maMmAmiA . . .

Banned Chinese Manja Still Available

2011-11-04T11:45:00.001+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00386/2008011458600301_386468e.jpg

Despite being banned the dragon continues to spit fire with its 'Chinese manja.' What is colloquially know as Chinese manja is kite-flying thread made from plastic, nylon or other synthetic materials and is still available in the market. These cheap Chinese imports were banned by the department of environment and forests because of the severe damage caused to humans and birds but this has only moved its sale under the counter.
The lethality of synthetic thread has been documented with hundreds of bird casualties and thousands of bird injuries reported over the last few years. They also pose a serious threat to human life, with cases of severe cuts and even slit throats reported every Uttarayan. Furthermore, these types of thread are good conductors because of their polymer constituents, making them potential triggers of explosions and electrocution.
The purchase and sale of such threads are offences. With the kite business gradually picking up, black marketing of Chinese manja has been observed across the seasonal markets at Raipur Darwaza, Shahpur and Dilli Darwaja.
This correspondent visited Raipur and Dilli Darwaja markets and with little persistence could easily buy Chinese manja. Initially, most dealers refused citing the ban. However,
Several dealers in the Walled City said they ther asking, one dealer sold 300 metres of nylon thread for Rs 70. They said a premium was charged as the sale was illegal.
Another dealer said he could supply 150 types of Chinese manjas if the order was placed two days in advance. The dealers, insisted that they did not sell Chinese manja to regular kite-flyers any more.
Reportedly, all major manufacturing units for such threads have been closed down. Most Chinese kite-thread dealers reported to be presently involved in the business are bent on clearing the stocks by selling them illegally to avoid losses.
It needs mention that all vendors found violating the ban on manufacture of such threads would be booked along with the stocks, as declared by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, in compliance with department of environment & forests directives.

Courtesy: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Banned-Chinese-manja-still-available/articleshow/10586869.cms
Author: Niyati Parikh, TNN

I feel on the 9th cloud

2011-09-24T23:55:00.000+05:30

A few words that caught their fancy again. . . :)

I feel on the nineth cloud.
A joy, a happiness- oh! So profound.
A sense of tranquil and the serene-
I can feel that strange heavenly bliss
As if on my cheek, the nature just kissed.
A smile of ecstasy sparkles on my face
Just like the pearls- tied up in a gentle lace.
Look at the crimson roses that bloom-
So quickly, the take away all my gloom!
I look at the tulips, blushing in the lush,
So willingly they pout their scarlet mouths,
As if i am welcomed, into the nature's loving arms!
I listen to the flowing waters gush-
A melody, a sound- so calm; like the lullaby's hush!
I can feel the warm April air,
So swiftly it surges, through the locks of my hair.
As if my beloved whispered sweet nothings,
Leaving me into the world of sweet musings. . .
Look at the world- there is glee all around. .
As if life's journey revolves in the joy's merry-go-round !
That moment of joy is an eon no divine-
When i lay on the grass- looking at the stars that shine!
Forgetting all the worries- of pain and gain,
It was a sight of beauty, yet a joy forever. .
Ah! The sense of happiness itself- so pure and pristine.
And hence my eyes had that shine.
And hence that smile sparkled on my face
And hence on my cheek, the nature kissed.
Ah! I feel on the nineth cloud.

----

Let's hope my words create the magic, again and again and all over again. . .
:)

It's a new world

2011-08-02T14:34:00.000+05:30

I always wanted to make a career in communications. Being a typical Piscean – an all time day dreamer, I always daydreamed of travelling the world around. I had and still do hold onto a lot of fantasies that relate to travelling, relate to different places, diverse cultures, people and their way of living. Somehow all I could see was the beautiful part of it. It so much awed me all the time. When I watch different travel shows, I visualize myself roaming around like a nomad. When I read the National Geographic magazine, I feel like being a nomad and captures sights and sounds of a populace. Whenever I visit Mumbai, in spite of the constant rush of the people moving in and out of everywhere, I have a strange connection to that city. Whenever I am at a seashore, I sense a sudden tranquil that stays inside, deep inside me. Whenever I feel the raindrops on myself, a swift rejuvenation occurs. I was always like this. I still am – in the world of my dreams. I always do what I love. But I can’t forcefully love everything that I do. So I choose to live with the former one.

I am 22 and it’s been a year since I graduated with an engineering degree in information technology. I tried my hands on technology, by giving a shot to pursuing Masters in Technology from one of the leading institutes of the country. I quit from there in two months. I never had that passion that I found in my contemporaries. Working without a passion, without putting soul into my work, I always asked myself – “Now what!” This clearly reflected my unquestioned, yet obvious disinterest towards it. The cake was served to me in the most beautiful and prosperous platter; yet I chose not to eat it, just because I did not like that flavor. However decorative the plate may be, unless you can’t swallow and digest the cake without side effects, you’re not going to enjoy it. My case was similar.

After a year of struggling with my own self; those endless ways with which I tried convince people about my decisions of leaving engineering and pursuing communications and the rest allied, I finally am into some league of communications. Since two days I have been attending my orientation classes at the university in the developmental communications and I have literally ‘lived’ every moment of it. At each stage, during each session, I always had this fresh feeling of being alive, of being sent into this world for a purpose, for a cause. I had everything to absorb, as if knowledge was raining all over.

In the very first session, on my very first day, I gazed at the rain through the classroom window for moments together, thinking about my dream that is coming true, each moment from now. The haze suddenly seemed to clear and I could see visualize my reverie, more clearly. It felt as if I stood on an empty terrace under a heavy cloudburst, while completely soaking myself into purity. There was an eccentric content in me. Maybe I found my choclate cake - the flavor I love.

Life’s indeed going my way. Suddenly the saddle of impatience and grudges that I carried seemed to wither away. I am once again flying light, into the new world. I am contended and my life is really beautiful. I truly realized the worth of the words I always kept saying - do what you love and love what you do and there'll be no working day in your life....

