It has been one long year since the brutal attack on the country's most talked about city. This post is an attempt to be a different take than the more commonly viewed angles that keep appearing on National Television. So this is not a commemoration of the attacks but an introspection of what we are as individuals, as a society and as Indians.
Notwithstanding what the attack and its aftereffects were made out to me, let us be brutally honest. The attacks were a 'huge success' from the viewpoint of the attackers. The sophisticated armed men roamed the city striking targets at will, even as media covered all the angles and a mockery of our social security system was made on all the available media.
Three of the best fighters in the establishment who dared to rush in when everyone was rushing out were allowed to lie there in their own blood for 40 bloody minutes before someone could tend to them.
It is said, 26/11 was India's 9/11 (In different date formats, though). While US had the balls to go for an all out war against the perpetrators, we have followed a passive, if not undetermined, approach. However, all said and done 8 years later, the superpower in question has neither been able to win, nor disengage from the war which has been dubbed as the biggest strategic error since the Vietnam War. Face it, Pakistan is no Lebanon or Palestine. How, in the wildest dreams, can someone in his senses suggest that India launch a war against an irresponsible nuclear armed state and assume that we shall live happily ever after? This when 40% of our fellow Indians live without electricity and farmers commit suicide on a weekly basis? Defies logic.
Ok, even if we declare war and annex Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Then what? As if the simmering north east, red belt, Maoists and Naxalites are not enough on the plate.
Coming back to 26/11. Are we not as clueless and as defenseless as we were one year ago? Shows of solidarity are totally relevant and recommended, but they are no good if not followed up by action by government, you and me. I am not competent to make recommendations to the north or south block, but can surely say that it is up to the 'intelligent middle class' to come out of their drawing rooms and start keeping things in line. We already have enough people who don't vote, don't pay taxes, don't follow social etiquette, bribe at the drop of the hat but are never short of advise.
Lastly, salute to the martyrs of the fateful day and all other less talked about events, bravehearts who defy all odds and fight for the nation, so that we can safely go to sleep each night. Let us never forget that there was a 26/11 that changed Mumbai forever. If we forget, we better rest assured there are going to be more.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
What is this life, if full of care... We have no time to stand and stare
Have you ever watched kids On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Do you run through each day On the fly?
When you ask How are you? Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores Running through your head?
You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time To call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last..
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away.
Life is not a race. Do take it slower
Hear the music Before the song is over.
Or listened to the rain Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Do you run through each day On the fly?
When you ask How are you? Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores Running through your head?
You'd better slow down Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last.
Ever told your child, We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste, Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time To call and say,'Hi'
You'd better slow down. Don't dance so fast.
Time is short. The music won't last..
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift.... Thrown away.
Life is not a race. Do take it slower
Hear the music Before the song is over.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Breaking Free... from life
There is a major reason why I am choosing to update this virtually dormant blog on this day. Actually i reckon that if I don't do this today, I may not do this at all.
Well, for the immediate update, I am just back from a very relaxing two day trip to a lovely and secluded beach surprisingly near (4 hr drive) to Mumbai. I surprised myself by realizing that there are so many beauties has to offer that I grew up with, and then somehow got so entangled in this thing that they call fast track life, that I have forgotten when last I enjoyed these things.
Walking in the moonlight, feeling the grass wet with dew with bare feet, getting up to the sounds of koel and mynah in the morning, cool fresh breeze in face and hair, soft waves playing with feet ankle deep in clear sea water, admiring the shapes of tree leaves and patterns on tiny sea shells, listening to nothing but the music of wind through palm trees and the sea waves playfully striking each other on the coast... I could go on and on.
But the most important realization was the fact that there are so many deep rooted thoughts in our minds, buried deep down that clutter of day to day crap that we immerse ourselves in, which keep pleading to surface but are always pushed further down by the sheer weight of our own mind. Sometimes we find these thoughts too unimportant for our time to be spent on them. At other times, we are not ready and willing to confront them. But once the mind gets uncluttered and al this haze clears, we realise that these are the thoughts, feelings and opinions that are actually ours... ones that really matter... ones that ought to shape our lives. Unfortunately, they are reduced to background noise in our daily decision making.
Now, I am afraid that when I wake up tomorrow, I too shall be too caught up, busy, afraid and what not that I will again forget the lesson learnt. Hope things keep happening in my life that makes me unlearn all the dirt around help me follow what really matters.
Signing Off... Yours Truly.
Well, for the immediate update, I am just back from a very relaxing two day trip to a lovely and secluded beach surprisingly near (4 hr drive) to Mumbai. I surprised myself by realizing that there are so many beauties has to offer that I grew up with, and then somehow got so entangled in this thing that they call fast track life, that I have forgotten when last I enjoyed these things.
