Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Its A New Year To Live!!!!!

Hi there,
It is that time of the year again when we exchange New Year wishes and look at life through new lenses or glasses (as you please...)
I have mailed my share of greetings to those who matter in my life and to others, whom I know through this blog or those who know me, here's wishing them all that they wish for in life. May your blessings come true for you in the coming year and may 2009 end at a way better note for you than 2008 did.
And last but definitely not the least, I wish peace and prosperity to be showered all over the world. May no one go hungry, lonely or destitute in 2009. May there be no more killings, bloodshed, pain, grief to anyone in the coming times. And, most of all, let love and humanity be the universal religion to be follow by all of us.
The past year has brought a lot of changes in my life. Right from professional to personal changes, I have tried to take everything in my stride, although at times, I have looked up to the skies and wondered, rather despaired, "Why Me???"
Sometimes, there have been answers and sometimes complete silence, but never has God let me be alone to face it. As we know from the "Footprints In The Sand", I have found only a single set of footprints whenever I was bogged down with the weights of life, which assured me that I was indeed in lord's hands.
As 2009 dawns on us, I am going to take each day as it comes and would try to improve myself so that I turn out a better person than I have been in the past.
I dont make resolutions, especially during this time, because I find it very ceremonial and I have a natural aversion to anything ceremonial or binding, in any way (Does that make me an atheist?? well, that is some more fodder for thought for me but that would be for another day and time).
Therefore, I would just promise to live life in as righteous way as possible, where I don't harm any one either intentionally or unintentionally, (although, in the case of latter, I am not sure I would even be aware, but I can always be cautious, isn't it?)
Well, that is all from my side for this year. Hope to see all of you hale and hearty in the next year.
Till then, goodbye, drink (responsibly!!!) and be merry (with happiness, health and wealth).
Take care and god bless...

HAPPY NEW YEAR To ALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, December 4, 2008

The cure of boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity...

Nice thought that is, in the title but boredom in itself is not a nice thought to have, i think so. After the tumultuous and devastating week that went by, the dust is settling down on the days even as the sun keeps playing hide and seek through a "more dusty, less cloudy" sky.

For the past many days now, I am feeling kind of bored of life. Dont worry, I am not having suicidal thoughts, I can't because for that you need to be really driven to death from boredom (how can that be???).

My condition is a little different in that I really need a "zor ka jhatka" to get me out of my present slumberous existence.

It is not as if my otherwise life is full of adventurous trips across the Himalayas or camping in the Terai. But the work has begun to get on my nerves seriously. So, I have been looking for some means to rescue myself from the all-encompassing slumber.

Any ideas, guys?

P.S.: I hope I didnt bore you to death with this piece, I just needed to get it out lest I fell asleep at my work desk. Thanks for reading, by the way...

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Not any more.....

I dont have words to reflect on what happened in Mumbai in the past one week and what is happening thereafter. So, I choose to share with my readers a hard-hitting poem, "Is Baar Nahin", written by poet Prasoon Joshi, published in rediff.com. Please pay attention to the words and try to ponder over them because as Indians, we can no longer afford to be insulated to the bloodshed and grief pouring out around us. English translation is given along with it.

Is baar nahin,
Is baar jab woh choti si bachchi mere paas
apni kharonch le kar aayegi,
Main usey phoo phoo kar nahin behlaoonga,
Panapney doonga uski tees ko
Is baar nahin
(This time when that little girl comes to me with her bruises, I will not blow gently at her wound, nor distract her, I will let her pain grow. Not this time.)

Is baar jab main chehron par dard likha dekhoonga,
Nahin gaoonga geet peeda bhula dene wale
Dard ko risney doonga, utarney doonga andar gehrey
Is baar nahin
(This time when I see pain on faces, I will not sing the song that eases pain, I will let the pain seep in, deep. Not this time.)

Is baar main na marham lagaoonga,
Na hi uthaoonga rui ke phahey,
Aur na hi kahoonga ki tum aankein band karlo,
gardan udhar kar lo, main dawa lagata hoon,
Dekhney doonga sabko hum sabko khuley nangey ghaav
Is baar nahin
(This time I won't apply any balm, Nor will I ask you to shut your eyes and turn your head While I gingerly apply medicine, I will let everyone see the open, naked wounds. Not this time.)

