speakin' heart

Opinionated Indian

2011-03-13T00:47:00.000-08:00

I have moved to OpinionatedIndian. I will be posting there, see you there!

A trip to Rolla, Missouri - food, travel and more

2011-01-16T12:38:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I really wanted to write something. I actually started traveling, not literally! I always wanted to travel but was stuck back due to various reasons. Recently I visited quite a few number of cities.

It all started in October when I really wanted to travel and decided to visit Bharath in Peoria near Chicago. After long time we have seen each other! First, I went to Rolla in Missouri to watch his grad walk. He picked me up in St. Louis on 17th December, 2010 and we drove to Rolla. However, I did not think fully of entertainment as I still had to complete an unfinished assignment to secure a better grade. Yeah, a nerd. So it took some time for me to get in to the groove to enjoy. Grad walk on 18th was indeed a treat to watch. Over 300 students graduated including undergraduates. Grandparents cheered at the name of their grandchildren. It was a delight to watch friends, family and acquaintances who came to cheer the graduates! The grad ecstasy is something to be experienced.

I met Uday, Bheem boy, Swathi and other people I don't want to remember! Uday was my college mate at Vasavi and was very glad to meet him after almost three years. He's a great cricketer, bowler in particular (have not seen his batting though) and many at college were at awe of him. He was a good footballer too and represented Civil engineering for at least an year as far as I can remember. He's a common friend to me, and Rohit (from post high school study).

About Rolla, MO

Not a big town from what I have seen. In my opinion, it is a university town. Not a huge downtown similar to other towns. I always wanted to visit this place as Bharath studied there. I have not tasted any local food on this trip. Only regret in this trip is that I could not visit Meramec caverns near Rolla. Saved it for the next time!

We drove back to Peoria on 19th after lunching at El Sombero. I had a burrito which tasted OK and the dessert, Special Mexican Ice cream tasted awful. I tasted milkshake at Steak 'n Shake and it was good. But nothing replaces the same from McDonald's for me.

On our way to Peoria

P.S: I have a strong liking to Mexican food, Pizza and do not enjoy mediocre food at all.

Semiya Payasam !

2011-01-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

You are habituated to few things in daily life, cooking has been that one of those things which got me hooked right from the word go. Finally made the decision to detail my recipes. This week it's Semiya Payasam / Bambino Payasam (that's how we term it in our home, Hyderabad).

Ingredients:

1) Bambino

quantity depends on the number of people you want to cook for. I used 350 gm of Bambino for five of us.

2) Milk

again, depends on the number of people. I used about 1.75 ltrs (approx. half gallon) of milk.

3) Elaichi, Cashew, and Kismis (dried grapes)

5-6 pieces of each.

4) Sugar

This is very relative (depends on the in-take of the eater!). I haven't measured sugar. But it must weigh around 300-400 gm. The best way is to add sufficient amount of sugar, taste it and add further if your taste buds are not satisfied enough.

5) Ghee

Two tablespoons of ghee

Method!

-> Take a bowl (to fry the Bambino), add ghee to it and place the stove in medium-high. After 5 minutes, add cashew, Kismis and Elaichi. After 5 minutes, Bambino and fry till light brown.

-> Meanwhile, boil the milk very well and add the above mixture to milk.

-> Wait till the Bambino is well cooked and add sugar very slowly ensuring no sugar balls formation.

I have not made this before but it tasted very good. I did not expect it though :)

Have fun!

Tangled movie review

2011-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

Tangled is easily tops my list of lovable movies in the past one year. I am not a big fan of animation movies and carefully choose which animation movies to watch. After watching Black Swan yesterday, I wanted to watch a soothing movie that does not involve high drama and one that has high entertainment quotient. So I chose Tangled just to see how Disney makes animation movies. Another, geeky, point is that I am now interested to watch animation movies more than ever thanks to a graphics course last semester!

I liked the simple story of a girl finding her parents after being abducted by an evil woman. Rapunzel (little princess) is very likeable and we are treated with stunning visuals throughout the movie. I particularly liked the voiceovers of Rapunzel, Eugene/Ryder and the antics of the horse. It was interesting to watch an English movie with songs and boy, what-a-fabulous score it was! It was a trivia for me to find that the music director for this movie already won 8 oscars! I absolutely loved the visuals especially during the lantern lighting, fight scenes, and rendering the huge kingdom. One cannot help to notice the amount of work that went in to rendering the hair of Rapunzel. For these details, I liked the movie even more!

A must watch for all ages and do not miss the fun ride with Tangled.

Floods in Pakistan

2010-08-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Oh nature!

why this destruction?

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/severe_flooding_in_pakistan.html

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/08/continuing_pakistani_floods.html

Humans, either Indian or Pakistani, are vulnerable to nature's fury. Can nature stop this once for all? Is this a message to politicians or common man or dictators? How should we treat this?

May all who have suffered in the recent floods in Pakistan recover soon. All countries sensitive to human destruction should come forward to help them.

Blessed

2010-08-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

'I am Ryanda, she is my sister Kathy'

nice to know

'I have another sister as well. Also, I have my friends here'

that's great!

'we will be for three more days with my mom'

see you tomorrow then!

I met the little girl today who was happy to spot me at the pool. Honestly, I wasn't positive at the very idea of having a discussion with small kids as they can be awful at your face. But, I'm struck by her innocence. beautiful smile! amazing kid.

may all good luck be with her.

Where have I been?

2010-07-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hi blogosphere,

looking at the statistics of this blog:

10 posts in 2007

80 posts in 2008

35 posts in 2009 and

3 posts in 2010

observed that I got too self-indulgent these days and decided to blog more frequently. And instead of maintaining too many blogs, I decided to move all blogs in one place which requires some work! I'm into it from this moment :)

I have eight blogs in all and own five of them while the rest three are group blogs. I would leave the group blogs for now and work on integrating the rest five. Of these five:

one is telugu blog

one is research blog

one is pictures blog

one blog is supposed to be for life and personal blogging (the first blog I started)

and the last blog is this one - focuses on politics, sports and not-too-serious-about-my-life stuff

I would retain this blog and merge between life n living blog in this. I would include telugu posts, pictures and research posts in this blog in different tabs.

Looking forward to brighter blog times!

Update: merged two blogs, current blog and between life n living blog.

Epic - The Indian Browser

2010-07-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

I came across a new browser platform designed entirely by an Indian - epic browser. This is based on Mozilla platform. Features I liked:

to-do lists in a browser

alrams

direct links to Gmail, Yahoo, Maps, Facebook, Twitter, Orkut etc

notepad

You can download epic here.

life = shit

2010-07-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

life is full of shit

people just use, use and use you

when you crave for company, you're left to yourself

beginning to loathe myself

#lifeevolving

life gives different meaning to different people

understand your responsibility and live life

understand what determines your driving force to achieve goal

call for celebration

2010-04-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

celebration time as my brother enters his 25th year. wish all the good luck be with him and prosper in life.

emptiness

2010-03-08T20:52:00.001-08:00

feel like blogging after a long time. writing a post here, for me, is a exhaustive drive. hence, this silence. been active (ok, relatively) on social networking sites (read twitter and facebook). had a great trip in home country since my last post, watched some movies here and there and not been to any new places (i'm raring to go this break but think work would keep me busy). chose to keep myself busy after a similar 2009. already in third month this year! wish time moves slowly, really want to cherish this work time :D

movies watched

sherlock holmes - awesome. downey rocks!

shutter island - ok, dicaprio was fab though. severe headache after the film

neninthe - great insight to telugu film industry. great performance by ravi teja

aarya 2 - bad. arjun performed really well

avatar - fab graphics, great vision, could have been much better

wake up sid - awesome, ranbir is the future

paa - what can i say about big B?

legend of the fall - good one

3 idiots - fantastic movie but have reservations against few scenes (portrayal of sharman joshi's parents - worst))

bourne ultimatum - never watched such a fast-paced movie in my life

die hard 1 - fun watch

Master hits a double century against south africa, what a player!

Afridi chews ball like an apple. pathetic

hope everyone in the blogosphere is doing well. hope to read more blogs this weekend, take care.

status: working on a status report, hope to watch a movie after the report!

a tribute to the GOD of Cricket

2009-11-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

an inspiration.

a phenomenon.

you've been an inspiration for me for over fifteen years now. determination and commitment is what i learned from you. keep inspiring people like me!

nothing more to describe you at this point... keep playing

Credit: image credit to getty images from cricinfo dot com

Check check

2009-11-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Trying new iPhone app to blog. Would be great if google releases an official app to blog!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

happy diwali!

2009-10-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

fun's lost in the transition,

so is boyhood

the excitement died long back,

ditto to monotonic life

how i wish to be free as bird,

guess you had a great diwali

Songs ive been listening to, of late

2009-10-14T11:18:00.001-07:00

little boxes - written by malvina reynolds and sung by peter seger

beautiful lyrics written by malvina reynolds while she was driving through San Francisco. describes the way urban development has taken over the world and no wonder the childhood of generations is lost in the process.

slow me down - emma rossum

are we living our life or life is passing by us? this song is a clear reflection of my thoughts on hurried lives we live each day and not to forget her beauty :)

remember the name - fort minor

the tune got me crazy and I've to admit that I haven't heard like this one in a while.

open your eyes and chasing cars - snow patrol

the soothing music got me in to these songs. chasing cars celebrates spending time with nature or alone (my perception)

just for now by imogen heap

something strikingly different without doubt!

some other songs I've not stopped listening for some weeks
khanabadosh - london dreams

yeh dooriyan - love aaj kal
i loved the way it was picturized in the movie. the sense of belongingness and loosing someone special in life is wonderfully shot and not to forget the lyrics. amazing.

chigy wigy, aaj dil gustakh and fiqrana - blue
give me anything new rahman scores! amazing songs.

ek niranjan title song!

God, Destiny and Beyond

2009-10-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

it was a very interesting saturday night discussion about god and its existence. i've done numerous discussions on this but never get tired listening to different perspectives. yesterday was no different. four of us discussed if god existed, if so in what form, if not why and here's what I believe in what I do...

first, I strongly believe that in every individual lies a supernatural force that people term as God and I've no problem with it. I was brought up in my childhood to worship God and I had no qualms to do so then but the entire myth begins to break when you get to know the real story behind this. from what Ive learnt, the only real thing is vedas (thanks to ram for this enlightenment) and it is no secret that vedas as a source of power and information. different people have interpreted vedas differently according to their beliefs and tradition. there were heroes historically and people worshipped them owing to their extra-ordinary knowledge, wisdom, capabilities and the way they've handled all these. the habit of worshipping a human isn't alien to us considering the are number of temples built for jayalalitha and others. today ,people term sachin as God of cricket. the transition of sachin from boy wonder to an icon to a devastating batsman to a master to a God now is very interesting. common people look up to icons for inspiration and in the process, they ape them in every possible manner. we're carrying the legacy of worshipping a common man that is handed to us by previous generations.

second, I believe that in every human there lies both good and bad personalities. it is up to our mind to control either good or bad thoughts. if you're driven by numerous good thoughts, you might end up leading a noble life and if you're thoughts are evil, you might end up cursing someone or killing someone. adding to this, not all things can be controlled by an individual in his/her life. you might be driving very carefully but might get injured when someone else hits you. driving your car is in your hands but not being injured by an accident. you see? so the entire talk about writing your own destiny. from what ive read, destiny is synonymous to fate (at least in dictionary.com). but there was one website where i found something different, it mentioned that destiny is something we choose to go after and fate is something that happens to us. wikipedia offers something else that, fate things are ordered, are inevitable and is an outcome decided by somebody other than the individual. the other popular myths (myths to some and facts for some) are that destiny is uncontrolled and that destiny of one can be created by the individual itself (there of course are numerous explanations to both arguments).

third, ive been taught to worship Gods (numerous, each had a different story, of course created by some human) in my childhood and i continue to do so. earlier, i believed that gods existed and worshipped them. now, i look up to them as a form of inspiration and source of power to a common man. do not expect God to help you out. I do not deny the existence of a supernatural power which might be good or evil (ive no idea) but surely ive no idea about the existence of God. also, as i said in every human lies good and evil, similarly i believe that there exists a supernatural force (termed as God in my view) in every individual. and it is up to the mind of an individual to drive the thoughts and hence, the force within.

I'm sure there will be debates in future as well and i acknowledge that science cannot explain everything and there will definitely be a time when every individual ponders over the existence of God. as a footnote, I would like to quote sharath who mentioned i approach God when the logic to anything dies and when everything seemingly ended, God arises for me. peace.

2009-09-29T01:22:00.000-07:00

full with emptiness

detained.

2009-08-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

the news of Shahrukh Khan being detained might not have irked Salman Khan but I'm disgusted by this fact. This is a mockery not only of SRK but of India and the religion he represents. In his own words, I was detained only because I'm an asian and my name has khan in it. Khan. Asian. What does the US of A think about the contributions of APJ Abdul Kalam and SRK to the society and what message is it prepared to give the entire world by detaining a popular global icon who reportedly has more fans than Tom Cruise? What kind of hatred is USA spreading by frisking and detaining two of India's popular icons? Is it religion-based hatred? Vishal Dadlani says paranoia breeds stupidity. So true.

World has changed after the september 11 attacks eight years ago. US waged two wars on the establishments. First in Afghanistan and then in Iraq. We all know how ex-president Bush jnr is treated today as a war criminal. Yes, he is a war criminal. He has blood on his hands - of innocent people, of little children who have no idea what a war is and who a criminal is (i bet even he doesn't know who the real criminal is and it can be attributed to his claim that Saddam Hussien was linked with Al-Qaida), of women old and young. He is responsible for changing the course of wars and the way they are fought, for promoting hatred against a particular community. Why is there so much hatred towards muslims today? Why every muslim is treated as a terrorist? The answers lies deep in the hearts of every American, they are paranoid. Paranoid about being killed in another terrorist attack. Being paranoid doesn't help others as they suspect people around for being terrorists. People around - Asians, Indians, Chinese, Blacks - everybody. In the process, they end up being villains. They feel being rebel helps. But it doesn't. It is silliness. Silliness to the extent being illogical and immature. How else can you explain the frisking of a well-known Indian scientist and a popular movie star who openly claims he follows Islam to the core?

