Message relief

The monotony of life gets a break when our mobile pings and shows a message. Some messages on my set are good enough to share.

In life many ppl help u whn it suits THEM; but very FEW help whn it suits u.
Make the FEW ur frnds and be the FEW to the many…
----------- Sunit

Do you knw d diff btw coffee shp n wine shp? Coffee shp is d starting pt of luv n wine shp is the end pt of it. Simple… isn’t it?
------------- Biswajit

Car se takra kar kabutar behosh ho gya. Admi use ghar le gya aur pinjre mein rakha. Kabutr ko hosh aaya to bola, “Aila! Jail? Who car wala mar gaya kya.”
------------ Neeraj

Dua ki bheer mein ek dua hamari, jisme maangi humne har khushi tumhari. Jab bhi muskuraaye aap dil se, humne samjha dua kubul hui hamari.
---------- Trishnendu

Various texts we come across are known; some are new and some, forwarded. Yet the underlining, or shall I say the silver lining, is that each one made my day. Messages are definitely a relief which brings us a smile. Cherish the moment when your cell beeps and lures you to read that message at once.

What else, ciao!!

The anti-virus software

It is needed when the virus causes a virulent damage to our systems. But if virus is about a positive influence what would one do? Of course, better not install the software. Yet politicians and political parties are of the kind that does so.

The “person” was driving and I was sitting next to him. While started he categorically mentioned that there is no need to fasten seat belt (though I did mentioning my comfort and fear). Car speeded at 60 above even when ideally one should not have. Honking was a necessity for him.

He is of the opinion that a lot is needed to be done in a political system. It offers a lot of opportunities to do good for the society at large. Can he do some good if he gets opportunity, I asked. No, he said.

According to him, there is no way he can rise if he sticks to too much of humanity. Chances are that there is no future for him then. He fingers, it is full circle; if one starts doing well, there is none to carry it forward and a second round of bad follows, a natural way. There is a shield inbuilt in them to protect any good coming inwards. That shield to me is like just like a protection against all good.

He is politically driven and is actively involved with the youth wing of a political party in the capital. If he takes a different path to plug the loopholes he clearly observes, he will be chucked out in no time from the party. The in-built barrier system is eating away his desires. I found there is a strong desire in him to benefit people at large but he is handcuffed and drifting away…

Rallying for space

The hassles of our routine life begin right away when we switch on the ignition of our vehicle to reach our work place. As if too much of incessant jams throughout the journey and an ever-increasing vehicle numbers in cities (no specifics) were not enough, we are now faced with dharnas … or so to say morcha in “khalis” Hindi by political outfits.

They in the early hours of the day when the traffic is at its peak raise slogans block roads and tend to create mayhem and subsequently occupational hazard (for those who have got something to do at least).

One day, a dear colleague and friend of mine Prateek Sahay (Mr Enterprising Entertainer) said: in political parties aur politicians ko to shehar se kahi dur jaake apna dharna aur sammelan karma chahiye. bekaar mein itne logo ko mushkilon ka samna karna padta hai. I said, lekin yeh jayenge kahan?

arre, inke liye bhi ek alag designated jagah hona chahiye just like Pragati Maidan jahan yeh apna pradarshan kar sake. jo interested hai, attend karte rahen inke protests, etc…. aur kya!

I couldn’t stop laughing. But the very second moment I realized, he has said something very reasonable. Even brilliant!

What he said is fairly applicable and practical keeping in mind the traffic department along with Police who are needlessly bothered to keep protesters under control to maintain the sanctity of the city movement.

Now let us elaborate this further. Having a designated open land (even if within the city) would give an option to many groups to come in open and talk on serious issues. Let me elaborate what else Prateek suggested to make this idea work in a very righteous manner and to make it a profitable plan too. Some pointers:

1. the venue can be booked from a designated authority.
2. one day only one event
3. a limited number of parking options. Rest will be charged accordingly by municipal authority or private player maintaining the peripheral area so that there is cap on vehicle crowd
4. the venue is open to all; political parties, social groups, company unions and so on so forth
5. holding a protest or public meeting is free of charge but will be given on the basis of availability of venue with due permissions from Police (water canon will be there in case they suspect rallies taking violent forms)
6. those holding the rally will be responsible for cleaning up mess that they may have contributed to, and
7. we are still assessing other benefits.. (let us know if you have one to share)

This is one of the episodes that took place when I took a lift from Prateek for office and were caught in a jam due to a political rally in between. While I was trying to figure out all of his logic and the feasibility, it is also true that a Rallying Zone can well be a reality someday in future only if we have such a big chunk of land left within the city and bureaucratic set up allowing it to happen. We definitely need some of those “out of the box” ideas.