Is baar jab uljhaney dekhoonga, chatpatahat dekhoonga,
Nahin daudoonga uljhee dor lapetney,
Uljhaney doonga jab tak ulajh sake
Is baar nahin
(This time when I see difficulty, uneasiness, I will not run to solve the problems I will let them become complicated. Not this time.)

Is baar karm ka hawala de kar nahin uthaoonga auzaar
Nahin karoonga phir se ek nayee shuruaat,
Nahin banoonga misaal ek karmyogi ki,
Nahin aaney doonga zindagi ko aasani se patri par
Utarney doonga usey keechad main, tedhey medhey raston pe,
Nahin sookhney doonga deewaron par laga khoon,
Halka nahin padney doonga uska rang
Is baar nahin banney doonga usey itna laachaar
Ki paan ki peek aur khoon ka fark hi khatm ho jaye
Is baar nahin
(This time I won't pick up my tools as a matter of duty, I will not make a new beginning Nor will I stand as an example of one dedicated to my job. I will not let life easily return to normalcy. I will let it descend into muck, on the twisting paths. I will not let the blood on the walls dry out Nor will I let its colour fade away This time I won't let it become so helpless That you can't tell blood from paan-spit. Not this time.)

Is baar ghawon ko dekhna hai,
Gaur se Thoda lambe wakt tak
Kuch faisley, Aur uskey baad hausley,
Kahin toh shuruat karni hi hogi
Is baar yahi tay kiya hai.
(This time the wounds need to be watched Carefully For a long time, Some decisions are needed And then some brave moves to be made. We have to begin somewhere. This time this is what I have resolved)

... Prasoon Joshi

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Terror Strikes Again!!!!


I feel ashamed, violated, disturbed, anguished, disgusted, pained, grieved and much much more because of the recent terror strike in Mumbai, which left scores dead and even more wounded while rest of the public aghast.

As the Taj Hotel, the Oberoi Trident and the Nariman House raged with gun battles, explosions, fire and deaths, the only question reverberating through my brain was why should we suffer like this for no fault of ours?

Why are we subjected to this violating humiliation year after year, day after day, minute after minute, while these good-for-nothing politicians keep up their charade of sympathy for the public while at their heart, they are as clueless about what is going on in the country as the man on the street?

Terrorists, who strike at innocents on streets, take women and children hostage and kill without remorse or guilt, have been an almost accepted part of the life in states like Jammu and Kashmir. However, what enrages me is that instead of curbing their reach and presence, almost nothing has been done to prevent them from spreading their deadly tentacles to other cities of the country.

Although, there are some indications that things might be different this time and I am not talking about the political reshuffle, resignation of the Home Minister, talks about Maharashtra CM being shunted out, etc, etc. All this political white-wash makes me feel sick, really.

I am talking about the public outpouring that one has seen, in the form of blogs coming up to denounce violence of all kind, keeping terrorism separate from religion, taking the responsible politicians to task and, last but not the least, the angry outburst of the martyred Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's father against the Kerala Chief Minister Achuthanandan, who was not allowed to enter the slain commando's house.

Things might really be changing now, as we saw in the unprecedented percentage of voters coming out to cast their vote in the elections, in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Kashmir and other parts of the country. Perhaps now, people have realised the real value of their ballot and may be now we will see an honest leadership emerging at the helm, which would not allow its people to bleed to death while the terrorists, after being arrested, are allowed to live on inside the jails.

I dont know how much of it is going to stay on and how much of it we are going to forget, but this time, i am sure, we cannot afford to let go of the lessons that the Mumbai strikes have taught us because next time, we might not be alive to regret that.....

Monday, November 17, 2008

Dasvidaniya!!!!

