Different Strokes...

Resuming my weekend breaks - from royal Rajasthan

2010-04-10T23:18:00.003+06:00

This one is definitely about forts and palaces...What if it was on a day with soaring temperatures...Travel is something that sets up a new rush of energy within me...:)..Hope to have more of lonely planet trips this year !!

African street (colour) scape !

2010-04-10T23:14:00.002+06:00

To the unknown artist who continues to be my inspiration.....

2010-01-10T23:18:00.005+06:00

A very happy new year to all of you!! Last few months have been quite hectic at work. Coupled with the city relocation, it has cut down my free time drastically. And as the saying goes: All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl....:(

So here am I....After a gap of almost three months, I have earned myself a "free" weekend. For me there are literally a few escapades...a movie with a friend, long drive out of the city, book by a bedside or theatre...None of this seemed actually possible in a single day...So I wiped out the dust from my camera lens and set out for the prey...

Here I come across an advertisement – “Craftroots – Gujarat’s grassroots”

I am not a very big fan of exhibitions - No...I am really not the haggling types customer, who wants to buy everything at a cheap price....I am one of those quiet observant, who craves for colour, art and expressions for my lens. This time, I had to try something different. I decided to give a shot at behind the scene photography...It's comparatively easy to appreciate creation, beauty and neat work...Nevertheless, sometimes, it makes more sense to dig a little deeper and unleash the hard work, toil and the discipline that goes in to creating a piece of art...So here it is...

It is inspirational for me to dirty my hands with work, hard work and more work to leave a piece of perfect art behind...

Dedicated to the unknown artist who continues to be my inspiration....and inspires me through his colour, design and discipline in the day to day life...

Loose Foundations

2009-10-30T00:46:00.003+06:00

My eyes are fixed on these lines...I have been reading through again and again, pinching myself to check in case this is real...Yes it is indeed...The foundations are loose and the fans have been cheated..Though I don’t know how many times and in what ways????

“Agassi, one of the world’s greatest players, admits in his autobiography to testing positive for methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug crystal”....

And it does not end here: The champion, now 39, also says he has always secretly hated playing tennis and lived in fear of his bad tempered and violent father. In a posting on People’s website, Agassi says “he was worried for a moment, but not for long,” about how fans would react if they found out he used the drug. “I wore my heart on my sleeves and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story,” Agassi says.

Eight grand slams and an autobiography of revelations in full glory – I am sure there are more skeletons dropping from the closet with the release of complete autobiography on 9th November.

Welcome to the world of sport – one that boasts of die hard competition, passion and discipline. Is there any truth left in the claims? I wonder how a champion goes to grave after cheating zillions of fans and living a life so pretentious!!

And this is not the end...Read through the reactions coming up :

"It's going to make Andre Agassi even richer. This is going to help him sell his book, which is why he wrote it," Grabowski said.

Agassi reportedly received at least $5 million for the book; the first printing is a half-million copies, a relatively high number in publishing.

"His book will probably sell. It seems very interesting, to say the least," seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams said Wednesday after playing at the WTA Championships in Doha, Qatar. "But what am I supposed to say about Andre's life? I can't really say anything."

(Photo: telegraph.co.uk)

Nature - Inspiration at its best !!

2009-06-26T11:14:00.002+06:00

I look back to count the most inspirational moments of life.. And I cannot stop thinking about the dew drops, simple flowers, blue sky, cool breeze and the life sounds echoing in my ears...Appearing as they are !! No pretensions !!

Unfounded Fear

2009-06-04T17:16:00.008+06:00

When I was asked to visit Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as usual my excitement was manifold. However it did not last long. Multiple security clearances and field safety exercises (on first aid, terrorist attacks, hijacking, landmines, trauma counseling) laid down in the arduous tests and clearance process dissolved my enthusiasm to the hilt. Finally, I got through the paper work and was ready to travel.

Excitement and fear mixed in equal proportion in my mind for a country under Phase I security conditions. (this is a phase categorized based on security and political conditions existing in countries). It essentially means, choose a secured hotel, don’t spend too much time in lobbies, prefer rooms near elevators/fire exits, avoid unnecessary travel in city, avoid crowded places and restaurants –coffee shops, remain in constant touch with security focal points etc.etc). With no choice I gave up and decided to stay indoors!! What happened in next few days laid down the foundation for my sincere appreciation of the principles of freedom, stability, peace and security.I t further reinforced the value of carefree life in the streets, the sense of brotherhood, openness and gender equality that is essential for our way of life.

After a tiring journey, I land at Queen Aila airport, small and confined. As I go through the immigration and exchange my notes. Several thoughts cross my mind. I cannot wait till I get the clearance stamped on the passport. I drive through the highway to the capital city - Amman. I see sporadic buildings by the roadside, barren landscapes, beautiful bungalows in local white stone, but no sign of Life!! How many times have I cribbed about Indian practices of hanging necks and clothes out of their balconies, peeping in to neighbor’s balcony, gossiping about kids, ration prices and other women? As an architect, it spoils my façade. Now I felt, it actually gave life to all those homes. Here it was like isolated houses devoid of any human activity. But, I must admit the houses were beautiful, gardens neat, straight out of the fairy tales!!

The nooks and corners of all highways / roads are guarded by small teams of army men in jeeps with rocket launchers, hand grenades, AK 47 and a lot of stuff that I have never seen. As I foodie and street food enthusiastic, I am keen observer of road side food stalls. Here it was only guns stuck out of the check points!! Enough to scare the life out of me!! I wonder how they (arms and ammunition with neat army men) could be so entertaining in action packed movies. While in real life, they had a deep psycho impact that screamed fear.

I enter the city and realize there are hardly any people on streets, only cars with pulled dark glasses that ply through the roads. Just a minute, no women on streets!! It was just my driver who was trying to lure me to visit the cosmetic shops, (that make creams which claim goodness of Dead sea water) which assured me that women exist in this part of the world!! Finally, I was able to see some women behind the steering wheels on my way.

However, I must admit the streets are clean, traffic is orderly without honking and people are soft and mild. I check in to my hotel, call back home and colleagues, who have religiously asked me to be in touch at every major arrival and departure.

For the next few hours, I peep through the large French window trying to figure out the parking lot and the city. The room is cozy, food up to the mark and bed perfect. I read through the hotel city guides and stuff googled about the city, its culture and local practices. It doesn’t seem convincing. The light fades out and I cannot anymore see through the window. Its only the hundreds lights that spread up to infinity with soft arabic tunes playing on my tv set in the background.

I want to scream “Will someone please let me out?” But I blabber softly. I have to start early tomorrow morning. I better switch off my lights and try to get some sleep! (to be continued)

Blessed Morning !

2009-04-13T17:42:00.006+06:00

I had often heard it from other travelers. Decided to give it a try.....A 1600 kms long journey through the fertile coastal coconut land of Kerela deported me to the southern most tip of India - Kanyakumari !!

And this is what I caught !! There is something in the morning air that enlivens your soul & immerses you completely in itself !! The sunrise experience - that is too personal to put in to words...So let my pictures speak to you !!

Kanyakumari is also synonymous to the great legend Vivekananda, in whose memory that Vivekananda rock has been erected. Let me quote a few lines from the legend who enlightened not only a nation but the world with his incomparable wisdom:

"All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction.
Love is therefore the only law of life.
He who loves lives, he who is selfish is dying.
Therefore love for love's sake,
because it is law of life, just as you breathe to live.

- Swami Vivekananda

(ps: all pictures taken from sunrise point at Vivekanandapuram)

2009-04-08T13:03:00.001+06:00

Some places have the serenity and glamour to immediately register in your sub conscious mind. Like this one – German Bakery at Kovalam beach in Kerela. Hope will be able to go their again, sit before the vast canvass of calm sea and lie idle for hours. Till then the memories will suffice!

2009-04-08T12:42:00.001+06:00

She was at an arm’s length from me, walking along the shore silently. My eyes followed her, wondering the calmness in her so alien to her age.

After walking a long way, she suddenly dropped herself down and with a free fall sat down splashing in the waves that kissed the shore.

Not to mention that it inspired me as well, to shed my things and splash with her. But only after I captured her unconditional joy in my lens!

Apun ka Bollywood...

2008-12-03T16:10:00.004+06:00

Have I ever told you that I am complete movie maniac? Yup, I am hooked to this form of media and am committed to spend my weekends over it. I have written about it in my previous posts over here and here. Nothing can match the experience of watching a movie on the big screen…..But hey, do watch out for the times when the hall breaks out in to laughter and you are wondering on what’s so (twice so) funny??? Yes it happened with me in Dostana, Jaane tu ya jaane na, 1920 and many more movies…Or when you are not concentrating on the short skirt / bare chest on screen (John proves it again and again in Dostana) and want to delve in the seriousness of the situation, the whistling wont stop

Coming to the point, our favorite, Bollywood had a close to 125 releases this year and quite a few interesting subjects were touched upon by our directors. (I managed to see most of them) The trend was set perfectly by 2007’s (last) release “Taare Zameen Pe” that challenged the heights of socially relevant and insightful subjects being introduced by the sensitive film makers. My personal credits go to following four releases in 2008 that caught my attention due to one or the other reason:

Dasvidanya
The last Lear
Welcome to Sajjanpur
Rock On

All the above four movies, reinstall the faith that Bollywood has still not lost its creativity or magic touch. Surprisingly, all of them have a common trait exhibited by the protagonist. It is easy to relate to him (yes it’s “him”…where are the feminists!) and somewhere draw a reference to your mundane (I mean not so filmy) life.

Whether it is Amar in Dasvidaniya or the friends group in Rock On, they rediscover the zeal to live their dreams and complete their wish list (before the movie ends)! It is difficult to believe that Davidaniya has been shot by a debutante director and it seems he has been successful in using Amar (Vinay Pathak) to recreate Amol Palekar on screen. The music is soothing and creative (check out lyrics by Kailash Kher). The actors (with almost no make up) and scenes shot to recreate mundane Mumbai life make it more realistic.

It is good to experience the youthful touch of rock on with some refreshing music and lyrics. The script is neat and engages with nicely woven intercepts of songs. I have also included “Welcome to Sajjanpur” in the above list because I feel; Shyam Benegal has creatively touched the total aspects of rural India, whether it is Panchayati raj, gender – caste issues, sexuality or superstitions. The film serves an excellent orientation package to students of development studies and delivers the message in an entertaining manner. Shreyas Talpade as usual lives up to your expectations and it is Ila Arun, who calls you for a hearty laugh!

On the other hand, “The Last Lear” serves the appetite of drama watchers in Bollywood and AB leaves a dramatic impression of a theater geek in love with Shakespeare. The supporting cast Preity Zinta, Shefali and Arjun Rampal have delivered as expected in the given roles. The show stealer is beyond doubt AB. This movie might be a little off track for people who do not enjoy theatre, but for me it was an absolute delight!

I end my post with hearty congratulations to above teams, who have presented some incredible and creative work for ardent followers of Indian Cinema..Long live Bollywood !

60 hours and still bleeding...

2008-12-01T16:22:00.003+06:00

Shock, terror, anger, rage, despair, helplessness……. are a few terms that describe an urban Indian’s mindset since the terror struck Mumbai! There are several reasons to lash at media/news channels for their lust to compete for live footage or run after the hostages to capture live testimonies. But I also feel, they must be also applauded to deliver the magnitude of terror and loss caused by the strikes directly in to our living rooms. I am sure this helps to comprehend the violence and insecurity that has become an inseparable part of our lives. It is time for our kids to know that they have inherited a world out bursting with hatred, violence and vengeance. Things are not going to be fine anytime soon and they have struggle their way through this hazy maze!

