Expressions!

The voyage that was...

2007-05-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

On board Star Cruise Libra.

Fresh and clear morning of wednesday 23rd May 2007. I was upp early excited to take on the Voyage that was first of its kind in my life. I had some work lined up at home which i had to finish before I started my bag packing. I completed that and got to my bag packing .A small black shoulder carrier was my baggae as planned, with three new Tees I bought for this trip and the regular travel stuff.

At office when I reached at qurter past twelve it was all a buzz as people were in a hurry to print their boarding passes and confirmation slips. The printer finally gave up and jammed so horribly that no one could print after 50-70 pages in total. Well all took lunch at office and boarded the bus, with three bus leaders leading the way. The mix of people in the Bus was done very thoughtfuly with families in one bus and the Dunga gang in the other. Third one I have no clue as the mix and atmosphere.

Busses reached the Ballard Port or Indira port near VT. The huge vessel Superstar Libra was now visible through the small gaps of Naval Dock. White color clad over the ship was absolute charm to see and the Blue Exaust cover gave any on looker a envy feeling. There she stood in the sea waiting for us to board. The Boarding processes was a bit too much of a hassel I thought. it was more of a Indian raliway station, displaying the density of Indian population. We did have some tiff with some fellow passengers of other groups. Well these things are part and parcel of travel but were least expected on our way to the HUGE and Gorgeous Superstar Libra.

By 7:30 in the evening we were in our rooms and getting ready to hit the deck 9. Many of us who reached early were already up enjoying the Sunset. The feel to be on this vessel was awesome and overwhelming. The lobby where they welcomed all the guest was small but well suited for a ship. Some Philipino and Burmeese friends flashing out a welcome at us, with the erythromycn gel (I guess for the security purposes ;)... and cleanliness). The rooms were aptly equipped with the neccesities for two. A bath corner where one person like me would cram to fit in. The rooms were small as per my expectations, but again I was not so keen on staying in the room after I came onboard Libra. I wanted to explore the ship, the first vessel I ever boarded in my life till date.

The Deck 9 was the place to be on the first evening as the party had already begun for all on board. Some had snacks after they came in, I missed them :(... then I was all set for a rocking evening. it was arround the same time I felt the thunders in my legs, I realised those gigantic propellers had started. on wing of those was my hight! they were really HUGE! the ship blew the BIG horn... She was ready to sail... The thunder underneath was only getting heavier and more un-comforting. First sailing experience had put me in the observation mode, so even if there was small little thing I observed in her motions, I would say may be thats how they sail... :). It was barely sometime that we had come on the top deck that the crew called for a mandatory safety drill. where they assembled all the guest on their designated exit points and then briefed them about safety equipments available on board. and how to go dis-embarked in case of eventuality. (This is Important.)

Soon after that drill I had the nice long tour of deck 6 for myself. It was the longest deck available for passengers to explore with Basketball courts and jogging track. After checking the deck 6 and I peeked outside the ship to see whats the speed like and i was shocked to see the speed at which this HUGE vessel was moving. She was CRUISING!!! I just kept watching that wave trearing speed for some time and then proceeded towards the Deck 9 for the party I left halfway through. The DJ was playing music all guns (? may be speakers) out and the Junta as expected had hit the floor rocking the party. It was simply breath taking to see that big party on a ship. It was like a big wedding reception.

Then we all had nice dinner and went on to our rooms to sleep. The next day morning was amazing, cloudy, and gloomy. But as the time passed sky started clearing and the golden rays of the morning Sun beamed through those slits in the clouds.

The day began with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Most of us enjoyed ourself at the Swimming pool and then moved to restaurants on the variosu deks for our morning breakfast. They are very particular about the timing on the ship, so this time around we made sure we were on time and had the sumptuous breakfast. I use to have the 3 course breakfast, 4 course lunch and dinner. ;-).... Typical "Puneri... Ishtyle"

We guys (our Company employees) were asked to fall in on the Deck 9 at something like 11:00 AM with the Sun coming down full blaze, to give us the feeling of Sun BATH. That was time for some fun and team building exercise. It was nice set of games organized by the Crew members and some of our team members.

It was a set of games which we guys enjoyed a lot then proceeded to the restaurants for lunch before we reached Goa port. The ship docked, the turbines stopped propelling and the vessel was anchored at Vasco port. Is this the port where Vasco-Da-Gamma had landed? I am not sure though but as far as I understand yes it was the same.

We were not able to decide about how to go out for shopping, as in who all should go together and all that. So, finally after a listening to a live music performance we finally decided who all will go to the market. rented a Summo jeep for whooping 1500 Bucks for mere 50 KMs and we gave it... But it was nice fun. We did a lot of shopping and I bought my self a Cowboy Cap which was a big hit everyone I met afterwards. It was real fun out there in the market.

