The Journey....

Food Chain

2012-01-10T16:21:00.000+05:30

No longer can we swear that the food we eat is fresh, natural and healthy. Processed food has made our food intake filthy. Large companies like McDonald's, KFC, Walmart today own how food is grown and distributed. These powerful giants even have a considerable say in the laws passed for food related items as they donate huge sums to political institutions. So as a whole these companies own end to end of the entire food chain. One more major concern is that these giants are eating the smaller companies and in-fact there are only a handful of producers left. The race of getting cheaper products in the market or maximizing their profits has left the end consumer crying foul.

The end result are cheap unhealthy products killing hundreds and effecting millions. Look at the processed meat industry where most of the animals suffer from harmful diseases spread by salmonella and E.coli. The way chicken are grown away from sunlight and fresh air is a major concern. It took almost more than 2 months for a chicken to grow in the 1950's and now it takes only 47 days to get a chicken which looks healthier than its counterpart. But that is not true, the growth of the chicken does not support it and causes dis-balance and is the cause behind numerous diseases. And given the way animals are treated and tortured in slaughter houses, these large giants own even the ethical part of the food chain. Well this is no longer restricted to meat industry only.

The food chain is connected and if one part of it is affected the entire food chain has to suffer. No one is left behind. And the saddest part is that, there is no authority to check and regulate the correct ways. Therefore, the intention of producing cheap food gets indeed quite costly taking into consideration the cost of ruining our environmental for the future generations. Companies should invest in making our food intake much more healthier and should stop short term gain intentions.

Note: This post is from a inspiration of watching Food Inc.

The Biggest Loser

2011-12-13T15:44:00.000+05:30

One of the biggest loser in the telecom industry, BSNL, the once monopolistic giant is close to ruins. The company has more than $25 billions in assets. But the last two years has shown huge loses for the company. What's the answer behind the fact that when the entire telecom sector is growing, why is BSNL still inuring huge looses? The answer is ignorance and lack of leadership.

BSNL had a vision to connect entire nation with their flagship product, the fixed line phone or Landline. But since 2007, the fixed line phones has seen a decrease. Well the fall has been anticipated by many. Lack of any value added services on landline and mobility has decreased its concentration in urban as well as rural regions. But still products can be re-vamped and put back on track. All that is required is motivation. BSNL should try hard to get it's flagship product back on track for the fact that though the people have turned more volatile; our home have still remain fixed and there is still usage for this product atleast for some part of the day.

Is India really shining?

2011-11-13T19:29:00.001+05:30

Now there are few things that makes me really angry. One of them is the way the whole country is moving. The growth, the glory and the rising middle case is no doubt a sign of our prosperity. But on the other hand, the all time high inflation and unemployment is also sign of worry. Every time I switch on the TV all I see is news about corruption. Well there is no doubt that we are witnessing a period of massive corruption amongst Government employees and Multi-corporations. And behind all this is the UPA government, whose flamboyancy is at its peak.

After the inflation number release last week, I heard the PM say that the high inflation is because of the rising prosperity of the people of India. This statement really makes me say, 'What a shame, when the country's PM doesn't know the situation of the country". What about the rising number of people below poverty line? What about the latest scams? The prosperity may be fake to show the success of the Government. Therefore I ask, "Is India really shining?".

No one is perfect but you need to make a country perfect. But the efforts are nothing close to perfection and the thought process is to eat all the money as if its the last time. A common voter has little power to do anything as he/she has to choose between the corrupt candidates. The 'I do not support anyone' on the electoral machines is a must for any democratic country. This empowers each voter to choose what he/she desires and showcase the real power of the people of India. Electoral reforms is a must to secure our future from the hands of corruption.

Let's talk about Love

2011-11-06T20:50:00.002+05:30

"Love is like a friendship caught on fire: In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable."

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."

"Sometimes your nearness takes my breath away; and all the things I want to say can find no voice. Then, in silence, I can only hope my eyes will speak my heart."

"Within you I lose myself. Without you I find myself wanting to become lost again."

It's dedicated to you....

Only 100 a day

2011-11-02T19:37:00.000+05:30

The new rule by TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) of sending only 100 SMS a day is nothing more than an nuisance. TRAI plans to curb down bulk junk SMS senders by unknown authorities. Well has there been any decrease in the number of junk SMS? Well the answer would definitely be 'No'. I recently had a bitter taste of the truth. While exausting my limit one day, I was left without sending any SMS to anyone for more than 8 hours. It left me frustrated and curse the rule when sending an SMS was the only option. This rule is nothing close in reducing junk messages. We still receive many junk SMS everyday.

The authorities has been incompetent in curbing bulk SMS senders and should focus more on the mobile operators who send messages as promotions and advertisements even with this rule. On top of that the 100 limit is only relaxed on holidays like Diwali, Eid etc, when the SMS are charged at a premium rates. In a country of free communication any sort of restriction is seen as a crime against freedom of communication. SMS has revolutionized the way we communicate and this rule should be taken off immediately as its is worthless to restrict the way we communicate. Other ways should be devised to restrict junk message like filtering based on keywords and monitoring the content of a message.

A Pledge to the people of our country

2011-08-14T06:28:00.000+05:30

It takes a long time to change especially when it comes to a country. A lot of debate is being created about the Lokpal bill. India is considered as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The corruption is so high in all channels that it is even not recognized by international surveys like Corruption Perceptions Index. These surveys work at a very superficial level and the corruption in our country starts from the root. Almost every Government employee is corrupt and there is no jurisdiction to check them because they sit on power. There have been never any instances of any corrupt ministers being charged and send to jail. They just come out clean no matter what. The Lokpal bill is being drafted by ordinary citizens of this country who are freed-up of corruption just like us.

The problem lies within us. We bribe the officers when we make our passport, when we file a case, when we apply for our licenses, when we are checked by Income tax officers and so on. We need to stop it. Every country has corruption, but its till an certain bearable level. But the corruption in our country has surpassed all those levels. We all know the ministers of this country are the most corrupt people, then why are we keeping quite even when we have a strong supporting bill. Don't just sit back and curse this nation if you don't have the guts to support your true feelings. And you have no right to curse because you choose to keep quite and your hands folded. Forget about the outcomes, it just the participation that matters.

There are few chances in the history of the country to revive itself for the clutches of traditional thinking and come back clean. We dreamt of the golden sparrow and what we have is hollow hopes and rising corruption and unbelievable drift between the rich and the poor. It's time to check it and bring back the golden glory of India and truly become one of the rising economies. We would not change in a day, but we cannot stop trying either.

Support a noble cause and rise against corruption because the fate of this country then lies with those corrupt officers and not with the real people. If we are destined to rise then no one can stop us. We had enough of false hopes from Government and its just the beginning of a massive change. Every scandal is getting bigger than the previous ones and it doesn't matter to those officers that the money belongs to the people of India.

We will change sooner or later no matter what the Government try to do. It's just a matter of time now. The sooner we do, we still have hopes to get our voices heard with people like Anna Hazare, Kiran Bedi, Arvind Kejriwal and so on. Let's wake-up and support because changes cannot be stopped by any force.

What is Life? Part 2

2011-08-08T00:48:00.000+05:30

Sometimes Life stops, literally. When there is so much pain that you forget to breath. You only pray to God and ask Him for more, so that you take it all. You look back and laugh. You didn't deserve it. You didn't do anything. Then why is there so much suffering and pain. Or is it that He is trying to make you stronger in the name of fate. But this strength is not worth it. You lose and lose and there is nothing for you to win. All the lights just shuts down and there is no ray of hope.

But one day you will rise again. Get back on your feet from the dust and the pain. Your life would becomes so fast that you would forget to look back and see where you have come from. Forgetting all the pain and suffering yet again. But that's just a hope.

Take a moment from your life to reflect back on yourself and cherish the hardships taken. Because they all made you what you are. And that's just life and you never stop living no matter what.

25 Amazing Facts

2011-07-11T03:03:00.000+05:30

What is called a "French kiss" in the English speaking world is known as an "English kiss" in France.
"Almost" is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order.
"Rhythm" is the longest English word without a vowel.
Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.
You can't kill yourself by holding your breath.
It's against the law to have a pet dog in Iceland!
Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day!
Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people.
The elephant is the only mammal that can't jump!
Most dust particles in your house are made from our dead skin!
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Honey is the only food that does not spoil. Honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs has been tasted by archaeologists and found edible.
Coca-Cola would be green if colouring weren’t added to it.
The placement of a donkey's eyes in its' heads enables it to see all four feet at all times!
Earth is the only planet not named after a God.
It's against the law to burp, or sneeze in a church in Nebraska, USA.
Some worms will eat themselves if they can't find any food!
Dolphins sleep with one eye open!
It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds.
Queen Elizabeth I regarded herself as a paragon of cleanliness. She declared that she bathed once every three months, whether she needed it or not
Owls are the only birds who can see the colour blue.
A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue!
The average person laughs 10 times a day!
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

The Incredible Machine

2011-07-02T23:53:00.000+05:30

By the laws of Darwin all species in the universe are here for only one purpose, survive. But there is an exception, the Humans. We want more from our lives than to simply survive but we are built to thrive. And all this is possible only because of our body, the incredible machine. Here are some amazing facts about it.

It all begins when with the start of a new life. The fetus as we know it, by week 8 has all the organs needed and by week 12 it can punch and kick. In week 14 can suck its thumb and by week 24 it can hear and by week 32 it responds to music and voices. A child has grown by almost 5000 times since it began and is always born with a blue eye. And every year we add more than 140 million humans to our population. But we are born with 300 bones and end up with only 206.

Every system in our body is complex but there is one preceding over everything we do. The brain is the most sophisticated command centers in the world. It not only guiding, guarding and giving orders but also defining what we really are. There are more than 100 billion neurons in our brain and sends millions of electric signals every minute at the rate of 200 miles/hour. And mind it every brain is different in shape than the other. A male's brain has more volume, but a female's brain have more surface area. And most of the times a left hander's brain is slightly larger than a righty. One of the ways in which we can change the physical activities of how the brain functions is through meditation. We can manipulate with phobias, pains, mental illnesses and addiction but almost 90% of the diseases are because of stress. The brain is only 2% of the body weight but exhausts 20% of the oxygen. And if the brain is without Oxygen for even 10 seconds we will loose consciousness.

The taste buds are replenished every 10 days and by the age of 60 half of the buds are dead. Every tongue has a print. And sneezing is the only process in which all human activity stops. The ear and nose are the only parts of the human body that grows throughout our lives. And humans are the only species that produces emotional tears. The thigh bone is stronger than concrete. Our height get elongated by a centimeter when we sleep and reduced in the morning after we wake up.

Even while we sleep our bodies are always breathing, always working, always beating and always ready to being a new day.

Watch National Geographic Channel's : Incredible Human Machine to know more.

Reflection

2011-06-24T06:06:00.001+05:30

(Port of Liverpool Building on the new Liverpool Museum Building)

'Everyone and everything that shows up in our life is a reflection of something that is happening inside of us.' - Alan Cohen

'The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.' - Thomas Merton

Virtual Water

2011-06-18T04:45:00.002+05:30

Watched a documentary which talked about the effects of Globalization. Exports and imports of commodities especially food items has created fugitive environment. Like the recent breakdown of E.Coli in Cucumbers.

The bigger issue debated is the falling levels of ground and surface water due to the increasing demands of consumers world-wide. Take for example a country like India, which caters to demands for various customers all over the globe. In other words, we are supplying food items and with that the water used to grow them. 1 kg of wheat requires almost 1300 liters of water which is equivalent to drinking water of a dozen people for almost 2 weeks. Cultivating rice is almost thrice expensive. We are supplying virtual water in the form of food items to a worldwide population. So, what about our own people? Are they not entitled for safe and clean water? Is the depleting ground and surface water levels not enough to open our eyes? Are we really living in a global village where the problem of other countries really ours? How do we answer these questions?

It's not a question only about India, but for ever other country. What about countries that have few water resources? The changing climatic conditions. The erratic rainfalls. Are we prepared for the future.