Strange Love ;)

2011-06-16T03:50:00.000+05:30

Image Courtesy:

http://tonic.fm/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/cafe-mocha-and-cappuccino.jpeg

A cup of coffee charges me up like anything, some say! Well, that is not true completely; but yes, I have beautiful memories associated with Coffee. Four years back, during my visit to Juhu Beach, Mumbai; I just happened to cross the road from the beach to reach out to the other side and what catches the fancy of my eyes? CAFÉ MOCHA – Coffee and Conversations! Well, a lot many times before I had visited Café Coffee Day, where I read: “A lot can happen over a coffee” but it wasn’t as special as this one. That moment was strangely delightful, for I stood on the other side of the road for almost a minute to gaze those lines and smile. And since then, life has unfolded happy moments that somewhere, had a strange connection to coffee. Some of the best conversations that I’ve had, be it mutual or be it with myself have happened over a coffee. Moreover, some of my favorite fantasy moments too are associated with coffee. So I believe there’s a strange connection, a strange bond, a strange affection I have towards it and hence this.

Being a faithful companion,

you constantly stir my soul.

A sense of tranquil felt inside;

And the musical notes begin to chant.

With each sip of bitterness,

There’s a sweet delight –

Of having a buddy by the side:

A wave of freshness on a rosy morning;

And a soulful friend on a lonely night.

You bring the inspiration, for all time;

Yet I shower the acclaim on someone else!

But, today is your day;

Today is the time for a tribute;

An accolade to a forever pal –

With no complaints and demands;

And yet always a sweet muse and brainwave!

And your friend, my dear pal –

Is again inspired for a song, for a composition;

Again your friend’s soul has been stirred;

Maybe it’s the essence of our strange love… J

“The ones who think I am a coffee addict – for this moment, I really do not intend to pay attention to what your concerns are; because I know I am not one. A mug a day should be fine I believe. And two occasionally isn’t harmful” ;)

NO SARCASM INTENDED!!

There You Are...

2011-05-17T13:24:00.002+05:30

A chatterbox called spontaneity – seems just perfect;

That happiness you embed with my soul: my eyes reflect.

I can’t help but smile, with the way you touch my heart;

Of my little world, you’re indeed a beautiful part!

You’re a magical gift; for you take any form –

Be it a shoulder I need to lean on; or just a push to move on!

Listening to my silly things, however dumb they maybe –

I never cease to express out to you, the very real me!

Into that vast darkness of the night, you showed me the beauty:

The shining star that stood alone; whom you claimed to be me.

Believing in my dreams more than me – abating blindness away:

You inspired me to define a beautiful chum. . .

One moment I thought life’s unfair, and god’s even more so;

But the day I found you, I thanked him a million times –

Because for everything unfair in this world –

You were a special soul sent, to bring in the perfect balance.

There were people who really made life richer;

But there were few like you – larger than life itself:

And before I could join my hands and pray for one:

I was all into your amity’s warm embrace.

And a voice came from inside struck the heart’s strings:

“In that huge crowd, there you are. . .” :)

The other side of the stage!

2011-04-23T04:21:00.000+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://www.northeaststage.com/images/stage_curtains.jpg

It was an evening -

I decided to be detached with.

The day before, had been grueling;

But Ah! the magic spell of the antechamber:

The Ennui and Languor vanished completely!

That place was no more mine,

in spite of the fond memories!

The podium awaited others;

My turn was very much over.

The walls echoed sounds of yore:

distant yet familiar voices -

anecdotes that were verily mine!

The basket of memories already begun to overflow;

yet I decided to be detached with the place.

The process was not easy;

there were magnets everywhere!

Suddenly I was spellbound by the charm;

Suddenly, fortune embraced me into its arms;

And Suddenly, the memories came to life!

And Hence I gave in.....

Maybe it was the taste of the bliss -

Of that delectable brew!

Maybe was the essence -

Of that strange love affair,

Whose upshot took me straight up there-

Whose allure said: "The place is all yours"!

And a fortunate chance encounter -

embraced me again!

It was indeed a strange love affair -

with the other side of the stage!!

Reading the Poet's Diary...

2011-04-23T04:15:00.001+05:30

Of the two people who have gone through this, one tells me: i love it but it's an orthodox poem which is written within a set framework - that of the poet's feelings; while the other puts it forth short and sweet, saying: it is simply lovable :)

Well, what's your take on that one?

Dedicated to the poet & the poet's diary... :-)

Image Courtesy: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xy8JvSrwYaE/TUrTCFxhV0I/AAAAAAAAAHY/sOhOu5VYV8Y/s1600/Book+and+pen.jpg

Turning through the pages of his diary,

I envisioned the face of his beloved fairy.

Lively little eyes shining bright;

I could see why she was just the right.

Each word clad in the shade, of a new emotion;

Sometimes his smile was just another notion:

I felt his ecstasy, I felt his pain.

I could imagine his fingers tremble insane–

And hence see the letters suddenly wane…

Sailing through each blunt and bold expression,

I noticed sudden questions and confessions –

Pouring out straight from my mind:

Even the ones I buried & left way behind.

Indeed, he had the purity – of an unusual kind!

Elegance pouring out, even from the miscellany;

To his profound love, were no boundaries any.

The solitude of my soul became his feelings’ abode;

Just like the nuances of his emotions, etched into that ode.

And hence our journeys met at the sentiment’s crossroad…

False Paradise!

2011-04-23T04:03:00.000+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://beatmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/DEPRESSION011.jpg

Glimpses of fresh dreams born in the mind;

Haunting her always, they are a peculiar kind.

Faintly known faces skulking all around;

A world of emotions - oh so profound!

She flaunts around with her beauty,

there's yet an elegance in that strange vanity.

Her smile had mystifying strenghts: she had no fear;

With a little high confidence, she could see it all clear.

She was spellbound by the grace that shined;

She knew not of the peril that rested beyond.

In a brief moment, that whirl just took her along;

Dazzled by glittering fake: she went straight down.

Hers was a boulevard of avid Desires,

that was seen burning away into flames and fire.

She lost her hopes, desires and dreams -

All flashed away like those lightening beams.

Her new world was glory, she stood on an altitude;

She wasn't just another face in the multitude.

But no dream haunted anymore;

She walked all alone on the shore -

She burried those emotions deep down;

She wasn't anymore a placid soul.

In the rat race she lost her hopes, desires and dreams,

She lost herself.. She just so lost herself!

An ode to the Angel

2011-02-17T12:34:00.000+05:30

I look at her and find a smile,
It’s been sixteen years, and yet;
Together, we walk a mile.
A long journey has passed;
But a longer journey still to pass.
With her, life has been beautiful.
With her, life shall always be beautiful.