Irrespective of that fact I was impressed. “What an idea PrateekJEE,” I thought, while he was still honking at the crowd to negotiate his car. The good is - he finally succeeded in doing that.

Assessing Musharraf’s exit

The idea that musharraf is toothless now is something to ponder about. Because I outrightly doubt that.

The headlines like “Mush Quits With His Tail Between His Legs” by The News (in Pakistan) is difficult to fathom. The reason, I think, this person always stood his ground even in most adverse situations irrespective of the concerned he is dealing with. In signing resignation, he again proved that even if that is a bit forced upon him. I recall certain facts he has always maintained and something we (as Indians) are sure about irrespective of what international community believes.

Firstly, Kashmir is a core issue. Secondly, Pakistan will continue to fight terrorism with it aim to establish peace in regions across …. and in the world.

Further, Jehadis are freedom fighters. They are not terrorists. They are fighting for their rights to be free and free Kashmir.

On the other hand, we are sure that he continues to have a strong influence on ISI and gives direction to. After leaving his admired uniform, he invited not only flak from his big brother but also ensured he has to show international community that he is taking actions against terrorism by banning certain off the hook groups.

Now, the pressure of international community will be off from Musharraf, directly or indirectly. Is this something to be happy about by our Intelligence and armed fraternity? No, I strongly believe.

I don’t know what implications it would have directly between India’s relationship with Pakistan and US and between them. I don’t know, like many others, whether his exit will facilitate the trade between us and Pakistan but will surely made us cautious of the way ISI and other noted terrorist groups operating from Pakistan and PoK would operate now on.

They will have a strategist not as a part timer. His exit is making me cautious to sense the smell in the air. Is India gearing up for yet another challenge? Only time will tell…

Meanwhile, I wish Musharraf more space (not in terms of land, of course) to think sane. He may now live in sanity to do real good for humanity.

Structural corruption

Read case I
Mukesh Ambani is making a 27 storey something (I don’t know what word to be used for such a humongous thing) where some six people would live and am talking of Mumbai.

Read case II
Second, Dharavi is supposed to be the largest slum area in the country, that too in Mumbai.

These two facts cropped up when in one tv program a discussion was going on the situation of social status of India. A social activist identified the two situation and the gap between the two as a resultant of structural corruption. I completely agree with him.. yet find myself in a state of confusion.

First, we should identify whether Ambani saab has the right to have such a …. thing for his family (where his no of servants would outdo no of family members and incoming guests combined). Second, whether government is right in allowing such a …. thing to come to force, by allowing the former to build so.

Answering these two issues, I bet, would give lead us to somewhere we wish to reach… the answers we would like to seek but find helpless in phrasing the question. Since I too don’t know the question, it is better to share my opinion on this issue.

Just because a person has the ability to do something is he or she permissible to do so when the case is about creating a divide unnatural. At the same time the centrality is “land” (on which the huge…. thing is being built) is scarce, especially in Mumabai (my mum friend would identify with it)… I recall the movie “jaane bhi do yaaro” where a journalist asks tarneja – the builder – about his new achievements that push the humans further in their dooms they want to defeat. Tarneja answers, “it is democracy; everyone has the right to succeed, and there’s nothing wrong in it.”

What my say is there should be a cap on a person’s footprint on this earth. To make this world better we talk of reducing our carbon footprint, I doubt how it could be ever achieved in real sense. On the other side there is a glaring reality: underprivileged and middle “salaried” class finds it hard to have a square foot to put their will to fit in. this disparity is definitely corruption of a massive kind but is India realizing it? While I read Muslims (latest bait is Saif) find it difficult to find a flat in particular residential apartments, it seriously questions the lop sided way to approach to residential development. A pricey structure changes the entire economics of a region, which disperses and only grows with time. I mean this disparity.

After so many years of being free, what least could be demanded from the governments is the right for equal opportunity if not equality, that has been lost anyway in the red tape.

