Modiji aa gye hai❣️But will our strategy be right for our children's future?

Congratulations if you wanted him to win. I too wanted him to win and he won. This makes me happy.

Let's recap this election briefly in one or two line. We loved Modiji and wanted him to win. For this we voted anyone and everyone who was contesting on the seat of BJP.  Re look this relevant joke trending on social media:

Political science में पढ़ा  था की सारे MP मिलकर  PM  बना￰ते है। 2019 चुनाव में एक PM ने सारे  MP बनाये।

We adopted this strategy because we badly wanted him not to loose given the great (in numbers only) alliance by opposition.

But in longer run if we continue this strategy, how harmful it would be just think once. 

If you vote in the name of PM, no party would care much for quality of candidate in your constituency. Not saying that all candidate were bad this time but consider what if that becomes the case in future in any of the party. Because parties too have their incentives and they respond according to the incentives only.

If we follow the spirit of constitution then the system set up by constitution is beneficial. Otherwise what is the benefit of getting popular outside of country but you are still facing very basic problems like no 24 hours electricity and broken road in your area. PM will not develop all constituency but only your MP will. And if we follow the spirit of constitution, then only parties will be bound to give tickets to best of the candidates. Thus automatically less and less of criminals. Also by this many new Modi will be born.

Let's keep that in mind and make parties aware for future that the strategy may not work everytime in upcoming elections rather it may turn bad. 

Politics and Economics: Why you - did not vote or should not have voted?

You must have voted. If not you should have if crossed 18 years of life. If you have not voted, what was the reason other than geographical reason? Read this. You may find your soulmate reason. 

There are multiple reasons about why not to vote. What they can be? Let's find out through Economics and general sense:

1. Lack of lalach (incentive): If you are directly getting benefit from Govt then you are incentivized to vote. But that happens with very few special interest groups e.g. If One party declares that tax rates would be brought to 20% instead of 25/30%, than only those falling in that slab rate and who would care about the money saved in taxes will be incentivized to vote. If all parties talk about farmers, only and only farmers, won’t you think that nobody is caring for me, why should I vote? It won’t matter to me then anyway whoever comes to rule. I believe you agree here. Now, stop and think what is the thing that you would be benefitted personally if party B or party C comes to power. Other than very general benefit (If any) (Be rational, not emotional) there is nothing specific which appeal you to go and vote for that party. You may get benefit but that's unseen and thats why equivalent to zero. There is seen-unseen effect working here

2. Rational Ignorance: We should vote. But somehow we all feel somewhere that our single vote is not going to influence an election. We might go for vote anyway but we know that single vote is highly unlikely to affect an election. Therefore since benefit of single vote is so little, it is rational not to incurr cost or spend any money or time on it.

You might say that this theory is wrong.

Okay. Read on.

Did you really spend time on your candidate  whom you voted? Frankly speaking, I didn't know more than his name when I voted this election. (Ye to Modi ji the jinke liye I voted.) We don’t spend too much time understanding process of govt or different policies all parties have or past record of candidate or his nature or his possible concern about you if any. It does not make sense for us to devote time and understand all the things because benefit is too little as one vote is not going to do much. So it is rational for us to be ignorant which is called Rational Ignorance in economics. In fact there is one philosopher, who in one of his book examines the ethics of voting and he makes an argument that it is immoral to vote if you don’t know enough about candidates. If you are ignorant than your vote could do more harm than good and so that is the normative reason to not to vote.

To summarize, You don't know much about the candidate because not cost effective. And because you don't know much, you should not vote to prevent the potential harm.

3. Scale of the impact / Free Rider problem: If electricity goes off in your house, you instantly try to find out what happened or where is the problem. However, if you are told immefiatelt that electricity is off for whole building/society, you will just sit and wait for your TV screen to lit. Note that if you are wrongly informed and in reality electricity problem is at your house only even then you will sit for a long time until frustration/suspicion comes to your mind. This is scale of impact. If everyone is suffering, you would think why should I go (till the time you are not frustrated), let others go and find out.  So similarly until you are frustrated from current govt, you have reason not to vote. This can also be called Free Rider problem/effect.

