(click the images to enlarge them)
On the Wall -
On Roadside Hoardings -
At Shopping Malls -
Banners at Coffee Shops -
At Airports -
On the Ground -
At Construction Sites -
Pata nahi aur kahan-kahan...
Don't you want to be there?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Its me EVERYWHERE !!!
On Roadside Hoardings -At Shopping Malls -Banners at Coffee Shops -At Airports -On the Ground -At Construction Sites -Pata nahi aur kahan-kahan...
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Dhona; Sukhana; Bahana… gaya woh Zamaana!!!
Eid holiday’s combined with National Day and weekends resulted in… “13 days of fultu chutti” I spent most of the time on bed watching movies and surfing internet. I never even bothered to go out to enjoy the nice weather and the rare rain. I didn’t even take the pain to get out into my balcony to see the lightening and thunder storms. I preferred rather to be inside my comforter; busy watching movies.
I was alone at night and outside it was raining heavily. I switched of my AC as it’s fairly cold. I wrapped myself with my comforter and switched on the TV… I browsed thru a few channels and ended up watching a firangi-horror-movie where the hero is pretty much in the same state as I am. He too is lonely… It’s a night sequence… The hero too is browsing thru the TV channels. Suddenly the power goes off in his house… It’s fully dark… All he can hear is the sound of that heavy down pour… The hero slowly gets out of his bed to reach out for his torch. He gets it. The loneliness combined with the darkness and a heavy downpour and the mid-night factor made me a bit alert. I am slowly getting scared. Suddenly he hears foot steps upstairs. There is somebody in the house… Carefully he takes his stride up the staircase. I’m getting nervous. He slowly opens the door and enters into the dark room. I held the pillow tighter and much closer to me. Yaaaaaaaaahhhh… He sees the ghost. He screams out loud… The background music reaches its peak. The screen blacks out. The Next frame is bright… It shows a test tube filled with a blue color solution. A white linen nearby. I thought… a new twist in the movie. Immediately a husky female voice says from the background… “Now introducing to you the new Whisper Wings; it has the new S-T-R-E-T-C-H-A-B-L-E wings that keeps it buckled and hence protects your clothes from staining. It has double absorption power too.” She pours the blue colored test tube solution onto the napkin piece… then smiles.
I am a big time ch***ya… A nice way of watching a horror movie… Right? With all these ads in between the movie continued and again after ten full minutes I reached a fearful moment. Someone attacks our hero from his back. He is shocked and terrified… He flees towards the door. I keep my fingers crossed. He opens the door and enters a bright room with some furniture. The next frame shows a lady sitting on a sofa. I thought it was his girlfriend or wife. That lady starts saying… “Horse Riding; Stunt and Dance Sequences in Jaipur… All this on the second day of my periods… Outdoor location; not even a bathroom!!! So now presenting to you the Kotex sanitary napkin – Never hold your dreams to yourself… Achieve them.”
Maakda… I am fooled... AGAIN!!! With this; I started thinking more analytically… The evolution of sanitary napkins in India… It all started with “Dhona; Sukhana; Bahana… gaya woh Zamaana” and the young girl shouts… “Deedeee” It was quite famous ad at that time… An ad which definitely did influenced a lot of middle class girls and women in term of personal hygiene. It appealed to several youngsters like me too… I remember how curiously I watched that ad… more curiously than I ever did in my classroom. I remember having spent time with my friends discussing… “What was this Carefree and Stayfree?” We knew that it was something “not-very-straight”… so we friends kept speculating. Some friends said it was a medicine; then some said it was for grown up people who have the habit of wetting the bed. Anyway; those days were fun days where everything was viewed with a skeptical eye.
It seemed to me like a fight between the sanitary napkin manufacturers… Carefree offered 5 napkins in a pack while Stayfree offered “Buy 5 and get 1 free”. Stayfree shows pouring a test tube full of blue solution while Carefree pours two test tubes plus a double protection pack. Carefree showed a girl becoming basket ball team captain with confidence. Stayfree showed a girl jumping across the seat rows in a cinema hall.
Jokes apart; it is a fact that these ads… Stayfree, Carefree and Whisper have introduced a new phase of personal hygiene in Indian middle class women. The napkin manufacturers thru their continuous efforts have induced the mothers; girls and women to open up instead of keeping things to themselves and suffering. Ads can influence people for sure; but on the flip side… Although their target segment was women; but some lads like me too caught their unsolicited attention.
Thinking on the future of sanitary napkins… I can come up with few ideas… maybe reusable sanitary napkins or something similar to tampons or something like the ones with “stretchable wings”
CHEERS!!!
I was alone at night and outside it was raining heavily. I switched of my AC as it’s fairly cold. I wrapped myself with my comforter and switched on the TV… I browsed thru a few channels and ended up watching a firangi-horror-movie where the hero is pretty much in the same state as I am. He too is lonely… It’s a night sequence… The hero too is browsing thru the TV channels. Suddenly the power goes off in his house… It’s fully dark… All he can hear is the sound of that heavy down pour… The hero slowly gets out of his bed to reach out for his torch. He gets it. The loneliness combined with the darkness and a heavy downpour and the mid-night factor made me a bit alert. I am slowly getting scared. Suddenly he hears foot steps upstairs. There is somebody in the house… Carefully he takes his stride up the staircase. I’m getting nervous. He slowly opens the door and enters into the dark room. I held the pillow tighter and much closer to me. Yaaaaaaaaahhhh… He sees the ghost. He screams out loud… The background music reaches its peak. The screen blacks out. The Next frame is bright… It shows a test tube filled with a blue color solution. A white linen nearby. I thought… a new twist in the movie. Immediately a husky female voice says from the background… “Now introducing to you the new Whisper Wings; it has the new S-T-R-E-T-C-H-A-B-L-E wings that keeps it buckled and hence protects your clothes from staining. It has double absorption power too.” She pours the blue colored test tube solution onto the napkin piece… then smiles.
I am a big time ch***ya… A nice way of watching a horror movie… Right? With all these ads in between the movie continued and again after ten full minutes I reached a fearful moment. Someone attacks our hero from his back. He is shocked and terrified… He flees towards the door. I keep my fingers crossed. He opens the door and enters a bright room with some furniture. The next frame shows a lady sitting on a sofa. I thought it was his girlfriend or wife. That lady starts saying… “Horse Riding; Stunt and Dance Sequences in Jaipur… All this on the second day of my periods… Outdoor location; not even a bathroom!!! So now presenting to you the Kotex sanitary napkin – Never hold your dreams to yourself… Achieve them.”
Maakda… I am fooled... AGAIN!!! With this; I started thinking more analytically… The evolution of sanitary napkins in India… It all started with “Dhona; Sukhana; Bahana… gaya woh Zamaana” and the young girl shouts… “Deedeee” It was quite famous ad at that time… An ad which definitely did influenced a lot of middle class girls and women in term of personal hygiene. It appealed to several youngsters like me too… I remember how curiously I watched that ad… more curiously than I ever did in my classroom. I remember having spent time with my friends discussing… “What was this Carefree and Stayfree?” We knew that it was something “not-very-straight”… so we friends kept speculating. Some friends said it was a medicine; then some said it was for grown up people who have the habit of wetting the bed. Anyway; those days were fun days where everything was viewed with a skeptical eye.
It seemed to me like a fight between the sanitary napkin manufacturers… Carefree offered 5 napkins in a pack while Stayfree offered “Buy 5 and get 1 free”. Stayfree shows pouring a test tube full of blue solution while Carefree pours two test tubes plus a double protection pack. Carefree showed a girl becoming basket ball team captain with confidence. Stayfree showed a girl jumping across the seat rows in a cinema hall.
Jokes apart; it is a fact that these ads… Stayfree, Carefree and Whisper have introduced a new phase of personal hygiene in Indian middle class women. The napkin manufacturers thru their continuous efforts have induced the mothers; girls and women to open up instead of keeping things to themselves and suffering. Ads can influence people for sure; but on the flip side… Although their target segment was women; but some lads like me too caught their unsolicited attention.
Thinking on the future of sanitary napkins… I can come up with few ideas… maybe reusable sanitary napkins or something similar to tampons or something like the ones with “stretchable wings”
CHEERS!!!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Mumbai Blasts @ 26/11/08
Most of this weekend I was sitting in front of my TV, browsing thru various news channels. I was sad and annoyed with the happenings in Mumbai. I'm not an expert… but I figured that terrorists hit Mumbai because it's India's analog to New York City or New York City is America's Mumbai. It depends on how you look at it...
I could see the emotions of a common man on the TV… He was angry with our government and politicians. I just want to ask everybody one question… Think about this - Why has there not been any major terrorist attack in US after 9/11? The reason is very simple… After 9/11, US has made certain that it would now be very-very difficult to attack her. The government out there has upgraded their laws and intelligence methods. It is time the people of this country take OVER the country. It is a shame when a ministers says that the coastal security is inadequate, when he himself along with other ministers travels in a convoy of security cars surrounding him. It is a shame when he says look at the positive side; the toll did not reach 5,000 as planned by the terrorists. The thing to notice is that we are not criticizing ourselves enough. In our country, the tendency is to cover deficiencies in the system, and be pompous of ourselves and move on. It is time we give the police similar sophisticated training and arms as possessed by NSG and the marine commandos. It is time to increase their number and reform them like their defense counterparts. It's time for a crisis management infrastructure to be in place in metro cities. Look at Newyork's 9/11 and the london blasts, the local media criticised the government, the intelligence and the security, to such an extent that a report was sought and many of the above officials had to resign due to the relentless pressure. Astonishingly, as a result, the crisis management infrastructure and security was upgraded in no time. It is time we learn from them sooner than later. It is time for the people of this country to take over the country.
But I know... kuch nahi hoga... This is what happenns... EVERYTIME…
Indian media will write about how India has always been a tolerant and a forgiving nation…
Politicians will offer excuses citing international pressure and not take action against Pakistan once again…
Bollywood will release Khan movies to some 1000 prints…
People will bet on who will be winning the T-20 cup…
Widows of men who lost their men fighting these terrorists will be ridiculed and condemned to live life of the damned for the rest of the years…
Opinion makers will assemble at Taj and Oberoi and eat their heart out with joy, that they were not present on the fateful Thursday at Taj or Oberoi…
Some party will win in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh…
Two Air India planes will be high jacked seeking release of Afsal Guru (the terrorist who attacked Parliament) and the lone surviving terrorist of Mumbai attack…
Our media and the families of the onboard passengers will conduct dharna urging government to release the terrorists…
Our defense minister will release them and secure planes with some left over passengers…
Media will hail government's deft of managing tough situation…
World will laugh at India…
More Indians will watch khan and T-20 tournaments...
Life goes on.. and we live each day as it comes.
I could see the emotions of a common man on the TV… He was angry with our government and politicians. I just want to ask everybody one question… Think about this - Why has there not been any major terrorist attack in US after 9/11? The reason is very simple… After 9/11, US has made certain that it would now be very-very difficult to attack her. The government out there has upgraded their laws and intelligence methods. It is time the people of this country take OVER the country. It is a shame when a ministers says that the coastal security is inadequate, when he himself along with other ministers travels in a convoy of security cars surrounding him. It is a shame when he says look at the positive side; the toll did not reach 5,000 as planned by the terrorists. The thing to notice is that we are not criticizing ourselves enough. In our country, the tendency is to cover deficiencies in the system, and be pompous of ourselves and move on. It is time we give the police similar sophisticated training and arms as possessed by NSG and the marine commandos. It is time to increase their number and reform them like their defense counterparts. It's time for a crisis management infrastructure to be in place in metro cities. Look at Newyork's 9/11 and the london blasts, the local media criticised the government, the intelligence and the security, to such an extent that a report was sought and many of the above officials had to resign due to the relentless pressure. Astonishingly, as a result, the crisis management infrastructure and security was upgraded in no time. It is time we learn from them sooner than later. It is time for the people of this country to take over the country.
But I know... kuch nahi hoga... This is what happenns... EVERYTIME…
Indian media will write about how India has always been a tolerant and a forgiving nation…
Politicians will offer excuses citing international pressure and not take action against Pakistan once again…
Bollywood will release Khan movies to some 1000 prints…
People will bet on who will be winning the T-20 cup…
Widows of men who lost their men fighting these terrorists will be ridiculed and condemned to live life of the damned for the rest of the years…
Opinion makers will assemble at Taj and Oberoi and eat their heart out with joy, that they were not present on the fateful Thursday at Taj or Oberoi…
Some party will win in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh…
Two Air India planes will be high jacked seeking release of Afsal Guru (the terrorist who attacked Parliament) and the lone surviving terrorist of Mumbai attack…
Our media and the families of the onboard passengers will conduct dharna urging government to release the terrorists…
Our defense minister will release them and secure planes with some left over passengers…
Media will hail government's deft of managing tough situation…
World will laugh at India…
More Indians will watch khan and T-20 tournaments...
Life goes on.. and we live each day as it comes.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Rubbish Indian media never take any role in nation's building
Lately I've not been bothered to watch any Indian channels. It's all a mockery. As an NRI, observing the Indian media both print and electronic, I detected a strange phenomenon… they crave for fame; praise; prizes and awards and that too very badly. Reality Shows and Saas–Bahu Serials have completely messed up our state of affairs. Lust for money; power and viewer ship have overpowered the basic fundamentals of today's Media.
It reminds me of my college days when the Evening News and Bulletin were hawked by news vendors because of their sensational headlines… "Maar Daala; Maar Daala… Mumbai Mein Char Ko Maar Daala"… I stretched out the newspaper… and found it was four stray animals that had been killed by a speeding tempo!!!
