One good thing about a democratic country like India is that we have the freedom to voice our thoughts without any fear. So here I go!
The TADA court judge Kode said that Sanjay Dutt wasn’t a terrorist. Touche! Sanjay is just an actor who happens to be caught in a quagmired destiny of a wrong doer. From drugs to possession of illegal weapons, he did it all.
Though I am filled with sympathy and remorse as I hear about the 6 year RI for our Sanju baba, yet I fail to understand why would anyone buy an AK-56 and be in touch with the infamous wanted group of people. I sincerely don’t think he had a role to play in Mumbai blasts but the very fact he tried to “destroy” the illegal weapon drives his image away from being clean. Did he get scared??….only he knows! Best thing 14 years ago would have been to surrender and innocence plead.
Kudos to Kode! It would undoubtedly have been a Catch 22 situation for Kode to reach a conclusion as harsh, considering the star status of Mr. Dutt, but still he stuck to what was right reassuring the public that all are equal in the eyes of law.
But personally speaking, 6 years is just too long! I am not saying that Sanjay Dutt should have been excused for what he did but may be 2 years would have been just fine considering the fact that the so called crime was committed 14 years back, that he is one of the leading actors in times today and that he is clean and not involved in any criminal activity whatsoever.
Isn’t it ironical to get reprimanded just when you are sorry for the past and want to make it up in the future by being good?
As for the janta, another 7 years (atleast) before they get to see the next sequel to their favourite Munnabhai movie series!
8/01/2007
7/31/2007
The Art Of A Good Marriage
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers the whole family.It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humour. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow old. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner; it is being the right partner.
*this article is a direct take from the net
7/30/2007
Changing roles?
Post office is being seen in new light by few of the major corporate. And why not? With subjects on rural penetration and customer convenience prevailing in the boardrooms, people have no choice but to evaluate the existing strong network that can be capitalized on.
Yesterday it was Air Deccan which made ticketing kiosks available at post offices across Karnataka and today its Hutch who has made it convenient for their post paid customers by tying up with around 131 post offices across Tamil Nadu for easy payment of mobile bills. All you got to do is to locate your nearest post office and pay your bill!
Well, with renewed services at post offices and customer care being of prime importance to all corporate, day is not far when the postman will also be responsible for collecting mobile bills and may be even distributing movie tickets? Who knows!
As I end this blog, I am trying to find the right phrase for “dekho daak aaya” post this role change...…any suggestions?
Yesterday it was Air Deccan which made ticketing kiosks available at post offices across Karnataka and today its Hutch who has made it convenient for their post paid customers by tying up with around 131 post offices across Tamil Nadu for easy payment of mobile bills. All you got to do is to locate your nearest post office and pay your bill!
Well, with renewed services at post offices and customer care being of prime importance to all corporate, day is not far when the postman will also be responsible for collecting mobile bills and may be even distributing movie tickets? Who knows!
As I end this blog, I am trying to find the right phrase for “dekho daak aaya” post this role change...…any suggestions?
7/04/2007
An Inconvenient Truth
Conergy, the group company of SunTechnics made its launch in India official on 3rd July by screening the academy award winning documentary film – An Inconvenient Truth. I was lucky enough to be a part of SunTechnics since the entry was by invite only.
An Inconvenient Truth, brilliant but shocking movie. Brilliant, because the level of detailing Al Gore has gone into to put across his views on climatic change more so on Global warming is phenomenal. Shocking, because the facts shown in the movie were quite alarming. From showing the level increase in carbon dioxide to possible extinction of polar bears, to the melting of ice sheets at Greenland or Antarctic and its effect on sea level and coastal area inhabitants, rise in temperature in the last 10 years, growing population etc Al Gore showed it all. And I must admit in a very impressive and articulated manner.
It actually gave me goose bumps thinking of the future. It’s rather sad the objective to curb global warming has yet not become a global objective and still lies with few people like Al Gore who travel from place to place spreading the message.
Al Gore concluded his case in the movie indeed with a very nice story of a frog. A frog when jumps into hot boiling water jumps out immediately. But a frog that jumps in a beaker of cold water put on a boiler sits right there even if the water starts boiling, till the time somebody actually pulls it out.
We are the frog sitting pretty, the world is heating up, and the occurring is quite evident. Rise in temperature, hurricanes, droughts, heavy rains etc have become a part of the everyday news.
Let’s do our bit
-Use energy saving appliances at home / offices
-Replace all bulbs with CFLs
-Consume less of fossil fuel
-Encourage car pools
-Use renewable energy sources
-Invest in a hybrid car if possible
-Walk more
-Ride a bicycle
-Save power by switching off lights, fan etc when not in use
-Unplug appliances when not in use, since they also consume power
-Plant more
These are the small steps that we can take without disrupting much our day to day life. Al Gore talks about taking progressive approach in his movie.
Well, for sure it has to be progressive and collective....it has to be a global revolution. Let each one of us spread message across and work towards a beautiful tomorrow, where our future generation think high of us for taking the right step at the right time.
An Inconvenient Truth, brilliant but shocking movie. Brilliant, because the level of detailing Al Gore has gone into to put across his views on climatic change more so on Global warming is phenomenal. Shocking, because the facts shown in the movie were quite alarming. From showing the level increase in carbon dioxide to possible extinction of polar bears, to the melting of ice sheets at Greenland or Antarctic and its effect on sea level and coastal area inhabitants, rise in temperature in the last 10 years, growing population etc Al Gore showed it all. And I must admit in a very impressive and articulated manner.
It actually gave me goose bumps thinking of the future. It’s rather sad the objective to curb global warming has yet not become a global objective and still lies with few people like Al Gore who travel from place to place spreading the message.
Al Gore concluded his case in the movie indeed with a very nice story of a frog. A frog when jumps into hot boiling water jumps out immediately. But a frog that jumps in a beaker of cold water put on a boiler sits right there even if the water starts boiling, till the time somebody actually pulls it out.
We are the frog sitting pretty, the world is heating up, and the occurring is quite evident. Rise in temperature, hurricanes, droughts, heavy rains etc have become a part of the everyday news.
Let’s do our bit
-Use energy saving appliances at home / offices
-Replace all bulbs with CFLs
-Consume less of fossil fuel
-Encourage car pools
-Use renewable energy sources
-Invest in a hybrid car if possible
-Walk more
-Ride a bicycle
-Save power by switching off lights, fan etc when not in use
-Unplug appliances when not in use, since they also consume power
-Plant more
These are the small steps that we can take without disrupting much our day to day life. Al Gore talks about taking progressive approach in his movie.
Well, for sure it has to be progressive and collective....it has to be a global revolution. Let each one of us spread message across and work towards a beautiful tomorrow, where our future generation think high of us for taking the right step at the right time.
6/25/2007
Rashtrapatni?
Well, is that what we will call our new president if Pratibha Patil, the most favored candidate makes her way into Raisina hills? Sounds funny.
