mAnIaC !

Today is Day no. 6

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 18:31:00 +0000

She is away.
Just for a short trip.
Its a dream come true, for some of us. It indeed is.
After all, this happened after 30 months, in my case.
It lasted for 5 days.
Today is day no. 6.

The Start.
Morning movie, with Vadapav and Udipi Pizza. With Friends. Old times were back.
F1 Grand Prix on TV. Tennis finals. Chinese dinner.
Weekend: [Full Sat + Full Sunday (v/s Half)]. Joy.
Monday travel. 5 hours.
(Work. Home. 2hrs. Sleep. Get Up. Sleep. 1hour. Work)^5.
#EOF

The more I analyze, the more I realize, the more my mind paralyze. :)
Am I a machine, is what should materialize?
Get Up. Sleep. TV. Songs not understood. Work.
Work. Home. Drop Keys. TV. Freshen. Food + TV. TV. Radio. Book. Sleep.
Sleep. Get Up. Sleep. Bell. Garbage. Freshen. No Food. Work.

Now. English. Story of last 5 days.
This is before I doze off, which is not later than 2 hrs since I arrive back home from work.
Or from the time I get up, and go to the work.
I perform the exact same things, in the said sequence, in the said manner, with the said emotions.
Monotonous.
I keep searching the entire house for something, which I never seek.
Everything is there, but there's nothing what I like.
Wholesomeness. Loneliness. Incompleteness.

You add flavor in my life,
You are the spark which drives my life.
You imbalance the equilibrium, that sets it alright.
Without you, I go completely psyche,
Your presence alone, is what I like.

Dear dear, Come back soon. It is a total eclipse.
Today is day no. six.

P.S.: Yes, it seemed ^5.
x 5 would be a lie.

Interpretations of a revengeful Mahabharata story

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Giving a kick-start to reading once again, wanted to read stories of our roots, our epics, our mythology. Hence, started a quest to find a good read. Having started with a very renowned interpretation of Bhagwad Gita, it quite didn't justify its title to me! And so, found this book - "Yuganta", by Iravati Karve (Ok... Credits: Rajiv Bhatt). Its a critic's interpretation of the Mahabharata Story. To be read only with an open mind, and yes, it will hurt your religous sentiments! The image of your heroes, will be compromised!

Just narrating a small part from this book, the story of the revenge from Mahabharata and why it exists and continued for three generations! It does not describe the revenge between the Kauravs and Pandavas; it is something which might be untold by our religous gurus!

Mahabharata, as we know, starts with the king Janamajeya, who is continously (for over 10 years) sacrificing snakes to take revenge, for a snake killed his father - King Parikshit. A saint (Vaisham-Payana), while journeying his kingdom, requests him to stop this massacre, by reciting the Mahabharata story. It seemed to be a silly confusing plot of killing the snakes. But, is it?!! How the story unfolds, is remarkable.. !

We all know that after the Kauravs tried killing the Pandavas, by setting the palace on fire, the latter go into hiding. They only come out on the eve of Swayambar, wherein Arjun wins Draupadi's hand. The basis for entering the competition is not only to win the bride, but also to make allies with a powerful king to bounce back! After coming with Draupadi, back to Hastinapura, Dhitrashtra gives in, and hands over the land of Khandavaprastha (barren land with forest) to the Pandavas.Its the same place, which will be called Indraprastha in the future.

Immediately, after getting the land of Khandavaprastha, Arjuna, then goes into exile for about a year, and marries Subhadra in Dwarka. Why? With more alliies, comes great power! He comes back, with a lot of wealth to Khandavaprastha. Krishna and Arjuna, then visit the Khandava forest. It is said that while visiting the forest, they meet a saint. The saint is Agni Deva, who wishes to satisfy his hunger by burning the dense forest. In grant of Arjun's and Krishna's wish of a great chariot, Agni Deva sets the forest on fire. Krishna and Arjuna are said to circle the forest for a week there-after, and send all the animals, who try to escape, back to the burning forest. Or butcher them! This episode of the story, is an interpretation, to make our heroes look good!

An open minded / critic's interpretation is the following. Arjuna and Krishna walk into the forest, discussing the ideas of their expansion. Khandavaprastha, was a small place, and definitely did not stand as compared to the capital city of Hastinapura. The Khandava forest, was very adjacent. The Khandava forest, was inhabited by the Takshak clan (i.e. King Takshaka, and his people, also known as the Naga clan). The only way of expansion would be to conquer the forest. So, they set the forest on fire. Also, they circle the forest for a week there-after, not killing the animals, but the Naga (snakes) clan community, so as to avoid any claims/challenges against the conquering of the land. The story of Agni Deva, seems to be just a cover-up in making our heroes obeying the sain'ts wish.

Only 7 people were spared from this incedent. King Takshaka himself, as he wasn't in the forest, during the fire. King Takshaka's son. Four Brahmin sons. And a demon (asura), called Maya. The asuara community were known to build good structures (even better than the wodden structures/palace which the Aryans built). Due to the gracious life sparing gesture, Maya goes ahead and creates Mayasabha, also later on known as the grand palace of Indraprastha.They were known to make colorful ceramic styled tiles like structure, as well. They placed land looking muddy (or green) tiles under water, and blue tiles like structure on the land. i.e. They made dry land look like water, and water bodies look like land!

After this, the four Pandavas (sparing Yudhishthir) go on exile acquiring more lands in four directions. They come back, and invite all their allies, with the spared kings whom they conquered for a great yagnya. A special invitation is sent to Hastinapura as well. Duryodhana is mentioned to be getting confused by walking onto the land, which seems like water, walls looking like doors, doors looking like walls, and falls into the water body, which looks like land. Draupadi and Bhima laugh cunningly at this act. Yudhishthir orders servants to provide new clothes to Duryodhana. Duryodhana, does not forget this insult for a long time (and hence the episode of game of dice and Draupadi on stake)..

