Imputrescible...

An Invitation.. A Moment.. A Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:57:00 +0000

Confession 1.

It was my last few legs in 10 days Rajasthan tour. I was in Udaipur, one of the most romantic cities in the world. I met a couple on my way to Lake Palace. They asked me a question which I had faced at least 6 times in my last 6 days of trip. Question was, “why are you alone?". ah! great! Answer was not quite simple because, its always tough to explain why are you alone. But, I still convinced them saying, "I love to be alone and I enjoy being myself".

Confession 2.

Nov 1st 2009, Delhi Airport, Way back to life, way back to Bangalore after 10 days of excursion. Honestly, for few seconds, I did think, I have reached the limit of being myself and enjoyed it thoroughly. Now, its time to find a travel partner, someone who is as real as me.

Confession 3.

Those 10 days had changed lot of things in life, perception towards country, people, life, relationships drastically. And my mom was scared of me being hippie. She thought its time for me to settle down and I thought its time which has come at right time.

Confession 4.

Somebody said, marriage is, It's a wonderful thing, as time goes by, to be with someone who looks into your face, when you've gotten old, and still sees what you think you look like. Okay, it sounds good, but practically, not sure and that’s why it’s a biggest gambling human can play!? Well, I really don’t believe in love which brings people together for wedding, instead I would believe togetherness which will bring love for each other. I guess later will stay for quite longer than earlier. So, it took few months and by Feb 2010, there was somebody whom everybody under our house roof agreed to be part of our family. Yeah! For my friends, relatives, quite against to their thought and my reputation, I was all set for an Arranged Marriage. If you want it in more filmy way you can say, hmm…"Made in Heaven” (where customer support doesn't exist :D) . Well, there is nothing much to talk about girl whom I’m going to marry except we acknowledge ourselves quite well and I myself decided to know more after once the journey begins. I know there is long life waiting for us.

Invitation:

Everybody whom I met on my way have an impact on my life and which I will cherish forever. There are no moments of regrets as all were wonderful. A wedding is a start of togetherness... of walks in the rain, basking in the sunshine, shared meals, caring for one another and sensing the love that a marriage carries. I would love to see you and your family at the venue of my wedding with Dimple on 10th Nov 2010. Its going to be one of the best moments of my life and it’s my pleasure to invite you to be part of happiness. Please come over and make this occasion so memorable.

Wedding:

Reception:

Scouts and Guides Bhavan,
Opp. Hindi Prachar Bhavan
Lalbagh, Mangalore - 575003.

Nearest Landmark:
Hindi Prachar Bhavan
Mangalore City Corporation Office, Lalbagh
Canara High School, Urva

Wiki Location

Stories from Safari Streets…

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Before I begin:

History is always been a favorite subject of mine. It always fascinated me. It was stories, which gave me greater pleasure and imagination power. When I read about people who lived around 200-300 years ago or more, just excites me. Isn’t it amazing feel walking in a corridor once walked by the great Maharaja Sawai JaiSingh?.If there is any other reason for me to walk in this wild country is its intensity. No other country would ever tell you the stories like mine. If you know Ramayana, Mahabharat completely, you may find the proof for it somewhere in this country. Just visit once, it will change the perception towards your country.

This is going to be long post and I have no intention of boring you people. So I have decided to break it into few parts. First one begins here. I hope you will enjoy this journey with me.

I love the feeling of being anonymous in a city I've never been before. It wasn’t the first time I packed my back pack and started walking into wild. I always enjoyed my freedom. I read somewhere that feeling of freedom is an absolute chant. It’s my mind which wanted a freedom now. As Henry David Thoreau says,” All good things are wild, and free.” We just need to free ourselves and walk in the wild to find those good things. I was looking for Great Perhaps. I waited for 2 years and finally here I’m ready to travel. This is one of those planned - unplanned trips. I chose Rajasthan for my outing. It was Royal forts, Colorful Havelis, and breathtakingly gorgeous Desert which invited me. I knew where I’m going but I had no idea of where it will take me. As I said, you choose destinations, destiny just happens.

Day 1: Meeting my people

It was 22nd Oct 2009, Thursday. I had my tickets booked to travel to Jaipur.Starting point of 10 days of complete exemption. I had got 3A, B1 Seat no 15(lower side berth) in Mysore - Jaipur express. I was eagerly waiting for my 41 hours train journey and excited about meeting new people. First person I met in that compartment was Rajat. 17yr old, class 11th student who is majorly involved in his IIT preparation with Bansal Classes, Kota rather than class syllabus. An really interesting conversation with this guy made me to think about IIT, people involved, Money the coaching institutions generates and finally what is the purpose of a degree from IIT. What I thought is it’s all about enjoying your day on the day you decide, but not today.

Its time to introduce you another person I met. Prashant Bose aka Archerpix. An ex-employee of UL. This married,soft spoken mallu worked for 10 yrs to quit and become full-time photographer. It was pleasure meeting him. Thanks to a big bunch of Telugu family in our compartment who were busy arranging things for their lunch as it was lunch time. Prashant was in fix and he wanted to move out of that place. As he was going out I pulled him for conversation and later we had superb 5 hours of chat. Work, Life, Passion, Photography, Movies, Politics, People. Spoke about almost everything under the sky.

Then there was Rajasthani family in our compartment. They had carried food for next 3days I believe. Journey in Indian Railways makes you really proud. Trust me. Different color, Different Food, Different fragrance, Different Taste. All in one country and its just amazing. It was special occasion for telugites and many people are visiting Ujjain, MP at that time. So, Many telugu speaking people were in compartment. Rajasthani family and Telugu family now wants to exchange their seats between two compartments to be with their group of people as they were totally divided across the 3A.Rajasthani family requested Prashant and he obliged even though he was expecting for his freind and travel mate to join him in Kachiguda.At around 8, he moved to his new place and neither he liked it nor me.

It was 8 in the evening when I got my dinner. My life's first ever dinner in train. I was extremely hungry. Last day which I spend was tiresome one. Lot of pending work to finish at office and I was excited about next day’s journey. So, couldn’t eat properly. I had my food and I won’t say it was great. But at that moment, it was heaven. After dinner, it was time for me to sleep.

Day 2: Books and Bye-byes

It started pretty early for me. It was 2AM when train reached Kachiguda station. There was sudden rush in our compartment. People started occupying already reserved empty seats. They remembered their seat numbers, saying it loudly to each other but had forgotten that there are people already in and are asleep!. All for few minutes, then again its quite and I could here only the wheels of train. I slept for some more time and got up at around 6.30 to see the beautiful sunrise. Train was just crossing Sirpur Kagaznagar(AP) station. It was wonderful view outside my window. After sometime, Rajat joined me for breakfast. It was veg cutlet for breakfast.Two ladies who accompanied me through out the journey are Paulo Coelho's Brida(From book "Brida") and John Green's 'Alaska' (From book, "Looking for Alaska").Prashant was already moved to other side of the compartment along with telugu family. Now its Rajat , myself and Rajasthani family. Rajat and myself started playing cards for sometime. The funniest part of the day came in the evening when Rajat asked me since when I’m in Bangalore. He thought I’m from some states of Northern India. I had good laugh and secretly admired my persuasiveness on Hindi. Rajat was expected to get down half way when train reaches Kota early morning. It was great meeting this guy. So before going to sleep, I gave him my contact details and wished him good luck.