Anyways, I am completely lost in terms of the selection or nomination procedure. I am yet not sure of the credentials of the most favored candidate. I have great respect for the incumbent APJ Abdul Kalam and admire him for the vision and his soul touching speeches addressed to mostly to the young generation.
Though personally I would be very happy if a “women” candidate gets to be the first citizen of India. It just makes me feel proud to see the powering and towering women around. Goes without saying she needs to be a well deserving candidate, having a mind of her own and least affected by the infamous political scenario.
Anyways, I am completely lost in terms of the selection or nomination procedure. I am yet not sure of the credentials of the most favored candidate. I have great respect for the incumbent APJ Abdul Kalam and admire him for the vision and his soul touching speeches addressed to mostly to the young generation.
Though personally I would be very happy if a “women” candidate gets to be the first citizen of India. It just makes me feel proud to see the powering and towering women around. Goes without saying she needs to be a well deserving candidate, having a mind of her own and least affected by the infamous political scenario.
Rain, rain, go away come again another day?
Paradoxically as much as we need rains to quench the thirst of mother earth the infrastructure at many of the places in India just doesn’t allow rains to be a pleasant welcoming experience. The road between potholes, absence of apt conduit for the rain water, mucky streets…..taxes are paid in the name of community development yet the ‘janta’ still pays, only in the form of time and personal discomfort.
Hello…..anybody listening?
Hello…..anybody listening?
5/18/2007
The world of advertising…..
We have had some nice and creative advertisements in the recent past. Greenplay ad with a punch line of janam janam ka saathi where a Sikh kid meeting savithri ..his sweetheart from the previous birth (which I find quite funny), or the Mentos ad of that of a college classroom scene, or the superb ad of surf excel showing brother and sister love, where the brother “beats up” the puddle which makes his sister trip. I like all of these. Another ad that I will probably never ever forget is the old Cadbury’s ad where a girl rejoices in the victory of her batsman boyfriend on a cricket field. None of the current Amitabh Bachaan series of Cadbury ‘pappu’ ads (pun intended) are anywhere near to it.
Off late advertisers seemed to be parking their money on creating advertisements on the theory of reverse psychology. It goes like this, how many times do we find ourselves saying “what’s wrong with these creative agencies” after watching the 30 second commercial on television? My guess would be, most of the times. Yet we remember these ads….may be because we hated it?
The train ad of Coco Cola with Aamir Khan, or Kajol in Tata Indicom, the unbearable Sunny Deol ads, Shahrukh and Preity santro corny ads ….wow! as I am writing this blog I realize I remember ads with only celebraties….hmmm
Anyways, be it be creative on uncreative ads, the objective is achieved if the creative lots are able to make their clients’ product and services appeal the customer or for that matter just gain mind share of the aam aadmi.
Off late advertisers seemed to be parking their money on creating advertisements on the theory of reverse psychology. It goes like this, how many times do we find ourselves saying “what’s wrong with these creative agencies” after watching the 30 second commercial on television? My guess would be, most of the times. Yet we remember these ads….may be because we hated it?
The train ad of Coco Cola with Aamir Khan, or Kajol in Tata Indicom, the unbearable Sunny Deol ads, Shahrukh and Preity santro corny ads ….wow! as I am writing this blog I realize I remember ads with only celebraties….hmmm
Anyways, be it be creative on uncreative ads, the objective is achieved if the creative lots are able to make their clients’ product and services appeal the customer or for that matter just gain mind share of the aam aadmi.
5/12/2007
Life in a Metro
The latest Hindi flick I watched today with an old friend from Delhi, who has relocated to Bangalore. Nice attempt by Anurag Basu with some fine lyrical songs; though the essence of this movie is quite disturbing. Disturbing because what was projected were facts to which most of us could relate to.
We talk of sanctity of marriage. Whether it exists is anybody’s guess. The male chauvinism as projected by one of my favorite actor in the movie, Kay Kay Menon makes you hate him to the core.
The movie through its characters put forward the idea of each person having the right to be happy. Very Well said! You cannot make others happy till the time you are happy. But then, at what cost? I am no one to preach what is right and what is not, for what is right for me might be totally out of context for someone else.
Don’t we ourselves question our decision taken in the past? Decisions which looks so right then but so ridiculous now? Anyways, getting back to the movie, good performance by the “Kiss n tell in-news gal” Shilpa Shetty and “tickle your funny bone guy” Sharman Joshi who for a change portrayed a serious role (after RDB). With few lighter moments it was super show by “get in skin of character” Konkana Sen and talented and seasoned actor Irrfan Khan.
Just like Page 3 left a disgusting feeling in you, this movie would kindle lotsa questions in your mind, few pleasant and few not so pleasant.
We talk of sanctity of marriage. Whether it exists is anybody’s guess. The male chauvinism as projected by one of my favorite actor in the movie, Kay Kay Menon makes you hate him to the core.
The movie through its characters put forward the idea of each person having the right to be happy. Very Well said! You cannot make others happy till the time you are happy. But then, at what cost? I am no one to preach what is right and what is not, for what is right for me might be totally out of context for someone else.
Don’t we ourselves question our decision taken in the past? Decisions which looks so right then but so ridiculous now? Anyways, getting back to the movie, good performance by the “Kiss n tell in-news gal” Shilpa Shetty and “tickle your funny bone guy” Sharman Joshi who for a change portrayed a serious role (after RDB). With few lighter moments it was super show by “get in skin of character” Konkana Sen and talented and seasoned actor Irrfan Khan.
Just like Page 3 left a disgusting feeling in you, this movie would kindle lotsa questions in your mind, few pleasant and few not so pleasant.
5/11/2007
Muse on....
"You don't have to specialize - do everything that you love and then, at some time, the future will come together for you in some form.".....Francis Ford Coppola
To mom with love…..
On my way to the office I tuned in to Radio Indigo, one of the music channels that has been building up the tempo from the last few days towards the big D-day called “the Mother’s day”; this year falling on 13th May (2nd Sunday of the May month).
I wanted to be just like her. Not the looks but everything about her. I am talking about my mom…..my pillar of strength. An exceptionally bright lady whose talent perhaps didn’t find the right conduit. Wisdom galore, a super mom working non stop with no breaks even on Sundays. I wonder if I can be even 40 percent of what she is to three of us (me and my siblings).
From ‘Mother’s day for peace’ to ‘mothers’ work day’ and finally to ‘mother’s day’…this day was formalized for a different reason at different point in time, but as it stands today, Mother’s day is attributed as a special day to mother’s all around as a thankful gesture.
Well, I don’t think just one day would do any justice to the level of sacrifices and unconditional love moms shower on us…Nevertheless… happy mother’s day to all mommies!
I wanted to be just like her. Not the looks but everything about her. I am talking about my mom…..my pillar of strength. An exceptionally bright lady whose talent perhaps didn’t find the right conduit. Wisdom galore, a super mom working non stop with no breaks even on Sundays. I wonder if I can be even 40 percent of what she is to three of us (me and my siblings).