Two weeks back, my luggage was checked thrice just to make sure there aren't any substances that would cause harm in the air. I replied saying there are no such substances and he wouldn't relent. At another desk, a man from a major minority in US was being frisked and I looked around only to realize that no American was checked/frisked. It enraged me right then and even more now.

Today, it is the heights of insanity that the dept. of homeland security displayed by detaining SRK. I'm no big fan of his acting but admire his ability to made it big in the arena with no background. Today, I'm sad, distressed, disheartened, feel bad, feel ridiculous, heavyhearted and hopeless that a fellow from my country has been questioned on his integrity. I'm confident that the young learns how US is not the ideal country and how it promotes hatred by waging wars around just to satisfy its lobbyists.

old - new

2009-08-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

people. new people.
place. new place.
bus. new bus.
habits. new habits.
breeze. new sea-breeze.
hope. same old hope.

naked ideas. old naked ideas.
brain. old brain.
goal. more determined goal.

A Realist - Arundhati Roy

2009-07-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

she did not die. her funeral killed her - TGST

spectacular way of describing death and loss by Arundhati Roy. I tried to read The God of Small things an year back and was overwhelmed by the experience but couldn't continue after 80 odd pages. It was a unique book in many ways at a time when I was juggling with Sidney Sheldon books.

After an year, I warmed up to pick the book again and been reading the book for a week now at a relaxed pace, something that I don't do reading books. I try to finish any book as soon as possible but I'm taking more time for this book to let that sink in. Roy is at her best describing minuscule details in the book. Her one liners explain a big deal what some authors cannot establish in a paragraph. Her language is so hard-hitting that I never dreamed any author would write in.

nothing mattered much. nothing much mattered - TGST

Celebrating Arundhati Roy

I must say that her strong views on terrorism, globalization, LTTE, nuclear weapons and Narmada Bacho Andolan has inspired me to think twice about the stand I took. She inspires thousands with her writings and strong political views. Her call for a seperate Kashmir along with other leading journalists surprised me but it is not illogical nor impractical considering the number of years India and Pakistan are at war. If the current situation continues, a generation would lose its focus. Already, many generations are lost in the name of war and patriotism. It is time for the people to flourish, choose their future. As I find in most of the websites, she is described as the Voice of the Voiceless and rightly so. She may not be a darling of the print media ala Shobha De but we all know that she is no show off and all matter. Roy is well-known for standing up for social causes. I believe she stands for all those who cannot stand against the system.

Cheers to Arundhati Roy for spreading her voice against the administration either the questioning the ways of Police or standing for narmada bacho andolan or questioning the nuclear way of strengthening India. She is an ideal idol for a budding Indian.

Remembering Kargil

2009-07-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

Ten years after the kargil war, India still struggles to deal with terrorists. This video recounts the tragedy and victory of the Kargil war that took place between May and July in 1999.

A broken laptop means less blogging! Hope to blog more as soon as i get it fixed.

Some Lines Just Stay with Us - 4

2009-07-07T16:31:00.003-07:00

dabbulu leka daridrulaina vallani chusi jaali padachu kani, samskaram leni daridrudini kshaminchalemu

for users unfriendly with Telugu,

we might pity losers with no money but should never forgive losers with attitude

To check the situation from the movie Challenge, view this video!

Leadership /Participate

2009-07-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

You cannot expect to change the system without being in it. You cannot just hope that the system changes without your involvement. If you don't wish to participate in the system, don't expect it to change.

Fooled!

2009-06-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

When prompted by a friend, I checked a photo of a leading Indian actress who supposedly posed for playboy magazine. When I mentioned this to another friend, he informed his friend (I know its confusing!) who then observed the photograph and decided its a morphed one. We only came to observe the morphing by observing more keenly.

It came as an afterthought that our media would've hailed as a cult/idol/rebel star had she did that. No wonder that I got fooled mid-summer, a good two months after the fool's day.

Listening to: Bhaja Govindam by MS Subbulakshmi.

What's keeping me busy?

2009-06-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

Wonder what keeps me busy all through the day! Blogs. Been reading new blogs. If you're looking to travel from Amsterdam to Athens try reading Ryan's blog. He is running all the way from Amsterdam to Athens and already completed 30 days in this process. He carries only one travel bag with few essentials for travel. He relies on generous people who can give him shelter for the night to sleep. It is great reading his experiences throughout. If Ryan is traveling by foot, Roz Savage is rowing across Pacific! Read her unique experiences in her blog.

Ram writes about his ambitions, his way of leading life, his interest in physics/politics/movies/music/(anything missed?)...so on. His intellect is enough if you were to be guided in your life. If you need inspiration or if you're looking for ideas to study PhD, his blog is worth a visit. Sravya blogs about life, destiny, philosophy, the songs she's interested in different blogs. Thinkin posts her experiences in life mostly depressing, no idea why. She's one tough character as revealed by the blog. I could be wrong!

If you're interested in visual blogs, Rang-Colors of life is worth a visit. You can observe her love for tea, books and photography. The pictures are refreshingly refreshing (most refreshing ever! :D). Chai ki Dukaan is another place I always look forward for new photographs. His passion for photography is huge as you can observe here. Another visual blog I like to visit is Diti's. You cannot overlook her way of photography here. I recommend you to view this picture particularly as I'm amazed at the capture. How can we forget Sachin in blogging? CVWilliams studies Sachin's growth from an innocent teenager to an all-time dominating batsman. She interviews yesteryear's greats to know more about Sachin. It is a MUST read for any Sachin fan.
Nandini Nair's concern for environment and her unique start-up to support children impressed me. Her penchant for greener world is worth-noting. If you're interested to view India through the lens of a Canadian, try this place!

No posts of late from Pranav, Free-Fallin' and Hitesh though.

It feels great reading different perspectives of life and various experiences.

Being a romantic

2009-06-20T17:07:00.001-07:00

I remembered this incident that happened couple of years back and would like to share with you all.

me: how romantic are you?

Friend: chi chi, I'm not that type. I'm no pervert!

as if I took him for granted that he belongs to a particular type.

me: dude, romantic is in the sense of imaginary, dreamy... not what people generally confuse it to be. context dude context!

F: achha, I took it the other way.

It is disgusting to note that the romantic meaning imaginary, ambitious is not as popular as its sister meaning. Is human getting pervert by the day?

Listening to: Alupannadi Unda from Gayam.

Lyrics: Sirivennela garu.

India falter at the Semi-Final door

2009-06-14T16:50:00.000-07:00

England beat India during the world 20-20 WC at Lord's. by three runs which boosted their semi-final chances. India, on the other hand, burdened by the tag of world champions batted indifferently with untimely performances from Yusuf and Dhoni. If Ravindra Jadeja was happy to give break with the bowl, he let down India with his insipid batting. It was surprising to see Rohit open the innings as I thought Irfan would be a more viable option as Rohit fits the bill to the T in the middle order.

Analysis apart, India fighted well in the run chase but couldn't deliver the final punch.

I wish

2009-06-12T23:06:00.000-07:00

to get drunk and fcuk the problems out of my life.

i wish i had less

i wish i get drunk more

i wish i become a bird

i wish i had wished more

Restless

2009-06-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

a pizza in the evening for the folks

restless the rest of the day

Kiss of the night

2009-06-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

'are you sure?'
'yes, damn sure that your room is not pretty!'
'if you think so, i can clean up the mess sometime'
'not sometime, that should be now!'
'go to hell, im sleeping'
'will you clean it or should i?'
'if you find it unclean, do it yourself'

minutes later, i heard sounds of chair cornered in the room and the table being cleaned but none of that seem to worry me as i prepared to continue my sleep. it was only then i started observing the surroundings a little more than usual and felt the bed cushion sink in a little.

it must be a dream

I opened my eyes to observe if there's anyone in the room only to find the silhouette of a faceless beast moving its hands over me.

2009-06-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

China blocks Twitter!

Fearing protests regarding the anniversary of Tiananmen square massacre twenty years back, the Chinese govt. blocked the new age media Twitter apart from blocking Youtube and Blogger. Live.com and Bing.com are the other victims of the chinese internet firewall!

Currently listening to: Seheri from Oye!

Tang aa chuke hain

2009-05-28T02:53:00.000-07:00

tang aa chuke hain kashmakash-e-zindagi se hum

tang aa chuke hain kashma kash-e-zindagi se hum

tukhra de jahan ko kahin be-dili se hum...

hum gham zyada hain, laaye kahan se khushi ke geet?

kahan se khushi ke geet?

denge wahin jo paayenge is zindagi se hum

ubhrenge ek baar abhi dil ke walwale

abhi dil ke walwale

maana ke dab, gaye hain gham-e-zindagi se hum

lo aaj hum ne thod diya, rishta-e-ummeed,

lo ab kabhi gila na karenge kisi se hum

Pottered!

2009-05-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Avada Kedavra

A flash of jet green light and there lies Voldemort, lord of dark magic. I relish the death of dark lord and join the celebrations of good over evil.

It was my dream when I slept after immersing myself in the last book of the Harry Potter collection continuously for 15-20 hours. I roughly took about two months to complete the entire collection of Harry Potter books. If I completed five books in the last summer (May-June precisely), I completed the remaining two in four to five days! I could get hold of the sixth book (Harry Potter and the half blood prince), a paperback from the library and finished in a little over two days. However, I wasn't too fortunate to get the final book as it is due next month! So, I relied on internet to complete the final book. I read the final one at great speed sensing the excitement each passing moment.

Before reading Harry Potter

I always thought that this collection was meant to be for children and I ridiculed who studied these. Even in one of my earlier posts, I ridiculed HP (read Harry Potter) series as books for kids and even took the effort of the author for granted. I taunted my friends who followed Harry Potter without even slightest consideration!

After!

I always think reading books give us the edge over others who don't! I wonder where I was lost without reading these books earlier. I understood that I was behind many of my friends who read these a while back. It takes a lot to cope up! My friend invited me to read the collection and after lots of persuasion, I took the first book last summer and read it. The very characterization in the book was entirely new to me as I was new to the genre (Fantasy). I always thought realistic novels appealed to me better due to appealing themes but HP series proved me wrong! I soared in the imagination of the characters and the situations. I dabbled with this genre for the first time and I got involved in the storytelling of the author. I wonder how Rowling thought to go about the ending of the series. She has acquired numerous fans across the world and kept people waiting for the next book. I'm amazed at the creativity and the imagination of the author considering the number of characters she had to deal with in the series. Moreover, even the smallest character had a story to be told.

Looking forward to read more books in this genre.

Currently listening to: Tang aa chuke hain from Pyaasa (more on this in next post)

last date

2009-05-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

why is there always a last date for mobile bill?

Bad watch

2009-05-08T02:07:00.000-07:00

For long, I hoped to watch the movie Dil Se starring sharukh, manisha koirala and priety zinta. Personally, it was a terrible watch even considering that it was directed by Mani Ratnam. I was surprised to notice that he directed so pathetically. I wasn't convinced in the story first place but this movie is no Sakhi (telugu version) just to thrive on performances. Rahman delivered beautiful songs just like any other Mani Ratnam movie but Dil Se somehow failed to impress me.

It was a terrible late night watch and I should have better dozed off earlier.

Currently listening to: Mangalyam from Sakhi.

Old is Always Gold

2009-05-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

Off late, I became a fan of dev anand songs. Even watched few of his movies like Guide, Kala Pani, Johnny mera naam and Tere ghar ke saamne to name a few. Earlier, I only knew dev anand as an actor (with his cap always) who's in his 80's these days and his love for cinema. After watching these movies, I now believe he's the evergreen actor of hindi cinema. If his performances enthrall you, the music in his movies would definitely leave an unforgettable impression on you. Believe me, I'm hooked to old songs these days all the time!

I've this habit of reading wiki profiles of actors and of course actresses. If reading about dev anand made me watch his movies, no wonder reading about Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Rafi fueled me to listen to their songs. How could anyone miss the innocence of Lataji in Dekho Rootha Na Karo from Tere ghar ke saamne? Or in Chalte Chalte from Pakeezah? If it was Lataji at first, it was Rafi who left me spellbound when I first heard Wahan Kaun hai tera from Guide. I could only repeat again and again when I watched the song Teri Bindiya Re from Abhimaan. Old was never so beautiful for me.

Let me tell you how I happened to listen these songs. 'Chalte Chalte' song from pakeezah was part of U, me aur hum movie (they sing during the anniversary party) and I searched the song in youtube! Similarly I searched the song 'Lag ja gale' from Woh kaun thi, when I first heard it in Fanaa (aamir and kajol sing the song during antyakshari). I have no idea if the current generation of hindi movies will leave a legacy to be followed but these instances of old songs in reveal that the melodies have left a deep impression on the current filmmakers.

Currently Listening to: Dekho rootha na karo from Tere ghar ke Saamne.

An ode to a fighting character

2009-04-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

How many times have you fought knowing that you'll lose? How many do you know who're fighting for a cause?

Waking up daily to the fact that you cannot walk on your legs, cannot accomplish your daily tasks like a normal human is a nightmare for me. We cannot imagine completing a degree without attending classes in college. You cannot imagine spending a weekend without attending a movie theatre or at least an evening walk. You cannot even spend some time foot-boarding a full bus.

Can you imagine a life such as this? Praveen anna lived this life for ten years, fighting every day with same vigour and strength. His true spirit lies in understanding his strengths and limitations. Within his strengths, he developed his singing skills from childhood. A beautiful singer by birth, I was taken by surprise with his singing skills when I met him for the first time ten years back. His bhajans are a hit anywhere he visits. Of late (a year ago), I went to his home to attend carnatic music classes. His ability to sing high pitch raagas was my personal favourite.

Not from the start was he like this. Multiple organ failure failed him in life many years back. He could walk, run like any other child but tragedy struck in his childhood. His body deteriorated by time. He could no longer walk around. His legs became weak so were his hands. He could no longer lift average weights.

Family and friends are a great strength to him. His parents understood the problem and supported him to the core. Support and encouragement was what he hoped for and he was made sure of them completely.

Memories awake when dead leave us.