Intuit your desires

Good things manifest from good thoughts. The centrality of all ideas, of our actions, is generated from thoughts… which are progressive and are aimed at realizing something that will be beneficial. A commoner would use his thoughts in all directions, not knowing what to think and where to direct it. Interestingly, there will be questions, and no answer, as one continues to find them not knowing that one is within its periphery; it is just we have to go out of the boundary. During this process, the mind travels through different realms. Another theory suggest that leaving our mind open like a wild horse, allowing it to brainstorm, find us routes unknown for realization of the subconscious.

Identifying the desires and corresponding to self over and over again makes us believe that it is right there within our reach but may be not there yet. This itch of belief running in our thought process shall force to believe that realizing it is just a matter of time.

This process of search and believing in it makes the desire of reality different from dreaming. Many get confuse between the two. Dreaming is just the pedestal, where the whole process of soul churning for answers start.

Then, nurturing of this dream evolves. And intuiting is about trying to visualize what good could be in store for… it takes the belief towards positive. In doing so one would imbibe the very existence of positive into reality.

Surrounding ourselves with an envelope that generates a good feeling of achieving something starts surmounting us. We can do wonders with that feeling of well being.

So, intuit good things that do well for you harming none. Creation of own world and designating a role for self is the way to realize desires. People say intuition cannot be a voluntary exercise; it follows no rules and barriers and strikes uninformed. But, I question, there must be a way to identify that.

How can it be utilized to our advantage? To some extent it is true. One imagines many things for one’s sake but how would it strike that it would turn out to be an intuition. So try out thinking your desires which are feasible in reality; which syncs with time and space we are in. Then there is a chance that the thoughtful imagination turns into to be your intuition, as and when they turn real.

Creating a world of your own isn’t that taxing after all, even if it doesn’t turn out to be true as you expect…

naughty guy

today is Raksha Bandhan. I stayed at home throughout the day working. anyway, as a Bengali, this festival is not something I look forward to considering my cousins are in Kolkata and importance is laid upon Bhai Doojh far more than this one as a celebration. the cute little episode that I want to share takes us back many years when I was probably in my second or third standard. this day was special not because of the relationships (I was dumb, yuck! that sucks...) but the lovely rakhis on the wrist instead. there were times when I wouldn’t have one and dada (my elder brother) would have many on his wrist(s). I used to envy him.

I recalled this funny experience today during the day out of nowhere and a naughty smile crossed my lips. now, I know how lucky I was then. wish I had the head to use the opportunity as a weapon to woo many… kash!

Allowing them to bloom

Socio-business-environmental approach

Hotels use lots of flowers। At a few ITC hotels, instead of throwing these flowers on a daily basis, they are passed on to an NGO it has tied up with। The NGO after collecting it from the hotels, drop them at the doorsteps of people with multiple disabilities with their capabilities restricted to separating petals from the stem of the plant part the whole day। These petals so separated are collected and sent to concern authorities for extraction of organic colours from it, which are sold to the textile industry.

In this way, not only wastes (wilting flowers) are converted into environment friendly colours but in the process pass on the benefits to the people with multi functional disabilities. This is being practiced at ITC Maurya and Sheraton Hotel in New Delhi as pilot project. This initiative is earning the differently abled people Rs 1800 a month, which is also giving them a dignified reason to live on. The project has also been taken up by India Habitat Centre and a few more hotels for the good of the society.

Flying away to glory

Want to give my imaginations a string of positively so that the aims and dreams match with each other to rise up to reality. At the occasion of our 61st Independence Day, Bishwajit asked me to write about our fascination with kites during childhood. We didn’t grow up together but the fascination hasn’t remain untouched to our upbringing; simply saying, to the entire generation before me, which I know about. Life offered simplicity and we as small kids accepted them unflinchingly. So did our parents.

Coming back to what my dear friend said, I think, he consciously took up this topic knowing that I am left with no more interest in indulging to get up on the terrace and take kites to the sky. The topic of kites rose two days back while we were discussing the plan for the long weekend. But today, when the kite flying day is over I somehow feel, he issued me a warrant to come out of shackles of negativity and let myself free… as many of my friends, acquaintances feel that I adopt and welcome negativity more often than positives that life has to offer to me.

Could be. And kite is the way I should be like. It has always provided us with a fascinating occupation and have been cheered equally by young and old. The free will of kites, even though they are controlled, tells us a lot. It is not about me only. I feel the will to be like them is more about choosing the right direction where everyone else should be moving towards.

