I'm a big fan of volunteering and intership concept. I mean to say, everyone from high-school onwards should be given opportunity to do volunteering or internship with any NGO or Govt firm or private biz. All around us there are many biz ( big and small) which can use interns or volunteers to make things easy on their hands.
For example, a person can volunteer at an art studio or support a kudambashree biz or work in a hotel, or a resort, or a Ayurveda centre, at a pet centre, or a pet rescue home, or KSRTC, Village Office, or with Horticultural Society Nishagandi, or with Tourism Dept or work at a help desk in a counselling centre, at a hospice, or work with Agro Industries Centre, or work in a Physical Rehabilitation centre, Blood Bank medical college, RCC, KTDC, MILMA, Fine Arts College, Polytechnic, Industrial estate, a school, old age home, etc.
Well, this post was triggered by a conversation I had with a aquarium shop keeper. Btw, my interest in keep fish tank is at an all time high. I have now, four plastic tubs with fish ( guppies, zebra, mollies and platy). Also, two glass tanks with assorted fish! ( Don't know how to manage all these)
Let's get back to the topic! During the chit-chat with this guy who runs an aquarium shop in our locality, he was said that he gets moina from school kids (live worms) during school vacation. Oh! that's cool. Imagine, how kids are making some pocket money during school summer vacation!
And, with that trigger, let me think about what all options school and college boys and girls have to make some pocket money during vacation time or just an experience working as a volunteer in a biz or govt firm..
1. Get into Paid or Free internship in a Bakery or Cafe
These days many cafes are coming up in Trivandrum. From the latest healthy food ones to other popular food chains, there's always a requirement for people to help in various activities on the biz. So, depending on the time you have and the location, you can ask a restaurant owner for openings.
If you're above 18 you can post on WIT group and ask if anyone can refer a placement in such a biz.
2. Set-up a Lemonade / Curd Milk Stand
If you have similar minded friends, then you all can plan a small road side stand to sell fresh lemonade or Curd Milk or Watermelon juice. Select a location which is close to home and which has potential for adequate biz
3. Make Paper Craft or Paper machie art work
This is for those who are inclined towards art work. Use your holiday time to make art work from waste paper and keep it for sale at art-decor stores.
Sharing - Caring - Giving - Growing
My fav area where I get different kind of thoughts is Medical College, Trivandrum, especially around evening as street lights take over.
The people milling around, rush of buses, screaming siren of ambulance, traffic lights, mute sight of Causality Building of Medical College, vendors squatting by the way side, people with xray in one hand, groundnut seller tapping his metal spoon to attract customers, medical students wearing stethoscope, boys and girls enjoying Peni ice cream, cobbler who sits on the payment, cops coming out of police station, medical store owners looking happy with the sales, broken road inside TRIDA, fruit sellers making a sale, girls in groups buying provision in a store, young people flocking at Malabar Bites, people coming in and out of Jayaram Bakery, Regunath Stores which is stuck in time, thattu kada packed during evening, a lady who sells tender coconut, spirited people coming out of Ruby Arena bar, and all other things around.
Why are we loosing the Caring Part in our Society!
One answer could be this - we are busy, busy meeting ends, busy making new plans, busy taking care of our job, busy with our chores, busy to see more customers and make money, busy with our scheme, busy for the sake of being busy!
Another reason is this - We hardy come together to work on a common project! Remember the earlier years - around 70's and 80's. We formed some groups to get things done. We had to have family members to serve food during wedding and the uncles in the family would come together to make a dish or dessert or halwa. Now, we do it by outsourcing it to a caterer.
Same in the case of shifting the house. These days we hire people ( strangers) for everything. From catering, to shifting house, to repairing a broken thing! We hardly ask a family member about a reference. In some rare cases, we do. But, most of us, we google, we put a query on a FB group, look for recommendation from a friend...
Is there a way out? I don't think so!
There's no turning back. We're more nuclear in our approach. I don't think we can go back to the old life of depending or asking a relative or friend! We go on with our everyday life, depending more on virtual support, paid labour, and we like this way!
How can you try to build more connections?