4. Do the “Ishara”:  This reason only applies when all the option are more or less equally bad. Which for many of Indians is the case in current politics. Now imagine, you are going to the market to choose a car, lets say. You go and very soon find out that they all are of very bad quality and you wont even be able to use them for five years. So whats the point? You will not settle with least worst car (no emergency) instead you will exit from market and wait for better option. Supporting the lesser of two evils is still supporting evil. This way by coming to market and not purchasing anything, you send a signal which is same signal sent from NOTA button in EVM. And even if with experience you know that no car available in market is good enough for you so whats the point of even going there. This way you are sending a signal by low voter turnout. Both signal are important for market and political entrepreneur to bring in new product or new party / candidate in such fractured market place. As a citizen of country it is also our duty to declare that none of representatives are good enough and thus we indirectly appeal to political entrepreneur. 

This was what can be attributed as one of the reason why AAP won the Delhi LA Election in 2015. Mr Kejriwal analysed the gap and gave public third option. And this is the reason that in Rajasthan, Congress and BJP comes in power every alternate 5 years because there is no third option and they are frustrated too. They keep changing between the two only. Can this be a reason why local parties are in power in saouthern states aspeople know how congress and BJP are in center and so keep them away from state? Let me know in comments.

5. Indifferent choice: Now this situation is opposite of above point. Imagine (can imagine only, never a reality in recent future) there are two candidates equally good in all relevant aspects. You are indifferent between them for whom to choose. Now you know that whoever comes, he is going to do good only. What’s the point of electing one of them? Let others decide. I will agree with what they elect. So again, no vote.

6. Misc:

a.    Parties prepare manifestos and makes promises. You see the promises and vote for the ones whose promises appealed to you. But no politician cares about their promises. They may have done other work other than stated in manifesto but not done the promised ones. So whats the point of voting when the base of promise on which you voted is not fulfilled? Let anyone get elected and do whatever he feels like. 

b.   Participation in the system (i.e., voting) implies that the majority knows what’s best for everyone. And when majority's favour is applied to everyone, you can't do anything because you participated in the system and thus agreed to it. Not that not voting will solve this problem but you have a point to make.

So, these are the few reasons I came across, edited and could thought of. I am being just an enthusiast here. Inspiration and some excerpts from Mr Amit Varma in discussion with Mr Pawan Srinath in Pragati Podcast and The Seen Unseen Podcast. 

Even after reading this, let's continue to believe in the concept of Democracy and Vote until we have another proven better mechanism. Reason to vote may be much more than these.

Let me know your views if any or if you have similar interest.

Your Chartered Friend-Part 1 : What exactly to do with your monthly salary?

I came across many incidents where my friends in job from non-commerce background struggle to understand the financial world and terms. So much so that it become a hindrance in taking good and important decision and increases their dependability. 

Fair enough given existing educational system. But never mind, your Chartered friend is at your help.

With this first part of the series, we are going to discuss one topic in one blog. Frequency I will try to keep weekly but won't assure. You know about sundays 😂.

So here we kickoff with first topic: What exactly to do with your monthly salary?

Assuming you have consistent / near consistent monthly income. Now you have three things to consider:

1. Your monthly necessary expenditure (Needs): We are born to pay the bills (and to eat too). Find out how much average amount of money you need for your monthly basic necessary expenditure. I repeat basic necessary expenditure. Ignore Movies, outing and party for a while. Don't forget to include the monthly average of annual charges like pest control / bonus to your maid/ taxes like property tax etc.
This amount is the amount you have to keep in your saving bank account (if credit card is there, even then approximately 75% of the amount, because you are gonna need it next month).

2. Investment (Future Needs): Define your future major needs first. Like expenditure for marriage (no your family won't agree for court marriage+world tour), expenditure for pilgrimage or any other purpose. Your may need money say after 2 years or after 7 years or 20 years or retirement so accordingly choose the investment type where you can liquidate (bring amount in saving account) the invested amount when needed. You can put 60-70% of remaining amount (after point no 1's necessary expenses) in Investments. Important is to keep 5-10% of this investable amount in most liquidate fund (e.g. Flexible Recurring RD) so that it comes handy in emergency.
Investment should mean monthly installment of your SIP, ELSS/ULIP etc. This part of percentage also covers your health insurance and term insurance premium which you have to pay annually. You may (or may not, up-to you) put average monthly amount in flexible bank recurring deposit. (Don't worry, will explain many more such terms/topics in upcoming blogs).