At this point, a kite couldn’t have been a better metaphor for our democracy and independence, together. Let our course be of that of “free will” yet with a string of “discipline” attached to it so that we remain in a flock.

I hereon will try to free me, my will… with strings attached. I hereon will seek answers… to the questions sometimes I never raise.

Regaining lost conscience

Not so long ago there was a feeling that China’s oppression on Tibet is not a fair one. Now, I find us here. Rejoicing China’s coming of age and taking the retribution to the developed countries with developing brigade like ours are happy about her painstaking walk over. Suddenly, everything seems to be rosy, eye lit, comprehensive; Tibetians, for that matter, forgotten at once.

Three months back, the scenario in India was different. And world over. Pictures of protest marking Tibet’s resurgence to take on the big brother head on came in the open. I remember the call of a Buddhist lama at the McLeodganj’s nerve centre. He was polite, calm yet with a certain degree of anguish that was demanding a vent. He (and me, and thousands more) had just completed a joint prayer for peace at the very political base of the exiled Tibet Government in India. He started pointing towards a series of photographs (kept on display at one of the small rooms within the Monastery) of the crimes committed on the innocent peace loving civilians in Lhasa and further in Tibet by the Chinese headship. These photographs are sent here and elsewhere, whosoever has taken to give a dimension of what Tibet nationals wants world to know i.e. that is what they are suffering from but peacefully, he said.

The lama, in his unique calm, explained the conscience one should stick to in adversity. What is this conscience? He said: nothing but the one that offers peace to self and showers happiness on others. The conversation stretched over to many other aspects where he talked about the true essence of Buddhism whereby one should not return the hatred on the same platter. Return nothing but sweetness.

While coming out of the monastery, a bunch of friends as a group walked through a narrow lane of McLeodganj. What we witnessed was something we never expected to. A tall Indian guy on a bike showering adjectives from his illicit vocabulary on a passing by lama who for sure didn’t do anything but had a slight hesitation on selecting his track that confused the biker. Playing oblivion to the filth, the monk passed by and carried on with his journey. His silence taught me a lot what words would never have been able to.

While the other day Musharraf quoted: "Kashmir is in our (Pakistan) blood". Why this bloodbath then? You have been responsible for many. We know it and so do you. The ongoing crisis in J&K is something none is happy about. News reports attribute it to ISI and then, there is anger within the Kashmir brigade. A popular face in the J&K politics, while reasoning military action necessary to stop civilian conflict justified, displays his anger through expressions because he is on air, visually. What his anguish tells many who are suffering and directly affected by the political clampdown? How people are going to read that anger on his face as? He could have been calm to explain his reasoning is the only request one could ask for.

The residents (that’s the word I use) are placed vis-à-vis rest of the country and the divide in between yawns further and further. Where to settle this unrest? Answers are hard to come by as political voices carrying on creating the theorems of winning Jammu & Kashmir. Our very conscience to find an answer is lost. Hopefully, we will regain it as has been, time and again, since centuries. Still, there is hope as I read the lines of Rabindranath Tagore:

Where the mind is without fear
and the head is held high…

I hope, we will all have a reason tomorrow to celebrate our 61st year of being an independent nation that always finds itself in a dichotomy to overcome.

Tale of 5000 omelettes a day

Many believe that the art of omelette making is as fascinating one as the final product tastes. I completely agree and would take it a step further; it is thrilling as well. Well, where is the scope of thrill in it? Believe me, I used to think likewise but this fact has been implanted on me after my visit to one of the best airlines catering facility i.e. of Singapore Airlines owned SATS. Though it has tied up with many hotel chains in India and abroad for supplying food to its crafts and others but preparation of food (especially omelettes) at its own facility in Singapore is a delight to watch.

Never ever in my dreams could I have thought that “food is an art” where technology too has a great role to play to. The amalgamation of mechanical and human elements in the making of a food delight from egg surpasses imaginations of any kind. According to SATS, it prepares 5000 omelettes everyday to serve different airlines, which touch down at Singapore.

Suddenly, omelette making seemed like an ancient craft still accomplished by a sensible bunch of people on this planet. And the saddest part is that I happen to be a mere spectator and restricted to participate in it. Enjoy this video where simplicity meets sophistication. Omelette preparation couldn’t have been a better example of that.