York, UK

2011-06-11T20:29:00.000+05:30

Discover your Web

2011-06-11T03:12:00.001+05:30

It's easy to get bored quickly if we keep doing the same thing again and again. Like chatting, social networking, emailing, etc etc. The Internet is getting boring and the results of search engines are limited. But, indeed the Internet is rich in resources and information. One tool that has been there in the market for a while is 'Stumble Upon', a free toolbar for browsers. It helps you find interesting websites based on your interest.

Download it from http://www.stumbleupon.com/ and discover a whole new dimension of searching interesting websites. With 'Stumble Upon' you will never get bored of the vast information made available with a single click. From making speakers from day today stationery to cleaning effects of baking soda and making new mock-tails and to the ends of the universe. 'Stumble Upon' leaves nothing untouched.

Limitless

2011-04-02T03:39:00.000+05:30

No, no this is not the review about the latest hollywood buzz but on the other hand it something we never care to think over. How limitless we are and everything around us has endless possibilities.

Right from the mathematical theories to the end of this universe everything we see, or can do is virtually limitless. The only limitation is our imagination. The race of evolution is always running. We just get better and better than before. We were better than our ancestors not interms of social and culture phenomenons but with our imagination and the things we can do.

What would have happened to our world if Newton's Gravitational force was the end. What would have happened if we have not gazed into the sky. I dont know what would have happened but on the other hand I know it would have been boring without doing something new every second.

Can we count how big the universe is, we would run out of zeros. Have we known every creature alive, we may run out of our lifespan.

Just think about it.

“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.”

What would Kate miss?

2011-03-22T22:48:00.001+05:30

Just a month more and you will witness the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Though a lot of fuss has already been created on it. But read an article which gives a completely new dimension to it. Look what Kate would miss once she is married in the Royal Family.

1. Be referred to as 'Kate'

When Kate Middleton joins the House of Windsor this year, her official title will become ‘Her Royal Highness the Princess William of Wales’.

She can be addressed as 'Catherine' or 'Ma'am' (pronounced like 'ham'). But 'Kate' isn't going to cut it anymore by Royal standards.

2. Vote

Technically, the Queen and other members of her family are allowed to vote, but they do not do so because in practice it would be considered unconstitutional and not in accordance with the need for neutrality.

This is in keeping with the Royal Family's public role, which is based on identifying with every section of society, including minorities and special interest groups.

3. Run for political office

For the reasons stated above, this is also a no no.

4. Escape the scrutiny

As arguably Britain's most dysfunctional family, the Monarchy provides the British public with a generous source of voyeuristic entertainment, and an opportunity for heartless slander.

Having already been under the media spotlight for the best part of nine years, Kate has copped her fair share of criticism from the media over the most mundane and insignificant of things.

She's a commoner. She's an outrageous social climber. She's not outgoing enough. Her mum is an air hostess who uses the word 'toilet'.

The public watchdog will be onto Kate 24/7, so when she slips on that tiara come 29 April she will damn well have to make sure it’s a pretty one. But not too pretty. That would be exhibitionist.

This scrutiny will grow existentially and extend to all aspects of her life. Did you know the Middleton family can only trace their roots back to the mid 1500s? So what were they up to in 1483 then? They must be hiding something.

5. Play Monopoly

In 2008, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, said that the Royal Family was not allowed to play Monopoly at home "because it gets too vicious". No member of the family has yet revealed what they play in its place during the Christmas holidays.

6. Say or do anything controversial

This includes accepting large amounts of money from 'businessmen' for access to your husband and getting your toes sucked in public by your financial adviser. You know who you are, Fergs.

But it also encompasses Kate's expression of her preferred political position, social position, sexual position – basically anything within the realms of personality.

So far she has succeeded seamlessly in this, not putting a foot wrong in any situation. Granted though, the world has only heard her speak once after her and William's engagement and that was a heavily rehearsed affair.

7. Eat shellfish

British Royals are apparently never served shellfish, because of a fear of food poisoning. So if Kate can't live without crustaceans, she will have to seek them out in her own time.

8. Work

It is well known that Royals and careers don't mix well. As proven when Prince Charles' plan to work part time in a factory failed and Countess Sophie Wessex was forced to abandon her PR firm.

In Kate's case though, the whole unemployment scenario shouldn't be too difficult to handle. At 29 years of age she is the oldest spinster ever to marry a future king, and though she has a History of Art degree and years of life experience, Kate has spurned work wherever possible.

This is unless you count seven months as a casual accessories buyer for clothing chain Jigsaw and a short time working for the family company, Party Pieces.

Pinned by some as the unemployed woman marrying into a welfare family, we're reckoning the guys at Buckingham will keep her busy by sending her to lots of boat launches and pancake flipping gigs.

9. Sign anything unofficial

As a potential future counsellor of state if William becomes king, Kate might at some stage have to sign government papers and brings legislation into force in her husband's place.

People in this position are strictly not supposed to sign anything that could lead to their signature being copied and forged.

Last year Prince Harry was in hot water when he flouted this rule by signing the plaster cast of a girl who had fractured her arm, a media report said.

The 17-year-old from Leicestershire was so excited she said her cast would be "going in a glass box", which the Queen might not have been too happy about.

10. Finish her dinner

If she is a slower eater than her grandmother-in-law, Kate could go hungry. In Britain, when the Queen stops eating, you stop as well, fork in hand.

This article was published on Yahoo.

Stream and Rock

2011-03-07T02:06:00.000+05:30

“In the confrontation between the stream and the rock,

the stream always wins.

Not through strength, but through persistence.”

The Blue Sky

2011-02-20T22:50:00.001+05:30

“Somewhere over the rainbow,

skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream

really do come true”

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,

if the simplest things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice,

for your soul is alive.”

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T19:53:00.000+05:30

“A life without love

is
like a year without summer.”

The Indian Economy - Facts and Figures

2011-02-06T00:15:00.001+05:30

Here are some interesting facts and figures about the Indian Economy as of 2010 :-

The 11th largest economy in terms of GDP of $1.43 trillion.
4th largest economy as of PPP of $4 trillion.
Inflation rate - 8.43% as of December, 2010.
Population still below poverty line - 37%.
Workforce labor of approximately 500 million people, the 2nd largest.
Unemployment - 9.4%.
Exports of $210 billion last year, 17th largest.
Imports of $327 billion last year, 11th largest.
External debts of $237 billion.
Foreign reserves of $300 billion.
Ease of doing Business Rank - 134.
Agricultural farm output 2nd largest in the world and employs 52% of the total workforce.
The largest producer of milk, pulses and Jute.
2nd largest cattle population.
2nd largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, silk, groundnuts and fresh fruits and vegetables.
People without electricity - 600 million.
700 million people use mobile phones, 2nd largest.
3rd largest road network in the world.
But, 65% of the workforce earns less than `20/ day.

By 2035 India will be the third largest economy just behind US and China.

The Black Indian Money

2011-02-04T05:30:00.000+05:30

Recently read an article which says that India tops the list for black money in the entire world, with an estimate of `65,000 billion held in Swiss Bank. What even more interesting is the fact that India has more black money than the world combined. The reports suggests that almost 5% of our GDP is lost as black money sent to other banks globally every year. And this money is increasing at an alarming rate.

So is the Government actually doing anything to stop this and bring back the black money? Well to answer this is as harder as to create peace in Gaza. Then are we really taking a big leap in Global economy? The growing economy is a perception created by global banks and politicians or something we are actually achieving. If so much money is wasted as black money then how are we making progress? Corruption is another major issue known to make us famous all over the world again.

Well no one knows answers to these questions. It would be interesting to see how it shapes in the future.

The world of Loner's

2011-02-03T05:17:00.001+05:30

The Internet, the place for ultimate virtuality is making our life lonelier than ever. The rising trends of internet users can have serious implications on health. Studies shows that people spend more time on internet than actually doing the same work by being physically present. Like talking to friends and family on online chat-rooms rather than talking face to face. There is no doubt that across everything internet has cut boundaries. There is no line of control. There is no master. There is no servant. Nor there is distance. But it does threat us with some serious consequences.

It threat us by widening the Digital Gap, by invading our homes in the form of work and the consequences are obesity in children and stooped back. While sociocultural impacts cannot even be measured. These impacts would shape up in the years to come as Internet is practically new.

The access to internet should be restricted to bare minimum at home. Work should be left in office and social interactions between families should be increased. Internet access to kids should be monitored and talked if things go beyond control.

The best from Oxford Museum

2010-12-31T16:54:00.000+05:30

The University of Oxford's exclusive Museum, here are some the best pictures.

A Walk through London

2010-12-28T16:26:00.000+05:30

On of the greatest cities for tourist attraction, London. I took a walk through the heart of the city and found out why people come here again and again.

London Eye

Westminister and The famous Big Ben

Westminister Abbey

No one needs an explanation of this.

Downing Street

The women of WWII

Trafalgar Square

Piccadilly Circus

Regent Street

Oxford Street/Bond Street

Maddame Tussads

Shopping in Manchester, UK

2010-12-02T05:31:00.001+05:30

Its been 2 months in UK and i dont even feel like I am in a 'phoreign' country. Until, today because it didnt snow till last week and I didnt go for shopping. Shopping in Manchester is a shopper's delight especially with the Christmas Market.

Enjoy! Finally I am getting in the groove of enjoying this nation!

We

2010-11-04T01:01:00.004+05:30

We love changes.

We do multi-tasking.

We respect all nationality and disability.

We give diversity to the society.

We are open to more changes than the old people.

We love to say 'just bring it on' with every challenge.

We get bored very fast.

if someone gives us a lecture We go in a comma.

We know how to balance our work and home.

We are generation 'Y'.

We are straight-forward.

We love to explore new avenues.

We want to be part of every country, city , region and religion.

What We need is simple? success.

else We will do something else.

'show us', dont tell us.

We become citizens of the world with the internet.

We worship innovation.

We are fun.

We live in a global village.

Let's make a difference.

Because 'We' are the 'Knowledge Workers' of 21st Century.

Most Powerful Invention of all times

2010-11-03T03:36:00.001+05:30

If you think the TV has been the most powerful inventions of all time you might be wrong. Its not even the Radio or the Nuclear Bomb. Its not even Electricity or the telephone.

Its been just 60 years into its existence.

The Banks would close down without it.
We wont be able to fly without it.
There would be no Weather forecast's.
Defense systems have to be closed.
One part of Human life that we now consider as 'Social' would be ceased.

I am talking about the Personal Computers. Yes, way back in 1940's Thomas J. Watson, the CEO at IBM said "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers". He failed to predict the future. IBM lost the battle as they were so damn pessimistic about it.

The world market of Computers is in millions or may be I am wrong, it might even be in Billions. PC's have been an inseparable part of our lives. They would continue to dominate. Where would technology take us is unknown. But at same time no technology have ever been perfect. Think about it.

UK Files : Mid-Night feeling

2010-11-03T03:13:00.001+05:30

I just want to write, I have no clue about what. Will it be my current 'speed of light' kinda life, or subjects that I have been finding interesting. Well to tell you the true, there is no set agenda for tonight.

Oh yes by 'tonight' let me tell you an interesting bit. Its 5pm now and it already seems like mid-night. The weather has suddenly changed and India got 1 more hour far from me. I am talking about day-light saving.
The weather is cold, rainy and dark. And above all its damn windy. And of course then there is silence. I wonder why cant people make noise here. Come on its festivals time and I am sitting on my laptop finding ways to entertain myself.

Place to visit before You die : The Lake District, UK

2010-10-12T00:25:00.000+05:30

One of the most beautiful place in England, The Lake District National Park is situated in the North-West corner of the country.

UK Files: Day One

2010-10-03T12:11:00.001+05:30

It would be the first time when I have come to a foreign country. But my experience has been great on the very beginning. The journey was tiringly long, almost 20 hours. Flights after flights after flights(yes, I changed 3). Its Britain, one of the most developed nations. And I have no doubt about it. What really amazed me is that everything is so well planned.

The other thing I love about this country is its weather. Cold or may be better than just being cool with a very strong breeze that blows all the time. You would be amazed to see almost no pollution , which is the reason the air is so damn fresh!

Well I am really excited to see how things would shape up in the future. Till then keep on reading and find more interesting events in the 'The Great Big, little Country'.

Note: Have posted few pictures on Facebook, check it out. Will publish more soon!

