what I see

Baking is this Child's Play

2016-05-16T22:31:00.001-07:00

When the world spends so much time in front of computer and social media, my little son, Little Chef Kicha was busy making money from the same social media. What else can be more proud to parents when you are in news paper because of your kid.

Now his next wish is to visit Mark Zuckerberg, hope he will achieve that too.

Thanks a ton Priya Sreekumar for giving him such a huge space in Deccan Chronicle and for describing him to the best.

Friends Bless him...................and subscribe his YouTube channel "kichatube"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX1zAC1W-LQ

‪#‎littlechefkicha‬ ‪#‎kicha‬ ‪#‎chef‬ ‪#‎littlechef‬ ‪#‎choiceschool‬

Birthday Watch Cake

2016-04-18T02:30:00.000-07:00

For this birthday my wife asked me what I would like as a gift….i immediately said ..a watch. All my friends and acquaintances know my watch craze….i didn’t expect a Rolex or Tag Heuer or Cartier but a Police or Diesel….and…this is what she gifted me!!!…a watch cake...I learnt my lesson…when you have a baker wife use your words cautiously

Thank you Ruby Rajagopal for the wonderful gift."A WATCH CAKE"

Thanks to Cakes My Passion

#watchcake #watch #cake #birthday #birthdaycake #homebakers #homebaking #cakesmypassion #rubyrajagopal #kochi #india #indiabaking #innovativecake #caketopper #watchtopper

it was “very Sweet” indeed…. An “absolutely” sweet gesture….

Advertising Agencies are Just a Brokers for Media houses.

2016-02-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

Advertising Agencies are Just a Brokers for Media houses.

In the past 20 years of media experience I was under the impression that Advertising Agencies are partners to Media house, but it took 20 years to realise that Agencies are just brokers.

I came to the above conclusion with my own experience. Every year media houses gift the Advertising Agencies with calendars, books, cakes, gift vouchers, rice cookers, electric oven and what not for all special occasions like New year, Vishu, Diwali, Onam, Christmas and so on. When they come to gift the above they always say “a small gift of gratitude from our side” which made us feel privileged. These gestures also created a feeling that we are real partners of these media houses. The executives of these media houses (both print and electronic) are there for you whenever there is a release for your client, they help you in getting the best deal, they make the grid themselves, they give you good positioning for the clients’ advertisements, they make it a point that the client they deal with gets the best possible.

Coming to the point, last month we released an in- house magazine for our client with an innovation. The innovation was, view a video in a print magazine, which is otherwise called “augmented reality”with the help of an app in your mobile enabling you to view video from the print. Something similar to what we have seen in Harry Potter movies. As it was an innovation, I shared the magazine and the technology to all my fellow advertising agency friends to make use of it, though we compete each other. I also shared this to entire media houses and requested them to showcase in their channel and also to get a write up of the same in print. Though all the media houses appreciated the innovation they were not ready to carry it as it don’t have any news value. I tried my level best to explain them the scope of augmented reality in all fields like medical, automobiles , education and so on…

I should not blame all for not showing this or writing about this. Kerala Vision channel took an interview and showcased it. After seeing the interview many called me and many now are trying to incorporate this technology for their business. Also Mathrubhumi television channel took an interview but they did’t telecast. I am sure they took the interview just to please me and not to broadcast. None of the other media houses helped me in showing the innovation.

Then I realised, I should not have gone to them. There are 1000’s of innovations happening around the world, if the reporter or the editor is impressed only then it will be telecast or written about. After the above incident I realised I am not a partner to them and that I am just a mediator or a broker for their business. Attention, agency friends: Please do not have any illusion about agency –media relationship .You are far behind in the queue. Also, the media houses will do anything for the clients, but they care a damn for the agencies...

It took long 20 years to realise what position I hold in the media-mindset.

anbodukochi

2015-12-07T23:25:00.001-08:00

I don’t know if it’s true or not, but if it’s true I pity you politicians of Chennai.

When the news of flood was heard thousands of youths across South India gathered and worked day and night collecting relief materials and many even volunteered to travel to Chennai to distribute the same. Even I got a chance to work for #anbodukochi a initiate by few young Kochiites. When I went to offer my help I saw many youths of Kochi packing the relief materials, first I thought all are friends but after few minutes I realised no one knows each other but they were united for a cause. I too joined the team for unloading and packing, which I have not done even when we were shifting our house. But the air in that room made me work and on the other side the cry of millions in Chennai was resounding in my ears. Though I was working with them I was praying for my Grandma and family who lives in Chennai who were not reachable. (thank god, they are ok and safe now).

I tried to be part of the group at least for 4 to 5 hours every day, I noticed a person Shaju, he may be in his 50’s with long beard, the most aged person in that group, dressed in black dothi and black jubba. he doesn’t belong to any group or political organization, on hearing about #anbodukochi he volunteered, I saw the youth in him. I too joined with him and we were doing our part . Everything wad organized so well that there was no need for any supervision.

I saw a man sitting next to packed boxes and he was busy texting, I was sure I have seen him some where. it took few second for me to realize that it was the Kochi Collector Sri Rajamanikkam. I was shocked to see him sitting on floor, the most simple and humble man believe me I could see an aura around him, he was continually in touch with authorities in Chennai and coordinating the trucks leaving Kochi.

Loads of Relief materials were pouring into the centre in Cars, vans, autos and trucks. An auto came fully loaded with biscuits and the driver himself unloaded the biscuits and he noticed what’s happening there and left. After few minutes I saw the same auto driver coming back and joining the team to work, at one point I shook hand with him and got introduced, he said Sir I stopped running today I want to do something for Chennai, He said, Sir this is the spirit, I am proud of this boys and girls who are working day and night and if I go with my auto for work my conscience will not allow to work, so I decided to skip my work for today. A big salute to this man.

Though many are working across India day and night to help millions in Chennai, I am hearing & seeing videos of many politicians who try to post the CM’s picture in all the relief packets and to misguide the public that its TN government who is supplying the relief. Now the opposition is using this as a tool to attack the CM, everything is political. I don’t trust any of the political parties,

I don’t know how far Chennai people will realise this and punish these so called politicians when they come for mandate next time, or will they go behind blindly supporting like what they used to do every time, only time will tell……..

at Harbin - A dream come true

2014-12-16T02:27:00.000-08:00

No cost to dream

To make it into reality it was not that expensive.

Once when I was searching for artificial snow for a kids festival, Google popped many images. One image stuck my eyes. A palace made of ice, and many more sculptures made of ice. I got curious to know how they make this. How can u build a palace with ice...

What will happen when the temperature changes. Will it melt?. More than that making of ice palace made me curious. To get all this answers I need to visit the place, searched for more details - it is Harbin, china.

Harbin is located in Northeast China and receives cold winter wind from Siberia. The temperature will fall down as low as -35 during winter.

The annual Harbin International Ice and snow sculpture festival takes place with a theme and it’s the largest ice and snow festival in the world. Festival starts on 5^th of January every year and continues for a month.

Fortunately my work took me to china. My work was at Yiwu where the world’s largest whole sale market is. The temperature was -1. The cold weather reminds me of Harbin ice festival which starts every January first week.

It’s a gift in life to have friends who trust you and your words unconditionally.

I made my mind to visit Harbin. I was more curious about the making of structures than to see the completed work.

Before presenting to Mr. Binu and Mr Givi, who was with me on this business trip. I checked the accessibility to Harbin from Yiwu. It takes 7 hours and weather condition is -25 to -30 wow!! an additional Rs. 30000 each will take care of travel and 3 days stay at Harbin.

I tried to Google some images to show my friends…oops Google and Gmail is banned in

china. Baidu.com came to our rescue . (before traveling to china make it a point to take all the print outs from your mail, if you have Hotmail kindly forward it to that – yahoo , Google and Gmail not accessible) Took some time to get familiar with Baidu.com as its Chinese. Showed few pictures to my friends and presented my plan about Harbin.