Shooting golden mistakes

Yesterday, Abhinav Bindra clinched the 2008 Olympic Gold in the individual category (for 10-mtr air rifle event) and created history. Seldom we find such great examples by Indian sportsperson on the world platform to register a great feat. But what followed after (the ever-expected monetary rewards that poured for him) gives me no reason to be happy about. The sheer recklessness of the top ranks becomes even more apparent on such steps barring a few like SAIL, Railways, Indian Airlines, etc. (which recruit players of less repute).

Bindra, who is any an affluent individual may not need help NOW at this moment but surely needed so when he used to train under, if not financial, infrastructure constraints during his formative years. Where the big guns were who are announcing rewards for him then? His expenditure for the training crosses over one crore per annum, I read.

It is not hard to believe that he is going to cherish the medal more than anything else and these rewards won’t be something he is ever going to boast about, forget the name of the organisation, state govts, etc. Though, the scenario would have been different had the monetary support came when he desperately needed it; realistically, (if not for him) for many others who don’t get a chance to prove their mettle at the national level due to lack of finances for due training they deserve.

Now, when many countries are already looking at the London stage, India should see things more practically and not sit calm on its earned Gold. While every sportsperson insist on having good infrastructure for the new breed that shall perform 10 (or rather 12) years hence, corporates and non-profit organisations (like BCCI, self proclaimed) should guide its finances for the good towards them now and not when they end up winning a medal. In case, BCCI can’t, then they should stick only to Cricket.

By the way, India lost the Test Series to Sri Lanka yesterday when BCCI National Cricket Board President was busy calculating how much to shell away for Bindra. It is time BCCI now start looking for a new brand campaign. Who can be their brand ambassador? I feel Bindra fits the bill.

Uniquely Singapore

It was my first trip abroad and Singapore proved to be a memorable one. It was a business trip, a very short one that didn’t give me enough time to check out the various facets of the city sized country but a couple of things gave me reasons to be happy. They were unusual and I enjoyed knowing and experiencing them.

On the Flyer
If someone is planning to go there one should positively check out the Singapore Flyer, which started operation early this year. The observatory wheel an aerial view of the entire country and is an amazing experience of 35 minutes or so in the air. I took some pictures and videos when boarded the flyer along with the group I went with. The experience was amazing which gave me a towering view of the Singapore landscape. A cubical of a flyer can easily accommodate a group of 20 or more to enjoy the ride collectively.

Fishy affaire
After completing the full circle, we arrived at the base and visited the shopping arcade. It was a SPA that caught our curiousness. It posed two long bath tub kind of set up containing a peculiar variety of fish, chrome yellow in colour. In one of the bath tubs, two ladies were enjoying the fishy sensation on their legs dipped knee length under water. It was a special spa treatment.

According the SPA official, the fish used in the tank is of a special kind that feeds on dirt that usually sticks to our skin. Hence, they feed on it and our skin gets rid of it in the process. It was an example of symbiosis but surely, not at its best for me.

If you love fish (though I do love them in form of food) get this treatment and dip yourself completely and feel being fishy.

Pavement cafes
Last but not the least in the list of my DOs, one should experience the cafes that have seating arrangement outside in the open on the pavements, which are designated particularly for them. Thereby, these cafes offer both indoor and outdoor experience to chill out. Grab a bottle of beer or anything that you may like and enjoy the skyline of the beautiful clean city country. This concept is not yet popular in India but I suspect, this will happen sooner or later in the regions where climatic conditions allow open air dining on the pavements.

someone somewhere listens

a day back I wrote on the way some people go oblivious about their attitude while travelling in metro. rude songs on speaker phones are irritating especially during office hours. But I got my answer today. while I was sitting and reading a book on my way to office, a stong folk song started (probably from the North, couldn't guess the regional dimension of the song). It took some 5-10 min for a person with a hard hitting voice to start $%&*#*$$@... @%**&$#*%.... and shun that person to go on a silent mode. by the sound I guess he should be 50 odd but was at his Haryanvi best. the sound of music disappeared.

my point is that why people have to wait for such massive blow to use their earphones? they can be a little generous to others while travelling. But now the question is who is quitely listening me?

Transform Negative Energy

India came to realise that there exist fearful word Tsunami in 2004. And then, I had punched some words, which got published in HT for its Inner Voice column. What I felt then (Jan 2005), I still believe in it, till date, firmly. In negativity, I realise my strength.

Metro Miseries

While DMRC has given us Delhiites a gift like never before in the form of Metro travel, it has brought some miseries too, which can be taken seriously in some cases and with humour in some.