Place to visit before You die : Salasar Balaji Dham

2010-09-10T23:59:00.001+05:30

To tell you that I am atheist would be completly untrue. In fact there are few places where I feel spiritual. One of those places is Salasar Balaji Dham around 2 hours drive from Jaipur. Its been one of my favourite places where I feel sacred. The temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman and I recently visited it again. Read Wikipedia for its history.

Dont miss the Aarti, while happens twice daily. The beats, the drums, the gathering are simply divine and the holy fire still burns from decades.

A place where you can forget the whole world and clap with every beat of your heart.

Simply Divine

The Internet is making us 'Stupid'

2010-08-31T14:39:00.000+05:30

It’s official now, the Internet is making us stupid. Internet has just been there for around 20 years , life without it is hard to imagine. It has given us instant access to vast information, even staying in-touch with friends and family has become easier.

According to a report published in The Telegraph, it says that,

‘A growing body of scientific evidence suggests that the net, with its constant distractions and interruptions, is turning us into scattered and superficial thinkers.

People who read text studded with links, the studies show, comprehend less than those who read words printed on pages.

People who watch busy multimedia presentations remember less than those who take in information in a more sedate and focused manner.

People who are continually distracted by emails, updates and other messages understand less than those who are able to concentrate. And people who juggle many tasks are often less creative and less productive than those who do one thing at a time.

In one experiment at a US university, half a class of students was allowed to use internet-connected laptops during a lecture, while the other had to keep their computers shut. Those who browsed the web performed much worse on a subsequent test of how well they retained the lecture’s content. Earlier experiments revealed that as the number of links in an online document goes up, reading comprehension falls, and as more types of information are placed on a screen, we remember less of what we see.

Dazzled by the net’s treasures, we have been blind to the damage we may be doing to our intellectual lives and even our culture.’

Why, I cried?

2010-08-25T11:16:00.002+05:30

I cried!

I CRIED!

Yes, I Cried!

This was the 3rd day. I thought everything would be fine but this was rare.

It must be the first time when something like this happened. The world seemed to come to an end. Nothing seemed right. No one seemed perfect. I just lost my appetite for food.

Some thing went really wrong.

It wasnt that someone broke my heart or put chill in my eyes. I was just suffering from commom 'Cold'.

It happens only in India

2010-07-19T12:16:00.003+05:30

Venue : Hazra Road
Time : 3.00pm

I was returning from Sony's Service Center. A policeman tried to stop me in the middle of the road. Upon enquiring, he said "Need to check your Bike Papers".

Whenever I go out I always keep my papers like Driving License, Insurance and Smart Card with me. The policeman took me to his 'Sahib'. He asked me for my papers and I showed all of them. To my surprise there was no 'Pollution Check' paper with me. The other policeman asked me for 'Pollution Check' paper. He told me that if I don’t have it, I will be given a Big 'Case'. I panicked. I called up my cousin to check why the Pollution Check paper was missing.

My cousin told me that since it’s a new Hero Honda Bike, there is no Pollution Check paper for 3 years. He even read out the clause from the Bike Book.

I argued with these policemen that I don’t have it since the bike is new. The other policemen said the 'Case' would be bigger now may be something around Rs. 2000. I sweated. I thought my cousin might me wrong. I continued arguing, when the 'Sahib' told me that after 6 months from purchase all the bikes need Pollution Check paper. I had no other option then to believe him as he obviously knows more about traffic rules.

I took the other policeman by the side of the road and gave him Rs.100. At first he threatened me to give a big 'Case'. But gradually accepted it after talking to his 'Sahib'. To my suprise they didnt have any Case filling book.

I came back home and instantly read the Bike Book which clearly said that the Bike does not need Pollution Check paper for 3 years. I cursed the policemen. Didn’t know they just make up stories to extract money. I had no other option then to bribing the policemen because they would have got me in someother case anyway. Who want to go to the Court for such petty excuses?

I swear never to bribe anyone again especially Policeman even if I have to go to the Court!

Dreams

2010-07-14T10:17:00.002+05:30

Do you know that I come into people’s dreams, yes it do. This is what happened recently.

I was talking to a friend of mine on Gtalk. He told me that he dreamt about me. When I asked what the dream was. He told me that he saw me returning back to Bangalore and we somehow bumped into each other at a mall.

That might just be normal as this may happen in the future, but hear this one.

One of my very close friend called me up on a sunny morning. I was astonished as he never calls in morning. He told me, that I came into his dream early morning. I was stunned. Ok, do you know what he dreamt?

That I am marrying his best friend.

That was really very funny and told him that this dream will never come true.

And few days later I heard that she got engaged. But, not with me.

I am Back!

2010-07-12T16:52:00.001+05:30

Ok I am writing after a while. Things have been up and down. Sometimes even left and right. I tasted few unexpected events and had to take some serious decisions. Will tell all of you and write more on them, but, later. For people who missed me, I know few did, thanks for your faith in me. Sometimes you need to stay underground.

How have been things with you? Hope everything have been great.

I guess I am not doing anything in my life and that’s the reason why nothing new is happening. Does it ever happen with you? When suddenly life became dull and lifeless? As if someone very important left you and made a hole in your heart. No I am not talking about falling in Love and breaking your heart. When you don’t get topics to blog on?

By the way, I did miss everyone’s blog.

The TEA Shampoo

2010-03-08T19:25:00.000+05:30

My Dad and cousin were arguing in the morning.

I heard my cousin saying, 'Your shampoo says that you should add 2 tablespoons of 'TEA' in the shampoo. I guess only then it would be more effective.'

Dad, 'I have been using this shampoo for 35 years and never faced any issues. What is the TEA for?'

Me, 'Is the TEA supposed to act like mehndi?'
Cousin, 'The TEA will act like a scrub,I guess. Its written clearly.'

The shampoo was bought in.

It read, 'Mix two or more tea

spoons of shampoo in

half a cup of water'.

My cousin has just read the 1st line and argued. We all start off our day with a bucket of laughter.

Moral : Read complete instructions before coming to any conclusion.

The Misleading Thermometer

2010-03-03T15:14:00.000+05:30

Few days back I was feeling feverish. So upon checking the medical box at my home I couldnt find the thermometer. I told the servent to bring a new thermometer from the near-by medical store.

I checked my temperature. It read '104'. I panicked. I checked again, this time it showed '103.5'. Well i didnt know that I was so badly hit by fever. So i called up my brother and started yelling at him. 'I have 104 temperature please come home immediately. You people dont care about me. Come home immediately'. The panick continued and I was so looking forward to be pampered.

I was wondering why is everyone not around me even when my temperature is so high. I was sad and made up my mind not to talk with anyone for the rest of my life.

After a long period of desperation my brother arrived. His hands where cold and when he touched me i jerked as if i have been kept on a slab of ice. He told me that i dont look so bad. I asked him to check the temperature again, but this time on himself.

He fell on the bed and told me 'Please take me to the hospital. I have swine flu. My temperture is 107.'

We both laughed and all the feverish feelings vanished in an instant.

Happy Holi

2010-03-01T15:13:00.000+05:30

Happy Holi to You.

I finally played holi at home after a gap of 6 years. Holi in Kolkata is very different and colourful. Though I play with only red/pink , the colours when applied to bodies showed all the shades of rainbow. Even after washing the colour for an hour I still look like an ape. I am so desperate to show you the pictures but sorry, I dont want you to think of me in a different way.

Hope this festival washes away all your sorrows and leave behind what its known for, 'Colourful' life.

After all friends are here for....

2010-02-24T12:11:00.001+05:30

Four of my friends planned to see me at the station. They had to wake up early on a Sunday morning, though its a pain in the a$$. I reached the station at 10am and called them up. They would arrive any minute.

One of my friends 'Goga' calls me up to take the details of my seat and platform number.

Goga 'Where are you?'

Me 'I am at platform number 6, infront of the coach B2'.

Goga 'We are at platform 6, but cannot find you'.

Me 'Come on, I am standing infront of my coach, where are you?'

Goga 'I can only see Mysore city express on platform 6'.

Me 'I am going by Duranto express'.

Goga 'There is no Duranto express here yaar'.

Me 'I guess your too far. Come in the middle of the platform.I am near the fruit and juice stall'.

Goga 'There is no Duranto express'.

Me 'Where are you yaar?'

Goga 'Bangalore City Station'.

Me 'My train departs from Yeswantpur station'.

(followed by lots of unholy arguments)

[Note: Thankz Goga, Chacha and Vanky for all the pain you took to wake up, I know it was impossible]

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T16:03:00.001+05:30

Someone worth having

something worth waiting for.

The Mobile Saga

2010-02-14T15:05:00.000+05:30

The world of mobiles has come into a new dimension in India with the introduction of various mobile companies in the market. Think beyond the usual Nokia, Sony Erricsion saga. Many companies have introduced newer handsets with the latest technologies and very very competitive prices. Some handsets have really good reviews. Bluetooth, Camera, Dual Sim, Querty Keyboard,superb sound quality are some of the common features. Check out the new handsets from :-

1. MicroMax

2. AirFone

3. Videocon (on the higher side)

4. Karbonn

5. MagiCon

6. Movil

7. Onida (on the higher side)

If your the kind of person who is tech-savvy and needs new handset every few months , I guess these just suits your needs. :)

Re-Kindle

2010-02-13T17:07:00.004+05:30

Amazon.com has come up with its newest product called the Amazon Kindle , the slim notebook to read ebooks and newspapers. Though it is only black and white, the technology present is eInk. It is very handy and energy efficient. It was launched recently, but may be a little costly for the readers in Asia. It has been launched in the market keeping in mind that it would re-kindle our reading habits in bed.

What do you say?

Jago Grahak Jago

2010-02-08T17:08:00.000+05:30

Recently my chocolate obsession was smashed. I found bits of plastic particles in Nutties (ya our very own adorable chocolate with nuts). I complained about it to the Cadbury authorities. They send an executive at home to take down my complain.

The guy, lets call him Mr. S arrived on a Monday morning. Took down my complain. He wanted me to hand over the Nutties chocolate packet to him so that he can take it to lab and test it. I gave him the whole packet. I wasn’t worried about what the plastic particles would be doing in my stomach, but worried about the children who hurriedly eat them without knowing its ill-effects.

Mr. S finally handed over a large Cadbury Celebrations Pack to me with an extra Nutties packet. And told me 'Welcome to Cadbury Family'.

Guess what? I took out some Nutties and kept it in the pocket while he was writing my complain (*Wink*). If they don’t come up with results soon, I have to take them to an independent lab myself and then to the Consumer Court.

Hail Yeah !! Indian are so reluctant to complain if any product is found tampered or has illicit particles. Please complain to the respective companies and if you don’t hear from them its always optionally to file a Consumer Right case. The quality of any product should be tested thoroughly before launching them in market. Each consumer is protected under the Consumer Protection Act. Jago Grahak Jago.

After all its a matter of not only your health but thousands others.

Please go through the following links for more information:-
http://fcamin.nic.in/Events/EventListing.asp?Section=Consumer%20Information&ID_PK=16&ParentID=0
http://consumereducation.in/consumer_protection_act.htm

Missed a Chance

2010-02-05T16:15:00.000+05:30

Scene 1

Me driving my bike, slowing down near the big crossing because of the red signal ahead, constantly trumping to get a side but someone ahead of me isn't even listening to it and is in the middle of the road. I again put on my horns, 'she' turns back. Says a big 'Hi' . Looking at me she realizes that I dint know her nor does she. She really looks pissed off. May be her mind stopped working while I was honking.

[In the meantime, she enters a volvo bus(which is completely insulated with glasses)]

Scene 2

After the signal turns Green. I overtake her bus. Look at her and smile. She smiles back.

Moral of the Story

I missed a chance.

Karthik Calling Karthik

2010-02-02T20:56:00.000+05:30

Me and few of my friends (precisely 3) where sitting in Cafe Coffee Day in our office and looking at the TV. Suddenly the song 'Uff Teri Ada' from Karthik Calling Karthik came by.

We were discussion on the story, when one of my friend said "Is Deepika's name also Karthik in this movie?" . We had a gala time laughing.

[Note :- Thankz ~~guyz~~, I know you will read this. Thank you for everything. My experience was great with you all. Wish you the very best for your future.]

