Wednesday 29 April 2009

The White Tiger is beautiful!

i just finished reading the book - The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga.

i borrowed it from Sonal who had got it from somebody else. She wanted it back quickly 'cos she had to return it to the original source. And so, i stalled reading Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie and began reading it with an intention to finish it quickly.

There was no need to, as is it is just too unputdownable. Line after line, word after word, the book smoothly takes you into its snug, gripping fold.

It is a story of two disparate worlds that exist side-by-side, sometimes hand-in-hand in the society. A smart kid belonging to the lower strata of the society sees the world of excesses (partially) through his boss's eyes.

The world of excesses is duly filled with extremities of corruption, plastic relationships, cruelty and what not. Of course, the plot is set in Gurgaon and Delhi, which exemplifies it even better.

It surprises me and also startles me to see, how the blue-collared guys are treated like goods when they are human beings with flesh, blood, feelings and emotions. And how these poor guys go on living with crushed souls and battered hearts.

The story travels through the journey of this poor guy and how ultimately he shakes off his martyrdom status and gives a fitting reply to his boss.

All in all, it is a story with a practical and strong heart.
A worthwhile win, an even worthy read.

Tuesday 28 April 2009

Super exciting is what?

There have been many things happening here.

Like -
1. Superb birthday celebrations this year
2. A long list of gifts, the best being iPod Nano 16 GB (dhin ka chika dhinka)
3. Even grander b'day celebrations for J
4. Even bigger gifts for her (am excited about her gifts ;))
5. Am taking part in a wall design for Indigo Cafeteria
6. Underdogs is the name of the team and we are a bunch of underdogs, but strong-headed, nevertheless and with fire in the belly
7. Attended the Indigo party (not too happening)
8. Eating mangoes, yummy

But still, its not exciting enough.....

Thursday 9 April 2009

Small shop owners are getting smart & how!

Sonal, my office friend, was reading a book - The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga, with deep interest. i was curious, 'cos i've never seen her so engrossed in book reading. So, i asked her about it and what she said was an insight.

She had gone to an apparel shop across the road. The shop is called 'Flirt & Flaunt'. She found the stuff interesting and bought a few things. What the shop owner did is the actual surprise. This smart fellow gave her this book saying, "This is a nice book. You can read it and then return it after a month or so." Without any friendship or acquaintanceship, he lent Sonal the book.

What a strategy!

If nothing, Sonal will at least enter the shop one more time. She may buy stuff, she may not buy, that's her choice. But just think about the way this guy capitalised on the first visit of a customer.

i think it's great. i've been to the shop. The stuff there is not all that great. But the smart intelligence-in-use floored me. As a book aficionado and a clothes lover, i think the combination is fantastic. i am sure it'll bring them great results. Regards the stuff found there, i think it can get better. And someday, i too will find something nice to buy from there.

This shop is located in the vicinity of Phoenix Mills compound with giants like Pantaloons, Lifestyle, Biba and the likes enjoying the major share of market.

i think that's the spirit of surviving and thriving in the face of tall competition.