a postcard from vimal

Marriage Ceremony of Sanyasi's Daughter

2012-02-10T23:59:00.001+05:30

Reminds me of my school time prayer...

2012-02-08T22:38:00.000+05:30

"Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen".

Thatz me... Then and Now

2012-02-04T00:09:00.000+05:30

Walking down memory lane...

2012-01-22T09:11:00.001+05:30

L2R: Murthy, Ashok, Kirit, Ashwini, Bhabani, Sujata (in front), Ms.Brenda, Patsy, Rayla, Devasmita

Not too sure which year...

A writer's dream!

2012-01-18T12:56:00.001+05:30

Since I am a writer, I visualised that one day my picture would adorn the wall of fame. After all, writers are not born every day. Or so I thought. Until I entered the world of publication! There I saw that our population tree, which miraculously also had a literary branch, was overloaded with authors, novelists, poets and playwrights, each dangling for attention. For a nonentity with no contacts whatsoever, I was shocked. I remained rooted to the ground for years and even after I somehow managed to mount my creation onto the tree, the experience left me totally disheartened.
Some people are hard wired for this current style of commercial anxieties related to art. Others are more comfortable with the whole deal. And then there are some that are not at all troubled by the paradoxes and injustices of this whole system. But all this was new to me. There were rules that every modern writer was supposed to know. Well, I certainly hadn’t heard them. There were releases and launches here and there. Not to forget the flourishing autograph ceremonies. In fact the flattering speeches by the elite hims and the hers of the literary industry were so sweet I thought I’d drift into a diabetic coma of recognition. But alas! Not many were even willing to glance at, leave alone pluck out the creative fruits of my labour. It was only then I began to see the darker side of the marketing industry. And just when the interest was renewed through good reviews by journalists and some blogger friends, the books had simply vanished from the market. So had the publishing company! And mind you, it was an international establishment with promises in abundance. Hence to me publishing became a word for the death of creativity. After my first book I vowed I’d never write again.
But I guess there is more to life than merely watching others live it. Although we writers sit confined in a room, there are a million voices desperately wanting to be heard. And despite trying to still them, the echoes continue, forcing us to have a consultation with our conscience. And even without wanting to, we end up freezing our thoughts on paper. Then of course, the human side takes over and we hope that one day, some day, these frozen words will be thawed by the warm eyes of the readers. The desperate voices, our frantic thoughts and the critical appreciation of the world are almost useless by themselves. But together they form a triad of power!
Therefore to make this literary branch of the population tree more powerful, another book was born. As a published author, even though the second experience was a lot less intimidating, it still proved unsettling. Most of the copies were sold out but a year later some were also returned with thanks – a kind gesture by the generous publishers which in self- publishing terms also meant ‘get lost because the shelf life of your book is now over!’
I was so hurt I now pictured myself framing all my valued creations in the wall of shame. Then I knew that it was time to start pinching the vain author in me with gigantic pliers and wake up to a bitter fact- that even though there is an unseen, infinite thrumming web that joins everything and everybody in this universe, in the publishing field my friend, you are all alone. This truth is not depressing but sad. You see, depression is but a state of personal taste but sad..? Well, sad is universal.
And I was sad because my dream of becoming a celebrity was finally shattered. I still had to learn that very often it takes years to become a celebrity overnight. I guess sometimes one has to surrender to the areas of ignorance. Learning is an ongoing process. The moment you think you know everything, that is when the problems begin.
And then my son helped me exorcise the painful ghosts by leading me into a whole new world- the e-publishing industry. Here in the electronic domain all one needed was the core ingredient- the book and an enterprising son who has the basic know how to upload it :-} There were no contacts to pursue, no editors to cajole, no academics to coax, no managers to flatter, no launches to attend, no media to wheedle, no contracts to deal with. And even if there were no autographs to sign, the experience proved rewarding. So what if a million copies wouldn’t be sold at least I knew that now my book was available and would always be available.
Finally I understood what the ‘silver lining’ in every cloud actually meant. It was perhaps the shimmering line between your old thinking and your new understanding. This is something I learnt and which I’d like to teach all my dreamy, contact- less, publicity- shy, forced- to- live- a- life- in- shadow- writer friends out here. From what I have experienced, publishing and marketing don’t fit into nice little schedule boxes. Sometimes they also spell mess- two huge ‘s’s and a lonely little ‘me’. If you have burnt the midnight oil and your book is still languishing in computers, eagerly waiting to see the light of day, I’d suggest you try giving it the electronic touch. And the best part is you don’t even have to write a book. A compilation of some of your poems or your blogs can also qualify for publication. There are no restrictions for pricing either.
The biggest ebook publisher out there is Amazon Kindle Publishing program, followed by others like Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble Pubit, Google Books and Smashword. For getting it published in Amazon, you need to –
Create an Amazon account, if you don’t already have one. You can do this for free by just giving an email address.
Log into Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) at the following link - https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/signin
Combine your ebook into a single word document, and format it using this guide - https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/help?topicId=A2RYO17TIRUIVI
Publish on Kindle. Here is where you will need to enter the title, upload the cover, and enter pricing information. It is advisable to price it as low as possible to encourage readership. Here’s a link to the video tutorial explaining the process - https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/help?topicId=A2M7MM0UP7PHK0
Once the book is published, you can track its sales through the online KDP reports site.
If you have your book ready, all it takes is a few minutes!
I know some of you here are a talented lot. But most are like peacocks whose dancing plumes are invisible to the world outside. Talent should be recognized. But talent should also be independent. Not dependent on someone else’s whims and fancies. Now you no longer have to be afraid of the reality in the dreams of others because that way, when the dreamer awakes you will also cease to exist. So with your creative hands, go ahead and grab the pillow that they dream on. Go ahead and dare to craft your own dreams. And then turn them into reality. All the very best. From one writer to another!

