ApnaComplex and Treamis World School cordially invites you, your family, friends and relatives to the grand finale of the ApnaComplex Treamis Premiere League on 02nd October 2011.
We will be having a party/prize distribution ceremony filled with games, dance, music and fun. Please be a part of the fun and watch every participant of TPL go home with some prize!
Super Bonanza (exclusive of other prizes) for the ApnaComplex TPL Participants – One year Swimming Pool Membership Free of Cost during weekends and non-school hours for all the cricket participants of ATPL. Please bring a passport size photograph for the ids.
The party starts at 12:30 PM with a paid lunch buffet. Buffet Price – Rs.150/Person (Prior registration for the buffet is mandatory so that we can make necessary arrangements)
Agenda for Oct 2nd 2011
Venue: Treamis World School Campus, Electronics City, Bangalore
10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Finals of TPL
12: 30 Lunch
1:30 Party/Prize distribution
3:30 Vote of Thanks followed by High Tea
We just released an enhancement in ApnaComplex that would allow Administrators to edit a payment before approving. In case members made a mistake while entering the payments, till now administrators can only reject the payment and go to Enter Payment again to input the payment details with correct values. To re-enter the payment, administrator would have to remember all details of the payment, which was too cumbersome.
Now, we have streamlined the process. Administrators now have an option to “Reject and Re-enter Payment” at the time of rejecting a payment. Once clicked, the rejection of payment will be recorded and the admin will be taken to a Enter Payment screen where the payment details that were rejected would be pre-populated. Admins need to just edit the same and submit.
Security measures needs to be tightened in every housing society for internal safety during the Navratri festival. During the nine days of festivities most people come out of their houses to participate in the garba and dandiya dance that’s held within the complex.
This dance event commences in the night and continues till the wee hours of the morning, so it is all the more necessary to provide proper security during this festival.
Security Measures to be Taken Before Navratri
Some common security measures need to be enforced during Navratri as general resident movement with the housing society will be at an all-time high during this nine day festival. A few security measures that can be taken up are:
Prior to the commencement of the Navratri festival, a complete identity check of all guards should be conducted and a photograph of those working within the housing society should be recorded and kept handy.
Another important measure is that all outsiders who enter the housing society need to mention their names, surnames, the purpose of their visit and whom they’re there to meet.
The guards need to contact the person staying in a particular apartment (through the intercom telephone system) and inform him about the guest. Only after the guard receives a nod from the resident should the guard let the guest enter the complex.
Car parking must be strictly monitored and every person having a space in the parking lot needs to display the parking sticker before being allowed into the society.
Many residents may order food from outside. In such cases, it is always advisable to first inform the resident and then send the person to the apartment.
Burglar alarm systems can be installed in individual apartments within the housing society. Prior to Navratri, a proper check must be conducted to ensure that all alarm systems operate properly.
Food and vegetable vendors and other people looking to sell wares should be evaluated and not everyone allowed into the housing complex.
In many houses, laborers or workers may be hired for repair work. Such people should not be allowed to enter the housing society before, during and immediately after the Navratri festival.
A complete identity check of all tenants must be conducted, especially before the Navratri festival.
During the apartment association meeting, residents should be advised to maintain a keen eye and in case there’s any space for suspicion, the same should be immediately reported to the apartment association.
Identity cards can be issued to maids, cooks, laundry boys and other daily workers who enter the society. This is a long term solution that can help the apartment association maintain proper security within the housing society throughout the year.
Prevention is always better than cure, so it is always advisable that guards as well as residents take an extra effort to enforce as well as abide by the strict security rules imposed during the Navratri festival.
Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today! ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
Organizing Dussehra celebrations in a housing society can be an absolutely thrilling experience, mainly if you take into consideration the many rituals and rites associated with this festival. Dussehra is one of the most awaited festivals in India, given the commercial and social extravaganza that accompanies the religious festival.
The Blend of Beliefs and Cultures
Dussehra is a festival that’s celebrated with different beliefs and rituals in across the country. A housing society is an ideal place to celebrate Dussehra, mainly because people who come from various parts of the country and from different cultural background stay in such apartment complexes as they provide a cosmopolitan and multi-cultural environment.
In your housing society, you can provide a stage where the Mysore Dasara can blend seamlessly with the north-Indian Navaratri and the Bengali Durga Puja, within the same premises. Children will be exposed to the various aspects of their own festivals, and they will be able to gain an understanding about the different festivals celebrated across all states.
