Author: Kailash

  • 07-07-2025

    No matter how bad their mobile or net banking UI is, HDFC Bank servers are always ready and work. Especially using their ATM is one of the best experiences in India.

  • 06-07-2025

    जो उधर चले गए है, वो कभी इधर के थे ही नहीं…

  • I switched to this calendly open source alternative, and i’m not going back.

    I switched to this calendly open source alternative, and i’m not going back.

    After using Calendly, Topmate, Bookingpress and many other tools, I’m finally making the switch to cal.com. Appointments and calendars are an important part of professionals and freelancers like us. But having a clean and efficient booking system, which should be perfect in user experience and serve the purpose, is rare to find.

    In my recent exploration of finding free/open source alternatives to industry-standard productivity tools, I found this great platform.

    Let’s have a side-by-side comparison of Cal.com with other tools such as Calendly, Topmate, BookingPress, Google Calendar and let’s find out who wins!

    Feature / ToolCal.comCalendlyTopmateGoogle Calendar BookingBookingPress (WordPress Plugin)
    💰 PricingFree (self-host) or Paid (SaaS)Free + Paid (starts ₹840/mo)Free (10% cut on earnings)Free (with Google Workspace)Free + Pro
    🌐 Branding / White-label✅ Full branding & white-label❌ Paid plans only❌ No branding❌ Google branded✅ Full control (your website)
    💳 Payment Gateway Support✅ Stripe, PayPal, ✅ Stripe, PayPal✅ Razorpay, Stripe, PayPal, UPI❌ None✅ Native Razorpay (Pro), Stripe, PayPal
    🌍 Self-host Option✅ Yes (via Docker)❌ No❌ No❌ No✅ Yes (WordPress plugin)
    📅 Multiple Calendar Sync✅ Google, Outlook, iCal✅ Yes❌ No✅ Google only✅ Google Calendar (Pro/Paid feature)
    ⚙️ API & Dev Friendly✅ Full API + Plugins❌ Limited API (Pro only)❌ No❌ None❌ Basic shortcodes only
    📹 Meeting Integration✅ Zoom, GMeet, Jitsi, Teams✅ Zoom, GMeet, Webex, Teams✅ Zoom, GMeet✅ GMeet only✅ Zoom (Pro), GMeet (via plugin)
    🧠 Manual Confirmation✅ Yes (toggle on/off)❌ No (Pro only)❌ No❌ No✅ Yes
    📱 Mobile App❌ Browser only (for now)✅ Android/iOS✅ Android/iOS✅ Google Calendar app❌ No native app, mobile responsive only
    🌟 Unique FeaturesOpen source, plugins, workflowsCreator monetisation platformCreator monetization platformNative with Gmail + MeetFreelancers with a WordPress site
    🎯 Best ForDevs, agencies, freelancersTeams, consultantsCreators, coaches, influencersTeachers, internal meetingsFreelancers with WordPress site

    🔄 Cal.com

    • 💰 Pricing: Free (self-host) or Paid (SaaS)
    • 🌐 Branding / White-label: ✅ Full branding & white-label
    • 💳 Payment Gateway: ✅ Stripe, PayPal
    • 🌍 Self-host Option: ✅ Yes (via Docker)
    • 📅 Calendar Sync: ✅ Google, Outlook, iCal
    • ⚙️ API / Dev Friendly: ✅ Full API + Plugins
    • 📹 Meeting Integration: ✅ Zoom, GMeet, Jitsi, Teams
    • 🧠 Manual Confirmation: ✅ Yes
    • 📱 Mobile App: ❌ Browser only
    • 🌟 Unique Features: Open-source, workflows, plugins
    • 🎯 Best For: Devs, agencies, freelancers

