She got into the car and instinctively pulled her seatbelt across. The driver didn’t need to be told which way to take. A certain hint of pride had appeared across her mother’s face when she realized that her daughter would be taking the chauffer driven company car to her workplace. It barely affected her state of mind today. As she gazed at the clear blue sky, she felt she had surpassed this emotion of vanity. Somewhere the void was filling her life with emptiness. She told her driver to take the wrong turn and asked him not to question anymore. Nonplussed, he turned for further directions, she didn’t know them either!
The car just moved swiftly…bypassing the jams and plying onto less treaded paths. It was 9:30am…
He was waiting for her car to arrive. She found it annoying to take the elevator with him; day after day…she took care to portray her discomfort, but in vain. It was past 10 now and he speed dialed her number. She disconnected the call. She did not want to go to office today and for once, she had decided to do what she wanted to. Casual leaves couldn’t be taken casually and planned leaves required too much contemplation. She barely found the HR policies worth adhering to…she was all set to defy them!
Retrospecting her past few days at work, she knew she had achieved all her targets and exceeded 2 of them. But she also knew that disregarding her boss’ call and bunking a meeting will erase her past glory. Yet, did she care much?! She now released her seatbelt, assuming that in a faraway land the traffic rules will be less stringent. She went ahead taking liberty to believe that they dint exist at all. It had been 3hrs and 28missed calls altogether! The driver was worried about a peak value of kilometers covered that would appear for this day in his daily log book. But he knew she would defend his stance. After all, she had been the kindest person he ever drove for. He could recount the times she packed him biryani to take home for his kids. She even bought Panchatantra tales for his daughter. Time and again she had convinced him of the power of education. He never did mind working overtime to make sure she reached home safely. But today her request was eerie; she had refused to relent even after 3.5hours of aimless driving.
Somewhere in the distance, the sound of lashing waves was deafening her silence. She rose to splash the water on her face and stood with her arms stretched open to welcome the sunshine. She could feel the sand move under her feet and how the world seemed like a bizarre breeze! Swept off her feet by the retreating waves, she struggled ahead to touch the sun. When she thought she was almost there, it hid behind the cloud of rain. She was laughing to herself as she got drenched in the showers. Like a child, she had build castles in the air and it hurt her when they fell apart. She laughed and cried at the same time. Strange was the ambivalence of time! The rain carried the tears off her cheeks and wiped them off to reveal a smile full of life.
She knew all this while, that something was missing…she had not found it yet. But a certain sense of fulfillment had stalled her search. She wondered about her magical yesterday. She pondered over the power of lashing waves in setting the pieces of her mind in place. She knew there lay a greater challenge in living life the monotonous way! This break had prepared her to take the realities of life headstrong. She set out the other day, took the elevator with him and was poised to take on her new set of targets. All she needed was to breakaway once to find the evasive exuberance within her!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Pursuit…
Flitting past my shoulder, She turned around,
Escaped once again, as I mournfully frowned…
With a hint of disdain and a veil of pride,
She galloped away, surpassing my stride…
The fugitive playfully continued her run,
taking me through the clouds and sun.
The ravines so dark and the meadows so lush,
I followed her blinded by her rosy blush.
Wondering if ever She’ll take my hand,
and take me to a faraway land…
where no money nor time nor the shackles of the mind,
will define the boundless bliss of my life!
At once She stopped, lest I would whine,
Her cherubic face and the smile so divine!
“You have conquered the land and mine,
And proved yourself to be worthy, my Child!
I will bless you with me and solace so fine…”
A king I felt of the world far and wide,
now that my Happiness was by my side…
She rose to leave while I revelled by the night,
gripped by a fear as She went out of sight…
“There in the sylvan woods I see,
A weary soul reaching out for me,
I will ease him of his troubles so old,
and let him brace my gift of gold”.
Then I watched Her go away,
to begin my pursuit all over again!
Escaped once again, as I mournfully frowned…
With a hint of disdain and a veil of pride,
She galloped away, surpassing my stride…
The fugitive playfully continued her run,
taking me through the clouds and sun.
The ravines so dark and the meadows so lush,
I followed her blinded by her rosy blush.
Wondering if ever She’ll take my hand,
and take me to a faraway land…
where no money nor time nor the shackles of the mind,
will define the boundless bliss of my life!
At once She stopped, lest I would whine,
Her cherubic face and the smile so divine!
“You have conquered the land and mine,
And proved yourself to be worthy, my Child!
I will bless you with me and solace so fine…”
A king I felt of the world far and wide,
now that my Happiness was by my side…
She rose to leave while I revelled by the night,
gripped by a fear as She went out of sight…
“There in the sylvan woods I see,
A weary soul reaching out for me,
I will ease him of his troubles so old,
and let him brace my gift of gold”.
Then I watched Her go away,
to begin my pursuit all over again!
Saturday, October 2, 2010
No princely diaries: 2
Things are fast changing and I don’t know if I’m liking this change. Probably this is where the concept of adaptability steps in. Ufffff…
Chuck it!
