Indian Balloonwala : A Creative Startup of Ahmedabad

Balloon , as soon as you hear  the word, there is a smile on your face. It

fulfills so many purpose in anyone’s life i.e : Celebrations, Candle light dinners, Birthday Parties, Corporate Events, Shop opening etc.
Today we are here to discuss about a unique startup based in the city of Startups which is based on Balloon i.e “Indian balloonwala”. Ritesh Sharma is the man behind the great Venture “Indian Balloonwala”. The main idea behind this unique concept was to bring creativity of people along with that to provide the employment to underpriviliged Unemployed families.

We find many people begging on streets. At times we even come across handicapped people unable to earn but are begging in the streets to fulfil the stomach. This was really upset on part of humanity. So here came an idea of ” Indian Balloonwala”. Ritesh Sharma along with the team of Local youth decided to provide employment along with dignity to the poor people and so the Venture came into existence.

Gujarat, the land of businessmen, where every 2nd person have dream of “Startups, “Indian balloonwala” has came up with something that stands different than 100’s of other start ups. Generally all startups wants to sell a great product and wants to become a billion dollar company. Where as “Indian balloonwala” has main purpose to help the poor people get employment and make them live meaningful life.

The great venture was started with a purpose to improve the life of 4 families. But just in 3 years of span it has helped to change the lives of 27 poor families.

Every success had to go through hardships. Same thing happened here too. Initially it was difficult for them to convice poor people to leave begging and start working and earning, as begging seems to be easy job for any beggar. But with the passage of time, they realised the things and now this poor people earn money as well as respect and life. Even their clients/customers also have responded positively. As here they dont just give the work/assignment but also are serving the cause.

The great venture considers that creativity is their biggest selling point. Balloon and decorations makes them unique in thier own creative aspects. So next time if there is any event in Ahmedabad, do remember to contact them. They will add value to your event.

Healthy Habits

Staying Healthy has been a popular mantra nowadays. Lets go through some routine of healthy people :

1. They play sports.
2. They move at least for thirty minutes.
3.  They get outside.
4. They get right amount of sleep.
5. They go offline.
6. They stretch.
7.  They learn something new.
8. They meditate regularly.
9. They do body weight exercises.
10. They eat by color.

Poem aka Shayri by Ateetkumar Sharma

    Dilon Mein Armaano ka Aashiyana hai, Khwaabon ko pura karna Kaatilaana hai, 

Khwaab mere koi kisi din samjhegaa, Shabdo Ka Jwaaalaa Dil khol ke bhadkega, 

Khwaab aur Shabdon ki duniyaa Kamaal Dikhayengi, Ek alag se Zamaana woh phir se leke Aayegi, 

Intezaar bas us palka hai jab woh time aayega, Time jab woh aayegaa tab Muqaddar bhi sikandar kehlayega. 

   Palbhar ke liye thoda khamosh rehtaa hoon, Isi khaamoshi se logon ko kuch kehtaa hoon. 

     Khushiyon ke pyaalon se bhaari hai zindagi meri, zindagi bhar khushiyon mein dooba rehna chahtaa           hoon, 

     Zindagi ke is safar mein Maashukaa ki talaash hai, Woh Maashuka se khushiyaan lena chahtaa hoon, 

     Humsafar meri zindagi mein aayegi, Khwaab aur khushiyaan dono aa jaayegii, 

     Zindagi bhar ka paigam saath leke jayegi

Written BY Ateet Sharma (Thats Me)

Loan Awarness

In this new era of fintech companies, where loan  is easily available, every borrower shall take care of following things before taking loan.

1. Research the Lender:  Do research a bit on lender (i.e nbfcs, banks providing loans),
   
   Since how long they are into business, and what they have to offer. what are their terms and conditions etc. 
2. Rate of Interest: Do check what the rate of interest is being offered by lenders. Online fintech companies claim fast approval but  they charge high rate of interest. Comparatively banks and nbfcs offer low rate of interest. 
3. Pre-closure charges:  You might be good at finance and able to manage it. You may have taken loan for 5 years but can pay-off entire loan at the end of  3 years. In such cases take care you dont have to bear high penalty and pre-closure charges. Before taking loan confirm and research a bit on loan closure charges. 
4. Diversified Products : For middle-class Indians, they buy everything on emi (i.e loans).  In such cases its advisable to go for lender offering diversified portfolio. Today you may have taken personal loan, after 2xyears you may require car loan. Taking loan from the same lender can offer you low rate of interest. 

