My journey with plants

 My journey with plants

Coming from a quaint, small town, border area, Gurdaspur, Punjab, I grew up in the company of lush, vibrant plants and towering trees. Both my grandmother and mother had special and soulful affection towards plants. We had a beautiful, green, thriving kitchen garden that was a source of many vegetables like tender bitter gourds, bottle gourd, lady finger, fragrant curry leaves and medicinal giloy, and the elders of the house took care of them as their children. They were nurtured with unwavering love, adding rich, organic manure from time to time.

 I came to the bustling, fast–paced city of Hyderabad, where space is a crunch for one who wants to pursue gardening as a hobby. Still, the memory of green, serene surroundings around me had a profound impact on my mind, and it lingered on for years until recently, when I dared to think of growing small, little, delicate living creatures- plants in the only tiny balcony that is part of our modern flat. 

Initially, the idea felt flat when it was resisted by the other members of the family as it was the only place in the entire house where they could sit in the open, cool air and look at the colourful, vast, ever changing sky and gossip in the evening and wanted that their needs should be prioritized and preferred that place to not to be occupied by what they saw as intruding living creatures. But, I somehow convinced them and promised them their space would not be encroached by the tiny plants that they thought to be their counterparts. 

Soon, I got a green flag from everyone in the family and started a new journey, a rather beautiful, amazing journey with the plants. I began with the seeds from my kitchen, and a few precious varieties from my neighbour, Ms Geeta, who is very close to my heart, and was happier than I for my prospects, interests and sense of duty towards nature. 

In a few weeks, the plants began to thrive, and now I have a beautiful garden on my balcony. It has given a rhythmic heartbeat to my once concrete home. The plants sway and dance when I pour water on them. I sometimes sing to my plants, and they respond by growing in leaps and bounds. My small garden, a corner, no less than heavenly bliss, is admired by one and all who visit our home.

 Plants are a divine blessing of God. After my long, tiring day’s work, I spend some peaceful time with my plants. They rejuvenate my life and help me uplift my emotions, helping me prepare for the next day’s work. I have now red hibiscus, healing giloy, a few ornamental plants, graceful palm, holy tulsi, evergreen money plant and many more.     

By – 

Ms Anunidhi Sharma

Safar from Chandigarh to Hyderabad

 We had to travel to Hyderabad from Chandigarh. We reserved our railway tickets on the Shatabdi Express three months in advance, anticipating a smooth and comfortable journey. However, it turned out to be a roller coaster ride and a memorable adventure.

From our society, we booked a seven-seater uber cab – a spacious one – with ample legroom and enough space for all five family members: three teenagers and two adults. Each of us had a 15 kg suitcase, a handbag, and one extra, hefty food bag, bursting at the seams. If it had been a person, it would have been pitifully complaining.

We reached the railway station an hour early and waited in the bustling waiting hall. When the train arrived, we all hopped on. The train was scheduled to reach Delhi at 3:25 pm but was over an hour late, arriving at 4:30 pm. After that, we headed to the metro station.

All our luggage – five 15 kg suitcases, five 7 kg bags, two purses, and the heavy food bag – had to be scanned. There was a lot of hustle and bustle, with separate lines for males and females. We bought tickets to Aerocity, Delhi, for Rs. 50 each. Later, we learned we needed to take a shuttle for Rs. 40 each. We purchased the shuttle tickets and trudged to the bus stop with our heavy luggage.

On 28th May, the temperature in Delhi soared to a scorching 52.6 degrees Celsius. The situation was pathetic: only one shuttle bus was available, making round trips to the airport. We stood in the sweltering heat for about half an hour without any shade. Taxi drivers offered to take us for Rs. 100 per head, suggesting we return the bus tickets. It seemed like collusion between the cab drivers and the ticket seller, as it was a government-run shuttle service. Two other buses stood roadside, deemed out of order by the caretaker, leaving just one functioning bus. He suggested we take a taxi if we were in a hurry.

Just as we were losing hope, a bus finally arrived, bringing a sigh of relief. We boarded and reached the airport in 25 minutes. The ride was bumpy, and the driver initially struggled to start the bus.

After rushing through the security check, we finally relaxed upon boarding the plane. Upon reaching our destination, Hyderabad, we collected our luggage, exited the airport at 11:30 pm, booked an Uber, and headed home.

