Here's why I chose Elevate, and here's the reason I am thankful to @volklub.
I am a pen-and-paper person. Beyond that, I’m quite an autogeek who loves driving pleasure, and nothing apart from Skoda or VW could cross my mind.
I went through multiple car test drives. A number of cars were listed, including the Kushaq, Taigun, Slavia, 3XO, Hyryder, Hycross, XUV700, Elevate, Seltos, Sonet, Hector, Astor, etc.
We already have one hatchback, so the next priority was a compact SUV. Even though my wife wanted the Slavia, we decided to keep it reserved as our next car as a sedan. My elder brother has a Sonet, and my father-in-law owns a Seltos, so both were out of our list to avoid repetition in the family and few other reason from my end for the particular brand. My wife and I have a great love for the XUV700 and Innova Hycross respectively, with budget not being an issue! However, both are too big for us to drive around the city.
The feel of the Hyryder was substandard. The only plus point was the hybrid mileage, but that technology turned me off for good driving experiences in the city and especially on highways.
MG is just too appealing, it has everything still it has something missing kind of feeling. Their all-internet-focused approach raised some concerns, along with some internal reports about engine issue.
I was left with the highest confusion between the Kushaq, Taigun, and Elevate.
Between Kushaq and Taigun, the interior of the Kushaq won our hearts. However, when I took a test drive, Taigun’s engine provided sheer driving pleasure. I’m a big-time Ford fan—not just me, but my brother, father-in-law, and brother-in-law too. From Figo to Ecosport to Lincoln, Ford has been a family favorite. When I inquired about the difference between the Taigun and Kushaq, a well-versed VW sales advisor explained that the Taigun has a better engine tune compared to the Kushaq.
The only downside was VW's service operations in my city. Back in 2012, when I planned to buy a Polo, VW’s sales team was at their worst—they didn’t even bother to explain or show the car, which led me to purchase the Ford Figo instead. That past experience, combined with the current feedback about after-sales service, made me rethink choosing VW. Ultimately, Taigun was out of the equation for these reasons.
Now the final game started: Kushaq vs Elevate.
One thing My wife and I are not fans of panoramic sunroofs or ventilated seats.
The biggest turn-off for the Skoda Kushaq was the not so good test drive experience. It didn't feel same as Taigun. May be because it had been driven nearly 10,000 km, not sure. Then, high disparity in deals offered by the sales team—quotations changed daily like the stock market. The discount game was all time high, the marketing team of Skoda needs to streamline this.
And then, 1.5L NA engine, reliability, 80% city usability, higher ground clearance, slightly larger dimensions (maybe an illusion), spacious rear legroom (comfortable even for a 6-ft-tall person), visible bonnet, generous boot space, subtle interiors, and ADAS; of Honda Elevate finally drew me in.
It was a hard decision for someone who is a fan of German engines!
I might have had the basic knowledge, but comparing engines and making an informed decision was made easier by @volklub. His honest and transparent videos were incredibly helpful. Of course, I didn’t bother him with every question and took the decision myself with one simple thought: No car is perfect. Everyone has different priorities and feelings. The one that suits you best is YOUR car!
As Volklub says, Elevate is a no-nonsense car and currently the best value-for-money option with what it offers. I know I have made a decision to back my priorities and feel which matters the most. #Elevate #Honda #loveforcar
Just spoke to a 2025 MBBS graduate, regarding his financials.
Earns 23k as night shift doctor in a hospital.
Father has suffered 2 heart attacks - had to take loans for his treatment.
Elder brother has an unstable job.
He feels guilty of turning 26 but not being able to help his family.
So he has taken up a day shift as well, paying him 24k.
He works 19hrs a day, nearly everyday.
Wants to do a PG but can’t, given his family’s financial situation.
I asked him - a doctor’s life is intensely hard, especially in India. You study till early 30s and work hard all your life, to earn a living. Did you know this when you wanted to become a doctor?
“Yes. I knew all of this.
But I always wanted to become a doctor. I am the first doctor in our family. My parents are so proud of me.
I just wish we were in a better financial position.”
💔
His situation broke my heart. But his attitude told me he is going to make it. Matter of time!
Hands down one of the hardest professions to pursue in India - from entry to survival.
When some of us started talking about #osteoporosis 30 years ago, most thought it is irrelevant to India.
Now, not a single day passes without seeing an elderly patient with fragility fracture, sometimes with devastating consequences.
What can India do to tackle the growing incidence of fragility #fractures in the elderly? The APCO- IOF Asia Pacific Audit has collated data from 22 countries and suggested ways to combat this growing burden.
An excellent collaborative effort led by Prof Manju Chandran of Singapore. This is the third Regional Audit (I was a lead author in the first two- 2009, 2013) and am happy to be a contributor to this more detailed and updated version.
