One day at a time....

Wait, let's sit by the park today

2011-10-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

Life's just flitting past......under its garb of daily chores and work, there's so much that has happened...and at a crazy speed!
Already, the year is close to gone. Where do I get the time to sit back and look at what's done?
And now with a wonderful partner to share things with, I want the time more than anything.

Would I make it today? On the park bench with my feet in the dewy wet grass and with him alongside.......
Fingers crossed..let's just find some time today.

Mumbai

2011-07-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

It hit us through a bleary radio broadcast in the far-away Mauritius ...Mumbai got targeted again.
We were on our honeymoon in the paradise island when suddenly someone pulled us back to the heart-wrenching reality.The images of gore splash all over. Newspaper fill with escape stories and the misery of the rest.

Why Mumbai again? All over again? What makes it a soft target?
Nothing else matters for the moment. My poor nation suffers another setback..a stab in the chest so brutal that there is no room for breath.And you know what adds to the pain?
The insensitivity surrounding the whole episode.Newspaper headlines have long changed since.
People have left behind the dead and tread along. And for those who cannot shake off the phantom of death and sorrow - there's no hope!
The progressive India has moved on. General apathy prevails.
Whose fault was it anyway? If nations are hell bent on bombing us, what can a multi-billion strong India do?
If rules get flouted and security measures ignored, whose business is that?
Can we ever hope to have streets so clear (of garbage) that one can spot an unclaimed suitcase lying abandoned in the dead center of a busy bazaar?
Do the common populace have time and sense to report anything anti-national around them? Or more importantly, do such rare intelligence leads get the attention they deserve.
Almost every year now, we have a fresh torrent of violence. Are we supposed to link our years with such 'milestones of apathy'?

I have nothing to offer to those who lost everything.But to the ones who are still alive and have hope, there's a small request. Please contribute in every way possible to the cause of your India. Lend your faculties to the policemen of our motherland. Be alert and raise your voice whenever you find something out of order.
Every alert citizen is a wall that our enemies would like to dodge.
Yet another Independence day anniversary is round the corner and this calls for a vow of vigilance.
Can we not clean up the mess we are in?
Let's start by cleaning up our own act.
No more bribery. Let's ensure that no-one gets a phone SIM card easily or for that matter a fake PAN\passport\ration card.

We owe our freedom some responsibility.
May God show mercy and consolidate our strength as we work towards building a safer Mumbai and India.
Jai Hind!

Connections continued.....

2011-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

Picking up from where I left last....

" The young man had a brilliant idea. The plan required grit, courage and a lot of good luck though.
However the party agreed without much cajoling. It was as if they had already given up on their lives and were now ready to gamble whatever little was left of it for the young man's sake.

Time flew by as tension steadily crept up. As the environs grew darkish, our fellowmen started losing the fake assurance sunlight offered.
The "wait" grew tense. Every movement stifled the now hidden men. Every sound was magnified as it rolled in their ears.

Then suddenly as if on a cue, there was movement around the lower bend. With one definite leap a distinct yellow beast emerged. Followed by another two. Was this their usual attack unit ? At their full strength? Or did they not anticipate any resistance.

The crouched men did not move. You would think it was a free run for the beasts.

The leader big cat did not see anything interesting in the factory ramshackle. Instead there was a tantalizing smell from the other corner, the blind alley overlooked by old misshapen structures.
Before they knew it, they were already galloping towards what looked like a bunch of crouching children under a tree from a distance. On top of it the worn-smell from the strewn garments in their path.

As the boldest amongst them leaped for a big kill - something went amiss.

The scene melted away to give way to a large void. Suddenly there was shearing of paper \plastic, tumbling of wooden planks & poles. Then nothing. The giant rebel cat was scrambling to stop with all its might. But it was too late. It was soon gorged by the vast valley below.

The other two tigers saw their brother's downfall. The moment it ended, they turned around and sprinted for a quick exit. Soon, all that was left was a miniature dust cloud and a gaping hole in a large bill board!

Only last week some over enthusiastic 'party workers' had put up a large bill-board of their leader blocking the alley's dead-end.Inadvertently, they had re-used an old board of a local education-for-all-campaign.

To anyone approaching from the alley's end, it would appear as a bunch of children squatted on the ground under a tree looking up to a school board.

From that day on, this portion of Karhat was free from the tiger menace."

Connections: Tigers - elections- land sharks

2011-04-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Do you see a connection?     Tigers - elections - land sharks

Here's what I dreamed of recently - it almost played like a full length movie in my mind that night.

   Tigers - elections - land sharks
This theme comes from a recent dream - tigers have grown in numbers, a national daily reported, but their habitats have shrunk. There is no-one to stop the land sharks. Specially so with the elections looming large on our heads now. This is a rough summary of what I saw in a dream recently -

" In a remote area of Kumaon, where probably only the occasional campaigning jeep can reach - there are a bunch of man-eaters on prowl. Every day around dusk they target a distinct area.Their purpose is simple - to claim an area as their own by ousting the odd-residents.
       Today is the turn of a run-down mill on the hamlet's edge. An almost blind tailor sets his temporary shop on its flanks daily. He has an assistant. He also has the perpetual audience of a dhoti-clad loud-mouth, less loved now than his pension-heydays and mostly left by his family to fend on his own. This bunch of folks suddenly get a reinforcement in the form of a strapping youth that fateful day.

      This nameless character has been tracing the sweep of tiger's victorious arc for days now. He knew they would strike here the next day. Backed by his conviction, and that alone, our name-less hero walks down to meet the tailor. He reaches by roughly 1:30 pm. Meal time! But only that there's nothing much to eat. The 'assistant' has a 'potli' of local berries and some salt. But there's only a run-down plastic can of water to last the day. Everyone takes their share. It's strange how people have the heart to share in utter poverty.

      By the time the folks realize the gravity of the situation, its past 3 already. Come 5 in the evening and they could expect the 'attack' anytime..

      The 'village' itself is a rag-tail of shanties along a mountainous trail. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking - again depending on how you see it!   This area in particular, lies on the junction of a steep upward road that winds in at an odd angle to meet the upper terrain. Another point of this junction tangents down to an alley of very old structures that are abandoned now. By the time its evening, the area assumes a darkish shade due to the shadow of a huge rock that borders the edge of this god-forsaken village.

      The youth drives in the point quickly. There's no point in putting a fight. Tigers will overrun easily. Also hiding is not an option. These beasts would smell their meat and come in for a kill. Even if they somehow escape, the tigers would assume their victory. The next day onwards they would frequent the spot. The 'territory' would have been rightly won!
      Our hero suddenly knows what is to be done.
But you will have to wait for the next post to know what took place that evening in 'Karhat' ( I just remembered the place's name)..........

Sweet victory

2011-04-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Success is sweet and everyone wants a piece of it.
The men in blue won the World Cup 2011 - and they did it with what style!
It was hands-down brilliant fielding and sheer dedication on display.
Wow!

I couldn't keep a count of sure-shot boundaries that you would expect our players to let go; but this time around they dived for it with full gusto. And in the process, they made it look so simple.

Keep going team India ...... keep the kite of our hopes soaring.
Cheers everyone as we all fly on borrowed wings :)

Thinking of that bicycle rider.. and a new year resolution!

2010-12-30T22:37:00.000-08:00

Roads in India are generally nightmarish. You would know what I mean if you have ever taken on the wheels in India. Pune is no exception either.
Everyday before embarking on the daily commute, there is a nagging feeling - that accident is a possibility - not because you were reckless - just that there was someone who did not care.

Faceless humans behind wheels are a weird species with lost consciousness .
To state what is mutely accepted now, being in a 'bigger' vehicle gives you a free-rule to bully the 'lesser' vehicles. A truck may jump the signal or what is worst force you to do that. They squeeze you into a tight-spot just to gain 'inches' on the road. Why is everyone in such a hurry? I invariably catch up with vehicles that overtook me (from the left of-course) at the next junction.

Not to forget the notion of two-wheeler riders to maintain-the-flow. Fill up all crevices in the traffic to 'block' people rushing from the opposite end. As if the fluidity of their 'lesser' vehicles demands that they poke their front in any lane. Ah did I just touch on what they call...lane discipline! Whatever it is, at-least you don't find it on our roads.

Another variant of the problem - slow and in-experienced riders (read 'ladies'). They just have to be on the center dividing line. They are not liable if found taking turns abruptly. No reason can make them appreciate the utility of 'indicators' when correctly used.

All these thoughts came rushing in yesterday.
It was a remarkable incident.
On a largely deserted track near Bombay Sappers cantt area, a bicycle rider was pedaling along the road's left-most boundary. He flayed his hand to indicate he wished to turn right cutting the road. This was well in time.I was behind him and in reasonable control to let him pass. But the fellow just stood! He never expected he would be able to turn while-there-was-a-motorized-vehicle-behind-him. Maybe true in majority scenarios, but here I was asking him to go ahead.But he wouldn't budge.
Is it really so difficult to ride a bicycle on our roads? Must be looking at the plight of dwindling population of bicycle riders.

As a new year resolution, I would make the roads a safer place in whatever small way I can.
This also means to tighten up my schedule and be punctual without ever rushing on the roads.
Wish you all a great new year ahead!

Eat, Pray, Love & Cry!

2010-10-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

These days my mood is very buoyant...there's so much happening all around with no time to take it all in...