It reminds me of my college days when the Evening News and Bulletin were hawked by news vendors because of their sensational headlines… "Maar Daala; Maar Daala… Mumbai Mein Char Ko Maar Daala"… I stretched out the newspaper… and found it was four stray animals that had been killed by a speeding tempo!!!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Karma
In talking with Vishal the other night; I was dejected to know about some not-so-good incidents in one of my friend’s life. The recurrent question arose regarding Karma… Why did that thing happen to him… what did he do to deserve that… why is he been suffering… why it keeps on happening one after another…
Our karma is determined by how we react… how we deal with the events and the actions of others. If we return love and kindness for hatred and spite; we will surely smooth the path of our own consciousness. Perhaps the events around us; the events outside of our control may flame into greater fury… but the only thing we have any real control over… is our own state of mind. Events outside of our control are always affecting us; in a neutral and non-specific manner… That is fate or the god is testing us… or throwing things into our paths. However; we must inevitably deal with adverse events… whether physical; emotional or psychological. Our immediate reaction to these events is the seed upon which our future instantly begins to crystallize.
We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. What goes around… comes around. As a man sows… so shall he also reap... That's the LAW OF GOD and we shouldn’t mess with it.
Seems to me that we all are able to walk up to the edge of a moral precipice… look over… think how cool it would be to just fly off the edge but then decide that it's something we simply cannot do. If we want to believe in karma in the sense of a burden carried between incarnations, perhaps then we can look into our present life and evaluate ourselves. Did we learn something about our self and about life from the experience…Maybe we have definite thoughts about whether we will ever again knowingly get involved into something which have caused us for serious regret and guilt.
Lies; Fights; Cheats; Jealousy; Ego; Immoral Acts… we are all guilty in our lives. But what lightens my remorse is the phrase from Holy Bible… Jesus says – “Forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing”
Our karma is determined by how we react… how we deal with the events and the actions of others. If we return love and kindness for hatred and spite; we will surely smooth the path of our own consciousness. Perhaps the events around us; the events outside of our control may flame into greater fury… but the only thing we have any real control over… is our own state of mind. Events outside of our control are always affecting us; in a neutral and non-specific manner… That is fate or the god is testing us… or throwing things into our paths. However; we must inevitably deal with adverse events… whether physical; emotional or psychological. Our immediate reaction to these events is the seed upon which our future instantly begins to crystallize.
We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. What goes around… comes around. As a man sows… so shall he also reap... That's the LAW OF GOD and we shouldn’t mess with it.
Seems to me that we all are able to walk up to the edge of a moral precipice… look over… think how cool it would be to just fly off the edge but then decide that it's something we simply cannot do. If we want to believe in karma in the sense of a burden carried between incarnations, perhaps then we can look into our present life and evaluate ourselves. Did we learn something about our self and about life from the experience…Maybe we have definite thoughts about whether we will ever again knowingly get involved into something which have caused us for serious regret and guilt.
Lies; Fights; Cheats; Jealousy; Ego; Immoral Acts… we are all guilty in our lives. But what lightens my remorse is the phrase from Holy Bible… Jesus says – “Forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing”
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Kuch Purani Yaadein...
I was surfing the Dish-TV website to subscribe / pay for the till-now-free-to-air channel - Colors... mainly to watch the reality show 'Bigg Boss 2'. Ek aur paid channel... Scrolling down the webpage; I came across the segment - 'Channels available as part of the Free-to-Air DD DTH Service'... I was happy to see that... apun ka Doordarshan is still free :)
Today's generation will find it very difficult to believe that once upon a time people used to watch only Doordarshan. As a child growing up in the pre-satellite age... I can still recollect how Betty n me waited for the new DD-Metro channel to be launched and the jubilation that followed the launch of DD Metro - DD's glamorous sister.
I had a couple of favorite serials on good old DD. Every Friday eve... I would run back home right after my tuition classes with my heart pounding with excitement and I would press the push-button of my Bush TV. For the subsequent thirty minutes or so, I would gape in awe at the brave antics of the Giant Robot. There were many other favorites like Stone Boy, Street Hawk, Circus, Sigma etc…
At 9.30 on a Sunday morning, deserted streets, un-answered phone calls and impeccably tuned chorus of the television sets as the Ramayan title track boomed from every household in the neighborhood were a common sight. My sister and I used to be ready with garama-garam breakfast in front of us. I can recall the BR Chopra Logo and the title track of Mahabharat "Yada Yada Hi Dharmasy, Glanirva Bhavathi Bharatha, Abhyuthanam Adharmaysya, Tadatmanam Srijami Aham"... n then... "Mahaaaaabhaaaarat!!!!"
Then there were those TV advertisements and their jingles... let me put down some which were on our lips all the time as kids...
Here it goes…
School se aate dhoom machate...
Ek hi baat ye dohrate...
Maggie Maggie Maggie...
Do Minute...
Pal Bhar mein tyaar; Khaaney mein mazzedar... Maggie Noodles...
Being in Dubai... I'm lucky to have Al Adeel Supermarket where I can buy desi Maggi. I've tried a lot of instant noodles brands but woh baat nahi hai :)
Then there was this one...
Jab ghar ki raunak badhani ho...
Deewaron ko jab sajanao ho...
Nerolac Nerolac...
I guess this one was everyone's fav...
Jab mein chotta bachha tha..
Badi sharat karta tha...
Meri chori pakdi jaati...
Jab roshan hota bajaj
Ab mein bilkul boodha hun...
Goli kha key jeeta hun...
Phir bhi chori padki jaati...
Jab roshan hota bajaj!!
Yaad Aaya :)
Then this one... which most of us still hum…
Washing powder nirma...
Washing powder nirma...
Thodha sa powder aur jhaag dher sara...
Seema...Asha...Jaya aur Sushma...
Sabki pasand nirma...
fir yeh wala...
aao chale hum le ke apni tobu cyclein... apni tobu cyclein...
Mera Favourite...
Tandoorusti ki raksha karta hai Lifebouy
Lifebouy hai jahan, tandoorusti hain wahan... Lifebouy...
Arrey ek aur yaad aaya...
Oye Oye, Oye oye...
Khujhli karene waale
B-tex lagaale
B-tex lagake tu apni,
Daad khaaj khujli mitaade...
Oye oye..
Then there were funny one...
Kurram Kurram... Mazedaar Mazedaar... ha ha ha - ha ha ha... swad mein Lijjat Pappad...
Woah that was a huge list jingles to remember and there must be many many more which I seem to have missed... But what do you say, getting nostalgic??
To issi baat par ek aur...
Jhandu balm, Jhandu balm peeda hari baam...
Sardi sar dard peedha ko pal mein dur kare...
CHEERS!!!
Today's generation will find it very difficult to believe that once upon a time people used to watch only Doordarshan. As a child growing up in the pre-satellite age... I can still recollect how Betty n me waited for the new DD-Metro channel to be launched and the jubilation that followed the launch of DD Metro - DD's glamorous sister.
I had a couple of favorite serials on good old DD. Every Friday eve... I would run back home right after my tuition classes with my heart pounding with excitement and I would press the push-button of my Bush TV. For the subsequent thirty minutes or so, I would gape in awe at the brave antics of the Giant Robot. There were many other favorites like Stone Boy, Street Hawk, Circus, Sigma etc…
At 9.30 on a Sunday morning, deserted streets, un-answered phone calls and impeccably tuned chorus of the television sets as the Ramayan title track boomed from every household in the neighborhood were a common sight. My sister and I used to be ready with garama-garam breakfast in front of us. I can recall the BR Chopra Logo and the title track of Mahabharat "Yada Yada Hi Dharmasy, Glanirva Bhavathi Bharatha, Abhyuthanam Adharmaysya, Tadatmanam Srijami Aham"... n then... "Mahaaaaabhaaaarat!!!!"
Then there were those TV advertisements and their jingles... let me put down some which were on our lips all the time as kids...
Here it goes…
School se aate dhoom machate...
Ek hi baat ye dohrate...
Maggie Maggie Maggie...
Do Minute...
Pal Bhar mein tyaar; Khaaney mein mazzedar... Maggie Noodles...
Being in Dubai... I'm lucky to have Al Adeel Supermarket where I can buy desi Maggi. I've tried a lot of instant noodles brands but woh baat nahi hai :)
Then there was this one...
Jab ghar ki raunak badhani ho...
Deewaron ko jab sajanao ho...
Nerolac Nerolac...
I guess this one was everyone's fav...
Jab mein chotta bachha tha..
Badi sharat karta tha...
Meri chori pakdi jaati...
Jab roshan hota bajaj
Ab mein bilkul boodha hun...
Goli kha key jeeta hun...
Phir bhi chori padki jaati...
Jab roshan hota bajaj!!
Yaad Aaya :)
Then this one... which most of us still hum…
Washing powder nirma...
Washing powder nirma...
Thodha sa powder aur jhaag dher sara...
Seema...Asha...Jaya aur Sushma...
Sabki pasand nirma...
fir yeh wala...
aao chale hum le ke apni tobu cyclein... apni tobu cyclein...
Mera Favourite...
Tandoorusti ki raksha karta hai Lifebouy
Lifebouy hai jahan, tandoorusti hain wahan... Lifebouy...
Arrey ek aur yaad aaya...
Oye Oye, Oye oye...
Khujhli karene waale
B-tex lagaale
B-tex lagake tu apni,
Daad khaaj khujli mitaade...
Oye oye..
Then there were funny one...
Kurram Kurram... Mazedaar Mazedaar... ha ha ha - ha ha ha... swad mein Lijjat Pappad...
Woah that was a huge list jingles to remember and there must be many many more which I seem to have missed... But what do you say, getting nostalgic??
To issi baat par ek aur...
Jhandu balm, Jhandu balm peeda hari baam...
Sardi sar dard peedha ko pal mein dur kare...
CHEERS!!!
Monday, November 3, 2008
hAppY b'Day 2 "ME"
I still have those memories with me… When I was a kid; standing in front of the class, in my new birthday dress gleaming and the whole class singing the birthday song and I'm smiling and Thanking everybody while they pick their toffees from the box that I especially used to load the previous night with my favorite toffees…
Years passed on… The toffee distribution stopped and transformed into treats and birthday cards, signed by the entire class. Sanchi Point, which was located just opposite to my school was our favorite treat spot – Baked Samosas, Cream Rolls, Pastries, Sandwiches sent into the stomach… plate after plate with non-stop masti and mazaak.
Further years passed on… Birthday celebrations in college hostels are of a different league. I was introduced to "birthday bumps" and several such tortures… When the clock struck 12… the ceremony used to begin! The ritual of holding the birthday boy in the air and then kicking his ass… I miss those lovely days now…
Years rolled on and birthdays are more formal and corporate'ish. At work – Standard birthday mails, cake cutting and treats.
Friends moved away choosing different geographical regions and different career paths and hence "Happy Birthday" calls and emails where the only things that kept the celebration on.
This year at the stroke of midnight, I was rushing towards HSBC – EDM to deposit my credit card bills. Once I was back I was all available on gtalk and yahoo. With my phone on loud tone I was awaiting for birthday wishes to pour in – but none came… (I'm pathetic in remembering birthdays anyways, so its better not to expect either… Fair right???) The first birthday wish (SMS) I received was from Debenhams and it read – "Lots of people are thinking of you on your birthday and we just wanted you to know that we're one of them: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mr. Baiju Samuel". The message brought a smile on my face. I know indeed there are a lot of people thinking about me but I guess they probably missed my birthday…
Sitting in my balcony… I even wanted to call some of my close friends in the middle of the night and ask them to wish me. I wanted to say…"Today is my birthday, I want you to wish me" I lost my sleep for the night and was left wondering why no one is calling me?
I went to bed around 2am when my mobile started ringing… "Mummy calling…" I was delighted to get my phone wish so early and that too from mummy and inspite of the disturbed sleep I was excited… With best wishes and blessing she gave the phone to Betty, who in her deep sleep said… "Happy B'day" and she hung up as she had completed her task for the day.
Morning I woke up with the mobile beeping sound. Messages showered me with blessings and best wishes and happiness always… Since it was Saturday and also my birthday I didn't have to go to work. It was time for me to take rest…. A RESTFUL n SLEEPY Birthday :)
Years passed on… The toffee distribution stopped and transformed into treats and birthday cards, signed by the entire class. Sanchi Point, which was located just opposite to my school was our favorite treat spot – Baked Samosas, Cream Rolls, Pastries, Sandwiches sent into the stomach… plate after plate with non-stop masti and mazaak.
Further years passed on… Birthday celebrations in college hostels are of a different league. I was introduced to "birthday bumps" and several such tortures… When the clock struck 12… the ceremony used to begin! The ritual of holding the birthday boy in the air and then kicking his ass… I miss those lovely days now…
Years rolled on and birthdays are more formal and corporate'ish. At work – Standard birthday mails, cake cutting and treats.
Friends moved away choosing different geographical regions and different career paths and hence "Happy Birthday" calls and emails where the only things that kept the celebration on.
This year at the stroke of midnight, I was rushing towards HSBC – EDM to deposit my credit card bills. Once I was back I was all available on gtalk and yahoo. With my phone on loud tone I was awaiting for birthday wishes to pour in – but none came… (I'm pathetic in remembering birthdays anyways, so its better not to expect either… Fair right???) The first birthday wish (SMS) I received was from Debenhams and it read – "Lots of people are thinking of you on your birthday and we just wanted you to know that we're one of them: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mr. Baiju Samuel". The message brought a smile on my face. I know indeed there are a lot of people thinking about me but I guess they probably missed my birthday…
Sitting in my balcony… I even wanted to call some of my close friends in the middle of the night and ask them to wish me. I wanted to say…"Today is my birthday, I want you to wish me" I lost my sleep for the night and was left wondering why no one is calling me?
I went to bed around 2am when my mobile started ringing… "Mummy calling…" I was delighted to get my phone wish so early and that too from mummy and inspite of the disturbed sleep I was excited… With best wishes and blessing she gave the phone to Betty, who in her deep sleep said… "Happy B'day" and she hung up as she had completed her task for the day.