Walking in the moonlight, feeling the grass wet with dew with bare feet, getting up to the sounds of koel and mynah in the morning, cool fresh breeze in face and hair, soft waves playing with feet ankle deep in clear sea water, admiring the shapes of tree leaves and patterns on tiny sea shells, listening to nothing but the music of wind through palm trees and the sea waves playfully striking each other on the coast... I could go on and on.
But the most important realization was the fact that there are so many deep rooted thoughts in our minds, buried deep down that clutter of day to day crap that we immerse ourselves in, which keep pleading to surface but are always pushed further down by the sheer weight of our own mind. Sometimes we find these thoughts too unimportant for our time to be spent on them. At other times, we are not ready and willing to confront them. But once the mind gets uncluttered and al this haze clears, we realise that these are the thoughts, feelings and opinions that are actually ours... ones that really matter... ones that ought to shape our lives. Unfortunately, they are reduced to background noise in our daily decision making.
Now, I am afraid that when I wake up tomorrow, I too shall be too caught up, busy, afraid and what not that I will again forget the lesson learnt. Hope things keep happening in my life that makes me unlearn all the dirt around help me follow what really matters.
Signing Off... Yours Truly.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Republic Day Parade
Watching the Republic Day parade on Rajpath is indeed an experience on its own. A showcase of country's military prowess, cultural diversity and development unparallelled in the whole world. France is the only other country that indulges in the self-appraisal and display of glory, that too on a lesser scale and grangeur.
However, what bothers me is the complete detachment of Indians to this exuberant ceremony. The stands seem deserted, commentary on door-darshan medicore and media coverage minimal.
How many people were present to witness Obama take oath? 25,00,000. Does it speak volumes about our 'Patriotism'?
However, what bothers me is the complete detachment of Indians to this exuberant ceremony. The stands seem deserted, commentary on door-darshan medicore and media coverage minimal.
How many people were present to witness Obama take oath? 25,00,000. Does it speak volumes about our 'Patriotism'?
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Protagonist in Dasvidaniya
Who is the protagonist of Dasvidaniya? There don't seem to be many apparent answers to that. However, as the movie made me realize, The bespectacled guy hanging on to life, before and after the realization that he is about to die, represents each one of us to a great extent.
He goes to office, comes back, but forgets to live life in between. Keeps a track of things to do daily, but loses track of things more important to him in life than the geyser repair and LIC policy.
Suddenly, after the realization of the time left for him to live, he starts doing things. Things which are not our of ordinary or out of context. Simple things that he could have done anytime in his life but never cared to. Learns that most of the things in life are just there for taking, if you care to stop by and take notice. Strikingly close to the person we see in the mirror, isn't it?
Thanks to the movie for simple insights!!
He goes to office, comes back, but forgets to live life in between. Keeps a track of things to do daily, but loses track of things more important to him in life than the geyser repair and LIC policy.
Suddenly, after the realization of the time left for him to live, he starts doing things. Things which are not our of ordinary or out of context. Simple things that he could have done anytime in his life but never cared to. Learns that most of the things in life are just there for taking, if you care to stop by and take notice. Strikingly close to the person we see in the mirror, isn't it?
Thanks to the movie for simple insights!!
Friday, July 04, 2008
How long are 24 Hrs?
Well, it seems another era has passed since I last blogged... so much so that I dont seem to remember what was the 'occasion',time of the day or even the topic of my last blog!!
This one is about a revelation. I remember commenting once after a visit to Bandra beach with a dear old friend when i was thinking aloud to myself how this sunset would have been so beautiful each day of the year, and how badly stuck are we in our lives that we do not find time for it even once a month.
Well, going a step ahead on that note... This comes up because I am at home now... after about a year, and maybe the only time in that period when my seemingly endless 'to do' list hasnt caught up with me. So practically after a year, I am having enough time in a day to sit back, watch life go by, laugh with family, go to small picnics, and the like. Any day of the week, this life is better that the one that we lead 'normally'.
And still I end up discussing with Mummy how bad an idea it is to visit me in Mumbai, since i ll be all 'tied up' and 'busy'. Irony? comedy? tragedy? or some other equally brutal adjective? Two lives that we all lead, one leads to the other, each one equally important and valuable in its own right.
Perhaps the only saving grace in my case... I love them both!! Just hope to maintain the required balance at all times.
This one is about a revelation. I remember commenting once after a visit to Bandra beach with a dear old friend when i was thinking aloud to myself how this sunset would have been so beautiful each day of the year, and how badly stuck are we in our lives that we do not find time for it even once a month.
Well, going a step ahead on that note... This comes up because I am at home now... after about a year, and maybe the only time in that period when my seemingly endless 'to do' list hasnt caught up with me. So practically after a year, I am having enough time in a day to sit back, watch life go by, laugh with family, go to small picnics, and the like. Any day of the week, this life is better that the one that we lead 'normally'.
And still I end up discussing with Mummy how bad an idea it is to visit me in Mumbai, since i ll be all 'tied up' and 'busy'. Irony? comedy? tragedy? or some other equally brutal adjective? Two lives that we all lead, one leads to the other, each one equally important and valuable in its own right.