After the market we went to the beach to see the Sunset and I was all fallen for the natural beauty that was around (barring the sea of people that I saw at the beach). but over all it was nice I clicked something like 30+ Pics of Sea, Sunset, and our group. It was simply beautiful... One my frnds managed to put the best of those on her piccassa photo stream, which won themself many laurel from the Viewers. The Sunset was one of the best clicks I ever did in my clicking history which does not go very far though.

then we came back on the ship, she was all set sail. We came in and goot in to out room. Put our belongings back in the room gott some breath and then hit the top floor where we could see her make the move. She finally sailed at around 21:30 hour almost an hour earlier than expected. We we again in the middle of the sea. It was scary to have that amount of water all around you. But well it was a experience in itself... the up and down of the vessel got some a bit nervous but then as the trip progressed they got use to itt. Next day morning all knew they have to get down a few hours later so they were all the way in a mood to explore the parts of the ship they did not explore earlier. I could not go in the Casino though as they objected on my smart casual wear which I was in no mood to change. ;-)... Well not a problem i have something to look forward when I visit another Cruise liner in my life. A good experience I would say.

Guess what, I am delivering a lecture after almost 3-4 years...

2007-04-27T21:54:00.000-07:00

Today on 28th of April 2007 I am happy to say that I am getting back to something which I have cherished for long now, teaching. Professional schedules have kept me away from this till now. But, I am happy to get back on the teaching track... :-)....

Thanks, to Uday who arranged this lecture for me and giving me a chance to speak in front of audience of BCA and MCA at Tilak Maharashtra University...

This is before the lecture, my friend Sonali will be conducting a lecture on Web 2.0, and you know what? I will be missing it... anyway will take a TOI later...

They are "HUMANS" too...

2007-03-25T02:52:00.000-07:00

Not to sympathize with the dejected and defeated cricket team of our beloved country India, but it is to understand that they are may be pushed a little too much by our expectation and the pressure because of money they get from their sponsors.

Guys and gals who are reading this blog it is time we understand that they are humans too. I was also very angry and furious when we lost to Srilankan Lions (yes they roared! BIG TIME). But on a second thought I felt that to single out one person does not make sense. I want to ask as a ardent fan of the game and Indian team to the selectors, what was on their mind when they picked up the squad? Experience? a loaded batting lineup of stars? or a team of superstars who are fighting to come to terms with the fact that they are running a "BAD FORM". Coach Chappell makes statements about not being answerable to the media. Is he not answerable to the Indian public? I guess we guys concentrated too much on things like psychology, mental health and the likes, but forgot that we needed to do the basics of the game "Cricket" right too. Grieg’s Coaching tactics were always under fire from the pundits of the game, but now the deficiencies are out in open too...

I would not like to see this team sacked. It is no point doing so. We just need to understand as audience as well that Cricket is a game and on a given day your boys will play like undefeatable and on some day we might just beaten up by a better team. Guys it is a game take it like one. Do not apotheosize our players. Do not treat them like god or demigod. They are human too. If you treat them as god and start to revere them, then with a very high probability your misconception will be shattered and brought to terms of reality on some fatal day like last Friday.

It is best to appreciate the game and ask our boys to play it rather than get to slit their neck because they lost one chance in the world cup. It is ok. It is not the end of life guys, move on. Take the lessons and move on. Hope we understand this outside the field so that it becomes easy for the players on the field. Just Chill...

Who is at fault?

2006-11-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

All of us at some point in time are hurt by people close to us. Their behaviour towards us, their breach of our trust in them, their ignorance towards us (despite of the fact that we treat them as numero UNO!), their priority changes as per certain circumstances, which can be anything, certain people coming and going, certain events happening around you.

"Who is at fault?" You and your expectations or person who is over whelmed by the circumstances around him or her to be able to handle them properly?

If it is us who have certain expectation from the person in front, then I have certain questions which I can not answer for myself,

1. Did they ask you to treat them Numero Uno?
2. Did they ever promise they will ccertianly keep us as their high priority people?
3. Did they tell you to pin many of your hopes on them? Did they give any such commitment?
4. Are you really that dependant that you need cruches of support to go ahead in your life?

If the answer to 4 is yes, then please find one and learn to walk, that will help you avoid falling in to something like this again. And well if your answer is No, then you probably by now know what to do to imporve your condition, so what are you wanting for? Go get it...

I do not think you need to analyse the other side of the coin, if the other people are the reason, coz if we do not have a problem it is fine if we ignore the other part for finding fault...

"Do not expect return when you invest!!!!!!"

Am I not a human too?

2006-10-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today I am forced to ask my self and people around me this question... Last few days have been toughest of my life and I have learned a lot of things. People, your friends, your near and dear ones, your parents, all of them need your support, need your help, need you to understand them. I agree, understand and try to the support and fulfill the needs, I will and do stand with them whenever they need me now or in future...

I try my level best to live upto their expectation. I do not know how well I do it... but certainly try my level best...

I feel low at certain times. I feel lonely, I need help, I need that ear to listen me out, I need that support... I expect at least one of those all to stand up and hold me at that time... I do not want any monetory help or anything. I get tired at some time, feel lonely, keep running like a headless chicken. Do I not have a right to feel tired? Do I not have a right to be a HUMAN!!! Once in a while?

Infact some of them are their for all others but me... May be thats just asking too much of things from them...

Not that I am trying to compare with anyone... or anything... just felt like making an entry... AM I NOT ENTITLED FOR BEING A HUMAN?

Departure!

2006-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today, my kid (Little sister) will be on her way to chase her dreams, her ambitions, her "OWN" world. She is leaving for her MS to the United States of America.

Today I feel a void in my life. For past 22 years My life revolved around my parents and her. But tomorrows Sun rise will have the other two intact, this kid of mine will be off to a land where she plans to learn and make her future. I am happy for her, but feeling lonely. I am excited that my dream is coming true, but till today I never realized my kid will be going awy from me.

