Are you going for a second car ?... think !

Have you  installed your roof top electric generation ?

I could have afforded a luxury car. I never plan a second car as I consider it is improper ISR ( Individual's Social Responsibility) particularly under city's choked roads and pollution. Now a days there is so much talk on CSR -Corporate Social Responsibility. In my opinion there is equally an ISR where every citizen demonstrates that he (or she) does contribute by adding value to the way of life.  

Coming back to the decision of  car purchase,  I decided to settle down for a more fuel efficient car  partly and  invest  in a roof top 2 KW solar power generation unit. I did not go for net metering  to export power to grid due to reports of  long queue of applications  and  ‘unofficial extras’ for approval.  

After installation it is generating 6.5 Kwh to 7.2 kwh per day and totally independent of grid supply.

Our electricity bill has come down by Rs 900 per month since july 2016. We are paying grid the minimum of Rs 120 to 140 to keep a standby system. We retain this for heavy duty appliances like air conditioner, microwave oven etc

A few well wishers and neighbors  wanted to question the wisdom by way of ROR –rate of return. In their point of view annual saving of Rs 10800 for an investment of Rs 2.7 lakhs is just about 4% simple interest. An investment in FD or NCD or Gold ( if not Equity) would be more than double !!

My counter question to them is, does it make them independent of grid for electricity ?

 Look it this way. A solar installation has more than 20 years of life with positive contribution of energy and saving GHG ( green house gases). A luxury car only depreciates with contribution to GHG over the same number of years.  The former makes you self reliant but the latter is subjected to market vagaries like international crude prices and in turn rise in running cost.

Another fundamental question rises when we think of real estate and housing sector. People are willing to invest anywhere between 60 lakhs to several crores for a residential villa or apartment  particularly in metros. Is it too much to expect them to invest in Rs. 3 or 4  lakhs in solar electricity so that they do not become a burden to the power grid ?

The public wealth (or savings) is grossly stored in unproductive ways. What is meant by ‘unproductive’ is that wealth not being utilized for generating more food or water or energy. It is lying in equity share markets, Fixed Deposits  and Gold. To make it productive some government legislation or incentives may be necessary. Now in Karnataka every newly built house should mandatorily install a solar water heater.

As of now there is no incentive for volunteered installations of power generation for self use while the Solar water heaters get Rs 50 reduction in monthly electricity bills.

Energy is more valuable than gold as it is in constant demand by every strata of the society. If governments come forward to acknowledge the savings on investment in power plants by encouraging Roof-top units.This  can be done by subsidizing the battery replacement required once in four years and make the scheme more investor friendly.

This is a good beneficial  way in making people use their wealth in productive self sustaining (public) cause rather than demanding complaining citizens about governments’ inefficiency for lack of power. One can compare the ways of investment as shown below. 

Basis  12000 Km/ year	The car : what I desired	The car  I bought + 2KW Solar panel
Investment requirement	Rs 7.8 lakhs	3.1 Lakhs+ 2.7 Lakhs=  5.8 Lakhs
Petrol consumption	667 lit (18 lit/km)	521 Lit ( 23 lit/km)
Contribution to GHG#	1600 Kg CO2	1250 Kg CO2
Power saving ( per year)	Nil (-2555 kwh from grid)	2555 kwh
GHG by use of electricity	5360   Kg CO2	- 5360 Kg of CO2**
Net  GHG generation	6960CO2	-5710  (6960-1250)
#   Every litre of petrol  releases  2.4 Kg of CO2 in to atmosphere **Every kwh power generation through thermal power releases 2.1 Kg of CO2

In other words I contribute directly  a Carbon Credit of 5.7 tons per year which can also be a basis for incentive calculation.

Economically looking, any car or vehicle would have lost more than 80% of their value in 10 Years while  the solar panels continue to generate power for another ten years. With inflation, the power tariff  will be higher and the savings will be much larger than what is perceived today. To give example, as per simple inflationary trend of 10% , in 2026 the tariff will be  around Rs 15 per kwh as against the present Rs 6.90 per Kwh. 