So, winding up on the revenge episode, Takshaka king himself or his succeding generation tries killing Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war, but is well protected by Krishna. Arjuna's grandson is King Parikshita, who is killed by the successor generation of Takshaka (and hence the story of Parikshit Raja being killed by a snake). Parikshit's son King Janamajeya, in turn kills the generation snakes (representing the Naga clan people). Hence, the revenge continues for three generations in a row!

Its very difficult to understand that there were 4 interpretations written, by different people, after listening to the story from Vyasa. Vyasa, also, may not be the original story teller of Mahabharata story. Also, the scriptures of Mahabharata, are very poetic-like in nature (eg: Representing Naga clan community, as the animals) and hence, open to the various interpretations. Of these 4 scriptures, only two of them seem to be found. One of them is found to be almost complete. The other one is found to be partial. When these stories are told from generations to generations, the interpretations keep changing.. !

My interpretation of the Mahabharata story, is that it seems to be a realistic story, which brings out both, the good and bad in the people. Its our very human nature (to be good and bad). Both Kauravas and Pandavas, possessed their good and bad qualities. They had a fight, and Pandavas won. Period.

How, the interpretation flows, however, is that the one who win are made heroes (read 'Pandavas'), and the one who lose are made villians (read 'Kauravas'). The heroes are protected by several cover-ups, for their wrong doings, and the magnitude of cover-ups increase exponentially, over the various interpretations! So, the heroes become super-heroes and villians become super-villians!

Just feel bad that, a few more interpretations more and the *reel* story that we interpret today, will become extinct!

Transferring thy home loan

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 07:44:00 +0000

A 'home' is most definitely, where your heart is! So, began the search, about a year ago, and yes, it was found. As is the case with the most sellers, this deal too had to be closed ASAP. So, being salaried that I am, I did not have the liberty of choosing the nationalized bank to borrow the loan from(read 'SBI'). So, it had to be a private firm (read 'HDFC'). The reason was obvious - unpredictable loan processing time v/s 15-20 days processing time.

So, loan was sanctioned @10.75% floating, EMI started and 8 months passed! Then came the usual culprits - new HDFC loans offered @ 10.5%, but my Rate of Interest was still the same. Ofcourse, I learned that the spread had to be bought to lower my interest rate, and it would come at a price (20,000 Rs). And hence my intelligence told me, that instead of buying the spread, it was time to move to my preferred nationalized banker (SBI), offering new borrowers @ 10.15% Rate of Interest. I was proud to make an intelligent decision back then.. but was it? Lets find out..

Lawyer, Property Inspection Charges: Rs. 4000/- approximately.
Processing Fees: Rs. 1000/- only (for loan transfer cases)

Was very happy, until now, but following are to be noted, in terms of SBI:

Equity Mortgage Agreement with SBI (Cost: 8300/- for me. Might vary).

This is kind of an agreement with SBI on stamp paper (worth Rs. 8300/- for me), which states that your property will be mortgaged with the SBI, until you pay the entire loan amount back.
The thing to note, however, is that other banks (eg: HDFC) does not have this procedure in place. When checked with HDFC, they say that the clause of mortgage is already present in the loan arrangement letter, and does not require any stamp paper agreement. If the borrower fails to pay, they, by default have the legal rights to take on the said property.

2. Property Insurance Mandatory with SBI (One time cost of Rs. 21, 900/- for me. Might vary).

Definitely, Property and Self Insurance is always recommended for one. However, just for all to know the difference:

In case of HDFC, Self and Property insurance is completely optional (though recommended).

In case of SBI, Self Insurance is optional. However, Property Insurance is mandatory.SBI needs to have any existing property insurance (which could be transferred), OR a term-insurance which is already in place. Failing which, the loan will not be granted. If you don't have one, you have to buy a very general pack (one time payment of Rs. 21,900/-).

3. Planning on the loan disbursement date
Disclaimer: Ok, this is very chindi (on saving just a very few extra bucks).

Even though not much control you could have on the nationalized bank on what approximate date, would the loan amount be disbursed, planning always helps. In my case:
My HDFC EMI payback is on 10th of every month (for previous month) i.e. On 10-Feb, I would pay my EMI for the full month of January.
Had my date of loan disbursement from SBI, been on say 3-Feb, on which I go to HDFC and pay back my full amount, I will end up paying:

Jan's EMI (eg: 36,000)
Simple interest on the 2 days of February (i.e. from 1st - 2nd Feb, since I am making full loan pre-payment on 3rd). (Comes out to say Rs. 2400/- only).

Now, since very wisely, I had selected 3rd of every month as payback cycle for SBI, next EMI due would only be on 3rd of March.
So, in effect I am EMI free in Feb month (except only for Rs. 2400/- bucks in my case).
However, the money that I saved (Rs. 36000 - Rs. 2400) for Feb, I will make a principal pre-payment to SBI in the month of April, which will bring down my loan amount (Why April? Simply from tax planning perspective).

4. Adhoc delays and very bad services

Yes, it is very true. SBI employees are atleast 300 years old. You will have to visit the branch more than expected, and come back empty-handed, dissatisfied.
With HDFC loan processing, I had to take around two half-days off at work (i.e. one day). With SBI, I alteast took 5 full days off work (and people said that I was lucky).
The SBI will call you and simply send you back, because they just can't handle things OR not in a mood to work today.
The original property docs handling is also very lousy! Believe me, I could even snuck off my original property documents, and they wouldn't have a clue! (They asked me to put everything in one folder, staple some, make entries in their registers which they should've, and hardly checked any kind of authenticity).
You will have to visit the home branch twice a year to get that Income Tax certificate (One time to give the request, Second time to collect the paper, third/fourth time if the papers are not ready). No, they do not have this online.

Everything said and done, still there are some good points, which makes all the trouble worth:

Lower rate of interest! Yay!
More prinicpal payment per month in your EMI (as against many other bankers).
With SBI, you can use an overdraft account. This means that, you can make a pre-payment of say just Rs. 5000/- at end of the month. The EMIs will be adjusted accordingly. With HDFC, I had to make any prepayment more than my EMI (i.e. min more than Rs. 36,000/-). You can also take off the amount of Rs. 5000/- back and EMIs would be adjust accordinlgy. Helpful, in kind of emergency situations.