No words are enough to depict the bloody battle faced by Mumbai in the last 60 hours. Several talk shows and interviews have talked about action. However disappointingly, the all party meet called by the PM immediately after the attacks throws up little hope in absence of a concrete work plan to implement it. Seems like another populist measure that the UPA intends to save its face till the next elections. Mr. Advani kept away from the all party meeting, a gesture that sends the message strongly, both Congress & BJP have little capacity and intentions to act on the recent crisis! It also seems leftists have disappeared completely from the scene. They are more comfortable sounding anti America slogans and lashing at nuclear deals that addressing issues of internal security and governance.

I thank god for the morality shown by Mr. Shivraj Patil & R R Patil to acknowledge the failure and step down from their respective positions. It is too much to expect from Vilasrao Deshmukh, who did not restrain from inviting Ramgopal Verma for his visit to Taj to review the damages! Similarly for Milind Deora, the MP from South Mumbai, who dared not to open fire at Dehmukh at the several security lapses that occurred in his tenure?

I don’t think there is a political solution to this problem. Terrorism in a issue beyond just security and has to address socio-economic concerns and political relations at global level. What is clear is that solution cannot be achieved by impotent rage of shouting at few politicians and calling for talk shows. This definitely calls on for a larger civil movement that can uproot the system that has been rotten by generations of lethargy, negligence and indifference. I hope we can gather this movement in our lifetime or at least we can hope to gather courage like the few men who fought it from front and left back stories of their valor and bravery!

I GOOGLED....

2008-11-20T17:03:00.004+06:00

I was surprised at the efficiency of my colleague who quickly gathered the history of the “person in discussion”. I was baffled and asked him, how he managed to do that.

“I Googled”, he replied. And I was dumbfounded.

Googled – what on the earth does this mean? Simple – he used search engine “Google” and because he did it some time back, (past tense) and he proudly pronounced “ I GOOGLED “

On a more serious note, I am wondering if for a day all of us stopped “GOOGLING”, what would happen? Scary thought, isn’t it!

Simple, my boss would be furious over me for not producing even a single report and would GOGGLE at me for being useless….

Come on, now that’s what we researchers call it as “web research”. Welcome to the Information age, where a handful of repositories of knowledge control the world, your beliefs, profiles and your phone numbers…Truly global, isn’t it?

(PS: With no malice towards “Google” owners. This particular thought occurred to me while analyzing modern knowledge control systems as a part of my study on Participatory research)

Are we learning ?

2008-11-19T11:13:00.003+06:00

(this post was written on 5th November, 2008)

Welcome to the global world! The essential nature of globalization is evident by the enthusiasm shown by Indian households to switch on their television sets at 5 am on 5^th November and eagerly look at the US presidential election exit poll results. Yes it has been a historic election for the world as Obama sweeps clear majority - the first African American President. Whether it is his ancestral village in Kenya or a techie office in India, all eyes has been set on the electoral outcome. Not to mention the world markets that react positively immediately after Democrat’s majority.

Having followed the process with enthusiasm for some time, there is a lot for India (and other democracies) to learn at least from this entire process of campaigning and conducting the election. Here are a couple of things that caught my appreciation till the Election Day:

# The way both the candidates have designed their campaigns clearly shows an agenda to reach out to the common masses and sell their idea of change. Gone are the days when rallies used to be the only ways of addressing your vote bank. Both the candidates have tried to establish a more personal contact till the last day. Here is an excerpt:

Post from Amy Hamblin's Blog:

A Record Number of Calls Made: Calling Has Ended

By Amy Hamblin - Nov 4th, 2008 at 10:41 pm EST

We're still awaiting the final results tonight, but one thing is clear -- this grassroots movement can never be underestimated. Thank you to everyone who helped us make an astounding 1,053,791 calls today! I know it wasn't easy and many of you kept calling long after you were tired and your voice had grown hoarse, but your calls to get our supporters out the polls helped tip the scales in key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Ohio.

We've shut down our calling campaigns for the night, incredibly proud of the record amount of calls made today. You gave it your all and we couldn't have asked for more.

Thank you again for everything you've done. You've been with Barack Obama every step of this journey. This is your night.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

# In the presidential debates several socio-economic issues like health education, housing, employment, pension schemes, gay marriages etc figure as points of debate. It is interesting to see how Obama has used his community organization skills to reach out to American households and convert it in to votes.

# For me from distance, it seems the process has been designed as highly user friendly. Take a look at this link at Obama’s website that guides the voter to his/her voting location. Even the election commissioner

# The exit polls brought out have been fairly accurate. The types of variables analyzed by the current exit polls are impressive. I feel India has lot to learn to improve its exit poll process and bring in the desired efficiency.

# Finally Senator Obama’s victory speech at Chicago Park – I am sure this night will be historic for Democratic governance and will set forth numerous possibilities to our age.

With major state elections scheduled in India this and next month, I hope someone is learning…While I am writing this, I see news flowing in with a good percentage of voter turn out in J & K...Thumbs up..But guess what...Back home, I have still not received my voter's id card in spite of several visits to local election office...

Wall Street Freefall

2008-10-13T11:30:00.011+06:00

Last few weeks have been devoted extensively to Wall Street trauma. The much awaited $700-bn bailout out package was recently cleared by the US. While some are skeptical that it will help in restoring the down trailing economy, some see it as temporary way of easing the worsening pain. The bailout has beyond doubt failed to restore confidence in investors and crisis continues to spread across the continents.

Undoubtedly, the current economic crisis has seen many trickle down effects. Downsizing, layoffs, hopelessness, suicides etc.are some of the aftermaths of the bloody battle at Wall Street. One of the news pieces that shocked me is here.

The recent G7 meeting has tried to send some positive signals to investors worldwide. However in spite of all this, it is clear that the system worldwide will need some time to stabilize. And while developing world has enjoyed the glamour of globalization, it is now the time to bear the brunt.It has already been announced that Indian GDP will moderate and slip down further. Indian markets have already responded in panic. While it may be difficult to establish a direct relation, I guess the trickle down effects in India will be subtle and definite!Some of the effects that I find interesting (not in any hierarchical order) on this Global crisis include:

1) Meltdown matters: Economics Nobel no easy pick (read here)

2) Global crisis to affect India’s credit card issuance (read here)

3) India not insulated from global crisis: Nath (read here)

However some convincing optimistic articles are here:

1) Why India stands largely insulated from global financial crisis (read here)

2008-10-06T12:51:00.002+06:00

The Singur issue has been dominating media headlines for quite some time. While the debate and negotiations featured, I was convinced that it will set a trend for a healthy developmental debate and set path for several developmental projects to come...

However, I am dissapointed. Tata's finally decided to move out dream Nano project out of Singur. While this has sent out negative vibes to many industries waiting to set foot in Bengal, it is also a set back for the civil society groups that have failed to work out a middle path that can beenfit all. What is bothering me is following:

Is there a way to consider interests of all varied groups in developmental projects?

If not, I doubt if India can develop and propagate a common developmental agenda for its diverse groups. This essentially means that divide between rich and poor will continue to grow further in the coming years. Civil society groups will continue targeting capitalists for profiteering and capitalists will loose ground to cater to social objectives of equality, employment and rural development.

I wonder if it really makes sense for any of the groups. But yes, it definitely makes sense for Mamta Banerjee who's political career has managed some sensational vibes ! Thanks to Singur !

Stone Language !

2008-09-11T12:19:00.005+06:00

The subject, I hated most during my Architecture days was beyond doubt “History of Architecture”. Our smart teachers used to proudly announce before the lunch break that post lunch will comprise of “Sketching” session for the subject “History of Architecture”. That was enough for half of students to bunk the post lunch session. Rest of us filled ourselves with heavy meals just to be able to doze off in the sketching session and pretend sharpening our sets of HB, 2B pencils. A few of us blindly copied the motifs cramming the styles of Architecture and benevolent rulers who promoted the art. I managed to pass my subjects; declaring the motifs, art forms will never create any little interest in me.

Eight years down the line, I have proved myself wrong! (Life, I guess is always about challenging, changing and devastating your beliefs and replacing them by new ones!!!). It happened when I visited Sun Temple at Konark (Orissa). The poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: "here the language of stone surpasses the language of man."

The temple takes the form of the chariot of Surya (Arka), the sun god, and is heavily decorated with stone carving. The entire complex was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels. The entrance is guarded by two lions, which are each shown crushing a war elephant. Each elephant in turn lies on top of a human body. The temple symbolises the majestic stride of the Sun god. Its all in stone, live in front of your eyes…… Most of the architects today will find it difficult to even sketch it, forget build it!

Each motif has a story, an anecdote, a story related to it….With my jaws dropped, I listened carefully to each and every word coming out of my guide’s mouth….This fellow (a local guide) toured us for one hour narrating the history, background and the significance of motifs carved in stone…..He spoke broken English in between, a skill he might have developed to cater to foreign tourists…We gave him undivided attention listening to all his details….When we left it was a great feeling…to be lucky enough to see this magnificent piece of Architecture and proud to be able to appreciate the art…

As I got back in my car, a though crossed my mind… Only if he had coached me in the college days… I hope my history teachers are not reading this….

2008-09-09T17:49:00.003+06:00

I take off from Hyderabad airport – spacious, lavish and flamboyant and land at Bhubaneswar – small confined and claustrophobic. Bhubaneswar streets are wide open, with slow moving traffic and almost no air movement. Humidity sticks you. The slow moving traffic, low pace and a few people on the roads hardly present any attractions on my drive to the hotel…With nothing to think or see, mind games vanish and doze off…Thanks to the recent developments, the roads are carpeted finely with tar and enable a smooth ride through the city…And from no where I arrive at this huge concrete 10 floor building that represents mundane neo architecture that almost tears through the traditions of the land….This is one face of Bhubaneswar – like any other small time urban towns…

The next day, I take out my map and draw a travel route through the city…As I drive, I discover a different face of the city – narrow streets….lush green….temple complexes sprung up every 200 mts....Shikhars reaching for the sky….

I choose to share through my pictures…Fortunately the beauty does not require any description and talks for itself…Surprisingly it fails to inspire the modern architects / builders of the city… To a passer by the place and its ornate architecture is full of inspiration and joy!

Some colour for my lens!

2008-04-15T11:59:00.004+06:00

Recently, I visited an arts village to capture some colour for my lens. Here is what I was able to lay my hands on ! Neatly coloured terracotta and ceramic objects neatly arranged to woo the customer. Name a colour, motif and form and you will find it there! Amazing maze of creative pursuits!

North and South brought together !

2008-04-14T12:44:00.005+06:00

Sunday evening was special. Hyderabad experienced Jugalbandi of two singers, Hindustani musician Shubha Mudgal and Carnatic vocalist Bombay Jayashri. The duo is lavishly applauded for the breath taking jugalbandi performance in various parts of India. Now it was turn of Hyderabad. The hall was jam packed with youngsters, old aunts and uncles and even children to catch coordination of power packed women! Shubha was accompanied by Anees Pradhan on the tabla and Sudhir Nayak on the harmonium, while Bombay Jayasri with Embar Kannan on the violin and Poongulum Subrahmaniam on the mridangam. Here is a detailed analysis of their duo performance (including their styles and ragas) for music critics, but for me it was an exhilarating performance.

I would like to specially mention Anees and Subrahmaniam’s coordination that left the audience mesmerized.

Bright Morning !

2008-04-11T16:32:00.002+06:00

The night before, it had rained heavily for hours. Occasionally, in between the thunders seemed to convey the anger of “Rain Gods”. One could feel the breeze rattling through the open window panes and guzzling through the house.

This morning the sky is clear and full of bright clouds. They are arranged to form a beautiful mosaic of white, murky formless objects.

In the background, I can hear “Aadat” by Atif Aslam. He’s such a darling and the time he reaches the climax of his song; all the clouds sway in a fashion that matches his pitch. Here are a handful of clouds that I could collect for all of you.