Let us discuss the serious issue. A week back while I was on my way to office as usual, I argued with myself on a phrase used in Metro that we read very often. It was related to designated seats “For Old & Physically Challenged Only”. Suddenly, I recalled how DMRC is trying to put forward its corporate image at its best. Yet, one aspect was missing: a sensitive approach.

I quickly made sure that an e-mail should go from my end to DMRC officials changing that phrase to --- For Elderly & Differently Abled --- which will be respectful and also command respect from others to offer seats. Let there be no feeling of apathy among the commuters towards this section of society. There should be more empathetic approach to the issue. I might be wrong, yet I felt good on writing that letter to the concerned. Now, I stand to wait for the change to take place.

On another instance, I would never write a letter for the misery many travelers go through courtesy “loud peers” in the Metro. Turning on the music, that too in the speaker mode is ridiculous; and what more, they don’t play good music. While traveling back home one day, my colleague and friend Prateek Sahay said, “Why he is not changing the track; I don’t like it.” I didn’t respond to his invigorating comments but it made clear to me what others around that fellow would be thinking on this subject. The interesting part, that fellow playing music was oblivious of the fact that all others are looking at him and conjuring up something against him. Luckily, he was about to alight. As soon as he went out of train, we heard another one boarding issued us a warrant of listening to his choice of music. Sometimes, God is at His irritating best.

Yet, our love for Metro seems to be on track. Only if some people can pay little attention to minute of sensitivities for the good of society at large, it would turn out to be smooth as well. Amen!

Comedy of ERRORS

While Singapore offers immense opportunity to enjoy the various attractions it has, the international airport can be a complete destination by itself to catch on if one fails to visit the country’s sites. Let me share my experiences at the airport during my recent short business visit that turned out to be a comedy of errors.

“Not many airports around the world are carpeted extensively like this one,” said one of my fellow traveler (and a friend), as his first reaction after we landed at the Changi Airport Singapore, who was traveling with me for our short business trip of one and a half day in Singapore. The immense horizon of the airport terminal provided us with an experience of a lifetime. I was looking forward to this country visit but hey, first let me check out the airport itself – a great excursion place to be in!

We were invited by Singapore Airlines (SIA) to know about their latest cabin products offering to India bound travelers, the catering unit of SATS and the airline training centre. SIA’s public affairs executive received us, a group of journalists, and escorted to the SilverKris Lounge. This lounge of the Singapore Airlines is immaculately designed. As we reached quite early in the morning there (as the Rolex watch with golden outlining was pointing in the lounge) and had to proceed for a business conference directly from there, we were asked to freshen up ourselves at the airport itself, which appeared weird prime facie.

Since I was hungrier by then, I checked out the buffet first, which was not only elaborate but sumptuous too. After gorging some stuff quickly, I experienced the best of washrooms that even hotels fail to deliver. Immaculately designed, it provides with the basic necessities to get fresh and enjoyed my 10 minutes of amazing shower experience. Though, our group consisted of 21 people from New Delhi and Mumbai, none complained getting refreshed at the airport because that turned out to be a more pampering aspect of our tour that we never thought earlier.

After the hot shower, I returned to the breakfast zone again, guess it had an effect and forced me to take another round of the buffet. The design of the lounge was also interesting too. I noticed that the ceiling is an elaborate structure of air conditioning vents and so on that gets concealed with the fine bars used as ceiling; when viewed with an angle, it conceals the grey matter inside but looking up vertically, one can check all the gadgetries.

While appreciating the artistry of the lounge and sipping my cup of tea, a middle aged German drew my attention. He walked from his dining table and looked for some beverage. He was about to get a cup of tea or coffee as he proceeded towards the coffee making machine. He pressed one of the machine buttons without any outcome. Obviously, that fellow was trying one of the beverage choices out there but failed to succeed. He pressed the button once again but met with the same result. He was visibly miffed at the machine and his bad luck. As his eyesight crossed mine, I signaled him about no water in the machine that he needs to feed. He chuckled… and went towards a stewardess to resolve the pending matter.

As we proceeded towards the immigration counter after that it surprised me that the Terminal 3 is yet to be formally inaugurated on July 25 by the Singapore Prime Minister. We reached there two days before experiencing the complete service that will be formally opened to the world, though the soft launch took place way back in February this year, I enquired. Before the immigration area, we went pass Section A of Terminal 3. This zone welcomes Airbus 380 passengers and I felt good knowing that. Hopefully someday, will be crossing from that area, I wished.