I know the reason for her to go away is good but...

Anyway felt low so thought of making an entry. I now have some more dreams to fulfill. Now I need to gear myself up for my chase. I have my own chase in life that I need to pursue.

Hope everything will fall in place...

At the Barcamp Mumbai...

2006-05-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

Guys spending my day at BarcampMumbai and I am covering it live from one of the conference room at my blog....

Chanchal (Hindi)

2006-04-23T03:59:00.000-07:00

No the post ain't in Hindi! Just could not think of another name for it in English.
This characteristic is so inherent to us humans. As children we get attracted to lot things around us. We have often seen kids leave what they are doing and run behind something new. This observation often stands good for grown ups as well. As men/women we tend to neglect such behavior and not really notice the attraction that drove us away from our task at hand!

It is so amazing! We know what we have to do; we still go to try new things. For a kid who is exploring this world it is pretty obvious to leave something that is at hand (which he now feels is his _OWN_) and ask / go for something different, new, something that he does not _POSSES_ yet!
But, we grown ups; We know where are we headed, yet we end up bitten by the same attraction / want / urge / longing bug that those kids are fall pray to. I do not understand why does this happen? Why can we not get over these urges, get back on track and head for where we _planed_ to be doing? Are we still kids within? They say the kid in you does not die! Is it the reason? What is it?

I for sure do not have the answer... I am myself a victim.

kissay

2006-02-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

Cross posted from Vaibhav's post Kissay http://kissay.blogspot.com/

“….And then she told me no-one could betray her till date

Then I looked at her in awe

Then she told me she was never betrayed because she never trusted anyone

Then I realized she never lived a life…

And then, I pitied her.”

Feeling low!

2006-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am not feeling all the same. I am feeling low and stressed. Because of what? I do not know. I am feeling some void some place. Not able to recollect whats wrong with me? I just want to sit do nothing! Nothing AT ALL!!! Do not feel like talking to anyone, do not feel like having a walk, feel lonely under this artificial light and environment.

Anyway, I was trying blog and make a went to my emotions but that does not seem to be an option with me today.

Closing this entry...

Contest of a different kind!

2006-01-30T07:47:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening 5 PM. I dropped my dad at Pune Station and started driving towards home. I barely started from that point and had to stop at this first signal where I was to take a U turn. It was a usual January evening in Pune. Cold enough to keep the polluted air glued to the mother earth. I saw a tall, dark, not so old man at this signal he was selling "the thing"! It was quite an attractive piece I would say at least for the two young lads who were the targets he was eying. Raju, a smart young lad sitting on his papa's scooter, behind him was observing this man Dark, red eyed, man having these "things" in his hands. At the same time just besides Raju's scooter was Karan a smart, well dressed 3-4 year old kid who was riding with his dad too but in a Merc. He was observing this seller with kind of hate and disgust for his dress and outlook. But that was all interleaved by a serious look at "the thing!". He use to look at the man in disbelief and then at "the thing" with surprise and desire.

"The thing" was colored in yellow, red, sky blue and black. The colors made it look flashy and desirable by any kid. All that the kids in this age want is attention and care. All of that would not been possible through this "the thing". But, one thing for sure that it would given the owner a sense of being different and attract some attention.

The street seller now had two new customers to attend; both did not have capacity to buy even a piece of that "thing", but still had enough power to get the attention of their parents to this seller who was trying to indirectly sell this to them. This is a different contest of sorts. The seller does not try to sell this to the customers directly but rather sells it to consumers who would demand for it in turn making it mandatory for the direct customers to buy it.

The two juvenile lads had now fixed their eyes on the object of desire. They were trying to decide "should I tell about this to my dad? Will he scold me?" there was no difference between the two kids as far as their desire for "the thing" was considered. Their fathers' buying capacity apart, they were both equally zealot about it. The eyes were now speaking.

Karan was getting all jittery, "will I get it somewhere else" was the expression. "I know the guy might be a bad guy; But what he is selling is not bad!" Raju had no different views in fact he had by now shown it to his father.

The seller was now standing between the two vehicles with Raju on his left and Karan on his right. He was trying to show them how good his product. Bright colors of "the thing" on his own skin were looking quite a contrast making it an immediate eye catcher.

Here there was another contest going on; The one in the children's mind an in-fighting with themselves with one side saying that’s just an ordinary thing why do you need it? The other side trying to convince the first, that's not you would get in the store (General store / Pune Central).

Finally the two kids make a demand to their parents. The parent's who just shrug it off earlier saying it is not good, reluctantly had a look at this "the thing". They are un-impressed. The seller is not moved by the shrug from the parents. He persists with his skills, once maneuvering that thing on the Merc’s window and the other time giving it to Raju to handle it. It (the touch) was something Karan missed coz he was in that sealed envelope of comfort called Mrec!

Amidst the entire drama I just looked at the counter over the signal it was now counting in the late teens and moving backwards. The seller had only over 15 seconds to sell the Mask to the children. They both wanted it, their parents weren't interested. The counter was running. Raju and Karan's parents looked at the counter and decided against buying it coz they would miss the signal if they did.