An amusing SMS

2010-02-01T14:08:00.000+05:30

After a period of some 7 years I got in touch with an old school friend in Kolkata (gracias a Facebook). He just completed his CA and we were on 'sms-chat' for the 1st time. After our usual hows and whys, he was doing some tax calculations in his office and messaged me :-

“Listen dude… I have some work to complete… will message you in sometime”.

I replied back , “Aha. I don’t want you to put extra zeroes anyways. I am free all day long, that’s what I get paid for. Bye”.

I read it again and loved myself.

A lovely quote :- Never tell anyone that you're writing a book, going on a diet, exercising, taking a course, or quitting smoking. They'll encourage you to death.
- Lynn Johnston

Life's so strange....

2010-01-29T19:06:00.000+05:30

Life is so strange. Sometimes you imagine it, to be so lonely. Sometimes you feel its crowded. Even if its crowded, people around you dont matter and the people who matter are not around. So in a way, your lonely again.

Why is life so strange?
Why does it always happen?
Why cant we figure it out?
Why doesnt any plan works as we want it to be?

How do we get the answers of all these questions? Who will answer me?

Virtual Suicide

2010-01-22T19:00:00.001+05:30

I am feeling very sleepy today(woke up at 6[in the freezing cold]. You know why. **Wink**). So, I am gonna make it simple and ofcourse short.

Who wants to die? Raise your hands. Come on.

Ok. Here's the drill. A website called Web 2.0 Suicide Machine kills your online presence in Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and MySpace. More than 1400 people had already choosen their faith. All you have to do is give in your login details and hit 'Commit' and you would vanish from that social networking site forever. What leaves behind is a profile with 'No data' at all and a testinomy message like "Goodbye, Cruel World" or "Thank you, microblogging. You are, in fact, totally useless".

Its the best way to disappear in this socially-clogged-vitual-world.

Just R.I.P

Whats keeping you so Busy ?

2010-01-21T19:09:00.000+05:30

Yoga, the ancient Indian techniques to keep oneself healthy is keeping me busy these days. I have been watching Baba RamdevJi for few days for yoga asanas. I dont know if it is working because I am still a beginner and its not been long to capture those details.

According to Babaji everyone should follow these :-

No Pizza.
No Burgers.
Avoid any stuff made of Maida.
No breads.
No to Tea or coffee. (I never have them anyways)
No Soft drinks.
Drink water after 1 hour of lunch and dinner.
Have milk twice daily.
First thing in the morning : Glass of hot water with lemon and honey.
Yoga asanas for 15mins to 1 hour every day (join a yoga class, else there are plenty of websites to teach you the basic asanas).
Minimal use of oil and spices in our food.
Minimal use of preserved foods and maximum use of Desi fresh food items.

Made up my mind to strictly follow his instructions with grace. I have full faith in the power of Yoga. It has healed millions and is even patronized by the West (whom we always try to follow).

Our childrens are suffering from various diseases like asthama, eye problem at a very early age, all they need is fastfoods. Parents should keep their diets healthy and balanced, and restict the consumtion of fast food items to 1-2 times in a month. We should not choose taste over health.

Even if you are not suffering from any diseases its better that you start practicing Yoga and follow a strict diet. Because our foods are stale, we eat vegetables filled with pesticides, we breate pollutate air, we even started eating Genetically modifies plants. The world is going chaotic.

Whats keeping you so busy, find couple of minutes to practice Yoga everyday for a healthier life.

How would I survive?

2010-01-20T16:54:00.000+05:30

In the last few days, I was wondering how would I survive the increasing prices of daily-use commodities. Being an IT engineer and getting a constant increment of 10-15% a year(being very optimistic) how long would it take me to start saving. Lets run a quick comparision :-

The prices of sugar has increased more than 4 folds in the last decade. Thats around 450% to be exact.

If my salary 10 years back was Rs.100 it would be Rs.404 today. Or an increment of 404%, with 15% constant increment rate year on year. Ok, its very hard to get increment every year (by the kind of work I do!! Khe khe ) and also 15% is like too much (if recessions dont come quite often).

Also, sugar may be a little inflated commodity. So the pros and cons actually fits in well. There are other commodities also, which has inflated even more.

By the kind of govenment policies around us, I really doubt my future. Inflation is no longer in the hands of the government only, because we rely so much on imports. Controlling it one time is not the solution but to make such policies that would survive for years. Switching to other companies, is always an option but then you tend to loose the trust and it may sometimes be fatal.

I am still wondering what to do. Any ideas?

The Case of the Curious Spoon

2010-01-17T15:06:00.001+05:30

Everytime I tried to eat something with a spoon , the spoon ended up to be weird. Yes I am talking about the spoon. Wether its lunch or snacks. No,I dint take them intentionally. Dont believe me, look at these pics :-

Thats an Rava Onion Dosa

My lunch which consists of Rice,rice,rice (cant help it)

Are these trying to give a Signs? Will there be another alien attack?

The obsession of doing something 'New'

2010-01-15T18:14:00.001+05:30

Do you want something new in your life?
Are you bored of your daily activities?
Do you think your life has become monotonous?
Do you believe that life has much more to offer than what you are currently getting out of it?

If the answer to each of these questions were 'Yes', then it’s the right time to ponder.

We believe that we can do many things. We make up our minds to do it. But hesitate to take actions on them. We miss out and eventually forget.

Sometimes we just sit and wonder that life would change automatically. But it will never be so, until we plan it out. Until we take a due course of action in our hands.

Never think that life is balanced, its freaking in nature. And it will never come to a standstill.

So, if tomorrow is not good it’s all our fault, because we missed those opportunities’ to rise. Stand up and work on your strengths and do something no one has ever done. It doesn’t matter if it’s big or small. The end is the key. And it will give you so much pleasure that you would have never-ever imagined.

Indian Education Scrapper

2010-01-12T20:18:00.000+05:30

I was happy when people used to call me 'Geek'. Wiki's definition "a peculiar or otherwise odd person, especially one who is perceived to be overly obsessed with one or more things including those of intellectuality, electronics, etc" and my obsession was Computers. From the first 286 processor to the latest Core duo processor i have seen all the generations of its brain. My family saw me and stamped me as a future engineer in the making (same way as Farhan in '3 idiots'). I just loved breaking into the circuits of any device like chokes, heaters, music player, CPU's, even my piano. In no time those magnificent machines were reduced to scrap. I stopped when I once got a shock from my expedition into the TV. It just blasted off leaving me black for a minute.

So I joined an engineering college, thinking that I would again continue with my experiments. But passed out without doing a single trail on my beloved. Isn’t that strange? I mean yes they won’t give a expensive processor to break and junked. But still. Indian Education system really needs to change. Don’t you think we should be more practical based then to read data that are no longer significant. What do you say?

Its more than....a Love Story : Part 6

2010-01-11T19:28:00.002+05:30

Part 1 : The Beginning
Part 2 : The Proposal
Part 3 : The First Meeting
Part 4 : It’s more than Love
Part 5 : Is Love everything?

The End

There is always an ending to a beginning. A seed blooms into a plant , withers down after bearing fruits and flowers and eventually dies but leaves its enriched fossil behind. No matter what Tarun and Aarti tried they grew apart. Fights became aggressive and egoistic. They started feeling that living away from each other would only solve their problems. They talked for the last time, not to make peace but to break-up mutually. Yes that was the end of this strange love story.

But wait why am I telling you this in the 1st paragraph? To tell you that love is beautiful when it is unconditional. Conditional love seldom lasts. True love cannot be spoken or written. Tarun and Aarti promised to take these learning’s ahead. They would not make this mistake again.

Love brings along a lot of complications. It should be resolved by talking. It should be resolved by appreciating the other’s feeling and emotions. No matter if things didn’t work out. No matter if you see failure in it. There will always be memories which cannot be erased. There will be memories which were sweet and painful. No one can forget them.

But some complications cannot be talked and resolved. They need to be accepted. And these realities are very hard to gulp.

So when Tarun and Aarti talked for the last time, it was indeed clear that their end has come. It was hard for these two souls, they never imagined it. But they had accepted the truth. It was indeed meant to happen. And they have accepted it.

(P.S :- This is a work of fiction and all characters are barely imagination.)

The 2nd Award Ceremony - Best Follower Award

2010-01-05T15:07:00.002+05:30

I want you to know that I cannot describe in words how much I appreciate you. Followers (just like the waves, one after the another, from a drop of water in a pond) are the best critics of your work. I am so happy that I have got an overwelming respone in these few months. I have learned so much from you. And there is so much more to gain.

Thats why I made up my mind to present this award to you. 'You' have been awarded with the 'Best Follower award' ,one of its kind and has never been seen before. Please accept it and pass it on. So here are the rules :-

1. Appreciate your followers on your blog.
2. Award them with the 'Best Follower Award'.
3. Award only the best and the most eligible followers.

Thank you once again and I hope you would grace my blog with your honest comments. May 'The Journey....' never end !

1st Tag Ceremony

2010-01-04T19:21:00.001+05:30

I have been tagged by Neha, and as per the rule goes I have to answer all these questions and tag more people. I know tagging is stupid, but i guess it helps to know the other person better. So here I go :-

1. What is your current obsession?

A. Getting my new work started ASAP.

2. What are you wearing today?
A. Black Trouser and white Shirt (I am in office guyz)

3. What’s for dinner?
A. Abhi abhi toh lunch kaar ke aya hu…will tell u later

4. What’s the last thing you bought?

A. Lemons (lol)

5. What are you listening to right now?
A. Alisha from Pyaar Impossible…love the song

6. What do you think about the person who tagged you?
A. Obsessed with…..nice gurl by the way…but she speaks her heart out.

7. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?

A. Ofcourse on the Him-a-la-yas

8.One thing you wanna change about yourself ?
A. Don’t get fired up soon….stay cool

9. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
A. New Zealand

10. Which language do you want to learn?
A. French…Spanish….

11. What’s your favourite quote?

A. "Life screws you right, when you think you have figured it out”.

12 .would u cook for me?
A. Ya is mein puchne ki baat kya hai….

13. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?
A. Block them..stay away from them….

14. What are you afraid of the most?
A. Hurting someone….and not knowing it.

15. Who do you want to meet right now?

A. Chetan Bhagat and console him on the current controversy

16. What is your favourite colour?
A. Black..blue..red

17. Give us 3 styling tips that work for you.
A. Styling….ladki samaj rakha hai kya…

18. What is your dream job?
A. Become an entrepreneur

19. What’s your favorite magazine?
A. MAG net, Open, …Digit

20. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
A. Make it 200 $

21. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
A. whats that…

22. Who according to you is the most over-rated writer?

A. Paulo Coelho

23. What brings a smile on your face instantly?

A. True love

24. A word that you say a lot?
A. Hmmm…lol….hehehehe…hahahaha….

25. What kind of haircut do you prefer?

A. I really want to change them….any ideas….

26. What are you going to do after this?
A. Read other blogs.…end my story

27. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?

A. Speak with my mom….eat chocolates

28. What makes you go wild?
A. Wild as in,,,…

29. What are your favourite movies?

A. School of rock….lotr….If only….Ps I love You….

30. What inspires you?
A. Clear thoughts

31. What do your friends call you most commonly?
A. Dasso….

32. Would you prefer coffee or tea?
A. I prefer shakes…

33. Which other blogs do you love visiting?
A. The list is never ending….I love them all

34. Favorite Dessert/Sweet?

A. Jalebis, brownie with vanilla icecream…

35. How many tabs are turned on in ur browser right now?
A. 5

36. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?

A. Changes are inevitable

37. Favorite Season?

A. winter

38.One wish that you really want to see it come true?
A. Do what I want to do…when I want to do….

39. What breaks your heart?
A. People taking me for guaranteed.

Rules for those who are tagged :-
1. Respond and rework – answer these questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own, and add one more question to the list.

2. Then tag eight or ten other new set of people.[Break the rules if you want but do Answer them all)]Note-Copy and paste karna hai yaar, delete mine and type in your answers and tag your friends to answer this, so simple.

And,the tags goes to…

Harshita
Sulagna
Chitz
Daman
Jyoti
Urvashi
Maggie
PNA
Manju

Happy tagging guyz...sorry...gurlz!!