Wide open eyes, shining bright –
She brings me the happiness;
She gets me into the light.
We’re often apart, far away,
Nowhere in each other’s sight;
But a silent presence is always felt by the side.
She is truly my friend, philosopher and guide.

A symbol of love, a symbol of purity;
An epitome of devotion; an attitude with the right vanity.
An extreme laughter, the deepest cry,
She has patience, she seldom ceases to try.
With freedom in the mind, stretching her wings apart;
She is all set to fly.
Her fire illuminates the dark: no one can deny.

I still remember the way we grew up –
Together, ambling hand in hand.
It was surely the almighty’s bliss;
That I was kissed by a magic wand;
When my angel stepped into my life;
I never felt a void since then.
With her, life has been beautiful.

She’s a poet’s dream; she’s a writer’s imagination,
She has the magic to heal my trepidation.
A beautiful soul wandering round the corner,
She has a long way to go –
Her strength is vivid: nothing can stop her;
Accentuating the superior, she walks ahead in confidence.
A presence so deeply felt just akin to the allure itself.

I used to say: I walk the road alone;
But never ever after I met bliss, I had the chosen one.
Someone specially sent my way,
Someone so special, who could just take the ugly away,
She’s that hug I never have to wait for;
She’s that smile I always wear on my lips.
She is the kiss that always soothes.
She’s the touch that is always magical.
She is a precious gem-
A phenomenon I’ve delved deeper into;
And still couldn’t measure the depths.
I call her a little bit of everything;
And yet I call her complete.
But I am more than sure of a notion; of one thing:
Without this angel, my journey would always be incomplete.

B-L-A-N-K

2011-02-17T12:29:00.002+05:30

It's often called a state of mind - B-L-A-N-K : blank. You do not have anything on your mind, not anything specific that you want to mention or write about. Well, I do not know about others, but I am whimsical enough to go through this state of mind very often. And it has been a while that I have picked up the pen which happens to be very much because of this reason. In the process of being BLANK, I noticed something, at times with myself, at times with people around whom I interact with. In the hustle and bustle of a busy life it so happens that you live life, read newspapers, come across experiences of yours, of others, and incidents taking place around the corner and somewhere it definitely feels, a voice must be raised. Somewhere a voice that seems to have been suppressed by the noise of lies, fake and the forgery, must come out, scream away. For a moment, your adrenaline pumps at its peak. Shit happens not only to you, but around you too and at that time all you wish to do is to change the world in seconds because the whims of anger, the disgust that you exhibit are at the peak. And it so happens that you babble out abuses then and there and you forget things the next moment. At that time your desire to raise your voice is at the peak but then things seem to fizz out eventually.

Not that such things happen only with negative feelings: even when you're extremely happy, your ecstasy is at the peak, you feel like dancing all the way around and the very next moment, when you're back to the ground state from the unstable excited state, you tend to get tears. Or else, one experiences a void and they say: "Something's seriously missing.." In my case, when I have a great time with family or friends, I tend to feel that okay - this is gonna go into my diary. I mean we all are so happy being together and in spite of knowing that good times are flying fast, faster, I'll expect them to last forever and this is the best memory so it needs to be preserved as it is - the best way to put it forth is through the beautiful world of my words. But when you're back to it, involved into something else, it just all goes away and one fine moment I again remembered - Ah this was supposed to be penned.

Like one fine day after like ages together I take a walk by the moonlit sky and all i realize is - "Ah.. it never looked so beautiful before. I'm going to pen it down right away." That's a momentary feeling that gives me the pleasure.

But a second thought then accompanies to just say: "Dude, it looks the same everyday; you just never got the time to stand and stare." And then follows this moment called the BLANK, where the mind is completely numb - a void an emptiness thats so yours, your only accompaniment in solace, that longs for the beauty and tries to cease the realization that there is a void, the void of beauty..!! So its exactly the midpoint between the extreme elation and the gloom of experiencing a void.

Maybe, that's what we call blank and never seem to enjoy. Probably none of us have been inquisitive enough to delve deeper into this blank and that's why the balanced form of happiness or the wise man's happiness is said to be BLANK - because one never figured out how it actually works..!!

PS - This might seem to be a very confusing post to a number of you.. But this a sort of organized form of some random thoughts that passed through my head. I don't rate it as my piece of writing but this is what I had to share - BLANK..!!

Aaj Dil ne Socha yun...

2011-02-17T12:27:00.002+05:30

aaj dil ne socha yun,

rang badalti is duniya mein

ek tu hi toh hai jisko maine paya hai,

bhag daud bhari zindagi mein

hamesha saath chalta sirf tera saya hai,

tujh jaise dost mein

jannat ke farishte ko maine paya hai...

aaj dil ne socha yun

har patjhad ke mausam mein

wo kaun hai jo muskaan ki meethi baarish le aata hai.

thartharate, darr ke us toofaan mein,

wo kaun hai jo kaanpti hatheli ko pyar ki aag se sek lata hai..

laakhon ki bheed mein chhipi tanhayi mein

wo tu hi toh hai jo apne hone ka ehsaas dilata hai...

aaj dil ne socha yun

bakshi toh hai zindagi khuda ne lekin,

munasiv na hoga jeena, ek baar tere liye na jeeye agar;

toh aaj dil ne phir socha yun

aise kisi apne ko du toh kya du

wo dost jo meri zindagi hai,

use lafzon mein, main kya bayaan karu

Bas reh gaye hain, toh sirf do waade mere daman mein-

tu jaan le bas, ke tere liye main har pal hamesha hoon...

Aaj dil ne socha yun,

ki waqt ka kaafila na ruka hai, na rukega,

bas itana kehne ki ijazat de aye dost,

zindagi ki kitaab ka anmol kissa ho tum

mera apna, meri rooh ka ek pyara sa hissa ho tum

tumhare liye dil se nikalti hai bas ek hi dua

muskuraate hue unchaiyon ko chhu lo sada hi tum..