Of course, I am no finance genius, but the above points will definitely help the other lay-man just like me, before he wishes to transfer his loan from one bank to another!

The question is Why

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 12:08:00 +0000

This is an attempt on my varying thoughts inside my head.

A few years ago, a boy had a vision, a plan, a few idols, a few ambitions. Was self-motivated. Always working for taking his 'next' step. He also seemed to be happy. But, seems now, there was a problem - he dared to dream of only *little*...

Today, the boy achieved his few goals. And also seems to be happy. But he has no *dreams*...
He does not read much. Has no materialistic plans ahead for the future. Has no ambitions. Is not motivated. Doesn't know what should be 'his' next step... Life is sailing by! He Thinks Why... !!!

He likes his older self better, who was inquisitive; who possessed so little but what an idol he was. Now, he tries a lot to emulate his older self, to behave like him, to think like him, to act like him, but he is not coming back. The question, he asks is Why?

May be, because he is surrounded by responsibilities that bar him from thinking 'big'? May be, because he wishes to live as life comes by? May be, because he's given up on the environment in which he lives? No one knows Why.

He stands in the front of a mirror to find out, if he still looks the same. He finds the calmer, smarter, sincere, curious, ambitious fellow on the other side. And he again asks himself, the same question - Why?

What would he do now, What should he do now? Is there a way out, Is there a way out - this is what ruins his head. But -

He is still hopeful, He is still peaceful....

He seems, he will figure it out...
And I will help him one more time...
As it will bring back me from myself... !

Ebay learning it the hard way

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:41:00 +0000

Ebay, to increase its sales, came up with a very innovative idea.
There were thousands of ebay registered users, and >90% of them never bought a single item from ebay! This was a disaster. For this, the ebay team came up with promotional offers, where in it would lure this population (who never bought a single item on ebay yet) to buy an item (only 1 in quantity) at a very low price (No shipping charges as well)

For those who are unaware, you could have got Close-up toothpaste (MRP: 67) or Haldiram bhujia (MRP: 60) or Dettol handwash (MRP: 70) at 19Rs each. Yes.

This created an uproar - it did NOT get most of the existing ebay population to buy an item each; rather it got a very small population who bought 1 item each (i.e. bought one Close up at Rs. 19), and then they progressed to create 100 user accounts on ebay, and ordered the same item (i.e. bought 100 Close up paste now at Rs. 190) . Oh.. Did I mention, that some of these users were shop keepers? Now, you do the math.. :)

After learning it the hard way, ebay finally modified this a bit, and it now sends such promotional deals to the said population over emails only, after some network on age is spent i.e If you registered today, after say 2 months of time, you'll get this link to the promotional offer, and you'll be able to buy one quantity of this item. I appreciate the thought put in, even though aware of the fact that it still is not foolproof :)

Everything said and done, we are in a state of revolution in India - it is luring a layman to use his credit card online for just 19 rupees. However, you know what - these users will be back again and again, looking for attractive deals, and end up spending 20 rupees now, and they'll be badly hooked!

Believe me, its addictive! The world of deals had got me, for quite a while!

Superstitious Software Professionals

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:38:00 +0000

A recent comment on facebook got me a few likes. It was about the website of Indian Railways:

1. Always respect IRCTC (Never try to switch to any other site while booking tickets - pay complete attention to it). Ritual*
2. Never use ICICI Payment Gateway (Use HDFC preferably) - its frequently goes down.
3. Never login using the same user in two browsers - it does not help.
4. Pray

And you might think that's humorous, wouldn't you ?
No, its not for plain humor!
Its a fact for some of us.
You can call us Superstitious Software Professionals.

Didn't the software working perfectly just the previous day, show some abnormalities today? And isn't there 0.1% chance that it might just work again tomorrow, even though we did not fix it at all?

Doesn't your personal computer have its own set of preferences for some softwares; like my laptop has some attitude problems when working with IE or WORD.

If you do share the same feelings, share a few superstitious examples with me. Its fun to share :)

Feddie or Rafa ?

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:50:00 +0000

Clash of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at today’s Australian Open, is giving me goose bumps!

These great legends have their own set of fan following. Its not that the fans dislike or disrespect the other person, but it’s just there.Why these two groups exist? Well, deep down, we all know…

Nadal, on one hand, is composed, aggressive, deterministic and has sheer passion to play to win. Federer, on the other hand, is cool, calm, serene, and is pure class! I assume that It is these characteristics that people get influenced from, see in them, that inspires them.. motivates them!

This got me thinking, on the lines of these charactersitics… Who am I? Is it Fedex or Rafa? Or Rather, what charactersitics would I like to imbibe? I would say – a little bit of both! I would like to be cool and calm, but aggressive sometimes; discover some passion, and behave as a pure class! I would not only like to play my part effortlessly, but also play some part which defies the logic! That’s been Federed v/s Nadal for me since ages!

When I see such exhibits of inspiration, it motivates me and for a while, it feels that I’ve got it all figured out. But then, again I lose some focus, and await another exhibit of the same kind, and I start all over again! This has been on going with me for quite a while now, but it seems alright for now, and I’ll keep looking! Such doses are necessary I guess, to move ahead!

So, yeah, I've it all figured out ;). I would've looked out for me if I were you.. :)

After a long pause...

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:48:00 +0000

Whoaaaa! My hands are trembling, while attempting this piece of writing!

Its been long. One year ago, was my last post! Not that I was away from writing; however, did take up a different kind of writing for a while! It was nice, and fruitful. So, don't feel the disconnect!
And yes, getting married can keep the blogging away!

So, milte hai break ke baad.... is affirmative! Its cool to be back!

Cricket World Cup, as I saw it!

