Passion Series 4 - Alagusundaram - a step to reform Sugarcane cultivation

10 years of Sugarcane farming and 3 years of research in his field has paid off for him - a reform on its path to a revolution. Presenting Alagusundaram, from his Sugarcane fields in Tirumalai, Oppur Village, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu.

The "Sugarcane Seed Box" he has innovated is a 2.5 * 1.5 feet box that can grow 750 saplings within it in just 5 days. The box has decks, where carefully cut Sugarcane pieces are placed, and toppled with organic fertilizers. The box then is kept in a warm closed shed. The 6th day is 'The Day' when the cut pieces show up as saplings, and are ready to be cultivated in the field.

Alagusundaram, 29, says that this,

• Saves 5000 rupees per hectare for farmers
• Saves 2 tons of Sugarcane, which otherwise is wasted in traditional farming methods
• Reduce huge amounts of failing saplings, the problem of traditional farming

  Alagusundaram can be reached on - 95858 74197

Good news is that "Sakthi Sugar factory", a locally known factory, has recognized his findings. And some agricultural universities are evaluating his findings.

Now Alagusundaram's innovation has not just happened. His experience, along with his education has supported him. He has his agricultural degree from 'Kovai Velan college' and other specialized degrees in farming methods.

Gemspiration applaud the young Inspiration for his innovation and specially his interests because he chose his own path, the path to success, when the Agriculture industry is actually dying in India, and lots of young minds are moving out of villages in search of other careers.

Spread the word, who ever finds this and reads this! He needs recognition.

Description of his Sugarcane Seed Box

• 2.5 * 1.5 feet
• 5 decks in each box
• Each deck can hold 150 saplings

The growth cycle

Now, thanks to Dinamalar for covering the documentary, and bringing him to lights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2rCAmXsXSc

The shifting manufacturing momentum - China to India

Possibly an old story, but made news recently and has a 'Make in India' context. Supported by the solid news about Bosch, Micromax, Celkon, Godrej and Havells, and much more setting up manufacturing bases in India. Yes, not one, multiple bases to complement each other.

An example would be the Micromax base in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand and the upcoming one in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Seeing it the other way, is there problem in China?

Instead of a YES or a NO, investigating on the contributing factors,

Increasing Labor cost - The per capita income would definitely be a PRO factor, and a sample indicator why manufacturing sector is eyeing India. In 2014, the per capita income in India was approximately $1300, which is much lower than China's nearly $8200.

Skilled work force - A partly PRO and CON, with the existing skilled force in India. But momentum is building up that the needed skills, and importantly the mindsets to cater to the revolution is being triggered by the Prime Minister's 'Make in India' campaign.

English speaking crowd - This has been a long said PRO legacy, that India is far ahead of China. But know for the sake, that China is catching up on this

Chinese Economic slowdown - know there is, but reserving it for a detailed research.

But, if there is one solid factor that can catapult the pros that is Infrastructure and Connectivity. We know we are no way near the ultra modern road and rail connectivity. But, new reforms are in place, lots of money is poured in, to connect north, south, east and west, and the rural and urban cities. 'Smart City' campaign by the Government of India, is truly a reform to bring all the Tier II cities up the momentum.

'Make in India' all set the roar the rest of the world

But, it is on the officials and politicians on the entirety, to spend on the motive.

In all, we are definitely the next big market for any Industry - Manufacturing to Exporting and Importing. 2016 should show the progress for the Progress Report, that our esteemed Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has pointed to.

All the best India, and your initiatives. We are waiting.

Some sources of info,
http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/micromax-to-invest-rs-300-crore-for-make-in-india-291303.html
http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report-vivo-invests-rs-125-crore-to-set-up-manufacturing-unit-in-india-2158606

http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-11-06/india-vs-dot-china-the-battle-for-global-manufacturing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)_per_capita

iPhone prices dropped by 16% in India - ever thought why the price of iPhones are still high?