Teachers to be put to test too :)

2010-10-07T18:21:00.002+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GnnqEfHyxNc/SyJiAkNB9OI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/2ZfmmQ6lyn4/s400/Teacher_Cartoon.jpg

Gone are the days when it’s only the students of a college will be writing exams. It’s time now when teachers too will have to remain on their toes, suggests a report from the NAAC Committee i.e. the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. NAAC grades and rates colleges and universities but now, that is not all. Faculty members too, would be graded based on a certain set of criteria. The idea was proposed sometime back and is soon to take shape after undergoing a discussion by the end of the year.

Today, the situation across various Educational Institutes is bad, very bad. It looks like quality control is needed not only in industries but educational institutes too. I have observed people taking up the teaching profession because it’s the easiest place to get in, you have two vacations a year, you just need to move the class and speak anything you feel like and come back. No preparations and no responsibilities. Besides, earn lofty.
It is said:

“A teacher holds the largest amount of responsibility for the shape of the nation’s future is in his hands.”

But the current scenario says: "Not anymore". The way the profession is degrading in value has two basic reasons – 1) A lack in attitude of people involved in the profession 2) A lack in attitude of people out of it.

Well, the later are less responsible because corruption and malpractices have entered the profession to such a deep-rooted extent that most of them avoid joining or degrade their attitude towards it. But there are very few who have the guts to take the lead to change the system. Or at least do their own duty sincerely. They are seldom harmed anyway.

Anyway, I am not here to debate on corruption that has pierced into the balance of various facets of the Indian society. But the point is – that such steps need to be taken. Hopefully, they occur without corruption, because I have come across a few of such accreditation procedures ending up not actually in improvement but bribe. Its sad as well as funny to know that even teachers in such case give a sweet-tongue bribe to the students saying – “If the college is accredited, you will be at benefit. Think about the number of companies that will come for placements to an A graded college.” Wow. We’re taught how to do the wrong. Faculty feedback systems too, are so conveniently manipulated.

Let us hope that such a decision gets implemented soon. Let the teachers too be evaluated on some solid parameters so that they remain on their toes to deliver their best in the class. The efficient will certainly pass the test. Looking at the situation when qualification is given a major importance than skills, it is really important to put them to test in both ways – their subjective knowledge and their ability to teach and deliver well. This in turn will let the aspirants of joining the profession, to stay vigilant too. With great powers, come great responsibilities. But it is equally important to realize them.

Well, this is my take on the issue. What’s yours??

Khichdi - The Movie : Review

2010-10-04T15:13:00.004+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://connect.in.com/khichdi-the-movie/photos-1948765-23203733.html

Once again the weird mixed bag of dumb and dumber people get together – The Parekh Parivar; is all set to entertain you. Is it? Well, a half-an-hour long episode of a sitcom stretched to about two hours doesn’t bring in the glow back of our very own Khichdi and Instant Khichdi. For those who have been following the sitcom would enjoy; but to a very very limited extent. Most of the punchlines in the movie are the same old ones. For those who haven’t been following the comedy series would even not enjoy it thoroughly.

The movie moves on as the happy idiot family attempts to find a suitable bride for Himanshu, as the last wish of his late father and the fun begins. It does make the viewers laugh, but the humor and punches come in spikes and not a continuously flowing laughter. The director has made a great attempt to translate the serial into a film but has definitely not able to surpass the expectations of the audience.

Speaking of performances, the Praful-Hansa duo manages to bring in a mindless laughter with their PJs and innocent ignorance; but the rest are not up to the mark. And there are instances where the film completely loses the hold of its spectators’ attention with monotony barging in and you would definitely like to leave your seat and move out. J

Looks like an exaggeration of the actual characters of the sitcom. On the whole, a poor adaptation. You’ll definitely come out laughing but at the same time cursing – WTF on the low level PJs.

My rating **

The forgotten heroes - the forgotten saints...

2010-10-02T16:13:00.000+05:30

After 63 years of Indian Independence, after decades of growth and technological advancement, the nation still bears a deserted look. The presence of the Mahatma is still sought after in various facets of the independent

India

. Call him Bapu, Call him The Father of the Nation, Call him Mahatma or call him Gandhiji – he was a man with doctrine of no big volumes; but only two principles – truth and non-violence.

It was years ago when Bapu gave away the message of peace – through practice and preaching. But the country today seems to have forgotten the simplest religion – humanity, the country seems to have lost the basic sentiments of brotherhood, which just for the sake have undoubtedly been mentioned in the Indian Constitution; but seldom seen in the attitudes and everyday life of the populace. Today everyone knows Gandhiji as the father of the nation, as the reverend for truth and non-violence, as one of the most active figures instrumental in the creation of an independent India. But the efficacy of his words, his spirit, has values is hardly ever evident.

Bapu - the stupid common man of his time, who knew not much, who possessed not a charismatic persona and an emphatic voice– but had the will as strong as a rock. And that will, probably changed the face of India from a slave country to an independent republic and the largest democracy of the world.

But today’s India, is again a different face. Today – there is terror amongst the people. Today there are expressions of fear, anger, and vengeance on faces. Today people fear peace. Today people are insecure because truth alone doesn’t triumph ubiquitously. There are other petty things prevalent which need to be given more importance.

On the other hand, there is Munnabhai who reminds us of Gandhigiri. But how far have we succeeded to remember practicing Gandhigiri? Nowhere probably.

A friend of mine wrote some wonderful words for bapu today –

“Never before in the history of mankind, the transformation of power was a nonviolent event..
But he did it. No extraordinary talent or brains. No looks; just a common man. His epic journey was from fear of darkness, lying to father, smoking to the Father of Nation - the largest democracy of world.”

So true to its meaning: Never ever did history witness a struggle, a war as a Satyagraha – without picking up a stone in hand. Time has discredited heroes as easily as it has forgotten everyone else but saints remain; said Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. But today – the saint seems to have been lost - being just another face in the crowd, being just another name of the road, of a freedom fighter.

They say a bullet can kill the person but not the spirit; not the thoughts. Thoughts remain and travel far – they always tend to create a chemical imbalance across the masses. Then why is this saint fading away?

Today on the 141^st birthday of the Mahatma – let us light a small lamp to let it float and illuminate the shadow valley where darkness still prevails, where time comes to a standstill witnessing the deterioration of humanity and disruption of peace.

Happy Birthday Bapu!!! Happy International Non Violence Day!!!

