Impressions...

A new Beginning

2010-03-11T01:18:00.000+05:30

10th March 2010.
Some days are etched in your minds forever. Today could be one such day. The abundance yet the lack of people around you makes one feel the depth of relationships one has over the years. Got lots of calls and messages from all across the world today just to wish me, yet there was no one person who could do it in person. Feels strange at times. Are these the times of our future. Is internet everything? Facebook seems to have changed the way we keep in touch. The person next door is far of from a person who is literally 7 seas away.

Reached Warsaw a week back. Last week this time I had just come back from Mt Abu, recharging my batteries which are needed to survive a full year ahead. This time, the urge to go to Mt Abu was not much, but somehow I end up reaching there every year. Meeting the people out there makes you feel so good and there is so much to do in our lives, especially when it comes to helping others. And one flight away from there, and then you are back into this iron age. Just like the lotus flower, even though being in dirty water, still manages to maintain its sancity is what I learnt in practice. This will help me a lot. I know it for sure. Its so weird that when you have realised that there is not much take away from one thing, and of all the things in the world you get what you want the most.

Reading the book " I am another you", by Priya Kumar, made me think of life in a different manner. The problems faced by everyone are quite similar,its the intensity that differs and the gravity of the impact on a given person. The rest remains the same. I would suggest it to be read by everyone. Especially those who think all the problems in the world are only with them. Priya connects to everyone sharing her problems and how each of them are similar to other's problems and how she came to terms with them , through a spiritual course which she goes through.

Waiting for a new day and looking for new things to learn every day.

Thought for the day

2010-03-11T00:58:00.000+05:30

The Final Analysis
People are often unreasonable, self-centred: Forgive them anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you, but be honest anyway. What you spend years to build, someone could destroy overnight. Build anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway. You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God; it never was between you and them anyway.

A Good Day :)

2010-01-14T12:45:00.002+05:30

14th January, 2010

Happy Sankranti to all of you. Happens to be the first blog of this year, though its been 14 odd days in this new decade.

Today itself has been a good start to the day to begin with. Managed to wake up early on a holiday and went for a good game of badminton with a old friend. There is nothing like meeting up with old friends and talking for hours over any topic in the world. Boys being boys, end up talks on finance and cars, and it was good to talk on those areas, just standing by our vehicles and chatting :)

Remember the days when we would do the same on cycles and bikes. Its just that we keep graduating to bigger things, but still find the goodness in the simplicity of the old ones and love them.

One interesting fact that I learnt today from him. He comes from a leading financing company, and as per the stats, the least defaulters on auto loans, are buyers of Honda City and the most number of defaulters are buyers of Mahindra Scorpio. After a bit of thought I kind of got the answer as to why :)

The new year has been good and eventful so far. Work front has been good, and with the start of new year, new ideas come into mind while setting the goals for the new year.

Learning a new softwares has always been a hobby, and with every passing day, it feels good that there are still new things to learn and develop.

Was reading Thej's blog this morning and found a nice interview which he setup with the founders of Latlong. Please find the link of the same here. I guess somewhere down there, NRN does inculcate people to do things differently. Still I do find people who just don't love to be in his company. I keep wondering why.

I havent really got about writing my movie review's of 3 idiots, more because I was lazy than the fact that it wasn't really needed, as an Aamir Khan movie, from a writer like Chetan Bhagat, nothing more needed to be told. The movie definitely was a great one and probably one of the best. I didnt like the mud slinging that happened over the media from the writer and the producers of the movie, nevertheless, All is Well that ends well.

Thats all for now. Hope you have a nice long weekend, with tomorrow being a historic Solar Eclipse.

Movie Review : 2012

2009-11-29T23:03:00.002+05:30

This movie for me was not just a movie. After having read various theories behind this event slated for 21st Dec 2012, it was a nice depiction as to how it will actually happen. And from my point of view, it was a very realistic view of what I had actually imagined, and seeing it with my own eyes, though in a picture, was quite frightening.

Its not just a movie, its something what you have thought about and its about the end of the world. Its something, which one is not sure at the same time, one is again not sure that it will happen. We are living here on this planet earth and planning for the future as if we are going for live till the age of 60-70. And if we go by this theory, we dont need to plan , we just need to live to next 2 years. So its a constant conflict in the mind as to what extent you can trust this theory and what will really happen to you per se.