For once in my life I was stepping out of home on a Saturday to serve some ‘official’ purpose. Saturday train travel is a lot different than that on weekdays: lesser cat-fights and more space to breathe. On weekends ‘Dadar-wale’ are less inclined to block the entrances and hence you can afford to be less prudent in deciding your place to stand in the compartment. This is important as getting to alight at your preferred station is dependent on your place in the boogie.
A few ongoing conversations were worth eavesdropping. A group of four 30-some ladies were discussing the prospects of a vernacular MBA course. Two of them politely conceded that it was a considerate move by the institution. A third one parried all remarks, blasted the very concept and declared it was a disgusting idea. The blunt declaration sent chills down the three recipient spines. The fourth female quickly overshot the conversation by introducing a new character. She spoke of how Meenakshi had put on post-marital weight. The tension in the air was released and the conversation continued with increased cheer. “Aiyyas” and “Aga bai, ho ka?’’ followed….
The fourth girl had averted heated arguments form shaping up. She quickly smiled back when I threw an appreciating glance.
Discussions of women ranged from CWG to Ayodhya issue. It was heartening to see the political and social dimension of the typical working woman. She was opinionated and confident…discussing things beyond just the lonchyachi recipe.
Day after day, I found myself talking to new people during these 25minutes….getting to know their priorities, urgencies in life, concern for the child left at the crèche and the weary eagerness to cook the night’s meal…
Today I managed to reach Kurla station 20minutes before the stipulated time. Waiting here does not have any incentives. A prolonged wait at this place can come your way by the stroke of grave misfortune. People from central and harbour routes seem to ply all over the bridges and overcrowd the place…and trying to spot your newly made acquaintance amidst a million faces isn’t cake walk!
As I waited there, I spotted a familiar face...this one belonged to my campus!
I tried hard to recollect the name of this senior, but in vain….
This was a fellow I spoke to less often during college….nor were we friends even in a casual sense. But, a different feeling bonded us. The sense of belonging to VJTI grew strong… Nostalgia hit hard….I smiled back…
In less than 3 minutes we discussed, “So, what are you doing these days?”
In no time, we pursued our separate ways…
Trains were running on time, and so were the men!
Chuck it!
For once in my life I was stepping out of home on a Saturday to serve some ‘official’ purpose. Saturday train travel is a lot different than that on weekdays: lesser cat-fights and more space to breathe. On weekends ‘Dadar-wale’ are less inclined to block the entrances and hence you can afford to be less prudent in deciding your place to stand in the compartment. This is important as getting to alight at your preferred station is dependent on your place in the boogie.
A few ongoing conversations were worth eavesdropping. A group of four 30-some ladies were discussing the prospects of a vernacular MBA course. Two of them politely conceded that it was a considerate move by the institution. A third one parried all remarks, blasted the very concept and declared it was a disgusting idea. The blunt declaration sent chills down the three recipient spines. The fourth female quickly overshot the conversation by introducing a new character. She spoke of how Meenakshi had put on post-marital weight. The tension in the air was released and the conversation continued with increased cheer. “Aiyyas” and “Aga bai, ho ka?’’ followed….
The fourth girl had averted heated arguments form shaping up. She quickly smiled back when I threw an appreciating glance.
Discussions of women ranged from CWG to Ayodhya issue. It was heartening to see the political and social dimension of the typical working woman. She was opinionated and confident…discussing things beyond just the lonchyachi recipe.
Day after day, I found myself talking to new people during these 25minutes….getting to know their priorities, urgencies in life, concern for the child left at the crèche and the weary eagerness to cook the night’s meal…
Today I managed to reach Kurla station 20minutes before the stipulated time. Waiting here does not have any incentives. A prolonged wait at this place can come your way by the stroke of grave misfortune. People from central and harbour routes seem to ply all over the bridges and overcrowd the place…and trying to spot your newly made acquaintance amidst a million faces isn’t cake walk!
As I waited there, I spotted a familiar face...this one belonged to my campus!
I tried hard to recollect the name of this senior, but in vain….
This was a fellow I spoke to less often during college….nor were we friends even in a casual sense. But, a different feeling bonded us. The sense of belonging to VJTI grew strong… Nostalgia hit hard….I smiled back…
In less than 3 minutes we discussed, “So, what are you doing these days?”
In no time, we pursued our separate ways…
Trains were running on time, and so were the men!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
No Princely Diaries: 1
Some personal experiences are so different and novel that you want to propound them. Sharing with all of you a few anecdotes lifted from my diary.
Two months down and I’m still trying to absorb the essence of getting out of the college world and moving into the corporate ambience. These 2 months brought before my eyes a flurry of emotions, favourite images belonging to my enviable college years and many new faces.
Each office of my organization has approximately 30 people with amazing idiosyncrasies. Age group: 25 yrs (vibrant) to mid 40s (troubled and bored).
Akin to a classroom, an office too has 3-4 dedicated employees putting in more than 9hrs on a daily basis. These employees generally have their sick leaves piled up beyond the encash-able limits. I also came across a passionate engineer who knows the technical specifications of even the smallest nut and bolt that goes into making business for the organization. A few others work because it’s the next best option for them to sitting idle. They are the ones who avail every sick leave and/or casual leave and even the annual LTA. Then there are some who cease to be corporeal once it is the official time out. They just vanish from the face of the earth once it is 6 o’ clock. These are also the ones who always look forward to passing office hours under the guise of some or the other excuse for celebrations. They indulge in persistently demanding motichur laddoos from a colleague whose brother’s daughter got married recently! Some go to the extent of discussing the age of the crockery/cutlery used in office!!
