Wednesday, December 18, 2019

What WIFI symbol means on a payment card?

December 18, 2019 0 Comments
Do you know if your card has the WIFI symbol, it means that it can process contactless payments through NFC (Near Field Communication)? The symbol indicates the card has a radio frequency identification chip inside. This allows short range data transfer without the need to touch the point of sales (PoS) device. No need to swipe the card!


How it works?

 When you wave the card in front of a reader that is compatible, the reader sends a signal that wakes up the RFID chip in your card. Your credit card then wirelessly gives the reader the information that it needs to process the transaction. You don't even have to take the card out of your wallet - you just should wave it within a couple of inches of the reader.

 Visa claims that contactless cards work only when the card is within 4 cm of the PoS. This payment method is growing in developed countries. 

 In India, RBI allows you to make a transaction of up to rupees 2000 without a pin. If the amount exceeds that, then a pin will be necessary to complete the payment.
Drawbacks

  • It's technically possible for someone to read your credit card by getting close to you with a near-field card reader.
  • If you have multiple contactless cards in your wallet, terminals might not be able to tell which one you want to use at any given time and give an error (I see this as a way of defense to theft!). In such cases, you take out your card and then pay.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2019

My Dad My Hero

December 03, 2019 2 Comments
There are times when you come across a post on social media, you strongly relate to and feel that it's telling your story! Here is one such quote.
Image Credit: QuotesNStories

Every time I see this, I feel blessed to have a father who always supported me, gave me equal opportunities in every sense (in this unequal world), taught me the importance of being independent and encouraged me in every step of my life.

Today is my dad's birthday (3 Dec). He left this world few months back. I can no more celebrate this day with him now but I want to dedicate this post to him.

Being from an Indian middle class family, where a single member is often supporting the complete household financially, i understand the struggles of a Dad. Though a Bengali, I have grown up in UP and from what I have observed, when you have limited finances and you need to choose to provide education to a girl vs boy child, often a boy takes the precedence! For a girl, it's more like save the money for her marriage. Well, this has never been a case at my home. 

Few instances which left a profound impact on me:

(BCA last year, neighbourhood aunties all worried about my marriage, mom discussed with dad several times). Dad calls me for a discussion!
Dad: Mom is worried about your marriage. I want to ask you if you are interested in getting married now.
Me: Whaaat!! Come dad, i hate marriage.
Dad (to mommy): She doesn't want to and i think she should complete her studies, get a job first, marriage can wait. I think this topic can be put on hold for a few more years.

BCA done and dusted. Now, for MCA, there was a need to arrange the finances. I got to know from a dear friend about education loan, loved the idea and suggested dad about it. Mom got all worried about the burden of loan on our girl, relating it to marriage prospects and what not! 
Me: Dad, don't listen to mom, let's go for the education loan, how will you arrange this money, you have another child (my brother) who would be going to college in few years.
Dad: We will see how to handle that later. Right now, your education is our priority. I have thought about ways to manage the expenses for now so don't worry about it. Do your best.

MCA done. Went for campus placement, got offer for a job in another city. Got cold feet. Cried like hell (annoyed my roomies). Then called Dad. 
Me (crying): It's a job in a different city. I can't do this. I can't live alone. 
Dad: Times are changing. Women are doing everything these days, no need to be scared. You will find friends there. I will accompany you and would be back only when you are comfortable. Accept the offer and trust me on this.
He was right, it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Once I was watching Bachchan family's interview and Shweta Bachchan said, she was not allowed to hold her passport and other stuff while travelling, it was always Abhishek for no reason. I still remember this because it sounded so weird to me. This might be very small thing for some, for me it is not. I have always been given lead in both decision making and responsibility, being the elder one. I was not overlooked for being a girl. 

To all parents out there, support your child, love them, give them equal opportunities & responsibilities. Allow them to explore and take their own decisions. Yes, they can be wrong but so can you! Be there for them, even on things you don't agree to.

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you and miss you so much.

