Xanadu

The Shoe craze

2009-04-17T15:57:00.001+05:30

George Bush might have not realized the huge insult that a show hurl might be in the eastern hemisphere, but the cultural revolution that it has sparked off is quite interesting. It got me wondering about the possibilities that lay ahead with the simple piece of foot apparel.

Think of campaigning political parties. It would be fascinating to strategically plant a shoe-thrower at a rally or a press conference. For a non-descript event happening in a god-forsaken village in the Indian hinterland, the national coverage that it would elicit would far outstrip any ad in a TV channel or radio airtime. This can even be supplemented by fashionable bitching about the opposition.

The politician in question could ask for increased protection from unruly crowds in case the Z-Plus security that they receive is inadequate. But of course, in today’s sporting India, spiked running shoes could soon be a pop-culture and rallies and media addresses could be life threatening for our politicians Amen to that!

Coming to pop-culture, Reebok just hit the jackpot. The special Jarnail Singh limited edition of shoes could soon hit the racks. Having “worked” in retail for two months, I was just imagining the special displays showcasing the wonder shoe. Coming in special felt, it is sublimely comfortable and houses special jelly to let you easily slide your foot in and out of the shoe thus making it extremely easy to wield as a weapon. The soles are made of hard plastic making it light to wield and promise to cause the maximum damage to the target.

India today is experiencing a mild cultural revolution. There is an awakening amongst the youth of the land what with websites such as Jaagore.com becoming as popular as they have. What next? A party with a manifesto to hail shoes at all popular tainted politicians, Mr. Chidambaram included. Think of the new wars that would erupt in the legislative Assemblies! Mikes would be passé. Shoo the assembly; pick up your shoe. Of course, the party symbol would be the Reebok shoe. Or would it be the closer to home Kolhapuri chappal?

But leaving aside the humour this spate of shoe hurling augurs well for India. It signifies that the discontent is coming to a head. It signifies that we will not take things lying down. It stands for a satyagraha; one that is not driven by hot headed youths alone, but also the pillars of today’s corrupt politicians which is the middle class electorate. I can’t wait to see how the greatest dance of democracy pans out – who wears the garland and who wears the shoes.

Lessons from Joka

2009-04-10T16:51:00.003+05:30

We got incredibly lucky on a highly error-prone test. This constitutes around 50% of the population and includes me, but this is a significant number. And we need to be grateful to God for this. Whatever happens, the next few years of your life would be defined at least in part by four letters – IIMC.
Walking the ramparts of Joka was an honour. Deserved or not, the place is beautiful, and steeped in history. Stellar alumni and distinguished professors. And even more amazing batchmates. Thank you everyone.
While we might have gotten lucky on that test, all those naysayers, disparagers and patronizing talkers can go take a hike. After all, we did get lucky on that test and then survived IIMC. We are a tribe and a helluva one at that
IIMC doesn’t stand for IIM Chill. If you want to find out, get an admit and accept it. Term I will have you sleep for less than 4 hours a day. I know it! I have done it myself
The best way to live in IIM Calcutta is through contributing to student life there. A campus that is run mostly by students requires this. Follow your passions and align it with the greater good of the students. The much treasured and coveted CV points will follow. Atul is a fantastic example
Life is not only about competition. Pushing others down for your own benefit is the last thing you want to do. If there is one thing that I grew to admire at IIMC is the non-RG culture. And Natty and Lad, the applause you got at your awards might illustrate why that class of 270 people agree with me. While it might be a race against many others, in reality it is a race against yourself
And now a lesson from the birds: “Irrespective of what happens, you never know how far away from crap you are in life”
People change over those two years in Joka. Not only your colleagues there but also people you thought you knew
We have to start giving our Fellowship candidates their due. They do amazing research and break their backs through the year. And people like Satsheelda are truly amazing!
Ajith Balakrishnan is a truly amazing individual. Its an honour having him as our Chairman Board of Governors
Learn to be patient with people. It helps. If you think you will be able to get along with all kinds of people, you are terribly wrong. But learn to grit your teeth and take it. Because you have to
The Dramatics Cell is an experience. The kind of talent that I was witness to there was truly amazing
The kind of work that we would be doing after graduating from IIMC is not rocket science. You are doing it, because you are from IIMC. And so, remember to thank your stars.
Humility is a virtue

P.S: Welcome 46/16

2008-06-11T21:34:00.002+05:30

Life to me seems so much about IIM Calcutta. Sure, its easily my biggest academic achievement, and that too by a huge margin. But I wonder, do you define a college, or does a college define you? Now now, before the self respecting shout in support of the latter, let me say one thing. We are often so influenced by our surroundings. In many cases despite not wanting it, we are spitting images of family members. Ask me for me! A college, aside of academics, is about its culture. And, I must admit, am being influenced by IIM Calcutta. Maybe its a good thing, maybe its not.

The year gone by has been exciting to say the least. I remember that first day in class. I remember that first quiz, the rush of being home the first time, that placement season, the XLRI - IIMC sports meet, the pain of that miserable first quiz in Financial Accounting and Statistics, the disappointment of that miserable term III mid term and the breakdown that ensued, and the pain of separation from that campus as I left for home for summers.

Speaking of summers, it was good. I managed to do ok I guess. My batch at IIM Calcutta has done well too. Pre-placement offers have started trickling in. Its something to look forward to everyday. Those congratulatory hugs are both fashionable and required. But there is joy for him/her. Its never about, "I didn't get one, and yet that clown has one!" I guess thats IIM Calcutta for you.

I love my wing. In fact I admire each and every one of them. I love it that I leave my door open through the day. I love it that the water can is in my room, and people come to my place to drink from it. I love those bakar sessions where we sit around and discuss absolutely anything. Second year is going to be fun with these guys. I really wish that Sugeet and Vijay didn't have to go abroad for Term 5. Conversations range from movies, to professors, to classmates (read bitching), to women, to the economy, to us, and God knows what else. I shall miss all that soon. But this term promises to be heavily loaded, though not suggested by my posts on successive days.

This has been a drawl at best. I have really become rustic when it comes to humour. I am unable to unravel the sardonic wit that I possess. I have sworn to write regularly this year. A resolution of sorts. Till the next one, Au revuoir!

Realizations (II)

2008-06-11T00:25:00.004+05:30

The day I decide to update my weblog is here finally. I have had those crazy phone calls late at night, pleading for me to update this blog of mine. Those frantic females needed to be assuaged. But then my 'hectic' schedule at college, and at work had me pressed for time you see. Nonetheless, I have decided to oblige all those fans of mine. Being the quintessential engineer (I spent four years in a nondescript, unknown college), I shall try not be overly garrulous and verbose in my sentences, and try to attain grammatical correctness and coherence in bulleted points

You inevitably falling in love with situations. Damn, I remember having issues in those first few days on campus. I remember the yearning for home. But, I also remember missing Joka so terribly at home. Those little conversations, those brothers called wingmates, those insanely Gtalk conversations substituting rendezvous, and that Xanadulike campus in medieval Calcutta.
Mothers can convey missing you by those hugely expressive of theirs.
Bombay is home. It will always be. And so will Chembur. Those trees, that quiet. Tranquility redefined.
If people think that walks in the morning are good, try doing it late at night.
Le Cafe rocks. Its expensive, and has hugely profited from me, but it rocks!
Roommates are nice to have in a company furnished house. Thanks Praveen, Sameer and Kapil
I can't believe I love this campus which has an insect crawling all over my study table.
I am autistic. Especially when it comes to people. Ironic for a loudmouth for me.
Luck, and honesty are nice things to have. It gets you things that you really really wish to have. Ask me. Maybe I shall get rich!
I still can't believe I love this campus. The insect is getting really close to the keyboard.
I have become extremely blunt. You are really dumb to read this drone!
Barbers shall henceforth rejoice upon my arrival in his store. Quick money easy, arrives.
Term 4 at IIMC is loaded.
Maybe a debate topic for later. Iconoclasts are actually subconsciously conventional.
This done is getting really monotonous now. I shall stop.

The Bonfire

2007-12-26T01:34:00.000+05:30

There they were - little logs kindling the fame. They shone brightly as the burnt, each and every one of them, and then lying by the flames as little embers, glowing ever so lightly in the warmth of the flame. The flame herself jumped from her confines, rising way above the logs that lit it. The logs themselves came in different sizes, and burnt in different hues. Some were big and shone like the moon on that starless night, and yet others were tiny little ones, that contributed towards the flame in their own little way. That was a lovely picture.

I stepped a little further back, and pored over that flame again. She shone just as brightly, but the logs seemed a little different. They still were the same in terms of diversity. They were still the same in terms of effulgence on ignition. But then they walked. They talked. They danced. The seemed to applaud a band named JBS BaroC. I noticed a few logs didn't burn. They were just sitting by the fire, probably enjoying the warmth. They seemed darker logs, probably ones that had been in the fire before, or maybe it was just age.

I stepped further back. But strangely enough, the bonfire seemed to raging higher. The flames were leaping higher, trying to catch the sky. And they were succeeding. Some logs were no longer seen, but the bonfire was intact. Some of those older logs were burning now. The bonfire was glorious.

I asked myself about the bonfire. It seemed a little too familiar.

P.S: Our alum reunion at IIMC rocked last night
P.P.S: IIMC rocks

Cast(e) Away

2007-09-28T14:20:00.001+05:30

Being extremely passionate about mythology and more importantly the Mahabharatha, history would be something that I would come to love naturally. Despite being a rather docile fellow myself, the gruesome tales of death depicted in the Hindu epics, are well received by me. Pondering over such moot questions are somethings I enjoy, as like an MBA would put it, it would to self realization which would lead to the path of success. Anyways, thats hamming enough for the introductory paragraph.

We have a course out here on the Indian Social System. I find the course extremely intriguing, as I gain insights as to why we Indians are what we are today. In this day of caste battles, and caste polarization, existence has come to be defined by what one is born as, and not what one yearns to be. I have come to realize that India's caste system is India's comfort zone. The more progressionist we try to be, we try to warp ourselves in this unnecessary labyrinth of castes.

Castes, created (proof required) to serve as job stratifiers, have subsumed the very religion which has given birth to it. Hinduism, that held casteism within it, is know an pejoratory reference to the existence of casteism. Castes define not just where we work, or in some cases, dont work, but also the way we think. Rural India makes castes an example for excesses that people seek or have sought. Rapes and murders are justified using this crutch that props up a man who can walk, nay run a marathon. I have read that through the ages, its Brahmins who have held the thread which makes the Indian fabric. As much as my chauvinistic inclinations dissuade me, I have begun to realize, that at some level, it possibly is true. Untouchability, which is something that I shall never come to accept as a necessary evil in my life, has been wrought on this society, by the ruling class and the Brahmins. This is quite ironic, since the concept as such never existed in ancient India.

Castes have become a bane onto our existence. Varnas alone cant define occupations or people anymore. We have differentiated our Varnas into miniscule castes that the same Varna. In days gone by, kings got their daughters married to other kingdom's princes, irrespective of what kind of Kshatriya they belong to. Such things are blasphemy in the India of today. Even the most secular or liberal individual shirks away those virtues when choosing a partner. This would only mean more chauvinism in the genearations to come.

India is growing at a pace that requires us, the Indians to contribute. That would require participation together and not be prohibitive towards individuals. Its not about discriminatory on racial or religious lines either. Its about being inclusive. Its about meritocracy. Its about representation.

And its definitely not about CASTE

NOTE: The authors views are strictly personal, and does NOT, in any manner, reflect the views of any group, institute or organization he belongs to. Any citations of part/whole of this text without this clarification shall deem to be a violation of copyright.

One step closer to Nirvana

2007-08-19T10:16:00.000+05:30

I have journeyed home this weekend. To call it a short trip would be imprudent, as it was almost ephemeral. I write this at home, wishing that my stay could be longer, wishing that I could soak in the scents this wonderful city, my home. But fate and responsibilities are mistresses of mine, who are playing truant today. I shall have to return to my lovely college, to my friends there, to academics. I enjoy all those lovely things, but I can't help but think of Bombay.

Sometimes even tiny associations are greatly fulfilling. Thats the thing with these time compressed relationships. You don't have expectations of them, because you know that parting is a given. But living those moments are like elixirs. Energizing, invigorating you almost. But the harsh wand of reality still waves frantically around that head of yours. And reality hits you as hard as it can.

The trip was lovely. The joy that I could see in my grandmothers' eyes was enough to quell the disappointment of my quiz in Kolkota. But then there was more to follow. Providence had in store for me friends, a mother whose eyes were large with emotion, a father who wished to act, but couldn't contain the joy of his seeing his son again, rapprochements if you so deem to call them, both with myself and others, and conversations with friends that I shall always cherish.

Suddenly, I snap back into reality when I look at the incoherence. I realize the outcome of my nostalgia. But maturity, whether it stems from wisdom, or age, tells me that this emotion is ubiquitous. Even caterpillars ensconced in their cocoons experience it, thanks to memories of crawling along tiny twigs that the butterfly shall not be fortunate to have. This reality bite make me realize that this trip was an awakening to me. And just for that, this trip was priceless.

Bombay is known as the city of dreams. I was dreaming, Bombay awoke me in these three days.

The first IIMC weblog

2007-07-13T21:01:00.000+05:30

Hey all.

I am sure you have read my emails, or rather I hope you have. In case you haven't, heres another attempt at shoving my thoughts down your brain.

As I pinch myself into reality that I am actually in my own Xanadu, cocooned from city life, living in a sylvan campus amongst the brightest brains in the land, it makes me reflect.

I think of the little stories that contributed to the novel that has been my life so far. Its about those tiny moments, which amoebic as they are, are gargantuan in terms of what it did for me. Its about those faceless souls in the crowd, who at best would be deemed as onlookers in the melee known as life to others, but to me they have been that torchbearer - paving that path in pitch black. I also recollect the faces that I shall be with for the next two years, sharing and being parts of my life, as I shall be a part of theirs. I think about those individuals who shall be my teachers; people who can shake the welkin with their knowledge. I think about my parents, and I think about my friends. And you, madam or gentleman who is reading this weblog, in all probability, I have already thought about you.

I have come to realize that life here is ridden with paradoxes. That friend who shall sit beside you and teach and learn from you, shall be vying for your very spot in the job interview. That room which you so faithfully call home, isnt really yours. That feeling of coming full circle evaporates when you think of the battle ahead.

I recollect the yearning that I possessed to be a part of this great institute. I recollect that fateful month of November 2005, which was my sine wave that ended with the trough on November 20. I reminisce the slogging of the months prior to that. I also reflect upon the callowness with which I took CAT 2006. These things make me realize that life is more than being a part of a great college. It shakes me into reality that this degree is my vantage point on life, and nothing else. I will have to soldier on into the forest lies ahead of me, popularly known as life. I know that every one of us does the same, but only those armed with the torches of hard work, and maybe the flares of good fortune shall get across these enchanted woods.

Suddenly, I have had a peek at that ticking device known as my clock. It summons me impatiently while waving that Microeconomics tome. And now I know that I have to leave.

Wishing each of us the very best.

Cheers!

The Timeless Art of Seduction?

2007-06-01T09:07:00.000+05:30

I caught a few glimpses of Umrao Jaan today. In between the many sighs, and the heaps of curses on Abhishek Bachchan, I managed to get some thinking done. For the uninitiated, Umrao Jaan does have Aishwarya "woos" Abhishek. That thought, of a man being wooed, left me thinking. Just to clarify, I can, and do, think. Its difficult, but I get around.

This whole concept of wooing, preening is too perplexing for me. Ideally, I would like the idea of a lady fighting for my attention, but then pragmatism can be a bitch. It brings down your hopes with a huge thud. On a more serious note, I begin to wonder aloud as to what works, and what I may have to use.

Some guys have it easy. They move their hands through their hair, and voila! Woman draped around you. Hey ladies! Is it ok if I move it on my scalp?

Hindi film heroines have it really easy. A few jhatkas. or torso thrusts ala Madhuri Dixit, and you have guys wanting to marry you. Since people are inquisitive to know about who my very own
"Daddy's little daughter" is, I have to first say that there is none. And moreover, I would need to practice heaving my chest, if this is a successful formula. But, in case I do find one, I might try this.

Then there are poets. The guys with woe streaked all over the faces, and apparel. They are dressed similar to the beggar outside the temple. With this description, I could try "wooing" my woman with a poem, since I am not that bad. Heres an attempt:
"Be mine, my lady", I yell to her.
I am not the worst person that can be.
"If you shall acquiesce to this,
I shall take you out for a movie."
Seems in order, no?

Then there are the roadside romeos, who can break into a jig at the drop of a hat. This includes serenading his woman whilst casting his limbs in every possible direction. I think I might manage a voice that can successfully woo a frog, but the jig is out of order. As I once remarked to a lady friend of mine, who thought I was qualified to dance, "Gyrating hippos dont make for pretty sights." But women find many things cute. Who knows, I might get lucky!

I recollect the exhibitionists. They shall flaunt their chiselled chests, and get lucky. The last line of the paragraph above, serves a good indication as to why this wont be my strategy. But desperate times, call for desperate measures.