The only question they asked me is “are you serious, will you cancel the plan once fixed” I said “no, I stick to my plan”. within 15 minutes Binu booked our tickets and accommodation .

The day has come to leave to Harbin. Don’t know why my heart is beating so fast. I am sure I am scared of landing down at -30 temperature. But my long standing wish, my dream is going to come true. A guy living in Kochi dreaming about Harbin few years before and the dream coming to reality with additional expenses of Rs 30000/- this is what called “gift of god”

Landed Harbin airport around 4.00pm. Believe me I checked my watch again to make sure

its 4.00pm. It was dark with heavy snow fall. The neon lights around the airport give a golden shade to the snow. All the cars parked were covered with snow. Took my gloves out to take some photos in my mobile, couldn’t resist laughing seeing Mr.Givi struggling to pull

the bags from snow. Oh Shit…..my hand burned due to chillness. Took some pic and in few seconds my hand went back to the gloves.

Have seen snow during my visits to Europe but this was amazing experience in Harbin. I have seen black roads with white dividing lines in India, first time saw white roads. The driver was very careful in driving . About an hour we reached “Hotel ibis” just in front of Sophia Church and few yards away from center street. For me every thing looks

golden….but in my dream it was white…for sure I would have dreamt during a power cut time. Here the entire place was lit up with yellow neon lamps.

Just dumped the luggage’s in our room and rushed to Sophia Church out of excitement, after one hour of outing and dinner we managed to reach the hotel room. The discussions where only about the experience in Harbin.

Next day charted our itinerary :

Yabuli International Ski Resort

Sun Island

Songhua River

And also to see the Making of snow world………. Though I was excited to visit the snow world I couldn’t stand there for more hours as it was freezing cold with all ice blocks around, it was like you nearing a ball of fire.

A dream come true………decided to dream again to visit the same place with my family next year.

10 tips before visiting Harbin:

1. Maximum warm clothes may be 3 sets of thermal wear

2. Good quality jackets

3. Good quality boots

4. Good quality Thermal socks

5. Good quality gloves – leather

6. Ear plug

7. Google, Gmail and Yahoo will not work

8. Take all print outs of places to visit and documents

9. Wifi available in almost all the places

Should I buy a Nehru coat or Modi coat

2014-11-12T22:02:00.001-08:00

Got a call from my wife, She simply said ‘get a Nehru coat for Kicha’. Kicha is our 4 year old son who is in his KG. I went in search of Nehru coat, Nehru being India’s first Prime Minister in who’s name the children’s day is celebrated across India on every 14^th Nov. I walked into a leading textile showroom at Kochi and asked for kids Nehru coat, The smiling answer from the sales man was, sir, we don’t sell Nehru coats now a days, If you want I can give you a Modi coat. What! a Modi coat instead of Nehru coat ?

What I know a little about both the coats are, Nehru wears a full sleeve which Combines the old Eurocentric idea of formal wear – a suit. But Modi goes in for sleeve less & candy colours like chrome yellow and sky blue which most of them dare to wear.

Now I am confused, Should I go for first PM’s coat or present PM’s coat ? I called my wife, my Home Minister, to get the approval. Being a lecturer she gave me a lecture about the connection of Nehru’s birthday and children’s day. And also asked me to get the topi (hat) and a rose as the accessories. That call gave me a clear picture of what should I fetch for my little one for his school children’s day celebration. And now I am clear that the present PM has no connection with the past PM of our nation, both are different in the way they look and act. I do remember today’s morning paper says “Present PM was not invited for the first PM’s birth day celebrations”. So the newspapers news vouched that past is

past and present is present.

When I turned around, I saw few parents running around to get the Nehru coat and the sales man giving the same answer what he told me. I heard one parent calling his wife to find out which coat he should buy, Nehru or Modi. Stupid guy, he can’t even take a decision of his own, how will this world survive ?

I went straight to Broadway Market where you can even find out your lost siblings. Surprisingly broadway market did not help me in getting what I wanted. Fellow parents like me running around from one place to another in search of Nehru coat. After visiting few shops we, parents became friendly. We decided to find out a way. Suddenly I had an idea. I called up the place where they rent costumes, the shopkeeper put my call on hold for over 10minuts and said he has the coat and the charges will be Rupees 75/- rent and Rupees 500/- deposit, I informed other parents too and we all rushed to that place. Thank God, I got one which suits Kicha’s size also a topi which is little bigger in size but decided to take it. It was not a suit which he gave me, it was a kurtha, a khadi one which can be replaced as a Nehru coat. I don’t want to take a chance and lose my dinner at home,. On the way I called my Home Minister and told her about the difficulties I was facing to get this normal kurtha and convinced her that no one in Kochi sells Nehru coat all are going to use only Kurtha for 14^th November.

Thank God, what would have happened if all the 15 Prime Ministers right from Nehru to Modi in different costumes and have different days designated on their birth day ?

Today 13^th Nov, I should not forget to get a bright red rose, which Nehru used to pinned to his lapel. If I miss it then children’s day will turn into a disaster day for me at home.

in kicha

2014-10-13T10:24:00.001-07:00

i had dreamt about this backdrop ................The lights made my dream colourful......... Rajasthani performers gave music to my dream.......when Lisa Hydon walked on the ramp.......believe me it was my dream come true.

more than me it was my son kicha's excitement...........Thank you Mrs Beena Kannan for honoring me in front our a huge gathering and the celebrities.

downfall of Messi

2014-07-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

Father's day and Dad's birthday

2014-06-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

When the world celebrate Father’s day today , we have a very special occasion to celebrate with our dad, An ardent football fan, turned 75 today.

So we decided to gift him a soccer cake

Happy Birth Day Sri. V.R.Krishnan

My Love

2014-06-06T04:34:00.000-07:00

last night I was rewinding my love story, years of togetherness fruitful days all along.

I always love to express what I feel without bothering about the spellings and grammar.

Today I went back to that day when I realised my love....so I just scribbled few lines which I was suppose to write years ago.

To My Love

Is this a dream?

How can a dream come true?

How can I believe everything is true?

Is that my love at first sight come true ?

Is that I am lost in the world of you ?
don’t know what I am feeling now ?

But heart filled to know my dream came true.

Is this a dream?

How can a dream come true?

How can I believe everything is true.

Put your head on my shoulder

And whisper on my ears that this is true.

Hug me tight

And let your heart whisper this is true.

Do make me believe everything is true

I can make all your dreams come true

I can make all your dreams come true.

Janamaithri Police Station, Kochi

2014-03-04T23:19:00.000-08:00

A visit to “Janamaithri Police Station”

Today got a chance to visit “Janamaithri Police Station” at Kadavanthara, though it’s not for any offence, it was just to file a complaint against the loss of my daughter’s certificates.

Parked the car in front of the station and slowly walked in, see my heart started beating loud for no reason, may be all the news what we see every day makes my heart to beat little loud. I controlled my heart saying “hey I am not a culprit or a murder” be calm.

Walked in to the station and saw an officer sitting in the reception, writing something very serious , could see a junior officer standing behind him. On seeing me the junior jumped towards me, his intention was to serve me but my stupid heart never understood things so fast. He said “good morning”.

What ? a good morning from a police officer ? I wished him in my terrified feeble voice “good morning sir” hearing my voice the senior officer lifted his head and looked at me and extended his hand to get the complaint letter from me. After reading the letter he wrote something and asked the junior to do the needful. I wished the senior officer and accompanied the junior officer
.