With love - for Anne

2008-04-11T16:26:00.002+06:00

I just completed “Diary of a young Girl” by Anne Frank. It is a simple yet profound compilation of letters by Anne Frank during World War II. It describes her experiences in hiding at “Secret Annexe” along with 7 others during the Nazi occupation of Holland. There have been several stories of human faith, bravery and struggles, but nothing has moved me like this.

It is easy to relate to Anne’s deeper thoughts and the first thing that strikes me is “Why not make it a compulsory reading for middle schools in India? Throughout our education, the teachers make several attempts to stuff us with facts and figures of history, which are usually crammed by students to reproduce without analysis. I till date regret missing the deeper linkages to those history lessons. I must admit that all the facts that supported the Nazis autocracies have failed to make the impact on mind and soul. But this one made it in a single stroke.

A young girl’s common experience during her youth about friends, love and dreams become profound due to the existing political situation and make it easy for the reader to identify with the grave situation. A must read for all those budding young minds who wish to delve deeper on lessons of compassion, brotherhood and human rights! And for me, I wish I get an opportunity to visit the Anne Frank museum to pay my tribute to the courageous woman!

2008-04-04T17:58:00.001+06:00

Some fences are simply adorable !

2008-04-04T17:54:00.000+06:00

Getting my macros right !

2008-04-04T17:50:00.001+06:00

Forest talk

2008-03-28T17:17:00.003+06:00

I am a forest lover and ardent admirer of natural environment. This time I was lucky to get the privilege of driving through Melghat Tiger Reserve (located on southern offshoot of the Satpura Hill Range in Central India). It is a prime habitat of the tiger. The forest is Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, dominated by teak. The Reserve is a catchment area for five major rivers all of which are tributaries of the river Tapti. The northeastern boundary of the Reserve is marked by the Tapti river. There is no habitation in the core area but some tribal villages in the reserve, buffer zone and multiple use area.

As we drove through the tourist route predominantly used for wildlife followers, all we could feel were the dry leaves hissing in the hot wind and thirst rivulets and streams. For a couple of minutes we stopped. All man made sounds terminated and there was a complete silence. I wanted to think something but my mind was blank. Could not think of any ramblings and went blank! It felt so close to that Nirvana state!!

After thoughts

2008-03-28T16:49:00.003+06:00

I) There exists a galore of literature on planning, management and goal setting. The world is inundated with theories, practices and success stories of people working to make their destinies. Conditioned to this environment, I also had been an ardent follower of “Do or Die” philosophy for some time in Life.

II) I recently completed “A thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseni. I don’t remember when was the last time I wept or was highly touched by fiction work. But Hosseni made me weep in the climax, when Mariam sacrifices her life so that Laila could build a little world of her own in the new Afghanistan! Mariam and Laila are two different characters that are brought together by mere circumstances in the second half of the story line. Threatened by each other’s presence, both of them slowly develop an intimate bond that weaves rest of the storyline around their affection tales.

The end may seem a little dramatic to some readers but it set me thinking what determines the circumstances in which characters of this novel were born. What determines the context, family, environment and thoughts that rule an individual’s life? For Mariam, it was sheer destiny that she was born as an illegitimate child of Jalil and Nana, in war torn country and as a female! Her marriage to Rasheed leads to a series of unfortunate events that end with her life. I thank Hosseni for creating Mariam and Laila who make me ask the following questions:

Is an individual’s life a series of events that have been scripted out even before one is born? Are we mere players in hands of the software that has been embedded in to our spirits? If yes do we have the humility to accept it? Or we want to still continue with our trumpet that over emphasizes the word “I”.

2008-03-28T16:46:00.000+06:00

Last month was a little peculiar. I received a series of calls from my friends, each of who had quit or were about to quit their jobs. The reasons varied and all of them had called me to discuss reasons, prospects and trauma associated with their previous/ongoing jobs. But to my surprise all of them sounded similar. It left me baffled, how can so many of my friends go through similar problems at same time in life and call me at the same time!!!

The circumstances or complaints were matching in spite of different stages of their career or organizational dynamics or their expectations of an ideal work environment. All I did was to give a patient listening to each of them. Lately, some of them have started calling back informing me that things are changing with them. Again, what I did was smiled and listened patiently!! Sometimes it helps to be a patient listener.

No takers for the hatred politics !!

2008-02-05T12:13:00.000+06:00

Leading newspapers and television are reporting that the recent incidents of Mumbai have uplifted the roots of Cosmopolitan spirit and put the entire country to disgrace. Having spent a considerable time in this city, the memories I carry are of 26th July 2005 - the terrible Tuesday that brought loss of lives, economy and loved ones. But at the same time also reinstated the spirit of “humanity” in the city – A city that is better known for its “survival of fittest” strategy.

Never in my life, have I seen such a poignant effort by people to help each other and come out of the trauma. My house was flooded as well and I had to spend the night at a neighbors place and for the first time in my life, I felt what it means to be “homeless”. My architecture and planning school never instilled the compassion to experience the shame, disgrace and loss of dignity that several citizens have to face daily when they sleep without a roof over their heads, till I experienced Mumbai !

So today, it is difficult to come to terms that Mumbai’s cosmopolitan spirit is a lie! Indeed it is not. It is a political gimmick of handful of people who are trying hard to regain political vote banks for power. Let me tell you that the common – Marathi manus is least interested in this vengeance. Mumbai undoubtedly is the home to the taxiwalas, dabbawals, and the street vendors who continue to serve the city 24 X 7 and make it the economic magnet! It belongs to the people who for years have filled its swampy marshes and replaced them with the firm foundation to hold gigantic structures! Or to those who hang on to the speeding train compartments because the show must go on! To those who come for a short time, make a fortune and remain indebted to the city for their lives! Mumbaikar has learnt the hard way and is definitely not interested in cheap politics.

HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY !

2008-01-28T15:15:00.000+06:00

This time, I happened to attend Republic day celeberations in a small school in Hyderabad. It was a little difficult to leave my bed or Sarcozy's speech (include Bruni's attaraction) on the chilly morning, but I managed. I think, it was worth it.

The school is run with the help of private donations and caters to approximately 350 children of labour (stone cutters ) families. The mid day meal scheme attracts the children of nearby localities who otherwise are unable to afford the same given their economic conditions. I was told that there is a public school in the vicinity, but children and their families do not prefer it. Reason I was given is the lack of interest by teachers to retain the students and harsh punishments. This school had full attendance, with girls and boys in almost equal proportions. I could see that the teachers were patient with the kids.

It set me thinking, the challenges facing our country are immense, but at the same time, the energy required to tackle them is in abundance! The way these children performed was amazing...And I earned hundreds of smiles - with every bright face smiling back to my camera!!

Lets pledge that we can assure basic services (including education, health) and a dignified life to every child in our country irrespective of his/her economic and social background!

S-C-K-L* Blabber……

2008-01-23T16:26:00.000+06:00

I am otherwise a very organized and a result oriented person. (at least that is what the internet personality tests reveal and my professional colleagues believe). For half of my life span (considering a modest human life span) I have done extremely meaningful things to achieve goals, aspirations and dreams. Every time leaving an empty feeling when you finally achieve the desired thing… And the circle continues…

Exhausted by the limited possibilities above option offers, for some time now I have turned out to new options… less meaningful things…. Things you do just for the sake of doing it, with no pre conceived results and notions attached to it…

As a part of this initiative the S-C-K-L blabber was born - Extensive 1 hour (lunch time is strictly restricted in our office premises) of blabbering at our Adda (picture attached) for more than one year now, we are the subject experts on blabbering’s…. Subjects vary from politics, human life, relationships, spirituality, societal norms, gold prices & of course our sweet Shreya (one year old princess)….The one hour of blabber gives us enough tonic to looking for meaning in rest 8 hours of day….

There’s only one song that can echo my feelings about this blabber group… ‘Dil Chahta Hai” title song over here

* S, C, K & L appear confident (otherwise confused) Indian adults who till now have been good girls and followed the conventions societal norms without questioning why… And after we came together as a group, we have questioned and deliberated on all the possibilities offered by the human life!!

A day to remember - Justice prevails !

2008-01-22T11:06:00.000+06:00

She survived the alleged mass massacre at Devgarh Baria village in Gujarat on March 3 2002. BILKIS SPEAKS ''The courage of my truth saw me through. The judgement has finally meant some closure to a long and very painful journey. Many wounds will never heal but I am stronger today, and for that I am thankful.'' "Nobody would be able to deny that sexual violence was perpetrated against women in Gujarat during the riots." ''The State and its officials who emboldened, encouraged, and protected the criminals who destroyed life during the riots still remain free and unblemished." ''It was their job to protect me. The battle I have won today gives me strength for the much larger and perhaps longer struggle, which lies ahead.'' "I could not have made the six-year-long painful and fearful journey alone. I am grateful to the NHRC and the Supreme Court which transferred my case to Maharashtra." ''This judgement does not mean the end of hatred but it does mean that somewhere, somehow justice can prevail.'' "I and my family members are still living in fear. It is the duty of the Gujarat government to assure us of safety." "The frequent flip-flop of Zahira Sheikh has hurt the fight of innocent victims of Gujarat riots and has brought a bad name to the community."

Faces

2007-11-05T15:47:00.000+06:00

The above compedium is a tribute to Indian rural masses. The picture collection was developed from my project site visit to Orchha (Jhansi) in November 2007. (Pl. click to enlarge) With 70% of population residing in villages, occasional visits to such places offer a tough test to our development pardigms. I hope the pictures help us to relate back to reality of our people and motivates us to work better.

On foot - in Hyderabad

2007-10-29T17:28:00.001+06:00

In the last few months, I have grown passionate about “Long walks” by the Hyderabad roads. Not all the roads are spacious enough to pursue this, but some (the one featured here) are awesome. The following stretches are on my favourite list:

1) From film nagar to Jubilee check post
2) From KBR park to Madhapur (via check post)

3) Necklace road

The first two stretches run parallel to KBR Park, which is an excellent central park that helps the city breathe and houses some amazing walkways inside it. Needless to mention it is a humble abode to thousands of flora and fauna in midst of expanding urban activity. The third stretch "Necklace road" is the periphery to the lake.

The lighting and wind on these routes are perfect and walkways comfortable. I have walked kilometers, sometimes with friends and at times alone. The perfect time to walk is early morning (6 to 7 am) or just around sunset (6 to 7 pm). For music lovers, it is best to have your ipod on the walk, and for others the sound of the passing vehicles provides the musical backdrop. With hardly any walkers on this road, the path is obstacle free to walk through.

Besides you can get yourself a few moments of solace and fesh air! On the path are a couple of low lighted restaurants/coffee shops, where you can take a shot break to rejuvenate. A good change from occasional beach walks or forest treks!

2007-10-29T16:43:00.001+06:00

I was searching for my Italian restaurant with a couple of friends on a Saturday night when we lost our way and bumped in to this store. What attracted us is the letter “Organic” on its sign board. From outside, the lighting was perfect with neat racks and quiet ambience. (Ok let me admit, for singles like us, there is enough time in life for hunting new stores, products and trying out new restaurants!)

The store houses organic food stuff like a number of organically grown cereals, pulses, vegetables and snacks (yes you read it right!!). For a foodie, nothing is more rejuvenating that an evening spent hunting right kinds of food stuff and healthy recipes. But to be a little more candid, I am bored with the American corn and corn flakes dominating the Indian market as only notions of “healthy food”. I was a little surprised when I recently picked up a pack of soybean granules manufactured in South Africa at a local food shop!

I guess Indian foods and products have sufficient variety and nutrition that suit well to the Indian climate and taste good. So what makes it difficult to brand Indian food as healthy recipes and sell it to the people? Marketing – Yes you read it right, we need the right kind of food to be packed well and sold with details on its nutritional value.