How time flies...!

2012-01-18T00:01:00.000+05:30

Thatz Ratilal and me...!!

THE SANGLI SOJOURN

2012-01-12T17:07:00.021+05:30

December 29th was brrrrr.... Punekars woke up to a near frost-bite , with temperatures dipping to 5 degrees . Providence would have it ,being a Thursday most of Pune will be indoors as it's a Weekly off. Not like we antipodes who observe it on a Sunday !

I trundled off with my skimpy upholstery [ reminds me of those poor heroines who do a Hindi song jig in the Swiss alps while the protagonist is clad in the choicest of winter dresses ] in a creaking three wheeler to the ' Shivneri ' stand waiting for the elusive Bus which would transport me to Sangli for a rendezvous with the ' Watwes' . I heard they specialise in adding life to our ' Blue lucid planet ' gynecologically. Adam and Eve were blushing !!

7 past 15 mins... the bahn was to arrive .. which came in hurtling at 8.15 am, as would have been with any regional transports. I was plucking my bristles from the forehand trying to while away the time and endure the wait... in the process turning into a dressed chicken, making me shiver all the more. The people scurrying all around, and passengers jostling to get into the bus.. the brawny takes the first step... there is an eerie pleasure, ofcourse beating the others .. as we are never used to maintain a linear line-up and enter the bus like a few disciplinarians.

After a nerve wracking 6 hours reached Sangli. A three and half hour journey became a nightmare when the bus pilot yanked the gear rod into his hand [ seen in many a Laurel and Hardy skit ] and it was to be re-positioned for the right synchronisation.

Was greeted by a brunette whom I mistook for Jennifer Lopez , waving at me in an eco-friendly dress .. yes friends it was Alps with a green attire , green mascara , green eyelashes {sorry I am overdoing it a bit !!}

I was bundled away in a Hyundai accent - not the fluidic version because ALPS now wants to rule the roads with an Innova and " Hai - " Hai" with the slit -eyed Japs. Arigatou gozaimasu !!

Was ushered into a palace .. I lost trace and count of the rooms.... a home plus clinic and heaven for the Pregasauraians. [ Pardon me all would be mothers !!].