The drop in price, lowest in the world, looks like an indication that India is the next BIG Market for iPhone. But still it is a costly affair, isn't it? A phone at 52,000 INR is not something the bottom of the pyramid can look for. May be a magic is needed to get down to the local Indian.

But ever wonder why the price of iPhones are high? Does it really take that much to make an iPhone? Any gold plated conductors and semi-conductors inside!!!

An arbitrary search gave some answers. Seems like the news from the source is again through a reliable source. So, presenting it for the readers benefit,

- Making cost of iPhone 6 is estimated to be around 13,000 INR and 6 Plus in 14,000 INR
- Selling cost of iPhone 6, at this time in India, is around 46,000 INR and 6 Plus is 50,000 INR

Fact from source: http://time.com/3426087/apple-iphone-6-cost/

It's a 3x price, and that truly a costly affair.

iPhone price not matching the Indian Economic class

But, one cannot deny the fact that Apple spends heavily on research, software development, marketing, licensing and other costs, and a result of which the innovation that drives iPhone lovers crazy.

And Gemspirations too wanted to give special credits to the stability of the devices. For instance, an Apple iPhone 4 brought 4 years before still works, even after numerous drops, bounces, and rough handling all these days - hats off.

However and whatever said, the sales of the iPhone explains the love for the device. News of men standing in long queues on the days of release in front of iPhone stores says how crazy they are.

Still some crazy scenes in India, are when the loan on the device continues, but the next gen devices are out in the market, lol.,.,.,.,., (:) really, crazy iPhone lovers.

Disclaimer: The price shown are as per the source website, and approx. currency rates only. The information provided here is based on individual interest and understanding, we do not authorize any information presented here.

Exciting news for India - More Google products to the world from India

This is probably a happiest news for the IT grads, Google to do massive expansion in India - to make its presence stronger in India at Hyderabad.

Yes, the new unit in Hyderabad is supposedly going to host a lot of IT minds, and develop products from India. The one line of proof is 'India's diversity, is probably a reason why we should build products in India. A product developed here, can be used in other parts of the world.' said Sundar Pichai, Google CEO.

The one standing example quoted was 'Offline Videos' which is introduced in India first and is currently available in 77 countries. Good news, isn't it?

A more sensational news is Google's interest to train 2 Million Android developers from 30 Universities in India. The 1 billian Indian population has its positive effects as well as long as we host the most young population in the world :)

So the tech giant is ready to invest, are we?

(I hope I am not  exaggerating the one line spoken...)

Passion series 3 - Sundar Pichai at SRCC - Comments on Indian Education System and for Students

It makes a impression, when men tasted success talks and walks the crowd. A sense of ingenuity, passion and positive emotions fills the air in their presence. At least for the next 3-4 days, the heart and mind are going to reinstate the conversation and search for the meanings inside it.

The video says it happened, when the Indian born sensation, Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, addressed students at Shri Ram College of Commerce, in the Capital City - a fun mixed informative conversation.

Tap here for the full video, hosted by Google India

Gemspiration is covering what's in for the Indian Education System and Students Community in this conversation.

The one comment that draws the closest attention is 'Follow your heart, and do what you want'. A much closer term to what our beloved then President and Late. Dr. Shri. Abdul Kalam Sir said 'Dream, Dream and Dream' and 'chase your dream'.

It rings unusual bells when these comments are reinstated by the success proven lads, that brings in the context for Hard work, Passion and Commitment in what we do.