So when you blend traditional Indian food items in an organic backdrop, the demand definitely overgrows. Organic food has a bright future to elimination nutritional problems and creating a healthy food market nationally & internationally. Besides it also gets our farmers rid from chemicals that have been overused to get high and fast yields.

But what I fear is that organic food market should not become a sector for elite class. In fact the correct strategy would be perpetuating it to the grassroots and train our farmers to mass produce and ensure proper subsidies for organic food. This is how we can ensure health food market and self sufficiency for all in the country.

Love made simple - Sai Paranjpe style

2007-10-29T15:52:00.000+06:00

When it comes to Indian cinema, I am without doubt an ardent follower of “Parallel” cinema. I also follow documentaries and comedy, but romance and action are a strict no for the Indian category. I leave aside action and romance for the English titles. Thanks to Indian censor board, we are miles away from presenting attractive romance to the audience.

While I will be talking about some of my all time favorites of Parallel cinema, I start with my recent experience of watching “Chashme Baddoor”. ( i have already watched it 10 times) Directed by Sai Paranjpe in 1981, the film has a simple plot of three young men sharing a room in Delhi and not to mention in search for the “Lady of their life”. The USP of the film is also presence of actors like Faroque Sheikh, Deepti Naval and Saeed Jafri, who have rarely failed to appeal to their audience with their simplicity and intense acting. The film is shot in easily recognizable locations of Delhi and not to mention the music that has perfect timing and is woven well.

What you take back is a lighter feeling and some feel good moments from the film. Quite in contrast to today’s movies which fail to impress/ soothe the mind in spite of hefty budgets costly locations, over done make up of protagonists and loud music!

(ps: My suggestions to people who are thinking on remake of the classic with Kareena in the lead role, is to avoid it. There is no way Kareena can match up to the charm and the glamour of Deepti who is a school in itslef)

Time out

2007-10-26T11:10:00.000+06:00

Certain things/moments come across very powerfully in life and shake you instantly. A similar thing happened on my recent weekend drive with a couple of friends to a nearby wilderness. We had no intention of visiting this place, but we saw a small sign board and thought to give it a try. Following around 9 kms of muddy road we landed to this place. Throughout the road, we were not sure what we are up to! But I guess it was worth it.

We spent some time at this spot. It set me thinking, the best things in life are natural – by itself, not attracting attention or making loud noise. Just existing to enjoy be themselves. One needs to have the desire and patience to explore them. Once you do, life is never the same. With a lot of effort, I dragged myslef back to my urbane life, but with a handful of liveliness and bliss to be with me till I come back.

@ 19,000 - Book some, keep some – Don’t worry if you have none!

2007-10-16T12:41:00.000+06:00

This is the advice for all the retail investors whose hearts are throbbing at the latest “bull run” in the Indian stock market. No wonder, all the news channels carry detailed stories on the sensex and what it means. Happy faces, CEOs, brokers and Aam Aadmi who has lately been obsessed with his demat accounts. FM, Chidambaram as he said in the HT summit, the sensex at times surprises him and at times worries him. His advice is simple- don’t invest entire savings in stock market. The spur in the Asian markets (including China) can also be addressed to more foreign investments flowing in these markets. Not to forget the terrorism angle of heavy investments in the market.

With only 4% of the Indians investing heavily and directly in the stock market, for the rest, companies are trying to sell the mutual funds.

For the 4% money makers, the dilemma is buy, sell or hold. But for rest 90% it’s earning daily bread and listening to never ending debates on news channels that hardly represent their concerns. But remember India is shining amidst lowering sex ratio, school drop outs, farmer suicides and terrorist strikes. No wonder Adi Godrej, favors LPG (liberalization, privatization and globalization) to make the Bull Run even faster.

Nothing like a Fable !

2007-10-16T11:10:00.000+06:00

Finally, last night, I watched “Blue Umbrella” by Vishal Bhardawaj. Very few movies like this one hit the Indian screens (earlier one was Makdee by the same director) and my heartiest congratulations to Vishal for daring to give us a high end cinema. The film provides complete health entertainment for children and several poignant moments for elders. A must see for all families who are raising kids and finding it hard to expose them to meaningful ideals and morals. Fable as it is, the Umbrella is used as a metaphor for greed, possessiveness and envy, which resides in all of us in some or other times. The simplicity with which the director puts across the message is rewardable. The film is set in rustic environment around Naldhera golf course and draws heavily from Ruskin bonds novella by the same name.

Aah, it made me remember those fairy tale days, when life was simple, straight forward with compassion, empathy and willingness to learn. A must see for all those who adore simple fables and can dig deeper to find the meaning of life!!

2007-10-12T17:00:00.000+06:00

I have been following disproportionate case again UP chief secretary Akhand Pratap Singh for sometime now. More than 100 bank accounts, 80 properties all over India, SUVs, investment in shares/debentures and gold fittings in bathrooms and gold plated ceiling fans….Finally CBI caught hold of the 60’s batch IAS officer in Delhi some time back.

Little did I hope that the enquiry will turn in to a Jeffery archer novel and the chief CBI cop inquiring the case will be found murdered somewhere... And yes under mysterious circumstances… Truth is murdered in this country everyday! Hats off to the cops who still work to keep it alive.

Die every day…

2007-10-12T16:12:00.000+06:00

It’s hardly that we came out of the Hyderabad massacre and another one is in the making. I got a series of calls/messages from friends, relatives and dear ones during the series of unfortunate events that struck Hyderabad in the last few months to check out if I am safe. I happened to be lucky. Lucky enough to be spared in the masjid blasts, park blasts, market blasts, flyover massacre and the hit and run cases.

Terrorist strikes like the recent ones at Hyderabad or at the Ajmer dargah gives a clear message from groups that are devoid of religion, country or mankind affiliations. They present idiosyncrasy behavior to create destruction. The common people face the brunt. We die everyday but we still pretend to find reasons to live another day. We create a web around us and till the time that web is safe, we tend to forget. Every time we are forced to constrain the web the make it more protected. What will it take for us to wake up? Till one’s safety web is broken by these acts, we continue to be numb.

What will it take for us to realize that enough is enough? We continue to survive in this web, waiting till the day this web is broken and we are permanently numb to react to it. What a life!

A new era of “intelligent and seductive feminism”

2007-10-11T18:12:00.000+06:00

I wanted to write this post immediately after 15 Park Avenue. But somehow it was on a backburner till I saw “Life in a metro”. Konkan Sensharma - this Sagittarian represents a new era of “intelligent and seductive feminism” and has already won her critics with a few titles on display. Konkana is at equal ease playing the Tamil girl in Mr & Mrs Iyer or the schizophrenic character in 15 Park Avenue. She intrigues me in her excellent chemistry with Irrfan Khan that drives the audience crazy.

So what drives this girl next door who is equally uncomfortable shaking her leg on the stage? I guess it’s an urge to present an effortless performance not looking to lure through toned body curves or conventional bombshell image. Konkana appeals to many viewers looking forward to sensible cinema and represents clear mindset of the Indian woman for whom the priorities have changed fast – probably over night. Kudos! I look forward to seeing more titles to your credit, something which I had deeply expected from Tabu a few years back.

Confession comes with disgrace

2007-10-11T12:30:00.000+06:00

Marion Jones confessions have once again brought disgrace to sports lovers. While it is difficult to predict, what actually boiled down the lady to confess at this stage, it is clear that there are no sympathy votes for her.

There are several such cases unexplored, unidentified or not confessed and remain hidden. But what comes out has to be dealt severely! If we were to dig a little deeper and reflect on what causes such incidents, probably Marion is little to be blamed. The pressure of reaching heights, standing out and winning has been persistent in all the sports & all spheres of life. It is extremely difficult to resist the temptation of joining the mad race and accept failure. But for the centuries to come, we continue to be the human race, which values winners and defies failure with disgrace. The number one position is always single and we will continue using it as a means to lure people to reach there at any cost. Not to mention, we will have more people like Jones who succumb to the pressure and stray away on the wrong path under their hefty ambitions. And they may not confess every time.

Democracy laboratry - The Gujarat Polls

2007-10-11T11:39:00.000+06:00

Gujarat has a special place in my heart and in case I choose an early retirement, I would love to settle down here. If you sneak in to the Indian history, two states in India, Gujarat and West Bengal are known to have produced revolutions/revolutionaries, I believe Guajarati’s are nice people, who stick to their traditional ways yet welcome the new way of life. Not to mention the willingness to speak Hindi or English to all the outsiders that comes to Gujarat. The south still has a long way to go to accept Hindi or in that case outsiders!! (Hyderabad is better, followed by Bangalore and Chennai still lags behind)

Its festival of democracy as the Election commission announces the Gujarat elections. “I welcome elections. Elections in our state have always been free and fair," is what Narendra Modi has to say on the subject. A recent survey conducted by CNN-IBN and CSDS showed him leading in 150 out of the 182 constituencies. This exceeds the 126 seats he won the last time. But the man will have a tough time, with anti incumbency, internal rebellion and poor social branding.

As an ardent follower of the Indian political happenings, I view the Gujarat elections with utmost interest. However what irks me is the foundation of the campaign. It appears to be an “anti modi” election on all fronts and the larger issues of development have taken a back seat. The same thing happened in the last general polls where the UPA alliance was more focused on “anti BJP” rather than setting out its vision for the country. Result is in front of us, the Congress -Left divorce is difficult to come by and the future of world’s largest democracy appears gloomy.

I seriously hope that Gujarat will vote on the issues of development and sideline the ego battle set forth by the political giants. What is also equally important is that the elections should be fair and peaceful. This is the real test that authorities have to pass and it is non negotiable. So what do you think is going on in the mind of the man who is the single agenda on Gujarat politics? The world is watching and I hope the elections will set forth some important lessons for Indian democracy!!

Night walk

2007-10-01T16:52:00.000+06:00

It was almost 11.00 pm when we started our walk through the city road. For me it was a causal night walk with little to talk but to feel the soft breeze through the narrow lane. But for my friend, it was a vent out!! The traffic was still heavy probably because it was a weekend. The conversation was not different from that I usually hear from people. All I could do (or I do) in such situations was to be a patient listener!

Hearing about relationships, possessiveness or break over hang-ups is pretty difficult if you are not experienced. What you miss to understand is that this person has exhausted all the options in life and is at the verge of breaking down. Although it may not actually happen, but at that particular moment it seems real. So then if the entire human race is clingy, possessive, tends to hold on things, people and memories (read negative), then how are we different? I think, in reality we are not very different. It’s only the degree to which we openly admit to these feelings differs.

The moment was intense and I thought in the end, I need to say something, just to merely make my undivided attention evident (what a hypocrisy). I suggested giving benefit of doubt to the person under scrutiny, before my friend exaggerates the situation and creates self pity. It worked.

On the way back, we passed through a sweet shop and my friend spent a fortune picking up the best ones. Looking at the almost empty racks of the shop, it set me wondering if the world is full of similar customers!! I restrained myself from any of the sweets and told my friend to go ahead. After all, it was her day. But out of curiosity, I finally asked her, how does she manage to be a “stick” (read slim n sleek) in spite of having a flair for the sweets. And she giggled………..

May the best team win!

2007-09-29T11:53:00.000+06:00

My day started with a breakfast over the news channel. I see the IBN reporters coax Dhoni about the Australia series. But the guy’s tough and see what he’s been saying.

A few (read many) pessimist friends of mine are tensed and feel Australia is all set to shatter the 20 champions. I prefer to ignore them. (India has won only one of last 11 one day matches against Australia)

Many of us play our important games everyday tensed with performance pressure. How important it is for us to win? If we were to win all the games then it should be unfair for the other side. And how does it feel when you know you are going to win all the games of your life. Loss of excitement….. I am going to enjoy the match and may the best team win!