Morning I woke up with the mobile beeping sound. Messages showered me with blessings and best wishes and happiness always… Since it was Saturday and also my birthday I didn't have to go to work. It was time for me to take rest…. A RESTFUL n SLEEPY Birthday :)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Happy Diwali
Diwali is almost here... and this time I'm going to enjoy it. I've bought lots of diyas, tea-lamps, rangoli colors, pooja items and musical series light. I'm going to have a blast… not the pathaakey wala blast… Since I'm a grown up now; I'm bored of bursting crackers ;) and it has been 6+ years since I've actually bought any!!! Back in India I would have bought some of those rassi bombs; rockets and anaars... But this Diwali, I'm so excited that I've bought myself a Kurta-Pyjama from Fab-India one month prior (its yet to be inaugurated, which means it's still brand new – I haven't worn it yet).
Well… all this got me thinking – Diwali was such a huge thing as a kid. We used to go shopping for clothes nearly a month in advance (because my mom and sister hated the crowd of omino-maniac people)... me and my sis used to make a list of all the crackers we wanted. My mom being a mom was always careful about all the huge 100-wala and 200-wala lars / lads and tried to convince us against buying them, and we made sure that mummy does not accompany us on our shopping spree... because we lived in the constant fear that mom might strike a few of the dangerous crackers off the list and get the kiddie sparklers instead… Owing to the extreme laziness my sister is known for; I used to end up buying the crackers on my own...
Preparing sweets was a totally different story. The one advantage of Diwali over all the other festivals was the concept that sweets could be consumed as soon as they were made. In all the other festivals; one is forced to keep looking at the mouth watering sweets until pooja gets over. I can never forget one Diwali when my sister was not in town (she was off on a school trip)… I managed to finish nearly all the sweets (the list – boondi ladoo; halwa; rava ladoo; mysore pak; bengali mithai and a huge box of kaju katli bought from the shop)… and my mom had to actually hide a few of them so that my sis could at least sample the sweets once she's back… Then there were those mithai gift boxes… HUSH!!! It was fultooo eating time.
Once I grew up, I was just not bothered about them… They just didn't hold the same amount of importance. No sign of that attraction towards sweets… not concerned about getting new clothes… crackers became out of question… and on top of all that, I used to hate the noise and the smoke after the Diwali… perhaps I grew up…
Now I want to bring back the zeal which I had for Diwali years ago and this time I'm going to enjoy it :)
Well… all this got me thinking – Diwali was such a huge thing as a kid. We used to go shopping for clothes nearly a month in advance (because my mom and sister hated the crowd of omino-maniac people)... me and my sis used to make a list of all the crackers we wanted. My mom being a mom was always careful about all the huge 100-wala and 200-wala lars / lads and tried to convince us against buying them, and we made sure that mummy does not accompany us on our shopping spree... because we lived in the constant fear that mom might strike a few of the dangerous crackers off the list and get the kiddie sparklers instead… Owing to the extreme laziness my sister is known for; I used to end up buying the crackers on my own...
Preparing sweets was a totally different story. The one advantage of Diwali over all the other festivals was the concept that sweets could be consumed as soon as they were made. In all the other festivals; one is forced to keep looking at the mouth watering sweets until pooja gets over. I can never forget one Diwali when my sister was not in town (she was off on a school trip)… I managed to finish nearly all the sweets (the list – boondi ladoo; halwa; rava ladoo; mysore pak; bengali mithai and a huge box of kaju katli bought from the shop)… and my mom had to actually hide a few of them so that my sis could at least sample the sweets once she's back… Then there were those mithai gift boxes… HUSH!!! It was fultooo eating time.
Once I grew up, I was just not bothered about them… They just didn't hold the same amount of importance. No sign of that attraction towards sweets… not concerned about getting new clothes… crackers became out of question… and on top of all that, I used to hate the noise and the smoke after the Diwali… perhaps I grew up…
Now I want to bring back the zeal which I had for Diwali years ago and this time I'm going to enjoy it :)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I don’t understand women. Do you?
All women will hate me as I write this… But what the heck!!! Girls… time to grow up.
Men by nature are a proud bunch… well proud may not be the right term; maybe boastful or bigheaded is a better term. When with buddies, we do not like to talk about our problems… especially the ones relating to the opposite sex… we may talk about our work, boss, cars, inflation, economy, stocks, favorite team losing in sports, politicians, friends, school days etc. When it comes to a wife / girlfriend, a man wants to show that he made the best selection. I am single, so I would pen down my views on this. I have married friends who hate bachelors like me for the freedom we have. They forget that they too faced their own sets of problems and issues while they were enjoying the bachelorhood.
I was at Lamcy food court where a group of women were enjoying their kitty party stuff. Eves dropping is not a good act; but talking and high-pitched talking are two different terms. I heard one lady complaining about her husband… “Yesterday I had to work till 7 and was so tired… when I got home I saw him playing video games with the kids. Their home work was not done, dinner was not ready and the house was a mess”. One of her friends, after extending some sympathy spoke… “Oh Dear… I feel so sorry for you but this is nothing; he did the same things and on top of that he had the guts to invite his friends for dinner.” The third lady came up with an even worse scenario… “My back was hurting so bad… I had a headache and he went to play squash with his friends leaving me with his relatives who are very critical of everything I do, and on returning, he simply sat down complaining that he was tired and drank beer all evening”.
HUSH!!!
A man on the other hand will go home to find that the kids are screaming, dinner is burnt, his wife is shabbily dressed and in a horrible mood, she would give him the fearful look and say “Your son does not know anything about mathematics… apparently he gets his genes from your side of the family… teach him some maths; the laundry is in the washer… put them in the dryer and then fold the clothes and order some take out; in dealing with your daughter… who by the way is getting to act like your mom. I forgot about dinner and it is now burnt; I have a headache and I am going to bed”.
Next time when this guy is out with his buddies he will present a totally different picture… “Guys, last evening when I went home she was all dressed up, she made my favorite dish and she had sent the kids out to play with friends. Man she looked sexy. We had a nice, quiet and romantic dinner”. On hearing this… his buddies will feel jealous and will try to beat it.
HMMM…
Note: This is just some random observation and generalization. The feelings expressed here are not necessarily mine or that of any of my friends’. Anything which resembles in your lifehere, is purely coincidental and is highly regretted ;)
Men by nature are a proud bunch… well proud may not be the right term; maybe boastful or bigheaded is a better term. When with buddies, we do not like to talk about our problems… especially the ones relating to the opposite sex… we may talk about our work, boss, cars, inflation, economy, stocks, favorite team losing in sports, politicians, friends, school days etc. When it comes to a wife / girlfriend, a man wants to show that he made the best selection. I am single, so I would pen down my views on this. I have married friends who hate bachelors like me for the freedom we have. They forget that they too faced their own sets of problems and issues while they were enjoying the bachelorhood.
I was at Lamcy food court where a group of women were enjoying their kitty party stuff. Eves dropping is not a good act; but talking and high-pitched talking are two different terms. I heard one lady complaining about her husband… “Yesterday I had to work till 7 and was so tired… when I got home I saw him playing video games with the kids. Their home work was not done, dinner was not ready and the house was a mess”. One of her friends, after extending some sympathy spoke… “Oh Dear… I feel so sorry for you but this is nothing; he did the same things and on top of that he had the guts to invite his friends for dinner.” The third lady came up with an even worse scenario… “My back was hurting so bad… I had a headache and he went to play squash with his friends leaving me with his relatives who are very critical of everything I do, and on returning, he simply sat down complaining that he was tired and drank beer all evening”.
HUSH!!!
A man on the other hand will go home to find that the kids are screaming, dinner is burnt, his wife is shabbily dressed and in a horrible mood, she would give him the fearful look and say “Your son does not know anything about mathematics… apparently he gets his genes from your side of the family… teach him some maths; the laundry is in the washer… put them in the dryer and then fold the clothes and order some take out; in dealing with your daughter… who by the way is getting to act like your mom. I forgot about dinner and it is now burnt; I have a headache and I am going to bed”.
Next time when this guy is out with his buddies he will present a totally different picture… “Guys, last evening when I went home she was all dressed up, she made my favorite dish and she had sent the kids out to play with friends. Man she looked sexy. We had a nice, quiet and romantic dinner”. On hearing this… his buddies will feel jealous and will try to beat it.
HMMM…
Note: This is just some random observation and generalization. The feelings expressed here are not necessarily mine or that of any of my friends’. Anything which resembles in your lifehere, is purely coincidental and is highly regretted ;)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Credit Crisis :(
The fall of Lehman Brothers raises the risk of a deeper U.S. recession that engulfs a broader swath of the global economy as skittish banks around the world lock their vaults.
JPMorgan Chase bought Bear Stearns;
Bank of America absorbed Merrill Lynch;
Lehman Brothers sold for scrap after it declared bankruptcy;
Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley having tough times...
The market value of the top 10 foreign banking firms fell from $1090 billion to $476 billion. The market wealth of Deutsche Bank dropped by 78 per cent to $ 17.97 billion; followed by Merrill Lynch ($ 26.11 billion); USB ($ 58.93 billion); Citigroup ($ 97.80 billion); Royal Bank of Scotland ($ 62.06 billion) and Barclays PLC ($ 51.10 billion). Almost all foreign bank stock hit a 52 week low.
ICICI Bank's market value was down by 61.92 per cent; while State Bank of India's market cap fell by 45.3 per cent and HDFC Bank was down 32.66 per cent. Markets have lost confidence in the financial foundations on which investment banks are built. Financial sector analysts said that financial institutions are much more vulnerable to sudden withdrawals of liquidity or loss of confidence.
Today morning FID instructed us not to add more exposure on CITI and Barx.
Think what if every bank goes bankrupt? What if CITI & SBI goes bankrupt? I have all the savings with them. What if EBI goes bankrupt? Will I be jobless and homeless?
Its time... all banks go bankrupt and everyone will slowly realize that and there will be no value of money...
JPMorgan Chase bought Bear Stearns;
Bank of America absorbed Merrill Lynch;
Lehman Brothers sold for scrap after it declared bankruptcy;
Goldman Sachs & Morgan Stanley having tough times...
The market value of the top 10 foreign banking firms fell from $1090 billion to $476 billion. The market wealth of Deutsche Bank dropped by 78 per cent to $ 17.97 billion; followed by Merrill Lynch ($ 26.11 billion); USB ($ 58.93 billion); Citigroup ($ 97.80 billion); Royal Bank of Scotland ($ 62.06 billion) and Barclays PLC ($ 51.10 billion). Almost all foreign bank stock hit a 52 week low.
ICICI Bank's market value was down by 61.92 per cent; while State Bank of India's market cap fell by 45.3 per cent and HDFC Bank was down 32.66 per cent. Markets have lost confidence in the financial foundations on which investment banks are built. Financial sector analysts said that financial institutions are much more vulnerable to sudden withdrawals of liquidity or loss of confidence.
Today morning FID instructed us not to add more exposure on CITI and Barx.
Think what if every bank goes bankrupt? What if CITI & SBI goes bankrupt? I have all the savings with them. What if EBI goes bankrupt? Will I be jobless and homeless?
Its time... all banks go bankrupt and everyone will slowly realize that and there will be no value of money...
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Live In Relationships...
A decade back when I was in college... the concept of live-in relationships had just started emerging. Many of my hostel-seniors shifted from hostel rooms to independent flats to start living with their partners.. were in one and few of those relationships eventually culminated into marriage.
Last week I was watching 'Salaam Namaste'... starring Saif & Preity Zinta. Yash Chopra could not have found better actors than Preity & Saif... bcoz they both actually do follow somewhat similar pattern in real life other than reel life. Saif since his spilt with wife Amrita Singh was living with his firangi girl-friend Roza and Perity has a live-in boyfriend - Ness Wadia. As far as i can think its the first Bollywood movie showcasing 'Live-in' relationship of a boy and girl. Anyways the focus of my post is not the movie but the theme of the movie.
India still remains a conservative society where the institution of marriage is considered sacred. Plus chastity on the part of a woman is highly rated. The woman with a history of pre marital relations with a man will have less chances of getting married in the future.
I feel... In a live-in relationship people are scared of commitments... so they need a testing period. The margin for error and the tolerance levels for the errors are very low. Most people enter into a live-in relationship to test compatibilty or convenience with the partner. No strings attached is something which does not work for me. Test driving a relationship without the binding of commitment seems so pointless. It resembles of taking a car for test drive. The 'trial period' gives people a chance to discover whether they are compatible. But there is a problem with the car analogy... the car don't have emotions; if the driver dumps it back at the used car lot and decides not to buy it... it will not be hurt. The analogy works great if you picture yourself as the driver but it stinks if you picture yourself as the car... On the other hand... A marriage gives so much of security to both the partners. Both work towards making the relationship successful. There is stability and financial security. Marriage means... I will always be here for you... it encourages emotional investment in the relationship. While live-in relationship seems to mean... I will be here only as long as the relationship meets my needs.
Some parents may approve and support for the live-in relationship and may no longer associate it with sin and social disapproval. But in many families it's still considered morally wrong and embarrassing to extended family members.
With the increase in number of couples opting for 'live-in' over 'marriage'... there are conflicting views on this subject but I would like to know what would you prefer if given the option to choose between the two?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Raksha Bandhan...
As usual this year too… my sister text messaged asking me to send her my postal address so that she can send me ‘Rakhi’. I am now waiting for my Rakhi to be delivered. It will be quite evident from my last name that I am a Christian; but being born and brought up in North India… the influence of North Indian festive celebrations are imprinted in my mind… I know this would be surprising for a lot of people that we in our family do follow the Hindu festivities every year. In fact even today I await Diwali's arrival more eagerly than Christmas… because of the fact that childhood memories leave a deep imprint on our minds; which survive in the sub-lateral minds that remain with us even into the adulthood days.