I watched the movie, Dasvidaniya (The final goodbye) yesterday and was moved to tears on more than one occasion throughout the sensitive portrayal of a dying man. I recall another masterpiece movie, made a few decades earlier and telling the story of another dying man, Anand. Emotionally rivetting though Anand was, unlike Anand, Dasvidaniya leaves you with some tears and a lot of hope, to be able to see further than life, almost in a sublime manner.
I would not give out the story of the movie, because some of my blogger friends, who are movie buffs, might not take it kindly. But I cannot restrain myself from showering accolades on the main lead of the film, Vinay Pathak, who has reallllllyyyyyyyy come a loooooooooooong way from hosting Men In Black (the erstwhile countdown show on CHannel V, along with buddy Ranvir Sheorey).
Pathak has already shown his mettle in movies like Khosla Ka Ghosla and Bheja Fry, Dasvidaniya, which he has co-produced as well, will prove to be a significant milestone in his movie career.
I would advise all those who visit this post, to go and watch the movie, because it really teaches us how to take each day as it comes, instead of planning a to do list for inane things.
This is it for today then, take care, c u tomorrow, and God Bless....

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Happy Gurupurab!!!


Who among us does not like holidays? Tough question, I guess, because I dont think a single hand is going to be raised in response. Well, let me admit as well at the onset itself that I simply loooooooove holidays, whether it was the ones we got in school or college variety or the ones that we sometimes are able to snatch from our busy professional lives. It is really wonderful to be able to have some time to yourself and spend it as you would want to.

Most of my working friends complain of only one thing that they never seem to have enough time at hand to spend, either with their families or with themselves.

Unfortunately, my refrain is same as them, that the work-life is really pulling us down with longer hours and the time spent traveling to and from work. Well, cant do anything about it, can WE???

No, i guess, so that is why we look FORWARD!!!!!!!! to the small nuggets of weekly offs and festival holidays to pull us through.

Yesterday was one such holiday, on account of 540th Birth Anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev.

Coming to the birthday celebrations, it was heartening to know that a procession was carried out in the Pakistani city of Lahore, for the first time perhaps, which marked the end of three-day long celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev's birthday. The procession was carried out on a specially-designed bus and it started from the Janamasthan Gurudwara (A Sikh temple) in Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev to various other gurudwaras in the vicinity. In this procession, the holy book of Sikhism, the Guru Granth, is placed on a raised platform, which is carried around the gurudwaras, before being brought back to the Janamasthan Gurudwara.

This sure is a news that would warm cockles of the hearts of those who are staunch supporters of the peace process between India and Pakistan. Such events need to be more frequent and should be responded well on either side.

Well, that is enough for today, i guess, so keep in touch and god bless.....

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Last evening, I paid a visit to the "world-famous" Janpath (translated, it means "People's Road") market and came back with more than the shopping bags full of books, bags, chappals and other knick-knacks. Long after I had sifted through my loot of the day and stashed them away for future use, I just reminisced as to why was it almost always a more satisfying and rewarding experience to sift through the open market stalls than it was inside an air-conditioned mall.
Does it have something to do with the age-old human trait, because our ancestors have been dealing like this only, putting up their wares with least of pretentions, just like these are and the customers have been equally non-fussy to select their choice, buy it, have it packed and move on, to the next stall. Well, that is some food for thought but not now ;)
This time, I just want to talk of that gem of an open market called Janpath, which is etched in the heart and mind of every Delhiite as well as anyone coming here on a visit, whether brief or long.
The market is crowded to the hilt on most days and although, the general perception is that it is a favourite with the college crowd and tourists only, I have myself seen aunties, uncles, even grannies, coming in to pick up whatever caught their fancy.
It only helps that the market is located just next door to Connaught Place, which in itself is an all-season place to be in for all age and groups.
You come across real gems of bargains while scouring goods in these markets, i am sure many of the fellow readers would agree with me. Whether it is the sellers or the buyers, each one is trying hard to outdo the other in bargaining. Therefore, it doesnt matter whether you paid Rs 25 for a book, whose beginning price was qouted at Rs 500, the shopkeeper will still be a satisfied man because his margin is already calculated out of the product. Smart marketing, that is!!!
In fact, Delhi boasts of many such markets, which sell everything from books, readymade clothes, electronic items, shoes, watches, household knick-knacks to every imaginable commodity.
But that I will save for the next! For now, I can vouch for one fact and that is shopping never tastes as scrumptious as in an open market and for me, Janpath is just the right choice.

Monday, November 10, 2008

More Than Just Cricket!!