Thus, our long journey, starting at 8:30 am and ending at 1 am, was thrilling, memorable, and filled with incidents that added to our experience.

Comparing Travel Options: Plane vs. Train

"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." - Miriam Beard

Deciding between train and plane travel presents a choice between convenience and cost. While plane tickets can be pricey, booking in advance can mitigate expenses. Yet, in emergencies, the plane becomes a necessity.

Planned journeys offer comfort and ease, especially when flying from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, with a direct flight taking a mere 2 hours and 15 minutes. However, connecting flights may extend travel time to 5 to 10 hours. Advance booking reduces costs, but last-minute travel proves significantly more expensive.

Preparation is key for air travel. Utilizing digital boarding passes streamlines entry, while early arrival ensures smooth check-in. Flexible tickets offer added benefits, including onboard meals and schedule adjustments. However, excessive screen time detracts from the travel experience, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting during vacations.

Despite the added expense, airport amenities, such as lounges, enhance the journey. Yet, the financial burden of plane travel remains a concern, often requiring significant savings.

While train travel is an alternative, it comes with its own challenges. Lengthy journeys necessitate careful planning, especially with small children. Cleanliness and hygiene can be issues, particularly in lower-class compartments.

In the end, travel choices are influenced by financial stability and personal preferences. While everyone earns, the willingness to invest in comfort varies. Ultimately, the decision lies in balancing cost with convenience. 

Must read for successful retail property deals in Hyderabad

 Property in Hyderabad

इन भूलभुलैय्या गलियों में

अपना भी कोई घर होगा

अम्बर पे खुलेगी खिड़की या

खिड़की पे खुला अम्बर होगा

इन भूलभुलैय्या गलियों में

अपना भी कोई घर होगा

Hyderabad is a city that has seen significant growth and development in recent years, particularly in the IT, pharmaceutical, and aeronautical industries. The credit for this progress can be attributed to the efforts of respected leaders such as Chief Minister Mr. KCR and Mr. KTR, who have fostered connections with US clients and other foreign stakeholders, thereby attracting investment and laying a solid foundation for the city's development.

The city's development extends to various sectors, including transportation with the introduction of the metro, the construction of Outer Ring Road (ORR) for improved connectivity, the establishment of flyovers, the promotion of sports, and advancements in the education sector. This overall progress has created numerous job opportunities not only for the people of Telangana but also for individuals from other parts of India.

Hyderabad also embraces its cultural heritage and promotes traditional crafts and handlooms. Shilparamam, a popular destination, regularly invites artisans from across India to showcase their skills and promote traditional art forms.

The city's infrastructure is notable for its world-class buildings constructed using the latest technology. Areas like New City, Kokapet, and the Financial District boast buildings and office spaces with standards comparable to global amenities.

Due to the abundant opportunities available, Hyderabad has become a hub for individuals seeking livelihoods, attracting people not only from various parts of India but also from different corners of the world. The city's reputation as the "city of pearls" adds to its allure, reflecting its historical significance and cultural richness.

Overall, Hyderabad's remarkable growth and development in the past decade have transformed it into a desirable destination for career opportunities and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Top of Form

As more people are coming to the city of dreams, they require accommodation. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention, so many large real estate developers have bought the land and constructed apartments and societies for people and have provided world-class amenities. The name amongst them on the top is – My Home, which has built large societies like – My Home Avatar, My Home Vihanga, My Home Aabhra, and the list goes on. Another very well-known builder is Aparna which has set up its empire in Nallagandla and offered remarkable living spaces to the people under the names - Cyber Zone, Aparna Sarovar, Aparna Cyber Community, and so on. Similarly, other renowned builders are Ramky and Aurobindo who are again adding value to the city with beautiful, impressive layouts and setting up high-tech amenities in the new Hyderabad.

Though there is a remarkable improvement in the standard of living, people are earning five or six figures yet the cost of a 2 BHK apartment and three BHK apartment is in crores, which again is a lifetime EMI for a middle-class person who has children to educate and parents to take care of. If people get financial help from parents then it is fine but if a person has to manage all by himself then he will have to take a loan from a bank and then pay EMIs for ten to twenty years.

Buying a home is not an easy decision so some people prefer to live on rent. However, the rental value of properties near Microsoft, Wipro, Amazon, and other reputable companies on ISB Road is skyrocketing, with prices reaching new heights.

