just heights. : Realty communication case study.

India is a different and a very difficult country. Because of its population – ever increasing.

In an Indian society, Maslow's hierarchy of needs gets applied rather with a bottoms-up approach – where morality, spirituality, etc. are trained to people first than providing them with the basics like food, water, etc.

As a result, people in this nation in general, who have the power to think, talk, and act, are more concerned about iPads or iPhones than things like malnutrition, employment, etc.

For the reason obvious, this reflects on and in almost everyone's attitude whoever wants to define or redefine success. And that too, irrespective of his socio-economic condition.

Here success means not an overall growth, but an individual rise in order to gain a height in lifestyle.

To complement this lifestyle, house plays a pivotal role. And not just a house that could be termed as home, but an own house that will ensure one gets the height in social status.

It's inconsequential whether such status matters at all or not, but it's imperative to have that, at least to support the realty business in the name of infrastructural development and GDP growth.

More so, as the greater the populace the greater the need for a house. Ideally an own house.

But again, if everyone starts to get an own house, it's a problem. Because then the rental or lease business of houses will take a beating. Thus, the realty business is evolved in such a way, so that a section of people - called HIG - can have a number of houses; a section - called MIG - can have more than one house; and a section - called LIG - can somehow have one house or no house.

Owing to this, it's seen, in fact close-group research has revealed, for the HIG, a house is more of a signature statement; for the MIG, a house is an asset; and for the LIG, a house is a peaceful and most secure shelter, a lifeline, a home in true sense.

It's only the LIG, who actually feels being at home while being at home i.e. at an own house.

However, an insight shows, based on a social report, the LIG somewhat feels awkward or even gets ashamed sometimes - given the height of their house, which connotes the social status or success. That leads them often to think and do something unrealistic bringing more woes to their agony to build properties.

On the basis of that, when a cooperative society gets in touch with me, which is planning to develop a township away from the city of joy - Kolkata, I tried to do something simple. Yet realistic, addressing the core problem, so as to give the LIG not just a house but also a home which is grounded on reality and more than a piece of realty.

I prepared a poster – (the idea layout is shown in the attached pic) – and ask them to start the campaign with this. Displaying it at national banks, post-offices, railway stations, train compartments, fish and vegetable markets, bus-stands, tea-stalls, public toilets, and on autos and rickshaws. Of course at strategic locations where the posters will be visible more than getting torn.

Thereafter, a press campaign in Bengali newspapers, and a TVC for Bengali channels might be crafted.

Though I've shared the idea in English, but the communication will take place in Bengali mostly.

The client has liked the concept and my payment has been made too. ;)

Now let's see, how far they can extend their liking, riding on this idea, employing their own agency.

Finally, your honest and analytical feedback (read criticism) on the idea is most welcome!

Advertising is not a profession. It's HAPPINESS!

1996. The scorching sun was ruthless while sending heat waves to toast lives. Especially to roast someone who had completed his engineering but didn’t accept any job from the campus interview because he wanted to be a copy writer.

The guy had no knowledge in advertising. All he could afford to speak in English were Yes, No, Thanks. His writing was worse than pathetic, and most importantly he also knew it for a fact.

His mom was in her deathbed, suffering from cancer. His dad got retired six years back. And he was not on talking terms with his beloved elder bro who was dead against advertising. He had no friend. No philosopher. No guide.

Money was more than precious to him. In fact, more precious than his life.

One day, he saw a classified ad in the newspaper that a small, almost unknown ad agency was looking for a copy writer. And it was holding a walk-in for that.

His eyes popped out. As if a wolf found the address of a poultry. Excitement compounded with nervousness - exactly what he felt, immediately.

The agency was at Chandni Chowk – a far away place from his place at Santoshpur. Never mind, as Robert Frost had already written ‘Miles to go before I sleep’. And since there was no sleep even at night, so miles could definitely be travelled. Well, rather smilingly!

But only Rs. 10/- was in the wallet! No worries, since Robert Frost had already told what got to be done before a sleep.

The address was there in the ad but no direction. Hence at least a phone was needed to be made from the neighbourhood PCO. Meant turning Rs 10/- into Rs. 8/- was inevitable.