India lifted the Gavaskar-Border Trophy yesterday with a 2-0 win over Aussies. The whole nation was elated for the cricket team had achieved this feat after eight long years. The whole series was in fact played in a charged atmosphere, whether it was the former captain Saurav Ganguly's mid-series outburst, Test captain Anil Kumble's injury, general sledging, doubtful umpiring decisions or Match Referee Chris Broad's controversial decision on Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, the series had its more than fair share of controversies and media had a field day reporting events, that took place on and off the playing field.
However, the most profound outcome of this series is not the 2-0 score in India's favour, I think.
Well, before draggers are drawn out and pointed at me, let me clarify that I was equally elated at the Indian team's victory over Australia, which I feel was looooooooooong overdue and has finally come true, thanks to some deft captaincy by Mahendra Singh Dhoni (he ROCKS!!), before him Anil Kumble and coherent playing by all three departments of the team: batting, bowling and fielding. However, I am not sure that any other series, except one between India and Pakistan, brings out this much aggression in Indian players.
I have seen players of the like of Srinath, Kumble, Sachin, Azharuddin, Jadeja, smiling away the barbs thrown at them from the rival sides, be they Australians (during their glorious days) or Pakistanis. The scuffles were few and far between (like the (in)famous Javed Miandad-Kiran More or Aamir Sohail and Venkatesh Prasad spats).
It seems that Aussies have finally brought out the worst among the Indian players, especially the young lot, in terms of verbal duels (although, Harbhajan Singh was a picture of patience during the second innings of the last match, even when Shane Watson could not help keep that sniggering look off his face while Singh went on to score a half century). The kind of aggression, which was visible in spurts under previous captains, has finally come of age under young blood Dhoni. The Indian cricket team today is capable of paying back in the same coin to any of the rival teams when it comes to sledging, it seems.
This, in my opinion, is the true outcome of this series and with the next series, with England, about to begin, the young turks of Indian cricket, would be going into it with much more on their mind besides just cricket.
P.S. I know I have disturbed the hornet's nest with my comments because just like everything else, cricket is more than just a game for us Indians. So, please feel free to post your comments on this piece.
Waiting to hear from you........

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Run Lola Run!!!!

The title, though, is borrowed from a much-acclaimed English movie, it is used here in relation to the Delhi half marathon, which took place yesterday (Sunday, November 9, 2008) in New Delhi, national capital of India. The event was dedicated to the spirit of running, which most of us grown-ups, seem to have abandoned in favour of the more brutal and "sophisticated" rat race in our professiona lives. Nevertheless, thousands of Delhiites ran in the marathon, which was flagged off by a host of celebrities, including film actors, sportspersons, politicians and businessmen. The event received much media coverage as well as public interest, which has encouraged the sponsors to come back with another edition of the marathon soon.
On a personal note, mom reached here on Saturday (Nov 8, 2008) and the last two days have been heavenly. No television was switched on and no books, magazines or newspapers were devoured. There was only mom, my brother and me, talking nine to a dozen and an outing to Connaught Place (I really love the place!!!). I plan to take mom more through Delhi in the coming week.
One more news, my best friend Harshpreet and her husband Arshvinder, celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary yesterday. Here's wishing them all that they wish, hope and pray from their married life and much much more. (I Love you both).
There is election time here in New Delhi and parties are doing their best to take up issues close to their, not the public's, hearts. After all, it is all about winning the coveted chair, ain't it? Who cares for a few million voters?
Things are beginning to get a little serious here, so will take your leave to calm down a bit. Will return with more tomorrow, till then, take care and god bless...

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Its cold here! brrrrrrr!!!!!