As for the movie, it revolves around the same old White House and the President of USA, something close to what Independence Day was, with an amalgamation of Titanic. But in all a good depiction as to what will be the actual things which will happen. Wonderful special effects, WOW is not enough.

The movie starts from India, where an Indian figures out that the temperture of the core of the earth is imcreasing at a rapid pace, and he tells his friend from USA who is working in the Geological Dept of the Government.

Then it moves on to show how they plan to build a huge ship a.k.a the in the Bible, which takes every animal on the planet so that the specie is not destroyed. Also shown is how much of commercialisation is done and how are the tickets to your life are sold.

But at the end its very clearly shown that, only the ones who have done good deeds will be saved and thats the true essence of the movie. Its again the joining of the dots, as to how even the so called bad people will assist the good people unknowningly for their own benefit.

China is clearly shown as the work force of the world and any given task can be assigned to them to be completed in a given time. At the same time, Indian is someone who discovers it first, but doesnt even manage to save himself, thinks more of others and helping others, again so true of the Indian culture.

Its indeed a great movie. I simply loved it.

Tumhari Amrita

2009-11-29T22:14:00.002+05:30

Its always a rare opportunity to see a live play. On top of that, if the cast is of the likes of Shabana Azmi and Farookh Shaikh, then its a lifetime opportunity. Last Friday was one such day.

"Tumhari Amrita" is a play which I have heard from ages, but never though that I would get a chance to see it. Thanks to Times of India and Bangalore Festival, I was able to enjoy it. Held at Jnana Jyoti Auditorium, which is known for its wonderful acoustics, the sound quality and lighting was beautiful.

This play has probably one of the simplest of the set. Just two tables and two chairs and they just read letters. Thats it. But one of the best.

The couple start writing to each other for 35 years. Religion and politics come in between them and they continue to keep in touch for the rest of their lives and keeping the other person updated with everything. Right from wishing each other for a diwali or a Eid, or their respective birthdays, they dont miss a single event.

Zulfi, who was destined to enter politics, does it big and thats another bottleneck, which keeps them far off from each other. Their love for each other never comes down.

In short, it brings out how the caste and society as a whole has an impact on a indian. And how does one end up suffering due to others views.

The actors having a class of their own, very dramatically read the letters and in a manner that actually brings tears to your eyes.

One of the best plays ever seen by me.

3 Book Reviews

2009-10-12T15:45:00.002+05:30

I am simply amazed. Finished off the 3rd book, while the first one took almost a month. While the remaining where finished in a day each. Somehow I am feeling that I am back to my self. After reading the Word documents, it was a welcome change and all thanks to this break, it has indeed made a difference. Looking forward for incorporating my other plans which were on hold all this time. Some self satisfaction finally...

Book Review : The Professional

2009-10-12T15:03:00.003+05:30

Book : The Professional
Author : Subroto Bagchi
Cost : 399/-

After reading "High Performance Entrepreneur" and "Go Kiss the World" , it wasnt a tough decision on whether to invest in this or not. Infact, If I hadnt, it would be a loss. With time, its not really about the book, but with the Author, with which a good will is built, and thats primarily due to "Professionalism". This is something which is emphasised in the book, and this professionalism is should be within you.
The difference, is, when a senior comes infront of you, whether you get up due to the respect or due to the power he/she carries. If its power, it will fade away with his/her power or position.

A wonderfully written book, which gives emphasis on various sections of your life, and how one needs to be good in all these respects.
There are some areas where we are thinking we are doing it right, but might actually not be professional. These are the subtle things that are listed in the book, added with appropriate examples to suit the context.
There are couple of instances in the book, whether the Author has bad experiences with the doctor, and a very professional experience with a nurse, who treated his mom. Now, whats important to learn is that, even after so many years, he re-collects both the incidences and writes it into a book, which would be read by hundred's of people, like me. Imagine that, this particular doctor also reads it, can you imagine the uneasyness that he would be going through. Though there is no mention of the name of the doctor nor the hospital. But that doctor will feel that trauma. One never knows , how and what will come into the day of light, which one has done , slightly unprofessionally , as the medium of reporting is becoming easier day by day.
Whats the solution for this issue ?
Be a professional. The probability of such issues coming up becomes less.

