1st Decemeber made me realise 11 months of 2010 are gone.......its the 12th month....... and next month it would be 2011 . Time flies !! 2010 may not be the year of significant happenings in my life however this still would be an year of significant importance . The year was of self discovery , analysis and in changed (I changed job) scenario I had spare time.This year begun with bunking office party for night out with my girl friends . I must say it was great fun and I had office next day :-/. So the begining was cool... :)
This year also marked itself a place Sachin Tendulkar's achievments . He became the first batsman to score 200* in the history of one day cricket.
Then we had IPL season 3 in India . IPL3 redefined marketing and advertising strategies and expenses. (yeh laga citi chauka nad "xyz" super sixes etc...) . It was epitome of commercialisation. Hyderabad matches were moved to Mumbai , due to disturbance of Telangana formation . A full set of matches moved to Mumbai . Only after watching Semi finals in stadium which were also moved to Mumbai after bomb scare in Banglore and I getting tickets on last moment , it made me realise what a leap expenditures in marketing had take. The once upon a time banners were now replaced by electronic screen and I better not speak about cost of tickets.
The mess which was publicly dug out between ex external affair minister and ex IPL chairman Lalit Modi was really shameful. The mess as well the behavior both .
Then Rahul Gandhi travelled to mumbai , he travelled in local train (won my heart ) and made me rethink over taking him seriously . Just I was trying to take fellow seriously , towards the end of the year he came up with comparing RSS with SIMI . Does he even know whats the history of RSS ??? and trackrecord of SIMI??? The worst part is , he is being tipped as "Future Prime Minister ." What does the "FPM" do , coins new term like "Hindu terrorism"!!! . I thought terrorism has no religion
Between this our government did pass nuclear liability bill which will ensure in future we will able to meet our power consumption requirements throug nuclear energy .Also the necessray ammendments ensure better compensations in case of accidents (still low compared to other countries like USA) .
Meanwhile amidst all this , I did mountaineering in Maharashtra .I did climb the Bhimashankar and Karnala . It was good test of stamina and fitness .I enjoyed the breahtaking beauty of Sahyadri and Maval from the peaks . I enjoyed these treks as much as the tales of Bhimashankar , Jejuri and Karnala .
How can I forget the CWG achievements of the players . I confess , I didnt follow the games however the achievments of Indian sportsperson made me proud .Raining of medals did compell me to take look at the games on television . Saina Nehwal , who is no.1 Badminton player made India proud by winning across the continent .
Kalmadi , I must say is the guy who should go behind bars . It brought so much embarrasment to our country. The farce of games village and mismangement of finances making India more poorer :( . Guess what Kalmadi has a company to serve in Jail. Telecom minister Raja who made us poorer by lakhs of Crores . I want to see him behind bars too.
Oh!! I forgot , I did once again tried losing weight :) this year . I am not kidding . I do take a lot of pride in saying that I feel confident enough in my curent apearance . However after second look in the mirror I realised ,is it bad if I can look much better and fitter . After all its for health . I did lose some but not much . its a continuous process ;)
It was an interesting ride of sports ,politics and my life and my views on it (my blog) this year. Hope to see much better things in future . As the year is reaching its end , yet again there is much more curiosity about the new year and I hope it brings a lot of happiness & prosperity for everyone . :) :)
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Monk Who Sold The Ferrari
How many times does it happens , that a friend highly recommends a book and tells you to buy the book. It happens , its normal. We often go and buy such books , what if recomended book is not what you would want to read . Something like that did happen to me .I told my friend , will check about it .She was persistent, told me , you must buy it ASAP , its very good . I said, yeah sure. Then a follow up call came , Did you buy the book? I said , not yet . Then the friend asked whats stopping you ? go go , buy the book . And yes the friend is dearest to me , I promised that I would surely buy the book.
Thats what happens to people (In this case my friend ) when they read "The Monk who sold the Ferrari " by Robin Sharma.
I was with my friend when she had bought the book . She has been buying self help books for an year now . I am one of those people who discourage people from buyig "self help/management" books. I think investing in self help books as one of the most boring ideas. I find self help/management books uninteresting , not a page turner sorts etc . However these books could give very good insights on varied subjects. I am aware of people , who say books like Alchemist and who moved my cheese have changes their perspective of life . Too heavy to digest . It isn't that I haven't read any self help books. I have read two books and both had been good..
When I read Rich Dad Poor Dad which encourages you to make investments , I painfully became aware of the fact I actually have a zero saving till date and since then I have been seriously working on my savings ; well almost . I have also read "How To Lose Your Weight " by a dietitian Rujuta Divekar the book make not you lose weight , however it gives good insights to curb craving habits , eat when you are hungry and train your stomach. It also advises to read the calorific value and the % of fat while eating/choosing packaged food . I was atnoished to find out one of the leading brands of digestive biscuits which claim to be good for health and fitness contain 25 % of saturated fat .
However I have failed to complete both the books . After a point I found Rich Dad Poor Dad complicated and the second one started to bore me.
I do have an option of not buying the book . However , as I mentioned , she is dearest to me so I should respect her view and would not want to disappoint her . Her "persistance" has also generated a certain amusement to me.
With these mixed feeling I am would buy "The Monk Who Sold The Ferrari " by Robin Sharma , read it and let the world know if this book is any good..... :) :) ( The way my friend has marketed to buy book , it ought to be good :) ) .
Vanita :)
Thats what happens to people (In this case my friend ) when they read "The Monk who sold the Ferrari " by Robin Sharma.
I was with my friend when she had bought the book . She has been buying self help books for an year now . I am one of those people who discourage people from buyig "self help/management" books. I think investing in self help books as one of the most boring ideas. I find self help/management books uninteresting , not a page turner sorts etc . However these books could give very good insights on varied subjects. I am aware of people , who say books like Alchemist and who moved my cheese have changes their perspective of life . Too heavy to digest . It isn't that I haven't read any self help books. I have read two books and both had been good..
When I read Rich Dad Poor Dad which encourages you to make investments , I painfully became aware of the fact I actually have a zero saving till date and since then I have been seriously working on my savings ; well almost . I have also read "How To Lose Your Weight " by a dietitian Rujuta Divekar the book make not you lose weight , however it gives good insights to curb craving habits , eat when you are hungry and train your stomach. It also advises to read the calorific value and the % of fat while eating/choosing packaged food . I was atnoished to find out one of the leading brands of digestive biscuits which claim to be good for health and fitness contain 25 % of saturated fat .
However I have failed to complete both the books . After a point I found Rich Dad Poor Dad complicated and the second one started to bore me.
I do have an option of not buying the book . However , as I mentioned , she is dearest to me so I should respect her view and would not want to disappoint her . Her "persistance" has also generated a certain amusement to me.
With these mixed feeling I am would buy "The Monk Who Sold The Ferrari " by Robin Sharma , read it and let the world know if this book is any good..... :) :) ( The way my friend has marketed to buy book , it ought to be good :) ) .
Vanita :)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sometimes its about life
Two weeks back I got an oppurtunity to watch Ranbir Kapoor & Priyanka Chopra starrer Anjana Anjani . Given a choice I may not have seen the movie as neither both of them as cult actors and nor the movie got any rave reviews.The movie is about two characters , who want to suicide . Apparently they both suffer a setback , Ranbir professionaly and Priyanka emotionaly .Contrary to my perception of idea I liked the concept and decided to explore the subject of Suicide.
The suicide rates were quite high in the area where we lived .I have clsoely seen/known people who took suicide as an option to their problems. The most prominent was 15 year old boy , who hung himself to ceiling. He was my classmate who had dropped and was two classes behind. He was an average kid who was like any other kid. He was loved and wanted in a family . It was year of 1999 ( I remember it because I was in XII std.) , when he died . The reason to suicide , he wanted to watch DD2 . His small request was ignored, and then what struck him,only god would know . He went in other room , hung himself to ceiling fan. When the parents realised that what had taken place, they tried everybit to save him . But it didn't work . The windows were grilled & door didn't break . The eyewitnesses said the boy didn't want to die . He suffered to live in his last moments. That day unknowingly I learnt one lesson of life, "life is god gift and death isn't."
The teachers at our school felt it was necessary to imbibe that suicide is for coward mind. Life will always throw up challenges ,and one should always face them.I am thankful to them , as every time I faced a problem , the teacher's words would come to rescue and I had face the challenge with fulll strength . With time I also learnt its the stress and emotional breakdown due to crisis which leads to suicide .
A survivor of suicide told me, it was a foolish act . Her exact words were "I want to achieve so much in life. There is so much to do . She said I want to be a model, actor and at the same time rule the corporate world. I want to give back to society what I earn and so on. " when I asked her what led her to the act , she replied "impulse" and then I asked "what impulse?" she simply said "feeling of not wanted ." She confessed it was weired thought.