There have been many success stories of bouquets, flowers and pendants working. Roses are siad to be especially effective. The thorns that adorn a rose are said to make them especially attractive. I have never cared for roses, but I should contemplate using the next time. Considering my bank balance, I should be able to afford a thorn or two. Its after all, the thought that matters.

My creative mind seems to have exhausted itself. My quest for that Miss "too sacred blah blah" is still on. Care for pointers?

Gyaan!

2007-05-24T20:01:00.000+05:30

First certain disclaimers.

This weblog comes at the request of my myriad readers. (Jokes are good to break the ice. The boredom will set in soon.)
This post will contain an overdose of gyaan
I will not try and begin my branding w.r.t IIMC

I have been learning Economics lately. Yeah, its part of my pre MBA thing. And yeah, I like economics. And yeah, I BETTER like economics; I have just “committed” to something for the first time in my life.

Anyways, moving on, I have come to realize that many macroeconomic principles hold true even in the tiny microcosms that constitute the macrocosms which we refer to. Too much gyaan already? Well, just think of it that India is one big “happy” family, which is made up of millions of tiny little “happy” families, which are our families.

Before carrying on, let me clarify that this post is to be a parody. A parody on myself, and the Indian social fabric. Gyaan that is interspersed just underlines the severe lack of literary talent.

So, coming back, Macroeconomics keeps using a word regularly: “Government”. We, the bonded labourers of the software industry whine, whine and whine using that word. Hell, for that matter, everyone everyone seems to whine about the Government. The government included! The government is that factor which shapes all policies. Its supposed to be the “moderator”. If you ask me, I couldn't care less about moderation. I am a great believer of demand supply economics. I demand from God, and he supplies. But then hey, realities are a far cry from utopia.

Here is the basis of my conjectures (novel ain't I? I have an understanding for my guesses). For ease of understanding I shall use examples that we can relate to.

Money: Best case scenario in case of invalids like me (I am going to be one for the next two years), is I demand, and parents supply. But the government at home is restricted na? I demand, and they reject. In India, the people demand for better governance, and in return, they dont get it.
Neighbors: We try and establish government policies that keep us isolated from the rest of the planet when in comes to internal matters. And yet, India is known to wade into foreign shores. Closer home, we hate our house closets being emptied out, but we are known to be staring into our neighbors houses in our free time.
Inflation: The government is known to be the prime cause for rising inflation. Prime reason is government spending (on its politicians). The public whines, and the government spends more. At home, the government whines and then with rising incomes, it spends more on accessories. Women find a mention here.
Education: The one place where both score points. The government taxes the working class, or myself, for aiding my education. You get the idea as to what is happening at my place :)
Moralities: We Indians are possibly the biggest hypocrites on the planet. I know this would have the large crowd of bloggers who frequent my niche in the virtual world, up in arms, but hold on. We are the land of the Mahabharatha. We had Arjun who had 41 wives. We had Krishna with thousands of wives. Bhima was quite prolific too I have heard. So inter-caste marriages were sanctioned. Krishna at least is known to have “known” love. Bhima, is documented as having wedded a demoness! And yet, our government believes in moral policing. FTV apparently is a creation of the devil's syndicate. And so is valentines day. Ironically, hapless and hopeless romantics like myself, are witness to this erratic behaviour on the home turf, which is ridden with “Daddy's little daughters” who are too sacred to “touch”

So there you go. My first economics lecture. An overdose of gyaan as promised. I have served the dollops of crap. You can serve the dollops of hate comments.

P.S: To those who didnt notice, the IIMC branding HAS begun. Oblique references to MBA education have been made

P.P.S: I made it into IIMC. More on that later too

Indian Politics

2007-04-25T06:55:00.000+05:30

M. Karunanidhi on the stay imposed by the two Judge bench of the Supreme Court:
"Two or three people determining the future of 100 crore people will damage democracy"

Enough said.

Soundbites

2007-03-25T10:01:00.000+05:30

India is finally out of the World Cup, much to the consternation of billions of people.

On this momentous occassion, we had quite a few soundbites, and a few wordbites if you choose to call them that. Here they are:

Greg "Chappal" during his interview with reporters all armed with slippers: "We didn't play well enough. Sorry that was an inflamatory question. We didn't play well enough. We didn't play well enough. And yeah, we didn't play well enough."

Rahul Druggedvid, our Captain: Whilst wearing the expression of "the Wall", he says,"We didn't deserve to qualify for the Super 8's". Apt since, its the Super 8's and not the Drooper 8's

John Wrong, our Ex-Coach: "The Cup will be poorer without India". Definitely, methinks. Since 90% of the revenue generators have lost interest.

Imran Can [be stupid]: "Dravid and Chappal should stay. Let there not be knee jerk reactions". To this he was told a journo that reactions to symptoms after one and half years isnt knee jerk.

Mandira Body: " All is not lost. Bangladesh can still lose to Bermuda"

Charas Sharma, having a disappointed look: "The odds of that are the same as you wearing the dresses you wore during the last Cup." [Liberty being taken here. This was a mental note]

Dean Bones: "Its a real sad day for Indian Cricket. And me too. How can I discuss strategies, and act as if I support India. Thankfully, the South African team is still there. I can label someone as a terrorist"

Ayaz Madman: "Its the end of the road for me too. My cutting edge comments on the Indian team will have no use."

Realizations

2007-02-23T07:39:00.000+05:30

I had been to my cousin's thread ceremony on Sunday. To all my international readers (the huge big zero of them), and to the non hindu ones (another big zero), it is the Jewish equivalent of Bar-Mitzvah. I made a few observations there.

Older women cousins, and aunts (Yes, we South Indians have some aunts younger to ourselves, thanks to prolific grandparents) will play to your ego regarding "your beauty", or in normal parlance, "handsomeness".
The uncles over 50 shall do so too, but the 30 year old married guys shall not even remark about that great shirt you are wearing and everyone loves.
To find a great looking South Indian female is very difficult. To pacify all the angry female readers (yet another zero), I have heard that finding that handsome South Indian Male is equally so.
During every South Indian function, at least those with a moderate size, the males in action, have to display "what lies beneath the dress". Thanks, in no measure, to the dress here. Ironically, all the display happens by married men.
The women in their nine yard sarees look pretty (round?).
Some women in their nine yard sarees manage to walk. The others maintain their normal activity levels by remaining seated.
South Indian Mamas have an opinion, and a suggestion for everything. This includes tips for MBA, Greg Chappel, dressing for women (the lungi that the Mama has worn notwithstanding of course), career choices, food, cooking food, the neighbor Mami, how to be great with women....
South Indian Mamas CAN gossip for hours on end.
Humour is well appreciated by all south Indian females. This might be due to the fact that they are normally accompanied by males who are as sprightly as they would be when they are at a funeral.
People can be really generous. Its sad that it wasn't my thread ceremony.
The definition of a mother cannot be restricted to "Women who have children, or for that matter borne them".
No matter who, or where you are, there shall always be that guy who is smarter than you. This is not exactly a realization though.
Self deprecation makes for great humour
I can relate to middle aged, and aged Maharashtrian people. Possibly because they are similar to South Indians (The above mentioned points are not applicable to them!).
Trains in Bombay is great for chemical engineers/science students. They can memorize all the organic smells there.
Trains in Bombay have no ceiling limit on the number of people.
Most men in the Bombay trains are gentlemen.
I am bored writing this post as of now, but I am going to bore the reader some more.
The worth of an IIM degree is immense in marriage circles. Even clearing the CAT is useful.
Grandfathers can be great company.
Daughters scold fathers after they start earning.
I am really bored of this post.
No one will read this post.
End of post

Madonnas and Jesuses

2007-02-05T10:29:00.000+05:30

I traveled by bus last night. It wasn’t too crowded, but had to stand nonetheless. My friend was seated, and I was left alone standing. Since we were both tired, I was left to the silence for company. I had the option of thinking to myself, which of course, I chose.

My eyes began scanning the bus. My friend was seated in the seat adjacent to the one I was looming over. The others were taken by people of various shapes and sizes. They were images that were forgotten easily. Nothing special. I went back to ruminate over the past year. The bus passed a few stops.

Bored of those thoughts, the scanning began again. I noticed a cheerful child in a lady’s arms. She was the mother apparently. There she was playing with her child, oblivious to the surroundings. Children with mothers are beautiful. Its natural, since it’s the first love that a child experiences. But there could be something more beautiful. Two children, with their respective mothers.

Adjacent to mother nearest sat another mother son duo. And the little fellow here was fast asleep. There was that blissful baby sleep. And I watched in silence again.

It was quite later that I noticed the attire. One was in a burkha, and the other in a saree with the sindoor et al. I noticed that atleast two of the foursome knew nothing about the sindoor, or the burkha for that matter. They knew only the person. They knew only their mothers. They didn’t care if the lady in front, whose hair the active one was busy tugging at, was clad in burkha or had a sari on. He just wanted to play. And then I thought of Gujarat, and the Babri Masjid, and the Bombay Riots, and the Bombay blasts, and the Jihad in Kashmir, and God knows what else.

The bus jerked. I lost balance. I looked out. Saw my stop, and got out. That image remained in my mind.

The tragic hero

2007-01-31T15:12:00.000+05:30

He walked the earth many feet high,
Beauty and pride etched on his face,
Royalty, ironically, was gifted to him,
Powerful he was, with both bow and mace.

Vrisha, Vaikartana, and Vashusena was he,
Though popularly known as the mighty Karna,
Barring the transgression he wrought on Draupadi,
He was the embodiment of Truth and Dharma.

Even the strongest hearts quiver upon the sound of death,
But embrace he did what makes us human.
Kindness was he, illustrated by,
That gift of armor to Indra the Brahman.

Not once did he shirk an obligation to generosity,
Bringing down his own castle once,
Not only did he lay down his very own life to the call of duty,
To it he surrendered his own eight sons.

A life of misery ended by a shaft.
Sent forth by his worst enemy.
That unique way of death,
Gave him fame for all generations that could be.

The ideal tragic hero is Karna
Torn apart by duty and love
They say as complex a character as he shall never
Be created by our father sitting above.

Globalization

2006-12-08T11:07:00.000+05:30

Globalization has been lauded, bashed, lauded again, and bashed again ad infinitum. Countless debates have been undertaken over farm subsidies, over offshoring of jobs, over extensive growth in the developing nations like India, China, textile market crash, more job loss etc etc etc. Yet, as we indulge ever more on this extremely sensitive topic, let us stop, for one moment albeit, and take the sight that I took in today.

I work at Capgemini India, in a cozy little cubicle in the 2nd Mumbai office. Being new, I have a few responsibilities, but I feel I have been burdened like Atlas himself, holding aloft the sky. Mundane jobs like data entry is as cumbersome as licking ones own elbow. But, have settled in, and enjoying every moment of it.

Capgemini has a celebration every year, aptly named "Jashn", from the Hindi word for celebration. Furious preparations are on, especially so for the dance competition. I should think all the other events shall pale in comparison to this event. The anticipation surrounding is so intense, its almost palpable.

I was witness, amongst a plethora of others, to the practice to this event. We had almost 50 men and women, in all shapes and sizes, of all ages, of all departments, of all backgrounds, gracing the "stage". Furious Punjabi music blared in the background with those dancers gyrating equally furiously. A few, the ones dimensionally challenged like me, huffed and puffed their steps, but were the receptionists of rapturous response. The only ubiquitous thing seemed to be the smile. But the thing that caught my fancy was a lone woman at the corner, and a couple of others accompanied by a third man, at yet another corner. The former was clicking away on her digital camera, with a smile that stretched from ear to ear. The latter two were busy remarking the costs that accompanied staging such an event.

One of them, a genial lady, the one who lights up the area near my cubicle with her infectious laugh, is our client. As are the rest of them. I realized then that the camera the shutterbug was wielding was not the one in her hand. It was the one in her mind. The images that shall shall always treasure. She had taken with her a glimpse of the lovely land that India is. She had with her, a tiny piece of the delicious cake that Mumbai is. She had an insight into the mind of an India, something that was so completely shrouded by both geographical and economic curtains. And most importantly, they too, had a smile on their faces.

For one second, I had forgotten that I was possibly occupying the seat of some American whose job had been shipped here. I had been part of an organization that made many many others smile. I dont know if globalization is "cool" or not, but it seemed worthy for that one second.

The Nightmare

2006-11-09T20:03:00.000+05:30

I woke up last night,
Sweat poring out,
My throat was dry,
But I managed a shout.

T'was a nightmare,
Quite a horrific one.
Walking a dark alley,
Was me and none.

A loud roar,
The most terrific din,
All those wicked departed souls,
In better hells been.

I had woken up apparently,
By that slightest fear.
Convinced was I,
This was not a nightmare mere.

My heart was racing,
My brain in tumult
I clammered for the light,
And finding it, did I exhult.

The clear room air,
With the room lit as well,
I heaved a sigh a relief,
And cherished the room where I dwell.

I thought of the blind the next day.

Capgemini Seasons

2006-10-15T08:25:00.000+05:30

Its been two and a half months since I have been conscripted into the Indian software Industry. Two and a half months of mixed feelings. Two and a half months of studying. Two and a half months of college life. Two and a half event filled months.

Work has been fun to say the least. Really good fun. Have made lots of new friends out there, and rediscovered a couple of old ones. But then again, friendships, in my case at least, have been ephemeral. They have always been that beautiful woman in the crowd, who gives you a smile for no reason at all (She could have been laughing at me, but I am an optimist), and then disappears into the darkness of time, never to be beheld again. Autumn of the group gathered has come, and just two of us remain. The leaves have been falling, and even the resolute ones shall part tomorrow. That leaves me, still coming to terms with my branches, wondering about the onset of spring. Winter, I remember, is not yet upon me.

But, putting aside the sorrows of autumn, I look at the sunset; autumn sunsets are indeed the most beautiful, with the sun beaming in a resplendent glow, converting the sky into an artists canvas. I recollect that paycheque, that first paycheque. Always beautiful, just like a baby. They are synonymous to an extent, the first paycheque, and a baby, the former is your first latter. That first cheque makes you realize the rocket science that is money management. It makes you quiver at the thought of a wife, who has a gaping hole in her hand. It makes your prophetic, and you come up with corny statements such as "Money doesnt come easy." Well, as I said, am still learning the ropes.

And then again, I cast my dreary eyes, the very eyes which stare endlessly into a screen, upon those branches, left threadbare with the departure of the leaves. I realize then that "Life is the longest game of musical chairs that I shall play". It makes me look beyond, and steels me into awaiting the challenges that the winter at Capgemini shall throw to me.

For a few pounds less

2006-09-20T14:17:00.000+05:30

Well, my blog and me seem to be sharing a relationship of a sometimes on, and more often than not off couple. Well, in my defense, work pressure (Forgive me for using that.. I just wanted to!) has been getting to me. Add to that a comp which I would rather cremate, and my hiatus is perfectly justified.

I have just joined the gym. I am convex all the way around. Not my idea of a great physique, again, not that I ever had one. When you go to donate blood, and the doctor has an exclamatory look on his face, you know that the scales aren't tipping the right way. And hence, the decision to go shed a few pounds.

Its always surprised me as to what people get so addicted to at the gym. There must be something that is so terribly attaching. People tell me about their gym friends, and how they work out together, about relationships that started out at the gym, and so on. Well, they must be going to some gymnasium that is beyond the pockets of mere mortals like me.

Gymnasiums, in this one week, I have discovered, cure people of their ills, not just by the conventional method of sweating it out. They also believe in the proverbial best medicine or laughter.

There is this one gentleman, who actually uses the machine that is used to exercise the hips as a merry-go-round. The machine itself is a simple contraption, a single bar, with a rotating disk at the bottom. All one has to do is to clutch at the bar, and sway using the disk at the bottom. But out friend believes that the right way to exercise is to stand on the disk, and have the disk rotate.

Then we have the middle aged wonders of nature who frequent my gym. My gym made me feel better the first day itself, as I was easily amongst the thinnest there. There are plenty who struggle to walk in through the door. I guess you can now understand as to why most of the treadmills wont work. These lovely gentlemen ( and a couple of ladies as well), believe that the ideal weight loss regimen includes loads of mirror stares, newspaper reads interspersed with friendly chats with the instructor. The secret weapon though is to seat yourself on any of the exercise machine, and wait for a particular treadmill to be free. Please remember that the treadmill would not be used for longer than 5 minutes.

Me running, or should I say jogging, is looked upon as the eighth wonder of the world. As regards to my own weight, I have lost faith in the weighing machine. It seems prejudiced against me, and has sworn to show that dangerously high weight which I started out with. But I have faith in exercise; be it in sweat or laughter, and in this, the latter is assured.

An ironic title :11/7

2006-07-13T06:51:00.000+05:30

The blasts have illustrated again the spread of terror in our country. Its really sad that such incidences should take place, killing 185, so that the world stands up and takes notice of the plague of terrorism so widespread in India. England went ballistic on 7/7; I wonder what they would have done if this had happened in London.

The blasts have left the city is a sombre mood. There is this deafening silence wherever you go. Its a silence that screams out death, sorrow and fear. And yet, the car horn rings out loudly as well. Traffic was definitely on the lower side today, but that doesnt mean we didnt have traffic jams. Work, says my dad, went on as usual, with attendance around 85%. His boss was to have travelled in a compartment which was ill fated, but thanks to some quirk of fate, she was delayed and took the bogie at the end of the train, thereby living to see the next day.