We walked into memory lane at times it was a cobbled path and times a unhurdled highway.

Met UNC [ last saw him at Bam on his Sky blue 'Hamara Bajaj ' ]. I was flummoxed at his fluent Oriya. And Aunty a contender with Arun .. penning stories.. I have to yet read her 'PARADISE LOST' and rate her skills, which she is eagerly looking forward to !

After having worshipped Lord Bacchus ardently with my fav 'CHIVAS ' and a tearless 'ALVIDA' [ sorry my eyes are dry they are not lachrymose ] chartered my course back in a Volvo to Pune.

Thats it guys ! Until next time for having a ' SRIKHAND '

~ Happy New Year 2012 ~

2012-01-01T19:59:00.001+05:30

Tryst with the Tahreer

2011-12-28T11:42:00.012+05:30

Turnip seller in the streets of coptic Cairo

Khubs(Rotis) being sold in Cairo market

Protesters in Tahreer square at night

Graffiti on Cairo walls

Aditya Birla in Alexandria

Tahrir Square in the morning

The Great Sphinx

Pyramids of Giza

Egyptian Dish Koshary in all its grandeur

Yes, you heard or rather read right. Last week we were in Egypt on a few days break. Though apprehensive in the beginning, we were convinced by our Egyptian colleagues and their families living in Cairo that it was indeed safe to travel to Cairo.

Whatever we had hitherto read, heard or researched about this largest and most populated city of the Arab world, does not do justice to what the city actually is. It has a lot more to it than just the famous pyramids. It is in some ways a city of contradictions, as much as it is a seat of civilization, which could arguably be the oldest known to mankind.

The first among these juxtapositions, is its transport system. It has one of the most notorious traffic. Traffic in Cairo is excruciatingly slow, so much so that it makes you want to tear your hair out at times and is a real test of patience. On the other hand it has a well organized metro system which takes you around the city in no time. Maximum running time between stations is hardly more than a couple of minutes. The best part is its price. You can travel all you want without exiting the station, for just one Egyptian Pound. The trucks on the roads have horns just like the ones we have back home. Made me kind of nostalgic every time I heard someone honking……
There are donkey carts rubbing shoulders with BMWs and Mercs. And there are lots and lots of Vespa scooters. Reminded me when I used ride my Dad’s as a kid. Makes me wonder why Bajaj hasn’t tapped this market yet…………..
And they sell about anything and everything, from on the go breakfast to auto parts, from the back of pick-up vans parked in the by-lanes.

While the world is hustling and busy on the main roads, the side walks are relatively laid back. Elderly men who have done that and been there in their prime, sit back and watch the world go by, probably reminiscing their good old days, with their steaming cup of tea and ‘sheesha’ or ‘hubbly-bubbly’, a close cousin of our desi ‘hookaah’.

Our hotel was a stone’s throw away from the Tahreer and we did get to see some part of the action. Processions and protests, though all of it is just localized in and around Tahreer. For the rest of the city it is business as usual. When we asked our guide to the pyramids why the Egyptians raised a revolution, he answered, ‘because Hosni Mubarak took all our money and did not do anything for the country’. And there was wide spread corruption in his regime. They feel democracy will solve all their problems. And I feel really sorry for them. I did not have the heart to break his. He needed to take a look at The Democratic Republic of India and its record of corruption in the last year. The very next day we travelled to Alexandria with another guide and we asked him why the people were still protesting in the Tahreer even after Mubarak is gone and elections were being held. He said, because the Egyptian people were crazy by nature. Later on we saw a very interesting take on this situation at the Cairo Airport. A quote by the Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi read ‘The Egyptians are doing nothing new, they are creating history yet again.’

The bazaars are really crazy. There is one thing I really envy about Egyptian ladies. Their mothers might never have given them grief about making perfectly round ‘rotis’ or ‘khubs’ as it is called in the Arab world. The bazaars sell the ‘khubs’ on the roadsides. Or as we saw in Alexandria, ladies were getting together in the community ‘tandoors’, where they just give the tandoor owner the dough. And the ladies catch up on their gossip while waiting for their ‘khubs’ to be prepared.