The receptionist took more time than expected to complete her sentences. Resulting, Rs. 6/- only in the wallet was ready to decide world’s best copy writer in making’s fate.

3.00 PM was the scheduled time for the interview. It was already 10.30 AM when he finished the call.

A rough calculation was made by him soon, and he realised if he would start walking around 12.00 o’clock – after all it was a walk-in, you see – he could reach in time.

He reached the agency by 2.45, somehow saving his shirt from being recognised as a snot rag serving a sneezing Yeti, clenching his handmade mock work-portfolio in a bag as tightly as possible to his chest.

The interview had begun and ended, and he understood he was rejected.

What next? ‘Miles to go (in the reverse direction) before I sleep’.

It might have been okay, had the sun read Robert Frost too. But, as it didn’t, it was making even ‘an inch to go’ impossible for the rejected (and dejected) copy writer.

Anyway, Chandni Chowk is close to Lalbazar, hence, there was every possibility that he would be picked up off the pavement if seen sitting there thanks to his good-look and handsomeness.

So no choice but going… miles again.

The dehydration was getting him undone sooner, and the wallet was carrying only Rs. 2/- then, as he dared to eat out four biscuits at Rs. 4/- on his way back.

Up to Camac Street, Robert Frost was a good company, motivation, and inspiration until Stephen Hawing appeared suddenly to offer him some rest in a black hole in front of Shantineketan Building.

Bar, as you know, nobody loves to see anyone’s taking rest, a tea vendor got perturbed unlike other gentlemen out there. So he sprinkled water on an unconscious face and wiped the blood stench off a bleeding nose and a pair of badly hurt lips.

(Dropping yourself with a thud on road on your face is not a good idea – take a note of it).

Anyway, not only did the vendor sprinkle water but also offered a glass of milk with sugar. And that too, knowing fully well that he won’t be paid for anything. In addition, the vendor also shelled out Rs. 10/- to help the destiny’s child reach home safely. For a change, by a bus.

................................................................

His mom passed away. He got his first job. With a remarkable salary of Rs 300/- per month. Giving a tough competition to the office bearer who used to draw Rs. 500/-.

He got his first month’s salary. Bought sweets of Rs. 50/- and went to Camac Street. Met that tea-vendor after 2 months, hugged him and handed over the box of sweets.

Both made an instant connection and started to talk for over an hour. Their discussion ranged from an elite God to the pinned Hawai chappals.

Later on, perhaps this insight helped the two lines: Elite mane Solid and Shahor Theke Gayen, Holir Rongey Rongin Sobai Elite Hawai Paye – coined by the copy writer for Elite Hawais to get his footholds in the market.

First in Kolkata, and gradually across India and beyond the national boundary.

Just the reason, that copy writer has never left his love: advertising, has never left pavements, and has never denounced the good effects of gratitude to be a man of struggles beyond mere bank balance, frivolous designation and so-called success.

And for everything, he’s VERY HAPPY, now!

Know, how to let advertising and communications save a life.

A boy used to come to me often to know the nitty-gritty of advertising while he was doing his stint with a small agency at Kolkata as a copy writer.

He was a chain smoker, and would find it really difficult to negotiate things with me as smoking was never allowed at my place.

His intention always happened to be to convince me that without smoking ideas wouldn’t click as against my belief that an idea doesn’t need any dopes from outside but only inner substance i.e. commonsense based on observation, absorption and application.

Later on he shifted to Mumbai, and very recently I came to know that he’s been suffering from lung cancer at a last stage. The medical report suggested that his ‘great habit of smoking to think big’ was the root cause of his present situation.

I felt bad, but never for a second turned sympathetic towards him, as whoever prefers to commit suicide for no apparent reason as such, I love to see that person dead.

In fact, the early it happens the best it is.

Nonetheless, this incident pushed me to do something, at least to convey a message to teenagers who also delve into the notion, may be, that smoking helps ideation and creativity.

Which is why, I compromised on a good night’s sleep and created this ambient piece of communications – (as showing in the photograph below) – with a hope to save minimum one life from going astray to be ended within an ashtray, eventually, prematurely.