There have been horror stories flashed all over the TV screens of grieving families, and horrible deaths. There was also the odd story of joy of reunision. Then there was the report of work resuming, mostly as usual, which actually chills my spine. The resilience is admirable, but it seems to have at a cost of becoming numb to sensations of death. Yet, the Bombayites stand in unison. Thats heartening.

L.K.Advani has displayed prudence in his speech. The BJP didnt do well in the exam though. Targetting the PM is hardly what I would have liked. I would have preferred the sending of the cadres for social service. Nonetheless, political parties havent had their worst performance this time around. And congrats to the Shiv Sena for being uncharacteristically mellow.

At this point of time, I request the families of the bereaved not to think that they were targetted because they belonged to a certain community. The trains that were bombed did not admit passengers on creed. All the communities have lost brethren. And please do not think that Muslims are responsible. They are not. Indian Muslims are as Indian as any other community. My brother Sahul is ample proof. I know it when he chants Jana Gana Mana with as much, if not much more, fervour as me.

Readers Digest can go to hell for all I care. Whoever said Bombay did not have a human side, and was rude? Well, for a rude city it acquitted itself pretty well on the 11th. To see people helping absolute strangers within an hour of the incident was heart warming to say the least. And it didn't stop there. There were blood donation camps all over the city, and the turnout was fabulous. Whilst blowing my own trumpet cockily, I can assure you that this as the place I had been to donate the crimson liquid, collected around 80 bottles in a few hours. I actually had to wait, in a four bed ward, with the collection taking 15 minutes, to donate blood. So thats proof enough. And besides, what Readers Digest doesnt understand is that Bombay is just following its culture. That doesnt make it rude. So, a word of advice for RD - Learn to be PC (Politically Correct). And yeah, I do feel good after yesterday.

As I write this I have Johnny Walker sing "Aye dil hai mushkil Jeena yahan" playing at the background. That was a much more peaceful Bombay, but thats all thats changed. Cheers Mumbai.

Thank you Mr. Dhokalia

2006-05-20T17:11:00.000+05:30

The IIMA Director, Mr. Bakul Dhokalia has given a shot in the arm to the protestors all over the country by spaeking out on the impossibility of implementing the increase of seats.

God Bless You!

Of Women and Children

2006-05-14T09:23:00.000+05:30

Women are an amazing species. And I love them. Their passions are something we men can never understand; but isn't that what us makes love them?

As much as I love children, I am not a woman. I mean the affection that women have for children is something that we men can never feel, or at the very least never express. I love children. But I can never match the passion that my mom and grandmother, and in general speak with on children. Even my lady friends speak so affectionately of children. Piquant, isn't it?

My sister (cousin) has recently delivered; in December actually. The kid is unbelievably cute. Hes just turned over, and repeatedly bangs his head on the floor, as he is unable to lift his heavy head. When I mentioned this to my mom and grandmother, they went into nostalgic overdrive. I got a detailed description as to how children are at this age. As to how they turn over and dont know how to turn back and then get frustrated, how they repeatedly bang their head on the floor, how they learn to sit down, how they begin walking, how they have their first step and so on. I could only sit for 15 minutes and enjoy two women speak with rhetoric on their favoured topic.

Throughout those 15 minutes I hardly paid any attention as to what they were saying, but I was having an amazing conversation with their eyes. My eyes were rivetted to theirs as they recounted scores of children. They had after all seen plenty of them. My grandmother at least.

My cousin called today morning. And then suddenly we had two neonatologists in the room. "Feed him this." "Dont do that" "Dont feed him that". You know the rest.

Men will never speak of children in this manner, irrespective of how many children they have encountered. My father and uncle are classic examples. I guess testosterone is weird. Well progesterone and oestrogen at work are worth watching.

Anyways, here is my lovely nephew:

Unconditional Love

2006-05-10T07:42:00.000+05:30

I stared into those becoming eyes,
Little pools of water are they,
Ensconced in a radiant face,
The most beautiful thing, on any given day.

I sat, and regaled that jolly laugh,
My indulgence almost does me blight.
I can't help but stare at that face,
Such beauty, is indeed a very rare sight.

Her hands delicately clasp mine,
As if, theres something that has to be said.
But, no words emanate from her,
And I continue admiring those cheeks so red.

That nose would give Cleopatra a run
For her money, and thats true.
That voice is comparable to a certain Miss Lata,
The feeling I am having is most certainly new.

She coos so gently into my ear,
When I grab that delicate hand of hers.
Her sweet scent hits me then,
My heart suddenly, out of its stupor, stirs.

“The most beautiful thing in the world is she”
Of that theres no doubt,
If the reasons above ain't enough,
“Shes my six month old niece,” and now no one will shout.

Thought for the day

2006-05-07T19:18:00.001+05:30

The difference between an interesting conversation and beauty: Nothing

To the media

2006-05-05T06:44:00.000+05:30

This post is directed towards the media of the land, especially to the newspaper editors and all the directors of News channels.

Respected heads of media,

The past week has had both the print and visual media, filling their media space with the account of the attack on Mr. Pramod Mahajan. As much as I respect the man, and the service he has rendered to our land, I sincerely opine that the coverage given to this was grossly exaggerated and, at most instances, quite unnecessary. Here are reasons why:

1: It is quite distressing to a family that is in the hospital, praying for a member of its own, worse still the patriarch, to have images of the patient splashed all over any form of accessible media. It is hard enough on them as it is, because the perpetrator was highly trusted. So to have the case be dissected, especially before the proceedings can actually take place in court, is quite unwarranted.

2: The method of reporting was, to be polite, distasteful. It was almost inciteful, and despite the fact that the attacker be punished for his sin, sadly the impact of the report shall be borne by his immediate family. Pravin Mahajan's children shall not be able to go school now. Just to remind you, they are all of 16 years of age. Forget being able to stand on their feet, they are not matriculates in all probability. His wife, who has been rendered practically a widow by the madness enacted out by her husband, shall not have any social life. As it is she might not be in a position to forgive her husband, let alone society forgiving him. Think about the impact that your coverage would be doing to them

3: Heads of the media, think about that mother who has lost two children. At this point of time, seeing images of her passing out on the coffin of her dead son are surely not on her mind. Also, detailing how callous her son was of his brother's death, is not going to be very comforting to her. Remember that her age has crossed 70.

4: Think about the target audience. I cannot speak for the whole land, but having hour long coverages of a funeral, are not exactly my kind of news. Mr. Pranoy Roy, I respected you and your channel. Its sad that you too have resorted to pandering through sensationalism.

Please remember sirs, that an overdose of medical brandy, leaves you intoxicated.

694224000 seconds and counting!

2006-05-04T06:58:00.000+05:30

Well, those are the number of seconds that I shall have lived through at 10:44 am this morning. Its an amazing feeling that I have lived so long. It really is.

The day began well for me this year. I got the maximum number of calls that I have ever received in my life. And it felt really special to know that you have touched so many lives. It really did. It felt good to chat up in the dead silence of the night, walking on the balcony with a lovely cool breeze in my face, watching the street dogs fight amongst themselves, and switching in between so many calls.

After the calls were done, and my sleep truly vaporized, I sat down in the balcony to spend a little time with myself. With the hectic schedule of engineering, I really wanted this. The silence was almost eerie at times, but it was that silence that made me realize, that I am now truly on the path of adulthood. It is a surreal feeling, totally. So often we adoloscents discuss maturity as if it flows freely amongst us, without realizing that actually have a very long way to go.

The past year has been interesting to say the least. I have been through troughs that were indeed very deep, and have ridden crests that are quite unsurmountable as well. Thanks all you people, who were in the good and the bad times.

I also spent my time recollecting memories, both good, and bad. Thankfully, I have a very bad memory when it comes to pain, and so most of them were joyous ones. It made me realize, again, that I am 22! It was unnerving a tad, but then realized, that in reality, it is just a number. Its what you do with it that counts. I have realized that life is really a complex puzzle that we all set out to crack, but sadly some of us are satified with intermediate results. Yesterday night I have resolved that I shall not quit.

So heres to engineering, and a minimum of 694224000 seconds more. Cheers!

A sad day in Indian Politics

2006-05-02T07:22:00.000+05:30

Yesterday, our Finance Minister, Mr P.Chidambaram, came out in defence of the reservation policy. It clearly outlines the beginning of the end for meritocracy in today's India. It is sad that a politician of his stature has to stoop down to mass based politics, to pander to the needs of his party.

Sure he said that seats must be increased in all the premiere institutions across the land, so as to not disadvatage the reservationless majority. But it is startling that a man such as him would make statements like, "Reservations would not dilute the quality of the institution". Its ironic that a man who would hail from iconic palaces of education should make such comments.

PC is definitely one of the most loved Finance Ministers that the country has ever seen. Well, he lost one of his admirers yesterday to disillusionment.

Here are some alternate perspectives
Mr Narendra Jadhav
Mr Sudhir Badani

Aphorisms

2006-04-06T08:54:00.000+05:30

A few aphorisms that I have coined up:

If you wish to take a bath, you better well be prepared to get wet.

I coined it up when talking about relationships. Many a time we are afraid to take the plunge being unsure of ourselves. But then, if social obligations are to be met, and marriage is on the cards, go in ready with experience.

Peace comes onto oneself only when one comes onto peace with thyself.

We so often are unhappy with the world in general, inevitably not realizing that the cause could be that we haven't realized what we ourselves truly are. I can vouch for this from personal experience. We spend our life masquerading to be that person we want to be, but in that quest we lose out on that wonderful person who exists. Be happy with what you are, and things shall fall into place.

A soul mate is one who is blemishless, or more aptly, one whom we have come to terms with.

When we can accept all the faults that our parents have (whom to be are blemishless), why not someone else?

Happiness stems from being happy for others.

I have spent a considerable amount of life being selfish, and can now say that realizing joy from others' success, is something words cant express.

A beautiful woman is one that tingles not just the eyes.

This one is for all us men.

The conquest of a woman is a victory that is at most Pyrrhic.

A lie, but what the hell, let me say it nonetheless!

This is Gautam Buddha's, but something I greatly believe in. “From expectations stems sorrow.”

We end up being so unhappy with the people around us, primarily because we expect them to conform to the way we want them to behave. When we ourselves might not conform to their ideas, how can we expect them to do so? This is also in line with a previous post.

The concept of feminism is as chauvinistic as that of chauvinism.

For an elaboration, look up chauvinism in the dictionary.

The endearing human frailty of hope is both an aphrodisiac and an indulgence.

Too often, at least in my case, I hope for things that I know I shall never possess. Yet, we are so enamored by the thought of possession that we never want to let go.

Life is the longest game of musical chairs that you shall play. (My most used)

I wrote this in reflection of the many groups that I have been in. Its amazing how we flit through life living with some people and then so easily move on. And we return to see them so different, almost alien at times.

Dissipation

2006-03-24T16:00:00.000+05:30

It would be time to say goodbye soon,
And Memories come in flying in fast,
We stare into the crystal ball,
Yet reflect longingly at our past.

Four years - a tryst with time,
Covetting a degree thats very much commonplace,
Making friends along the way,
Fighting the very same in the rat race.

Mob mentality sweeps us forward,
And earnestly we lunge ahead,
Staking many a claim for a job,
Recollecting how time has sped.

Motley, incongruous groups are many,
Shining stars are quite a few,
Downright wastes of talent exist,
And inconspicuous talents there are too.

I look back at the time gone by,
And recollect pleasurable moments again,
Wishing all remained forever,
Reality strikes- this is life, not a game.

I recollect memories
Of Goa trips, of broken panes,
Of heightened fees, of cricket teams,
Of cricket matches, of impassioned flames.

Regrets are none, but gloom abounds,
As the corporate world does me beckon,
Akin to the flint lying in the mud,
The world shall me reckon.

Enough I cry,
End this melancholy rhyme,
Sing the tune of CapGemini,
Thats where I will join in time.

Like dried leaves we shall soon dissipate,
Breaking the bonds of the trees,
Four years later all we shall have,
Are these memories and possibly paid back fees.

The Soliloquy

2006-03-23T19:50:00.000+05:30

The door swings open and lets me in,
Am struck stark by the silence’s din.

I stare into unbecoming space,
My tired mind once again begins to race,

There is emptiness in heart and mind,
Yet mystically, thoughts have me in a bind.

Company is undoubtedly what I seek,
Yet the curse is that only silence shall speak.

The silence cries to me aloud,
And then I am warped in an emotive shroud.

Music shall be no balm,
Only a mortal beside shall restore calm.

These shackles of mind I swear to break,
And friendship’s leaves I promise to rake.

I think of this and a beacon shines through,
The silence seems to magically disappear too.

I am back to my jovial self again,
And promise to remain forever sane.

This poem is dedicated to Neeraj. Empathy, my dear friend, comes easily to me. :P

Jo jeeta wohi Sikander

2006-02-17T19:36:00.000+05:30

I watched “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander” for the nth time today. It’s one of those movies that you can never actually tire of watching. The movie is special for so many reasons, Aamir Khan not being the least of them. Not only is it wholesome family fare, but also the plot is pretty good, considering the time when it was made.

I really feel there are many scenes that capture the true human spirit, and they are truly spread out right across the movie. I admire the way the director has displayed joy, sorrow, brotherly love, hatred, affection, love, friendship…

Some stellar moments:

1: the scene when Aamir confronts his brother as to why he didn’t reveal who had attacked him. Aamir’s expression is right to the point.

2: The face that Ayesha Jhulka displays when he reveals his love for her. You have affection, love, respect all clubbed into one. Kudos to the director too for not streatching the scene too long or worse still, breaking into a jig.

3: Ayesha Jhulka right through the movie as a doting friend. I think she was grossly underused in this movie.

4: Deepak Tijori as the baddie. Fits the bill to a tad. The way he moves from sportsman to villain in the movie is really good.

5: And finally the best. The jubilation on Kulbushan Kharbanda’s face at the end of the cycle race. Plain magic I tell you. An unbelievable actor at his very best. You can clearly see unadulterated joy on his face, and knowing that what he is doing is acting, takes your breath away.

The direction is brilliant. No drawn out scenes, not too mushy, no unmentionables. A very good plot too. Perfect recipe for a good movie.

Of joy and contentment

2006-02-09T08:10:00.000+05:30

It has been a rollercoaster week for me emotionally. But sadly the rollercoaster didnt seem to reach its apogee. But along with it there is this huge sense of relief when it comes to certain issues. To an extent, I am glad that things have worked out the way they did. Thanks to the people who were there for me. I guess if you are reacding it you shall know. And just to point out, there are bloggers in the list.

Happiness, is something we all cherish and yearn for. Yet, seldom do we realize that happiness stems from within and not from environmental factors. External factors do play a role, but they are not something that charter your emotional sojourns. At most they give you choices that you should make to keep yourself happy.

I have greatly believe that happiness stems from contentment. Only when you are happy with yourself, shall you enjoy the thrill of living. Contentment stems not from achievements, but from realization. Realization shall dawn only when you look at the world through unbiased eyes. We get too tangled up in our quest for various things that we never realize that we werent actually born with them. They are something that we got. Not always had.

Materialistic poeple, generally, are the ones that experinces a gamut of emotions. Principally because of they are always in the quest or hunt for something. And as Gautam Buddha says, "From expectation stems sorrow and disappointment". I have never been a materilist in any sense. There has never been a yearning to possess something. Here, may I add, that being materilast transcends the domain of yearning physical possessions. Relationships are not exempt from this. Contentment here would be to see the other person happy. But let me add, that there are exceptions to every set.

Heres a poem that I found on the net:

I am happy, I truly am,
But Spartan too, devoid of glam.

MY heart glows, inn the most beautiful flame,
Disappointment and joy, I take it, just the same.

Women I love, but do not yearn,
Gizmos I enjoy, but do not discern.

Join me, live unattached this way,
You will be happy, and forever remain that way.

This poem has been the inspiration for the post.

Nocturnal Notes

2006-01-20T23:18:00.000+05:30

I sit at my comp, on this dark, gloomy night,
Her face flashes in my mind- oh what a sight.

The exquisite features, the flowing mane,
A vision she is, the ideal cure for pain.

I have not known there could be, at once, so much joy,
All of a sudden, I feel like a boy.

She suddenly has, my heart galloping,
Thoughts abound, refreshing my eyelids which were dropping.

Sleep all gone, I feel like a rain drenched leaf,
Catching her glimpse, my motto chief,

On time, suddenly, I have no tab,
But yet, in this midst of joy, I feel my heart has the wound of a stab.

I glance up, at the clock above me,
“An hour gone! How could that be!!”

I realize then, its time to hit the sack,
Those thoughts and hopes shall soon come back.

Ageless memories

2006-01-15T08:07:00.000+05:30

It has been quite a week I must say. I had GD sessions, finance work in college i.e preparing the budget, visiting the new house in Govandi, and last but not the least,the reunion of my batch from school.

