Passports Received

Just as the Officer promised the Passport was dispatched on time , we were not there when the passport came, so we went to the Post Office to collect it the next day, Once we collected we acted as good mannered people you will find on earth, but once in car, we were like kids opening the covers and looking at the Passports, as if it was some gift from an alien being. Dad again sent an SMS that Geet was the youngest member in Sanchethi Family to have a passport :) that’s true not many 2 months old have passports :)

Earlier they used to paste our picture in the passport but not they print it, and you know what happens when an inkjet printer goes wrong, thats exactly how Vanitha’s photograph has come :) Though it was funny but had to recheck if that would do, asked the Tourism guy below our office and he said “ In my passport I don’t even have a nose, this is much better” he he

There is a note in my passport “ the holder has previously been known by the name of “Pawan…”

The Biggest Surprise I did not have the ICR Seal, it was automatically ICNR, Man, How much running around I did for this – in Both College Branches, Principal, Bangalore University, Provisional Degree, Attestation, Tatkal Convocation etc etc, If I knew I would have saved some time n all that stress – but in a way atleast I applied for Convocation and got a Degree Certificate from College :) so something good :)

Wait, this is not it, Iam expecting a Police Verification  – just coz my name was changed from “paWan” to “paVan”, hmm I hope this happens pretty fast.

Published in: on October 28, 2009 at 2:03 AM Leave a Comment
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Convocation Certificate

As planned went to Jain College JC Road branch, man how much the college has changed, i kind of felt old but I thought I looked pretty young compared to some humongous guys there :p

Went to the office, had to pay Rs. 50 to get one Provisional Certificate, the Admin office said that I can get the same attested by Bangalore University – that sounded really good, in fact I thought than can do the trick :) so from there left to Bangalore University.

What an amazing Campus, I entered it and I said to myself “ If you have to study in an University It has to be this one” Huge Huge campus, numerous Departments, countless trees with hardly any human population, it was like you are studying in a complete wilderness, I just loved it.

Went searching for the Attestation of Degree Certificate, went to Head Office and then was directed to a different building, went there and spoke about Attestation and also about Tatkal Convocation Certificate.

First Provisional Degree Attestation, First ask some 4 offices to find the lady who does it, only to comeback to the entrance where she was seated working with other marks cards.

The lady asked me to pay the Fees and come, I asked where and how much?, he said go to SBI, there are form, just pay Rs. 120 and get challan, Lucky I had the car, went again to Main Office where SBI bank was there(1.5 Km), searched the Challan and found a blank one, did not know how to fill, what to write, again came back to the lady (another 1.5 Km ) and asked her, she guided me with details and again (tired of typing “again”, imagine how frustrated I must be travelling back n forth) went to SBI to fill the Challan, deposited the cash and again came back to the Lady and gave the filled challan. Was told you fill the form, a photograph and said I can come after 15-20 days to collect it, I requested to make it faster for which she said she will try… Phew… at least one work done.

Coming to the Tatkal Convocation Certificate, that was double as frustrating, they will not give you the form unless you pay the required DD charges, but the form is Rs. 10, DD to be taken only when you file – they wont listen and I cant fight as I was running short on time, explained them to give me the form as I had to get the Signatures of the Principal in the form, I cannot get the DD, then get the form for signature and come back again to submit the form ( BU itself is in outskirts ), but they just wont listen, they made he run here n there ( Bangalore University Press, The Stores Room, the person in charge of application etc etc ) One person I met who is the Authority to give me the Convocation Certificate, He explained me the process and was polite but others were not. Will write about the Convocation Certificate process some other time

Simple & Quick Process but they make you run around, Now that I know, I can guide my friends to finish the work in one visit and in one day :)

Special Thanks to Karthik (He is my classmate and amazing at creativity, check out his company : www.unpluggedindia.com ) , Thanks buddy, you collected my 3rd year marks card from college and had it safe for 5 years ( I did not bother to collect it from you ) and to return it to me when I needed the most, thanks a lot buddy, you have no idea how much it helped ( and Vanitha got a brief idea on how careless I ‘am I was :P )

Published in: on October 27, 2009 at 1:50 AM Leave a Comment
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ICNR

Both Vanitha & Geet had ICNR but mine was ICR ( Immigration Check Required ), It was a simple procedure to get ICNR, just show them your 12th or Degree Certificate and fill up Form 2 and that is it.