Day 3: Pink City

Train reached 15 min earlier than usual time. My wrist watch showing 5.45AM. I vaguely remember Rajat saying bye while getting down. It was quite cold day in Jaipur on Saturday morning of 24th Oct 2009.I knew where I’m but never had an idea of where Im going. Through out this journey, by the time I reached the places, City would be asleep. I always had list of hotels I can try out for but, trust me I never stayed in those hotels. Because, it never happened.

As soon as I came out of station Auto drivers came running for their passengers. I wanted to find a hotel somewhere in Old city which is 3KMs away. Its more than 10 years and many cities/villages around India, I had this great repute with Auto guys. It may be Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai or anywhere else. Trust me, they are as good as you are.(A post on these guys are still pending).

First thought which came across, I shouldn’t ask these guys for hotel info because they may take you to the place where they will have their own share of money from hotel people. Yeah, it’s true, Most of the time it works out same way if you don’t know the city properly. I was pretty reluctant to go with this idea of Auto guy showing some hotels near by as the Old City is pretty costly for one person.

Finally, I found a place to stay for 2 days in Jaipur. Its called Hotel Jaipur. Near railway station itself. Room wasn’t great and I was not so worried about it. This is one advantage when you travel alone. You really shouldn’t bother about where you are going to stay. And of course I never wanted to spend huge money on these hotels. By the way ,An old man helped me to find this one. It was a honest help by a person to someone who is new to his city. I will remember it and say how good we are.

I started my day at 9AM after finishing quick breakfast. I hired an auto for 30 bucks to reach City Palace which was around 4kms from my hotel. On the way, auto driver was giving small introduction on city. In olden days, the old city was place of Palace. The entrance which we could see even today used to close by 10 in the night. Today we call it 'Badi Chaupar'. The existing plan of jaipur had done by Sir Mirza Ismail in 1944 It was Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur requested then Diwan of mysore to modernize the city. Jaipur is said to be first planned city of India. It was 9.45 when I reached the city palace or city museum. Entry fee was 240Rs. Because, If you have video camera, you need to pay 200+40(entrance) Rs .It was fantastic inside red bricked Majestic Palace. I had reached pretty early to the place and there wasn’t much crowd. I took comfortable time to see each and every corner of palace.

City Palace

After spending almost 2 hours in City Palace, I walked to near by Jantar Mantar or Yantra Mantra. You could see this on the way to City Palace. 25 Rs was the entrance fee including camera. This is one of the Five Yantar Mantar's constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 18th century.Read it here .When I finished Jantar Mantar, it was time for lunch. Finding food in the streets of old city was adventurous. The construction of building in this street are alike it was hard to find eatery. I walked almost 2-3 kms from badi chaupat to find a place where I could eat. Food was worth of money. My next destination was Hawa Mahal..This was just 10 mins walk away from City palace. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and famous for its marvelous art of architecture. 25 Rs was the entrance fee with Camera. It was around 3.30 by the time I completed seeing around. Then I was off to Jaipur walking tour.One of the awesome things to do in Jaipur City. I started from Bapu Bazar- Nehru Bazar-Indra Bazar-Choti Chaupar-Johar Bazar and back to Bapu Bazar. It was around 2.5 to 3 Kms and took me 2 hours.I did my shopping at Nehru Bazar. If you know how to bargain, then its pretty economical I would say. Thanks to my friend Di!! for her special recommendation on Nehru Bazar. By the end of the day I was all tired. It was time to go back to my palace!!.For a moment, I had forgotten my way back to hotel. But, what saved me was the visiting card I had picked from the desk of hotel Manager. I generally keep the addresses of places I’m going to visit and already visited. Sometimes it really helps in emergency. Do keep in mind to know the route to reach the place where you are staying especially when you are alone.

Yantar Mantar

Hawa Mahal Pictures

Day 4: A long day

It was Sunday. I got up at around 9 in the morning. Last 3 days travelling had me all exhausted. It was good sleep to catch up. I went to LMB(Lakshmi Misthan Bandar) for breakfast. This is the day to visit Amber Fort. Which is around 12 Kms from Old City. You will find easy transport to reach this place. City transports will take you to this place for 8 bucks. This place is on the outskirt of Jaipur. On the way to amber fort , you can see Jal Mahal on your right side around 4Kms after Old City. The Fort is breathtakingly beautiful under sunshine.

Amber Fort

The Hall of Mirrors is one of the Major attractions of the Fort. I had spent around 4hours to look around the palace. I wanted to take pictures of elephants coming from fort after a daily prayer. I missed welcome shot but managed to take when they were leaving. I forgot to tell you about pigeons which are closely associated with Rajasthan. You could see pigeons in most of the palaces in Rajasthan.I have seen localities coming to this place to feed seeds to Pigeons. I believe it’s said to be one of the customs people believe in. I came back to city for lunch and after spending a day in Jaipur,now it was easy to find an eatery.

After lunch, it was time to visit Central Museum. Its one of the major attractions too. This is also known as Albert Hall Museum.30 Rupees was the entrance fee with camera to visit this Museum. To reach this place I took cycle rickshaw to travel and it was 10 bucks a ride .I must say , it was nice ride as it allows to see the streets of city with ease. You can really enjoy the ride. Museum has got nice collection of decorative arts, costumes, musical instruments etc. Central Museum is worth visiting.

Central Museum

It was 6 when I came back to my room. I had to get ready for my late night journey to Jaisalmer. My next destinaton. I checked-out hotel by 10.15. I had to catch Delhi-Jaisalmer train at 11.45 in Jaipur station.Before I could start, I had finished my dinner. Later I realized, Thank god It was good that I finished my dinner. Because, I never expected the Sunday to be really longer on that day. It was around 17-18 degree centigrade by 11 in the night. I knew my ticket was confirmed, So, I was little relaxed and reading book. At around 11.30, I noticed the digital train scheduler was showing the scheduled time of train is 11.45 but expected time of arrival was 01.15AM.That was crazy!!. It was already late and very cold outside. I just wanted to get in and sleep. Now I had to wait for another 2 hours. But, at around 12, the ETA once again changed to 2.00AM. By then, I had met a bank employee from Jaipur. He was also waiting for same train to Jodhpur. He said, its very common about this particular train to be late.Thanks to him for some nice conversations on that long night. This time train reached on time. I was happy to get in and find my seat as I was eager to take a nap. This time I never bothered to see who else was in that compartment as I was really tired and wanted to bunk down quickly.

Day 5: Camel Race!
Monday morning. I got up at 8 when train reached Jodhpur.There was only one person in my compartment when I got up. An army man ,Arun from Kerala who is on the way to join his new squad near Ramdevra which is after Pokhran. He was traveling from Delhi and happy to find a south Indian sitting next to him. It was nice talking to him and we never forgot to share contact details before he got down at Ramdevra at around 12.45PM. Another person I met who joined us at Jodhpur was Aparna. She works for one of the textiles companies in Mumbai and she was on her business trip. It was 2PM when train reached “Golden City"Jaisalmer.12 hours long journey was finally saw an end.

(to be continued..)

A Smile Away..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:42:00 +0000

I never wanted to post this particular poem on blog. But again, that was 7 months back. Most of the time, we all live in the virtual life of ours. Talking to new people, finding new way of conversations, impressing few and blocking few more. One evening I found someone in my life too. She was awfully charming! *grin*

Disguised as dreams, gleaming pair of eyes
You sink for a smile as it soaks into sorcery
Should I say it mesmerizes or shall live with it?