The GD sessions were a waste of time. I didnt think that either of my groups were fit to talk to, let alone have a GD with them. Subin, the winner of the GDs in VESIT, was in my group both of the times, and yet all that materialized in our GD was sheer pandemonium. It was really sad that they couldn't capture the essence of what the purpose of the GD really was. On the other hand, the enthusiasm shown by the second year comps class was simply breathtaking. They actually gave me a call and asked whether I could oversee their GD. Really touching. Neeraj, if you do read this, we must think in lines of a GD competetion atleast, if not a debating competition.

Moving on, just to inform any reader of this blog, I have been appointed as joint treasurer, along with one of the most wonderful people I know -Purnima. I am really looking forward to working with her, and its bound to be fun. We had our first experience working together yesterday and atleast I enjoyed it.

Strengthening relationships apparently come with the baggage of loss of something close to your heart. Ranjani, I am not at all happy with your decision to delete your blog. Please let this not act as neither a memoir nor a eulogy; I really do opine that you are one whos talented with words, and blogging is something you should enjoy.

I know this is turning out to be the front page of Sunil Natraj Express, but this is a new form that my blog is taking nowadays, and I am not enjoying it one bit. Yet, this post shall not suffer.

The crowning glory of the week was beyond a doubt the reunion of my OLPS batch of 2000. It was surreal to see those same fellas, who used to be seated next to you, some of whose conversations reached an apogee when he gave you a blink, and some who always tried to make conversation with students from other classes whilst the teacher was in the class. Some are still the pupa, and some seemed to have become the butterfly. It was sad to see some of them smoke like chimneys, atleast two of them, people whom I knew very school, and for a while after as well, and mess themselves up. But I have full faith and I am sure they shall do well for themselves. Some have bridged onto working whilst there was one who is a future doctor. The "scholars" from the school turned out in full,and it was nice to see that they are current university toppers now. Conversation ranged from pranks played, to watching adult film magazines in class, to professors catching them and confiscating the pictures (possibly to enjoy them later), to making the teacher cry, to our deaf principal, to our future plans, back to our pet peeve Mr.Dubey, to the guy who used to suffer sudden bouts of "amnesia" whilst the teacher was in class, to how we used to bunk lectures in school, to our favourite pranks again, I could go on for the hour here. The feeling was simply surreal. We sang our anthem, then abused Mr. Dubey (God knows why!!) ate like pigs and then danced like them, and after ragging Abhishek Magrulkar to our hearts content and taking a list of contacts, returned home contented souls. What a night I had yeasterday. Hopefully there shall be Jan 14th 2007, OLPS 2000 batch reunion, reunion of the sixth best school in Bombay!

The welcoming

2006-01-05T21:38:00.000+05:30

As I was walking down with vikas, Sudarshan and Vinay towards Mahalakshmi temple on the 31st night, I couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the day. I mean it isn't actually New Year for me. To the uninitiated, many of us Hindus celebrate New Year on the 14th of April, and many others during Diwali. But as I sauntered down, it struck my mind that I was regaling the onset of a new Gregorian Year, it wasn't actually that big a day. Here is why...

I caught sight of this small tea shop outside Bombay Central station, above a sewer, on a dingy (to give it a compliment) street. He sat there, staring in to the street, eyeing people who might end up giving him a profit of a rupee or too. I was too excited at this point of time- Marine Drive, with ten thousand similar Bombayites, was awaiting me- and didn't pay the attention that I am now giving him. At this point, I would like to say this is not that sullen post which many people associate me with, its just that I have been a very self reflective mood lately. Coming back, we then continued on our merry way to Marine Drive.

Landing at Churchgate, we stepped out, to be welcomed by a hammered 25 year old who had puked all over himself and the road, with his friend desperately trying to get him to his feet. And the clock read just 11:15 PM. Its amazing at times, how people in the mood to revel forget basic social etiquette. First of all, I do not see the need to be drunk and lose control of your senses, often cited as "getting yourself loose". But then that's me, I am just weird I guess. Reverting to the description of the night, people were clamoring over a railing that adjoined Churchgate like fugitives on the run, refusing to use the subway. I tried my hand (or should I say leg!) at it, and came well short, much to the amusement of my three colleagues.

Now began our quest for food. Poor Vinay, not having had anything he was starved. I had promised them to take them to "Khau gully" and when we landed there we discovered all of them had shut shop for the day and were either asleep or were squibbling over a bottle of whiskey. So we trooped back to Churchgate where we then found out this restaurant that is being operated by the food giant FoodWorld. Must say that its value for money, and the food is good too. By the way, for me value for money when it comes to restaurants is inevitably quantity of food for the price paid, we can always compromise on quality.

Its amazing how almost all Chinese restaurants across the country have these "Chinese" waiters. Its great to see them being employed, but are we really that gullible? But now, after having visited so many of them, I do opine that they lend an authentic feel to it. At this place, we met this Chinese waiter who only spoke English! Now that's service for you! I have this habit of making small talk with almost everyone and speaking to this guy, found out he would be working till 1 in the night. That was his New Year.

After grub, we set out for Marine Drive. We spotted college mates, breaking up couples, a sea of people, heard the music of a thousand duck horns being sounded at the same, set sight of beautiful (fire)works, (according to Vikas-I have decided to abstain from leering), spotted even more people, managed to make calls just passed midnight, spent some time waiting for Pranav, but couldn't catch sight of him, and also saw a disc atop a building, the burning of an old man that almost seemed to take out the electricity of a building, and finally managed to take a couple of pics of ourselves as well.

The journey back to VT saw me buying myself one of those painful duck horns. I just couldn't see that poor mother huddled up with her infant without a blanket on that cold night. The kid, like all other kids was beautiful to say the least. It was almost as if he could sense my intention and gave me this warm toothless smile that illuminated his entire face as soon as he saw me. Tried my hand at blowing and successfully blew out a "phhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhooo". Sudarshan was more successful at getting out a loud cry for mating with a duck, and he seemed not to wish to part with it after that. But I thought better and gave it away to the first beggar I saw. That child was sitting right outside the Ambassador, and was witnessing the city elite entering to make merry. They were ofcourse oblivious to her presence. I really hope we could do something for those kids. We spent literally thousands on New Year, not even thinking about these faceless souls. No, I am not the epitome of compassion, but I really hope even I contributed to them. And anyone who has read the post till here, don't post any comment regarding this, else it will look like I am some kind of social reformer cum evangelist.

We took the last train from VT, a train crowded than most rush hour trains, and made it back by around 2:30. It was nice being able to spend some time with Vikas; I miss him after he moved away. The only regret was the train ride, I was too close to too many men who weren't exactly sober. Anyways, this post has run its course. I am tired of rambling about my New Year homecoming. Good day/night ladies and gentlemen. And yeah, since you have read so much, A happy New Year to you.

The lantern is finally put out

2005-11-30T07:59:00.000+05:30

The recent election is a vindication of the principle of Democracy. The people came out in hordes and voted out the scourge of the country. Laloo Prasad Yadav (Please check out this link!!!) shall no longer hold the Oval Office of Bihar, much to the relief of the intelligentia of out land, and the chagrin of the impoverished illiterate.This resounding victory of the Chakra over the Lantern brings with it not just loads of expectations, but also a great deal of responsibility.

It is really sad that a province richer in minerals than most of the rest has degraded into a cesspit, and that too in a matter of a decade and a half. This is not to say that Bihar was much better off than what it is now before the onset of the Laloo era, but it was definitely better. The irony of ironies is the absence of power in a land where the political party in power was symbolised by the lantern. Yet, as Bihar looks anxiously into the future, hoping for a better government, it must realize that it itself is to blame for apathetic condition. Caste based politics marred by dismal literacy levels has been the bane, and add to this parochial mindsets, the perfect recipe of misgovernance is complete.

So whats my hope for Bihar? Well, the victory of the NDA is in itself a cause of celebration for me. My generation, in general, is a supporter of the NDA, and this is something to look forward to. That they got drubbed in Maharashtra on the same day, and the current revolt by Uma Bharati has put in a spanner in the works is a totally different matter. Coming back to Bihar, Nitish Kumar seems to be capable enough to lead the land, but will that alone be enough to drag out the state? He will need time, and this one term shall not suffice. 55 years of rule by a specious party (Congress included) takes time to weed out. But, if he truly wishes to improve the state, he will have to rise above the petty issues of caste and religion. He will have to stress on the basic amenities to the people like electricity, he will have to improve literacy right from the grassrootts, bring back the providence. If he shall degrade into going back into the mire of caste based politics, especially with a majority with him, it shall not go down well with me, and the country with the second highest level of dissatisfaction levels with the government shall have one more citizen being disillusioned with the government. The government will have to provide jobs, how it does it is something is would love to see. The migration of Biharis from their homeland is a cause of serious worry for our country. I am not a big fan of the "Mee Mumbaikar" campaign, but there is something that is right in it. Mumbai cant handle this huge influx of people. And last but not the least, Mr. Kumar will have to take a long hard look at the agri sector in Bihar; it is after all, the major revenue generator.

But heres wishing Mr. Kumar all the very best. Use your five years well Sir, and you shall have 5 more to book your profits.

PS1: All politicians are corrupt.
PS2: The "communal" parties shall be back. Beware Congress.

2005-11-27T07:44:00.000+05:30

I have lost my CAT

2005-11-22T07:50:00.000+05:30

The day I waiting for with bated breath arrived, and elapsed, and I still have not come to terms with it. I guess when you build up expectations, and your mind is not yet ready to receive the results of them, this is what happens.

I slogged for the CAT; period. No other description can aptly put it. I was the proponent of a "theory" that its only hardwork that counts and nothing else; as long as you have put your best foot forward, everything else pales into insignificance. But when I come to think of it, after all that hard work, as I hang by a string on the cliff of life on a prayer that I would get a call from atleast one IIM, I realize that its not all about hard work. Its about smart work, its about selective work, its about being smart enough to choose what is really your aptitude, not to mention a whole load of other fields. It was my conscious decision not to give the GRE, a decision that I hopefully shall not live to regret. Of ending my tryst with technical field is something I am sure about, but staying in India is not something I truly wish for. And yet I realize that seems to be the only recourse. I have dabbled with the idea of giving all this up and becoming a teacher, a profession that is very close to my heart, but the lack of money is the biggest deterrent that I can face.

All in all, life is uncertain for me now. Am unsure as to what I shall do post my stint in an unknown college somewhere on the outskirts of a developing city. I guess CAPGEMINI is going to be lucky after all, they are going to be blessed with a miracle worker; someone who shall work miracles if at all the miracle that he works takes place. Speaking of CAPGEMINI, I can hear my engineering books screaming out to me to get them cleaned. Poor fellas, have been lying in a corner of my room for the past 3 months, and are alomst doubled in size thanks to dust layers on them.

So I bid adieu, to the lonely reader of this rant. Thanks for stopping by.

Swades

2005-11-13T18:18:00.000+05:30

I finally saw Swades today, and I must admit, it would easily find a way into favorites. Truly a classy movie, atleast according to the standards set by bollywood for itself in the recent past.

I was wondering what actually makes it a good movie. I mean Shahrukh the star helps, but he is not the one who's carrying the movie on his shoulders. The script is pretty much bollywood fare too. I think what really stands out is Ashutosh Gowariker's direction. In my honest opinion, its simply sublime. The way he is able to capture the essence of rural India, the depiction of the conflict within the NRI's head and the subplot of the romance is nonpareil. Gayatri Joshi is brilliant. She simply oozes sensuality; potraying the Indian woman of today in complete measure. She's never overshadowed by Shah Rukh in scenes with him, and that in itself is quite an achievement. I remember, Shah Rukh in Amitabh in Mohabbattein- SRK looked miniscule on the screen in front of a behemoth of a Amitabh- a situation that should have occurred here as well but didn't. Her character has been perfectly etched to complement the character of the protagonist- who could be no other than Shah Rukh. Its really sad that she has gotten married and put paid to any hopes of a bollywood career. I really wish she would be back, and break the norm of not having a married actress in Bollywood.

Even the scene of the lighting of the bulb- I think the whole scene would have paled into insignificance if it had not been for the old, blind lady receiving power first. That smile she gives is indeed haunting. A classic illustration of the myriad pieces that encompass the humongous jigsaw puzzle that India so truly is. This was one movie in which I truly enjoyed the happy ending. It should have been this way.

Ashutosh Gowariker deserves his awards in totality. Awesome movie. Simply put.

Exam blues

2005-10-26T06:06:00.000+05:30

A part of the engineering experience is the Oral examination or the viva voce. They are on right now, and I wish all friends and colleagues all the very best. As for me, I need all the luck I can get, considering I have done nothing; and continue to do nothing productive by writing blogs that make no sense.

Its amazing how engineering makes you so callous to the whole examination system. I shall never forget the first semester, when we are all so nervous about the impending exams. The exam hall looked like a moratorium. Now of course, the mood is much lighter. There are constant debates as to who has done lesser. You have scenes of intermediate professors cropping up, who spent the last might cramming into their head things that made little, it it all any, sense. These professors are dear little commoditites, what with the absence of any professor in the college.

Another thing engineering soes teach ot rather inculcate in you is confidence. I can say, without a second thought at that, that I can face any viva, with the least amount of preparation. Thats quite a departure from the first viva I had in which all I could do is stammer and blabber a few sentences.

Well, books need my attention right now, not my blog. Have to leave in an hour for a viva which I shall duly start preparing for. Pray for me friends, I need it.

Why be Indian

2005-10-17T19:59:00.000+05:30

Project work is on full swing. I have quite a few people who will second me on this one, with Anks being a notable one.

So, these guys have come over home to get some work done. What was meant to be a pure work session turned out, as it always does, it one big party. I had asked my parents to get something for us so that we shall atleast not have any hunger pangs whilst we were "working". And the huge heart that my dad carries around got us 10 sandwiches. A sizeable amount considering we had Anks and myself who had just eaten, and two girls, with one of them who is full by just looking at food. So that left me asking every two minutes whether anyone would like a sandwich. Also in abundant supply, thankfully might I add, was coffee. That of course, was not something any of us would volutarily pass by, with Anks being a fine illustration. His take on coffee supposedly is that if it available, it must be had. Somewhat my policy too, only minor deviation from the same is that in my case, it is anything edible. I guess that explains why I am dimensionally challenged.

Well, Nimoli has gone home and supposedly said that all we did was to gorge and that Sunil only fed her. Not true, in my opinion, but her dad says that he shall return the favour when we pay her a visit. Anks' mom is no different, neither is Madhu's mom. Anks' ma feels sorry for me as my mom doesn't live with me. So, she says that Sunil can come over whenever he wants to for a nice meal. Little does she realize, that this "Poor little Boy" is quite well fed, by the greatest grandmom anyone can have. By the way Anks, come over for coffee.

Its things like these that makes me love India so much. Where else would we find such warmth? Where else would we have this family thing, with the sheer pressure of having to eat because food exists in the kitchen? Where else would we have moms, grnadmoms, aunts, sisters etc in abundance, who are waiting with a million spoons filled with food, to thrust down that gullet of yours? And it's not just the food. Its the family, the people around us, the works. And it is at such times when I want to stand up and sing "Jana Gana Mana" or "Hum sab Hindi Hain".

Acknowledgements (in no particular order):
1: Madhu's Mom
2: Madhu
3: Nimoli
4: Nimoli's folks
5: Anks' mom
6: Anks' sis, Sapna
7: Anks
8: My mom
9: My grandmom (the most beautiful and active 81 year old on this planet)

All the best Mr. Dravid

2005-10-14T06:58:00.000+05:30

Well, seems to me its the end of the road for my favourite player. And the very same guy he partnered when he scored his centruy on debut, is poised to take over. Well, before everything else, all the best to Dravid. I am Indian first, and only then a Sourav fan.

It's been a pretty rough time for Dada recently, what with India not winning and his form as dismal as ever, the century at Bulawayo not withstanding. I guess he is the pet peeve of the press. The press went after him for scoring the painfully slow hundred at Bulwayo, but openly lauded Dravid for his centruy which came in almost the same rate. Double standards? Has to be, it's the Indian media. But that is as much a tribute to Dravid, as unfair it is to Ganguly. The press loves him primarily for his consistency and his demeanor.

I do feel Ganguly should not have gone to the press about the Chappel issue. I am a firm believer in not even taking dirty linen out of the house, forget the washing, scrubbing ,wringing and hanging out to dry that they did at Bulawayo. The photoop was possibly the biggest farce that could ever be staged. Who were they kidding anyway? But irrespective of what happens I shall remain an ardent Ganguly follower. There is no more elegant a batsman as him. No guy can step down the wicket and hit Shaun Pollock for sixes over cover in succession. No guy can build the team that he has--which sadly is on the verge of disintegration. And no guy can have hit 21 centuries and still be always at the receving end, irrespective of what he does.

I wish he continues to be captain. Primarily because, Sourav is a better captain than Dravid- and few will contest that. But if he is not captain, dont play him. I do not think he is good enough to retain his place purely as a batsman now. But then, when we have had Mike Brearleys why not Gangulys? After all, we all know what a coward Mike Brearly was.

I am too perfervid to have a clear style right now. Any comments guys?