I sincerely wish if HT City or Mumbai Times, or MTV, or Reebok, or Airtel, or Pepsi, or any other Brand that appeals to the Youth could use this humble creation of mine, or anything else in line with that, to help young guns understand what is what, as part of its CSR programs beyond balance sheets for a change.

And don’t worry, for that, no Brand has to pay me anything, because to me the life of a teenager is much more important than earning a few quick bucks, or winning an award.

Just the reason, I’m appealing to each one of you, unless it’s impossible, please try to create an environment where everyone can live long, happily, healthily, and peacefully, and to do that, exploit your power of ad and communications to the maximum.

This world needs you to think, talk, open up, and speak out more and more than just sulk, crib, brood, complain, nag, or maintain a dignified silence for some selfish bliss.

I beg, it’s one life, so let’s live as long as possible, together.

Life needs advertising and communications; hence let’s add life to that. Let’s JUST DO IT.

Spain bulldozed Italy, 4-0. The Blue turned Pink by the Red in Euro 2012 final.

When too many good things happened at a time, life comes to an instant halt leaving one perplexed. Exactly the same feeling occurred to me now, as I’m truly undecided on whether to express my ecstasy because my favourite team Spain won Euro 2012 or to break into tears because the magic of soccer ended in 90 minutes flat.

I was a kid then, so it’s not possible for me to describe at present how Holland used to play under Johan Cruyff’s leadership, but I’m sanguine this Spain team is no way inferior to that Orange squad, if ‘total football’ is still the prime concern besides individual brilliance.

Frankly, to identify one or two golden moments as presented by the Red Bulls in the Euro 2012 final was not only tough but also next to impossible.

From strategy to team composition to execution, the Spaniards were matchless against the Italians.

In order to blunt Italy’s 4-1-3-2, the way Spain moved the ball forward from the word go was beyond any adjective. Changing the 4-3-3 formation to 2-3-5 as well as 2-2-2-4 to attack and then again changing that to 4-4-2 and 4-5-1 to defend couldn’t have been any better than what Spain illustrated… as if 10 painters were creating a montage on the field with a football.

No praise is sufficient for Arbeloa and Alba, given the game they played by using the right flank and the left flank, respectively. Plus, the run and finish that Alba produced to score the second goal off Xavi’s velvet through pass, I guess, will take many a year to be forgotten. The sense of timing of that particular move has perhaps been more precise than any clock in the world. Actually, it was the turning point of the match.

In addition, the quadrangles Xavi, Iniesta, Silva and Fabregas kept forming and firming up, constantly, on the edge of the Italian box were too much to handle, especially when Chiellini had to leave the field owing to an early injury.

The score line could have been 5-0, had Spain not been deprived of a clear penalty while Bonucci conceded a hand-ball in the box during second half.

However, it would be unfair to write off Italy. In fact, a few crackers from them were really threatening. But, as the Red Bulls had Casillas under the crosspiece, for the reason obvious, the Blue Brigade couldn’t score. Practically, as long as Casillas will keep playing for Spain, all other teams have to play against 12 men with their 11 a side. And, Motta’s sudden hamstring pull didn’t help Italy’s cause either.

Ultimately, it’s a great delight and pleasure to see Spain triumphs! And a befitting reply to those who kept on arguing and making noise (for nothing) that Spain became weaker and would be needing luck and blah, blah and blah… because of David Villa’s absence.

Football is a team game, where only THE 3S: ‘Strategy, Stamina and Skill’ matters, and it’s different from a game of Ludo, or the photo-sharing on facebook for that matter.

Cheers! :D

Anything CAN happen at Cannes!

Couldn’t really understand, IDEA-wise what was the difference between Leo Burnett’s entries to Cannes 2012 in the ‘Print and Poster category’ and the ‘Photography’ category… where the agency submitted the ‘Reclaim your space’ series and the ‘Fragrance’ series of creative for Bajaj Exhaust and Tide, respectively.

Interesting, as they are still rooting for (or should I say hooting) for Lions in those two categories!

However, their Radio Spot for Saathi in the ‘Radio’ category is great! But will the judges understand the language and the pain expressed through a typical Mumbaikar’s dialect? A Big question mark.

