akweb

Author: ashokkarania

  • Excellent Movie – The Kite Runner

    The Kite Runner is one of the best movies of the recent times. It is based on Khalid Hosseini’s best-seller. The Marc Forster directed movie is all about second chances in the life. The film’s tagline says – There is a way to be good again !

    The movie is about friendship and betrayal but it also touches upon the relation between father and his son.

    The protagonist is a novliest Amir, who gets a chance at redemption from guilt which has weighed him down since the time as a child he witnessed silently the brutal rape of his best friend Hassan. The path to contrition involves confrontation with the mighty Talibans who have taken over Afganistan and securing freedom of Hassan’s son Sohrab from the clutches of Taliban. Incidentally, Sohrab is also sexually tortured by Taliban.

    The movie is full of moving scenes including Sohrab’s escape from the hotel and the talk thereafter. The last scene of the movie is touching as well. Whe Amir offers to run the kote for Sohrab by echoing Hassan’s words, ‘For you, a thousand times over’, it purges him of pent-up guilt and signifies the sense of atonement that permeates the story.

    Go watch. This is cinema at its best !

    Check the wonderful site of the movie – http://www.kiterunnermovie.com/

  • Opinion Online is Live !

    Opinion launches its digital avataar ! Opinion, the leading Gujarati Thought Journal, unveiled its digital avataar on April 18, 2009. The digital version will ignite the readers with its provoking articles and analysis. Visit the site at www.opinionmagazine.net


    picture-7

    Opinion is a serious Gujarati monthly magazine published from London for the last 14 years. Opinion has earned a respectable place in Gujarati journalism for its views, commentaries, articles and literary contributions. The magazine covers all aspects of life, but is focused essentially on literary and cultural affairs of India, especially Gujarat, and those of the Gujarati Diaspora in the U.K. It is a must-read magazine to those who want to follow the developments in the related fields in Gujarat and U.K. Its issues contain some very useful and original material about Indian Diaspora in East Africa and the U.K. Following some basic principles reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi — its title derives from ‘Indian Opinion’, the journal that Mahatma Gandhi edited in South Africa –, Opinion follows committed and independent line of thinking and action. As a matter of principle, it has never accepted any advertisements to earn its revenue :  its only revenue source is its readers’ subscriptions and contributions.

    Opinion was born with a planned end date. However, recently, when the conclusion of Opinion Magazine as per the original vision was informed to readers, the Opinion office was inundated with requests to reconsider the decision. Opinion had touched people and shaped views beyond imagination. The original vision could not be compromised. At the same time, feedback and views of readers could not be disregarded. Finally, it was decided to arrive at a win-win idea – Digital Version of Opinion.

    Opinion Online marches ahead with the strong flag of Opinion. It will continue to showcase the best of contemporary diasporic literature. It will also highlight the glimpses of diasporic culture, language and history. An interesting feature is the profile section where the stalwarts and hidden stars are brought closer to the reader. Opinion Online is also a treasure house of contemporary diasporic literature. Opinion is a subject of M Phil and other research level studies. Now, all the editions of printed Opinion can be accessed from the site. Opinion is a witness to the changing times and the publication is rich source of information for academicians, researchers and lovers of diaspora.

    Opinion Online is a interactive website. Readers can write back, rate the articles and give feedback. The site has planned other enhancements including Live Chat with noted authors, polls, cartoons etc.

    Check it out !

  • Gujarati Google Receives Media Acclaim!

    Bhagwadgomandal.com is making news ! Our latest endeavor for Gujarati language has met an overwhelming response from users. Friends from media have appreciated the work and given it a generous coverage. Times of India called Bhagwadgomandal – The Gujarati Google. We are elated and inspired work on new ideas.

    Read Complete Media Coverage Here

    jay_5273

    Gujaratilexicon presented Bhagwadgomandal.com is a unique project designed to reflect the dynamism and spirit of the Gujarati language.

    Key Features:
    • Comprehensive, Scientific and Rich Treasure of Gujarati Language – 2.81 lakh words, 8.22 lakh meanings, 9200 pages now available at a single click
    • Developed in the interest of the Gujarati community – India & Abroad
    • Free service for enthusiasts of the Gujarati language
    • Original Animated and Digital Form on Internet & CD
    • Attractive & Friendly User Interface
    • Fully Unicode
    • Sharing – Email, Print, Social Networking
    • Top Searches , Related Search, Pictures, Linkages with GL
    • Free
    • Completed In Record Time

    Bhagwadgomandal is a cultural milestone of the Gujarati language. It is the result of 26 years of religious scrutinizing and researching the rich vocabulary of the Gujarati language by Maharaja Bhagwadsinhji who played a pivotal role in promoting the Gujarati language at a global level. Now with the launch of Bhagwadgomandal.com, it would surely be an exhilarating experience for admirers of the Gujarati language.

