Weekend with Karimabad Youth

Hallo friends,

Journey resumes after completing Leher at Karimabad Ahmedabad. Yeah, Had been in Karimabad for Leher sessions, Initially it was plan to deliver two sessions but I had been asked to deliver one more session on Sunday noon! It was really nice time in all three sessions, group was excited and open to learn. I hope the group have also enjoyed the sessions and improved their understanding!

I met few new people who were working to bring the program towards success, Just amazing! Their dedication, commitment was up to mark! I reached Ahmedabad on 16th early morning and stayed at Hotel Comfort at Relief road, Its good option if you are searching any economical stay as well as it's crow fly from railway station.

I am Navsari and staying here for two days and leaving tomorrow night for Sangodra Gir. Will back with new updates about my next trip!

TDP Somnath

Yesterday, I came from Somnath after completing TDP successfully with so many precious memories. Education, Learning, Knowledge, Fun, Entertainment, Party, Campus, Emotion and Drama are few beautiful aspects of the camp. Although, it was Teacher Development Program, Not less than college life experience if I describe it as a participant point of view!

In Session-Somnath

It was ten days training development program and I was assigned for Adolescent Psychology and Developmental sessions as well as for mentoring the new becoming teachers. I had tried to incorporate latest IT techniques in my all sessions and Shukhar Mawla it worked well. I am thankful to all participants for their beautiful feedback what they have given me. I have read all feedback forms and affected by your affectionate words written on the forms. I am not any big personality, just utilizing my capacities which are gifted by God. Whenever I walk for any session, my first priority is to give satisfaction to the participants. I just practiced the same in TDP. I must say, I am lucky to have a chance to interact with you by the medium of TDP. Thank you ITREB.

(Left to Right) Mohit, Sumit, Rahim, Me, Shabnam
Afsana (Seated) Shirin & Charmi

If I say about my group, Mohit, Sumit, Rahim, Shabnam, Afsana, Shirin and Charmi; you all have good nature and appropriate attitude towards learning. You all were open to learn and ready to accept the feedback, not only accept but you have applied the feedback when you had next platform to perform. Just keep it up these qualities, Insha’Allah you will be succeeded. I also like to thank you all group members for respect given to me. I know all your eyes were wet while sharing experience within the group on last day, even mine while I was listening you and reading your thoughts what you have written on my card while playing departure game.

In Bus, Going for MLP

We had two trips one at Maliya Hatina and another one is at Chitrawad-Gir, Though it was education trips, all enjoyed like a picnic! Almost everybody was engrossed in their lesson reading in upward journey and while returning all were in masti mood. Antakshari, Comments, Masti & Celebration had taken place until we reached at camp venue. This camp was the time to meet my colleagues once again after almost a year! This time, I met and worked with few new personalities. Indeed, it was a very nice experience. This experience will remain in my memories forever.

Upcoming Somnath Trip

Initially I was supposed to travel Patna-Bihar this weekend as ConnectIT Workshop has been scheduled in Patna at the end of this month. I am not travelling Bihar this time as I’ve given commitment earlier to attend Teachers development program for Agakhan Institution which is scheduled in Somnath – Gujarat. This is consecutive second time I am not able to conduct Patna workshop but I wish all the best to all participants for best experience in IT seminar.

Attending the Teachers development program where I am supposed to take sessions, these are not IT sessions; the sessions are related to educational content overview. I am also mentoring the candidates towards excellence. I will be in Somnath for almost 10 days from 24th May although this is not my first time visit of Somanth. Somnath is just about 35 KMs away from my home and I usually visit Somnath numbers of time in a year as it is a tourist place.

Somnath History:

Somnath Temple & Sea Shore

The Somnath Temple is located in the Prabhas Kshetra near Veraval in Saurashtra, on the western coast of Gujarat, India, is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of the Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as "the Shrine Eternal"; having been destroyed six times and rebuilt six times Somnath is a pilgrimage town. According to the legend, Soma or the Moon God built the temple in gold, Ravana in silver, and Shri Krishna in wood. Soma was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to wane because Soma loved only one of his wives, all of whom happened to be Daksha's daughters. His other wives complained about this negligent behavior of Soma to their father Daksha, and thus the curse. He then built a Shivlinga at the Prabhas tirth (a Hindu pilgrimage) and prayed to Lord Shiva who removed the curse partially because asked upon by Soma's one wife (the one that he loved more than others). Thus, causing the periodic waning of moon. Pleased by the prayers Soma (Moon god), Lord Shiva decided to rest in that Lingam till eternity, and thus the Jyotirlingam. (Wikis)

People around world visit Somnath for Darshan. Somnath is also famous for its Sea beach as it is laid at the bank of Arabian Sea. You might have seen Somnath in ‘Khshboo Gujarat Ki’ ad film by Mr. Amitabh Bachchan! There are several ways to reach Somnath; State Highway 26 connects GIR Jungle and Somnath. You can travel along Sasan-Gir if you are in GIR Jungle. Generally people use this route after visit Asiatic lion’s habitat. The other way is Veraval-Kodinar highway if you are travelling from Junagadh or Veraval city along to Prabhas Patan or else if you are coming from opposite direction Bhavnagar, Una or Kodinar! There is several By-Passes way need to keep in mind! If you are travelling from Rajkot along to Junagadh and keshod or else from GIR, take left when you reach Veraval by-pass for Somnath and drive straight until you reach Kodinar By-Pass now you are almost 2 KMs away from Somnath.