He took me to the guestroom at the entrance of the police station and made me seated and said you have to wait for few minutes as the concerned officer will be arriving in 10 minutes. Now my heart is

little relaxed, seeing the positive and helping nature of police officers. Its 9.15am. I could see police officers entering to report for duty, there were around 20 police officers who came in the span of next 15 minutes and the best part is every officer who entered the station first wished me then went straight to the senior officer and saluted him and came back with a pleasant smile. My stupid brain, which always confuses me put a new thought to my heart. Why all officers wished me as if I am known to them ? Am I that popular ? Do I resemble some one ? I just managed to look my face in the window glasses, no I am what I am, I realized.

Suddenly an officer came to me and said, why the fan is not on ? It’s too hot inside , he pulled a chair and sat in front of me with the day’s newspaper, he started speaking to me about the present weather condition of Kochi, I simply nodded my head according to his statements. I have been so close to police only when they come near to my car and showing the breath analyzer to our mouth and ask us to blow in it to find out if the driver is drunk. Before the breath analyzer became popular they put their head into the car and sniff on your mouth to find if you are drunk. Thanks to the invention of the breath analyzer.

I never knew that 9.30am is the time when all the officers assemble in the police station. I can see few people walking in with complaints and for many other reasons, each person is greeted warmly and

addressed personally by officers. I can’t believe the changes in an Indian police station. Suddenly another senior officer popped up and shook hands with me and asked why I am waiting, I explained about the loss of certificate and waiting to get a FIR copy . He took me inside to the writer’s room. The writer is the person who takes care of all paper works in the station. On seeing the senior officer the writer jumped and saluted him, he just enquired about my complaint in no seconds I got a signed copy of FIR that too a computer printed sheet. Earlier I remember getting written ones which no one can understand what’s written in it. On getting it I thanked the officer and walked briskly out of the police station. I just want to get out of the place thought everyone was friendly.

Getting into the car, suddenly I thought I did’t thank the senior officer whom I met first, got out of the

car and went straight to his cabin and thanked him, he smiled at me and offered me a seat, he simply enquired about me and what I do for living. I offered my business card, on seeing it he bursted out laughing and said “have seen many smugglers but no one had offered him a business card” . My business card says “smuggling” smuggling ideas for living. He had seen all the creative I have worked for he had even noticed the latest creative in Vanitha magazine.

A good experience and happy to see a police station which is so friendly, only thing what I noticed and suggest is all the police officers should give English training , I found a police officer struggling to communicate to a foreign couple but he managed to communicate with the limited English knowledge.

Boiled Egg Snowman

2014-02-18T00:24:00.000-08:00

Boiled Egg Snowman

Yesterday when I called up my USA friend Manjusha Sreeram-Manalel she said its snowing heavely. Then got this idea.

2 boiled eggs one big and one small, sliced carrot and black pepper

Veg Cupiza

2014-01-23T02:54:00.001-08:00

ഇതുവരെ പാചകം എന്നത് എന്നെകൊണ്ട്‌ പറ്റാത്ത ഒരു കാര്യമാണെന്ന് വിചാരിച്ചിരുന്ന ഞാൻ ഇപ്പോൾ ഫുൾ ടൈം കുക്കിംഗ്‌. !!! പാവം എന്റെ ഭാര്യ . എന്റെ സംശയങ്ങൾക്ക് ഉത്തരം പറഞ്ഞുതന്നു മടുത്തു തുടങ്ങി. പക്ഷെ ഭാര്യയുടെ സപ്പോർട്ട് അപാരം, ഒരു ലെകചെരെർ ആയതുകൊണ്ടയിരികും ഇത്രയും ക്ഷമ. ഇപ്പോൾ എവിടെ പോയാലും പുതിയ വിഭവം ഉണ്ടാക്കാനുള്ള ഡിസ്കഷൻ മാത്രം. മകൾ പറയുവാൻ തുടങ്ങി പപ്പാ Advertising വിട്ടു ഹോട്ടൽ തുടങ്ങുമോ എന്ന്.

പുതുവത്സരത്തിൽ എല്ലാ കുട്ടികള്ക്കും നല്കുവാനായി ഒരു പുതിയ ഐറ്റം റെഡി ആക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ട് Veg Cupiza , ബേക് ചെയെണ്ടാത്ത ഒരു pizza കപ്പ്‌.

എല്ലാവരുടെയും വീട്ടിൽ ബേകിംഗ് സൗകര്യം ഉണ്ടാവണം എന്നില്ല അതുകൊണ്ടാണ് ഇങ്ങിനെ ഒരു ഐറ്റം ഉണ്ടാക്കാൻ തോന്നിയത്. മാത്രമല്ല കുട്ടികള്ക്ക് വെജ് ശീലം ഉണ്ടാകാനും വേണ്ടിയാണു ഇത് ട്രൈ ചെയ്തത്.

* മൈദാ ഉപയോഗിച്ച് കപ്പ്‌ ആകൃതിയിൽ കപ്പുകൾ പൊരിച്ചു എടുക്കുക. (ഫോർക്ക് ഉപയോഗിച്ച് കപ്പിൽ design ഉണ്ടാക്കാം )

* Cauliflower , Beans , carrot , red capsicum, Onion , Paneer , Corn etc നല്ലവണ്ണം പൊടിയി അരിഞ്ഞു എടുകുക.

* Ginger & Garlic കുറച്ചു

* Soya chunks വേവിച്ചു എടുകുക, അതുവും നല്ലവണ്ണം പൊടിയി അരിഞ്ഞു എടുകുക.

* Ginger garlic onion വഴറ്റിയതിനു ശേഷം എല്ലാ പച്ചകറികളും , Paneer , സോയയും ചേർത്ത് ചട്ടിയിൽ ഒന്ന് വഴറ്റി എടുക്കുക. ആവിശ്യത്തിന് ഗരം മസാല, ഉപ്പു, മഞ്ഞൾ പൊടി ഇടുക. വേണെമെങ്കിൽ കുറച്ചു മുളക് പൊടിയും ആവാം.

* നല്ല വണ്ണം വയറ്റിയ ശേഷം കുറച്ചു tomato sauce സ്വീറ്റ് ചില്ലി sauce ചേർക്കുക. കുട്ടികള്ക് Sauce ടേസ്റ്റ് വളരെ ഇഷ്ടമാകും.

ഉണ്ടാക്കി വെച്ച കപ്പിൽ കുറച്ചു cheese ആദ്യം ഇടുക, അതിൻറെ മുകളിൽ vegetables, എല്ലാത്തിനും മുകളിൽ കുറച്ചു കൂടി cheese ഇട്ടു garnish ചെയ്യുക. Veg Cupiza Ready .

ഇത് ഉണ്ടാക്കാൻ കപ്പ്‌ ഉണ്ടാക്കി തന്നതും, പച്ചകറി അരിഞ്ഞുതരികയും ചെയ്ത എന്റെ ഭാര്യക്കും, ഉണ്ടാക്കിയ Cupiza കഴിച്ചു ടെസ്റ്റ്‌ ചെയ്ത എന്റെ മക്കൾക്കും നന്ദി

in Zucchini

2014-01-23T02:50:00.000-08:00

Never in my entire life have I heard the word Zucchini. We were at Lulu mall last day and happened to see Zucchini among the vegetables which cost around 70Rs per KG. I was curious to know what it is and how it tastes like, after many examples my wife convinced me that it’s another variety of Cucumber which is rich in Potassium and Vitamin A.

I googled “Zucchini’ and found lots of healthy recipe’s with Zucchini. The one which attracted me is Carrot Zucchini Frittata Fingers. Though it has a long tongue twisting name its easy to prepare especially for a beginner like me.

How to make and what you need :

Melted butter, to grease
2 tsp olive oil
½ cup grated green zucchini
½ cup Grated carrot
1/3 cup Spring Onion cut into small pieces
1 potato boiled grated
1 egg whisked
1 cup grated Cheese
2 tbs chopped parsley
1 tbs plain flour
1 tbs red chilly flakes
Salt to taste

Pre heat oven

Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, Add the zucchini, Carrot, Spring Onion and sauté for for 5 to 6mts or until the vegetables soften. Add salt and chilly flakes.