Well, well, well! the winter has finally set in here in the national capital as the air was more than chilled this morning, when i left home for work. Since I am never able to decide when to start wearing the woolens, there are more than enough occasions on which I am caught unawares by the cold, like today.
As i began my journey to the workplace, in an autorickshaw, which is OPEN!!! on sides, with no cover at all, I felt the first cold pricking in through my face. It is good that I have the weekend off, so i can at least get the woolens out of the hiding and be prepared on Monday.
One more good thing that is going to happen tomorrow, my first weekly off in my new job, is that mom is coming down from my hometown, Jammu (Yes, the Jammu and Kashmir one!!!).
She will be staying for a week or so and I am already thinking of places to take her to. There are so many markets and places of interest around here in Delhi that I will have to think hard to chose a few.
Moreover, next month, one of my friends is also coming down from Pune, to stay with me and I am mighty excited about the whale of a time that we are going to have. She and I were together in our Mass Communication class in Jalandhar, the media capital of Punjab. We have now been together for nine years (God!! how time flies) and have seen each other through exams, heartbreaks (only mine), in short all the ups and downs in the life of an average Indian adult.
She is happily married now (Touchwood!) with a cute little son (whom I simply adore) and i am really looking forward to sitting down with her after a loooooooooong day of shopping and outing, with cups of coffee or tea between us and a lot of silly banter (after all! that is what friends are meant to do, ain't it?)
Well, I think I have really flown off the handle this morning. But kya karein? Jabbering on is the only cure for winter chill if u are not packed in woolens, or so says...... who else?? me yaar!!
That's it for now, c u later in the day...
Till then, Sayonara.....

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

What Stirs You The Most???


I was just wondering last night that why do books, all shapes, sizes and colours, have so much impact on us. Is it the man or woman, who has written the book, standing on the other end, calling out to us with their mostly life-altering experiences? Or is it the language, smooth-sailing and puzzling at the same time, which forces us to pick up a book and not to put it down till we have drenched it of all it has to offer? Well, I cant be thinking of it alone, ain't it?

So, I am going to pose this question to you guys, out there -

Pick up one book and get back to me with the name and the reason why you think it is life-altering for you.

For me, it keeps changing every few years since I am quite a voracious reader and my taste in books also keeps changing. For now, it is The Golden Age, written by debutante Tahmima Anam and it describes beautifully Bangladesh's freedom struggle through a single family of a mother and two children, a son and a daughter. (I have posted a picture of the book for the visitors' benefit)

Bangladesh, as we in the subcontinent already know and many other might not be aware of, was earlier called East Pakistan and after a short but brutally blood-stained freedom struggle, aided by Indian Army, it gained freedom from Pakistan and declared itself a free nation.


So, hoping to listen from you soon,, till then, good bye and happy reading.


P.S. I am reading My Country, My Life these days, written by senior politician L K Advani.

When will we change?

Hi there,
Been away for long yet again. no use making excuses, so I will come to the point right away.
The winter is setting in with chilled air and welcoming sunlight. America recently voted a black man to the White House and the world rejoiced along with the Americans in their turning point in history. We all followed the presidential campaign earnestly, however we might deny it. It was a campaign, which we could learn a lot from.
Right from Obama's Kenyan descent to his skin colour, from american population's trust in Obama to his rival John McCain's speech after the results were announced. We should also be able to overlook the caste, religion, creed, social status while indulging in a political campaign. However, unfortunately, election campaigns in India are centred around these things only and in their worst forms.
The latest example would be that of MNS chief Raj Thackeray launching a tirade against North Indians in Mumbai, whatever his argument might be!
Well, a lot to learn then and hoping things would only be better in the coming elections....

Monday, September 1, 2008

Is It Really Communal???