From ‘Mother’s day for peace’ to ‘mothers’ work day’ and finally to ‘mother’s day’…this day was formalized for a different reason at different point in time, but as it stands today, Mother’s day is attributed as a special day to mother’s all around as a thankful gesture.
Well, I don’t think just one day would do any justice to the level of sacrifices and unconditional love moms shower on us…Nevertheless… happy mother’s day to all mommies!
5/09/2007
New and better?
What is new today may either get more refined or completely obsolete tomorrow. I was an infrequent blogger on live space for sometime when I decided to jump into the blog arena full-on through my space on blogspot. It has hardly been two months and now I learn of a new and improved blog tool and weblog platform called WordPress!
My tech geek friend has now decided to maintain two blog spaces and elect the best one. He has also blogged his first set of views on Blogspot vs WordPress on his space called Pradeep’s Point.
Even before I heard about WordPress, another friend of mine introduced me to tumblelog which enables you to have media posts instead of long editorial posts as on a normal blog space.
I am sure there would be more such weblogs on the block. But, I will stick on to blogspot for now unless tomorrow I face a wall where I cannot do without using WordPress or for that matter Tumblr!
My tech geek friend has now decided to maintain two blog spaces and elect the best one. He has also blogged his first set of views on Blogspot vs WordPress on his space called Pradeep’s Point.
Even before I heard about WordPress, another friend of mine introduced me to tumblelog which enables you to have media posts instead of long editorial posts as on a normal blog space.
I am sure there would be more such weblogs on the block. But, I will stick on to blogspot for now unless tomorrow I face a wall where I cannot do without using WordPress or for that matter Tumblr!
Muse on....
Never conclude a person on his present
'cos TIME has the power
to change an invaluable coal into a
valuable diamond....
'cos TIME has the power
to change an invaluable coal into a
valuable diamond....
5/08/2007
Lessons from a donkey...
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of theanimal, he would shake it off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick togetting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each ofour troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less
He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of theanimal, he would shake it off and take a step up.
Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick togetting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each ofour troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less
5/07/2007
The road less traveled
Nah, I am not referring to the book by M.Scott Peck lying in my library of ‘yet to be read’ books but to a recent trek trip I made to Kallathigiri on the foothills of Kemmangundi in the state of Karnataka. On the road from Kemmangundi to Tarikere a deviation takes you off to Kallathigiri, a beautiful non-commercialized hill station. 18 of us from my office planned a trip full of adventure and team building activities. Ofcourse we took guidance from experts from Outback India, a 15 year old firm comprising of 12 enthusiasts.
It was a 6 hours journey from Bangalore through the peak evening hours to the home stays in the heart of the coffee estate. Nice and cosy cottages where we shacked up. We had a rigorous trek planned for the next day hence we got into bed as soon as we arrived which was past midnight.
I got up quite early the next morning. The warm rising sun as if pacifying the cool whiff of breeze, swaying of the silver oak and mango trees besides other beautiful wildflower bearing shrubs and coffee plantation; I watched all this in peace sipping a nice hot cuppa coffee. My cottage overlooked the hills and absolutely nothing can describe the view or the experience.
Post a game of badminton and breakfast, I stacked my bag with water, snacks and medicines for the group and set off for our trek on Saturday morning (5th May) at 0900hrs. The whole trek was divided in three parts depending upon the interest and physical level of the group. The first and second part concluded at the foot and the centre of the Kallhathi falls while the last one which was more adventurous and risky concluded at the head of the Kallhathi falls.
We had a rocking time at the foot and the centre part of the waterfall. Most of us didn’t carry a change and neither had we planned to get wet. But, our excitement took over us and in no time we found ourselves splashing water and standing right under the falls. The rocks were slippery and we literally had to walk animal till we reached the fall. We stood amidst tiny rainbows in the waterfalls for hours together and took lotsa pictures.
We had a nice picnic with snacks that we carried and then split into two groups. Ofcourse I was in the group which decided to explore the mountains even further. The gravity at its best, the trek now got more rigorous and scary. We had to walk with nimble feet holding on to the tiger grass from its roots. Tiger grass gives you good support when you are climbing up. There were no other trekkers besides us. Now you know why I titled my blog as road less traveled?
With bruises and scratches on feet and thorns in hands we finally made it to the top. We slouched on our belly over the rock on top and experienced the bird’s eye view of the area. Our instructor showed us the route we took from the top and also circled in air the home stays where we started our trek from. What a sense of achievement we all felt.
The trip down was more risky than I thought. We had our heart in our mouth for the initial 1 hour. Myself, Ritika (12 year old daughter of one of my colleague) and Revankar headed the group and we had personal agenda of being at the lead during the whole trip. Trust me, it was great fun in doing that. :-)
We reached our base camp at 4 pm for lunch! and in very good time since ½ hour post that it started pouring heavily. Should I call that a bonus? Indeed! Team from Outback India were sweet enough to arrange for some nice hot pakoras and bhajis alongwith some coffee. What fun!
We had few team building games before we assembled back for campfire and a dance party. Post dinner at 2330 hrs, we had the option of night trek. Only two of us opted for it. The rules for the night trek were no talking and no carrying of torches! We were supposed to walk in the moonlight and to our amazement; we could actually see a lot of stuff without any artificial light! We heard all kind of spooky noises and for once I was really scared :-) and talks of various strategies we needed to adopt just in case a wild animal passes off was just worsening our fears. My shoe laces were open and I was in no mood to stop and tie it up. LOL …..Anyways, we were back to the base camp safe and sound and tucked ourselves in bed. We slept like a log.
I woke up early the next day, and found no water in our washrooms. We learnt that the pipe which gave the water supply from the falls to the home-stay got damaged in the rains the previous night! So we were instructed to change and freshen up with the available stored water and start off for our rope activities. The group was again divided into three with one team leader.
We had rappelling, commando bridge and bungee rope game. For rappelling instead of a mountain which had got wet and slippery with the rains, rope was tied off a 35 feet tall tree. We were given a zoomer, gri-gri, carabiner and ropes for rappelling. From each team 3 people were supposed to participate with participation of 1 lady a must and for the rest 2 activities the entire team was to participate. This was my first rappelling experience and truly speaking the technique confused me. But somewhere midway in the air I got a hang of it and made it to the top of the tree! Damn…it was hard but a great experience.
Post the games we rushed back to our rooms, and thankfully the water supply had restored by then. We washed and changed and packed our stuff. Our lunch was arranged in Kemmangundi, 8 km drive uphill.
Post our lunch we started off for Bangalore. Nice breezy weather followed by rain coupled with Kishore Kumar retro songs made our day. I had a terrible headache by then so I decided to a pop a pill and get some sleep while the team engaged in antakshari, the music game. We reached Bangalore around 1930 hrs while I reached home by 2130 hrs after securing some stuff at the office which I carried for the trip. Having no strength or patience to eat I hit the sack and funny enough I found myself discussing the intricate techniques and ways to follow to make trek easy, in my dreams….