My money is on their ‘Doorstep School’ campaign that promoted adult literacy. This entry in the ‘Promo and Activation’ category is really based on a SIMPLE and SOLID insight and the creative execution was also too good in line with reality, relevance and refreshment.

Now to talk about Grey...

The agency may jolly well think they have produced a superlative film: ‘Riot’… for Killer Jeans on ‘Water Saving’ proposition, whereas the reality is no, they haven’t. It was not only forced but also convoluted, thanks to the ‘Green Fold’ proposition for an audience who perhaps hadn’t read Ashwini’s report on the site afaqs.com.

So, a metal in the 'Film Lions and Film Craft Lions' categories or in the 'Titanium and Integrated Lions' would be a shocker! To me at least.

Rather their ‘Proof in the pocket’ campaign holds more brownie points, which was done for ‘Truly Worn’ Collection of Killer faded jeans. And it might help them win a metal in the ‘Promo and Activation’ category.

Grey’s print campaign for Fujifilm India… exploiting ‘two face-detection indicators’ might look wow from an innovation point of view but from an average consumer viewpoint, how does it matter, I wonder!

Hence, the chance for a metal in the ‘Press Lions’ category is also quite remote.

That being said, it won’t be foolish to exclaim though; who knows, after all when it’s CANnes, anything CAN HAPPEN!

EDM marketing of Jeevansathi.com to leverage its new television commercial might not work.

India’s one of the leading matrimonial portals Jeevansathi.com (a Naukri.com venture) is sending EDM (electronic direct mailer) to people.

The portal wants online traffic to watch its latest television commercial (TVC) and give feedback.

It was a nice ploy so as to check the audience response and capture their contact details (i.e. email ids) for future communications.

However, at the same time, given the way Jeevansathi executed it, the possibility is ‘a good effort wasted’.

Why wasted?

Because why people should click on the provided link-button and watch the TVC online was neither clear nor compelling in the communication.

No benefit or incentive was offered up-front to the TA (target audience) giving them enough reasons to react, positively.

May be a million people or more have already watched the said commercial, but how does it matter to you or me was the question that remained unanswered!

Also, why one should write back to the provided email id to give feedback wasn’t comprehensive or substantiated with any promise of rewards or brownie-points.

So, net-net, the EDM could not lift itself up to any level whatsoever but came across as just yet another junk email.

Worldwide, when all are going helter-skelter and predicting the end of #email marketing, precisely through EDMs, this kind of stuff actually reasons and rationalizes this that those cries are true.

Direct Marketing seems to be very easy – in fact it is – if, and only if, the basics are kept on mind in order to offer nothing but Benefits, Benefits, Benefits to the TA via every piece of communications, almost incessantly.

That’s all. And that’s it.

The Youth of India and their awakening through Social Networking

Social Networking in India is a happening thing. The best part of it is, one can abuse and assault other(s) on a Social Media like anything. Personal attacks or derogatory comments on anyone, anything are one of the keys to success of Social Networking.

In this context, I tried to do an experiment.

First: I created a snap equating a Monkey with Kalki – the known Bollywood Star – which was nothing but a sheer insult on someone’s look. I shared the snap in a forum on Facebook called ROFLIndia.

And, as expected, the snap’s been Liked by people, precisely the Youth; since, my cheap intention came across as Humour to them!
 
Then: I just turned the Map of India upside down and posted in the same forum, and the same set of people who had earlier Liked my personal abuse on Kalki found me ‘asshole’, ‘idiot’ and ‘son of a beach’.
 
Thank god, not of a ‘bitch’ at least! ;)
 

 
Why?
 
Because to the Youth of India, fiddling with the Map or Flag of India is an Insult to the mother nation but fingering into someone or something for nothing is not; it’s rather an entertainment and FREE FUN!
 
And the funniest part is, if one says something abusive to malign anyone (but to no avail though) others jump into the bandwagon to harass the target / victim just like the jackals that bark in unison. Without even realizing why they are making noise!
 
Not surprising, India predicts and drools over GDP Growth today, while the nation’s 42% children still suffer from malnutrition and Anna Hazare calls himself the second Mahatma Gandhi to lead the Youth to a corruption free country tomorrow.
 
