Monday 21 October 2024

Creative Person in Us!

 

Creative Person - Power within us!

We're all creative! Somehow, we loose that creative skill in our daily pursuit- the skill to connect the seemingly unconnected. 

It was a aha moment when I saw this quote. I just wonder why someone is far good in finding random connections and using that connection to start a biz, solve a problem, make our community better or improve their life, etc. 

So, what triggers us to make random connections! Is it a bolt in the sky type of thought, or is it something which comes with introspection? 

I'm not sure. As of me, I sometimes get into the mode of making random connection based on what I know, based on my experiences or things I have seen. 

One way to increase this skill is to meet people, be in different places and situations, find how one connects with the unrelated one, and so on. 

So, how to use this creative skill to make a living? Is there any value for being creative? How to monetize this skill? 


That's what I'm trying to connect!

Curious Konnections


P. S - I started this blog by around may end of 2024. The traffic to this site is best said as dismal. Yet,that's not stopping me from sharing, finding that connection, and again sharing. And, today, I just scrolled around to see the number of posts which has zero traffic. I counted till 41 posts and I stopped with that. Damn! I feel most posts I had written has any visits so far. Just lonely posts! 

However, that's not stopping me from sharing pics, sharing thoughts and quotes! Hope is a magical word!


P.S.S - These two posts are written out just from straight connections. One is the post about our ITI institutes starting weekend classes, Diwali Padakam License ( Single Window Clearance) and is about ISRO Young Scientist program.  

And, there are few other posts, which are written based on random connections. Here are few of them.

1. Rosa Mystica ( Church Related Suggestion)  

2. Connecting Local Service Providers  

3. Avilose Podi Vending Machine  

4. Bougainvillea Fest  

5. GPS in KSRTC - ഒറ്റമൂലി. 

6. E-district AI Automation  

7. FB Page for Every KSEB Sub Station  

8. Traffic Sargent 👮‍♀️ Required at Kumarapuram 

9. Situational Awareness in Cars  

10. NANMA - Kerala Brand 

Sunday 20 October 2024

Kerala Biz Ideas and Keralam Govt Initiatives

 As I write more about Kerala, a state I'm more familiar with, I think, I need a separate post to collate all the ideas under one roof. So, here goes all the hacks, suggestions, and ideas. 



Kerala Biz Initiatives 











Suggestions on various Kerala Govt Agencies, Departments 


1. E-district Makeover with AI 

   The plan of this post is to introduce AI in edistrict portal so that it can process application in an automatic way and reduce the backlogs. Moreover, it will reduce human errors, and fasten the application process. 

2. K-Nanma ( Govt Helpline)

    This plan is based on the similar poverty helpline in US ( 211). So, this could be used by the central govt and by state government which provides a 24/7 helpline to call for any needs of the public. 


3. BEVCO - Customer Friendly Biz Outlet Initiative

  Can we expect BEVCO to do differently that the way it's run now. How can we make booze available to citizens in a better and organized way. This post is about the areas of improvement. Well, there are many things done 

4. NANMA - Can we make a profound impact

 Recently Kerala govt introduced a quality standard initiative called NANMA. The plan looked good in paper and I hope it does the intendend objective. Perhaps, it could be made even better with these ideas. 

ITI Wood Working Courses for Public

 

Wood Working Courses

Today is  21/10/24. I'm just wishing everyone a beautiful week ahead! Hopefully, we all get to experience, new things, try out new gigs, meet with new people or donate something to someone who is in need! 

When I opened facebook, this pic caught my attention. It's a pic of a wood working course by a technical college in US. While I saw this pic, I was thinking of many ITI, Vocational Schools, and Polytechnics spread around Kerala. 

Of the many ITI, I know one in Chakai, Central Polytechnic at Vattoorkavu and Women's Polytechic at Kaimanam.