Darken eyelids, dancing curls
Magic look, mystery book
Should I say it mesmerizes or shall live with it?

When million words are said
Wake less vocals are heard
When life awaited for her
Picture was never been blur

Have seen lustrous light, but
not in the night
Have seen hoi polloi, but
not as special as her
Should I say she mesmerizes or shall I live...?

I myself don't know what made me to write these few lines about her. May be her pretty face inspired me to write. As I said, then I never thought of posting it but, today I liked it more. Reason? Looking for reasons is injurious to health...

Thanks for that smile which took away few of my heart beats…

Sayonara!

Priceless Pleasures..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Few happinesses in life take nothing.May be that is the reason why those are called as priceless ones.

When somebody says, life is a journey or discovery; I think it means nothing but search of all these invaluable happinesses.

I’m pretty fortunate enough to experience some of those moments which are unforgettable and immensely cherished.Im sure there are many more to come.

- A Long drive in Mangalore - Mumbai highway.

- Stopping your vehicle anywhere on the highway between Udupi- Kundapur and take a diversion towards left for around 3 KMs to find a sea shore which is completely lonesome. Sit on seashore and watch setting sun. Nothing can sop up your worries like a sea.

- Go for beach trekking, find an isolated sea shore for camping. Sleep looking at stars with scary, screaky sea.

- Pouring rain and you are driving a jeep on village roads near Kushalnagar, Coorg. (This one was adventurous and most pleasurable journey so far). Hit a coffee estate, walk through the coffee plants, and hope you get an opportunity to sip a fresh cup of coffee which doesn’t have sugar, honey or milk. Aroma is priceless.

- Drive towards western ghat. Pick a hill like Devagiri (Near Ujire) to climb. You know you may face few forest elephants while climbing. But, you want to reach the top of the hill despite being shit scared of every small sound coming from forest. It was funny, exciting and an awesome feeling when you really make it to the top.

- Alone at home? Don’t worry! Pick your favorite recipe from cook book and start preparing it. Invite few friends/or if no one is available, just play your favorite movie and enjoy the food.

- An evening walk towards river side with your loved one.

- Reading your favorite author's book in a really quiet place and finishing it in one bite.

- When electric power goes off in your apartment and everything is calm, playing LR, Hamilton, Bob Marley or any of those amazing soul singers out there is equivalent to meditating.

- Bring smile on someone's face.

- Present a gift to your closed one/friends and give a pleasant surprise. Expression on their face is priceless. Trust me!

- Trying to play a piece of music on your guitar for yourself.

- A phone call to friend whom you never met since you left school. Going back to school is always fun.

- Taking a picture from your camera which fascinates you more than anybody else.

- Most importantly, never forget your good old childhood days. Remembering every one of those pranks, tears, crushes and love will surely bring smile on your face.

My quite contented career, office strategies, agonized plans were not aware about all these things which I did so far. And I’m sure these guys won’t be informed in future either. Its always just those moments which we looked in a different way makes life beautiful.Nothing else.

Be good..So long...

Someone Like Her..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Long night at work
No idea when I fell asleep
Got up with her thoughts as
Her touch wakes me up

I need her for every little thing
She is part of my daily living
She was there in every moments
Ever since I’m on road for my sustenance

We share few truths and faiths
We travelled together for distance
She is going to be there till the end
In this lonely life, she is the only friend

They say she is my partner, and
We are made for each other,
Together we are great to look. I’m insane,
She is HP made and calls herself notebook.

Lost in Generation..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:55:00 +0000

"What is that bothering you so much?". It was my father's voice which brought me back from my thoughts. What was I doing?. I was concentrating at UKG Kid's notebook while he was writing 'vase' in his beautiful hand writing. I had asked him what it means. He said a perfect answer and kept me wondering how intelligent the generation is this. When I looked at my father and before I could say, he said. “Even we used to think when you guys are growing up. How different is this generation from ours”.

I remember one of those seminars where the speaker had mentioned that, once in a every 20 years a new generation will born and a old one will be forgotten. I think that’s so true. I’m a part of one of that revolutionary generation. Eighties (80s). A Special one. You might ask why it is special. Starting from Adam and the Ants transition to punk rock era to the new wave era, It was early 80s a new class had born in India. We called it Middle-Class. A tough class with heck of dreams. Where elders planned for super future for their kids and Kids wanted fly on sky. This could be the last generation to hold last bit of India's history, Ethics and celebration. At least on their Mind.

Why these entire introduction? I was trying to compare knowledge of UKG kid and average kid like me once that was of same age. What he knows today, I learnt in my 5th grade. World has changed in last 20+ years and ready for new generation. One of the backward villages of our country is ready with English Medium schools, Engineering/Medical colleges and Kids who are competitive to face the world.

Over the years, the motto of education has been changed. Remember to ask today's kids after 20 years about their favorite teacher. I don’t think they would even remember. Gone are the days when teacher was an inspirational figure but just not someone who assigns home work every day. Someone who showed what our life would be once we go out of school. We were not prizefighters but called as flowers. They gave us a chance to learn the reality of life from basics we studied in school. When I say basics, it was not just physics, math but also the freedom and confidence to live the life we want to. Today the teaching profession has been changed. Profession has been restricted to text books and assignments.

When we were growing up, there was no LKG/UKG to begin with. I’m sure most of us started our education at home. It was our parents who began with telling stories. Yes! Stories. Something which fascinates me even today. My beloved grandma used to tell stories from Mahabharata and Ramayana. I know the importance of stories. It gives you a miraculous imagination power. Teachers helped to understand few topics saying sub stories related to it. It made studies more interesting. Even today, when I’m on my long drive with family/friends, I discuss stories. It starts from epics to real-life experiences. When I was kid such stories pushed me to read from papers which used to pack some groceries to novels. It indeed helped in shaping my own life.

What today's children missing is the reading ability. How many kids know who is king Parikshit? They are growing up with Computers, Xbox and TV. It’s not only in the case of children from city but from village too. My parents never asked me what I wanted to be when I was growing up. I remember saying them I want to be scientist. I also remember how my friends laughed at me in class 7 when I said that. It was in class 11th; I really started dreaming about career. Until then I enjoyed my life. School life was indeed a golden one. Smiles, Crushes, Play, Healthy competition and achievements. It was fun. I don’t think most of the students today have such luck. Preparation for IIM/IIT starts in LKG itself. I agree the world has changed and you should be on your toe. But, what’s the use when you don’t grow up as a sensible human being. What schools will achieve after producing someone who is selfish to society who hardly respects others. What’s the use of studying in IIM/IIT and having no common sense? What’s the use of driving luxurious cars and littering while parked in traffic?

Its not schools or colleges which make us human but, our own life. India is the only country which has gracious history. History is not to forget but to get inspired from it and learn from it. Someone’s experience is just not someone's experience; someday it may be ours too. Growing up with ethics makes more sense then useless knowledge we have.

Hey..Do remember few stories from history to tell your kids. Trust me, they will learn from it and love it. :)

Sayonara.