Cheers! :D

To beat Australia at the MCG, India needs to wear brains.

So, the Boxing Day test between Australia and India has begun with all punches as expected from both sides!

If first day’s performance is to be evaluated, it will stand as Australia : India = 50 : 50.

However, the reality is Australia : India = 60 : 40.

Especially, the way the Aussies recovered from the score 214 for 6 to reach 277 for 6 at stumps.

No praise is adequate to acknowledge and appreciate the partnership – Haddin and Siddle put together, while chips were really down for Australia thanks to two dubious decisions by the umpires that undid Hussey first and then Cowan, almost back to back.

From then, when it was expected that India would wrap up the Australian tail soon, the real twist in the tale took place.

And, honestly, it happened more for the Indian’s lack of idea in bowling and field placement than the Aussies’ determined display of batting.

With the course of play it became evident that Siddle had a great defensive technique and he was quite ready to come on the front-foot to negotiate deliveries. Either to play at them or leave.

On the other hand, Haddin was just reluctant to take any risk whatsoever and happy to nudge the ball here and there for singles, twos or threes followed by occasional hits over the rope.

So the situation was, the Aussies were keen to play for the time and had no urgency to dash for runs, where India needed to push things up with more vision and vigour so as to bowl out their opponent, as soon as possible.

But, frankly it didn’t occur, as it should’ve been.

Nevertheless, the things could be sorted out still in order to change the game, if the following points are pondered… rather with an open mind –

1. Asking Umesh Yadav to bowl at fierce pace targeting Siddle’s ribcage mostly, and time to time his toes, with five fielders on leg side. The fielders could ideally be placed at Fine Leg (somewhere in between short fine leg and deep fine leg); Backward short leg or Leg gully; Forward short leg (a bit square and pushed towards the leg umpire); Midwicket (somewhere in between original midwicket and deep midwicket) and Mid on (quite straight, much inside the ring to save quick singles). This ploy might not give Umesh Siddle’s wicket, but the batsman would definitely get softened up to fall pray to another Indian bowler, and this in the process could force Haddin to take some extra responsibilities to guard his partner by playing extra deliveries, bearing extra tension.

2. Keeping fielders for Haddin at Deep point or Deep cover, at Deep midwicket and at Deep mid on, while he played, in fact, not a single adventurous shot in his whole innings actually seemed pretty bizarre. When a team had two new batsmen at the crease and was tottering under some kind of pressure giving away such easy singles to them through wide spread field settings, made no sense to be precise. At that point of time, Haddin should’ve been made to struggle for every run and should’ve been compelled to go for big shots over the in-field.

3. Ishant should be asked to bowl only at good-length or just short of good-length but not away from off stump or short-pitch. Because given the pace, bounce and carry, as provided by the pitch, Ishant’s bouncers are likely to go over a batsman’s head, most of the time. But, Ishant’s in-coming deliveries which just hold their lines after pitching, or go away slightly outside towards off stump, are simply nightmares for any batsman. So, Ishant has to bowl those balls, continuously, as he turns into a wicket taking bowler only when he pitches the ball up.

4. In a vast ground like the MCG, run-choking is just a concept. In reality, there remain plenty of gaps on the filed, exploiting which a batsman can jolly well pile up runs just by taking singles. To prove that point, Australia made 277 from 89 overs with an average of 3.11 per over that can’t be said poor run rate in a test cricket despite Dhoni’s wide-spread field placement. And Dhoni needs not to forget one thing, in such a climate which is offering no such humidity, getting a batsman out by tiring him is not going to work as it does often in India. Therefore, as a captain he needs to think more and better than just going with the flow and hoping that something will happen soon.

To conclude, if Australia crosses 350, it’s likely that India will either lose the test or maximum salvage a draw at the MCG. Because, to win a test match overseas (or a series for that matter), a team needs to play magical cricket based on strategy, tactics and game plan beyond just skills, luck and miracle. And that's why; a captain on field needs to think sound and innovative, and that too, impromptu, applying nothing but sheer commonsense.

To go digital, a brand should trust god more than an agency in India.

I was exploring afaqs.com. For some good news, assignments, or jobs… pertaining to advertising or media.