Once done keep it cool for few mintus

Combine vegetable mixture, egg, ½ cup cheese, parsley and flour in a large bowl and stir until well combined.

Preheat oven at 180 degree for 10 min. Grease a rectangular shaped baking dish with butter. Pour vegetable mixture into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle some more cheese on top and Bake in oven at 180degrees for 20 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and set aside for 10 minutes to cool

A new snack is ready. You can add any masala or spice according to your taste.

decorate as you wish.

So one more Veg item from me.

The taste : My kids finished the entire plate and I am happy that they had a healthy veg snack

in Corn

2014-01-23T02:46:00.001-08:00

സ്ഥലം : കൊച്ചിയിലെ ഒരു മുന്തിയ restaurant .
സമയം : 4.00 PM .
അവസ്ഥ: കൊച്ചി ഭാഷയിൽ " വിശന്നു പണ്ടാരമടങ്ങി നിൽക്കുന്ന സമയം ".

താരം : Corn Vada

കൂടെ കുറച്ചു കൂട്ടുകാര് ..എല്ലാവരും നോണ് വെജ്, ഞാൻ മാത്രം വെജ്. ടേബിൾ നിറയെ ചിക്കൻ 65, ബീഫ് ഫ്രൈ, ചിക്കൻ ലോലിപോപ്പ്, ആകെ ഉള്ള വെജ് കാരറ്റ് കൊണ്ട് ഉണ്ടാക്കിയ റോസ് , പിന്നെ കുറച്ചു സവാള സലാഡ്,...രണ്ടും ... നോണ് വെജ് വിഭവങ്ങൾക്കു ഭംഗികൂട്ടാൻ വേണ്ടി വെച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു . ഒന്നും നോക്കിയില്ല... അത് അടിച്ചു മാറ്റി കഴിച്ചു. ആർക്കും ഒരു പരിഭവവും ഉണ്ടായില്ല, എല്ലാവര്ക്കും വെജ് നോട് ഒരു പുച്ഛം. തൽക്കാലം വിശപ്പ് ഒന്ന് ശമിച്ചപ്പോൾ ഇതാ വരുന്നു ഒരു വെജ് ഐറ്റം, കോണ് കേക്ക് , വേറെ ഒന്നും അല്ല ചോളം കൊണ്ട് ഉണ്ടാക്കിയ

ഒരു സാധനം , കഴിച്ചപ്പോൾ നല്ല രസം ഒരു പരിപ്പുവടയുടെ സ്വാദ് കുറച്ചു നേരത്തിൽ ബില്ലും വന്നു...അധികം ഒന്നും ഇല്ല ...4 കോണ് കേക്ക് വെറും 320 രൂപയും 24% ട്ടാക്സും, വളരെ ചീപ് .

പിന്നെ ഒന്നും ആലോചിച്ചില്ല.. നേരെ വിട്ടു കിഷോർ ബിയനിയുടെ, ബിഗ് ബസാർ ലേക്ക് , ഒരു കാലത്ത് അദേഹം എൻറെ സുഹൃത്തായിരുന്നു. ഇന്ന് ഇന്ത്യുടെ ടോപ് മോസ്റ്റ് ബിസ്നേസ്സ്മാൻ . ഉറപ്പായിരുന്നു അവിടെ
ചോളം ഉണ്ടാകും എന്ന്, അവസാനമായി ചോളം കണ്ടത് "മല്ലു സിംഗ്" എന്നാ സിനിമയിൽ പാട്ടു സീനിലാണ്.

ചോളവും കിട്ടി പിന്നെ പരിപ്പുവടയുടെ ചേരുവകളും എടുത്തു, വീട്ടിൽ വന്നു ഒന്ന് ഗൂഗിളി അപ്പോൾ ചില പൊടിക്കൈകൾ കിട്ടി.

എന്റെ കുടുംബത്തിൽ എല്ലാവരും കുറ്റി താടികാരന്റെ ഫാന്സാണ് അതെ നമ്മുടെ "കെ പൊ കോ"( കേന്ടകി പൊരിച്ച കോഴി). ഞാൻ മാത്രം വെജ്. കുട്ടികള്ക് വെജ് ശീലം ഉണ്ടാകണം എന്ന് ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്ന ഒരാളാണ് ഞാൻ.

ഞാനും ഒന്ന് നോകട്ടെ അവർക്ക് വെജ് കൊടുത്താൽ ഇഷ്ടപെടുമോ എന്ന്.

A year in my life

2013-12-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

Nidha decided to do her higher studies in London for a year, she managed to convince her mamma to be with her in London. As Nidha’s younger brother Nihal is too young & he can’t survive without mamma, he too joined them. For a long year my survival will be a big question without them.

Though it’s hard to survive, I made my mind to be alone. And when they leave I don’t want to be at Kochi. So I took the courage to speak to my boss, convinced him and took a year break. I promised him that I will be joining back next year the same day. Thanks to my performance so far, he accepted my proposal and said will call me whenever there’s an emergency.

Left them in the Airport ! What next? I felt as though I am in a daze.

I took two pair of shirt, jeans, my laptop and packed my back pack, avoided all branded things wore a normal pant and shirt, put my slippers and locked the house. I walked towards the bus

stand with 10000Rs in my pocket.

The first bus that appeared in front of me was en-route to Chennai. I got in and managed to get a seat. I don’t know what caused me to take a ticket to Salem, Started missing the family soon and a year without them and now in a bus to Salem. Many questions remained unanswered.

The guy sitting next to me was a supplier in a restaurant in Chennai. He speaks so high about his boss, his wish is to own a restaurant which serves only vegetarian food. Being a vegetarian I was curious to know how good a cook he is, though he is a supplier he initiate cooking most of the time in the restaurant. Quiet interestingly he can cook Chinese, Indian and learned Tibetan from his Assami friend. He speaks so high about his cooking and he is very confident that one day he will be owning the best restaurant in Chennai and wants to name it as Senthil’s Kitchen.

What next ? walked few yards and saw a board written, house for rent !

Managed to convince the soft spoken Landlord by saying I am here to find a new job. The Landlord rents single bedroom houses for bachelors who work in the nearby factory, Took 3000rs advance for a monthly rent of Rs 1000 but I need to surrender my Voters ID card to him, which will be returned only when you vacate the house. It was a pretty good house with a single cot, western toilet with geezer, a kerosene stove and few vessels. The stove and vessels was left out by the previous occupant who left to Gulf a month back, for sure he would have been a mallu.

I was happy to find a place to sleep. As I had switched off my mobile phone from Kochi there were no calls eating my head. I walked back to bus stand and managed to get a new sim card for my mobile by giving my driving license as the proof. I walked back to my newly rented house, which was in typical Tamil Nadu style. On my way back, I got into a restaurant and packed my dinner. Somehow that restaurant was attracting me for no reasons. The restaurant was under a banyan tree and in the background you can see mountains, most of the travelers stop here for the shade which in turn gave more business to the restaurant.

During the last 4 days I have not shaved and my beard had grown little more. I decided to let it grow, wandered here and there for 3 more days and I purposefully skipped the “Ayyan’s restaurant” and had food from other restaurants near the bus stand. By these days I have changed a lot in my look, a shabby look which I have not seen in me in my life time.

Somehow I gained confidence and went to “Ayyan’s restaurant” and met the owner Ayyanar or they call him “anna” (big bother) and asked for a job. Looking at me he was not sure what I am here for, I convinced him that I will not quit for the next one year and he can hold my license. He asked me whether I absconded from my home town after a murder. I smiled at him and told him

that “if so why would I choose a restaurant on the road side were all the vehicles stop and people can easily identify me” , he got convinced and asked me to be the senior supplier. Wow I got a job again! It remind me the center fresh commercial which shows the suppliers spell the food menu in no time, thankfully he didn’t ask me to do so. He asked me to join the next day as it was a more auspicious day to join for work. A good hearted anna, he lives besides the restaurant with his wife and his 5 year old son. I walked back to my den with an oral appointment letter.