Investing at an early age by planning and organising funds is a must for youngsters. At the age of 22-23, a young person starts working. 25 – 26 years is the right age for marriage. Then, children – the education of children – then taking care of everyday needs – and then taking care of old parents. Eventually, these duties pile up with the growing age and the passage of time. Youngsters have to plan and take proper decisions on these matters. Sometimes the youth of today debate the age of marriage and having kids. But then these days there are many issues of compatibility in marriage then complications in other matters in life. These are the personal decisions of an individual which if checked will lead to many debatable topics.

Here the main agenda is buying a suitable property in a developing city like Hyderabad that seems like solving a maze as there are many options available.        

By  Anunidhi Sharma

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Hyderabad Real Estate?????

"Do deewane is shehar main, aabudaana dhoodte hain, ashiyana dhoondte hain.................."

IT Migrants as they say to the city Hyderabad, struggle with the questions - should we buy a home here? Would I get transferred on completion of this Project? How long will this Project last, what will happen after that? Would the home be in our budget? Would we be able to afford the EMI?

Once we decided that it is better to take a home of our own rather then keep shelling out huge amount of money to the landlord, we started looking out for suitable home for ourselves. The search focused on Gated communities with good builders and where the Project was almost complete or ready for possession.

We started our search by visiting some of the projects in the area surrounding Gachibowli - IT Hub of Hyderabad. We considered and researched many Projects - Aparna Sarovar, Aparna Cyber Commune, Manjeera Diamond Towers, SMR Symphony, NCC Urban, Ramky Towers, Mantri Celestia and some more.

SMR Symphony is having a very prime location and it is within walking distance of Infosys, ISB, Wipro and Microsoft. SMR Symphony is having flats of higher than 1400 S.Ft area and the per S.Ft being demanded is also very high. The builder openly says that the premium cost is due to the location advantage. The cost of the flats available will be a deterent for anyone with a constrained budget.

Aparna Sarovar and Aparna Cyber Commune are located about 8 kms away from Gachibowly IT companies. The total Flat area for these projects is also high and the total cost is going beyond the budget of 30-40 lacs. The are is also isolated at present and commute at odd hours may not be considered very. Being a little away the public transport is also not available.

Some of the other Projects - Ramky Towers, NCC urban, Botanica are having very big sized flats available and the total cost again goes beyond 80-90 lacs which not everyone can afford. Not everyone is having a pay package with which they can afford paying an EMI of upwards of 60,000 per month. The builders are not building smaller sized flats which more IT empoyees can buy. It is not clear who did the market survey and study while designing the Projects and deciding the flat specifications.
There are many disadvantages of a big size flat which will be there once you start living in it as well:

• Difficult to maintain and costlier to maintain. Daily cleaning and upkeep will need lot of time and effort even if you employ a maid.
• EMI to be paid every month will be a large amount.
• Electricity charges for power backup, air conditioning etc will be higher for larger size flat.
• If the EMI amount is so high and keeps on increasing what will happen to the other liabilities - education of kids, grocery expenses, utility bills, Petrol, car maintenance, etc.

It might be possible for rich land owners (olde farmers who owned lot of land), socialities, high flying businessmen, or Hyderabad film celebs to afford such high priced flats not for middle class, slogging everyday, IT employees.

Requirements of middle class people like us are very simple:

• Area of the home can be between 900 to 1200 Sq.Ft.
• Cost of the home is in the range of 30 to 40 lacs.
• The location should be near to the office area ( avoid traffic congestion, reduce petrol expenses, give more time to family).
• Easy EMI payments and easily available home loan.

These NCC Urban, Ramky Towers, Aparna Sarovar, SMR Symphony considered the "WOW" projects are not for medium class people, and are only for rich politicians, Tollywood actors, Sports celebrities, high-flying businessmen, or Business Executives having loads of money.

If we consider that smaller homes are available in other parts of the city like Miyapur, Kukatpally, we still need to consider the factors like - commute times, rising petrol prices. Traffic jams are bad for health and torturous.

We hope that the Real Estate builders/developers take heed of all these points and make more affordable homes near the Gachibowli IT hub and life easier for many folks like us. After all real estate will progress only if it caters to people's needs and makes more and more people happy.