Technically my first adventurous trek (long time back I did 11 km on roads in Ooty with my school friends which I now will call a walk and not a trek!). Well, all in all it was a super trip, super memories fringed with some super cool camera shots!
It was a 6 hours journey from Bangalore through the peak evening hours to the home stays in the heart of the coffee estate. Nice and cosy cottages where we shacked up. We had a rigorous trek planned for the next day hence we got into bed as soon as we arrived which was past midnight.
I got up quite early the next morning. The warm rising sun as if pacifying the cool whiff of breeze, swaying of the silver oak and mango trees besides other beautiful wildflower bearing shrubs and coffee plantation; I watched all this in peace sipping a nice hot cuppa coffee. My cottage overlooked the hills and absolutely nothing can describe the view or the experience.
Post a game of badminton and breakfast, I stacked my bag with water, snacks and medicines for the group and set off for our trek on Saturday morning (5th May) at 0900hrs. The whole trek was divided in three parts depending upon the interest and physical level of the group. The first and second part concluded at the foot and the centre of the Kallhathi falls while the last one which was more adventurous and risky concluded at the head of the Kallhathi falls.
We had a rocking time at the foot and the centre part of the waterfall. Most of us didn’t carry a change and neither had we planned to get wet. But, our excitement took over us and in no time we found ourselves splashing water and standing right under the falls. The rocks were slippery and we literally had to walk animal till we reached the fall. We stood amidst tiny rainbows in the waterfalls for hours together and took lotsa pictures.
We had a nice picnic with snacks that we carried and then split into two groups. Ofcourse I was in the group which decided to explore the mountains even further. The gravity at its best, the trek now got more rigorous and scary. We had to walk with nimble feet holding on to the tiger grass from its roots. Tiger grass gives you good support when you are climbing up. There were no other trekkers besides us. Now you know why I titled my blog as road less traveled?
With bruises and scratches on feet and thorns in hands we finally made it to the top. We slouched on our belly over the rock on top and experienced the bird’s eye view of the area. Our instructor showed us the route we took from the top and also circled in air the home stays where we started our trek from. What a sense of achievement we all felt.
The trip down was more risky than I thought. We had our heart in our mouth for the initial 1 hour. Myself, Ritika (12 year old daughter of one of my colleague) and Revankar headed the group and we had personal agenda of being at the lead during the whole trip. Trust me, it was great fun in doing that. :-)
We reached our base camp at 4 pm for lunch! and in very good time since ½ hour post that it started pouring heavily. Should I call that a bonus? Indeed! Team from Outback India were sweet enough to arrange for some nice hot pakoras and bhajis alongwith some coffee. What fun!
We had few team building games before we assembled back for campfire and a dance party. Post dinner at 2330 hrs, we had the option of night trek. Only two of us opted for it. The rules for the night trek were no talking and no carrying of torches! We were supposed to walk in the moonlight and to our amazement; we could actually see a lot of stuff without any artificial light! We heard all kind of spooky noises and for once I was really scared :-) and talks of various strategies we needed to adopt just in case a wild animal passes off was just worsening our fears. My shoe laces were open and I was in no mood to stop and tie it up. LOL …..Anyways, we were back to the base camp safe and sound and tucked ourselves in bed. We slept like a log.
I woke up early the next day, and found no water in our washrooms. We learnt that the pipe which gave the water supply from the falls to the home-stay got damaged in the rains the previous night! So we were instructed to change and freshen up with the available stored water and start off for our rope activities. The group was again divided into three with one team leader.
We had rappelling, commando bridge and bungee rope game. For rappelling instead of a mountain which had got wet and slippery with the rains, rope was tied off a 35 feet tall tree. We were given a zoomer, gri-gri, carabiner and ropes for rappelling. From each team 3 people were supposed to participate with participation of 1 lady a must and for the rest 2 activities the entire team was to participate. This was my first rappelling experience and truly speaking the technique confused me. But somewhere midway in the air I got a hang of it and made it to the top of the tree! Damn…it was hard but a great experience.
Post the games we rushed back to our rooms, and thankfully the water supply had restored by then. We washed and changed and packed our stuff. Our lunch was arranged in Kemmangundi, 8 km drive uphill.
Post our lunch we started off for Bangalore. Nice breezy weather followed by rain coupled with Kishore Kumar retro songs made our day. I had a terrible headache by then so I decided to a pop a pill and get some sleep while the team engaged in antakshari, the music game. We reached Bangalore around 1930 hrs while I reached home by 2130 hrs after securing some stuff at the office which I carried for the trip. Having no strength or patience to eat I hit the sack and funny enough I found myself discussing the intricate techniques and ways to follow to make trek easy, in my dreams….
Technically my first adventurous trek (long time back I did 11 km on roads in Ooty with my school friends which I now will call a walk and not a trek!). Well, all in all it was a super trip, super memories fringed with some super cool camera shots!
Do good unto others what you want others do unto you
A nice story ..
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay,for his hungry stomach, decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. Onthe way through school, he found he had only one thin dime left and he wasvery hungry.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened thedoor.Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. The woman thought he looked hungry, so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us,never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..."Then I thank you from my heart."
Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled.They finally sent her to the big city,where they called in specialists to studyher rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation.When he heard thename of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her.He recognized her at once.
He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to saveher life,from that day he gave special attention to the case.After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office topass the final bill to him for approval.He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. The woman feared opening it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words..."Paid in full with one glass of milk." Signed, Dr.Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: Thank You,God,that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay,for his hungry stomach, decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. Onthe way through school, he found he had only one thin dime left and he wasvery hungry.
However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened thedoor.Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. The woman thought he looked hungry, so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?" "You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us,never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..."Then I thank you from my heart."
Year's later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled.They finally sent her to the big city,where they called in specialists to studyher rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation.When he heard thename of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes.Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her.He recognized her at once.
He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to saveher life,from that day he gave special attention to the case.After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office topass the final bill to him for approval.He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. The woman feared opening it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words..."Paid in full with one glass of milk." Signed, Dr.Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: Thank You,God,that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."
5/05/2007
Love quotes ;-)
Be close with someone
Who makes you happy.
But be closer with someone
Who can’t be happy without you
****************************
U cant make some love you
All you can do is to be someone
Who can be loved
The rest is upto the person
To realize your worth….
****************************
The purpose of relationship
Is not to have someone
Who is complete
But to have someone
With whom you can be complete
****************************
You can live without the person
Who says “u r mine”
But u cannot live without someone
Who says “I am yours”
Who makes you happy.
But be closer with someone
Who can’t be happy without you
****************************
U cant make some love you
All you can do is to be someone
Who can be loved
The rest is upto the person
To realize your worth….