Resolution Complaince Report

2010-01-02T01:51:00.001+05:30

The 1^st day of this year just passed by, does anyone remember that I made some resolutions for the New Year. Lets check what happen all day long :-

Woke up late because of last nights calls and message beeps.
No breakfast because there was nothing interesting.
Didn’t take bath till 1.
Lunch consisted of parathas with extra butter.
Broke my wallet's zip (on my wish-list, up for grabs).
Visited Hospital.
Had a heated argument with a friend.
Watched ‘Avatar’, wish I was on that amazing planet.
It was mid-night when the petrol got over and ofcourse no petrol-pumps till kilometers.

Did I hear something?

Anyways, does that mean this year is gonna screw up badly too. Lets see, I am ready for it. Come get some.

Its more than....a Love Story : Part 5

2009-12-31T00:39:00.003+05:30

Part 1 : The Beginning
Part 2 : The Proposal
Part 3 : The First Meeting
Part 4 : It’s more than Love

Is Love everything?

Can love survive on its own? Tarun and Aarti were deeply in love. Everyone around imagined them as soul mates and potential couples-for-life. Even they did. Sharing every detail, loving every moment, being together always, was their mantra. But life is not love. Life comprises of compromises. The list is never ending. Only the priorities are. And love alone cannot be bread and butter for life.

For Aarti love was not everything. The first thing that came to her mind was career, to be the best in her field. It wasn’t wrong. As she passed on to the 4th year, life became difficult for her to handle. She had enormous pressure from her college. Competition was cut throat. Loosing was never in her dictionary.

But then Love is not winning, it’s loosing, loosing your heart, loosing your consciousness, loosing oneself to another. On the other hand Tarun’s life was going well. He got into a decent job. He had plenty of time to spend. Their relationship followed a 1-2 hour strict deadline for talks. Tarun was not satisfied with this. Many times they talked but it was vain. He had bad temper, and that was growing the seeds of separation within him. Because for him there is no mean to a relationship, if the other partner is not present when he needs her.

Slowly their relationship started deteriorating. Fights become common. After some time, talking after months became a routine. Both were going through emotional turmoil but had no choice. They met many times to resolve their issues, but couldn’t. There was something wrong, but, it was impossible to figure it out with the growing distance.

Life is so beautiful when you’re in love. The same life becomes ugly when the person forgets to love the other. Life is so precious because you’re not alone. The same life is worthless if you have to walk alone. It wasn’t anyone’s fault it was both. It was meant to happen.

Watch out for the next part : The End

Note : This is probably the last post for 2009. This year has been special when it comes to blogging. I finally started it seriously. Thanks to Piyush who put me in a situation, to use his keyboard. And thanks you, without your true comments I wouldnt have the inspiration to write more. Thank you so much. I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year. May this year brings all the happiness you deserve. Till the next post , have a blast!

The New You

2009-12-28T21:03:00.000+05:30

New Year is just around the corner. Its time to make resolutions and create a new "ME". If resolutions dont work for you, its time to take oaths, pledges and all other forms. The mistakes made in the past year will be kept in mind and never be repeated. But the good experiences will be reiterated. There is something about resolutions, I just forget it after a week, because there is no one to remind me of it. So this time I will write it down on my wall and give you a chance to check if I follow them or not.

2010's resolutions :-

1. I would spend more time to find if my faith in God is real or not.
2. I would start exercising and take care of my health.
3. Reduce the junk food intake to 1-2 times a week and that includes pizza too.
4. Join an NGO for enviroment and climate(if they let me in) and save Earth.
5. Looking at my long term goals, start working on them (it has already taken off) (so,its check on this).
6. And settle down finally in life (I doubt it, but try karne mein kya jata hai).

Its time for you to make resolutions and stick to it. Happy New Year in advance. May the new year party never stop!!

Google

2009-12-26T22:20:00.004+05:30

This post is very unique. Do you know why....because someone finally recognize me. Look .... see...it yourself....

Yes Google, the giant, that too with 23,500 websites(ok, this may be a little exaggerated) featuring my name...I am going crazy...hipppy...dont know what will I do with myself...someone save MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

:)
:P
:-O

Blackadder comes alive....

2009-12-23T17:01:00.001+05:30

My theatre group "Tahatto" is back with the third show of the laughter riot everyone appreciated, "A Funny Thing Called War" at Kyra, Indiranagar, Bangalore on 27th december, 2009, 6:30pm onwards. If you are in town, do not miss the show!

'A Funny Thing called War' is based on the famous British sitcom Blackadder. Watch it come alive once again and have a fun filled evening.

Hoping to see you there. Join the celebrations. Check http://www.tahatto.com/ for details.

For tickets login to http://www.indianstage.in/

My Christmas Carol

2009-12-22T19:12:00.001+05:30

In less than 72 hours we gonna BANG! Its Christmas time fellows....time for eating the favourite plum cakes and enjoying the traditional christmas carol.

So I thought for a while, what if Santa is a internet freak. What if he is a avid visitor of my blog and listing down all the gift he has to give me. How can I not or forget to give him my christmas gifts list. Here we go :-

1. I love fruit cakes and plum cakes, plz get me some (2-3kgs would be enough).

2. Please get Hiro Nakamura along and transport me to Park Street. (Ok about Park Street,Kolkata filled with old church and magnificiant restaurants, its a heaven on Christmas day. The party couldnt get better anywhere than this place.)

3. I have been thinking of buying the Police waist watch. I know you can sneak that for me. :)

4. I need a big holiday please gift me tickets for New Zealand. I will bring your favourite donuts.

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope all your dreams come true. Have a great Holiday.

Decisions

2009-12-21T21:01:00.002+05:30

Life can be good if you start taking decisions. Imagine yourself as a life-less creature going with the wind, flowing with the river, dont know what your true identity is. Your just an average human being, with no control over yourself. No one likes to be ordinary. So ask yourself if how can you make a difference or be a difference? Start with decisions that have been pending for months. It may not be big, but may matter to you alot. Decision will free your mind and clear your future path. Dont wait for the right time, just make the time right.

"You must not let your life run in the ordinary way; do something that nobody else has done, something that will dazzle the world. Show that God's creative principle works in you".

Its more than....a Love Story : Part 4

2009-12-11T16:57:00.007+05:30

Part 1 : The Beginning
Part 2 : The Proposal
Part 3 : The First Meeting

It’s more than Love

When Love is in the air, we tend to forget the universe. The only one we see is our partner. Everything starts mattering to us. Even the falling of leaves seems wonderful. Even the chirping of birds is so soothing. Even the coldest of nights feels warm. Days passes in knowing the other, little by little. Trust grows mount by mount. Time goes in figuring your life and feeling it graced.

Love is not about getting what we want but it’s about letting the other breathe in your space. Love is about sharing our greatest fears. Tarun and Aarti where going through this phase of transition. Days passed by, months passed by, even years passed by. Despite the small fights sometimes over unimportant issues, everything else was smooth. Fights are important in a relationship according to him; they make us realize the importance of the other. Not only that, they also bring us closer. Imagine a day when we fight with our loved ones, everything feels disgusted. But it sooths us and makes us feel better when things get clearer and issues are dumped.

It’s important to pour your heart out when something important happens. Tarun and Aarti tried their best to talk about their daily life’s, the people who mattered etc. They seem so perfect for each other. Molding themselves with the other. They kept on meeting each other at the slightest opportunity and their bond kept hardening.

The other thing that mattered to Aarti was her college and the ongoing pressure to perform in the rat race. She had a tough time with her professors. She would discuss her situation with him. But he could seldom do anything. All she wanted was to be the best in her field and he would support in whatever ways he could.

In the mean while, Tarun met Aarti’s family and friends on one of his visits to Dehradun. They become his family and friends. Tarun and Aarti would spend hours on the when, whys, how’s, what’s of her family. At some point of the time his own family has not been so close to him as her. Living away from home made perfect sense.

Watch out for the next part : Is Love everything?

The Laws of Marriage

2009-12-09T16:42:00.005+05:30

Is arrange marriage equally wonderful as love marriage?

I have been wondering about the concept of arrange marriage. How is it working from centuries even when there is no connection between the individuals? Or is it love at first sight?

Indians run around searching for their soulmate. Biodata and photos are passed to all potential families. Families meet, and let the boy and girl talk and find if they are meant for each other or in many areas that too is not considered proper. Sometimes it is difficult to find in one meeting, so a series of meetings take place. Its really hard to find out if they have any connection no matter how many meeting they attend.Or am I being too mean.

But the numbers show that arrange marriages are far better than love ones. How is that possible? Is it that the patner loses interest and therefore doesnt want to complain? Is it the pressure from the families that let them unite or in other words dont let them seperate?

Or is it that in love marriages partner excise there free will and their egos are at stake, therefore they seperate? Or is it that the patner loses respect for the other?

Writers, bloggers, enviromentalist may have writen thousands of lines on this topic but none has ever been able to find the secret, then, how can I? Let this remain a secret and let the time come when I post the real situation.

Can you take a chance to crack this secret?

Its more than....a Love Story : Part 3

2009-12-04T04:12:00.002+05:30

Part 1 : The Beginning
Part 2 : The Proposal

The First Meeting

The feeling's Tarun and Aarti shared were sacred, to the purest form of love. They felt so much into each other even when they were thousands of kms apart. He cared about her alot, it was very hard to show her. He would pray for her health and safety. He would follow her routine so that she never misses her breakfast. He would wake her up so that she reaches her college on time. Love indeed had no boundaries. But, he never actually wanted anything from her. The very reason of his existence has been fulfilled the day she walked with his life.

Their college's started, all through the lecturers they would be busy - chatting. In the middle of the night they would give miss-calls to remind the other that he/she is being missed. Both became socially unreachable, they made no new friends or even talk to the existing ones. Friends would envy them.

It was the end of September and a strange feeling started growing up. They need to meet each other. Tarun made up his mind to visit Dehradun and stay at his long-gone maternal uncle's house. He told his plans to Aarti, she was blush with happiness. Her dream of meeting him would soon be fulfilled.

The day had arrived, the 4th of October. Both were nervous, the pulse exceeding 150. Tarun reached Dehradun. The door bell finally rang. They saw each other for the first time and hugged tightly. They fell in love again. He has never seen someone as beautiful as Aarti. Her skin was smoother than the fur of a polar bear. She smelled like jasmine and her perfume was intoxicating. They sat down on the bed with a outlook to talk about 'their' future. But as they started talking, both moved forward, it was mutual, and kissed on the lips. No word can ever describe how the first kiss felt. They become dumb. It was indeed divine.

The bond of ‘life and death’ has been created. Three days went by in exploring Dehradun with each other.Aarti never knew Dehradun would be so beautiful. It was time for Tarun to go back to his college. She cried as if it was his last day. But Tarun made her sure that they have a long way to go and they would meet soon. ‘Hope’ keeps everyone alive. Hope that her love would be with her all her life. Hope that the trust she had would never be broken. Hope that they would run into each other soon.

(P.S :- This is a work of fiction and all characters are barely imagination.)

Watch out for the next part : Its more than Love

Its more than....a Love Story : Part 2

2009-11-26T11:03:00.016+05:30

Part 1 : The Beginning

The Proposal

The friendship between Tarun and Aarti grew with every passing day. They got so used to each other, that living a day without 'their' talk was literally impossible. They would spend almost the day on phone either SMSing or talking. T went back to his college for another semester. The courses were pretty lame, so he didn’t have any problem in handling the courses and his friendship with Aarti. His life continued the same.

For Aarti it wasn’t the same, fashion designing is not simple. And more over she was annoyed by her mother, who would find faults in her at every step. She needed someone to support her to make her dreams come true, to be 'the best designer in the world'. She could rely on no one except for Tarun, who was ever ready to support her, when her parents fought with her, when her professors treated her badly.

It was the beginning of September and it was Tarun's birthday. He got a letter from Aarti. It said, "Please make executive plans to come to Dehradun". It got Tarun all excited to met the girl whose voice was like a flute on fresh breeze. One day they talked about the questions in there mind's and heart's. What is the future of their friendship? Can they be more than just friends? Is there a connection between the two? No one had the answers. But both could sense the feeling they had for each other.

She took the first step. She couldn't handle the pressure from the outside world. Needed someone to be her guiding light and there was no one better that Tarun in her life. Her trust was rock hard. Aarti asked Tarun if they could take the next step. She proposed him. He said 'yes' instantly. And that very moment a silence came, silence of the love they had for each other, it cannot be spoken and described in words. They both were very happy.