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 19:14:00 +0000

02-April-2011, just before the 2pm match, I put my Facebook post (Yes, Facebook had taken over the normal blogging then, if you are reading this blog after several years!):

Just Imagine... You play, and make your nation proud; some say you are the greatest batsman in the world; a very few like you, as the rest worship you - they call you the GOD of cricket. But you think there is yet, one unaccomplished goal - to bring THE CUP home ! No matter what the result, With all due respect, hats-off to you, Sachin! (The entire nation bows!)

Really, it was a moment when Sachin was called THE greatest batsman Cricket would have ever seen, who had already scored 99 centuries then, was in top form, scoring maximum runs already in the World Cup 2011 tournament! Needless to say, people did have expectations from GOD, expectations that 1983 would again return after 28 odd years, as GOD was playing our side, may be for the last time for the World Cup!

I was just wondering the whole day, what would be going on in Sachin's mind. Fragment of my imagination:

As a lad, I wanted to play good Cricket, and of course WIN the CUP for my NATION! Now that I am a good sportsman who has done pretty well, people have dearest of expectations from me; some even go on the verge of referring me as GOD of CRICKET. But am I , really the GOD? If I fail today, I would be referred to as GOD, who could not WIN his dream, could not win the WORLD CUP!

However, after the spectacular clash between the Indians and Lankans, WE DID IT! We were the CHAMPIONS! The CUP was OURS!

What I would like to cherish is not the game itself, but the sentiments that followed.

Yes. The feeling was indescribableJ. I pinched myself as I doubted myself:

“Is this really happening? Did I just watch each and every ball of the match where my India took the WORLD CUP? WE ARE the WOLD CHAMPIONS? The Master got what he once wanted? ” Pinch! Pinch! “Did I just view HISTORY being created in front of my eyes?”

What better way for Sachin to play great batsman’s innings through life, and what better way for the entire team to payback the gratitude, by winning him the world cup!

What followed immediately, was a scream; a scream so loud out of my window expressing the mixed feelings of love, anger, desperation, happiness, pride, and contentedness. Something made us all back home, feel fuller and good for being a part of the nation; your own nation!

The very next thing I recollect is putting several Facebook wall posts, ALL IN CAPS! Seems to be funny now, but would like to cherish those posts, those words which flew seamlessly, boundlessly:

DONE DONE DONE!

I LOST MY VOICE SCREAMING!!!

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT SINCE 1983!

I AM PROUD TO BE VIEWING EACH AND EVERY BALL OF THE WORLD CUP, WHICH WE WON SINCE I WAS BORN!!!! SOMETHING FOR SURE, TO TELL TO THE GENERATION TO COME!!!

BRAVO!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!!

THIS PHASE OF MY LIFE IS CALLED - EVEN SEEING THE GOD PLAY, CRY AND WIN!!!! NOW, HE CAN ACCEPT WHAT PEOPLE CALL HIM - GOD !!!

Just watched GOD shake hands even with the security person on the field! That's how down to earth you should be! That's why he is GOD!

HE HAS CARRIED THE BURDEN FOR THE NATION FOR 21 YEARS. IT IS NOW TIME TO CARRY IT ON OUR SHOULDERS. - VIRAT KOHLI!!

IT IS THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE. ---SACHIN!!!

What followed were celebrations on the roads accompanied by several hundred cries, bikes, cars, loud music of dhol, jam packed traffic and what nots – everything NOT UNDER CONTROL!

When I look back now, I still get the Goosebumps. But what I cannot make up my mind still is: Was I happy because India won the world cup? Or was I happy because India won the world cup with Sachin on the squad!

Taking the Plunge

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 18:34:00 +0000

I am seeing a simple, sweet, innocent girl with a lovely charismatic face. And it all comes back to me, and it all comes back to me...

Ever wondered, why certain things that happened, did happen? You cannot tell why something happened today, but you join the dots only connecting backwards!

Life progresses and the little baby grows into a child, and the child into a boy. As he reaches puberty, his thinking matures as the life advances. The materialistic world gets him, and the responsibilities start piling up. He makes many friends on the way, but even good friends move on. He wonders, why the good times with friends can't stay forever. He makes new acquaintances, which leads him to the acquaintances of those acquaintances, and then...

Sees an adoloscent innocent face with her hair reacting to the gushing cool breeze coming from the nearby window. The Mumbai - Pune train travel, never felt so much soothing. Only, if you could see that smile on the face.. !! You introduce yourself, and immediately realize that you have made a stupid impression! You talk, talk and talk! Talk about nothing, Talk about something and talk about everything. And she listens, and listens.

You sit in the garden for a long time, just to be with her. Just to listen to her, Just to talk to her, Just to see that smile of hers. You discuss about the beauty of the moon, which otherwise never attracted your slightest attention before. You visit the coffee house again and again, watch countless movies together, try all different cuisines, and may be even watch that CIRCUS show.
You meet her, then you want to meet her, then you need to meet her, and then may be only for a while, she goes away. Now, you die to meet her.

When she is back, you hold her hand, and she places her head on your shoulders, and your head falls on her. You have your cute little fights on who missed whom more. You also know that she is the one, and she knows it too... but still no one would express the three little words!

You then gather some courage, and invite her to a quite little place for two. The magnificient roof top ambience with very old romantic live music, is wooing her. She knows what might happen. You excuse yourself for a bathroom break. And when you are back, you arrive wearing a suit, and holding on to a red rose. Then you utter the three magical words... and you are relieved that you did it. You finally did it. She then holds your hand, and that is all the answer that you need. That is all, the answer that you need.

You now plan, on what next, and the dilemma of convincing the society haunts you both. Will they agree, or won't they, makes your nights sleepless. You finally risk it, and to your surprise, things readily fall into place. You cannot believe yourself.

What dots of life it has been, and how they marvellously connect. Holding the ring this christmas eve, my eye meet yours and ...

I am seeing a simple, sweet, innocent girl with a lovely charismatic face. And it all comes back to me, and it all comes back to me.

Shopping in the narrow gullies of Mumbai...