My career started as Computer instructor then, joined Sun TV as marketing and sales guy served there for 7 years then migrated to Central Advertising Agency. I was also the Advertising Manager of Textile brand Seematti in Kerala, PR Manager to Mrs. BeenaKannan CMD of Seematti, consultant for Razzmatazz Events and for many other firms too. 16 years in Media gave me all what I need in life, apartment, cars, bank balance and a beautiful family who knows just to love and to be loved. Now I have a reason to be happy that I got a job in a restaurant without much competition.

Wednesday was a turning point in my life, Senior supervisors uniform, I was excited the whole night and I saw myself serving all kind orders to the customers with my smiling face, but when I got up from the bed I realized I have not joined yet. I was tempted to use my perfume but changed my mind later. I walked straight to the nearby temple and simply prayed that I should

be a faithful staff to anna. I noticed that I forgot to pray for my family, I forgot Nidha and Nihal, I forgot to pray for my lovely wife who left everything and came from her home one day. Did I become selfish, have I stopped thinking of them? My eyes were filled with tears, I wiped and walked towards the restaurant. I saw Anna in the cashier seat, the restaurant was not much crowded, as I walked towards Anna, he introduced me to his wife “Selvi” who is Akka for everyone, and his 4 year old son “Tamil” he reminded me of my son Nihal who is now 5 years old. I saw an affectionate family who were also keen on running their restaurant.

Anna introduced me as Iyer to all the staffs, there were around 7 boys and a master (main chef ) he took me to the kitchen, it was neatly maintained but a normal mess. This restaurant works 24hours and I joined in the 11am to 11pm slot. I have had food from almost all 5star

restaurants around the world but as a supplier I was bit nervous to face my customers. My first customer was from Kerala. They were on their way back from Bangalore heading to Calicut. There was not much confusion about the order, they just needed Parota and veg kuruma, 2 sets of dosa and 2 tea. I Went back and placed the order to the master, I could hear shouting by other suppliers after taking the order…2 dosa one tea, chapatti and kuruma, they take the order from the customer and shout to the kitchen what the order is, the entire restaurant can hear what a person is ordering. I decided not to do that ever.

Within few minutes I heard a loud voice from the kitchen “Parota, 2 set dosa readyyyyy” I went and took my first order in my shivering hand and served to the customer, as I spoke in Malayalam the customer was very happy. I heard the voice from the kitchen again 2 tea readyyyyyyy, served that too to the customer. My first customer left me with a tip of 5 Rs which was balance from their 35 Rs bill. My first tip or I should say my first earning, I took the coin and looked at it, I was not that happy when I bought neither my luxury car nor my duplex apartment. That 5Rs coin was much more for me though I was earning in lakhs from my previous job.

My co-workers at ‘Ayyan’s restaurant’ who hails from the nearby villages visited their home town frequently. I was the only outsider and everyone was suspicious about me working there. I extended my friendship with everyone and also gained Anna’s trust. I managed to convince the boys not to shout and place the order and eventually trained them to speak to the customer softly. Saravan who lives just a mile away from the restaurant has been working for the past 4 years. He is getting married next year, and wants to earn more money to get married. One day he came and told me he got Rs 70 as tip for the day which was his highest tip ever in the last 4 years. He said that it was because of the friendly attitude towards the customers and he thanked me and said “Padichavanga sonna seriakeirummum” (If educated people say it will be correct).

Gradually I noticed the change in atmosphere, no shouting, suppliers more friendly with customer. Everyone started getting more money as tips, and as fixed salary Master gets Rs300Per day, Sr supplier Rs 200 per day, and suppliers Rs175 per day as daily wages. Even I started getting around 40 to 45 Rs daily as tips and food was taken care by the restaurant.

I gradually learned everything; I was always fascinated in parota making. So during night shifts I helped Master who works 2 shifts at a stretch which is very tiring. Flattening the dough is a very hard job, yet an art. You sweat and your hand’s pain like hell. I noticed that the master wears sleeve less innerwear while making parota, I made him wear a t-shirt. One night a black Scorpio loaded with 5 drunken youngsters dashed in to the restaurant, there were shouting and making a mess of the place. Master and Saravanan and I were on duty. I asked them to sit at one place and requested for the order. I learned that they are from Cochin. I requested for order again, they were rude and shouted at me and threatened me by saying his family name which happens to be a popular family in Cochin, fortunately I know the head of the family Mr. Joseph , I told them I know Mr. Joseph and also referred few people who works for their organization, on hearing that they apologized and politely asked me how I know Mr. Joseph. I handled the situation well and gained Rs.100 tip from them, that Rs 100 may be a bribe for me to forget what I saw there.

I keep my mobile switched off all day; it will be on only when I am at home. I call London every night and get updates from my wife; it was hard to convince her , why I am out of Cochin and what I am doing in some part of Tamil Nadu. I lied to her that I am on a new project, working for a company as consultant. I open my Facebook during nights and was getting all updates about my friends, many messaged me and enquired where I was, but I never replied to anyone.

I started loving the new job and also the loving family of Anna. His son Tamil speaks to me a lot. He loves cars, I started teaching him the entire car names whichever came to our restaurant.

He was a fast learner and soon recognized the car brands even from a distance. A BMW came to our restaurant one day. Tamil was with me and on seeing the car he said BMW and asked whether I’ve ever travelled by a car? I replied smiling and said my boss owns a car and I have travelled in that. He said when he grows up even he’ll buy a BMW and take me to Erode. I could feel the innocence in his face as he promised me an ice cream from Erode.

Months passed by, I witnessed a huge change in the restaurant. Earlier only small cars used to stop in front of our restaurant, but now name the car & you can find it here. I also have a handful of regular customers who just want to see Iyer’s face before ordering. All these days I made a point not to take any one to my house as I don’t want anyone to know I own a Laptop and ultra-modern cell phone, which is more than imaginable to my co-workers.

Anna slowly started giving me the responsibility of the shop, I started handling the cash and purchase in short “all in all”, right from cash to cleaning, though I was a supplier. On the eighth month Anna raised my salary to Rs.225 per day. Now Anna is always busy with his real estate business. One day Anna accompanied me to the market and on the way he shared his idea of

opening another restaurant near the market and he wanted me to take care of the entire process of starting the new venture. I started feeling guilty for not sharing anything about my background, that night I couldn’t sleep for a while. Next day morning I was on my 7am shift, went to the temple first and then to the restaurant. Anna turned up in the afternoon. I went and asked him to spare an hour with me that evening, as I wanted him to take him to my home. He agreed happily and told me that even Selvi akka would join us. I was a bit shocked to know that they were curious about where I lived! I said okay to Anna.

Anna, his family and I in his Indica car went to my house. He was impressed on seeing my

house and asked me frankly, “There’s something you are hiding from me. Tell me who you are”? I took my laptop, he was shocked to see a laptop with me, I opened my Facebook and showed all the pictures I also googled and showed my works and work profile. He was convinced about my whereabouts but wanted to know what bought me here. I explained to him that my family is in London and I just can’t live in Cochin alone, more over I did’t want to go to London. Apparently Selviakka had a doubt, and she told Anna on the very first day itself that I am an educated guy. They assumed that I fought with my family and took asylum in Salem. I took my phone from my back pack and dialed Ruby. I asked Anna and Akka to speak to ruby as if they were my friends here in Selam and I am working in a company. Anna was apprehensive about lying to Ruby and he was also upset as I didn’t disclose about my whereabouts. Ruby spoke to anna and akka, I could see them struggling to answer her questions about my job and house where I stay, but they managed. Before leaving Anna said he wants to see in the restaurant next day morning around 8 am, though my next day shift starts only by 11am.

