How do you describe Vikas Shekhawat? What about: The Quiet one. Or, the quietest one. No, that’s an ad for a refrigerator. What about the silent performer? Again, it’s an ad for a brand of generator. Vikas is one of the most prolific bloggers here at Instablogs. He has a varied range of interests. He can pontificate upon the the latest tattoo fad as easily as the latest gadget doodad. We finally managed to pin the ‘quiet one’ this weekend and managed to get some word out on various issues we were itching to put across him. So, here’s the man himself:



Tell us something about yourself and when and how were you bitten by the blogging bug?



Spending my childhood in the deserts of Rajasthan, where I actually belong, shifting to Delhi was like landing on a different planet. In fact, it was the turning point of my life, giving me options and revealing life in its true colors. Though I did my masters in arts, I always had a deep inclination towards science and technology, which I fed by reading and trying my hands on all kinds of electronic gadgets at my neighbors repairing shop. Anyway, when Indian economy opened up, I was infatuated by the latest gadgets that thronged the market. And of course, internet was the only option where I could actually peep into all these gadgets. But then, the question confronted me, what to do with all this info, just park it in my mind like ramblings. No, and blog was the best possible medium available. Luckily I came in contact with Instablogs, and instantly became a part of it. Since then there is no looking back.



You look for perfection, I am told. How far that is practical?



Yah, it’s true. Whatever I try my hand into, a picture what ought to be an impeccable end is always there in my mind, and I don’t leave any stone unturned to reach that perfection, whether it’s about taking care of my pets, my rebellious escapades into the field of tattooing, my choice of gadgets or blogging.



How has it been working at Instablogs?



It’s phenomenal. Instablogs is just like a family, rather a more than that now. Nandini has done a great job, blending together the best of brains and making Instablogs an utopia of blogging network. We’ll are professionals here, work as a team and enjoy everything we do, whether it’s cartooning, designing, partying and of course blogging.



What inspired your interest in GizmoWatch?



My interest in the field of technology made it my obvious choice and also because it is the most happening thing right now. Another reason that made this idea crop up in my mind was this book, ‘Why people buy things they don’t need‘ by Pamela N. Danziger, which paralled my perception of the actual existing link between the gadgets of today and the consumers. So, GizmoWatch was the best possible way to bridge the gap between the latest gadgets and consumers by presenting the useful information - plain and simple.



Name one gadget that parallels your personality and how?



It’s none other than my 7 year old NEC laptop. Though it’s a bit fat, heavy and faded, I just love it. He’s my best friend and companion. He has never let me down, I’ve done so many experiments with it, added extra peripherals, drives, upgraded it, even dropped it twice or thrice accidentally, but touchwood, its still going on and on just like me - rough and tough.



What sort of things do you like to do apart from your current projects?



From last one week or so I’m going through a lot of pain...don’t worry, it’s the pain I really love. Actually I’m getting a full back tattoo of Lord Ganesha. It’ll take another week to be inked. Anyway, apart from this I read a lot, play with my Alsatian ‘Smoky’ and spend time with my family.



Are there any developments in the gadget world you’re excited about?



Yes, I’m really excited about the way compactness has been targeted in crafting the gadgets. It’s in line with what consumers want today. Whether its battery or mobile or a notebook. It facilitates blending of various technologies, just like in iPod or other MP3 players, smartphones, and especially wearables with Bluetooth. Yah! Bluetooth is one thing that has made all the difference in the way we communicate. This years CES too reflected the same.



Don’t you think gadgets are making life mechanical?



Of course not, the word ‘mechanical’ has nothing to do with mechanics. It’s all science and how can science ever be mechanical. I’m sure gadgets have made life simpler. They have given us more time to spend with our loved ones and ourselves. They are the only tools that entertain us and help us fight this fast paced life.



What do you want people to ‘get out’ of GizmoWatch?



I never try just to project the best of gadgets in GizmoWatch. Even a best product can turn out to be of no use, a trash for a user. I look for sophistication, not just anything landing new, but things that change the way we perceive the world, things that help us to get the best out of life; for example Bluetooth, nanotechnology.



What are your other projects?



Apart from GizmoWatch, I’m working on BloggingPet and TattooBlog.



What are your favorite blogs other than yours?



Though I really love Mocoloco, Engadget, Needled, Gizmodo, RedFerret and Techiediva, my favorite blog is BornRich, it’s a real treat.



And finally, any comments on the future of blogging?



It’s in front of us; we can clearly see its glare. With thousands of blogs being added everyday, the blogosphere is expanding like anything. This not only proves its growing popularity, but also the degree of impact it has on the information sharers and seekers. It’s great to see that people have finally realized its importance both in terms of money and expression of truth. Today blogging is much more than just writing your daily diary; its professionalism and it reflects the best on and off the net.