Excerpts from the conversation,

-- Follow your heart, and do what you want, it could be any field

-- Do your own things in life

-- Schools should develop a culture of risk taking in students

-- Encourage Creativity at Schools

-- Education driven through Experiential learning

-- Teaching students to take risks

-- Do not penalize students for taking risks

Some inherent comments on working with the 'in-secured', are applicable even for the students

-- Being with the in-secured, the ones better than you, tends to push you hard

-- If you do not feel in-secured, you will not push yourselves hard

-- If not now, at some point in time you have to be with people who are better than you

More for others, coming in...

iOS upgrades reach is faster, but Android isn't why? audience perspective

Astounding numbers - the iOS 9.x adoption is massive. Mixpanel says 80% of the iOS users are now on iOS 9.x. Yaaaaaaaaa, it's true. The posh phone has the thirsty audience for upgrades.

Whereas Android is not finding the trick to get rid of the previous versions. Droid Life says that the most recent Lollipop has about 30% and its earlier bud KitKat has 36%. And the rest is still on older versions, less the 0.5% of Android M adoption.

If Gemspirations has to lay down the difference between the adoption of these 2 massive global mobile OS runners, in the perspective of its audiences, here is how,

 

	iOS	Android
Audience	Look for the advanced and stay updated	A mix of both extremes, but equally or highly concentrated with the group who settle for what they have
Cost	Only the best can afford the pricy iPhones, even if the price reduced 5S is @24k (24,000 INR)	Wide range of devices. A known brand like Spice with its MI-347@2,100 INR and the most expensive Samsung Galaxy s6 Edge @60k INR
Data	Possible that some iPhone users are running a 100 MB prepaid data plan, but a blindfolded statement “Most of them on rich data plan” should be true	Contains a mix of both, who seeks a combo pack at 100 INR a month and the rich running seamless 3G and 4G data plans
OS & Numbers	Apple is the only one authorized to retail the devices running iOS. Not heard of a hacked iOS running on other devices - wonder works the Closed Source iOS.	Hundreds of companies manufacturing millions of devices that are shipped and activated throughout the globe, every day. Thanks to the Open source Android OS.
Possible verdict, considering commonality
This is what we say!	iOS - meant for the advanced, looking for the most recent, and not so much worried about the cost of services.	Android - meant for the all-pervasive cost conscious markets globally, mostly having audiences settling for what they have.

Disclaimer: These are based on larger audiences, and still a percentage of users may not qualify these metrics – there are exceptions.

4G may take some time more, to be that prevalent

Having covered the aspirations that India should get on to 4G much faster in just a blog before, Gemspirations wanted to cover this interview as well from Mr. Abhay Savargaonkar, the CTO of Airtel.

Setting a little back stage, but still need to take this consciously, because Airtel is the largest mobile service provider of both voice and data in India. The data points are precise that no one can err on it.

He lays down his points, sighting various factors like ecosystem, the draw back of 4G to support voice, and the fact that still a large chunk of active users in India are on 2G, covering almost 55% of the total market share.

As said in the last post, though the starting ranges of 3G and 4G phones are going to be in the 2000 - 5000 INR bracket, an average Indian may take some time to change his 2G only device to 3G or 4G. Cost, even few thousand more, plays a big role here.

A part of his comment, covering that Video is still not that prevalent in India holds true. Yes, most of us settle down with What'sapp, Facebook, Emails and e-Commerce. And the videos of What'sapp and Facebook are already optimized for the lower end devices.

May be the end of the IDIOT Box for a busy Indian on the move, still savvy of watching his favorite show or a live event, becomes a pressing factor to watch Videos on Mobile. Gemspirations aspirations for more Video loving Indians will emerge sooner or earlier. And hence the need for liberal data plans emerge. Who can stop the supply when the demand is more - the operator and mobile manufactures have to give what India wants.

Concluding with one last point from what Tencent Holdings Limited, CXO was pointing out when we met him in a then office at i...0.com, "TV (The IDIOT Box) is already taken over by Internet in China."

That was 2008-2009, we are in 2015-2016. Let's anticipate, move fast India!

Bye bye 2G, welcome 4G

Probably a 6 day old news when I am writing this article. But I felt its worth writing about this for the reason that 'India is on the move'. How?