1. Next time you have a party at home, ask your guests to bring a food they have prepared.
2. Tell your family members to join to make a dish for the wedding! For example, if there's payasam or halwa to be made, then get some 10 or 20 family members to come a day prior to make this dish. It would be a group activity which will be guided by a chef from the family or from outside. This kind of joint activity can be space for relatives to know each other, spend time for one activity.
3. When a person is shifting their house in your family, then form a group to help them out. Probably, you can do couple of trips to shift few things, or help in arranging things.
4. When someone is building a house - visit their house, spend some time with them, help them financially if you have funds or if they require, or give physical support.
5. Plan a one-day outing with your family members ( at least once a year)
6. Make
Here's a post where I'll post all the pics and screenshots from Insta which has triggered my interest. So, instead of just shelving all these great DIY project, I can use this blog post as a repository to put all in one basket.
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| How to Make this Type of Leaf Holder? |
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| Planter with a half portion of Glass Bottle ( Doable project) |
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| Metal stand to hang plants |
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| Magnetic Bookmark project ( Bible theme) |
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| Do you Get Ideas with Such Wall Frame |
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| Planter Idea - Simple Gadget |
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| Lovely! |
Sunday ho ya Monday, roz khao ande” was a public relations campaign by the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) to increase egg consumption in India. The campaign was a success, and the slogan remains relevant today:
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| Vintage Photo |
October is coming to a timely close. As the month ends, I have bills to pay. As my wallet accumulated nothing but change, I decided what came naturally to me! I went out to pledge!
So, before I went to the pawn shop, my mind was thinking - how much will I get for these titbits! Will it cover my dues? A little later inside the shop, the girl said a figure that assumed me! Hello No! So much! I never expected that much! It's a big save!
Well, the story doesn't end that way!
Sometime after, I was sipping lemonade in a shop! I was thinking, well, is that enough. What if I didn't have these dues to be paid. In that case, I would have used the money for something else.
Hey. Did you get the point!
We're greedy buggers! When we have nothing, we pray for something, even meager! But, when we get more, that's not enough!
What a wonderful mind!
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| Sling Bag Collection |
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| Not the Exact Screen Shot. Edited PLOR Label on top. ( I loved the buying experience) |
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| Auto Passenger by the auto rickshaw |
What do you think? Will it work the way i see it.
Curious Konnections
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| Occasional Cleaning of the leaves and waste |
Just saying!
Curious Konnections
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| Hilly Acqua & Kudambashree |
Well, talking about committe, I came across a line on Content Marketing Institute blog and here it goes - My neighbor was a math professor at a college in San Francisco. He once told me: “The longest distance between two points travels through a committee.”
Source; contentmarketinginstitute
Ok, let's not deviate from the main thing I want to share or suggest!
1. Why are most such sites have this word next to their url ( Not Secure)
2. There's a line which says that the - Marketing of 20 Ltr Bottles is done with Kudambashree. I felt it's a good way to form such a network. However, I haven't seen any small pickups carrying these 20 litter around Trivandrum city.
So, here's what I think:
1.Kudambashree team with the help of fianancial support buy electric auto to distribute big and small water bottles around Trivandrum city.
2. Kudambashree members can talk to different companies, apartments, shops, BEVCO Units, Hospitals ( govt and private), party halls and take orders for 20 ltr water. They can distribute water cans by these electric autos. Each auto is ideally managed by two ladies. One lady to drive the auto, and anther person to deliver it customer's doorstep.
3. Currently, they are dealing only with 20 Ltr water jar. I feel, they can distribute packets of 1 ltr bottles (case) and 500 ml. If Hilly Acqua makes ice cubes, then it can be a add-on product which gives more value. ( made by Hilly Acqua at Arivakara unit)
Also, when they say - Hilly Aqua is the safest way to drink pure water., does the website contain pictures or video to support this statement about quality and purity of the water?
3. Make a water vending machine and keep it stocked at Medical College, Thampanoor Bus Stands and other common areas. They can fill it with 500ml and 1 ltr plastic bottles. Also, if they tie up with MILMA, same vending machine can dispense curd milk, or cold coffee ( amul) or similar other products.