I read in one of the articles in Times , "Crisis" makes or break you . Its up to you , how you handle it . The "down and out " situation tests you strength to endure pain. If you are lucky there are people to support you in the recoveryand if you aren't , must fight back to recover.
Its possible sometimes things may not work as we had planned since life plans for us a bit differently .
Suicide is never an option, life is. :) :)
Vanita
The suicide rates were quite high in the area where we lived .I have clsoely seen/known people who took suicide as an option to their problems. The most prominent was 15 year old boy , who hung himself to ceiling. He was my classmate who had dropped and was two classes behind. He was an average kid who was like any other kid. He was loved and wanted in a family . It was year of 1999 ( I remember it because I was in XII std.) , when he died . The reason to suicide , he wanted to watch DD2 . His small request was ignored, and then what struck him,only god would know . He went in other room , hung himself to ceiling fan. When the parents realised that what had taken place, they tried everybit to save him . But it didn't work . The windows were grilled & door didn't break . The eyewitnesses said the boy didn't want to die . He suffered to live in his last moments. That day unknowingly I learnt one lesson of life, "life is god gift and death isn't."
The teachers at our school felt it was necessary to imbibe that suicide is for coward mind. Life will always throw up challenges ,and one should always face them.I am thankful to them , as every time I faced a problem , the teacher's words would come to rescue and I had face the challenge with fulll strength . With time I also learnt its the stress and emotional breakdown due to crisis which leads to suicide .
A survivor of suicide told me, it was a foolish act . Her exact words were "I want to achieve so much in life. There is so much to do . She said I want to be a model, actor and at the same time rule the corporate world. I want to give back to society what I earn and so on. " when I asked her what led her to the act , she replied "impulse" and then I asked "what impulse?" she simply said "feeling of not wanted ." She confessed it was weired thought.
I read in one of the articles in Times , "Crisis" makes or break you . Its up to you , how you handle it . The "down and out " situation tests you strength to endure pain. If you are lucky there are people to support you in the recoveryand if you aren't , must fight back to recover.
Its possible sometimes things may not work as we had planned since life plans for us a bit differently .
Suicide is never an option, life is. :) :)
Vanita
Thursday, October 14, 2010
A clean Sweep
I had been dying to write about the latest adventures of Indian Cricket. We had a clean sweep at Australia in test match series in India. We won the series by 2-0 yesterday. In last decade India nad Australia have grown to be Arch rivals . Stats will definitely show how much grit Indians have shown while playing Australians. I read in one of the interviews where Ricky Ponting said ,"if you ask them, they're a bit flattered by that result." Of course we are and the cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar himself said ,"Beating a top side like Australia is a remarkable achievement and it means a lot to all of us." Well still lot of arrogance in our rival captain whose team slumped to no. 5 ranking and I guess he still has alot to learn from this old country where every rival is treated with respesct.
In the first match at Mohali the victory was sealed by VVS Laxman and Ishant Sharma . VVS played with a sore back . When asked about pain he simply said , "When your mind goes away from pain and towards a goal...it helps" . Truly Inspiring . Ishant Sharma who was injured too stood tall to play a supporting role. Of course there was lot of chaos , desperation on Australian side who let six by runs in the end for win....
After the first win , we knew the second one is even going to be tougherr......
In the second match at Banglore our dear Tendulkar completed 6th double century & put India in a safer position. The debutant Chetshwar Pujara who had been playing consistent domestic cricket was out on 4 runs on a wonderful delivery from Mitchell Johnson who also played very well in both matches. Everyone had pity for Pujara , i.e, he may not get a chance again to play International match . However as they say destiny had some other plans . He along with Murali Vijay a put a up good partnership stand and later went onto make 72 runs himself. Murali also hit a debut century while playing along with Tendulkar in fist innings while chasing 476.
Australians played very well beyond doubt. We just out played them .....
In the first match at Mohali the victory was sealed by VVS Laxman and Ishant Sharma . VVS played with a sore back . When asked about pain he simply said , "When your mind goes away from pain and towards a goal...it helps" . Truly Inspiring . Ishant Sharma who was injured too stood tall to play a supporting role. Of course there was lot of chaos , desperation on Australian side who let six by runs in the end for win....
After the first win , we knew the second one is even going to be tougherr......
In the second match at Banglore our dear Tendulkar completed 6th double century & put India in a safer position. The debutant Chetshwar Pujara who had been playing consistent domestic cricket was out on 4 runs on a wonderful delivery from Mitchell Johnson who also played very well in both matches. Everyone had pity for Pujara , i.e, he may not get a chance again to play International match . However as they say destiny had some other plans . He along with Murali Vijay a put a up good partnership stand and later went onto make 72 runs himself. Murali also hit a debut century while playing along with Tendulkar in fist innings while chasing 476.
Australians played very well beyond doubt. We just out played them .....
Friday, August 6, 2010
30df , I , U - We bring a change
As a kid , me & my sister at age of 11 &12 respectively announced to our family ; When we grow up , we are gonna take up farming in our village. We will turn it green , use tractors & set up schools. There were two reasons why we said that , 1) The agricultural land in our village didn't produce much due to less rains with poor farming practice and 2) The education we received in our school told us we are the young kids who are to bring prosperity to nation . My father didn't discourage us , his annual annual income was little above 100$ ( Rs. 4000) in 1994 and had to take care of family of 7 people. He said , ofcourse its your land , do whatever you wanna do .
There was a saying in my village ,Ravana kidnapped Sita from Panchvati , his plane (pushpak) went over from my village and hence as a consequence it doesn't rain .Truth or Myth , it didn't rain much during 1994-2000 .Since there were not much of rains ,we didn't visit our village during this period which we usually did during summer time. We heard stories of trees being cut to use/sell as fuel , animals dying of thirst , increase abuse ( thanks to desi bar) , and child marriages.
As I grew up ...I knew I would need more money to develop my own village . I needed to work harder .In this race eventually I forgot why was I running. Though the thought of giving back to the society , making it better place always remained in my mind ....
15 years later , govt. in Centre has changed four times , In Maharashtra once we elected Shiv Sena & twice Congress. Today we can find in my village there are mobile phone & TV in almost every house.However there is not much provision for hygiene , the school still has a lower no. of literacy rate , the sale of desi bar has gone up .Ironical it may sound , it is truth of a economy growing at 7% and expected to grow at a higher rate ....
When I visited 30df's website through a status message of a friend on gtalk , I realised the story of my village is not unique . There are many more people , who want possibly only few more 1000 bucks to just start on their own and uplift from their current economically backward status .30df is currently working to collect investment for women enterprenurs who live in rural Maharashtra . These women want to do business right from a dairy farm , opening a grocery store etc...
A few Questions : Why Maharashtra ? Why woman ? & Why me & you ?
Why Maharashtra : 30df has Identified Savitribai Phule Mutual Benefit Trust as microfinance partner.They are instrumental in identifying these woman , train them for a group activity & finance them. 30df is just beginning its work in India and is yet to grow with manpower & finance .
Why Woman : Its said when a woman learns ; the society learns .Interactions with woman in rural India gives an idea about how much they want gather a decent earning for their family and send their kids to school. Hence 30df is working with women from rural area and urban area.
Why am I doing this : Its my way of doing a bit for the society . May be there is still some more time for me to go and open a school in my village.At this moment atleast I can help these women out with small investments.
Why you ? :Its said, donate to a person or organization who could utilize the money to change their life.And an extra hand to bring a positive change someone's life and society would be an absolute delight .
Lets come together and join hands to bring change to rural India.
Visit : www.30df.org
http://blog.30df.org/
There was a saying in my village ,Ravana kidnapped Sita from Panchvati , his plane (pushpak) went over from my village and hence as a consequence it doesn't rain .Truth or Myth , it didn't rain much during 1994-2000 .Since there were not much of rains ,we didn't visit our village during this period which we usually did during summer time. We heard stories of trees being cut to use/sell as fuel , animals dying of thirst , increase abuse ( thanks to desi bar) , and child marriages.
As I grew up ...I knew I would need more money to develop my own village . I needed to work harder .In this race eventually I forgot why was I running. Though the thought of giving back to the society , making it better place always remained in my mind ....
15 years later , govt. in Centre has changed four times , In Maharashtra once we elected Shiv Sena & twice Congress. Today we can find in my village there are mobile phone & TV in almost every house.However there is not much provision for hygiene , the school still has a lower no. of literacy rate , the sale of desi bar has gone up .Ironical it may sound , it is truth of a economy growing at 7% and expected to grow at a higher rate ....
When I visited 30df's website through a status message of a friend on gtalk , I realised the story of my village is not unique . There are many more people , who want possibly only few more 1000 bucks to just start on their own and uplift from their current economically backward status .30df is currently working to collect investment for women enterprenurs who live in rural Maharashtra . These women want to do business right from a dairy farm , opening a grocery store etc...