The weeks-old turmoil in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir was finally, and hopefully, laid to rest yesterday with the protestors and the government agreeing to some solution. However, the outcome of these protests is far-reaching as new loyalties have been formed and old ties forsaken. Being a resident of Jammu and Kashmir and born and brought up in Jammu region, I feel more of a Jammuite than a Kashmiri, although by birth I am a Kashmiri Pandit (somehow, I really dont have any faith in any particular religion or community, humanity should suffice for all the religions of the world, I think!!).
However, during the 60 days of curfew, killings, strikes, civil disobedience movement and public protests, I was forced to think as to where do I really belong?
Do I belong to Kashmir or Jammu? I know the question would be troubling a lot of other KP men and women just like me, because, if truth be told, there is no land that we can really call our own, as of now. So, where do we really belong to?
The question is unsettling but, the answer is still nowhere close by. It might take time for the answers to arrive, so meanwhile, I go by the city that has made me what I am and that is Jammu.
Speaking on behalf of people of Jammu, I can vouch for the fact that they are an unpretentious lot, who believe in working hard and earning their due from life.
In the peak years of militancy in Kashmir, I was studying in high school during those days, there were many instances wherein militants tried to foment trouble in Jammu and its adjoining regions as well. But the peace and tranquility of the city remained safe in the hands of the peace-loving Jammuites.
When more than four lakh KPs migrated from their ancestral land, most of them, (at least for the initial years) found refuge in Jammu and its outskirts. There were a few skirmishes regarding the clashes between the KP migrants and local population here and there, but the overall scenario remained peaceful and KPs found a favourable environment to thrive in in Jammu region.
During the following years (between 1990 and 2000), the KPs became a part and parcel of the public life in Jammu, so much so that in the company of KP kids, who were known for their inclination towards studies, the Jammuites also found their benchmark in education and started setting new targets for themselves. The economy also received a boost as there were more people to purchase goods in the markets, more people building homes for themselves and more marriages taking place.
Moreover, even with Kashmir continuing to burn for the next decade, Jammu continued to go about its business peacefully. However, that changed in June 2008, with the government revoking the land transfer order, earlier passed in favour of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
The Jammuites, who had, during all these years since partition, kept the flag of nationalism fluttering despite all storms raging around them, were forced to come out on streets and make their anguish known throughout the country.
I ask you, the readers, were they not justified in raising their voice against 60 years of discrimination against the politicians, who kept exploiting them at the drop of hat? How justified is Article 370 which prevents other Indians from entering the state of Jammu and Kashmir and buying land or other property there while the Jammu and Kashmir people can do so at will in rest of the country?
These are a few questions which might bring the answer to the present turmoil, which is far from over, though, it might have receded for time being.....

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Just like that!!!!!!!!1


Hi folk!
Been away for quite long, reasons are many but I don't want to waste blogspace by counting them. Thanks Soumendra for your encouraging words. I hope I can do justice to the exercise. "Old Lady Lincoln", it was my pleasure to visit your blog and the slide that you had put on for your anniversary was awesome. Anu, thanks for your comments on the photograph. As already explained, the bus runs on one of the routes in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and there are many such vehicles, moving around there. By the way, the song is "Kitna Pyaara Vaada Hai In Matwaali Aankhon Ka..." it is one of my favourite old Bollywood songs and shot very interestingly.
Life has been throwing up too much to do right now that sometimes i feel overwhelmed. But there are days that I realise that how lucky it would be to do something in this world and make it a better place than it already is. Well, I guess I am not being much clear in thoughts but never mind.
I saw English movie "If Only" the other day and loved Paul Nicholls in it. He plays "Ian" in the movie, a Britisher, in love with the American character "Samantha", played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. The movie is about how we never treasure what we already have and, instead, run after something, which may never be ours. I guess, we all have something to learn from this thought.
Instead of running after what's not ours, we should cherish and preserve what we already have in our hands.
The thought is profound but we are not able to realise it until it is too late, at least for most of us, just like Ian from "If Only."

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

A Whiff Of Fresh Air........

Hi folks!! sorry, i am not being a regular in this space, primarily because i am still overwhelmed with the amount of information and interactions available in the blogging world and am trying to come to terms with the same before i start contributing on a regular pace. Anyways, life was quite hectic in the past few weeks, both at home and at office. had a birthday party last Saturday, mainly for colleagues and friends. enjoyed to the hilt (talking of myself) and seemed that the guests were also having a good time. however, the best part of the evening was the last, when all of us went to the Central Park at Connaught Place. the time spent there (although, we couldnt stay for long as it was already late) was marvellous. didnt do much except for the usual leg-pulling and gender discussions, but just sitting there, in the open air, with everyone visibly relaxed, really set me thinking as to human spirit being crushed in the strict confines of daily life in a metro like Delhi. This was my first trip to the central park in CP but i was told that the place is getting more visitors every day and night in comparison to other places of interest in the vicinity, like the multiplexes or restaurants. This proves one thing that people still crave for open spaces and fresh air, even though, they have every other facility at their disposal. Hmmm..... nice food for thought, isnt it?

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Sarhad Ke Us Paar!!!!


Hi friends!
You all must be wondering what is this thing on the left. well, it is the picture of a bus (beautifully bedecked) from across the border, i.e., Pakistan. This is no unique vehicle, because throughout the Pakistan part of (PoK), this is a common mode of transport, which also adds a dash of to the lives of people living there. Observe the kind of frills attached to the bus and the use of bright colours, it seems as if not a bus but an embellished belle is coming up the road. The ornaments of the bus are proof enough that its owner must really be in love with his vehicle, which is not only a source of his livelihood but also his means of existence. Do let me know what u think of it......