Fall in..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:17:00 +0000

Looks like I'm gonna fall in again
Yes I’m gonna enjoy the rain
I’m away to bring the moon
Sorry, everything happened pretty soon

She never danced with this stranger
I couldn’t sing her song 'forever'
Heard life is just a blink away
And she was just a touch away

That smile wasn’t for me, But,
it swept me away
I don’t remember where am I, But
Now it’s not to walk away

Never learnt from the pain
Here I fall in love again
I wanna grow up but not my heart
It’s young and couldn’t resist

Forever and a day..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:23:00 +0000

[This image here is one of those pages from my diary which was written by someone else..I always cherish this page as it witnessed some of the best moments of my life]

One of those days you wake up thinking I should find someone who loves me the way I wanted, Someone who accepts me the way I'm. One fine morning you have decided that you have found her. You will walk a walk with her, you will talk a talk with her, and you will sing a Song for her. She will smile and you are voodooed forever. She will look into your eyes and you will stop looking at world and you will say Love is blind.

One day you wake up to see you are alone. You had become a vagrant in a wild desert. You will start thinking what, where went wrong? You are hurt, you hit bathroom and cry silently. You will say Love is not blind, it’s brutal.

You are walking down the street and you will hear the song coming from one of the houses. You don’t know what is it but at that moment you liked that particular song. You will go to your place, search for the song, download it and listen to it. Song will be on repeat mode for more than week. Because, you still love that song. Suddenly one day you started feeling that something has lost in this song. You will stop listening to it and search for another one begins.

Remember those days when your Dad/Mom beating you black and blue whenever you did something which you were not suppose to? Hadn’t you thought for even once that, "God, I hate these people, Give me some other Mom or some other Dad whom I saw it in last movie which I watched". I know it’s funny. But, in reality, we realize their love as we grow up. It’s irreplaceable. You won’t get anywhere else in this world. I would like to say that's an Immortal one.

Whatever else which we call it as love is like our love for the song which I mentioned earlier. Nowadays, soon we get exhausted with certain things and it includes love, relationships too. We are really struggling to keep things moving. There is a quote, we can not love and be limited. But, we often limit it as most of the time, 'Unlimited' has come out with different meaning. Of course, you should respect when other person does not like over- possessiveness. After all everybody has their own capacity to accept love. Isn’t it?

I knew 2 of my best friends (Girls) and their dating partners. After 2 years of dating, one married other's boyfriend and other married someone else's boyfriend. I know it’s pretty confusing. Anyway, What I understood is, its not whom you love but it’s with whom you move on in life. We often blame our life for its desire to be comfortable. But, actually it’s us who are looking for a best option without realizing that we lost the 'best' some where in a mid way of life. In fact, we don’t know what is best for us until we live with it. May be because, we are really fast in falling in love, then talking and then meeting forever. I thought the best thing would be, Meet, Talk and then fall in love. I'm sure, you stay with some stranger, far away from world, and you would fall in love with the person. I read somewhere that you would fall in love with your enemy too, if you stay with him/her for few days. You stay alone all your life, you will love yourself more than anyone else in this world.

You may miss people who love you in your life. But, not a chance to love. Its their, forever and a day..

ನೀ ಬದಲಾದರೆ - [If you change yourself]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 06:13:00 +0000

I first saw this video in Zee Kannada channel. The inspiration behind this Patriotic video directed by Alok Shetty is Mahatma's quote Be the change you want to see in the world.I think its indeed a good initiative by Kannada music group in which coming together of some of the famous Kannada singers like B Jayashree, MD Pallavi, Rajesh Krishnan,Hemanth, Avniash Chetti, L N Shastri along with actor Ramesh Aravind for a cause. Music has been composed by young music direcor Ricky Kej.Kaviraj has penned the lyrics.

ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ:

ಬದಲಾಗುವುದುಈ ಲೋಕ ನೀ ಬದಲಾದರೆ
ಸರಿಯಾಗುವುದು ಈ ಸಮಾಜ ನೀ ಮೊದಲಾದರೆ
ನವ ಭಾರತವ ಕಟ್ಟುವ ಆಣೆಯ ಮಾಡೋಣ
ಜನ ಗಣ ಮನ ಮೊಳಗಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲೆಡೆ ಇಂದು

ತುಂಬು ಪ್ರತಿ ಮನಸಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸ ಹೊಸ ಬಣ್ಣವ
ತುಂಬು ಪ್ರತಿ ಎದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಛಲ ಬಲ ಸ್ಥೈರ್ಯವ

ಜನ ಗಣ ಮನ ಮೊಳಗಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲೆಡೆ ಇಂದು
ಜನ ಜನಗಳ ಮನ ಸಮ್ಮೇಳಗೊಳಲಿ ಇಂದು

ತುಂಬು ಪ್ರತಿ ಮನಸಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸ ಹೊಸ ಬಣ್ಣವ
ತುಂಬು ಪ್ರತಿ ಎದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಛಲ ಬಲ ಸ್ಥೈರ್ಯವ-2

ಬದಲಾಗುವುದುಈ ಲೋಕ ನೀ ಬದಲಾದರೆ
ಸರಿಯಾಗುವುದು ಸಮಾಜ ನೀ ಮೊದಲಾದರೆ

ನವ ಭಾರತ ಇಂದು ಕಟ್ಟುವ ಆಣೆಯ ನೀ ಮಾಡು
ಹೊಸದೆ ಸಂವಸ್ಥರ ಶುರುವಾಗುವುದು ನೀ ನೋಡು

ತುಂಬು ಪ್ರತಿ ಮನಸಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸ ಹೊಸ ಬಣ್ಣವ
ತುಂಬು ಪ್ರತಿ ಎದೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಛಲ ಬಲ ಸ್ಥೈರ್ಯವ

ಜೈ ಹಿಂದ್!

Following is the raw translation of lyrics in English

This world will change if you change yourself
This society will flourish if you lead the task
Let’s promise to build a new India
Let 'Jana' gana mana reverberate all around

Put new colors in every mind
Inspire every heart for courage, self-belief

Let 'Jana' gana mana reverberate all around
Let everybody come together

Jai Hind!

Flying High..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Just like the way Chrsitopher Gardner says, "This part of my life... this part right here? This part is called "Joyousness”. It was an emotion of great happiness.I remember growing up in small 1BHK house in Dharmasthala with my parents and kid sister.It was a typical middle-class life. When I say 'Middlie-Class' life; it was typical 80's middle class life. There wasn’t "today's" upper middle class.Our every day was planned and every night was gratifying. This is the place where dreams are born.Trust me; for poor, doesn’t have time to dream, for rich, doesn’t need a dream. A dream of being successful can only be seen next to middle-class man's bed.

But,why I'm I talking all those things over here right now? I haven’t achieved anything successful yet which I'm really in process of dreaming now.But, I think I have done something which was dreamt by someone else and I just helped him to achieve it. What I have got is something which can not be explained.As Garth Brooks says, “You aren’t wealthy until you have something money can’t buy".Its True.

My dad is always been a source of inspiration.Not because we always had a conversation or discussion. No, he inspired me because he respected every damn decision I had taken in my life.He never questioned my decision ever since I started in standard 8th to till date.He believed in me. He allowed me to learn from my mistakes.This is something which I never told him and I'm really grateful for being reason behind what I'm today.We all have a dream and most of the time we don’t want to share it with everybody even if the person is close enough.My dad had a dream of flying in an air-plane at least once in his life time. For a self made, middle-class man like him it was pretty costly dream. Just like any other burgher, hemight have postponed it for his son's life time.In fact he did and obviously I wasn’t aware of it.I have my own kind of affection towards my family. I always believed that there is nothing can stand by you during your bad times except your family.Family was always been a first priority.So, this day I decided take my dad in an air-plane.