The once unclear statements,
- how can we take internet to my local Indian who stays in the far village?
- are we having the right handsets, and at the price affordable for my Indian brother and sister?
- how can my local Indian understand the language of internet?

Image courtesy:
https://careershapers.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/

are thrashed now! 

When I am writing this article,

- the number of Indian Internet subscribers count is 340 Million.
Courtesy: http://www.internetlivestats.com/internet-users/india/

- 25.6 Million handsets are shipped in Q2, 2015, and I assume a cumulative 75 Million handsets by Q4, 2015, be an optimist!
Courtesy: http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/india-shipped-26-5mn-smartphones-in-q2-2015-could-surpass-us-by-2017-idc-277495.html

- Airtel, Rilance Jio, Vodafone and Idea are competing to rope in 2G and 3G users, and transitioning them to 4G.
Courtesy: The ads we see on TV commercials

Adding up to all, is the decision from the top Mobile selling companies in India, Samsung and Micromax to ditch 2G sales, a welcome move. The source says that there are only a handful number of handsets that supports 2G are in the market now. And there is going to be no more fresh 2G devices from the factory, the manufacturing is stopped.

It's still more awsome to know that, the cost of the 3G phones starts in the range of 2000 INR and 4G phones at 5000 INR.

Thank you Samsung and Micromax - a THUMP's UP from Gemspirations!

Gemspirations is little sad, that we are one of the last growing countries to adopt 4G. But still optimistic that we will be equipped to welcome 5G and nextG generations at the same time it is embraced by our developed and developing pals.

It is the collective responsibility of the Mobile Operators and Mobile Manufactures to take us there, and not the least with the support of the Indian Government. Let us watch out!

Source: http://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/mobile/samsung-micromax-to-discontinue-2g-phones-shift-focus-to-3g-and-4g-handsets/50116534

The wholesale marketplace - welcome move by IBEF, Govt. of India

Merchant-to-Merchant viz-a-viz B2B initiative by IBEF.org

Even if it is an imitation of Alibaba.com, the move by ibef.org is pretty welcome. The private player Amazon has its beta launched recently amazonbusiness.com, nevertheless the Merchant to Merchant e-commerce is still in its initial stages in India.

Stressing the move as a globalization effort for Indian manufacturers and distributors to reach and sell their products in other countries, the protocols to be drafted to make it seamless in terms of timely delivery and product quality are somethings to watch out for. IBEF is likely to follow the footprints of Alibaba for this better cause.

The 1 lakh mark for number of merchants, seemingly an ambitious target, to start the proceedings seems possible since the Indian Government by itself is behind the scenes. The most welcome move, is to make use of the Indian Postal Service for delivery, which otherwise is losing business, because of the technological advancements. We all remember how emotional it was, when Telegraph has to shut down operations.

In all, Gemspirations would say that 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' movements are working hard on its initiatives to empower India. Our best wishes for a great success!

Some interesting facts,
-- this is a move to expect 40 crore skilled workforce in India by 2022
-- and to get closer to the $300 billion export target in the fiscal 2015-16

but our questions are,
-- who is going to develop the B2B online portal?
-- who is going to support the technical operations?

Whatever said and asked, let us wait and watch the Indian global power rising.

Source of news: http://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/india-to-likely-to-setup-an-alibaba-like-online-marketplace-for-exports/50167588

Everest 2015 - movie that brought the real life disaster just before us

Movie starts showing a group of experts practicing to climb in the highest peak above sea level, Mt. Everest. And then goes back to the flashback of the same group of people preparing for their expedition from New Zealand. The movie progresses with the sequence of events, in line to the real life expedition of the incident, '1996 Mount Everest Disaster'.

Jason Clarke, the first time I am seeing him, brought Rob Hall to life - meritorious acting, I would say. And the next ones to grab attention are Josh Brolin who imitated Beck Weathers, and Jake who imitated Scott Fisher.