A few Questions : Why Maharashtra ? Why woman ? & Why me & you ?
Why Maharashtra : 30df has Identified Savitribai Phule Mutual Benefit Trust as microfinance partner.They are instrumental in identifying these woman , train them for a group activity & finance them. 30df is just beginning its work in India and is yet to grow with manpower & finance .
Why Woman : Its said when a woman learns ; the society learns .Interactions with woman in rural India gives an idea about how much they want gather a decent earning for their family and send their kids to school. Hence 30df is working with women from rural area and urban area.
Why am I doing this : Its my way of doing a bit for the society . May be there is still some more time for me to go and open a school in my village.At this moment atleast I can help these women out with small investments.
Why you ? :Its said, donate to a person or organization who could utilize the money to change their life.And an extra hand to bring a positive change someone's life and society would be an absolute delight .
Lets come together and join hands to bring change to rural India.
Visit : www.30df.org
http://blog.30df.org/
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tere Bin Laden
On a critical subject like " war on terrorism ", "Osama Bin laden" the movie is simply funny , witty , laughter riot and yet you would never disagree with the writer . The movie is about a set of "innocent" characters in a desire to make some quick money for fulfilling their personal ambitions. With their luck, they find "Osama" look alike ..... and then they make money ...and then they want to "undo" things and then they have intelligence chasing them.The audience gets into a joyride right from the begining......
Tere Bin Laden is a "satire" .A satire is usually meant to be funny, its greater purpose is constructive social criticism, using wit as a weapon. I must say movie does it successfully. Never once you feel that the movie has been shot outside Pakistan. AK -47 at grocery store , US dollars at a "sweets shop" , Osama in Pakistan and war on terror at Afghanistan by "Amreeka" :P ; the list is endless. .
Check "Noora's" character , he is too cute & to complement him is "Sikandar" simply superb & the "Moorgabangh" competition ,it would just make you smile little more ......
As well said by a critic , "Tere Bin Laden promises to unite film-goers...an ingredient terribly dangerous for power-hungry politicians on any side." and I agree with the critic.
Movie : Tere Bin Laden
Website : www.terebinladen.com
Tere Bin Laden is a "satire" .A satire is usually meant to be funny, its greater purpose is constructive social criticism, using wit as a weapon. I must say movie does it successfully. Never once you feel that the movie has been shot outside Pakistan. AK -47 at grocery store , US dollars at a "sweets shop" , Osama in Pakistan and war on terror at Afghanistan by "Amreeka" :P ; the list is endless. .
Check "Noora's" character , he is too cute & to complement him is "Sikandar" simply superb & the "Moorgabangh" competition ,it would just make you smile little more ......
As well said by a critic , "Tere Bin Laden promises to unite film-goers...an ingredient terribly dangerous for power-hungry politicians on any side." and I agree with the critic.
Movie : Tere Bin Laden
Website : www.terebinladen.com
Monday, July 26, 2010
Optimism
Well its bit funny .... :).... India lost their first test at Galle Srilanka by 10 wickets last week..... and I was still smiling by the end of the day ...... Being an avid cricket follower and an emotional one too.... I knew on 5th day of the test that we 'may' not win .....but atleast could draw ..... That day while Laxman was putting up a brave front along with Ishant & Pragyan Ojha :), me and my colleague were out for meeting and from there we went for lunch.......During lunch my colleague suddenly said possibly we will win....SL is 45 for 7 (he was browsing his new trendy messenger mobile ).....suddenly an emotional "me " tookover my sensibilities ( I thought possibly Ishant or Harbajan had put a dream spell) and I frantically tried to call people who could tell whats happening on the ground ...... on a working day when India is on loosing streak.... u won't get to meet people who would be watching cricket ( I still remember 2003 worldcup :( final ) .....whatever...... Only after I reached office at 1615 hrs at my desk....I got to know SL won by 10 wkts ..... :( ...I frowned a bit .....on the loss & on the fact I was fooled .......
My colleague said " Indians are optimistic when it comes to cricket" ......however I realised Indians are optimistic about a lot of things.....without having a basis to it.......I am trying to list few of my optimisms ...
a) We will play football world cup soon .
b) Sania Mirza will win a grand slam for us.
c)One day we will stop "peace initiatives" and show Pakistan its real place .
d )One day our media will stop giving "breaking news " ( I wonder who coined that term)
e) One day , Indian Television will start showing better quality sitcoms , good quiz shows etc... and yes finally CID will end .
f) One day every city in India will be like Shanghai , Singapore or just class apart from other cities...
finally
g) One day India will be a super power ....
The list could be endless.......after 60 years of Independence and as a nation with highest population I guess ... Being optimistic & hopeful helps...........
on a signing off note may be every single step and action in that direction would just help bit more :) :) .....
Vanita
My colleague said " Indians are optimistic when it comes to cricket" ......however I realised Indians are optimistic about a lot of things.....without having a basis to it.......I am trying to list few of my optimisms ...
a) We will play football world cup soon .
b) Sania Mirza will win a grand slam for us.
c)One day we will stop "peace initiatives" and show Pakistan its real place .
d )One day our media will stop giving "breaking news " ( I wonder who coined that term)
e) One day , Indian Television will start showing better quality sitcoms , good quiz shows etc... and yes finally CID will end .
f) One day every city in India will be like Shanghai , Singapore or just class apart from other cities...
finally
g) One day India will be a super power ....
The list could be endless.......after 60 years of Independence and as a nation with highest population I guess ... Being optimistic & hopeful helps...........
on a signing off note may be every single step and action in that direction would just help bit more :) :) .....
Vanita
Thursday, July 15, 2010
just a thought....
I had posted following on Facebook.... people liked it .....
I could explain ..... if someone says it hear them out ....else they may not be there to explain again....
:)
Vanita
I could explain ..... if someone says it hear them out ....else they may not be there to explain again....
:)
Vanita
Friday, June 4, 2010
The Life of Pi ....Contd..
Finally here comes the adventure, Our protagonist "Pi" has been struck with a tragedy in Pacific ocean. He has lost his family in ship wreck while traveling to Canada in Pacific ." Pi " has company of tiger , hyena,orangutan and a zebra with broken leg on lifeboat . It also happens , the circumstances have brought these animals & Pi together .
This is being real.... Hyena has ate up zebra & orangutan . Its only two days later , thirsty & hungry Pi realises there is a Tiger overboard. Two wild animals & Pi on a boat with no ship or a land in vicinity.... The boat carries everything with respect to disaster management , drinking water , food which would last for days . He is a teenage boy , the tiger weighs 450 pounds ..... The greedy hyena has been ate up by tiger .....who put a very pathetic self defense (raising a paw and hiding the face in ground ).....Will Pi survive with a Tiger overboard ?
Well Pi does , as the book has been written on him . How , I guess from here the reader needs to find out himself . I ought to write , this is a real life story of "Piscine Montreal Patel" :).....
This is being real.... Hyena has ate up zebra & orangutan . Its only two days later , thirsty & hungry Pi realises there is a Tiger overboard. Two wild animals & Pi on a boat with no ship or a land in vicinity.... The boat carries everything with respect to disaster management , drinking water , food which would last for days . He is a teenage boy , the tiger weighs 450 pounds ..... The greedy hyena has been ate up by tiger .....who put a very pathetic self defense (raising a paw and hiding the face in ground ).....Will Pi survive with a Tiger overboard ?
Well Pi does , as the book has been written on him . How , I guess from here the reader needs to find out himself . I ought to write , this is a real life story of "Piscine Montreal Patel" :).....
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Life of Pi
Starting today I am gonna write about books I read .The posts would be what i think about the book, why am I reading it , will I finish it and hows the book....
Currently am reading "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel . The book has been written very well . The book is winner of Man Booker 2002 . The credential is enough to buy a book. However a friend of mine lend me this book. According to her the book was uninteresting ,abstract....and nothing much to connect . The book claims to be an adventure story . She asked me to read and hence the book fell in my hands ......
I have read just little above 10% of book. I immensely like it , I like the author's view on religion . I may not fully agree with his point why a zoo is a better place for a "wild animal" , however it seems he has done a thorough research on the subject . The book is slight opinionated , I feel its a big plus for a reader . Since its opinionated , the reader either agrees or disagrees with views and it compels to read further. I am yet to come across adventure in the book and I don't seem to mind it ... :) :)
The literature content is also good. I like it . The author's note is also very good , infact it had encouraged me to read the book. Though I have never heard "bamboozle" in India , its seems its the most common word known among froreigners..... :)
All in all a thumbs up to this book .......
Vanita.....
Currently am reading "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel . The book has been written very well . The book is winner of Man Booker 2002 . The credential is enough to buy a book. However a friend of mine lend me this book. According to her the book was uninteresting ,abstract....and nothing much to connect . The book claims to be an adventure story . She asked me to read and hence the book fell in my hands ......