I remember how anxious I was on my first day in school, or in college or at work place.Everywhere, every time it was the same expression.I could see it on his face when we reached airport.When we sat inside, first thing he asked, "That’s it? This is how the inside of an air-plane looks like?" I said, “Yes”. The expression and emotions on his face, was indefinable.When we were flying high, he was lost in the clouds and breathtakingly beautiful view of earth from top. He turned to me and said, "Thanks, this one is going to be very memorable”.I want to say, just like the way Chrsitopher Gardner says, "This part of my life... this part right here? This part is called "Joyousness".

Pursuit of 'Alive'ness

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Date- 25th Jan 2009
Day - Sunday
Time- Around 4.30 in the evening
Place- Bus Station,Koyambedu,Chennai

I was on my lonely excursion to Central-Northern Tamil Nadu which included former French colony Pondicherry. This trip was good as It went as per my planned schedule. Exciting thing happened in trip was I picked up every possible transport in India to travel. Now the final destination is back home (Bangalore).I decided to take city bus to Chennai via ECR (East Coast Road) and then Volvo to Bangalore.

As usual, I was pretty early to reach the place. I hardly know anybody in Chennai and almost 4 hours left to start the journey. So, I started reading then newly bought book, Mr.Tarun Tejpal's ' The Story of my Assassins’. I had read his ‘The Alchemy of Desire’ which I thought a really a nice book. I had just finished 6 pages, by then an elderly,well dressed gentleman who was in his late 60s came and sat next to me. I do have a habit of dragging strangers to conversation whenever I meet them while travelling. But, this time I was so engrossed with the book that for few minutes I didn’t realize who is sitting next to me in that iron bench. While turning pages, I just looked at the person sitting next to me and just smiled. Later I was back into reading. Few minutes Later… [Conversation was in English]

He: What book is this, [a quick question from that person with a smile on his face]
I said, it’s a novel

He: Oh ok. Novel? Very good. So you read novels haan?
I said, Yeah, I do

He: By the way, I'm MR...[I think the name is not important here] A retired teacher
Myself: Hello, I'm Manoj, I work for software company in Bangalore

He: Oh! Thats very nice. Who is this author?
Myself: Tarun Tejpal

He: Famous writer?
Myself: Yeah! he is the editor of Weekly magazine Tahelka .You must've heard about him.

He: Oh! No..I dont
Myself: Ok [I smiled; I was desperate to read the book, I was not really interested in conversation]

He: So, You are software engineer haan? You must be earning a lot then. Right Mr.manoj?

[Now that’s embarrassing. I always hated when people asked how much you earn or anything related to it. I always thought, its not how much you earn, its at the end of the day how much you save..anyways]

I just smiled and said nothing much! But its ok..,I can live

He: I know you must be earning a lot.
[I didn’t answer]

He picked some other general things and obligated me to talk. At one point of time..

He: I'm going to 'this’'[let me not mention it here] particular hospital to see my daughter. She is sick and in very serious condition. Few lacs spent on her treatment. I’m totally broke now. There is not much facility for poor people from govt.

I just looked at him. I didn’t know what to say.

He: Now I'm going to 'this' particular place and I'm short of money. Could you please give me some money Mr.Manoj?

I realized that 40 mins longer conversation has come to its end.

I told him, Sir, You said you are retired teacher, I respect you But, this is neither expected nor excusable. There must be some other way to earn money or arrange it.

It was clearly visible that he was hurt. He tried to convince me but I was unaffected for a long time. It was not that I never wanted to help him. But, the situation where you are pushed at that time is what hurts you. Later I did give him some money and he left the place. Myself or most of us never asked where the money goes when we donate a part of our earnings towards any NGOs.It may be there source of living. But, we still believe that it reaches to the concerned people.

We live in a country which has rich powerful barons, lower middle cast colonial which is further divided into communities. We have been dealing with the statuses,prestiges etc.Its not that we are facing financial crisis, Its about transparency. ‘Aam aadmi' hardly understand the 'percentage' growth which are spoken by Finance minister or any Economical Analyst. He is just bothered about his daily bread. Its not that we don’t have opportunity, it’s about how well we use it. We have more resources than any other country in the world. But, how well we are using it? At individual level, Its not about how we live here, It’s about how honest we are.

The person I met might be saying the truth, but, how can I trust him? I agree when a person keeps his self-respect on stake, you got to believe. I did. I may acted stupid, but there is no justification for everything you do. I always believed that life is a journey, its a search and we all search for happiness. Some times, its just a pursuit of 'alive'ness!

Time..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:55:00 +0000

Its been really long since I found time for myself to write something down. There was lot running inside my mind yet busy with profession.I can hardly give up my passion too. So, here are quick few lines.By the way, I'm on short excursions and lot to update.Very soon..

It was always wonderful to be with you,
Remember those little steps down the street.
Walking without holding hands,
Mesmerizing myself with your fragrance

Its alright we are not together.
I'm not looking for another chance.
Its understood when you walked away,
Nobody is perfect, except the time we spent.

Image: Credit

Small Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:47:00 +0000

I remember reading an old chinese proverb 'It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward'. And here is a small step. I read about this particular organisation from a piece of paper which had pasted in a bulletin board belongs to Auroshilpam, Auroville. I had visited this place to see Matrimandir.

Small Steps has started as a quite revolution against plastic bags usage in India. It is an initiative to promote environmental awareness. The project's first step is to promote a responsible alternative to throw-away plastic bags. Upasana Design Studio has helped to achieve this goal by designing a bag. These are re-usable bags.As they say, Small Steps is not about bags.Small Steps says something big: Solutions to our problems lie in every little step we take each day bag makers have aim to make 10 million bags, this in turn creates the possibility of 1000 jobs in the villages.

Its a honest effort to bring enironmentla awareness in people and creating a world for better living.It's not a promotional post,its about support for a good cause.I would like everybody to read what Economist writes about plastic usage in India. Small Steps is, perhaps, ideally suited to the gift economy distribution model because it is not so much a product as an opportunity to participate in a movement of positive social change. Upasana puts it this way: It is not only about making a better world, It is also about changing ourselves, Learning new values, Taking responsibility, Loving our mother earth. It is our love in action. Here is the story of little bag:

Be a part of this and spread the sentience..

A Visit Down to History

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 07:17:00 +0000

From last 15 years, ever since we moved from Dharmasthala to near by Belthangady(Taluk HQ) to our new house, I have been visiting this temple once in a month, whenever I go home. Temples are more than a place for Gods. Its a place of peacefulness. I love temples which are spared from huge crowd. Fortunately the temple which I'm going to mention is also the one. But, Let me tell you, unfortunately this temple, which holds more than 600 year old history and yet pretermitted by historians, organization and also the people.

This temple situates just 5Km away from Belthangady. Belongs to a small village called Laila.It is a base of Jamalabad fort. This temple of Goddess Durga has said to be built in the time of Veera Ballala III.The Last Great King of Hoysala Empire.It was the beginning of Vijayanagara Empire and the architecture used to built this temple also shows Hoysala architecture.One of the stone scriptures in temple reads that, temple had once owned more than 400 acres of land. It’s like almost a village.