Who is Rob Hall, Beck Weathers and Scott Fisher?

Who knows if Mt. Everest shown in the movie is a set or actual, or a nearest actual, I mean at least a part of the film is shot in the peak, the wonderful making of the film brings the scene of the 1996 expedition, sorry the disaster just before us.

Touching the heart scenes are,

-- when Yasuko hoists the small Japanese flag at the top of the peak

-- when Rob meets, and helps Doug reach the mountain top again

-- the moment Doug slips to death

-- Andy's hallucination to death

-- Rob getting on the phone speaking to his Wife naming his daughter Sarah

-- when Beck arises fighting death

-- the helicopter recovery of Beck

and what so, the entire movie.

Special kudos to the team not for the acting alone, but to make us feel how the actual men of the disaster would have felt those moments. A good movie, and a good watch.

The Shifting Paradigm of Engineering Colleges - Any Job, and not the Right Job

The once renowned Engineering Colleges have already lost its charm. Phrases like, 'Throw a stone, and it falls on an Engineer' are already killing the Engineers, and adding to the vow is this hidden reality, drafted here.

As a long standing wish to help the students, recently I visited an Engineering college in the outskirts of Bangalore, and met the Placements Coordinator. Explained my objective of helping the students, in mentoring them I have explained my plans. I know, if I don't have placements or internships in my agenda, I may not be given the right attention. And expressed my will, to reach out in my circle to help them on internships and placements.

But here are a glimpse of what I have to hear:

'They need a Job, Any Job, if not the Right Job...'

'There is no cream of the class...'

'Support jobs, back office associates, whatever'

'Any stream of engineering, not a problem, they need a job when they get out'

After hearing all these, the only thought in my mind was, then why Engineering degree?

And if this is the condition in Bangalore, what about Tier II cities? Pathetic, aren't they. I backed myself, there is a good reason my mission exists.

Cinema - Let's keep it where it is!

A little too much are the milk abhishekam to posters... And tickets sold in black at 50x times on first day shows...

And worse are the cases, when theatres are stormed and screens are torn because of the 'adrenaline rush' to see the favorite actor's movie 'first day first show', or the frustrations resulting out of no tickets. Still worse are the cases, when public buses are stoned and common men are disturbed of their everyday activities. Not so uncommon, the most recent ones are the incidents near some of the theatres in Tamil Nadu during the screening of the film 'Vedalam'.

Inquiring a theatre owner, she said it is an 'Anbu Thollai', literally meaning 'Love Torture' of the actor's followers, and that nothing can be done by theatre owners. Sometimes, they sought out help of police forces to control the crowd. Nevertheless these incidents still happen.

Theatres in Metro city's malls have a slightly better scene. Probably a different crowd, who too would like to see the movie the same day, but not violently. Oh! the tickets are already at 50x the cost price (lol).

However, Gemspirations as an authentic lover of selective cinemas says it's way of seeing movies is, Watch it, Enjoy it and don't forget to 'forget' it, when you are out!

Hmmm, there cannot be any protocols for feelings, the feel of enjoying movies. But, the moral is - let keep the cinemas where it is, knowing it as an entertainer and not reality - the more safer it is, when kept at a distance!
Courtesy: Free to use pictures from many sources and PicMonkey

Just in case, why Gemspirations wrote this?

Here are some examples of the context,

1. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/actors-fans-chased-away/article7772394.ece
2. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-first-incident-that-caused-fight-rival-between-Tamil-Actor-Vijay-and-Ajith-or-their-fans
3. https://indread.com/17019/violence-pops-up-between-vijay-and-ajith-fans

Fastest Trains coming to India from Japan. Oh! China too.

History of Trains goes a long way in India, from the day British introduced it. It grew as the population grew, to connect Indians from every direction - north, south, west and east, the last being the most toughest with high range mountains around.

When thousands are commuting in this means of transport everyday, the question is, are we ready for the high speed engines - the next leap?