But I had a problem, I could not trace my 12th Marks card, but still I had my B.com Marks Card :) only to find out that a Degree Certificate is accepted and not three Marks Card :( .

Remember? last time I told you, small silly things we ignore when required is always in case of emergency. I had no option but get a Degree Certificate.

First visited my Sri Bhagwan Mahaveer College, met the old time friend, let us call him Mr. Pyune, spoke to him and explained him that I need a degree certificate and how should I get it. Every now & then Vanitha always told me to get that Convocation Certificate, but with two business I never thought that will be ever required ( ego? naa ignorance :) )

To my shock he said it taken about 6 months :( I was like what?? Six months?? There must be something, someway just find out. He told to call me back in the Eve. Even he promptly called and said that they do give Convocation Certificate on Tatkal Basis, but that also takes about 1-2 months, but I can take provisional Degree from College. I thought atleast let me get something.

By the way ICNR is not mandatory, but I wanted it and for those who want to know more about it can check out this link :- http://passport.gov.in/pms/EMIGRATION%20CHECK%20NOT%20REQUIRED%20STAMP.htm

Published in: on October 26, 2009 at 12:41 AM Leave a Comment
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Why Surgery Abroad – Why not in India

Many of them, friends, relatives, doctors have asked me this Question, “ Why do you want to go to Abroad for Surgery”, “There are many good doctors here in India, then why?” n also “ Why are you so obsessed with Foreign Doctors?”

The Answer is Iam not obsessed with Foreign Doctors, nor do I have any notion in my mind that Foreign Doctors are good and Indian Doctors are bad ( my third option was Surgery in Bangalore )

I wanted the Best Cleft Surgeon in the World, (again I feel sad could not go to NY ) and that purely was my only criteria / priority / preference of selecting the Surgeons.  I have met Surgeons & interacted with them, from Manipal Hospital, Malaya Hospital, Bangalore Hospital, Martha Hospital, Sree Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Sparsh Hospital, Apollo Hospital in Bangalore, Ramchandra Hospital, Apollo Hospital & few famous ones in Chennai, visited few hospitals in Kerala & also in Sangli & Jalgoan in Maharastra (Supposed to renowned for Cleft). Not just them John F. Caccamese, in Baltimore, Dr. Dave Schaefer , Dr. Wendy Schlichting, OHSU, Dr. Mr Loshan Kangesu, London, Dr. John Girotto, Rochester and many more

So out of these and as per my convenience I had made a list of Top 10, Top 5 and then came down to Top 3 and this is how I selected the Surgeon. And let us accept the fact that every Surgeon I meet has said that he/she cannot guarantee the result as every child & every surgery is different & Every doctor will tell you to sign on the dotted line and I totally agree with that. So when No Surgeon can assure me a perfect Surgery ( including surgeons abroad ) then it makes sense to go to a Surgeon who is renowned in this field and experienced twice my age ( ok Iam not 22, but still )

We will be there for 10 days until the stitches are removed and if required I will not thing twice to extend my stay.

Published in: on October 25, 2009 at 12:33 AM Leave a Comment
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Cleft Surgery in UK on Nov 25

Late Posting

The Decision is taken:-

Surgery by Dr. Brian Sommerlad

Some details about the surgeon in short ( The actual profile & research I have done on his, it goes upto 19 pages, n I’m not kidding )

Dr. Brian Sommerlad is among the Best Cleft Surgeons in the world. He has more than 40 Years experience in Cleft Surgeries, was the President of British Plastic Surgery Association and also was the President of St. Andrews Cleft Lip Centre not long ago.