Next day I reached the restaurant, I was worried how Anna was going to react, would he fire me from job, many thoughts flashed, but I stayed cool and calm. When I went, he pulled the chair and asked me to sit. That was the first time I am sat in front of him in the last 10 months. He took a cover and handed me the driving license which I gave him as my proof, and from Iyer he called me Thambi (brother). He said, “you promised me that you will be working with me for 12 months, 2 more months left I don’t want you to work as a supplier here, I want you to start the new restaurant next month itself”. He already got the vibe of me leaving. I told Anna I will do it for him but requested him to keep me posted as the Sr. supplier of his restaurant. While we were discussing, I noticed an Audi with Kerala registration and a known number parking in front. I just got up and went inside the kitchen and stood near the tea samovar as if I was making the tea. My guess was right, it was Kumar who is the personal driver of Mrs. Beena Kannan of Seematti. He ordered food and I continued to stay behind the samovar and I covered

my face with a towel so that he wouldn’t recognize me. When he was done, he walked straight to cash counter and gave the bill and asked for something, Anna waved his hands towards me, believe me I was at the verge of fainting. He came towards me and asked for a match box. I gave him the match box and avoided looking at him, he suddenly asked how far Chinnanoor is from here ? I was forced to answer him the route. Though I was nervous, I was confident that he will not recognize me since I covered my face, he went out with the match box had a smoke and came back from behind and called “ Rajagopal anna”. On hearing my name I suddenly turned, and he caught me. I removed my towel from face, he said on seeing my eyes he was thinking who’s eyes is that, and the question was just to listen to my voice.

He was on the way back to Cochin after dropping Mrs. Beena Kannan at Bangalore, Both of us walked towards Anna who was in the cash counter and Kumar started telling everything about me and wanted to take me back to Cochin then and there. I promised him that I will be back in a month as my family will be back, he smartly took the number of Anna and went. He called up few times but he kept his word by not telling to Beena Madam.

I slowly started involving in the new venture; it was not that hard as what I thought. It took 10 days for me to set everything. Anna got a auspicious day to open the store after 20 days.

Anna and family started calling me Thambi instead of Iyer. Their attitude changed towards me, and Anna promised me that he wouldn’t disclose about my whereabouts to my co-workers.

I called up Ruby to find out how Nidha did her final exams. Nidha was happy speaking to me and thrilled about coming back to India in two days and visiting Salem and from there to Bangalore for a week. I got the shock of my life. How can I ask them not to come to Salem. I was confused but I decided to stay back in Salem till the inauguration of the new restaurant. In two days time my family landed in Cochin and the next day they decided to visit Salem. I gave the address of “Ayyans Restaurent” and told them to come there and ask for “Ayyannar” Ruby remembers Anna as she had spoken to him. I also told her not to call me in my mobile as it will be switched off during my working time.

I had my 11 am shift on the day they arrived. I got up a little late, went to temple and reached restaurant 30 minutes before and joined for duty. After an hour Anna came in, I informed him that my family is on their way to the restaurant. He was astonished and asked me to change my uniform and wear a good dress. I smiled at him and said, “No Anna today I want to work full day and nothing is going to change today”. He said, “Thambi unaku paithiyama pidichiruku” (have u gone mad brother). I said Anna if they come just tell them to sit inside.

Restaurant’s lunch time gets over by 3.30pm, there were two groups from Bangalore for lunch. Nearly 300 lunch was sold on that day, I was happy that I got Rs. 76 as tip for the day. Around 4pm a BMW parked in front of the shop and there comes my man Mr. Abeesh who drives for me since 2010, he went straight to Anna and enquired about Ayyanar. Anna got out of the seat and went straight to the car and invited Ruby and kids to come to the shop.

I was standing behind the same tea samovar, and watching. Seeing Ruby and kids after a year, Ruby had lost weight, Nidha has a western outlook and my little fellow with his spiky hair. I just wanted to run and hug them, but I decided not to. I could hear my heavy heart beats. Anna himself took the order and after a year I heard the shouting from anna “4 teaaaaaaa”. I made the tea by myself. Sugar less for Ruby, Normal for Nidha and Abeesh, more sugar for my little one. Ruby and Nidha was seated facing the road, Abeesh and Nihal sitting facing the kitchen. I took the tea in a serving plate, put my servers cap walked towards them, as I did I was going blind. From the darkness of the Kitchen I was walking towards the sunlight, I saw nothing while nearing them, Abeesh noticed me, he just stood up with his mouth opene, Nihal was staring at me, he had not seen me in short hair and long beard, Ruby and Nidha was wondering why Abeesh stood up astounded. I placed the tea on the table. Ruby just jumped from the chair, screamed and hugged me, followed by Nidha and Nihal too. I can feel my tears when I write this, they had never seen me in such a state, Ruby just slapped me and asked why was I doing this?

I closed my eyes as tears were flowing. When I opened my eyes I could see the fan on top, the room was chill as the AC was running the whole night. I realized that my family is at Calicut to spend the Christmas vacation. The bottle of water that I keep every night besides my head is opened and spilled (for sure I remembered serving water to one customer from a bottle) , the cushion in my bed is squeezed and crushed (that may be when I learned to make porata).

Why such a dream?

any how, I liked the dream very much than any of my other dreams, Now I am really looking forward to go to Salem and see is there "Ayyan restaurant" exists or not.

Seematti : First Saree Kancheepuram Campaign

2013-12-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

what i see : in my wife

2013-11-07T01:52:00.001-08:00

Today is our Wedding Anniversary; it proves Love is not weakness. It is strong.

I am blessed to have so many good things in my life but the best among it is my Ruby, The biggest ever decision what Ruby took in her life is to marry me, that shows how confident a “Lecturer” she is.

She Never Nags me

She Never SMS me with list of grocery’s

She never interferes in my work

She never complains about what I am.

She never communicates her emotions through short messages (SMS)

She never keeps the home messy

She never compromises my taste for food.

She never compromises for kid’s needs.

She never goes expensive

She never allows me to enter into kitchen.

She never bothers with whom I am with, she believes me unconditionally.

She never forgets to complement me for something I did.

We do fight, we do complain to each other but never it had exceeded the limits, She is so emotional so am I, but we never let any of our emotions go out of our four walls.

Nidha and Nihal (Kicha) are our blessings they are Mamma’s girl and Mamma’s boy.

Blessing from our parents and love from our siblings gives us more strength in life.

When Ruby entered in to my life, my life started flashing like a Ruby…when she tell her name “Ruby Rajagopal”….my name shines through, since her name comes in front.

The above qualities are more than enough for a partner, but I really doubt how much I gave her back.

Special Message to my Ruby : “Grow old with me, The best is yet to be.”

in my work

2013-09-23T23:32:00.003-07:00

in Mahatma Gandhi Road @ Kochi.

2013-06-21T02:45:00.000-07:00

Metro at the cost of MG ?

Recently in India, largest and the first horizontally designed mall opened in Aurangabad which was 1 million sqft in area. Kochi MG Road stands in much higher position as a horizontal mall, only lacking in a big roof. The individual shops here have a floor area ranging from 50sqft to 5 lakh sqft. This reminds me the road side restaurants in Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and many parts of Europe. Wondering if the traffic to MG road is

closed and a roof is laid for 4 KM stretch and allow restaurants to open on roads will attract more tourist to this place. This gives more opportunity for street vendors too.

Long long ago when Honey and milk

(not sure how sweet both were) were flowing during the days of British Raj, when Ernakulam city was part of British Cochin, the arterial road of the city was Chitoor Road built by Kochi Rajas connection South Railway Station to Chittoor Temple in Pachalam. As the road was not connecting to the south side of the city particularly to Fort Kochi, the British Resident felt need of another major road that connects to south.