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 17:10:00 +0000

To start with, I am not a GUCCI or PRADA guy, even if I would be found frequently hanging around a MALL, buying some cheap stuff that I don't really need :). Frankly, I very much HATE the MALL culture, but choose to live with it.

I am not very sure about others, but if you are a GUJARATI person living in Mumbai, and would like to do some feminine shopping in bulk, you do not hit a MALL, but you head to south Mumbai, into the narrow streets of Zaveri Bazaar (for Jewellery), Hanumaan Gali and Bhuleshwar(for clothes), and other adjacent streets, for anything and everything.

These streets are really old, narrow, and not-so-clean. Buying stuff from the stalls, would give the first time spectator a feeling that you are buying some cheap stuff off the road, as the shop would not be equipped with four walls an air-conditioner, or even a fan for that matter. But only if someone were to tell you that these wholesale dealers are the same people who deliver the goods in the elite shopping malls of Andheri or Bandra, would he/she really belive it? No, you may not! But then I wondered why I didn't otherwise see any manufacturing factory, of say, Sala Liketan.

We surpassed some utensils shop, which was really of insignificant size and shape and it looked like the owner might be just smart to make his two ends meet. But he actually turned out to be the sponsor for all the benches, and related furniture for all the municipal schools in vicinity. Great, ain't he? We had a look at where the very famous garment owner (name witheld), who would earn in crores, lived! It was really just a shanty place.

We then visited an atleast 50years old UDIPI place, which was again a very shabby place. But only if you would have had his wada, dosa, and especially chutney (coconut, and morogapuddi), you would have exclaimed it ONE OF THE BEST SOUTH INDIAN CUISINE you would have ever had!

All such historic places and its importance, made me wonder - do the best of businesses flourish in such quiet/shanty/shabby places? And would you, as a consumer rather sweat and buy something off the unclean roads? Or would the MALL culture eventually take you over?

P.S.:
Well, I also happened to see the hangout places, where my parents used to meet during their pre-married days ;)

Today, after a long time, I had the privilege to walk through the narrow streets of Mumbai again. We covered Davaa Bazaar, Zaveri Bazaar, Hanumaan Gali, Panjra Pol, CP Tank and a few other narrow gullies, which I do not remember, and I simply loved it :) If you've been in and around in Mumbai, and still have not paid a visit to these places, I am sorry, but you are YET to SEE Mumbai! This is not an overstatement, it very much remains a fact!

On being Four

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 08:40:00 +0000

On Aug 14, I completed 4 years of my professional life. So, kudos to me and my friends!
For all those do not know, I completed 4 years of my IT (software) job in the same company, which I code-name in my posts as Nirvana! And what 4 years these have been! Wow!!! Fresh from college, we were a part of this organization, and we've definitely come a long way!

I still remember the tinkle in my Dad's eyes, when I told him that I got this job! He was happy to know that my first paycheck would outweigh his salary of his 28th year! Man, I could never forget that day, that moment!

Hmm.. so how do I feel, what do I think, what did I learn, where do I stand, and most importnatly - what next? Too many questions for me to answer. Here are a few thoughts:

Foreword:

We were a bunch (8, to be precise) of fresh graduates put together, to be labeled as Project team for the Indian wing.
So, it was just another college for us (lets call it Niravana), with just one exception - we were paid!

Coherent Feelings - Then and Now!

When we came here, we shared a thought - I am here to work, for this organization. Now, I think - This is my organization. First we tried to abide by the rules, now we lay our own rules.. now that's a rocking feeling!

On a lighter side...

However, there is another thought we shared back then - This is my cubicle, my another home. Now, we think - This is company's cubicle, and I want to go home :P !!! Just kidding!

What did I learn/realize

There is hell lot of difference when it comes to work for an organization, than what you actually perceive. Back then, we wanted to be the best - best programmers, for instance. However, now we think that there is more than to being the best! Its to know what you are NOT best at! Yes, to know your weakenesses! That does help.
I tried my best to share my knowledge, my thoughts.. The best part is when your mentee becomes a mentor, and you are proud that you once shared something with him!
Be open - discuss and resolve. There is nothing more important than talking... talking honestly, talking practically!
Do not settle, look out for a better solution. Of course, constraint matters!
The most difficult parts of projects are achieved by taking small & simple, yet effective steps.
Admit and accept your mistakes. If you did it wrong, come forward and admit/accept the same. It helps you grow.
Do not panic come-what-may. This is where experience comes in handy. Consider the problem, to be half-solved if you can still keep your head cool during crisis situations!
Also, am thankful, for all the overseas opportunities (14 in number) which I got, which helped me to learn a lot, just by interacting with the people across the globe! The key in understanding them, and delivering them with the best, lies in being simple. Now, being simple is usually really difficult to achieve!

What is it that I wish to achieve

What I wish to achieve from here on is to BUILD A CULTURE.

Build a culture, where in all the people, whether big or small, new or old, would come in and contribute.
If you know some good technical stuff - share! Do not hesitate, just share as much as you know. Never mind if you are not the master of that domain. Just come and share.
Always think - Which are the top-of-the-stack things around me which I would like to change? Now, work on the top 3 to make it happen!
Plan out for some activity - like playing/partying/some outing! Just plan, and drag all those are around. It helps in the longer run. A combination of (Work+Play) is unbeatable!
Try NOT to follow the process, but be optimistic, so as to improvise on it! Improvise, innovate, and be open to it.

What next?

Read a big fat question mark here. I really need a few pointers here, to be able to figure out my immediate next goals to work on.

Well, the whole post, went a bit corporate/nerdy... however, the bottom line is - I do not regret my past four years - I enjoyed every bit, I learned every moment; but in the coming years, I still need to explore what I really want from life. The hunt is still on.. and I will not settle... will keep looking for what would I really like to do!

Me and my worse situations

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:43:00 +0000

Funny, Jolly, Laughing at your worst of moments kind of guy that you might be, you still would have passed those 's***ty' situations! Shit, it happens. Yes, it does!