CWG games at Delhi saw a spectacular start...and despite some glitches, the show rolled on as planned....funny how time slips past..its already the penultimate day of the bonanza. For once, reviewing the medals tally has become a regular feature at work. In fact the "what's on your mind" on FaceBook is rarely anything except daily raving sports stories....Many records tumbled & most importantly Indians shone through - breaking the glass ceiling of "cricket"!
I am sure our guests from other Commonwealth Nations have had a great experience too and that our hospitality have touched them in more than one ways.

Next, this being a season of religious celebrations - the "Navratris", song and music are an important part of the daily routine. We did manage a night at "Dandiya" in a splendid rustic attire despite the utter madness at work.

And as if on a cue, this season we do have more reasons to pray.....given the miraculous Chilean Mining rescue mission...while typing this, 11th miner came back to his family! They say tears purify... and that prayers always get heard..sooner or later. As we witness the miracle of this rescue operation, may we never forget the power of determination and the indomitable force called life!

Eat- Pray-Love-And don't stop those happy tears from rolling down!

For CWG...

2010-09-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

Understood that CWG (Common Wealth Games 2010) is the biggest sporting event to be hosted by India after the Asian games of 1980s......accepted that India has pre-maturely opted to host it .....agreed that there was rampant corruption & slippage from deadlines....but at the end of the day - its something that India has pulled off!
Despite all scams & criticism, here we are on the threshold of playing hosts to the sporting community.

Its like going to an exam under-prepared; only to find that the portions you missed got skipped in the question paper too!
Here's our chance to rally behind the tri-colour as one.To cheer for the champions and be gracious hosts.
Here's our chance to come from behind and silence our critics.

Are you with me? Would you also stop bad-mouthing the games now?

Chug chug train...

2010-09-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been a while since I have been on a train . And even longer since I ventured to a new place.

The date is set for tomorrow. Our trip to Keshod, Junagadh district, Gujarat seems a wonderful idea :)
It's my fiancee's hometown and this would be my first visit post our engagement.

Gujarat - this wonderland of colour & zest had always captured my fancy. Memories of colourful ghagra, garba & elaborate gujarati thalis come rushing back. Perhaps, I should have concentrated harder on learning gujarati.
For now, I can understand most of the day to day conversation and am confident of answering correctly when posed with a yes\no question! Besides, this would be a learning trip - an opportunity to absorb as much as I can - the local lingo and the way of life in general.

Its been raining there - hmm, good to see a land freshly scrubbed :) , and the weather is great for short outdoor trips.I am sure there would be many to multitude relatives and friends.

The best part though, would be, to be amongst a set of simple, unassuming and happy people - now my extended family :)
Godspeed - waiting to feel the train engine chug under my feet...

Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the Wind - lyrics

2010-08-31T03:15:00.000-07:00

Simply love this song!

BLOWIN΄ IN THE WIND (Bob Dylan, 1963)

How many roads must a man walk down,
before you call him a man?
Yes, ΄n΄ how many seas must a white dove sail,
before she sleeps in the sand?
Yes, ΄n΄ how many times must the cannon balls fly,
before they΄re forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowin΄ in the wind;
the answer is blowin΄ in the wind.

How many times must a man look up,
before he can see the sky?
Yes, ΄n΄ how many ears must one man have,
before he can hear people cry?
Yes, ΄n΄ how many deaths will it take till he knows
that too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowin΄ in the wind;
the answer is blowin΄ in the wind.

How many years can a mountain exist,
before it΄s washed to the sea?
Yes, ΄n΄ how many years can some people exist,
before they΄re allowed to be free?
Yes, ΄n΄ how many times can a man turn his head,
pretending he just doesn΄t see?
The answer, my friend, is blowin΄ in the wind;
the answer is blowin΄ in the wind.

School Hymn - 2. Bloom wherever you are planted

2010-08-31T03:04:00.000-07:00

Bloom where you're Planted

Bloom,bloom ,bloom, Where you're planted,.
You will find your way . Bloom,bloom,bloom ...
You will have your day.

1. Look at the flowers, look at them growing:
    They never worry, they never work;
    Yet look at the way our Father clothes them,
    Each with a beauty all of its own.

2. Some plant the seeds that others will water,
    But in all things God gives the growth,
    come, let Him garden the flowers with in you,
    Come and Discover some you've never known.

3. Look at the love that lies deep within you
    Let yourself be! Let yourself be!
    Look at the gifts you have been given,
    Let them go free ! Let them go free !

School hymns - 1. God still loves the world

2010-08-31T03:02:00.000-07:00

I just got a gift - a wonderful memory of the past - few half-remembered school songs that I loved.
Here goes the first one:

1.       Every tiny star that twinkles in the night sky
     Every drop of morning dew
     Every spark of fire blazing in the furnace
     Every captivating view
     Every rainbow in the sky
     Every pretty butterfly
     Tells the fascinating news to those who dare to hope

Ch. : And the message is, God still loves the world
          God still, still loves the world
          So, throw your life into his hands
          Day by day discern his plans
          God is passionately busy loving you and me.

2.       Every ocean wave that breaks upon the sea-shore,
     Every stalk of golden wheat
     Every silver stream that gushes down the mountain,
     Every drop of honey sweet
     Every eagle flying high
     Every worm that wriggles by
     Tells the fascinating news to those who dare to hope;

3.       Every man and woman pledged in love forever
     Every little new-born child,
     Every voice in favour of a needy neighbour
     Every radiating smile
     Every hand that offers love,
     Every surging flow of blood.
     Tells the fascinating news to those who dare to hope

Wishing is step One!

2010-07-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

Like echoes of the distant, there are whispers.....as if a gust of wind intentionally brushed past leaving a trail of yellow sand - there are desires. Every minute when the mind is light, there are glimpses of the better being.

Wishes! O Sweet wishes! Of running back to mama , of being at peace. You miss those who aren't around.
You miss the days of no care. Of running berserk in open grounds - there are just memories left.

But wishing is step one! What can stop a thought? Seeing it in your mind is a precursor - of the days to come.
Time beckons and feet twitch. Leave no action wanting.

It may not be now but that moment would surely come - of going back home, of roaming free without a care in this world.

Wishing is step one....

Who doesn't want to be a millionaire?

2010-03-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Clay Mathematics Institute of Cambridge put together a list of perplexing math problems that had boggled generations. They had a 1 million prize money behind it.

Along comes a Russian math genius. He solves one of the problems on the list. The jury award him the prize.

But Grigory Perelman does not know if he wants to accept the reward!
And you would think that a 43 year old bachelor living with his old mother could use this money any day!

http://www.ndtv.com/news/world/russian-math-genius-may-reject-1-million-award-18704.php

There are somethings above money even today!

Anyone Interested?

2010-03-26T09:10:00.001-07:00

Have you ever tried a new leather shoe for a day and got out of it all raw and hurt?

I have one of these "evil" shoes that I just want to get rid of.... But someone's loss could be somebody's find...so here goes....

This average crayon sketch is hanging on the notice board of my building in Baltimore.
Fingers crossed - may these appeal to someone.

E-conserve?

2010-03-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

The other day I was listening to my station in Pandora (www.Pandora.com) and wandered off to the kitchen to fix a meal....about 45 minutes later...the music stopped on its own.
I had guessed my laptop drifted to stand-by.

Instead, there was a window asking, "Are you listening still? Because we hate to play to an empty room" !

Wow - now that's a good money saving strategy.
Here's more to the story and reasoning behind that - http://www.last.fm/forum/21713/_/584113/1#f11210227

Good thinking Pandora.

Gotham city Baltimore!

2010-01-20T10:24:00.001-08:00

New year begins with a transition to Baltimore, Maryland, USA..... It's been about 1.5 weeks here...and already there is a bond created!
If ever a city comes close to resembling the legendary "Gotham City" of Batman fame - this would be it!

With its beautiful harbour, luxuriously laid down parks, majestic cathedrals and wide side-walks, certainly this city is reverberating with life . History is thinly veiled in the city's numerous statues & figurines. There's vibrating energy in this place that soars above its sky-scrapers.

Intra-city travel is convenient thanks to MTA run buses and food joints are in plenty (Though being a veggie severely eats into your options) .

Here is a city where the momentum of change is good but not at the cost of its culture.

So Batman, next time you want to shift base, head straight to Baltimore.

Christmas ...

2009-12-30T01:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve of year 2009 was a chilling night. Night time temperatures touched a cool 7 `C in Pune city.
Looking back on that day now, all I remember is that it was a pretty grueling one . I staggered back to my room late after work, hurriedly finished my tiffin - more out of habit than inclination, and retired for the day. As most such days, sleep came easy.

I thought I took a book to bed but did not bother leafing through it. Somehow I tip-toed to the other end of the room and switched off the lights - how cold the floor tiles get at night!

Sleep overpowered me soon- spurred by the comforting thoughts of a holiday next day.
Some random thought crossed my mind - it was the Christmas eve - faithful were out in the night attending the holy mass- in such cold. I rather prefer the next day of festivities , dance and Christmas carols. So many children would be awaiting the next morning - all ready for gifts!

The night gave way to a beautiful dawn.

As I turned in sleep, I thought I felt an odd weight to my left on the quilt. What could that be? A figment of my imagination. My brain was churning, even in sleep! Was it a heavy book? Still on the bed? Hadn't I put it back already?

Acting on an impulse I stiffened and prepared to rise up- and caught some motion in the shadows.