In the year 1996 ,after HD Devegowda sworn in as Prime Minister of India, somebody chose this particular place for 'The Maha Chandi Homa'.Hundred thousands of devotees witnessed this particular function. It was suppose to be a National News but today no history exists. Only the road which is made for this particular function almost 12years back tells you the story. The roads just as good as it was. This place is hardly known to outsiders and to a lesser extent known and visited by localities.

[View of Jamalabad Fort from Temple.Its almost 3KMs away from this place]

Temple is disintegrating with history today. Its in a village from where I have come. Belthangady Taluk is a place of highest number (81) of villages, Place of runs a risk trekking spots and water falls, witnessing an evergreen Western Ghats. If you get a time to visit this place, hope you visit this temple. It’s not a great spot, but I'm sure you can feel like a King who once stood in front of same Goddess and prayed for peace :)

Media - Anticipation in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 06:29:00 +0000

Most of my friends, relatives who are urbanized including myself were pretty demoralized for couple of days after the terror incident happened in Mumbai.But,This wasn’t the case with my retired uncle living in a village who has stopped watching TV ever since he left the city. He was happy and enjoying his days as usual. Now, What made the difference between me and my uncle? It’s my direct involvement with the incident through Media. Has media done a good job? Has it done a bad job? I should've avoided it?

Till second week of December "Enough is Enough","We Shall Remember" were common lines on TV screen which was showing any news channel. Today these words are not shown and we are back in Cricket, Movies and Entertainments. Its good thing as It may bring smile on few peoples face, just to forget the past.

We, Indians are been optimistic ever since Mughals entered our country. We were Optimistic when British were ruling us. Now we are optimistic when terrorists and our own corrupt system making our country a battle ground. We are bunch of opinionated morons. We have some super talented leaders who will come out to news channels and talk about problems but never take a lead to solve it.

We have a media people who are earning money in the name of people’s misery. They don’t even leave graveyard from live telecasting. Why the attack on Taj has made world to turn around? Is it because If you stand on White house you could see only Taj in India? What about people who are dying everyday because of poverty, sexual harassments etc. Where is the protest? Where is the gesture? They are not human being?

If some one is accepting moral responsibility, then he is no lesser than the criminal. Don’t you think they should be sent to jail? Will resignations of politicians solve the problem? Media is not less than Politicians. They know the peoples weakness just like a politicians. Common man's memory! Now everything is back on individual. We need to change. 2 options. Remember and crib all your life. Forget and stay happily.

Let me be a little optimistic and as Oprah Winfrey said, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right". Now as a common man who respects and expects peace in his country has some expectations from the Media. Before I go with the points, Let me quote few lines from recent interview happened between Arun Jaitley and Karan Thapar in CNN IBN's Devils Advocate .It was role reversal.

Arun Jaitley: Karan, lets set aside that how and why you have this aggressive posturing, at least the image of a very aggressive interviewer. I come to somewhat a connected issue, yours is still one of the most serious political discussion programmers on Indian television. Are you now, as an experienced political commentator and an anchor, very concerned about the present state of the political television on the news media?

Karan Thapar: If you are suggesting that political discourse and television is becoming shallow, populist rather than popular and therefore it is aiming for catch eyeballs at the cost of rigorous analysis and informed discussion, I would agree with you and I think it is particularly sad. I think the root cause lies in the fact that independent television in India is commercially driven, it survives on advertising and advertising comes for the highest eyeballs which means ratings become important.

Arun Jaitley: Survive to do what? Five-year ago if a television carried a programme which was critical about my party, I will be deeply concerned but today the credibility is going down. There are such a large number of channels these days that an individual channel doesn’t matter, what really matters in news content of a large number of channels is - cinema, cricket, crime, occasionally some crisis and even in those crisis there will some shallow tangential news which will be passed off as a breaking news and therefore the credibility of that news even of that survived or commercially driven channel is not very high.

Karan Thapar: You are talking about the credibility marks of the different sections of the society because of the reasons you mentioned to you and me may have diminished very much but the credibility with the mass audience for the very same reasons may have increased. They like cricket, they like crisis, they like cinema, they like stars and may probably watch a lot of more of a lighter form and shade of news to the type that you and I may prefer. So, the credibility may be low for you and me but it is huge for them.

Arun Jaitley: Are we rushing to instant conclusions because they make more attractive headlines, I think politicians have conventionally went for this kind of populism, but is media also going for it?

Karan Thapar: Or, are we doing it because it is lazy journalism or it can be a combination of both.

- We follow US election but we don’t come out for Voting in our own country. Neither have we educated our people about it. So stop complaining about the system. I hope media will this take this a chance to bring a change in a system.

- Everybody has thoughts, let the thoughts be constructive rather than destructive. We have hundreds of channels to know about movies and cricket. If you are showing celebrity talk for over 30 minutes in News Channel, Why can’t you show Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Addressing politicians for at least 15 minutes? Don’t you think it will help?

- A National News Channel moves from Political Media to Entertainment Media very easily as per the situation.

- If you think a politician is unfit to lead, why don’t the media suggest them the right way?

- I have seen hundreds of debates happened over the year.
1. How many debates will really listen to what audience wanted to say.(They are concerned about the Time)
2. It looks like another program to compete with other channels
3. How many debates resulted in success? Same debates happened over and again on same issue (best example, kids falling into open tube wells)

- Without a doubt media considers politicians as dumb. Media has provoked politicians to come up with controversial statements. Now is this the way of journalism? We need truth but not the gossip or weird controversies.

- I have seen some lousy sting operations rotting whole day in all the channels. But the question here is, what is the motto? What Media wants to prove? Shall we see the follow-up in coming days?( Let me remind you the death of one of the journalists in recent days.).

- Media should stop making a common man to a celebrity. All famous people in Today’s India are good for nothing. They can only give lecture and can’t do anything

- We have some award winning authors who sit in the corner of some park in London or Australia and write about India, Its problems to reach the glory. They haven't done nothing than a giving an option for world to look at India with weird look. It’s not expected from Media to entertain such souls.

- Will Media asks to Ban all the organizations in India. No Fundamentalisms, No human rights activity?

- Will Media urges Leaders to stop talking about policies and find a way to work on it?

- Media should look out for positive things happening in the world. We are already having lots of Problems in India. Its the time Media should stop creating more problems.

-Will each Print or Audio-Visual Media stop looking at others for news and will help common man to live peacefully with basic needs?

- As last quotes from Arun Jaitley and Karan Thapar say, it’s a lazy journalism looking for more attractive headlines. Now Media should also think that,this may effect A Country's relationship with world, with its own people. Let’s not break ourselves into pieces.

Be Responsible and Be Good.

Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:18:00 +0000

Thank god for successful year which is just moved on.Some goals are achieved, some dreams are alive.Let me wish you all a wonderful year ahead! :)

Thank you for being there!

My Mexican Mistress

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:15:00 +0000

Is it ok if I confess?
You are my Mexican mistress.
One of those men is out here,
Talking to wind and waiting to hear.

Life of Ishmael is left behind
I find you more sweet and kind
Here is a hug waiting for you mistress
For today,tomorrow and always

Let me make a mistake,
Without any regret.
Come home tonight. I’m
Waiting near gate.

Credit:Image

A Touch Away..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:51:00 +0000

Here goes few lines for someone awesome!