Counter went off the Merc and the scooter started moving the seller was disappointed this time. He could not make that last effort. Time ran against him. But, he was not dejected, he knew next time this signal goes red again their might come two or more of Rajus and Karans. He just moved aside for the traffic to pass by and wait for his turn to make it good again.

He is one man who fights this small contest everyday several times. He must be getting bored he must be getting irritated at his fate but still his persistence and perseverance is something that needs admiration. It was as if he was saying "Do not worry pal if you could not sell some goods to someone this time, make a new effort the other person might take it!"

Do we in our daily lives not try to SELL some or the other "THING" to some or the other person?

Tough question huh? A nice contest to contend I think!

I am ashamed!

2005-12-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

We (me and 2 friends of mine) were out to book a costume for a function at office. It was busy road in the heart of the Pune city and as usual had no space to park the vehicle. So I did wait for someone to move their vehicle so that I could park mine. By then succumbing to the frustration of lack of space my other two friends had parked their vehicle right in the gate of this building where this costume shop is situated. We were accompanied by another friend who was now talking with me as the other friend was on the business to book to costume. Some time passed by me and the friend discussed so many different topics. Then came an old couple, in the late 50s and uncle saw the vehicle and was all furious!!

"Are you people illiterate? Do you people NOT have ANY sense of parking?"

Now this was fine. We were at fault I said sorry, and the friend moved the vehicle, made way for the uncle to pass by; But uncle insisted that we remove the vehicle from that place and when I tried convincing him otherwise was firing all guns out, arguing with me. I also got carried away in the heat of the air and started arguing with him! In the same heat I did shout at him! I felt bad! I do not like shouting at elders! I do not do that come what may! Today that principle of mine was torn to pieces by none other than myself! I stopped the argument, just did not answer to him pulled vehicle aside.

The aunty who was till now aggressive now went in some consolidation mode! This made me more ashamed! I had a question; did I act in a fashion that made her feel insecure that I might turn hostile? Now that was it! I just lost all my anger and a feeling of guilt had filled me!

I feel I should be more careful acting with elders hence forth! But then I still have some questions un-answered! How does one look (with respect) at elderly people who always overlook the rules themselves and ask us the "Younger" generation to stay by them? for e.g. if you have to cross a road light might be green for vehicles these elderly people just walk in the middle; risking their own life. When confronted by a youngster they end up telling him, you guys do NOT follow traffic rules!!! Now, what would they tell, should the guy riding the bike is another uncle?

Well, whatever be the standards the old people follow! I feel I should stick to my principles and not shout at them or show any sort of disrespect towards them! I shall take care!

Care and love! It can change the world!

2005-12-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

This IS NOT MY OWN WORK! All CREDITS TO WHOEVER WROTE IT. I Just blog it here as I liked the way human being treats another "Specially Abled" kid.

Subject: Two Choices

What would you do? You make the choice! Don't look for a punch line; There isn't one! Read it anyway. My question to all of you is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning disabled children,the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question: "When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does is done with perfection. Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is the natural order of things in my son?"

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. "I believe,that when a child like Shay, physically and mentally handicapped comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes, in the way other people treat that child."Then he told the following story:

Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked,"Do you think they'll let me play?" Shay's father knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but the father also understood that if his son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in
spite of his handicaps.

Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play, not expecting much. The boy looked around for guidance and said, "We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning."

Shay struggled over to the team's bench put on a team shirt with a broad smile and his Father had a small tear in his eye and warmth in his heart. The boys saw the father's joy at his son being accepted. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits
came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.
At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game? Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible 'cause Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing the other team putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life,
moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher. The game would now be over, but the pitcher picked up the soft
grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game.
Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the head of the first baseman, out of reach of all team mates. Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, "Shay, run to first! Run to first!" Never in his life had Shay ever ran that far but made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled.
Everyone yelled, "Run to second, run to second!" Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to second base. By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball, the smallest guy on their team, who had a chance to be the hero for his team for the first time. He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman
for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions and he too intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head. Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, "Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay" Shay reached third base, the opposing shortstop ran to help him and turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third! Shay, run to third" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams and those watching were on their feet were screaming, "Shay, run home! Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the "grand slam" and won the game for his team.

That day, said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world.
Shay didn't make it to another summer and died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making his Father so happy and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

You can not sit there. It is reserved for Ladies!!!!!

2005-12-16T09:39:00.000-08:00

You enter a bus seemingly empty! But remember empty only on the right hand side front seats and yet few men standing. Some ladies sitting on the left side and chatting away to glory! Just then a gentleman walks in and sits on the seat on the right as it was empty and well to his surprise he is confronted by the Pune Municipal Transport (PMT) checkers who claim that the gentleman is guilty of sitting on the Ladies reserved seat, although it was empty, although there lady passengers in the bus who could have occupied those seats vacating the "Non -Reserved" ones for the men standing in the queue. But "NO" neither the authorities understand the ground reality while making the "Reservation" rule nor do the people who take advantage try to understand it.

The reservation for women in the bus was one of the funniest rules I have seen being made in y life. Going by this rate please do not be surprised if you end up at a "Govt. Controlled Store" need a life saving drug, have 3 counters two with 10 people waiting in each and the 3rd absolutely empty coz it is reserved for some people may be "Officers" or may be "Ladies" or may be "Backward Class". What would you do but to curse yourself being in a country who is still reeling in the realm of "Reservations!!!" right from house of representatives to the bus sitting arrangement!! All have reservation of some or the other type.