Indian Railways, the biggest employer of our Nation are already in the news to make this happen. The latest in the news is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project at a whooping cost of USD 14.6 billion. China who was earlier quoted as the first one to grab Bullet trains project in India, is now overwhelmed by the Japanese counterpart to win this project over Financial advantages for India (as per talks).

And more on the queue and inspections are the 2,200 KM Chennai - Delhi stretch and the 1200 KM New Delhi - Mumbai stretch.

Whoever brings it, Japan or China, the good news is - let's get ready to travel the bullet speed trains.

Gemspriations assume the biggest challenge is on operating the tracks - call it 'Safer Tracks', irrespective of where in India it is operated, as we always

• hear stories of rushing men crossing the closed tracks and getting hit
• and there are several untold stories of wild animals, elephants, cattle and men unknowingly hit in the rural outskirts
• not the least are the unmanned crossings where school buses, cars and buses are hit 

Looks like a challenge, but let's solve it, and enjoy the speeding trains.

Passion series 2 - Yogic passion - Young

'Yogic' passion

This is a routine stuff - right after we are done with the basic asanas for the day, and are getting ready for the 21 rounds Surya Namaskar, there comes a puzzling question from my Yoga Master Mr.Sathyanarayana, 'vayasu eshtu?' and is answered regularly by the still young and going Mr. Aravindaskshan @ 85 'athnaru', meaning 'just 16'.

Worthy enough to say that he does the most interesting thing that most of us don't do, sorry don't see - the beauty of the rising sun. He sees it, walking up the mist, experiencing the dawn unfolding, into the Yoga corridor at 6 AM almost every single day.

And whenever I see him, my heart asks the intimidating question - will you be this brisk and active at his age? definitely challenging question that I cannot answer consciously today.

But Consciously knowing that there is a possible 'yes', if I can draw passion from the likes of Mr.Aravindaskshan. For now, from him to get up early and be active as he is, everyday. (Take away).

At this age, distinct are some of his traits,

- Can you bend and touch you toes? He can

- Can you squat 10 times non-stop? He can

- Can you walk up-right the cold, without sweaters? He can

Location: AGS Layout Park, Bangalore

Passion series 1 - Running - 'on the track'

'On the Track' passion
Not sure of his age, but not less than 55. And this is not the first time, I saw him doing this - before I start or after I finish, he continues, he still continues on the 400M track, slow and steady.

Just in case you wanted to know him, young by mind, here is how I can describe. Thin, pale, mostly on his brown trousers, a matching sleeveless tops, not a Jersey though, and a very old running shoe with socks. That is all I know about him at a distance.

There are hundreds running on and off the track, but why did he catch my eye. Because, even at a distance, I can presume that he is not running for his health alone, there is something else that is driving him. I think, his passion to run!

If I am seeing him the next time, I am going to ask this question - how can you desist this cruel mind, and stay up with your pace?

For I am still trying, and trying alone. But can't stick on to that steady pace. Anytime, and every time one go past me, the mind says 'run fast, and get him' only to say 'hey I am tired man, slow down' after some time.

For his consistent running, what else is Passion, if his is not!

Location: Railway Grounds, Madurai

Take(n) Away: Slow and Steady - to run long distances

Must not for a best workout

A good post and not a bad idea to spend minutes reading. If time doesn't permit, I bring you the highlights:

http://www.ndtv.com/sites/fitnesschallenge/detailsblog/things-you-should-never-do-before-your-workout-session-778595/?

Must not's for a best workout
1. No too much of Caffeine - Caffeine increases stress hormones, and too much of this may stimulate dehydration. So why take more?

2. No oversleeping or lack of sleep - An hour gap between sleep and gym is advised, for reasons. Hit out, but with 7-8 hours of sleep.