Selling Rahul for Dhoni !

2007-09-26T15:00:00.000+06:00

When Sonia Gandhi called up the Indian cricket team, I was wondering what could have been topics of discussion except a few congratulation notes. But I was wrong. It was more – it was, “Dhoni and Yuvraj, tell me the secret, I want one for my Rahul Baby”!

As Rahul, takes up the position of AICC General Secretary, the Congress has got its moves right. It may be a mere coincidence that the AICC reshuffle with young faces has come on the day when young Indian team lifted the T20 World Cup, but Congress is ready to take the credit. What is being sold is “Rahul will do Dhoni to Congress and win the next big match”. (read next elections, thanks to the undecided left parties on what they want to do with the present coalition)

So will he or will not? Let’s wait and watch. The Hindustan Times-CNN-IBN State of the Nation Poll results are seen as an opportunity and the Congress party is geared to grab it. Is the BJP/NDA listening (amidst the Ramsetu noise)?

Dhoni Boyz & the Chak de Moment

2007-09-26T13:06:00.000+06:00

Twenty – twenty is here to stay! The glamour and sensation attached to the game, it truly has managed to revive cricket audience in India and abroad. Look at the welcome Dhoni boyz are getting on their way back home!

I have been tracking all the games of the series and with great interest the Indian innings. What started to be the batsman (read stroke players) game has nicely turned out to be the “bowlers” dream. Joginder Sharma, Pathan, RP Singh and Bhajji are the real eye candies. Don’t forget the “bowl out” that made India win against Pakis!

I see this as a birth of new generation young cricketers! Dhoni's body language at South Africa has been impressive and it seems he’s ready to take on. Back home, what is interesting also is the emergence of the India Cricket league. I hope it will provide ample opportunities for the young talent to break through the bureaucracy that has engrossed Indian cricket for so long. (We are happy Mr. Greg Chappel that you left us!)

And for Saurav, Sachin and Dravid its time to play the mentoring role for the young blood! Dravid could have not asked for a better time to move out as Indian skipper. What we can see is, he has left behind a team that has new energy levels and passion to be the World Champions. The world is looking forward to some sensible and neat cricket.

Hue & Sue

2007-07-13T15:09:00.000+06:00

Hue & Sue are twins. (picture 2) And if we are not mistaken, they were born on magical 07/07/07. Both K & myself missed their birthday. The beauties came out after around two weeks of mystical processes in the red eggs. (picture 1) My friend, K has been patient enough to visit them every day ( I also tag along her) to see how does their little home survives the wind, rain and heat. (picture 1). But God has been graceful and they could see the light of the day. Its few more days and then the twins take off in the blue sky. Thanks to all the hard work of their mother (picture 3).... they seem to be growing up fast....What a graceful life !!

from my garden...

2007-07-02T11:19:00.000+06:00

Hi all ! Its monsoon and Hyderabad is blooming with colours. Have a look ! And if you cannot resist the temptation to see them personally, do stray in to CII Green Business Centre, Hyderabad. Enjoy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/chandan77/HyderabadBlossoms

Loyalty Business…

2007-06-22T15:45:00.000+06:00

For all the Congress party workers, Pratibha Patil and Manmohan Singh are true inspirations of what loyalty towards the Lady - Sonia Gandhi can fetch you. One has landed up in the post of Prime Minister and other on the verge of taking up the highest constitutional position in the country. Although, I am not at all unaware of the political credentials of both the candidates, what worries me has been beautifully expressed by Rajdeep in his blog at CNN-IBN. http://www.ibnlive.com/blogs/rajdeepsardesai/1/43375/jai-maharashtra.html

To add my own personal opinion about the lady – I happened to be privileged to listen to Ms. Patil at one of the inaugural addresses in Rajasthan. And guess what – I had a tough time keeping myself awake! It appeared like a one mediocre speech that was written by politically correct staff from the Governor’s office and failed to draw eye balls (except from a few of bureaucrats). Amazingly the lust for power and party/dynasty politics in India is producing leaders that do not appeal to people at all. Has India stopped producing original, thoughts, policies and people.

Kudos to Vajpayee! At least he had collection of some original poems that kept Indians awake in midst of his deep pauses as well!!

2007-06-01T16:59:00.000+06:00

At the time when Nicholas Burns is visiting India to push the Indo US nuclear deal, I am reading “Globalization & its discontents” by Joseph Stiglitz. (ex. vice president of World Bank) I have hardly completed the first few chapters and it has started sending shivers down my spine. Stiglitz has been honest enough to share with his readers the vilification and praise of the globalization process. And what emerges clearly is that the developing economies have a linchpin role in negotiating and shaping the agreements and policies with the developed world. But our honorable prime minister is a man of few political words and prefers “lie low and say nuffin” like the Brer rabbit. Thanks to the prolific writers on nuclear issues that Indians are sensing a foul play behind the deal.

Invisible fences

2007-05-24T10:34:00.000+06:00

Quite often we visualize blocks. Our mind is trained to do so. Every new thing or activity that we plan to start, the first thing that comes to our mind is the people who may oppose/criticise or reject it. And this is precisely what Robin calls invisible fences. For an instance try and feel that no disparities/blocks exist in this life and you are free to do whatever you like. Anything!! This will set a new energy flowing within you - positive energy and you may be able to get over the invisible fences!

a newspiece

2007-05-05T12:49:00.000+06:00

I was sipping my first morning tea, when my eyes landed on this small piece in the newspaper - Government planning to legalize consensual teenage sex in India.... and my brows went up, reassuring myself that I was reading Indian newspaper in an orthodox south Indian city. The article was supported by musings of a couple of parents, Ministry of women and child development and a social worker.

Lip locking scenes/obscene acts in teenagers are becoming a reality in Indian metros and people who look for some decency in public spaces are left to ramble to themselves... While I would take some time to come back on this development (after some research & monologues), it clearly is an indication that the Indian society and cultural norms are at cross roads and the path ahead is difficult! And whether we are prepared or not the debate has begun!

On cloud 9

2007-05-05T11:52:00.000+06:00

Today, I got a comment from D that my blog is amazing and inspiring..:-)..............And needless to say since then I am on clould 9 and have been floating! (For those whom I have failed to present some good readings, kindly forgive me & ignore this post)

I have promised D & H to arrange a get together soon, so that we can refresh memories of old college days! And I am gonna bring both the buzy mother's together... Wish me luck!

(ps: when was the last that you got in touch with your old friends just to say hi... I have been thinking about you and I think we must meet...... Believe me it helps)

Feel like giving up ?

2007-05-04T11:22:00.000+06:00

One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light. I gave them water.
The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor.
Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more
vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the
bamboo. He said.
"In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would
not quit.
In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo see.
I would not quit." He said.
"Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong
And gave it what it needed to survive.
I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots"
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."
"Don't compare yourself to others." He said. "The bamboo had a different Purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come", God said to me. "You will rise high"
"How high should I rise" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise" He asked in return.
"As high as it can" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
I left the forest and bring back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
Never Give up..

Will Globalization deliver?

2007-05-01T17:01:00.001+06:00

I have been inundated with the subject “globalization” and it seems to have been the talk of the town for quite some time. So I was not at all surprised when Friedman (one of my favorite American journalist) was in India to explore what outsourcing means to India in the changing context and how is it benefiting. The sneak peek of his findings was telecasted on Discovery (30th April, 8 pm IST). Friedman deserves an appreciation to be able to compare what effects it has on India culture, society and of course economy. (in a simple layman’s language without using the lengthy statistics, so that non economists like me who claim a pie of development planners don’t shy away due to lack of economics/social science background) He is also able to put forth the disparity in the benefits and highlight the plight of the poor who seem to have missed the cake.

When we put forth the above question, the opinion is polarized between those who want to push it through any means and those (at the receiving hand) who hold the prejudices about it. What we lack is a balanced mind that can weigh the pros and cons and devise a win-win strategy. But a strategy that considers social, economic or physical factors in isolation is definitely going to fail disastrously or face a public outrage. This is what happens to the current government’s proposition for increasing OBC quota in higher education. We may argue that the heterodoxy in the Indian society (amongst the educated/activist class) is increasing and the handful benefiting from the globalization will stretch out to protect their interests. So what happens to those (so called orthodox) who are not able to find out a voice for themselves? You may argue that they have been finding their voices being heard, thanks to the NGOs in the Indian context. But such a voice always lands the risk of opinion being influenced by the NGO interests. The last few years has seen a never ending war of words/debate on the same. What I am looking for is some balanced models that will benefit all!

Simply Ignore......

2007-04-30T17:06:00.000+06:00

I saw Will Smith at his best in "The pursuit of happyness". And since then, I have been smiling to myself, remembering the times when peers, colleagues, bosses had their own frustrations showering on me!

My humble advise to all those who have gone through these phases is just learn to "IGNORE"....

And never, never, never anyone in life let scream on you for your incapacities or give your their negative/aggressive/confronting feedback, which may be a result of their own incompetiences....

If someone is really your wellwisher, he will just sit down by you and talk to you and for the rest who believe in letting you down...just ignore them....

So next time if you are looking for a promotion, just do your best... n then walk in your boss's office and ask for a promotion (& give a deadline!)

This part of my life - I call it smiling & believing in myself....

An evening at CCD, Hyderabad

2007-04-20T11:08:00.000+06:00

Yesterday three women walked in CCD. Over a pizza, chicken roll and milk shakes, they talked about the world, worries, miseries and the tough life. This continued for an odd two hours.

When they came out, they were light as air and fragrant as flowers, leaving all the anxiety behind and ready to face odd balls…

It set me thinking. What was it? Women power? Power of bonding? Talking your heart out or shedding out all the negativity and moving to new heights!

Thank You, P & K for being such wonderful coffee friends!

Poetry classes

2007-04-18T18:28:00.000+06:00

I may have forgot the calculus lessons from my maths classes, but what I term as profound memories of my school days are the poetry classes in my high school. Robert frost, Kipling, Wordsworth and Shelley – seem to have traveled with me all through the years and I was unnoticed till I stumbled upon my favorite lines by Wordsworth:

She dwelt among the untrodden ways

Beside the springs of Dove,

Maid whom there were none to praise

And very few to love:

violet by a mossy stone

Half hidden from the eye!

Fair as a star, when only one

Is shining in the sky.

She lived unknown, and few could know

When Lucy* ceased to be;

But she is in her grave, and, oh,

The difference to me!

Feels like a lost world found back!

* The Lucy who is the subject of a small group of poems, most of them written in the winter of 1798-99, has never been identified, if she ever existed except as a creation of the poet's imagination.

2007-04-18T18:15:00.000+06:00

It’s almost four years since we met. And then the memories began to fade, not leaving a slightest impression of what had occurred. Small things were said and the big things unsaid- lurking inside as usual. If only there was a way of letting out one know- what I feel and the depth of it! I have lost the words. We seem two worlds apart.

2007-04-12T10:23:00.000+06:00

From mediocrity to perfection, there is a huge gap....And I have just thought of starting this arduous journey... On a good note....

Life finds it's way

2007-04-05T18:50:00.000+06:00

While treading along a rocky path in Shimla, I came across this. It set me wondering about what makes this flower survive in this uncared for environment ! But still life found it's way...

A day at the dairy farm

2007-04-05T18:35:00.000+06:00

Meet - Renu - 0090....

Seems like a James Bond Agent number (missed by a few digits). I guess you are wrong ! This is what our dairy farmer friend in Moga (Punjab) addreses his (milking) cow - Renu 0090... And believe me she's very prompt to answer back. Renu's daily routine is quite similar to others on this big dairy farm... Eat whole day and provide milk, which is traded by the farmer to earn his living.

