Life is Beautiful

Experience-based Tips

GK vs PK: हमें शिक्षा के शुरुआती दौर में सामान्य ज्ञान तो पढ़ाया जाता है, लेकिन व्यावहारिक ज्ञान के बारे में बहुत कम पढ़ाया जाता है। व्यावहारिक ज्ञान अधिक होना और सामान्य ज्ञान कम होना आवश्यक है। उदाहरण के लिए, दोस्तों के साथ रात भर रुकने के लिए यात्रा करते समय, व्यावहारिक ज्ञान (जैसे आगमन का अनुमानित समय, होटल के निकटतम स्थलचिह्न आदि) सहायक होगा, न कि सामान्य ज्ञान (जैसे यात्रा का साधन, ऑनलाइन सराय आरक्षण)। इसी प्रकार, यदि आप मेट्रो से किसी स्थान पर जाना चाहते हैं, तो निकटतम मेट्रो स्टेशन के बारे में सामान्य ज्ञान होना महत्वपूर्ण नहीं है। मार्ग का नाम, परिवर्तन स्टेशन का नाम और आपके गंतव्य पर उस मार्ग का अंतिम गंतव्य जैसी व्यावहारिक जानकारी महत्वपूर्ण होती है। ध्यान दें कि ट्रेनों को आमतौर पर उनके आरंभिक और अंतिम गंतव्य के नाम से दर्शाया जाता है। We have been taught about General Knowledge early in out education but hardly taught about Practical Knowledge. It is important to have more practical knowledge and lesser GK. For example, while travelling with friends for overnight stay - PK (such as estimating arrival time, landmark nearest to the hotel...) will help and not the GK (such as mode of travel, how to book a hotel online...). Similarly, if you want to visit a place my metro, GK about nearest metro station is not important. The practical knowledge such as the name of the route, name of changeover station and the final destination of that route on your destination falls is important. Note that trains are normally designated by their start and final destination.

Travel Tips

The contents presented here are based on my good and bad experiences in road, rail and air travels. Whether you travel alone or with kids or in groups of friends - there are likelihood of unwanted occurrences during the course of a journey. Such incidences can only be minimized and may not be eliminated completely. The following summary of advices shall help you be prepared for most of the circumstances.

कैब में अपनी मीटिंग्स या वित्तीय मामलों के बारे में बात न करें - इससे अधिक टिप मिलाने की लालसा या उम्मीदें बढ़ सकती हैं, यहां तक की आपराधिक गतिविधियाँ भी हो सकती हैं। हो सके तो, अगर आपका गंतव्य भारत से बाहर आने या जाने की है, तो उसे न बताएँ। Do not talk about your meetings or financial matters while in cab - it may lead to higher expectations of tips or even end up in some criminal activities. If possible, do not reveal your source or target destination if it is out of India and some big city within India.

Do not get trapped by technology: keep some cash always and avoid full dependence on digital money. Preferably keep a dongle or portable wi-fi connection of different service provider. In family, keep cellular phone connections from different service providers. At Bangalore airport, I have found that queue for non-digi-yatra passengers are smaller than those with digi-yeatra.

• Keeps the number of luggages less say 2 ~ 3. For air travel, use a bigger bag to check-in most of the items which you do not need to carry in cabin. Even in rail travel or air travel - managing many smaller items are a bit cumbersome and likely to be misplaced.

  

• यदि आप यात्रा समूह में या किसी सदस्य को उल्टी की प्रवृत्ति विकसित करते हैं: टॉफी रखें जो थोड़ा खट्टा और हल्का मीठा स्वाद का होता है। यह लक्षण में देरी करने में मदद करेगा लेकिन इसे समाप्त नहीं कर सकता है। If you develop vomiting tendencies or any of the members in travel group: keep toffees that taste a bit sour and mild sweetness. This will help delay the symptom but may not eliminate it. Note that this symptom is not a disease and cannot be avoided or treated medically. It is better to keep an opaque plastic bag in you packet for use when needed. This is especially helpful in cases where your co-passenger has this symptom and he was not prepared for it - Air Sickness Bag might be missing from the seat pockets. You may help her/him to help yourself.