****************************
The purpose of relationship
Is not to have someone
Who is complete
But to have someone
With whom you can be complete
****************************
You can live without the person
Who says “u r mine”
But u cannot live without someone
Who says “I am yours”
jus' li' that!
2 imp things to remember in life...
- don't take any decisions when you are angry
- don't make any promises when you are happy...
5/04/2007
What is your nerd type?
Hey I recently visited Kumar's blog (a vistor on my blog space) and found this time pass kool stuff...check it out :-) ......well below what you see is my test result...hmm, i can see few friends of mine arching eyebrows and saying...wo! this test works ;-)
| What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Drama Nerd You sure do love the spotlight and probably have a very out-going and loud personality. Or not. That's just a stereotype, of course. Participation in the theatre is something to be very proud of. Whether you have a great voice for musicals, or astounding skills for dramas/comedies; keep up the good work. We need more entertainment these days that isn't television and video games (not that these things are bad, necessarily.) | |
| Literature Nerd | |
| Social Nerd | |
| Science/Math Nerd | |
| Artistic Nerd | |
| Anime Nerd | |
| Gamer/Computer Nerd | |
| Musician | |
| What Be Your Nerd Type? Quizzes for MySpace | |
5/03/2007
jus' li' that!
"If you want something you never had,
do something you have never done.
Don't go the way life takes you.
Take the life the way you go.
And remember you are born to live and
not living because you are born."
(above is a direct take from a wallpaper)
do something you have never done.
Don't go the way life takes you.
Take the life the way you go.
And remember you are born to live and
not living because you are born."
(above is a direct take from a wallpaper)
Unleash your mind
I had an interesting meeting with a representative from iDiscoveri, an enterprise founded by alumni from Harvard, XLRI and IIT. Having presence in Bangalore, Gurgaon and Mumbai, this company has a unique vision of reviving the education scenario in India. Though the objective of my meeting was corporate driven but I was quite impressed with innovative ideas that form the very basis of this enterprise. So thought of blogging about it.
Well, the team here besides organizing summer camps for kids with activities meant for holistic learning and development, also design curriculum for different schools partnered with them. The curriculum is framed on the basic premise of “mind receives well what it “sees” in comparison to what one “hears”.” The teachings and learning is more project and practical oriented for students to comprehend and receive well.
They also conduct workshops for teachers; subjects related to parenting; environment related, corporate programs like leadership skills etc.,
You can logon to www.idiscoveri.com for more details.
Well, the team here besides organizing summer camps for kids with activities meant for holistic learning and development, also design curriculum for different schools partnered with them. The curriculum is framed on the basic premise of “mind receives well what it “sees” in comparison to what one “hears”.” The teachings and learning is more project and practical oriented for students to comprehend and receive well.
They also conduct workshops for teachers; subjects related to parenting; environment related, corporate programs like leadership skills etc.,
You can logon to www.idiscoveri.com for more details.
5/01/2007
Slow sinking of the ship?
Well, the answer lies with the Captain (pun intended). Low fares are easy to draw in people but what is being done to retain them?
I was on a 21:30 hrs flight from Chennai to Bangalore last night. No points for guessing the flight was delayed as usual. We landed in Bangalore at 02:30 hrs! The Chennai airport with roughly around 100+ wailing kids, distressed parents and sleepy other co-passengers, waiting endlessly for their wait to end.
There were smart announcements (read cheap tricks) of delayed flight, every time by 45 minutes. Do they think customers are fools? Or is it that they are playing a game of patience with the customers? The passengers were left at their own plight not even a single blue and yellow uniformed staff was there to give the correct information. Ill staffed and ill trained, the staff looked least bothered. Perhaps, they have got well conditioned.
This is not the first time, since I have heard at different point in time people cribbing. With 360+ flights running during the day, even a single customer like me decides not to fly with this service provider.....on every flight, every day…. The Captain has a reason to worry.
It was a noble business strategy to make the flights economical for the aam aadmi but not at the cost of his/her time and patience please!
I was on a 21:30 hrs flight from Chennai to Bangalore last night. No points for guessing the flight was delayed as usual. We landed in Bangalore at 02:30 hrs! The Chennai airport with roughly around 100+ wailing kids, distressed parents and sleepy other co-passengers, waiting endlessly for their wait to end.
There were smart announcements (read cheap tricks) of delayed flight, every time by 45 minutes. Do they think customers are fools? Or is it that they are playing a game of patience with the customers? The passengers were left at their own plight not even a single blue and yellow uniformed staff was there to give the correct information. Ill staffed and ill trained, the staff looked least bothered. Perhaps, they have got well conditioned.
This is not the first time, since I have heard at different point in time people cribbing. With 360+ flights running during the day, even a single customer like me decides not to fly with this service provider.....on every flight, every day…. The Captain has a reason to worry.
It was a noble business strategy to make the flights economical for the aam aadmi but not at the cost of his/her time and patience please!
4/30/2007
Top 10 brands globally………
Article that I read on the net didnt explain further the criteria for selection....but the results are as mentioned under....
- GE
- Microsoft
- Coco Cola
- China Mobile
- Marlboro
- Wal Mart
- Citi
- IBM
- Toyota
4/29/2007
4/9 for Australia
In 9 years of World cup history (the first world cup was played in 1975 in England), Australia has won 4 matches. And 2007 victory is Hatrick for Australia! What is it that they are doing right and we Indians wrong? Don’t we practice enough? Or is it something else? My personal opinion is that we lack the killing spirit…. The do or die attitude which drives you to push yourself and give the best and may be team spirit as well? Not sure though.
India’s exit from World cup this year has been quite disgraceful. It’s high time we identify our weak link and act on it.
India’s exit from World cup this year has been quite disgraceful. It’s high time we identify our weak link and act on it.
4/28/2007
Mr. Alphonso and Ms. Kessar get their visa clearance
It is mixed emotions for me. On one hand India clears the irradiation test for its maangas (read mangoes) hence placing itself on the exporter list after 18 years. Following which now Americans get a taste of ‘raja’ of the Indian fruits. Other markets like Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand have also opened up much to the joy of mango producers. Reliance which can make business out of dust, if they have their way, have said to have planted 1 lakh mango saplings in Jamnagar, Gujarat and will be exporting mangoes worth Rs.30 crore to the US this year!
Well, I am also compelled to think as a consumer. Will mangoes get dearer? I suppose so. There has been a stark rise in prices for varieties of mangoes over the last few years owning to low supply. Exporting mangoes will directly affect the price of remaining percentage of mangoes kept for domestic market. Soon we will know!
Anyways, nothing can stop me from biting into juicy mangoes or for that matter sipping the elixir called mango shake… summers without mangoes…..nah!
Well, I am also compelled to think as a consumer. Will mangoes get dearer? I suppose so. There has been a stark rise in prices for varieties of mangoes over the last few years owning to low supply. Exporting mangoes will directly affect the price of remaining percentage of mangoes kept for domestic market. Soon we will know!