Next day, that is July 24, we were back again at the airport to make a departure for India. There was this sense of incompleteness. Nonetheless we checked in our luggage and by mistake, I had left my immigration slip inside that I am supposed to pose at the counter during emigration. I was sweating profusely. I was asked to get the verification done from another counter and I proceeded mutely. There, the lady I confronted with will remain etched in my memory for long. She brutally murdered my confidence and asked me about my arrival date, flight numbers… and so on. Suddenly I felt everything has been erased from my memory. I was unable to recall today’s date and was counting out on my luck. God! I’m the most peace loving person on this planet, don’t interrogate me like this! It was just yesterday when I arrived on this land but the tension crept in so badly that I fumbled to recognize the date.

Nonetheless, at the end, I got a life when the officials verified that am not a terrorist and just a mere skeleton body that can be blown away easily by air. Huh! I was verified and asked to go ahead and not to repeat this mistake again in my life. Timidly, I promised so.

After getting a new lease of life, I tried to track my group who had already scattered for their shopping spree at the DFS zones. And so did I. During that time I met a sweet lady in the chocolate shop helping me in selecting the right ones for my colleagues. And then encountered another one just opposite to the earlier shop where I purchased ear tops for my sister-in-law and a pendant for my mom. While delivering the stuff, she said, next time around get it for your wife. I said, “Yeah, definitely. I will surely get married soon in India to come back here to oblige you.” She laughed. That laugh will stay with me…

With all my purchase done, I confined myself to the Internet zone where apparently I met another Indian young guy pursuing mass communication course came here for a cultural exchange programme. We chatted and exchanged cards. He wishes to become a director some day and I requested to book me for a role then. He assured so. Forgetting the time while chatting he asked me about my flight’s time. It was scheduled for 1850 hours departure. Again, I started perspiring as the clock showed 1830 hours. Bidding him goodbye, I rushed and managed to catch the flight on time. Reaching the cabin, I saw my business friends relaxing on their seats and I quickly ordered some wine to quench my thirst.

While my journey back I realized, there was hardly much time to experience the country. Nonetheless, I was at ease and felt complete of my stay here. The airport with its good, bad and ugly experiences that it stored for me made it a true script for a holiday. Next time around I don’t mind having business meetings at the airport itself and if business travelers across the world start doing so, then Singapore Tourism should ideally Blame It On Changi to rest their case on.

going back to cricket memory

Long before twenty20 format, Cricket still used to enthrall me a lot. But the situation is no longer the same anymore. India, in Cricket, winning or loosing now doesn’t churn out the same effect in me once it used to. While watching the first Test Match between India and Sri Lanka this season, I recalled how I used to take the lost matches in my stride proudly.

The following is one such episode during September 21, 2004 when I penned down my feelings on paper after we lost to Pakistan.

Savouring loosing points
Though we lost the Indo-Pak tie, we went down with never-say-die spirit. When we loose, all the goods inevitably appears on the other side. It feels indeed bad to be left alone on this side – where past looms around as something you don’t want to look at and the future, more than ever, hovers like a puzzle as John McLain of Die Hard fame encounters, though he always ends up with success unlike the Indian Cricket Team.

The situation on the match day in each and every home, I guess, must be same throughout the country. My home could be easily anyone else’s, as my mother constantly maintains her murmuring when Ganguly’s Gang does something silly on the field, which she, like many other moms, doesn’t approve and just not ready to accept from the men in blue. Then her murmuring turns into a one-sided argument with the players, who should thank their stars for they are unable to listen to the country moms (include Geoff Boycott’s mum too) and I end up with disgust and stop her from giving those unparallel expert opinions. I shout, ‘Let me listen to the commentators what they have to say about the game…you don’t know…hmm… hmm… I don’t know…as they do…’ and our argument continues till the end.

There is always a clash of what we expect, think about the game and how our players perform at the middle. No matter which part of the country one travels to, there be an endless discussion about the previous falter or about the imminent onslaught reverberating all the time in the atmosphere. The dying expectation never ever dies down, strange enough for non-cricket lovers.

We lost to the Pakistan team. We are out of the Champions Trophy. We have been shaken up. Oh! We are faced with that feared moment in our lives once again, which we forgot of late. But is it that bad? No. Not at all, if you think logically.

