PLANE OF LIVING

PLANE OF LIVING

Philosophical Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Dear Reader, tell me, what is your plane of living ?

No. Don’t get me wrong.

I am not asking you about your standard of living. 

I know you have a decent standard of living.

I am asking you about your plane of living.

Your “standard of living” depends of various material factors – how much money you earn and wealth you have, where you live, the possessions and comforts you have – your home, your car, the gadgets you possess, the number of servants in your house, the schools your kids go to, your clubs, your lifestyle, your consumption levels.

You know what I am talking about when I say “standard of living”.

However, “standard” of living alone will not guarantee you a good “quality of life”.

There is one more factor involved: “plane of living”.

A good “standard of living” will give you physical comfort.

A high “plane of living” will give you intellectual, emotional and mental satisfaction. 

“Quality of Life” comprises two aspects:

1. Standard of Living

2. Plane of Living

In a nutshell:

“quality of life” = “standard of living” + “plane of living”

So remember - increasing your “standard of living” alone will not improve your “quality of life” - you need to enhance your “plane of living” too.

What is “plane of living”?

How do enhance your “plane of living”?

How do you live on a “higher plane”?

Think about it - close your eyes - reflect - figure it out for yourself.

Sure, I will discuss this soon in my blog.

Have a Good Wednesday.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

NB:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013. All Rights Reserved

Did you like this blog post?

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com

Twitter: @vikramkarve

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

AAM AADMI and KHAAS AADMI - आम आदमी और ख़ास आदमी -

AAM AADMI and KHAAS AADMI

आम आदमी और ख़ास आदमी 

The TAXPAYER and The FREELOADER

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

There are two types of citizens – the aam aadmi and the khaas aadmi.

How do you find out who is an aam aadmi and who is a khaas aadmi?

It is simple. Take the recent example of petrol price rise. If you are affected by the petrol price rise then you are an aam aadmi. If you are not affected by the petrol price rise, or for that matter a diesel price rise or any price rise, then you are a khaas aadmi.

The aam aadmi pays taxes. The khaas aadmi freeloads on those taxes.

The khaas aadmi enjoys the privilege of freeloading on the aam aadmi.

Remember, it is not the middle class alone who pays taxes. Do not think that those who pay income tax are the only ones who are being taxed. Even the poorest of the poor pays taxes because you have to pay all types of taxes (central, state, excise, duties, sales tax , service tax, cess, VAT, octroi) – yes, you are taxed for anything you buy or use, even items of daily living.

A portion these taxes paid by the TAXPAYERS are used to finance the opulent lifestyles of the FREELOADERS.

Since the fuel price rise is the topic of the day, let me give some examples of freeloaders in this context.

I remember a few years ago when petrol and diesel prices were raised, a friend of mine was unperturbed. He said that he couldn’t be bothered about fuel prices since he had an official car at this disposal. Of course, official cars are meant for official duties only, but then you know what goes on and how these vehicles are misused for personal and family use. In fact, I know of another guy who sold off his personal car the moment he was promoted and he proudly stated that since he would be entitled to an official car till the end of his service career he won’t need a personal car till he retired.

A vehicle is only one thing – you will be amazed at the number of things provided free or at subsidized rates to these freeloaders. Some smart freeloaders manage to continue enjoying largesse even after retirement. Some never retire.

Before Independence, the British were the rulers and we were the ruled. The British may have gone away long back but the “Raj” continues to flourish – only now there are new sets of rulers and, despite the so-called modernisation and liberalisation, the “feudal” structure continues to burgeon. In this set-up, the aam aadmi is taxed in order to finance the khaas aadmi. In fact the numbers and types of freeloaders have proliferated at an amazing rate and their “on-the-house” lifestyles have become even more lavish and profligate.

And don’t think that freeloaders exist only in the political class and bureaucracy. If you look at the corporate sector you will be amazed to see the fantastic compensation packages and mind-boggling “on-the-house” perks and facilities given to some of the top management.

You will be even more surprised when you see this happening even in those companies which are making losses and, maybe, even are on the verge of bankruptcy.  Some types of industries “freeload” too as they have been given huge tax exemptions and concessions and the common taxpayer has to bear the burden.

Freeloading has become a way of life, a part of our culture – each and everyone wants to freeload and, given an opportunity, everyone tries to freeload. There are many who think that once they have attained a certain position it becomes their birthright to freeload. It is mind-blowing how the sheer numbers and types of freeloaders are increasing and snowballing at an alarming rate. India is a poor country and can ill-afford such profligacy and extravagance by these freeloaders.

I once told a freeloader colleague: “If you consume something, someone has to pay for it. There is no free lunch. So if you have a meal – either you pay for it or someone else has to pay for it.”

In the same way, what the khaas aadmi or freeloaders “consume”, the hapless aam aadmi or taxpayer has to pay for. Has anyone computed the CTC (“cost to company”) being incurred on these freeloaders?

I think one of the ways to resuscitate the economy is to eliminate freeloading and inculcate a sense of thrift and frugality and enforce financial prudence in the powers-that-be. This has got to start from the top since it is best to lead by example. Yes, good leadership implements a top-down approach for change management.

Can we hope to see the crème-de-la-crème freeloaders eschew freeloading and start walking or cycling down to office or travelling by public transport. Can we hope to see the powers-that-be reduce their perks and privileges and learn to more parsimonious and financially honest. Will they pay for what they consume? Will they adopt a High Thinking and Simple Living lifestyle? Will they follow the example set by some of our earlier leaders, freedom fighters who gave up everything for the nation. Will they search their conscience and keep national interest above self interest?