Anyways, nothing can stop me from biting into juicy mangoes or for that matter sipping the elixir called mango shake… summers without mangoes…..nah!
4/27/2007
What a shame!
An international event was organized at Palace Grounds in Bangalore with 40 countries and 200 delegates as paid participants. People traveled across miles only to find they were all duped. Palace ground lay silent with its sprawling ground with no signs of event set up or the organizers themselves. Frantic calls to the organizer ended up futile.
Besides waste of money and time for the participants, think of the image of India that stays tarnished in their minds, now forever! Strict action should be taken against such defaulters and overseas participants’ interest safeguarded.
Besides waste of money and time for the participants, think of the image of India that stays tarnished in their minds, now forever! Strict action should be taken against such defaulters and overseas participants’ interest safeguarded.
4/26/2007
Earth has got company
With the news flashing about discovery of a planet by few European astronomers, I raced ahead in time and thought of the possible scenario. 20.5 light years from now a life beyond earth?
Going by mythology, earth will be destroyed completely and give birth to a new start / fresh beginning or for that matter going by scientific discoveries that brings forth the repercussions of challenges like global warming, increase in population etc; year 2050 is predicted to be the end of everything living. Should we then look at an alternate locale for living?
The new planet is said to be the closest to what earth is. Well would it be all rose at Gliese 581? Would our future generation reside there? Would they breathe free air or walk around with oxygen masks? Would the Earth pick up everything from scratch and rebuild? Would there be rockets flying in and out carrying travelers between GL 581 and earth? Would there be Mittal equivalent in Gliese thinking of a M&A with a Arcelor equivalent on Earth? Would there be Hollywood part II and Bollywood part II at Gliese? Hmmm….well, I might not be there to witness any of it or should I say I would be…..if we were to believe there is a life after life?
Going by mythology, earth will be destroyed completely and give birth to a new start / fresh beginning or for that matter going by scientific discoveries that brings forth the repercussions of challenges like global warming, increase in population etc; year 2050 is predicted to be the end of everything living. Should we then look at an alternate locale for living?
The new planet is said to be the closest to what earth is. Well would it be all rose at Gliese 581? Would our future generation reside there? Would they breathe free air or walk around with oxygen masks? Would the Earth pick up everything from scratch and rebuild? Would there be rockets flying in and out carrying travelers between GL 581 and earth? Would there be Mittal equivalent in Gliese thinking of a M&A with a Arcelor equivalent on Earth? Would there be Hollywood part II and Bollywood part II at Gliese? Hmmm….well, I might not be there to witness any of it or should I say I would be…..if we were to believe there is a life after life?
it always starts from you...
Two very cool videos on global warming and water planet ..... http://www.leonardodicaprio.com/ ......
virtual green house on lexus' website http://www.vfvirtualgreen.com/
Preview of Al Gore's The Inconvenient Truth ... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2078944470709189270
Check 'em out!
virtual green house on lexus' website http://www.vfvirtualgreen.com/
Preview of Al Gore's The Inconvenient Truth ... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2078944470709189270
Check 'em out!
4/25/2007
The heat is on
New Delhi without winters, a ferry ride to the Gateway of India, an island within Chennai, drought in Cherrapunji are few of the scenarios we can expect to witness if global warming is not arrested or slowed down soon.
Disappearing grassland, perishing cattle and wild life, infertile lands, low agricultural produce, floods, droughts and earthquakes will become the order of the day.
It is said that 2035 is said to be the year when the Himalayan glaciers would totally melt and vanish causing catastrophic disruptions. Vector borne diseases, like dengue and malaria, are expected to rise sharply across India as changes in temperature makes it conducive for mosquitoes to thrive. Heat stress would cause deaths. In the past 150 years, the 11 hottest years were witnessed since 1995.
India probably is the least polluting country as compared to US, Australia and the other EU countries.
What is the conclusion of the meetings conducted by the UN backed Inter Government Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)? I don’t think we want to hear anymore about the catastrophic scenarios. We all know it already, don’t we? I stay in the silicon valley of India and how many times have I heard the old timers complaint of the deteriorating weather conditions, high level of pollution, etc. The reason is so simply evident!
It has to, has to be joint effort of all countries coming together not only to have board room style meeting but also to honor the commitments made.
It’s high time we get into solution mode. US is still not being a part of the Kyoto Protocol… can somebody shake the giant up! Why are we suffering because someone else decides to turn a nelson’s eye to the problem and sit over it…. Yeh?
Disappearing grassland, perishing cattle and wild life, infertile lands, low agricultural produce, floods, droughts and earthquakes will become the order of the day.
It is said that 2035 is said to be the year when the Himalayan glaciers would totally melt and vanish causing catastrophic disruptions. Vector borne diseases, like dengue and malaria, are expected to rise sharply across India as changes in temperature makes it conducive for mosquitoes to thrive. Heat stress would cause deaths. In the past 150 years, the 11 hottest years were witnessed since 1995.
India probably is the least polluting country as compared to US, Australia and the other EU countries.
What is the conclusion of the meetings conducted by the UN backed Inter Government Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)? I don’t think we want to hear anymore about the catastrophic scenarios. We all know it already, don’t we? I stay in the silicon valley of India and how many times have I heard the old timers complaint of the deteriorating weather conditions, high level of pollution, etc. The reason is so simply evident!
It has to, has to be joint effort of all countries coming together not only to have board room style meeting but also to honor the commitments made.
It’s high time we get into solution mode. US is still not being a part of the Kyoto Protocol… can somebody shake the giant up! Why are we suffering because someone else decides to turn a nelson’s eye to the problem and sit over it…. Yeh?
4/24/2007
Propagating ‘The Ant Philosophy’
I think everybody should study ants. They have an amazing four part philosophy…….
First, ants never quit. That’s a good philosophy. If they are headed somewhere and you try to stop them; they look for another way. They will climb over, they will climb under, they will come around. They keep looking for another way. What a neat philosophy, to never quit looking for a way to get where you are supposed to go.
Second, ants think winter all summer. That’s an important perspective. You can’t be so naïve, as to think summer will last forever. So ants are gathering their winter food, in summer.
The third part of the ant philosophy is that during the winter, ants remind themselves, “this will not last long; we will soon be out of here.” And the first warm day, the ants are out. If it turns cold again, they will dive back down, but then they come the first warm day. They can’t wait to get out.
And here’s the last part of the ant philosophy. How much will an ant gather during the summer to prepare for the winter? All that he possibly can! Be like the ant. Go ahead, do all you can!
(article as appeared in news daily…)…
First, ants never quit. That’s a good philosophy. If they are headed somewhere and you try to stop them; they look for another way. They will climb over, they will climb under, they will come around. They keep looking for another way. What a neat philosophy, to never quit looking for a way to get where you are supposed to go.
Second, ants think winter all summer. That’s an important perspective. You can’t be so naïve, as to think summer will last forever. So ants are gathering their winter food, in summer.