A lithe shape jumped off the bed - my bed - and promptly made its way to the balcony at the end of the room - behind the curtains - through the small opening in the glass sliding doors - and woof- 'twas gone!

The siren in my head went off now - this is what my senses put together as an explanation - a small black cat - must have crept into the room - through the opening in the glass door and made itself cozy on my warm quilt....wow! It must have been really cold that night!

So this Christmas, I did something good - inadvertently sheltered a kitten from cold.

What a start to the year! May the coming year be a grand one for all of us.

Found Another good read...

2009-12-04T02:24:00.000-08:00

Anand Kurian's "The Peddler of Soaps" is like a spray of foam with refreshing sea breeze...it feels good for a while but leaves you feeling salty in the mouth!

Woven around a love story cut short tragically, Anand touches religious fanaticism of our country. The mindless riots, the political arm twisting and red-tapism...its all in plenty but in proportions that one can take in. The story is set in a mythical place called "MahaDesh" & that is a big take on our state of affairs.... our mythical "Great nation" that now falters every time somebody pulls up a mirror to its face....think of what is and what could have been?

Coming back to the book again; this one will leave you thinking...specially as the protagonist is talking of things as a flashback while he is in a mental asylum himself!
Here's to a good racy and surprisingly honest book..cheers!

P.S. It was supposedly a film script

Youth!

2009-11-03T21:15:00.000-08:00

Youth of this nation are a complex mass. They are laid back and proactive at the same time. What sparks a few into action may not cause an eyebrow to lift elsewhere.
Here's my first hand account of one such rare opportunity where young people spoke as one.

15th of October was a long day. Those travelling to their hometowns for the impending Diwali holidays were an exceptionally harried lot. The scene unfolds on the outskirts of DehraDun (a valley in Uttarakhand). A particular route to DehraDun crosses the hills of Mohund and make its way through the famous "Rajaji National Park". This is a particularly scenic road winding its way amidst ancient pointed peaks, wide mountain river valleys and a lush jungle. Right before entering into the town bounds, is a one-way tunnel cut through rock. Though not of considerable length, this tunnel is ominous due to its sensitive geographical position and a blind turn it negotiates.

At 11 in the night that day, there were a large number of travellers heading for this tunnel. As we approached the patch, there stood a trail of 15-20 cars, big and small lined up at the tunnel's entrance. Apparently, some heavy traffic was stuck in the tunnel on the opposite end. All was well till a car driver decided to have a mind of his own. Promptly, he broke the line and drove right up to the mouth creating a parallel line. If nothing more, this surely blocked the buses still trapped inside the tunnel for good.

Its a pity that people in general, overlook simple rules to gain a foot or two on the road. It's still a matter of pride that one could come out of a traffic jam quickly despite being at the end of the line...somehow..anyhow! Wonder why we are late everywhere despite being the most aggressive drivers on the road!!

Coming back to our story, if examples are followed at all, bad ones are definitely top on the list. Within minutes, more errant cars bowed out of their original single file and trailed behind the original prankster. Our taxi driver was one of those who chose the ill "short-cut". Matters grew from bad to worse. Tempers soared and all hitherto crawling traffic came to a stand-still. And all this not on a level city road on a dusty afternoon, but on a fragile mountain bend leading to a tunnel!

No one person would have dared challenge the scores of misguided bully drivers. No one person could have stood the tyrant of abuses that were common to such scuffles. No one person could have made any difference.

Then, as if sparked by a common cause, people who stood waiting in the original single file, stepped out from their cars. They were as diverse as any body's guess. Short, tall, doughy and sturdy. For a moment they stood in discussion. Within minutes, parties of these youth walked up to the first stubborn driver from the rear. They deliberated. Mind you, no raised voices were heard in that dark night. Steadily, they managed to infuse some sense. The car pulled out, reversed and headed for the end of that single file. These sane petitioners approached our driver next. They urged him as a fellow "Doonite" to understand the problems of our region better. Who would be able to pass if we all herd together around the entrance? Don't we all have loved ones waiting at home?

Was it the reasoning, the shining faces of these young commanders, the steady pitch of their voice or the collective strength of their numbers, I don't know; but our driver obliged. Under less than 15 minutes the lane was cleared totally. Rapped buses erupted from the narrow tunnel from the other end. Soon it was business as unusual.

It may have been a matter of just sorting out the traffic lane that night; but when held against the backdrop of that setting; it was a moment of triumph.

Kudos to those 20 somethings who bonded together to hold a mirror to their older counterparts.

Another reading list ...

2009-08-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

Here's what I liked recently...

1) The White Tiger - by Aravind Adiga ; This one' s a gripper right form the first page! The pace is amazing and the style lucid....I remember thinking about this book when sitting in office..dreaming of flipping its pages....awesome drama - rising from a humble rural setting, an earnest entrepreneurial driver fends for himself under a filthy rich upscale family. The narrative throughout is like the writer is writing to a foreign dignitary (of Chinese origin , no less!) relating his tale. A must read!

2) The Devil wears Prada - by Lauren Weisberger; Haven't see the film yet, buty surely do now, just to catch Miranda Priestly with all her icyness and Andy being driven nuts by her Boss from hell. This one is an entertainer for sure. Given its fair share of life chronicles, the plot precisely rests on the tension between the high-flying Fashion Magazine "Runaway's" editor in chief and her newly hired junior personal asistant.

3) Into Thin Air -A personal Account of Mount Everest Disaster - by Jon Krakauer
Breathtakingly detailed - gives you a feel of almost being there and done that...only that this accounts for a disastrous season on the Everest, when 8 accomplished climbers lost their lives and many more were stranded by a rogue storm.

Happy Reading!

Virtual spaces: anyone?

2009-07-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

City life is taxing.... but our jobs are here. It would be so peaceful at home - with your own space but our hands are tied.
Nevertheless, here's some relief....virtual reality!

Here are snapshots of my virtual room... go on and create your own at IKEA's site.

The brown-all-rolled-into-one room:

The Green Zone:

Another gust of rain laden breeze....another windfall of books!

2009-07-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

There's something about this idea of curling up in a warm blanket and reading while there is a steady downpour outside.....it's like reclining in a cocoon...while the rain guards your exterior......it's about being utterly self-indulgent without having any qualms about it whatsoever!

Here's what I have been up to recently:

1) An Indian Attachment - by Sarah Loyd

This is set in pre-independence era when the reverence for the white skin was at its peak....there comes along a typical free spirit, a Londoner, who doesn't mind mingling with Sikh "Nihangs" and gracefully accepts the norms of a simple Punjabi village life....
This one almost takes you to a sojourn village journey..through it's ups and downs...it's a wonderful journey!

2) Inheritance of Loss - by Kiran Desai

As a critic said of it, "If God is in details, Anita Desai, has penned a holy book"....it's another refreshing read set in a background of "Gurkha uprising" in a picturesque hilly hamlet of eastern India.... the catch here is the melting point of various cultures - British, Gujarati, Nepal & French!
A delightful appetizing recipe!

Pune: Addendum to Passport formalities

2009-07-22T03:01:00.000-07:00

Though the instructions posted at: http://passport.gov.in/cpv/column_guidelines.htm
are precise, I faced some minor hurdles while undergoing the process.
I have tried to compile all of these here, in earnest hope, that this would help discourage middlemen.

Before\while submitting the application:

1) In case your place of birth is not "Pune" and you do not have documentary evidence stating your place of birth (normally High School certificates just state date of birth but miss out on the place) e.g. Original Municipal Birth certificates; then you would require a "Place of Birth Affidavit".
This needs to be made by an authorized attorney\notary. (normal asking price is Rs. 200-300 and is issued by advocates around the passport office itself)
2) Stuck while filling the form itself? Instructions on the site do not help? Well , there is a sample filled-out application form stuck outside passport office. Just arrive well in time for your appointment and check that out. There are touts there that ask for money just for verifying your form!! Please assert that you are literate and shun such characters.
3) While accepting your applications, the passport officer will expect "two" bundles of your documents. Make two bundles of your documents before hand to save time.
4) For applicants employed in the Private sector, two copies of the ID card issued by your company is required.
5) If you expected your turn to come at the "appointment time" mentioned on your application form........ you are in for a rude shock! There's always a line there and processing happens on a first-come-first-served basis.
6) The photos stuck on your application form must be identical.

After submitting the application:

1)Carefully preserve your application receipt.
2)Check for your application status online regularly.
3)In case it's been over 15 working days since your application submission, and your status still says, "Police report awaited", visit the Police Station that is designated for your residence address to facilitate verification process. Application forms arrive at Police Stations and not at Police Chowkis!
4) Visit the Police station with the following:
i. Your passport application receipt
ii. A set of all your documents (original & copies). One complete set of documents are retained by the police.
iii. Three coloured passport size photographs.
iv. Ready cash!

That's all for now..... watch out this space for more as and when I get to know things better!

Pearls of wisdom

2009-07-07T23:36:00.000-07:00

पीला और लाल गुलाब देता यह संदेश अनमोल,
तुम भी कलाकार की रचना , तुम्हे समझना अपना मोल |

The red and yellow rose imparts an important message
You too are Lord's creation, be conscious of your worth.
___________________________________________

क्षमा शोब्ते उस भुजंग को जिसके पास गरल हो
उसको क्या जो दंत हीन , विष रहित , विनीत सरल हो |

Only those that are capable of punishing are worthy of forgiving;
who will value forgiveness from the meek?