3. Party time (Wants): Now this balance amount that you arrive at is your blanket. And you already have legs eager to roam (Movie, solo/group trips, drinks, party etc). You know what I am going to say. If legs are going out of blanket then either get bigger/another source of blanket or fold your legs.

Btw It's not necessary that you have to spend all remaining amount in party. You can keep a piggy bank at home and inspire your family/future kids to save for bigger party/purpose.

So This is basic Idea of using the salary amount. Some have the rule of 50:30:20 in abovesaid order. You can modify at your discretion but should analyse periodically and  follow the decision.

Any doubt/suggestion/query? Let me know in comments or reach me at raghav.kalyani@hotmail.com.

Next topic would be on types of Insurances and which one and why you must have them. Hit subscribe button or keep checking this source.

Mazboori vala Disclaimer: This is not your personal financial advice. It is just for your knowledge and food for thought and action. Plz consult your financial advisor before taking any decision on the basis of this blog.

Your chartered friend is always at maximum possible help.

My funny vote story and Goddess of Democracy

Goddess of Democracy is blessing me.

I was in Mira road and was to leave for Kandivali to vote by 4.30 pm but somehow Devil of sleep took me in his control (second half was off from office) and the time I woke up, my phone told me it's 5.35pm. Aah, only 25 minutes. I thought-oh let it go..I won't make it on time because It takes 30 minutes atleast to reach there and I would reach only after 6pm.

I was under spell of Devil of sleep and Devil of laziness was helping him. That was the moment Goddess of Democracy took its form and reminded me my own power to vote. She told me I won't be able to curse Govt if I didn't vote. I was thrilled by the only actual power I have. (Though I have many as a God but ssshhhh). I got up and after this quick epic war, decided to vote and thus defeated Devils of sleep and laziness with the help of Goddess of Democracy. (Victory trumpet).

After this war of half-decade, I got up and was out of the building's main gate by 5.39. Thankfully due to powers of Goddess of Democracy, red light was on in front of the building gate and couple of autos were there without passengers. I asked one but as usual you need to keep trying for where you want to be. Asked another and he was ready to take me.

Time 5.39. Google map told that I will reach by 5:58. Waqt - race against time. Thought to vanish half of traffic population in a  snap to reach in time but then inner voice said-shutup! You are good God. Anyways, I told driver to take as fast as he can as I am already late. He said ok. And he actually took it fast. Expected time of arrival changed to 5:57. I was like whoa..I got one more minute of window to use my power. Again soon, Google map changed its expected time of arrival to 5:56. I was amazed. Felt like Mumbai's Superman for a second. I thought it will show ETA as 5:55 soon. But haha..let reality stone come into play. It remained 5:56. Nevertheless he gave me couple of more minutes. Seemed enough for my victory.

Auto dropped me on 5:57 at some distance from booth. I reached in booth by 5:58. Police man told me to hurry up. Almost everyone I asked for the address or room number told me to hurry up. I wanted to tell them that don't worry, I will be the last one to vote and Democracy Goddess won't allow her children (election on duty officers) to take away those EVMs without registering my vote. But then I thought, let them live happily so didn't brag. I voted.

I voted exactly on 6:00pm. Maybe officially one of last voter. I took my mobile and wallet to even EVM. No officer objected. Goddess's hand you see.

Reached home. I noted that ink mark on my finger was tilted. Just like tilted Teeka on forehead is considered lucky, tilted ink mark should mean the same. Another proof that Goddess was with me.

Now I will request God of sleep to defeat evil in me and take me under his control soon. Already under heavy force of God of Laziness. So goodbye now.

सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता! - कहानी निकिता ढौंडियाल की।

एक तरफा संवाद

इस बार मैं थोड़ा जल्दी घर आया। पिछली बार दिसंबर में आया था तब मां और पत्नी से अप्रैल में घर आकर शादी की पहली सालगिरह का जश्न मनाने की इच्छा बताई थी। लेकिन फरवरी में ही आना हो गया। और अब वापिस ना आना होगा ना दुबारा जाना होगा। अब मैं घर पर हूं भी और नहीं भी।

मैं शहीद मेजर विभूति ढौंडियाल हूं । क्षमा करें, मैं उनकी रूह हूं। अब हम अलग हो गए हैं। उनका शरीर जहां मैं गर्व से रहती थी, मेरे सामने पड़ा है।

देख नहीं पा रही मैं ये हालत। मां, निकिता, रिश्तेदार और बाकी सब। सब दुखी हैं। ये देखकर मुझे भी दुःख हो रहा है। मत रोइए प्लीज़।

मां बोल रही थी मेरा शरीर आने से कुछ देर पहले, की उन्हें क्यों सब घर, पड़ोस वाले इधर उधर परेशान से लग रहे हैं। क्या मेरे बेटे की कोई अशुभ खबर है। हे भगवान, मेरे बेटे की रक्षा करना। अभी तो वो दिसंबर में कुछ वक़्त बिता कर, वापिस आने का कह कर गया था। मुझे दिल की बीमारी है, क्या इसीलिए ये सब मुझे आखिरी में बताने वाले है? हे ऊपरवाले, मेरे दिल को तसल्ली दे।

मेरी मां कह रही थी खुद ही में कि उन्हें सबसे आखिर में बतायी गयी उनके बेटे की शहादत की खबर। मां के शब्दों में "मैंने ही इस वीर को जया है, मैंने ही इसमें ये वीरता और साहस भरा है कि ये सेना में भी जा सके, और सब लोग मुझे ही कमजोर मान रहें हैं। माना कि दिल की बीमारी है लेकिन एक जवान की मां का दिल इतना भी कमजोर नहीं होता। खैर ये मेरे प्यार करने वालों का एक तरीका है और गलत भी नहीं है।"
हे मां, कोटि प्रणाम है तुझे तेरे बेटे की तरफ से।

सेना के साथी भी श्रद्धांजलि दे रहें हैं। विश्वास है कि वो भी ऐसी ही शहादत चाहते होंगे एक साधारण मौत की बजाय। नागरिक अपनी जिंदगी असाधारण चाहतें हैं और सेना के जवान अपनी मौत असाधारण चाहतें हैं। अद्भुत! गर्व है।

मेरी पत्नी निकिता कौल ढोंढियाल गुमशुम खड़ी है। मेरे मृत शरीर की तरफ देखे जा रही है। और मैं यानी कि उसके पति की रूह उसे देखे जा रही है। जाने क्या आ रहा होगा उसके मन में।

प्रेमविवाह हुआ था हमारा। पिछली अप्रैल में। वापिस अप्रैल आने वाला है। पहली सालगिरह साथ मनाने का वादा पूरा नहीं कर पाया। अफ़सोस!

मैं उसके दृढ़ व्यक्तित्व का कायल हो गया था। जैसे देखिए जिसके मां बाप को कश्मीरी पंडितो के साथ कश्मीर से अपना घर छोड़ना पड़ा था, जिसने अपना बचपन कश्मीर से दूर, कश्मीर की जन्नत वाली वादियां, वहां के किस्से और मौत वाली दुश्मनी सुनते सुनते बिताया; उसने प्यार करके शादी रचाई तो उसी जवान से जिसको कश्मीर में ही ड्यूटी करनी थी। निकिता, तू कहां कम है मुझसे वीरता में। देश मुझे तो शायद याद रखे तो रखे लेकिन तुझे याद रखे तो बेहतर होगा। तू दुर्गा का ही एक रूप है।

वो मेरे मृत शरीर को बार बार हाथों से चूम रही है। सुन पा रहीं हूं कि वो बार बार कह रही है कि वो मुझसे प्यार करती है। मैं भी तुमसे प्यार करता हूं, काश ऐसा मैं उसे अभी बोल पाता।