Tarun's love was unconditional, he would not only support her, but also guide her without any question. In a few days, they exchanged pictures of each other. He had never seen someone like that before. She was beautiful, young, her eyes were intoxicating. He has indeed found his soul-mate. That was the same case with Aarti, Tarun was intelligent and smart, external beauty didn’t matter to her, all she could rely on was her trust.

(P.S :- This is a work of fiction and all characters are barely imagination.)

Watch out for the next part : The First Meeting

It's more than....a Love Story : Part 1

2009-11-23T18:48:00.007+05:30

The Beginning

It was just after the end of the 1st year at college. Tarun went home to meet his parents in the month of May. He used to study in a engineering college in Pune. Life was simple and happy at 20. There was nothing much he would look forward too in his life. He was single and a internet addict. Dont know how, Aarti got into his messenger. Actual Tarun used to add any contacts into his messenger, he had this peculiar habit. One fine day when both were online, he started the chat.

She was cautious, at first, thought of blocking him. But his simplicity kept the messages flowing in for a while until they got used to each other in about a week. One day Tarun was successful in get her cell number. It was a big achievement for him. He was nervous, wanted to be a good friend of Aarti but didn't want to ruin this friendship, so he had to gather all his strength to call her. They talked for 5 mins about their daily lives, colleges, parents. Thats how they become friends.

It was the only time when they talked so less. And that very moment they knew there is a long way to go with there budding long-distance-chat-turned-phone-friendship. Her voice was fresh, she was just 19. Studying in a fashion designing college in Dehradun. There was indeed a connection between the two.

The following day they talked for straight 2 hours in the middle of the night so that his parents didn't have the slightest chance of knowing what was happening. They had discussed their entire life's past, present and the clueless future. Tarun thought he had known Aarti for decades. Hours turned into days, days into months they become crazy about each other. Each would start the day with a lovely friendship message. Each would keep the other updated about the slightest moment in their life's. Tarun even bought the free-call-all-night phone so that there is no interruption. In a little while, they become the best of friends.

(P.S :- This is a work of fiction and all characters are barely imagination.)

Watch out for the next part : The Proposal

10 things I would do before I die...

2009-11-16T16:48:00.000+05:30

Here are the 10 things I would do before I die :-

1. Roam around the globe, visit every possible place on the atlas with my parents.
2. Buy lots a fast cars and bikes,drive them and love them.
3. Become a politician and clean the mess created by our politicians.
4. Work for NASA on any secret project.
5. Build a beautiful house in the Himalayas, with sophisticated gadgets and have my very own personal music library.
6. Become a activist and stop things like killing animals, cutting trees, protect endangered species, global warming.
7. Own a aeroplane like Air Force One. (practically not possible!!But in my dreams I do see this!!)
8. Be with everyone, who's unconditional love makes me what I am.
9. After all this sophisticated lines, I still want to be simple.
10. I dont want to grow old.

I would like everyone to have a post on their things to do.

The 1st Award Ceremony

2009-11-10T21:08:00.002+05:30

Yes this is my 1st time. Thanks to Daman for giving me this award. Now its my time to return the appreciation to all those bloggers whose blog's I 'LOVE' to read. These are the people who gives me the inspiration to write.

And the award goes to.....
Before that as the rule says , the 7 things that no one knows about me:-

1. I always wanted to be a geologist and astronomer.
2. I love 'Maaza' and its better than any other cold drinks.
3. I make Dvd's of everything that is available as digital media.
4. I love kids. Not when they are too small. The ideal age should be 2+.
5. I am secretly searching for a image that can be converted into a tattoo on my body.
6. I sometimes tend to go into a different universe created by the power of the subconscious mind.
7. I want to be a entrepreneur in less than a decade.

Ok, the moment has arrived. The award goes to Preeti Shenoy , Shilpa Garg , Harshita , Chitz , Suga , Rimz , and Deepika .

And RULES for you guys:
1. Tell 7 things about youself that nobody else knows.
2. Pass on this award to 7 other people.
3. Comment on their blogs to let them know that they are tagged.

Keep Blogging!! Keep Inspiring!!

The otherside of the World

2009-11-08T23:11:00.000+05:30

The Jog Falls, Karnataka

(Note : Special thanks to Pradeep Prakash and Alok Prakash for sharing these pictures.)

Paradise On Earth

2009-11-07T23:07:00.001+05:30

Wake Up Sid!!

Yes, Paradise on Earth, exclusive for readers of http://rohitdassani.blogspot.com/

Its, Kerela.

What happened to the Indian Society?

2009-11-02T13:43:00.001+05:30

When I was born in a family of 20+ people living in the same house, finding space was a problem. But I never thought about it. Indeed, I was happy. Happy to have a huge family. Happy that everyone is around me no matter what the world gives us. Happy that I am never alone!

But after 2 decades things have changed. We expanded. We moved. We settled in a distant land. Now I am unhappy that I cannot see those family members even once a year. I am unhappy because I am lonely now, stuck in my own complex life. Can’t even explain myself why I am here. I am indeed incomplete in all senses.

I want to be free. But from whom? Myself. Free myself from the boundaries I created by going for higher education, by choosing career over family. What has gone wrong? Did it happen only with me? No, the answer is no. It happened with everyone. The whole Indian society is going through this turmoil of 'Nuclearization'. Many like it. But few like me, do not. I had no choice.

Our families are shrinking, but our problems are expanding. We don’t realise the essence of joint families. Nothing is perfect in this world. India is over crowded, believe it or not. We hardly find space to live. Our living standards are one of the lowest in the world. I don’t know if living in a nuclear family is wrong. But I do wish going back 20 years and living a complete life.

What is life?

2009-10-29T11:02:00.001+05:30

Yesterday, yes the 28th October of 2009 was one of the worst days in my life. Yes i got screwed again and again. First, a major interview got cancelled, then, I heard that I have screwed a very important exam and because of that, I had a little heated chit-chat with mom. A day earlier I was hoping that everything would work out perfectly fine. When life goes bad, everything goes dull. Nothing seems to be right. And beyond that, nothing is actually right.

Ok, I am not making any senses. Well few months back, precisely in the month of April, something really terrible happened in my life. After that month, a series of event happened and things are becoming worst then ever. I have always seen if something bad happens, it will eat up things that were good and happy.
But after yesterday I have new positive approaches to life. I have more people (truthful) by my side. I have more faith in myself. I am a little more mature. Today seems brighter and I really hope it get so.

Yes life is like that, you get screwed when you think you have figured everything out, correctly?

Yes life is like that, you get screwed when you think that everything would work out perfectly?

What is life without getting screwed up (big time) ?

What is life if everything is perfect?

Basics to make your marriage work

2009-10-27T13:55:00.001+05:30

Am I married?
Obviously, the answer is 'No'.

Then, how do I know all this?
I have been friends with many couples for all these years. After listening to hours of their married-life-story, I just decided to concise everything which would also serve as my bible later (after I get married).

So, here we go :-
1. The most important aspect of married life is to understand your partner. Love blooms if your partner understands you well. The bond remains intact for decades.

2. Appreciate your partner’s hobbies and interests and do not impose your liking's on your partner. Life becomes dull otherwise. If possible get involved and get grooving, which shows your partner how much you understand. Also take your partner along when you enjoy your interests.

3. Never make fun of your partners past. The moral of your marriage comes down.

4. Share your secrets with your better half. But sometimes these secrets may haunt your relationship, so be-aware on what to tell and what not.

5. Spending some quality time together is a secret for successful marriage. You get to know each other better. It may be a problem for couples living in large joint families, but, still you can take out some time for your beloved.

6. Indian couples are 'food and children' oriented. Please change this mind-set, we are in the 21st century and the world is moving ahead.

7. Support your partner for all effort he/she made. Make sure to support the right efforts though.

8. Gift your partner things he/she likes. These little (if any) gifts will be appreciated later.

If you get the basics right, your marriage will bloom.

Sleeper class and my finger

2009-10-23T14:22:00.001+05:30

Let me tell you first that I never travel by sleeper class, its not that I can only afford anything better but its because I cannot spend a single minute with temperatures above 30 C, ya that’s true. But this time while going home I hoped that travelling by sleeper class would be a nice idea after keeping away from it for a few years and hoped that we would find 'cool' weather. But these Indian summers even in the month of October the temperatures were above normal. But with my friend's grace we somehow got tickets in sleeper class (festive season) , that too waiting tickets. Ok what’s the big deal? It’s a big deal, because I would have taken a flight and would have spent almost 3 more days at home.

God had different plans for me. I soon as I got myself sited on my RAC(somehow) seat and tried to open the window. Lightening stuck me. My index finger got stuck by the heavy window. I couldn’t realise for a minute if that finger existed. I wanted to scream at the top of the voice because I found that little embarrassing. The finger turned blue-black in few seconds and swelled into a balloon. I somehow managed to get cold water from the near-by stall. God... the finger was burning like hell. I could only curse myself.

Plans are meant to go crazy. We have already discussed that. That’s not all. I found sleeper class filthy and ultra non-hygienic. I don’t want to remember the journey and write here to make you feel disgusted too. I can only tell you that at the end of the journey I smelled like rotten-shit (shit!!) and the 1st thing I did when i reached home... was to take a long flowery smelling bath. And took a long sleep... literally speaking I spent most of my next few days sleeping.

(Note : I took a pledge not to travel by sleeper class again (ever!!), not even on the coldest day possible.)

This Diwali... was different

2009-10-22T17:41:00.004+05:30

After many years I finally celebrated Diwali at Home. Diwali has always been my favourite festival. When I was a kid I would plan for my diwali crackerz months ago. I would make a list of the fireworks needed and hand it over to my dad and made sure he never missed even one of them and get them at least a fortnight before the festival. My wishes were never broken.

But this diwali had a very special feeling in itself. I had no list for the firecrackers, and no intention to make one. I just wanted this occasion to pass-by peaceful. All I did was to decorate my home with Lights of different colours and 'Diyas' of different shapes.

I didn’t even burst a single cracker. Didn’t even light up a 'Fuljhari'. The very thought of polluting the environment made me stay away from all this. I didn’t want to add even a ounce of smoke to our environment. 'Global warming' , yes , this kept me away. The amount of pollutant we add on the night of diwali is equal to the smoke emitted by all vehicles in an Indian metro city for an entire year.

The sea levels are rising. We can feel the temperatures increasing every year. A decade ago the temperature of Kolkata on the night of Diwali was much cooler than this year. I had to switch on the a/c to sleep. Thousands of cyclones destroying properties worth billions every year. And they have the capability to wipe Human race, and they are getting stronger each year. We need to fear the Natural forces. When they strike they do it with all their force. Many creatures are getting extinct due to the pollutant added in rivers, seas etc.

It make me appeal to everyone to stop polluting the environment . You may ask what will happen if 1 person stops polluting? But that’s not the end goal. If you think straight you may have stopped at least 10 animals from extinction in the long run. Let’s keep in mind to recycle things, waste less paper, food, electricity, petrol.

(P.S : Get Involved, Get Engaged. Initiative taken by Radio Indigo,Bangalore for the noble cause of saving the Tigers. Please pledge to save this beautiful resource)

My India...

2009-10-06T23:20:00.013+05:30

All these years I have been wondering of a developed India and the 5 most important things that would take us to the path of development :-

1) Education for all - Its been a while since our politicians preached this even the 'Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan' has a long way to go. Reservation to any kind of education at any level is a doom. It should be mandatory not reserved. We are indeed compromising on the merits. The 1st things to start with would be to have at least one secondary school in every village of India. Only when the children of this country are educated will this country be able to compete with others. India is at 124th among all countries in Literacy rate with 61% of its people being educated.

Example to follow - China, where education till 9 years is mandatory and sponsored by the government.

2) Corruption Free- Even the most developed country is not free from corruption. India boosts corruption at all levels of Indian bureaucracy. Bribes is like salary to police, lawyers, etc and the actual salary their bonus. If corruption is stopped, India would be a developed country in a decade. This is a dream and hard to materialize because the most corrupt people are the ones who make these laws. India is at 85th on the Global Corruption Perception Index.