भुजंग - serpent , गरल - poison , दंत - tooth(poison bearing tooth of a serpent), विष - poison,
रहित - without, विनीत - capable of no harm, सरल - simple
____________________________________________

A window sill, rain and a good book....

2009-06-29T01:24:00.000-07:00

Perched up high on a wide inviting window sill, with rain drumming at a pacy speed and armed with a good book..... life's like a song :)

Here's what I read recently and would definitely recommend:

1) Tilled Earth - by Manjushree Thapa
This one has a true ring of Nepali culture and a truthfulness to its theme. It's a collection of well written short stories that get you thinking.

2) Home - by Manju Kapoor
This one must have been an inspiration to Ekta Kapoor before she went all wrong. "Home" offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a prosperous shop-keepers flourishing joint family. There's more to it than the serenity of it's cover.

3) Spouse - by Shobhaa De
A smart-alec approach to the institution of "marriage". A must read before you take the plunge (also a handy reading to a veteran).
"Swabhimaan" was the last soap that took to me....and it too was penned by Shobhaa...I leave the rest to your judgement!

Now just waiting for the monsoons to kick start my next "Reading Circuit".

Rain -rain come again :)

View from the top

2009-06-21T23:53:00.000-07:00

19 year olds in India are tard smarter these days.....they dream big and enjoy the view from the top :)

Saina Nehwal emerged Champion at the Indonesian Open - Women's Single Badminton after shocking third seed China's Wang! She is eyeing the World Championships next...Wish her Godspeed.....

Krushna Patil scaled Mount Everest on May 21st....and is raring to go-climb again...only this time to protect the source of the "sin-cleansing Ganges".... the fast receding Gangotri glacier.

At SCIT again.....

2009-06-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

Life turned a full circle for me...from a student to being invited to speak.
It was the day of Induction for the batch 2009-2011 of SCIT on 10th of June 2009.

Nostalgia hit me like a whiff of strong perfume as soon as the SCIT building loomed in view.The scenes that unfolded next still run in slow motion inside my head. The heady feeling of being one of the "invitees"...the official arrival... the ushering in by the starry eyed students - all smartly dressed in suits/saris....the meeting with Director ma'am, the introductions....the tea by the pool... meeting with the chief guest....old teachers,instructors, photography expert..... and... this is the BIG one.. the hand-shake with Padamshree Shri. Mujumdar...founder, director of Symbiosis!
The events that followed were no less honoring.. sharing the dais with dignitaries, lighting the auspicious diya...to the background of "Saraswati-Vandana" (only this time I wasn't in the singing choir!).... the bouquet... the speeches... the interaction with students (another Great!).. the dainty "token of appreciation"...et all.....
And the best for the last.....time moves slowly....specially when you are a student and are required to sit and attentively listen to all speeches....but that day it was different....What Dr. Mujumdar said was so important and so true....this was the crux of his message to the new batch:
1) Take care of your health specially when you are away from family and friends
2) Steer clear of temptations - big and small
3) Enjoy the campus facilities to the fullest

In the few moments when I could talk to him one-on-one...we discussed DehraDun..he had been to the "tapkeshwar temple" there recently.......and then discussed the brand called "Symbiosis"......to me the experience was extremely dear, personal and impacting....it was like talking with my wise grandfather who passed away while I was still very young....it was like a chance I never got...but fate suddenly offered to me on a silver platter!

Are we civic?

2009-04-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Are we a civic society?

1) People don't think twice before sending out plastic wrappers flying from their car windows ..while they enjoy a snack..........
2) Public toilets are a big no-no.....it's stench disgusts the pedestrians walking on the nearby road......
3)The so called rich and affluent..................rarely know about what is bio-degradable and what's not!
4)Billions of plastic and recyclable waste clog our drains daily...............
5)My housing society has a rule to separate dry and wet waste from kitchen waste..........I still wonder how it's implemented if every morning one can see plastic bags filled with rubbish on each doorstep?
6)How do restaurants throw away left-overs when people starve right across the street?
7)Mobile usage is rampant while driving - and one hoot for the safety of others on the road!
8)Our religious shrines have annual stampedes? How can you trample a fellow human being under your foot?
9) Horns blare blatantly around hospitals /schools...........
10) Educated office goers soil toilet seats and waste scores of tissues daily...just because they are free?
11)Is the use of office printer justified always?
12)Do we all vote? Are we responsible adults?
13)Drinking and driving kills, usually other folks!And we all know that...

I did not want to end the list at number 13... Heck!

Place of Power

2009-04-13T03:02:00.000-07:00

Long time ago, while in school, we had an interesting lesson. I don't remember any of it except the exercise that we were given after that.

Nothing complicated, our teacher just asked us to note down our very own "Place of Power".

Yeah, that was what it was. A "Place of Power" was supposed to be your place under the Sun; a vicinity where you would feel one with nature, totally relaxed and at the zenith of your potential. This place had to be extraordinary. Not a casual "fun-place" where you hang out.... Nothing like our multiplexes, coffee places. This place had to be special. Somewhere where you would be just yourself. Nope, no company allowed either. Your "place of Power" had to be yours truly. This was how individualistic such place had to be!

As kids are, none of us probably gave it a second thought then. For us, it was merely an easy escape from homework.

Summer Break came.... long sultry afternoons with no adult interventions.. when we kids could roam about any where on our "missions". Then on a fateful day my parents decided upon a trip to my maternal grandmother..to "Jagadhari". What fun! And the very thought of meeting "naniji" :)

On the way through the "Kalesar" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalesar_National_Park) forest reserve that borders Himachal Pradesh & Haryana, near "Paonta Sahib",we made an unplanned halt.There was some project in full swing on the Yamuna banks by the road. Papa got down. Probably, our good old Fiat decided it was too hot to tread along asphalt!

We went down the sides of the urban encroachment at hand. Some Ashram was planned at the site! My brother and I were thrilled. There was a rough trail through brambles that led straight to the river.

Excitement carried our legs faster than intended. Soon we were at the bottom of the wide valley overlooking a vast expanse of virgin whitish-brown sandy stretch. Within a short sprint lay the meandering "Yamuna". Its waters so blue, you could paint the sky with it. That was the moment before 'Nirvana'. I remember racing across the stretch (alongside my younger brother, I don't remember). I think I also remember coming across a snake lair on the way! And then came the moment, the prize.

Here was my "Place of Power".
Deceptively shallow waters gurgling within the reach of my fingers. With rounded glowing pebbles scattered all around. This was "Kuber's Treasure" to my eyes. Water so clear, the breeze so free, the place so exhilarating! I just remained there for a while soaking in the ecstasy around me. That was my "Place of Power", my "discovery" then.

Few years down the line.....when I chanced upon the site again.... my "Place" is gone.... the "Ashram" is flourishing though! It touches a painful chord somewhere, I gulp down rising bile. To think, that the "Yamuna", that was "My Power" has been overwhelmed.

It's still a scenic spot - for tourists. But the magic is lost to the world.

Shhhh... they talk softly....

2009-04-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

The leaves as they rustle in the free wind,
the tin can rattling along the asphalt,
the creaking wooden beams,
Shhh.. they speak if you care to listen.

There's a mind to each.
Toddlers who can't converse, know a language far more universal,
The aged are quite candid, if you show patience,
Yes, only if you would care.

Every mind behind the thickened head,
yearns to speak out.
There are a thousand doors, but they all do open.
Every heart speaks.
Before you go out today, peep inside,
what does your spirit say,
Tune in, lest you miss.

It's not very frequent, it's not explicit,
shhh, they talk softly.

Passing thoughts...

2009-03-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

Back at my organization, we had an essay writing competition...on Women's Day.. here's my entry...............
Don't blame me....the topic was handed out to us......

Women are embracing new technologies, connecting up, enjoying the advancements of modern science. But can women really drive and develop such innovations?

Whenever one sits down to contemplate what is achievable; there is a glass ceiling in making already. The very fact that we have set out to decide if someone is capable enough, we do away with the capability altogether!

Is there really anything impossible to the faculties of a free mind? And does gender stand as a valid argument in this pretext at all?

A thinking person – be it a man or a woman, is quite capable of achieving what one sets the mind on. A rational broad-minded woman stands equal, if not more, chances of driving innovations and mastering technologies.

Modern day advancements are all creations of thought. Simple ideas rule our world. Their rein of applicability stretches far and wide. Fundamentals are getting out-dated rapidly. Our text-books get redundant with a predictable regularity.

In today’s free flowing world of ideas and innovations, age old inhibitions are totally side-lined. There is absolutely no question of one half of our population considering themselves to be any less gifted.

On the contrary, women, I feel, are far better tuned to the mystic forces of nature. With child-bearing and other responsibilities traditionally resting on her shoulders, a woman is inherently more sensitive to change and adaptability.

Innovation is a way of life. The road is always forked – one, is the beaten path, tread upon more often; and the other a trail through the brambles of uncertainties. The path less travelled beckons the courageous one. A free spirit coupled with a brave mind, which does not get bogged down by failures, is the sole requirement. Modern divas have what it takes. When not juggling the various avatars she dons, she is working her way to glory. We have gleaming examples of women entrepreneurs who have gone ahead, breaching the pseudo barriers, to touch the stars they dreamt of.

As with other things, people come in all shapes; and no generalization would be fair. There is a genre of humans that do not think twice before wasting themselves. For whom illicit consumption is a right of sorts. Some of these graduate to become full-time lunatics. Dogmatized with misplaced “religious” conceptions, they bring shame to the humanity.