@iofbonehealth@ASBMR
https://t.co/WyabEKEOLN
I say with utmost sincerity.
As soon as you reach 2L per Month income (in hand) - hire a driver in India or stop driving and stick to Uber Black/Premium.
You’ll save a lot of headache/stress and prevent lifestyle diseases and their resultant costs.
It would be cheaper in the long run.
@NalinisKitchen If you are in Surat, I would recommend Shreeji Keri Depot Vipulbhai Shah - Nr. Snehmilan Garden /Majura Gate. They have such chemical free mangoes as well and they are really honest enough. I haven't regretted single time in all these years.
NICE-UK now approves #semaglutide for heart protection, not just weight.
Yet I spend hours convincing T2 #diabetes patients they’re good candidates for #GLP1.
“Not Ozempic, doc.”
“Not Mounjaro.”
Even patients already on Victoza/Trulicity refuse sometimes.
Same with insulin.
A1c 12% on 4 drugs: “Doc, I came to avoid insulin.” 💧
Days pass like this. Suggesting. Requesting. Cajoling.
Pleading with people to do what’s good for them, as if it’s a favour to me.
Sometimes I think: fine. Don’t follow advice. Face the consequences.
It’s fleeting.
Better sense prevails.
My job isn’t to give up.
Keep trying.
#Diabetes #Endocrinology #MedTwitter #insulin
I am fortunate to have nice and energetic team of @BloomsburyIndia with me. In these pictures, I am with Honble Minister Dr Jitendra Singhji, Dr Narottam Puri, and in right corner below, with my brilliant high school (@Colvintaluqdars Lucknow) teacher, Mr GR Sahni.
@IRCTCofficial@eCateringIRCTC@WesternRly@RailwaySeva@RailMinIndia What measures and standards are you taking to mitigate such issues where you are serving veg in non-veg color code plates. You have red for non veg and green for veg that is what I know and your catering service say. I never opt for food in Vande Bharat or any train. Tejas doesn't have that option and it's mandatory. But is this the standard are you maintaining? Maintaining food segregation is not optional, it’s essential.
Patient: "Doc, I'm so disappointed—these weight loss drugs didn't work. 8 months on them! 😞
"Me: "You look great! Numbers are excellent. How much did you lose?"
"From 140 kg to 110 kg."
"Me: "That's amazing—30 kg down, >20% body weight! 🎉"
"But I want 70 kg. 40 kg more!!!"
Me: "Unlikely - you're on full dose—weight's plateaued. Well done!"
Patient: "Seriously disappointed..."
*Lesson: Set realistic expectations with GLP-1s upfront. 15-25% loss is typical success, not failure* #ObesityMed #GLP1 #WeightLossReality
A patient once came to emergency with multiple health issues.
He was already seeing a neurologist, nephrologist, pulmonologist and me for diabetes.
But he never told (even after asking multiple time) any of us about the others.
Fragmented medical history can delay diagnosis.
Always tell your doctor the full story.
#DoctorDiary
If you found this useful, share it with someone who has a doctor’s appointment coming up.
If this thread was helpful, follow @ManthanSheth for more insights on diabetes, metabolic health and general health.
PS: Adapted from my Gujarati health column HealthTime in Gujarat Mitra.
Things every patient should do before and during a doctor visit.
Good communication improves treatment outcomes more than people realise.
Here are some practical lessons from clinic practice.
🧵
#thread#healthtimewithmanthansheth
🔟 Trust and transparency matter.
Healthcare is not just tests and medicines.
It is a partnership between patient and doctor.
Open communication, trust and cooperation often lead to the best outcomes.
9️⃣ If instructions are unclear, ask:
Medication timing
Empty stomach or after food
Duration of treatment
Clarifying these is important.
Questions are never embarrassing.
8️⃣ Bring only one accompanying person.
Too many attendants in a consultation room can confuse communication.
One responsible family member is usually enough.
6️⃣ Use the “Golden Minute” wisely
The first minute of conversation often gives the doctor the most important clues.
Explain the main problem clearly and directly.
5️⃣ Always bring previous reports during follow-up
Follow-up without reports is like reviewing a case without data.
Doctors need those results to decide the next step.
4️⃣ Write your questions beforehand.
Many patients forget what they wanted to ask once they sit in the consultation room.
Keep a small list.
It makes the visit much more productive.
3️⃣ Prepare a timeline of symptoms
When did the problem start?
What changed over time?
A simple timeline helps doctors understand the condition much faster.
2️⃣ Never hide symptoms
Tell your doctor everything relevant:
• allergies
• medication reactions
• previous diagnoses
Incomplete information can lead to wrong decisions.
1️⃣ Keep your medical history ready
Carry previous reports, scans and prescriptions.
Even photos or PDFs on your phone work today.
Without this “medical backstory”, doctors are often forced to guess.