Some dairy farms are quite big, ranging to around 80 cows in number and it seems like a get together....In between the herd of these cows is also tuned to hum some group songs (I was not clever enough to make out) that keep the environment alive... What a life... eat - sing and sleep....

Dont tell me you are jealous of Renu.....

Did you know ?

2007-04-03T20:13:00.000+06:00

Probably Nike's now selling soaps in rural India... I picked this up in a village near Ludhiana...

Caught in Action

2007-04-03T20:07:00.000+06:00

I dont remember when I last used the waiting room at any of our railway stations. I was privilidged to do so this time and what follows are some memories that I shall always keep with me.....

I have more pictures but will resist the temptation of posting them for time being...

Fleshpots - amidst nature

2007-03-25T18:56:00.000+06:00

I am happy doing what I enjoy most - wandering aimlessly (yes) amidst the coffee and pepper plantations here. Now I know why the term "Mother Earth" was coined. The magnificient power to heal and rejuvenate here is unique. I am convinced it cannot be matched by anything else.

Vanished as smoke rings...

2007-03-25T18:51:00.000+06:00

Last few years, I have been vacillating continuously between my passion and the harsh truth of cricket. The passion - as an Indian, I have been with my team in all moments of happiness/despair and have enjoyed the sport as a sport.

However it seems cricket no longer is a gentleman's sport. The strangling of Pak Coach Bob Woolmer has exposed the seamy underbelly of the criceking world. And it leaves most of its ardent followers dissapointed. The joy of enjoying the world cup moments has vanished like the smoke rings.

The Ghostly Banyan.....

2007-03-20T18:09:00.000+06:00

Banyan trees and ghosts seem to have an everlasting mention in the horror stories of our times... So when we passed by this gigantic banyan in Srirangapatna, we decided to test it ourselves...

Honey's claim was that when we print this one, we will see some looming spirits... Unfortunately we were dissapointed....

Better luck next time... Till then I am sure, this guy will use this picture to impress his girl friends....

Unspoilt Charm - a station near Bangalore

2007-03-20T17:49:00.000+06:00

This neat station (near Bangalore) reminded me of the Bhatinda railway station where the climax of DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge) was shot...

SRK (doomed by the failure of convinving Kajol's family) is leaving with his pop and Kajol is struggling with her dad to let her go.. to follow her dreams.... And finally she is let off free and runs through the station to catch SRK's hand ....

All to follow her dreams....and subsequently everyone on the station cheers....

Udupi delight... in Mysore

2007-03-20T17:33:00.000+06:00

Cauvery - Muddy waters at Coorg

2007-03-20T17:28:00.000+06:00

The balancing act....

2007-03-20T17:24:00.000+06:00

Snapshots

2007-03-20T13:23:00.000+06:00

I was amazed to see this life size statue of Buddha...Yes it happens to be in Indian settlement of Bylakuppe !

Feels like heaven

2007-03-16T18:14:00.000+06:00

Time : Perfect Evening

Place : My favourite hangout in Hyderabad

Agenda : Rejuvenate

The Return

2006-12-20T18:35:00.000+06:00

Do you believe in destiny ? See this

http://sify.com/astrology/fullstory.php?id=13976791

Do you believe in yourself? Then see this

http://blogs.cricinfo.com/surfer/archives/2006/12/grit_guts_and_g.php

Grit, guts and Ganguly.. What a way to end the year by INDIAN CRICKET TEAM...

Hhm I am regaining my lost interest in Indian Cricket. Hope to catch some good time during the World Cup..

SMALL BITES...

2006-12-19T18:36:00.000+06:00

Its 5.56 pm and I am tired of looking at my desktop. My table is piled with unmanageable wisdom and it refuses to leave my desk. (or I refuse to part with it). My eyes are tired and I somehow reach out to my window at my back and look for the skyline. (I have never done that in the last three months). I can see the big software hubs, light peeping out of their small monotonous windows. Everyone seems to be working. Some of my colleagues are giving final touches to their event programs. I have done my job, time to move on. I leave for the day! The next thing I am going to do is search and pool of water and wriggle through the same with my finger. When I do this my mind should not think of any determined patterns. It should go with its own abstract forms. This needs to go on for atleast 15 minutes. (a relaxation exercise that I learnt in some book. By the time I completed this scrap, it is 6.04 pm and many mosquitoes have entered my workspace through the window and started making their presence felt. I know its time to shut up..

I am reading...

2006-12-19T18:23:00.000+06:00

On weekends, my bedside usually gets piled up with books I plan to read. Nothing particular, but it makes me appear more updated, well read and connects me to a couple of characters to whom I can easily relate to without feeling uncomfortable. I usually prefer self help literature. When it comes to fiction, I am a keen and a humble follower of Paulo Coelho. When I realized the local bookshop is offering a Christmas discount, I was proactive to collect some Coelho wisdom and add on to my personal collection. (I have this habit of underlining interesting text and I like to go over it several times even after I have read the book). And by now, I have most of his books in my possession.

I am yet to completely absorb his words of wisdom, but what intrigues me most in his characters is the “search” passion that each one of them carries. (For knowledge, wisdom, wealth, fame – whatever may be the target). All his characters seem to inherit this search till the unidentified end. Usually they end up with experience that itself is fulfilling and enriching. Sounds Philosophical? May be..

I think it gives you courage to enjoy the odyssey of life. I started with Alchemist, followed by The Zahir and then Eleven Minutes. Currently I am reading “The Pilgrimage”. While all the above seem to progress on similar lines, Eleven minutes seems to be different. I am convinced about how Coelho through his protagonist Mari, reveals the concept of sacred sex. It is a convincing paradox and thought provoking as well.

I need to blog !

2006-12-09T17:24:00.002+06:00

Amidst my critical work deadlines, I chose to blog. Yes on a weekend!

Reason: Come back of the controversial left handed Indian ex captain! Saurav’s return may have elicited mixed reactions in the Indian camp, but for hundred’s of his humble fans, including me it is a great & of course a well deserved come back…

For the Calcutta prince, who is claimed to have got in to the team on the basis of quota system, this is the right opportunity to reach out to his critics. But what it may take is another Lords to satisfy his critics. When it comes to captaincy, the records speak for themselves. (http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview_ODI.asp?PlayerID=2059).His detractors cannot deny that he has the best record of any Indian skipper

But it’s a pity that the cricket lovers forget the tumultuous times when Ganguly took over the reigns and he galvanized the team into a fighting combative unit. There are people who will say that while Ganguly remains a wonderful man management person, strategy has never been his strong point. They say life always gives you a another chance. This one is for Saurav!

BUZY WITH HARD WORK

2006-10-04T17:57:00.000+06:00

Hhm haven’t been active on blogging for a couple of months now! So what has kept me away? Actually I am very busy, trying to make friends with 10 rabbits, 9 ducks and 3 turquoise. I don’t like to use common nouns to address my friends, so I might also think of some good names for all my buddies. (Definitely before my next posting) All this is keeping me busy. Besides my eyes and heart have to wander through the lush green lawns of the environs and the typical rock settings of Hyderabad. And then I have a badminton game in the evening and I am trying hard to regain my lost skills in the game.

Caught up in all this hard work, if I get time I do some match making. No this is a different kind. Not with brides and grooms but with thirsty cities looking for some private investors who can contribute to the water supply solutions. That’s how my new job at Hyderabad looks like! Besides there are a lot of hang out zones in the cities and I don’t miss an opportunity to meet new people and catch up with old buddies over a Hyderabadi meal or a brunch. Weekends are always busy either roaming out to unexplored destinations or indulging in some form of regional art. Keep watching this space for my travel stories !

2006-07-12T16:37:00.000+06:00

ON BOREDOM

In the last few days, I have been increasingly attracted towards Buddhism, its theories and concepts. The attraction started after going through Robin’s creation “ The monk who sold his Ferrari”. I don’t own a Ferrari, but admit clinging to a lot of worldly pleasures, which give me sense of pride and satisfy my ego. So when I wrote my previous posts on Boredom, I was inspired to find out the psychological reasons of Boredom and its consequences on human behavior. I went through a lot of articles, but none of them seemed convincing except for the one that is stored at this link http://www.buddhistinformation.com/beyond_boredom_and_depression.htm. And once again, I found myself at Buddhist doorstep.

It is interesting to note the demands of stimulation are increasing manifold in our generation. No wonder the audience is glued to TV serials that make so many things happen in a short span of airtime. Fast success, fast relationships and fast break ups. Result, we are conditioned to expect everything to run through in our lives and the concentration/attention is lost. The article describes Boredom as a state of mind, which occurs when the mind has lost the ability to be interested, to be sensitive, to be contented with what is. And it constantly searches for something new, different from the current situation, which of course is never attained. The way to recondition the mind is to change our attitude. Boredom can be got over by changing the attitude in the mind and the quality of mind. Once we understand this we can avoid being bored even in ordinary situations. At the very least we can be contented and peaceful. (photo courtsey: www.pcbypaul.com/wpclipart/ cartoon/boredom.png)

2006-05-31T18:56:00.000+06:00

SIMPLY MYSTIC : AMSTERDAM, THE DUTCH LAND..

This is an unusual city in that it has all the advantages of a big city - culture, history, food, entertainment, good transport – with relatively few of the disadvantages: it is physically small, beautiful, relatively quiet, and largely thanks to the canals, has relatively little traffic. It has superb public transport facilities. There are many trams, and good facilities for cyclists, like special bike lanes, and traffic lights for cyclists.Here modern architecture has developed organically between facades of historical buildings. This is why it is so popular with lovers of architecture. People enjoy the architectural walks in the city. There are lots of eating places, cafeterias and cheese delicacies at your disposal. It is often referred to as one of the most colorful cities in the world. And rightly so! Where else do you find so many places of interest, famous museums, cozy pubs and fun shops and (flower) markets? Art lovers have wonderful time here. It has a wealth of galleries, whether you are looking for out-of-the-ordinary jewelry, a trendy designer suit, contemporary glass or ceramic objects, modern furniture or whether you are just looking for inspiration. The city has a good night life as well. For a relaxed evening out you can visit one of the many cinemas, the casino or a cozy café. If you like clubbing there is a large choice of dance venues and discos. So what are you waiting for? Ready to shake a leg?

2006-05-31T18:35:00.000+06:00

EVERYONE'S IMPORTANT..

Wolves used to live in Yellowstone, which is in the northern U.S. Rocky Mountains. But many people thought wolves were pests that killed livestock and harmed crops. In 1926 the last wolf in Yellowstone was shot and killed. For the next 70 years Yellowstone did not have any wolves. Scientists decided to restore back wolves in the area in 1995. About 15 gray wolves were brought in from Canada.

With wolves, the predators have been introduced back in the setting. The wolves have been hunting and eating elk, a member of the deer family. The elk leftovers provide food for animals such as ravens, eagles, and bears. Wolves also scare elk from streams. With fewer elk near the water, plants that grow there, such as willows, can grow taller. "Benefits of this new plant growth include more habitat for birds and more plant food for beaver," Ripple explained. "The number of beaver in northern Yellowstone has increased dramatically since wolves were reintroduced." Wolves have such a big effect on Yellowstone because scientists believe wolves are a keystone species. Keystone species are species on which a large number of other plants and animals depend. According to scientists the reintroduction of wolves has affected more than 25 species in Yellowstone. (Source: National Geographic)

The wolves always hunt in a group and can run till 50 kms in search of their prey.In winters, they have to work hard to dig in the snow to search for food. The leader in the group is always respected. If he has a viewpoint, the rest follow. The females are also active in the hunting group and contribute actively. Average gestation period in females is two and a half months. Soon the younger ones get adapted to the group living. They start consuming meat within 2-3 weeks of birth.

