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!
Friday, June 18, 2010
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!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Clichés!
Yes, that’s what CAT2009 can be termed as!
Known for its consistency in throwing surprises year after year, this year CAT had peanuts to throw at the aspirants.
As there was no hint of surprise…the candidates had no apprehensions pertaining to surprises, all they had was fanatical fear. Hence crashing of servers, shut down of the testing centres was all expected.
CAT2009 began with a declared surprise: that it was going online. There were no two ways about it. Now, after developments in disasters during the first 3 days, educational experts are suggesting a return to the paper-based format. So, this might be the most un/favorable surprise in store for us.
Mass cheating, blurring of screens, virus attacks are consistently being a part of this hysteria. Instances of questions being repeated in the 2nd and 3rd day sessions have also been reported. There has been no marking scheme released as yet. The entire process which garnered trust of students, the educational fraternity and the recruiters is far from being transparent and agog with discrepancies and ample mistrust. What big a question mark will this chain of events create on the IIM 2009-11 batch students is another issue for contemplation.
The CAT this year has generated more questions offline:
• How are the IIMs going to account for all these glitches?
• Are they even going to give a statement of assurance to the bewildered students??
• Was such great a reliance on an international firm justified, that the IIMs could allow them to conduct the maiden round of exams without any trials?
• Are they ever going to being questioned on having dared to mess around with a career defining exam for the elite class of students of India?
• Is a paper based re-test on the cards??
The entire episode is reduced to a farce. The credibility of the students going to enter the premier B-schools of India is on absolutely slippery grounds.
My sincere wishes to all the students taking this test. This year we are being tested for our patience. Intelligence; yes even that!!..it just got forsaken in this rut!
Known for its consistency in throwing surprises year after year, this year CAT had peanuts to throw at the aspirants.
As there was no hint of surprise…the candidates had no apprehensions pertaining to surprises, all they had was fanatical fear. Hence crashing of servers, shut down of the testing centres was all expected.
CAT2009 began with a declared surprise: that it was going online. There were no two ways about it. Now, after developments in disasters during the first 3 days, educational experts are suggesting a return to the paper-based format. So, this might be the most un/favorable surprise in store for us.
Mass cheating, blurring of screens, virus attacks are consistently being a part of this hysteria. Instances of questions being repeated in the 2nd and 3rd day sessions have also been reported. There has been no marking scheme released as yet. The entire process which garnered trust of students, the educational fraternity and the recruiters is far from being transparent and agog with discrepancies and ample mistrust. What big a question mark will this chain of events create on the IIM 2009-11 batch students is another issue for contemplation.
The CAT this year has generated more questions offline:
• How are the IIMs going to account for all these glitches?
• Are they even going to give a statement of assurance to the bewildered students??
• Was such great a reliance on an international firm justified, that the IIMs could allow them to conduct the maiden round of exams without any trials?
• Are they ever going to being questioned on having dared to mess around with a career defining exam for the elite class of students of India?
• Is a paper based re-test on the cards??
The entire episode is reduced to a farce. The credibility of the students going to enter the premier B-schools of India is on absolutely slippery grounds.
My sincere wishes to all the students taking this test. This year we are being tested for our patience. Intelligence; yes even that!!..it just got forsaken in this rut!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When the air smells of flu
You don’t have to be attractive to make heads turn in a crowd. One untimely sneeze and you became the epicenter of public attention!! Some eyeing you with suspicion, some praying to god to disallow the air-borne virus from entering his/her system and a few benevolent souls praying for your health and vitality.
Gone are the days when one would swell in pride announcing the arrival of their NRI relatives to homeland for a vacation. Now, they are better off in their foreign abode. Indian hospitality now includes not just the ‘tika’ and ‘arati’; but also screening and frisking in its antecedent levels. Amidst the bleak picture, one finds solace as the awareness of personal hygiene is steadily rising in the city.
All this, thanks to one pig that got it all wrong for itself and the rest of the world!
So, what does one do when he/she sneezes? (besides praying-an option invalid for an atheist)
1. Do not press the panic button and declare yourself as an unfortunate victim of swine flu.
2. Realize that common flu and common cold is still in vogue; and so sneezing is not that off-seasonal.
There are other things to worry about. With hospitals circulating mismatched reports, it makes sense to first consult your family physician than just rush to Kasturba. People are selling the N-95 masks at twice or thrice the amount of its listed maximum retail price. Indians that we are, making the most (profits) in every situation, adversities included. I am no medical practitioner to advice people on the current pandemic. But common sense tells that it is better to understand and identify the symptoms of the disease. These include high fever and difficulty in breathing. We also need to take the preventive measures (listed by newspapers, internet portals and TV news channels) and consume a wholesome diet. Nutritionists have said that an intake of Vitamin C can be effective in building immunity. Using masks, which necessarily need to be sterilized after every usage; strictly eating home-cooked food should be a routine exercise.
The flu is here to stay for atleast two more months and a complete reliance on government measures can prove to be fatal. A preventive vaccine can be expected in future, but at the same time we must realize that the projected number of swine flu victims will be showing a steep rise in the subsequent months.
Swine flu has probably come as a respite to Pakistan’s bureaucracy, as Indo-Pak peace talks take a relative backstage. The PM’s B-statement also seems to be forgotten. Pranab’s efforts to dilate the tax slabs are less appreciated. As Indians, and moreover as students, we have a platter full of worries; swine flu just adding to the same.
At this juncture, all we can do is, take care…
Gone are the days when one would swell in pride announcing the arrival of their NRI relatives to homeland for a vacation. Now, they are better off in their foreign abode. Indian hospitality now includes not just the ‘tika’ and ‘arati’; but also screening and frisking in its antecedent levels. Amidst the bleak picture, one finds solace as the awareness of personal hygiene is steadily rising in the city.
All this, thanks to one pig that got it all wrong for itself and the rest of the world!
So, what does one do when he/she sneezes? (besides praying-an option invalid for an atheist)
1. Do not press the panic button and declare yourself as an unfortunate victim of swine flu.
2. Realize that common flu and common cold is still in vogue; and so sneezing is not that off-seasonal.
There are other things to worry about. With hospitals circulating mismatched reports, it makes sense to first consult your family physician than just rush to Kasturba. People are selling the N-95 masks at twice or thrice the amount of its listed maximum retail price. Indians that we are, making the most (profits) in every situation, adversities included. I am no medical practitioner to advice people on the current pandemic. But common sense tells that it is better to understand and identify the symptoms of the disease. These include high fever and difficulty in breathing. We also need to take the preventive measures (listed by newspapers, internet portals and TV news channels) and consume a wholesome diet. Nutritionists have said that an intake of Vitamin C can be effective in building immunity. Using masks, which necessarily need to be sterilized after every usage; strictly eating home-cooked food should be a routine exercise.
The flu is here to stay for atleast two more months and a complete reliance on government measures can prove to be fatal. A preventive vaccine can be expected in future, but at the same time we must realize that the projected number of swine flu victims will be showing a steep rise in the subsequent months.
Swine flu has probably come as a respite to Pakistan’s bureaucracy, as Indo-Pak peace talks take a relative backstage. The PM’s B-statement also seems to be forgotten. Pranab’s efforts to dilate the tax slabs are less appreciated. As Indians, and moreover as students, we have a platter full of worries; swine flu just adding to the same.
At this juncture, all we can do is, take care…
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