Feline Chronicles

2005-10-12T19:17:00.000+05:30

The CAT a.k.a Common aptitude test is going to have an awfully inept student taking it this year. Sometimes, he wonders why he is even giving this paper. But one thing about him, his sense of optimism is non-pareil. So, if you were to meet him and spot him adorned by an original IIMA shirt (which happens to be his cousin's.. and you shall not miss out on the rant that he shall soon present you with his own), do not even try to dissuade him. Much to your chagrin, going against your very friendly and very concerned advise, he shall just laugh at your face and say that no one can stop him from getting through.

As for effort, true to inimitable style, there is none. All there is hope. The other day, I heard he was lamenting on how it's him who gives the toughest two exams in the world-the IIT JEE and the CAT. The whole world knows him to be a whiner, and hes living upto the reputation. The CAT is on the 20th of November. Of course prior to that he has a host of other things to do such as his project, vivas etc. So if he even manages to get an hour a day its commendable. I suggested to to him to stop writing his blog, but he says hes addicted.

Anyways, heres wishing him all the very best.. and the others too.

P.S: Thanks for the title Vivek.

Congrats Mr. Baradei; Smell the coffee Mr. Singh

2005-10-11T15:55:00.000+05:30

Hail El Baradei! It's a stupendous achievement on his part to have won the Nobel Peace Prize. The IAEA gets caned for every possible nuclear transgression by any state, which in my opinion is highly unfair, considering many of them are not even bound by the NPT.

I think we Indians have committed harakiri by taking a real stupid stance at the UN conclave. Why do we have to suck up to the states is something I just understand. I do understand American friendship is something that every country besides Russia and China ( even them possibly) would enjoy, but definitely not at the cost of the country itself. Where we seem to have lost the plot is where we have failed to recognize how deeply influenced our economy is by oil. Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar, along with with our PM has not realized how thirsty our land is. Our economic growth graph is headed northwards primarily because of the development in all fields, which stems from the oil supply being there. With crude touching $70 a barrel any source of oil or gas, as in the case with Iran is something we can't pass up.

So why must we support the US? Sure, Indo US relations are at all time high, and our vote against could have put a spanner in the works, but that is not everything. What is the US really giving us? They might lobby for a seat at the UNSC, great. Even overlooking the fact that they are not doing anything of that sort right now, what we really need right now is still oil. If we were to jeopardize this we would lose definitely a lot more than we would gain, even if we were to get a seat into the UNSC.

As for Mr. Baradei, congrats. Despite, the heavy criticism he has come under, he has managed to stand tall. His doctrine of overall disarmament is definitely the path to walk on; not the one where a country like Iran is prevented from acquiring weapons while others openly mint them as if they were coins.

The RSS and the Congress

2005-10-11T10:26:00.000+05:30

Its been a real long time, and I have been thinking as to what must I write to break the hiatus. And in that time, I have wasted some more. By the way there are quite a few good bloggers around nowadays. Check out Humbl Devil and Ranjani’s blogs for example. Even Vivek, Rach are also good.

Coming back, I was reading this editorial in the TOI (I read it out of compulsion) that stressed on how secularism is killing religions. I must say I agree almost in totality. What we don’t realize often is that secularism never tells you not to advocate you religion. In fact, it’s the sheer paranoia affixed to promotion of one’s own religion that is being touted as secularism nowadays.

But certain things that I would like to say that are not in sync with the views of the author. When we are being hypercritical of the RSS and its functioning- by branding it as a “communal organization”, aren’t we turning a blind eye to what the Congress and its leadership is doing to our country? Let me tell you that their pro-Muslim stance is nothing but possibly the longest running electoral strategy ever. For 50 years, they are screwing both our country and the Muslims in it. We as Hindus, feel like a minority in our very country despite contributing to well over 80% of the population. How are we being democratic by being partisan to a minority? Besides, why the special treatment? In the end we are all Indians.

I am a supporter of the BJP, heck the RSS too. Sure, the RSS are wrong in saying that Muslims are wrong and the Ram Temple issue etc. But they are right in championing the cause of the Hindus. Remember people, why shirk away from the religion of your birth? I am not Anti-Muslim; but can I ask you, which Muslim (if not in India- outside of it) will be as subservient as we Hindus here? As the author rightly points out, we in the name of secularism are snuffing out culture and tradition; the very same culture and tradition that are well over 3 thousand years old. And that to me is sacrilege, blasphemy, heresy- you name it.

And not the least bit secular.

For the unbelievers??

2005-08-24T15:21:00.000+05:30

The recent murder at the Gateway of India has invited critics from all over the city and country. Its the city that only supposedly has a heart and it's all a big farce. People are all claiming that the people surrounding the girls should have been helped by the bystanders.

We have the epitome of feminism, Mrs. Shobaa De taking the oppurtunity to blast the males in the crowd. We have plenty of letters being written to various editors of various newspapers. I would just like to ask all the doubting Thomases whether anyone of them would have stepped up and rescued the two girls. Let me tell you that fear paralyzes. One loses one's basic presence of mind. Fear grips you in a manner that renders you unable to perform the most mundane task. I am not saying that they must not have been helped. It's just that the people must have been overcome with fear and hence were not responding in time. I know what the survivor said regarding that she screamt out for help yet her pleaas felll on deaf ears. Fear does do that to you.

My city has a heart. Mumbai is compassionate. I have been on the right side for long wnough to vouch for the same. Please stop being so cynical of the world.

One more word to Mrs. De. Would you have stepped forward? Sure you would have. Or should I say your bodyguards? Your female bodyguards.

The city chugs to life again

2005-08-10T16:36:00.000+05:30

I LOVE BOMBAY. This city teaches you to live. No matter what happens we are able to move on. Time, they say, heals every wound. What Bombay went through on July 26th was nothing short of a disaster. I can vouch for it having borne that storm.

The losses are astronomical. Insurance companies are going to have an onerous task on themselves. The slightest drizzle nowadays gets people in a frenzy as to what would happen.

But thats not what defines this city. Its far too strong a city to have a cloudburst affect it so. The blur of faces sprinting in the opposite direction as I go to college vindicate my statement. My bus stop has all possible people stand beside me. You have those slum dwellers who can be labelled survivors. MY college has students whose houses were ravged that day. Yet, you see that very same smile on their faces as you see everyday.

What is it that makes people move on so quickly? I am pretty sure having to throw away many sentimental possessions due to the effects of rainfall that lasted 2 hours is very much easier said than done. How are they able to come out of the trauma? Is it callousness or the sheer lack of time? Might be. But there must be more concrete a reason. MY guess is the resilience inculcated in all of Bombayites. We travel in the most crowded of buses. No matter what the situation, we end up in office on time. We know failure would be the end of our job. The prices are sky high, yet the hearts of the people are far bigger than the sky. When R.K Laxman coined the Common Man he must have been travelling in V.T Local. That face reflects a Bombayite than any other Indian.

My building still has a damp smell to it. There is still debry lying around. Horror stories of the floods are not out of the favourite topics of discussion. But as I wait for the bus home, I see my friend from Saki Naka, who cheerfully waves out to me.

7/7

2005-07-12T11:51:00.000+05:30

While I was away, there have been quite a few incidents that have ruffled quite a few feathers of the U.S and the allies. The Britain Bombing was definitely one. Cute, hope all is fine out there.

America's categorical unacceptance of the Kyoto protocol has not gone down well with many of the G-8 members. I though, am fully behind America on this one. I think they are justified in refusing it as the laws must be uniform. Because, f China cannot accept it then no one should be made to do so. Yes, I know that India is in the red too, but in our defence, we simply don't have the finances to implement it. China does.

My condolences to the families of all the dead and injured in Britain. Terror attacks are nothing but cowardice and all terror mongers must be hacked. But I think what is of key significance here is Vladimir Putin's comments regarding the attack. His statement albeit discordant from the tone employed by the other leaders clearly underlines not just their's but India's too. I think Manmohan Singh must carefully use this to show what's happening in Kashmir. Pakistan is blatantly housing terrorists in POK and the U.S is turning a blind eye. Sure, there has been a clamp down, but the death toll that occurred in the blast in the U.K is almost equal to that everyday in Kashmir.

I would just like to say that I am not being some callous self involved freak who is overlooking the damage caused both phyically and mentally to the people in London. My condolences again. I both completely empthazie with one and all.

Just a BIG HI

2005-07-11T15:36:00.000+05:30

Been quite a while. And have been whining all the time. How are all?
My friends of the ABA, I hope all you are doing well. Thanks for the commiserations regarding my blog. On my front, the machine is still down.

Centerleft, took your advice and am at college now. The reason for the delay bbeing that my college was closed during the period. Besides the level of bureaucracy and redtapism that exists here is incredible.

Have begun preparing for the CAT exam, one for an MBA entrance. It's one of the toughest in the world and will need more than just my share of luck. The pass % is a whopping (wrong adjective??!!) 0.1%. Anyways, thats defeatist mentality and shall refrain from the parlance forthwith. My vacations were a blur, watching mindless television except for Wimbledon, F1 and the Tour de France. Lance Armstrong is my God and am sure he shall win it this time too.

Anyways, methinks I have babbled long enough. Shall try and posrt whenever am at pracs.

P.S: Miss/Mr.(I think it's the former) Anonymous, thanks for the gracious compliment?? Just to remind you, I have a tracker. Instead of the proverbial-"Go take a hike" I say, "How was the hike"??

The death of Xanadu

2005-06-17T13:38:00.001+05:30

I have just received news that my motherboard is sance' by others ... ?

Hiatus Continues

2005-06-12T10:23:00.000+05:30

Here I am at my aunts place reminiscing my one true love. My PC has crashed and I all have now are fond memories. Memories of long hours spent, wasted would be a more appropriate; scrounging around for new web sites, playing Counter strike for hours and loads for other innovative techniques to waste time. But all has not been a wate of time. I have met great people, been inducted to lovely organizations, new friendships spawned, learnt to read.

My motherboard got burnt. The DC source took in too much voltage and burnt my power port of the motherboard. So I can’t post. All I can do is stare at my monitor and wish it came to life. I would then browse for hours, now that my exams are over. Speaking of exams, mine sucked. Don’t know whether I will even make the grade in some of them. My PC vendor says that it shall be rectified my Tuesday. Hopefully it shall become a reality and I shall have my love back.

I have a job interview on Tuesday. Hope it comes through. People who still read my blog please pray for me. I really want this one. Shall start posting soon.

Hopefully

R.I.P.

2005-05-27T07:14:00.000+05:30

Day before yesterday we lost a very famous actor turned politician. He was considered to be quite a genial man. Kind hearted, caring generous, ou could use all the positive adjectives you wanted to. I was lucky to be his personal escort once.

Today, as I read the papers and the first page obituaries, I also read the passing away of another film maker, who too coincidentally and sadly was considered to be as nice a man as Mr. Sunil Dutt, the politician.

As I was reading about all the mourners and what they have to say, it left me wondering. These two were great souls. But they were not the only ones who passed away.

There was that old lady in a slum in Bombay, who had only a daughter. In Hindus, the girl is not allowed to go to the cemetry. Who would carry the body and perform the rites?

Then there was this elderly gentleman, a statesman of sorts. One of the kindest people you could know. Benevolence, Humour, you name it. He had married his son off to the Muslim girl in his neighborhood. That too just after the Bombay Riots. He respected the emotion of love more than that of hatred.

You had the young boy who everyone loved as the fun loving, emotive youth. He was the one who brought joy to the locale. Poor guy met with an accident. No one shall come to know about him.

As I read the newspapers I have a very weird feeling in my heart. No one shall hear about these other souls. They might not be able to afford an obituary on any newspaper, let alone the half page one on the first page on India's laeding daily. They wont have the money even to pay for the rites of the funeral.

Forget the thousands who crowd to see the body (some might be there to see the film stas), there wont be four people to carry the body to the cemetry.

There would be no one to render support to the family of the bereaved. All they would have is themselves.

As I mourn the death of the two prominent personalities, I mourn the passing of these faceless souls. People who shall never be known, but are as pathbreaking in society as many other leaders. Join me in paying respects to them.

Please support this

2005-05-25T08:21:00.000+05:30

Breast cancer is one the leading causes of death amongst ladies and this organization needs clicks on our part to help give free mammograms. Please follow the link and click on the large pink button.

Sitcoms and Soaps

2005-05-25T08:00:00.000+05:30

I spend a lot of time watching television. And half the time all I do surf channels. Why? Most of the shows suck. Period.

We have these long drawn out, melodramatical soaps here in India. They apparently are "The biggest thing on Indian television". The most popular show on T.V has the leading lady, who in real life is barely 30, and looks not much older on the tube playing a grandmother! If this is not bad enough, we have her grandmother in it too. The show has had a time jump thereby "aging" all the characters by around 20 years. The grndmom though seems to have grown younger. If one counts her age logically, she must be around 120 years old. She has 20 year old great grandchildren! And a great-great one is on the way.

Anyways, I really wonder what is that constitutes a good programme on T.V. I am a fan of "The Apprentice". "Friends" and "Sienfeld" are the two sitcoms I really enjoyed. I guess the real reason that these shows became so popular was primarily because they are more of something you can articulate with. Thats why they sell. The show which I was talking about, albeit nonsensical, seems to strike a chord with all the housewives across the country. But I really believe in shows that shall have the whole family interested rahter than just the ladies of the house.

But that doesnt rid of my predicament. Here I am watching some dumb Malayalam sitcom, a language of which I have no clue, because there is no othere T.V in my house.

I have joined the Firefox Campaign.

2005-05-24T07:32:00.000+05:30

A techie request:
All those people who are using Internet Explorer, please don't. IE might be the conventional browser. But that's all. Get Firefox. Very powerful and very fast. Also, very convenient. Also scripts display better on Firefox as compared to IE. Security is also much better in Firefox. The plugins rock. Especially the adsense ones.

So, readers, get Firefox.
The ad is there below.
Regards,
Sunil.

P.S. today's post follows.

Be my brother.

2005-05-24T07:01:00.000+05:30

I am an only child.

No siblings.

Just me. No one to share my feelings with (not true now-I have a blog). I have alwyas felt the need for a sibling. I cant explain myself there.

I have had cousin sisters, who are more of sisters, stay with me. They are the closest I have ever come to having siblings. I am thrilled to bits that one of them is in the family way. Yet, after her marriage it seems we meet very rarely. I speak to her on the phone too only once a week.

Anyways, this is not what i intended to say. I really want to know what it would be to have a sibling. To fight with, to share, to cry on the other's shoulder.

It pains me to see siblings fight. So much so that they do not even talk to each other. That too over petty matters like property. It is really sad that people who have grown up with each other, spent all their lives together, would heckle each other even in court for a small amount of money. Take the Ambanis, for example. Brothers that run a 100000 crore empire. They cant stand each other. The newspapers are rife with reports of their mudslinging at each other. Their stocks are plumetting. The latest news is that the AMbanis are working out an agreement to bifurcate Reliance-the company their dad built from scratch. Really sad.

One more thing about siblings is the constant urge to outdo the other. Why the sense of rivalry? I have these relatives- three sisters. Spens a lot of time with each other. Yet, the amount of dirt they throw on each other's back is quite remarkable. You can feel the tension amongst them when they are in the same room. Yet, they act as if nothing has transpired.

There are so many more little things that cause differences. This relationship, just like all others are thorny. What people must realize is that the only way to sustain a relationship is by nurturing it. Not by neglect, which often occurs when it comes to siblings.

All the people on this planet who have siblings are lucky. Ask someone who does not have one.

Entrepreneurship.

2005-05-22T06:56:00.000+05:30

I had a really bad day yesterday. The computer is not worling with the power supple all screwed up. It's overheating and the computer just shuts down midway. Just about managed to visit a few blogs yday.

So that left me musing at home, wondering what makes people thus. Wha makes each of us so differet? A trait which very few of us possess is that of entrepreneurship.
On hindsight, I think this though stemmed from watching "The Apprentice" the previos day.

It's amazing how so many people shirk away from taking that risk when it comes to marketting a product or even starting one's complany, however small it is. It's something that I do not possess. I do not have it in me (in my opinion) to start a company of my own. I am already convinced it shall fall flat on it's nose, if I did float one. One primary reason would be the aversion to risk. Most of these guys are big risj takers. Look at my uncle for example. He left a high paying job to start his own business. So much so that he used to stand on the neach every morning trying to advertise his new product. Now the cash registers wont stop ringing. From the small room of his house where he used to grind the seeds to make his health drink, to exporting it to atleast 10 countries, he has come full circle. Coming to think of it, not yet. I think he shall when it reaches every country on this planet.

Another example is my friend who teaches younger students. Makes quite a buck. The way he advertises himself is something I must learn.

I am quite an extrovert. Ankit will vouch for it. I had always opined that these two qualites are complimentary. Yet I am never able to be that guy who takes a lot of risks. Never worked in the corporate world and so I would like to know? Are there the conservatives there too?

I would love to carry on this article, but sadly cannot. Have to leave. Shall continue tommorow.

Regards,
Sunil.

Blog Plans

2005-05-21T08:18:00.000+05:30

I dont have any major post today. Just contemplating on how I could improve my blog. So here are a few ideas.

1: Have seen many blogs with a lot of technical content in them. I think being an engineer I should contribute to the technical fraternity a little. Hence my sidebar shall soon include a review of some useful software which shall be updated regularly.

