Say "No" when you find it is taxing

 You have every right to say "no" when you find yourself in circumstances where you feel new to a place and others, including your colleagues, are trying to assert superiority by imposing tasks on you without involving your higher-ups. Sometimes, people may exploit someone's kindness, expecting them to always be available to help without reciprocating. However, it's essential to be vigilant and assess whether the relationship is mutually beneficial or if you're being taken advantage of. It's okay to assert your boundaries and say "no" if someone is encroaching on your personal space, well-being, or emotional equilibrium.

But then another question arises: how do you say "no"?

In India, if we work in an organization, people tend to be very egoistic and headstrong. Whether they are rich or poor, maintaining high or low standards, ego or self-esteem is easily affected. Ego is like ice cream that melts when exposed to warmth. It needs to be kept cool, just like a refrigerator. Here, "refrigerator" refers to flattering the person and aligning with their interests, while "warm temperature" refers to your refusal.

However, one should realize that their own dignity should not be compromised when someone unnecessarily pressures them to complete a task that feels imposed and beyond their responsibilities.

From your side, politely decline the task if you feel overwhelmed and believe that too much has already been assigned to you, and your supervisor or higher-up is not justifying it.

Otherwise, once you accept irrelevant tasks or overburden yourself, it simply implies that they've found a hardworking donkey who will comply with their orders whenever they wish. So, set your boundaries and lead a peaceful life. "Live and let live" should be the motto of every human being, but these days, it is rarely observed.

Exploring Sector 34 in Chandigarh

 Exploring Sector 34 in Chandigarh

Ram Chat Bhandar serves exceptionally delicious pani puri for just Rs 60, with seven tantalizing tastes of pani (water). All the flavors are delectable. Another type of chaat being sold there is Tikki, served traditionally in a rustic bowl made of leaves and topped with freshly grated carrots and radish. It features a generous spread of diverse varieties of chutneys.

Then there's another bustling outlet, Wah ji wah, where an array of different Chaap dishes are served. All are sumptuously vegetarian chaap, with crowds of people eagerly swarming around, eagerly seeking tables and chairs. Most of them are consistently filled, necessitating a potential wait for seating. I particularly enjoyed the WFC chaap. We then indulged in another fabulous chaap dish that was served with a choice of either tandoori roti or rumali roti. They accompany it with chutney and onions as sides. Different varieties of chutneys – including mayonnaise chutney, green-curd chutney, and zesty chilli sauce chutneys – are served to complement the dish. The rush is palpable, with people keen on spending their weekends in Sector 34, relishing every bite. Additionally, diverse clothing markets attract crowds seeking inexpensive and uniquely fashionable attire.

It's truly delightful to spend leisurely evenings on weekends with beloved family members and guests amidst such culinary delights.

                                 

Ruh – Urban Heritage Festival Mela, Chandigarh Sector 17

 Ruh – Urban Heritage Festival Mela, Chandigarh Sector 17

Ruh – Festival Mela , held at Parade Ground Sector 17, was a splendid event organized by the Chandigarh government. One could behold a plethora of shops representing different states across India, along with stalls from exotic locales like Telangana, Orissa, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Thailand, and Bangladesh.

The Mela was adorned with numerous stalls showcasing pottery items for decoration and storage, as well as charming displays of artificial flowers that captured the attention of many visitors. Amidst the bustling atmosphere, food enthusiasts were treated to an array of delights including potato twisters, fruit ice cream, Rajasthani thali, jalebi, and chat, along with Bihar’s culinary specialties, all of which were savored by attendees.

With an entry ticket priced at Rs 50, accessible to all, the Mela attracted people of various age groups who gathered to relish the diverse tastes and traditions from different parts of India. Notably, the pure cotton bedsheets were not only remarkably cheap but also of exceptional quality, enticing visitors to make purchases. Additionally, the assortment of pickles, handloom-silk suit pieces, colorful dupattas, and saris added to the charm of the event.

Although Rajasthani laakh bangles were crafted before the spectators, they were deemed slightly expensive at Rs 300 for a single bangle. However, eager buyers engaged in bargaining and eventually acquired their desired items. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by a captivating live performance by award-winning singers, as attendees reveled in the pleasant weather while sipping on piping hot cups of tandoori chai.

While a few stalls from Mumbai showcased suit materials, Phulkaris, and Punjabi juttis, they were noted to be slightly pricier. Many visitors engaged in leisurely window shopping, while others indulged in substantial purchases, acquiring bags of goods including carpets, sculptures, and paintings for home decoration.

Attending the Ruh – Urban Heritage Festival Mela proved to be a delightful experience, allowing participants to unwind and immerse themselves in a tranquil yet culturally vibrant environment.

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. 

Internshala - platform to learn and upgrade your skills

 Internshala is an excellent platform for updating skills, knowledge aptitude, and attitude(KSA). There are a variety of courses available to choose from and you can select based on your liking to enhance your skill set as an individual. It features a few career-oriented courses like HR Management that come with a job guarantee. Students who are studying in college can apply for internships and gain useful on-the-job experience and learning.  The platform provides them with a platform from where they can study, gain experience, and earn at the same time.

Human Resources (HR) management course is a 3 – 4 month course with four modules. Each module strengthens the candidate's conceptual knowledge, base, and foundation in Human Resources Management. The staff at Internshala are highly engaged and from time to time they conduct doubt doubt-clearing sessions, and lectures about different modules covering important topics are explained. If you miss the lecture, they share the recorded videos, which can be viewed whenever the student has time.

The first two modules have concepts from core HR management. The third module is about Excel training. The fourth module deals with communication skills. There are multiple quizzes and assessments throughout the course and in the end, there is a viva for 100 marks. I have completed the course and I am waiting for the next steps in my journey for job search.

In case you need clarity on any details of the course you may write to:

pgc@internshala.com

tanu@internshala.com

Pros

• It is a self-driven course.
• You becomefocused.
• Check your inbox regularly for updates of classes by Internshala.
•  Many practice questions.
•  Sufficient material.
•   Job-guaranteed course
•  Tests are given after every module or section with Real time - based problems in between the course. 

 

Cons

• Sometimes you lose track as this is a self-driven course
• If you have any confusion in the course, you write to pgc@internshala.com, and expect some delays in response.
• After completion of the course, there is a challenge in terms of when you can give the Viva as slots are available during limited times of the day.