In the year 1920 Sir Robert Bristow - The Chief Engineer

who conceived the new port of Kochi, announced his plans to create a new island from sea between Ernakulam Mainland and Fort Kochi island and transfer the existing port to the new island. He visionsed the urgent need of new road connecting mainland and new port island.

In 1923 plans for new road was finalized and works was started. The new road was seventy feet in width and hence named as Seventy Feet road and opened to public in 1925. May be would have not faced the present land accusation problems.

Since then this road played an important role in the history of modern Cochin with several landmarks located this stretch. Today it's one of the most important commercial roads of the city and one of the most congested roads in the state.

In year 1972, the road was renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Road,

in honor of Father of the Nation. Thank God politics was not as cheap as now or else the road would have been named after any other politicians name.

Now known as MG Road or I will rather call it as the biggest Horizontal mall with a shopping area of 4 KM, MG Road is a high end commercial street. The most important PSU house located in this stretch is Cochin Shipyard, one of the largest shipyards in India, located near Harbor side. Several top companies has their offices in this stretch and most of the banks in India maintains their regional offices or main branches in this road someone in the past even suggested to name it as Bank Road as it accommodate over 100 of banks, The stretch also houses more than a dozen premium hotels as well . Some of the leading commercial landmarks are

It's commonly heard when you need a ticket to fly run to Atlantis. Most of the airlines have their offices in Atlantis which is in south of MG road. The area is famous for several leading travel agents, holiday companies and sight-seeing tour firms. The Air India Building located in Atlantis Junction is a landmark. All major airlines to have their office here. Even good pani puri is available.

Think of weddings, you end up in one of the textile malls in MG road, if you don't think of wedding too you end up in one to buy clothes. Almost all top Textile malls are located in this road with ample car parking attached to them, Textile mall like Seematti with over 5lak sqft of shopping area and which can

accommodate over 1000 cars per day is in the north end of MG Road. followed by Chennai Silks, Formost, Jayalakshmi, Kalayan silks (adjacent to mg road) , Jose brothers, Vettukattil Textiles , Parthas Textiles and all the leading brands flagship outlets are located on either side of this road.

It's said, the bride's of Kerala weigh double on her wedding day as they wear the same weight of gold jewellery, Kochi is one of the most important gold shopping centers in India accounting to about 10 % gold sales in the country Jewelries include Alapatt Heritage, Alappat Fashion jeweler, Alappat Arcade, House of Alappat, Francis Alukkas, Kalyan Jewelers, Bhima, Malabar Gold, Tanishq , Geeri pai, Thribhuvandas Bhimji Zaveri, ,Vanitha, Parakatt jewellers, Paul Alukkas, Sunny diamonds & VNM gold are few MG road glitters with this jewellers you can imagine how much gold is collectively own by MG Road.

Solution for all your requirements with in a stretch of 4 Km, almost all national banks maintains its regional or main branches in this road. Regional offices of State Bank of India, State Bank of Travancore, ICICI Bank, Vijaya Bank, Dena Bank and Punjab National Bank etc. are located here. Branches of international banks like Standard Chartered, Citi Bank, HSBC, Oman Bank etc. are also located here, countless Any Time Money (ATM) machines which spit millions of Rupee notes every day in this street.

Scary Beacon's of Ambulance is commonly heard when you are in MG Road, When the world plans for Medical city's MG Road already accommodates a huge number of hospitals which

are specialized in many disciplines Medical Trust, Saraf Hospital , Cochin Hospital - Pallimukku, Kottakal Ayurveda sala, City Hospital - Padma Junction, Lakshmi Hospital - Diwans Road, Sree Sudheendra Medical Mission, General Hospital, Krishna Hospital & PNVM.

Though Mamooty and Mohanlal the super stars of Kerala drive their car's through MG Road, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce wills, Amitab bachan, Shahrukh khan and may others play their roles in MG Road. The concept of multiplex which is fast growing around the world already exists in MG Road in the form of large individual theater complex, this include Deepa theater, Kavitha, Shenoys, Padma and to add the list 11 screen wonder @ Central Mall is about to be opened.

The geographic location of the city makes Cochin very unique to its tourists. Cochin attracts tourists and business travelers from far off lands and offers comfortable accommodation at the hotels in Cochin. MG road plays a important role as the prime location of Kochi's major hotels. To name a few Harbour View, Dwraka, Avenue Regent, Cylone bake house, Yuvarani Residencey, Woodlands, Woods Mannor, Hotel Grand, Abad, Hotel International.

Attractions do not end here there are more like Pai dosha with 36 verities of Dosas, dominoz

pizz, cafe coffee day, naturals ice, Photo studios, camera stores, electronic shops, entertainment electronic shops, Home appliances, furniture shops, petrol pumps, handicrafts state owned and private, branded watches and spectacles, leading advertising agency, leading financial institutions, educational institutions, famous Maharaja's College and Ground....... the list is endless you enter MG road and search from a pin to a pistol you will own it with in a time of 4km.

Kochi a fast growing metro, though it does not have the metro status officially due to less population. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) had earlier submitted a proposal to form a Kochi Metropolitan Regional Development Authority for a total area of 4,574 sq.km. with a population of 46 lakh. The jurisdictional area was increased by including Vaikom, Thodupuzha, Cherthala, Chalakudy and Kodungallur from neighboring districts along with entire area of Ernakulam.

Getting to MG road has become difficult now a days due to the construction work of Metro rail towards North of Ernakulam. Authorities say the construction of Metro Rail will be over within 3-4 years time. Will Metro Rail project will complete in time ?

When thinking of Metro Rail how come Kochi gets Metro Rail when she herself has corporation status, the right name at this juncture will be corporation rail, I foresee a futuristic thinking first get Metro Rail sanctioned and with that reference Metro status for Kochi .wha..wha..here huzoor...wha sabash bolie....

MG road being one of the top business generating streets in India, if stand still for over 3 years what will be the consequence, this may open new business areas but the existing charm of MG road will be lost. Once the business is shifted to other locations of Ernakulam then what's the use of Metro Rail running through MG road. This may be like vendors in festival ground after the festival is over and the crowd is gone. These questions may be haunting the business community of MG road but I am sure they would have not got any answers for the same.

When I discussed the same about few media people their reply was about the fruitful days after the Metro Rail start functioning. But my question remains if all the business is moved to other locations will people take the pain to come to MG road again. I have few examples earlier days Mattanchery was the trading hub, later it shifted to Broadway now Mattanchery lost its charm and business, when MG road was born Broadway lost its charm. Now that By-Pass road is focused for business, will this effect MG road. If so why spend so much money on Metro Rail which will be running through MG road ?

I am not against metro rail, like any other city Kochi too need metro rail. The question is does it require to run through the heart of Kochi which is M G road. can't they leave this 4 km stretch and take the adjacent roads for the Rail which will help MG road to sustain the business as what it is now. The daily business volume in about 250 shops on the MG Road stretch is in the range of 1 crore to 1.5 crore. As we know MG road has already lost its charm to shopping malls and the business has shifted to Edappally and palarivattom regions. Though Kochi Metro Rail work is expected to complete faster parking and running business will not be in the favour of the traders. Let's sit and watch .

The fact remains we should learn from Chinese how they utilize and protect Nanjing Lu in Shanghai

My Facebook

2013-05-31T03:25:00.002-07:00

Was simply analyzing my Facebook,

Earlier it was loaded with over 800+ friends, some good hearted hacker who was envious with my page deleted all my contacts, and all friends can see my post but no one in my friends list. Now i started regaining few of them but still lost many.

My Facebook as spy : gave me a chance to peep in to all the profiles and find out whoz dating with whom and also gave me a chance to see what my ex-girlfriend is upto.