Perhaps the only saving grace in my case... I love them both!! Just hope to maintain the required balance at all times.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Another walk through the past
Thanks to the ever helpful 'Microsoft Excel', I now know that it has been 254 days since I last blogged... and phew!!! Have things changed since!!!
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This time last week, I was returning back from one of the most memorable trips I ever made. A two day respite from the currents of life meant that we were free just enough to steal a small rendezvous with a world away from ours.
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Sky that was bathed in all colours of the rainbow in different times of the day, ranging from red as the sun peeked over the glorious western ghats to violet as the day receeded to dusk, making way for moon to play its way through the night clouds, casting a spell on anybody willing to get lost in the simplest yet most entrhalling of beauties that nature has to offer.
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Sand in the feet, breeze in the eyes... the vast stretches of beach near our abode... the looming treehouses... all making sure that we forget, at least for the moment, the tangled and noise-ridden lives that we lead and pretend to enjoy... sometimes fooling others and at other times, ourselves. Pondering over life from a third angle actually gives you a deeper understanding of what we have gained and what we have lost... as people, friends, persons and professional. A pity though, that all these insights that we gain on 'get-aways' like these get washed out like dry leaves as soon as the rush from our 'normal' lives gushes in our timetables like winds and rivers.
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Above all, what made things different for me, were the memories of my previous visit to the place with the guys that I am never gonna forget in my life. Back then, we had little money in pockets, but loads of moments to convert into memories. I re-dined in a restaurant. The food was same as before. So was the service. But something was not as pleasant as the last time. Maybe it is the tendency of human mind... to cherish the past rather than revel in the present. Maybe I was just wasting my time being nostalgic rather than enjoying the day. But all said and done... wish 'You' were there
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Flashes in the again, but.....
... all dedicated to the best President India has ever had.
Waiting for the next President
For the records, Pratibha Patil is the person who shall take over the dignified auspices of the premises that have been home to some of the greatest visionaries India has produced. But somehow, it seems that something somewhere is missing. The pieces of the jigsaw are all there, but still, the picture is not complete.
Maybe I am waiting for a president whose addresses to the nation would consist of roadmaps to the future. One who had not only a vision of India's future, but also ideas about how to go about it. One whose life had been dedicated to the purpose of making India a developed, confident and dignified nations. One who was above all politics and dramatics that our 'men in white' indulge in. One who was as proud an Indian as can be. And above all, one who made the Rashtrapati Bhawan a 'People's Palace'.
Maybe, somewhere in the lobbies of Rashtrapati Bhawan, as the outgoing First Indian citizen packs his baggage and leaves, a nostalgic voice will call and say, 'We will miss you, Kalam Sir'.
India will miss you, Kalam Sir.
The drama and irony of the democracy
All the way, since I was a child and started learning about country and government from the NCERT Civics books in school, I had developed a deep sense of security in the system that we are so proud of... democracy. And today, I wonder...
Is the number of Indians that want Kalam out of office less than those who want a change? If yes, I sit down and shut up. But if not, then i question the very basics of the system of presidential election. Are the voices of Indians so badly lost out to political rhetorics and communal dramatics that we are nobody but numbers in the game called politics? Our votes do count. But then, is that the end of it? Our voices don't count?
Questions are many. any answers?
Waiting for the next President
For the records, Pratibha Patil is the person who shall take over the dignified auspices of the premises that have been home to some of the greatest visionaries India has produced. But somehow, it seems that something somewhere is missing. The pieces of the jigsaw are all there, but still, the picture is not complete.
Maybe I am waiting for a president whose addresses to the nation would consist of roadmaps to the future. One who had not only a vision of India's future, but also ideas about how to go about it. One whose life had been dedicated to the purpose of making India a developed, confident and dignified nations. One who was above all politics and dramatics that our 'men in white' indulge in. One who was as proud an Indian as can be. And above all, one who made the Rashtrapati Bhawan a 'People's Palace'.
Maybe, somewhere in the lobbies of Rashtrapati Bhawan, as the outgoing First Indian citizen packs his baggage and leaves, a nostalgic voice will call and say, 'We will miss you, Kalam Sir'.
India will miss you, Kalam Sir.
The drama and irony of the democracy
All the way, since I was a child and started learning about country and government from the NCERT Civics books in school, I had developed a deep sense of security in the system that we are so proud of... democracy. And today, I wonder...
Is the number of Indians that want Kalam out of office less than those who want a change? If yes, I sit down and shut up. But if not, then i question the very basics of the system of presidential election. Are the voices of Indians so badly lost out to political rhetorics and communal dramatics that we are nobody but numbers in the game called politics? Our votes do count. But then, is that the end of it? Our voices don't count?
Questions are many. any answers?
Monday, March 19, 2007
Advice to Team India
Everyone is doing it. So why should I remain behind?? Here Goes.