    📆 Calendly

    • 💰 Pricing: Free + Paid (starts ₹840/mo)
    • 🌐 Branding / White-label: ❌ Paid plans only
    • 💳 Payment Gateway: ✅ Stripe, PayPal
    • 🌍 Self-host Option: ❌ No
    • 📅 Calendar Sync: ✅ Yes
    • ⚙️ API / Dev Friendly: ❌ Limited API (Pro only)
    • 📹 Meeting Integration: ✅ Zoom, GMeet, Webex, Teams
    • 🧠 Manual Confirmation: ❌ No (Pro only)
    • 📱 Mobile App: ✅ Android/iOS
    • 🌟 Unique Features: Creator monetisation tools
    • 🎯 Best For: Teams, consultants

    🧑‍🏫 Topmate

    • 💰 Pricing: Free (10% cut on earnings)
    • 🌐 Branding / White-label: ❌ No branding
    • 💳 Payment Gateway: ✅ Razorpay, Stripe, PayPal, UPI
    • 🌍 Self-host Option: ❌ No
    • 📅 Calendar Sync: ❌ No
    • ⚙️ API / Dev Friendly: ❌ No
    • 📹 Meeting Integration: ✅ Zoom, GMeet
    • 🧠 Manual Confirmation: ❌ No
    • 📱 Mobile App: ✅ Android/iOS
    • 🌟 Unique Features: Creator monetization platform
    • 🎯 Best For: Creators, coaches, influencers

    📧 Google Calendar Booking

    • 💰 Pricing: Free (with Google Workspace)
    • 🌐 Branding / White-label: ❌ Google branded
    • 💳 Payment Gateway: ❌ None
    • 🌍 Self-host Option: ❌ No
    • 📅 Calendar Sync: ✅ Google only
    • ⚙️ API / Dev Friendly: ❌ None
    • 📹 Meeting Integration: ✅ GMeet only
    • 🧠 Manual Confirmation: ❌ No
    • 📱 Mobile App: ✅ Google Calendar app
    • 🌟 Unique Features: Native Gmail + GMeet integration
    • 🎯 Best For: Teachers, internal meetings

    🔧 BookingPress (WordPress Plugin)

    • 💰 Pricing: Free + Pro
    • 🌐 Branding / White-label: ✅ Full control (on your site)
    • 💳 Payment Gateway: ✅ Razorpay (Pro), Stripe, PayPal
    • 🌍 Self-host Option: ✅ Yes (as WP plugin)
    • 📅 Calendar Sync: ✅ Google Calendar (Pro)
    • ⚙️ API / Dev Friendly: ❌ Basic shortcodes only
    • 📹 Meeting Integration: ✅ Zoom (Pro), GMeet (via plugin)
    • 🧠 Manual Confirmation: ✅ Yes
    • 📱 Mobile App: ❌ No native app, but mobile responsive
    • 🌟 Unique Features: Perfect for freelancers on WordPress
    • 🎯 Best For: Freelancers with WordPress site

    Let’s go through one by one, and find out why cal.com is the choice no freelancer or solopreneur should miss!

    Calendly

    The main drawback I saw in Calendly is that we can’t have more than one booking or event type, which is not fair at all, whereas Cal.com is free for individuals.

    To connect Stripe or PayPal for international payment gateways, it’s a pro/paid feature in Apypal, whereas in Cal.com, it’s FREE.

    Connecting with external apps and plugins is a free feature in Cal.com where whereas it’s a paid feature in Calendly.

    The one thing that lacks with Cal.com is that Calendly has a mobile app, whereas cal.com as it’s a browser-based platform.

    Let’s have a side by side comparision of these platforms’s pricing and come to a conclusion.

    Screenshot 2025 07 02 115940
    Screenshot 2025 07 02 120002

    Topmate

    There’s nothing negative to say about topmate, but the one reason is it’s charges. Even though the platform is free to host your services it’s not open source, plus the bookings you get from this platform you’ll be charged 10% for each transaction also if a new custoemr buys from the marketplace, then the charges are at 20%.

    While I’ve my own website, depending upon topmate was not my choice at all. Embedding the cal.com’s HTML embed code in our website gives you the freedom while topmate lacks this feature and laso customizing the colors and modern layout of cal.com is lot more attractive.

    Google Calendar

    The appointment booking in Google calendar is available to those who have taken the google workspace subscription, So this was not my choice at all.