While I clicked on the link ‘jobswitch’, I saw an agency called Water is looking for professionals in several disciplines.

I’m not sure though whether it’s the same Water that operates as one of the SBUs of Mudra.

See the ad below, and also mark the red underline... (click on it to enlarge)

Since they are looking for Creative Director, for the reason obvious, I wanted to know more about it by visiting the link.

Then I landed on this ad… (click on it to enlarge)

And like I did, if you too see this ad properly, you’ll get to know that Water has talked about many things in the text – and creatively perhaps – save for providing you with any contact details where you can send your application and CV, or simply call up!

Even if you click on the ad for umpteen times or keep refreshing the page, you will know that it’s not hyperlinked to their website or any contact page either.

Now, what notion will you develop about such an agency that also used Ogilvy’s name to create interest in their appoint ad through quite a high-voltage gimmick?

However, I won’t be surprised at all, if I find that the agency is claiming to have done wonder for their clients in the domain of interactive ads or digital communications like many other agencies that don’t even have a proper or upgraded company website in place.

Actually, from the ad of Water, it’s evident once again what kind of agencies, SBUs, or creative hot-shops are functional of late across India and trying to leverage the digital communications and social media marketing on web and mobile!

To back my point then I have searched for Water on Google by the URL the agency has provided on afaqs.com. And no wonder I have found the expected result only, as shown in the following pictures... (click on it to enlarge)

Anyway, before I conclude let me remind you, humbly, that the agency’s punch line is: The ROI Attitude and its value promise is: Water Your Brand.

Indeed. :) 

Don't let the fire of any AMRI Hospital gut your life again.

One of my classmates' Aunt is sinking at a Hospital now with multiple organ failure thanks to the choking at AMRI yesterday. Just asking, "Any candle march or Rs. 5 lac+, or the imprisonment of the Todis, Goenkas, etc., will help her live?"

No, right? I know.

That's why tried to suggest you what needs to be done, so as to save your aunt or mother, or wife, or anyone else, you love and really care for...

The fire at AMRI, Dhakuria in Kolkata helps Emami, Shrachi to be trending; no doubt.

Many things will be written and shown about Goenka, Todi, etc, at least for the coming two weeks.

A candle march, or may be a sandal march with Hawai Chappals in hand, is also a huge possibility to mark the aghast citizens' protest against such indifference and negligence of the hospital authority and management.

Rs. 5 lac compensation might be given away, or not, to each of the bereaved families. Plus, some unluckily lucky ones could get a few govt. jobs here and there.

But, what next? Is it going to stop those Todis, Goenkas, Agarwals from taking more human lives in the name of business or corporate culture across India? NO! NEVER.

Because this cluster of businessmen only understands how to make the balance sheet ringing. Therefore, it will hardly matter, even if they are hung till death.

Neither will their attitude change nor will their greed for money reduce.

If anything at all needs to be done to get them corrected and teach a lesson, that has to be full of purpose and resilience sans TRP / GRP jerking or Readership increasing media led gimmicks.

Those fellows need to be hit badly in their balance sheet only, but nowhere else. And to do so, all you need to do is stop buying any product whatsoever from the Brand stable of Emami and purchasing any flats / offices from Shrachi Group.

In case you can stick to this non-cooperation for a year at least; you will be able to help them experience, actually, how it feels when the balance sheet turns into 'balance shit'.

Once it's done, you can witness the change, hopefully, rather realistically in a positive way, because money matters to them more than it matters to you or anyone else.

HENCE, DO IT. Or do nothing, to silently wait for more such fire takes place, gradually, even in your bedroom.

So, happy burning, in advance! However, getting rid of such man made calamities is still in your hand, provided you wish to lead from within being high on motivation to act more and better than just reacting, instinctively, to forget the issue on the very next day or moment.

MiD DAY closed editions in Delhi and Bengaluru with CHEERS!

Why the face-u, hide-u, hide-u…
Why these Kolaveri Dis
Why the camera-u, click-u, click-u…
Why this Kolaveri Da

Well, if you are only singing this song… seeing the above picture, and thinking nothing great or big, you sure are not a visionary or management level employee, or CEO of a tabloid like MiD DAY!