Personally, I struck cord with him from the very first day. He stayed just two houses away from ours. This was because of cricket at first, politics next and movies were our favourites. Cricket at his home backyard is one of the best memories I'll carry for the rest of my life. This is something very similar to the gully cricket. Praveen anna, Pavan, Kalyan, Ramu and me were part of the backyard cricket. Over the years, each of us took different paths in our careers and our team divided. His interest in Indian railways should be mentioned. He contributed greatly towards different internet forums on Indian Railways. He was a big fan of the regional movie star Pavan Kalyan. We debated at great lengths over his popularity(even after continuous flops) and acting skills. At the end of the day, we knew that we debated but it was fun. He was expert at preparing skits and dramas. The best skit we performed together was a spoof on the extremely popular gameshow KBC on the occasion of Vinayaka Chavithi. We named it "Kaun Banega State'pathi' ". It was an extremely popular skit in our times posing YSR(played by me) against Chandrababu Naidu(game host played by prasad). Praveen anna and I prepared hilarious questions leaving audience in splits. His voice provided the backdrop for serious moments in various dramas performed.

We seldom talked between 2002 and 2005. We renewed our friendship through internet. We talked for long hours, mostly on cricket and movies. His grasp over various subjects inspired me to develop interest in different areas. Thirteen years of friendship came to a sudden halt yesterday (on 12th April, 2009) just three months before his birthday on 26th July. He stands as an influential person in my life and as the one who inspired me. He was a true ambassador for music, his courage and mental strength were of unique kind and he lived up to the life given to him. He was unmarried in his life.

misty dream

2009-03-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

woke up to a bad dream.

who cares for the day dreams you may say

my only problem is most of my dreams become real some day

Arrogance or Attitude?

2009-03-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

I bet most of us who watched Sehwag throw his bat in Patel's over would ask this question. This arrogant batting and reckless shot selection has cost sehwag his wicket. I never really cherished his stroke play and this gives me another reason to doubt his attitude when playing for his nation. I wonder if he values his position as opener in Indian team! For that matter, does he value his place?!? What's more disgusting is being captain and being irresponsible!

Speaking of captaincy, his field placing was ridiculous as Taylor and McCullum scored runs. The absence of Dhoni was visible clearly as Sehwag had no clue about leading the team.

P.S: hoping Dravid, Sachin and Laxman revive the fortunes today.

Caged Woman

2009-03-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

how different is a typical Indian woman's life from a caged bird? Why do we impose restrictions on woman?

Out of my mind

2009-03-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

wouldn't we be fine without a beautiful house and no wallet-full money to spend?

wouldn't you be fine with just a lovely dog with you?

wouldn't we be fine to roam all alone just as in 'into the wild' ?

listening to: boulevard of broken dreams

Traveling

2009-03-19T22:07:00.001-07:00

'Memories are wonderful things if they have nothing to do with the past' goes a hilarious line in the movie 'Before Sunset'. It would've been wonderful if there was no money associated with traveling! haha.

different places, ~~handful money~~ handful money earned and lots to explore!

Happy Weekend!

Tagged by Dewdrop

2009-03-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you

thanks for tagging dewdrop!

1. I love sports. Be it cricket or football or tennis or badminton! Of late Bowling as well! In our nation where people look to find reasons to fight against each other, I believe it is only sports that binds people together in times of crisis and happiness.

2. I love Sachin, Zidane, Pete Sampras, Agassi. I just love the way they went about their career. The other day, i put up this huge poster (huge, literally!) in my room and the very next day, he scored 163* against NZ. He inspires me a lot and no wonder he's a god for us.

3. I like politics. It is our way of life. Love it or hate it! Just count the number of times we loathe our politicians but still cannot ignore to talk about them. We discuss politics every day and don't you think we need someone better than a foreigner to rule us! :D

4. Yes, I'm emotional. It took me a while to confess in writing, but finally i dunn'it. The other day, i read somewhere that cancerians are emotional, really?

5. I like writing, reading. No count how many books I read so far (must not be more than fifty).

6. Not many know that i acted in a local drama aired on television. Imagine my odds watching the show as i went to school the day it was aired and it rained (hence, power cut) the only other time it was aired again!

7. Music. I'm open to any kind of good music and just keep listening to it. The only time when i don't listen to music is when i sleep. So, everything else, hand-in-hand with music!

8. Sunset never ceases to bore me. Each day it is a new experience watching the sun set in to wild trees.

9. Internet. Six years after I started using internet, today I feel empowered being a googler at every small problem. Internet has broadened my learning resources to a great extent and i bet it is the same for many of you.

10. Blogging. This is the best past time activity I ever inculcated in my life. Daily, i read so many diverse opinions that I sometimes wonder what if I wouldn't have blogged?

11. Arguments. I learned immensely from arguments and debates instead of compromises. I always believe that similarities between two only lead to compromise and it is differences that matter in our life. Only then can we correct ourselves and learn something.

12. Risk your life. It is worth it. Do whatever you've wanted to do for long.

13. Marriage. I understand the importance of marriage in any life but is it really important to be tagged to somebody to live the rest life? I doubt it. Be it love or arranged marriage, I've my reservations against them (this is irrespective of I'm married or not, haha!). The entire concept that 'we are complete only with another person is absurd'. Isn't it?

14. Evening Coffee. Coffee is something I started of late and really enjoying the taste of cappuccino. A cup of cappuccino after a day of classes is what I cherish these days.

15. Destiny. Ever wondered why you're reading this blog currently? You may call it 'out of habit' action, I call it destiny. You read this as you're destined to do it!

16. I generally take long (very long) time before becoming friends with anyone. Generally, it is after minimum of a year or so that I talk well with someone (i.e. after knowing him/her for an year or so).

17. F of life. Family and Friends. I believe family (father,mother and brother) has very important role in each of our lives as do friends.

18. Loneliness. I believe that loneliness offers me some unknown space that people around me fail to provide.

19. I store all the greeting cards I ever received from my childhood with utmost care, especially the ones from my brother! :D Also, rakhis I received from my sister (actually friend's sister).

20. I lost count of the number of people I counseled on their personal and professional problems! I typically guide many people on their career choices but lost control of my own professional life :)) (of late).

21. Similarly, I teased too many people in my life so far including my mother :)

22. Speeding on bike. I loved all the late night drives and morning chases all these seven years. Not to forget a handful close shaves with death.

23. Dreams unlimited. I take note of all the things to be accomplished in my life and you bet the list by now has crossed a hundred number such as drinking coffee on a rainy evening and sitting by a beach on a rainy day.

24. Some day, I hope to build school for poor that provides free education.

25. Similar to what dewdrop has said about recession, I just hope the recession sooner than later. Just because of the recession, I cut down the number of posts per week as well! :))

I missed some on the list. Spending time in rain, walking on a windy evening (evenings somehow interest me a lot :D), counting the stars in sky on a clear night!

Thanks for reading.

happy weekend!

P.S: currently listening to Green Day - Time of your life.

The Quantitative Indian

2009-03-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

We, Indians, love to be liked by westerners. Be it in a conversation or winning a western award, we yell to be heard by the world. The matter of fact is that, even the westerners are common people like us. They too possess two eyes, a nose and a loud mouth just like us. So, why are we so obsessed with westerners?

Firstly, its the white skin. We simply love the white skin. Isn't it? Count how many fair girls/boys you've liked and compare the count with darker women/men you've liked!

We, Indians, love snow and cold weather. Really? Anything that we haven't observed around us is what we love! We 'believe' we love the cold weather or snow because it's warm all the while we grew in our childhood.

It is so, just because we strongly like to be dominated by others (thanks to our slavery few decades back and no wonder our ancestors passed it to us) be at work or any other place. I also believe this is the main reason for (majority) Indians not to be natural leaders. We're happy being in the group, just to be guided around, into the wild.

Any typical Indian is obsessed with the amount of money he receives currently or in the future. I'd like to narrate an incident that occurred two years back to me. My mother called up a relative (even after I resisted) to inform that I received a job offer and on her insistance i talked to the relative. Guess what was the first question I was asked! 'What is the pay?'

Me: ****** p.a
Relative: ah is it? my daughter's friend's sister's daughter gets higher amount than you
All i thought was 'F*%$ you, jackass' and said 'thanks for the information, talk to my mother.'

This is the sole reason why is hate relatives!

Thanks for reading.

P.S: still in awe of majestic innings that Sachin played a day ago! Look at the way he accelerated from 101 to 150 in just 26 balls! Little sad that he missed on 200* :(

With love, from middle east

2009-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I posted here. Blame it on course work or busy schedule!

I've often witnessed handful bizarre incidents. No clue why. One such incident is this. We worked for the basketball match last weekend (our university hosted the game between clemson and duke universities) under freezing temperatures (must have been -8 degree Celsius). ESPN covers the entire broadcast for each game. So, this day was no different. An Indian, VP worked for the game as well. VP is known for getting irritated at strangers and even the people he knows most of the times. He went to rest room to escape cold weather outside the stadium where he met a crew member of ESPN, an American. The crew man greeted VP...

ESPN crewman: isn't the weather chilling outside? I cannot even feel the water on my hands. It sucks man.
VP: (desperate not to get into a conversation with him) yeah, right.

At this juncture, the crew man grew suspicious of VP's actions, behaviour and called local police to inform, "I believe here is a guy from middle east. You need to take immediate action against him to save people in this stadium."

Immediately the news spread among police folks working that night and they arrived at the spot to arrest 'man from middle east'. Soon, they made their way from stadium doors to rest room entrance where they noticed an electric box (which incidentally was loosely held over time). This further fueled presence of 'man from middle east' and they informed bomb squad about a possible bomb threat. Meanwhile, Captain of university police was called in to check who actually was called a suspect. After a while, it was clear that VP was Indian and not from 'middle east'. After few hours the incident died down.

However, i wondered who really was at fault here. Is it the typical American who is scared at 'suspicious men from middle east' post 9/11 and Iraq experience? Is it the fault of VP not to like a typical American? Is the police at fault for informing bomb squad without prior knowledge on the situation?

Happy Birthday Father!

2009-01-20T23:26:00.001-08:00

Fifty three years of struggle and perseverance can create a nation. Twenty years of guidance can create a young lad. My father turns fifty three today and this post is due long time now. How many of us really acknowledged the way our parents brought us up? How many among us empathize with our father in sacrificing little comforts for his child's future? At least, I have not till date acknowledged his efforts...

it takes great sacrifice and discomfort not to spend hundred bucks for an evening cake but to save for us. i took few minutes to flounder the money.

i wonder how you manage to keep the family together in tough times. i wouldn't pass a tough day without breaking down these days.

i feel nostalgic when you narrate your childhood experiences, of days when you walked 10 miles to save money. i used to burn a litre petrol for college a day.

i'm flattered at the way you cared your parents, taking care of them at every step. i only hope to repeat the act from now.

it is wonderful how you shield the family, i'm moved at your enthusiasm to handle responsibilities.

it has been a great experience watching you work every day. I developed honesty, integrity, hard-work, being generous watching you all these years. Your journey from an ordinary boy to a responsible father offered me different perspective of life. Wishing you a very happy fifty third year and many more wonderful years! Thank you for everything, my father.

Postmortem - Slumdog Millionare

2009-01-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

Slumdog Millionare supposedly won many hearts across the globe for sheer brilliance in picturization and direction. Rahman wins golden globe for his original compositions in the film. Rave reviews, high-pitched promotion, good performances by the cast ensured Slumdog its share of limelight in recent times.

I watched the movie few weeks ago and did not like it much. The movie relied highly on Bombay slums, thereby gathering considerable sympathy among viewers. True that today's viewers are seldom influenced by traditional sequences but i bet anyone would be moved by a hopeless child who has no other way to get to a superstar but to sink through drainage and get his autograph. As any typical hollywood movie, this film relies on over-the top hype. True that performances by the leads were decent but not memorable as our news-starved media states.

Rahman, however deserved the award thoroughly, though i believe he deserves more for his contribution to world cinema than to Slumdog. His compositions in 2008 are a lot refreshing and i believe they represent brand India truly.

20 in 2009!

2009-01-09T18:42:00.001-08:00

I came across this blog that invites interested readers to take up the challenge '20in2009'. Participants are expected to complete 20 books in 2009. I found this interesting and hence took up the challenge. I believe this is no mean task! I lost the knack of reading books continuously. I hope to regain my old form of reading books endlessly with great interest ;)

I will post the reviews as soon as I complete the book. This post will track all the books.

When the Elephants Dance

One man running

The Guide - RK Narayan

Gitanjali - Rabindranath Tagore

The Last Lecture - Randy Paush

Harry Potter and the half blood prince - JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the deathly hallows - JK Rowling

Malgudi Days - RK Narayan

Currently Reading : The Hobbit (JR Tolkien) and Next (Micheal Crichton)

To Read :
Lord of the rings (Three parts) - JR Tolkien,
Life of Pi - Yann Martel,
Veyipadagalu - Viswanatha Satyanarayana,
Discovery of India - Jawaharlal Nehru,
Satanic Verses - Salman Rushdie,
Mahabharata - Historically...Vyasa,
Mein Kampf - Adolf Hitler

Currently as of 22nd July: The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy) and The Tao of Physics (Eritjof Capra)

Tagged!

2009-01-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

too lazy to write a post these days, tired, angry due to Ramalinga Raju's Satyam's trick with people and distressed that ineffective governance is spread in to corporate affairs from political quarters. so, decided to take up this tag from Pranav!

1. who are you?

everyone on earth has a special reason to be born. i believe I'm made to spread knowledge and impart education among people. I'm ambitious, once short-tempered, energetic, enthusiastic and dreamy. I know what exactly I'm and it is up to people to pick up a thing or few.

2. what have you achieved in your life till now?

achieved a degree but little knowledge. I'm worried of what use these degrees are if they cannot impart practical knowledge to students, there is a danger of students ostracizing higher education if this continues for some time. I learned how unfair life is and the need to appreciate our surroundings to be happy and that we should help the needy to any extent.

3. Do you respect your parents and obey them, even if they don't share your viewpoint?

Of course, I respect them. I think all Indians are brought up in their childhood to respect elders. I used to be rash in discussing the differences earlier but time has made me more mature in dealing situations. we'll should respect our parents no matter what the differences, remember that they offer the other perspective!

4. Do you believe in God?

I believe in a super natural power that drives our lives. At times I believe God exists but at times i feel we're misguided and we're made to believe that there is someone stronger than us who can provide us with everything.

5. what are the things that you associate with God?

I strongly feel fellow beings have hidden knowledge and hidden super powers about themselves. The very quality that defines a certain individual is what associates me with God. I also feel kids are as energetic, spontaneous as God and that we must make sure children are educated, else society doesn't really encourage illiterate Gods. Do they?