वो कुछ बोल रही है मुझे सबके सामने। जरा सुनता हूं।

"मुझे तुम पर गर्व है। लेकिन तुमने मुझसे झूठ बोला कि तुम मुझसे सबसे ज्यादा प्यार करते हो। वास्तव में तुम इस देश को ज्यादा प्यार करते हो। मुझे इस बात से ईर्ष्या है हालांकि मैं ये बता नहीं सकती।"
हालांकि अब मेरी बात उस तक नहीं पहुंच सकती लेकिन हां निकिता, तुमसे बेइंतेहा प्यार है मुझे, लेकिन देश से प्यार के लिए बेइंतेहा शब्द छोटा है। माफ़ करना मैंने तुमसे ये झूठ बोला लेकिन विश्वास है कि यह माफी के काबिल है।

"हम सब आपसे प्यार करते हैं विभू। जिस तरह से आपने हर एक से प्यार किया। आपने अपनी जिंदगी लोगों के लिए कुर्बान कर दी। यहां तक कि जो लोग आपसे कभी मिले भी नहीं, फिर भी तुमने उनके लिए अपनी जिंदगी कुर्बान करने की ठान ली। तुम बहुत बहादुर इंसान हो। और मैं बहुत गौरव महसूस कर रही हूं कि मैं आपकी पत्नी हूं। मैं.. मैं अपनी आखिरी सांस तक तुमसे प्यार करती रहूंगी विभू।"
ये तुम्हारा प्यार ही तो है जिसने ताकत दी है, तुमने जो सहायता दी है, जो समझदारी दिखाई है तभी मुझे देश के लिए जान देने से पहले कुछ सोचना नहीं पड़ा। मेरी कुर्बानी से ज्यादा में तुम्हारी कुर्बानी को देखकर गौरव महसूस करता हूं।

"तुमने मुझे स्थिर और एकाग्र रहने की अहमियत समझाई। मेरी ये जिंदगी तुम्हारी कर्जदार है और मुझे तुम पर बहुत गर्व है। ये तकलीफ़ देता है कि तुम जा रहे हो लेकिन मुझे पता है कि तुम हमेशा मेरे आस पास ही हो और रहोगे। हम फिर मिलेंगे ऐसी किसी दुनिया मे जहां आतंकवाद न हो और तुम्हें ऐसे जान ना गंवानी पड़े।"
और तुमने मुझे कर्तव्य से विमुख नहीं होने दिया कभी। मैं हमेशा तुम्हारे पास ही हूं। देखो ना अभी भी तुम्हारे पास हूं। तुम मुझे सुन नहीं पा रही हो। काश, ये संवाद एक तरफा ना होके दोनों तरफ से हो पाता। अगली दफा जब मिलेंगे तब जरूर ये सब मैं तुम्हें बताऊंगा।

"मैं सभी से ये अनुरोध करती हूं कि वो सहानुभूति रखने की बजाय हिम्मत रखें क्योंकि यह इंसान हम सभी। से बहुत ऊपर अपनी जगह रखता है। आइए ऐसे इंसान को सलामी देते है।
जय हिन्द। जय हिन्द। जय हिन्द।"
धन्य हूं मैं निकिता। जो तुम्हारे जैसी पत्नी मिली है। जो शहादत पर आंसू ना बहा कर जोश बढ़ा रही है। मां को भी तुम पर गर्व होगा। तुमने उनके बेटे की शहादत को अपनी वीरता से और भी सुहाना कर दिया है। दुनिया मुझे सलाम कर रही है लेकिन मेरा सलाम तुझे है।
जय हिन्द! जय हिन्द! जय हिन्द!

---

इस शक्तिशाली और मार्मिक घटना को देखना चाहते हैं तो यहाँ देखें:
विस्तृत:
https://youtu.be/SWkAWjbZsfk

संक्षेप:
https://youtu.be/cUKKU8RJAaI

Breaking Stereotype

Last weekend, I happened to go to my hometown in Rajasthan. I with my family were to attend a marriage function 50km from hometown by bus.

To throw a little light, Rajasthan is one of the state where customs and traditions are followed rigorously and is comparatively much conservative to Mumbai where I work. This time, 4 to 5 experiences made me re-think about it.

When I reached home after the 24hr journey, I found the renovation process of home going on as was told to me on phone. Different was the fact that the whole renovation plan and progress was supervised by my mother. Not father, not grandfather but my mother with help of my grandmother. Wow! I praised her in my thoughts. This is cool! Have seen man doing this work wherever I got to see but here it's different. #Proud.