2005-12-16T04:19:00.000-08:00

There he is! Trying to fight the odds of Trees and Night! Right side he has already enlightened it is time he does the left side as well!!

Pre-Marital Sex!

2005-12-12T07:21:00.000-08:00

Last week Pune Times came out with a an article with a flashy head line about this topic. The article was claiming some figures about young India's perception of "Pre Marital Sex" and their openness to it. I almost let this article pass out of mind until it was yesterday, that I was asked to present my views by two of my close friends about this topic. Though the topic was a little digressed more towards our group and we guys in person. I was caught little off guard!

It all started with a situation where in I am in the US and "Unmarried", would i go the path to lose my Virginity with a person other than my “would be” life partner? or resist from it and present my self Virgin to my future life partner? The answer was clear to me and I gave it with no ambiguity too booth of them! This was the second path I would take and be patient! But, one of us had some other ideas and was of the opinion that, we might miss something, if we do not live that moment in life and "enjoy" at that very moment in our life.
Later the discussion moved over to another topic, this time one which almost took me by surprise again. "What is a chance that you would get a Virgin wife?" I was not expecting this to be a topic discussed with most us barring me saying "very less chance" and making remarks like what is the guaranty that she has not had affairs earlier!

What took me off was the uncertainty and suspicion they for their future life partners! I mean if people take this stand and start doubting their life partners they would barely be able to live their life with any peace. It is really the emotional bond you establish with your life partner that last for long than the other marital attractions. It is important that you accept your life partner as he/she is and not try to peel off the past every now and then that would make your relationship a one with bruises and bitterness than a one with sweetness and love! To many in the twenties love means/resembles lust! May be in the initial stage of marriage it might be true, to not so some extent, but then that does not really last for long!!(That’s what I have read at least!!!)

If fact yesterday's discussion reached a stage where I was told it could destroy the entire family (parents and siblings!) if your life partner has had any Pre-Marital Affairs or Pre-Marital Sex!
Now for that matter I would say even if you get a "Virgin Partner" (per say) but due to some reason of your own you go own to have an Extra Marital Affair! Now what? Who is betraying the partner? Who is at fault? This discussion can lead to a very very personal part of someone's life where only good people to comment are the two partners involved! I would rather like to keep away from this analysis as I feel this is really not needed! The base line is it is not important if you get a Virgin life partner, but it is utmost important if you get a partner who cares for you, loves you for being with him/her, and commits to be with you all the life!

Rather than discussing if I would get a Virgin life partner I would suggest, do think on building a relationship and a bond of love and care with your life partner. That would help a lot in future. Thinking "if I would get a Virgin life partner?" only sends negative Vibes through your mind and sets it up for a wrong and biased analysis of the situation. Hence avoid such thoughts and live happily!

Cheers!

The Changes!

2005-10-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

That day it was Dushehra, one of the big festivals in Hindu Mythology! We celebrate with a nice routine for all these years now. Today Morning I started my day a little late (got up late; was being lazy that’s it) for to the "Dushehra routine". Well this "Dushehra routine” starts up with getting up in morning, wash/clean your tools, vehicles, and books and then a lot of fun after bath.

But that day a thought that zoomed passed my mind was that, this routine had been the same for so many years; At least for me it has been the same! But that day there was something different about this "same routine", something that was unsettling me to the core!
Was it that, I have changed a lot from what I was in my childhood? Or was it that I have "GROWN UP"! (Which my mom would deny to every extent! ;-) ) I went down my memory lane to find this answer to see what is it that was different on that day?