The third part of the ant philosophy is that during the winter, ants remind themselves, “this will not last long; we will soon be out of here.” And the first warm day, the ants are out. If it turns cold again, they will dive back down, but then they come the first warm day. They can’t wait to get out.
And here’s the last part of the ant philosophy. How much will an ant gather during the summer to prepare for the winter? All that he possibly can! Be like the ant. Go ahead, do all you can!
(article as appeared in news daily…)…
Different Perspectives
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my garden. My kids see flowers for Mom and blowing white fluff you can wish on.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away. My kids see someone smiling at them and they smile right back.
When I hear music I love, I know I cant carry a tune and don’t have much rhythm so I sit self consciously and listen. My kids feel the beat and move to it. They sing out the words. If they don’t know them, they make up their own.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk. My kids close their eyes, spread their arms and fly with it, until they fall to the ground laughing.
When I pray, I say thee and thou and grant me this, give me that. My kids say, “ Hi God,! Thanks for my toys and my friends. Please keep the bad dreams away tonight. Sorry I don’t want to go to heaven yet. I would miss my Mommy and Daddy.”
When I see a mud puddle I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. My kids sit in it. They see dams to build, rivers to cross, and worms to play with.
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things.
(article as appeared in a news daily.....)
4/23/2007
India to witness job downpour?
Only two days back I got talking to two of my friends from the banking industry about the RBI policies and the opening of the banking sector in 2009. And the possible M&A between Barclays and ABN Amro makes headlines today. It’s a good move by Barclays to enter the market and be visible for next two years before the sector opens up in April 2009. Current policy by RBI doesn’t allow any new entrant to get into retail business without having a rural presence. A bank like Barclays, one of the largest financial services company from UK would possibly not want to dilute it image by entering the rural market at this point in time.
By acquiring ABN Amro, Barclay also might be looking at strengthening its position vis-à-vis the other players in the market like Standard Chartered, Citibank and Deutsche Bank of which Deutsche bank is said to be sitting pretty in the wealth management segment.
Year 2009 is going to be exciting. We will possibly have fewer but larger banks with M&As hitting headlines quite frequent. All said, it will rain jobs in India. The fresh batches at business schools can possibly look at career in the banking industry which would be “the industry” of 2009 as they pass out.
By acquiring ABN Amro, Barclay also might be looking at strengthening its position vis-à-vis the other players in the market like Standard Chartered, Citibank and Deutsche Bank of which Deutsche bank is said to be sitting pretty in the wealth management segment.
Year 2009 is going to be exciting. We will possibly have fewer but larger banks with M&As hitting headlines quite frequent. All said, it will rain jobs in India. The fresh batches at business schools can possibly look at career in the banking industry which would be “the industry” of 2009 as they pass out.
4/22/2007
Are the global manufactures still finding India attractive?
In the hindsight the reason you had global companies setting up their manufacturing plants in India was the low cost of production. Looking ahead or for that matter looking at the conditions now, will it remain the case or the companies would look at a different destination altogether?
>Real estate prices are on a constant raise.
> With a restraint on increase of production capacity and imports, the cement prices are expected to be directed north for times to come.
> Another reason for the rise in cement price could be the high cost of production. The fossil fuel such as coal is getting depleted. But the demand for it remains high, directly affecting its cost thereby. The energy requirement for the country will up by 270,000 MW of electric power by 2030 as against the current 130,000 MW capacity! The power cost is on a rise for sure!
> There is dearth of quality workers.
> The wages have upped by almost 30-40% this year.
The real estate prices are not expected to go down neither the cement industry looks like will cow down. The infrastructure costs rocket will surely not plummet. The 2006 figures show a 8.9% unemployment in India. We definitely need to create more jobs but how?
4/21/2007
VFM and VFT
Yeah…its Value for Money (VFM) and Value for Time (VFT) for the recent 3 movies I watched on the big screen. Offbeat and refreshing parallel cinema.
The Namesake: based on a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri and directed by our very talented Mira Nair is a simple movie touching upon cross cultural differences, the Indian heritage and value system etc. The story pans between Kolkatta and the New York where the brand new couple move and start their life together. With Tabu and Irfan at their usual best, this movie is a must watch.
Provoked: Inspired by a true life incident where a wife kills her abusive husband post he pushes her to the brink of misery. Jag Mundhra, a fresh NRI director certainly deserves an applause for handling the sensitive subject like this and making it reach a form it truly deserved. Aishwarya proved for once that she has it in her. Brilliant acting. Naveen Andrews will make audience hate him to the core, so certainly he did his job well. Again a must watch.
Bheja Fry: What a refreshing change! You will simply love it. Directed by a fresh director from Mumbai, this movie is filled with moments to tickle your funny bone (if you have one!). Vinay surely takes the cake. The detailing with which he played his role is simply marvelous. A talented Ranveer got completely wasted in this movie. Though the movie is a direct take from a French movie Le Diner De Cons (The dinner game) you must not miss this hilarious flick. Time to unwind and release some stress.
The Namesake: based on a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri and directed by our very talented Mira Nair is a simple movie touching upon cross cultural differences, the Indian heritage and value system etc. The story pans between Kolkatta and the New York where the brand new couple move and start their life together. With Tabu and Irfan at their usual best, this movie is a must watch.
Provoked: Inspired by a true life incident where a wife kills her abusive husband post he pushes her to the brink of misery. Jag Mundhra, a fresh NRI director certainly deserves an applause for handling the sensitive subject like this and making it reach a form it truly deserved. Aishwarya proved for once that she has it in her. Brilliant acting. Naveen Andrews will make audience hate him to the core, so certainly he did his job well. Again a must watch.
Bheja Fry: What a refreshing change! You will simply love it. Directed by a fresh director from Mumbai, this movie is filled with moments to tickle your funny bone (if you have one!). Vinay surely takes the cake. The detailing with which he played his role is simply marvelous. A talented Ranveer got completely wasted in this movie. Though the movie is a direct take from a French movie Le Diner De Cons (The dinner game) you must not miss this hilarious flick. Time to unwind and release some stress.
4/20/2007
Waiting On The World To Change
On my way to office today I was listening to Radio indigo when they played John Mayer’s ‘Waiting on the world to change’, Grammy winning first single released from John Mayer's 2006 studio album, Continuum.
Being the philosophical me, I got thinking yet again….Well, you cannot change the world around you or the way things function. Not always will things move at the pace you would like. There are times one gets bogged and frustrated. But atleast you are in your control. I would rather look around than wanting to change the world!
I have and will keep believing the fact that ‘you are in a situation just because want to be there’. Happy things happen around you if you are positive. Mantra is to understand the human factor, their pulse and your willingness to understand. You can either change the situation or let go depending on the degree of seriousness of the issue. Just like charity begins at home, change also needs to take place somewhere deep within you.