You can find various hotels and resorts around Somnath area. Select according to your need and Budget. I am staying at Hotel Safari Resort near Kodinar By-Pass.

How to reach Somnath:

You can travel by train up to Veraval and then by road 30 minutes driving. Buses, Cabs, Auto Rickshaws are easily available. Few trains like intercity express and Jabalpur-Somnath express are running up to Somnath station.

Visit other tourist favorite spots if you are visiting Somanth: Diu (U.T) 2 hours driving from Somnath – Sasan Gir 1 and half hour driving. There are many bounded Jungle ranges across GIR, Jamvala forest, Devaliya lion sanctuary etc. You may have thrilling experience if you stay overnight in these jungles!

Not a long travelling, long trip indeed!

Visit of Diu Island

Two days back I travelled Diu island with family, this journey was planned overnight! We left GIR morning at 8 o’clock and travelled for 2 hours to reach Diu. There are two ways to reach Diu from GIR, first is along to Talala, Una – The Jungle route which takes almost 3 hours and the other one is via Talala, Pranchi, Kesariya – the short way which takes 2 hours. We tried both ways in our two way journey. Let me share important fact of Diu with you.

Diu History:

Diu Fort

Before the Portuguese built the fort at Diu in 1535, the ancient history of the place was linked to several Kings and Dynasties; the earliest quoted is of the Pauranic period, followed by the Mauryans, the Kshatrapas, the Guptas, the Maitrakas, the Chavda dynasty of Gujarat and Saurashtra, the Chalukyas (under the Chalukya as local Chieftains) and the last was that of the Portuguese colonial rule till Diu was taken, along with Goa and Daman, by the Government of India on 19 December 1961. For over 450 years, the coastal enclaves of Daman and Diu on the Arabian Sea coast were part of Portuguese India, along with Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Goa, Daman, and Diu was incorporated into the Republic of India on 19 December 1961, by military conquest; Portugal did not recognize the Indian annexation of these territories until 1974. Goa, Daman, and Diu were administered as part of a single union territory until 1987, when Goa was granted statehood, leaving Daman and Diu as a separate union territory; each enclave constitutes one of the union territory's two districts.

English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi are the official and main languages. The use of Portuguese goes on declining because it is no longer official nor taught at school, though a number of elderly people can still understand it, some even preferring it for discourse at home. (Wikis)

Beach @ Diu

Tourist Spots:

• Nagoa Beach
• Jalandhar Beach
• Sun Set Point
• Naida Caves
• Fort: Fortim-do-mar (Pani Kotha)
• Gangeshwar Temple
• Sea Shell Museum
• Saint Paul Church
• Saint Francis Church
• Saint Thomas Church
• INS Khukri Memorial

There are various water parks to enjoy water rides. You may have sea rides at Nagoa beach with amazing experience. You can get good hotels in the middle of city for comfortable stay. You may required at least a full day to visit these all spots. 

How to reach Diu:

You can travel by train up to Veraval or Somnath and then by road 2 hours driving. Buses, Cabs are easily available.

Specialty:


Hoka (Hyphoena indica) is the only Indian tree which has African genus. Portuguese brought them from Africa. Surprisingly Diu has a great number of these trees. Probably because it is believed that the western part of Gujarat The fruit of Hoka tree is tasty and edible.

Refer the website: 

http://www.diutourism.co.in/

Indeed, Best place to visit… Enjoyed with family.

From Muzaffarpur - Bihar

I am just returning Gujarat after completing my first ever Bihar tour. Although, I was supposed to be in Bihar earlier in March of the current year! Due to few travel planning shortfalls, I was not able to come Bihar and conduct Patna IT workshop. This time it was turn of ‘Litchi City’ named Muzaffarpur.

Muzaffarpur: Muzaffarpur is one of the developing city of Bihar; it is at the distance of approximate 70 KMs from capital city Patna. You can drive on Patna-Muzaffarpur national highway which is under construction now days so it takes minimum 2 hours to reach at the destination. Second option is travel by train, though there is not any direct train from both cities for one another. You have to go via Hajipur station. Hajipur is having good train frequency for Muzaffarpur.