In a client company, we get to associate with a lot of contractual staff. It’s hilarious at times to see seniors dealing with labourers repeatedly falling ‘sick’ and complaining of long queues at the general physician’s clinic; as a result of which they report late at site.
My organization is largely benefited by the open-door policy. It has increased lateral communication and thereby improved the levels of mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the staff members.
I have come to conclude that the corporate world in itself may or may not be disciplined but it does discipline you. Scheduling your CLs and PLs is a lot different than humble bunking. Planning your budget and investments is another good habit that a monthly salary can imbibe in you. The erratic urgencies at work place, accessibility through the Blackberry and web-mail post office hours have a great capacity to disrupt your work life balance. Hence setting and achieving your daily targets becomes indispensable.
Amidst this differently experienced staff, many a times I find myself lost in my college days. I also realize that I am the one who uses the text messaging facility more than anyone else in my office during office hours :P. One particular message (thanks to phone banking) comes every month…just to ease the travel woes and work pressures that troubled you the previous month and also provide you the incentive to come back to the same place month after month!
Few other observations include that tenders and other spiral bound organizational literature has only one side printed. As I sit with one bulky tender document, I find myself flipping the pages I have read and I am yet to read at an interval of 20minutes…and there is always a disturbing difference between these two variables!
It also happens that the last hour of the official day has more than 60minutes!!
I also realized that going home after work is a highly emotional incentive.
I am one of the few lucky ones to avail it daily…
Two months down and I’m still trying to absorb the essence of getting out of the college world and moving into the corporate ambience. These 2 months brought before my eyes a flurry of emotions, favourite images belonging to my enviable college years and many new faces.
Each office of my organization has approximately 30 people with amazing idiosyncrasies. Age group: 25 yrs (vibrant) to mid 40s (troubled and bored).
Akin to a classroom, an office too has 3-4 dedicated employees putting in more than 9hrs on a daily basis. These employees generally have their sick leaves piled up beyond the encash-able limits. I also came across a passionate engineer who knows the technical specifications of even the smallest nut and bolt that goes into making business for the organization. A few others work because it’s the next best option for them to sitting idle. They are the ones who avail every sick leave and/or casual leave and even the annual LTA. Then there are some who cease to be corporeal once it is the official time out. They just vanish from the face of the earth once it is 6 o’ clock. These are also the ones who always look forward to passing office hours under the guise of some or the other excuse for celebrations. They indulge in persistently demanding motichur laddoos from a colleague whose brother’s daughter got married recently! Some go to the extent of discussing the age of the crockery/cutlery used in office!!
In a client company, we get to associate with a lot of contractual staff. It’s hilarious at times to see seniors dealing with labourers repeatedly falling ‘sick’ and complaining of long queues at the general physician’s clinic; as a result of which they report late at site.
My organization is largely benefited by the open-door policy. It has increased lateral communication and thereby improved the levels of mutual understanding and cooperation amongst the staff members.
I have come to conclude that the corporate world in itself may or may not be disciplined but it does discipline you. Scheduling your CLs and PLs is a lot different than humble bunking. Planning your budget and investments is another good habit that a monthly salary can imbibe in you. The erratic urgencies at work place, accessibility through the Blackberry and web-mail post office hours have a great capacity to disrupt your work life balance. Hence setting and achieving your daily targets becomes indispensable.
Amidst this differently experienced staff, many a times I find myself lost in my college days. I also realize that I am the one who uses the text messaging facility more than anyone else in my office during office hours :P. One particular message (thanks to phone banking) comes every month…just to ease the travel woes and work pressures that troubled you the previous month and also provide you the incentive to come back to the same place month after month!
Few other observations include that tenders and other spiral bound organizational literature has only one side printed. As I sit with one bulky tender document, I find myself flipping the pages I have read and I am yet to read at an interval of 20minutes…and there is always a disturbing difference between these two variables!
It also happens that the last hour of the official day has more than 60minutes!!
I also realized that going home after work is a highly emotional incentive.
I am one of the few lucky ones to avail it daily…
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Why does this happen to Me only???
Many a times (in my case, always), life presents situations that simply defy plain logic. Take the instance of me stepping out of home on a sunny morning without an umbrella and it begins to pour torrentially when I am exactly 750mtrs from home. Now, the distance is such that I hate going back to pick up something as trivial as an umbrella. Result is; I am drenched despite the fact that the last two days had recorded dry spells and the meteorological department was worried about impending droughts. But it HAS to always rain when I decide to go out or when I am about to step out of office!!! This happens so regularly that I almost believe that rains have ‘working’ hours (read pouring hours) which are scheduled just after MY shift :(
Some many many years ago, Murphy said a few things which even today seem so incredibly true. Doesn’t it always happen that the chance of the bread falling with the buttered side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet?
The very shoe/ bangle/ ring/ dress I like is never available in my preferred colour and if fortunately it is available, it never fits me!