Virender Sehwag:
Virender Sehwag:
We like the swing of the bat.... but the ball has to reciprocate the swing of the bat... not carry on its own swing, and crash into stumps from the bat
Sourav Ganguly:
Remember just one thing... you led India to the world cup final. And also, the fact that you are wearing pads, chest guard, helmet, shin guard, even an Al-guard. And that stepping out of crease and hitting the ball for a six are not independent activities... you have to do the latter in order to make the former worthwhile. And also, dude... they don't call you dada for nothing.
Uthappa, Munaf and Kaarthik:
Enjoy the world cup. What else to tell you... your teammmates will tell you the rest. If they understand, that is.
Rahul Dravid:
Go out there on the pitch with your bags and baggage. If needed, sleep there. You are the wall. You are the spine of India. You need to stay on the Pitch. Jammy needs to lick each and every bowler out there.
Sachin Tendulkar:
You are the master. You are the blaster. Just keep urself up. There will be lesser mortals around you and you just have to live with them. Also, you have to make learn why there can be only one Sachin.
Yuvraj Singh:
Remember your name. Remember the 84 run debut. Remember the 325 Natwest chase. Remember the match winning half centuries. Challenge the impossibilities like you have always done. Just remember to be more careful while playing KhoKho next time. Glittering catches will take care of themselves.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni:
Survey the area around the stadium. Suevey all the stands. That is where you will dispatch the balls, and we do not want to lose precious moments by letting hapless opposition fielders search for the balls. And yes, your mane rocks. So do your shots. And before I forget, i think you also keep for India na? Keep it up.
Ajit Agarkar:
It doesn't matter whether you bowl in death or opening. Just bowl wicket to wicket. Wicket is a set of three wooden staffs, parallel to the ground on either side of the pitch, in a plane perpendicular to the ground. Usually it is concealed behind the batsman. By batsman, I mean the one who is taking strike. Non strikers / runners are not considered to be in front of the wickets.
Zaheer Khan:
Trapping Sourav Ganguly in County and Ranji is not enough. You need to trap Gilchrist, Gibbs, Lara, and so on. That includes players from Bangladesh and Bermuda.
Harbhjan Singh:
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, You are playing instead of Kumble.....
Sourav Ganguly:
Remember just one thing... you led India to the world cup final. And also, the fact that you are wearing pads, chest guard, helmet, shin guard, even an Al-guard. And that stepping out of crease and hitting the ball for a six are not independent activities... you have to do the latter in order to make the former worthwhile. And also, dude... they don't call you dada for nothing.
Uthappa, Munaf and Kaarthik:
Enjoy the world cup. What else to tell you... your teammmates will tell you the rest. If they understand, that is.
Rahul Dravid:
Go out there on the pitch with your bags and baggage. If needed, sleep there. You are the wall. You are the spine of India. You need to stay on the Pitch. Jammy needs to lick each and every bowler out there.
Sachin Tendulkar:
You are the master. You are the blaster. Just keep urself up. There will be lesser mortals around you and you just have to live with them. Also, you have to make learn why there can be only one Sachin.
Yuvraj Singh:
Remember your name. Remember the 84 run debut. Remember the 325 Natwest chase. Remember the match winning half centuries. Challenge the impossibilities like you have always done. Just remember to be more careful while playing KhoKho next time. Glittering catches will take care of themselves.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni:
Survey the area around the stadium. Suevey all the stands. That is where you will dispatch the balls, and we do not want to lose precious moments by letting hapless opposition fielders search for the balls. And yes, your mane rocks. So do your shots. And before I forget, i think you also keep for India na? Keep it up.
Ajit Agarkar:
It doesn't matter whether you bowl in death or opening. Just bowl wicket to wicket. Wicket is a set of three wooden staffs, parallel to the ground on either side of the pitch, in a plane perpendicular to the ground. Usually it is concealed behind the batsman. By batsman, I mean the one who is taking strike. Non strikers / runners are not considered to be in front of the wickets.
Zaheer Khan:
Trapping Sourav Ganguly in County and Ranji is not enough. You need to trap Gilchrist, Gibbs, Lara, and so on. That includes players from Bangladesh and Bermuda.
Harbhjan Singh:
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, Shane Warne bowled the ball of the century.
Bhajji, You are playing instead of Kumble.....
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Indianisation of the West??
So, TATA bought Corus and became the fifth largest Steel conglomerate, striking a vibrant note in the Indian industry, unending rounds of applause and even rhetoric, and stories of India making its presence felt in the international arena.
Jamshedji Tata was once famously scoffed at by Chief of British Railways, who said that If India ever made steel to British standards, he will eat every ounce of it. Well, if not TATA steel, he might be eating a humble pie, to say the least.
To TATA, well done. Just hope that the champagnes don't fizz out quickly, and the acquisition reflects in the quality and quantity of the Indian products, which are still competitive only in terms of prices... so theat 'India Poised' and 'India Shining' dreams come closer to reality.