Raksha Bandhan during my childhood days was a big celebration day and an occasion to stuff myself with lots of sweets. Tying of those bright colored and designed Rakhis would leave me feeling nothing less than a courageous king. A feeling… that now onwards it's my responsibility to look after my sister… that feeling always gave me a sense of superiority complex. Betty also felt as important on that day. After tying Rakhis on my wrist and that of a few other neighborhood brothers; she would be richer by a few rupees. I used to wait for her and shower her with all kinds of love; affection and elderly advice in order to entice her into buying some chocolates or goodies.
Rakhi definitely has an affect of strengthening the bond between a brother and sister…. I was always there when she needed me. Maybe Betty knew it as a fact; or else she totally believed that I would stand to guard her in all situations… and thus at times when playing hide & seek; in case she was the one deputed to search for others… she would disappear and would be found sitting at home watching TV. The angry play mates would immediately retaliate and a decision would be taken in unison by them that she would be excluded from participating in any future games. That’s the time; when I would step in and volunteer to do her part… and things again would become normal for her.
Being elder definitely had a significant advantage… but at times I was the one who used to get all those beatings and scoldings from pappa and mummy. I then bear a grudge on this account against her. Knowing that a direct physical assault would invite harsh punishment from pappa, I plan out to assault her indirectly. I would find ways and means to lure her into physical sports like wrestling and WWF and used to beat the hell out of her. My favorite ploy was to invite her into a wrestling match… wherein I would act as Dara Singh and assign her the act of King kong… and as usual I would beat her. In case she got hurt; I would convince her that… Dara Singh being India's pride could not lose to King kong… so she had to take the beating in the right spirit. With passage of time these childish pranks decreased and gradually we moved into our own individual worlds and friend circle.
We moved to Indore… got through our respective colleges and developed our own different tastes and friends… The ritual of tying Rakhi continued; although it was only a routine… but I started missing her presence after I shifted to Dubai. She still sends Rakhi and makes a phone call to me as well. I have stood by her side when ever she needed me and she is confident that I will do so for her till I live. Despite the distance that we stay divided by… I still feel her presence during the Raksha Bandhan. This… I think is the true strength of the thread that ties a relationship together.
Raksha Bandhan during my childhood days was a big celebration day and an occasion to stuff myself with lots of sweets. Tying of those bright colored and designed Rakhis would leave me feeling nothing less than a courageous king. A feeling… that now onwards it's my responsibility to look after my sister… that feeling always gave me a sense of superiority complex. Betty also felt as important on that day. After tying Rakhis on my wrist and that of a few other neighborhood brothers; she would be richer by a few rupees. I used to wait for her and shower her with all kinds of love; affection and elderly advice in order to entice her into buying some chocolates or goodies.
Rakhi definitely has an affect of strengthening the bond between a brother and sister…. I was always there when she needed me. Maybe Betty knew it as a fact; or else she totally believed that I would stand to guard her in all situations… and thus at times when playing hide & seek; in case she was the one deputed to search for others… she would disappear and would be found sitting at home watching TV. The angry play mates would immediately retaliate and a decision would be taken in unison by them that she would be excluded from participating in any future games. That’s the time; when I would step in and volunteer to do her part… and things again would become normal for her.
Being elder definitely had a significant advantage… but at times I was the one who used to get all those beatings and scoldings from pappa and mummy. I then bear a grudge on this account against her. Knowing that a direct physical assault would invite harsh punishment from pappa, I plan out to assault her indirectly. I would find ways and means to lure her into physical sports like wrestling and WWF and used to beat the hell out of her. My favorite ploy was to invite her into a wrestling match… wherein I would act as Dara Singh and assign her the act of King kong… and as usual I would beat her. In case she got hurt; I would convince her that… Dara Singh being India's pride could not lose to King kong… so she had to take the beating in the right spirit. With passage of time these childish pranks decreased and gradually we moved into our own individual worlds and friend circle.
We moved to Indore… got through our respective colleges and developed our own different tastes and friends… The ritual of tying Rakhi continued; although it was only a routine… but I started missing her presence after I shifted to Dubai. She still sends Rakhi and makes a phone call to me as well. I have stood by her side when ever she needed me and she is confident that I will do so for her till I live. Despite the distance that we stay divided by… I still feel her presence during the Raksha Bandhan. This… I think is the true strength of the thread that ties a relationship together.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Congrats Abhinav Bindra :)
I was on phone with my friend when he said "India ko Olympics mei gold medal mila hai"… I was surprised… I opened rediff to grab in more news... It was "Abhinav Bindra"… I had heard of him but wanted to know more... did a quick google to dig in more information about him... He definitely has done us proud by winning the first individual Gold Medal ever for India and the first in 28 years.
Later that evening; I was browsing through the news channels and I got goose bumps, chills running down my spine and tears in my eyes when I heard the Indian National Anthem been played at the Olympics. It was the first instance in my lifetime that I was watching an Indian standing on the winners podium... At that time I was truly on cloud nine and perhaps that's exactly how every other Indian felt at that time.
But this morning while I was driving to the office; I heard in the news that the Cash rewards extended to the Bindra were to the tune of Rs 1.66 crore; accompanied with many other goodies. Monday would've been the proudest day in the India's first Olympic individual gold medalist Abhinav Bindra's life when he was showered with the rewards. Checkout this list –
Punjab Government - Rs 1 crore
Haryana Government - Rs 25 lakh
Maharashtra Government - Rs 10 lakh
Madhya Pradesh Government - Rs 5 lakh
Chandigarh Administration - Rs 5 lakh
Chhattisgarh Government - Rs 1 lakh
The Indian Cricket Board (I don't know why they had to felicitate him???)- Rs 25 lakh
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav announced a free lifetime pass for travel, by AC first class for the shooter.
Haryana Government - Rs 25 lakh
Maharashtra Government - Rs 10 lakh
Madhya Pradesh Government - Rs 5 lakh
Chandigarh Administration - Rs 5 lakh
Chhattisgarh Government - Rs 1 lakh
The Indian Cricket Board (I don't know why they had to felicitate him???)- Rs 25 lakh
Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav announced a free lifetime pass for travel, by AC first class for the shooter.
However, I do not agree with the State Governments giving him a cash prize. This is our money. Tax payer's money… and the Govt. have no right to hand over any of this to him. Being the winner that Bindra is, no doubt he deserves to be worshipped and idolised, but showering him with gift and cash in this manner makes no sense to me when there are still many hurdles India has to cross to become a fully industrialized nation… to remove the tag of 'Third World Country' from her forehead.
However if this money was spent on training him, things would've been looked at with a different respect and in an altogether different light. Spend this money to make 100 other Olympic winners, and if the government does want to reward him, then why not give him a good government job?
Our hard earned money should be utilized in developing the nation, not in filling the pockets of an Olympic gold medal winner. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against the Olympic winners, I just want to see many more Bindras who are trained with the help of the tax money and not another rich Bindra who is rewarded an exquisite mansion to sleep in and lavish gardens to sip the tea in, while other Olympic aspirants are fighting their battle alone.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Su-Su Etiquettes
This might come across as an offensive piece of writing from me; but I can't stop myself from being a bit disgusting and from adding thoda humor and thoda masti in it... (Did it rhyme with the name of the newly released Saif & Rani movie; Hmm… Copyright karana padega!!!)
Anyways… this blog is directly aimed at the guy who was in the loo peeing next to me; even when the entire row was empty. I really do not get it…Why next to me? I've been amazed at people's attitudes toward peeing. But unfortunately peeing is something everyone does. Peeing is a part of life and Penis is a part of every guy. I was embarrassed by the way he was looking at mine… What did he want to know… Do I have one or where am I peeing from or was he expecting me too to gaze at his? I just wanted to scream out "Maakdey… don't think you or your penis is special, for me to gaze at it while you pee."
“Honth Raseeley Tere Honth Raseeley"… His cell-phone rang… He held his cell-phone against his ear with one hand while urinating boisterously holding his 'samaan' with the other. It struck me… Will the person on the other end of the call hear the sound of urine splashing down? I wondered what that person thought at that moment. I wondered if this was a business or a personal call… and does this really make a difference to the caller…
I could hear him zipping his pants... He must be leaving now… I was kind of relaxed… I am a weird guy. I cannot pee in a crowd. I need proper silence, concentration and direction… "Ah Haa Haaa…. Mootney ka bhi alag maza hai yaar"
A loud "Khhwwaaaaaakk… Thooookkkk…" woke me up from my loo-dreaming… Oh god!!! Why the hell did he have to bring out all his saliva and cough and do what he just did. Probably he wanted to clean the pot with his spit. It's so easy… Bring out all of it from your glands with an effective "Khhwwaaaaaakk…" and then slowly release it from the edge of your tongue with the eternal sound "Thooookkkk…"
He walked down the toilet row towards the washbasin to comb his hair and fix his shirt… I was standing behind him to wash my hands. This dude was busy looking at himself from all the different angles and paid no heed to a waiting soul… I wanted to yell out… "Acha lag raha hai bheedu… Abhi mujhe haath dhone dega!!!!"
He turned back; looked at me smiled and left without "Washing his hands"!!! Yes… some guys do do that.
Anyways… this blog is directly aimed at the guy who was in the loo peeing next to me; even when the entire row was empty. I really do not get it…Why next to me? I've been amazed at people's attitudes toward peeing. But unfortunately peeing is something everyone does. Peeing is a part of life and Penis is a part of every guy. I was embarrassed by the way he was looking at mine… What did he want to know… Do I have one or where am I peeing from or was he expecting me too to gaze at his? I just wanted to scream out "Maakdey… don't think you or your penis is special, for me to gaze at it while you pee."
“Honth Raseeley Tere Honth Raseeley"… His cell-phone rang… He held his cell-phone against his ear with one hand while urinating boisterously holding his 'samaan' with the other. It struck me… Will the person on the other end of the call hear the sound of urine splashing down? I wondered what that person thought at that moment. I wondered if this was a business or a personal call… and does this really make a difference to the caller…
I could hear him zipping his pants... He must be leaving now… I was kind of relaxed… I am a weird guy. I cannot pee in a crowd. I need proper silence, concentration and direction… "Ah Haa Haaa…. Mootney ka bhi alag maza hai yaar"
A loud "Khhwwaaaaaakk… Thooookkkk…" woke me up from my loo-dreaming… Oh god!!! Why the hell did he have to bring out all his saliva and cough and do what he just did. Probably he wanted to clean the pot with his spit. It's so easy… Bring out all of it from your glands with an effective "Khhwwaaaaaakk…" and then slowly release it from the edge of your tongue with the eternal sound "Thooookkkk…"
He walked down the toilet row towards the washbasin to comb his hair and fix his shirt… I was standing behind him to wash my hands. This dude was busy looking at himself from all the different angles and paid no heed to a waiting soul… I wanted to yell out… "Acha lag raha hai bheedu… Abhi mujhe haath dhone dega!!!!"
He turned back; looked at me smiled and left without "Washing his hands"!!! Yes… some guys do do that.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Mera Bharat Mahaan
"Hello"
"Haan bol"
"Baiju, bahut bura hua"
"kya hua, kuch batayegi?"
"80 years ki aged lady ko Indian government ne uske ghar se baahar nikaal dia"
"Theek hai yaar... kuch loan-woan ka lafda hoga"
"Can't we do something for her?"
"Tu rehne de bey... tera dimaag kharaab ho gaya hai"
"How can you be so insensitive, Baiju?"
"Acha yeh bata, kaun se channel pe aa raha hai?"
"India TV"
"Naatak hai sab... let me check the news in detail."
I logged onto the India TV website to read the news in detail. It says - "EIGHY YEAR OLD WOMAN THROWN OUT OF HOUSE"
Hmmm... I said to myself... "It happens only in India" It's the second time that I'm humming this song in a span of 4 days...
I was singing it last weekend after watching Aamir. The Movie as it says in the promos is truly an eye opener... If you haven't seen this movie, don't miss it. I don't think it's playing in the theatre, so go get a pirated DVD or download the movie from internet using some torrent. The story is shot in the slum areas of Mumbai most of them at Muslim dominated areas. Everything is shown just the way it is... we see it all unfold in dark alleys and filthy lanes, in overflowing gutters and smelly godowns, in stifling rooms and over-flowing toilets. Movie is so realistic that we can smell the garbage on the streets and taste the oily chicken curry served at National Hotel...
I love my country... I love India... That's why I am hurt to realize that India has a long way to go...
Evidently we have a democracy that works. Imagine if we had a Hitler instead of Sonia Gandhi, a Bush instead of Manmohan Singh, a Saddam instead of Kalaam or a Mussolini instead of Laloo Prasad. We should be glad that we are blessed. We have the lesser evil. Thank god for his greatness...
We have the freedom to speak. Haan... there are some incidents of goondas silencing people... but overall you are safe inside the four walls of your home. It's better to be safe. We are non-violent people. There are no bullets and missiles flying around and school kids don't carry weapons with them. Once in a while; some accidents do happen... Wo chalta hai!!! During bandh and hadtaal... the ones who stay in their homes face no trouble; especially if you have stocked up your raashan. If the bandh goes too long then... locha hai!!! You don't have rice; then eat bread. If you don't have bread; then drink water. If you don't have water; then... kuch bhi kar ya bhooka marr...
We do have a good government with excellent governance... very cooperative. Visit any of the government departments and you can see the real feel. Government departments ko maaro goli... visit a police station with a petition... Almost anything can be done; provided you know what to do. But everything has its price. The richest in India know that... and today, they are amongst the richest in the world.
India is a rich country and our IT boys are bringing in more bucks... Hmm... more rokdaa... Our space chaps are sending satellites up above the sky so high. Our cricket heroes are bringing us name and fame while our filmi heroes are blogging without any fear of being sued. New generation is singing Vande Maataram. Despite al these lochas and lafdas; we are progressing. Apun logon ka... corruption ranking is getting better. We are no longer the most corrupt country in the world. We are way ahead of Bangladesh, Somalia and Nigeria.