6. is it really not necessary to stand out for whats right and not complaint for whats wrong?

I feel that an educated man's silence is more harmful than an ordinary man's rhetoric. We should stand out for what we believe. Its the instict, our conscience that matters. However, we hardly enjoy our surroundings but complain a lot to parents. at times, right or wrong doesn't matter. what all matters is the existence of a perspective.

any reader if interested can pick up this tag and try this!

this is one of the useful tags i've come across! thanks PK.

Aspire->Aim->Achieve

2009-01-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

Its bye-bye 2008.

Yet another year passes by. Many promises unkept and many a dream unfulfilled. I took some resolutions last year but I don't remember them now. No wonder, I wouldn't have implemented them! That however doesn't stop me from taking new resolutions with greater determination. I would like to deal the following this 2009:

spend efficiently - I'm currently on loan and so I must spend effectively. No more issues.
my mantra for 2009 is AAAspire -> AAAim -> AAAchieve!
be a better student, son, brother, friend and a decent citizen
I must remember that not always is mind over matter
control ego/short-temper

Every passing year leaves us memories good/bad. The bad taste 2008 left me with was that I'm no more a normal student now (post engineering). I'm a professional student :( Yes, corporate world struck me badly. However, a good thing being that I evolved as a better person. Today, I support three children at Sphoorti for their livelihood (I reveal this only in the hope that some of you would join this cause!). I enjoy supporting as a volunteer. This is not charity. I'm only empowering them. All the needy children require is someone to support them, to guide them through the crisis but not by charity. They are not living on our mercy. Neither should the situation arise.

2008 also gave me good blog friends Pranav, Hitesh (even if I knew these both earlier!) and Free-Fallin' and few other stoppers! Looking forward to a good blogging year!

Some thoughts on 2008

2008-12-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yet another year finishes. I'm as old as my hair :(( Some events left us spellbound while some individuals made their mark. Some movies we loved some we would hate any given day. The following is what I loved and hated in 2008!

Events which one cannot wish to forget

Bombay terror attacks - Nov 26th to 29th - In what is termed terrorism 2.0, Bombay witnessed worst ever terror attacks modern India has seen that lead to approximate 200 deaths. This included foreign nationals as well. International community mounted pressure on Pakistan (after Indian govt. provided evidence of involvement of Pakistan nationals) but as usual Pakistan denied this! More work on part of Indian government remains as major tourist centers cry for security. Today, any Indian is scared to walk on road and has no clue if he reaches home after a day's work.
India signs historic nuclear deal with US of A after a shameful display of 'money-vote' in the parliament. Amar Singh's Samajwadi Party provided 'support' to UPA govt. to vote 'for' nuclear deal after Left parties backed out their crucial support to the government. India also inked a similar nuclear pact with France.
ISRO successfully launched its moon mission 'Chandrayaan-1' on October 22nd. They hope this mission gives the required edge universally to Indian space on a whole. Recently, important information was collected on moon's surface. ISRO also is reportedly planning a manned mission some time around 2015 and second phase of Chandrayaan will be taken up in 2012.
Bomb blasts rocked several Indian cities around the year. Jaipur, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Bombay, Malegaon, Agartala, Imphal witnessed bomb blasts in 2008!
Recession - world economy fell considerably after recession hit worldwide. Some countries failed to see it coming paid the price while our nation's cautious approach won us laurels in tackling recession. Inflation was at all time high and touched nearly 13%. However, in the next few months inflation reduced drastically to a 6.61%.

My concern is, 'how relevant is moon mission to a country like ours where female foeticide, child education, poverty, illiteracy are still issues?' Fundamental rights are still a dream to a significant number of people! Let us observe some facts on this:

of what right to equality are we talking about when a regional political party launched a tirade against north Indians? The very cosmopolitan identity of a metro is in question after these attacks.

The Week that was (dec 21-27)

2008-12-27T08:41:00.000-08:00

Yet another week passes by.

BSP MLA kills engineer for not donating to Maya's birthday celebrations. What a fun an engineer's life has become to a politician! Wonder why she claims to be leader of poor amid these costly celebrations!!

3G spectrum enters India, thanks to BSNL. Mobile customers sighed a huge relief after India opened 3G spectrum operations. Of course, expect Reliance to increase the competition and Airtel to soar up prices!

Chandrayaan finds iron-bearing minerals on moon surface. This must be a reply to all criticizers of the mission(read me)!

Ghajini released on 25th of this month. I suffered a memory loss for the next few hours and I reportedly asked who's the actor in the movie?!? Wonderful, thanks to an awful experience watching it. Salman Khan turns 43 (yes, after a disastrous 2008) and looks forward to an eventful 2009. Get serious about acting at least this year Mr. Khan.

Aussie skipper Ponting hits a ton against SA in second test match. He was reportedly warned to be stripped off his contracts if he doesn't perform! Ahem! Ahem! SriLanka ready to tour Pakistan in these testing times. Pakistan cricket board is happy to note that at least some team is ready to tour our country!

Talking of Pakistan, the nation is still in denial mode not accepting Kasab as its citizen. Who said Zardari is its president? No wonder world denies this :)) Don't think it is only Pakistan is in denial mood, one author at Mutiny expressed his views as 'Kasab is a Pakistani... so what?' !

Inflation comes down to 6.61%. This of course is a relief for UPA as polls near-by. Wonder at what rate was nuclear deal finalized in our parliament! The money could've been lower had the deal been finalized now. Kya Amar Singh ji, aap bhi na

Maharashtra govt. has supposedly banned media intervention in rave party raids. It fears that 'innocent' youth are portrayed badly by media. Mr. Official, why don't you clearly say that 'we do not want any minister kids to be photographed!' our media can handle anything. No worries.

Tagged! - 20 Questions

2008-12-26T21:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks sydney for tagging me on this. Well, lets see how I fare in this!

1. If your lover betrayed you, what would you do?

well, thank you very much! jokes apart, try to find the reason and move on. preach people not to be in seventh heaven all the time! take up buddhism :D

2. If you could have one dream come true which one it would be?

my dreams are always unfinished for some unknown reason, I'm still trying to figure out. that one dream would be to open a library for children free of cost.

3. Whose butt would you like to kick?

George Bush, Musharraf and Raj Thackeray.

4. What would you like to do with a billion dollars?

is it for real? i mean in cash? :D i would donate them for Sphoorti and help children prosper. free money comes free, goes free!

5. Will you fall in love with your best friend?

haha, no.

6. Which is more blessed: loving someone or being loved by someone?

any other options?

i feel we shouldn't be attached to anyone to great extent, because attachment with any single individual brings in great discomfort, displeasure, inconvenience, loneliness and embarrassment when you leave them.

7. How long would you wait for someone you love?

for someone I love? well, if I ever... till my eyes stop watering.

8. If the person you like is secretly attached, what would you do?

Well, now that she's attached, I would rather confess my love and ask her "WhyTF in the world did you hurry?"

9. If you could root for one social cause, what would it be?

child trafficking / child abuse / child education

10. What takes you down the fastest?

a jump from my terrace.

11. I loathe most in people?

the thing i loathe most in people is hypocrisy!

12. What's your fear?

I fear if I can ever complete my world tour. I fear that a day when I say ' I regretted that' might come.

13. What kind of person do you think the person who tagged you is?

well, a blogger for sure! :)) talkative, ambitious, expressive and interesting!

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married and poor?

Single and rich. no issues here. why would I prefer to be married if I'm given an option to be single? ;)

15. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

check the time, try to remember when I ate last... then emails-blogs-phone-news. brush somewhere in between :))

16. If you fall in love with two people simultaneously, who would you pick?

I believe that people are in love with more than one at some time (even if we fail to acknowledge it), it is not that we are in love with a single person for eternity. I wouldn't pick either!

17. Would you give all in a relationship?

recently, a friend of mine spent $1000 on her gf's birthday. I do not want such a costly relationship. Of course, I would give my 16 hours time, the rest of course for sleep... kya yaar abhi don't say you sleep more!

18. What's eating you right now?

these questions, much tougher than my external paper! and wondering why Aamir made Ghajini.

19. Do you prefer being in single or in a relationship?

Well, single for now. I'm not in a hurry.

20. Tag six people.

Six people? huh, you crazy? let me try,
Pranav
Hitesh
sydney (yes, again)
Twisted Elegance (yes,again)
Harish

F* the common followers rule, I have lost couple of potential taggers! :((

P.S: I stopped personal blogging for a while now and it was tough answering these questions. The reason being I got carried away with personal blogging... too emotional, excess baggage. I do not think, I'll do stuff like this again!

Glorifying Ghajini - Lost Magic!

2008-12-26T19:20:00.000-08:00

Aamir Khan is back in action with Ghajini. Ghajini releases a year after 'Taare Zameen Par'. TZP was an engrossing movie on dyslexia. Almost everyone gave thumbs up for the movie. Ghajini releases after over hype 'aamir did this, aamir did that, aamir promoted movie in IBNLIVE, NDTV'. I do not think this movie comes anywhere near Surya's Ghajini. Surya performed exceedingly well and Aamir always had the pressure to match the standard Surya had set. Aamir did justice to his role right from toning his body to delivering decent performance.

But, what happened to his dress sense, that is always talked about? What was he wearing as Sanjay Singhania? I doubt if those costumes would appeal to any corporate honchos! I guess it was disaster (three of us watched the movie, each of us apprehensive how others would react if any of us labelled his costumes as disaster...and finally we're in sync!). Asin was at her usual best. Jiah Khan was visibly mis-casted as medical student. She was all over the place. Again, her role isn't well written reminding of the same in tamil version. It is better not to mention the villain.

Can you imagine Aamir doing a Rajni fighting dozen people? Well, I cannot. Aamir, by far, has been the sensible actor in the industry and this role reduces that credit to some extent. This is clearly a message to Sharukh and Akshay that whatever you can do, I can as well! Aamir fights, dances, loves similar to what other actors repeatedly do in their movies. But, this is not we expect from Aamir. We expect intelligent cinema from you. We know you can do these roles, but please offer something else. We're tired of the usual romance and fights. You were brilliant in DCH, Lagaan, Mangal Pandey (even if it didn't make great impact), Fanaa( a -ve role, awesome - which other established actor would experiment a negative role? please leave Amitabh from the list ;) ) and of course RDB, TZP. But this is regular desi masala flick with fights, dances, villain (chain-studded) and revenge!

Probably, I couldn't come to terms with watching Aamir in Ghajini as Surya kept coming back to my mind. His performance was superb in Tamil version (I watched in Telugu). I kept comparing Aamir to Surya time and again. I do not think Aamir made much impact on me compared to Surya, honestly speaking! Ghajini is glorified to large extent by Taran Adarsh but Rajeev Masand gave a sensible review. Masand says 'it is dumb and celebrates', how right! If you're expecting a memento, watch Memento! If you want a regular hindi movie with all masala, go for Ghajini! However, I think this movie will have record collections given the hype around the movie.

Going Green

2008-12-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

This post is a reply to what Nandini ji pondered over. I found this quite interesting to take up. My Green list and not-so-Green list. I gave a good thought about this and finalized on these!

Green List

littering - a big NO. i used to litter big time in my childhood (for an year or so). One day Ms. Sumathi, our English teacher (seventh standard) spoke about being clean and keeping our surroundings neat. From the very day, I stopped littering on roads and observed the difference I made to my surroundings. I thank my teacher for guiding me in this!
water - i do not use much water while cooking, use paper instead to clean. i use all my clothes over 2 weeks and wash them at once. so, i save significant amount of water avoiding daily washing. however, i make sure i stay hygienic.
i walk long and short distances. these days i do not have a personal vehicle, i use public transport instead.
i reduced using plastic significantly, i refuse taking plastic bags given by the vendor. however, i'm yet to bring that down to zero.
i use low wattage bulbs in the house. power bills came down!
as far as plastic cups for coffee, tea - i'm not used to those till date so i'm not contributing to the waste.
i contribute my idle laptop time to world community grid. this helps their research to a great extent. Most of internet users leave their desktops idle for some time and this adds to a great extent. The amount of computers/laptop idle time can be used for scientific research. Contribute now!

Not-so-Green list

recycling - even though I contribute to the paper recycling, i haven't contributed to the aluminum recycling.
i used to wrap gifts in plastic. but not anymore as i stopped giving gifts :)) helping the needy instead.
i should use paper more effectively.
at times I doze off without switching the lights off. Yesterday night, after reading Nandini ji's post on green list, I slept reading a novel. Suddenly, I remembered the post and switched the lights off. Speak of enlightenment, I'm at it!! ;) I should stop wasting energy hereafter.

i have this interesting experience from my childhood to share with everyone. I hope readers can appreciate it. I along with my brother used to play cricket in the ground till sun sets and as light fades away we started our way back home. The interesting part was, whenever we observed people throwing cigarettes without butting the flame, we lit the flame off. Gradually, this became a daily routine. I'm impressed with the way we carried this out back then. However, I do not see people behaving like that these days. Sensible junta!

This new year, I hope to decrease my not-so green list and of course maintain the green list. Let us hope that this new year brings a moral, social conscience along with happiness and prosperity to all people!

Tagged!

2008-12-22T18:34:00.001-08:00

I wondered what this 'tagged' in blogosphere is after observing in many blogs. In her recent post, Bindu ji replied to the tagged question and threw the question open to any of the blog readers. I never used this 'tagged' feature so decided to try this one out!

List five things I do to stay mentally healthy. This is should be interesting,

Music - any day any time, bring it on!!
Learning - reading books, magazines, blogs. it has been a great learning experience for me reading all kinds of blogs and different reading material on the web and print.
Sports - i made many friends at sports be in cricket or football or badminton or chess or caroms or volleyball. of course, enemies as well :) A loss is what i cherish as i get to know my flaws but i would like to keep winning!
Family & Friends - I'm sure they bring in joy to all of us.
Photography & Earth (Sea Nature Rain Sunset) - i never lost my interest in sunset or rain. I'm amused at sunset (sunrise must be beautiful as well but i hardly get up early these days :) ) Sunset brings in a joy and enriching feel to me any day. I've been to sea a few times and I'm astonished at the sense of calm, peace a sea brings to me.