The account section clerk breaks for lunch the moment I discover I am the first one at the counter. The question perennially remains: “Mera number kab aayega???”
The machine issuing movie coupons on (Vodafone) tuesdays decides to work in a clumsy manner when I am standing with a group of buddies and so quintessentially we have to miss the first 10minutes of the movie.
All possible lights on my internet router flicker endlessly when I decide to log-into my facebook account. All sites seem ‘unavailable’ or ‘temporarily moved to another location’. It never happens with my brother!
There are a few buses which perform consistently in terms of service even in the fleet owned by TMT (Thane Municipal Transport), which is otherwise notorious for failing to satisfy the minimum competency requirements to sustain as a public transport. The day I decide to take one of these top-performing buses, the trip stands cancelled! Then there is the ticket queue which is illimitable on the very day my railway pass has expired. The very counter I am trailing has a lady (it is always a lady who is amazingly slow) who discusses recipes with a neighbour and hence is delaying the process of issuing tickets, while the clock endlessly ticks away… I find it so difficult to stick to my virtues and prevent myself from embarking on a ticket less travel.
At times I wonder; are the environmental factors ensuring that my punctuality goes for a toss?
Does anyone bother pondering over these frivolous things?
I can afford to because I am engulfed with such thoughts when the aforesaid things happen regularly to me.
Does this really happen to me only???
I am sure the answer is a thunder echoing “NO”!!!
This probably means that the people who get to sit in public transport are the ones who are either 40minutes late or 30minutes early to reach their destination!
Some many many years ago, Murphy said a few things which even today seem so incredibly true. Doesn’t it always happen that the chance of the bread falling with the buttered side down is directly proportional to the cost of the carpet?
The very shoe/ bangle/ ring/ dress I like is never available in my preferred colour and if fortunately it is available, it never fits me!
The account section clerk breaks for lunch the moment I discover I am the first one at the counter. The question perennially remains: “Mera number kab aayega???”
The machine issuing movie coupons on (Vodafone) tuesdays decides to work in a clumsy manner when I am standing with a group of buddies and so quintessentially we have to miss the first 10minutes of the movie.
All possible lights on my internet router flicker endlessly when I decide to log-into my facebook account. All sites seem ‘unavailable’ or ‘temporarily moved to another location’. It never happens with my brother!
There are a few buses which perform consistently in terms of service even in the fleet owned by TMT (Thane Municipal Transport), which is otherwise notorious for failing to satisfy the minimum competency requirements to sustain as a public transport. The day I decide to take one of these top-performing buses, the trip stands cancelled! Then there is the ticket queue which is illimitable on the very day my railway pass has expired. The very counter I am trailing has a lady (it is always a lady who is amazingly slow) who discusses recipes with a neighbour and hence is delaying the process of issuing tickets, while the clock endlessly ticks away… I find it so difficult to stick to my virtues and prevent myself from embarking on a ticket less travel.
At times I wonder; are the environmental factors ensuring that my punctuality goes for a toss?
Does anyone bother pondering over these frivolous things?
I can afford to because I am engulfed with such thoughts when the aforesaid things happen regularly to me.
Does this really happen to me only???
I am sure the answer is a thunder echoing “NO”!!!
This probably means that the people who get to sit in public transport are the ones who are either 40minutes late or 30minutes early to reach their destination!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Games people play!
In the times of superfluous cricket, when the details of one particular match skip down the memory lanes in a matter of few hours, it takes special efforts by a 50 over stint to stir up reactions from zealous audiences consistently for over 3 working days!
Suraj Randiv denied Virender Sehwag his 15th ODI century by delivering a deliberate no-ball. Few fines were slapped and an apology followed the ownership of Suraj’s mistake as a team responsibility by captain Sangakkara.
Yet, this controversy raises a lot of questions.
• Has the spirit of sportsmanship succumbed to the pressure of competition?
• Is it impressed on the minds of the players that their responsibility includes only scoring runs and taking wickets? Isn’t it equally if not more important to make sure that these runs are rightfully scored??
• Has the gentleman’s game given way to sadistic deliberation which results in the futility of a sincere player’s consistent efforts?
• Does ICC really need to rework its rules of game which do not account for anything that happens post the winning run/wicket in an inning?
ICC can make sure that the rules are amended so that in future such 6 runs are deservedly credited to the then Sehwag’s kitty.
On the other hand one feels rules or not, it is expected of a player of international stature to have his ethics in place. It matters even more when actions can tarnish not only a personal image but the team’s reputation as a whole. This further implies that it is Randiv, who failed to be a sportsperson guarding his morals; who is guilty and not ICC as a controlling authority of the game.
Yet, if one person decides to let his value system go for a toss, we CANNOT justify the victimization of an honest player.
Suraj Randiv denied Virender Sehwag his 15th ODI century by delivering a deliberate no-ball. Few fines were slapped and an apology followed the ownership of Suraj’s mistake as a team responsibility by captain Sangakkara.
Yet, this controversy raises a lot of questions.
• Has the spirit of sportsmanship succumbed to the pressure of competition?
• Is it impressed on the minds of the players that their responsibility includes only scoring runs and taking wickets? Isn’t it equally if not more important to make sure that these runs are rightfully scored??