However, the majority is still treading along the fair path to development. Women undoubtedly constitute this group. Right from Madame Curie, the grand lady of the theory of radioactivity, to the French brave-heart Joan of Arc’, to present day innovationists, and counting thousands of name-less ladies that bring a spring in their work by sheer creativity and innovative designs; the list is best left for history records.

Our perception of what defines an “innovation” is also skewed. It needn’t be in the papers to be of some credibility. An innovation must not always bring about an economic boom. A thing of creation is a personification of creative thought.

Every change that benefits fellow human-beings is worth its salt. Every small creation is important. Every paisa counts. Let’s not forget the drives by women to eradicate the menace of rampant alcoholism in the remote villages of eastern India. Let us sit back and take note of the farmer women who “adopted” crop-rotation and new methods of agriculture in the face of stark circumstances. Every woman that wins, be it for personal fulfillment or for the sake of her family, is a torch bearer in herself.

May the genius never be measured on the scales of gender ever again!

'O' the winds of change are blowing....

2009-01-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

Obama sworn in as America's 44th President. The winds of change are blowing.....

May the economy thrive, terrorists introspect (I believe that would eradicate the root desire to kill at least!), people become proactive in environment protection, simplicity and spontaneity gets a chance in today's world of pretense......still a lot to be desired.

"May people realize the need to introspect".
Live well die happy!

Catch-22! Some catch this is...

2009-01-18T21:57:00.001-08:00

Hey, anyone who has read catch-22 by Joseph Heller.. or are reading it? :)
It's such an ordeal..catching up with the book....specially after the not-so-breezy, Mitch Albom's "The Five People you meet in Heaven".

Let's hear it from other readers..

New Year,Ayn Rand's Capitalism and some more...

2009-01-17T05:46:00.000-08:00

First, wish u all a very happy new year ahead. May we trod the right path and never regret for our actions!

As 2009 rumbled in, people longed for respite.. respite from mindless terrorism - be it the imported type or our very own home-grown bullies. Then the Israel - Gaza conflict spilled over. More mayhem and bloodshed. This with dwindling economy leaves little reason to cheer.

And then rolled along the paradox - 'Satyam' turned 'Asatyam'! Investors lost money, employees left dangling. And sooner than it was expected - a public outburst - to save their investments followed!!!!

Think of it... a private company... starts on its own.. picks up momentum...get the babus under its hood.... goes public... borrows - then project false highs....and subsequently bungles out.... like the wave that rises highest before its crash. Eventually the CEO turns in.... apologizes and all is over.
Sigh!

If only we had heeded to Ayn Rand while it was time!!! If only we, as a society became responsible for our actions.Both, the Satyam for its mess, and the investors for theirs.

In an ideal Ayn's Capitalist world, you would sow what you reap. If I put an amount on a company and hope to retire on the premiums...no court would take up my matter...should the 'company' default! Why? Because I did not do anything to earn that profit per share. There is no intellectual right. The rise and downfall of the 'innovators' is personal. Anyone who rides on their profits is impeaching. The equation changes when the 'innovator' borrows in lieu of a "Service" or "product".

Don't get a word of this? Never mind, I am too absorbed myself to explain...my mind is taken by this book right now.... Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal....by Ayn Rand.

Subconsciously, there's always an urge to hear this again : "This is John Galt speaking...".... "I swear by my life, and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine."

Doon diary-1

2008-11-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

My annual visit to hometown DehraDun is always special -be it good or bad ...but definitely worth remembering. Right from the traveling woes.. on bad dusty UP roads, rickety state transport buses to the serene stretch of hills and pastures... time slows down in that part of the country.

This Diwali trip was no different. Mum's failing health was a major dampener... but the joy of re-uniting brings up everyone.
Diwali came and went - like a whirlwind of festivities, decorations, the annual 'kandeel', the mandir setup, the last-minute rush for a 'laxmi-ganesh' clay idol, the 'batasha- mur-mura', Bengali/Kumar sweets, the dresses.. and what not!

It's strange with these festivals - how in their multitude To-Dos, they make us forget the daily mundane stuff.. and leave us with that queer sense of joy- you may not be happy true to it's meaning but gaity all around somehow permeates in.

Then a usual round of the market --- the walk-in-the-super-crowded-Paltan-Bazaar kinds.
And this is exactly the setting of my very special encounter.

Now, when I was a school going girl - a CJMite, we used to commute in an auto - some 14 of us in one (Yes! 14). It's hard to push aside all endearing memories of those rides! Our kind-hearted auto-wallah-uncle was a reminiscent of old Punjabis that settled in Doon. The paithani suit clad gentleman who never really meant it whenever he complained on any of us getting late!!

Back to the auto rides...... now , every afternoon, our auto used to cross a handknit woollens shop. The shop keeper was an elgant lady - tall and handsome.... with a BIGGG bufo 'joora'.... hence our nickname for her, 'joore-wali-aunty'.

The moment her shop came in sight, all 14 of us would swing out of that forsaken auto and yell out loud "Byes" to her. She would waive out and reply without fail - all the year round - for 10-12 years.. every day!!! That was just a routine then; no body gave it quite a thought.

This time, after all these years when I crossed her shop on foot and peeped inside - there were butterflies in my stomach! Bravely, i acted normal - shopped for a hand-knit black cardigan....... and on leaving......... gathered courage -casually spoke to her - about the bunch of kids she used to waive out to - all those years. :)

She instantly remembered! Thank God! The sinking feeling went. I was almost telling myself how silly all of this was.

It was so special.....when she actually handed out a big Dairy Milk chocolate bar to me and also insisted on a an unusually big discount.

Whew! It's always great to catch up with old friends - even when you meet them for the first time! Great to know you aunty!

A story

2008-09-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

A story is a safe bet..... truth can be stated simply in a tale, people can be pin-pointed without giving out their names....it's funny how even truth needs a cover sometimes.... just to let the message go and not taint the affected in the process.

Here goes...

Once upon a time there lived a handful of people in a beautiful island. Meera- was a Hindu, Aamir - a musalman, Joey - a believing christian, Li- a humble and beautiful buddhist, Amarjeet - a high spirited Sikh and Lily - a peace-loving parsi. They were the only citizens of that blessed land.
All of these young people were studying together - albeit each had taken up different subjects. Their teachers were equally dignified people. (No, I dont know their "religions"...because these teachers just "taught" and never breathed a word of their belief)
Life went on merrily. These youngsters competed with each other in Mathematical equations, prompted each other in physics laboratories, formed teams for a round of volleyball and were full of life. Time gained momentum in these happy times. And specially so in the umpteen festivals these "denizens" celebrated - holi one day, yummy sevia on Id, the irrerestible cake on Christmas, and did outright bhangra on Baisakhi.
Incidentally, they all had different mother tongues and their dress sense appeared"experimental" to each other!

Then out of the blue... a riot took place, university got shut down, girls raped, and terrorism grew. Nobody trusts anybody else. Hatred is the new air they breathe. New pioneers emerged who could make bombs. All hell broke loose. The island - now a bleak shadow of its past - survived... that is to say.. the land still floats on water...but for how long?

Do you want to know, what happened in the interim? Before this catastrophe?
I don't know.

Just draw a parallel with our country. Are all of us being slow-poisoned? Where are we heading?

Every day, whenever it's possible, I as a hindu.... prefer taking a rickshaw driven by a muslim....just to prove to myself that all is not lost... deep under the skin ... we are all one.....everyday I try to be "secular"...everyday... I hope all will get well with my country....my poor poor beautiful country!

Beijing Olympics 2008: China take the bow!

2008-08-27T01:16:00.000-07:00

When sustained effort of 7 years pays off - what is left to be done? Take a bow!
The Beijing Olympics will always be remembered as larger than life and just about "Perfect".

Young medal bearers of China. They must have witnessed tens of high drama action on the victory podiums - first hand!

Bolt - Lightening Bolt from Jamaica. 9.69 seconds for 100m sprint......Now we know this could be done!

The Bird's nest dazzle - Beijing Olympics Opening ceremony

One World, one Dream! - Beijing Olympics Opening ceremony

Beijing Olympics 2008: The spirit of games

2008-08-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Records are made to be broken....and broken in style..... for instance, India had NOT won multiple medals at a single Olympics since 1952! This blotch of a record finally crumbled.

Wrestler Sushil Kumar wins Bronze in 66kg freestyle wrestling. Way to go man!
Coupled with Abhinav's Gold - our tally comes to two. And we are still hoping for our Boxing champs to taste glory.

Also Achanta Sharath Kamal went up to Second round of Men's Table Tennis but not not get a major breakthrough thereafter.

If history and records are to be reckoned, here is the caveat. This Olympics saw an amputee participate. Du Toit, swimmer from South Africa finished 16th out of 25 participants in 10km free style swim marathon. If she could achieve this feat with one leg, imagine her prowess had she been like majority of us!

The Russian "Twin Anastasias" defended their synchronized swimming duet successfully! They were picture perfect!

Beijing Olympics 2008: All for perfection!

2008-08-13T01:28:00.000-07:00

They wanted her voice but not her face!!!

A 7 year old, Yang Peiyi was chosen to sing "Ode to Motherland" at Beijing's Olympics opening ceremony. Her voice was perfect.But Chinese officials did not approve of her "looks" !!! Instead, they pulled off a trick. 9 year old , pretty Lin Miaoke was asked to mime the song on the stage while Yang actually sang hidden from the world audience.