So, here's the plan to make these institutions open to public for short term courses ( weekend)

1. Start a separate Facebook and Instagram account to promote such courses and re-brand these institutions. 

2. Provide short term courses ( wood working class or basic welding class, basic car repair class or basic astronomy class, graphic design class, embroidery classes, pottery classes, gardening class, class on how to grow mushroom, pickle making, squash, bakery classes, hospitality training, nail art, crochet work, AI, Workshop on how to use ChatGPT, Robotics workshop and race, Anime drawing, How to do doddling, etc)

3. Either make use of the existing faculty or hire experts from outside. If existing faculty is used, then provide a decent allowance based on the number of enrollments. 

4. Create captivating visuals of the workshop and promote it using influences 


What's the Objective:


1. Make these institutions relevant in this era. We all know that the popularity of these training institutes has gone down. Such short term lessons in their premises is a way to monetize this space, provide training to public, and also income for many other staff who assist this program. 

But, who will Take the Initiative 

To make such activities work, it should be headed by a person who can create a good marketing plan and also bring right talent. Also, the lessons or courses selected must be relevant to the people. For example, the right branding of this programme is required. It requires a different mindset - different from the way govt programs work. 

Whom So Ever Concern! ( Letter to Technical Director)

What if I mail a copy of this post and send as a suggestion to the Director or Technical Education or the Minister who takes care of Technical Education or Vocational Training in Kerala? Will that be received in the good light or will it be dismissed for some reasons). 

Probably, they would say that we have such courses. But, what I'm saying is in a complete rebranding of ITI or Polytechic. Also, such programs should be headed by a separate mentor, not the Principal of the concerned institution. 

What do you say?

Curious Konnections


P.S - I would be interested to join for a wood working class where they will teach people how to make a wooden shelf over the weekend. 

Astronaut Training for Children in NASA

Astronaut Training for Children NASA


A news clip carried a story of a girl who became a pilot. And, the experiences which gave her the flight of imagination to become a pilot. It's the story of the Maitreyee piloted a flight which was facing a technical snag and managed to land safely on the ground with 141 passengers to Trichy. 

In the article, there was the mention of astronaut training for children by NASA. On reading this, I was wondering if ISRO has similar program. 

While searched online, I found couple of activities and training conducted by ISRO. One such programe is YUva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA)  or "Young Scientist Programme"by ISRO. One more thing I wish to know is how similar are the training given by NASA and ISRO, which can ignite the imagination of young minds! 

Do ISRO benchmark their training for young people with the similar other astronaut related agencies? Do they contact attendees to know what they experienced and try to add to their training programme. 


Just thinking!


Curious Konnections 
 

Saturday 19 October 2024

Attn Facebook Gatekeepers! New Kind of Spam Posts on my Facebook Wall

 

Click Bait Topics on Facebook 

About BMW - Spam type posts on Facebook

These days I'm noticing this kind of posts which keeps appearing on my facebook wall. These posts are no use to me, so I need clicking the option - Hide all Poss from __   . At first I thought I won. But, the more I hide the posts from my feeds, more are appearing with similar format. The tell tale signs of the posts are the numberd posts. Often the headline reads as Ten Unknown Facts About #BMW. 

Also, if such posts are appearing in my fb feeds, then the chances are that it will appear for you! 

Suggestion to Facebook!

So, if any of the Facebook staff, gatekeepers reads this post, then pls do something about it. Either, you can tweak your internal algorithm to catch such types of posts like "Ten Facts about...." as a potential spam. To support this, if a fb user clicks to hide the posts from a person, then it's an added confirmation about it. 

Let's try to make things easy!

Curious Konnections 


Pork Shop at Nalanchira , Trivandrum

Pork portions at the shop

 
Pork Shop at Nalanchira

Earlier, I used to buy pork from Premier Cold Storage, Medical College, Tvm. At that time, I used to buy packeted pork bits by MPI. 

Lately, I buy pork from Nalanchira. Though, I'm not that happy with the pork cuts, I feel it's more fresh than the packed ones. 