On a lighter note –

“Maati Pukaare Tujhe Desh Pukaare
Aaja Re Bapu Aaja Re
Bhule Ham Raahen Hamein Raah Dikha De
Aaja Re Bapu Mere
Aainak pehne Laathi Pakde Chalte The Woh Shaan Se
Zaalim Kaanpe Thar Thar Thar Thar Sunkar Unka Naam Re
Kad Tha Unka Chhota Sa Aur Sarpat Unki Chaal Re
Duble Se Patle Se The Woh Chalte Seena Taan Ke
Bande Mein Tha Dam Vande Mataram ....”

The thought's Den

2010-08-04T19:12:00.001+05:30

After long, I picked up the pen;

After long, I am into the thought's den.

Words do not seem new,

But moments of solace - indeed few.

I used to say:

"Thoughts travel far";

But today, ideas often cease,

Attempts often freeze -

To watch the birds,

To feel the breeze;

To live each moment - a little more.

Today is the day -

When I hope to dance n' sing in gay -

Today is the day -

When I wish to carefreely play.

But today is also the day -

When there are, a hundred debts to pay.

I often ponder, I often wonder -

In spite of burying it all within,

Why is the new feeling still akin ?

Akin to the old one, to those memories?

Why does the deepest desire still wish -

to be born again, to be cherished?

After long, looks beautiful - my life's new phase;

Why is it that age old dream I still do chase?

The world is suddenly so brand new;

Yet, I can't forget, what I always knew!

I just stepped onto the road to glory -

Why do I live in that fury?

"My innocence is robbed;

It shall be forgotten - just like another stupid story!"

After long, I picked up a pen;

After long, I am into the thought's den. . .

Back before you know it...

2010-07-27T19:58:00.014+05:30

It has been over a month that I haven't been to this place and I was missing it badly. There was so much that happened and if I flip pages of the past few days, Life has taken a completely new direction and I am going through a different set of emotions and experiences... A lot in mind to blog about, but now, when I pick up my pen, I just stare at the diary and smile :)

Well, to start with -

I am a wanna-be writer; still somehow got into Masters in CSE. Dunno why I stumbled upon that decision but my dream is still the same and that is to become a writer.
Shifted to a hostel - living such a life for the first time. Everybody expected that I'd be finding it difficult to adjust; looking at the pampered and unorganized life I've lived being at home. But it took me no time to adjust and I am not only adapted to the place I am in, but am enjoying as well. Missing mom and my home sweet home though :)
Results of the final semester out ---> A decent 8.25 SPI this semester with 7.61 as the final CPI which amounts to 70.6% aggregate for all 8 semesters. To add a cherry on the top - I have a loud and clear A grade in my final semester project.. :) I am luving it!!
Since I am into an Institute that produces quality, it makes me put in efforts for that - 5 times more than what I did during my UG. I was least interested in technical stuff but somehow my strong belief in understanding concepts as the only way of learning made me do well in academics. Still I managed to put in the minimalistic efforts to get through. But these days, I am finding ways to enhance the technical competency through various methods. I am surprised with myself as to why the hell am I doing it!
Oh god! Never ever all through my life did I study so much!! Not even in Class 12th Boards...
The campus is beautiful... A lush green campus away from the city hustle and bustle. I guess I'll have a separate post to elaborate the campus's beauty. And I have got along with a new set of friends at hostel for all the fun and frolic along with the academics. Nostalgia is always there about past times and old friends I did make at school and college and that shall remain. To all of you - I still cherish you the most and will always do; no matter how far we move on towards our respective destinations.
Becoming self-dependent is a good feeling. It certainly is - Trust me!!
The University is bent-on turning me into a full time professional with reference to my academics, a regular life style, well defined Etiquettes of communication, body language, technical knowhow, general knowledge, concepts and a lot more. I am reminded of a scene in Wake up Sid when Sid writes a mail to Aisha stating the boredom he encounters at the office- "Yaar yeh log aate ek time par hain, jaate ek time par hain, kapde ek jaise pehente hain, and mujhe toh lagta hai dikhte bhi ek jaise hi hai.." It seems the world is bent on forcing me to grow up and behave and robbing me of my childishness and innocence. Fingers Crossed :)

So that is it and much more happening with me in my new inning of life. I often feel like singing -

Give me some sunshine, Give me some rain,

Give me another chance, I want to grow up once again. . . :)

Happy moments yet nostalgia...

2010-06-29T21:03:00.000+05:30

Yay....!! I am finally done with my final semester project. All modules properly implemented as expected!! Submitted my first ever project thesis and it actually feels good specially after all the hardwork, enjoyment and last minute hitch, Quandary and I should say blunder. Didn't take the back up of the last module which was implemented partly and partly left. Lost my laptop's recovery in the previous format session a month ago AND an unexpected shut down corrupted that coded file. :( :( :( sob sob sob... but have been working hard since last night and finally today evening I breathe a sigh of relief when I actually found that life was smooth... My project is ALL DONE!! Thanks to Miss Prachi Solanki - a sweetheart selfless friend and a MATLAB mastero... :)
I've got my presentation on 1st which would be the last and final academic performance of college life, of the graduation period. So an official mark to the ending note of the carefree times - college days.
I am really going to miss all of that time. Especially the final year - it has been the best so far and I have grabbed all possible fun along with maintaining decent academic performance. Satisfied to the brim. Nostalgia is definitely in the air.
Today, after almost a week of sleepless nights, I finally am quoting few words for few people from my class. Friends, I wanted to do this on the farewell, but somehow could not manage or maybe, did not get a chance...! Let me clarify one thing - no grudges towards anyone else, but yes these people I felt deserved a mention.
Anyhow, here I go: [in descending alphabetic order - no priorities here. . .]