I don't understand this!!!! To me, both the girls are very cute. Couldn't one sing and the other perform beside her on the same stage?
The perfect image, of a young girl in red dress with piggy tails, singing out to you, tugging at your heart-strings, is shattered. It's torn apart by our idiotic biases.

Pictures below: Lin, Yang (from left)

Beijing Olympics 2008: Higher Faster Stonger..

2008-08-12T23:25:00.001-07:00

Continuing with the series on Beijing sports extravaganza - Olympics......

Swimming: First there was the lean Australian, Ian Thorpe; now make way for Michale Phelps. The Aquarians have arrived!!!! The 23 year old has already bagged 11 Gold Medals at Olympics - the largest haul of medallions by an individual already.... and he has done it in style - thrashing some 5 world records .
Did you know?
* His water goggles malfunctioned ....and flooded with water in a race ...later, after winning the swimming heat... he commented , " Under the circumstances, it's not a bad result" !!!!
* In the four year run-up to Olympics , he missed his daily practice just 4 times (all of which were non-holidays). ( and I crib for every weekend that I spend in office!)

Badminton: 18 year old, Saina Nehwal, has nerves of steel. The teenager , in her Olympics debut, toppled 4th seeded player to every one's amazement. She went on to contest with World no 21 and Boy! .. contest she did - it was her match literally...but maybe experience counted more. As she said, she already knows her "mistakes"...and it wont be long before she catapults to the front, exactly where she belongs! All the best champ.

Beijing Olympics 2008: Golden moment

2008-08-10T22:46:00.000-07:00

Amidst all fan fare, widespread protests on China's oppressive strategy in Tibet...controversies..and the sheer scale of grandeur....The Olympics are in full swing after all!

But what should never be missed are the Olympian stories.... they are so distinctly inspiring.Stories that speak of long years of practice and the culmination of all that in a moment of competition....tales of triumph or reminders to work even harder...It all comes alive at the Games.

Here's my personal favorites of stories that will linger long after the games conclude..

An Indian struck gold at Olympics, Beijing 2008... Abhinav Bindra won gold in Men's individual 10 m shooting competition on 11th Aug, 2008. Congratulations!!!!

Jubilant Bindra ....

On the Podium

Abhinav, hails from my home town.....All the more reason now, to get hooked to Olympic

Faster, Higher, Stronger !!!

Idle Musings...

2008-08-06T20:18:00.000-07:00

"Krishna nee begane baro... Krishna nee begane Baro..." nothing heals like a soulful song!

Everyday it feels as if I have been going around this massive supermarket called "World" with a long shopping list. As one item gets struck off the list..another pops up. What's all this shopping for? I don't need things!!! I need a life!

Music is one such life-giver. Look at me.... early to office...thoughts raging in my mind's backdrop... have a project delivery today...need to prepare meticulously.... but few strains of "Krishna nee begane..." brings me back to my element. Such is its beauty. How I wish... I could learn some beautiful songs from my mother while I was still at home!!!!

Until then... it would be one song ....every morning...only for me! I don't care how it would sound like..and whether it would surmount the drone of other morning sounds in Urban Pune....but I will try.

To make up for now... I am humming under breath in office - :) Its good to be early

The Hand that protects....

2008-07-27T23:52:00.000-07:00

It’s so good to be alive! And be there for our family today .................... this weekend saw a terror spree in Bangalore and Ahmedabad – 17 + 5 bomb blasts - two blasts in Hospitals – terrorists have stooped to a new low with this!

Do these "people" spare a thought for the hundreds they would kill or maim? Such extremism!!!!! They take away something they can never possibly replace - a human life. Is any goal worth all this? What religion preaches killing innocents?

Heck, what does religion has to do with it? Our Gods reside within us. Why does God never chide such people? Is their conscious alive?How do these people face themselves? Do they get sleep at night?

But life goes on – I just hope and pray ......... that we never shrink with any doubt before taking a hardliner approach in face of such acts of mindless violence….It's bad to be violent - but "karma" comes back ...you reap what you sow. The hand that protects is still the stronger force.

Kundalika - White water rafting - Part I

2008-07-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I beamed out of our mad corporate world briefly...hailed by the wild white waters of Kundalika river. It was a one day camp set by CampFire, India (http://www.campfireindia.org).

One night of camping by the river...followed by some adventure activities ...culminating in the 12 km long rafting expedition!
This series of photo album has two parts. Part one is about everything except actually hitting the waters.

Some time-frames , some morals:

Herd grazing in pastures softer than best Persian rugs....

The guardians of the ghats!

Keep walking...roads will lead to wherever you want to go.

Our camping site - we arrived here at 2:30 a.m previous night... in pitch darkness and slight drizzle...if only I knew the morning sight would be so lovely, I might have slept better.

The moment when I scaled heights - be it a net climb or a bigger manifestation.

Some calm moments in the lap of nature. .. these very waters combine later to create the roaring Kundalika downstream.

Attention to details - understanding the rafting equipments and safety maneuvers is the core

Appearances are deceptive - small spaces widen up - like this interior of our tent.

Precision and focus combined with your guide's instructions are success manta defined!

Gandhiji's philosophy comes handy everywhere..............

Listen to your heart & mind, strictly in that order....and analysis of any given situation becomes easy.......

All falls are not bad - that's our camp instructor- Mr. Arun Sawant in red Tee. His enthusiasm is contagious ..............and technique impeccable!

Next in the photo album- more of Kundalika, the wind, water spray, rain and endless greenery!

Bloom wherever you are planted..& you will find your way!

2008-06-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

Its more of an attempt to cheer up myself; just putting together some happy flower faces here:

Source - my place in DehraDun
Prime Gardener: Mummy
Time of the Year: end of May, 2008
Comments: The flowers are in riot..the garden is all in blooms back home!

A bunch of pink Lily...cramped into a single pot ...and look how profusely they bloom...Is it Satyagrah ? The "bloom- no matter what" philosophy!

So here is the "white Dog Flower" colony. Look how satisfied they appear. Like a democratic country that's happy with its government and the inflation is at rock bottom :)

Here is the budding yellow extension to the colony above. More of green here than yellow - guess these folks believe in basics...lets have more food & infrastructure before sprouting more flowers...that makes sense :)

The "Blue-Bells" are thriving and....they are expanding...notice the few "entrepreneurs" that are venturing outside their "domains"

The pink "star-striped" ones have arrived...they are quick at attracting all honey-seekers....looks like this is the hottest travel destination listed on "MakeMyTrip.com " for the bees!

The darling couple against the lush lawn...

Here's the "Mogra".... these little blooms smell heavenly...bless them! I remember how I used to go out collecting the shed "mogra/motia" flowers after a shower of rain...

Source - Amby Valley, Lonavla
Prime Gardener: a hired professional for sure
Time of the Year: 2007
Comments: Exotic flower beds all around this place

A cheerful bed of red-white-pink flowers! Happiness all around :)

Pure white Lily, now seen with slender green blades...Quite a stunner!

Fiery fields besides the tranquil blues.... Someone please remove this gawdy restricting tape !!

Magnificent big flowers, I have held them in my palms....what a feeling!

The spray-painted lily this time....God is an artist for sure :)

Its a beautiful world.

When I refused to pay auto-wallahs more than meter reading.....

2008-05-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah, another day. Stepped out of office .....scores of auto-wallahs line up right at the doorstep...same routine...I say "wherever I want to go....they respond in the usual way...sulk...think...then ask for Rs 40 flat!
But today was different I was in no mood to comply....so gave them a punch line and walked ahead...walked a bit more than usual....walked for about 3-4 kms....the distance involved in commuting ! And I loved it :)

Look what I picked up on my way:
1) Lovely Pune evening breeze
2) Kesar mangoes @ 50 per kg (not bad if you stay in my region)
3) Funny people at the mall where I stopped for a meal:
a) A gentleman with tie tucked in his pocket...pounding on a hapless "dosa" with a plastic folk & spoon....poor guy...why try "English table manners" on a dosa without proper cutlery!
b) Bunch of PYTs browsing amazingly pricey sandals (junk I tell you)
c) Ultra obese ladies somehow fitted in lycra ( drives me crazy)
d) Ladies wearing flowers in their long braids looking about helplessly - looking utterly out-of-place
e) Rowdy children fussing over candies prized at Rs.150 per 250gm
f) "Phoren" woman wearing purple eye-makeup ...cheez!
g) Again "phoren" girls with great looking skin...or was that make-up?
4) A guy who actually stopped to offer a lift, "Ma'am may I drop you somewhere? "....Gimme a break!
5) Street dogs who fight for region dominance...a hapless doggy ...who followed me half my course.. (was it a guardian in disguise...who knows)
6)A bunch of young men in tunics who were decidedly uneasy because a girl was walking behind them some 5 feet away!!! Seriously I had to speed up and overtake to cut out that air of tension!
7) A pair of feet that complained due to this untimely exercise
8) An urge to write a blog on this :)
9) Maybe I should do this more often but at an earlier hour

Caught in time!

2008-05-05T08:03:00.001-07:00

Savour this shot...

To me it looks like the infidel time.

From bottom to the top....... time is everything from soft fresh-whipped cream......brilliant dazzling sun rays.....criss-crossed uncertain frame.....and perfect vacuum.......................
Perhaps the only thing that endures is the stark black figure of the man....rising unscathed forever.....