Too early to call it Indianisation of the West, but certainly one more thing that inspires Indians to Dream bigger and better.
Jamshedji Tata was once famously scoffed at by Chief of British Railways, who said that If India ever made steel to British standards, he will eat every ounce of it. Well, if not TATA steel, he might be eating a humble pie, to say the least.
To TATA, well done. Just hope that the champagnes don't fizz out quickly, and the acquisition reflects in the quality and quantity of the Indian products, which are still competitive only in terms of prices... so theat 'India Poised' and 'India Shining' dreams come closer to reality.
Too early to call it Indianisation of the West, but certainly one more thing that inspires Indians to Dream bigger and better.
Friday, January 26, 2007
A moment to sit back...
Last week was one of the best ones in my life as a 'Professional'. Not because of anything 'great' that I did to L&T or L&T did to me... but because i got to meet four dear old friends...
More than anything else, I realized how much I had been missing in my life...
Coz with friends, I finally had someone asking me not what I had been doing, but how I had been... someone with whom I could again become who I was... ppl with whom i could again touch that innocence that, I realized, I had long long lost in the furious pace of life that I have already started enjoying... people who could take me back in time, to the world that I miss now.
Coz after zapping around with things like job, career, future and the like, it pays to unbelong... to forget everything else and talk nonsense... to be me, again... and more than anything else, a moment to sit back and watch life go by!!!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
One fine Tuesday....
One fine tuesday, there was a heading in Times of India: 'Munna Not a Bhai'....That same tuesday, a major news on BBC read: 'Hizbul Mujahidin's Most wanted terrorist 'Sohel Faisal' killed, Indian Major loses his life'
On News#1, experts like Salman Khan were reiterating their faith in goodness of Sanju Dada on front page. News#2 never made it to National newspaper Headlines.
News#1 told us how Sanju dada was the sole bread earner for His family, and how he put this point across in the court, which was 'moving'.
As far as news # 2 is concerned, Major Manish H Pitambare also had a family. But he didn't think 'I have a little daughter' (18 months old daughter, his wife and his old parents survive him) when he recieved the whereabouts of the Hizb Commander.
Ironically, as if to further link the two stories, Major Pitambare was killed with a bullet fired rom AK47.
Salute to the men of honour who fight and die for our motherland, so that we can live happily and smile at Sanjay dutt stories
On News#1, experts like Salman Khan were reiterating their faith in goodness of Sanju Dada on front page. News#2 never made it to National newspaper Headlines.
News#1 told us how Sanju dada was the sole bread earner for His family, and how he put this point across in the court, which was 'moving'.
As far as news # 2 is concerned, Major Manish H Pitambare also had a family. But he didn't think 'I have a little daughter' (18 months old daughter, his wife and his old parents survive him) when he recieved the whereabouts of the Hizb Commander.
Ironically, as if to further link the two stories, Major Pitambare was killed with a bullet fired rom AK47.
Salute to the men of honour who fight and die for our motherland, so that we can live happily and smile at Sanjay dutt stories
Monday, November 27, 2006
Flashes in the pan... Part II
Yet another day when the free slack in my activities is allowing me to diverge from my critical path. In other words, m a bit free today. So another one of the flashes....
Talked to a lot of old school friends after 4-5 years... Orkut is Great!! Felt amazing how the distances of years can be erased in minutes.... in the same world where minutes are deemed sufficient to wipe away eras of trust and friendship...
Sometimes, I feel whether it is wise to sit back and let life take its course or to take control of it... although a staunch advocate of the latter, right now I seem to be favoring the former. Just to see what happens, if for nothing else. So for a while, life itself will decide. Unless of course, I revert back to my usual self, which I trust more than life, luck or destiny. I suspect I will...
Hoping against hope, but still hoping for the best...
Talked to a lot of old school friends after 4-5 years... Orkut is Great!! Felt amazing how the distances of years can be erased in minutes.... in the same world where minutes are deemed sufficient to wipe away eras of trust and friendship...
Sometimes, I feel whether it is wise to sit back and let life take its course or to take control of it... although a staunch advocate of the latter, right now I seem to be favoring the former. Just to see what happens, if for nothing else. So for a while, life itself will decide. Unless of course, I revert back to my usual self, which I trust more than life, luck or destiny. I suspect I will...
Hoping against hope, but still hoping for the best...
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Jeetega Bhai Jeetega
So, Team India lost another match. Well, not the first time. But now, somehow, this time our hon'ble MPs want an answer.
Well, when Team India lost against Australia and underperformed against Namibia in WC03, fans attacked Mohd. Kaif's home. When we ended up runners up, why didn't these MPs demand an answer from those who did this reckless deed? When some hooligans booed Sachin Tendulkar in Wankhede, where were these demanding MPs? When Ponting and Company misbehaved with Pawar, what great were these MPs doing?