My favorite pic of him

P.S. To all my friends and loved ones who were there with me during this difficult phase, I can't thank you enough and I am blessed to have you in my life. If you need me anytime, I am just a call away.
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Tuesday, October 15, 2019

About Me

October 15, 2019 0 Comments
Hello Friends!

 I am Madhurima. I am a mom of 4 and a half year old, an IT professional, an introvert by nature and a thinker! 
I know Bengali, Hindi and English language. I am planning to learn Mandarin.My hobbies include watching movies, listening music, singing and reading. I have recently started learning Taekwondo and liking it. I can't swim but I think that's a great skill to have so that's on my to-do list as well! I am quite lazy and am not interested in exercise/work out.

My daughter is my lifeline and my brother is my best friend.

 The purpose of this blog is to share my journey and thoughts on what we call "Life".  I will share my experiences and learnings and I hope this will help you in some way or at least bring a smile on your face 😊😊

 Let me introduce you to my family....
This is us :)

My Daddy, Brother and Mommy. (recently lost my dad)


My InLaws and Family (Diwali Celebration)
Thank you for reading and let's keep connecting 💗
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Friday, October 11, 2019

Women ..enemy or biggest support?

October 11, 2019 2 Comments

Few months back, me and my friends from office went for a stroll after finishing lunch. I don't remember the exact context but a friend (male) made a statement "aurat hi aurat ki dushman hoti hai" (women are women's worst enemy) ...   

Well did i agree to his statement? Hell no! I have been fortunate to have amazing females in my life. But could I disagree completely - No, because there was some truth to it. 

When I was studying BCA, we were a group of 5 girls who used to hang out together. We have laughed, fought and cried together. We were there for each other always! Our convocation was held at BIT Mesra, Ranchi (which was in a different state than my home town). Unfortunately, none of my friends could make it to the event. 

Apart from me, there were only two girls (besties) from my batch who joined the convocation. Ranchi was the hometown for one of them so their plan was to spend time with family for 2 days after the graduation ceremony. Once they got to know I had no plans but to stay at the place until we depart, they were worried. They didn't want me to stay alone and convinced me to join them. I was so grateful to them and I had the most amazing time. Now, when I look back, was there a need for them ask me to join? No! They are just two amazing ladies. (sorry, don't have pics together)

My first job was at Satyam, Hyderabad (first time staying away from family). After about a few months, I moved to Pune for a project. I am not a morning person and my roomie used to wake me up each morning! I didn't know how to cook, she did the cooking and I did the dishes. I don't know if we had any fights, I have no memory of that! What i know is, she didn't taunt me for the things I didn't do, me neither.


During my DuPont tenure, once I had a little argument with my Lead
(sometimes your mind is just blocked with emotions!). Our conversation was heard by few others in our bay. After some time, someone approached me from my bay and helped me understand that my Lead cared for me and what she was saying would be for my own benefit. That someone was a female. I got her point but what amazed me was how she made the effort to make things right between us. Something to learn from?

In workplace, we have all sort of issues, right? I had this big fight with my manager and I was not talking to him (I think I am too emotional at times!!). We didn't speak for a month. He came to me thrice and asked to have a
conversation and discuss what is on my mind. I didn't, I was angry! One day my Lead came to me and said that my manager thinks highly of me, he is elder to me and came thrice and asked to have a conversation. She convinced me that i should respect his initiative and have a discussion. She was right. I did that and it was all good again. The thing to mention here is, she might have her own issues with him but didn't trigger me to do anything worse, she was so mature to give me an impartial opinion! 

I have several such incidents where a female went out of her way to guide me or help me. 

Then why this stereotyping that women are women's worst enemy? Because there is a female envy that exists? I never understood this. Don't get me wrong, i totally get it if two girls like the same boy and jealous of each other! What i don't get is, this feeling of, “if I didn't get this why she?” 