My Facebook as Relationship Manager : My first Facebook overseas friend Rejina Sreeram, Maryland, USA introduced me her sister and husband Mr. Teji & Manju were so generous to invite me and accommodate me in their house for over a month in USA to organize a event in Washington and New York, which not only gave space for me to live in USA also gave a huge additions of members into my family...still miss the entire USA team.

My Facebook as Event Manager : two years ago Seematti did a fashion show at Washington and New York the entire work was organized through my facebook right from Models, Technicians, Publicity and audience.

My Facebook as stress reliever : Reacted on many issues through my Facebook right from Political to Police to Policy's the fact remains my back bone not strong enough to react in front of public and enjoy the likes I get.

My Facebook as Matrimony : two of my friends met through my FB and they got married now blessed with a cute baby living in Dubai.

Kuboos

2013-05-06T01:59:00.003-07:00

ഗൾഫ്‌ മലയാളികളുടെ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ട ആഹാരം കുബൂസ്, എറണാകുളം ലുലുമാളിൽ അത് ഉണ്ടാകുന്നതു കാണാൻ നല്ല രസം.

യന്ത്രത്തിൽ നിന്ന് കുബൂസ് തുരു തുര വീഴുന്നു. അത് വാങ്ങിക്കാൻ സ്ത്രീകളും പുരുഷന്മാരും കൌണ്ടറിനു മുന്നില് തടിച്ചു കൂടി നില്കുന്നു.

രണ്ടുപേര് അത് പാക്ക്ചെയ്തു മുന്നില് ഏറിയും, അത് പിടിച്ചു എടുക്കാൻ സ്ത്രീകളും പുരുഷന്മാരും നടത്തുന്ന മല്ല്പിടിത്തം ഒന്ന് കാണേണ്ട കാഴ്ചയാണ്.

റോട്ടിൽ പട്ടികൾ പോലും ഇത്രക് ഭങ്ങിയായി മല്ല്പിടിത്തം നടത്തുന്നത് കണ്ടിട്ടില്ല :)

( ഇതിനു ഇടയില വിരുതന്മാർ ജാക്കി വെക്കാനും മറക്കുനില്ല )

My findings came true

2012-08-24T21:33:00.001-07:00

Reference to my earlier blog "What I see: Kochi Metro" on 5th July 2012

( http://rajagopalvk.blogspot.in/2012/07/what-i-see-kochi-metro.html ) ,

i am extremely happy that my finding came true regarding the metro status of Kochi.

Today's Indian Express 25th August 2012 carries the short cut method for Kochi getting its metro status.

also read my blog ( http://rajagopalvk.blogspot.in/2012/07/what-i-see-kochi-metro.html ) for reference

Weight loss ?

2012-07-11T00:04:00.001-07:00

Weight loss? The only one area where i don't need to enter. The case is different with my family members, i could see my wife Ruby running between home and health club every day, so is the case of my daughter, only difference is she runs from school to house then to Health Club. Now a day's news papers are filled with Health Club and Weight reduction programme ads, Television air's programmes on weight reduction ideas and equipments which tempt the viewers to become more slimmer than Miss world and Miss universe or the latest trend - size Zero. I too watch these television programmes whenever i get time, it's not for my weight reduction but to see Veidta Pratap Singh and other beautiful models in Bikini. Where else do you get a chance to see these girls for hours in bikini without my family members complaining. I remember during my school days if a small body part of Heroin is shown in a movie then it becomes the big talk of the town. Now things have changed . you can watch this in the luxury of the Living room.

Vedita Pratap Singh

I was curious to know what's Weight loss programme ? i found out something interesting ! Our body weight is determined by the amount of energy that we take in as food and the amount of energy we expend in the activities of our day. Very simply theory like1+1=2 & 2-1=1, Energy is measured in calories. If your weight remains constant, you are probably taking in the same amount of calories that you burn each day. If you are slowly gaining weight over time, it is likely that your caloric intake is greater than the number of calories you burn through your daily activities. But i don't understand with the same amount of chapati intake by me and my wife why i am not putting on weight and she is, even though she is a regular visitor of the gymn.. I may not understand as it is scientific and more over i am a commerce graduate.

Now a days 8/10 girls speak about obesity or weight gain, every one wants' to be size zero. As a part of our new project i am in the process of selecting our textile mall customers as models . I got around 74 entries in a week's time, shortlisted 16 out of them. Being part of the selection team, i selected all the girls who have some Fat on them. Unfortunately i dislike size zero and skinny people, i am happy with my present selection of models. As the shoot days are nearing up i requested everyone to visit us and give their measurement. As a process i called up every one personally and informed about their selection as a model, the first question always raised from the other end is "am i ok as your model" " i am little over weight, hope you don't mind that" you believe me 13/16 girls asked me the same question. Even my gorgeous facebook chat friend too asked the same question. As i didn’t want to depress her, i said yes "you need to reduce at least 5kg".

Girls why do you worry so much about your weight, There are many things which we believe is right, every guy is eager to know what women likes in men and vice versa too.

Happened to see the movie "22 female Kottayam" where the girl comments about the big buttocks of a guy, the guy walks straight to the girl and says "it's a good info that girls like big buttocks". We are carried away by what others say and we really forget what we have.

Being a male i think i should tell this to all my female friends :

We guys like girls with little bit of fat, rather than being all bag of bones. Please don't get over obsessed with your weight and spoil your beauty. Zero size is an addiction where you skip your food and eat only air.

What I See : Kochi Metro

2012-07-05T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hip hip hooray : is a cheering called out to express praise or approbation toward someone or something.

Me : 3 Hip Hip Hooray for Kochi.

You : Why do I do that ?

Me: Hey man Kochi is becoming a Metro city in short cut, is it not enough to say Hip Hip Hooray.

You : In short cut ? what do you mean ?

Me: My answer may cause many political discussions and problem in God’s own country, hope the news channels will not follow me for a byte in their new hours.

You : never bother about that do answer my question, what’s this short cut ?

Me : See a city gets the status of Metro when it’s population crossed over one million or Ten lakhs, Kochi’s population is just less than Seven lakhs or 0.7million.

You: So how did Kochi made it happen to be a Metro city ?

Me : We politicians manipulate things that even god will be amazed, if we show a areca nut and say it is coconut our people will believe, we were fighting to make this Kochi a metro city for ages, but our family planning is so efficient that population is not booming like our inflation.

When our strategy team was traveling in Delhi they were carried away with the speed and high-tech stations of Metro Rail Delhi. They were curious in finding out the person who made this happen, and surprisingly it was a brain from God’s own country.

Our team flew back from Delhi to our Capital and discussed with all our Kings and Ministers, single question was raised by all, how can we ask for Metro Rail in Kochi ? when Kochi is not a Metro city and the population is showing a negative.

Our Strategy team suddenly flipped the card and said we will fight for Metro Rail and will call it as Kochi Metro, once Metro Rail is sanctioned we can apply for metro status for Kochi and will get that also in no time.

That reminds me a old story where a kid asked his dad for a mobile phone, Father replied, Dear son once you grow up i will surely get you a mobile phone, After few minutes the kid came wearing his father's shirt and trousers and he also fixed a moustache and told his father , Dad now i have grown up get me a mobile phone.

Now the project is ready to take off with a budget of Rs. 5200 crores , from the initial costing of Rs 2500 crores, hope it will complete with in Rs 7500 crores.

Hope this sanction of Kochi Metro Project will make our Leading News Daily Malayala Manorama stop publishing same article in different headlines since 2009, even though Metro Rail is not giving any benefit to them in the case of Rail station in front of their office nor travelling near to their office, I appreciate their interest in brining Kochi Metro and also their initiative to give a name to the project as "Komet".

Kochi too need proper transportation and infrastructure all the best to our team who is running from Kerala to Delhi for approvals.

Also requesting Malayala Manorama and my fellow politicians please find out from DMRC if they have any Scientist who can eradicate Mosquito's from our God's Own Kochi.