“Janam Samjha Karo,” as Choli ke pichhe something exists, Burqa ke niche bhi something exists.

And if you could see what exists, you have the foresight and vision, the business acumen and, for sure, a template-MBA degree or diploma to capture Sunny Leone, Poonam Pandey, Rakhi Sawant, Mallika Sherawat and Liz Hurley in a single frame with just a click.

Probably Jagran Prakashan Limited (JPL) had possessed such a business vision under the stewardship of Mr. Manajit Ghoshal, MD & CEO, MiD DAY Infomedia, when the group acquired MiD DAY in May 2010… to bring Inquilab (revolution) through sensational news, raving up the tabloid culture across India.

However, with time, it became evident that MiD DAY could only incur loss thanks to its Delhi and Bengaluru editions despite the tabloid’s best of titillations for ‘producing’ news besides covering the same.

This, as usual, created a situation where finding scapegoats was mandatory to pass the buck on and make them sacrifice, eventually.

For the reason obvious, the management of MiD DAY under the canopy of JPL found the best possible solution, and that was to close the editions in Delhi and Bengaluru on and from December 06, 2011 and thereby compel all its journalists and other employees go jobless in those two cities.

And that too, notwithstanding the fact, as quoted by a MiD DAY insider, “Midday shut down for loss of Rs 2 lakhs by Jagran whose quarterly profit is Rs 30 cr. is this ridiculous or what?”

Funny, no? Yes, it IS!

Actually, the fun just began.

Now, please take a look at the CEO’s internal email, which Mr. Manajit Ghoshal sent to the employees in Delhi and Bengaluru in order to let them know that they were laid off.

Full Transcript of the great man’s great mail –

Dear colleagues,

It's with a heavy heart that I have to announce the closure of Mid-Day Delhi and Mid-Day Bangalore editions. Tomorrow's issue will be the last issue for both the editions. This has been necessitated by the prolonged losses we had to incur on these editions.

The idea behind starting these editions was to establish these brands in these cities and make a difference in the lives of the citizens there. We had begun well and were appreciated for the quality of product we put out. However, in a corporate scenario the books need to be balanced.

Due to the ever increasing competition in the print media space, the funds required for breakeven in these cities kept escalating. Finally, we had to take this call. We will however, continue to maintain a news bureau in Delhi and our sales offices in Bangalore and Delhi.

But, every dark cloud has a silver lining. The silver lining in this is that Mumbai Mid-Day now will have the strength to soar to greater heights. By cutting our losses in Delhi and Bangalore editions, we will be able to bolster our circulation in Mumbai.

Apart from the plan to channel these investments, Jagran group (our parent company) will invest a large sum in boosting Mid-Day's circulation in Mumbai. This will give our sales guys across the country to pitch Mumbai Mid-Day to clients and agencies in a new light.

We need to now concentrate on building brand Mid-Day in Mumbai and monetizing Mumbai Mid-Day's large increase in circulation and in this our sales colleagues in Delhi, Bangalore and Pune will have to play a significant part.

Gujrati Mid-Day and Inquilab continue to go from strength to strength. We are increasing the circulation of GMD at a brisk pace and will continue to do so. Inquilab has flourished in the north and we now have 14 editions in all and are far ahead of any competition in the Urdu space.

Mid-Day Pune is an extension of Mid-Day Mumbai just as the Pune city is an extension of Mumbai. Mid-DayPune will continue to run at an ever increasing pace and we will be monitoring the Pune media market keenly to spot opportunities to improve the circulation of Midday Pune.

We will continue to invest aggressively in our digital properties as we believe that this is a medium whose time has come.

5th December, 2011 is an important day in the history of Mid-Day. Today, we will have to halt and think. Think about many of our colleagues who will have to move on.

It's a testing time for them as it is for us. Right now it might look dark but I am sure both of us will come out of this with flying colours. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. We also need to think about the added responsibilities for all of us who remain in this great organization and who have to carry its legacy forward. Let's begin this phase of our journey with renewed vigour and conviction.

In conclusion, I can only say that all dreams may not fructify but that will only encourage us to try harder and bring us closer, marching forward with a vision which only we can realise. We strive for continuity and absolutes but are reminded time and again that change is the only constant.