I'm impressed with 'Volunteering' she has mentioned as it brings mental stability to her. Good to notice that so many around us are socially motivated. Any of my blog readers can tag and try this.

The week that was (13-20 dec)

2008-12-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

Indian government refuses to send cricket team to tour Pakistan in the wake of recent developments. BCCI however wasn't too inclined to tour Pakistan in the first place. Interestingly, Srilankan Cricket Board responded that their team was ready to tour. Supposedly, Pakistan is a safer place than Srilanka these days!

Antulay remarks on Karkare's death in recent Bombay terror attacks has brought him criticism from many quarters. Hindutva groups are happy at the new turmoil in UPA government (as they've got no other reason to target govt.!!) and news media is happy about the TRPs. Common man is happy as he's got some news to gossip on. Even Antulay doesn't regret his remarks. So, everybody happy!

Sachin Tendulkar along with Sehwag, Yuvraj has guided India to a remarkable victory. Media says Sachin is free from monkey baggage after the knock. Talking of monkey, another cricketer who got another monkey(?!?) off his back is Dravid after his 'Silencing Critics' knock in second test against England. Wonder how many of these knocks would Dravid need to stay in the team! Mohali wild-life conservation team has reported an increase of monkey population after the test match! :))

Talking of remarks, Aamir made a remark that Shahrukh is scared of him! Shahrukh is not far behind, he states that he's the biggest star in the country. Wonder where Big B and Rajni are lost in the race?!? Who said 'tu tu main main' soap stopped? Its live these days folks.

Pranab Mukherjee says Pakistan should act not talk. Can you repeat that statement Mr. Bush? Only then can we expect some action in Pakistan!

Talking of Bush, shoes were thrown at Bush by an Iraqi journalist! Well, I'm sorry about that Mr. Bush, Americans should've done that lone before. I agree.

India ranked 143 in the recent FIFA rankings (a one place rise from previous rankings). Doubts arise about the great Indian football dream even as lovers celebrate our FIFA ranking!

give it only if you can take it

2008-12-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Yes, give it to others only if you can take the criticism ;) Australian cricketers sledge other nation cricketers. It makes game interesting. But, they are sore losers. Probably, they cannot take criticism. Our gen next imbibed qualities from Australian aggression, Bush policies, Laloo's charisma, Obama's hope and Yuraj's arrogance. No wonder there are more Yuvraj fans than Rahul Dravid's! Probably, it reflects who we are, who we want to be. People might want to be more like Yuvraj rather than Dravid or Kumble for that matter.

Blogging Blues

2008-12-20T16:55:00.001-08:00

These days, i wonder why people blog! Sad to observe that people blog for comments. The comments section goes on and on with their chats. They could've talked the crap on their messengers!

Peace.

Movies this week

2008-12-19T22:29:00.000-08:00

Iddaru

this is Mani Ratnam's take on Tamil Nadu politics. Wonderful sequences between prakash raj and mohanlal. story-telling has never been this good!

Sarkar Raj

RGV's comeback movie after a disastrous Aag! Amitabh at his best and Aishwarya providing support for RGV. Abhishek looks odd at times in the movie but manages a decent performance.

Kshana Kshanam

RGV at his best. Paresh Rawal's comedy timing isn't to be missed at all. Sequences between narsing and paresh rawal are the most memorable. Sridevi's acting as a young working girl at government office is excellent. She's tense, happy, sad, confused, devotional all at same time. Watch it for comedy at its best.

Lakshya

Attaining the impossible with self confidence, this is what I learned from Lakshya. I watched it for the 9th time. Amazing movie, did wonders for me.

Dil Chahta Hai

I watched DCH for the umpteenth time. I never get bored watching this movie somehow. Watch it if you want to relive your past moments!

Spread the Smile

2008-12-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

After viewing FREE HUGS campaign song by Rahman on his site, I explored the idea being worldwide.

Juan Maan started the campaign after he " wanted someone out there to be waiting for me. To be happy to see me. To smile at me. To hug me." The campaign is spread in 80 countries worldwide spreading kindness and warmth. I observed free hi-fives in my college and free hugs appealed to me instantly. I was apprehensive initially about why a stranger would give me a hug but after one, i had a smile on my face! Amazing what a little hug can do to us!!

I came across vinit mehta's blog carrying out the campaign in our country. Really good work boy, keep going.

Image Credit: FreeHugsCampaign

Free Hugs

2008-12-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting for a good quality video of this song. Rahman's new song in collaboration with nokia for mobile phones promoting 'Free Hugs' campaign. The song has a different urban, young, refreshing feel.

Conversations

2008-12-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Its been a while our colony friends talked together, thanks to individual careers! :( Sunday midnight proved to be an ideal time for a reunion. Also, it was our first mobile conference call. Blame it on laziness or whatever, we somehow never used 'conference' option. We relived our past moments once again after good eight months. Life has never been same for me without old friends. Bharath, Pavan, Bharath, Viswanath, my brother and me all of us had great time talking to each other. Our gossip never ended. We had so much to talk, so much to share.....hmmm. Vishnu was evidently missing from the discussion.

Looking forward to more discussions in the future.

Sachin, you've done it again!

2008-12-15T22:22:00.000-08:00

A day after Sehwag set up the tone for an amazing ending, Sachin Tendulkar came up with a spirited century to guide India to a famous victory. I haven't seen Sachin get as ecstatic as he got yesterday scoring the winning runs for the country. I was filled with a sense of joy, satisfaction and euphoria. Sachin never had anything to prove to the people but this achievement reveals his passion to game (when his contemporary struggled to reach double digit score) and his meticulous execution of team plan. His game was very contrasting to that of Sehwag's. Each player role was well defined and i believe the roles of dhoni and kirsten are equally important. Sachin played with ease with the support of VVS and Yuvraj. I doubted Yuvraj's selection to test team but he silenced his critics with his balanced knock of 85. He kept runs flowing at the other end whenever there was a lull.

At 35, the master ran as if he were a teenager. In a rare display of emotions, Sachin pumped his fist in air out of joy after winning the match. His passion for game continues even after 18 long years. The big daddy of Indian cricket has scored 41st test century and has given the country a reason to smile after recent Bombay terror attacks. England team deserves a pat for their professionalism and supporting our country in these trying times. Kevin Peterson could not help much but watch Indian batsmen snatch away the match. Chennai witnessed in what might not be a greatest test match but surely a great match and which has given Indians a reason to smile again. Every Indian cricket fan must have loved the way England responded to the challenge of terror attacks.

Image Credit: BBC

Shoe thrown at Bush

2008-12-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

In an embarrassing situation for security personnel, an iraqi journalist hurled shoes at US president George W Bush. It must be bad for bush who received taste of his own medicine. It is a grim reminder of his policies in Iraq.

The week that was - post 26/11

2008-12-13T00:59:00.000-08:00

Reports that Katrina Kaif is the most searched in Indian internet circle is doing rounds these days. Wonder if that meant katrina cyclone and Indian cricketer Kaif!

Shahrukh Khan states that he's the cheapest actor around. Really? Must be so...

Pakistan denies that the terrorist 'azam amir kasab' belongs to Pakistan. Don't bother even if Pakistan states US is not its ally tommorow morning. Zardari must be day-dreaming.

It is seven years since the attack on Indian parliament in 2001. Only 10 MPs turned out to pay their homages to the policemen who've sacrificed their lives on 13th december 2001.

Young man attacks two girls with acid in Hyderabad and politicians flock hospital to 'express' their solidarity to the girls. It has become a fashion for politicians to visit victims in the time of horror. They find themselves in strange situation. They're ridiculed if they visit and are criticized for being insensitive if they do not visit!

Zaheer Khan 'insulted' policemen as his friend was frisked at a hotel. He reportedly used abusive language against police. Mr. Zaheer, if you have not learned from the recent attacks, you need to.

Rab ne bane di jodi releases this weekend. I doubt if this movie will make great impact.

Somali pirates on a rampage hijacking ships. I suggest that should they take our politicians for an evening ride.

Raj Thackeray missing from action in Bombay and didn't even turn out for supporting his 'manoos' mumbaikars.

Kasab asks for Big B's movie cds. Big B overwhelmed!

when your best isn't just enough

2008-12-11T02:17:00.000-08:00

you slog hard to get it right and when you don't... hmm no regrets but why the hell didn't i get it right?

Lighter Side - 26/11 Aftermath - Cabinet Meeting

2008-12-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

Prelude: this is purely humour, reader discretion strongly advised!

Congress who's who met after the blasts and its time for heads to roll.

PM: lets revamp the political and police administration after these attacks. I told you I'm not good at playing politics but at math.

acting PM: Manmohanji, maine aapse kitni baar kahan aap apki aawaz bandh rakhiye. aap sunte hi nahin

laloo: behenji, ye nucilear deal ke baad aaj kal inki aawaz bolne lagi hain.

(manmohan giggles)

PM: I've told you to remove that armani suited home minister long back.

laloo: pm saab, ye university convocation nahin hain angrez mein bolne ke liye. aawaz bandh! (laloo's angry at manmohan, poor chap)

DMK: #$*&%^%# (speaks something in tamil, people do not get it)

(laloo turns to dmk chief and advises)

DMK (yes, again): if any tamilian is killed in these attacks, i'll withdraw my support to government.

Manmohan: What the F*&$%, is this how governments run?

laloo: ha saab, ab ek aur lafz nahin

(manmohan is enraged, angry and disappointed leaves the room)

acting pm: ab, shuru kare?

all members: yes, ha, ji farmayiye, aama

laloo: manmohan teek kah rahe the, shivraj ko nikalna hi hoga

acting pm: magar laloo ji, unhone bahut sare saal hamare family ke friend rahe hain

laloo: aur ab nahin

Shivraj Patil's removal is confirmed by now.

acting pm: ye rr patil kuch bhi bol deta hain, uska problem kya hain pawar ji?

(sharad pawar's busy in calculating profits of bcci and his share :P )

laloo: pawar saab, boliye, pirofits hum dono baad mein bant lenge

pawar: ji... haan, patil ko nikaldo, waise bhi bahut din se nikalne ko soch rahan hoon.

acting pm: Molto Bene, a chi tocca nekst

members (whispering): kya bol rahi behenji??!!!?!

laloo: behenji bol rahe hain ki 'very good, who's next on the list'

achha, achha, aama...

laloo: vilasrao desmukh, ye rgv ki kya paagalpan hain, raat ko jaa sakte the na, subah subah nikal pade taj ko dekhne

with snr, jnr patils and vilasrao deshmukh out of their posts, ahmed patel informs them to vacate their houses.

(jnr patil protested: itna bada mumbai mein, chota ghar kaise dhoondu?)

laloo: shivraj tho gaye, ab home kaun?

acting pm: apne chidambaram hain na

members(except DMK): what?, kya bol rahin aap, aisa nahin hoga...

DMK: $$^$&*....sarry, chidambaram banega home

laloo: aur finance?

acting pm: seedhi si baat hain, manmohan ko banayiye

laloo: achha.... main samaj gaya... aur pm aap ;)

acting pm: aap tho politiks mein bahut saalo se hain... ab kya bolu

(in the meanwhile, orders given that all UPA allies be given extra 100 acres of land and few foreign trips to keep them away from protesting)

acting pm: laloo ji, ye pakistan ki kya problem hain har baar, zara musharaf ko phone lagayiye

laloo: behenji, ab musharaf nahin rahe, Zardari saab

(aama, aama)

the phone conversation between zardari and acting pm is off record

(manmohan observes the meeting from outdoors): may i come in?

laloo: meeting khatam nahin hua pm saab

acting pm: zardari tho plate phira rahe hain, zara busssssh ko phone lagayiye

after 10 mins (Zardari calls...acting pm talks...pm observes...): i'm ready to handover them

laloo: ye hui na baat, bush ka asar, dekhna hain ye osama kya karega

rahul: laloo ji osama nahi, obama

ha, ha, aama, yes

rahul: obama's rise in political scenario has been phenomenal, hume bhi obama jaise leader chahiye

laloo: tum tho abhi bachhe ho, pehle mujhe banna hain pm

pawar: aur main?

laloo: aap tho bane hue na ICC ke president, aur pm bhi banna hain kya

(in the meanwhile, raj thackarey calls sharad pawar, he's reportedly in touch with him to remove cases on him :P)

raj: hum manoos, tum manoos?

pawar: manoos, manoos

members are confused about the conversation and laloo explains that he's on call with raj and the discussion shifts to the recent mumbaikars-biharis rift.

laloo: ye raj tho andar rakhna hi hoga, nahi tho aur ek modi banega

acting pm: ab tak hum modi ko crack kar nahin sake

laloo: mere kahne ka matlab woh nahi tha behenji

acting pm: jo bhi ho, gujrat mein jeetna hi hoga

('maine ek khwab dekha hain' song plays in the radio)

actin pm: kaun hain wahan, stop the radio!

between, ndtv hosts the show 'enough is enough' on the terror attacks and the members murmur where the discussion is leading to.

laloo: meeting is adjourned.

P.S: aama is yes in tamil :)) 'maine ek khwab dekha hain' sung by shankar mahadevan in his album nine.

Unnamed

2008-12-04T14:25:00.000-08:00

Most of the Indian blogs I've seen, operate with the names:

random thoughts
random thoughts of random mind
scribblings
writing pad, note pad
confessions of open/closed mind

and the cliched list goes on...
folks, try something new other than randomized, try systematic instead! :))

India should attack POK - 26/11 Ramifications

2008-12-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

Talking Minds

It is time India announced war on Pakistan for their inability to control terrorism. Our army will show them how to control terrorists and their easy to go attitude with Pakistan government. Pakistan govt time and failed to combat, control terrorism due to various factors. In the latest developments, Pakistan has backtracked from its statement of sending ISI chief to India for its alleged role in terror activities in India. This again leads to a stalemate. The peace progress that both countries managed in these years will definitely take a setback. India should NEVER have considered a bitter Pakistan as friendly in the first place. An enemy is an enemy. Whatever follows doesn't matter! Pakistan cannot fake the world by claiming it is not supporting terrorist activities. Even US has acknowledged Pakistani based terrorist organization's role in recent attacks and that India can do whatever to maintain its sovereignty. Our foreign minister hasn't ruled out military strikes in POK. We should co-ordinate well to attack Pakistan as it is the need of the hour. I believe US will not object Indian war against Pakistan because it also believes that a near future attack on US will originate from Pakistan. Interesting equations there, isn't it?