I have read just little above 10% of book. I immensely like it , I like the author's view on religion . I may not fully agree with his point why a zoo is a better place for a "wild animal" , however it seems he has done a thorough research on the subject . The book is slight opinionated , I feel its a big plus for a reader . Since its opinionated , the reader either agrees or disagrees with views and it compels to read further. I am yet to come across adventure in the book and I don't seem to mind it ... :) :)
The literature content is also good. I like it . The author's note is also very good , infact it had encouraged me to read the book. Though I have never heard "bamboozle" in India , its seems its the most common word known among froreigners..... :)
All in all a thumbs up to this book .......
Vanita.....
Monday, May 17, 2010
I am disappointed .....
Its really difficult to change people's perception. Its possible one may have acted in crazy and insane way but it surely doesn't give license to others to label that person crazy or insane...... Sometimes people get unlucky ....
I am Disappointed....Very Disappointed..... and I don't like it.....
I am Disappointed....Very Disappointed..... and I don't like it.....
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Breaking News
Much has been said about "Breaking News" in our country. Still our news channel do not budge from giving away breaking news in sensational matter. To add to our problems , there are too many news channels covering clone of "Breaking News". The reason that I am grieved so much is , there have been three major pipe burst in the Mumbai city with BMC water supply being cut to 35 % and our news channel are engaged in potraying the power games between the superstar of the country & Ruling party . The news was carried through out the day . How the CM of Maharashtra preponed his schedule of Marathi Sammelan and How Amitabh Bachchan attended it next day . I understand , if a slot of half an hour is provided for this news . The News was carried throughout the day. Inflation & ever increasing price rise do not seem to worry Media.
The current situation worries me alot . The news channel (which keeps announcing as no.1 channel ) in the morning carried "gossip" in IPL . Badrinath's collision with Dhoni is a bigger news than who played well in the match. Sania's messages on Twitter about her upcoming marriage with "Pakistani" cricketer Shoaib Malik is a "breaking news".
Two months back Indian cricket team was touring Bangladesh & we won both the test matches . Nayan Mongia (former cricketer ) was genuinely happy for India's win in second test match , however in the events to follow the journalist/host of the show fed words in Mongia's mouth about how Amit Mishra's absence had streched the match . Then Amit Mishra's exclusion from team became the "breaking news" . Nothing against Amit Mishra , but the news was creation of Media.
Yesterday's twin bomb blast in Russia was in News. However ,My favourite India TV , amplified the news into how unsafe our Metro in Delhi is. When I first saw the news it almost felt like , the blast were done in Delhi .
Day before yesterday Aaj Tak ran a special episode on "Bhuton ki Bhasha"( Lanaguage of Ghosts) .News channel cover news like Deepika being not able to work with Salman, hence she is upset , or "Shani ka pravesh Guru ke ghar mein " . What rituals should be followed during an eclipse . What the daily soaps are showing . What are the gossips in television in Industry. The list is endless !!! Today being Hanuman Jayanti , the expected news would be what the famous temples are doing on this occasion, how one should perform a Puja.
The point is , analysis part is missing from News . There is a lot of junk news which possibly can be avoided . Country like us ,who are growing at 7% and are expected to grow at higher rate need much better partners in form of Media . What are the current government policies , how the ministry's are performing , what is the infrastructure growth, Is fund allocation proper etc. Why there is hike fuel prices. We need an unbiased media .
The country whose population is 100 billion & 35 % are in the age group of 18 to 40 , needs a media which provides a news which are interesting , informative and triggers the intelligence. Gossip news are part of our life , but its not an important part. There are separate channel which run 24 X 7 on entertainment industry . They cover it much better . .
We may not require to follow BBC or CNN pattern, bcos our needs are possibly different . We need people who analyse & breakdown information in a viewer friendly manner. There are few things which are good on News channel , like Aapki Adalat in a courtroom fashion, or debates conducted by Barkha Dutt . "Total Recall" on TIMES NOW is very good show related to entertainment industry. Our Media industry needs to evolve as they get attention from all major segments like politics, celebrities . Media creates /changes an opinion in society. We need a better improved version of Media.
The current situation worries me alot . The news channel (which keeps announcing as no.1 channel ) in the morning carried "gossip" in IPL . Badrinath's collision with Dhoni is a bigger news than who played well in the match. Sania's messages on Twitter about her upcoming marriage with "Pakistani" cricketer Shoaib Malik is a "breaking news".
Two months back Indian cricket team was touring Bangladesh & we won both the test matches . Nayan Mongia (former cricketer ) was genuinely happy for India's win in second test match , however in the events to follow the journalist/host of the show fed words in Mongia's mouth about how Amit Mishra's absence had streched the match . Then Amit Mishra's exclusion from team became the "breaking news" . Nothing against Amit Mishra , but the news was creation of Media.
Yesterday's twin bomb blast in Russia was in News. However ,My favourite India TV , amplified the news into how unsafe our Metro in Delhi is. When I first saw the news it almost felt like , the blast were done in Delhi .
Day before yesterday Aaj Tak ran a special episode on "Bhuton ki Bhasha"( Lanaguage of Ghosts) .News channel cover news like Deepika being not able to work with Salman, hence she is upset , or "Shani ka pravesh Guru ke ghar mein " . What rituals should be followed during an eclipse . What the daily soaps are showing . What are the gossips in television in Industry. The list is endless !!! Today being Hanuman Jayanti , the expected news would be what the famous temples are doing on this occasion, how one should perform a Puja.
The point is , analysis part is missing from News . There is a lot of junk news which possibly can be avoided . Country like us ,who are growing at 7% and are expected to grow at higher rate need much better partners in form of Media . What are the current government policies , how the ministry's are performing , what is the infrastructure growth, Is fund allocation proper etc. Why there is hike fuel prices. We need an unbiased media .
The country whose population is 100 billion & 35 % are in the age group of 18 to 40 , needs a media which provides a news which are interesting , informative and triggers the intelligence. Gossip news are part of our life , but its not an important part. There are separate channel which run 24 X 7 on entertainment industry . They cover it much better . .
We may not require to follow BBC or CNN pattern, bcos our needs are possibly different . We need people who analyse & breakdown information in a viewer friendly manner. There are few things which are good on News channel , like Aapki Adalat in a courtroom fashion, or debates conducted by Barkha Dutt . "Total Recall" on TIMES NOW is very good show related to entertainment industry. Our Media industry needs to evolve as they get attention from all major segments like politics, celebrities . Media creates /changes an opinion in society. We need a better improved version of Media.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Two Friends - first attempt at fiction
Harsh was relaxing in his balcony at his quarters provided by govt. He was happy , he would be seeing his wife after a gap of 3-4 months . He was going to Mumbai , his city, his place; where he belonged. It was going to be a short tour but its his home. He was scrolling the phone book , this was third time he had scrolled it in that day and he doesn't remember how many time since he finalised his visit dates. One name, Shreya was where he stopped his scrolling every time . Shreya was his childhood friend . They were in contact with each other till two years back. She had called him only once to in these two years to announce she was in love & getting married. Though he was engaged to Pooja , his wife at that point of time , he still felt the pang of jealousy for the person whom Shreya was going to marry .After that contact between him and Shreya just didn't happen. He was in a dilemma to call. After all in India married woman do not keep many male friends . He knew society was still orthodox. He finally decided SMS would be the safest way.
He finally SMSed her: "Hope you have been promoted to be a mother ".
He decided if she calls back, then only would meet her else she would be always part of his sweet memories .
When Shreya saw the text , the name did not appear , she was shocked to receive such a message yet she knew someone really closed to her had sent . She stared at message for a while and decided to wait for a call from that no.. It was the nth no. of time Shreya had either lost her mobile, had put in water , or the simcard was lost and hence she didn't know who had sent the message . She was really good at losing things....
Harsh was really disappointed for not receiving a reply or a call from her . It had been two days since he had messaged her . He thought probably she has no time for him. He called up Pooja , his wife to get cheered up !!! . Though he didn't mention about Shreya's no reply to Pooja , Pooja somehow sensed it . She didn't bring up the topic which would have visibly made him upset.
It was third day since the message had arrived in Shreya's inbox . She finally decided to call the number ....
Shreya : Hello
Harsh : Hi , finally u called
Shreya : oh!! its you , I was wondering who called
Harsh : You don't have my number !! (with a surprise in his voice ).
Shreya: As usual I lost my mobile few months back and I didn't know how to contact you .
Harsh: How are you ?? Hows your life?
Shreya: I am a divorcee now. I am alone. I am lost . (she just couldn't keep a cool and calm Composure).
Harsh : Oh !! (Poor guy he doesn't know what he lost in his life . Harsh said to himself.) I am Coming to Mumbai next week . I am inaugrating my house in June . I will catch you in June then.