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He is part of the Governing Body of Smile Train – “….The World’s Most Respected Cleft Medical Professionals. The Smile Train Medical Advisory Board is comprised of the best and the brightest cleft experts in the world from maxillofacial surgeons to anesthesiologists to speech pathologists. Led by world-renowned cleft surgeon, Dr. Court Cutting…”

BRIAN SOMMERLAD BEING HONOURED

Dr. Brian Sommerlad was honored by The Indian Association of Cleft & Palate this year and also was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2000. I have also spoken to many including doctors here in India, in UK & some Organisations and everyone had only good things to say about him, some of them are :-

Dr. Court Cutting’s Secretary’s mail says “ …. rest assured you are in good hands with Dr Sommerlad”.

Dr.Shelly, Cleft Coordinator of NYMC says “…..Dr. Sommerlad is a very talented surgeon. I am glad that you are going to have Geet’s surgery done by him”

Dr. Apul Parikh, Plastic Surgeon in UK – earlier at Wockhardt, Bangalore says “……. He has the best reputation in the UK and is probably the most experienced cleft surgeon in the UK. So I can completely recommend him and St. Andrews hospital”

Surgery at St. Andrews Cleft Lip Centre – Broomfield Hospital

The North Thames Regional Cleft Lip and Palate Service also known as the North Thames Cleft Centre is responsible for treating children and adult patients with clefts of the lip and palate the North Thames region. This includes North London, Essex and South and West Hertfordshire.

This service is run jointly by the world renowned St Andrew’s Centre, Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.

Wikipedia says :-

Broomfield Hospital is the general hospital for Chelmsford, England and the surrounding areas. It is the largest within the Mid Essex Hospitals Services Trust and is an 800-bed acute hospital which offers a vast range of services. The world renowned St. Andrew’s Centre – a specialist unit for cleft lip and palate, burns and plastic surgery is also located at Broomfield Hospital.

Published in: on October 24, 2009 at 12:22 AM Leave a Comment
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Photo Blog

As Iam jobless :) Ive decided to have a small collection of my pictures on a separate page. I tried all sort of names but WordPress keeps rejecting them saying it;s already taken… blah blah.

At last came down to Ek Tasveer – I know what you guys thinking Ek Khwab & now Ek Tasveer, I could not help, none available and this was ( hindi words ) so decided to block this domain & blog.

I like Photography but Iam not a Photographer, I dont understand Cameras, Maximum I can do is Switch Off the Flash from Automatic to Manual :) but I see all around people n friends capturing some amazing moments of life. So I thought let me push this passion of mine a little further ( as if I didn’t have better things to do ).

The Photoblog is http://ektasveer.com/ do give a visit & let me know what you guys think about it.

Published in: on October 23, 2009 at 12:59 AM Comments (2)
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UK Visa for Medical Purpose

 

Since Dr. Cutting was ruled out due to the Cost factor ( I wish I could afford that ), the Second option in my list is Dr. Brian Sommerlad of UK.

So I fond about the VFS and infact visited to their office to get first hand information on what is required for a Visa to Uk for Medical Purpose.

I met the enquiry section there, looked very polished and spoke in an English which sounded a lil strange ( must be British Accent ) and next to me was a Student – ( Student Visa season ), he told pretty sternly that he had to bring two copies of every Original Document he brought, hmm I was making a mental note of it.