Communal harmony… Hindu; Muslim; Sikh; Issai… sabhi yahan hai bhai bhai… Remember the pledge… “India is my country and all Indians are my brothers and sisters” We definitely do share and care. And as we say, if we live in such a harmonically advanced country then why is there an issue on inter-religion, inter-caste marriages? This is when creed, honor, pride and everything else come into play. Why?
Jo bhi ho... I have decided that as long as I live, my finger will always be there for my country... I mean my vote will always be there...
Our Country is progressing; our democracy is winning... in spite of everything...
"Haan bol"
"Baiju, bahut bura hua"
"kya hua, kuch batayegi?"
"80 years ki aged lady ko Indian government ne uske ghar se baahar nikaal dia"
"Theek hai yaar... kuch loan-woan ka lafda hoga"
"Can't we do something for her?"
"Tu rehne de bey... tera dimaag kharaab ho gaya hai"
"How can you be so insensitive, Baiju?"
"Acha yeh bata, kaun se channel pe aa raha hai?"
"India TV"
"Naatak hai sab... let me check the news in detail."
I logged onto the India TV website to read the news in detail. It says - "EIGHY YEAR OLD WOMAN THROWN OUT OF HOUSE"
Hmmm... I said to myself... "It happens only in India" It's the second time that I'm humming this song in a span of 4 days...
I was singing it last weekend after watching Aamir. The Movie as it says in the promos is truly an eye opener... If you haven't seen this movie, don't miss it. I don't think it's playing in the theatre, so go get a pirated DVD or download the movie from internet using some torrent. The story is shot in the slum areas of Mumbai most of them at Muslim dominated areas. Everything is shown just the way it is... we see it all unfold in dark alleys and filthy lanes, in overflowing gutters and smelly godowns, in stifling rooms and over-flowing toilets. Movie is so realistic that we can smell the garbage on the streets and taste the oily chicken curry served at National Hotel...
I love my country... I love India... That's why I am hurt to realize that India has a long way to go...
Evidently we have a democracy that works. Imagine if we had a Hitler instead of Sonia Gandhi, a Bush instead of Manmohan Singh, a Saddam instead of Kalaam or a Mussolini instead of Laloo Prasad. We should be glad that we are blessed. We have the lesser evil. Thank god for his greatness...
We have the freedom to speak. Haan... there are some incidents of goondas silencing people... but overall you are safe inside the four walls of your home. It's better to be safe. We are non-violent people. There are no bullets and missiles flying around and school kids don't carry weapons with them. Once in a while; some accidents do happen... Wo chalta hai!!! During bandh and hadtaal... the ones who stay in their homes face no trouble; especially if you have stocked up your raashan. If the bandh goes too long then... locha hai!!! You don't have rice; then eat bread. If you don't have bread; then drink water. If you don't have water; then... kuch bhi kar ya bhooka marr...
We do have a good government with excellent governance... very cooperative. Visit any of the government departments and you can see the real feel. Government departments ko maaro goli... visit a police station with a petition... Almost anything can be done; provided you know what to do. But everything has its price. The richest in India know that... and today, they are amongst the richest in the world.
India is a rich country and our IT boys are bringing in more bucks... Hmm... more rokdaa... Our space chaps are sending satellites up above the sky so high. Our cricket heroes are bringing us name and fame while our filmi heroes are blogging without any fear of being sued. New generation is singing Vande Maataram. Despite al these lochas and lafdas; we are progressing. Apun logon ka... corruption ranking is getting better. We are no longer the most corrupt country in the world. We are way ahead of Bangladesh, Somalia and Nigeria.
Communal harmony… Hindu; Muslim; Sikh; Issai… sabhi yahan hai bhai bhai… Remember the pledge… “India is my country and all Indians are my brothers and sisters” We definitely do share and care. And as we say, if we live in such a harmonically advanced country then why is there an issue on inter-religion, inter-caste marriages? This is when creed, honor, pride and everything else come into play. Why?
Jo bhi ho... I have decided that as long as I live, my finger will always be there for my country... I mean my vote will always be there...
Our Country is progressing; our democracy is winning... in spite of everything...
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Jimmy...
Pets, especially dogs, provide unconditional and unrestricted love which a lot of us don’t acknowledge or somehow take for granted. They are special to those who love them and we miss them when they are no longer with us. We grieve for them, just as we grieve for our near and loved ones.
I was browsing through my laptop when I came across Jimmy’s snap. Jimmy was gifted to us by a family friend in Bhutan, on Betty’s first birthday. I still remember the first day… he was lying on the couch and had tears in his eyes. Betty and I concluded “Wo apne mummy ko miss kar raha hoga… isliye ro raha hai” We were sitting at the other end of the couch watching him in grief. I wanted to hug n caress him and tell him that… he is now a full-fledged family member – our playmate and faithful companion, but we had strict instructions from mummy… “abhi paas mat jaana, nahi to wo kaat lega and tumko fir stomach mei 32 injections lagenge”
When he was young, he'd run around the house in circles and hide behind our couch. The day he got too big to successfully perform this antic, he got stuck back there.
We shifted from Bhutan and took him along with us to Kerala. We thought he would not be able to survive the hot and humid climatic of our town as compared to the chilled climate in Bhutan. But he survived… he lived for 18Years.
Jimmy died of old age. When Pappa called me to inform about his death… I was inhibited in real grief. Even today when I think of him, sadness overpowers me. A lot of people are ridiculed by family and friends in general, for crying on such matters.
Today if someone asks me to get a pet for myself, I would say… “NO!!!” I don’t want a pet because they DIE before you do!!! It's understandable to be reluctant to expose yourself to death but, at the same time, we become immeasurably more human every time our pets die.
It's the fear of loosing my pet that overrides my wish to have one in the first place. Jimmy's death made me wrestle with the belief structure that we have on death. When grieving an animal or human… we question our beliefs, that why does one have to die? And we may find our belief, that death is inevitable, becoming stronger and stronger. But pets are never afraid of death … they show us that the end of life can be faced without fear. They teach us to accept death as an opening to love and compassion and to embrace death without apprehensions. Maybe because they don't know that it's death, the end of life. It's easier to say here that ignorance is Bliss.
It doesn't however discount the fact that we bring in humor, absurdity and life into our lives by bringing in pets!
I was browsing through my laptop when I came across Jimmy’s snap. Jimmy was gifted to us by a family friend in Bhutan, on Betty’s first birthday. I still remember the first day… he was lying on the couch and had tears in his eyes. Betty and I concluded “Wo apne mummy ko miss kar raha hoga… isliye ro raha hai” We were sitting at the other end of the couch watching him in grief. I wanted to hug n caress him and tell him that… he is now a full-fledged family member – our playmate and faithful companion, but we had strict instructions from mummy… “abhi paas mat jaana, nahi to wo kaat lega and tumko fir stomach mei 32 injections lagenge”
When he was young, he'd run around the house in circles and hide behind our couch. The day he got too big to successfully perform this antic, he got stuck back there.
We shifted from Bhutan and took him along with us to Kerala. We thought he would not be able to survive the hot and humid climatic of our town as compared to the chilled climate in Bhutan. But he survived… he lived for 18Years.
Jimmy died of old age. When Pappa called me to inform about his death… I was inhibited in real grief. Even today when I think of him, sadness overpowers me. A lot of people are ridiculed by family and friends in general, for crying on such matters.
Today if someone asks me to get a pet for myself, I would say… “NO!!!” I don’t want a pet because they DIE before you do!!! It's understandable to be reluctant to expose yourself to death but, at the same time, we become immeasurably more human every time our pets die.
It's the fear of loosing my pet that overrides my wish to have one in the first place. Jimmy's death made me wrestle with the belief structure that we have on death. When grieving an animal or human… we question our beliefs, that why does one have to die? And we may find our belief, that death is inevitable, becoming stronger and stronger. But pets are never afraid of death … they show us that the end of life can be faced without fear. They teach us to accept death as an opening to love and compassion and to embrace death without apprehensions. Maybe because they don't know that it's death, the end of life. It's easier to say here that ignorance is Bliss.
It doesn't however discount the fact that we bring in humor, absurdity and life into our lives by bringing in pets!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Conscious... Brand Conscious...
I went out with mummy to a famous mall in Dubai. Guys and Girls in their early teens were roaming around the big stores and showrooms. Levis jeans, Tissot watch, Plush Revlon lip-glow, Channel fashion accessories & toiletries, Reebok shoes and a sliding Nokia mobile… it's a bit too much for just a stroll. I said - "Mummy, that’s the trend… if you don’t have it… u are not happening!!!"
On my way back I was thinking about my school days. We at school were quite away from all this… preferring locally stitched shirt and pant, adorning the feet with a pair of Bata. I still recall that conversation that Pappa had with the tailor… “Size thoda bada rakhna” so that I could wear the dress for another 2 plus years… Shoes were stitched; re-stitched and re-soled until and unless there was no option other than buying a new pair. Girls used to wear salwar-kurta or skirt. Famous brand names in fabric which I can recall were Raymonds, Vimal, Mayur…
Sweaters had their own story… hand-woven by mummy over a platter of home made namkeens with chai and biscuits… clinging knit-sticks while basking in the sun with other aunties… telling ten times to each other that the oon she is using for the sweater, is of woolmark and not cashmere (have I spelled it right? Lolz…) The monkey caps, hand gloves and mufflers came from re-aligned oon of old sweaters; with all possible tired reckless color combinations, just to make it complete from all leftovers… stored in a cardboard Raymonds oon box… Today, I can’t see anyone wearing a hand-knit sweater. Whose got the time to knit and what will my friends say if I wear that shoddy looking dress? Debenhams, Levis, Park Avenue… that’s the order of the day and is solely worn for attention. Maybe, the brands I wear reflect, how hot my pockets are!!!
Cosmetics and Personal Care products too have a strong and successful branding sector. I remember those bath soaps, facial creams, powders, hair oil products which were extensively advertised in the weekly magazines like Sarita, Vanita, Grah-shobha etc… The only change I see today is the hybridization of local products with international and highly expensive brands. You can see sales girls standing at the kiosks in big malls handing sprayed strips of perfume of your choice to attract you with the last try!!!
Electronics have a different story… a lot of things have been invented which we literally only dreamt of. A Crown or Texla TV was enough, but now we do not talk anything less than Sony, Samsung or Hitachi… Not to forget the mobiles marketing, exploiting the brandishing behavior of the human cult to the max.
Why do we prefer brands? What is the psyche behind this? Is it to stick to better performing products which are long lasting and provide better after-sales service or just for status symbol; image building and show-off?
On my way back I was thinking about my school days. We at school were quite away from all this… preferring locally stitched shirt and pant, adorning the feet with a pair of Bata. I still recall that conversation that Pappa had with the tailor… “Size thoda bada rakhna” so that I could wear the dress for another 2 plus years… Shoes were stitched; re-stitched and re-soled until and unless there was no option other than buying a new pair. Girls used to wear salwar-kurta or skirt. Famous brand names in fabric which I can recall were Raymonds, Vimal, Mayur…
Sweaters had their own story… hand-woven by mummy over a platter of home made namkeens with chai and biscuits… clinging knit-sticks while basking in the sun with other aunties… telling ten times to each other that the oon she is using for the sweater, is of woolmark and not cashmere (have I spelled it right? Lolz…) The monkey caps, hand gloves and mufflers came from re-aligned oon of old sweaters; with all possible tired reckless color combinations, just to make it complete from all leftovers… stored in a cardboard Raymonds oon box… Today, I can’t see anyone wearing a hand-knit sweater. Whose got the time to knit and what will my friends say if I wear that shoddy looking dress? Debenhams, Levis, Park Avenue… that’s the order of the day and is solely worn for attention. Maybe, the brands I wear reflect, how hot my pockets are!!!
Cosmetics and Personal Care products too have a strong and successful branding sector. I remember those bath soaps, facial creams, powders, hair oil products which were extensively advertised in the weekly magazines like Sarita, Vanita, Grah-shobha etc… The only change I see today is the hybridization of local products with international and highly expensive brands. You can see sales girls standing at the kiosks in big malls handing sprayed strips of perfume of your choice to attract you with the last try!!!
Electronics have a different story… a lot of things have been invented which we literally only dreamt of. A Crown or Texla TV was enough, but now we do not talk anything less than Sony, Samsung or Hitachi… Not to forget the mobiles marketing, exploiting the brandishing behavior of the human cult to the max.
Why do we prefer brands? What is the psyche behind this? Is it to stick to better performing products which are long lasting and provide better after-sales service or just for status symbol; image building and show-off?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
LovEvolution
Something big is happening. You must be feeling it… I definitely am feeling it… perhaps with anticipation and also a little bit of anxiety. Now you may ask… “Okay, what is it?” My answer would be “I believe that we are in the midst of an evolutionary shift so big that we have difficulty in imagining it… one so dramatic that it is birthing us and Earth into a higher dimension”
When I think of this shift; I imagine a caterpillar who is unaware he is about to become a monarch butterfly. I see female Monarchs (God) laying us as eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves (Earth). When we hatched as larvae earthlings, we fed on plant leaves (life) and now we are mature caterpillars. At some point; we get a signal that tells us that change is coming.
This chrysalis becomes increasingly transparent during metamorphosis. Then it cracks open and the butterfly emerges. As its wings slowly dry out, it discovers it is no longer confined to crawling. It has wings to lift it into the sky to fly free to live in a whole new reality. Friends, this is what I believe is about to happen to you and me all of humanity.
I’ve been thinking about this shift for quite a while now and here is what I see. I see a lot of people who are receiving internal signals saying this metamorphosis is already happening. Our inability to see the big picture has trapped us in limiting beliefs that have become a box that operates like a Matrix. Many are becoming aware that we really do live in a matrix and are looking for the keys and codes needed to break free of limiting beliefs about who we are. While many people are seeking truth, they also are withdrawing themselves from chaos, turmoil and the mundane. They’ve stopped reading the newspaper and watching TV and are spending more time meditating, reading inspirational materials, being in nature and seeking out others who feel this shift happening.