But keep evolving always and contribute the best of you, to you, to your dear ones and to the nation. Don’t leave things to others for others might be doing the same!
Being the philosophical me, I got thinking yet again….Well, you cannot change the world around you or the way things function. Not always will things move at the pace you would like. There are times one gets bogged and frustrated. But atleast you are in your control. I would rather look around than wanting to change the world!
I have and will keep believing the fact that ‘you are in a situation just because want to be there’. Happy things happen around you if you are positive. Mantra is to understand the human factor, their pulse and your willingness to understand. You can either change the situation or let go depending on the degree of seriousness of the issue. Just like charity begins at home, change also needs to take place somewhere deep within you.
But keep evolving always and contribute the best of you, to you, to your dear ones and to the nation. Don’t leave things to others for others might be doing the same!
4/19/2007
Why renewables?
There is an increased need of resorting to green and renewable resources of energy in combination with the traditional use of fossil fuels. Energy scenario today shows an estimated requirement of 400,000 MW of electric power against the present generation capacity of 130,000 MW by year 2030 in order to achieve energy independence. Renewable energy will never run out and is available to all individuals in equal amounts regardless of their location. It is reliable and economical form of energy that can be tapped and efficiently used on a long term basis. Renewable sources of energy from biomass, wind, wave, tidal, solar and hydro are the future of heat and power generation. Renewable resources are the key to guaranteeing long term security of supply, fulfilling rural diversification opportunities and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Ener-G
From a technology company where everyday all I heard was something related to coding, software, security et all to a renewable energy company, where each day what I hear is subjects like sustainable development, environment, non conventional sources of energy, systems…. it has been an interesting transition from a software company to SunTechnics.
I have been reading about the energy sector and thought would share my views…
We all dream of being citizens of a self sufficient country. We felt proud on going nuclear. But, as far as energy scenario in India is concerned, there is a long way to go.
There are thousands of villages that are still un-electrified. There are millions of homes in the urban area who witness scheduled or unscheduled power cuts. There are n numbers of industries concerned about their rising electricity bills. To bridge the gap between energy supply and demand, more energy generating engines are required. However, more generators would mean requirement for more fuel, which itself is getting scarce. Burning fuel also means emission of harmful gases into the environment resulting in global warming which in turn results in causing natural disasters.
Distressing situations like this have forced both developed and developing countries to sit up and debate on the future of energy security. A sudden need of identifying alternate source of energy has surfaced. ‘Renewables’ is no longer an alien subject in the west, yet to pick up in India.
Interesting news for you could be that India is the only country which has a ministry that is responsible for the promotion of renewable energies. It’s called The Indian Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES). MNES has set for itself a goal of supplying about ten percent of the total power demand from renewable energies by 2012.
The team here at SunTechnics shares a common dream of giving back to the environment, energy in all possible non-conventional forms and fosters an eco friendly self-sustaining energy ecosystem.
Well I cant even say let’s wait and watch how fast this positive turnaround happens…for in future I do see us- ‘the common man’ playing a key role in just not conserving energy but generating it too!
Signing off at a happy thought of picturing the future generation staying in a greener and cleaner space….
Cheers!
I have been reading about the energy sector and thought would share my views…
We all dream of being citizens of a self sufficient country. We felt proud on going nuclear. But, as far as energy scenario in India is concerned, there is a long way to go.
There are thousands of villages that are still un-electrified. There are millions of homes in the urban area who witness scheduled or unscheduled power cuts. There are n numbers of industries concerned about their rising electricity bills. To bridge the gap between energy supply and demand, more energy generating engines are required. However, more generators would mean requirement for more fuel, which itself is getting scarce. Burning fuel also means emission of harmful gases into the environment resulting in global warming which in turn results in causing natural disasters.
Distressing situations like this have forced both developed and developing countries to sit up and debate on the future of energy security. A sudden need of identifying alternate source of energy has surfaced. ‘Renewables’ is no longer an alien subject in the west, yet to pick up in India.
Interesting news for you could be that India is the only country which has a ministry that is responsible for the promotion of renewable energies. It’s called The Indian Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources (MNES). MNES has set for itself a goal of supplying about ten percent of the total power demand from renewable energies by 2012.
The team here at SunTechnics shares a common dream of giving back to the environment, energy in all possible non-conventional forms and fosters an eco friendly self-sustaining energy ecosystem.
Well I cant even say let’s wait and watch how fast this positive turnaround happens…for in future I do see us- ‘the common man’ playing a key role in just not conserving energy but generating it too!
Signing off at a happy thought of picturing the future generation staying in a greener and cleaner space….
Cheers!
Reinventing thyself
15th April, 07, its Vishu today, a day signifying advent of New Year. As I sit in my apartment, there are people around yet I am lost in the labyrinth of what I can call my own world of thoughts.
I am forced to write about what I am thinking right now. It’s about reinventing the self. So many times it happens that one gets caught in the rigmarole of the daily life and loose out on the perspective. Perspective of living. The bigger calling, I would call it. Sometimes a need arises to stop and introspect. Steer the way back to course.
It is very painless to cuddle up to your comfort zone. Equally turbulent to tread the unknown lonely path. But the choice has to be made. I find myself to be a big hypocrite at times. I keep saying I cannot survive in placid environment yet there are times I have just done that. Thankfully I have had messengers – ‘god sent’ I must say who remind me of the bigger calling in life.
I am forced to write about what I am thinking right now. It’s about reinventing the self. So many times it happens that one gets caught in the rigmarole of the daily life and loose out on the perspective. Perspective of living. The bigger calling, I would call it. Sometimes a need arises to stop and introspect. Steer the way back to course.
It is very painless to cuddle up to your comfort zone. Equally turbulent to tread the unknown lonely path. But the choice has to be made. I find myself to be a big hypocrite at times. I keep saying I cannot survive in placid environment yet there are times I have just done that. Thankfully I have had messengers – ‘god sent’ I must say who remind me of the bigger calling in life.
4/17/2007
Jet ko mila Sahara
The much speculated M&A of the year 2007 gets it to its final state. Having holding the larger market share Jet’s decision to buy out Sahara ensures its uno position for longer times to come. What was the need now? It made sense then. But Kingfisher backed out long back. In lieu of the fact that Government is not giving any additional rights to fly, Sahara justifies the union by saying it’s a win-win considering the fact that Jet get additional flight to run between lucrative Delhi- Mumbai sector on a platter plus other logistical benefits. How much I wish to jump into Goyal’s mind and understand for myself the real thought that went behind before signing the dotted line!
3/28/2007
Year bygone..
It’s my birthday today and amidst numerous phone calls I sit reminiscing over the year bygone. A year eventful with memories good and bad. No matter how inconsequential, instrumental in making the ‘me’ as I stand today. Wait…am I getting all philosophical? Cos I have no intentions to! Birthdays are just way of telling you that though you are getting wiser but it necessarily doesn’t mean that you have to act one ;-)
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