Nihar - We've hardly known each other personally, but with four long years of togetherness, one thing I felt is you're a gem of a person. The pool of talent inside you is bubbling to overflow and let the world notice it. Loved your facebook status update that said: Dad, your dream comes true. Got placed in CMC Ltd. Mumbai, I am coming. . .
You surely have a long way to go ahead with your charming smile and a down-to-earth nature. Will miss you certainly. Take Care.. :)

P.S. - Thanks for the Servlet Concepts. I'll always remember them thru my technical career.
Kushal - It has always been silly with you. Most of the time you've enjoyed making fun of me with whatever silliest that comes to your mind. Bakbak express, never cease speaking. That's where you win many hearts. One of them was mine too :) One of the few people I have put my trust on and would confidently carry it forward. You've always managed to bring that smile over and again. . . Thanks for everything chum!
Jibesh - My highly shy Project Partner!! For you I'll simply say that silent waters are very deep. But all through this time, specially the final semester you were the only one to know what I strived to achieve and in spite of all the odds, in spite of all the busy times I have been through in this semester, you have been the support system - to boost my morale whether it is the declining pace of the project work or the placement drive's aptitude test or CAT or GATE or Journalism... Thanks for everything buddy. And all the best for your path ahead. . .
Hiren - Bhagwaan no manas. [God's messenger] Known you for not more than a year and a half - counting the time since we've been interacting but you're more than honest and straight-forward. And today i can call you my bestest buddy!! Saale kamine, kitani line maari tujhe, but bilkool bhaav nahin diya.. Why did you break my heart? Jokes apart, I loved teasing you all the way with this stupid nonsense and the best part - you get irritated each time. Someone who will always tolerate my whackiest of jokes, each time get irritated and yet smile away in the end. Always been a helping hand when in need and a person so sweet and simple that anyone would fall for. Take Care buddy!!
Chaitali - One of the liveliest ever people I have ever met!! A Chubby bubbly rolly polly darling friend who has been there all the way and shall be there. A complete foodie and hence, wherever I go and need to try new cuisine, I always have a partner alongside. She's the gem of a friend on whom I can rely on BLINDLY. Even if I knock her doors at the midnight stroke, I'm sure she'll always have her support and help to offer. A frank out going person whom I have and will always love to talk to, to be with. Most importantly, Someone true to heart and worth valuing. Chaitali, I am practically going to miss you. Even mom n dad will miss you dear. Love you a tonn!!
Bhumika - My X-project partner, bench partner, lunch partner, elective-partner, drive-partner!! The little miss udan khatoli cum running commentator who will never miss a chance to comment on anything. Special moment: Take her for a ride on a two wheeler and whosoever comes in the way would not get away without a priceless comment. That's her - gusse mein teekhi mirchi and frustration mein always smiling... Not a padhaako but definitely an intelligent khopdi but an extremely sharp and down-to-earth girl. You can never be down when bhumika is around - she'll never let you get bored not because she cant see you bored; but she herself hates being bored!! The chum of a lifetime with whom I've shared many precious moments right from project deadlines to exam frustrations to faculty disappointments to late nights to evening snacks to hunger pangs to lecture boredom to chai-kitli parties to just everything. She deserves a lot more but I am glad to have been given a chance to be her friend!! :D
Bhargav - Mr. irritating who would never agree to whatever I do or say, who would always bug in at the wrong hour, who would always get a sublime satisfaction in teasing me, someone who would always teach me to do the tedha stuff that I never imagined I'd do in my life and the worst part - convince me to do it proving its the only right thing. Yet, we share a special bond. He is someone who manages to bring a smile on my face each time we're together. Probably that is what I call "friends" :) Thanks bhaggu for showing me the lighter side of life. . . Will miss the way you irritate me; though i am sure that you would never cease to do all that!! :D
Anand - Someone whom I used to hate a lot earlier. Someone whom I can probably not comfortably work with. But someone who has a great vision, someone who has the dare to dream, someone who has a will to work, someone who has the guts to appreciate new ideas and at the same time, someone who has the wit to impose his own in the hour of need. Call him Don, Call him GodFather, Call him Desai, I call him "Anand BHAI". You have a long way to go Anand, and probably one life is too short to accomplish all that you can because your potential and thinking is evidently different and somewhere, whether I comply to those standards or not, I truly truly appreciate you in that regard. All the best and be the same - keep enjoying life wherever you go.. Coz spirits never fade.
Abhishek - Abhishek Aariwala - talked hardly or lets say relatively less. Known each other still less. But some good times spent could never be forgotten. You're a supportive yet a bit emotional friend whose company I have always seemed to enjoy. You seem to be a great learner from experiences, from life but yet believe in enjoying the time and balancing things... Don't have much words to express this little gesture, but I would just say: "I'll always cherish your friendship." All the best for a beautiful life ahead. . . Take Care :)

Rajneeti - A review

2010-06-06T14:32:00.000+05:30

For a moment, the promos made me feel: "I hope it isn't a hype with this huge a star cast."

But the next moment I felt: "A Prakash Jha Movie can't be that bad."

Finally the first day first show attempt turned successful.

Rajneeti, a typical dirty face of politics mingled with parivaarwaad. At each instance, you feel disgusted:

"Dirty politics. Typical politician. This Corruption!"

But yet, you come out of the cinema hall praising the movie.

A pure Political drama with everything else done for the lust of power, with a huge but worth the go star-cast that gave away some career best and fabulous performances. Of late the movie has been into several controversies with reference to the bits and spurs of India's present-day politics and the rumors of it being instrumental in insulting the Gandhi family. But very little similarity do you find in there.

Rajneeti is the political saga of how two families tie up together in the bond of marriage but for the bond of politics, power and the so called: "RajSinhaasan" The movie revolves around the two families and their journey to the throne of the Chief Minister. On the way you come across everything: corruption, thrill, love, money, romance, lust, greed, meanness, sex, revenge, honesty, betrayal - all USED for political gains.

A very well-crafted story and perfect character sketch. Reminds you much of few evil characters from the Mahabharata. To add the cherry over the top, dialogues, script and performances are mind-blowing.

Especially Nana Patekar and Ranbir Kapoor.

The former is known for his acting skills and has met the expectations par excellence. Fits perfectly into the Shakuni mama character that he has been asked to portray.

While Ranbir has completely shown his determination to come out of his comfort zone. Nobody could tell that this boy nextdoor/ chocolate-boy/ softy mush image that he has built was once there. He can just fit into anything. This fellow has outclassed his previous performances with this flawless sharp character, with his wit and looks.

Katrina is yet another one who has stepped out of the cocoon. The lady not only worked upon her accent but acting too. With a very little role having a barely ten minutes of screen presence, she has made her mark.

Manoj Bajpai is another silent one who went unnoticed probably, but his one and only powerful dialogue:

"Karara jawaab milega. . . " said it all.