• Has the gentleman’s game given way to sadistic deliberation which results in the futility of a sincere player’s consistent efforts?
• Does ICC really need to rework its rules of game which do not account for anything that happens post the winning run/wicket in an inning?
ICC can make sure that the rules are amended so that in future such 6 runs are deservedly credited to the then Sehwag’s kitty.
On the other hand one feels rules or not, it is expected of a player of international stature to have his ethics in place. It matters even more when actions can tarnish not only a personal image but the team’s reputation as a whole. This further implies that it is Randiv, who failed to be a sportsperson guarding his morals; who is guilty and not ICC as a controlling authority of the game.
Yet, if one person decides to let his value system go for a toss, we CANNOT justify the victimization of an honest player.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Lessons from Life!
Introspection gives you a lot of answers…says who???
Says my mom! There are too many things she keeps saying…a few of them worth sharing with everyone…
Most of the things mom says make me feel that the concepts of one world, one religion and service to humanity aren’t theoretical. It’s just that at times, we don’t take efforts to unleash the true human in each of us…come on! Bring him on!
So mom says…
There is but a small difference between a good human and a not-bad human,
Indifference isn’t a golden virtue…
I don’t do any bad, but I don’t make sure that I do some good...is a way to brush off a human responsibility.
Make an effort to be good.
Though one must be selfless while serving, you can keep in mind that goodness is always rewarded.
People don’t have a reason to be bad;
Every core can be pure and gentle;
Eccentricity is a case of an extreme mannerism,
Don’t deal with eccentrics,
Learn to handle them with care…
When people hurt you,
Remember that they are more hurt, else they wouldn’t have hurt you.
Sympathy isn’t the best consolation.
Empathise to understand the deepest of anguish and the brightest of joys.
Some things are just not meant to happen,
Or some things just don’t have an answer is NOT really true.
Every event in your life has a purpose and an outcome.
Try to find the reason,
If that reason teaches you something; learn it;
If it disturbs you; ignore it,
If it makes you happy; cherish it!
Efforts are not always rewarded;
But that doesn’t mean life is unfair.
Destiny is overpowering at times.
That also doesn’t mean you stop taking efforts.
It is important to go with the flow;
Because there are times in your lives when you don’t really realize what is indeed the “best” for you.
This again doesn’t mean you sit back and keep anticipating,
Trust me when I say that there is no substitute for hard work, sincerity and persistence.
At times it is interesting to challenge your GOD; especially when HIS treatment to you seems compromising.
But do so only if you have been a sincere devotee and a sincere person.
You won’t become one by going to the temple every day,
Just be good to a fellow person and keep your faith intact, even when it tests you the most.
Test your GOD; test your faith equally well when He tries to test you,
As a sincere devotee, it is your fair right to do so.
Remember words speak louder than actions and hurt more than a physical blow.
Use the right set of words always.
Praise well and applaud honestly, but don’t forget to express disapproval when the need be.
It is very much possible to be pleasing, soft as well as an objective and an articulate person; all at the same time.
You are too young to be judgmental about life.
Trust me, nothing is permanent.
Every day is a fresh day,
Welcome it with a sense of gratitude.
Expect a ‘daily surprise’ in store,
And if you still get none,
DON’T bury the hope!
Life is full of beautiful people,
Keep adding them to your life.
Try to find out what makes these humans beautiful, learn from their beauty.
Also, share these lessons with others.
Crib less, hate none.
Life is too short to give space and scope for these emotions.
Forgiveness is the most powerful balm which heals all sores.
Get the crap off your chest and feel the blissful lightness that swells within.
There are just too many people,
Who care about you and want to see you happy.
Don’t ever forget to give them their due.
So keep smiling and take care
Live, love, care and share.
There is nothing in life, so particularly unfair!
Nobody did say that life would be easy,
They just promised it would be worth it!
Says my mom! There are too many things she keeps saying…a few of them worth sharing with everyone…
Most of the things mom says make me feel that the concepts of one world, one religion and service to humanity aren’t theoretical. It’s just that at times, we don’t take efforts to unleash the true human in each of us…come on! Bring him on!
So mom says…
There is but a small difference between a good human and a not-bad human,
Indifference isn’t a golden virtue…
I don’t do any bad, but I don’t make sure that I do some good...is a way to brush off a human responsibility.
Make an effort to be good.
Though one must be selfless while serving, you can keep in mind that goodness is always rewarded.
People don’t have a reason to be bad;
Every core can be pure and gentle;
Eccentricity is a case of an extreme mannerism,
Don’t deal with eccentrics,
Learn to handle them with care…
When people hurt you,
Remember that they are more hurt, else they wouldn’t have hurt you.
Sympathy isn’t the best consolation.
Empathise to understand the deepest of anguish and the brightest of joys.
Some things are just not meant to happen,
Or some things just don’t have an answer is NOT really true.
Every event in your life has a purpose and an outcome.
Try to find the reason,
If that reason teaches you something; learn it;
If it disturbs you; ignore it,
If it makes you happy; cherish it!
Efforts are not always rewarded;
But that doesn’t mean life is unfair.
Destiny is overpowering at times.
That also doesn’t mean you stop taking efforts.