Example to follow - Denmark, which is corruption free and transparent in almost all government activities.

3) Food - Its been a while since the Green revolution and Operation Flood got over. But still half of Indian children suffer from malnutrition. Almost all our food product are being made from synthetic products. It would be hard to check every food we eat. So India need to produce only fresh food products may it be vegetables, fruits, dairy products, packaged food etc. We should stop eating synthetic and genetically modified products.

Example to follow - many European countries where GM crops and use of any synthetic product are banned.

4) Infrastructure - Roads , bridges, dams, are the key for intra country logistics. Every year millions of Indians are affected by floods alone. Still our governments are in push back stage. State governments blaming central government and vice-versa. No country can develop if its infrastructure and expansion of existing infrastructure is not in place.

Example to follow - US of A , where spending on infrastructure is more than the entire GDP of India.

5) Employment - One of the key success parameters for any country. Only when people are employed they spend. Only when they spend the whole system runs. If there is a accumulation of wealth at a point, the economy would not run smoothly. Its important to increase the living standard of the people and get back the money back into the system through employment. Unemployment rates are increasing every year in India.

Example to follow - Thailand , which boasts one of the lowest unemployment rate among all countries.

No country is perfect , only the citizens of India can make it perfect and developed in true senses. Lets not waste any time to make India glorious again.

The Ultimate Food Guide

2009-10-05T14:23:00.008+05:30

The 15 best food across Indian Cities (Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, New Delhi) :-

Ultimate Burger :- Universal, near Paradise, Secundrabad (Shop, area, City)

Ultimate Pastries:- Vacs, Trimalgherry, Secundrabad

Ultimate "Chola Bhatura" :- Bikanerwala Sweets,many, New Delhi

Ultimate Chinese Food :- Barbeque, Park Street, Kolkata and Streets of Hyderabad

Untimate Chilras :- in front of Vardaan A/c Market, Camac Street, Kolkata

Ultimate Milk Shakes :- Streets of Hyderabad (try shakes like Shaharja)

Ultimate Veg Platter :- Ohris, Necklace Road, Hyderabad

Ultimate Pani Puri :- Various places in Kolkata

Ultimate Chats :- Haldiram's , Opp. Exide, Kolkata

Ultimate North Indian Food :- Skylark, Howrah A/c Market, Kolkata

Ultimate Katti Rolls :- anonymous, in Esplanade near Light House, Kolkata

Ultimate Dosa :- SLV, Banasankari, Bangalore and Anonyms, Armenian Street , Kolkata

Ultimate Dosa Varieties :- Various places in Hyderabad (try dosa's like Panner, 70mm, etc)

Ultimate Sandwiches :- Rainbow, Opp IIT, New Delhi

Ultimate Lassi :- anonymous , Chandini Chowk, New Delhi and Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Ultimate Upma :- road side vendor, Medchal road (near Suchitra), Hyderabad (serves only from 5am to 6am)

All the foods have been tried and tasted.

Snatch what is your's...

2009-10-01T14:36:00.000+05:30

Let us start from the fact that a mother doesn’t feed her child until he/she cries. So its important to snatch, scream, and get what you deserve!

In this competitive world its very important that you snatch the opportunities which are rightfully yours. Don’t let them go. Otherwise you would loose the charms of being a competitor and more over you will not survive the rat race.

Let us understand the meaning of "Rat Race", Wiki says "a term used for an endless, self-defeating or pointless pursuit. The rat race is a term often used to describe work, particularly excessive work; in general terms, if one works too much, one is in the rat race."

Indeed its a endless pursuit to prove something blur. Don’t get into the illusion world created by your colleagues, managers and peers. Do what you want, when you want!

William Sloane Coffin said "Even if you win the rat race, you're still a rat"

Being Single is a curse when...

2009-09-30T14:06:00.001+05:30

1. You cannot enter a Disco.

2. You cannot sit in your favourite couple's-only-cafe.

3. You go shopping and have no idea about what to buy.

4. You want to share your drinks.

5. You want to sit hands on hands.

6. You dont want to waste energy in eating breakfast/lunch/dinner with your own hands.

7. You have to pay the entire fare.

8. You dont have anyone near you when your watching movie in a hall.

9. You dont have a dedicated person to talk, on the phone.

10. You dont want to walk alone in your life.

I just hope someone comes into my life soon, so that I dont have to do these!!

The Pot of Life

2009-09-29T15:38:00.001+05:30

Late Saturday evening , or was it early Sunday morning, I don’t remember. With 2 friends and a night out things can be out of control. After enjoying the dandiya nights (one of my wishes) we decided to stay at our friends place.

The night-out started with Joke session. I never knew those jokes ever existed, we laughed until our stomach ached and we didn’t have place for any more. I have a problem, i cannot remember jokes. Yes it’s true. Otherwise I would have illustrated few here and there.

Suddenly there was a silence. Things become serious. One of my friends started discussion on 'Life'. We discussed that all the important things in life like completing studies, success, marriage, family etc are like big stones. The pot of life should be filled with these stones first as they are the most important things in our life. There is a limit to the number of stones in the pot. We cannot have unlimited happiness which is to the power of infinity.

The minor things like promotion, festivals, day-today work, are temporary happiness and are like pebbles. The pot can take them in abundance. There is no limit to these pebbles in the pot. These happiness are bound to come no matter what happens. We agreed.

Failures are the stone which takes most of the pot. Slowly and steadily we need to displace them with success.

(Note: - Thanks to Gaurav and Prabhakar for that wonderful evening filled with fun ,laughter, eye-opening truths)

Nature at its Best!!

2009-09-28T19:50:00.000+05:30

The best picture of 2009

How to get over a Break-Up and get going again

2009-09-26T07:30:00.003+05:30

Freedom always comes for a price. Breakup's are not easy. I have seen my friends getting separate due to various issues like money, ego, long distance relationship, falling for someone else. Sometimes it could be hard. For a smooth transition please go through these and make sure to follow them and you will be up and running in no time.

Let’s go through how to get over a break-up and start over again:-

1) You will have a lot of money to spend. Especially not having a Gf is a boon. Shopping helps a lot. If you are a male , take your ‘girl’-friend along, they would have a million ideas to purchase. If you’re a female, please don’t take anyone, you have already perfected the shopping extravagance. You would even defeat God on this.

2) Time to move on, make sure to burn all the memories. Yes you heard it correct. Its the best way to keep your miseries away and secrets untraceable for your next partner-s . Read Jab we...Burn for more on this.

4) Times like these comes only once or twice in your life unless you are too lucky, so, take the most of it. Friends who thought you became extinct years ago, its time to get into the shoes and get going on the old paths.

5) Spend lots of time eating. Food like chocolates and ice creams let you forget past in an instant. Make sure never to visit places that you did with your previous partner, please try new places.

6) Disorganize yourself, so you spend most of the time searching for basic necessities like tooth brush, underwear etc.

7) So it’s been a week. Time to socialize more. Don’t you want to be in a relationship again? If your answer is ‘No’, please visit a doctor.

8) Learn from your mistakes. If by any chance we got in a relationship again, make sure not to spend even a penny, let your partner pay. Make sure that you make up all the amounts spend in the previous relationship. This is a life-time opportunity and a dream come true.

9) 'Cupid flies faster, when the love is new'. So, let your new wings do the magic.

Please add if you have more ideas,I just want to keep my bible updated. And want to save the Universe from Love-stuck-not-ready-to-move-on.

Bloggerization of the Bug Bite

2009-09-23T15:30:00.004+05:30

Sometimes you just sit and wonder what to write. So many incidents took place but none can be converted into a blog. I am sure all the avid bloggers out there, look around all day to just get the glimpse of their next blog. Well there are others who get ideas as soon as they get a blank page. And few others have a very clear idea about what to write. I fall in none of these categories.

First let me tell you about "bloggerization" . By Bloggerization I mean converting incidents, activities etc etc into blogs. Sometimes some weird ideas and incidents can also be bloggerized. I mean i was surprised when this idea stuck me. My next blog would be on a "bug".

Someone stole all the ideas from me today. "Bed bugs", yes those creepy blood-sucking creatures are killing me. I couldn’t sleep the entire night. Must have got bitten a 100 times. Was hip-hopping on my bed like a kangaroo. And most importantly they took my peaceful sleep. After much precaution and spraying i finally got a sleep at 5am. And then the alarm rang at 7am. I am feeling, as if i am in a third world, where everything moves like a sea plant. I want to sleep in my office or where ever, there is peace. I want to sleep on a cosy bed (obviously free from bugs) with dim light and no one to disturb. I finally understood today, that human disturbance is better than being bitten by a bug. Why did God sent those bugs, i would have learned the lesson without them too!

(P.S- Fingers crossed on what I am going to do with those bugs today! White flags! These bugs can even survive a nuclear bomb explosion!)

Jab we.... Burn

2009-09-22T11:59:00.002+05:30

Let me remind you of the scene from the famous Hindi Bollywood movie "Jab We Met", when Kareena asks Shahid to burn the picture of his ex-lover and he feels good after that.

Well let me also tell you that its true, i mean it really works. I tried to burn some documents which were haunting me from a long time. It may not be related to love always. I really feel great today morning, that bloody matter is no longer haunting my mind. I am free from its clutches.

If you think something is obsessing you, and its of no use in the future and you have longed to get rid of it. The best way to get it out of your mind, is to burn it. (But beware of the fire, don’t get into trouble and don’t burn any important document). Memories like pictures or letters or documents reminding you of troubled times, things which makes you feel that you did a mistake should be cleared from the space as well as from your mind.

Please go ahead and do it. Go,...stand up. Do it now. I am not promoting reducing of oxygen from the atmosphere, I am only finding a way to keep the old-haunting-memories-lanes cleared.

(Note :- You feedback on this would really be appreciated)

The Bro code...

2009-09-20T20:08:00.003+05:30

If you think Barney Stinson(character from "How I met your mother") inspired me to write this, that wont be wrong. This is the bro-code ("Brother Code") and should be followed by all the brother's in the world.

The few interesting rules are here:-

In a 6 person hot tub, there should be a maximum of 3 guys.
A man should not sing and dance at the same time.
A man should not watch Oxygen, Womens Entertainment, or Lifetime.
Men do not lie about their age.
A Man should not swing his arms when he is walking.
A man should never carry a woman's handbag.
A man should never go tanning.
No man should dye their hair.
A man should never refer to an athlete as a "stud".
A man should never cry during a movie. In the event that he does, he must under no circumstance admit it to anyone other than a girl he is trying to score with.
A man should not wear a scarf without a jacket or coat.
A man should not wear an ascot.
A man should never use the following words: fantabulous, ginormous & fierce.
A man should never wrap a towel around his head after leaving the shower.
A man should never "sip" and alcoholic drink through a straw.
A man should never wear a blouse.
A man should never wear a sweater over his shoulders.
A man should not eat grapes from the vines.
A man should never rollerblade.
If you compliment a guy on his six-pack, you better be referring to his beer.
A man should never, ever wear capri pants.
A man should not wear flip flops with a suit.
No man should wear a speedo to the beach.
No man should make a kissing face in a photo.
No man should wear girl jeans.
A man should never highlight his hair.
A man should not talk to another man in the bathroom.
Two men should not share an umbrella.

Well there are a few more, but they are too male dominated and cannot be "bloggerized".

Dont miss the last season of "How I met your Mother" starting Sep,21st 2009 and for more information visit :- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_I_Met_Your_Mother

True Confessions - The 3's

2009-09-19T13:54:00.001+05:30

3 things I always wanted to do:-

Become a Geologist
Work for Nasa.
Send my parents on a long holiday.

3 places that I would love to visit:-

New Zealand
Europe
US of A

3 cities I would love to live in:-

New York
New Delhi
London

3 places in India I am dying to visit:-

Vaisno Devi.
Munnar, Kerela.
Goa.

3 companies I would love to work with:-

Microsoft.
Google.
Cisco.

3 things I want to do right now:-

Go for a Dandiya.
Clean my cloths.
Have a lip-smacking lunch.

3 things I miss:-

Being in a college.
Friends from school.
Kolkata.

3 things I wish would happen:-

Freeze time and go back to my college/school days.
Kolkata becomes less hotter and humid.
Relax at home.