Lashkar connection

Lashkar-e-toiba, a terrorist organization seeking to establish islamic rule in south asia, russia and china was initially funded by the government of Pakistan. Its main aim is to get rid of Indian rule from J&K. Hence, India is its main target in the war of J&K. Lashkar has repeatedly retorted its view of destroying Indian republic and ending hinduism and judaism. What adds fuel to this is, Lashkar gained enormously from the Kashmir earthquake as it held humanitarian camps to help victims. It is reported that Lashkar used the earthquake funds to expand its base in India. The 2006 Delhi, Varanasi, Malegaon and Bombay train blasts were supposedly carried out by Lashkar.

My request to Indian army is to name the operation as 'Operation Ethnic Cleansing'!

Courtesy : Wikipedia

P.S: I forgot that both countries are nuclear-powered. This makes it difficult to attack Pakistan but we should focus on POK!

Mumbai Attack Ramifications - Civic Police

2008-12-02T23:12:00.000-08:00

Sanjay Dutt is not happy with government that couldn't control terror. Really? What the F*** did you do in the early 90s? Do you think people are happy with you?

Karan Johar says 'politicans should be bashed'. Really? where were you when delhi was attacked? It is politicians who work day and night for country. They just do not wear designer clothes and attend page 3 parties you loser.

Kerala CM is already facing flak on his dog remark. He should know that any dog with self-respect will not work for his security.

I read somewhere that an sms is circulating that RGV, anurag basu, rahul dholakia shouldn't exploit terror. The one who started the campaign must've watched a wednesday, black friday on first day. Why the new anger against realistic movies? Why weren't you scared when Hyderabad was attacked? Just because you were in Bombay? Jack-ass

Prasoon Joshi pens a poem 'is baar nahin' after Bombay attacks. Where was your creativity when varanasi was attacked sir?

Shobha Dee says 'Enough is enough'. hahaha, that was the most distressing remark I've heard in years. Really? Enough was already enough when Kashmir was attacked all those years madam. Or wasn't it enough?

The biggest of all, Asif Ali Zardari says he'll help India in any possible way. He says Pakistan will act big on terrorists. Lets see.

How pathetic that it took an attack on Taj for them, 'the elite' or whatever to react? Where was the moral conscience when Kashmir was attacked Mr/Ms Elite? Was your voice lost when Raj Thackarey rampaged Bombay (yes, i like using Bombay to Mumbai)? Or are you selective about reacting? Or they must've remembered the dinners and bash-outs at these posh hotels. When a common man reacted with the same anguish each time an attack happens, he must've surely remembered the irani cafe cookies and road-side vada pavs. But, who cares? How true that people do not respond until it gets on to their nerve!

The biggest crisis our society faces is hypocrisy. People choose selective situations to react and speak on. They act as if the other issues do not exist. A hindu reacts when muslims harm and muslims react when hindu mob attacks. I always believed the repercussions of the congress' decision (Gandhi's rather) to partition India on the basis of religion would be fatal. The results are here to see! And still, congress hasn't learned its lessons. Branding terror as hindu and islamic speaks of its so called 'secularity'. BJP on the other hand has once again failed as an opposition party.

Hypocrisy isn't constrained to elite, ordinary people are hypocrites. I feel Pakistan and England should play test matches in India but when Pakistan is attacked, I'm damn sure I do not want sachin to be hurt. My hypocrisy doesn't hurt the nation but when the 'elite' are the biggest hypocrites, then any nation would suck. People see them on tele and get influenced. They should watch their words.

We watched kashmir burn from 90s and switched the channel for reporting the same every week. We could not realize that they had to deal with it on a daily basis. Today, we're watching terrorists battle it out on the streets. We're watching live telecast of the war. The situation resembles Iraq and Afghanistan for me. Attacks were earlier made in crowded places, railway stations. Now, every child knows what terror is. Insecurity has gripped our lives. We are unsure if we would return home after a day's hard work. We are apprehensive crossing the road, we're apprehensive that the local train might be attacked, we're apprehensive that a hotel may be attacked. True that terrorism has reached our household. We track terror news while having our lunch and dinner. Terrorists have managed to spread the terror among us. It is time we return the challenge. We should act strong and insensitively.

Military camps should be made mandatory for every citizen. It is time each child in the family gets trained in the army at least for 6-8 months. Civic policing should be included in the syllabus from higher school education till graduation. The 'elite' should be made to stay in Iraq for an year to restrain themselves from making any kind of irresponsible statements. People like Raj Thackarey should be bashed publicly. NGOs should focus on security measures in crowded places in all cities. They need to question the authorities (on behalf of people) about the ineffective security measures. This will hopefully help officials track better. It is we, civilians, who should guide the government on our needs. India should attack Pakistan for its dubious role in terrorism. No second thoughts about it. We should get back our land (POK).

By the time I end this post, Zardari would've backtracked on his statement and would've said pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty! lol and Mr. Dutt, I'm sure the nation hasn't forgotten your deadly act.

Hypocrisy sucks.

We are InDiA

2008-12-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

It's a start for better India. True, there are many organizations out there supporting the cause of better India. I applaud all of them for their effort. From today, we pledge for building a better India for the next generation. We've started this to voice our views on Indian politics (and other politics that influence our country!). We discuss whatever it takes for better governance. Voice you opinion on

humhainbharat

This will be a collaborative blog.

How much is too much?

2008-11-27T11:50:00.000-08:00

I can't take it anymore. I've resisted posting this for over 25 hours just to make sure I don't spread that has already gripped the entire country. But now, I cannot resist questioning the administration. I cannot resist to express my solidarity to the lost lives. I cannot resist saluting army, NSG, Navy, ATS and Mumbai Police for their efforts.

The most inhumane attacks modern India ever witnessed occurred in Mumbai, financial capital of India on 26th November 2008. Much written on this already, so I won't spew venom on administration as it knows what its up to. Some incidents really moved me in this entire episode.

The first being the story of 'a mother with her 6 month child held hostage in Taj worrying how the child would survive without milk the next few hours'.
a woman was ripped off her saree and let go.
the crowd cheered when army entered the scene at Trident. It was unusual for me to watch an angry crowd wishing the country's best men at work in time of crisis.
telephonic conversation of a terrorist with a new channel. he questioned why nobody spoke when israel attacked palestine.

India has lost many policemen in this operation. I've learnt that ATS chief Hemant Karkare was a prominent official and his the leads he gained in Malegaon blasts have proved very vital. The saffron angle of terror gained ground. His contribution to India will hopefully be remembered forever. Another prominent official killed was encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar. He was involved in killing 80 criminals in encounters. His efforts in keeping the crime-rate down in Mumbai should be lauded.

** On a positive note, these attacks have enabled to put a strong political togetherness. Advani's phone conversation with Manmohan Singh and both traveling together to express condolences is never heard of in our country. This incident should mark the beginning of new age politics where politicians do not blame each other for administrative failure. They know that any party in power would behave in similar chaotic way such as this. People should raise their voice and question insufficient security measures. **

that is what i wrote earlier but I'm disappointed that they haven't visited together. They've failed to put up a brave front together. Utterly pathetic!!! :( :(

We should observe some important points here:

we complain that US is a big bully that attacked Iraq, Afghanistan. we should also observe that no major terrorist activity happened in US after 9/11. Why is it? We should learn to deal terrorism head-on irrespective of religion.
repeated attacks in metropolitan cities in India to disrupt foreign investment to hamper our phenomenal growth. Which brings me to the thought that are these attacks funded by other countries rather than vested extremists? It is anybody's guess that which countries do not want us to grow.
why is the coastal line unguarded? it is clear that terrorists are adopting new methods to enter cities. when will our establishment innovate and tackle terror?
Maharashtra police and the officials didn't consider the option of calling NSG until ATS chief Hemant Karkare was killed. That means not after good 3-4 hours of terrorist activity. Why is it? Have they under-estimated the terrorists?

Another interesting insight is this... Indians living in US followed the recent general elections very closely. Very few in my place knew about the attacks in India. I would rather say nobody bothered to follow the updates on the attacks and were comfortable dreaming how to make more money.

mohammed mera naam

2008-11-24T23:53:00.000-08:00

I was waiting for the bus at the student center when we observed a bearded man walking towards us. Prithvi said, 'my guess is that he's a pakistani'. Before I could catch a glimpse of him through the glass doors, he marched in through the side door and he stood before us. He said

"mera naam mohammed hain, I'm from Pakistan" , a cold wave struck me at the mention of 'pakistan'. I was wondering what a Pakistani was doing with us and the very mention of the word meant panic for me. It had nothing to do with muslim community because I've had good muslim friends in my childhood. But the neighbouring country spelt trouble for the obvious reasons. All the life, we grew up watching India-Pak cricket wars, hockey spats and real-time war stories. We took great pleasure in ridiculing pakistan and its allies (including the big bully). The 2003 world cup clash between India and Pakistan was a very special match as we played that country after considerable hiatus. That brought back the haunts of kargil war and we can never forget pakistan bowlers getting smashed around.

Meanwhile, Mohammed mentioned that 'i do not find the fragrance of my motherland here in US. how do you all feel?' when we nodded our heads, he went on to say that he was born in Punjab and happened to go to Pakistan where now he is a professor at Faisalabad. He went on to mention one of his shayaris and I really enjoyed it. I realized that i was so wrong about pakistan and pakistanis. How can we hate them just because their governments did miserable things to us? How humane is this? This incident enhanced my belief of true education abroad where in we can know about people from all sects.

Who really are we?

2008-11-23T12:23:00.001-08:00

I was watching the sunday Barkha Dutt show with Nandan Nilekani on his maiden book 'Imagining India' in which he speaks of ideas that created India, how India moves on from here and what holds us as a country. He spoke on wide range on subjects like politics, new vibrant India, democracy, liberalization. He was thoroughly optimistic about future and his views reflected his confidence. He condemned recent regional divide by a screw-loose guy hoping to get hold of 'legacy'. One thing that struck me was

'who really are we?'

Are we regional culprits looking for a chance to take on our opponents or are we religion-fanatic who are always ready to blame another religion for the terrorist activities or are confident, inspired new India looking ahead or are we pessimistic about the idea of entering politics, fear to take a look at the morning news-paper stating another tragic bomb-blast or are we eating away the jobs of other countries in the name of globalization or are we confused about our future or are we little innocent idiots who've no clue whom to vote for or are we political or apolitical or casteist or regionalists or insensitive or optimistic or utterly pessimistic?

i thank http://www.irancartoon.com/Shankar/carcat.jpg for the image.

We speak high words about politics and describe it as 'dirty-cheap-shabby-foul' and relate every negative term to it while it is our politicians who work all day around for 'causes' - good/bad, dedicate their lives to the country again for good/bad and what are 'you' doing for the change? Just sit outside the system and criticize? Do you have the guts to enter politics and 'clean' it? It is our politicians who managed a nuclear deal and a babri demolition. It is our politicians who did a successful pokhran and a godhra. It is our politicians who've nationalized banks and declared emergency. It is our politicians who speak about the change and divide a state on caste, regional and language-wise. It is our politicians who are responsible for bringing out reforms and also responsible for inefficient security system leading to many bomb blasts. It is our politicians who announce popular employment schemes and they're allegedly the most corrupt ones.

If congress blames bjp for 'hindutva' politics, bjp questions congress on their secular credentials. The grand old party which divided the country on the basis of religion, the party that was responsible for emergency, responsible for initializing and running through babri demolition boasts itself on secular identity? That leaves another party, bjp. The party that spoke of change, creating new India, isn't it responsible for widening the already enraged hindu-muslim communities by its ridiculous communal acts? The regional parties are focussed on caste and language based politics. New baby parties are way far behind making an 'impact' on the country. Is our country facing leadership crisis? Are we secular or communal or just irresponsible?

We are a nation of young blood poised to take over the world by our confidence and resources. It is said that never were we so confident, optimistic about the future. We feel good about ourselves being Indians. We are proud that Lakshmi Mittal stands among the forbes richest list, is an Indian. We have high hopes and aspirations for our country. We want to be entrepreneurs, politicians, cricketers, scientists and what not, we want to be everything. We are enthused at the idea of starting a new company or providing jobs to the unemployed. We want to be socially, politically, diplomatically, economically visible. We want to be heard, to hear. Is it the new phenomenon or is this just a fad?

Isn't the criticism about Indians eating the jobs fair? Aren't we flocking to other countries in search of jobs instead to stay in India and better the living? Or is there a second side to the coin that we just aren't being the frogs in the well but taking India to the world? The hue and cry over outsourcing is justified, isn't it?

All said and done, here comes new vibrant India to take over world. Let us give it to them folks.

Lalu, next PM?

2008-11-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

Lalu Prasad Yadav, Railway minister, RJD chief and former Bihar CM has never hidden his ambitions for occupying the most coveted chair. Once again, he reiterates his dream to become PM one day!

Waning Ideal Journalism

2008-11-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

I've followed Prannoy Roy, Barkha Dutt and Rajdeep Sardesai right from NDTV, Star TV days. Prannoy Roy in many ways revolutionized journalism. Coming out from DD news and starting NDTV 24x7 was a welcome change almost everybody appreciated. Known for his accuracy and precise analysis, his election coverage is watched all over India. While Barkha Dutt is still with Prannoy Roy, Rajdeep parted ways with Prannoy to start CNN-IBN. Rajdeep's presentation of news was great as he gets on the nerves of politicians as does Barkha. NDTV continues to deliver relevant news but CNN-IBN (which always craved for TRPs) in the hunger to lead the market broadcasts irrelevant news at times.

The new age journalism (India TV, Aaj Tak, Star News, CNN-IBN to an extent) has focussed more on making the news channels as entertainment channels. There is a fine line between broadcasting news and imposing 'news' on viewers. The other day, I was tracking news on Malegaon Blasts on CNN-IBN when a flash 'breaking news' popped up right at the bottom bar. I was wondering what the news might be and my imagination ran wild with thoughts about 'assasination of a leader' to 'hijack of another ship vessel' to 'another terror attack in Delhi'. But, i was wrong. The breaking news that broke me was 'Rahul Mahajan asked to leave from Big Boss'. I was like 'what the fcuk is this news midst of malegaon blasts news? what kind of journalism is Rajdeep promoting?' It made me think once again about the 'impact journalism' Rajdeep speaks of. Too much focus on entertainment ultimately dilutes the news, isn't it? How does a common man benefit if a diana hayden or rahul mahajan leaves some crappy show? Why are you so bothered to cover the show Rajdeep?