It is important to go with the flow;
Because there are times in your lives when you don’t really realize what is indeed the “best” for you.
This again doesn’t mean you sit back and keep anticipating,
Trust me when I say that there is no substitute for hard work, sincerity and persistence.
At times it is interesting to challenge your GOD; especially when HIS treatment to you seems compromising.
But do so only if you have been a sincere devotee and a sincere person.
You won’t become one by going to the temple every day,
Just be good to a fellow person and keep your faith intact, even when it tests you the most.
Test your GOD; test your faith equally well when He tries to test you,
As a sincere devotee, it is your fair right to do so.
Remember words speak louder than actions and hurt more than a physical blow.
Use the right set of words always.
Praise well and applaud honestly, but don’t forget to express disapproval when the need be.
It is very much possible to be pleasing, soft as well as an objective and an articulate person; all at the same time.
You are too young to be judgmental about life.
Trust me, nothing is permanent.
Every day is a fresh day,
Welcome it with a sense of gratitude.
Expect a ‘daily surprise’ in store,
And if you still get none,
DON’T bury the hope!
Life is full of beautiful people,
Keep adding them to your life.
Try to find out what makes these humans beautiful, learn from their beauty.
Also, share these lessons with others.
Crib less, hate none.
Life is too short to give space and scope for these emotions.
Forgiveness is the most powerful balm which heals all sores.
Get the crap off your chest and feel the blissful lightness that swells within.
There are just too many people,
Who care about you and want to see you happy.
Don’t ever forget to give them their due.
So keep smiling and take care
Live, love, care and share.
There is nothing in life, so particularly unfair!
Nobody did say that life would be easy,
They just promised it would be worth it!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Nostalgia
Four years of togetherness, four years of seeing each other, still not being fed up,
but wanting to come back, over and over again…
finding yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 in the night and scared to even think that in about a month from now, you won’t be hurrying to reach the Quadrangle…
16 acres of the campus become dearer to you when you know that an official ‘Nirop’ is on the cards for you.
Life at VJTI had too many aspects to it. Broadly we can categorize them as academic, social and (ahem, ahem) romantic.
First let us be done with the sullen part of our academic life. As an Electrical engineering student, this part probably had less impact on my life here. First year was full of anticipation. Mass bunk was thrilling then. In the exam room, I was strictly restricted to my own business. In the following years, exams became more of a collaborative effort. Irrespective of how they went, a movie or an eating out always followed every petty MST or a much hyped EST. Laboratory sessions were when the lesser known faces of the class would make an out of the blue appearance. Workshops were literally amongst the ‘hottest’ places on the campus. Some labs gave us the chance to handle 220/440 Volts of electricity. Most of wisely decided to not take the risk and let the wires be! Clicking pictures in the lab was better fun.
In the 2nd year, our classroom was situated on the third floor. As an underweight student, I prevented myself from further losing calories by avoiding the staircase. The bulky ones didn’t work that hard to get to the top and so the perfectly fit ones also found themselves in the quadrangle as they missed their friends who had valid reasons for not making it to the class. In the 3rd year, we were placed well; on the first floor bang opposite the Quad. So, we took the less treaded path to the classroom with a higher frequency. In the final year, the classroom misses us a lot!
Note: if you are thrown out of the class, please carry your ID and bag. It’s easier to head to places like gymkhana, canteen or quad with these things in place.
Next in the line is our social life; the attributes of which are very appealing to my entire gang of friends. Ask us about festivals, and Pratibimb, Enthusia and Technovanza is what we will talk about. The four months of winter season every year gave us the warmest days of our lives. The dusty hub was where we spent more time than our homes. The colors, brushes, sponsorship deals and Rs.8/- food coupons (now Rs.10/-) meant a world to us! Year after year we found ourselves in the Fresher’s Party. 4 years weren’t long enough to make us stale!
Festivals also gave us a fair chance to skip lectures officially.
“Sir, I was a part of the event’s core committee”.
At this, the professor would smirk and we could get away!
One line can be so self-explanatory!
Lastly comes the most special aspect of our ‘Romantic life’. A few of us venture into this high-risk territory. Yet, college remains the place which probably gave you your first crush, first love; that special someone for whom you were waiting for so long…
Library would give you a good chance to 'study' together! Otherwise, getting caught in a library isn't good for your reputation.
On a Rose day, one brave heart would trudge ahead to make his first proposal and his naughty friends would be hanging in at the back to capture the image when his throat would go dry. A dull physics experiment would also seen enchanting if ‘he’/’she’ would be in your batch. Walking down the stairs or along the corridors would be breath-taking if you could get that one glimpse while both of you walked in a herd of people. Trad day would give you the golden opportunity to click a photo with him. Your photos with the other hims/hers would subtly camouflage your favorite picture!
Yet life wasn’t all that rosy. Heartbreaks, longings and break-ups were also a part of this amazing journey.
VJTI will remain the fondest part of my memories; a place which had so much to give each and everyone of us: a sense of responsibility, a sense of belonging and the ability to reach for greater success in life. Today we are wise enough to decide the course of our life, to switch cities and even countries. More importantly; we learnt to love, we learnt to share and we loved to care.