In this time of great pain and heavy responsibility, I am sure God will give us the tenacity to walk on-and then to break into a run-and once again soar to live our destiny.

Cheers!

Manajit Ghoshal

When a MD cum CEO of an organization starts a retrenchment email with a ‘heavy heart’ but ends with ‘cheers’, it speaks volumes for the person’s mental stability. And while such a person is at the helm of a business operation, no wonder MiD DAY turned MiD NIGHT in Delhi and Bengaluru where media war has been fierce, always, given the number of quality competitors.

Plus, from positioning and content point of views… trying to draw an analogy or a parallel between MiD DAY Delhi / Bengaluru and Inquilab / Gujrati MiD DAY has not only been weird but also made no branding or marketing sense to say the least.

It was like telling Harbhajan Singh that he was dropped from the team albeit Vidya Balan acted brilliantly in the Dirty Picture!

Keeping sales offices in Delhi, as well as in Bengaluru to bolster the media space selling for the Mumbai edition with an ambition to invest heavily in the digital space to proliferate the brand MiD DAY… so as to leverage the maximum, is yet another jive that only ridicules the concept of branding and marketing.

For a simple reason, to exploit the digital space, precisely the web and mobile, distance hardly matters. So why keep sales offices in Delhi and Bengaluru where you can’t keep the journalists and other staffs?!

Apart from that, it was also bizarre the way the management at MiD DAY literally enforced resignation on the employees in Delhi and Bengaluru, and used bouncers to drive the employees out of the office premise who were reluctant to leave.

See the termination – NOT RESIGNATION – letter below, as drafted by the management.  

There was no mention of any statutory compensations but a mere assertion of dues.

If some eyebrows were raised to inquire into ‘why compensation’, answering to that, because no prior intimation or notice was circulated to any of the employees in Delhi and Bengaluru before this sudden retrenchment.

Whereas, giving at least one month’s prior notice to lay off an employee is an absolute must, unless and until the employee has committed any criminal offense, or serving a probationary period. And, even if he has committed a crime, it needs to be proven first either by an internal committee and then at court.

In this context, the following facebook wall posts of Ms. Promita Mukherjee, Feature Editor, MiD DAY, Delhi should be sufficient for you to understand the malpractice, based on which, the management at MiD DAY offered pink slips and insulted its employees –

“Sachin Kalbag's msg to me: Note, he still hasn't addressed the team:

Promita, I am sending this message in private. We are trying our best get those Delhi colleagues who have not been retained for the Delhi bureau absorbed in Jagran Prakashan's publications such as City Plus, iNext, Jagran Digital and Jagran itself. I understand your anger, and I understand your pain. I would also request you to call me directly in case you need ANY clarification. You may have my number, but in any case it is +919820199551.

Thanks,

Sachin”

“For those who came in late, this is not against the shutting down of MiD DAY delhi shutting down or abt usz getting sacked. It is abt the way we were all dismissed thru an insensitive email. The editor Deep Halder, who is entitled to the highest compensation felt it is not abt money, it is abt our dignity. Neither the CEO, nor the executive editor Sachin Kalbag met us or addressed us over a video conference. We were okay with that also. But today, they were forcing us to sign an illegal document saying we are voluntarily resigning. The truth is, the edition is closing, we are not leaving on our own”

It’s also heard that the management at MiD DAY showed red eyes and tried to bully the employees in Delhi to accept the fabricated resignation, and prior to that the employees were duped to sign on an illegal agreement, which said that the employees were willing to not accept the Majithia Wage Board or Commission’s report / suggestions.

See this link http://labour.nic.in/wageboard/PressNote/OrderPublishedGazette.pdf and you will understand why no employee is a fool to refuse extra or more wages as per the Board or Commission's suggestion! That means MiD DAY has somewhat lost its way even on the legal front in line with Majithia.

Finally, if Promita’s tweet, “#MidDay, real intentions revealed. Shutdowns part of CEO's plan to devalue group so that he can buy it himself, sources confirm” is to be taken into serious consideration, it clears everything why MiD DAY needed to close down editions in Delhi and Bengaluru in such a manner, with ‘Cheers’, of course!