Smirk on your face and
you walk away
A lonely lane and
you turn to say,
I will come again to
meet you half way
Now I'm here,waiting for you
A touch away.

Adios:)

Movies and Inspirations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:10:00 +0000

I have been watching movies ever since I started identifying the faces. People say, Movies create destructive thoughts and where as Books create constructive thoughts in human brain. I don’t know how does it work with others, but for me both are sources of inspiration and knowledge.I don’t deny the entertainment part of it.But, it doesn’t come under top priority. If it is a movie worth watching, language is not a bar.

Here are some of those movies which I really wanted to mention for more than one reason. These are more than characters in Western Cinema. These are the inspirations. These personalities project their culture to the world.Most importantly, they have positive things to show to the world.

Homer Hickam in October Sky.
Howard Hughes in The Aviator.
John Forbes Nash, Jr in A Beautiful Mind.
Ray Charles in Ray.
Malcom X in Malcom X.
Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List.
Jake Lamotta in Raging Bull.
Frank Serpico in Serpico.
Che Guevara in Motorcycle Diaries.

Now, Lets look at our cinema. We have seen Bhagath Singh and Netaji Subhash Chandra bose on screen. Thanks to Mr.Richard Attenborough for the movie Gandhi. I don’t remember any other movie made on real life character. If at all made, it wouldn't been successful. Have we ever tried to ask why? Why art movies are made only for awards? Before the next generation wonder who is Dadabhai Naoroji somebody should at least make a documentary about'The grand old man of India'.Is our own Dhyan Chand is any lesser than Jake Lamotta?In 1936 summer Olympics, Impressed by his performance, Adolf Hitler supposedly offered to make Dhyan Chand a Field Marshal in the German army, but the latter refused. (From wiki) Don’t you think there should be a movie made on this person which may inspire coming generation?. Why not a motion picture on Bharat Ratna, India's Missile Man Dr.Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam

This is the time we should stop being hypocrites. Why can’t we get inspired by best things from the west? We hardly realize our own strength. We are still crying about our culture, ethnicity. Have we learned anything from it? What do we have today in Cinema? In the name of reality, creating more problems, controversies. In the name of comedy, badly ripped B grade cinema from west.Producers are out to make money and audiences are taken for granted.

I agree we have problems. But, Let the related people to solve it. Bring some positive energy in country. Inspire people to be good. Mr.Naseeruddin Shah says a line in a movie ‘A Wednesday’, “we are resilient by force but not by choice”. Now we have choice to make things right.May be this is a part of it too.This is the time we should proud about our own country.

Sayonara..

Makes my day!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 05:59:00 +0000

Here are two songs which indeed bring all those emotions out whenever I heed to it.

Do You Feel Me
Soulful voice of Anthony Hamilton for 'Do You Feel Me'is one of his best.This one was featured in the soundtrack of 'American Gangster' where Anthony did a cameo as a soul singer.Few lines which I loved in the song...

..And don't keep me hanging on the line baby
tell me you want me and if you don't then let me know
just answer one question
don't keep me here guessin
tell me now

It Must Have Been Love
One more is from Swedish pop duo Roxette.Their number one soundtrack is 'It Must Have Been Love'and is also featured in the soundtrack of popular movie Pretty Woman.Love the simple composition,moving lyrics and amazing vocal from Marie Fredriksson.Few lines which really touched me in the song...

..Make believing we're together
That I'm sheltered by your heart
But in and outside I turn to water
Like a teardrop in your palm

Nothing Has Changed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:39:00 +0000

I often hear people saying..'Life has been changed over the years’. But, I don’t agree with this. Not in my case at least.I may say, life has seen some adjustments but not been replaced. Its root is still stuck to soil.

One evening, lied down and I just traveled back for almost 10-12 years. Went back to my High School days. The days you start memorizing every minuscule things happening around you. The days where you see and feel the mental and physical changes happening to you and around. Very important growing years of anybody’s life.

Then I used to be the first person to reach school. Sharp on time at 8AM .Today, I'm the first person to enter our floor. So, nothing has changed. Then I was handling couple of posts and dealing with responsibilities in school parliament or cultural activities. Today, I handle one of the most responsible jobs in the software development cycle. So, nothing has changed.

Then I used to carry huge Duckback school bag and lunch box everyday. Today, I carry HP laptop bag (with laptop of course) and helmet on other hand.Then I had queerly kept ineternal papers inside my bag and Now, I have old bills and papers inside my bag.Broken pens still hold the same place. Then I rode to school on my Atlas cycle and now I ride on my Hero Honda splendor plus. So, nothing has changed

Then I had never forgotten my pencil box. That was one of the most favorite and precious things I have ever had in my school days. Today I don’t forget my spectacles box. Because, without that I could hardly see and work ;)

Then I had a competition in classroom on scoring marks. Today I have competition at work. Then I had bad guys in class room who bullied me. Now, I have some people who remind me of those guys. So, nothing has changed.

Then I had my school head mistress to which I was the favorite student. Today I have someone whom we call Project Manager who has taken her position. She used to punish me severely for every simple mistake I had done. This guy kills me for every silly mistake I do. So, nothing has changed.

Then I had cute girls with whom I used ask for notes. Today I have pretty ladies whom I ask to come for cup of coffee. Then every year, with every girl, crush was on the 'to do' list. Today...I have just got crushed.. So, nothing has changed.

No No...Wait. I know what you are thinking after reading last few lines. Yes, Its everybody’s story .Yes,If there is something changed, Then it must be innocence within us and nothing else. Hope we keep those innocence for tomorrow just to go back and smile at those moments.

Sayonara :)

Image: I found this guy in my neighborhood!

My Thoughts:Unaccustomed Earth-Jhumpa Lahiri

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:28:00 +0000

I always believed that each person out here possess dual personality. One which is just hidden in side which always unaccustomed to the world. I realized it once again when I read this book by Award Winning Author Jhumpa Lahiri's 'Unaccustomed Earth’.She is one of my favorite authors and I have been following her writing since her first attempt of short stories on print,’ Interpreter of Maladies’. I loved her first novel The Namesake' both at paper version and on big screen when Mira Nair adopted it.Now she is back with collection of short stories.

Unaccustomed Earth:

Story of self-interested father and his equally selfish daughter. The way the deal with their own life after the death of their life's common factor,’his wife' and 'her mother'.Strange and unaccustomed natures of characters are well depicted in this story. The way characters opt their tomorrows unknowingly and started getting used to it without going away from their own relationship to each other is what I liked in this part.

Hell-Heaven:

Dreams of foregone times are what you feel after reading this story. An ordinary love triangle, meticulously spiced up by authors writing style of course,in which narrator Uma recalls her mother’s one-sided love affair with a younger man. Bengali family, Bengali food, young Bengali man and his Marriage with an American girl are major part of the story.The way young man change with time and the impressions he creates on a married woman's mind is exceptionally well written here. The bond between a mother and her child runs strong throughout the narration.

A Choice of Accommodations:

A story about the gradual decay of a marriage between a Bengali underachiever, Amit and a successful surgeon, Megan. Amit, medical school dropout and writer for a medical journal, enters the pages as an over-anxious parent, his anxiety ,his paranoid parenthood to prove his parents that he is a better parent than they were.

Megan,is a hard working surgeon, pragmatic mother of two, and a faithful wife. Amit and Megan go up to his old school using a wedding invitation as an excuse to take some time off to relax. They come together in an attempt to convince themselves that their wedding is going to survive.