    The Bhagwadgomandal is not just an extensive Gujarati dictionary but a powerful encyclopedia which run into 9 volumes. Its digitization to Bhagwadgomandal.com offers a free service; giving people access to 2.81 lakh words, 8.22 lakh meanings, 9200 pages at the click of a button backed by comprehensive rationale and pictorial representation for the same. The website is designed to reflect the dynamism and spirit of the Gujarati language and was completed in a record time of less than a year.

    The Bhagwadgomandal.com is a social cause aiming to preserve the richness of the Bhagwadgomandal which is an indispensable resource for connoisseurs and lovers of the Gujarati language. While countries like China, Myanmar take extensive initiatives to preserve their linguistic tradition this is the first ever initiative of its kind by any State of India.

    Shri Ratilal Chandaria, founder of Gujaratilexicon, wishes to promote the use of the Gujarati language so that it does not go extinct. By digitizing the Bhagwadgomandal, the aim is to extend its appeal to today’s generation. Furthermore there is a huge segment of the Gujarati population that lives abroad. This initiative will enable Gujaratis living abroad to keep in touch with their roots and help understand and learn the language better. The authenticity of the Bhagwadgomandal.com can be attributed to the fact that it has been edited and checked by renowned literary personality, Dr. Kirtida Shah, Bhasha Bhavan, Gujarat University. Bhagwadgomandal is a good addition to Gujaratilexicon, which now has resources of nearly 35 lakh words and more than two million unique visitors

    Bhagwadgomandal project is an prime example of our vision – blending contemporary world-class technologies with richness of Gujarati language for preserving and promoting Gujarati. Bhagwadgomandal.com enables every person to access the rich treasure of knowledge in quick and easy manner. The user can explore the detailed description of word with meaning, idioms, proverbs and even pictorial representation. The user can also email, print or share the knowledge of words with friends over social sites like Facebook etc. The user also has the option to view the original form of Bhagwadgomandal in animated form.

    However, this is just the beginning; we have a long way to go. We desire to fill in the gaps by providing more online resources to catch the fancies of younger generation. We aspire to continue the pioneering work in Gujarati Technology domain by working on areas like Universal Gujarati Font Converter, eChappu, Lok Kosh and Digitization of Classical Works. All these are revolutionary ideas for Gujarati language. They are empowering democratic tools for people to create, contribute and distribute online content.

    About Gujaratilexicon:
    GujaratiLexicon is the The Most Comprehensive Online Gujarati Language Resource GujaratiLexicon is a landmark work in the history of Gujarati language containing resources of more than 25 lakh words. It aims to preserve, popularize and develop Gujarati language through the power of information technology. Lovers of Gujarati language can develop vocabulary, enjoy literature, read exclusive literature and join our mission through GujaratiLexicon.com.

    GujaratiLexicon is a small attempt in contemporizing Gujarati and developing Gujarati Language Resources. It is the first comprehensive Indian language resource kit on the Internet. GujaratiLexicon.com project is the result of undying passion and relentless vision of 84 year young Shri R P Chandaria, who has spent two decades to prepare this lexicon.

    About Magnet Technologies:
    Magnet Technologies is a software application development company with specialist skills in rich internet applications, iPhone development, open source technologies and localization. Magnet is a 10 year young software development company based in India. They have a strong team of 100 professionals spread across two development centers. Magnet has clients in USA, Australia and Europe.

    Magnet Technologies is celebrating 10 years of its existence in 2009. The defining decade has seen Magnet championing the cause of Open Source Technologies, introducing and commercializing PHP, FLEX, AIR Technologies in India, innovating ideas like Glancer, MainBhiBookie and most importantly, enabling customers to excel with powerful software applications for their business needs. Magnet Technologies continues to be the face of Gujarati Localization with Gujaratilexicon, Utkarsh, Quick Quiz and now, Bhagwadgomandal. Magnet Technologies’ next vision is to approach training and product development with a fresh new perspective.

  • Jigsawlite : Convert Image Into Jigsaw Pieces

    I came across a cool photo application – Jigsawlite.

    Jigsawlite is a simple jigsaw-puzzle-maker application that runs on your desktop and enables you to make your own digital photos into your original jigsaw puzzle games.

    picture-12

  • The Gratitude Attitude

    I read an interesting post by Eric Garner on Ticked by Life. Eric mentions that : Gratitude is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. Gratitude stops you taking your life for granted and helps you realize how many good things you have in your life. Gratitude is a spiritual act because it acknowledges that the origin of all good things is a source outside ourselves.

    The above observation is very correct. Gratitude Attitude is a hallmark of good human being. A person who acknowledges help and support, preserves old relationships and secures new friends. The person who helped also feels rewarded for his contribution and would help again in the future. Of course, relationships are interdependent. Use every opportunity to help back. Interdependence is a higher value than independence.