The recent comment of the Australian captain Ricky Ponting that has been hailed correct by the Cricketing Connoisseurs, suggests the maturity phase the sport has entered into and now, like all life cycles it is bound to go for a plunge. With meager contingents viz. USA, Bangladesh, etc… coming into such an important event didn’t ruin anyone’s reputation but the name of the tournament.

Coming on to the performance of the Indians, they should be praised for making the match interesting after stumbling to set up a good score for the Pakistanis to chase. Knowing the firepower of their bowling department, they could have applied themselves a bit more. I agree that after the completion of a match it is very easy to do all sorts of post mortems, but it is really difficult avoiding so being an Indian. Even we are allowed to have some negatives - is what the nation retorts, when we loose out on a key encounter.

What more than anything hurts is that the players don’t put a price on their wicket and ready to gift away their wickets even before making the opposition stoop a little. Ganguly, Laxman and Sehwag, all gave away their wickets and the rest inevitably fell flat with burgeoning pressure to achieve a respectable number on the board. Although we managed to reach double century mark, it was always short of what was needed to give our bowlers a chance to knock out a steady performing Pakistani line up. At the end we were short by a whisker. There was a sure shot element of disappointment amongst Indian cricket lovers but we were not morally down and out, which used to happen a few years back.

The scenario has changed. We might be going through a rough patch but this could just embark something good performance from the boys in the forthcoming series against the world champions. The spark, which was conspicuous in the last couple of years, was not there. Yet, I can see there is enough to come in future from this team. When we talk about cricket dying down, the matches like Ind v Pak adds up a few more years to it. So it can be said that even after we lost we gave back something to the game.

Meanwhile, we can carry on with more analysis on the team’s pitiable performance to keep ourselves busy. For me, at least, I will be able to watch the other important matches with all peace, as my mother won’t be commenting anymore. India is out of any further discussion for her. Conclusion: loosing propositions isn’t that bad for sports lovers like you and me. We will be enjoying the sport rather than praying and crucifying our boys with words throughout the finals, had they made it. What you say, hmm…?

knowing spirit of Godess Durga

Living the Pujo Spirit

When I thought of writing something on the occasion of Durga Pujo, I was enlivened by mere fact of writing something. This, I guess, happens to each and every Bengali. Oops! I think to everyone around, who associate with Maa Durga irrespective of the dialect he or she speaks.

Isn’t that a strange thing to come across? I mean how this festival has never been a festivity of religious norms and further…it is much beyond a religious harangue/obligation that youngsters keep away from or atleast try so. Not with this one though; we are blessed to know it as a festival that is our Right but a ceremony to be performed every autumn.

Since childhood, it has been a festival that begins from Mahalaya (the invocation ritual to bring Maa back to Earth from Kailash) turning on the spirit of Durga Pujo at once. Buying new clothes and segregating the same as per number of occasions is one statement Bengalis wear on their sleeves. But imagine do we actually recognize who is celebrating the festival in true sense. Of course “we”, many would shout but I think the festival begins from the dhakis; decorating their dhaks and preparing them so that they express our trepidations fluently. There are many symbols of how this festival isn’t about a Maa Durga alone, and you know that. The truth is – we relate Durga Pujo with every little thing we do. The important things i.e. all about, all those small instances that fills our heart with joy, we tend to realize only when the Pujo arrives.

Bengalis react vehemently. They have so much to do, in less time and all in ill order; never sure what to do, and what not. Grown up in Delhi, I’ve experienced the Kolkata flavour too a many times during this festival. Amazingly, people express in different manner and that’s perfectly right at its place. But one thing common which I want to bring your focus on and have noticed that people tend to forget to carry forward the “happiness & spirit” Pujo brings to us. Why it is such short lived? Just ask for the answer.

This time around, try that you, continue to carry on the buzz of this festival along with you all-round-the-year till next time, when there will be an opportunity to quantify it. May we are all blessed with that wish in this festival of fervour.

(Wrote for the Puja Brochure 2006 for Dwarka Sector 14 Agomoni Samiti)

out of the blue

used to see that so many people blogging intensively. now, it has hit me. and just got started.
Now, what i used to write earlier and think about the various situations can be brought to light for others through me. i am enthusiastic about my new move, as this gives me an opportunity to breakfree... wish myself happy blogging!