2: Also planned is a profile. This too shall be incorporated into the sidebar

3: Am contemplating a tag board. But personally I am not sure if I need it.

4: Also the template would require an overhaul. I guess this is too common a template on the blogosphere.

5: My ad revenues are sinking. Have to relocate them I feel. Make them conspicuous.

Readers are requested to leave their suggestions. Anks, tell me what you feel. I want your thoughts.

Regards,
Sunil.

An Honour

2005-05-20T08:14:00.000+05:30

I have just been inducted into the Atlantic Bloggers Alliance and have had a wonderful artcile written about me by Mr. Centerleft. Akin to receiving an Oscar, I am going to give my acceptance speech. Here goes:

I am really honoured to be a part of this group. I have always respected and admired the blogs of the people who have now considered me potent enough to be a part of their community. Mr. Centerleft, your artcile is really very humbling. Thank you. Thank you Mr. Hamel; all your opinions and compliments are tresured by me. I took up blogging to learn to write. I don;t know whether that is attained, or ever will be, but the warmth that I received in the form of the comments from my readers is something I shall always cherish. Thanks to all readers.

I really don't know what to say. Thanks all again.

Regards,
Sunil.

P.S: Post of the day follows.

Grandmother's Cures.

2005-05-20T07:08:00.000+05:30

India is quite famous for it's rigid adherance to tradition. The trend is changing nowadays and the influx of western cultures are eroding our rich culture. Don't mistake me here,I am pro rational thinking and reforms. All I say that we don't lose our culture in the process.

Anyways, all grandmothers in our land have a magical cure for all maladies.Their pomegranate juice mixture-an age old cure for pimples is now gaining popularity.

But it's just not cures, they are very proficient at detecting maladies too. I very vividly remeber that my grandmom asked me for just one symptom and promtly declared that I had jaundice. It took the doctor two examinations and a blod test to confirm the same.

But there is one ailment which she doesn't have an actual cure. It's that of boredom. I, very often get the feeling of being bored and am listless. The problem is not mine alone. It's quite synonymous with my entire generation. We do not have the zest for life. We allow life to trickle by us, not realizing that it is acually a torrent flowing by.

Its amazing how my grandmom, at the young age of 80, never experiences this. Even now, she enjoys cooking. This despite, that she has a steel rod in her thigh (she fractured her leg 18 years ago) and I can see it quite painful for her to walk. Also speaking of boredom and monotonocity, she has been cooking from the age of 14. Thats 66 years. No boredom. Not a sign of it. Quite amazing.

Her enthusiasm in life is quite remarkable. Even now, she voluteers to make food artciles for her children. There is this thing that we make down in South India. It's something that you could make in the summer and you can fry and eat it all year long. The preparation is quite cumbersome. I love it but my mom refuses to make it. My grandmom makes it not only for herself, which is so much. it suffices for atleast 6 people. Then she makes it for her daughters, her grand daughters and even other relatives! This goes for pickles too, another pain in the backside. So often I get in the morning and I am listless, feel like just idling my time away in bed. She, on the other hand, storms out of bed and goes about her day as if it's her last.

What is it that makes us so different from our earlier generations? Why the indifferent attitude? Possibly the plethora of gizmos at our beck and call to address our every need. Whatever it is, they are ruining our mental makeup. There are many things cultures have that we should imbibe and not let modernization make us throw away. One thing is this.

Paati (in Tamil-my mothertongue- for grandmother), help!!!!

I passed!!!

2005-05-19T07:45:00.000+05:30

Every time the HSC and SSC results come around the newspapers are filled with articles as to how girls have fared better than boys. I find the whole issue blown out of proportion, primarily because these examinations are no measure at all of either the capabilities of the student or of the education system.

These articles, I feel, are extremely sexist and have no place in the newspaper. I am not saying this because I am a guy. If that was the case I would be heralding the boys topping the respective categories. Kudos to the toppers; nothing for the genders.

The ICSE results declared yesterday states that the girls outdid the boys.

True.

It says the girls romped home and the boys were a distant second. The results are 95.2 % pass for girls and around a 93% for the boys. The difference: 1.5%. I guess a 93.5% pass in a country that's wife with illiteracy in inadequate.

Some more reasons why I do not support this rant:

1: The mental make up of both boys and girls are different. I personally opine the curriculum is something that girls would prefer to boys. This is atleast with the state board.

2: When it comes to the poorer sections of the society, the girls who get the backing of their parents, invariably have only to study. The boys on the other hand are even to work and then attend night school. So the study conditions are different. Also, considering that a major portion of the failures stem from this section of society, the point is noteworthy.

3: Why stop only at the H.S.C and the S.S.C results? Why not look at the results of all the graduating students? I can safely say that here is where the competition would even out as the curriculum for the course is something the candidate has voluntarily chosen and is not a path to further studies.

So please journalists, cut out this sexist crap. We have many more news items that could be published.

Mr. Roy I am with you.

2005-05-19T05:52:00.000+05:30

There has been a spate of molestations and rapes in Bombay and the region. And rather shockingly, the perpetrators are policemen! That's absolutely shocking! Absolutely unpardonable. To add to this his name is Sunil More, or my namesake. Mercy!

The whole police force are suffering thanks to this. They are being labeled rapists and molesters wherever they go. But when I come to think of it, the policemen are not the ones who should be blamed. Sure, one of them committed a crime and he must be hung for it. But why is the world denouncing the police force as a whole. We are talking about the Bombay police force-a unit that has been hailed or par with the LAPDs and the Scotland Yards. So this is quite a volte face when observed with an unbiased eye.

I think the media is the key here. They have published articles time and again in the paper. The cop who was reponsible is now behind bars. Yet, we haven't heard the last of him. Also there have been many related articles. There was this one about a cop slapping this lady on a train. I am not in support of him and do believe he should be sacked, but has anyone seen the manner in which the commuters behave? The fights that occur are quite ridiculous. Once again, for raising his hand on a woman, he should be sacked. The media should realize that if they wish the cops to do their duty, the cops must have the faith of the people infused in them. They cannot help or serve a mob, especially one that is revolting against them.

Also, the people must realize that the whole police force as a unit are feeling sorry for an action committed by their colleagues. Why abuse the innocent? Most of them are from poor families, who have a child and wife of their own. They are not rapists, so refrain from addressing them so. The ones who are have beendealt with severely and so lets move on. No one shall benefit from this hatred.

One more thing: does anyone know the stress that these cops go through? They work an average of 15 hours a day. Half the time they are standing on the road, looking out for a vehicle of a suspected gangster or murderer. Whether they ever come across it or not, they still have to bear the elements. Its unbelievably hot nowadays, and in winter it can be quite cold at night. The monsoons in Bombay are very harsh and they have to bear all this. They hardly get time with their families- often working for 7 days a week. Sometimes they don't go home for 2-3 days together. So, a sozzled cop is not something that should be looked down upon. Do we ever get articles of how people in the parties published in page3 are sloshed? No we don't. We get how they had a good time. How? By getting drunk, that's how.

So I request the media and the people of my wonderful city- the same people who I admire for their emotional strength and forgiving power-let's forgive and forget. After all, the police is family; we are all Humans in the end, and humans do make mistakes.

P.S. Mr A.N.Roy is the Bombay Police Commisioner.

Mac OS theme review

2005-05-18T20:49:00.000+05:30

I have been using the MAC OS theme...albeit I got it yesterday, I have tried ny hand at fooling around. I must say its fabulous. Mine is the older version, and the new one is also out I believe. The site to get it from is here.You will have to navigate the site though. The look is just like the MAC and the feel is great. The rounded feature to the menus makes it treat to the eyes. Also there are varying levels of integration possible- right from the basic windows options to much greater detail as to even change the look of the system file. The colour, a gentle blue is very appeasing. I recommend all to switch over to it.

The only flipside I felt is the size and the memory it uses up. The setup is around 25 MB. The real problem though is the memory it uses up. If you have a fast PC, go for it. It runs on mine PC as I have half a GB of RAM. Will require atleast 256 MB to run it well.

So, if you have the hardware, I highly recommend this.

P.S: The only reason for this post is that I am supposed to be a budding engineer.:)

2005-05-18T07:26:00.000+05:30

I really don't know why I have written so many political articles. Any suggestions, readers?I think I should refrain from doing so.

Regards,
Sunil.

P.S.I am sorry but I always choose to call my posts articles.

2005-05-17T10:12:00.000+05:30

So, it's a year into the new Government. And the reviews? Well the genreal verdic is that India has done well over the past one year. I have to agree. As much as I am a supporter of the BJP, I still back this government, primarily because they are soing a good job.

The four major cities in our land have all opined that the Government is doing a GOOD JOB. The key factor to this is apparently our Prime Minister :Dr. Manmohan Singh. A man highly regarded and decorated. For more on him click here. Right from the time he was the FM, I have had regard for him despite not knowing a word of Finance then. Well done Dr.Singh and more so Miss.Gandhi.

Well, all governments promise muchbut do little. Our goverment apparently follows suit as declared recently by Dr.Singh. he says that 90% of the promises are still unkept or not yet on the path of being kept. Not too good. But the one good thing that has arose is that economic reforms is very much on the up, with the Sensex touching all time highs- but has plateued out now somewhere in the range of 6500. Well done again.

The agriculutral, cement, petrol etc are all doing well. The company where my mom works, ONGC, is also doing exceptionally well. They are planning to acquire fields all over the world. Stocks are touching all time highs here too. True disinvestment is not taling place, but who cares?

The hotel industry as well real estate are booming. Often the sore thumg, the hotels in Bombay are now beginning to report fabulouspatronage. The Taj Mahal hotel recently declared that its profits have gone up over the past fiscal-or something to that regard. Real estate prices are too touching astronomical heights, all thanks to the builders lobby (cartel?) though.

So, one year down, 4 to go. Speculation, anticipation, trepidation. Dr.Singh, one word would rid these other three: Deliverance.

In you, Sir, we trust.

2005-05-16T09:17:00.000+05:30

Today's Headlines in "The Times of India", "Pranab Mukherjee Roughed up by fellow party workers". Interesting isn't it? To my non-Indian readers, Mr.Mukherjee is the Defence Minister of our country. Equivalent to Mr.Rumsfeld. Supposedly an irate mob took charge of a large convention of "Senior" leaders of the Congress party-the ruling one- and roughed up most of them.

Such is the state of my land. The reason for this fiasco is that another leader was refused a ticket by the Party. So they vented their frustrations on the Minister. He got away with a light sentence. One of his colleagues got slapped!!

When I come to think of it, he deserves it. Actually every politician in my country deserves such treatment. Not the Z+ security that they get. The Z+ plus security can be justified only on one count; which is since they are such big criminals they must have the underworld hounding them fearing competition. They are a bunch of rogues. Nothing can describe them better.

India ranks second or fifth in the world when it comes to hatred for the politicians of the land. I think it's justified. We have milkmen who manage to swindle the government of 800 crores, guys offering bribes openly on television and then saying they were right, and worst of all: an ex-PM who slept in his chair during the Parliament session. How could anyone like these people? I have seen the priceless footage of Lalu Prasad Yadav-out Railway Minister, also the 80 crore guy-prancing around with a drum weraing nothing but his boxers being totally sozzled. This was at a Holi (an Indian festival) party. Quite disgusting.

It doesn't end here. There have been situations when there have actual fights in the Parliament. Mikes in the House were wielded as lethal maces, so much so that it caused people to admitted into Hospital. Ridiculous! There is this article that my classmate wrote as to why she didnt cast her vote. Shall publish it someday.

Reverting to Mr.Mukherjee, i think he had a bad deal about the whole thing because he didn't deserve it as it was not his fault, but he did deserve it for being Mr. Mukherjee himself.

Alarming signs

2005-05-16T09:15:00.000+05:30

I dont know why but my visitor levels are dropping off at an alarming rate. Not even 50 per day. Quite perplexed.
Required: help of all my visitors...
Regards,
Sunil.

A question of Accountability.

2005-05-15T13:01:00.000+05:30

I have always found it amazing how people love to pass the buck onto others. Taking responsibility for their acts is something which i just cannot understand. We go to great lengths to justify things we do, which we very well know are wrong and shall denounce those very same deeds had they not been us.

Actually, I do believe that this tendency stems from one which is similar but of a much larger scale. It is that of relening when the moment of truth arrives. So often, when we are in a pickle, we resort to doing something that we shall not exactly prefer. Let me elaborate.

I have this uncle of mine who was house hunting.While on his quest he had this choice of two houses one of which he preferred. Ironically, he was forced to buy the other one. This was of course only after he had given a great discourse on why he had his sights on the other one. Poor man, had to eat humble pie. Now you should hear him. It apprently never occurred to him as to what he was getting into when he decided at first. Now he knows. Ans so do we.

I am sure everyone one of us has been in such a position. I guess we articulate with fate too easily and tend to sympathize with ourselves. This is where children are so different. They have a burning desire in them. A zeal. A thirst for success. There is that adamance that they have which we don't. Sure it is not something that we should possess at all times. Therein lies maturity. Not trying to be oversophiticated and overgentle. I have personally burnt my hands trying to be like this. Yet, I cant change.

Anyways coming back, I do believe deeply in standing up for oneself. Admitting your faults is the first step in becoming a better person. It does help you grow. I am really angered by the scores of people who believe that they are a law on to themselves and can do no wrong. Or whatever they do, they are right. It can summarised in two words, "Quite sick."

Of Gujarats, 911s and Irelands

2005-05-14T11:31:00.000+05:30

We, the people in India are still reeling I feel under the aftermath of the Godhra riots. The state of Gujarat especially. We lost hundreds to thousand of our countrymen in those riots. Riots in my "secular" land is aomething very common nowadays; especially religious ones. Not something that augurs well for our land.

The face of the riot victim

It's really sad the way people become fanatical about religion. At the risk of sounding both cliched and trite, I would like to say that God is one. I am a believer and a devout Hindu at that. So much so that I am even proud to be a Brahman. But that does not make me look down upon people of different castes, race or religion. Hinduism, sadly and ironically used to preach or rather had been interpreted as casteism; with lower castes being looked down upon. So much so, untouchability was something ingrained in society. It is true that there were segregations mentioned in the Holy Vedas, but never was the issue of untouchability digressed. So how it came into being is something I shall never know and if I do; agree upon.

Similarly, I don't look at myself as superior to the Muslims, Jews, Christians or any other religion of the world. Neither do my parents. Sure, the would not want me to marry outside the religion, but not because they loathe the other religions.

So, the question I ask is, " Why are there so many people around the country, and even the world getting fanatical about their religions?" Why are there wars being waged and innocent children being killed, women raped, house burned down and many other things that God does not advocate?

The aswser to most of my country's problems is illteracy. The remaining: poverty. yet, I was quite startled to hear that some of these fanatics are actually quite well educated. If this is true, we are well on the path of extinction.

The world is no different. 911 happened because of this fanatism partly. Look at Ireland- they too are reeling under clashes between the Roman Catholics and the Protestants.

I believe that fundamentalists arise from bad upbringing or bad company. Both are problems that are solvable. I do not think a child is someone who is born prejudiced about religion. We make them.

Go to any educational institute and you shall find no such hatred. My class is a fine example. Sure, we are the most notorious bunch in the college. But the unity is something that I have never found anywhere else. We have Muslims (Sahul- a great Guy) visiting temples and following all Hindu customs. Froila, our Roman catholic girl makes it a point to invite us on Christmas and we don't disappoint. She is the first person to message me on Diwali. And this is something that I have experienced in school as well. I admire my classmates. If I ever went to a temple, ther would not be a single person who would refuse the prasad that I got from there.

So, I really believe that the key to our problems is lying in our hands, rather our head. Eradicate the hatred and we won't have death. A little compassion and a little tolerance. And we won't have 911s, nor Iraqs, nor Irelands, or Gujarats.

The Decadence

2005-05-13T08:17:00.000+05:30

I subscribe to "The Times of India"; India's most popular newspaper. It used to be India's best too. Sadly though I can't even call it a newspaper.

Gone are the days when the newspaper was interesting to read. All you get to read is about how some lady was raped, or some man murdered or some fraud committed; who stole something, the latest court judgements and other bullshit. Worse still is the supplement. It is a freking magazine. No other words to describe it. I guess the price of newsprint must really be on the rise because the magazine a.k.a the supplement is riddled with only ads. The news, which is mainly just people advertising themselves; be it parties or which company launching their new product. The whole supplement is about how page3 culture rocks. Quite depressing how low they have sunk.

I really believe that it is we the readers who have caused this transformation. We need shock value or something that shall portray the rich and the famous. I really dont understand what is the fixature that we have with the elite. I guess its the aspiration to emulate them. But just reading about which party they went to and what they wore surely wont suffice. The awe that people have is quite palpable in my book. But not something totally sensible. It really pains me the way the paparazzi hound the celebs. Sad to see the newspapers pay hundreds of thousand of dollars for one snap. And that is then translated into greater newspaper price. Quite a sorry stae of affairs.

Gone are the days when a newspaper meant more than some paper with the previous day's happenings. It used to a tool to motivate the masses, used to the voice of teh nation at times. Sadly, the editors have lost teir ethics and we the Newspaper.

Join my blog

2005-05-12T12:40:00.000+05:30

Hello people!