Go through some Videos for more details:

                                          

Vadodara Based Band "Sulphur Snow"

Today as a part of #SupportLocals initiative, we are here with Vadodara Based Band "Sulphur Snow". 

The Band “Sulphur Snow” was formed 4 years back i.e in 2016. Four members of band ie Adhirath, Akhil, Ivan and Srujan unitedly came up with the idea of forming the band. They wanted to work on original music and wanted to create songs that meant something to them. In their own words they wanted to sound “musically, lyrically, and sonically.” They wanted to speak on real feeling and issues that were tapping their minds, convert them into music that excited the band as musicians.

They consider each other as their mentor as they have learnt a lot from each other.

Definition of success keeps on changing for everyone. When the band was initial stage even writing a song was a big challenge. But today they have written 15 original songs. But in their hearts they had this feeling that what they want to convey through there song, if there message is conveyed to even one random person, then that thing means a lot to them at personal level.

Each member of bands have different inspirations, but unitedly they share some common interests. Some bands made a great impact to their career like “Blaclstratblues”, “Plini” etc. They are also inspired by Indian indie bands like “AsWeKeepSearching”, “The Local Train”, “Thaikkum Bridge” “Parvaz” etc.

They are hardly sticked to any genre of music. But in the broader sense they mostly play “Rock” and “Progressive” kind of music.

Sharing about their most memorable moment, they remember their very recent experience. At IIT Kanpur’s annual fest “Antragini” 2019, they were selected to open for “When Chai met toast.” When they got on stage to perform, the entire ground was empty. They started performing and at the end of their first song there were around 500 people cheering for them. By the end of their entire performance there was about 5000 people on the ground, listening to their music and enjoying it.

On asking them about how they keep themselves motivated in the city where the bands scene is quite dry. They responded quite positively. They said that it’s just the matter of time. Things are picking up at Local scene too.

On a social point they are involved with “Bhookh Mitao” Campaign in Vadodara. They have composed few tracks for them as a part of this campaign. Apart from this, they work anonymously for various social campaigns in Vadodara.

The indie music scene and community is super tight in Vadodara.  They feel bands here are hardly competing with each other but are unitedly working to keep the scene alive. At Vadodara level, there are some awesome bands like “Tailored Heaven”, “Labyrinth”, “Duneheart”, “Flood of Mutiny”, “Shashwat Bulusu”, “The Malakar Experience”, “Sarhadein”. All this bands have grown because of mutual support and admiration. At Ahmedabad level they find some awesome bands like “Heatsink”, “Mukt” and “Meera” who are making it big. All this bands are unitedly creating indie music scene togather and keeping the indie music community of Gujarat Alive.

They have performed and won at various rock bands competition in leading colleges of India like IIT-Kanpur, IIT-Bombay, IIT-Kharagpur, IIM-Indore, and MSU-Baroda. They like all their compositions, out of which “Ho Tum” has got lot of love to audience. They are thankful to Compass-Box Live Sessions which got them so popular. They are also collaborating with a few talented musicians. There recent collaboration was with “Lokesh Dadhich” who is an amazing Flutist. He is also featured in their first official Video ‘Awesome to be Young” which s out on Youtube and all OTT platforms.

There present line-up is as under:-

Adhirath Stoke: Vocals and Bass

Akhil Chowbey: Vocals and Guitars

Ivan Bruce: Guitar
Srujan Dindorkar: Drums

Change Life

Everyone is suffering from disasters in Life. Some one has a break-up, someone is facing loss in business, someone has lost job. Check out the following tips to learn how to change life: 

• Read Life-stories of people who have turned negative situations and have been
  
  successfully leading life. 

• Commit a portion of your money and time to certain activity which is related to Charity. 

• Try to stay away from Negativity. 

• Practice receiving and giving complements. 

• Start accepting responsibility of your behavior and actions. 