Then one take away, I had from the many..This revolves around the meetings which we have in office. Invariably, they are held so that a so called unanimous decsion can be taken. But in practice, not everyone really participates. Even if there are potential issues, its not necessary that it is conveyed. The meetings are a very formal mechanism of protecting a bigger decision, so incase something unpleasant happens, its not a sole person who is held responsible. Not really to find the real problems and sort them out. ( Though I have seen some brilliant managers who actually sort out the problems , rather than just get a consensus).
Various mechanisms are provided in the book, to handle such issues and various examples.

In short, I would say that its a must read for all. For those who are in the IT industry, there are no reasons not to read. More so, because, the author is from IT Industry and so am I. Its a small and great investment.
One wouldnt be able to absorb all the details in the book in one read. As one grows up the ladder, one will learn more and appreciate more what the author is trying to say.

Book Review : 2 states (The story of my marriage)

2009-10-11T08:41:00.006+05:30

Book : 2 states (The story of my marriage)

Author : Chetan Bhagat

Price : 95/-

Its not everyday of your life that one gets the read a new Chetan Bhagat book. ( Do I sound like him now :)). I am sure, most of you who are reading this review, are already fans of Chetan Bhagat. Compared to the last two books, I liked this book more, but then nothing to beat "Five Point Someone". I am not sure why I liked this more, it could also be since again, it takes you to college life and then the real life, as against movie type stories in his last two books.

As like any CB book, one can comfortably complete this book in one day, though it might cost you a couple of hours of your sleep time, but its very well worth it. The book starts off as a flash back, like his last book, and then moves into the present. The storyline starts off with his life in IIMA, and then moves into his personal and professional life in Chennai. Very beautifully captured the details on Chennai and the mannerisms of South Indians, and then going north the lifestyle and mindsets of punjabis. It couldn't have got better. The book enhances the basic traits in these two communities and what are the ways one can get comfortable with them. To get the indepth details and what each of the community looks forward, can easily be found in this book, and will be remembered for life, since the presentation is very humorous and it will be etched in your mind.

The story also takes you to Goa, and since I am on vacation at home it felt all the more better.

Citibank , is an important character in this Novel, and I couldn't agree more on how Citibank really does business.

The story again has a spiritual angle and its beautiful. I cant wait to go to Pondicherry and visit the ashram once.

All in all, a great book. Its much much better than the last two books, but then FPS remains the best. This story could be a good sequel to 3 Idiots. Must read for all CB fans.

Book Review: Stay Hungry Stay Foolish

2009-10-08T23:20:00.002+05:30

Book : Stay Hungry Stay Foolish

Author : Rashmi Bansal

The last time that I had heard about Rashmi Bansal was during the famous IIPM issue. I am sure every blogger would remember the sad story.

Nevertheless, every incident, makes a person only stronger. I guess an outcome of that is a book so beautifully written.

25 IIMA grads, each of them making a marking somewhere, and just reading their success stories, makes one feel, how important is failure in each one's life. Where would all there people be, had they quit after their failure. I am sure there are thousands of similar kind of individuals, but the only reason, we dont know of them, because, they didnt get up after their failure.

Every story, just makes one get up and wonder, "Why am I doing what I am doing?". What about your dreams and the things that one loves to do. All these great men, only did whatever their heart told them and they are where they are now. One more noticable fact is that none of them went after money. Its was the passion that drove them what they wanted to do, and the money just followed them. Had they followed the money, I guess many would have failed, as rats jump out of the sinking boat, while the captain stays on till the ship is not drowned.

Awesome book. A must read for everyone. No two thoughts about it. And all it costs is Rs 125/-. I guess thats the only part of the book which was not up to its right value.

Book Review : Prisoner of Birth - Jeffrey Archer

2009-07-25T23:00:00.002+05:30

Hmmm, what do I say. Simply awesome and gripping booking, and one just cannot leave it till you finish. A tradition Jeffrey Archer book. Do I need to say more, if you are already a Jeffrey Archer fan?

The story is of a person, who supposedly killed his best friend ( Also his finacee's Brother), and though innocent, he is put behind the bars. He is given a sentence for something which he has not done and then also escapes from there ..( Though I still havent really revealed anything .. you need to read it ) and then plays a game with the actual killer(s).