Shreya : If you are coming next week , why should we wait till June. Place a call to me as soon as you come . We will catch up. I am really alone Harsh . I have no goals , I never thought this would happen to me.
Harsh who was still shocked , didn't know how to sympathise , he said Shreya everything would be alright .
Shreya : Ok !! call me once you reach Mumbai.Bye now.
Harsh : Bye
Harsh was a tough guy . Being in one of the armed forces , Navy , he had become physically tough and his situations in his life had made him mentally strong. Still a divorce was too much to take in for him and what mattered was , It was Shreya , One of the best girls he ever met , to whom it had happened.
Memories of Harsh flushed in Shreya's mind. She always knew he liked her and she always laughed it off .She felt probably her unfair behavior had led to the divorce. She started to feel weak , it had been few months she had not talked about her divorce . To break in pieces & gather yourself again was not easy . Shreya made a call to Neel , Neel was one of her dearest friend from college who stood by her in thick & thin.
Neel : Hi
Shreya : I am breaking down, I am completely out emotionally.
Neel : Its ok , It happens . Don't worry , everything would be fine .
Shreya : Thanks Neel. Bye!!
She wanted to ear "Everything would be fine." She gathered herself and left for the day. Shreya was a simple girl. Not much ambitious , Taking every day as it came , Having fun with friends and worrying about Shankar's career , was what Shreya's life before her her divorce. Shankar , Her husband , One day told her , We are not made for each other , we are not compatible , its just not fair , you will meet a nice guy in future . Shreya almost felt like asking him , Is this an exit interview of company . She didn't blame him. She knew he was always like this , she had forgotten herself totally when she was in relationship with him. Now to live for herself was a difficult task but she was managing it .Friends like Neel had been huge emotional support & Now Harsh who called after two years. She thanked God for such friends.
Shreya had been always at back of Harsh's mind since her phone call. He still remembered the call she had made two years back. She was in seventh heaven. Possible opposition from her family also looked irrelevant in front of her happiness . He knew how glad when he came to know she had found a partner .When he arrived at Mumbai, his wife was at station to receive him, he was very happy to see Pooja . All the uneasiness of Shreya's divorce vanished when he saw his wife and when she took him in his arms. He told her about Shreya over the dinner table. Pooja said , its destiny, noboby can change.
He called up Shreya & decided to meet two days later . Off late Shreya had been forgetting to meet people . She kept herself reminding that she needs to meet Harsh. But sometimes there are more important things than meeting old friends . That day she got news , she has become a maasi of little baby boy,she immediately rushed to see her sister at hospital. She forgot to inform Harsh .However , Harsh made a call to her at the decided time, she knew Harsh was gonna feel terrible . She gave the news and after hearing it Harsh gave his congratulations . Harsh kept the phone. He started think about the good old school days . He was topper in his section yet he was never counted as brilliant kids simply because he played with all the "Tapories" in colony. He liked Shreya, bcos she never complained about his company , he liked her for the chirpy behaviour , he liked her innocence , everything about Shreya was good infact fantastic. He never proposed her, he wanted to become an officer before he proposed. It never happened and then he also met Pooja. Pooja & Shreya were compltely different. To draw comparisons would be unfair to both of them. All he knew that Pooja is one of the sweetest girl he ever met .
Shreya felt bad that she couldn't meet Harsh. She decided to make it possible very next day. When Harsh called her next day , she told him she wants to meet him. He asked where , she told him at a mall near her office . Shreya always enjoyed the attention and importance received from Harsh. Harsh who was used to bend people as he needed , obliged . When he reached at mall , she informed she would be there in few minutes .Harsh was first to spot Shreya , Only after the crowd cleared Shreya could see Harsh. He looked same . Harsh told Shreya , You look great , to which she replied you crack good jokes. Both of them laughed. Shreya asked Harsh about his wife . He replied "I didn't bring her " She said "How rude?" Harsh asked "where are we going ? " expecting to get a reply of sitting in the big mall , behind them .
Shreya looked around, she was standing in a concrete jungle , the city had grown multifolds in past few years . The mall behind them , didn't exist two years back. Shreya & Harsh had spent their childhood in a small town near Mumbai, near Sea , between the mountains . They were more used to see rare birds than air polluting traffic. She smiled and said " tere saath mall mein kya baithoon".... lets go to "Aksa Beach" I have never been there .To which an astonished Harsh replied "am coming from there . You could have come yourself." Shreya said "So what ? I didn't know u would come late , I can leave office now . I thought , I am better off at Aksa beach than a Mall ".As usual Harsh had no option but agree with Shreya .
Harsh had come on his brother in law's bike . It was Yamaha 100D series, very old model . Harsh knew Shreya's fetish for bike . So he started "after coming to Mumbai, I have to drive this bike (with a visible frown). I have Unicorn ,it goes at 100 KMPH" Shreya smiled and said " Drive a Yamaha in Mumbai" . They both laughed and started towards Aksa Beach. Shreya on the way filled Harsh with the usual gossip . She knew about everyone . Who is getting married ? who is coming from abroad & when? what are her plans etc. After hearing the monlogue Harsh complimented her with the amount of information Shreya had. " Thats all I do now a days " Shreya sighed !!! . Both of them were silent for a while . Shreya only broke the silence , She started talking about the recent crushes who were either getting married or were already married . Harsh burst into laughter.
Harsh was a regular at Aksa beach. So he took Shreya to a stall where they had bench to sit. Aksa beach is one of the clean beaches of Mumbai. There is not much crowd on Aksa beach. When they settled , Harsh asked her what she would have , she said she would go for "Pani Puri" and calorie conscious Harsh had "Chana Masala" .Both of them had taken a seat and had maintained a lot of distance between them. She said "I never thought I have to live without him", "My family wants me to get married again. Its difficult. I hate him " she blabbered for almost 15 minutes about her relationship . Harsh didn't interrupt her.
After 15 minutes , Harsh gathered all his strength and finally made statement " Know what , You are a big zero . What have you done in past few years. Just enjoyed life with Shankar , fought with family . Achieved nothing . " A shocked Shreya looked at him "what do u mean ? " He said " look whatever happened was really sad . I have a sympathy for you. but I can't cry along with you . " harsh took a deep breath " find a goal. do something in your life. find a cause." Shreya had heard this from lot of friends. But nobody said it the way Harsh said.
Shreya now in full control of emotions.She said " I am glad we met this time. I am sorry , I never acknowledged the fact that you like me." Harsh was surprised to hear that statement .he had waited to hear that statement. However, he laughed and said " are you crazy . mere itne bure din nahi aaye. " both of them laughed. They then shared their memories . the way they lived there life king-size in their tropical town . The beauty , the pranks, the sports and the NCCs. The time just looked as if it had flown.
Shreya said " You know what , i have been observing you and I must tell you are very lucky. You got a wonderful wife " Harsh's gentlemanly behaviour just told Shreya that he loved her wife . Loved her alot. She saw her pic , which Harsh always carried in wallet . Shreya said ' I wish I could meet your wife." Harsh smiled and said " She is joining us in 15 mins." Shreya was delighted. Harsh said " do you mind , If I smoke" Shreya said "of course not , I will smoke along with you , see one of the side effects of divorce" they smoked and Shreya felt she is blowing her issues in the smoke.
She met Pooja, Harsh's wife for a while. Pooja was very beautiful and polite . Harsh was very proud to show off his wife. Shreya told Pooja, that Harsh is indeed one of the gifted creatures on earth. She also directed Harsh to take care of Pooja. Pooja saw the charm on Shreya's face. She now probably knew why her husband had special place for Shreya in his heart.
As the beach was closing down, Harsh & Shreya also bid the farewell to each other.
At home Harsh, hugged Pooja said , it was worth it . Am glad I met her. Pooja said, Am happy to see you delighted. Shreya on way back , took out her cellphone and called a friend to help him with his NGO .....
Vanita
( all characters are imaginary to the best of the knowledge of author. Any resemblance to living or dead is purely coincidentally.)
He finally SMSed her: "Hope you have been promoted to be a mother ".
He decided if she calls back, then only would meet her else she would be always part of his sweet memories .
When Shreya saw the text , the name did not appear , she was shocked to receive such a message yet she knew someone really closed to her had sent . She stared at message for a while and decided to wait for a call from that no.. It was the nth no. of time Shreya had either lost her mobile, had put in water , or the simcard was lost and hence she didn't know who had sent the message . She was really good at losing things....
Harsh was really disappointed for not receiving a reply or a call from her . It had been two days since he had messaged her . He thought probably she has no time for him. He called up Pooja , his wife to get cheered up !!! . Though he didn't mention about Shreya's no reply to Pooja , Pooja somehow sensed it . She didn't bring up the topic which would have visibly made him upset.
It was third day since the message had arrived in Shreya's inbox . She finally decided to call the number ....