• Practice self-discipline. 

• Associate with people of high Moral-Character. 

• Be creative in every aspects of Life. 

• Practice Patience. 

"Satva"-The Band from Ahmedabad

Hello Guys, Indie music scene is going at high level. Now the indie bands get chance to perform in Local venues like cafes, coffee shops and restaurants etc. Coming to one such Local bands. We are today introducing you to the band from Ahmedabad named “Satva”.

“Satva” the band was officially formed on 12^th July 2015 after having discussed several matters and discussion. It’s popular nowadays, performing at Wagh-Bakri Lounge on Wednesday and Friday evenings and performing at various cafe venues in Ahmedabad.

“Satva” the band have a story behind the name. “Satva” is an attribute of “Prakriti” i.e nature which stands for goodness, or purity. “Satva” is bound to deliver soulful music at its purest form.

As of now the band consists of 4 membes. Kush Anand is on drums. Het Shah is a bassist. Jalaj Dave on Guitars. And Vimal shah on Vocals and guitars. Hiral Prajapati works as a Manager with the band.

They have been greatly inspired by the band “Meghdhanush”, who are among the popular bands from Ahmedabad and has been ruling since a decade. Also great artists A.R.Rehmaan and Arijit Singh have been their inspirations.

Talking about unforgettable moment they feels bit nostalgic. They remember the music sarcasm moments in jam rooms, the midnight tea meetings, the initial nervousness in big concerts, and overcoming the little mischief on stage. The whole journey of fame they feel unforgettable.

They don’t expect much from their followers and fans. They just want them to listen to their music and appreciate them.

They have shared the stage with a very popular band “Neeraj Aryas’s Kabir Café” at Vastrapur Amphitheatre, performed on happy streets, and some private gigs. Moreover, they have performed at popular restaurants of Ahmedabad like Patang, Ramada, The Waterside, Varietea, etc.

We wish all the best to “Satva” the band from Ahmedabad for their dreams and see them succeeding as Head-Liner Band one day.

Do check some of their videos: 

Ishrat Kalavant and Band

Local Indie music scene is growing at fast pace. They don’t just create music but make people feel the music and make the environment musical and memorable.

Today, let’s have a look at local Band of Gujarat "Ishrat kalavant" who are topping the Local Gujarat Music popularity charts.

Ishrat kalavant and his Band is on board of “Local Jam”. As said by Ishrat kalavant, they don’t just believe in making music but creating music that comes from the heart of band members. They don’t just follow what earlier bands or their inspirations have done, rather than that they create their own music that gives them the feel of own music which people will like.

As far as band members are concerned. They have drummer, Keyboard player, Guitarist, Bassist, and Of course Ishrat kalavant himself as Main Vocalist. They don’t limit their band to this instruments and members. When need arises they collaborate with Saxophonist, Violin-player, and choruses. 

They don’t limit themselves to one genre. But play all genres like Jazz, Pop, Rock, Country, Rock N Roll and many more. The idea to play all genres came by listening to international bands like Coldplay, Michel Jackson, Queen, Bryan Adams etc. and also Indian bands and singers like K.K, Lucky Ali, Arijit Singh, Agnee, Atif Aslam and many more.

Speaking about favorite singers and band, Ishrat says that he doesn’t follow any particular specific singers or bands. His favorites among non-Indians are Bryan Adams, John Mayer, Freddie Mercury, Chris Martin, Michael Buble, and Michael Jackson. As far as Indian favorites are considered, Ishrat kalavant and his band is inspired by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, K.K, Arijit Singh, Atif Aslam, Lucky Ali.

As far as musical inspirations are considered, Ishrat have great respect for composers. As per him it’s easy to sing but composing itself is an art which is so creative.

Even though most of us see “Dry local Music Scene” in Gujarat, Ishrat kalavant feels positive on that note. He says if you work hard, people will listen to you and pay for you. He doesn’t feel scene of locals is dry in Gujarat, it’s just a matter of Hardwork you do that pays.