The next step is the one that seems most frightening: surrendering to the urge to turn upside down and begin spinning our chrysalis. Like the caterpillar, we are faced with loosing our identity and dissolving into a primordial soup. This brings up our fear of death… not only of our ego, but our physical body and even our soul. No wonder we are feeling a little anxious. Can we trust that we will emerge out of this soup as a Monarch butterfly? When I went looking for information to answer these questions, what I discovered is how much prophetic information there is predicting the shift and how much scientific information indicating that it is happening. I also found abundant and amazing evidence indicating that our evolution was designed and is driven by a loving intelligence that causes the world around us to unfold in predictable cycles of time.
I refer to this process as LovEvolution… which is based on the principle that unconditional love is a subtle or invisible energy that connects the world of spirit and the world of matter. We believe that it is love that weaves together our heart-felt desires and dreams with the basic elements of the universe so that they manifest in our lives. When a biological structure becomes so filled with love that it can no longer contain the energy, it divides and creates more cells to hold this love.
When I think of this shift; I imagine a caterpillar who is unaware he is about to become a monarch butterfly. I see female Monarchs (God) laying us as eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves (Earth). When we hatched as larvae earthlings, we fed on plant leaves (life) and now we are mature caterpillars. At some point; we get a signal that tells us that change is coming.The caterpillar stops what it has been doing and attaches itself upside down on a branch to spin a pupa or chrysalis that will contain it while it changes into a butterfly.
Inside this chrysalis, the substance of caterpillar dissolves into a kind of primordial soup and the coding in its DNA changes it into a whole new being.
This chrysalis becomes increasingly transparent during metamorphosis. Then it cracks open and the butterfly emerges. As its wings slowly dry out, it discovers it is no longer confined to crawling. It has wings to lift it into the sky to fly free to live in a whole new reality. Friends, this is what I believe is about to happen to you and me all of humanity.I’ve been thinking about this shift for quite a while now and here is what I see. I see a lot of people who are receiving internal signals saying this metamorphosis is already happening. Our inability to see the big picture has trapped us in limiting beliefs that have become a box that operates like a Matrix. Many are becoming aware that we really do live in a matrix and are looking for the keys and codes needed to break free of limiting beliefs about who we are. While many people are seeking truth, they also are withdrawing themselves from chaos, turmoil and the mundane. They’ve stopped reading the newspaper and watching TV and are spending more time meditating, reading inspirational materials, being in nature and seeking out others who feel this shift happening.The next step is the one that seems most frightening: surrendering to the urge to turn upside down and begin spinning our chrysalis. Like the caterpillar, we are faced with loosing our identity and dissolving into a primordial soup. This brings up our fear of death… not only of our ego, but our physical body and even our soul. No wonder we are feeling a little anxious. Can we trust that we will emerge out of this soup as a Monarch butterfly? When I went looking for information to answer these questions, what I discovered is how much prophetic information there is predicting the shift and how much scientific information indicating that it is happening. I also found abundant and amazing evidence indicating that our evolution was designed and is driven by a loving intelligence that causes the world around us to unfold in predictable cycles of time.
I refer to this process as LovEvolution… which is based on the principle that unconditional love is a subtle or invisible energy that connects the world of spirit and the world of matter. We believe that it is love that weaves together our heart-felt desires and dreams with the basic elements of the universe so that they manifest in our lives. When a biological structure becomes so filled with love that it can no longer contain the energy, it divides and creates more cells to hold this love.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Aaj raat ko aap kya bana rahi ho?
If someone asked me to name that one thing which makes me an immature kid and not a grownup man… what is it? A jubilant me watching my favorite Argentinean football team on a rampage, holding back my urine for hours in the traffic jam waiting to reach home and rush to the bathroom or prospect of me replacing my Department Head... All are valid choices, but I am going with my mom's home cooked food... Finally mummy is here and no more baahar ka khaana… Yipeee…
If I look back into my daily routine… Early morning I used to slap together two slices of bread with some store bought mayonnaise and jam for breakfast or an apple with strawberry milk… then eating half cooked chapattis neatly surrounded with different vegetables in tiny bowls for lunch and consuming anything from chocolate-bar to daal chawal for dinner.
But now… Baiju Samuel; simply has to open his eyes in the morning and even before the haze has been cleared from the mind, the essence of home brewed coffee invades his nostrils. And when he goes to bed at night he has to loosen his pyjama's naada to accommodate a stomach that is fultu full… After decades of pampering me with various types of dishes varying from idlie to appam… from maggi to baingan-ka-bharta… from palak paneer to sambar… mummy is back and this time to pamper the grown up… thanks a lot Mummy :)
Everyone will agree that Mom's home cooked food; rather ones own Mom's food is the best. Just because my mom is a super cook, doesn't mean that everyone's mom automatically joins the league… but consideration for someone else's Mom's home cooked food is extremely useful when we are staying alone… thousands of kilometers away from home...
As a kid I was a fussy eater. You could say that I would consume food only when it is prepared the way I like it and that too when I am in the mood. For instance; I was never a fan of those healthy vegetables… so my mother made sure I had only the vegetables I liked. Pappa, like most Indian fathers; believed there were only a few vegetables fit for a young boy and those were… Bhindi and Karela… because if you eat them… you will be good in mathematics; which meant that you will study Engineering from a reputed college and then get into a Master's program from any international university, and finally land a job with one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the world. In other words… Bhindi and Karela are ticket to NASA. Potato… on the other hand would only give you gas...
Mummy had packed my favorite aaloo ki sabji and parathas for lunch. I am over with today's lunch and was eager to know about the dinner. I called up mummy and even without admiring about the lunch I asked… "Aaj raat ko aap kya bana rahi ho?"
If I look back into my daily routine… Early morning I used to slap together two slices of bread with some store bought mayonnaise and jam for breakfast or an apple with strawberry milk… then eating half cooked chapattis neatly surrounded with different vegetables in tiny bowls for lunch and consuming anything from chocolate-bar to daal chawal for dinner.
But now… Baiju Samuel; simply has to open his eyes in the morning and even before the haze has been cleared from the mind, the essence of home brewed coffee invades his nostrils. And when he goes to bed at night he has to loosen his pyjama's naada to accommodate a stomach that is fultu full… After decades of pampering me with various types of dishes varying from idlie to appam… from maggi to baingan-ka-bharta… from palak paneer to sambar… mummy is back and this time to pamper the grown up… thanks a lot Mummy :)
Everyone will agree that Mom's home cooked food; rather ones own Mom's food is the best. Just because my mom is a super cook, doesn't mean that everyone's mom automatically joins the league… but consideration for someone else's Mom's home cooked food is extremely useful when we are staying alone… thousands of kilometers away from home...
As a kid I was a fussy eater. You could say that I would consume food only when it is prepared the way I like it and that too when I am in the mood. For instance; I was never a fan of those healthy vegetables… so my mother made sure I had only the vegetables I liked. Pappa, like most Indian fathers; believed there were only a few vegetables fit for a young boy and those were… Bhindi and Karela… because if you eat them… you will be good in mathematics; which meant that you will study Engineering from a reputed college and then get into a Master's program from any international university, and finally land a job with one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the world. In other words… Bhindi and Karela are ticket to NASA. Potato… on the other hand would only give you gas...
Mummy had packed my favorite aaloo ki sabji and parathas for lunch. I am over with today's lunch and was eager to know about the dinner. I called up mummy and even without admiring about the lunch I asked… "Aaj raat ko aap kya bana rahi ho?"
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Dhobi ka kutta... Na ghar ka; na ghaat ka
It was never easy growing up as a South Indian child in North India. I still remember my growing up days in Indore. Initially my own school mates used to stare at me and ask... "Kahan se aaye ho tum?" The more sophisticated ones would ask "New Admission?" People living around us would stare at me and my little sister and say "Madrasi hain..." I was so eager to educate them that Madras is 24+ hours journey from my native place. But where exactly is my native place? Is it Madras or Trivandrum or Pandalam or Indore or Dubai or Bhutan; where my father and mother had spent a number of years...
My so-called south Indian looks give the first impression that I am from the mallu-land, but then supremely pronounced abuses in Hindi may confuse anyone that I am a bhaiya from UP or MP. The use of slang Hindi words may suggest that I'm from amchi mumbai; but the seemingly mallu influence in my english and my love for mota rice and sambar push me towards travancore.
I have moved to Dubai and even now people ask me the same question, and quite frankly I'm sick of answering it... I realize that the easiest way is to stick to one answer... "I am from Indore" I even feel like throwing a counter question back at them... "How do you define a native place?" Is it the city where either of my parents were born or is it the city where either of them grew up or is it where either of them had spent most time prior to getting married or is it a step higher and has something to do with where my grand parents were from or where they spent most of their lives? Is it where I was born or where I went to school or to college? I have a diff answer for each of the questions... but all this has helped me become multilingual and adapt to different cultures easily...
I was having lunch with one of my friends when she asked me... "Tu kahan settle hoga?" Wasn't I supposed to be at home; back in my home-land? I felt like I was caught in no man's land. In retrospect, a popular Hindi phrase immediately comes to my mind. "Dhobi ka kutta... Na ghar ka; na ghaat ka"
My so-called south Indian looks give the first impression that I am from the mallu-land, but then supremely pronounced abuses in Hindi may confuse anyone that I am a bhaiya from UP or MP. The use of slang Hindi words may suggest that I'm from amchi mumbai; but the seemingly mallu influence in my english and my love for mota rice and sambar push me towards travancore.
I have moved to Dubai and even now people ask me the same question, and quite frankly I'm sick of answering it... I realize that the easiest way is to stick to one answer... "I am from Indore" I even feel like throwing a counter question back at them... "How do you define a native place?" Is it the city where either of my parents were born or is it the city where either of them grew up or is it where either of them had spent most time prior to getting married or is it a step higher and has something to do with where my grand parents were from or where they spent most of their lives? Is it where I was born or where I went to school or to college? I have a diff answer for each of the questions... but all this has helped me become multilingual and adapt to different cultures easily...
I was having lunch with one of my friends when she asked me... "Tu kahan settle hoga?" Wasn't I supposed to be at home; back in my home-land? I felt like I was caught in no man's land. In retrospect, a popular Hindi phrase immediately comes to my mind. "Dhobi ka kutta... Na ghar ka; na ghaat ka"
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Why do women try to be equivalent to men?
Let me state right at the start of this blog that I am not a male chauvinist. On the contrary, I’ve been dominated by strong women all my life. I'm a man, so please bear with me as I write as a man. The views on this blog are not my personal views; but are forced by thoughts of what men believe… but who am I kidding ;) So I ask his question with all humbleness and sincerity… Why do women try to be equal to men?
The rise of female clan in the society has been a good thing overall, but there has been a negative impact as well. We are now a broken society… driven by career and money. The family unity thing is something from the past now. While women have been busy obtaining half of all the stuff that used to be for men, no-one has been looking after the female role. Why is the modern woman so recklessly ready to give up the courtesies that have been due to her for ages? Personally; I' m an admirer of the modern age changes… but women are not men; they are not physically and physiologically the same. I say that the whole problem regarding the equality should not be even taken into account, as the roles have been already decided by nature itself!!!
Women stamp their feet and claim that men oppress them and hold things back, where as in reality… our society was shaped over generations of natural order. Women are now trying to slant the deck against this order, to apply some illogical rules that are purely in their favor. It used to be about recognition for the role of women in the society, but it’s been twisted into some “man hating monster” by the feminists. I know its illogical to even mention them, coz such feminist women are stupid , since they 're not sure themselves about what they want or whom they are trying to stand equal with... the basic flaw of this perception is that they perceive and judge the circumstances according to the laws that are followed by the same men, and they follow those laws to tilt the social system into a male dominated one...
Each and Every human being... man or woman; was created for the same purpose... to fuse body and soul in order to make themselves and their world a better place. Spread Love and positive energy in the Universe. Men are physically stronger. They are more aggressive... In contrast, a woman usually embodies the ideal of inner dignity. All men and women must be themselves. We have been given unique abilities with which to pursue our goals, and that our primary responsibility is to take full advantage of those abilities. The machinery of society is held together by nuts (women) and bolts (men). They are both entirely different, but the same in purpose. They are meant to be joined to build larger machinery. Neither one has any purpose without the other. That’s why...Women are nuts; they feel they're getting screwed...
Men are bolts; they require a lot of torque...
The rise of female clan in the society has been a good thing overall, but there has been a negative impact as well. We are now a broken society… driven by career and money. The family unity thing is something from the past now. While women have been busy obtaining half of all the stuff that used to be for men, no-one has been looking after the female role. Why is the modern woman so recklessly ready to give up the courtesies that have been due to her for ages? Personally; I' m an admirer of the modern age changes… but women are not men; they are not physically and physiologically the same. I say that the whole problem regarding the equality should not be even taken into account, as the roles have been already decided by nature itself!!!
Women stamp their feet and claim that men oppress them and hold things back, where as in reality… our society was shaped over generations of natural order. Women are now trying to slant the deck against this order, to apply some illogical rules that are purely in their favor. It used to be about recognition for the role of women in the society, but it’s been twisted into some “man hating monster” by the feminists. I know its illogical to even mention them, coz such feminist women are stupid , since they 're not sure themselves about what they want or whom they are trying to stand equal with... the basic flaw of this perception is that they perceive and judge the circumstances according to the laws that are followed by the same men, and they follow those laws to tilt the social system into a male dominated one...