What makes me happy is, albeit in a small way, that  I could  avoid  about 5360 Kg CO₂ generation through solar electricity and further 350  Kg of CO₂ release in vehicle emission  apart from becoming self reliant in my energy need.

Solar Energy and Electric Vehicles

It is quite sometime I wrote in this blog. The main reason is, now a days for some reason, I am reluctant to make critical comments about other's creativity. Creativity is a thing of evolution.

For every original creation there may be ten pseudo creations, akin to trend in movies or music. The originals survive the test of time. Some creations are ahead of time only to be recognized several years later like 'barcode'  inventions

However sharing our views and concern regarding what is happening around us need not stop. Hence I decided to share things -though they are not blog specific - with one and all.

In this issue I wish to share the power point presentation I made regarding electric vehicles which are environmental friendly. The summer temperatures of Bangalore  touching 39 degree Celsius is hitherto unheard of.

The obvious reason is increase in traffic on roads emitting smoke and heat. Not only Bangalore all towns and cities face a similar situation.  The picture shows the news item how two wheelers dominate the Indian roads.

Any true solution can emerge only if we understand the root cause of the problem. The pollution caused by vehicles on Indian roads  is mainly from  scooters and motor cycles,

Please go through the following presentation and  inform what comes to your mind. Your feedback will be valuable for other readers also.

Solar Charging Stations from Kabeeranban

Medicine or Adjuvant ? : Dabur Lal Tail

For quite some time I wanted to write on this subject of Natural remedies.

The recent mail from Indiblogger triggered that interest in me to  open the web link of Dabur’s Laltail and  two things  caught  my attention. One was  the hindi  word for 'oil' ( sanskrit thailam). It could have been spelt 'thel' or 'thail' which are definitely different from 'Tail'. Some one should not make fun that the child would end up with a 'red tail' - ha ha just in lighter vein :) 

The other one is  the statement  “ Ayurvedic Medicine”.  Is it medicine or adjuvant?

We will come back to this later, as I like to touch upon why I wanted to write on natural remedies.

Ever since my father, in his 80+,  was successfully cured of his nervous disorder through an ayurvedic doctor in Kerala I wanted to write on this subject viz Chemical based Allopathy  vis a vis Nature based Remedies.

In 2010,  suddenly his speech started to slur and developed difficulty in eating. We thought it was facial palsy which could be temporary and with some physiotherapy he would recover. It was not to be.

After treating for more than four months under special supervision at NIMHANS Bangalore and other specialists in the field,  we were losing hopes of his recovery. He could not swallow even normal liquid food and had gone in to deep depression resulting in loss of weight. All that the specialists could do was prescribe a tablet –costing nearly Rs 57 per day- that temporarily strengthened his nerves in throat and mouth so that he could eat some food. After an hour the problem would be back with a bang. Slurred speech and uncontrollable saliva secretion made his days quite miserable.  The name of the disorder was myasthenia gravis.

A sinking person would cling to anything that offers hope. Our attention turned towards ayurvedic remedy. Through fortunate circumstances he was led to an Ayurvedic specialist near Palakkad and better days began. He did not mind the extreme bitterness of couple of decoctions nor the trouble of preparing them fresh everyday. Supported with few  ayurvedic tablets his condition gradually improved. Within next six months his speech returned to near normal he could eat food without any difficulty and  started gaining the body weight!!

One of my uncles who visited him later considered it as a “miracle” recovery. I responded saying 'our body itself is a miracle'. Nature has gifted  everyone with a programmed mechanism to recover from injuries and ailments and diseases provided we know how to recognise it.  We needlessly intervene in its mechanism with our own chemical based correction which not only supresses the symptoms of one disease but also creates many undesirable side effects !!

Today most natural therapists recommend fasting and resting as the pre-requisite to help the body to work on its damage control.  Ayurvedic herbs mostly help as very good adjuvants in strengthening the mechanism of repair rather than directly dealing with the disease.  They provide the necessary tools to the system to  correct and eliminate undesirable toxins which are responsible for the disease unlike the allopathy  that suppress and accumulate undesirable chemicals inside the body. Thus it aggravates the problems further to complicate the life of the individual.