Then it was my turn, I asked him about the details required for a Medical Visa – he started with the first Question “ Why UK? why cant the Medical Treatment be done in India?”, I said “ It can be done but I prefer to be done at a Specialized Hospital and have chosen him of all the Surgeons in the world”, he went on asking me on the same matter “ If it can be done here, then why in UK”, I guess they were more interested in filtering people going to Uk rather than assisting them, or may be he thought I planned to settle there – I think that’s their job

I did not know what to say at the end I said “ My Medical Treatment, My Money & My Wish”, he looked backed at me slightly amused and gave me the list of Documents required, here it goes :-

  1. Visa Photographs ( UK Specification )
  2. Valid Passport
  3. Visa Form
  4. Covering Letter
  5. My Personal IT Returns 3 Years
  6. My Bank Statement last 6 months
  7. My Investments If I had any like Insurance, MF etc
  8. My Investments in Shares
  9. My Investments in Properties
  10. My Company PC Registration Papers
  11. My Company PC 6 Months Bank Statement
  12. My Company WM Registration Papers
  13. My Company WM 6 Months Bank Statement
  14. Accommodation Proof
  15. Letter from Doc here stating what is the Medical Condition
  16. Letter from Doc here referring to the Surgeon in UK
  17. Letter from Surgeon in UK, accepting the Surgery
  18. Letter from Surgeon in UK, Cost & Time Duration of Stay
  19. Letter from Hospital in UK for the Cost of Surgery & others
  20. Since the Reg of both my companies was in Kannada – English Translation of both of them by a notarized Lawyer
  21. For Vanitha – My papers + her  IT, MF & Salary Statement etc.,
  22. For Geet – Her Passport & Birth Certificate along with both mine & Vanitha’s papers

Phew what a list :) and what a daunting task ahead

Published in: on October 22, 2009 at 1:01 AM Leave a Comment
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New Nam Device

The Last Nam device given, Geet was just not taking that & Vanitha even stopped that NAM. We went to our routine check with our Orthodontist and explained him about the NAM.

He checked the NAM & said that a new one is required as the Tissues have grown and this will not be useful anymore. He explained what has moved and how this clip will not be useful and offered a Diff clip from here on. We were thinking on type of Clip to be used, either the simplified Technique he learnt from Taiwan or from the Grayson’s technique.

He took the mould at his residence and told us tom come the next day once the mould is ready for the Newer NAM.

Meanwhile we discussed about the Surgery and suggested to wait a lil longer, another month may be, but we are confused as we have to apply for Visa n dates for the Surgery from the Drs would not be easy. The surgery which is usually done at 3 months, we are already pushing to 4 months, I guess we will get it done by then.

I entirely understand his concern also with regard to foreign Surgeons, especially when there are many here in India, but I have decided to go to the list of my Priority and will stick by it.

Today when I have the resources and ability to go to the Top Surgeons in the world, then why not?? & offcourse no Surgeon will guarantee a good surgery, as each case is different but let me try to get something more, something better.

Published in: on October 21, 2009 at 6:17 AM Leave a Comment
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Passports

One of the most important revelations in the Passport Office is the facility of Online Appointment. I mean what can be better than that, you have been a specified time to visit the office and handover your papers. I had my appointment at 9:18 , Vanitha 9:19 & Geet at 9:21.

We were there at 8:30 AM only to be surprised that there were about atleast 150 members already waiting. I did not know which line belonged where, it was all so confusing.. I was trying to find out which Q should we stand as Vanitha was with Geet. I approached couple of constables at the entrance and they told me to wait and that we will have to enter the Main Building.

9:00 Office opens and I guess almost all the Employees entered the Office between 8:45 to 9:00 AM :) . At 9, the constables checked our online appointment papers and sent us in.

The Office is very very spacious and most surprising thing was the board outside & inside the office, it read “ Agents are strictly not allowed ” and the next line said “ If found will be handed over to the Police” Wow :)

Once inside the Person in Counter No 1 called all those who are with babies. That was very unexpected but I was extremely pleased by the courtesy shown by them. This person duty was only to check if the papers, documents, affidavits are all in accordance or not. So me & Vanitha with Geet gave our application, he saw my Employment letter, removed it and said this will not do, next was letter from my bank confirming my add and then my dad’s Gas Connection Voucher. That’s it, it was enough for me, same for Vanitha too. They had no issues with the Form as I had filled it to perfection and carried two copies ( change of names & change of add )

They collected the papers and told to wait, later the Main Officer called us, he again checked & signed on all documents which we gave, signed it ,handed over the passport and told us to visit the Passport Officer while they took the additional form of mine and told that there will be a police verification for me ( change of name ).