But tell me, why should the freeloaders bother? Things like price rise and corruption will not be important issues during elections as long as we cast our votes based on factors like caste, religion, community and as “vote banks”. So in the end it is we, the aam aadmi, who have only ourselves to blame for the proliferation and extravagance of the khaas aadmi, the thriving freeloaders who will continue to flourish at the aam aadmi’s expense and all we can do is endure in silence and watch on helplessly. 

Whether you are a आम आदमी (aam aadmi) or a ख़ास आदमी (khaas aadmi) - please comment and let us know your views.

PARENTING TEENAGERS

PARENTING TEENAGERS
HOW TO SPOIL YOUR CHILDREN  

The TIME, INCLINATION, OPPORTUNITY, MONEY Parenting Paradigm

By

VIKRAM KARVE 

 

It seems to be the in thing today to have snobbish supercilious spoilt children.

I was a strict old-fashioned father, but looking around, I have realized that in today’s world, where materialistic desires and ostentation overshadow traditional values, my ascetic style of parenting is hopelessly outmoded and distinctly passé.

It’s too late for me to change now, so let me pontificate a bit on what I did not do.

 

Apart from the conventional vices like drinking, smoking, drugs, gambling etc, all types of new and novel temptations and addictions like Internet, Gaming, TV, sex, compulsive spending and shopping, indulging in wild reckless behaviour, breaking the law and criminal thrills are on the rise and indeed becoming status symbols in some sections of society. Now-a-days there is plenty of choice available for those who want to “live it up”.

For children in today’s consumerist society there is no place for old-fashioned concepts like "thrift and frugality"and being happy where you are and content with what you have.

Conspicuous consumption, ostentation, flamboyance and expensive lifestyles are more important. Pamper your kids, pander to all their whims and fancies and they will love you; and, of course, in the long run they will ruin their own lives and cause you distress. 

 

If you want to spoil your children remember there are four cardinal factors or resources that help develop and nurture bad habits, addictions and anti-social behaviour: TIME, INCLINATION, OPPORTUNITY, MONEY. 

 

TIME: One must have time to indulge in whatever one’s pursuits, good or bad. So, if you want to spoil your children, don’t burden them with too many “mundane” things like studies, sports, hobbies etc. so that they have plenty of leisure time to live it up, develop new vices and pursue their temptations to their heart’s content. 

 

INCLINATION: This depends on your sense of values, home and family atmosphere, social environment, religious and cultural taboos, peer pressure, influence of school and friends. Are you inculcating the right values in your kids by your own actions?

 

I’ll give you a real life example.  My friend’s son, age 15, lost his expensive mobile cell-phone forgetting it in a taxi due to his own carelessness and negligence. Instead of admonishing him, my friend bought him the latest, even more expensive and fancy cell-phone. Obviously the boy had no remorse, guilt or regret at losing the expensive gadget, and instead of feeling contrite and responsible, displayed a “couldn’t care” attitude. Certainly this kid will not have value for money.

Can one even expect such actions of parents to inculcate the "correct" values of thrift, frugality and responsibility in their children?

If you drink, smoke, and party in front of your children, won’t they be inclined to do the same?

How about your friends, your kids’ friends, their behaviour, and the general atmosphere and culture around?

What are your own values? If you’re going to “live it up”, flaunt your lifestyle, be corrupt and dishonest, your kids will be inclined to do so too! 

 

OPPORTUNITY : You have the Time, you have the Inclination, but do you have the opportunity to do what you want to do?

Suppose you want to drink alcohol, but there is prohibition in force? Or there exist religious, social, cultural taboos which do not give you the opportunity to drink? This restraining forces will inhibit you from drinking alcohol.

Opportunity to indulge in an activity is governed by external circumstances, rules and regulations, which either inhibits you or makes it conducive for you to do what you want.

Enforcement of Restrictions like No-Smoking Zones, Prohibition, No Entry into Bars and Pubs for Kids inhibits opportunity for children to start drinking at an early age.

Or do you want to give your kids a laissez faire opportunity to do what they want…? 

MONEY: If you want to spoil your children make sure you give them plenty of money to splurge and to do as they please.

“Vices” and profligate lifestyles are expensive. Give them the latest gadgets and gizmos, cars and bikes, pander to all their whims and fancies, and never ask them to account for their extravagant spending.

You’ve open-mindedly given your kids the time, the inclination, and the opportunity, but finally it’s the money that matters - yes, it is money that helps them sustain their vices and habits. 

Go ahead, give it a try, spoil your brats, and tell me if it works

 
But if you don’t want to spoil your teenager kids, you know what to do, don’t you?

Just remember the four key factors:

Monitor their Time, 

give them the proper Inclination in life, 

restrict their Opportunity for undesirable activities, 

and, last but not the least, 

keep a tight leash on their Money.

Does this teenager parenting paradigm work for you…?  

 

VIKRAM KARVE  

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2011

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.  

Did you like this article?

I am sure you will like the 27 stories in COCKTAIL

To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:

http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme

http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm

http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

About Vikram Karve 

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures(2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 14 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts. 

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com

Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve

Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve

Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

Email: vikramkarve@sify.com          

vikramkarve@gmail.com 

Fiction Short Stories Book

COCKTAIL : Short Stories about Relationships By VIKRAM KARVE

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll

http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.