What kind of pork recipes do you make at home?

My wifey makes pork vindaloo and pork pepper roast. Both are good in its own way. Now, I wish she makes pork spare ribs ( grilled). I think, the last time I have pork ribs was at Koshy's Bangalore.

So, what's your fav pork curry? 
Have you tried Pandi curry, Coorgi style? 


Curious Konnections 


Other shops selling pork in Trivandrum:

1. Shop at Spenser's Jn 

List of Tourist Activities in Varkala Beach

 With more tourists visiting Varkala beach, I feel I should create a blog post which lists out the main activities which tourists can enjoy in this cliff beach. 

For me to reach Varkala is a 45 minute train from Trivandrum. But, there are many who reach this beach from far off distance. So, this blog post is for such travellers and those who think can use the information on this post to make your holidays memorable. 

First of all, I'll tell you what I do when I visit Varkala. For both of us, Varkala is a short distance trip. And, we usually end up only in one activity, ie to have food from one of the beach view restaurants like ABBA or 

Sometimes, I walk down the cliff road to settle for a beer at Black Beach Resort! The view from this beach side restaurant is cool. And, if lucky, there are hot ones on the beach. 


Tourist Activities in Varkala Beach

Relax on the Beach: Enjoy sunbathing and swimming on the beautiful sandy shores.

Water Sports: Engage in activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Surf School:

Varkala Surf School Lessons: Offers lessons for all skill levels, focusing on safety and technique. Experienced instructors guide you through the basics of surfing. Rentals are also available.

  1. Surf N Sea -Surf school & Hostel 
    Thiruvambadi Rd, near varkala aquarium, Varkala, Ph# 097467 76690

  2. MOANA SURF CLUB ( Website : https://moanasurfschool.in/)

  3. Moon Waves Surf School ( Visit this website for details of surfing lessons, Near Kunnuvila Temple, North Cliff, Varkala |  Mob: +91 90489 32625

  4. RUASTA SURF SCHOOL

  5. Elixir Surf School

  6. PADDLE CULT SURF SCHOOL

  7. MAHALO SURF, VARKALA

  8. Soul & Surf Kerala

  9. Baywatch Surf School Varkala

  10. Tropical sunset school of surf

  11. Copa cabana

  12. Hope Surf School, Varkala

  13. surfonasup

  14. Surf Turf Varkala

  15. POINT BREAK VARKALA

  16. Saltybaba SurfShack

  17. Kuma Surfs

  18. House of Surf by Tripright

  19. Goofy Foot Surf Shack

     21. Mahalo Surf Varkala ( Insta Profile) ☎️: 7559026853, 6235353094

Ayurvedic Massage Centres:

Kerala Ayurveda and Wellness Centre: Offers traditional Ayurvedic massages and treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Jiva Ayurveda: Provides personalized wellness therapies focusing on relaxation and healing.

Cliff Walks: Stroll along the scenic cliffs with breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.


Visit Janardhana Swami Temple: An ancient temple known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.


Explore Anjengo Fort: A historical site with stunning views, ideal for photography and history enthusiasts.


Shopping: Browse local handicrafts, sound bowl, souvenirs, and clothing at nearby shops and markets.


Yoga Classes: Join yoga sessions on the beach or at local studios for relaxation and wellness.


Nightlife: Enjoy beachside cafes and bars with live music and vibrant atmospheres.


Places Around Varkala

Papanasam Beach: Known for its spiritual significance and scenic beauty.

Kappil Beach: A quieter beach with picturesque views and a peaceful ambiance.

Sivagiri Mutt: A renowned pilgrimage center with historical importance.

Ponnumthuruthu Island: A serene island perfect for a day trip, accessible by boat.

Muthappan Temple: A traditional temple showcasing local culture and rituals.

These activities and nearby places make Varkala a vibrant destination for tourists!