3. No Junk or Heavy foods - Leave 2 hours of break if you had a big meal. Otherwise it may cause nausea.

4. Not with Empty stomach - After all you need to lift weights and you need energy to do that.

So, stay interim, have Boiled eggs, Banana, Nuts, Oats or Skimmed Milk, 30 minutes before working out.

Better avoid fried foods, meat and pulses

5. No stretching - Don't be surprised, it is said in this article that stretching cold muscles can injure it. A bit of Cardio is advised as an alternate.

6. Stressed out, then No! - Yes, the Cortisol levels are going to be higher when stressed and hence better to avoid gym. Resume after you are relaxed.

7. No Painkillers - We know its side effects. Instructor suggests a mild walk for that.

8. No Alchohol - This is for multiple reasons, so no for a best work out to follow.

9. No too much of water - A cup or two, 30 minutes before work out is advisable, nothing more.

Practically, this seems viable as good advice - Me experienced it.

Great Indian Inspirations – DEEPIKA CHOWDHURY

NDTV Good Times has featured her sometime back, and that is when I knew about this wo(w!)men.

While you can learn about her from the link below, the sheer inspiration that I draw out of her is The Transformation.

Know about her @ https://www.facebook.com/deepika.pune

Thanks for the images (courtesy): http://bombshellfitness.com/inspirations/deepika-chowdhury/

So, who is ‘She’?

Ever heard of ‘International Figure Competition’? Nope! that’s fine.

She is the FIRST INDIAN TO WIN INTERNATIONAL FIGURE COMPETITION (BODY BUILDING).

Now, what’s inspiring? The Transformation

The Transformation from a lean skinny body to the fit, firm, and a GREAT looking body, take a look at it!

Now, some excerpts from her conversation on NDTV Good Times.

• -          ‘My first inspiration and motivation is my Husband – My Best Friend – for his motivation and support to get into fitness from a Research Assistant.’
• -          ‘My Body Building inspiration Shannon Dey – an international body building expert’
• -          ‘My desire to prepare myself – working hard for the competition‘
• -          ‘Restrain from excuses on Gym and Diet’
• -          ‘Yes I lost a few friends, but always had some new good ones’

So we got a new celebrity that INDIA needs and is missing in the body building segment. Salute you Ms. Deepika! Your brought home The PRIDE – This too is Women Empowerment.

IELTS Listening – General and Academic

The Skill by itself

If you have asked me 5 years before, I would have said I like to talk a lot. But, its a reverse now – I like to listen a lot. It is only in the last few years that I learnt this - when you hear an experienced talking, you become half experienced, just by listening to the hard earned learnings. Otherwise, you may end up spending ages doing it ourselves and learn – trial and error.

Leaving apart, Tips for Listening - while preparing

Please note that IELTS Listening and Reading are common for both General and Academic.

• Cambridge University IELTS series books 1-9, now also 10, are the ones I have used
• Doing one test in a day proved the best to me. At times one in the morning and one in the evening. But, not more than that.
• Doing 2 at a stretch proved wrong, either as overdoing or devaluing the test.
• I need to hold my excitement most of times, and checked the answers only after all the 40 questions are answered. This teaches patience.
• But I never hesitated from redoing the test again or rewinding the audio for the first few days, until I felt I am comfortable with the way words and numbers are spelt.
• But also made sure that I had at least 5 tests never heard, for a full mock test, before 3 days of the actual test date.
• Each question carries the same mark, and it starts with a slow pace and fast towards the end. So I tried to make most of the first 10 to set the confidence, 20/20 to reinstate confidence, and tried 30/30 and most out of 40.
  Tip: Sometimes answers for questions are available in the starting of the conversation itself. And sometimes there may be long conversations before answers.

Tip for the last 5 tests

• In contrast to the begining stages, I never rewinded conversations when the test is on to check answers, just as to feel like I am taking the actual test.
• But I did so, after the test is done.
• I moved on to the next question, even if one is missed, assuming 'what if a similar situation happens on the test day'.
• Neither, never fast forwarded, because I had time. Always used the time given, it to read the next section.