Shreya : Hello
Harsh : Hi , finally u called
Shreya : oh!! its you , I was wondering who called
Harsh : You don't have my number !! (with a surprise in his voice ).
Shreya: As usual I lost my mobile few months back and I didn't know how to contact you .
Harsh: How are you ?? Hows your life?
Shreya: I am a divorcee now. I am alone. I am lost . (she just couldn't keep a cool and calm Composure).
Harsh : Oh !! (Poor guy he doesn't know what he lost in his life . Harsh said to himself.) I am Coming to Mumbai next week . I am inaugrating my house in June . I will catch you in June then.
Shreya : If you are coming next week , why should we wait till June. Place a call to me as soon as you come . We will catch up. I am really alone Harsh . I have no goals , I never thought this would happen to me.
Harsh who was still shocked , didn't know how to sympathise , he said Shreya everything would be alright .
Shreya : Ok !! call me once you reach Mumbai.Bye now.
Harsh : Bye
Harsh was a tough guy . Being in one of the armed forces , Navy , he had become physically tough and his situations in his life had made him mentally strong. Still a divorce was too much to take in for him and what mattered was , It was Shreya , One of the best girls he ever met , to whom it had happened.
Memories of Harsh flushed in Shreya's mind. She always knew he liked her and she always laughed it off .She felt probably her unfair behavior had led to the divorce. She started to feel weak , it had been few months she had not talked about her divorce . To break in pieces & gather yourself again was not easy . Shreya made a call to Neel , Neel was one of her dearest friend from college who stood by her in thick & thin.
Neel : Hi
Shreya : I am breaking down, I am completely out emotionally.
Neel : Its ok , It happens . Don't worry , everything would be fine .
Shreya : Thanks Neel. Bye!!
She wanted to ear "Everything would be fine." She gathered herself and left for the day. Shreya was a simple girl. Not much ambitious , Taking every day as it came , Having fun with friends and worrying about Shankar's career , was what Shreya's life before her her divorce. Shankar , Her husband , One day told her , We are not made for each other , we are not compatible , its just not fair , you will meet a nice guy in future . Shreya almost felt like asking him , Is this an exit interview of company . She didn't blame him. She knew he was always like this , she had forgotten herself totally when she was in relationship with him. Now to live for herself was a difficult task but she was managing it .Friends like Neel had been huge emotional support & Now Harsh who called after two years. She thanked God for such friends.
Shreya had been always at back of Harsh's mind since her phone call. He still remembered the call she had made two years back. She was in seventh heaven. Possible opposition from her family also looked irrelevant in front of her happiness . He knew how glad when he came to know she had found a partner .When he arrived at Mumbai, his wife was at station to receive him, he was very happy to see Pooja . All the uneasiness of Shreya's divorce vanished when he saw his wife and when she took him in his arms. He told her about Shreya over the dinner table. Pooja said , its destiny, noboby can change.
He called up Shreya & decided to meet two days later . Off late Shreya had been forgetting to meet people . She kept herself reminding that she needs to meet Harsh. But sometimes there are more important things than meeting old friends . That day she got news , she has become a maasi of little baby boy,she immediately rushed to see her sister at hospital. She forgot to inform Harsh .However , Harsh made a call to her at the decided time, she knew Harsh was gonna feel terrible . She gave the news and after hearing it Harsh gave his congratulations . Harsh kept the phone. He started think about the good old school days . He was topper in his section yet he was never counted as brilliant kids simply because he played with all the "Tapories" in colony. He liked Shreya, bcos she never complained about his company , he liked her for the chirpy behaviour , he liked her innocence , everything about Shreya was good infact fantastic. He never proposed her, he wanted to become an officer before he proposed. It never happened and then he also met Pooja. Pooja & Shreya were compltely different. To draw comparisons would be unfair to both of them. All he knew that Pooja is one of the sweetest girl he ever met .
Shreya felt bad that she couldn't meet Harsh. She decided to make it possible very next day. When Harsh called her next day , she told him she wants to meet him. He asked where , she told him at a mall near her office . Shreya always enjoyed the attention and importance received from Harsh. Harsh who was used to bend people as he needed , obliged . When he reached at mall , she informed she would be there in few minutes .Harsh was first to spot Shreya , Only after the crowd cleared Shreya could see Harsh. He looked same . Harsh told Shreya , You look great , to which she replied you crack good jokes. Both of them laughed. Shreya asked Harsh about his wife . He replied "I didn't bring her " She said "How rude?" Harsh asked "where are we going ? " expecting to get a reply of sitting in the big mall , behind them .
Shreya looked around, she was standing in a concrete jungle , the city had grown multifolds in past few years . The mall behind them , didn't exist two years back. Shreya & Harsh had spent their childhood in a small town near Mumbai, near Sea , between the mountains . They were more used to see rare birds than air polluting traffic. She smiled and said " tere saath mall mein kya baithoon".... lets go to "Aksa Beach" I have never been there .To which an astonished Harsh replied "am coming from there . You could have come yourself." Shreya said "So what ? I didn't know u would come late , I can leave office now . I thought , I am better off at Aksa beach than a Mall ".As usual Harsh had no option but agree with Shreya .
Harsh had come on his brother in law's bike . It was Yamaha 100D series, very old model . Harsh knew Shreya's fetish for bike . So he started "after coming to Mumbai, I have to drive this bike (with a visible frown). I have Unicorn ,it goes at 100 KMPH" Shreya smiled and said " Drive a Yamaha in Mumbai" . They both laughed and started towards Aksa Beach. Shreya on the way filled Harsh with the usual gossip . She knew about everyone . Who is getting married ? who is coming from abroad & when? what are her plans etc. After hearing the monlogue Harsh complimented her with the amount of information Shreya had. " Thats all I do now a days " Shreya sighed !!! . Both of them were silent for a while . Shreya only broke the silence , She started talking about the recent crushes who were either getting married or were already married . Harsh burst into laughter.
Harsh was a regular at Aksa beach. So he took Shreya to a stall where they had bench to sit. Aksa beach is one of the clean beaches of Mumbai. There is not much crowd on Aksa beach. When they settled , Harsh asked her what she would have , she said she would go for "Pani Puri" and calorie conscious Harsh had "Chana Masala" .Both of them had taken a seat and had maintained a lot of distance between them. She said "I never thought I have to live without him", "My family wants me to get married again. Its difficult. I hate him " she blabbered for almost 15 minutes about her relationship . Harsh didn't interrupt her.
After 15 minutes , Harsh gathered all his strength and finally made statement " Know what , You are a big zero . What have you done in past few years. Just enjoyed life with Shankar , fought with family . Achieved nothing . " A shocked Shreya looked at him "what do u mean ? " He said " look whatever happened was really sad . I have a sympathy for you. but I can't cry along with you . " harsh took a deep breath " find a goal. do something in your life. find a cause." Shreya had heard this from lot of friends. But nobody said it the way Harsh said.
Shreya now in full control of emotions.She said " I am glad we met this time. I am sorry , I never acknowledged the fact that you like me." Harsh was surprised to hear that statement .he had waited to hear that statement. However, he laughed and said " are you crazy . mere itne bure din nahi aaye. " both of them laughed. They then shared their memories . the way they lived there life king-size in their tropical town . The beauty , the pranks, the sports and the NCCs. The time just looked as if it had flown.
Shreya said " You know what , i have been observing you and I must tell you are very lucky. You got a wonderful wife " Harsh's gentlemanly behaviour just told Shreya that he loved her wife . Loved her alot. She saw her pic , which Harsh always carried in wallet . Shreya said ' I wish I could meet your wife." Harsh smiled and said " She is joining us in 15 mins." Shreya was delighted. Harsh said " do you mind , If I smoke" Shreya said "of course not , I will smoke along with you , see one of the side effects of divorce" they smoked and Shreya felt she is blowing her issues in the smoke.
She met Pooja, Harsh's wife for a while. Pooja was very beautiful and polite . Harsh was very proud to show off his wife. Shreya told Pooja, that Harsh is indeed one of the gifted creatures on earth. She also directed Harsh to take care of Pooja. Pooja saw the charm on Shreya's face. She now probably knew why her husband had special place for Shreya in his heart.
As the beach was closing down, Harsh & Shreya also bid the farewell to each other.
At home Harsh, hugged Pooja said , it was worth it . Am glad I met her. Pooja said, Am happy to see you delighted. Shreya on way back , took out her cellphone and called a friend to help him with his NGO .....
Vanita
( all characters are imaginary to the best of the knowledge of author. Any resemblance to living or dead is purely coincidentally.)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Living Legend -Sachin Tendulkar
Yesterday (24.02.2010) Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman to score a double 100 in One day format ..... Not Out for 50 overs ....Needless to say am one of the biggest fan of Sachin .... and following him since 1997 , when I started watching cricket .... The congratulations have been flowing for him since yesterday including PM of this country.