Ajay Devgan, I felt performed well, but could have been given a better character, a better set of dialogues. His talent I felt got wasted somehow throughout the course of the movie. That's a personal opinion anyhow.

The movie looks bit stretchy and predictable in moments but on the whole and at the end, you end up with mixed feelings with the movie being good but the political games, dirty!

My overall rating: 4 stars on five.

Wet moods

2010-06-03T12:44:00.001+05:30

For the past two days, it has been cloudy. Surprisingly it is a feeling of elation and not dread when I find the newspapers constantly publishing the Meteorological Department's predictions about the heavy showers accompanied by some strong thunders over the past three days. It is evident about the boredom and tediousness while beating the heat and that too since early March. Global Warming has made its presence indeed felt with the increasing extremism in the nature and weather conditions. I am not here to discuss that anyhow. That shall be a different post.

The winds have suddenly gone cooler and better. The roads are suddenly fun-to-walk in the evenings. The town club swimming pool is suddenly more fun to swim in and I am grabbing every opportunity to dive in and get my share of joy. I just want to get soaked and drenched - drenched with every drop born to cleanse me through and through. I remember the monsoons of last year when I had all sorts of fun. Specially the first rain.
I was so excited that I posted this over:
http://freedomofexpressions.blogspot.com/2009/07/seasons-mood-swings.html

Season's mood swings have been bliss. And I am awaiting the drops to embrace me and be my own.

Bribery on the high

2010-06-01T11:19:00.005+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://foreclosurenv.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/bribe1.jpg

Our little protagonist happened to pass through Ahmedabad along with her family. As soon as they left the express highway, she noticed her mom on the front seat taking off her seat-belt. And a thought struck:
"What if the policeman stops you!"
And that is exactly what they witnessed.
Wearing a seat-belt was mandatory for the one who drove the car as per traffic rules - is the version she knew narrated long back by a fellow corrupted policeman who had stopped them in a nearby place as yesterday. Well, their only mistake was: they never cared to confirm for the legal truth.

A policeman on the road stopped them, ceased them from moving ahead. They stopped.
"Gaadi side par dabavo saheb..",("Keep the car aside sir.") said a dark, fatso official with corruption evident on his face, especially moustaches.
Stopping a non-ahmedabadi car was a custom by the policemen at the Express highway entry-exit points and few areas in the nearby periphery.
"Tamaru original license ane original PUC document batavo." ("Show me your original license and PUC."), said he again.
Well, original documents is something people seldom carry alongside for the risk of being lost. A photocopy is what we usually keep. This is a common practice among the fellow citizens.

The car-owner said:
"This is the certified true copy of the document. Besides, it has expired a month ago."

"Ek toh original copy nathi saheb. Ane expired copy layi ne faro chho tame. 300/- fine chhe. Seat Belt nathi bandhyo Madam e. Eno 200/- fine chhe."
("One, you're not carrying the original copy and that too an expired one. It has a fine of Rs. 300.00. besides, madam has not put on her seat belt. Which costs you a fine of Rs. 200.00 again.")
said the rascal in a husky grumbling greedy tone.

And as usual, the car owner, our protagonist's dad requested him to let them off. He realized the evil intentions but was at fault since his documents had expired. Poor luck!
And now the ****ing policeman comes to business.
"200/- aapi do saheb. java dais.", ("Rs. 200.00 sir and you may leave.") said the gluttonous rogue.

The owner immediately confirmed: "Aage koi pakdega toh nahin phir se..??" ("So do you assure me of not being fined again on the other checkpoint.")

The scoundrel nodded reluctantly and his belly was stuffed with two notes of Rs. 100 each to shut his big fat mouth up and to satisfy his greedy conscience to which everyone had a big question.

Out little protagonist was observing the entire scene and her expressions were evident of her blood to be boiling and feeling like beating that fellow up with his own stick. [especially his belly full of with bribe]
But she kept silently and angrily staring at the fellow.
She just expected him to look towards the backseat once and for a moment at least, with her expressions she could make him realize what he was doing!
And none sooner than the moment the car left from there, there were a list of dirty abuses, practically slang that she felt like uttering but kept a control with her parents alongside and hence decided to blog about it!

Moral - As far as legal rules, verify them from an authentic site. Get them printed and get them certified from a legal source. Besides, keep your documents ready and up-to-date to avoid falling prey to such incidences and being helpless. Debate on facts and mind you, nobody could question you. And last but not the least:
Raise your voice. It could make a difference somewhere.

The rest of the interpretation is left to the readers.

The protagonist signing off.

Prince of Persia

2010-05-30T10:32:00.000+05:30

Yet another thrilling adventure from Walt Disney Pictures following the very well-known: Pirates of Caribbean; Prince of Persia is an action packed Hollywood blockbuster encompassing the quintessential myths, beliefs, culture, kingdom and the traces and hints of ancient Persia.

Prince of Persia – The sands of time revolves around Dastan, and his journey to unveil the mystery of his father – King Sharaman’s death and the mystical stiletto with a power to travel time along with his royal romance – Tamina, the princess of the beautiful city of Almat.

Dastan is a street-orphan picked up by the Persian King Sharaman, for his bravery and boldness. He is brought up in the Royal Persian Kingdom along with his other two sons. While Tamina is the royal princess who is the only one to know about the mystery of the mystical dagger that even has the power to destroy the world. The movie begins with a plot of deceit by the brutal Persian invasion on the beautiful city of Almat; in hunger of the dagger, and lust and greed of power.

Very much alike the game called Prince of Persia that had been released way back in the year 2003 but the stills, camera work, photography, locations, precision and a lot more is just amazing apart from great performances and an edge-of-the-seat thrill. What makes it all louder is the very thrilling and specific shots in the desert, the camel ride, the ostrich race, sand storms, ancient Persian architecture built up over the sets. Bits and spurs of comic sequences by the ruffian looking Arab dacoit ostrich runner make the movie livelier in each instance. Not a dull moment that you witness.

Talking of Performances, Jake Gyllenhaal (Dastaan) and the beautiful Gemma Arterton (Princess Tamina) are fabulous as ever as the lead roles. The lady in specific is an oriental bombshell has her own taste, appeal and charm. But what adds to the elixir is the supremacy of Ben Kingsely as the Nizam. This man never fails an inch to impress audiences and let his note heard. Who could forget our often unnoticed yet comic little ostrich-runner Alfred Molina? In spite of a short role to play, he has added his own spice and charm to the movie.