Muzaffarpur is known for its Litchi fruit production and exports litchi around the globe. May ending and June starting is the season to bring litchi with you at home. The city is also known for Bangles production. Islampur market is the area which is known for bangles trading. Textile (cloth trading) is also one of the top business of Muzaffarpur. Sutapatti market is wholesale area for cloth trading. Most of Textile materials are being imported from Surat-Gujarat. Apart these main economic activities, you can find small shops around city, but you rarely find big shopping malls and markets inside Muzaffarpur.

Travel within the city is the big challenge for you as Autos are not running in the streets of city. It runs at main roads only. You may have shuttle passenger tempo or rickshaw (two seater-tricycles) to go from place to another in the city but, make sure to leave early to catch your appointment! You may have various hotels to stay in; I was staying in Bihar Tourism’s Hotel Lichchhavi Vihar near the city bus station. It was quite comfortable for staying. Let me share with you about ‘Lichchhavi’! Lichchhavi is the name of ancient Kingdom. There was an empire named ‘Lichchhavi’ many years ago. You can find train named Lichchhavi Express as well.

Muzaffarpur is having its great history! You might be remembering the event of imprisoned and hanging out the Indian freedom fighter Late Khudiram Bose! Yes, that event was happened in Muzaffarpur. I have studied in my school days history class about Khudiram Bose and his colleague Prafful Chaki. Khudiram Bose attacked British Judge and ran away from city along railway line, He caught from nearby area and imprisoned and given hanging out punishment! People remember him as Shahid Khudiram Bose and having a stadium on the name of this freedom fighter.

Secondly, Muzaffarpur is having mythological history. It was under ‘Mithilanchal’ in ancient time. Sitaji’s father Janak Raja was belonging to Mithila. There is Sitamadhi district (The place where Sitaji had born) and Janakpur (Janakraja’s place – now in Nepal) The Epic - Ramayana happened in this area. Sitamadhi is very near from Muzaffarpur.

Regarding my ICT workshop, it was very good thanking God for another success. With completion of Muzaffarpur seminar, I completed my 400 sessions. I met new people once again and very happy to see satisfaction on participant’s face after completing the workshop.

I had luck to have the Bihar popular dish named 'Litti Choka.' You also try when you go Bihar next time. I thank all who have appreciated my sessions. Just completing this post and waiting for the chart preparation of the train through I am travelling insha'Allah. Praying for confirmation of my Tatkal Ticket... Ameen

Thank you, All 

TechNews - SkyDrive

Friends, The latest ICT news I want to share with you apart my travel sharing!

Few days back Microsoft Windows Live! has changed its online free storage services to compete the other portals like DropBox, iCloud & Google. Earlier Windows  Live was providing free storage worth 25 GB. Now, It has reduced free space upto 7 GB, but if you are existing user of Windows Live and using its services, you can get back 25 GB free Space! You just have to claim your storage back. I am sharing the process to get back your free 25 GB space. 

1. Log in with your Live! or Hotmail ID on https://login.live.com/
2. Go to SkyDrive
3. Click on Manage Storage
4. Click on Free Upgrade!

If you require more than 25 GB storage, you can purchase it now as many packages are available. One good news is, Now Windows Live! Desktop application, Phone app, iPhone app, iPad app and MAC app is also available for download to easily upload your files or folders direct from your device! Isn't great deal?

Thanks, Good Night!

Bihar ConnectIT

Good Evening Friends,

ConnectIT ICT Workshops have been scheduled in Bihar next month. I will conduct the workshop in Muzaffarpur & Gaya. After getting confirmation of workshops I had planned my journey whole day. Its hard to get tickets in railways as summer vacation is going on, Its difficult to get reserved yourself in train especially which directly belongs to Gujarat. You know what? Now, Gujarat is the first choice for spending holidays & vacations! Travelers and visitors are increasing after 'Khushboo Gujarat Ki' ad film by Mr. Big B. Though this scenario is there, I am planning a very long travelling this time. Indeed, Bihar.

Bihar lies mid way between West Bengal in the East and the Uttar Pradesh in the West, It is bounded by Nepal to the North and by Jharkhand to the South. I am traveling from West to East almost. Many train routes reach Bihar, I have identified best routes to travel Patna, Muzaffarpur & Gaya (Bihar). Insha'Allah will share this details soon.

After searching so many traveling portals, have identified few routes and executing the same. Praying, It will work!

Will back with more... Thanks

South India - Under Planning

Hallo, Friends

After having successful workshops at South India (Karnataka & Tamilnadu) in 2011, Once again I am likely to be in South India with New ICT workshops. This series will cover ultra advance features of Office 2010 including MS Access as well as Web designing program for NGOs. Planning is going on.