"Accept it. Don't look back, Forget it, and MOVE ON" are the super words, that you will hear, even from the usual not-at-all-philosophers around. And you want to get pass it, and you manage to go few miles too, almost forgetting about those situations.. yes, almost!

The worst part of the shitty situation is that, even if you manage to forget it, it WILL (note caps) be remembered! And REMINDED! Not by you, but by your so-called loved ones around! Somehow, they derive pure immense pleasure, and leave no tables unturned in going down your memory lanes, and bringing it all back! And history keeps repeating, every few miles.. in an infinite loop! And then, it takes a wile for you to be back to the present, and again re-iterating the forget-and-move-on process.

Looking on how to get a permanent fix here? Doesn't seem quite. Just forming a re-iteration process flow here:

Close your eyes, and tell yourself.. you've got through this before, you can do it for one more time.
Always remind yourself - You are a good person. That is the only thing true.
SMILE, and try to give it a laugh, though falsified.
Try to detach your conscious from the obvious. A good memory should help.
A quick nap could do wonders.
Get up, and tell yourself in the mirror - "Idiot. Its OK. Get Going."

And if nothing works, just give a firm tight slap to you, and greet yourself morning, for a new day!

Its a ladder!

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sun, 16 May 2010 10:37:00 +0000

I’ve realized a few things:

· Life is Great.

· God is Great.

· Nothing is as consistent as change and transformation.

There was a time, when we spent Rs. 2 per day (Re. 1 on both sides, by bus). Then, we spent a couple of bucks, every Thursday for Puja Malai Gola. Every Saturday, got us a slice of Monginis Slice Cake (Worth Rs. 3/-), and banana wafers for the half day at school.

Then, we bought MTNL telephone. And then a brand new Television. How can I even forget the AKAI Music Cassete Player! Then a high class bulky VCD Player. Then a washing machine. And Bengali Sweets everytime, our results arrived. And a hit movie together for the family every 5-6months! All in all, a happy family of 4, enjoying life as it comes.

Then something happened. Threatened, as we were, we kept together. I managed to get a job, and we took off yet again. We got our house renovated, our furniture in place, a nice marble temple, a nice furnished bedroom; an Air Conditioner; nice flooring. Laptop and Digital camera soon followed. So did 5-6 mobile phones, 2 bikes, a bigger television, a new showcase, and a few negligible things not worth mentioning today (auto travels only, Twice a week @ Puja Malai Gola, Sweets and Cakes all around, New phones, etc).

The whole point is, it has been like a perfect ladder, the climbing one. You still remember where you came from, how you rose, and where you stand today. This amazes me, when I connect the previous dots of my life, looking back. And so, I still wish to be the same person, who existed in the childhood, aka so called “down to earth” person, always ready to live/survive as we did a few years back! I always fear to fall down the ladder, and lose it all. Well, let it come some day, but that day is not today! What the heck, I fly Kingfisher today!!!

P.S.: The Kingfisher experience somehow completes and complements my last 12 international travels. There is a definite adrenaline rush I am feeling, while entering the Kingfisher aircraft!

P.S.2: A few hormonal imbalances, are making me write sentimental posts. I’ll very soon be back to being myself!

Me, Mobile and the superpowers

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sun, 16 May 2010 04:05:00 +0000

I am growing a lot superstitious, these days, thanks to the events around me exhibiting a paranormal behavior.

The time was 1st Week of October 2006, and I got my Sony Ericsson W700i mobile, with which I lived happily ever after, until a couple of hours back! An amazing phone, with some real thinking put in its making, I am too tired explaining its features to all around me.

Getting back on the superstitions. The actors involve one friend who disliked my cell phone as it reminded someone of the someone, the other friend who didn't like my liking for the phone, and one more person, who wanted to gift me a cell phone. All three of them, had one thing in common - Yup! Ladies! The third person being my mom.

Anyways, the first friend raised a strong urge to talk me out to buy a new cell, which I readily declined. The second friend supported her, and I turned deaf. This happened for a few days, until my mom came up with an idea to gift me - a cell! C'mon! How did she know??? They never communicated. And I never needed one!

How could 3 people living at 3 different places, come up with a common purpose.

To all the three PowerPuff Ladies - When I don't pick up the phone, its because 'I' am @ fault, not my cell!

Eventually, I succumbed to the pressure, cash flew in, sky thundered, and I ended up buying a new cell! Life is very much above science!

Blog Checkpoint

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Wed, 05 May 2010 12:35:00 +0000

"Have a look @ your old posts! Analyze Yourself! Draw out conclusions!" - that was one of the items on my list for today.

I am happy to see that in approx last 3.5 years, I covered a varieties of topics, ranging from humor, to office politics, to covering entire events, self-made theories, a lot of annoying crying posts, travel posts, new ideas posts, a few adventurous posts!

However, what was surprising, is that I expected my posts to be novice, at the start, and growing/maturing in the end. This didn't happen! Except for a few buzz words here or there, seems that, I still write the same. No regrets.

Also, going by the no. of posts (6 posts through Oct 2006, to just 3 posts in the entire 2007, 16 Posts in 2008, 24 Posts in 2009), I took off well, only exception being just 3 posts in the entire 2007! Seems someone was working way too hard those days!

And I managed just 7 followers until now, which is too low a number, given that blogging would be the only thing, I wish to do post-retirement.

In the end, I managed to float a few old blog posts, to people concerned, and it was fun re-connecting. Worth blogging.

My Day

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Wed, 05 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

A new day has come. I always wanted to do this; by 'this' I mean enjoying my sick leave. After "I trust you :)" message from my manager, as against my severe neck-pain, here I am, sitting on my bed, totally clueless, what to do today. There is just one goal - to enjoy my sickness. How could I ever find some company in doing such crazy things? So, I am left with myself, for the rest of the day. Or am I gonna be lucky? Nevertheless, A new day has come.