    Thank you, small gifts, pat are all powerful gestures ! They need to be expressed in right manner and with 100% authenticity.

  • What Is Semantic Web?

  • Online Networking More Popular Than Email

    sb10066719a-001

    People are spending more time on online networking as compared to checking emails and surfing sites on the internet. This reflects the growing popularity of social networking sites as well the emergence of networking during recessionary times. One report stated that the number of volunteers with NGOs have seen a big jump – people have more time on hand !

    Facebook is the most popular social networking site globally. There are regional differences though. Orkut is highly popular in Brazil, MySpace in US, Mixi in Japan and Facebook in UK, Italy, Australia, Spain etc.

    Check the Reuters Report on CIO Zone for more interesting statistics and insights.

  • Project Planning Tool – PlannerX

    Magnet Technologies launches PlannerX  – a powerful tool that allows you to plan your Basecamp projects 5 times faster. It shows the entire project plan in a single page outline view. You can then navigate and edit it quickly using keyboard and shortcuts.

    Magnet Technologies’ Nirav, Sunny, Pradeep, Sangeeta and Mohan have powered this application with their intellect and creativity.

    Checkout the trial and demo video at the PlannerX site: http://plannerx.appsmagnet.com/

    Read the latest updates at: http://www.appsmagnet.com/category/plannerx/

  • Ad Review

    I was watching TV yesterday night and was pleased to note the following Ads. They are good.

    Tata – Remember : It continues the same spirit of the earlier Tata Dicor ads.

    Airtel : Wonderful execution and special treatment of a simple idea. Relationships win !

    Limca : This ad is not very new. But the music is good and the ad is refreshing. Sushma looks wonderful.

  • The All Time Favorite Books – My Must-Read List

    I am a voracious reader and I have diverse taste in reading. In my MBA days, library was my home.

    The other day, my friend asked me for a list of my favorite books. It was a difficult task. The favorites change over a period of time. But I realized that there are a few books that remain a must-read for me. I have often recommended these books to people. And ultimately, the wisdom lies in a few good books.

    So here are the books that have inspired me and influenced my thinking:

    Best Of The Best

    The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
    Stephen R. Covey
    My Favorite Self Management Book

    The Dale Carnegie Collection
    The only self-help books that you will ever need !

    The Alchemist
    Paulo Coelho
    The Power of Dreams

    The Fountainhead
    Ayn Rand
    Philosophy of Values. Love Story

    My Experiments With Truth
    Gandhi’s Biography

    Management Books / MBA Books

    Built To Last
    Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras
    A Management Book which is Built To Last

    Good To Great
    Jim Collins
    Management Concepts

    The Goal
    Eliyahu Goldratt
    A Thought Provoking book on Project Management

    Its Not About Luck
    Eliyahu M. Goldratt
    Sequel to The Goal

    The Tipping Point
    Malcolm Gladwell
    The power of Word of Mouth Marketing

    Snapshots from Hell : The Making of An MBA
    Peter Robinson
    An wonderful journey !

    Made In America
    Sam Walton
    An amazing book!

    Nuts!: Southwest Airlines’ Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success
    Kevin Freiberg & Jackie Freiberg

    Maverick
    Ricardo Semler

    The Art Of War
    Sun Tzu
    The final word on Strategy

    What They Do Not Teach You At Harvard Biz School
    Mark H. McCormack

    Focus
    Al Ries
    The Power of focus in marketing

    The High Performance Entrepreneur
    Subroto Bagchi
    An insightful and experience-rich book on Entrepreneurship

    Inspiration / Self-Help / Philosophy

    Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus
    John Gray
    A must read !

    The Bhagvad Gita
    Classic Gyan for life

    Man’s Search For A Meaning
    Viktor Frankl’s
    The story of a survivor from a Concentration Camp.

    Fish! for Life: A Remarkable Way to Achieve Your Dreams
    Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen, Harry Paul

    The Secret
    Rhonda Byrne
    Self Help, Laws of Attraction

    The Diary of A Young Girl
    The journal of Anne Frank when she was in hiding for two years.

    It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life
    Lance Armstrong & Sally Jenkins

    Biographies / History / General

    Jinnah – The Man Who Divided India
    Rafiq Zakaria
    Jinnah’s Biography – Read It To Get Surprised

    It Happened In India
    Kishore Biyani
    The Rise of Retail and Biyani

    The Richest Man In Bablyon
    Personal Finance

    Freedom At Midnight
    Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins

    Roots And Wings
    Raksha Bharadia
    A wonderful handbook on parenting

    Fiction

    Midnight’s Children
    Salman Rushdie

    The Namesake
    Jhumpa Lahiri

    The Da Vinci Code
    Dan Brown

    Eleven Minutes
    Paulo Coelho

    The Train To Paksitan
    Khushwant Singh

    Shantaram
    Gregory David Roberts