  

• Items to carry during air travel which can pass security checks: wooden forks and spoons, paper cups, napkins, spare bag, black polythene bags, small hand towel...
• अगर आप घर पर अपने चेक-इन सामान का भार नहीं तौल सकते, तो हवाई अड्डों पर भार तौलने वाली मशीनों की तलाश करें। बेंगलुरु हवाई अड्डे पर, घरेलू प्रस्थान के लिए काउंटर 30 के सामने एक भार तौलने वाली मशीन उपलब्ध है। If you cannot weigh you check-in luggage weight at home, look out for weighing machines at the airports. At Bengaluru airport, a weighing machine is available opposite counter 30 for domestic departures.
• For outstation travel by car, keep following items: Thin shawl, Travel waist-bag (handy to keep pockets light), (Energy bars, sugar cubes, biscuits, dry fruits, salted peanuts, chikki, lemon, chips/fruity) - acts as quick snack, Cap (protects from sun), Ear-band / Ankle socks for cold climate, Inflatable pillow - acts as head rest, Disposable squeeze tubes, 5 litre bucket container that can fit below drivers seat, 500 ml thermo-flask (to keep hot tea or coffee) and paper cups, Wooden forks and spoons, spare back-up bag (in case main bags malfunction such as broken chain), packaged water, napkin, icebox (while travelling hot regions), plate, towel, disposable slippers, fruit knife, plastic boxes which can fit under the seat, bags with pocket which can be hung behind front seats, second key for car.
• कई व्यक्तियों और बच्चों को उच्च ऊंचाई पर कानों में भनभनाहट महसूस होती है। कॉटन या ईयर प्लग को अपने केबिन बैगेज या पॉकेट में रखें। Many persons and kids feel ear buzz at high altitudes. Keep cotton or ear plug in your cabin baggage or in the pockets. Have a toffee or chewing gum or fruit juice while aircraft descent.

  

• If your travel is long and do not have power bank, option to charge your mobile phone - turn OFF mobile data when not needed. It reduces power consumption significantly.
• हवाई अड्डों पर पहचान प्रमाण अनिवार्य हैं। यदि आप बच्चों के साथ यात्रा कर रहे हैं, तो उपयुक्त कार्ड या बैज धारक का उपयोग उन्हें गले में डालने के लिए करें ताकि सुरक्षा कर्मचारी उचित रूप से जांच कर सकें। Identity proofs are mandatary at airports. If you are traveling with kids, use appropriate card or badge holder to put them around the neck so that security staff can check as appropriate.

  

• अतिरिक्त सामान रखने के लिए एक हल्का पॉलिएस्टर बैग बैकअप के रूप में रखें - बाजार में कई ऐसे बैग उपलब्ध हैं जो एक पुस्तक के बराबर जगह घेरते हैं और उनमें बड़ी मात्रा में सामग्री रखी जा सकती है। Keep a light polyester bag as back-up for excess baggage - there are many bags available in market which occupies space equivalent to a book and can accommodate large volume of material.
• While you are away: When you keep your home closed (locked) for many days, the RO-water system has to be turned off and no vegetable or fruits can be kept in freeze. Buy 2 liters of mineral water before you start your journey. Optionally, fill 2 bottles of water on the airport. If you planned or happen to reach home late due to delay in flights, get some snacks (samosa, bread pakoda...) packed at the airport or before entering into the airport. You may like to keep some fruits with longer shelf life in freeze. Chips packets occupy too much space: one option is to store the content in a air-tight plastic bottle.
• घर से निकलते समय हमेशा अपने ट्रैवल बैग में कुछ स्थान रिक्त रखें, कुछ छोटी-मोटी चीजें पैक करनी पड़ सकती हैं। टूट-फूट होने पर आपको अतिरिक्त सामान रखने या सामान को दोबारा व्यवस्थित करने की आवश्यकता हो सकती है। अकेले यात्रा करते समय, लैपटॉप बैग सहित केवल एक ही केबिन बैग रखना अपेक्षाकृत अधिक अच्छा है। Always keep some space in travel bag(s) before leaving from home, some loose items may need to be packed inside. You may br required to store additional items or reshuffle due to breakages. While travelling alone, it is better to keep only one cabin bag including the laptop bag.
• बैग में लगे चेन ज़िप पुलर्स को रबर बैंड से बांध दें - इससे वजन या हैंडलिंग (लोडिंग/अनलोडिंग) के दौरान ज़िप खुलने से बच जाएगी। साथ ही, एयरपोर्ट कर्मचारी बिना चाबी या पासवर्ड के इसे खोल सकेंगे। Bind the chain zip pullers in the bag with rubber bands - it will prevent the opening under weight or handling (loading / unloading). Also, airport staff can open without need of a key or unlock password.