Each and Every human being... man or woman; was created for the same purpose... to fuse body and soul in order to make themselves and their world a better place. Spread Love and positive energy in the Universe. Men are physically stronger. They are more aggressive... In contrast, a woman usually embodies the ideal of inner dignity. All men and women must be themselves. We have been given unique abilities with which to pursue our goals, and that our primary responsibility is to take full advantage of those abilities. The machinery of society is held together by nuts (women) and bolts (men). They are both entirely different, but the same in purpose. They are meant to be joined to build larger machinery. Neither one has any purpose without the other. That’s why...Women are nuts; they feel they're getting screwed...
Men are bolts; they require a lot of torque...
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Khul Jaa Sim Sim
I was out of the office already and was on my way to Al Ain for a client meeting. Most of my day is spent within reach of internet, but when I'm on the move I use my HTC handset for checking my emails. I prefer to receive the headers of my emails so that I download anything that looks interesting and if important… reply back. Although I generally wait until I'm back at my desk. So during a typical day… my hand set does so much more than just making and receiving calls… not to mention the SMS which I use the whole time to keep in touch with my family and friends.
That day too I logged into the mNet and opened my email page, typed my User Name and started to recall my password. I was not sure about the password as I usually swipe my finger on the laptop rather than typing the password (another indication of me being Aalsi). "Invalid User Name or Password" written in red colors appeared on my mobile screen. "Kya password tha yaar!!!" I tried to recall my password. I tried again… but the same message appeared. I couldn't play around, trying different passwords as it could lock my account. I was pissed off…
I have a total of 20+ passwords and User Id's at work and another 20+ passwords of my personal mails n other web portals... 7 or 8 PIN numbers. HUSH!!! I decided to make a note of the passwords in a diary but misplaced the diary within 7 days.
Today, we need passwords everywhere and for everything. Whether it is the bank account or the e-mail or the net surfing… you can't reach the first base without this essential key. How can the new age banks expect me to remember the 10+digit account number when the length surpasses the amount of money I have in the account!!! Trying to remember a password along with the account number is like... I don't know… I just hate it… Writing down the PIN for the ATM is a breach of security and trying to remember them is impossible. Internet banking... you are supposed to remember your password for the account. Not only that; they expect me to change the password... OFTEN. I have already run out of ideas about passwords. So many times I have had to re-register myself in various websites just because I forgot the password and couldn't recall the helpful reminder question, either. I have five bank accounts and for every account I have to remember at the least following information:
Bank Account Number
Customer ID
ATM Number
ATM PIN
Credit Card Number / PIN (Master Card)
Credit Card Number / PIN (Visa)
Internet Banking PIN
Telephone Banking PIN
Eeeeeeeeee…
Then there are umpteen telephone number that need to be remembered and each year the number of digits keep growing as more and more people opt to get connected. At one time, a decent five-digit number belonged to the telephones but now there are 7-8 digits.
Of course, the story doesn't end here. One is expected to remember the passport number, Visa Number, Staff Number, Insurance number, the driving license number, the PAN number etc…
Hey how can I miss the Floor Number, Flat Number… I have been confused a lot of times whenever the delivery boy has called to ask my Flat Number. Moreover I have to remember the flat and floor numbers of my friends too! I call them every time I stand below their building.
I am thinking of going into the business of providing ideas about password just like people are making 'moolah' by writing books on baby names.
I think this password stuff all began when the chaalis chor of "Ali baba aur challis chor" used a 'password' to open the door to the cave. 'Khul Jaa Sim Sim'… I can bet it was the first password ever used.
That day too I logged into the mNet and opened my email page, typed my User Name and started to recall my password. I was not sure about the password as I usually swipe my finger on the laptop rather than typing the password (another indication of me being Aalsi). "Invalid User Name or Password" written in red colors appeared on my mobile screen. "Kya password tha yaar!!!" I tried to recall my password. I tried again… but the same message appeared. I couldn't play around, trying different passwords as it could lock my account. I was pissed off…
I have a total of 20+ passwords and User Id's at work and another 20+ passwords of my personal mails n other web portals... 7 or 8 PIN numbers. HUSH!!! I decided to make a note of the passwords in a diary but misplaced the diary within 7 days.
Today, we need passwords everywhere and for everything. Whether it is the bank account or the e-mail or the net surfing… you can't reach the first base without this essential key. How can the new age banks expect me to remember the 10+digit account number when the length surpasses the amount of money I have in the account!!! Trying to remember a password along with the account number is like... I don't know… I just hate it… Writing down the PIN for the ATM is a breach of security and trying to remember them is impossible. Internet banking... you are supposed to remember your password for the account. Not only that; they expect me to change the password... OFTEN. I have already run out of ideas about passwords. So many times I have had to re-register myself in various websites just because I forgot the password and couldn't recall the helpful reminder question, either. I have five bank accounts and for every account I have to remember at the least following information:
Bank Account Number
Customer ID
ATM Number
ATM PIN
Credit Card Number / PIN (Master Card)
Credit Card Number / PIN (Visa)
Internet Banking PIN
Telephone Banking PIN
Eeeeeeeeee…
Then there are umpteen telephone number that need to be remembered and each year the number of digits keep growing as more and more people opt to get connected. At one time, a decent five-digit number belonged to the telephones but now there are 7-8 digits.
Of course, the story doesn't end here. One is expected to remember the passport number, Visa Number, Staff Number, Insurance number, the driving license number, the PAN number etc…
Hey how can I miss the Floor Number, Flat Number… I have been confused a lot of times whenever the delivery boy has called to ask my Flat Number. Moreover I have to remember the flat and floor numbers of my friends too! I call them every time I stand below their building.
I am thinking of going into the business of providing ideas about password just like people are making 'moolah' by writing books on baby names.
I think this password stuff all began when the chaalis chor of "Ali baba aur challis chor" used a 'password' to open the door to the cave. 'Khul Jaa Sim Sim'… I can bet it was the first password ever used.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Most of My Mornings...
The wakeup alarm rings at 6am. With closed eyes I reach out my hands to find my HTC. "Maakda... its 6o'clock again!!! I won't shave today so that I get another 10 minutes to sleep..." I put alarm on snooze pull the blanket and snuggle comfortably. After 10 minutes, the alarm sounds again. Why the hell does time fly so fast in the mornings? With closed eyes my hands reach out again to silence the alarm, hoping to hit the snooze button. Continue sleeping...
I subconsciously felt that… "This time 10 minutes kuch jyaada ho gaya." I somehow managed to open one eye to look at the wall clock. "Hey Bhwagwaan!!! It's already 6.30am. I must have pressed the wrong button AGAIN. But you know what, since I'm already late, I might as well lay down a bit more." After about 5 minutes, I open my eyes to look at the clock. After another 10 minutes… I open my eyes again to look at the wall clock. "Why not sleep for another 5 minutes, since so much time has already passed?" I open my eyes and see it’s only a minute to 7.00 now. I sit down with blanket around my shoulders. "OK! OK! 7.05 Already. Must go and shower.” I leisurely did my bathroom rituals, when I got out I saw, 20 more minutes have passed!!! Officially my office starts at 8.00 a.m. "Never mind... A little delay doesn't matter much. I'll make up for it. " I choose the clothes to wear. Iron them quickly if necessary. Dress up, put some CK – IN2U. Rush to pack my laptop, fill in some water in my recycled water bottle, check to see whether I need to throw trash today. "Nope! No trash today. " Pick up yesterdays samosa’s from fridge, mobile phone, close the window, switch off AC, take wallet, Access Card and laptop bag, wear shoes and go out at 7.35. ( I always tell myself that it's better to be late , since there will be no office traffic.) Go down the stairs and start my car. . reach office by 8.30. (Actually I reach my office area earlier than that, but finding a place to park takes some time.)
During peak hours, it takes longer to reach office. I know coz I've tried. But still, that isn't a good excuse. I definitely can't be the employee of the month. Before anyone goes tsk! tsk! tsk! It really is a task getting up every morning. High time for me to find a new job and try something new. Something that'll get me excited to go to work like I used to, a long time ago.
And before you start pulling out the hair from your nostrils, assuming that you have already pulled out all the hair from your head, tata bye bye… ;)
I subconsciously felt that… "This time 10 minutes kuch jyaada ho gaya." I somehow managed to open one eye to look at the wall clock. "Hey Bhwagwaan!!! It's already 6.30am. I must have pressed the wrong button AGAIN. But you know what, since I'm already late, I might as well lay down a bit more." After about 5 minutes, I open my eyes to look at the clock. After another 10 minutes… I open my eyes again to look at the wall clock. "Why not sleep for another 5 minutes, since so much time has already passed?" I open my eyes and see it’s only a minute to 7.00 now. I sit down with blanket around my shoulders. "OK! OK! 7.05 Already. Must go and shower.” I leisurely did my bathroom rituals, when I got out I saw, 20 more minutes have passed!!! Officially my office starts at 8.00 a.m. "Never mind... A little delay doesn't matter much. I'll make up for it. " I choose the clothes to wear. Iron them quickly if necessary. Dress up, put some CK – IN2U. Rush to pack my laptop, fill in some water in my recycled water bottle, check to see whether I need to throw trash today. "Nope! No trash today. " Pick up yesterdays samosa’s from fridge, mobile phone, close the window, switch off AC, take wallet, Access Card and laptop bag, wear shoes and go out at 7.35. ( I always tell myself that it's better to be late , since there will be no office traffic.) Go down the stairs and start my car. . reach office by 8.30. (Actually I reach my office area earlier than that, but finding a place to park takes some time.)
During peak hours, it takes longer to reach office. I know coz I've tried. But still, that isn't a good excuse. I definitely can't be the employee of the month. Before anyone goes tsk! tsk! tsk! It really is a task getting up every morning. High time for me to find a new job and try something new. Something that'll get me excited to go to work like I used to, a long time ago.
And before you start pulling out the hair from your nostrils, assuming that you have already pulled out all the hair from your head, tata bye bye… ;)
Monday, May 26, 2008
GOD
When I woke up today morning after a lazy weekend; it seemed that I have a lot of "writing" ideas inside me. Shaayad it is the free flowing creative thoughts… when in a state of semi-consciousness.
Before me even stepping down from my bed, I start my day by reciting “Psalms 91”. If I don’t perform this daily ritual; I feel… something is missing. Maybe it’s the trust, faith and belief inside me…
Questions started erupting in my mind and they seemed totally profound. Does God hear me praying every morning? Is God happy with me? Does he want me to do anything more than this?
“DOES GOD EXIST?”
The only things we know about God is through literatures and religious books. Now this question has been there in everyone's mind for ages. The need to have a supernatural power must have been in the minds of the people who wrote holy books. Our ancestors must have believed in the same theory because they must have had no other option. As time passed on, religious heads would have added more theories to these books in order to prove that they are not wrong and that God is up there; watching you.
Is it irreligious to even ask for a proof for the existence of the super power? Bible makes it clear in many places that God is outside of time. He is eternal… with no beginning or end. God knows everything and is infinitely intelligent.
Many religions believe that God exists as the creator of the world. This place being so beautiful and diverse doesn’t mean that someone would have created it. Or is it something like… “Create and Forget” and let the inhabitants do the rest…
Many of my friends might think that this topic related to religion and supernatural being is not the right topic for a blog, maybe it is too personal, too sacred or ???. There are a lot of questions about the effects of religious belief on individuals and communities. But then again, is this for good or bad? Did God create religions or it is again that God did a bad job by letting humans create religion?
Anyhow I have started accepting the idea of belonging to a particular religion, it is settling down in my mind and I find it more comfortable and confident when I am tied up in a religious nutshell. So every morning I will be reciting my Psalms. Because I do trust that someone is there watching us… and I hope I'm doing a good job
Before me even stepping down from my bed, I start my day by reciting “Psalms 91”. If I don’t perform this daily ritual; I feel… something is missing. Maybe it’s the trust, faith and belief inside me…
Questions started erupting in my mind and they seemed totally profound. Does God hear me praying every morning? Is God happy with me? Does he want me to do anything more than this?
“DOES GOD EXIST?”
The only things we know about God is through literatures and religious books. Now this question has been there in everyone's mind for ages. The need to have a supernatural power must have been in the minds of the people who wrote holy books. Our ancestors must have believed in the same theory because they must have had no other option. As time passed on, religious heads would have added more theories to these books in order to prove that they are not wrong and that God is up there; watching you.
Is it irreligious to even ask for a proof for the existence of the super power? Bible makes it clear in many places that God is outside of time. He is eternal… with no beginning or end. God knows everything and is infinitely intelligent.
Many religions believe that God exists as the creator of the world. This place being so beautiful and diverse doesn’t mean that someone would have created it. Or is it something like… “Create and Forget” and let the inhabitants do the rest…
Many of my friends might think that this topic related to religion and supernatural being is not the right topic for a blog, maybe it is too personal, too sacred or ???. There are a lot of questions about the effects of religious belief on individuals and communities. But then again, is this for good or bad? Did God create religions or it is again that God did a bad job by letting humans create religion?
Anyhow I have started accepting the idea of belonging to a particular religion, it is settling down in my mind and I find it more comfortable and confident when I am tied up in a religious nutshell. So every morning I will be reciting my Psalms. Because I do trust that someone is there watching us… and I hope I'm doing a good job
Monday, May 19, 2008
“WHITE - LIES”
Some things are better left unsaid.
Almost any intelligent person knows that people - “FLIRT”. According to me it’s just another way of human communication. Even people, who are happily married or paired, do occasionally flirt. It does not necessitate a confession to your partner. In fact by confronting your partner with such news, you can easily create an issue.
I am bringing this topic here, as I recently learned that a friend of mine read out a “flirting mail” that he wrote to a girl, to his girlfriend. Now the term here “flirting mail” was termed or defined by my friend’s girlfriend. Nothing physical happened between them and the conversation was completely inoffensive, ordinary and close to everyday routine. But he decided to tell his girlfriend anyway. And I cannot for the life of me understand… WHY? He didn't do anything wrong. They didn't kiss, they certainly didn't sleep together. There was no betrayal. Naturally, the girlfriend was annoyed. There was hardly any offence.