 During the treatment period my father was also prescribed medicated oil massage  which  very religiously he used to apply everyday. That reminded me of the frequent appeals of my mother for weekly oil bath a typical south indian tradition in our younger days.

She is a staunch believer of regular oil bath for cooling the body the way oil cools the auto engine. She never gave up that comparison despite our protests that a steaming hot water bath after oiling the body could never cool the body. Little we understood the connotation of cooling in traditional  system is different from external bathing condition. However with passing years it dawned on me that even the exposed skin is a living cell and can absorb and transfer the molecules by osmotic diffusion that can help in absorption of useful nutrients through blood

Coming back to Dabur’s Laltail, it is good to see traditional knowledge is being experimented and  getting validated through modern way of scientific experimentation.  This will go a long way in reinforcing the new generation  that what is traditional does not mean outdated belief systems but very much live and kicking to be noticed for the benefit of mankind.

Since the use of Laltail is being recommended for all babies for a healthier growth, it is preferable to call it as an Ayurvedic Adjuvant rather than Ayurvedic Medicine. In my humble understanding of English language the word medicine connotes that which helps "to cure a disease " whereas an adjuvant is the one which supports and accelerates the benefits of a nutrient or medicine.  

Thanks to indiblogger for inviting bloggers  to share their  views on this important issue of remaining healthy through natural ways.

AIR INDIA -RESERVATION BUG -Eats Senior Citizen's Pockets

Today I am not discussing any advertisement.
I just want to point out the bug in AIR INDIA' 's online reservation system.

Look at the following two images which are screen shots I took when I wanted to book two tickets for senior citizens

Generally depending on dates I used to come across fare rates of  Rs 9000-12000 on a Return booking. When I saw a fare Rs 35360 for one way - 2 senior citizens, I had a shock.

 [click on the images for larger view]

senior citizens who are supposed to get some  concessions are expected to pay 4 times higher than the normal Adults !!!!

The above image shows fare as Rs 8958 for the same destination, same flights on same date.
one way ticet for 2 Adults.

Will someone look in to it ?

Listen to Nature

Once again an advertisement from Woodland caught my eyes.

The purpose of such a wild imagination of positioning a pair of slippers on both ears seem to be exactly that, ie "catch the attention".

Other than that it hardly serves any purpose. :(

Yes, people are inclined to consider anything 'Natural' as a welcome concept and that too if a slipper or shoe made of natural fibres would enjoy a priority. The copy "Listen to Nature" is also fine in that respect.

Take a look at the expression of the model.

He seem to be worried or at best lost in a world of his own, certainly not the one who seem to enjoy anything. There is no spark in his eyes.

May be a mobile company showing two of its cell-phone models or an audio equipment manufacturer with their speakers in a similar fashion- sticking to the ears- could have been more acceptable to me.

Is this the only way or best way to depict "Listen to Nature"?

I tried to figure out if I were to present the same concept what would have I done? In other words stepping in to the other man's shoes :)))

The result is what you see below (please bear with me for my lack of ability in graphics.)

The silhouette of a person amidst man-made concrete jungle yet constantly in touch with Nature, the comfort of the shoes radiating through upwards. The comfort of nature is heard in every step. The back drop visual can be a office complex or a busy mall in a slightly blurred but the shoes in good focus. The copy makes a prominent claim on natural fibre.

What is your take ?

Cruze:is it running or stationary?

It is always intriguing whether the creator of an Ad is able to successfully communicate what is desired.

There is a general belief that it is enough to influence the target audience, the decision makers. For example if I don't belong to the target audience it does not matter whether I understand the communication or not. To an extent it is acceptable.

A recent example of this I could see in the advertisement of Chevrolet's Cruze.

(If needed click on the image to see an enlarged picture)

What I could understand : RESPECT ! is what Cruze would 'command' Big and Bold.

1) It is the largest car with the most powerful engine in its class. Push button start - fully understood

2) 150 PS 2.0L VCDi diesel engine - 2000 cc diesel engine, okay; what is 150 PS ? some one has to explain me

3) Corvette inspired twin -cockpit - Blank :((

4) 5 star ANCAP safety rating - some better safety standard has been incorporated. What is ANCAP ?