Pragmatic Parenting and Self Management

उन्हें बार-बार गिरने के डर, बीमार पड़ने या चोट लगने के डर के बारे में न बताएं... उन्हें समाज के निचले तबके के लोगों जैसे कूड़ा बीनने वाले, घरेलू नौकरानी, ​​ड्राइवर, ई-कॉमर्स डिलीवरी कर्मियों का सम्मान करना सिखाएं... Do not repeatedly keep telling them about fear of falling, fear of getting sick or hurt... Tell them to respect people from lower rung of society such as garbage collector, house-maid, drivers, e-commerce deliver personnel...

अंतर्राष्ट्रीय मामलों से संबंधित कार्यालयों, जैसे वीज़ा प्रक्रिया, में जाते समय ध्यान रखने योग्य महत्वपूर्ण बिंदु: (1) यदि नियुक्ति की पुष्टि दिन के अंत या उत्तरार्ध तक अपेक्षित है, तो अगले दिवस के लिए नियुक्ति न लें। (2) यदि आप निकट भविष्य में ऐसे स्थानों पर जाने की योजना बना रहे हैं, तो नियुक्ति की तिथि से आधिक पहले पासपोर्ट आकार की तस्वीरें बनवा लें। (3) अपने नियुक्ति के लिए अपेक्षित स्थान का पता लगाएँ और यात्रा अवधि का बेहतर अनुमान लगाएँ। (4) यात्रा के दौरान अनिश्चितताओं के लिए 30 मिनट का अतिरिक्त समय रखें। सुबह के समय कुछ आलेख (प्रमाण पत्र, आवेदन पत्र,) के प्रिंट निकालने की योजना न बनाएं: दुकानें आपकी सुविधा के अनुसार नहीं खुल सकती हैं। Important points to consider while visiting offices dealing with international matters such as VISA processing and passport issuances: (1) Do not take the appointment for the next date if the confirmation is expected by end or later half of the day (2) If you expect to visit such places in near future, get the passport size photos developed long before the date of appointment (3) Get to know expected location for your appointment and monitor the commute time to better estimate the travel duration on the actual day. (4) Keep a margin of 30 minutes for uncertainties during the commute - and effect of rain. (5) All such places do not allow laptops and hence install important applications such as Outlook and Teams in your mobile. Copy all soft copies in your cell phone. (6) Do not plan to get prints of some documents during the morning time: shops may not open as per your convenience. Keep separate folders for original documents and copies.

Local Commute using Metro Trains

If available, travel by metro should be used - it has lesser uncertainties than the traffic on the road. Understand the route colour of the metro route map for your destination and nearest start. The colour code can be found on the map printed in each coach or by horizontal line painted outside each coach or the paint on the side of concrete boundary on the platforms (tracks). A scaled-down map of metro routes in Bengaluru (easy to open and pinch zoom in mobile phones) can be downloaded here - updated as in 2025. This is searchable PDF and you can locate your destinations by first few characters of their names.

It is helpful to know the names of interchange stations. They are:

• Kempegowda Station (Majestic) - for Green/Purple lines
• MG Road - for Purple/Pink lines
• Rashtreeya Vidyalaya (RV) Road - for Green/Yellow lines
• Central Silk Board - for Yellow/Blue lines
• Nagawara - for Green/Pink lines
• KR Pura - for Blue/Purple lines.

The map of Delhi metro routes as on Mar-2026 can be found here. More than 10 colour-coded lines, hubs like Kashmere Gate (triple interchange), Rajiv Chowk, Azadpur, Kalkaji Mandir, Botanical Garden, Janakpuri West, and Anand Vihar are major interchange stations. The combination of interchange routes are (1) Kashmere Gate: Red, Yellow, Violet (2) Rajiv Chowk: Yellow - Blue (3) Central Secretariat: Yellow - Violet (4) Inderlok: Red - Green (5) Kalkaji Mandir: Violet - Magenta (6) Botanical Garden: Blue - Magenta (7) Janakpuri West: Blue - Magenta (8) Azadpur: Yellow - Pink (9) Anand Vihar: Blue - Pink.