Some Tips for Celebrating Dussehra
You’ll need to bring together many members from your housing society for the celebrations to be a success. Planning the strategy in advance can help. Always ensure that the apartment association is aware of what’s going on.
Allocate a budget for Dussehra celebrations. The source of funds can be in the form of donations from residents, and this can be collected before the event or in monthly amounts throughout the year. Local businesses may also be invited to set up stalls for food and entertainment purposes, and you can try and contact other businesses that can sponsor the event and put up advertisements.
Try and involve the maximum number of residents. Notices circulated well in advance before the celebrations can ensure that individual families don’t make other plans for the festivities. This increases the level of participation.
Detailed plans should be put in place for the day of the event. Detailed planning can help you avoid last minute modifications and inconveniences. The schedule for the event should be put up on notice boards and other common areas so that people know what to expect.
Ensure representation from the different communities of people who live within the complex. This will enrich the event and make it more enjoyable for everyone, without seeming bland.
Make sure that all government laws related to pandals, loudspeakers, and fireworks are abided by. This is something that the apartment association should take care of.
The food served can be across different cuisines, cooked up by representatives of the many communities present. It would be safe to stick to delectable vegetarian fare throughout the festivities.
Volunteers should be picked and invited from among the residents of the housing society. Dussehra celebrations are generally large-scale, so a handful of people may not be able to put all measures in place smoothly. A large, structured group of volunteers, with clear line of duties and reporting lines will help you execute the plans.
Safety and security measures like fire-extinguishers and first-aid-kits should be arranged, along with contact numbers of in-house doctors. Loudspeakers should be used minimally and a lost-and-found desk can be added too.
Cultural programs for children and adults, like rangoli, drawing, drama, dance, and singing or recitation competitions may be organized.
Dussehra celebrations in a housing society can provide a multi-cultural, enriching and enjoyable experience for all residents, irrespective of their age, culture or roots.
Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today! ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
An important update regarding the new National Customer Preference Registry (NCPR) changes from TRAI and what this means for ApnaComplex users.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a new regulation on the SMS industry in India. These regulations will be into effect on September 27, 2011. These regulations are designed to restrict the sending of unsolicited commercial messages. The restriction is done through a National Customer Preference Registry (NCPR) (earlier called as of the National Do Not Call list). You can read more about this at http://nccptrai.gov.in/nccpregistry/
What does this mean for ApnaComplex Users?
Here are the implications of this new regulation for ApnaComplex Users:
1. Till today, Members/Staff of your society (even if they were part of earlier DND registery) were able to get the SMS messages from ApnaComplex. With the new guidelines coming into force, members who are registered in NCPR will not be able to receive SMS sent through ApnaComplex. To continue receiving the SMS from ApnaComplex, users would need to de-register from NCPR. To de-register from NCPR and start receiving SMSs from ApnaComplex send SMS ‘STOP 0’ to 1909.
2. Members will not receive any SMS from 9 pm to 9 am, even if their number is not in NCPR registry. Any SMS scheduled/sent between 9PM to 9 AM would automatically get queued and sent around 9 AM.
3. The sender id will no longer be ‘apnacplx’ and will be in form of XY-RZZZZZ as per new TRAI regulations.
A housing society can either sport concrete roads or asphalt roads. Asphalt roads are steadily replacing concrete roads because of the low costs involved, despite the obvious advantages of concrete roads.While both types of roads, concrete and asphalt, have their own advantages and disadvantages; there is always the debate of which one among them is better. When it comes to choosing between concrete roads and asphalt roads for a housing society, the properties of both should be considered while deciding upon the material.
Advantages of Concrete Roads
Durability – Concrete roads are more durable than the asphalt roads and have a long life of 40 years whereas asphalt roads last only for 10 years.
Maintenance Free – Concrete roads don’t often require repair or patch work like asphalt roads. They are more adaptable to stress and wear that’s caused by everyday vehicles. Maintenance of asphalt roads is often required as breakage and pit formation can be commonly noted in asphalt roads.
Better Efficiency – While running on concrete roads, a vehicle consumes 15% to 20% less fuel than on asphalt roads; this is because of the fact that concrete roads don’t get deflected under the wheels of loaded vehicles.
Tolerant to Automobile Fuel Spill – Concrete roads are more tolerant to vehicular fuel spill and leaking oils, although this might not be a problem in a housing society.
Resistant to Extreme Climatic Conditions – Concrete roads are more resistant to extreme weather conditions like heavy rains and extreme heat. Excessive rains and other climatic conditions damage asphalt roads, and the roads need to be often repaired.