15 min from the time we entered in we were then directed to the Main Officer’s cabin which was at the Opp end. All three of us went there, we entered the cabin & I requested her to make our passports a bit early as we had to travel aboard, blah blah, she interrupted me and said that Passports will be dispatched in 3 days.

I was like, what? she again said 3 days is fine for you? I said absolutely fine and thanked her. We were now suppose to pay the Fees for the Passports. It costed us Rs. 7,100/- Mine & Vanitha Passport Rs. 1000 each + Tatkal Rs. 1500 each and for Geet Rs. 600 + 1500. ( later I realized all tatkal passports take only 3-4 days :P )

A pretty small Q to pay the charges and collect the Acknowledgement. That’s it

That’s it,  Our Passports were done, No Bribes, No Waiting, No Major Ques, It was so refreshing to see a Govt Office work like this, showing Courtesy to ladies & Kids, understanding the situation, first time I felt great coming out of a Govt Office and was so dam pleased with the service. In about 40 Mins everything was done :)

Bangalore Passport Office Rocks :)

Some Tips :-

  1. Please take a help of the Agent- maximum to fill the form & nothing else.
  2. Take Online Appointment
  3. Try to take Appointment in the morning, you are fresh, they are fresh all good
  4. For Kids, make sure you have the Birth Certificate – Must
  5. Take a Stamp Pad with you ( for fingerprints of minor )
  6. Keep two photo copies of all Originals with you, you never know if they need another copy
  7. Carry extra copies of your photographs
  8. Understand your requirement and what is required for that, for some passport issues like spouse name in passport – you may have to get Affidavits , or marriage Certificates, etc
  9. Dont Argue – they cannot bend the rules for you – I saw many trying to convince them, but they wont budge, it will not matter to them, if your tickets are booked or anything else.
  10. Thank them – Not mandatory, but I personally went to all the departments and thanked them :) they will feel good when you acknowledge their work and motivate them :)
Published in: on October 20, 2009 at 4:22 AM Leave a Comment
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Geet Videos August

This is a small collection of Videos of Geet in the month of August. ( being a Video maniac, I thy to shoot at every opportunity ) I know the video quality is poor, but then Blackberry pearl is the first blackberry phone to have a Video option, so will have to adjust with the poor Video Quality, ( it looks nice in the small screen of the phone, but when you enlarge it – :( )

This is Aug 8, Geet is 2 days old and the NICU Nurse teaching us how to feed her with the Special Bottle

This is Aug 9, Geet given to us for the first time :) – She looks so tiny

Aug 22 – Geet is 16 days old and we already know her “I want to go poo” Look, This is that expression caught on Camera :)

Aug 24 – Geet is 18 days old & the first time we have a  Gloves in her hand to prevent her from getting a grip of that tape.

Aug 25 – Geet is 19 days old & wearing the T-shirt given by Wockhardt :) she looks nice in that

Aug 26 – Geet is 20 days old and this is her First Cry Recorded on Camera :)

Aug 27 – Geet is 21 days Old and one of those times where is neither crying nor feeding  – Sometime I speak a lot to her, must be getting irritated by me :P

Aug 28 – Geet is 22 days old, Me trying hard to make her sleep on my own on the Cradle, but she refuses to sleep :)

I have some more videos but that;s in the Digi cam,  – from my mobile these are the only ones in the Month of August & For those who want to see all her Videos, Please Click here : http://www.youtube.com/user/ekkhwab#g/u

Published in: on October 19, 2009 at 8:08 AM Leave a Comment
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