Where are the Woods?

2008-05-02T03:04:00.000-07:00

Borrowing a leaf from 'Calvin & Hobbes'.......

Flights of Fantasy!

2008-04-26T01:13:00.000-07:00

Picture this.... the bird that brings peace wherever it flies....driving away all that's evil and dark...leaving behind a trail of azure skies.

By the way.. this was my entry in office's painting competition :)

Here, meet yourself.......

2008-04-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

Of course, I make good company to others...my ego tells me this. But there is an inconvenient question lurking somewhere...Do I like myself?

When was the last time I got "bored" and looked around for things/activities to engage myself?

What do I need to be happy? People I love, food I fantasize, places I dream of?What do I seek ?
How well am I acquainted with myself? Do I enjoy my own company? If cloned, would I like to hang around with Manjari? How would I react to her erratic ( No I don't have any irritating habits...shhhh manjari...relax) habits? Would I share her taste in music, food, books?

Ummmmmm....I think I will!

Here's a toast to Me :) Nothing pricks my conscience on the wrong side. I am at peace. I may not be perfect; but what's the fun in scoring 10/10 every time. Let the nerds aim for that.

I am glad, Manjari is friends with nature. I really like the "joie de vivre" about her!

Hey, can I spread this around? Can I touch lives around? Can I make someone happy today?
What if I could make someone smile each day ? How cool would that be ?

Lets start right away Manjari......

थोड़ा कीमती समय .....

2008-04-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

कुछ ऐसे पल होते हैं जब ठहरने का मन करता है .... बस..... सब को उनके हाल पर छोड़ दो और केवल अपने मन की करो ....देखा जाएगा जो होगा, कम से कम आज तोह खुल के जी पाएंगे... कुछ ऐसा ही लग रहा है आज |

काम है बहुत पर वह तोह हमेशा ही रहेगा | खुशी है मुझे की कम से कम इतना समय तोह है की यह शुरू कर पाई |
शुरुवात अच्छी है , प्रायास जारी है..

Beginner's Luck...grab it!

2008-04-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

Paulo Coelho's "Alchemist" says this.... the entire universe conspires to help you whenever you undertake a new venture....as if everything around is in your team...to see you through..to help you achieve...to push you over the point from where you could be on your own..this is the Beginner's Luck!
You can feel the Vibes of positive result on every step...things fall in place, co-incidences happen..people meet...or be absent...this is the beginning...........................
Its the rush of the breeze...about to transform into something more powerful..its the rustling of leaves..making way for the presence to arrive...its the awakening...the realisation of truth....the dawning of the purpose for your existence...this is it!
If all of us are Gods at the core; reflections of the supreme being... master of our destinies...out to realise the dreams we create for us...then this is the time to act.
This is the beginner's luck urging you to become what you are. Its the return to innocence, conscious of the goal in sight...its a new day, its a brand new moment!

Best things happen UNPLANNED!

2008-03-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yeah...trust me... i just had a party at my place...with say "0" planning. Everything was Impromptu.
Venue was my 1 room- kitchen "flat". Invitees- about 17 in number ( It came to me later....really...how would 17 adults stay put in a cramped space? Let alone Dance?) Agenda- Dance Party ( had called in DJs- obviously talented software professionals trapped in the corporate world and also known as my "colleagues" ). Food- The BIG Factor- well, I thought I will order for it- say about 20 plates of yummy "cholle-bhature" + jalebi......Aamras ( that's thick pulpy mango syrup) flashed later. Music- Now who would unpack a desktop....so one of my invitees got his laptop! Invitation- This was the best part- i created a fun e-mail to pass around :)
You know what; everything could have gone wrong horribly..specially when on the eve of the party I was neck deep in work....was actually thinking of calling it off!!!!!!
On the D day, I could escape from office barely 30 minutes ahead of the stipulated time.A good Samaritan came along.....and then it was a breeze all along :)
Great fun-filled evening. Loved every part of our Zulu-styled leg-shaking :)

So for all those who are willing but RELUCTANT...... stop thinking and click on "SEND" for that invitation e-mail. FINGERS CROSSED? :)

Pune Calling!

2008-02-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

Time has turned a full circle. It's time to return to Pune. Enough of swanky Mumbai; the city of Gandharvs is beckoning!
Last weekend was well spent in hunting or an accommodation in Pune. Finally found a very decent room in KoregaonPark.
And now for the caveat....... my land-lady,Mrs Anuradha Shinde,is a renowned "Bharatnatyam" teacher; and her school is called "Kalamanjari" :) Isn't this grand!
(A sneak peek here: http://www.danceforanimals.org/ )

I can already feel a tug from within to take up classes in this exotic dance-form.

Mumbai Marathon, 20th Jan 08

2008-01-25T02:54:00.000-08:00

Absolutely amazing colours

Shivaji on the run too......

Gandhi of yore could not resist 2oth Jan08.. Vande Mataram!

What a sight!

The 6km stretch of Mumbai Marathon 08's - Dream Run was such Fun!!!!! The early morning crispness, amazing mass of sea, amazing conglomerate of colours , good music, cheerful crowd and tonnes of enthusiasm!

The best part, I could jog along almost regularly with practically no regular exercise schedule/gym :) Way to go...Lets see if I can better this record next year.

Ring in the New Year

2008-01-03T22:49:00.000-08:00

Time to flip the calendar again......

Away from thumping parties and street violence, I ushered in the new year in total serenity....in company of a kind and dear soul...in a city of relative sobriety.....Pune.
I wonder why we had to go out for some 'conventional' new Year's dinner. A talk on the bench in society park would have been good enough. But I am not complaining.

Its been a time of peaceful vacation...a time with friends..a time to unwind. Am I a clock that needs winding and un-winding every now and then? Think so. Sometimes, it gets imperative to run for shelter from this mad mad modernity. I am glad the year end gave me just that - a break!

The tide has turned...I made some sane decisions...nature lent a helping hand - the beginner's Luck as they say in "Alchemist"....now that mum's coming over to stay with me for some time..life will be a trail of ribbons....

Wish you all a beautiful new Year!

My New Year resolution: Will not hesitate in asking for a "Break" when I feel i earned it :)

Put your hands together for.....

2007-11-26T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hey bloggers,

Let the drums roll, red carpet laid....bouquets touched up....the crown has claimed its queen.

Presenting to you , my personal favourite "Miss Universe";

Meet Ezlanda!

A gem of a person. Quite young but not naive at 92 years..with sense of humour that would envelope you like a cloud and deep rooted wisdom that would instantly build up a bond of unshakable trust. Such beauty that outshines the made up PYTs around.

Ezlanda, is my friend at the Andheri, Old Age home run by "Little sisters of the poor".

Instead of delving in self-pity, this lady has put it all behind. You won't believe she is the whole-sole care taker for the Home's Pantry. In fact, the days when her back pains and she is unable to get up without help; this is what Ezlanda exclaims, "Ooh who will prepare boiled rice soup for the 'sick ones'! ".

Her enthusiasm for life is contagious.

As for this snap; its taken on a "Fancy Dress" program they had at the Home some months ago. Ezlanda dressed up as a Beauty contestant on Sister's insistence. And Boy! she looked awesome!

Too bad, the audience did not get any flying kisses. Our shy, crowned glory simply stood there, waived and sprinted off the stage :)

I know I am lucky to have her as a friend. Here's sharing some luck with you all :)

Best Regards,
Me

Sweet Victory- moments to savour!

2007-09-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Kudos to the Indian Cricket team for pulling it through the 20-20 World Cup and emerge as Champions.

Its hard to believe that Indians can outfield the mighty South Africa & Aussies. No denying , we had lady luck favouring us, but it takes a solid foundation of hard work to beckon her your way.

Their attitude was indomitable. The spirit its finest. These are not a lot of sophisticated society boys . But its the home-grown variety of untarnished charm & buoyancy that shines through.

Nobody knew a catch could not be taken, until one of our lads hitched it. A spate of 6 consecutive sixes is rather uncommon; but it does happen.

This tournament saw rise and fall of heroes, each with a credible twist of events. But to put everything at stake and win, you must have nerves of steel!

Here's to pure entertainment & the uplifting spirit of sports! Cheers!

Sat/Sun are off even on a TimeTable!

2007-09-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have figured a pattern in the way I carry out my daily activities.
I seem to be following a Time-Table of sorts (over n above the Biological Clock).
Right now, I can picture my state months in advance. (No I am not staring in a Crystal Ball!)

But the problem is not with this scheduling; I have trouble in prioritizing. Somehow its only the least important things that I have a plan about. Lets say, it wouldn't really matter to me if I throw away this invisible plan or have Hermione cast a memory spell on me!
You wont believe, I actually stack up things like - bills, outstanding loans, investments, chores, shopping, projects at work, silly coding issues, database procedures, house rent ......in my head. Whoa! This list was not extensive, but even going by the count of items there, my head must be really really big :)

Its time, I set my priorities right. O.K. starting now. I know I must get back to work. But the mind wants this interim relief. Perfection is second to peace of mind. By that logic , i must remain boarded on this train of thought. It will halt at its destined station anyways. Why miss the journey in anticipation of arriving?

So , its India v/s South Africa 20-20 match today..hmmm..and I have some tasks to finish..and yes I have enjoyed battering at this keyboard for a while now...so all accounts satisfied. Just one last pointer before i click shut this notepad....going by that song "If tomorrow never comes"; I must remember to make those closest to me feel special ( and listen to this song soon).