The old city has an amalgamation of Islamic and colonial style buildings nestled against each other, so many of them still inhabited. Though predominantly Islamic, Cairo has its fair share of churches and really beautiful ones , especially in an area referred to as Coptic Cairo. Not many people know that the largest population of Coptic Christians, live in the Arab world. Almost all inscriptions inside the church walls are in Arabic, sometimes even using words that Muslims usually use. And they refer to God as Allah. Not surprising, given that both are offshoots of the Abrahamic faith. Now when nationalism is at its peak in Egypt, one popular song blaring through the FM when roughly translated says ‘you are Muslim, you are Christian,”kullu akhwaan, ana misri” meaning "we are all brothers, I’m Egyptian". Hope all Egyptians hold that thought and come out victorious of their troubled times to see better, more prosperous times.

~ Merry Christmas ~

2011-12-24T20:44:00.000+05:30

Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar, Dev Anand

2011-12-05T08:47:00.003+05:30

Dev Anand passed away from our midst. A part of our collective memory of yesteryears is now no more

I still recall way back in that eventful excursion to Kashmir --how we starry-eyed SVCIANS saw Hema Malini and Dev Saab at a film shoot of Shareef Badmash. It was a different matter that, then, we were more keen on watching HemaMalini pout and preen than watch Dev Saab with his characteristic trademark swagger and stylish accent.Then on, we knew him intimately through all those unforgettable roles in Hum Dono, Guide, Solva Saal, Jewel Thief, Gambler and so on.

My personal favourite is Guide, which shows how a loveable rakish rogue and tourist guide becomes a spiritual Guide unwillingly by default --and how a miracle takes place, by which time he has passed away --leaving an indelible impression for all of us who were really lucky to see this film.

Last year, Mary, my sister, and I, met him at a book launch at the Park in Bangalore --and in public, I thanked him on behalf of all film fans and romantics for enhancing the romance in our pre-teens and the teenage lives during the 60's and the 70's with hummable songs like "Abhi Na Jao Chhod kar" , Tere Mere Sapne ab ek rang hai. Gaata rahe mera dil, Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya, Khoya Khoya Chaand ....

Rest in peace, Dev Saab -- you cheered us all for a lifetime .....

Alright!

2011-11-23T05:15:00.005+05:30

I married Miss Right - I just didn't know her first name was Always!!

Yard Aa Rahi Hain...

2011-11-19T17:59:00.002+05:30

With what Yardstick does one Measure Fear?
Some of us are extremely fearful of even passing a GraveYard after Nightfall!
Scotland Yard? Perhaps......
Teri Yard aa rahi hain - Yard aaney sey Tere jaane sey Jaan jaa Rahi hain!

Invite

2011-11-19T00:30:00.002+05:30

Formally launching my website http://www.patrography.com/ to share some memorable moments I captured with my camera. Please drop a note @ http://www.patrography.com/guestbook.cfm while you are visiting this site.

Nicole

2011-11-12T18:52:00.001+05:30

As an amateur photographer who prefers shooting abstracts and street in general, fashion photography was just a thought back of my mind till my friend’s college going daughter (an amateur model herself) suggested I shoot her.

This is one of the results. If this is good then the model takes the credit…

I am now hooked… Fashion Photography – Thatz it…!

But then, I am keen on “street Fashion”.

Wonder if any fashion designer (or an aspiring model) in Mumbai will give me an opportunity to brush my skills…

Model featured: Nicole

Happy Bakrid to you all...

2011-11-07T01:43:00.000+05:30

Danah Pah Danah

2011-11-05T18:34:00.000+05:30

CAN CER Patients CAN SURvive!

2011-10-31T01:38:00.003+05:30

If detected early, CAN CER Patients CAN SURvive!

Which Year...??