I had found one of my besties at workplace. We both were in the same role and after some time my lead wanted to give a DEV lead role to her. I was asked by several people why not you? I responded, she is more mature than me to handle that role. I was just stating facts. The question was valid but they just couldn't digest my response and kept triggering me. May be so used to seeing and enjoying female envy? I gave them a hard time i think!! 

When I got married, there were some jokes around let's see who can do this better (between me & my sis-in-law). I just smiled, I was newly married and was still trying to understand everyone but in my head i was saying "Why us? Why the two sons are not competing or compared?  Have fun out of them, not us!". I know I know, it was a joke but our jokes do tell a lot about what we think correct?  

 And sis-in-law comparison is like universal. In most cases, they are just put in to a situation where envy would play a role. All mind games, which are uncalled for! 

Well my thought... envy is absurd, stupid, illogical! I feel there is plenty for all of us. You get an opportunity, good for you, if i want the same thing, i will work for it as well. 

My masi (aunt) told me once, when i was little "Amaar baje bhable ba bol le ota to pe jabo na, amake aamaar ta banate hobe" (Even if i think or speak bad for the other person, i will not get what he or she has, i will have to work for my own life). 

With that thought, let's keep supporting each other to grow....

Keep rocking!!
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Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Being Mommy!

September 17, 2019 1 Comments

When i was thinking to write this post, i wanted to name it as working Mom! Well, that's my situation!!  But then I thought, why not just Mom, because most of us are sailing in the same boat - be it working or stay-at-home, with some differences of course. 

Motherhood is a blessing....it truly is. The feeling of holding your child for the first time is priceless. I was never in to kids before and people who know me well, were shocked at the transformation i had after being a mom - fun and happiness meant being around my little one instead of watching movies or eating out! 

I took maternity leave of about 3 months and then I joined back. I was blessed to have the support of my parents to take care of my baby when i was working. I thought all is set and both home and work can be managed easily. Soon I was to realize, it's NOT! 

Initial some time was a bit OK but when my kid grew up a little, she wanted us to stay with her and cried like hell when daddy and mommy went to office. During this phase, I felt guilty all the time of not being around my baby when I was working and I had thought several times whether it is best to take a break from work....well I couldn't because let's face it - i loved my job too!   

What is the best way to manage both?

Over these 4 years of being Mommy, I have come to terms with a few things which I share here. I still don't know if there is a best way.
  • Have helping hands if you can! When I was home, I wanted to spend time with my kid instead of finishing up house hold chores. So, I had cook and maid for these works.
  • There might be times when your kid is more happy spending time with grandparents or friends. Be OK with that. My kiddo loves spending time with grandparents and I love to see them spend time together. 
  • Ask for help. Don't feel bad for asking! You must realize you are not a machine, you can't handle everything. Even if you try doing that you will run out of fuel sooner or later. Ask your partner to help with house hold responsibilities. 
  • Fix some Daddy time routines like bed time stories or outdoor play time with daddy. This will give you a break and time to reenergize yourself.
  • Work with your manager for flexi-hours.  Most people are understanding and supportive, you should be clear about your situation. They would not know unless you tell them.
  • Brush off comments and move forward. Traditionally it has been a mom's responsibility to raise kids. Anything goes wrong and its mom's fault! Well, it's hard to change people. There will be people commenting on what are you not doing or highlighting things that daddy is helping with when it should be the mommy (well, ya i have faced that!). Don't bother. Move on.... In today's world roles of daddy and mommy needs to change. 
  • Stop trying to prove yourself - Working women is a new thing in India. Even when you are working, you might be compared with stay at home women and their expertise in managing home. Be clear on what you want in life. Apples and oranges can't be compared. Period.
  • Keep yourself happy - Well it's hard at times...it really is. But remind yourself, you can't make other's happy, if you are not! Help yourself before helping others. Even in a flight, you are told that in case of emergency, wear your life jacket first and then help others including kids. Try to have some time for your own! 

These are the few things I can think of now. I am sure there are many more. If you want to share your experience or give me tips to manage my life better...please leave your comment. 

Thank you for reading....
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# My Journey
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