They demand answers? Let them demand answer from the authorities of places where people are killing themselved for the want of food. Let them get an answer from people who have left our Kargil Heroes out in the cold. And let them ask themselves why they do not talk business in any bill, except perhaps the bill of reconsideration of their own salaries.
About Team India and Chappel, well, they are guys who can take care of themselves. They do not need to answer anyone, except the common Indian, who still cheers every wicket of Zaheer, Every boundary of Sachin and every six of Dhoni. And answer they will, not in rhetoric but in performance.
Cheers to the spirit of Team India. Cheers to the Support mail of BCCI. Cheers to the legendary ring that we form after every wicket fall.
Jeetega Bhai Jeetega............
Well, when Team India lost against Australia and underperformed against Namibia in WC03, fans attacked Mohd. Kaif's home. When we ended up runners up, why didn't these MPs demand an answer from those who did this reckless deed? When some hooligans booed Sachin Tendulkar in Wankhede, where were these demanding MPs? When Ponting and Company misbehaved with Pawar, what great were these MPs doing?
They demand answers? Let them demand answer from the authorities of places where people are killing themselved for the want of food. Let them get an answer from people who have left our Kargil Heroes out in the cold. And let them ask themselves why they do not talk business in any bill, except perhaps the bill of reconsideration of their own salaries.
About Team India and Chappel, well, they are guys who can take care of themselves. They do not need to answer anyone, except the common Indian, who still cheers every wicket of Zaheer, Every boundary of Sachin and every six of Dhoni. And answer they will, not in rhetoric but in performance.
Cheers to the spirit of Team India. Cheers to the Support mail of BCCI. Cheers to the legendary ring that we form after every wicket fall.
Jeetega Bhai Jeetega............
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
The Fight Ain't fair
A long while ago, The Tramp told me to read one particular entry of his blog... and comment.
For the second time in my blogging history, he deserved more than a comment. It read
It’s a shocking tale of two Indias, the irony of which is clearly indicative of the stark socio-economic disparity.While the country’s business entrepreneurs raised a toast to BSE benchmark Sensex breaching the 13,000 mark on Monday, thousands of miles away in Bihar, a man committed suicide for not having eaten for 13 days. (more...)
"it's not that we don't care,we just know that the fight ain't fairso we keep on waitingwaiting on the world to change"
- John Mayer
and the blog ended. Abruptly.
The question is not whether we know or do not know...
Someday, each of us gets a chance to make the world a better place for someone we hardly kow. Then the question is, when that day comes, do we choose to look the other way, or do we fight our bit to make the fight fair?
Someday, the number of people doing their bit will rise.
Someday, our India will change.
Someday, Indians will change India.
Waiting for that day? Forget it. Its already time to stop waiting and start working for it.
For the second time in my blogging history, he deserved more than a comment. It read
It’s a shocking tale of two Indias, the irony of which is clearly indicative of the stark socio-economic disparity.While the country’s business entrepreneurs raised a toast to BSE benchmark Sensex breaching the 13,000 mark on Monday, thousands of miles away in Bihar, a man committed suicide for not having eaten for 13 days. (more...)
"it's not that we don't care,we just know that the fight ain't fairso we keep on waitingwaiting on the world to change"
- John Mayer
and the blog ended. Abruptly.
The question is not whether we know or do not know...
Someday, each of us gets a chance to make the world a better place for someone we hardly kow. Then the question is, when that day comes, do we choose to look the other way, or do we fight our bit to make the fight fair?
Someday, the number of people doing their bit will rise.
Someday, our India will change.
Someday, Indians will change India.
Waiting for that day? Forget it. Its already time to stop waiting and start working for it.
Walk Through the Past
Yesterday I had a walk through the Churni Road streets... the same ones that we roamed during the unforgettable winter tour that we had in 3rd year... and it took me into a tour of the past...
Goa Beaches... sand in the feet, breeze in the face... stars in the sky, dreams in the eyes... "Abe Ultimate Jagah Hai"... "Samajh aata hai log honeymoon manane yahaan kyu aate hain"... "Tu Bhi yahi aayega, mujhe maloom hai"... "Time kya hua hai? Night out hua ke nahi ab tak"... unforgettable moments....
Uttaranchal... Snow all around... Himalayas towering, mystical and dreamy... Fog ahead, clouds below... "Abe yahaan ek baar aur aaoonga at least, aur is baar akela nahi aaoonga"... "Oye tu akela to abhi bhi nahi hai, hum hain naa"... "Teri Aisi ki Taisi"... The trips that we spent 4 years planning, and proved worth the wait... and I was thinking... 'If at all I get a chance to relive my life, I will start from here'
Some days, when I am alone, I think of the best friends that I have had for life. And I close my eyes. And I am back there, in 106-L, 64-De, 16-Viveka or 191-Viveka... I still feel like I can take 5 steps and see ashu in the next room, I still think that the silence will be shattered by the irrepressible Anu singing 'Chanda Chamke'... I still think that there will be a power cut in the night and Saransh, Pari and I will be singing Kishore-Rafi songs... I still feel that I can make out the ever comforting image of Roy somewhere out there in the lobby....