Just going by the last read HBR article, I'll spend next 18min, planning on what to do today (am poor with the chronological order):

Blog.
Enjoy the water sprinkler in my garden.
Make my favorite Baingan Bharta.
Rest (High Hopes!)
Maggi (Its been long. It is time).
Finish "Sherlock Homes", the movie, today being 7th day in a row, with last 30min remaining.
Go somewhere out, else, I'll be all the more sick.
Blog.

Unlikely, as it sounds, but am loving this day! Truly worth it. A well deserved break, indeed. And you've got to do, what you love most: Nothing! That's how, I am gonna sum it - Nothing!

Publishing this post has a cipher in it, explanation of which, should go right away to my secret blog.

.

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:47:00 +0000

[.]

Borivali ke favorite food places

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Prat, my dear good old friend, is going to be back in Mumbai for a month's time, from Amricaa. And I've composed a list of eat out places for him! Need to check out, who wins - his doctoriate profession, or his mumbaiya taste! The challenge is that doctor should not fall sick, after he has all the below, in a single day!

The best food, as all of the Mumbaitees know, is served on the streets!
Good, clean, optimum quality, and most importantly it is finger licking and tasty! If you stay around Borivali, you will surely fall for, the below:

Vada paav @ Mangesh Vada Paav (Near Babhai)
Shri Raam snacks and Sweets (Saibaba Nagar, Mahavir Nagar)
Mambadevi - Serves only Jalebis! (Mahavir Nagar)
Mam Mam - Paav Bhaji (Milap)
Naraayan - Sev Puri (Now, this one's hidden, near Himalya high school)
Jain ka Pani puri (Kandivali Stn)
Patis Paav - Apna Chaar Rasta (Saibaba Nagar Chowk)
Ghanta Wala paan - Borivali (Chandavarkar Road)
SooryaVanshi Paan wala - Serves PAAN with PAAN-ICE (Goregaon Link Road)
Puja Malai Gola (Chandavarkar Road)
Sanjay Kulfi (Milap and Mahavir Nagar)

Thanks Priyank for the following more! I had, indeed missed it:

Bhagwati - Pav Bhaji & pulav with roasted Papad (Speciality: Open until 2/3 in the morning)
Dwarka - Aloo Paratha
Raju's Chinese - station
Chotu's chinese - chamunda circle
Dosa place - LT road near D.K.Stores
Sandwich - Raju bhai sandwich near shimpoli/s.v.road signal..cheese chilli toast aur side mein "lasan chatni".
Veg cheese franky - outside Thakkar mall (Borivali Stn)

Definitely, more places exist, but the above are my local favorites.
Any one wishes to add?

Aiport of Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:18:00 +0000

Ok.. I still have 7mins left, for my flight to depart from Singapore. I have now been here, almost everytime just for transit purposes though (just exception being once, for a few hours out in the city)... may be 8,9,10... err.. forget it, don't know how many times! However, I conclude that, if I had to ever live on an airport as Tom Hanks does, in the movie THE TERMINAL, Singapore airport would be my take.

There are several reasons that let me conclude this:

It has amazing ambience, to start with.
Free Internet, everyone's desire!
Clean, unlike my room.
Asian food everywhere. Just had my Masala Dosa (though wasn't wort for S$10).
A fern Garden. Whoa! The fishes look so awesome, in the pond.
2 Theateres, one plays HBO, and the other I think plays STAR MOVIES.
It has an OPEN SUNFLOWER Garden. However, couldn't enjoy it this time, due to the rainy weather!
Televisions everywhere, each television catering to different needs of the people. Some play Sports, some movies, some documentaries, some news as usual!
A fountain garden.
A gymnasium (not a member of the business class though).
Sauna, Massages, everywhere.
A formula one car, on display, for now.
Helpful, and beautiful people.
Beautiful people.

And my time's out! Here, I go! Wanna be back though, just for one more time.

My thoughts - dying out!

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:15:00 +0000

Phew! Its been long since I've written a post!

I wonder, the best time, when we twit, check facebook or write a post are when we are (moderately) busy. Its not fun, when you've nothing more to do, than keep clicking on that refresh button, to check if anyone has yet replied to your post. Or, its not fun, when you are so damn busy, that your gmail count reaches to several hundreds, or facebook loads with new applications, if you haven't signed in for a long time.

Lately, I find that my thoughts, my observations, my humor, is slowly dying out. Now, may be that is becuase, I am entangled into a lot of work, with an idle mind! Ironical, isn't it?

These days, it would be my last weekend here, but everyday was like going on a critical mission. You wake up, have exactly the same breakfast - a sandwich, cereals and that juice, then head on the same street, and walk for exactly 3 minutes, reach the office gate, get your bag assessed by the same security guy, go to the 9th floor, and enter your digit code - 6057#!

Then, some one comes with a Mona Lisa smile and curses you, for all the cruel services, and you start co-ordinating with everyone around. You have to keep all of them happy, just because, you would be let out tonight by 9pm.

In this process, I am void of any social thoughts that I might have. I still try connecting to the close friends, and keep asking the same monotonous 'wassup' everyday, but something is missing!

So, here I lay in the bed, struggling to write, to empty my mind... Waiting for the next Friday to come, when they would finally deport me back, and I will be back to my normal self, fooling around.

All Shook Up...

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:24:00 +0000

There are things, you want to do... There are times when you want to do... There are plans you have to do the things you want to do... but there are times, too, when you are all shook up!

Am totally confused, and puzzled all over, where the life heads from here!

I really want to *LEAD* in real sense, the initiatives I am taking at the Nirvanas... but not happening!
I really want to read many books, and know many things; want to really *read* stuff, but just can't...
I really want to decide, whether its going to be a techie mAnIaC, or a managerial mAnIaC, but just can't make up...
Want to enjoy life to the fullest (by playing, know swimming, going long drives, may be trekking), but just not up to it...
Want to be someone important, and not just another IT guy, but again... not happening...
Want to really concentrate on the work, but just can't...
Terror attacks, Uddhav and Raj stories, Rajdeep's rage makes me all boiled up...
Friends not acknowledging, just being a nobody makes me mad, as hell...
Idea of people thinking me as a crazy, and just a lucky lad... worst feeling!
Mirror told me "Hello Mr. Nobody" this morning, and literally shattered to pieces... TERM_SIGNAL!!!
Encountering failures, one by one, in various competitive stuff, makes me wonder, was I always so dumb?