Anyway, I with my grand parents took off to the function and set in a Govt bus. To my next surprise, once the bus departed, conductor for collecting fare was female. She was easily talking to all kind of passengers and with authority, collecting fare. Super cool! Isn't it? Never thought so. Even in Mumbai, conductor/master is a male at least what I have seen. Thought that Rajasthan has left Mumbai behind in this case in the symbol of equality. And add to it that our fare was given by Grandmother which was usually done by me or Grandfather. Well! Seems breaking stereotype is #betterTogether and you need a little push and support from each other.

Things didn't stop just here. The function we were going to attend was a love marriage with family consent. What broke stereotype was the fact that all arrangements were done by Groom and Bridegroom only. Not the parents but son and daughter. Couple with their friends made it happen anyhow and arranged everything themselves. That means bridegroom's girl-friends were also taking care of guests. Everyone seemed to be Breaking Stereotype. Age and gendor wise. #Wow.

After the function, I also went to my paternal uncle's home with Grandparents. Now this time uncle was the one who broke stereotype. He prepared all dishes and served as well. Aunty was there but she was requested specially to stay in room and talk to us. 90% of the kitchen things were done and managed by uncle. Stereotype broken by both Uncle and Aunt. #Great.

One more thing that I noticed in my comparatively conservative hometown this time. There were daughter in place of son; Wife in place of husband, at some Kirana stores. Man! That's really a kind of progress in thoughts of my hometown. Specially the Agarwal/Maheshwari-Baniya community who have always led the society in terms of upgrading social values and thoughts. #Respect.

From leading renovation at home to collecting fare, from managing a marriage to managing kitchen and shops. Great experience.

I was feeling like what has happened suddenly. I am finding break of stereotypes anywhere I could think little deep. And it was not stereotyped example of breaking stereotype such as big posts like lady Doctor or lady police officer.

Don't think that, things done by a lady or someone 30+ only breaks stereotype. Even you can break it simply by taking the role of sweeper for a minute. Even by celebrating your birthday with orphan kids. Even by helping your house maid or mother/wife regularly at home.

It is the change at right place. At small place and in small terms. Because someone said that take care of small things and bigger things will take care of themselves. Because small is beautiful. Because small makes you great. Because its #BetterTogether.

सेहत और मर्ज

जो सेहत में इतनी दूर आते नहीं थे,
चलो, अब वो मिलने आएंगे।

बीमारी में बात की उसने,
चलो, अच्छा है, इसी में खुश हो जाएंगे।

सेहत कहां आराम देती है शरीर को,
चलो, अब दो पल सुकून के मिल जाएंगे।

कई महीने हुए, पड़ोसी नहीं दिखे,
चलो, अब दफ्तर जाते दिख जाएंगे।

सेहत तो पढ़ने नहीं देती साहिब,
चलो, अब उस किताब के पन्ने पढ़े जाएंगे।

बहुत दिन हुए, घर की दीवारों से गुफ्तगू नहीं हुई,
चलो, अब इत्मीनान से कुछ बतियाते जाएंगे।

घर दीवार के उस कोने में रोगन की जरुरत है,
चलो, अब सब दरारों के दीदार हो जाएंगे।

भागते भागते खाना ही नसीब होता था,
चलो, अब दो बार नाश्ते हो जाएंगे।

ख्वाइश थी कुछ शायरी सुनने की,
चलो अब सब शायर सुने जाएंगे।

अरसे से मन की बातें ना निकली थी,
चलो अब सारे शिकवे मिटते जाएंगे।

काफी वक्त से टैगोर की कहानियां देखनी थी,
चलो अब सब खंगाले जाएंगे।

हर शाम, घर की शाम याद आती थी,
चलो, अब बच्चों को आवाज़ से हम बहल जाएंगे।

उम्दा लिखना था कुछ,
चलो, अब कुछ फसाने लिखे जाएंगे।

मर्ज ही तो है, लग जाने दो,
दुरुस्त होना ही है, हो जाएंगे।

फिर भी, बेहद ख्याल रखिए खुद का,
एक बार चले गए तो वापिस नहीं आ पाएंगे।