    BookingPress

    It’s a wordpress plugin, My reason not using this plugin is the load on my website server, every single feature to add on this booking system requires to install another addon which makes the server slow and not recommended at all. Expect that booking press and cal.com are free to use and you can create n number of bookings/services, but BookingPress is not as robust as Cal.com. Cal.com’s flexibility managing multiple events, calendars for free and as it’s open source, so it doesn’t affect your server at all, and works faster and loads faster on your webstie with HTML Embed linked to Cal.com’s website.

    If you’re someone who is a developer and have tech knowledge and has VPS servers you can even host it locally through Docker and can use the tool completely free of cost no payment requried at all. But for a day to day hosting the cloud free plan for individuals is more than enough.

  • Open source is the future!

    Every new generation kid is going to use open source or self hosted tools for his business. Why? Free or cheap, one time payment or self hosted and self owned data and servers.

  • Why Adobe photoshop is irreplacable for indian designers

    Why Adobe photoshop is irreplacable for indian designers

    Indian designers and publishers heavily depend on Adobe Photoshop for their day-to-day activities and work. There’re many alternatives are available in the market such as Canva, or the affinity suite from Serif Ltd., photopea, GIMP etc are available.

    The main reason is the language. Yes, India is a diverse country with two official languages and 22 scheduled languages, as per the Constitution of India.

    And other tools like Affinity Photo or Canva don’t support these many languages, except Hindi, and even though they support they are not as editable or customizable as it’s possible with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

    I’ve tried to make the switch from Adobe, as it’s expensive to pay every month to use the same tools that are available for FREE in others. But the main drawback I saw is this: the language barrier.

    The second and most recent reason is AI. The generative intelligence in Adobe Photoshop is crazy. In those days, the small selections, removal of errors used to take hours. But it’s just a matter of seconds. You just have to select and click generate on your image to cover the blemish or to cover up a damaged part of the image.

    This is perfect, it’s amazing for designers and freelancers like me. Because our daily tasks include delivering more projects in a small time frame, Working solo is a big challenge, and these new AI tools in Adobe make our work a lot easier and attracting more towards it and make us pay every month to use these AI features.

  • Panchayat Season 4 Review: A Heartwarming Narration That Stays True to Its Roots

    Panchayat Season 4 Review: A Heartwarming Narration That Stays True to Its Roots

    Introduction

    If there’s one Indian web series that has consistently delivered soulful storytelling without loud drama, it’s Panchayat Season 4. With each season, the show has deepened its connection with viewers, and Season 4 is no exception. Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video, Panchayat Season 4 continues the journey of Sachiv Ji, Sarpanch Ji, and the lovable residents of Phulera with grace, charm, and emotional depth.

    Official Trailer

    Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)

    Season 4 picks up right where Season 3 left off. The political tension between Sarpanch Ji and Bhushan takes center stage, while the subtle and sweet relationship between Abhishek (Sachiv Ji) and Rinki (Sarpanch Ji’s daughter) slowly evolves. The stakes are raised with the local MLA interfering in panchayat matters and the upcoming elections creating ripples throughout the village.

    Yet, what makes Panchayat stand out is its ability to explore these dynamics without losing its simplicity. There’s no forced drama—just everyday people dealing with everyday challenges, in the most honest way possible.

    Characters & Performances

    The strength of the Panchayat lies in its character. They’re not heroes—they’re human. Every role feels lived in and relatable. New characters introduced this season bring fresh energy, but the spotlight, undoubtedly, is on Sarpanch Ji. His performance in the final episodes is powerful, layered, and deeply moving.

    From Prahlad to Vikas, and even Bhushan, each character adds weight to the story, offering moments of humour, reflection, and sometimes even quiet pain.

    Direction & Writing

    The direction is subtle but masterful. The creators never try to force the narrative into thrillers or over-the-top conflicts. Instead, they stay committed to what Panchayat does best—telling simple stories in a heartfelt way.