As a child I was a shy person who would not in the worst of his dreams go and accost a person forget about in reality; so shy to speak first that my father use to call me a "Muka Badhir!!!" (Dumb and Deaf!). I still remember at our Dehu Road residence so many people from all around the colony use to come on this Dushehra day and greet us. I use to prefer sitting in the house, inside my room rather than meeting all who came. A child who was fascinated by small things like games, climbing trees, eating fruits from those trees. The Techno-Savvy games were one more thing that fascinated me a lot. Meeting people and mixing with them was a one of the least priorities for my life. I was like an inert mind roaming in my own world. World that had so many questions that it use to be fun finding answers to them. I was always thrilled by launch of Rocket. So thrilled that, I made a small model for my school project once. That still remains my favorite project till date, for a simple reason that it was the project I did without any help from my father. I like independence. The pride that I took in telling my friends "I HAVE MADE IT MYSELF" and explaining to my teacher what were my thoughts behind making this model is some thing I still feel great about. That was first time I sensed independence. It was so refreshing. I had my identity associated with some small project, which although made no sense to anyone apart from me.
The independence continued in my early and mid "Teens" when I was touted as a talkative person. A person who was amazingly short tempered. This (short temper) has become so much a characteristic of my personality that friends who know me since then just shrug it off! They just say leave him alone; he will be ok! That was the only solution then, which use to work with me with my hurt "ego" and blown "temper". Well this one thing has cost me in many ways financially as well as mentally (Torture!). This temper was some what supported by my independence. At this stage it was Independence of thoughts. I had "my opinions" I had "my understanding" about almost everything thing happening in my life and around me. I was trying to understand the way the world works. My matriculation class is something that was so nice learning ground for many important lessons in my life. Ours was a small Kendriya Vidyalaya in the pune region and so was our class of 10th standard (27 students that’s it!). A bunch of enthusiast who could turn any tide turtle! And I mean it!!! We had some of the finest artist, some the finest brains, some of the best sports persons. We had it all. The best part was that to stay in competition you had to be a bit different than others and understand what are you good with and surpass others in it. I was made to understand what I am good at. I was like a radio active isotope ready for reaction (action). I learned so many things here, compete with respect for competitors; as person you should have one quality (current affairs was my strong hold!) that would make you special in the class. Learn what you are not good at from your classmates who are good at that. At the end of the year of matriculation we all were multi-faced individuals who had something unique with everyone. A class that has set records of medal in sports competition, to the highest score in the school. This taught us to survive in the best of the competition. This was one of those things that had far reaching influence on my independence. It added a feather to my personality. I am proud today to be KV Product (that’s how we KendriyaVidyalaya graduate like us\our self to be collectively identified as!)
After my matriculation we moved to Pune to our flat at Kothrud. It was a different world all together. No old friends around, No Ordnance Factory Dehu Road (OFDR) Club where I could spend my entire evening playing TT, or Cricket. This was a lot of a shock to my personality my independence. Here I could not move as per my wish, I was dependent on some or the other thing to move around. My school was around 10 KM one way from my house. I had to catch 2 buses to reach the place in time. This was all alien to me. But it taught me how to stand in alien situations. I learned, "not all the things around you remain same every time". The Cliché "change is only constant" did rounds to me. I was introduced to being flexible, something that was almost non-existent in person my personality. I joined another KV for my +2level studies. This was a different experience all together. I had realized this is not the same school and I need to establish my own self here. Unfortunately I went down with my academics here. This was the lowest point in my academic carrier. I developed a kind of Phobia for studies. Phobia which lead me to poor marks. But well I knew where I wanted to reach. It was in this bad situation that I first appeared for my NDA exam to fulfill my "only dream" to be an "AIR FORCE PILOT". I was crazy for those planes. So crazy that I bunked my class to see the first flight of Su-30 MKI fighter planes at Pune Airport. I had every update of the kind of aircraft IAF possessed and what was the role of every fighter aircraft. I was a zealot for it. But well fate was not in favor of me becoming an air force pilot. I could not get through the NDA exam in the first try and I never tried second time (why? I do not know myself!). First major blow to my confidence. One that introduced me to an important Notion of life "FAILURE!!" This whole episode also told me how to face failure in my life and cope up with it.
By the end of all this fiasco I had completed my +2 level studies and was on the verge of taking admission for my graduate level studies. I was never keen on Engineering. Well if you ask me why? (Why No to Engineering?) I seriously do not know "why". Only reason that I had then was that all become engineers I want to stand out of the crowd. Also, that I did not have those commanding marks that I could have bagged a free seat for engineering. Ultimately I did not want to walk in a group; I always wanted to be different. I wanted to take up BCS as it was a decent course, I had heard; I was inclined towards it but it was even more difficult to get admission to it. So I took up my BSc first year. It was in the month of August and September that there was an advertisement in the paper about a new college opening in the Kothrud area for BCS. I was not very pleased about it but when I saw the infrastructure it looked decent enough to take admission. I joined BCS after a lot of counseling by my relatives and friends that I should join the college and not think about the ambience. Finally I joined BCS. A course that gave me a first full fledged exposure to "Computers" the device that has become an integral part of my daily routine. Again the first project I did in my First year of BCS was an amazing experience of team work and exposure to programming structures along with clearing concepts of Logic in Programming. This was the turning point of my life. I again enjoyed the feeling of Independence; This after a long gap; Our Project attracted a lot of attention at a CSI exhibition at Garware College. I realized I like Computers as a tool. I wanted to explore more and more.
Next two years, second and third year of my graduation were the years when I explored the Computer Science and Information technology as my prospective domains. I categorize these domains separately because I feel they are unique in their own sense in our country. To me IT is more of service based industry that caters to the "Western Needs" and Computer Science is the art that needs to be practiced and inculcated in to a person to be a successful Information Technology professional. It was during this time I was introduced to the subjects of Computer Science that had strong Mathematical base and are motivated by strong mathematical models. I some what fell in love with them, subjects like Compiler Construction, Algorithms analysis, etc.

These two years taught me to analyze the new things coming in front of me gather information about them and make my opinions about the same. I now had my own opinions, a lot matured from the early, mid teen opinions. I liked that phase of my life. I was acquiring more knowledge and more information which use to at times confuse me, disturb me and make me THINK over it and make my own opinion! My Post-Graduation was just icing on the cake. I understood what it means to go deeper in to the subject and analyze more information. My Industrial project at modular InfoTech was a nice experience to understand when a mind is left free it can get the best out of it. I learned this and liked the experience of freely exploring the horizons. This is where I learned to roam free in the domain of computer science, exploring new avenues and looking for more and more new concepts in computer science.
This is what my education made me, I now realize I changed over time, I learned over time. I believe I changed for the good. Today I feel I have yet new horizons to explore, new goals to achieve. I feel thrilled, may be that’s the difference in today and earlier!

I feel I have got the answer to my own question what was different on that day! I think it is this "change" that everyone goes through and realizes for himself/herself.

2005-10-10T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Sunset! This is a pic we clicked at our Company Party at Manas Resorts some distance froom Pune City! A good Place!