Eco Friendly Versions – When asphalt roads are laid, the asphalt (bitumen) produces highly polluting gases. The melting process of asphalt produces a lot of harmful gases and is not eco-friendly. Also, vehicles consume less fuel while running on concrete roads. Concrete roads are better options for the eco conscious.
Abundant Resources – Asphalt (bitumen) is obtained from imported petroleum, the reserve of which is reducing in a drastic manner. Concrete is obtained from locally and abundantly available limestone.
Advantages of Asphalt Roads
Lower Costs of Road Laying – The paving cost for a concrete road is higher than the paving cost for an asphalt road. Asphalt is less costly when compared to concrete roads and it takes lesser time to build an asphalt road than a concrete road as it dries up faster.
Easier Maintenance – In case of breaks or cracks in the concrete road, the whole concrete slab has to be replaced and this process can be a problem. Repairing a pit in the asphalt road is quite easier when compared to that of concrete roads. Asphalt roads can also be layered multiple times over the older layer.
Better Traction – There is always an issue of safety in the case of snow or rain on concrete roads, as vehicles tend to slide or slip on concrete roads during the winter and monsoon. Asphalt roads offer better traction.
Recyclable Types – Asphalt is a recyclable material. It can be repeatedly used after melting, and this is one huge advantage.
Taking these factors into consideration and after a general consensus, the housing society management can install asphalt or concrete roads within the premises.
Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trail as well so that you can try before you buy!
Navaratri Celebrations in a Housing Society – Tips You Can Try
When it comes to religious events in a housing society, Navaratri is a popular Hindu festival that you can celebrate within the complex. The festival revolves around Goddess Durga and is an occasion for families in a housing society to come together through community celebrations on a grand scale where everyone can gather and celebrate together.
The Magic of Navaratri
Navaratri translates literally to nine nights in Sanskrit and during this period, idols of the Goddess are placed in homes and temples and they are immersed in water on the tenth day.
In south Indian cities, families place golu (an array of idols and figurines) in their house and people visit their neighbours and family members to view each other’s golu collection.
Navaratri Tips for a Housing Society
You can create a central Navaratri event in order to bring the residents together. This should be done through the apartment association.
Once you get the plans verified by the housing society association, you can assign responsibilities to different residents and collect money from all residents in order to organize the event. You can handle the accounts yourself or delegate the responsibility to another resident.
Organize a Main Event
With the help of the other residents, you can organize housing society celebrations where everyone can gather together instead of holding individual events. This can help in preventing the wastage of food, water, electricity and other resources.
You can talk to the managing committee and arrange for an idol that can be housed in one of the common areas for the general celebrations and prayers.
Promote Homemade Sweets
You can inform all families to make their own sweets and bring them for the main event, as buying sweets from outside can be quite expensive for such a huge event. This will also bring some variety into the proceedings and families will be able to share these sweets and get to know each other.
If possible, give away the remaining food after the celebrations to the less fortunate who may not be able to afford such luxuries.
Keep Your Sound Levels Down
While celebrating Navaratri in a housing society, care should be taken to ensure that the noise level does not get out of control as it can be a source of extreme discomfort for neighbours and other nearby buildings.
Since Navaratri lays great importance on the recitation of religious hymns and prayers and also involves a number of pujas, chances are that sometimes festivities can get a little out of hand. It is imperative that no one is disturbed in the excitement of the festival and its celebration.
Spare a Thought for the Environment
Immersing idols of the Goddess in the water is common practice and care should be taken to ensure that the idols are immersed in predefined locations within the housing society. Setting up an artificial body of water can be a good idea. All idols should be made of naturally degradable substances that do not cause any environmental harm, and you can spread such awareness.
Try and use a single idol for the entire housing society as this would be extremely beneficial and go a long way in helping the environment and setting an example. With the right steps, celebrating Navaratri in a housing society can be a unique experience.
Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today! ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
The common terrace, as the name suggests, is a public space that’s open to all residents in a housing society. Since this space is used by everybody in the housing society, it’s the responsibility of every resident to contribute towards its maintenance.
When dirt accumulates in the terrace and water is allowed to stagnate, the terrace will turn into a hotbed for mosquitoes and other parasites, giving rise to diseases and infections that the residents will be exposed to.
For this reason, every person using the terrace should make it a point to keep the terrace clean and tidy throughout the year.
Maintenance Tips for the Terrace
If you find that your housing society terrace is in bad condition, you can inform the apartment association about the same so that some steps can be taken in order to rectify the situation. The maintenance team should at least clean the terrace once a week.