    The writing remains sharp, witty, and thoughtful. Dialogues feel real, yet they often carry deeper meaning. Whether it’s a humorous exchange or an emotional conversation, every scene feels purposeful and authentic.

    Technical Aspects

    The technical team deserves full credit for maintaining consistency and quality across seasons. The cinematography captures rural life beautifully—the dusty roads, open fields, and intimate homes feel lived in and loved. Editing is crisp, ensuring the show never drags, and the background score adds emotion without overwhelming the scenes.

    Theme of this season

    This season quietly emphasises the theme of change—how it’s inevitable, and how we respond to it defines our path. It explores ambition, relationships, and responsibility. You’re reminded that while life may not be in our control, our actions always matter.

    The series also highlights how rural India is evolving, with aspirations, politics, and emotions intertwining just as they do anywhere else.

    Strengths of Season 4

    ✅ Honest, grounded storytelling
    ✅ Brilliant performances, especially by Sarpanch Ji
    ✅ Thoughtful character development
    ✅ Emotionally satisfying without being melodramatic
    ✅ Maintains the simplicity fans love

    A Few Minor Exceptions

    While the show’s calm pace is part of its identity, some viewers might find it too slow. Also, a few new characters could have been explored more deeply.

    Final Verdict

    As a fan who’s followed Panchayat from the beginning, Season 4 felt like a warm hug. It’s calm, reflective, funny, and sincere. It doesn’t try to impress with twists—instead, it earns your love with truth and tenderness.

    This season ends with hope, a few unanswered questions, and plenty of room for Season 5. But what it doesn’t do is disappoint. It delivers exactly what Panchayat fans expect—real stories, real people, and real emotions.

    Rating

    ★★★★★

    Panchayat Season 4 is a must-watch. If you’ve loved the journey so far, this season will only make you love it more. If you’re new, go back to Season 1. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

  • My AI decision for my blog

    Either I’ll write without AI, or I’ll not write at all.

  • 25-06-2025

    Dear web designers and developers, Fancy 3D websites are good to get tons of likes and followers on social media. But in the real world there’re things like UX, Core web vitals and Business at the end of the day.

  • 25-06-2025

    Vibe coding is going to be big, but that doesn’t mean that coders will be jobless. Their efficiency, productivity and success rate will grow and the final output will be a lot better.

  • 8 Vasantalu telugu movie review

    8 Vasantalu telugu movie review

    8 Vasanthlu is not your usual mainstream Telugu film. It is delicate, thoughtful, and deeply poetic, wrapped in a visual aesthetic that is both grounding and refreshing. At its heart lies Shuddi Ayodhya, a character every teenage girl should meet on screen. She’s not a larger-than-life hero, but someone real, raw, and beautifully human. There’s a lot to reflect upon through her journey.

    Most films today chase either hyper-realism or exaggerated heroism. But 8 Vasanthalu breaks that trend. It presents a narrative that’s rooted in reality, told with an artistic touch. The way nature and emotions are woven together (as the title suggests, the “Vasanthalu” or springs) is truly a visual delight. It often feels like you’re watching a flowing poem unfold on screen.

    However, the film isn’t without its flaws. While the writing is rich and meaningful, the screenplay occasionally overwhelms with too much dialogue. There were moments I wished the film embraced more visual storytelling and let the silences speak. At times, it felt like a beautiful song on repeat—still lovely, but bordering on excess.

    The cinematography is striking, but the editing and pacing could have been more refined. A tighter cut, a bit more restraint in dialogue, and more room for the audience to feel rather than be told could have elevated the experience further. The film opens strong—with stunning visuals, slow-motion sequences, and a soulful background score—but that same standard doesn’t consistently carry through.

    Still, this is a film that deserves your time. It’s not perfect, but it has heart. And for those who enjoy cinema that leans into poetry, emotions, and real characters, this will strike a chord.

    Writing: ★★★★☆
    Screenplay & Editing: ★★☆☆☆
    Overall: ★★★☆☆

    Final Verdict: A heartfelt and visually rich film that’s worth watching, especially for those who crave something honest and introspective. An ideal choice for a quiet evening of reflection.