I have started a group and you can receive my posts via email. Just click on the link and join the group. All my future posts shall be present there also.

Regards,

Sunil.

Yippee2

2005-05-12T12:10:00.000+05:30

O.K. Now Xanadu is available on Google directly. Just type "Sunil Xanadu" or "Sunil Natraj" and voila! first Result is my web page!!
Calls for a celebration. Thank you all.

Regards,

Sunil.

The Teacher

2005-05-12T07:55:00.000+05:30

There is this place that I frequent for getting my xeroxes and printouts. Its a small alley, wide enough for only 2 people to walk side by side. The whole lane is cluttered with shops that all do xeroxes etc, meaning cut-throat competition. Add to this the chairs laid out on the street, it seems like a bee hive. People squatting right on the main alleyway, some more yelling, and the heat within the place, it's hell. It's a place you must not go to if you have claustrophobia.

Located in this melee, is a shop owned by an old man who sells basic stationery. Hes quite an elderly gentleman. The shop must be around 5 feet long and around 3 feet wide. But then located inside the shop is a shelf that measures aroung one and a half feet in thickness. That gives him around a foot to stand considering there is one more shelf also. Also present are lot of other stationary and a solitary stool. Io the corner of the room there is a solitary fan whirring away. It barely blows some wisps of air. He is surrounded by all kinds of stationery.

Seated on that stool, with an omnipresent smile is that gentleman.Quite regal, he looks, with his shirt worn full(without rolling up his sleeves) and a bright crimson mark adorning his forehead. I really admire him. Despite the unplesant circumstances he works in the smile never retards. Always polite, always giving you a gamut of choices to the customers. The other day, I realized that I would be needing somse stationery and made mind up to buy it only from him. So over to his shop I went.

I am someone who simply has to compliment a person if I think it is worth. And I did. Telling him that his dressing sense was good spawned the most enjoyable reaction. He gave me the most wonderful smile and the humblest of Thank-yous. I could not help but ask if he was from my state, down south. This snowballed into a conversation of which I recollect little but cherish deeply. All i do recollect is him lamenting about how neither companies like Moser Baer nor the Indian Government care for smal shop owners like himseslf and hes forced to charge his customers extra. That has led to a decling in his patronage. Despite all this, he would give me a few things free despitethe fact that I had hardly puchased anything. And as he handed over my purchase to me he gave me that thing very thing that had brought mw to his shop: his wonderful smile.

I realized then that life teaches you many things, and it is such people who actually are real teachers.

In Quest of Xanadu

2005-05-09T06:26:00.000+05:30

Everyone has a definition of a dream home. My mom is no exception. It's actually only the women who have this want. After all, its they who fashion the house and make it a home. My mom has been insisting for a long time that we buy a mew house. And so the quest began.

My mom is quite a realistic individual. I have seen many times that when faced with a decision of dream realization over practicality, the former invariably wins. But she would not fit in totality into this bracket. It's something of a fuzzy set scenario, where you cannot classify total participation or non-participation. While on the trail she gave quite a few proofs for this statement.

I accompanied her on a few scouting trips; and these were all heartbreaking. Many a time I could see the joy on her face when I saw that this is a house that my mom likes. Then comes the dampener. The time to quote the price. Her face would sink when she heard the price and we would leave the place thining that this just is not meant to be. I hate that. I do.

Real estate is on a high in Bombay. And the builders are cashing in Big time. Fleasing the buyers to monumental amounts. Hiranandani, is asking 3 lakhs for a parking space!! When these buikders are quoting prices they must consider the situation of the buyer. That buyer who could be mom, scouting for a dream home, which she hopes to hand down to her son.

Maternal Speak

2005-05-08T13:10:00.000+05:30

This is what my mom would say if she was to have been reading my blog over the past few days.

O.K. The war is done and dead. Why are you wasting precious time over something that you cannot change? For God's sake you have your exams coming. Go and study!! All your visitors are nice people. But one thing, I think there could be a middle path taken somewhere. Also, I think that the Americans should leave Iraq now. Enough is Enough, I say. Don't you think? And stop writing about this. There are many more world issues.
The most beautiful word in this world :Mother

Yeah, I am a mom. First of all you did not wish me. But that is o.k. I don;t need some day to know that my only son loves me. But I would not mind the wish either. It makes me feel very nice. But more than me, this day should be celebrated for many other mothers.

Here are some :

1: The mothers that lost their children in the Iraq war (Now even I have started!).

2: The mothers who have lost their children. Period. Forget the first.

3: A woman who has just suffered a miscarriage. She is amother no less.

4: The raped woman who now has a child.

5: A prostitute who ended up with a child. Not the young college girl who does it for a quick buck though.

6: The grandmother who is rearing her child's child during her/his absence.

7: A single father.

8: An infertile woman who cannot have a child and wants one.

9: A fertile woman whose husband is infertile.

10: And all the other women in this world who have or shall become mothers.

Happy Mothers Day.

People of the Free World

2005-05-07T06:36:00.000+05:30

I received quite a few comments for the previous post. I am extremely glad that the visitors are very nice people who write in parliamentary language and greatly admire them for it. It is difficult to behave in a gentlemanly manner when someone is opposing you.
1

I respect everyone woh has posted a comment on my blog. Mr Hamel, Mr. Nixon, Mr. Sebastian, Mr. James, Madam Marci, Cutetwirler and all others, first of all thank you.
2

I dont want to turn this into a full fledged debate but a few points to elucidate why I opposed the war and to view some comments posted from my point of view:

1: Mr. Sebastian, as regard to war being in our blood; well YES and NO. I mean, the animal instinct in all of us drives us to war. That is why we are bloodthisty warriors. We get great joy in watching and participating in fughts. But, a good upbringing shall undo this harbinger of both war and death. I believe that all can resolved through good culture. Please correct me if you feel I am wrong here.

2: Mr. Hamel, I like your blog. Thanks for stopping by. Saddam might have attacked, but could I reiterate that we as people have no right to interfere in another's country. This is ofcourse, not just for Mr. Hamel

3: Madam Marci, you say that he would attack your country. Point taken. A question back to you, "How could someone with a fleet of around 300 tanks, possibly 200 planes and an army miniscule compared to your, situated almost 10000 miles away attack you?"
As regards to 911, that was bought on by Al Qaeda. So, blaming Saddam is unfair. As I said before, Afghanistan was justified in my view.

4: Mr. Nightcrawler (should be a very popular blog in my view), I believe it is fundmenatalism that plagues the world. And it might yield perjudiced judges. But then, that would result in the fall of the Judicial system, resulting in the taking of law into our own hands. This would yield the law of the Jungle.

A few opinions. All the posts seem to favour the war, but I strongly believe that since most of them were from America, the result was thus. What is surprising though is that most are (according to my site tracker) from the east coast in America, and as we all know Bush git wiped out in the elections along the coasts. But, the elections were closely fought I guess, and so the opinions were divided.

As regards to me, yes I am a Democrat. Probably because I am an Indian, the largest democracy in this world. And I am proud to be one. The country and my parents have taught me one thing; to respect everyone's views.

Thank you Mom and Dad. Thank you Mother India.

Regards,

Sunil.

P.S. No one wants war. Some grim realities.

3

4

Of Iraq, Bush and Freedom.

2005-05-06T12:10:00.000+05:30

I had come across a blog which says that the attack on Iraq was almost justified, if not so. The people there are suffering under the hands of a tyrranical ruler and a lot of other things to the like.

Sir, I am sure you would be visiting my blog, so I am going to address you directly. Why did Dubya choose to attack only Iraq. And he had the able support of another spineless moron in the name of Tony Blair. Good grief! he has won another election. Zimbabwe is reeling under tyrrany in the form of Robert Mugabe. That country too is poor. Mr. Blair has openly denounced the rule of Mugabe. So much so that the British Parliament even wanted sporting links to be severed off between the two countries. Nonetheless, we are talking of America. You say that they are harboring weapons of mass destruction. People are free to have opinioins and even say them aloud. But, unless and until you are attacked by them there is no way you could have ascertained your cliam.

Sure, you could refute this by saying that the action was possibly done in defence. In any case, no one found even a trace of nuclear weapons in Iraq. Who authorized Bush to attack Iraq and search for weapons? When the U.N team went to Iraq they were free to carry out the search and they too had not found anything. Despite this, Bush attacked.

I am not a man of peace who believes in Ahimsa-non violence (Gandhiji's philosophy). I too believe in an eye for an eye. I think Bush was justified in attacking Afghanistan to remove the Taliban because he believed and knew that Osama lay hidden there. That he was not found is another matter altogether. That he shall never ever be found is yet another matter.

So, if attacking Iraq is justified, then what next? Iran, because it stands for yet another country of the Arab community? Why not Saudi Arabia? Why not Palestine?? Anyways Israel is fighting another similar war. Why not Zimbabwe??? And why is he still positioned troops there? If he wanted only to rid them of the ruled the objective is attained. What is that he needs to now?

The answer is evident to me. He needs oil. And more importantly, he needed something to garner public support back home, so that he could win another election. Plain and simple.

Imagine that you had a really bad father, who beat you up everyday; abused you and tour mother, cheated on her, came home drunk and was the very symbol of bad humanity. Despite this would you like someone to come into your house and try to sort it out?? The answer, at least in my case, is and emphatic and loud NO.

America might be under attack by the other things that you had said. But by Iraq sir, NO.

Yippee!!

2005-05-06T08:06:00.000+05:30

Google has picked up my profile page. Not of great use yet in terms of visitors, but hopefull shall translate to an increase by the end of the month. i am just waiting for the main page to be picked up. The link is there... only have to get the spider to visit it many times.

My visitor count has gone up to an average of 40 a day... not bad since i started blogging seriously only last month. Thanks to adsense too!!

Yeah, I know this is a meaningless post, but I am thrilled to be picked up by Google.
Here's to today!!

I promise not to write such posts again.

Have a great day guys.

Medication for the Cynical World.

2005-05-05T17:28:00.000+05:30

We had this chapter in school named the Impossible Dream. It was on how a single man had taken up the task of trying to reform the world. The guy used to stop by and say a few kind words to anyone who touched his life directly or indirectly. The cycnical world, he believed had to be changed only with love and hence his tireless endeavor to be nice.

I was greatly influenced by that lesson. I realized that my syllabus was not that bad after. Then came the conscious effort to change; in the right direction. I tried not to be a snob and be a little more kind to people. Stop by and give a compliment, or just say soething that the other person would like. Beleive me, this has quite a magical effect on people. They in turn shall be nice to the people they meet, and before you know it, the world shall be a much better place. Even if just 5 people were to carry on your effort everyday, you would have achieved a great deal.

I am now making a conscious effort to walk down this road. People, I assure you, it's a great promenade. People on the cyberworld, I urge you, try and drop in a line to whosever blog you visit. You will make the person's day.

All the people who visited me and wished me; Thanks a lot. I really liked it. It also helped me improve my visits... 75 yesterday!! Thanks a lot.

P.S. people not listed on Google, try to put up as miny links as possible. The more the number of links, the better the chance of getting picked up.

21 and counting

2005-05-04T08:06:00.000+05:30

Okay, so today is birthday. Quite a ride life has been till now and am excited as I speculate on my own future. This despite being a person who firmly believes that lifes milestones lie in the hands of the go-getter. Anyways, I think now it's a time to charter out the future.

Things to be done:

1: Get a 70% in one Engg sem. No matter what I do this has eluded me.

2: Leatn to look beyond books and gain pratical knowledge.

3: Learn to appreciate people for what they are.

4: Learn not to be gullible.

5: Try to walk down the road less taken.

6: Study a wee bit more.

7: Get into the IIMs.

8: Get my hair woven or my mirror altered!

9: Read a lot more.

10. Get people to click on some ads of mine.

11. Control my diet and lose some weight.

12: Stop spending so much time on my blog.

Waiting for wishes.

Impending Celebrations

2005-05-03T16:32:00.000+05:30

Hey people who visit this blog!! Tomorrow, on the 4th of May, I officialy complete 21 years on this planet!!

Damn, I am excited!

Oh Captain.. My Captain

2005-05-03T13:58:00.000+05:30

I am an ardent fan of Sourav Ganguly and I make no bones about it. I receive quite some flak for this though, considering he is never in form. His wretched form still plagues him and is the bane of Indian cricket for now.

Yes, I am being impulsive, but can I ask all the detractors, what happened to the rest of the team in the Indo-Pak series? It was quite a collective effort I must say... to fail. The reason for my saying this is because no one is asking for the head of MR. Tendulkar, who besides he hundred at Ahmedabad, did nothing. No one is asking for the head of Yuvraj Singh, or Kaif or for that matter even Dravid.

Despite all this, I say Ganguly should sit out because he is not contributing. But, as we are thirsting for his blood, I must ask you this; who will lead India in his absence? Therein lies in the void that nobody shall be able to fill. I personally do not opine that there is anyone in this Indian team capable of leading the team. Each one is good, excellent or any other adjectine you please, but they are not fit to the skipper. Dravid does stake his claim very well, but as far as captaincy goes, Ganguly is better fit for the job.

So, as he serves out his ban of six ODIS and possibly out of a lot more, we could reflect upon arguably, India's best captain to date. This is both Resultwise and Leadershipwise . People will argue that Ganguly is no loner the batsman of yore. True, but only partially. Take your mind back to the Natwest Final; India's only overseas ODI series win in many years and recollect that brilliant half century that put India on track. True, it was Yuvraj and Kaif that won us the mathc, but had it not been for Ganguly, we would have surely lost. Recollect that 90 he hit against England in the last ODI of the series in England. He did score 2 centuries in the World cup, although against lesser teams.

Anyways, my favourite player won't be seen for some time now. I only hope it shall not be forever.

In anticipation.

Some poem on the net

2005-05-02T08:07:00.000+05:30

Can you take me to a place,
Where I will not be judged?

A place that knows no sorrow,
Or holds the grudges of my past?
Sheltered by your protection…
But slowly fades away…
Like the words of your confessions.

A place I know,
Where nobodies goes.
Sanctified and but now - shallowed.

The secrets and the memories
Are mine and mine only…
How dare you betray me…?
Oh how - you desecrate me!

And you go and expose me
And tell me what and who I should be…
Simpleton, you amaze me
The trust I displayed
And the lust for hating you made…

To this, I hold no envy…
…The unforgiven…

Bald is Beautiful

2005-05-01T20:59:00.000+05:30

Bald is Beautiful

Evolution is quite something I must say. To have species spring up, die out, sustain, dominate, thrive and lots more- the whole concept- its brilliant. Charles Darwin, awesome theory dude!!

Very powerful theories that are quite believable. And sadly, that is the irony. Man has been evolving for 20000 years (Yeah Ankit, you said it!) and the precess of evolution eliminated redundant or useless appendages to the species.

And in the case of Man, the elimination is of Hair. And that is making me lose my precious tresses.

It's really unbelievable how people who are balding (ME!!!) are so possessive about their hair. I mean when you have a hundred thousand of them, you should not be really bothered. But the sight of losing even one is quite heartburning. Every morning, as I comb my hair, I am a good 5-10 gms lighter. A very bad way to lose weight may I add. My poor mom is losing her hair over this, wondering how her only son would get a decent looking bride.

I have tried everything, from yoga to juices to even homeopathy. But I know the results of all my medications when I see my dad. His immaculate pate is like my crystal ball. Some doc told me stress could be the cause of this and I should stop taking stress. I had to really control my laughter at that instant. If there is one guy who does not take stress, its me.

So that brings me to the situation I am at now; one year since my scalp started showing me himself. My twenty first birthday is approaching (Yay) and I can only pray that I have hair till then. Yeah, I know alternatives always do exist, ,but I am not into plastic surgery. Though I may still do it if I have a really hot wife!! As for now, I make do by routinely checking my mirror to get used to the shock of looking at a bald man there.

Some facts on bread-eskimo.com

2005-05-01T17:34:00.000+05:30

Research on bread indicates that:

1. More than 98 percent of convicted felons are bread users.
2. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests.
3. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever, and influenza ravaged whole nations.

BREAD!!!!

4. More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread.
5. Bread is made from a substance called "dough." It has been proven that as little as one pound of dough can be used to suffocate a mouse. The average American eats more bread than that in one month!
6. Primitive tribal societies that have no bread exhibit a low incidence of cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis.
7. Bread has been proven to be addictive. Subjects deprived of bread and given only water to eat begged for bread after as little as two days.
8. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter, and even cold cuts.
9. Bread has been proven to absorb water. Since the human body is more than 90 percent water, it follows that eating bread could lead to your body being taken over by this absorptive food product, turning you into a soggy, gooey bread-pudding per
son.
10. Newborn babies can choke on bread.
11. Bread is baked at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit! That kind of heat can kill an adult in less than one minute.
12. Most American bread eaters are utterly unable to distinguish between significant scientific fact and meaningless statistical babbling.

Dear Diana

2005-04-30T13:40:00.000+05:30

There is this agony aunt column in the Mid-Day newspaper titled "Dear Diana." If anyone ever needed a laugh, this would be a quick and sure solution. The posts are simply ludicrous. Here are a few:

1:)
Dear Diana,
I see this girl in my college every day. I smile at her and she smiles back. I think I have fallen in love with her. I want to tell her about my feelings but what if she says no? I really like her a lot and don't want to lose her. What should I do?