If you like a murder drama and court room scenes, then this book is a must for you.

If you are a Jeffrey Archer fan, then ofcourse you cant miss it.

Great Book. Looking forward for his new novel which is recently released

Thought for the day

2009-07-17T20:29:00.001+05:30

Look for Goodness
In everything, goodness is there. Our goal is to find it. In every person, the best is there. Our job is to recognise it. In every situation, the positive is there. Our opportunity is to see it. In every problem, the solution is there. Our responsibility is to provide it. In every setback, the success is there. Our adventure is to discover it. In every crisis, the reason is there. Our challenge is to understand it. By seeing the goodness, we'll be very enthusiastic and our lives will be richer.

Memories of Montevideo, Uruguay

2009-07-12T06:30:00.006+05:30

With just a week before I leave from this beautiful place, I thought that it was high time that I post some pictures of this place, which has been my abode for the past 3 months. Its been exactly 3 months today, as I write this, and have seen the different climatic conditions here. From the nice pleasant summer when I had just arrived to now, when its shivering cold. And I enjoyed every moment of each of the weather.
In a way I was also lucky enough to have stayed at various places in this short stay. From Radisson to Palldium, while being a permanent guest at Jitesh's and Abhijits apartment, and now finally at the apartment in Cavia. Everything has been so memorable.
The view from the older apartment has been the best so far, especially when you are lying in the bed and the view from the 10th floor , is simply unmatched.

From Montevideo

I dont everthink that I will be able to have this view from my bedroom. While at night its even more prettier with all the lights making it an awesome view.
But this view will always remain in my mind .

From Montevideo

Then the good times that we had at the beach will be unforgettable.

From Montevideo

Language was always a problem here. But then at every point we had some help coming to our rescue. Even at a saturday market, this person had a great command over English and very much fluent.

From Montevideo

This saturday market has all the essential stuff thats needed, right from clothes to all kind of vegetables. And they are very very decently priced. I had got my most of the shopping done here itself, and I would consider it as a value for money.

The historic monuments can be seen at various places and it can clearly be seen as an old city.

From Montevideo

This building is a signature building of Montevideo.

The Independence Plaza, which is the important city square, had lot of exhibitions and people coming to see the historic place

From Montevideo

This is just infront of the Hotel Radisson, where I was put up for a month.
There is also a memorial , which is kind of underground, of the Freedom Fighter of Uruguay, Artigas.
Its a must see for all tourists. I hadnt taken any photos out there, since i felt, one shouldnt take photos there. There are two guards there, who remain standstill for the whole day. Its a treat to see this place.
This picture below, is just next to entrance to this place.

From Montevideo

Montevideo is incomplete with the mention of the Rambla(details of Rambla given below) and the beach all around
The boat club which could be seen from our apartment, was a terrific view again. (Though this one is not taken from the apartment)

From Montevideo

But nothing to have a nice morning jog along the Rambla, seeing these beautiful views to start the day

From Montevideo

This place would also place me amongst the one to have visited a tatoo parlour. Thank fully it was not for me, but for Jitesh. He had the crazy idea from a very long time and finally 4 days before his return his dream came true. (Please see some of the previous posts for the write up on this ) The Laugh and Cry tatoo which he chose came out very well, and didnt really cost him a fortune. Check the site here for more details on the Tattoo parlour. Eduardo does a very very professional job and everything in the studio is very very hygienic. I was very impressed with the whole setup, and my first visit will surely remain memorable for the better.

From Montevideo

The road along the side of the beach is called Rambla. Its a beautiful stretch of roads which literally goes out of the city. The promenade along the beach is very nice to walk, jog cycle on. This is something, which I wouldnt get even in Goa, my native place. The beach here is just one block away, and once when I was in Hotel Palladium it was just a matter of crossing the road.
Some of the pictures of the Rambla and the beach side along it.

From Montevideo

Among all things on the Rambla, what makes every Indian proud is that, part of the Rambla is called Mahatma Gandhi Rambla, and just across is the statue of Mahatma Gandhiji.