How true are you to your heart Rajdeep?

The day you came out of NDTV, i was wondering if you were teaming up with Vijay Mallya for a news channel (as Vijay Mallya is in to every other business except selling news) and you said 'you are for impact journalism'. This episode created a sense of panic in me about future ideal journalism in our country. Today, no other news channel excepting NDTV stands for ideal news. Sadly, is this the fall of ideal journalism ?

Shreesh Jadhav

2008-11-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Rahul Awasthi comes away impressed after meeting his classmate and IIT topper, who earns no salary, but has the highest job satisfaction.

I read in a corporate bestseller sometime back that the highest job satisfaction is enjoyed by those in least-paying jobs, like in NGOs and social organisations. This sounded ironical, but still exciting enough to mull over, for those of us in the corporate world, chasing a mirage called job satisfaction and often confusing it with high salaries.

Five years ago, I was posted in Kolkata to look after the eastern region. This is where I had the soul-stirring experience of meeting Shreesh at Belur Math, the Ramkrishna Mission's headquarters. Away from the city's boisterous roads, Belur is tranquility personified as its sylvan surroundings are placed close to the mighty Hooghly. It had been 18 years since Shreesh and I had passed out from IIT, Kanpur, where we spent our days in neighbouring hostel rooms, and 14 years since we had last met. In the course of lunch that day at Belur, he unfolded his post-IIT story, which marked a turning point for my own view towards life.

Shreesh Jadhav was ranked second across India in the JEE and completed his B.Tech in computer science with a perfect 10 CPI. A recipient of the President's gold medal at IIT, he spurned all offers of plum scholarships from top foreign universities. Instead, he went on to do his Ph.D from IIT, Kanpur. As his neighbour, I was familiar with Shreesh's leanings towards Swami Vivekananda and Ramkrishna Paramhans. Often, when I barged into his room for a chat session, I would find him deep into reading their teachings. These had an impact on his day-to-day actions as well.

An example of his austerity was the fact that he managed to pass those four years with just a pair of white kurta-pyjamas . Top brain that he was, the toughest assignments were cracked by him in a jiffy and his answers matched up to the second decimal of the model answers put up later outside the exam hall. He also found time to take up the cause of mess workers, which temporarily invited the ire of IIT authorities, but eventually bore results. Through his Vivekananda Samiti, he taught several of the mess workers' children, besides other poor employees of IIT.

With three sisters, he was the only son of his parents, and the entire family along with many of us, egged him on to study abroad. I occasionally mocked his convictions and told his parents that he would eventually succumb to the lure of dollars, just like several of his batchmates. But, he couldn't be deterred from his single-minded pursuit of serving humanity. He would explain, "Just like Silicon Valley, social sectors too desperately need intelligent people."

He continues to positively impact the lowest rung of the social ladder. Recently, he helped save the life of 12-year-old Sarita, who developed a hole in her heart. Her operation in Bangalore cost Rs 3 lakh and on reading Shreesh's email, I had contributed my bit, but was doubtful if he would meet the target. But, as I recently found out, Sarita was back home in Kanpur after a successful surgery, making me put my faith in Shreesh's words that "there are a lot of good people in the world, we just need to reach out to them".

Unmarried, he has dedicated his entire life towards a social cause. He joined the Ramkrishna Mission after his doctorate and, by now, has taught computer science to several thousand students at their university, besides managing various projects spread across the country. He also humbly believes that Belur Math has given him the opportunity to achieve his mission. Yet, his journey continues.

Shreesh's story is beyond inspiration. When I look around at my batch-mates, many of whom head companies, I consider Shreesh the biggest success story of IIT. His story should be a catalyst for all those who want to bridge the social abyss created by market forces and government inaction. As I write a cheque for Rs 15,000 for my three-year-old son's quarterly fees, I'm reminded of an education system gone horrendously wrong. Unlike many of us who keep trodding known paths, Shreesh Maharaj - as he is popularly known in Belur - has clearly found his own path and left a trail.

P.S: Ideafest

Childhood Calling - the emotional angle

2008-11-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Children's day this year left me many unanswered questions. Children studying in the current educational system have nothing to loose but their careers. How insane that parents insist on ranks and grades rather than over-all development of a child. We are not alien to the fact that the first question any parent asks his/her child after report cards is 'why did not you rank 1?' and the next even more disgusting 'why did you get this less marks in this subject or why did you fail in this subject?'. The intention of the parent is understood and the concern towards their child is appreciated. The kind of environment a parent sets in by questioning 'why not rank 1?' is a negative one. Its no harm ranking above 2 or 5. Or no rank for that matter. Children are often lost in the name of an intelligent society. We are living in an 'intelligent society' where everyone is intelligent and performing academically. Isn't it? Crap, complete crap. The world we live in is a world of misconceptions. Too many things assumed and nothing much established. Children are misguided in a way that they are told by parents that all works well only if they top the class. The world comes to an end only if they top the class. There will be a picnic only if the child scores well in a test or an assignment. For that matter, I was told to achieve first rank in my third standard when I asked for a bi-cycle.

We are creating a hypothetical pressure environment and press the panic button. The child is gifted or awarded only when he/she performs. We all know that only one tops the class. What about the rest class? It turns out that children are abused or insulted before other children in hope of improving their performance. The child gets affected in the longer run even if he/she performs in the next test or two. The emotional trauma experienced by the child may not be visible directly but that gradually reflects on their daily activities. They tend to stop playing sports, skip recreation and there is quite a good chance of abandoning the much adored childhood. Also, the treatment of child by the teacher isn't that great as well. The child is punished if he/she doesn't fare well in an exam. There is no obligation that each child should do well in the examination. Each and every child gives their best to perform better in an exam. It works for some and doesn't for some. World doesn't come to a halt if a child doesn't top in an exam. The entire concept that the performing only gets the accolades is absurd. It creates a sense of insecurity among the remaining. However, the performing child should be congratulated in a positive way.

Not every child ends up being an engineer or a doctor. He can study literature as well. She can take up vocational courses as well. Why is so much of emotional and social harakiri in deciding child's field of study? Parents ask every 'expert' for a suggestion and not even consider their child's interest! I've suggested 5 students in person not to take up engineering just because their parents have insisted forgiving their interests in other areas. Few weeks later, all 5 of them joined in mediocre engineering colleges paying lakhs of donation. What an answer to my suggestion!?! Nobody wants to dare the flow, we are happy following the crowd. How disgusting.

By the way, i got my first bi-cycle not until two months in to my seventh standard.

India Calling

2008-11-16T13:39:00.000-08:00

The idea of youth entering politics is very good. Youth entering politics, standing up for themselves, accounting others for their actions, maintaining transparency, need for them entering politics, reducing corruption possible only through them ideas are right concern. We have had a party set-up known as Lok Paritran by 'IITians' and the entire party faltered just months before elections due to differences in party fund allocation. Yet, I haven't lost the faith that youth is for change. It is we who should stand against political hipocracy, it is we who should act towards a better society. What are the possible ways for it? I see two ways:

politics
social activism / social service

Politics is a challenging area for anyone and more especially for people who stand up for integrity, honesty, dedication (I believe that every young man/woman has dreams for future India and hence I assume Indian youth stands for these qualities). Establishing a party countrywide or for that matter in a single state and making its presence felt through ideal ways is indeed a long term process and the goal will really be fruitful. A new political party to be established and the possibility of serving people when given a chance is most welcome. But, (yes, there is a but here) for the party to be elected and to serve people needs at least 5 years(to establish, people knowing about the party and a WIN in an election) and i need not explicitly state that they should indeed wait for yet another 5 years to WIN an election because a win is mandatory for them to implement their ideas. Now, this requires 10 years of wait, 10 years of strong foundation, 10 years of faith and hope. Where will Indian Politics stand in next 10 years? 'Politics' has always been a dirty word in Indian household which needs to change. What India today needs is not a prolonged wait of political chance to serve people but an impact activism through social conscience. India needs a conscience wave among us to educate the poor and the deprived, thereby reducing poverty. It expects us to bridge the digital divide through internet and information technology. It is WE who can stand up for the development of nation. This, in my opinion is possible by social activism. Educating people by social consciousness, by bringing down social-gender-age barriers, empowering women and enhancing the lives of rural India. This is all about creating new employment opportunity through strategic planning.

Today, we stand at the brink of opportunity of creating a new India, an opportunity to eradicate illiteracy, an opportunity to bring in better governance, an opportunity to serve people. None of us would want to lose this opportunity. Else, another old fox will be up for it to grab. In near future, no country will be this young, no country will have this high % of young people around at its service. Let us use this chance to help India prosper.

Detailed action plan in the next post!

P.S: i thank http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/805897891_8d4ebfc6cc.jpg for the photo!

Do read A Spade is a Spade - Childhood Calling

A Spade is a Spade - Childhood Calling

2008-11-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

India is shining, economic boom, IT revolution, globalization all over, foreign investments, developmental projects taken up. Where is a kid from a lesser known town standing in the midst of 'India Arriving globally' campaign? How many are really enjoying the benefits of popular educational schemes? What % of children know the presence of internet and multimedia and the amount of help they've been to the world? An internet happy kid in a metro is a click away from the world but what about the number of deprived children elsewhere who do not even have the idea of internet existence? Where is childhood headed? Where is the deprived childhood headed? Why are we craving about Indian youth not entering politics when we need them most in social activism? What can WE do about this?

Education is a path for attaining the ultimate knowledge and common-sense. The right to education bill was passed in 2005 and was scrapped in mid 2006 with the government citing lack of finances. Even though the bill had its limitations as some issues were not discussed, it had the potential to bring down illiteracy to large extent. Making primary education free and universal would definitely been the new dawn. The objectives were outlined as:

The Bill has a clear objective that every child between the age of 6 and 14 years has the right to elementary education that is (a) free, (b) compulsory, (c) of equitable quality, and (d) available in her neighbourhood. This education will be available between Grade I and VIII, and provided at a recognized school satisfying specified norms. The Bill implies that there will be no non-formal schools and teachers will have to possess qualifications as defined in the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993.

but sadly it wasn't so. Our govt gave-in in no time scrapping the bill citing insufficient finances and still managing to accommodate 3,73,50,00,000 for phase 1 of Chandrayaan! And not to forget years of hard work for nuclear deal and uncle Sam friendship. So much for the unworthy (remember how good a friend is USA to India?) friendship? I wonder what is the priority for primary education in our country that ranked 105 overall worldwide in 2007 as compared to 100 in 2006!?! And still, we haven't learnt our lessons. The government could not even prioritize primary education even after a dip in the ranking. No further mention of the education bill raises many questions on the commitment of UPA towards the bill and secure future of children. At the end of 2008 year, we cannot expect a revival of the bill as the polls are nearing by next year and the govt.(all political parties for that matter, no wonder!) will be busy playing vote bank tricks to appease people. When will India deal away with identity politics and work for issue-based politics?

P.S: stats from http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/india_statistics.html

Deal of life

2008-11-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

arguments heard,

discussions held,

opinions weighed,

parameters gauged and

a deal framed.

its now up to us to live up to one's own expectations, aspirations and weighing out the other.

When success is next door and a clap away

2008-11-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

Failure of all forms makes life disgusting for a naive, expert or a seasoned human. Success is just few steps away from our door. It takes that extra step towards the next door to board the success bus. Any ordinary key doesn't open the door for success. It takes a hand of hard work to mellow the knob of the S-door.

"at times even the best effort isn't just enough"

Sometimes, we falter right at the S-door not knowing that we are just a knock away. Life is so unforgiving that you will take hell lot of time to realize that you've lost your job in just a matter of few seconds. Treat every failure as a lesson and clap that you've gained experience in search of success. For all the claps at the end of the day, you'll achieve success in most unimaginable form. Toil hard for your bread and spread the bread for the needy. After all, humanity bhi ek cheez hai!

Reclaim your Life

2008-11-14T20:57:00.000-08:00

i always wanted to quit on monday morning
i always wanted to chase the rain
i always wanted to swim with the whales

i always wanted to take a one year trip around the world
i always wanted to... i always ...wanted...

reclaim your life!

Celebrating Children's Day

2008-11-13T23:47:00.000-08:00

India celebrates children's day on November 14th commemorating the birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of Independent India. Chocolates distributed, national anthem sung, fancy dress competitions held, holiday celebrated but

why are we lacking the spirit of a child? a spirit that we enjoyed simplest joys of life! we're happy when an acquaintance gave a chocolate for us but are unsatisfied even with a 20k pay check!
where are the times we spent in dirty playgrounds, kitchen roofs lost?
why are we so self-centered?
where is the infectious smile of childhood?

Let us re-dedicate ourselves to the spirit, innocence and joy of childhood and do all the things without shame that we've done in our childhood.

Hail Childhood! Hail Children!!

P.S: the author is a 21 year old child trying to recollect his joyous childhood

3MIN3M is back!

2008-11-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

Eminem is back after a long hiatus. His album will be supposedly out in december 2008. Check this new song 'Relapse'

Where is Indian Politics headed?

2008-11-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

At a time when the world is celebrating the victory of young Obama as new President of USA, BJP celebrated the 81st birthday of Lal Krishna Advani, a potential prime minister in waiting. My best wishes for Advaniji on his birthday. But, when will India encourage, groom young politicians to the highest ranks?

US citizens have voted in what is considered as the greatest turnout for general elections in USA for the youngest candidate instead of an old politician. Yes, Obama was far less experienced than Mc Cain, but that did not stop him from speaking his ideas, his policies for the country. He made an impact on citizens with his communication skills, clear policies for better economy and anti-war stand.

Advani on the other hand is trying to create a new image for himself by posing himself as a more liberal leader than a hard-core hindutva sainik. He has distanced himself from the recent VHP meetings, condemned the malegaon blasts and worked with other religious leaders after the Orrisa killings of minorities. He attends young meets these days and says he loves chocolates, music and carries an I-pod with him. This is a desperate attempt on part of another old politician who has raised as a hope for extremists by starting the hindutva movement pre- and post-babri masjid demolition. How can anyone forget Godhra riots, Babri demolition, the recent malegaon blasts?