2:)
Dear Diana,
I love my husband very much but I am very possessive about him. My friends were telling me the other day about how my husband was wuite a flirt before marriage. Now I am all the more possessive and get increasingly angry when I see him even talking to any other woman.
I know I am wrong but I can't help myself. What should I do?

And now for the all-time classis. I remember this even though this was published almost a year back.

3:)
Dear Diana,
There is the girl whom I like and I had asked my friend to help me out with her. She obliged and this girl was even beginning to show interest in me. But then their group split up and I had to choose between my friend and this girl. I chose my friend because I knew her longer and now this girl does not even talk to me because of this. I really like her but I can't do anything about it. What should I do? I am in a mess.

Man , these guys must be desperate!! I dont know whether such columns are helpful to these love-struck souls but they sure are funny to read. I really envy this Diana female. What pay for what a job! I am pretty sure she must be rolling in laughter with some of these mails. I remember this Charlie Sheen- Denise Richards movie based on this theme. Thats an aside.

Anyways, I though I shall write a mail to Diana. Here goes:

Dear Diana,
I always read your columns, and I really like the way you handle all these mails. I know you might think this is weird, but I think I have fallen inlove with you. I must say you are very photogenic. This, I know is not a way to ask you out, but I have no other choice. The Mid-Day guys refused me your Indentity. I really do love you a lot. Please reply asap

The Parting

2005-04-29T20:53:00.000+05:30

Am very low today. My good friend Vikas is moving out of my neighborhood tomorrow. We have been together since S.S.C and its 6 years now. Even as I write this I am choking over with emotion.

When Vikas moved in here 6 years back, I remember his mom telling me to befriend him as he would have no one. I gladly obliged. That gesture resulted in the blooming of quite a friendship. We almost got the same marks in S.S.C but because I had that few marks more I ended up in a different college. Nonetheless, we were together every evening. I vividly remember that I was the one who used to call him out initially and tehn later it was he who used to return the favor. I know this blog might sound like some sort of a narrative, but I can't help it. My very good friend is leaving my side.

The Parting

Then came the disappointment of the H.S.C. It was like a double whammy for him. Poor guy, he had given his IIT JEE and had not cleared. In my book though,if there were two guys who deserved to clear, it was him and my friend Sanketh. Well, fate ordained that this result in us being together for four more years as sometime later we both would give an entrance test, bith would clear and end up together.

Yes, we are in the same college. But college life is different. We don't meet much ion college with our different schedules. I guess I used to take it for granted that anyways I shall meet him at home. That won't happen now. I really don't want to end up as being acquaintances only.

So today, as he leaves me for his new home, I wish him all the happiness.I don't know why I did not stand up and say good bye properly when he told me he was leaving. I guess I was so used to the normal "See you tomorrow" that I forgot. I shall always miss you and cherish all the memories...... especially those of playing carrom for hours on end. You are a very dear friend and shall always be.

All the best. See you in college soon. :(

Blogging away

2005-04-29T18:46:00.000+05:30

So I have a blog. No one knew about it and even now hardly anyone does. Well Ranj, Anks , Sohel, Cutetwirler and Mandi do; but thats it.

Recently decided to start posting comments on other's blogs. Actually discovering them is the better part. Getting to know what kind of poeple they are, what interests them and what does not. Being an extrovert I cant help but doing this outside the cyberworld too. Thats just me. Discovering people gives me a big high. So much so that I learnt (and still very much learning) the art of Graphology- the science of Handwriting Analysis. It's quite a perfect science this and is not something like Palmistry, which in mind atleast, has no logocal explanation. Graphology, on the other hand, is quite in sync with psychology.

Sadly, have to run now. Will elaborate later.

The Blogosphere

2005-04-28T20:05:00.000+05:30

I have always known that I am a big showpot. And I am candid about it. Nonetheless, I am quite surprised at the company I keep in the cyberworld. This place is teeming with Sunil's, albeit many of them are just alter-egos.

It is quite amazing the transformation many people have whilst being online: they go from the quiet, corner-of-the-room-seated nerd to the loud dressed, tall, hunky, brash, with even a microphone-in-hand, attention seeking despot on the web. I personally know this guy who is an avid chatter on many of the chat rooms of major chat engines. One day as I sat with him I was quite amazed at the way people were queing up to have a word with him. Very strange, I must say. Considering, that hardly anyone spoeaks to him otherwise.

It probably is the freedom to be that someone else that you have always desired to be, yet cannot because of sheer society and peer pressure. In the cyberworld, there are no restrictions. No one knows who you are.

Be who you want, how you want and when you want. And you shall always find someone like you.

Television

2005-04-28T16:11:00.000+05:30

Television has ruined me. All I do is just slouch on the sofa and munch away at whatever I get while I watch T.V. This is of course, when I am not at my comp. I have swelled pleasantly, never mind what my mother thinks!

They say being on television, or rather , the camera adds up on 10 Pounds. I think, so does watching it. Besides, it does not help students at all. Though its a boon for my grandmother. She watches three movies a day!! And the worse part for me is, I despite staying there, cant even watch them, because they are all Malayalam movies; a language alien to me. So that drives me to my blog. And so, here I am typing away the melancholies of my life.

The handful (A gross Exaggeration tp say the least) of people who visit my blog, must have noticed I have installed Adsense. Never think I shall figure it out though. I get credited on those days where there are hardly any clicks on the page, and the days that I do, I have nothing.

Anyways, no complaints against Google. They say they owe me 6 Dollars or around Three hundred bucks. Not bad for a blog with hardly any vistors.

By the way Anks, listed on those sites. Hoping for the best.

Increasing Traffic and Birthday wishes

2005-04-27T15:54:00.000+05:30

I am looking forward to improve traffic on my blog. Signed up with google. But I have heard that it shall take months for Google to take note. Nonetheless, I am eager and full of zest.

Thankfully, I always have my good friend Ankit to turn to for anything. By the way, today's his Birthday.

Happy birthday Ankit. Many happy returns of the day to you.

Studies and boredom

2005-04-27T05:55:00.000+05:30

Its really amazing that the older one gets and the more a person has to study, the corresponding effort is that much lesser. The phenomenon is not just bound to any particular class of students. Take me for example. Actually, this would not be a great example, considering that I never do study. The enthusiasm, the zeal, that fire in the belly to get an outstanding result- all of which I did possess a few years back are all missing.

To drive home my point, I have an exam today. In my defense, I know the subject.

What is it that causes this decadence? I have no other word for it. Probably it stems from the monotonicity of studying fro so man years, and the mind needs a change. But that explanation on its own does not hold for much as no matter how long a vacation or a break one will get, the improvement will not be drastic. Another explanation could possibly be the sheer apathy towards life, atleast during this phase. There seems to be a sense of boredom in whatever there is in life. Yet other possible explanations could be the boring subjects that one has to endure, the sadistic teachers, peer pressure and even the pressure at home.

Thanks

2005-04-24T08:42:00.000+05:30

Not willing to take the risk of naming her, I would like to thank my friend who is the only person to routinely check my blog and post comments.

Thank you madam.

Sunil

AtithiDevo- Bhava

2005-04-24T08:00:00.000+05:30

There is this new channel on TV= "Travel and Living". Its a part of the discovery network. They have quite a few good programs.

I happened to catch a glimpse of an ad made by the ministry of tourism, I guess. An extremely well made one at that. It's high time that the Centre take a note of the Tourism Industry. I do not know what else Miss Renuka. Choudhary is doing other than switching parties to get ministerial posts, this ad of hers deserves kudos. The tourism industry in India is really struggling and proper initiatives have to be taken.

This brings forth a question, when we have more culture than say one state than possibly the whole of Malaysia, Singapore and many more countries, why are visitors not coming to our land? In Kerala, we indeed possess Gods Own Country. I had been there two years back and must admit, it made proud to have my roots there. Rolling hills with rivulets running through, endless fields that have only green tinted on them and not to forget, majestic coconut trees, swaying in the breeze. The architecture if Tamil Nadu, is indeed unparalleled. The north has the Taj Mahal and all the Moghul legacy. I do not want this to look like I am trying to write an essay of sorts, but it's akin to possess an antique car which is proivisonally worth a million, but sadly has no takers.

If only we cared about our land this would not be the story. The people are warm, the country beckons.

Our endearing quality of serving the guest like the Lord Himself ( WE took a little too far with the Pakistani Cricket Team though) or atithidevobhava is the last shot of the ad. The words, "Incredible India" to accompany.

I realized immediately those words was written not just on the screen.

Projects, Subjects and Murderers

2005-04-24T07:52:00.000+05:30

Its really depressing to study, or rather try to study some of the subjects that we as engineers have to. For example, we have a subject known as software engineering. It deals with the approach to developing and maintaining an efficient software product.

To me, though it feels like just a subject filler. The university I feel just had nothing else to put into the curriculum. Worse still, I empathize with Mr. Pressman and co. because they happen to be possibly the most jobless individuals on this planet. All they seem to do is to concur up new, mindless theories that nobody shall use: ever. But, nonetheless they must be laughing all the way to the bank, considering the phenomenal sales of their books. They have suckers like us who are forced to buy their works. I write blogs for recreation, these guys write books.

Today’s paper has the story of a four year old that identified the murderer of her mother. As much as I admire the little child, I really feel sorry for it. Firstly, it will have to bear the pains of growing up without the support of a mother. A girl child, I opine, needs more from her mother than a boy. The mother can be her best friend- something the little terrier wont have. Secondly, I do not think she realizes the gravity of the situation. She possibly does not know what death is yet. When she does, she won’t sleep. The ghastly scene of the man murdering her mother will haunt her all her life. This angers me more. I mean, just for a few rupees, how can anybody kill a human being? Money is necessary for existence but I am sure there are other ways. I really wish that this man hung. Just for ruining the life of that poor four year old girl

But, on a more lighter note, I have to write an exam today. The subject –“Software Engineering.”! The exam will be best described by a quote made by sister’s professor, “Through the year we bore you with facts. When the exams come around, you entertain us with fiction.”

A day wasted

2005-03-25T14:13:00.000+05:30

Today I told myself that I would do a huge of amount of 'DSP' or to the layman 'Digital Signal Processing'. For any further knowledge it would be best not to approach me as my knowledge is a big zero. Nonetheless, the target was to do atleast two of the big chapters that were a part of my syllabus. The morning began well and I was prgressing well but then my biggest source of distraction- the newspaper arrived. I say this because, quite honestly, my concentration sucks, but in the mornings I am this focussed freak. Coming back, I could not resist and spent a half hour reading about all the worthless stuff printed in "The Times of India." I think the paper deserves to be renamed as the bad times of India, keeping in mind all the positive stuff that gets printed- rapes, murders, corpses found rotting and other crap. Their supplement Bombay times should be called Paty times.

After this productive half hour, I sat with my books for a good fifteen minutes when my stomach started growling. Another haour spent eating and tehn lounging aorund to digest my food. Tried again for fifteen minutes and realized that there would be people online who would be ready for cs. Looged on but the lack of players did not desist me from playing with bots; who coincidently are the easiest to beat. Feels good to play against them. After a good couple of hours, I got bored crakced by books for some time, ate my food and that brings me here. The man who had just wasted half a day doin nothing. As for the DSP I am as good as you are at the subject.

The Garden of the Mind

2005-03-24T08:00:00.000+05:30

The air is still,
The silence beckons,
The mind responds.
Images are crystal clear.
Emotions erupt.
Memories flood back.
The joy of victory, achievment;
The sorrow of loss.
A flashback in time-
Of things that should or could have been done,
Of loves labour lost;
Of green meadows adorned with the gentlest of streams,a scene straight out of heaven.
Of things to be done;
Of fears that should never become a reality.
Disappointments are revisited.
The mind regales.
Sight is not a hinderance.
Darkness is where the mind speaks in it's loudest voice.

The walk home

2005-03-16T19:36:00.000+05:30

It has been a great month for the Indian economy. The budget has been described as the sequel to the dream budget of a few years back, the sensex is scaling new heights everyday, employment is supposedly on the up and all-in-all the feel good factor is back.

Yet as I walked home today reality struck me hard. Just as I had entered my lane, I saw a lady, walk up to another (whom I recognized of being from my lane) and question her about something. The lady got a shrug of the shoulder for an answer. I noticed then that she had a young boy, of around 10 years of age with her. The lady must have not been a year over thirty. She cast a hapless look at her son and resumed her walk down the lane. It was now that my eyes fell on a man, very young I must add, who was a few metres in front. Despondency was written large in his eyes as he was begging to a man for a few rupees.

He then caught a sight of me and came over to me. I had by now realized the situation and had decided not to part with even a rupee, come what may. I almost instinctively shook my head and gave an expression as if to say, "How can I have any money?"

Just as I was about to proceed on my way home, my eyes fell on that litle boy. He looked pale, eyes sunken, shoulders drooping. The boy was definitely malnutritioned. Trying to forget the child, I began to walk; but my mind would not allow me. I could not forget that face. This child was meant to be playing, studying, eating. He should not be worrying about his food. My feet fell heavy. I stopped, out my hand in my wallet and removed a ten. Handing it over to the man, I asked him to feed his child.

The gratitude I saw on the man's face is something I shall never forget. His demeanor suggested that fate had brought him to this situation. I am not someone who condones begging but I did believe that in such situations generosity is warranted and to an extent necessary.

Congratulations

2005-03-16T07:08:00.000+05:30

I would like to congratulate my friends Vikas, Amogh, Ajay and Rachit for their fabulous performance in their GATE exam. For the ignorant, Vikas with 97.67 percentile and Ajay and Amogh with amazing 99.61 and 99.83 percentiles respectively. Rachit got a 93.

Congrats guys!!

One last feministic??? article.

2005-03-15T07:30:00.000+05:30

Bhavana sent me a mail that some friend of hers had written in jest. Check it out. Good humorous stuff.

Hi all....

So Women's Day came and went and because of that a
Cannibal Corpse song shows up in my inbox- seems like
a CAT wordlist , dipped in blood, gore and morbidity-
of course that's just me.If you try, u might just be
able to relate to it.

Anyways I thought I'd throw in my two cents(for
whatever it's worth,with the dollar depreciating and
all..).Here's an article of mine which was published
in JLT a few months back-had got a variety of
reactions then and expect the same again.
Ladies, don't kill me - take this with a pinch of
salt(a dash of lime and a shot of tequila with that
sounds even better doesn't it?)

Ashish "She-fuckin'-hates-me-la-la-la" Shakya.

What if women ruled the world…?? (by Ashish Shakya)

“I believe women are far superior to men. They can do
everything men can, and in a far better way..”. Oh
great! I’d been fixed up with a feminist (my friends
circle was gonna be missing one member pretty
soon..@#!&**). As she went on and on, I considered,
among other things, faking an epileptic attack to get
myself outta there but since I’m no actor, I just sat
there, stuffing my face with food (food that I’D
eventually pay for, feminist or not). That was when
this thought just hit me (I get creative insights from
time to time, like the time when I hit upon a solution
to the energy crisis but that’s another story…): What
if women ruled the world??
I’m talking women militaries, female global leaders,
female cops (yes I know they already exist..think in
terms of majority)…and what the hell-even female
cabbies, dance bar owners (men dancing, naturally)…get
the picture?

Things would change…and how!

1) Toilets would be manufactured with the seats
screwed down. YAY!! A million points to all the
hapless ladies who had to (gasp) manually put down the
seats..

2) PMS would become a viable plea in order to obtain a
lenient sentence, much like the insanity plea is used
today. George Lucas (make that Mrs George Lucas) would
direct an inter-galactic legal drama titled “Attack of
the Hormones”).

3) The study of Communication Techniques would be
revolutionized the world over because of new theories
such as “Say no even if you feel like saying yes, then
express your displeasure to the concerned party,
firstly by denying that you are displeased and then
citing the reason for your obvious-but-non-existent
displeasure as the party’s inability to delve further
into your twisted psyche, which if done with the aid
of a mind-reader would, in fact, reveal what you
actually wanted to say, as opposed to the words you
said out loud.”

Go ahead, read it again-let me know if it makes any
sense.

4) Vehicles would become lethal weapons in the hands
of these marauding motorists. You’d be safer standing
naked on top of a skyscraper holding on to a 50-foot
metal pole during a thunderstorm, than on the roads.
Of course there’d be traffic cops to assist accident
victims and deal with jams but being lady drivers,
they’d probably get into an accident or two themselves
before reaching the original crash site. Maybe that’s
a li’l thoughtless of me…after all, driving in 6-inch
platforms takes time to learn and there’s only one
rear-view mirror. If they use that to look behind,
then how will they put on their make-up??

5)*Women would pay for the men, nightclubs would have
free entry for guys…*
POOF! Back to reality ! The bill was on the table and
Miss Superior Being from Venus had clammed up all of a
sudden. I’d gone too far with my dreaming…some things
will never change! Somehow, the epilepsy act didn’t
seem that daunting now.
PS: The author is neither a misogynist nor an MCP. He
would’ve clarified further but hordes of furious women
have descended upon his doors so he’s gotta make like
Ben&Jen and split…

Ashish Shakya