My Small Share to "Reduce" Traffic Problem In Pune

2005-10-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Today we had a presentation at our office on the trafic condition in pune and how can we contribute to it to improve it! This is a part of the movement to create an rule aware lot (bunch!) of people who feel they can work out a solution to tthis chaos by educating others and by not being part of it. Most intresting part of this was that the commitment asked by the group was something that looked so minimal but is so significant that if that is achived to a significant granularity it would do wonders to the Pune trafic woes! They just said that make up your mind and join the movement that you (the person joining the movement) will not be a cause to the traffic woes or problems and will follow traffic rules at all times and not be a "fence sitter". Now if this reaches to 50% of the Pune population then that is a significant achivement and we should have half of our daily traffic problems! Solved! I am making up my mind to join this but I amin a fix that willbe able to abide by the traffic rules at all give times?!?!?!

Nice Point that I am pondering over! Not that i do not want to obey the rules but then I am so use to breaking them when No one is getting harmed! I am just giving it a full thought cycle! I guess I will go on and start abiding to the rules and be a part of the movement. It is called Save Pune Traffic Movement (SPTM)! and soon you shall see me sporting their Sticker on my helmet, "I AM PROUD TO FOLLOW TRAFFIC RULES!!!"

What is Rudra?

2005-10-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

I guess It is time to reveal what is this Word Rudra? I have had almost 6 freinds walking down to me to ask what is this word "Rudra"? In simple terms this just another name of Indian God of Destruction and Recycling Lord Shiva!

Now why do I like it? Well No great story behind it but then it is just that it depicts awesome power that is asociated with the name. Thats it!

And on more thing thats not my name thats one thing I can assure you!

Vehicle from Out side Maharashtra and no N.O.C! COP leads way to get away with the FINE!

2005-10-03T04:40:00.000-07:00

This is an incident that happend with me at the square near COEP! While travelling towards Pune Station from a my office near shopper's stop shivaji nagar, my friend was stopped by this cop for routine check and was asked for a "No Objection Certificate" for riding a bike registered outside Maharashtra. My Freind was at fault and said he does not have it! On this the cop said then you got to pay a fine of INR 2200! This freind of mine being a non maharashtrain sought for my help understanding the local language! This is where I stepped in! I told the COP what this freind of mine was told in his state about the registration and all that! Later he said you will have to surrender the vehicle with the RTO and then collect it toommorow morning! To which my freind was reluctant! Seeing our reluctance the COP suggested solution that we pay him something and then things could be worked out! We although a bit reluctant gave a thought to it and instead of getting in to the never ending loops of Police station and RTO decided to pay him a whooping sum (< 2200) he demanded.

After tendering this sum he gave us big TIP (as per him!), if some cop catches us next time we should say that our parents are in ARMY and then we are SAFE! NO COP WILL ASK US FOR ANYTHING!!!!

I just felt like lauging there, but decided against it! But now decided to share this new found "wisdom" with all of you! Next time the COP asks you for a license just say my parent(s) is/are working with ARMY! So what if it is not the truth! You might just get away with paying some fine or else end up in a bigger prooblem for lying as well! ... FOr a moment i assume that once I gett through with this reason!

So what dose someone, who is not having any relative in ARMED forces or is not on any "Priviledged" positions and is not willing to lie to the COP do? sit Idle and pay any amount the COP is asking for! Should we not be using Rule book as a essential reference? Why can this necessary thing (Books on Civil right in Day to day life!), in our urban life be taught to children in school. What i mean is, how about the idea of "Teaching in the schools How much fine you have to pay when you did some 'X' CRIME!/MISCONDUCT!". Or can we ask the COPs for the rule book under which they are booking us! is this under our Civil rights? Who will answer this question (Any advocates arround?). If we are to carry all the detailed documents about our vehicle then why can the Cops not carry a small manual describing to the "Common Man" what it means by which Rule? Who will take a decision on that?

Well may be this is looking more like a frustration text but I do not find anyother means to let my ire out!

2005-10-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

After a long day at hotel! the evening out on the beach! with the sun setting down just showing the sprit of the day! low and dull making way for an eventfull evening!

2005-09-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

View of the beautiful beach at Ganapati Pule! An Amazing Place to be with for an weekend outing!

2005-09-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is my favorate Picture that I have taken this symbolizes The Sun coming outof the dark/Clouds! Just like we do after bad times of our lives!

Loooooooooooooong Gap

2005-09-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

My job finally took off! I mean I started really working like I use to; Day in day out! (Not trying to boast of my self but then thats a fact!). It was fun in this week! Wokred till 4 and 5 in the next day morning to deliver which I did with success! Iwas not that easy; this was the first build in this big organization and my first deliverable here. I had a lot of nervous moments and then finally released it!!! But only to realize that it has some issues! Thanks, to some problem with the dependency builds that, we were failing. The manifest issue on Windows XP. This is something that I would like to get to the depth of see what are the things that can help us here. But after a call with our counterparts in US we setteled that it is in their plate we can just wait and watch till they give us a drop , or go ahead and give a drop! Which always looked more feasible solution. Which eventually happened! :)

Well this week has been more of excitement on the job front and we have party lined up for this weekend for the office guys! so I am all excited about it!! :D :D :D...

A Gap of a week almost!