3 most important things that I would do before I die:-

Complete all the above
Spend all the money I have.
Donate body parts.

Durga Puja in Kolkata

2009-09-18T19:47:00.003+05:30

In a few days , and you will find this entire city filled with Lights, Sweets, Brotherhood, people from all sects and religion comes to celebrate "Durga Puja". Yes I am talking about Kolkata, the land of Goddess Durga and Kali. The city that boasts more than 15 festivals round the year. But this is the main festivals especially among the Bengali's. Its just a festivity of the Good against the bad. The city is awaken 24x7, you can feel it breathing. This city doesn’t sleep, and so does the city dwellers. "Durga Puja" is celebrated across India in the same valor and fun but in this article I am concentrating only on, the world renowned Kolkata's 'Durga Puja' or 'Durgo Pujo' as it is pronounced in bengali.

This pujo is unique, its fun everywhere. People come to the streets to enjoy the marvelous Pandals (the place where the deity is kept). The way this festival is celebrated is different then any other festival. There are basically 4 main days namely, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami. You won’t find so many people on the streets ever in any other city. They are in millions. Everyone, children, elders, just 'pandal-hoppers’. They main pandals are College square, Shreebhumi, Muhammad ali park, Madison square etc etc.

The word 'pandal' means a temporary structure, made of bamboos and cloth, used as a temporary temple for the purpose of the puja. The pandals are divided by the location or community. Each community would have a pandal of its own, small or big. These pandals would be surrounded by various hawkers and stalls which sell like a million things. You may even find a small circus going on near by. The pandals are at there best, filled with lights, colors, Idols of giant deities, remarkable embroidery , they even carry a theme like current affairs, natural calamities, recyclable environment, part of historical events etc. The best time to visit the pandals is between 11pm to 3am when the crowd is comparatively peaceful.

The one thing people go crazy about is, "Dandiya", the famous Gujarati dance.(A lot of Gujarati's live in Kolkata). They happen in almost all star hotels and clubs across the city. Its a time when the family members in traditional cloths comes together and enjoy the beats of traditional Indian Music. You can find people doing disco dandiya (when the tempo of these traditional songs is more) or rain dandiya (when their is a thunderstorm and you don’t feel like leaving the dance floor). Shopping utsav happens in markets like Esplanade, Burra Bazar, Gariahat. Buying new cloth is a tradition. And dont forget to try bengali delicacies like sweets, misti dohi(sweet curd).

Just one suggestion, just visit Kolkata during "Durgo Pujo" and I guarantee you that, you wont have a second left. The unique thing is how strangers become friends in a short period. The city just soaks you in. You will get involved so much that you will forget the rest of the world. There is no end to your fun quotient.

Find more on Durgo pujo happening around the globe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durga_Puja

My last day...

2009-09-17T11:06:00.000+05:30

I dont like being old to be frank. So the other day I decided to think about what my ideal death age would be. After a long discussion with myself, I concluded that it should be 40 years. Yes I have another 15 years to live.

When a new born baby is born, his/her lung's are "Pink" in colour, new, ready to take anything .But when he/she dies it almost black/grey due to the uncontrollable effect of pollution, smoking etc.

Reasons for taking this decision:-

I dont want to grow old in the first place, but its not in my hand.
I would hate to die in a natural calamity like earthquake or flood which is already common due to Global warming.
I dont want to be handicapped, and be a burden to others.
I dont want to spend even a single day in an Hospital.
I want to do everything that comes by, try everything possible. And the next 15 years would be ideal time to do everything I have always dreamt off. (I would even extend it to a year or so, if I have not gone for a trip to Mars)
I dont want to breath dirty, contaminated air because the rate at which our forest and other natural resources are depleting, its hard to believe that they would last even a decade. The worst would be to push my kids in an filthy atmosphere.

I have even decided the place - a misty mountain somewhere near the Himalayas, an ideal place.

This is my plan. But as I already told you earlier things dont work out as you plan. I am just cutting my life short so that I live more, every moment.

The Begining of all problems

2009-09-16T13:32:00.000+05:30

The fundamental law of problems start with 'Comparision'.
Yes all the problems starts when you start comparing yourself with others, when you start comparing unnecessary things. May it be your peer's salary, promotion, your siblings new dress, your friends new bike, blah blah blah, the list is endless. People even fight for candies.

Comparision makes you feel that you lack somewhere.
"Stop comparing, be content."
When you compare you loose your true sense. You keep your feet in someone else's boot and think. Stop comparing unneccessary things and half of your problems are already gone.

But, sometimes, it helps you to rise up. Sometimes it helps you to raise the bar. Sometimes it helps you to find your goal. Only if the comparision is logical and you have the greed to fulfil dreams beyond any cost, then your comparision becomes honest.

Funny Incident @ Office

2009-09-15T16:37:00.000+05:30

A funny incident happened today at office. I work on a client side office so have to carry 2 identidy card, one from my company and other of the client. These access cards are huge and I hate carrying them. So, I decided to put the photo access card of my company in my wallet because I seldom use it.

Everyday while entering the office I need to show both to the security guard. I am literally freed up of it.

So, today when the security office asked for the photo id card. I took out my wallet and flashed ..., "F.B.I".

I couldnt resist laughing infront of the office and the security guy was left in dismay.

(Sorry for being rude, but sometimes you feel good when serious matters are made trivial !!)

>:)

Do you stick by your plans?

2009-09-14T15:28:00.000+05:30

Do you make a lot of plans in your life? Does your life go according to those plans?
May be , may not be... may not be always. 1 thing I have learned in life, is, never make any plans. I means those plans which would not deviated. Well according to me, those will never work out.

"The only thing that is constant in life is change". Changes cannot be stopped. Do you realise that your life changes every moment. Your life is changing when you are reading this blog. It is impossible to predict what's coming next. Then why do we make plans for the next year or even for the next 5 years? Do you realise that every small decision you make, shapes your life.

Dont make some casual decision and regret for the rest of your life. Think, be logical. Dont just plan.

Do you remember any plan that you made a year ago and that happened according , as you thought , without any changes? I bet, there wont be any.

I am not saying to stop making plans. I am saying not to hold those plans tightly. Give some air to your plans. Let some new ideas sink in. Dont push when people give you some new ideas. Well plans are bound to be changed anyways. And plans that dont change actually dont work.

A tribute to all the Bloggers

2009-09-13T12:43:00.000+05:30

This is a tribute to all the bloggers around the globe for creating such wonderful, vivid, mind-blowing posts which are amazingly unique and realistic.

Please keep up the good work.
God Bless You!!

Does career mean everything to you?

2009-09-11T15:03:00.003+05:30

If your answer is Yes. This article is probably for you. And if your answer is no you are probably safe.

When i was in college I came across few people ... people for whom career means everything. When I say everything.... i mean everything like priority number 1. I am talking about those kind of people who would kill someone if they try to disturb them before an exam. Running behind career is good....till you keep a balance. But things go out of hand when you try to grab your career too hard.

I feel bad for these people. They try to overlook everything that comes by, even their family, friends. When they come to the real world, its doesn't take too long to realize their mistake. Not a mistake actually, but a damn messed up life. Even if you become the CEO of a company you wont be happy because there would be none beside you to share your happiness/sadness, money/bankruptcy etc etc. I feel the price you pay to become successful is too large.

So don't get overwhelmed by career illusion. Try to balance things, get involved in the family and you will be happy all your life.

Radiators and Drains

2009-09-10T16:12:00.006+05:30

Well this is not original i am just re-iterating an article written in a book. P.S :- Preeti Shenoy's, 34 Bubblegums and Candies. A story on the different kind of people around you. Basically can be divided into 2 broad categories, 'Radiators' and 'Drains'.

Radiators fill you with energy. You feel happy to see them. You feel good talking to them... Drains, on the other hand, leave you feeling down. ... Drains are not necessarily people whom you hate.

Well there are others too.... like Frigdes (cold people leave you chilled), Baths(people who are full and make you want to dive in and soak) or chemical toilets(they're full of crap) .

[ If you want to read this article please read , 34 Bubblegums and Candies by Preeti Shenoy (a must read for everyone).]

Kinda liked this article. If you think deeply I am sure you would be able to classify.

If you want to read more please visit: http://34bubblegumsandcandies.com/

Is the Internet answer to all our queries?

2009-09-09T14:05:00.002+05:30

The world has changed. This has been possible because of thousands of new inventions and the reliability to use them efficiently. But one inventions has changes the entire perspective of the Human race ... it's the Internet.

It started as a communication tool in the US Army more than two decades ago. The popularity of Internet is spellbound. Everything these days is 'Online'. But my question is ... Is it reliable? Isn't it make us lazy? Are we loosing our true senses?

Many of us may not even have seen their personal bank's because all the features are made available online. We just sit on a chair all day long and perform our daily activities. Are we doing something else in the time we are saving (walking to the bank) ? Yes, may be and we call it socializing or may be something else but that too 'Online' .

Many of us don't even touch the cloth's we purchase on the Internet or smell the perfume we are buying online. Don't you think we are slowing becoming slaves of the Internet.
The Internet has bought entire universe on your screen... right from Banks, Malls, Books, etc etc to Worshiping Your Favourite God's Online, Travelling entire globe without even keep your feet on the ground, etc etc.

No doubt it has made life easier but in a way. It has also made us lazy and given us chair-centric lives. I guess in years to come our spinal cord would be L-shaped rather than being straight. What will we do the day its not there? What's the future of it is unknown. But we can minimize the risks involved. So please go out see this beautiful world, talk to people face to face, feel the rain on your cheeks.

The best days of my life, just passed by.

2009-09-08T13:38:00.004+05:30

The best days of my life, just passed by ... any guess' ? You say the banner guyz....Its my college days ... ofcourse. Everyone tells me that school days are the best, i definately dont doubt that. But college days are different , your more mature than your school days. You want to live life like "Rang de Basanti" ... Bindaas!! You dont care about half of the world... or may be full !! You feel like an unstoppable force and the world being your oyster. The fun quotient here is never-ending. Those crazy kinda creatures whom you call 'friends' are innumerable.

I am talking about those days in which we used to play games till early morning and then dozz off in the class or giving proxy for almost double the people present.

I just want to go back to college ... any damn college.

But many a times we find people soaking up their heads inside books ... It for all those people who think that studies alone would take them on top of the world ... No sir that won't. So enjoy ... have fun ... take the most of it . When you stop having fun .... you probably stop living. These days wont come back. So... go run.....

And a piece of advice : Please do live in the hostel if you havent yet lived there, it will take your brains out.

What is Life?

2009-07-01T12:02:00.007+05:30

Life is nothing more than a cycle. Dont be upset if you are having a hard time, just wait let the storm pass by. But remember to live life to the fullest once you get back your old days. Because these days you will remember for the rest of your life.
Dont be upset if things dont follow. They will.

Remember the days when you were surrounded by lots of people, but now you are all alone.
Remember the money you had spent on crazy things,and now you are in debts.
Remember the sacrifices you have made to get someone's love, but now it's missing.

Our life's have become so empty and lonely that we forget to appreciate the little drops of rain falling by making the most beautiful site in the entire universe.
I am writing this because I am missing that very point which I called the "Best days of my life".
No one matters now except for the friends, family and moments I have.
I want them back and I know they will be back soon!

MRP for Maximum Return Price

2009-05-05T15:13:00.004+05:30

You must have always heard that MRP stands for Maximum Retail Price , but here in Bangalore , shopkeepers have given it a new defination Maximum Return Price. Things like Milk, Curd , Cold Drinks etc etc are sold at a price more than the MRP (which is printed). A Rs.20 Coke/Pepsi bottle would cost you Rs.21 or even Rs.22. This extra money is charged in the name of "Cooling Charges" or "Transportation Charges". Even basic things like Milk and Curd are charged extra money on various weird reasons.

Didnt we drink cold Coke/Pepsi in any other city @ MRP?
Dont the milk companies, cold drink gaint's give shopkeepers their products without charging any transportation fee?

Yes , we do.
Then why extra charge. Any product sold on a retail outlet has 5-10% or even more profit on MRP. There too shopkeepers of Bangalore are not satisfied with this percentage.
Please stop this nuiscense and dont take things from such shopkeepers. And do complaint about them at www.consumercomplaints.in .