Workshop likely to be in Karnataka, Tamilnadu & Andhra Pradesh later this year.  Contact me for more details or to organize workshop for your NGO kcpadaniya@gmail.com

Will give more details regarding ICT workshops. Stay tuned!

Guwahati Trip

Guwahati-Assam, India

Hallo friends,

Today is last day @ Guwahati, Tomorrow again flying home-Gujarat. I stayed 3 days and 4 nights at Guwahati. I reached at airport at 6. 45 PM IST and had to travel more 25 KMs by Car to reach at Guwahati city. I stayed at Hotel Priya Palace in Ullubari (Pronounce as Ooluwari). Guwahati city is largest city of Assam, Having little bit traffic in office hours. If you travelling by flight, leave city before 3 hours of departure.

The sessions were at Shishu Sarothi Organization - A training place for disabled children. Shishu Sarothi, a premier Centre for Rehabilitation and Training for Multiple Disability, is a registered non- profit voluntary organization working in the Northeast region of India since 1987. I visited class rooms where disabled students were getting trained. I found trainers and teachers who were helping them to grow up with care and love as normal children do! Indeed, it is very generous work. I appreciate it. One evening I had chance to visit another NGO named Atma Nirbhar where disabled people work to provide bread for their respective families. I visited working area where people was working for packaging tea, flour etc. I am thankful those people for their warm welcome and respect.

Sessions went well, Thank You God. Just I found the professional group was at very basic level. I tried my level best to increase their IT knowledge in provide advance skills. I visited Railway station, Fancy Bazaar and Cloth Market and Assam Tea Traders after completion of 1st and 2nd day in evening. I thank Mr. Kaushik for bringing us at Tea traders.

Here Sun rises too early than Gujarat and sets about at 6 PM. It seems a dark night if you see in sky at 7 PM! Yeah! It is North-East. On evening of 21st, I missed celebration of Navroz (Our New Year) as I was away from home but had prayer in my hotel room. Same evening I enjoyed few showers of rain on road while We (Me & Mr. Santosh) were on the way for Hanuman Temple as He was going for Darshan.

I had food all 3 days in Assamese Style; Rice, Dal, Vegetable. The people are used to have fish with rice like Bengal. I also tried Food of Hotel Priya Palace, on very first day I did not find it well in term of quality as well as price but second day it was ok. I recommend City Dhaba near Hanuman temple for good food. KFC and Mc Donald and branded restaurant are also available nearby area.

So, after reaching home, once again travelling. This Time Surat-Gujarat.

See you soon with New City, New Updates.

Travelling Guwahati

Friends, Today I am travelling to Guwahati (Formerly Gauhati) the largest city of Indian state Assam. The journey is different but, the purpose is same! IT training  for NGO professionals of Guwahati. Going to conduct this ConnectIT workshop on behalf of NASSCOM Foundation-India. This will be mine 126th Seminar and 46th  City where I am doing any seminar.

Guwahati - it is said to be the Gateway of north east region of India. Guwahati is Sanskrit word which English meaning is  city of eastern light. It was the capital of Ancient of Kamarupa. The city has many Hindu temples located within the city. Thus, It is known as "City of Temples". The city is situated between the southern bank of the rive Brahmaputra and the foothills of the Shillong plateau.

Guwahati is a major commercial and educational center of North-East India and is home to world class institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati and other premier institutions like Gauhati University and Cotton College. The city is also a major center for cultural activities and sports in the North Eastern region and for the administrative and political activities of Assam. The city is also an important hub for transportation in the North East Region.

Guwahati and its environs are also rich in wildlife with several rare mammals such as Asian elephants, Gaur, Tiger and primates. The birdlife in and around the city is also rich and diverse. (Wikis)

This is my longest travel till date around India. From my home to Guwahati, it is 2,840 KMs distance.

Hoping for good time over there, Will miss the Nav'ruz - The New Year Festival of ours on 21st! Insha'allah will back with new updates soon...

TC

Railway Budget 2012

Hallo friends,

Since Morning, I was waiting for updates on 28th Indian Railway Budget by Mr. Dinesh Trivedi. Not only myself but most of Gujarati travelers wants to know would their wish come true this time or not! I was expecting new directing trains for Delhi, Mumbai and Surat from Verval as there is not any direct train! I used to travel along to Ahmedabad and also hoping for extend frequency in interstate trains for Bihar, Tamilnadu, karnatka etc.

People were also dreaming that Veraval-Ahmedabad intercity express will be extended up to Surat! if it would be happen, benefit for me as well.

Herd that honorable Railway Minister has said to run extra train for wait listed passengers! I am amazed to hear this... Mananiya Mantri Mahoday pehle Extra coaches bhi laga dete hain, to bhi janta ke liye kaafi hai! Hope that this promise come true and let come out from wait list tensions!

Hoping for safe journeys ahead for all..