An auto-buff may find it more interesting than a commoner like me. No harm. I still perceive it as a new model, high end car.

However there are certain aspects, like visuals, which anyone can see and appreciate the way it compliments the theme of the advertisement.

In Chevy's case there seem to be some laxity in the post-shooting Art Work

The front tyre shown gives the impression that Cruze is coming to a halt after a cruise. 'Halt' because it is indoors. There is some motion still, felt by the viewer as the wheel-hub is quite shaky and no clear focus like a moving object. However the bumper betrays the fact that all along it was only a stationary car. Any one can see the reflection of the grill-work on it bar by bar under excellent focus !! The rear wheel too very clearly indicates the stationary status of the car. Where was the need to give a motion effect to the front wheel?

Such a great car is parked in an exhibition hall (that is my guess ) and photographed from an angle as if there was no room to stand and shoot ?

To me the visual does not adequately supplement the greatness of most powerful car 'Cruze'.

Indian Oil Corporation: xtrapremium at what cost ?

We all know what Literacy is, but do you know what is Numeracy ?

Numeracy is the ability to understand the numbers (particularly with respect to Data or Statistics ) in correct perspective for a better understanding.

One can Make or Break any thing with the help of right (or wrong) use of numbers. All our politicians & economists know it :))

Generally I use xtrapremium petrol for my car as it results in lesser carbon deposit and higher mileage and overall smoother operation as claimed by Indian Oil Corporation. It is achieved by an additive and naturally there is a premium on it.

The cost difference is Rs 2.50 per litre of petrol in Bangalore. Normal Petrol is Rs 50.66 and Xtrapremium is 53.16 per litre.

Once while filling at the Petrol station a friend remarked "Oh that is 5 % more. Do you get 5% extra mileage ?"

Honestly I had no way of verifying this as city traffic conditions don't permit us a fair evaluation.


In a recent advertisement IOL claims 2.79 % improvement in fuel efficiency for their Xtrapremium. The first thought was "with drivers having diverse practices and idiosyncrasies this advantage is too thin and may not be realizable in most cases. Everyone knows that the results reported are under ideal test conditions and as such not effective in city driving.".

Then I recollected the reaction of my friend. Does it mean that I am getting only 2.79 % more mileage for using the premium petrol ? Am I paying 5 % more and get only 2.79 % advantage ? prima facie everyone seemed to agree.

My numeracy is under test ! Somehow I felt that our IOL energy experts cannot be that foolish to charge more for a lesser benefit. I decided to delve deep in to it. I did some quick calculations.

Say by filling 2 litre of normal petrol ( @Rs 101.32) I will be able to drive up to 32 Km whereas 2 litres of xtrapremium (@Rs 106.32) would take me additional 0.8928 Kms assuming 2.79% better mileage.

In terms of cost per Km of travel I incur Rs 3.166 with normal petrol and Rs 3.232 with xtrapremium. This is about 6.63 paise more per Km. If we interpret this data as % increase of cost (6.63/316) x 100 = 2.09 %

That's it. For a benefit of 2.79 % fuel efficiency the consumer is made to pay 2.09 % more. Nothing great but nothing much to complain also.

But what a way to realize this truth !! Does any average consumer have time to realize this fact through tortuous calculations? Most people would do what my friend did, jump to quick conclusion. Yes, most of us are still not numerate

To avoid such misgivings IOL's Advertisement needs to be more explicit in terms of cost economics -apart from making a simple statement of fuel efficiency.

It may be highlighted in terms of savings in billions of rupees to the National Exchequer or a qualified assessment of savings in maintenance cost of the vehicle (because of Friction Buster). These information must form as part of the body copy. Then there is a possibility of avoiding the misgivings that may arise in the common man's mind.

The success of communication lies in not giving room to further questions or doubts but proactively answer many that may arise while reading the message. From that point of view IOL's AD falls short of clarity though the fact has been furnished without exaggeration.

They may be congratulated for that as in World of Advertisement it is hard to find true reporting of facts.