Where do other 'young' politicians stand? Rahul Gandhi for once has shown great hope of building a new India and taking India in to the 21st century. But, hardly has he emerged at the national stage of Indian politics. Rahul Mahajan stumbled at the very first step after being entangled in a drug scandal. One party that has shown some promise in the past 2 years is Lok Paritran, a party formed by IITians. The party's website now is unconditionally closed until informed. The party cadre fell apart over the usage of party funds during the election campaign. If this is the state of affairs in a 'young IITians party', how would they expect people to vote for them? Don't even consider Raj Thackeray as young hope for future India.

However, Ajit Shukla who formed Bharat Punarnirman Dal after coming out from Lok Paritran, is one hope for the country in the future. Lok Satta party (formed by ex-IAS and ex-IPS officers) is another ray of hope. You must have thought, lots being said by this blogger on politics, what does he know? Well, I'm not a expert as far as politics is considered even though I've been following Indian politics for the past 9 years. But social service is a better option than taking plunge in to active politics. What is needed is "Impact activism" in India and social service an apt way for it.

Hope the likes of Ajit Shukla, Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiradithya Scindia, Milind Deora, Sachin Pilot would take young India forward!

Some Lines Just Stay with Us - 4

2008-11-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

from 'Before Sunset'

Celine: I was having this awful nightmare that I was 32. And then I woke up and I was 23. So relieved. And then I woke up for real, and I was 32.

Celine: The concept is absurd. The idea that we can only be complete with another person is evil! Right?

Space Science - Neglected Career

2008-11-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

As students flock engineering colleges across India hoping to graduate and get placed in top-notch IT companies after four years, space science is progressing leaps and bounds. Are students thriving on their interests or are they just following the herd by taking up engineering as a career option?

Majority of Indian crowd (engg. students) are after a 9-5 job and are satisfied by a decent 25k per month in an IT company. Are they really happy in an IT company? Why is the crowd shying away from making a career in space science (popularly known as pure science)? Why is the crowd unable to dream themselves in a science career or is it not challenging enough or is it not lucrative enough? A widely believed myth is that pure science as a career is not lucrative enough to prosper in and that it is not monetarily satisfying. Well, it is quite possible that students are not interested in pure sciences and hence chosen technical science over space science. Considering the example of my under-graduation class, not even one among us not opt for space science in higher education. Everyone(including me) focussed our energies on possible prospective careers in IT companies. Have we failed as an education system to motivate children to take up a career in pure science ?

I've been to few science fairs but lost my interest in space science due to lack of proper guidance. There must be hundreds like me who must have left their dreams behind to opt for other career options.

What's the solution?

We always speak of all problems but fail to find solutions for those problems. The possible solutions or at least the possible approaches are:

develop interests among young children by organizing science fairs and they should be made to interact with space scientists. Only a successful(one who has worked in pure science for some years)scientist can motivate a young mind.
engineering or medicine only are not career options. I've advised many juniors not to take up engineering just because their parents forced them to. Sadly, none paid heed to my words! Art is a neglected(comparatively) career option in India, so is space science.
consider your interests before choosing your career
any interest has its roots from childhood, every child should know how Indian Space Science has evolved over the years, the success stories and the failures.
special institutes should be set up to spread the achievements of space science and to develop interests among young children. I've found one such organization at http://www.mapsofindia.com/sponsors/space-event-organizers-india/index.html

For more information on choosing space technology as a career refer to http://www.winentrance.com/career_courses/space_technology_career_course_details.html

Silver Lining

With the success of chandrayaan , ISRO has captured the imagination of young Indian minds and with the announcement of a new mission to sun in few years will hopefully inspire young minds for a career in space science.

P.S: An article that presents an perspective on Space Science as a career http://www.iisc.ernet.in/~currsci/aug25/articles3.htm

Identity Crisis

2008-11-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

The other day, my friend mentioned how he met an American who studied under a Bengali professor and has been to Kolkata once some years ago. The American asked if my friend was an Indian and when he replied in affirmative and wondered how he managed to identify. The American replied saying,

'you wear slippers even in winter season, I've observed the same in Kolkata. Are Indians so poor?'

I was in conversation with a co-employee at work and I said I came from Hyderabad ('city of IT and Hi-Tech City' ... really?). And then he asked what exists in Hyderabad? Is it a town? Or is it a village? What do you have there? I said its a big city with many MNCs (software companies including Microsoft). He was clearly surprised by that and said 'that's interesting'.

After all the economic boom, India Shining campaign, Incredible India campaign, international conferences still the wrong image of India as a poor, starving country exists among foreigners. Although, we can brush aside the entire episode by saying that 'those foreigners do not have enough current affairs knowledge' rather than accepting that a lot needs to be worked on developing the identity of India.

Filmi Weekend :P

2008-11-10T17:19:00.000-08:00

Amazing end to the previous week. I watched 6 movies starting with Vivah, Chameli, Mithya, Gamyam, Before Sunset and ending with Dalapathi. With that I've ended my 5 movie-less weeks thirst :))

I'd a longing wish to watch Chameli. Kareena Kapoor excelled in the role of prostitute and Rahul Bose acted as sensibly as ever. He's the real definition for acting and actor. So calm, so composed yet effective. I watched 'Before Sunset ' for the eighth time and still I'm not bored with the movie. Beautifully picturized, amazing acting by the lead, the conversation never ends. This line is one such from the conversation

"Memories never end. Only we do"

Great Clips

2008-11-09T13:01:00.000-08:00

I've grown lots of hair all over the face :)) to try a new look this season and visited one of the saloons at the community center. All the way to the shop, I was wondering how I'd look after the hair-do. After an hour or so, it took about 4 people to trim my hair and beard for the new look. It was fine then at the shop.

After I came home and checked it after a shower, it looked as if I'm ready to get in to army or a boarding school :)) haha

Nevertheless, 17$ for a hair-do is quite an experience :P

Born for the game

2008-11-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

questions posed, a smile in return

fingers raised, bat speaks

how many more?, wait and watch

when are you leaving?, after a lifetime

sledged many a time, determined to concentrate

age looming over, centuries don't even dry-up

the wall cracks but the master still learning

the prince resigns after hard-time but the master still reigns

jumbo's body tired, master plays on

yes, a time will come when the master leans back, says he has had enough. His body may no longer respond to challenges, he might have conquered peaks, piled up heaps of runs, smashed opponents over the park but a day will come when the master retires from the game he was born to play for. That day, a generation will stop watching the game without their master.

We all love you Sachin!

Children of same God

2008-11-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

Why are we special?

Is everybody living around us special? Or only a few are privileged to be special? I've observed many people employing children as labour at houses to wash clothes, dishes exploiting their childhood. I always felt the equality principle for all children but hardly implemented in practical life. Everybody has a purpose to live life. Each child is special or his/her role in our life. Appreciate each life.

Are we really special? How special are you?

B for Black, B for Barack

2008-11-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

History has seen leaders who've changed the world, history has lived the past and its future. US citizens have chosen Barack Obama as their hope for next 5 years, a hope to revive their country's financial crisis, a hope to move away from war policies, a hope to restructure world's largest democracy.

My friends ridiculed me for supporting Obama because he was against outsourcing, a major source for the boom for Indian IT industry. All i said stood by was, a man who does not support outsourcing is better than the one who supports iraq war and who is bound to continue Bush's policies. Its time for CHANGE and HOPE in US of A.

Hail Obama! Hail humanity!!

P.S: It remains to be seen what impact an Obama makes on world politics, forget world politics, USA's economy crisis!

MNS - Mindless Non Sense

2008-11-04T23:24:00.000-08:00

Promoting culture among different sects is social activity. Promoting regional interests is politics. Promoting fanatism is extremism. Raj Thackeray floated MNS (who cares what that stands for - Maharastra Navanirman Sena), a political party(a potential extremist outfit) two years ago.

He launched his so-called 'me-manoos' campaign in support for maharashtrians. He attacked north-indians, mainly targetting biharis. His partymen ransacked public property, trains, busses. While the ruling congress brushed aside these activities as trivial political activities and didn't act until the Prime Minister himself wrote to CM of Maharashtra. His move not to constrain MNS just to counter Shiv Sena in the state is in bad taste as regionalism raised its ugly hood over national interests. While, MNS gained publicity striking a chord with localites in Mumbai, the city has lost its cosmopolitan status and the entire episode is an ugly reality that our politicians do WHATEVER they feel like just to garner votes rather than working towards solutions for daily problems. What does the entire manoos campaign matter for a poor man begging in VT? What does MNS' activities appeal to the cause of our country that 'we believe in unity in diversity', that 'we all are indians first and individuals later'?

Extremist politicians like Raj Thackeray should be hanged for promoting regional extremism, for promoting regionalism over nationalism. To what extent does his manoos campaign hold in the times when a runaway hit movie in which, a hockey coach asks his team members to play for their country first and later for themselves? What does his idiotic ideology speak of in times when all the boundaries of the world are closing down, thanks to information technology and internet, mobile services. Today the world is a smaller place. Is the campaign higher than the purpose of the cosmopolitan society where people from different sects co-exist at same place? Will he stand for the families of the innocent people who lost their lives tackling mindless fanatics? What is his answer to the gujarati kid who is stranded on a national highway at midnight? Will he bring back the life of the bihari boy who in turn acted insensibly to 'hiijack' a bus on a sunny afternoon?

What has MNS managed finally at the end of these incidents?

some publicity on local news channels and of course national news channels
managed to spread hatred among unemployed youth who are already flared up without jobs
managed to kill (murder is the right word) innocent people

So why doesn't MNS train mumbaikars to compete with north-indians in 4th grade jobs?

Why doesn't MNS promote marathian culture by making promotional videos on Marathi?

Why doesn't Mr. Raj Thackeray organize conferences promoting Marathi and Maharashtrian culture?

I believed that Raj Thackeray would make a modern day politician striving for people's cause. It didn't take me too long to realize his true colors. Save India and its culture!

Come what may

2008-11-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

some relationships work, some don't

some care about you, some don't

you win some, you lose some

never regret your past

if past is to be regretted and to be cursed, wonder what Abe Lincoln would do!

some you play to win, some to defend

never doubt your ability

had Anil Kumble gave-in to the comments that he wasn't a turner of cricket ball and stopped bowling, his cricketing knowledge & never-say-die spirit wouldn't have surfaced before us.

always, give-it to your opponent

as far as relationships are concerned, anybody can fail in a relationship, we should learn to deal with it.

P.S: Abraham Lincoln lost in 8 elections before being elected for US presidency http://www.snopes.com/glurge/lincoln.asp

That was weird

2008-11-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

Lowery: Hello...

Phone: hi son, hru doing? hwz life?

L: hellll...ooo?

(unable to believe the voice over phone)

Ph: helloo son

L: hi sir, how are you?

Ph: i'm good, how r ur studies going? do u need any money?

L: i'm self-sufficient, thank you

Ph: take care, bye.

L to me.... 'that was weird dude. it was my father!'

Me: What??!?! :O

I was dumbstruck recollecting the entire conversation the next few minutes and L then said " that was my dad calling me after 2 years".

He told me how he lost mother when he was 14 and how he hated his dad. I thought how weird relations are when they get sour and how they taste real bad. I never thought a phone call from a father to his son can be so weird!

Few hours later, he received another call and said "that was weird",

Me: who's this time?

L: my ex-girlfriend's sister!

huh?!?...forget it.

I Wish!

2008-11-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

I wish I were a bird

and fly in sky with no boundaries

I wish I were a bird

and soar high in orange skies and chase the sunset

I wish I were a dog

and roam on the streets with no utter shame

I wish I were a dog

and search for a bitch

I wish I were a soul
and live life for eternity

I wish I were a soul
and die like nobody ever had

I wish I had wished more!

Well...

2008-11-02T17:05:00.001-08:00

I've always been enthralled by nature, its power of capturing our mind with simple things. The very sight of a sun setting into the mountains is something I'd admired for long. I believed camera can capture anything visible. What I've learnt yesterday is we fall short (by camera) of what we can see through our eyes. The sense of joy, excitement, the short pleasure of watching a sun set into the mountains can never be captured by any camera. Even a video might somewhere fall short of recording the aesthetic beauty which otherwise is very obvious to human eye.

What started as watching the power-source for sheer time-pass in my childhood, I developed an interest towards photography. Well, we reached the highest point at Gutlinburg, Smoky at 6 pm and soon tracked how sun lost in the dark.

Hope you've enjoyed the sunset!!

speakin' heart

Opinionated Indian

A trip to Rolla, Missouri - food, travel and more

Semiya Payasam !

Tangled movie review

Floods in Pakistan

Blessed

Where have I been?

Epic - The Indian Browser

life = shit

call for celebration

emptiness

a tribute to the GOD of Cricket

Check check

happy diwali!

Songs ive been listening to, of late

God, Destiny and Beyond

detained.

old - new

A Realist - Arundhati Roy

Remembering Kargil

Some Lines Just Stay with Us - 4

Leadership /Participate

Fooled!

What's keeping me busy?

Being a romantic

India falter at the Semi-Final door

I wish

Restless

Kiss of the night

Tweet

Tang aa chuke hain

Pottered!

last date

Bad watch

Old is Always Gold

An ode to a fighting character

misty dream

Arrogance or Attitude?

Caged Woman

Out of my mind

Traveling

Tagged by Dewdrop

The Quantitative Indian

With love, from middle east

Happy Birthday Father!

Postmortem - Slumdog Millionare

20 in 2009!

Tagged!

Aspire->Aim->Achieve

Some thoughts on 2008

The Week that was (dec 21-27)

Tagged! - 20 Questions

Glorifying Ghajini - Lost Magic!

Going Green

Tagged!

The week that was (13-20 dec)

give it only if you can take it

Blogging Blues

Movies this week

Spread the Smile

Free Hugs

Conversations

Sachin, you've done it again!

Shoe thrown at Bush

The week that was - post 26/11

when your best isn't just enough

Lighter Side - 26/11 Aftermath - Cabinet Meeting

Unnamed

India should attack POK - 26/11 Ramifications

Mumbai Attack Ramifications - Civic Police

We are InDiA

How much is too much?

mohammed mera naam

Who really are we?

Lalu, next PM?

Waning Ideal Journalism

Shreesh Jadhav

Childhood Calling - the emotional angle

India Calling