Cheers to the moments that made up those golden years of my life....
Goa Beaches... sand in the feet, breeze in the face... stars in the sky, dreams in the eyes... "Abe Ultimate Jagah Hai"... "Samajh aata hai log honeymoon manane yahaan kyu aate hain"... "Tu Bhi yahi aayega, mujhe maloom hai"... "Time kya hua hai? Night out hua ke nahi ab tak"... unforgettable moments....
Uttaranchal... Snow all around... Himalayas towering, mystical and dreamy... Fog ahead, clouds below... "Abe yahaan ek baar aur aaoonga at least, aur is baar akela nahi aaoonga"... "Oye tu akela to abhi bhi nahi hai, hum hain naa"... "Teri Aisi ki Taisi"... The trips that we spent 4 years planning, and proved worth the wait... and I was thinking... 'If at all I get a chance to relive my life, I will start from here'
Some days, when I am alone, I think of the best friends that I have had for life. And I close my eyes. And I am back there, in 106-L, 64-De, 16-Viveka or 191-Viveka... I still feel like I can take 5 steps and see ashu in the next room, I still think that the silence will be shattered by the irrepressible Anu singing 'Chanda Chamke'... I still think that there will be a power cut in the night and Saransh, Pari and I will be singing Kishore-Rafi songs... I still feel that I can make out the ever comforting image of Roy somewhere out there in the lobby....
Cheers to the moments that made up those golden years of my life....
Monday, October 23, 2006
Touching 100!!
"Congrats Priyank. Today you have completed 99 working days." Words of my boss, guide and patron, 'Shukla Sir', as i call him. Who else but the best planning engineer could have kept track of a time span as irrelevant as this one!! Apart from comparing his announcement with NDA and UPA government milestones (which he thankfully laughed at), I said 'Thank You'.
Well, he might as well have said '99 days of your new life'. It has been a new lifetime of sorts.
It has been the worst of times. I have spent the most unsatisfying part of my life, doing a job that I hated. I have learnt how it feels being hit in the face by life. My heart and mind have gone through the most tempestuous of phases in these days. I have been shouted at on the job for no mistake of mine. I have experienced the agony of real life.
But then, it has been the best of times. The 'unsatisfying phase' has given me the stomach to go for what I really want from my life. I have learnt how to hit back when it hits you. The tempest has been preceded by the most blissful of experiences. In job also, I have made people get up and take notice of me. I have felt the ecstasy of achievement and the joy of little victories.
And some things never change. Daddy still prefers that I give him a missed call rather than a call. Daadiji still tells me to watch out for Aeroplanes before moving around the airport. Mummy still calls me whenever there is an 'Aloo ka Paratha' treat at home. Friends still talk with me in the same lingo that we used in hostel. Pretty much the same as it has always been.
I love my life.
Well, he might as well have said '99 days of your new life'. It has been a new lifetime of sorts.
It has been the worst of times. I have spent the most unsatisfying part of my life, doing a job that I hated. I have learnt how it feels being hit in the face by life. My heart and mind have gone through the most tempestuous of phases in these days. I have been shouted at on the job for no mistake of mine. I have experienced the agony of real life.
But then, it has been the best of times. The 'unsatisfying phase' has given me the stomach to go for what I really want from my life. I have learnt how to hit back when it hits you. The tempest has been preceded by the most blissful of experiences. In job also, I have made people get up and take notice of me. I have felt the ecstasy of achievement and the joy of little victories.
And some things never change. Daddy still prefers that I give him a missed call rather than a call. Daadiji still tells me to watch out for Aeroplanes before moving around the airport. Mummy still calls me whenever there is an 'Aloo ka Paratha' treat at home. Friends still talk with me in the same lingo that we used in hostel. Pretty much the same as it has always been.
I love my life.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Its only words!!
Today, having little else to do in office (for a change), I spent time pondering over things people said, used to say, keep on saying, and so on… A representative sample of my thoughts::
Roy:
From ‘Oye ye 14kg ke weight mein bahut dust laga hai… reading accurate nahi aayega’ to ‘Oye aaj Maiti ka lab mein jaane ka hai???’
Anupam:
‘Oye main soch raha hoon….’
‘Oye yaar meri samajh mein aati kyu nahi tumhari baat…’
‘Kaddu ki Taayi…’
Ashutosh:
Ashu vs Shukla… CED, ITBHU… need I say more? ‘Frankly bata rahe hain, maza aa gaya thaa!!’
Lota:
‘Really Yaar…’, on a decibel level enough to bring down a few walls of the crumbling hostel!!