Is that a crime? It’s just human nature. It's what you do with it that makes the difference. If you make it clear, you are in a relationship and don't activate the potential romance with another beyond conversation, surely its ok – no harm can come of it.
If people start confessing every time they find someone attractive or had a dirty thought about someone or comparing with his/her ex… the world would be in serious trouble.
Anyhow, after a couple of hours of sulking, she got over it. My friend had to send e-cards; text messages; phone calls to get things back to normal. POOR CHAP!!!
Almost any intelligent person knows that people - “FLIRT”. According to me it’s just another way of human communication. Even people, who are happily married or paired, do occasionally flirt. It does not necessitate a confession to your partner. In fact by confronting your partner with such news, you can easily create an issue.
I am bringing this topic here, as I recently learned that a friend of mine read out a “flirting mail” that he wrote to a girl, to his girlfriend. Now the term here “flirting mail” was termed or defined by my friend’s girlfriend. Nothing physical happened between them and the conversation was completely inoffensive, ordinary and close to everyday routine. But he decided to tell his girlfriend anyway. And I cannot for the life of me understand… WHY? He didn't do anything wrong. They didn't kiss, they certainly didn't sleep together. There was no betrayal. Naturally, the girlfriend was annoyed. There was hardly any offence.
Is that a crime? It’s just human nature. It's what you do with it that makes the difference. If you make it clear, you are in a relationship and don't activate the potential romance with another beyond conversation, surely its ok – no harm can come of it.
If people start confessing every time they find someone attractive or had a dirty thought about someone or comparing with his/her ex… the world would be in serious trouble.
Anyhow, after a couple of hours of sulking, she got over it. My friend had to send e-cards; text messages; phone calls to get things back to normal. POOR CHAP!!!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Chai Piyo Ji with "Parle-G"
It shows 04:30 and it took me 20 minutes from office to home. I parked my car and all of a sudden it happened!! – The urge to eat Parle-G biscuits!! I rushed into the local grocery and was browsing the shelves for Parle-G, when the Iranian owner started convincing me that the cookies and biscuits of different brands at his shop were tasty. But I wanted Parle-G... I wanted to taste the flavor of Parle-G… But sadly majboori ka naam mahatma gandhi… I ended up buying ‘Britannia Good Day’.
Parle-G has always been my favorite biscuits for ages. The perfect way to have a Parle-G is to serve it with a steaming cup of tea. I can still visualize myself holding a glass of piping hot chai and smelling the biscuits. It’s like eating the biscuits right there... I know that everyone is an expert in this field; but let me pen down my expert comments – Dip the biscuit into the garam chai and then put it in your mouth. It just melts in there. Now there is a way of doing it… If you are dipping it in the chai; you need to know exactly when to take the biscuit out… if you keep it for a shorter duration… it remains crispy and if you keep it in any longer than just the perfect duration… it softens and falls back into the chai. A good biscuit should never be wasted. As kids… me and Betty (my sister) would finish a whole packet of Parle-G. My mom used to get angry whenever we were over and done with the whole packet in a single go. Biscuits after all were an item of luxury during those times… specially bought for serving the mehmaan.
I still remember the days when I used to go to the 'kiraney ki dukaan' and they had these big aluminum boxes of Parle-G biscuits. Those were the days when Parle was a bigger brand than Britannia. There is something unique about Parle-G. The biggest selling factor was.. obviously the cost. It was priced at 2Rs. that time. I don’t know how much it costs now. The boy on the cover of Parle-G packet showing… mere haath mei ab kuch nahi bacha… has not changed over the years and remains to be the most recognizable face.
I think no biscuit came closer to Parle-G. Britannia tried to beat Parle-G with “Tiger” but something was amiss. But then Britannia had “Marie Gold” biscuits, which taste nice with tea. Some of my other favorite biscuits are Krackjack, Monaco and Good Day.
I never liked the cream biscuits. Once you lick the cream off the biscuit, it tastes very sad. Years later I understood that the cream in the buiscuit shouldn’t be consumed first… But truly speaking, I still feel the best way to eat a cream biscuit is to separate the two portions, lick the cream and then mann kia to biscuit khaa lo…
I missed the Parle-G biscuits, but 'Good Day' was a treat in itself. Those were the high-class biscuits and costly too. For me and Betty, they was exotic. I remember when my relatives used to come during my childhood days; they would bring the “Good Day” pack. Years later when I was having the same biscuits in my balcony, I wondered why I liked them so much. Sure, they were good… but not great…
I still like Parle-G… maybe because I grew up eating them - “Swad bhare… Shakti bhare… Barson se… Parle-G!!! Ting Ting Tiding!!”
Parle-G has always been my favorite biscuits for ages. The perfect way to have a Parle-G is to serve it with a steaming cup of tea. I can still visualize myself holding a glass of piping hot chai and smelling the biscuits. It’s like eating the biscuits right there... I know that everyone is an expert in this field; but let me pen down my expert comments – Dip the biscuit into the garam chai and then put it in your mouth. It just melts in there. Now there is a way of doing it… If you are dipping it in the chai; you need to know exactly when to take the biscuit out… if you keep it for a shorter duration… it remains crispy and if you keep it in any longer than just the perfect duration… it softens and falls back into the chai. A good biscuit should never be wasted. As kids… me and Betty (my sister) would finish a whole packet of Parle-G. My mom used to get angry whenever we were over and done with the whole packet in a single go. Biscuits after all were an item of luxury during those times… specially bought for serving the mehmaan.
I still remember the days when I used to go to the 'kiraney ki dukaan' and they had these big aluminum boxes of Parle-G biscuits. Those were the days when Parle was a bigger brand than Britannia. There is something unique about Parle-G. The biggest selling factor was.. obviously the cost. It was priced at 2Rs. that time. I don’t know how much it costs now. The boy on the cover of Parle-G packet showing… mere haath mei ab kuch nahi bacha… has not changed over the years and remains to be the most recognizable face.
I think no biscuit came closer to Parle-G. Britannia tried to beat Parle-G with “Tiger” but something was amiss. But then Britannia had “Marie Gold” biscuits, which taste nice with tea. Some of my other favorite biscuits are Krackjack, Monaco and Good Day.
I never liked the cream biscuits. Once you lick the cream off the biscuit, it tastes very sad. Years later I understood that the cream in the buiscuit shouldn’t be consumed first… But truly speaking, I still feel the best way to eat a cream biscuit is to separate the two portions, lick the cream and then mann kia to biscuit khaa lo…
I missed the Parle-G biscuits, but 'Good Day' was a treat in itself. Those were the high-class biscuits and costly too. For me and Betty, they was exotic. I remember when my relatives used to come during my childhood days; they would bring the “Good Day” pack. Years later when I was having the same biscuits in my balcony, I wondered why I liked them so much. Sure, they were good… but not great…
I still like Parle-G… maybe because I grew up eating them - “Swad bhare… Shakti bhare… Barson se… Parle-G!!! Ting Ting Tiding!!”
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Soul Mates...
Please Note: NO PANGAAS!!! Plzzz excuse me... as I don believe in illogical beliefs and by the way this is my post and I get to write what I feel; so pls do go ahead and read.... Don't break heads n hearts!!! Ok here goes the posting...
Scraped projects are back on my head and I am busy finishing them. Between all this mess I was on phone with a close buddy of mine and we started discussing about "soul mates". I was eager to do a Google on soul mates funda before resuming my work.
Wikipedia says - "Soul mate is a term sometimes used to designate someone with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, friendship, love, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality and / or compatibility. A related concept is that of the twin flame or twin soul - which is thought to be the ultimate soul mate, the one and only other half of one's soul, for which all souls are driven to find and join. Some followers of the New Age religion believe that souls are literally made and / or fated to be the mates of each other, or to play certain other important roles in each other's lives."
Mera khaali dimaag fir chalne laga... projects and deadlines went on the back seat. How many soul mates can we have? Are our parents, siblings and friends our soul mates? How much can we believe in this? I was trying to identify / figure out the perfect soul mates - "Shiv-Parvati"; "Laila-Majnu"; "Radha-Krishna" Hmmm... If its Radha & Krishna… Mira Bai kahan jayegi?
If we rethink of the Mira Bai episode or incident... She was the first Indian lady who broke all the rules of Indian society (I don know if "Radha" has any historical evidence) and showed the courage of expressing her true love towards someone, even after her marriage. Many might reject this point saying that she was devoted to God, but remember that she considered lord Krishna as a lover and wished to meet him. You can find her feelings of love expressed in her own words in her bhajans. (Refer to ur old NCERT Hindi school text books... tuff bhajans... I knew how I had to mug those). She was married to some maharaj at a young age; but even at her husband's house, her love towards Krishna didn't subside. At last she was offered a cup of poison which she (though she knew) drank… Such was the passion of her love. What she got from her devotion would never be known by u; but what we got is a thought to think, what was it that led a woman take such a courageous step during such an orthodox atmosphere of 14th century?
THINK OVER!!! OVER OVER OVER... NOT OVER... Something striked me again!!! Ok let me put it here with this post.... Plzzz… no controversies!!! Haan to kahaan the hum…yea… Talkin about Meera!!! Now how can I miss lord Krishna. I've heard that lord Krishna had 16,000 wives (!!!) so why wasn't he HIV positive. (There is no mention of any STD related death during those times). Waise, he was my kind of guy, “made for today”. Didn't u notice he was involved in every influential man's death in one way or another… God!!! I am a great fan of his tricks. He was genius... but the question is still there.. "Why wasn't he HIV +ve"
WHO CARES!!!
Scraped projects are back on my head and I am busy finishing them. Between all this mess I was on phone with a close buddy of mine and we started discussing about "soul mates". I was eager to do a Google on soul mates funda before resuming my work.
Wikipedia says - "Soul mate is a term sometimes used to designate someone with whom one has a feeling of deep and natural affinity, friendship, love, intimacy, sexuality, spirituality and / or compatibility. A related concept is that of the twin flame or twin soul - which is thought to be the ultimate soul mate, the one and only other half of one's soul, for which all souls are driven to find and join. Some followers of the New Age religion believe that souls are literally made and / or fated to be the mates of each other, or to play certain other important roles in each other's lives."
Mera khaali dimaag fir chalne laga... projects and deadlines went on the back seat. How many soul mates can we have? Are our parents, siblings and friends our soul mates? How much can we believe in this? I was trying to identify / figure out the perfect soul mates - "Shiv-Parvati"; "Laila-Majnu"; "Radha-Krishna" Hmmm... If its Radha & Krishna… Mira Bai kahan jayegi?
If we rethink of the Mira Bai episode or incident... She was the first Indian lady who broke all the rules of Indian society (I don know if "Radha" has any historical evidence) and showed the courage of expressing her true love towards someone, even after her marriage. Many might reject this point saying that she was devoted to God, but remember that she considered lord Krishna as a lover and wished to meet him. You can find her feelings of love expressed in her own words in her bhajans. (Refer to ur old NCERT Hindi school text books... tuff bhajans... I knew how I had to mug those). She was married to some maharaj at a young age; but even at her husband's house, her love towards Krishna didn't subside. At last she was offered a cup of poison which she (though she knew) drank… Such was the passion of her love. What she got from her devotion would never be known by u; but what we got is a thought to think, what was it that led a woman take such a courageous step during such an orthodox atmosphere of 14th century?
THINK OVER!!! OVER OVER OVER... NOT OVER... Something striked me again!!! Ok let me put it here with this post.... Plzzz… no controversies!!! Haan to kahaan the hum…yea… Talkin about Meera!!! Now how can I miss lord Krishna. I've heard that lord Krishna had 16,000 wives (!!!) so why wasn't he HIV positive. (There is no mention of any STD related death during those times). Waise, he was my kind of guy, “made for today”. Didn't u notice he was involved in every influential man's death in one way or another… God!!! I am a great fan of his tricks. He was genius... but the question is still there.. "Why wasn't he HIV +ve"
WHO CARES!!!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
"Signal Not Found"
"Signal Not Found"... I was getting frustrated... I have spent my whole weekend without watching television. I called Mohzam… "Yeh aaj theek kar dega? Cable-wale ko bula le bhai"... he with his broad smile replied back… "Birju bhaiya, aaj bulata hu unko" I was never bothered about he calling me 'Birju'... aise bhi Gandhi ji ne bola tha... "What’s there in a name?"… or was it Shakespeare??? kisi ne bhi bola ho... “What’s there in a name?” ;)
I was missing the MTV-Roadies action; new movie previews; T20 matches and a whole lot of new TV ads... Hmm... Let me count some of my favorite ads:
Sprite – Guy flirting with two girls;
IPL – Lady in the lift yelling @ seedha-saadha guy;
Mentos – Dadoo Tum? Donkey and Monkey;
Condom – Instead of Kabbadi;
Virgin Mobile – Daughter annoying the parents by stating…“mujhe ladkon mei interest nahi hai”
TV ads are generally made to promote product items and they may have a lasting effect on several thngs... I feel that good ads definitely have a higher product preference n purchase requests over other brands...
I remembered a funny incident while talking with one of my frnds about the effect of TV ads... There were these relatives of mine… They had a little boy and a teenage daughter… One nite they were cumin home after sum grocery and shoppin… Among othr things they bought sanitary napkins for the daughter; hiding the whole buying thing from this little boy… But being the nosy brat… he caught his sister sneaking out the packet and hiding the napkins… he began to demand n fight with his sister to see what is inside… Now since there were so many people around the girl was embarrassed … Eventually the packet tore lose and the brat grabbed one of the packs; had a look at them and just exclaimed loudly "Is this all you are hiding from me!!! I know what they do with them!!!"… Now everyone suddenly froze shuddering what to hear next!!! And the brat continued… "You just pour some ink on it and it becomes dry very soon!!!"
I know it's a funny incident; but all this sneaking around would have been avoided if people had not been conditioned to think of menses as a dirty thing or something to be ashamed of.
CHEERS !!!
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