Use this simple route finder if you know the station name. It does not print train route(s) required between the start and destination stations. यदि आपको स्टेशन का नाम पता है तो इस सरल मार्ग खोजक का उपयोग करें। किंतु यह आरंभिक और गंतव्य स्टेशनों के बीच आवश्यक ट्रेन मार्ग नहीं दिखाता है। Use this official website of Delhi metro to find routes between two stations. This website can be used to find route between two stations in Bengaluru metro.

Do not assume that change of platform on a changeover station will just moving 1 floor up or down - sometimes the next track may be 5 to 10 minute walk from previous platform. Also, check the correct exit name when the station has more than 3 exits (such as Rajiv Chowk in Delhi and Nadaprabhu Kempegowda station in Bengaluru) - note that some stations may have both the entries and exits on the same side of the (wider) road or even just one entry/exit (such as Peenya in Bengaluru and Dwarka Sector 21 in Delhi).

यह न समझें कि किसी स्टेशन पर प्लेटफॉर्म बदलने के लिए केवल एक मंजिल ऊपर या नीचे जाना है - कभी-कभी अगला ट्रैक पिछले प्लेटफॉर्म से 5 से 10 मिनट की पैदल दूरी पर हो सकता है। साथ ही, अगर स्टेशन पर 3 से ज़्यादा निकास द्वार हैं, तो ठीक निकास द्वार का नाम ज़रूर देख लें - ध्यान दें कि कुछ स्टेशनों पर दोनों निकास द्वार (चौड़ी) सड़क के एक ही तरफ हो सकते हैं या फिर केवल एक ही प्रवेश/निकास द्वार हो सकता है।

Bhagyanagar (Hyedrabad) Metro Route Map

यदि दोपहिया या चारपहिया वाहन 2 मिनट तक निष्क्रिय नहीं रह सकता तो उसमें ड्राइव के लिए न जाएं! यदि आपको इंजन को निष्क्रिय बनाए रखने के लिए गति बढ़ाना की आवश्यकता पड़ती है तो इंजन में कुछ गंभीर गड़बड़ी है और कुछ कारणों से बंद होने के बाद यह शुरू नहीं हो सकेगा। Do not go for a drive in a two-wheeler or a four-wheel if it cannot idle for 2 minutes! If you need to rev-up the engine to keep it idling, something is grossly wrong with the engine and it may not start once it stops for some reasons.

Yoga: When and When Not

इसी तरह, ज़्यादातर योग सत्रों में शरीर पर पड़ने वाले प्रभावों पर ज़ोर दिया जाना चाहिए जब व्यायाम पहली बार किया जाता है या काफ़ी समय (जैसे एक महीने) के अंतराल के बाद किया जाता है। उदाहरण के लिए, अगर आप पहली बार "तितली आसन" करते हैं, तो इससे आपकी जांघों के अंदरूनी हिस्से में थोड़ा खिंचाव और दर्द होगा, जो सामान्य और अपेक्षित है। इसी तरह, पहली बार कपालभाति करने पर, पेट के निचले हिस्से (शरीर के उन अंगों जिन पर यह आसन असर डालता है) में हल्का दर्द या खिंचाव हो सकता है। ऐसी जानकारी अभ्यासकर्ताओं को सूचित रखेगी और उन्हें यह नहीं लगेगा कि योग आसन नकारात्मक प्रभाव डालता है।Similarly, most of the yoga session should highlight the effects on the body when the exercise is done first time or after a gap of significant duration (such as a month). For example, if you take "butterfly posture" the first time, it will create some strains and pain in your inner thighs which is normal and expected. Similarly, using Kapal Bhati the first time, one might get mild pain or strain in the lower abdomen (the body parts they are supposed to affect). Such information will keep the practitioners informed and they will not think that the yoga posture is created negative impacts.