Yesterday when I started to monitor match ( I was in office) on internet Sehwag was already out.... Discussions between me & my colleague started ... He & I are one of the biggest fan of Tendulkar..... we challenged credibility of people who said Sachin should retire ........ We said in chorous Sachin should hit a century today......... when he passed 87 in early overs of 20 , my colleague said he should reach landmark 200 today ( he is been saying this since last few one days)........ I said I would be glad if he would.... But to reach 200 is real test of stamina & skills......... Skills : There would be hardly anyone who would doubt Sachin's . Stamina : Given that he is playing for 20 years ... and fitness is suppose to go down with ageing ( I had my doubts ; I am sorry Sachin) ........ It was really test of fitness & again to come out in middle to field almost brought tears in my eyes ...... I bowed to the legend ...
Even when Sehwag goes out to play...Its expected he might reach 200 in One day ....looking at his aggressive way of batting ....... Somewhere in heart I always felt the record of 200 is meant for Sachin.... He would break it........... When people started saying he is getting old should Retire.... I felt may be record of 200 was not meant for him.......... I was often told he has earned enough money now he should gracefully retire and give "oppurtunity to others "....... The fact remains we are yet to find a cricketer who is as good as Sachin, as humble as he is , as down to earth as he is. I used to to be like here is the man who when goes out in the middle .... all your heart wanna shout is "Sachiiiiiiin " .... "Sachiiiiiiiiiiiin" and people say he should retitre........... ridiculous ........
He is also captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL league and somehow Mumbai Indians did not do well in two seasons....and third season is coming up...........when Sachin's Mumbai Indian lost out in a crucial match in second season (Mumbai Indians could not chase the runs in last two overs ) ...... One of my best friend said "You Mumbaikars Crumble in Pressure " .... and Sachin is My best friend's icon too ..... .. My friend furthur added since Sachin is a Mumbaikar ; he lacks leadership ;hence Mumbai Indians failed.... I was upset about My Best Friend making these comments ... ( Probably he was very upset at Mumbai Indians not making to Semis).......That day my heart told me time would come when these people will only praise Sachin again.....
As Bryan Adam Says "And Now the time are Changing ,Look at everything that's come and gone " .... The height of success Sachin has reached today ..... Everyone along with me will do it my life long............ Sachiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnn ..........Sachinnnnnnnnnnnnnn......
Yesterday when I started to monitor match ( I was in office) on internet Sehwag was already out.... Discussions between me & my colleague started ... He & I are one of the biggest fan of Tendulkar..... we challenged credibility of people who said Sachin should retire ........ We said in chorous Sachin should hit a century today......... when he passed 87 in early overs of 20 , my colleague said he should reach landmark 200 today ( he is been saying this since last few one days)........ I said I would be glad if he would.... But to reach 200 is real test of stamina & skills......... Skills : There would be hardly anyone who would doubt Sachin's . Stamina : Given that he is playing for 20 years ... and fitness is suppose to go down with ageing ( I had my doubts ; I am sorry Sachin) ........ It was really test of fitness & again to come out in middle to field almost brought tears in my eyes ...... I bowed to the legend ...
Even when Sehwag goes out to play...Its expected he might reach 200 in One day ....looking at his aggressive way of batting ....... Somewhere in heart I always felt the record of 200 is meant for Sachin.... He would break it........... When people started saying he is getting old should Retire.... I felt may be record of 200 was not meant for him.......... I was often told he has earned enough money now he should gracefully retire and give "oppurtunity to others "....... The fact remains we are yet to find a cricketer who is as good as Sachin, as humble as he is , as down to earth as he is. I used to to be like here is the man who when goes out in the middle .... all your heart wanna shout is "Sachiiiiiiin " .... "Sachiiiiiiiiiiiin" and people say he should retitre........... ridiculous ........
He is also captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL league and somehow Mumbai Indians did not do well in two seasons....and third season is coming up...........when Sachin's Mumbai Indian lost out in a crucial match in second season (Mumbai Indians could not chase the runs in last two overs ) ...... One of my best friend said "You Mumbaikars Crumble in Pressure " .... and Sachin is My best friend's icon too ..... .. My friend furthur added since Sachin is a Mumbaikar ; he lacks leadership ;hence Mumbai Indians failed.... I was upset about My Best Friend making these comments ... ( Probably he was very upset at Mumbai Indians not making to Semis).......That day my heart told me time would come when these people will only praise Sachin again.....
As Bryan Adam Says "And Now the time are Changing ,Look at everything that's come and gone " .... The height of success Sachin has reached today ..... Everyone along with me will do it my life long............ Sachiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnn ..........Sachinnnnnnnnnnnnnn......
Thursday, February 18, 2010
If Polititians Twitted
When I heard about twitter ; I was simply not intersted in joining one more social networking websites. Then came Shashi Tharoor whose articles I have read regularly in Times of India ( Sunday Edition) and I was very delighted when he got elected in LS Polls and also became minister of External affairs. The second thought was I hope the seat does not get wasted....... ....He truly paid back by keeping us updated on twitter... If not Shashi Tharoor , I won't have been on twitter ( Twitter should make him as a brand ambassador in India :))......Though I found twitter bit complicated ( I have to still get hang of it) ..... It was fun and absolute delight to see Karan Johar , Mr. Birla , Chetan Bhagat and other celebrities so near to their fans and followers...... almost discussing about international Subjects ,book releases , and their personal lives too..... One of the tweets from SRK mentioned about fight between his two kids.... so sweet
then eventually a thought crossed my mind .....what if the battles which are fought on roads come to internet...........Just imagine Uddhav tweeting about possible ban on MNIK .... or on more serious front P.Chindabaram announcing formation of state of Telangana...... or Rahul Gandhi inviting youth to join congress on Twitter.... People who run the India Inc..... more nearer to a concerned & educated crowd....( when I say this , there is whole set of "right" "left" and apolitical crowd on social networking sites ..... concerned on policies and willing to participate) .....Just imagine budget being discussed with a common man ......
May be Internet may not represent whole India ( our majority population is still in villages and lacks basic amenities too )....but may be if politics come little more closer to this net savvy.... wanting to ask question crowd.... we could further become more professional India Inc ........ May be it could create more nuisance.... may be not else we won't have seen so much of bollywood around......... May be the least our polititians could do is write blogs... :) :)
Regards
Vanita Bodke
PS: Ministry of power website is updated on day today basis , even the consumer greivance forum website is not bad, RTI is also a great tool....... Am just indicating may be the government is not opaque.....however certainly a transparent system works more efficiently
then eventually a thought crossed my mind .....what if the battles which are fought on roads come to internet...........Just imagine Uddhav tweeting about possible ban on MNIK .... or on more serious front P.Chindabaram announcing formation of state of Telangana...... or Rahul Gandhi inviting youth to join congress on Twitter.... People who run the India Inc..... more nearer to a concerned & educated crowd....( when I say this , there is whole set of "right" "left" and apolitical crowd on social networking sites ..... concerned on policies and willing to participate) .....Just imagine budget being discussed with a common man ......
May be Internet may not represent whole India ( our majority population is still in villages and lacks basic amenities too )....but may be if politics come little more closer to this net savvy.... wanting to ask question crowd.... we could further become more professional India Inc ........ May be it could create more nuisance.... may be not else we won't have seen so much of bollywood around......... May be the least our polititians could do is write blogs... :) :)
Regards
Vanita Bodke
PS: Ministry of power website is updated on day today basis , even the consumer greivance forum website is not bad, RTI is also a great tool....... Am just indicating may be the government is not opaque.....however certainly a transparent system works more efficiently
Saturday, February 6, 2010
When Rahul Gandhi Travelled by train
Yesterday Morning (February 5th , 2010 )..... we had a news channel runnning the news that Rahul Gandhi is reaching Mumbai & Shiv Sena will try in every possible ways to make his visit a failure.... the channel showed text SMS where Shiv Sena directed people to welcome Rahul ( probably future prime minister) with black flags.... Wow........when I was watching news I felt congress is doing a gimmick and Sena is replying back in gimmick :)... I saw his itenary which said from airport to Juhu & then to Vikhroli by helicopter ( My instant feeling was : Polititians , I hate them they blow up tax payer's money like this ) and left for office.
As a commoner I don't hate Rahul Gandhi ,however neither do I like him.... ... One of the major reasons , Rahul's area of interest are UP , Bihar and north east as if they are the only states of India.......My Mahrashtra also has its share of problems ; Mumbai /Mahrashtra has always been denied fund , or given in a diminished amount ( 26/ 7 major infrastructure development , Railway line upgradation ) ....Majority of my state lives in load shedding upto 6 hrs .... there were no power plant generation projects in pipeline for years..........and poor farmers taking suicide as a route to solve their problems..........He would understand this only if he visits us.........& he being from centre ( he is being promoted as future prime minister too ) makes him an important personality...........