Apart from the maintenance team, all residents should take a keen interest in maintaining the terrace as it qualifies as common property.
The terrace should be regularly washed and dirt should be periodically removed.
The maintenance team should regularly sweep the terrace floor and keep the place clean of leaves or feathers or plastic covers.
Water should not be allowed to stagnate and the terrace should always be kept dry. Stagnant water or seepage can also weaken the building, so this should be avoided.
The rain water from the terrace should be diverted to a storage area. The RWH system should have a proper outlet and this structure should be regularly maintained.
The outlets of the RWH system should be cleaned so that there’s no seepage or leaks in the system. Sometimes the drain might be blocked due to accumulating rubbish, so this should be cleaned in a timely manner.
If the residents use the open terrace for organizing functions, get-togethers, or parties, the space should be extensively cleaned after the event.
The railing in a terrace should be properly maintained as it is an important safety feature. Metal railing should be oiled and kept clean by the maintenance crew in order to prevent its weakening.
Maintaining a good terrace certainly has its benefits:
The terrace could be place where all the residents come together for festivals and functions.
A well maintained terrace can be an ideal spot for a playing range (if the walls are safely high) or a small garden.
Even special terraces like these need to be maintained well, because terrace gardens can make the space prone to dry and dead leaves. You can contribute to the maintenance of the terrace by taking the initiative and organizing a cleaning schedule for all residents.
This can be held during a weekend and it can be a fun way for the residents to get together while cleaning the terrace and clearing away the dust and dirt. A well maintained terrace can help you prevent infections and diseases and in keeping the housing society clean.
Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today! ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
We have total of 13 teams registered for the ApnaComplex TPL Cricket tournament. The schedule is finalized and is out.Check out the teams and schedule @ ApnaComplex TPL
Colorful Onam arrangements are often made in a housing society to cater to the multicultural crowd of people who stay in such complexes. The festival of Onam is celebrated with much fervor and zeal for a period of ten days, especially in the state of Kerala.
Onam Arrangements in a Housing Society
You can get your friends and other residents together this Onam by organizing some group activities that you can run by the apartment association team, before you carry them out.
Make Pookkalam or Floral Arrangements
One of the key features of this festival is the intricately designed floral Rangoli which is spotted at the entranceway of all houses. In a housing society, you can hold a competition among all residents during the festive season Onam.
Instead of plucking the flowers from the premises (for use in these rangoli), the housing society can arrange for the wholesale purchase of flowers which serves as an efficient cost cutting solution.
Organize Various Games
The highlight of Onam and probably the most enjoyable part about the festival is the numerous outdoor games that are played during Onam in Kerala. Organize games such as Talappanthukali (a ball game), Kayyankali (a one-to-one fight) and Ambeyyal (A form of archery) and youngsters can participate in these games.
Host a Tradition Onam Meal
On Onam, people come together and feast on mouth-watering delicacies. The housing society can organize a potluck feast, where each family is in charge of making a particular traditional dish. The delicious food items are served and eaten on banana leaves.
The meals are grand and sometimes more than 13 to 15 curries are served in addition to the regular items. Once you get all residents to participate, there’ll be a lot of variety as far as the dishes are concerned. An Onam feast is incomplete without the traditional pickles and papadam!
Organize Traditional Dances
You can also try and arrange for various dance groups to perform within the premises of the housing society during the festival of Onam. Kaikotti Kali is a dance form performed by eight to twelve women who wear the traditional Kerala Saris and dance around a holy lamp called the Deepam.
Pulikali is traditional dance where the performers paint themselves in red, yellow and black symbolizing a tiger. The residents can join in with the dancers and enjoy an evening full of merriment. While bringing in dancers and other outsiders, though, security measures must be tight and beefed up.
Have a Firework Show
During the festival, lamps are lit in all houses and temples and the sky comes alive with a vibrant display of fireworks. With the help of the other residents, you can arrange for a firework display in your housing society and the money for this can be collected in a common way.
Set Up Shopping Stalls
Shopping for new attire and furniture is another key feature of the festival of Onam. Try and talking to the apartment management and see if you can allow various traders and stores to set up stalls within the premises selling traditional Onam attire and other accessories, for the convenience of the families.
Onam is no longer a festival that’s restricted to malayalis – there are many people who follow the festival thanks to its vibrant nature. With the above mentioned tips, you can conduct a memorable Onam event in your housing society.
Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today! ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!