After all, what's the point in following a Time-Table if it does not have Saturday-Sunday offs.

We waste so much....

2007-08-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

There's a reason to complain everyday, every hour. Something or the other falls out of the "plan". It rains when you set foot outside. Meetings get rescheduled on busy days. Exams happen when the weather is beautiful. Work load goes rocketing high. "Tempers" soar. Frustration & irritability creeps in.

Things cannot go wrong to this magnitude. We must be looking on the wrong side!

How can I overlook all that is good and comforting. Bad things have a way of their own. They scream on top of their lungs and grab my attention. But there are beautiful moments that persist too. They wait patiently till I am ready; ready to soak in their warmth. Thank God for small mercies.

May I never ever overlook these moments of power.

Never again will I waste such precious moments! Never again will I be caught in the Whirlpool of fruitless routine. Life is a treasure trove; and nothing can pull me back.

I witnessed a complete circular rainbow !

2007-07-12T08:35:00.001-07:00

I got lucky today!

Venue:Glass walled office pantry at about 5:20 pm.

It was mesmerising. A shifting wave of brightness touched the pantry tables .....almost instantly a perfect circle of colour appeared against the grayish cloudy sky. It was beautiful.Probably the written word can never do it justice.

I came across a snap of a similar circular wonder:

http://www.extrospection.com/archives/2003/10/circular_rainbow.html

Courage: An old Song

2007-07-06T06:12:00.001-07:00

I am reminded of an old song we were taught in school. Its message remains valid.

"It takes courage to answer a call,
It takes courage to lose your all,
It takes courage to risk your name,
It takes courage to be true.

It Takes courage to dare,
One that no will share;
To be standing alone,
One whom no one will own;
To be ready to stake for another one's sake,
It takes courage to be true. "

On Religion

2007-07-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

Religion is to be a worthy human being. It is solely personal if anything else. All rituals around it are merely indicative. Flowers, incense, fruits,offerings, clothes, lifestyles,places of worship...every bit of it is our own making.

God does not want a definition. Think of it. This God or that..I am curious to know how does it matter to you? You see someone in need, you extend a helping hand..this is God-like to me.
What faith do we talk about if we can live without knowing our neighbours?

Aren't there enough things around that need our attention. Our children still walk barefoot on an empty stomach. Some little girl will die today in labour pains in some remote Indian village. Not all can read the written word still. They would never know what their innocent thumb impressions have landed them into.

Are we simply bluffing ourselves? Do we need an excuse to shy away from screams of our "lonely planet" ?

I read this somewhere, "Live Well, Die Happy". We can't live well when people around are not contended.

Religion. Its what is within you. Not many live by it in the true sense. I don't claim to be a purist....but I am not afraid of trying. I practise my religion of justness & kindness everyday. Every body's free to follow theirs.

Want to run on white beach sand!

2007-06-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

Trees are glistening; all gleaming with absolute delight. Little flowers peep out of the buds as raindrops pull out their warm blankets. Bigger flowers sway with the breeze with their faces freshly scrubbed. Sky the colour of purest water, azure,with piles of whitest clouds. The band of grasshoppers fly in to entertain the lovely audience around. Voila! What a sight!

And when all's set to make up a charming day, poor earthlings are occupied elsewhere.

Nobody (perhaps barring some children) has any time. What a waste to the vast expense of magnificence around!

Tell me people, honestly for once; amidst the snarling traffic & uncovered manholes; did you not see ONE single thing that would make you smile today?

Personally, I am enchanted with the early morning rain sounds. I love to see the Ashok leaves dancing with the breeze. Its divine.

If offered a wish right now, I want to run on white beach sand besides ruffled waves while its raining. I believe in miracles, don't show me any proofs.

Elusive Art of Software Estimating

2007-06-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

To estimate efforts is to forecast what it would take to deliver. Pretty straightforward.

But perfection is rare. In one year of professional undertakings so far I still cant point to a "perfectly estimated" project. Given that the odds are almost always in the estimator's side; why would it be so difficult?

Let me start with some concrete base to build on. We consider a software product company. The product suite is well established and robust. Many shiny testimonials to stand by it. Hence the product can be considered to stand on its own ground.

Now comes a set of discreet specifications. The wordings are immaculate. All said and done , the tenets are all right. You have the following stated:
1) Business Purpose of the project
2) Proposed Solution
3) Platform details
3) Alternatives with pros & cons
4) Relevant screenshots
5) Use cases ( whether worded or UML driven)
6) Further nuances , given we are bound by a product limitations
7) Special deliveries like Reports complete with its Layout, Data, Frequency,Parameters,Grouping ,Sorting

Technically the estimator has all the weapons. How will you start?
Assumptions:
1) The actual project can be implemented by anybody
2) The time lines will account for Quality checks,Documentation,Release & Packaging
3) The exact platform is replicable

An estimation can Make or Break things in the long run. Overstretching the deadlines will be ugly. Under-estimation will demotivate the workforce to say the least. ( Lets not get in "quality related" discussions).

Now to take the bull by its horns:

1)Drafting and exchanging a set of test cases ( something akin to programming to Unit-Tests approach) may be pre - mature; specially when its uncertain if you would get the contract at all!

2)Initiating technical strategy will help. The stakeholders must be involved in the High-level Design discussion. It may be an overkill. But better late than be sorry. Its during "Stand-Up-Whiteboard-Brainstorming sessions" that you uncover the risks. There may be things that are impossible to implement without knocking on code back doors. Some customizations might bypass standard conventions.

3)Asking right questions to right people. Functionality black holes must be sealed. If you ain't know what is to be done, your estimates are looming death-traps?

4) Human contact. Let an expert/client representative walk you through. What is it that they want to be doing? Arrive at compromises in problem areas and be sure to record it duly.

5) Good luck in terms of "Effective communication" is divine intervention.

I am still on lookout for a checklist.

To err is human, but aren't computers out to replace Human Blunders ?

Dear Clouds

2007-06-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

The sky is all slate grey. All trees silhouetted dark green against the cement jungle. And look up. Its a sea of clouds. White, grey and silver. All with their sleeves rolled up. Ready for action. All set to let the downpour begin. Ooh, its like little children dressed up and ready behind the curtains. The dance will begin as soon as the curtains are drawn.

Do clouds have butterflies in their stomachs too? After all atleast a billion eyes look up in anticipation day in - day out. I wish them all the best. May their hard work pay off.
All the time that they spent picking up tiny vapours off the seas to build up their cotton biceps; may it bear fruit.

Dear clouds, let the show begin!

In praise

2007-06-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

This blog is biased. Its wholly dedicated to unabashed glorification of a little boy whom I don't know. Readers , refrain from moving your eyeballs to the next line if you do not intend to be intentionally pulled into a testimonial.

I met this complete stranger aged 5 - 6 by the roadside this Sunday. He happened to own a little makeshift vegetable stall. But children are free souls. Dressed in a mud - coloured indistinguishable shorts- shirt pair; this little fellow was busy investigating an open municipality pipe near his stall.

Incidentally I had my hands full with some dushhehri mangoes I bought a moment ago.
Something asked me to offer him one. And i complied. As I approached and offered a mango to him, I instantly know something went horribly wrong.

What will you expect from a deprived street urchin in this state?Obviously to grab the fruit and give a shy nod. At least this will massage one's ego.

To my surprise, he said "No!". Then as if suddenly reminded of his duties, he went back to his veggie-stall. The dignity of this episode left me speechless.

But people like us do not learn from our mistakes. The "No" was unexpected. It triggered a defend mechanism immediately. I insisted still. The moment his defence fell a little weak, I kept the culprit fruit there and walked away briskly.

I did not look back to see what he did next.

A lesson learnt here. To earn and eat is dignity. To impose charity on a righteous child is SIN.

Colours, Coloured Clothes....!

2007-06-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

Yeah....pieces of fabric that are coloured...lovely colours...there's one to suit your mood..whatever the occasion...the choice is limitless....pick up humble earthy shades, or the flashy florescent...the serene blues...or the natural greens....the glowing reds...the smiling orange........hmmm...pick whatever......colours just surround us...they are everywhere! Remember looking at a rainbow in a gutter when others just saw an oil flick in the gutter!

And now to get back to what I intended to convey.

Somehow, colours have a way with me. They just can't stop mixing in my vicinity. Let me explain.

I like painting; specially oils on canvas and water colours. The amazing spectrum you can create with simple basic shades! Ever witnessed the palette once you mix the oils! You ought to be an artist at heart to get what I am saying.
Never mind that.
Coming to the point now. Okay mixing colours on a palette ; one can understand; but mixing colours on fabrics. Well, I just discovered I can do that too. Read on to know how. ( This is not about bandhni art)

I happen to have a beautiful deep maroon kurta. This morning I chose to wear a white top. Nothing great so far, right? Wait the action is in the pipeline. So that maroon kurta gets washed, ready to be put on the line to dry. Everything is right so far. Here comes the brilliant part.
I pick up the soaking lithe treasury of deep maroon in my hands. Obviously i hold it taut in my hands.....and then in one stroke of brilliance, give it a quick and fierce flutter . Wow! This does it.
My hitherto, white top now bears small maroon dots all over! I did it again. Another white sacrificed on the alter of colours!

Did I tell you? This very maroon kurta was once off-white. Not long back on a similar bright morning, I tinged it blue by washing it with a blue dress!
Genius is all over!