Mintu:
From ‘Kantaap Maar Denge’ to ‘______ phenk ke maarenge’ to ‘One Man, Maar it, Paar it…’
Bunti:
From ‘O ________, Anoma Shah!!!’ to ‘Saadhe Dus minute bache hain, 11 pages…’ before an end sem, all in front of Cafeteria
Chintu:
From ‘Main achha hoon sir, aap bataaiye kaise hain!!’ to ‘Sir main apne aap ko missed call nahi de sakta, itni si baat aapko samajh nahi aati!!’… all to Maiti!!
Raaka:
‘With folded Hands!!!’
Pakaau Singh
From 'What Great have you done today' to 'This Venky and Pathak is a terrorists!!!!'
Champa:
From ‘Kyaa Karein, humara to phaaka lagega…’ to ‘Kyaa Karein, humara to phaaka lagega…’ The guy hasn’t changed!!!
_________:
From ‘Ab peechha chhudaana aasaan nahi’ to ‘I don’t think there is anything left to be sorted out’
Roy:
From ‘Oye ye 14kg ke weight mein bahut dust laga hai… reading accurate nahi aayega’ to ‘Oye aaj Maiti ka lab mein jaane ka hai???’
Anupam:
‘Oye main soch raha hoon….’
‘Oye yaar meri samajh mein aati kyu nahi tumhari baat…’
‘Kaddu ki Taayi…’
Ashutosh:
Ashu vs Shukla… CED, ITBHU… need I say more? ‘Frankly bata rahe hain, maza aa gaya thaa!!’
Lota:
‘Really Yaar…’, on a decibel level enough to bring down a few walls of the crumbling hostel!!
Mintu:
From ‘Kantaap Maar Denge’ to ‘______ phenk ke maarenge’ to ‘One Man, Maar it, Paar it…’
Bunti:
From ‘O ________, Anoma Shah!!!’ to ‘Saadhe Dus minute bache hain, 11 pages…’ before an end sem, all in front of Cafeteria
Chintu:
From ‘Main achha hoon sir, aap bataaiye kaise hain!!’ to ‘Sir main apne aap ko missed call nahi de sakta, itni si baat aapko samajh nahi aati!!’… all to Maiti!!
Raaka:
‘With folded Hands!!!’
Pakaau Singh
From 'What Great have you done today' to 'This Venky and Pathak is a terrorists!!!!'
Champa:
From ‘Kyaa Karein, humara to phaaka lagega…’ to ‘Kyaa Karein, humara to phaaka lagega…’ The guy hasn’t changed!!!
_________:
From ‘Ab peechha chhudaana aasaan nahi’ to ‘I don’t think there is anything left to be sorted out’
Monday, October 02, 2006
"Aajkal tum Blog mein itna rote kyu rehte ho?"
Another well meaning comment from a friend of mine.... a brutally honest one, if I can call it that!!! Followed by a comparison of life with a sine curve (phew!!!) which no one else could have done!! (I hope i am not a dead man once this blog is read :D )
After a while, it felt good to see someone giving a damn... just the kind of Phirki I was talking about the other day... in the blog entry below....
And again, for the record, it wasn't crying, it was 'Reflecting'....
Do I hear u say 'Watever'??!!!
After a while, it felt good to see someone giving a damn... just the kind of Phirki I was talking about the other day... in the blog entry below....
And again, for the record, it wasn't crying, it was 'Reflecting'....
Do I hear u say 'Watever'??!!!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Chhoti Chhoti Baatein...
It was a wednesday... late in the night. We were coming back from office after a long day. Had been late. Again. All of us had either missed out on a late night 'garba' plan, or missed another chance of goin out with family, or was plain unhappy to be late. Typical end-of-the-day gloom...
Then suddenly, at a traffic jucntion, there was a man selling a small toy for kids... a thread-mounted Phirki and i bought it for no apparent reason whatsoever. I couldn'y play it properly, and soon the whole group in the car was busy trying to teach each other how to do it right, chuckling, giggling and laughing all the time. The next one hour drive was as pleasant and cheerful as could have been.
And I was later left wondering why we need triggers to make us happy and become sad and gloomy spontaneously...
I still keep that Phirki that changed the mood of the car pool the other day. Just hope that somebody or the other keeps inserting a Phirki into each others' lives every once in a while... just for an ocassional heartfelt smile, if for no other reason!!!
Then suddenly, at a traffic jucntion, there was a man selling a small toy for kids... a thread-mounted Phirki and i bought it for no apparent reason whatsoever. I couldn'y play it properly, and soon the whole group in the car was busy trying to teach each other how to do it right, chuckling, giggling and laughing all the time. The next one hour drive was as pleasant and cheerful as could have been.
And I was later left wondering why we need triggers to make us happy and become sad and gloomy spontaneously...
I still keep that Phirki that changed the mood of the car pool the other day. Just hope that somebody or the other keeps inserting a Phirki into each others' lives every once in a while... just for an ocassional heartfelt smile, if for no other reason!!!
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