Monday, May 19, 2008

Mausam Mastana!!!!!!!

"Rimjhim Ke Taraane Le Ke Aayi Barsaat....." Most of the Delhiwallahs must be singing this song on Monday as weather turned a noble eye on us. Just when the Delhiites were fuming over the rising mercury, the rain god decided to bless us with a good dose of shower. Monday blues were washed off by an erratic spray of rain over various parts of the national capital even as officer-goers, students, etc prepared for their week ahead. the change was welcome and so was the fall in temperature. this makes one sit up and notice that the global warming is really making the weather behave in a strange manner. however, the mere mortals like us, who prefer to live a day at a time, would not be found wasting their time thinking of such inane topics as long as we are enjoying the weather at its best. Garmi mein sardi ka mazaa is always welcome, isnt it??? moreover, it helps us keep our cool if there is a little rain falling down outside the window as we deal with heaps of work at office (i can already see some of the heads nodding). well, that is how it should be? but, unfortunately, it doesn't. Tomorrow is just another day when we might have to brace ourselves against the scorching sun as we venture out in search of livelihood, education, shopping or, just life.......

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Hi there,,, so, you are really agreed to the idea of making a difference on your own, instead of waiting someone else to do it for you? Well, that is a good start and i hope more and more people, thinking like us, come forward with their helping hand because a lone person might not be able to make much difference, specially since the time is running out. Waise bhi, thespian Dilip Kumar had said it long ago in one of the songs of his "Naya Daur", it goes like "Saathi Haath Badhana Saathi Re!!!" So, to begin with, let us all join hands and not contribute to the already burgeoning mounds of garbage around us. This simply means going green, recycling the garbage generated in our homes, using less and less plastic, saving paper, keeping our surroundings clean and planting trees. Pretty much the same old stuff, which needs to be done vigorously and with a little more commitment. Well, to my own eyes and ears, I have begun sounding like a rude teacher, taking a class (and nobody likes such a character and moreover, this blog is supposed to be fun, isnt it?), so I will just say that make a start by shunning plastic from your life, like (here i go again!) insisting on paper bags at shops, showrooms, malls. There can be many other ways to begin with, but this was the first that came to my mind and it is easy as well to start with....., so, let us all try and see, where we go from here......
Lately, i have been coming across a lot of writeups on various blogs that bring out the "not so good" aspect of life in the national capital. Ranging from absence of civic amenities to traveling on DTC buses, there are a lot of things, which can hardly be called a luring aspect of life in a metro. However, before anybody gets up to shoot me over bringing Delhi down, or something like that, let me clear the air (well, it actually needs to be cleared, ain't it???). Anyways, I was saying that Delhi in itself is not bad, no city is because a city, town or a village is as good or as bad as the people who live in it. So, in the old fashioned way of explanation, pointing a finger at Delhi would mean pointing three fingers at ourselves. (Can't figure out how???? Well, try pointing a finger at someone and you will see for urself.) The funda of going so deeeeeeeeep into this was to say that instead of pointing accusations at authorities (they give a damn about the city or its condition, nevertheless) is not going to solve the problem. So, why can't we, with our own hands, do something to clear the air (literally!!!!). What say???? let me know 'coz I am waiting to hear from u........

Hi There!!!!!!!!

First time that I will be writing something in the public domain. Although, writing comes naturally to me (sounds boastful????) I have never written on a blog before. However, it seems to be the flavour of the season these days, what with everyone from movie stars, cricketers, politicians and common people, like us, using the medium to get out of their systems what they cannot keep contained. Come to think of it, blogging really does help one get over a lot of things, without actually finding someone to speak to. Probably that is why, Aamir Khan could go "OUT OF HIS WAY" to make the readers understand how he was spending his free time with a dog called "SHAHRUKH" without running the risk of facing someone's wrath over it. Well, coming back to blogging, life is full of myriad aspects, some worthy of being written of and some not so worthy, but still written about. So, it is with this profound (dare I say) observation that I take my first step into the world of blogs and hope to have a good time here......