Remembering most memorable moment as a life of an artist, Ishrat says he can’t forget that moment when he shared the stage with his Father. It was great moment for him and is memorable till date when he shared the stage with his Father “Ustaad Ikram Khan” who is a Sarangi Player. He says he can never forget that special moment of sharing the stage with his Father. They both do share music and thoughts at home but bringing that correlation and bond on stage was just a piece of memories, awesomeness, and incredibility.

Being from musical family. Ishrat kalavant didn’t have to face any opposition for him opting music as a career. The family is always supportable to him and keep him inspiring to follow the passion.

Ishrat kalavant have a dream to be best inspiring singer. He feels his art shall be used by people for love, Care and healing. If anyone listens to his music, he shall feel peace and joy. And moreover he wants to be best at what he is doing.

Talking about favourite song or track, Ishrat says that every Music is important and inspiring. Every situation he relates with music so quoting one particular song would be injustice to the song.

Take Loans, Fulfill Dreams.

Hello Guys,

Today we are here to discuss about "Loans". How it can help you fulfill your dream. In this new age of

modernization and luxuries, there are certain dreams , fulfilling of which ,may take lot of time. Loans certainly can help you fulfill it all your dreams. Let us know how loans from banks and nbfcs can help you fulfill your dream.

Now Lets take case :1. You are in the age of early 30's. You have worked for around 5-7 years. And you are now at a successful position in the company. You have been posted far away from your hometown. You along with your family are living in rented house. You pay rent for house. You can pay same amount as emi and own the house. Instead of paying rent for house you don't own. It's better to pay emi for the house and own it. 

Now lets take case 2. You belong to lower middle class family. You have studied well and earned good degree like CA, Doctor etc. You got good job. You earn handsome amount and are able to save too.. But you use Ola/Uber to travel. Your daily travel  cost you around rs 500/-. You work 26 days a month excluding Sundays. You spend Rs 13000 pm for travel. Instead you can pay emi of around rs 13493 and own premium car costing Rs 6 Lakhs to 7 lakhs. Thus instead of paying to car rental company and rely on them, you can pay emi's and have your own Car. m

After going through above two cases we come to conclusion, its not always wise decision to delay the dreams. If you have the dream, fulfill it through loans in short span of  time. "Take Loans, Avoid Burden, and Enjoy Life. "

Busker's Corner: The busking and music Jam point of Aapdu Amadavad

Setu Goyal had initial dream of starting a café since the age of 14. Growing up , he started working on the idea. At sixteen when he joined guitar classes, he soon realized that there is lot of talent in the city but hardly a common platform where we can connect all the artists and art togather. There came up an idea of “Busker’s Corner”. Setu Goyal is the man behind the Busker’s Corner, the busking and music hangout hub of Ahmedabad, located in thaltej area of Ahmedabad.

Busker’s corner was incepted on 21^st May, 2014, initially on a four wheel food cart opposite IIM Ahmedabad, later on shifted to Stall no. 21, near Newyork Tower, Thaltej, Ahmedabad. Like the name suggests, Busker’s corner is an open venue for artiststs to come and showcase their talents, and also meet other artists.

Some great ventures that inspired Setu Goyal to start Busker’s corner were “The chain of Mocha Café”, “Arjun Gupta’s Piano Man in Delhi”, “The Habitat (earlier Tuning Fork)”, “Canvas Laugh Club”, and multiple beach shacks and clubs of Goa.

Setu Goyal , founder of Busker’sCorner is great music fan of “Passenger “ i.e Mike Rosenberg.

Initially when Setu approached his Father with an idea of “Busker’s Corner, His father was not sure about what his son was planning to

do. But initially his mom decided to take risk and help him. Setu’s sister too help him in running the venture. So huge success of Busker’s corner had a great family support to the founder.

Setu Goyal shares his some of the most memorable moments @busker’s corner. Back in 2014, on the night of Gurupurnima, when they were almost wrapping up, two elderly man came up and joined them for jamming, that was the greatest moment at Busker’s corner.

Busker’s corner feel positive about the music scene in Ahmedabad. In city we are now having initiatives like “Sunday Secret Sessions”, “sofar”, “Beatmap” etc. Also multiple cafes are now inviting artists to play and also pay them. So its growing now in positive direction.