2005-09-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

I am blogging after a gap of one week. I was areally ocupied with NOTHING jobs but still they take time! Trip to Mumbai in the last week was good I had a lot of fun at sachin's engagement! He and Pallavi (His would be!) make a cute couple! First Bakara of our group to be crucified!! he he he! :-D ...

Well later on in the week it was fun again, Wednesday was all full of sleep and sleep and sleep....
Last two days of week workwise we went ahead with the MS baby playing a big good boy role and we completing the compile of our product! Now we just need to test the one remain functionality and we should be good to release! :-)... sounds unusual with the MS change! I mean MS product not crashing!

Weekend was ok-ok! Saw the stupid movie "Salaam Namaste"! It was really more than boring! I mean how can people project that bold subject in such a grose manner! I mean how can you make fun when you are in the LABOUR ROOM and your Girl Freind is trying to deliver a baby!!!! I mean she is having Labor pain and this guy is trying to push the wedding ring thru her fingers!! What the F*** is going on? Well I hate that movie! Sat night was fun with the Ganesh Visarjan! had a ball of a time with freinds went thru the over flowing Laxmi road! and then when all sound and stuff was brought down by the police thanks to the Court Orders...

And what followed that we just missed coz we decided to change our course of path and go for Dinner. It was shocking to see the way the crowd has reacted! But well this is not surprizing as the public emotions had to be ggiven vent at some point in time. Anyway I do not want to support the way it was done but I mean there has to be a better way to deal with the nuances than just blankly banning them!!!

Well that was the week!

An Normal Day Out!

2005-09-12T05:41:00.001-07:00

I had a ok-ok day with one more important thing happening in my life. We registered the agreement with the local State Govt. Authority. So finally we are good to buy a flat. Hmmm now the finances are going to excert a presure on us. Anyway thats fine.

At work came in late and had whole load of work lined up. Did some mail exchange in the morning and then solved the problem of my build. So wa good for the meeting in the evening. after the meeting I had the job cutout for this week and plan to it. Played a lil with microsoft's new child Whidbey (Visual Studio 2005). Man! MS has made sure, it seems, that porgrammers are going to be employeed for at least 2 more years for porting the apps from old VC++ (6.0, 7.1) to VS 8. :-)... anyway that statement was to symbolize that the changes in that version are MAJOR and have a far reaching impact on C++ and C programming community!

Over all a good day! chatting with freinds was as usual. :-)... Talked with my a school freind of mine who happens to be my best friend as well. It was amazingly refreshing. Now I am ready for a long day of work again. :-D... Anyway Life same and going on!! Need to complete somethings and get back home.

A Eventfull Weekend!

2005-09-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

A weekend I would say very important in my life. Well nothing happening in my Love life (So ppl intrested in that may relax!! Nothing that front!) We finally booked a flat and I and Dad signed an agreement with the builder about the same. This was ofcourse one of the biggest things on the weekends.

On the fun chapter it was good too! As I saw this movie "Iqubal" it is good I liked it. My sis told its inspirational but I would say it is nice topic properly presented. Had a good tim eiwth freinds on saturday night seeing the ganesh pandals in the City area. This time it was all diff with the aound boxes going down by 10 PM sharp. it is a diff look city all together. Well I hope it stays this way! Quite and eventful!

Rest life has been good. talked ot my Freind in UK for almost 1.5 hours itt was good conv we had at 1:30 AM IST after long time.

Now have a nice busy week ahead!

Days of tight schedules!

2005-09-09T04:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I came in early to office after the Ganapati Puja at home; I had a long day lined up! Work was as usual was hectic. But the day was lit up by some mails that I read on the group; it was treat reading them and replying them. Later in the afternoon had lunch and started for Mumbai by evening. Purpose pf my trip to Mumbaii was to say said good bye to my cousin who left for France. It was during my journey to Mumbai that I got a call from the freind from UK (That was the best part of the day you can say!). It was great talking to him.
In the night we were all up for a "gap-shap" platter. Mama, mami (maternal Unlce and Aunt) came in at 12 and we had a great time talking about so many things. Later at 3 in morning my bro and all others left for the airport and me for the Bed for 2 hrs. At 5:20 I left the Hotel in Dadar to catch a bus to Pune. Bus as usual Bus got late due to traffic jams and I reached work late and have been only sleeeping today!! Hope to go early today. It was about my day and half!

2005-09-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

Had a bad day! well not that I had to slog a lot at work but then, Virtually had no work! I hate some lean time and on top of it may be I have not had good sound sleep in past some time!! Was missing a freind of mine who left for UK, and whom I use to tease a lot! But well towards the end had a nice TP talking to another freind!! Now all set to leave work for home!

And thanks to the freind who gave a active ear to my balbbering! that I am now leaving the day with a smile.

This is the begin of the new era!

2005-05-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Writing for the first time on this is a new exp...

Blogging is something I compare to the diary writing but the difference being diary is private but blogs are public to all but still private in its own right!

The reader would not know, who you are? from where you are and what do you do? still he/she would read it, hoping to have some intresting insights in your life!

Well I do not intend to compare this to "secret diary reading" but well I know my description reads more over the same!

Well hope I get on with this well! one of my freinds had adviced me to write diary entries regularly but i felt they are too much of a job to do! I seriously hope I stick arround with this and do something good to myself.