Overally, the movie is a complete entertainer. There is a bit of monotony in the theme [the world’s destruction] but it has been folded into a completely new avatar along with some stupendous camera work and the ancient Persian symbology and myths and thrilling action to go along. My overall rating amounts to 3.75 on five.

Times just flew by...

2010-05-26T15:28:00.000+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://technabob.com/blog/2009/04/04/twirling-dali-wall-clock/

Finally after a long break I am back to blogging. Yes, I recieved a lot many comments regarding my previous post - The Death of an Expression, few over the blog but a lot many at the personal end. It was a bad phase and its remains are still there. I had not quitted writing, but just for few days this was the thought that haunted frequently and hence that post. It was just when the thought flashed I penned that for it was an uneasy feeling to see my notes ending in pessimism. Back here now.

Have had a lot many things to post, of late and here I go.

Coming to the today's post: "Times just flew by.."

It is strange to stumble upon something when down the memory lane.. and after few moments - seconds, minutes, hours, years and decades of brooding, you realize: "times just flew by"

And some things are stranger. Some changes are probably the most strange when we find something that happened for the good; something that was a positive change; but something most people complain about; something without which life was still happier and smoothsailing and comfy.

Confused?

Well, let me move onto the lighter side. Let us move back to the era of 70s..

What is the first thing that strikes?

Amitabh Bachchan, the tight bell bottoms and loud shaded dresses. Television in India. Radio... Vivid Bharti..

Hollywood movies meant either James Bond or some handsome hunk standing with a rifle and a cowboy hat and boots... Books and newspapers as time pass.. Library.... Class 12th Boards weren't a nightmare.. It didn't make big differences if you were an engineer or a B.Sc. but it did if you were a doctor!! The era of telegrams and inland letters and post cards...

Let's move still further on... Lets say 90s..

Of late I happened to find a page on the social network called Facebook that said:

You grew up in India in the 90s when...

and people filled in the blank by their own versions and experiences and ideas. and here are some me and my fellow doctor friend contributed -

1. Tendulkar out, TV sets switched off..

2. how everybody enjoyed tu cheez badi hai mast mast, tu cheez badi hai mast... and the times of raveena tondon, madhuri dixit and karishma kapoor..

3.when facebook was unimaginable; but cellphones and emails too were a dream.

4. when talking on landline phones was the ultimate fun!!

5. when multiplexes were far ahead. Watching a shahrukh khan or a madhuri dixit movie at the theatre meant standing in the queue for an hour.

6. when a hundred rupees meant 2.5 litres of petrol to fill your tank.

7. when Bold and the beautiful, X-Files, Friends, M*A*S*H, et al were aired on Star Plus [the time when star plus aired only english programs..]

8. when deepavali was the time when greeting cards had discounts..

9. when friday nights meant Close-up Antakshri followed by Philips Top Ten - a week long wait to watch new songs

10. when the cameras were only meant for birthdays and holidays.

11. when we found photo albums in cupboards and not in computers

12. When sunday mornings meant watching junglebook... jungle jungle baat chali hai pata chala hai....

and the list would go on..

It is so strange that life without cellphones and internet was simple, happy and funloving. I don't deny the progress but just am pondering on how dependent we have become on certain things. on one hand, we smile when we read that someone actually synthesized life artificially. But what about its consequences? Anyways, that is a different issue altogether.

So, all I can say is times just flew by... and as we kept adjusting, we will keep adapating to the changes. Let us still hope that the human race does not forget its roots.

On the lighter note, let us hope that after fifty years, moms don't have to tell their children that you were born and not downloaded :)

ThE dEaTh Of An ExPrEsSiOn

2010-05-06T00:25:00.000+05:30

I should quit writing and hence this.

I Quit!
My expressions hold no sense;
My feelings appear silly.
My words are a rattle and not a sound.
The ideas are naive and immature.
The intensity has no fence; It isn't bound.
The extent to which they take me,
I cannot imagine.
The opinions do not seem logical.
The suggestions often hurt.
The optimism is lost somewhere.
And pessimism triumphs on the high.
The wounded wings are finally broken.
The depth drowned it, took it along.
Darkness is the final abode.
There is no light; There is no pain.
There is no attempt to go in vain.
All attempts die;
Fading away; vanishing into the sky!
Mind is a zero-thought;
The heart is a zero-feeling.
Nothing lies; Nothing exists.
Nothing beyond; Nothing beneath.
And the foremost:
NOTHING WITHIN. . .
There was a lonely soul that wandered some day.
There was a lonely soul that expressed someday.
Today the expression died
i quit !

Awards time :)

2010-05-03T23:07:00.000+05:30

Dear Readers,

First and the foremost,

:) Thanks a tonn to Sankoobaba urf Sanket for rewarding me with this:

According to the rules of the tag. I need to tell 3 good things about me. But also that I have freedom to add more if I want.
Well these days am low on confidence and hence difficult to pen down three things. Yet, here are some of the things that have most often brought me out of messy situations and complicated states of mind :)

Understanding Nature (Over-Compromising with self when dedicated to something/someone)
Intelligence
Creativity

:) Thanks a tonn Sanket for the sweet gesture.. :)

I do not intend to tag anyone in particular hence whosoever happen to stumble upon here and wish to publish it can go ahead :) All the best and keep the charm :)

Love,

niyati :)

Wounded Wings

2010-04-27T13:56:00.000+05:30

Image Courtesy: http://butterflydreamer-dreamlight.blogspot.com

With wounded wings she cannot fly

For those hopes, she could not comply.

There’s no more vigour

And gone is the fervour

That turned splendid each endeavour,

And left behind a content that she always did savour.

With wounded wings. . .

It was a fall after the rise

And guilt filled the heart’s premise.

Someday lived the dreams of conquest in her eyes

Today they unearth nothing but demise.

With wounded wings. . .

Her spirit wants to fly light

Released from the credence of expectations

Letting regrets wither away with the night

And the dawn noveau revive afresh those ambitions.

Ahead were a plethora of chances laid

Stirring her soul; see the sphere of ken

It was a petite hope that silently said:

Wing’s just wounded; not broken.