Home Repair

Types of Paints: Aluminium Paint, Bituminous Paint, Enamel Paint, Emulsion Paint (synthetic resin like polyvinyl acetate), Plastic Paint, Cement paint or Distemper paint, Oil paints

Application: Enamel paints can be used both for interior as well as exterior painting. Distempering: process of applying wash or coating, finished surfaces obtained by distempering are better than those obtained by white washing or colour washing.

Varnish is a solution of some resinous substance in alcohol, oil or turpentine. The process of covering the surface with varnish is known as varnishing mostly done only on wooden surface.

Clean Tiled Floors: Many tiles are intentionally roughened to prevent it being slippery. Though it may collect dirt in small crevices and look discoloured and tarnished. At the same time the grouts between two tiles may get stained and look dark coloured. Sometimes a green coloured fungus can grow that shall make it look spotted and stained. Vinegar which contains (5 to 20% by volume) acetic acid can be used in diluted with hot water condition to remove such stains. The vinegar should be diluted approximate 1:16 to 1:12 by volume ratio. कई टाइलों को फिसलन से बचाने के लिए जानबूझकर खुरदरा किया जाता है। हालाँकि यह छोटी-छोटी दरारों में गंदगी जमा कर सकता है और बदरंग और धूमिल दिख सकता है। साथ ही दो टाइलों के बीच की ग्राउट पर दाग लग सकता है और गहरे रंग का दिख सकता है। कभी-कभी हरे रंग का फंगस उग सकता है जिससे वह धब्बेदार और दागदार दिखने लगेगा। ऐसे दागों को हटाने के लिए सिरका जिसमें एसिटिक एसिड होता है उसे गर्म पानी में मिलाकर उपयोग किया जा सकता है। सिरका को आयतन अनुपात के अनुसार लगभग 1:16 से 1:12 तक पतला किया जाना चाहिए। Acetic acid dissolves mineral deposits such as limescale and fatty or waxy deposits. Limescale build-up via calcium and magnesium deposits is most likely cause for green or brown stains.

How can this tile be cleaned?

Hard Water Stains: Hard water has higher level of dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron — which coat the surface of toilet bowl with stains. The kitchen ingredient vinegar solution or baking soda paste can clean the tiles reasonably well. Fill the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the bathroom tiles. For mild stains, sprinkle kitchen salt on the bathroom tiles and leave it for about 30 minutes. Scrub off the salt using a sponge or brush.

Warning: Even when properly diluted, vinegar should never be used on granite, marble and similar stones - ठीक से पतला होने पर भी, ग्रेनाइट, संगमरमर और इसी तरह के पत्थरों पर कभी भी सिरके का उपयोग नहीं किया जाना चाहिए.

Bleaching Powder: It is a great cleaning agent to get rid of different kinds of stains and dirt. Though avoid contact with bleach and water solution on body parts, you may get severe irritation for long time. It seems it can be used on ceramic tiles too: mix 15 ml of bleaching power with 4 liter of water (1 tablespoon with 1 gallon). For tough stains, increase the amount of bleaching powder or add a tablespoon of detergent to it.

Body Parts and Illness

Cutting Cucumber and Onion for Salad and Burgers

Recipe for Rubbery or Tough Chicken Parts

Internet is full of advices such as slow cooking, braising, stewing, steaming, simmering, grilling, pan searing or roasting which can soften tough fibers in the chicken. None of these worked for me, something was grossly missing in our attempt to make these parts of a chicken less chewy. We always wonder what makes the chicken served in KFC so soft! Though we were not able to solve the puzzle, a recipe worked out and it solved the issue - we confirm it worked because my sons who used to chew and throw them away, are eating the same pieces regularly and without any complains about chewy nature of the prepared dish. Following are the steps and images of the dish. Our intermediate conclusion is that deep frying the chicken pieces with a layer of paste consisting of corn and egg worked.