2006-05-29T16:18:00.000+06:00

HUDDLED IN A GROUP

Mearcats, I heard about them for the first time on the Discovery Channel. The world of mearcats is portrayed somewhat fearful and hidden. Groups of these tiny creatures are involved in monotony of digging tunnels to keep safely away from the vicious hyenas, eagles and other creatures in their habitat. They stick together and one will die for the entire community. The climatic conditions are extreme in Kalahari desert and they have to hide themselves from scorching sun as well. The dig burrows in the desert sand and live deep inside. The younger ones are also hidden in the holes. They watch taking turns and make specific noises in response to predators presence and once the predator leaves, they give one level of information. It's very interesting to see how those little creatures work, very similar to we human beings. Infact much better than human beings.

2006-05-29T15:05:00.000+06:00

MASCULINE SACRIFICE

Hi! I have discovered this new information about a bird called EMU. Emus belong to an ancient group of flightless birds known as ratites, which includes the cassowary, the kiwi, the ostrich and rhea. There ís an average of about 5 lakh emus in the wild in Australia, but this varies highly depending on the season. Numbers can rise towards a million, and fall to about 2 lakh. While most birds wait for longer days in spring before breeding, for Emus it's reversed. It's shortening days that switch on their reproduction instincts.
And that's not the only reversal. Another surprising thing is that the male sits over the eggs for incubation. The Emu sits on the eggs continuously for 56 days and make sure they are protected from other wild life. They spend uncomfortable winter weeks on the nest, without food or drink, before doing sole parent duty for the next year and a half. Eventually the female leaves the first male altogether. With the nigh temperature soaring to 00c, they provide the warmth to the eggs with the cushion of their soft features.

2006-05-21T19:45:00.000+06:00

A little away from your dreams - towards others..

Its about this man - who has been living with this "passion" for last 10 -12 years..and everytime he talks about it, his eyes glow and he can go on and on and on..... we all get bored, tired and at times angry and dont want to hear his ideas again and again and again, but he wont listen. He has his say and we give up.

And he fills everything, the environs, people and everything around him lots and lots of positive energies!.... It may hardly take anything to realize this million dollar dream and make my friend happy...but he's yet to reach up to it.

And today when he takes this first step to realize his dream, we wish him all luck for this felicitous journey..It has been all the worthwhile to contribute to someone who wants to make it up to their dreams. I feel honored... His success makes me feel good !

2006-05-15T19:45:00.000+06:00

RING A RING O ROSES

Ring a Ring O' Roses,
A pocketful of posies,
Atishoo! Atishoo!
We all fall down!

I am sure all of us at some or other time in life have been singing this nursery rhyme. We as children often used to take it as a good way of pulling down our friends by pretending that we also fall down with them & experience the same pain. It was a group work !

The collective movement, in some sense also signifies the negative connotations of "Group Work" when everyone is going around in circles and trying to pull down others. (often) and everyone remains at the same level. And what we achieve is a ring/circle completed !!It (collective rotation) also iteriates that all of us are at the same level and at no point, anyone is above the others.

Surprisingly when I researched a little further it revealed the following facts:

"Ring a Ring O' Roses" is said to be a macabre parody on the horrors of the Great Plague. One of the first signs of the plague was a ring of rose-coloured spots, and the protection against this terrible disease was, in popular belief, a posy of herbs. Sneezing was taken as a sure sign that you were about to die of it, and the last line "We all fall down" omits the word, "dead"!

I wonder, why dont we move in lines/tangents/parabolas instead of circles.. ( or do we need to pretend we are together only when we are in a circle) ???. Note it, we are also supposed to hold hands while going in circle. What an eyewash !

2006-05-15T19:37:00.000+06:00

COME, GIGGLE WITH ME

Current mood: Happy (Giggling)!!!
Thoughts: Futuristic, Innovative, Progressive
Threats: “It may get over soon”
Opportunities: there may be a new way out of this (mess)...

Have you ever been caught up in moments wherein you can observe a lot of undercurrents running around you that may have the power to change your life upside down (work or personal)?

And you are trying to live this very moment, trying to make the best sense of all the happenings... listening very carefully...

But damn it...your vision is myopic and you are not sure what’s in store for you!!!! And wait, wait and wait till it unfolds by itself...

Just check out for these turners in life...

· Getting in to relationships
· Committing yourself (to work and people)
· Taking up a new job
· The Boss Change
· Change of a city/place/state (physical environment)
· Promotion/salary hike (after damn so many efforts to keep your boss happy till the appraisal time)
· Stock market rise/crash, Real estate boom, winning a lottery
· Getting an interview call from your dream company (who knows u may never get through the first round)
· and the list goes on and on and on..
Hhhhhm, don’t get carried away by any of these!!! But I do very, very very often...

2006-05-08T16:52:00.000+06:00

Minimalism

I draw strength from Minimalism. It appears repeatedly in all my forms: structures, lifestyle and work. I derive an inherent strength by not cluttering myself with things, people and events from the past or of future.

They say Minimalism is a form of art in which objects are stripped down to their elemental, geometric form, and presented in an impersonal manner.Minimalism rejects the need for social comment, self-expression, narrative, or any other allusion to history, politics, or religion. It is based on creating objects of interest and beauty. Minimalists reduced their work to the smallest number of colors, values, shapes, lines, and textures.

Minimalists wanted their viewer to experience their work without the distractions of composition, theme, and other elements of traditional work. They rejected the idea that art should reflect the personal expression of its creator.

2006-05-08T16:49:00.000+06:00

Solitude

How often do we experience it? I do it very rarely. This time it was after almost a lifetime...

It helps me be at peace and get close to my inner self. I come to terms with me. It spreads out a space to watch my actions and emotions objectively and restrain from getting caught in the pettiness. I have stopped analyzing and have drastically reduced the habit of searching for ends to every means. Hhhm, I should be with myself very often.

2006-05-04T18:37:00.000+06:00

MONOTONY

One monotonous day is followed
by another monotonous, identical day. The same
things will happen, they will happen again --
the same moments find us and leave us.

A month passes and ushers in another month.
One easily guesses the coming events;
they are the boring ones of yesterday.
And the morrow ends up not resembling a morrow anymore.

Constantine P. Cavafy (1908)

I want to be the rolling stone that gather's no moss... Hhm so where do I go rolling about ????

2006-05-01T17:15:00.000+06:00

ON HIS OWN....

As my brother gets going for his first placement at HP- Banglore, we are all happy and delighted. Time seems to have gone so fast. I remember this tiny tot, a very shy fellow who hardly talked with his female colleagues or answered his teacher. He had the privilege of getting the back seat of my bicycle and we roamed together along the streets of the city. He was always scared of Dad and everytime he messed up with something, myself, mom and my sis always guarded him secretly. Together we strolled for filling forms of all the competitive exams, getting him best of the coachings and being with him whenever he needed to talk. I remember teaching him ride and how difficult it was for us to accept that he has learnt it and can manage on his own.

And now, he talks to us about philosophies, his dreams, writings on life, achievement and career. He doesn’t get tired talking about the most attractive girls of his college. How he dreamt of proposing them and could finally never make it. His friend circle would be full of talkative girls, who would talk to him about god knows what and he would be equally interested.

As he sets out for his dreams, we wish him luck and all the success in his work, life and anything he takes up.

2006-05-01T17:05:00.000+06:00

WELCOME HOME....

Recently, I have moved to a new apartment, very close to my office. Getting a place called “home” is the most difficult task in the megapolis of Mumbai and you really have to work hard to get one. Finally, I got one. I have furnished it and it makes me feel at home. Since then my family, relatives and friends have been visiting frequently and we have enjoyed the lost moments once again. We have spent hours talking, eating, fighting, watching movies, listening favorite music together. Hmm, life seems to be rocking once again.

My favorite place is the balcony that overlooks the street. It looks out to a mountainous background through the busy urban landscape. The lights glitter through the night and the winds make me feel more relaxed and at home. I can be occupied standing for hours in the place overlooking the activities beneath.

Every morning, the sun enters in my bedroom as if my Dad, who never liked me sleeping lazily, sent it. The cold winds tend to enter quietly, sent by my mom who always negotiated an hour (of extra sleep) for me. My home makes me feel like a nest that is always ready to adore me after the hard day’s work and no matter how hard I work, I always yearn to return back to my nest!!!

2006-05-01T13:53:00.000+06:00

KATEI, HER PUP & CIDA …

I had almost gazed at every object and person at the airport, checked all the food and bookstalls and still had 6 hours to go before my flight was announced. The clock ticked 12.00 am and I could see all the passengers almost dozing. Some of them slept on their luggage trolleys, some leant on the waiting chairs. I was unable to get a room at the airport dormitory and checking in a hotel room for a few hours made little sense. I had decided to spend the night at the airport. I avoided looking at the food stalls that invited me for junk food although I was not necessarily hungry. I took out my work papers and tried to read over the agenda for the next days meeting. We were trying to address some important Human resource issues at our organization in the meeting next morning and I was not comfortable how do we shape the discussions. I thought about it, why did it arise, how we can solve it etc. Somehow my mind did not seem to cooperate. I was tired and could not think objectively. I set the papers aside. I took my bag in the side and tried to sleep.

I had hardly taken a nap that I woke up by the noise of the running kids, who had just arrived. They were running up and down and suddenly the peace at the lobby was shattered by these little devils. I walked towards the coffee shop to order one for myself. The kids followed with their dad to order for a burger and a coke. I glanced at them, thin structures with energy high enough to turn this earth upside down. I looked with some pity towards their father!

Soon I returned back to my seat. The family had occupied the seat beside me. I exchanged a few sentences with their mother and she told me they had arrived from US and were heading towards Raipur. Their flight was at 8.00 the next morning and they had decided to spend the few hours at the airport due to heavy luggage. The next few moments went observing the kids eat their stuff with some hops, jumps and running sessions in between. I wondered why they had to jump after every bite. The family had two kids, a boy who was around 10 and a girl around 5. She wore a pink dress and carried a pup (soft toy) in her arms. Reluctant enough to put it aside in all her activities, the pup followed her everywhere and even ran with her when she was playing.

I finished my coffee and tried to glance through the papers once again. I could not concentrate in the noise. They were running, jumping and had made friends with two more devils who joined them in their mission! The mother tried to put them to sleep, but unsuccessful in her efforts she instructed them to play nearby and avoid making noise. As if they were to listen! The father was asleep and had found himself a seat away from the kids and their mother. I discussed a few things with their mother, the work culture, lifestyle, opportunities in India etc. Her family had been in US for last 8 eight years and she was very keen on knowing if the culture, values and family bonding was degrading fast with the advent of western culture in India. We discussed for about an hour on the issues.

Soon amidst the jumping sessions, the little girl came and sat next to me. Tired by her running sessions, she had paused to take a breath. She was still holding her pup in her arms. I took out my eyes from the papers and looked at her. She had dark black eyes, pink lips and a slim body. Her hair were short, somewhat curled. She was wearing a short top and long pants with white lining. I asked her name, she moved away a few inches. I once again asked for her name and she replied “Katie” still moving a few inches away. Her attention was diverted from the play and she was staring at me. I forgot about my papers and tried to talk to her. I asked where was she going, wondering if she could answer my question. She said she was going to attend her mother’s brother wedding. I thought for a while and wondered if it was her Mama’s wedding! Yes, it was. Still she was shy, everytime shifting a few more inches away from me. I enquired about her dog. Her eyes glowed and she started talking about her “Pup”. I asked, do you have his ticket? She seemed confused and said he didn’t occupy the seat and shared her seat. I asked her where did she study and about her friends.