Thank You VJTI, for being such an awesome place!!!
but wanting to come back, over and over again…
finding yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 in the night and scared to even think that in about a month from now, you won’t be hurrying to reach the Quadrangle…
16 acres of the campus become dearer to you when you know that an official ‘Nirop’ is on the cards for you.
Life at VJTI had too many aspects to it. Broadly we can categorize them as academic, social and (ahem, ahem) romantic.
First let us be done with the sullen part of our academic life. As an Electrical engineering student, this part probably had less impact on my life here. First year was full of anticipation. Mass bunk was thrilling then. In the exam room, I was strictly restricted to my own business. In the following years, exams became more of a collaborative effort. Irrespective of how they went, a movie or an eating out always followed every petty MST or a much hyped EST. Laboratory sessions were when the lesser known faces of the class would make an out of the blue appearance. Workshops were literally amongst the ‘hottest’ places on the campus. Some labs gave us the chance to handle 220/440 Volts of electricity. Most of wisely decided to not take the risk and let the wires be! Clicking pictures in the lab was better fun.
In the 2nd year, our classroom was situated on the third floor. As an underweight student, I prevented myself from further losing calories by avoiding the staircase. The bulky ones didn’t work that hard to get to the top and so the perfectly fit ones also found themselves in the quadrangle as they missed their friends who had valid reasons for not making it to the class. In the 3rd year, we were placed well; on the first floor bang opposite the Quad. So, we took the less treaded path to the classroom with a higher frequency. In the final year, the classroom misses us a lot!
Note: if you are thrown out of the class, please carry your ID and bag. It’s easier to head to places like gymkhana, canteen or quad with these things in place.
Next in the line is our social life; the attributes of which are very appealing to my entire gang of friends. Ask us about festivals, and Pratibimb, Enthusia and Technovanza is what we will talk about. The four months of winter season every year gave us the warmest days of our lives. The dusty hub was where we spent more time than our homes. The colors, brushes, sponsorship deals and Rs.8/- food coupons (now Rs.10/-) meant a world to us! Year after year we found ourselves in the Fresher’s Party. 4 years weren’t long enough to make us stale!
Festivals also gave us a fair chance to skip lectures officially.
“Sir, I was a part of the event’s core committee”.
At this, the professor would smirk and we could get away!
One line can be so self-explanatory!
Lastly comes the most special aspect of our ‘Romantic life’. A few of us venture into this high-risk territory. Yet, college remains the place which probably gave you your first crush, first love; that special someone for whom you were waiting for so long…
Library would give you a good chance to 'study' together! Otherwise, getting caught in a library isn't good for your reputation.
On a Rose day, one brave heart would trudge ahead to make his first proposal and his naughty friends would be hanging in at the back to capture the image when his throat would go dry. A dull physics experiment would also seen enchanting if ‘he’/’she’ would be in your batch. Walking down the stairs or along the corridors would be breath-taking if you could get that one glimpse while both of you walked in a herd of people. Trad day would give you the golden opportunity to click a photo with him. Your photos with the other hims/hers would subtly camouflage your favorite picture!
Yet life wasn’t all that rosy. Heartbreaks, longings and break-ups were also a part of this amazing journey.
VJTI will remain the fondest part of my memories; a place which had so much to give each and everyone of us: a sense of responsibility, a sense of belonging and the ability to reach for greater success in life. Today we are wise enough to decide the course of our life, to switch cities and even countries. More importantly; we learnt to love, we learnt to share and we loved to care.
Thank You VJTI, for being such an awesome place!!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
A process called Communication
Communication is defined as a process which involves a transmitter (to encode the message), a medium (to propagate the message) and a receiver (to receive and decode its contents). If the receiver is an assembly of integrated circuits, then obtaining a binary output for a given message becomes a reasonably humble expectation from any system. But if the recipient has a heart and a soul and a mind in place; then decoding becomes a very important aspect which has the power to even defeat the entire purpose of communication.
Religion is the most sacred form of communication; starting from the divinity (the transmitter), via the clergy (the medium) and the congregation (the receiver). In this process of propagating the message, it often gets corrupted by noise. A similar ‘noise-effect’ is observed when the clergy assumes the role of divinity. The clergy is supposed to be a teacher of law. Their job is to answer the unanswered questions in simple and most definitive terms. How the clergy applies the basic theory of communication to the practise of religion, will have a major affect on the way in which the common man appreciates and interprets religion.
The human mind gives all ages a food for thought and action and is willing to be influenced. Hence a lot of noise gets created in the human brain when politicians generate wrong notions about certain things at public rallies. Taking this mantle off the clergy has largely resulted in what can be termed as a global religious imbalance.
‘Antaryaami Babas’ engaging in sex-capades have brought shame to the noble purpose that the clergy was entrusted with.
Can you and I do nothing about this faltering process of communication?
Science says that use of filters minimizes noise. Its time we use the filter of our rational thinking so as to reject all the noise and bring about an accurate interpretation of what the Almighty has to say.