Choice questions

• When I am given time to read the questions, I used to underline the main words, and the 'not's'
• These are the gateways to trace the answers in the conversation
• Answering the first 3-4 questions correctly always gave me the needed confidence. It is actually a trick - my mind picked up speed automatically for the rest of the questions.
• Nevertheless and importantly, I spent more time on the questions where the answer choices are of long sentences, and less time on less than 3 words choice answers.
  Tip: It is said that answers are stressed in the conversation. It is true to an extent, but not always.
  Tip: BE CAREFUL, I have heard non-matching answers spelt first.
  Tip: BE CAREFUL of the words 'may be', 'must', and 'not' in the choice answers

Seems tough is it? but is actually easy when this is practiced for a couple of tests

Fill up the blanks

• I used to hear the address and phone numbers questions repeatedly, did not hesitate hearing them again and again, until I felt comfortable.
  
• These are the easiest ones to score, but I failed on some in the begining.
• This worked very well for me - while reading through the questions, I have underlined the verbs and or the main words before and next to the blanks.
• Even if I am not understanding the general meaning of the paragraph, waiting for these words in the conversation gave me the answer. Tried this as a sole technique and succeded in some tests.

It somehow was my easist section, and hope for you so.
Maps

• I used to draw the directions, North, South, East and West, soon as I see the Map questions. Yes I know them, but seeing it up front helped me.
  Tip: The conversation most often started from the direction of the entrance. So I used to spot-on the entrance point, and its direction.
  Tip: I used to grasp through the map quickly, and identify the locations by the names given. For example Library, Car park, Kitchen , North Road etc.
  Example 1: In a room map spot-on the rectangle, square, circles, big rooms, small rooms, rooms in the right, rooms in the left, rooms in the far left, next to __________ etc.
  Example 2: For route maps, I used to spot-on the junctions, curves, streets etc.
  Tip: Since it is already scanned for a time in my mind, I could easily spot-on the locations while listening.

Lastly, some Generic points (this time passive)

• 'Read the Heading' for a second

Tip: I have not on occassions where I started filling up the blanks myself, and found answers lying at the end of the paragraph later.

• When it says "answer in not more than two to three words", that is a rule. A word more is even wrong.
• Alternate answers, using“/”, cannot be used at all times
• Move on to the next section when time is given to check the answers. Again, conversations cannot be heard again, and so contemplating on the doubtful answers is not a wise choice. But spending this time to prepare for the next section works.
• Also, the logical answers and Intuitions proved wrong. Attention to the audio is the best choice.
• Last but not least, stay alert, and do no panic.

IELTS tips and techniques - Listening and Reading specially

This time, the inspiration is me, just 'ME'. Targetted a 9 out of 9 in both Listening and Reading in the IELTS General Tests, I got a 8.5 for 9 in Listening and 8 for 9 in Reading, that is 38 right answers on 40, on both. Thanks to all the books I read, and the practice tests I took.

The Writing and Speaking were average scores at 7 and 6.5. Though a good amount of time is spent on Writing, it was only in the last 10 days. Speaking, la! I was over confident, that proved wrong. So no tips here. I need to learn, learn a lot from experts.

So am I qualifed to write a post here. Yes, I guess since this is only my first attempt and I was not trained by professional institutes. Books, listening to experiences from online Videos and the more importantly dedication had brought me the success.

Lastly the aggregate is 7.5 for 9, 0.5 less than my anticipated target. But, its fine, solved my purpose. So, if this excites you, you can read further!

I tried consolidating the learnings and experiences in different posts, for each module is different and has a different tactic. These are my very own experiences which helped me, and it may or may not suite you. So take this with a pinch of salt.

I guess this should help the aspirants to score the needed, if not the highest, in IELTS.

Listening – Read it here.

Reading – Writing one.