From Montevideo

We were also surprised to see a perpendicular road from the Mahatma Gandhi is names Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru road. Never ever imagined that I would frequent this part of the world and I would see all these names in this country.
One more particular thing that I noticed is that, every Uruguaian has lot of respect for Indians, and its a very nice feeling to be known to that fact, though we are miles and miles away from India.

As I mentioned earlier, this place just surprises me time and again. Another aspect was the vehicles that are found here. We could spot some of the typical Indian vehicles in this part of the world. Our very own Maruti 800 is found in this country. To add to that list is , Mahindra Jeep, Bajaj Chetak scooter, Bajaj Auto rickshaw, and even a TVS scooty. Hero Honds CD100 are found in plenty here. But what made me nostalgic is the presence of Hero Puch moped.

From Montevideo

I also got a chance to visit the Columbia Embassy and the folks here and was able to meet them personally. Can I get more lucky than that.

From Ken'sRetreat

Lastly regarding my work here. I was privileged to visit this beautiful place for a client Antel which is the biggest telecom provider for this country. The Antel tower is a beautiful sight to watch and I would consider it as a privilege to be a part of this assignment.

As I move away from this place, I am sure I am going to miss this and will continue to haunt me forever.
Just posting some more pictures below with some description.
Hope you enjoyed reading and seeing these pictures. Your comments are welcome , or should I say necessary.

The Beautiful Sunrise as seen from our apartment

From Ken'sRetreat

Visit to Embassy of Columbia with Br Ken

From Ken'sRetreat

The Election Campaigning at its best, as we drive through on the Rambla

From Ken'sRetreat

The Beautiful house where I had stayed in at Piriya Polis. It was probably the best time in my visit here in Montevideo. Somethings can only be experienced, and this one would be at the top

The name of the house is Nandigan, with Br Ken walking in.

From Ken'sRetreat

Hotel Argentina at Piriya Polis

From Ken'sRetreat

The Lions at Hotel Argentina, they look beautiful

From Ken'sRetreat

An old cart at the Retreat center

From Ken'sRetreat

Warming exercise time at the retreat, during a nice and cold winter morning

From Ken'sRetreat

The narrow mud roads in the Villages here. Reminded me of the villages in India, especially in my native place

From Ken'sRetreat

The Bear Exhibition at Plaza Independencia

From PuntaDelEste

Every country has its own representation of its bear
This one belonged to India, though I was not very impressed

From PuntaDelEste

Martin posing with some bears

From PuntaDelEste

Some more...

From PuntaDelEste

The traditional drink here is Mathe which every here drinks. They are drunk in these cups as shown on display here. A typical Uruguaian will have a Mathe cup and steel straw, which is filled with herbes and in the other hand will have a thermos flask, which contains hot water to keep filling into the cup, as its consumed.

From PuntaDelEste

The Old City Square

From PuntaDelEste

Burger King - Ad Controversy with Hindu God

2009-07-09T19:58:00.002+05:30

Well, Dont really have much of an opinion on this, when I read a different school of thought.
Read this article by Gaurav Sabnis on his blog

Today I read that Burger King has apologies for the Ad. Well thats comforting though.

Facebook time

2009-07-09T07:58:00.002+05:30

Every few years we can see a change in the way we keep up links with others. An era of orkut seems to be fading and facebook and twitter are growing. The same friends with whom I have been keeping in touch through orkut, I am now in touch with them through FB. With time I could see myself having less and less activity on orkut and slowly increased in FB.
Well I am not here to discuss the pros and cons of FB or orkut. The underlying message is that we soon get tired with one setup, and then look for a change , like the way we get tired of one job and then look for another.

It didnt happen to our parents in their time. Why does it happen only to our generation so much. Is our attention span so limited , that a change is imminent every few episodes of time ?

Though the examples on which I am applying these metamorphosis are trivial, but in depth its definitely not a conforting thought.

Federer Wins : Creates History

2009-07-06T01:02:00.002+05:30

What a match it was!! Last set seemed to be a never ending one.
But a match to create history. Though felt a little bad that Roddick lost, but then we can only have one winner.

I thought it would be easy for Roger to win, without Nadal, but then nothing is easy in Wimbledon Finals, with the game having the last set 16-14.

Days are numbered in Montevideo

2009-06-30T05:13:00.002+05:30

Finally my return tickets are booked! Now I have a return date of travel back to India. Just looking forward towards it.