Only Goodness:

Author comes up with deeply elaborated characters here. Sudha, the elder sister who feels guilty for having first introduced her little brother to alcohol.Rahul, the younger brother, who graduates to alcoholism. Defeatist parents who close their eyes to their son’s lapses, and try to maintain the façade of being successful parents of successful children for as long as they can. Rahul's relationship and the way he deal with his life as his sister starts ignoring him completely is what keeps readers hope on character Rahul.

Nobody’s Business:

Author deviating from her usual style, this one is a story about a Bengali girl, from the point of view of her American housemate. Her deliberate distance from her conventional parents and finally falling into the same vicious cycle of the typical Indian housewife. A very well written and well finished story by Lahiri, where the reader sees the shortcomings of each character, and yet sympathizes with characters.

Once in a Lifetime:

The story of Kaushik Choudhuri and Hema as narrated by later one. A moody young guy’s mental situation with things happening around him.His parents and their relationship with Hema’s parents, Reason being moving back to Hema and her family. The way Kaushik's parent live their lifestyle and indulgence shown by Dr Choudhuri towards his wife, where every act of theirs was now a once in a lifetime event.

-Years End:
Kaushik's mothers death, His father Dr. Chaoudhri, no longer able to face life on his own, marries a widow nearly twenty years younger to him. Kaushik returns from university on his vacation and it was hard to adjust to a step mother and two young step sisters. Unable to digest the changes happening at home and in his father, frustrated Kaushik drives away from house. He had become stranger to his own father.

-Going Ashore:
Author talks about series of coincidences which bring Kaushik and Hema face to face at a party. Hema's falling in and falling out of relationship was finally ended up with her engagement to a conservative man of her parents’ choosing.But Kaushik and Hema embark on an impulsive and short term affair, each wanting more than the other could give.

Once again, Kaushik at wrong end finds himself drawn to Hema initially because of shared childhood memories and later because of a budding need for growing roots after a itinerant like existence.

Author tells you the stories in extreme beauty, emotional wisdom, and elusive renderings which is like watching different plants in your backyard, each with has its own growth cycle, breaking through the soil,growing up to touch sky, spreading into bloom or falling back to earth. Its pleasure reading and re-inventing yourself in each character.

Does Bangalore need BMTC?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:13:00 +0000

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation.In short, BMTC. Their Motto; to provide 'Efficient, Economic, Safe, Reliable and Punctual services' to the commuters of City and Sub-urban areas of Bangalore.

How many of us use BMTC every day to commute? How many of us travel in BMTC at least once in a month? When was the last time you have ever traveled in BMTC.Do you remember?

Yes Bangalore need BMTC because,

This is the major transportation service for people who are new to city

No Bangalore don’t not need BMTC because,

Authority?
- BMTC does not follow any time sheet. There is no particular time for any of the buses to start and stop.
- BMTC drivers are from non existing planet of solar system. They don't follow any of the traffic rules. They think they are driving not a bus but TVS scooty.
- BMTC buses travel in city as per the drivers wish. If he wants to avoid one signal, he can ignore 3-4 bus stops and take some other route to reach the destination. Is this ethical? What about people on those bus stops who are waiting for the bus?

Traffic Congestion:
- As BMTC buses do not follow any time table; from same location, minimum 5 buses will start at same time to the destinations which are hardly one stop away from each. Some times, to the same destination. One bus can take space of 2 cars and 6-7 motor bikes in traffic signal. Just imagine the traffic congestion these buses are creating
- Most of the time BMTC buses brake down at middle of the road (As they never allow anybody to overtake them), or at the traffic signal (Starting problem you know).What the hell mechanics are doing in depot.
- Most of the roads in Bangalore follow theorem related to concave. You have wide roads, which either ends up with stupid, idiotic bottleneck signals or fly-over head

Waste of resource:
- When you start 5 buses to same place at same time, how many people would you expect to be in the bus? 10? How much diesel you spend on each bus?
- BMTC found best way to mint money by using Volvos. People found this one as more comfortable and class compare to other badly maintained buses. Result? You will find huge Volvo buses all over the city. What about existing buses? Who will travel in it? Poor man? But, Ticket cost has been increased instead of going down in those buses.

Safety:
- Condition of buses are pathetic (Volvo,Vajras are exceptional, but time can only decide).I have seen people struck in between automatic doors without any warning.Do you think it’s safe? Dual buses creates problem more than it helps.
- Never follow BMTC bus. If you do, be ready to puncture your own face. Because, BMTC does not believe in putting break lights to their buses and Drivers don’t mind putting break in every damn place.
- Beware, they can ask you to get down at middle of the road in busy traffic when vehicles are ramming next to you

BBMP helps:
- Most of the BMTC bus stops are place for stray dogs and beggars as it is in such places where nobody can walk and wait for bus
- People in Bangalore hardly stand inside the bus stop. They will be on road to catch running buses which hates bus stops.
- Bus stops are used only when it rains in Bangalore
- You can find bus stops exactly at top of the hill (best example, Nayandalli bus stop near Mysore Road), Busy streets (Byatarayanapura) or Soon after the signal(city corporation).Who will wait for a bus to cross the signal to get in?

Now go back and read their motto again. Do you think it works? Only reason why people commute in their own vehicles and auto-rickshaw guys ruling Bangalore is inefficiency of BMTC. Time is very important for everybody here and who would like to go in these BMTC buses which hardly believe in something called time sense. Do you still think we need BMTC buses in Bangalore?

Last Line: I don’t think Metro Rail is going to make miracle in Bangalore.

PS:This is frustrated common man's view

Once upon a time

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 15:37:00 +0000

October 16 2000, Three days after my birthday, I met these guys for the first time in my life. I hadn’t even had the thinnest clue about people I'm going to share classroom for another 4 years. Unforgettable four years with hell lot of memories and lessons for future.

This is one of those pictures which I had kept safely in that dusty old trunk which caught my eye last night. Yes, this indeed made me to come up with reminiscent and emotional post.

I know we never promised to stay in touch with each other for rest of our life. But, we can’t help going back and cherishing those moments we spent together. Class rooms, internals, canteen, cricket, projects, and fests were part of college days even though our intention was just to get into some software company. No idea how much we enjoyed it when we were back in college. Today, when I look back, yeah... we traveled long way. Life has changed for everybody. Some people changed with life and some people changed the life. Few understood others and rest never bothered. Some remained as class mates and some stayed as friends.

Lately, each of us made friends with ourselves so we will never be alone. As we are exploring the world and meeting new people everyday, it’s hard to keep in touch with people once we shared some amazing moments.I am sure these wonderful moments will stay with us forever.

Thanks everybody for those moments :)

Ajeeb daastaan hai yeh..Kahan shuru kahan khatam..Yeh manzile hai kaunsi..Na woh samajh sake na hum..

Sayonara :)

Surprise!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:52:00 +0000

Some surprises are the best thing to happen in life. I read somewhere that "The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” Couple of days back, one of them just happened to me. My inbox had a message saying a gift is waiting for me. It was fastrack wristwatch and I love wristwatches. Love for it is interminable!.

Thanks to Thej for the gift. It’s really nice of him. I’m the one of many people who is chasing Thej and personally it’s been great learning experience. Thanks again :)

God bless you all..so long