In the evening when I reached home , I asked so how was Rahul's Trip ( in a sarcastic tone ) ; and my sister said he travelled by local train......... I was delighted .... finally ; someone knows how to reach people and their heart .... Sena's plan was foiled too ........Ek teer se do nishan..... :) :) ....
Just adding - I hope he visits other parts of the state too as Mumbai is part of Maharashtra and not whole Maharashtra ..... I hope to Maharashtra gets benefitted from Rahul Gandhi's Visit....
Signing Off
Vanita
As a commoner I don't hate Rahul Gandhi ,however neither do I like him.... ... One of the major reasons , Rahul's area of interest are UP , Bihar and north east as if they are the only states of India.......My Mahrashtra also has its share of problems ; Mumbai /Mahrashtra has always been denied fund , or given in a diminished amount ( 26/ 7 major infrastructure development , Railway line upgradation ) ....Majority of my state lives in load shedding upto 6 hrs .... there were no power plant generation projects in pipeline for years..........and poor farmers taking suicide as a route to solve their problems..........He would understand this only if he visits us.........& he being from centre ( he is being promoted as future prime minister too ) makes him an important personality...........
In the evening when I reached home , I asked so how was Rahul's Trip ( in a sarcastic tone ) ; and my sister said he travelled by local train......... I was delighted .... finally ; someone knows how to reach people and their heart .... Sena's plan was foiled too ........Ek teer se do nishan..... :) :) ....
Just adding - I hope he visits other parts of the state too as Mumbai is part of Maharashtra and not whole Maharashtra ..... I hope to Maharashtra gets benefitted from Rahul Gandhi's Visit....
Signing Off
Vanita
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friends...
One of the very early advises (In my growing years) I received from my elder sister was to make good friends and be a good friend..... my school education was also very instrumental in imbibing some of these basic values .As year passed I met a lot of people ..... Most of them were with me for atleast a year or two ....and some of them are still there with me (I call them friends :) ) ...... ....
As I was just coming into teenage I started to hear another version about human beings I was told that world outside is very selfish.... competitive.....Its difficult to survive ....don't trust anyone ......... However the thought that people around you are always good is so powerful .....my desire to know unknown people was very strong ....So I kep t discovering them.... It was fun.... and some times fatal..... and I managed gathered some pearls ... I met people who were my critique... well wishers .... most of them were a worried lot because of my non existence common sense & logical reasoning.......
I still experiment with life .... and I hope I get to gather some more jewels for lifetime .........
Signing off for the day
Vanita
As I was just coming into teenage I started to hear another version about human beings I was told that world outside is very selfish.... competitive.....Its difficult to survive ....don't trust anyone ......... However the thought that people around you are always good is so powerful .....my desire to know unknown people was very strong ....So I kep t discovering them.... It was fun.... and some times fatal..... and I managed gathered some pearls ... I met people who were my critique... well wishers .... most of them were a worried lot because of my non existence common sense & logical reasoning.......
I still experiment with life .... and I hope I get to gather some more jewels for lifetime .........
Signing off for the day
Vanita
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
My Friend's Ms. X
Its been two years since I heard about Ms. X from my friend. Actually his roommates enthusiastically told me about his crush Ms. X. I told him to take the girl out on date ( I always have opinions and never think twice before offering it) :) .... He never dated the girl. All he has done it in past two years is to drop her home from a Dandiya night, offered to watch a Marathi drama with his roommates which she politely turned down...... I used to hear ; I saw her near garden she looked beautiful , our eyes met at lobby...etc etc. etc....
Yesterday we met near his office (location : lobby outside office entrance) & created all kind of ruckus to meet his Ms. X ; I have never saw him so shy & nervous... It was wonderful to see my friend actually liked someone ..... he felt some good emotions for someone in life (As usual since men are bit slow and he has still not understood it ..... :)) .......I hope he does else some one else will fly away with Ms. X , and he would be terribly hurt.......
Signing off
Vanita
Yesterday we met near his office (location : lobby outside office entrance) & created all kind of ruckus to meet his Ms. X ; I have never saw him so shy & nervous... It was wonderful to see my friend actually liked someone ..... he felt some good emotions for someone in life (As usual since men are bit slow and he has still not understood it ..... :)) .......I hope he does else some one else will fly away with Ms. X , and he would be terribly hurt.......
Signing off
Vanita
Smart Bandar
A friend of mine who is a software engineer sent me this link jobs.smartbandar.com .Its been a year since the site exists . My friend has created this website . I asked him , you are calling your website "Smart Bandar" (Bandar means Monkey ) and you expect people to access your website.... to which he simply replied aren't we suppose to evolve from Monkeys.....We are smart and hence we try to make money out of everything..... I said whats the relevance can you explain .......He told me try applying for a job and I said am not gonna fill your data bank.... he requested me to please click once ( just imagine all this conversation on Gtalk .... since its free :P) ... being a true friend I did as I was told and to my utter surprise I didn't have to register ........I was very happy..I was directly sending an email to my recruiter.... I said great ... then I asked why are u posting free jobs ....to which he simply replied "I want this world to come closer , Money is not everything " I fell off the chair I was sitting on....... He said he woul earn money from ads posted on his website and Intention is definitely not revenue generation...Just to bring people of common interest together .......So the Humans always remember that we are smart bandar
Over all the look wise the website has lot of scope for improvement..The about us section is empty... the Companies section is terrible.....But overall its a good attempt to take Jobsearches to a new level....
My friend has managed 282 job postings in one year.... I guess it isn't bad at all.......And Anything FREE is gonna catch eye :) :)
Regards
Vanita Bodke
Web:smart bandar
Over all the look wise the website has lot of scope for improvement..The about us section is empty... the Companies section is terrible.....But overall its a good attempt to take Jobsearches to a new level....
My friend has managed 282 job postings in one year.... I guess it isn't bad at all.......And Anything FREE is gonna catch eye :) :)
Regards
Vanita Bodke
Web:smart bandar
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The week that went by..........
The week which went by was simply amazing..... ... One of the rarest wonderful time I ever spent....... It starts from my mother without whom this could have been just another week; she has been really cool about I becoming extra social since 9th January 2010 , that was last Saturday .The week that went by was awesome; I helped a friend for cooking dinner & enjoyed the dinner with colleagues at her place on Saturday , Sunday I was out throughout the day , the good part of the day was I actually drew my friends crazy ....... then came "Happy Vodafone Tuesday" ........ We ( I and another set of friends) played snooker,bowling, bumping cars , watched "paranormal activity" and played net cricket..........whew..... met a friend on Wednesday who had came from UK.....And today am out with friends again , Had great Gossip session .....and we all were only girls... ... What a week ?!?!
I hardly get any sleep when its change of place ( Am at a friend's place ) & for the first the first time I am liking it . I got time to write today & I liked what I was writing about..........
Wanna write some philosophical stuff ...... lets see if I can write one more..........
Signing off
Vanita
I hardly get any sleep when its change of place ( Am at a friend's place ) & for the first the first time I am liking it . I got time to write today & I liked what I was writing about..........
Wanna write some philosophical stuff ...... lets see if I can write one more..........
Signing off
Vanita
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Raat Gayi Baat Gayi-Review
Last week I saw this movie directed by Saurabh Shukla with some of the eminent actors who rarely work with mainstream. These actors/director have successfully established their own community who make movie for certain category of people.....Movies about love which are not set in fantasy land but in the realistic situation.....Its more about taking care of your love and not about high moral standards.
I immensely liked Raat Gayi Baat Gayi; the movie was a complete laughter riot and with ease it
touched subjects like infidelity , Sacrifice for partners, possessiveness four partner which are part of human nature ..... The movie highly suggests that anybody can flip . It also goes on to show how Indian woman take a brave step of ignorance towards their husband's behavior of rowing eyes to keep the family together.
The movie has lot of relevance to today's Indian urban society where the definition of morality are changing. All in all a very well made movie.The movies music is good too. Its contemporary & not run of mill type.........
I look forward to such movies.
Vanita
Movie : Raat Gayi Baat Gayi
Language : Hindi
Website: www.raatgayibaatgayi.com
I immensely liked Raat Gayi Baat Gayi; the movie was a complete laughter riot and with ease it
touched subjects like infidelity , Sacrifice for partners, possessiveness four partner which are part of human nature ..... The movie highly suggests that anybody can flip . It also goes on to show how Indian woman take a brave step of ignorance towards their husband's behavior of rowing eyes to keep the family together.
The movie has lot of relevance to today's Indian urban society where the definition of morality are changing. All in all a very well made movie.The movies music is good too. Its contemporary & not run of mill type.........
I look forward to such movies.
Vanita
Movie : Raat Gayi Baat Gayi
Language : Hindi
Website: www.raatgayibaatgayi.com
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