I will need to put in extra effort to take some more pictures and put them up on this blog, before I finally say bye to this lovely beach city.

MJ- End of an Era

2009-06-30T05:02:00.003+05:30

Micheal Jackson. The name says it all. Frankly speaking , I dont think I have got his audio cassette or a CD in my entire life, and I am very much sure I do have company. But the fact remains, I know what he does and what he is, and again I am sure this is known by many.
I would personally say that, he was one person, probably most number of people on this planet knew. Its a different issue, whether they heard him, or even knew who he was. But they knew a person names Micheal Jackson. This analogy was in my thought.
This was proved when he passed away last week.
The number of posts and editorials because of this event reached a maximum and it actually got the Google slower and it was the same for twitter. Its not everyday that Google comes across this scenaraio. Not even when Obama was elected , or any country won the FIFA world cup or for that matter may major events.
It just a death of a single person that led to this. Worth a thought!!

My first Visit to Tatoo Studio

2009-06-21T01:13:00.002+05:30

Yesterday was the first visit to the Tatoo parlour ever in my life. It was quite impressive to see it,thank fully not experiencing. Jitesh finally decided to do the Cry and Laugh tatoo, which he chose at the last moment.

The cost did appear to be a steal. The studio was impressive and spic and span. No room for any kind of complaints.
At 22 Hrs, the design was started and by 23 hrs, the final design was done and approved. The actual, rather the painful part started only at 23:15 hrs and it was not a smooth sailing for Jitesh at the beginning.

From Tatoo Studio

Once started, though I was kind of dozing off, the pain absorbing threshold increased with time for Jitesh. He looked more comfortable. I was actually scared that there could be some bleeding etc, which might not be something I would be confortable. But it was not. The efficient and professional work was very impressive.

From Tatoo Studio

This was how the final one actually looked.

From Tatoo Studio

Shopping in MVD

2009-06-14T06:31:00.002+05:30

Today morning went for shopping in the so called Burma Bazaar in Montevideo.
Its a nice place where one can buy good stuff at reasonable rates. Almost all kind of clothes and stuff which I think I can take back to India are available.
Uruguay has been not upto the mark when it comes to shopping, but today it has changed the perspective.

I picked up a jacket, and a paper photo album, and also a Mathe cup, more as a souvenir.
Spent a flat 2000 in one day in shopping, very unlike of me though. Nevertheless it was worth it.

In the afternoon we went for movie at MVD Shopping Mall. Not the best of the movies, but a good time pass. I still dont know the name of the movie. It was written in spanish[But an english movie though :)]

Today during lunch we also saw the Spanish version of Bend it like Beckham. It was quite a sight to see Anupam Kher talking in spanish wear a sardarji turban. On top of that, the hindi wedding songs going on in the background. It was an interesting day today indeed.

Shifted to A New Apartment

2009-06-12T08:43:00.001+05:30

We shifted to a new apartment last weekend. It was a welcome change from the life in a hotel room.
Nice and big apartment and very very spacious. Am really loving the place, but the older place was in the heart of the city in pocitos, near Montevideo Shopping.
Here everything is a little bit far off. But its a good residential area and lots of shopping around.
Need to explore more of this over the weekend.

Looking forward for it and also for some photography.
But yes, we do miss the lovely view from the older apartment of the River Bed and the calm waves as one would wake up. That was the best, which not even in Goa, I could ever experience. Will put up some snaps soon.

Basket Ball Match

2009-06-12T08:40:00.001+05:30

Went to see a basket ball match today here in Uruguay. It was my colleagues son playing and it was a treat to see them play. Nothing short of pure entertainment, and making feel the game look so easy and seamless. Such good passing and wonderful baskets.

It was a welcome change.

Its getting colder here day by day. Need to pick up somemore warm clothings, and any plans to go out are simply out of the way.

Punte Del Este

2009-06-08T20:00:00.000+05:30

From PuntaDelEste

Punte Del Este - Clear Skies

2009-06-08T19:59:00.001+05:30

From PuntaDelEste

Fingers in the Sand

2009-06-08T19:22:00.000+05:30

From PuntaDelEste

Punta Del Este

2009-06-08T19:21:00.001+05:30

From PuntaDelEste