Open your eyes…
Open your mind…
And love a fellow being…
Listen to the Lord…
That’s all he probably has to say…
It’s fair to understand that service to humanity is indeed service to God…
Religion is the most sacred form of communication; starting from the divinity (the transmitter), via the clergy (the medium) and the congregation (the receiver). In this process of propagating the message, it often gets corrupted by noise. A similar ‘noise-effect’ is observed when the clergy assumes the role of divinity. The clergy is supposed to be a teacher of law. Their job is to answer the unanswered questions in simple and most definitive terms. How the clergy applies the basic theory of communication to the practise of religion, will have a major affect on the way in which the common man appreciates and interprets religion.
The human mind gives all ages a food for thought and action and is willing to be influenced. Hence a lot of noise gets created in the human brain when politicians generate wrong notions about certain things at public rallies. Taking this mantle off the clergy has largely resulted in what can be termed as a global religious imbalance.
‘Antaryaami Babas’ engaging in sex-capades have brought shame to the noble purpose that the clergy was entrusted with.
Can you and I do nothing about this faltering process of communication?
Science says that use of filters minimizes noise. Its time we use the filter of our rational thinking so as to reject all the noise and bring about an accurate interpretation of what the Almighty has to say.
Open your eyes…
Open your mind…
And love a fellow being…
Listen to the Lord…
That’s all he probably has to say…
It’s fair to understand that service to humanity is indeed service to God…
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Valentine's Day
The brightest flower wilted,
the deepest eyes cried…
and tears trickled down,
wailing the catastrophe,
as the love-filled season of the year
got blasted with terror and grief…
As every heart was preparing to welcome the much awaited Valentine’s Day, it got ripped apart yet again by a malicious blast. It is mourning the loss of its loved ones, contrary to its humble expectations of being one with them.
Fate had decided to act cruel with the purest emotion of love.
Had you ever wondered that buying muffins for your loved one could cost you your life?
Or that the soft and beautiful moments with your first date would possibly be the last ones you breathed? How could you not help yourself feel the urge to live forever when you closed your eyes before seeing your just born daughter?
The traits of humanity are swiftly evading the realms of human behaviour.
The mind of the miscreant embraces profanity and malice. He doesn’t think twice before slitting the throat of an innocent neighbour or even blasting a thousand merry souls enjoying the festive season.
It isn’t difficult to accept that the Intelligence is failing to give proper assistance to fortify the internal security system of our country time and again. This is happening as a fellow human has failed disastrously in his mannerisms. His violent streak has become blatantly hazardous. He has defied the norms of society and fraternity.
In such a scenario, all we can so is pray for the souls of the deceased.
Wish that the world gets the love it rightfully deserves; beseech the Almighty to cure it from the contagion of terrorism.
The world indeed needs to heal itself and breathe free in the air of love.
Let us join in this universal prayer to bring back the very abiding love which St. Valentine wanted to bring in for every living soul….
Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
the deepest eyes cried…
and tears trickled down,
wailing the catastrophe,
as the love-filled season of the year
got blasted with terror and grief…
As every heart was preparing to welcome the much awaited Valentine’s Day, it got ripped apart yet again by a malicious blast. It is mourning the loss of its loved ones, contrary to its humble expectations of being one with them.
Fate had decided to act cruel with the purest emotion of love.
Had you ever wondered that buying muffins for your loved one could cost you your life?
Or that the soft and beautiful moments with your first date would possibly be the last ones you breathed? How could you not help yourself feel the urge to live forever when you closed your eyes before seeing your just born daughter?
The traits of humanity are swiftly evading the realms of human behaviour.
The mind of the miscreant embraces profanity and malice. He doesn’t think twice before slitting the throat of an innocent neighbour or even blasting a thousand merry souls enjoying the festive season.
It isn’t difficult to accept that the Intelligence is failing to give proper assistance to fortify the internal security system of our country time and again. This is happening as a fellow human has failed disastrously in his mannerisms. His violent streak has become blatantly hazardous. He has defied the norms of society and fraternity.
In such a scenario, all we can so is pray for the souls of the deceased.
Wish that the world gets the love it rightfully deserves; beseech the Almighty to cure it from the contagion of terrorism.
The world indeed needs to heal itself and breathe free in the air of love.
Let us join in this universal prayer to bring back the very abiding love which St. Valentine wanted to bring in for every living soul….
Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
Friday, February 5, 2010
In a state of agony
My truth lacks honesty,
and lie lacks deceit.
My smile lacks a purpose
as nothing brings me repose.
Despair seems beautiful
as my joy comes in pain.
And everything seems bleak to me
while my hope laments in vain.
My curse lacks an intention
and my care lacks the warmth.
I tread along the boulevard
in search of some solace...
Agony, pain and hurt,
I cuddle them all..
and amidst this weary darkness,
I struggle to stand tall.
Deep within my gentle heart,
cries with content;
Oh, troubled times!
You have really changed my face!
and lie lacks deceit.
My smile lacks a purpose
as nothing brings me repose.
Despair seems beautiful
as my joy comes in pain.
And everything seems bleak to me
while my hope laments in vain.
My curse lacks an intention
and my care lacks the warmth.
I tread along the boulevard
in search of some solace...
Agony, pain and hurt,
I cuddle them all..
and amidst this weary darkness,
I struggle to stand tall.
Deep within my gentle heart,
cries with content;
Oh, troubled times!
You have really changed my face!
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