4. Provide the contact number of the Kudambashree associate who takes care of taking orders. So, from the website they can get leads.
Curious Konnections
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| Netholi Pickle ( SJ Poultry) |
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| Bills on the Floor |
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| Unkept Floor at BEVCO Outlet |
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| Good Initiative to boost tourism |
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| Creative Person - Power within us! |
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
11. Kerala - Next Door Initiative
12. Nanma ( Taking it forward)
13. Labour Unions in Kerala - Makeover Plan
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.
5. Achar Sale at BEVCO ( 25/10/24)
6. ITI Chakai ( Weekend Programme)
7.
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| Wood Working Courses |
P.S - I would be interested to join for a basic carpentery class where they will teach people how to make a wooden shelf over the weekend or a bird house or a wooden bench to take it to home.What do you think?
Sample pic for reference: 👇
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| Basic Carpentry Course ( Source: Insta) |
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| Astronaut Training for Children NASA |
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| Click Bait Topics on Facebook |
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| About BMW - Spam type posts on Facebook |
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| Pork portions at the shop |
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| Kripa Cold Storage - 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 way they cut the pork, I feel it's fresh than the packed ones. ( Kripa Cold Storage, Ph# 9388269338.
Btw, I have used Swiggy Gine to pick pork from the shop. It saves time. But, I'm not sure about the pork cut. I usually buy pork which has meat and fat in equal portions. However, most shop keepers are always on a hurry mode to listen to our preference. ( What to do?)
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
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| Varkala Black 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.
DJ Nights - Varkala is becoming popular for many DJ nights.
Massages - I wish there were massages on the beach. For now, you can check many of the massage centres on the cliff or in places around this town.
Surf School: Varkala beach is also know for surfing lessons. There are many who teach surfing lessons.
Yoga Classes -
Cliff Walk
Explore Varkala town and surrounding villages
Varkala Surf School Lessons: These surf lessons are for all skill levels, focusing on safety and technique. Experienced instructors guide you through the basics of surfing. Rentals are also available.
Other links with information about surf lessons in Varkala:
1. https://www.pinklungi.com/places-to-learn-surfing-in-varkala/
Yoga Classes in Varkala
1. Rama school of yoga
This yoga school offers 200 hours of Yoga Teachers Training Certification (TTC) that is authorized and approved by international organization, Yoga Alliance.
For details, visit this site: https://ramaschoolofyoga.com/about/
Email: contact@ramaschoolofyoga.com
Phone +91 9746535579
📍 ADDRESS: Beach Side Resort, Near Manthara Temple, Varkala
Ayurvedic Massage Centres in Varkala:
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.
Places to Stay in Varkala North Cliff
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Places to be, Experiences to relish and things to do while in Varkala
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 beach side cafes and bars with live music and vibrant atmospheres.
Places to be and things to do while in Varkala
Places Around Varkala
Papanasam Beach: Known for its spiritual significance as many people visit this beach on Karkidaka Vavu day to perform Bali. Bali, is a Hindu ritual to honor deceased ancestors that is performed in Kerala, India
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!
Which Part of Varkala is Popular? Is it the South Cliff or North Cliff?
If you prefer to be in a beach with less people, then South Cliff is for you. There are few cafes here and few resorts which provides accommodation and stay.
Cafe and Accommodation at South Cliff in Varkala
1. CAFE SARWAA, Varkala
South Cliff Perungulam -
Ph#: 095622 90006
I would say this would be a great place to read a book, work on your laptop, basically good for the creator gigs.
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| Walk on the cliff path |
What are the activities at Varkala?
1. Dream Catcher Workshop
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| Make dream Catcher in this workshop at Varkala |
Yoga, 
Surfing Sip & Paint Workshop
Sunrise Island Picnics 
Relaxing Healing Massage This is just a random post after I wrote the post about Vfive apartments in Kumarapuram. What if I'm able to find out or make a list of all apartments ( big and small) in Trivandrum. Probably, such a list might be useful for a potential home buyers.
Also, I can use this list to promote one of my services, which is to create apartment walk-through videos!