Was writing this post, and battery drains down, in exactly 3 minutes. And Damn! When I click this orange "PUBLISH POST" icon, you will want me to BUZZ OFF!

I ended my post here last night; however, read the tragic death of my two company mates this morning in newspaper, and realized.. Hey, these girls had just started with their life... and it had to end so soon!

Whereas, I still have the means, motives and opportunity (crime lingo, eh?) to strike off and change all the "wanna be" to "been there, done that"... That's what I wanna do... gonna do... A new day has come!

BuZZ Test!

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:01:00 +0000

I am posting this via blogspot. Did it show up on Google Buzz?

Travel Bag Contains

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:27:00 +0000

After a few travels, thanks to Nirvana, the company which pays me, I have come up with several DOs and DONTs when it comes to what (not) to carry when you are traveling. The list is composed, by and for me, but might come in handy, if you are like me, like a Desi!

So, bhaiyon and behno, here it is:

DOs:

Buy a really good quality Winter Jacket. This comes in handy when you are on the flight; it might get really chilly. I used to be brave and didn't use to carry one, until I was on the ariport grounds at Paris, where I was transiting, and had to walk several meters at -7degrees.
Buy a leather pouch for your passport. Always keep this in the Winter Jacket, you just bought. This will surely, help you to not lose your passport at the innumerable security Checks.
Buy an Universal Adapter, so that you can stay connected to your IPOD, no matter where you go.
Being a desi, it never hurts to carry - Peanuts, Pickle, Papad, Soups, Upma Mix, and Maggi Noodles. Use the above only as side items, and do not survive on "Maggi", please.
Carry a medicine pouch, along with a prescription. May you never use it, but always does helps.
Carry a pair of slippers. Walking to the breakfast table, in shorts and formal shoes, don't match up!
Buy a 25ft (7.6m approx) long ehternet cable. This cable is to connect your laptop to the wall socket, located several meters away. Chatting with friends, never felt better when you are still, on the bed.
Load your laptop with a lot of Hindi Movies and Songs. I was never a big fan, but when you are on a trip for several days, these movies and songs, make you feel at home. This is the first thing I do, before I even install all my softwares.
Carry a big empty back pack in your check-in baggage. This ensures that, if you get on a shopping spree, it will carry the stuff for you, without having you to buy a new bag.
Wear loose clothing, while traveling on the plane. If you are comfortable in your jogging track-suit, go for it! Doesn't matter. I met this guy in his 3/4ths and a loose t-shirt wearing slippers.
The most important of all - 7 underpants and socks! They smell!

DONTs:

MTR, Aashirwaad Ready to Eats taste really bad, they are pathetic. Never carried them after my first trip. Instead buy milk, juice, bread and chocolate, after reaching your destination.
Never Carry Oil/Butter/Ghee or any semi-liquid stuff for that matter. It will spill, and will be a nightmare, when you could smell the Desi Ghee on each of your shirts! Happened with one of my colleague though.
Never carry TOWELS. There are plently out there in any hotel room, where you stay!

I am halfway, and still want to enhance this post, but its time for my office, so I'd better leave! You could always.... bbye tc gn sd.

All but 3 Idiots!

noreply@blogger.com (mAnIaC!) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:29:00 +0000

"3 Idiots: India's biggest hit. Rs. 315 crores in 18 days. "
The film's success comes at a time when the middle class is tightening due to food prices. Last week, when the movie shattered all records, food inflation was on a 11-year high.

Source: Hindustan Times.

Have you tried buying vegetables? Or Dal? Its really expensive these days. I don't bother much about fruits, as they seem to be a luxury already! Even the daily vada-paav costs 8 bucks already!
And then, I read the above news!

What's the trend with the "Spending Power" of the public? Has it increased over the recent years? Rs. 450/- for the 3 Idiots (just referring to the movie name; stop getting judgemental)?

Help me with the delusional statements below. I am still recovering, from the after sh0cks.

I think watching a movie today, is not enough! Where you watched the movie, and where you had the dinner after the movie, is equally important. Yeah, the dinner; if you watched a MATINEE show, you are a moron.
This comes at a time, when Piracy is at its peak. Every movie, is available on the internet, on the very second day. A good quality pirated DVDRip, is available, probably in the next week. But, could we ever wait, that long?
"All our arithmetic, all our calculations have been proved wrong" said veteran trade analyst Taran Adarsh. All such researchers, are going jobless, very soon! The Math is all random now.
We could really use up some money off the Rs. 315 crore mark, to fight off the 11-year high food inflation. If people get food today, they'll live more, and they'll go to more films, and eventually pay back to the film fraternity. Vicious circle, eh?
From last what I've heard, Bipasha Basu got Rs. 13.5 lakh per minute, to dance on the new year's eve. If she probably danced for 5 minutes, hey, she could buy a flat in Bandra! Which, if I happen to buy, will spend my entire life paying the loan back.
This movie, is generating Rs. 315 crore, when the 22 of India's top hockey players have rejected to play for the Asian Games, lined up next month, due to lack of incentives that they get. "Its a struggle for survival" says Balbir Singh, who got a bronze in the 1968 Mexican Olympics.
I wonder, what will happen to the economists today, as they cannot add up any numbers! They have the dilemma of reviving the dead economy, while watching getting Bips paid several crores for a few minutes, and Indian International Hockey team getting dissolved, due to lack of funds!

Well, I reckon that there are only a few family-watchable-worthful films, and if you've spent Rs. 450/- per head already watching the 3 Idiots, may be its a (read PAUSE) thing... but please stop calling them the "3 Idiots" !