She talked a few sentences and once again focussed the discussion on her pup. I asked Katie if she was tired sitting on the flight for so long. She said she was not and her pup liked watching TV. I gazed through her pup’s eyes wondering what could be his favorite TV channel. I turned back to Katie and asked her how long was she going to be in India. She said three weeks and she had planned to have a lot of fun with her grand parents and her cousins. She made a special mention of her Grandma who loved needles and was always occupied with it. She also mentioned about the gifts that she had got for her cousins. Her eyes glazed as she talked about it. I was amazed by the details that accompanied her answers. She was really kind and sensitive enough to know about everything.

I asked her why would she go back to US? She replied immediately, “Cida is alone and we can’t leave her alone”. I wondered who was Cida. She said Cida was her dog and the favorite amongst all her friends. Cida always made her friend’s laugh by doing funny things whenever they came home and licked each of them with love. Katie said she was going to miss Cida desperately. Cida was a family to her….And atleast for this one reason she had to go back to US.

I talked to her for some more time and she went on and on about her pup and Cida, their likes, dislikes, their importance and how they formed her happy family. I was an attentive listenor.

I heard the announcement for my flight. I got up and tried to arrange my luggage and proceed towards the check in. I looked for Katie to thank her for keeping my mind occupied with important stories of her family. She was already asleep. I felt fresh and started thinking through the meeting agenda….

2006-05-01T13:46:00.000+06:00

INFLUENCED...

Mumbai is the city of Dreamers and Achievers. It presents an interesting mix of those who made up to their dreams and those who could not. Amazingly each face in the city is a story in itself. I have been a keen observer of such stories since last 2 years and 9 months (to be precise). On the streets, in the train, amidst shopping lanes, malls, seaside, everywhere you will observe this story which has two simple answers – yes or no!

I completed a few tasks and took up the train to Sewri around 2.00 PM from Kharghar. The train is noisy and cluttered at various stages, especially from Vashi to Govandi then around Kurla and Vadala. The afternoon time seems the best for these vendors who sell anything from toys, jewellery, striking earrings and other edible items. The Chinese market has dominated the products varying from pencil boxes, household items and stationery. Young men, women and at times children market and sell these products, shouting the rates, products and attracting customer. At times people find these vendors irritating, at time useful. They save you a lot of time making the important things at the trainstep.

Nothing seemed important enough to attract my attention in years. I observed them and forgot them. Never did I buy any of these products, may be thinking what would people think about me buying this low grade stuff. I had been conditioned for the mall/s.

But this day was different. Interestingly, I was reading this book which talks about inner purpose, purpose of life etc. etc. and I was not able to relate to what it means being in present and not being conditioned by the obnoxious past and the mysterious future. I wondered if there was anyone who could reach a stage like this. I was trying to think about it, but it was getting difficult to think in absolute terms, not getting in to the past or procrastinate about future. Finally, I gave up and closed the book to catch up with it later.

I peeped out of the window for some fresh air, took a deep breadth and closed my eyes for a fraction. When my eyes opened, I saw this old woman standing in front of me selling stuff and shouting for attention to her customers. There seemed hardly any. Aunty, as she is addresses by other co-workers, she must be in her late fifties, with a thin skeletal structure, with hardly any flesh. The bone structure was evident. Her face was full of wrinkles, half covered by the thick glasses in the well-defined black frame. I pondered what her eyes could be like, it was difficult to cut through the thick glasses and glance through them. She had tied her short hair with a shabby rubberband in to a ponytail. She was wearing a light biscuit coloured salwar kameez, with a duppatta that was tightly wrapped in the sides. It seemed she had never washed it and would never do. She didn’t have the looks that could sell her products, but she had energy to talk to women, convince them and take on some additional tasks as well. She never got tired of locating seats for women who were standing and was quick enough to point out as more and more seats got vacant. It seemed she was totally occupied in her work, marketing the Mehandi cones, the home made sweets and the additional play items that she was testing before she invested in more of them. She was occupied fully in locating new customers, counting her pennies and arranging for change if she was short of it.

Maybe, Aunty was unaware about what could happen to her job if Mumbai switched to metros in next few years that allow entry only for the elite? What would happen if the train fares were raised and were redesigned on willingness to pay. She didn’t seem to bother either about what would happen if Mumbai turned in to Shanghai and all the poor were forced to move out of the city? She didn’t have to bother about market trends, sales forecast and the consumer behavior. It seemed irrelevant.

She was in her present and was too occupied to serve the NOBLE purpose. I wondered how does Mumbai label her - as an achiever or a non-achiever. But how does it matter!

Someone called her from the other part of the compartment. She quickly gathered her stuff and disappeared to serve her new customer. I smiled and got back to my reading hoping the book will make more sense to me now.

2006-04-17T18:35:00.000+06:00

READ ON...

"i learnt a lot from u, i taught a lot to u,
i fought a lot with u, I listened a lot to u,
i made fun of u, I made a fool of myself for u,
i scolded u a lot, u returned the favour on spot,
i made u angry at times, u made me angry at times,
i spoke a lot bout u, I never knew bout u,
i was a child, u were a child,
I was similar to u, u were similar to me,
I thought all was fine, u were on cloud nine,
I failed to understand u, u never told me what u thought,
I almost lost u, u justs thought the same,
I have now lost u, life will never b the same,
I cherish our talks n fights, the wrongs n rights,
the darknes n lights, the song n sights,
but all is gone, n none is here,
Life gave a beautiful friend,i lost the gift,
life taught me a lesson, never to cause a rift."

2006-04-14T20:51:00.000+06:00

where do i find.....

i am searching through the internet.........i looked in the newspapers... i asked a lot of people...... i even scanned all the television channels... looked for in the narrow streets of the city..... in the sky, on the earth... behind the trees.......above the roofs........... at the station........in the train...........peeped in to my neighbor’s room...........my boss’s papers.........my dad’s wallet...........my mom’s kitchen........my brother’s comp.....my sisters wardrobe........but could not find ..........

2006-04-14T20:23:00.000+06:00

On the 9 to 11 Women

Last few days, Star Plus has been fortunate enough to get my prime time from 9 to 11. Their all hit daily soaps go on air during this prime time. I find a few things very interesting:

· EXCELLENT MEMORY: I dont have to bother about the old story line as there are a lot of recaps...flashback sequels... Every time the lady remembers her beautiful days... I am smart enough to pick up her past...and know everything about her..

· NEVER GIVE UP ATTITUDE: Women have this inherent power of setting plots, building conspiracies and targeting their counterparts with all sort of negative acts. they can be revengeful as well.. be carefull

· MULTI TASKING: they may be enjoying their married life as a housewife bringing up kids, looking after their husbands and mother in law and when the time comes, they take up to all the corporate tasks... bidding for projects, meeting clients and completing work on time......but still they manage to take out time for collective function... a pooja or a celebration at home....

· MAGNETIC EFFECT: It is very difficult for men to forget their first love... however times they get married they are still after the first one, but the last one (wife) is adamant enough to bring her husband back and hold on to him... mind it she can go to any extend.

· FITNESS: the old ladies in the house have an excellent fitness system....however big the children grow up.. they maintain their figures pretty well....even their wardrobe remains pretty same.. But how do they do that.. they still are used to dhoklas, kheer and all the delicacies

· TROUBLED STARS: they have a little bad luck by their side... they often have to go through the struggling times (due to people or their stars), but they manage with a lot of tears and some good wishes and with the help of someone really beautiful...

and then the happy times arrive again... but with new faces... how often they go for a plastic survey (i heard it is too costly)...

come on yaar... i just read, Ekta Kapoor has decided to go for a leap... this is the next genertion.....

Aila, I have spent entire generation watching her serials....let me check out how do i look like........after 20 years

2006-04-14T19:45:00.000+06:00

Beautiful, but not eternal...

a wake up call...
being in front of the world’s most beautiful architectural piece (of all the world I have seen), I am ecstatic. If it were to speak, each carving would come up to life and emphasize the beauty of life.......sky reaching towers calling up as if they want to reiterate life is here... the blue sky adding the right backdrop... the chirping birds adding rhythm to the life..... making it talk and express itself... the green landscape behind, all swaying to the tunes... each stone in its perfection depicting the eternal beauty..... commitment.... the monument celebrating the human achievement.... the achievement of life..........
the life: right within it holding a grave that is the end.......that does not boast of achievement, beauty, perfection or anything but the eternal truth...
magnificent combination of beauty and the truth...

Hhm what am I doing working on this report.... I need to get going.....
Destination next: the Pyramids of Egypt....... let me check what are the airfares ????

2006-04-04T13:47:00.000+06:00

Notes from my Diary..
4th April, Delhi

I travel often for work. What interests me is observing people, their activites, their style and the environs around me. I just observe, dont intend to judge, arrive at conclusions or form opinions, just observation....

But how does it help. I don't know, but may be subconciously it frames my opinions, views or ideas or nurtures my creative mind. To elaborate, this morning for the first time I flew Kingfisher airlines, the morning Delhi to Mumbai one. (had to get up pretty early in the mroning) I am a loyal Jet customer, but had to settle with Kingfisher this time. I thought it may be a good idea to just observe on what competition is doing to Indian Domestic Aviation.

And just guess what : Great Service !!! Now how do you judge an airline service. Definitely for a foodie like me through what they serve you !! Just joking. I have also been fascinated by the "always smiling" cabin crew of Airlines. I wonder how difficult it is to keep smiling at the hundred's of passengers every time with the same warmth and intensity ? May be they are trained to do so. (I am often short of smiles, particularly the welcoming one..., need to look for some training program)

Anyways then comes the entry route from check in counter to the flight. Faboulous Man !! Well organized and well planned.. the only thing they need to have it more fast.. or is it that flights are more affordable so more passengers coming in day by day... the Delhi Mumbai flight seems like a battalion, ready to take off as soon the plane lands. I am the lazy ones, trying to move out at the last, as if the plane were to carry me to my hotel as well !!

And about the Cabin crew, I am short of words. I often feel proud to observe the young women who serve the customers on flight. May be it comes naturally to them. Unfortunately there was no male crew member my flight this morning, I for a second though should inquire if they dont hire men !!It would definitely increase their sales.Imagine all those youngsters those who have gone through the tough competition of getting selected. I really feel elated. Infact I have a fascination for women pilots... Imagine the delicate, tender figure driving the tonnes Jet/Boeing....(how different does it feel to see this form of an Indian women.. I dont know if men admire this, I guess they do ..)

Then comes the wardrobe of the cabin crew. Perfect, the striking red coloured jackets, seem comfortable as well as inviting for the Kingfisher crew.Clear neat lines of their make up and make over helps give that perfect look. And then the entertainment service, the music and tv channels. And then comes Vijay Mallya on my small tv screen, personally inviting the passengers and giving his email id for suggestions !! Not to mention the last smile of the crew when you leave the aircraft . ( I try to console myslef that I may not get to see the same smiling faces out of this Boeing..)

Time to get back to work. I have a train to catch at three, that heads for Agra. Dont want to miss it in the Delhi Traffic. So heading towards the TAJ : the monument of love.. Just hold it, its a business trip.

Getting back to some sensible work.... lets see what's waiting for me in Agra

2006-03-22T19:53:00.000+06:00

On the "Maharaja" (King) of Indian Cricket

Last few months have been a very painful for all those lovers of "Dada" as Saurav is lovingly addressed in India. Controversies and allegations all about his captaincy and lost charm to be placed in the Indian team. As most of his fans, I don’t agree to the treatment this Prince (as Geoff addresses him) has been offered by the Indian cricket. Not because he shares his birthday with me (he’s also born on 8th July) but also because we have seen him as one of the most daring Indian captain. His contributions to Indian cricket and victory records are something that we have easily forgotten. With the doors of Indian dressing room all shut, Dada is facing biggest dilemma of his cricket career. But I am sure that Saurav has the energy to come back and surprise all his critics. After all, that is what takes to be successful in Indian cricket! (Is Greg Chappel listening?)