Frauds and Scams

1. TRAI Phone Scam: Fraudsters claim to be from TRAI, stating your mobile number is linked to illegal activities, and services will be suspended. -Reality: TRAI doesn't suspend services; telecom companies do.
2. Parcel Stuck at Customs: Scammers claim a parcel with contraband has been intercepted and demand payment. - Action: Disconnect and report the number.
3. Digital Arrest: Fake police officers threaten digital arrest or online interrogation. Reality: Police don't conduct digital arrests or online interrogations.
4. Family Member Arrested: Scammers claim a relative is arrested and under CBI custody and demand payment. I got Whatsapp call once each from numbers originating from Bangladesh, Netherlands and Pakistan. Action: Verify with family members before taking action.
5. Get Rich Quick Trading: Social media ads promise high returns on stock investments. Reality: High-return schemes are more likely be scams than genuine investment advisories.
6. Easy Tasks for Big Rewards: Scammers offer high sums for simple tasks, then ask for investment. Reality: Easy money schemes are scams. There are no free lunches.
7. Credit Card Issued in Your Name: Fake executives confirm large transactions on bogus credit cards. Action: Check with your bank. Credit card cannot be issued without your consent (written or phone call).
8. Mistaken Money Transfer: Scammers claim incorrect transactions and ask for refunds. Action: Verify transactions with your bank.
9. KYC Expired: Scammers ask for KYC updates via links. Reality: Banks require in-person KYC updates.
10. Generous Tax Refund: Fraudsters pose as tax officials, asking for bank details. Reality: Tax departments already have bank details and communicate directly.
11. Lost kids with slip containing their home address: you may find kids posing as if lost and addresses of their home in a slip inside the pocket. Action: Enquire how he reached that spot, call the contact number first if found. Enquire if he recollects any phone number. Inform police or drop him to nearest police station and not to the address in his pocket. You may get kidnapped reaching the destination.
12. Punctured tire or partly open rear door: the attacker may encourage to come out of the vehicle to check for issues with your vehicle.
13. Eggs thrown on your windshield: do not use wipers to clean the egg. It will make the windshield fully opaque - you cannot drive.
14. Password getting expired: e-mails claiming the expiry of passwords for your back accounts. Action: block the sender, report as spam and delete the e-mail. Banks never send such reminders. Webpages related to the bank shall make you change the passwords when you try to login after password is expired.
15. Update your resume through the link only: e-mail prohibiting to update your profile through the link provided in the e-mail. Action: block the sender, report as spam and delete the e-mail.
16. Overseas placements: block the sender, report as spam and delete the e-mail
17. A rich person died without a heir or a will: the scammer would lure you to share the booty! Action: better ignore them as it may be someone from your nearby city.

To write a banner such as Jai Siya Ram or Shubh Diwali using diyas or candles, use flower petals or powders to write the letters first. Once is the written in good handwriting style, put the diyas or candles at appropriate locations.

Illnesses and Root Cause

Failures in Vehicles and Machines

Glass Top Gas Stoves

International Travels

• Keep digital + printed copies of passport, visa, insurance, tickets
• Check the security deposit amount along with actual tariff that gets blocked by hotel in your FOREX credit card and plan cash/card amount ratio accordingly
• Carry a universal adapter, medicines, moisturisers, napkins, ear-plugs
• Keep valuables, documents, 1 set of clothes in carry-on bag
• Take photos of your luggage before check-in (helps if lost) - add sticker with your name and address or write with permanent marker
• Carry a pen (immigration forms still exist in some countries)
• Always have your hotel address written down (in local language preferably)
• Learn a few phrases in the local language especially for words for 'male' (Hombres in Spanish, Herren in German and Homme in French) and 'female' (Mujeres or Señoras in Spanish, Damen in German and Femmes in French) - helps identify correct washrooms
• Learn basic public transport routes — it is cheaper
• Download offline maps via Google Maps, install translation tools like Google Translate
• Learn local etiquette, tipping culture, and emergency numbers
• Keep emergency cash separately - do not mix coins of your native currency with those of destination currencies
• Do not keep liquid (such as cough syrup and pickle containing oil) in thin (permeable to oil) polythene bags - note that even if the (flexible) bottle is sealed, it may deform under pressure and may leak. Put a layer of napkin around the bottle neck (to absorb the leaking liquid) and wrap it in non-permeable plastic bag such as those containing corn-flakes.

Some practical tips:

Check payment mode accepted by rental cars in your destination countries. Uber drivers in France accepts only cash (as in 2025) and hence you need to have cash in small denominations (they may not be able to provide change for 100 Euro for 15 Euro bill). One option is to buy something from grocery stores - normally they have enough change and this may help you get cash in smaller denominations.