Setu Goyal’s Busker’s Corner have a dream of setting up busker’s corner in Arambol, Pushkar, Varanasi, Dharamshala, Hampi etc.

Develop the Saving Habit...!!!

Savings...!!! As soon as you hear the word "Savings" you start thinking about how

to save, how much to save, and lot of more questions. Let’s today have a look on this. 

Whenever it comes to savings, people generally have the big excuse that their expenses are so much that they are unable to save any amount of their income. So first major step in new age is to spare the money to be saved first and then to adjust the monthly expenses out of the remaining amount. 

Second common excuse among people is that they are not rich enough to do savings. To be very honest, it’s not necessary to be a rich person to do savings. Whatever you might be earning low or high, it doesn’t make difference, it’s possible to save some amount of your income. Which then you can utilize for various purpose in life or keep it in various schemes & earn returns. 

Okay, so you now decided to do save some amount of your income. But then comes next question to anyone's mind is that how much amount one shall save from their income. In general it’s said that one shall save 30% of his net pay. To be more precise one shall save 30% of his income. This could be good amount of money that can help you to develop savings habit. 

Further then the question comes, where to invest this 30% of Income i.e. savings. There are 4 best options where you can invest this savings. A part of 30% you shall invest in RD (Recurring Deposits) which are available in all banks. Another part of Savings you can invest in SIPs (Mutual Funds). Another part of income you can invest in gold. And remaining part of income you shall invest in stocks which in long term will give fair returns. 

Life seems so busy

I was sitting free as weekend holiday. I thought of calling few of my past friends as in daily life busy schedule I hardly get time to call anyone. Moreover this new world of whatsapp and facebook is somewhere making us away from Phone calls. 

So finally I took the pains and called one of my college bestie, she received the call. As a

general gesture I asked if she was free talk, she said she was on outing with her family (I didn't ask anything more), then I said okay I will call later. After hanging the phone, then I dialed to one of my school bestie. He was my school best buddy and I haven’t had talk with him since a long time. So I decided to call him. As soon as the call reaches him. He asks who is on the phone as I was calling from my alternate Jio number, which I haven’t given to many people. I said it’s me and said ‘Hi’. He too responded positively but said that will call after reaching home. And this second call to longtime friend goes off. Then I decided to call one of ex-company's colleague. I tried to call him. The situation was tougher this time. The phone kept on ringing but he didn't respond. And then I disconnected the call without talking to him.

So you can understand how difficult and tough it is to have quality talk or chat with friends. It feels a bit sad that the new busy world hardly give time to connect with people at times. We may be saying that it's becoming easier to connect with people in this new world. But is it so easy at times I feel so!!!

Cycling after almost 10 years...!!!

Yes Guys you heard the title right. I came to know about “MyByk”, a unique startup by the local entrepreneur who started this initiative to promote cycling among people. While I was browsing through their various FB posts and updates, I came to know that apart from giving bicycles on rent, they also do organize Bicycle rides. So after registering for me and one of my friend, I got the chance to ride the bicycle after almost 10 years. And the experience was so awesome. 

It was basically "Friday Night Ride" organized by “MyByk” from Shivranjani Cross Roads to Judges Bunglow road then going forward to that road and then return through the same route. 

It was too great experience. I don’t remember exactly but I think lastly I rode bicycle was in 2008, which then I sold as I grew up and had got Scooty to cover local distances. 

Furthermore discussing about the event, there were more than 100 people registered for the

event. The cycling started with a Flag off at 10 pm. It was feeling so different to ride bicycle. Firstly I was riding after a long time (as said earlier after almost 10 years). Secondly this moment comes to you when you are regularly driving two wheeler vehicles regularly for covering long as well as short distances. This kind of bicycling gives different ride experience. Thirdly riding with so many people (More than 100 almost) and riding in so systematic way, it gave the feeling as if I am on some long Bike ride with friends. 

It wasn’t just the Bicycle ride but it was like a fun hang out with so many people whom you don’t even know or have any connection. Just one thing in common that all of you are there to have bicycle ride fun.

Hope this new world of Startups and Fitness bring more ideas, make people more fit and people enjoy the life at the most. After all we are here to live happy and stay happy.