Mittal, Amit - Experience

Plastic usage: can we do something?

nospam@example.com (Amit Mittal) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:23:42 +0530

Recently, I happened to be in Pune and I had to visit a chemist late night. The chemist, I went, gave me the medicines in the paper cover. He told me that he doesn't keep the plastic bags when I asked for one. I was really impressed. Then I inquired if it is the usual practice in Pune on which he told that some of the shopkeepers decided not to keep the plastic bags.

What an Idea!!! If a shopkeeper doesn't give the plastic bags then what option does a customer have other than to make alternate arrangements?

I strongly believe that "rules are for men, men are not for rules" so removing the plastic from our lifestyle at once will not be a practical solution but if we stretch ourselves little bit out of our comfort zone then I think we can contribute a lot to the society. Can't we?

Stem Cell donation

nospam@example.com (Amit Mittal) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:33:24 +0530

When I went for blood donation today, I heard a new term "stem cell donor". I didn't know much about it and doctor there requested me to register for it. The application form for same asked my detailed background details like mother tongue, religion, caste, sub-caste etc. I was bit surprised as nobody asks these details in modern time except some govt. formalities.

Doctor explained me the reason behind it. He told me that stem cell donation is a long and complicated process. We need all these minor details of the donor so that the matching can be faster. e.g. if some needy person comes from the similar background as of mine then chances of matching all the required parameters for stem cell donation with me are more than with anyone else. In this way, finding a match can be easier.

Second doubt in my mind was about the side-effects of this donation on my body. Is there any problems I have to face? Doctor denied so and he told me that anytime for donation, we will again consent you before taking the final decision. After their assurance, I registered for same.

I couldn't find much details on the internet so consulted one doctor friend. Just now found this article which should be sufficient to explain all required things.

Corruption in Indian Railway

nospam@example.com (Amit Mittal) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:59:30 +0530

Jan 13, 2009: I was on Jammu Tawi railway station and I needed to board the train for Kurukshetra but I didn't have any reservation. I found out that there are two trains back to back and both of them have available berths in AC coach. As it was the last minute so couldn't get the reservation on the counter. Hence, I thought of talking to the T.T.E. after I bought general class ticket for Kurukshetra.

The first one was "Amarnath express" which runs weekly on Wednesday from Jammu Tawi. This train goes till Ambala Cantt. and then take different route for Delhi. I decided to board this train till Ambala Cantt. only. I talked to the T.T.E. of that train who was responsible for AC coaches. I asked him the money I need to pay to get the berth. He told me that total it would be Rs. 500/- out of which Rs. 400/- is the chalan price and Rs. 100/- for him.

When I denied to pay Rs. 100/- to him, he gave me the excuse that I have to buy a different ticket because the ticket I had was for different route. I knew that he was making lame excuses because legally we can always break our journey. I told him the same thing and moved on.

I caught the next train after 30 min and enjoyed the sleeping journey