2011-10-29T16:16:00.000+05:30

~ Happy Diwali ~

2011-10-26T21:59:00.002+05:30

Lakshmi Puja 2011

2011-10-17T19:18:00.000+05:30

Last Tuesday I celebrated Lakshmi Puja (Lokhi pujo in Bengali) at my house with family and friends ..Few pics.....

Amul MasterChef India 2

2011-10-16T23:07:00.002+05:30

On Saturday, 15 October 2011, I got a sneak-peek of the "Amul MasterChef India 2" kitchen.

This is a TV show scheduled from October 22 on StarPlus channel.

Got to see the actual set... interact with all the three judges and met many Bloggers who are part of the IndiBlogger community.

At the venue, several competitions were organised. In one, we were shown some food stuff (Rice Atta, Amul Masti Dahi, Dry chillies, Oranges, Cashew nuts and a couple of "Genda" flowers)... we then had to - within 2 minutes - put on paper a recipe using all the ingredients...

What a surprise...! My recipe also got selected as a winning entry and i got a gift voucher...!! More than the voucher, the encouraging comments from the judges about my recipe put me on cloud nine...! I am now a proud owner of a MasterChef India apron :-)

As expected, Vani has now transferred all cooking responsibilities to me at home :-(

Check this link for details about the programme and judges: http://starplus.startv.in/characters.aspx?sid=126

What an awesome experience...! Feels good to share this…

Check this out...

2011-10-14T23:16:00.000+05:30

KAAS - A Plateau of Flowers near Satara in Maharashtra

2011-10-10T00:29:00.000+05:30

I just returned from Kaas yesterday (Sunday 09 Oct 2011) afternoon. Kaas is actually a plateau that is home to a few villages but is more famous for the millions of flowers that grow immediately after the monsoon. I went there with my colleague (another photo enthusiast..!) and spent two days (6-7 Oct) out there. Though we missed the peak flowering season by 2 weeks, we still managed to enjoy the vast expanse of flowers that form a carpet... The prominent colour this time was yellow. Depending on the dominant flowering plant the carpet could borrow any colour from the millions of hue available...
Kaas (Near Satara town) is around 5 hrs drive from Mumbai. A visit to this place is highly recommended. Feels good to share some of the photographs that i shot there:

Devasmita & family

2011-10-09T23:02:00.000+05:30

Fare thee well, Steve Jobs

2011-10-07T16:36:00.003+05:30

Can one man make a difference to the way the world enjoys music, connects with each other, or create amazing products using technology --hey world, hail Steve, the man, the inventor.

Many centuries ago, we knew of what an apple did to Isaac Newton.

Now, we know what Steve Jobs did with an Apple.

Shall cherish your Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish speech. Shall smile when using your products.

Shall dare to dream and be crazy enough to make dreams happen.

Fare thee well, Steve Jobs, as you take the iway to another dimension ....

Happy Birthday Ba...

2011-10-02T20:52:00.000+05:30

Thatz my Ba (Mom)... Today is her birthday...

Happy Birthday Ba. Love you lots...!

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2011-10-02T01:57:00.000+05:30

To Sir from TIGER

2011-09-29T11:50:00.002+05:30

Hi guys ,

It's been awhile since I have blogged . Been a cricketeer during my young days Captained District, College , and then played for University,played in lot of tournaments in Orissa, Andhra, Kolkata and onto 1st Division in Kolkata , hence an apt time to pay tribute to the greatest legend , gentleman , very humane, extraordinarily stylish et al..

But the secret is I have been and always am a die hard footballer ... had played the same innnings in football too .

Mom had kept this newspaper cutting , and my wife unearthed it 3 days ago ... Well Mom knew how priced this pic is ...she was very futuristic .... Stan, congrats , store this in your desktop.

love to all .

My Birthday Celebrations

2011-09-21T10:03:00.001+05:30

As many of you know September 17th was my birthday and thank you very much for all your wishes on facebook. Here is an account of the best birthday celebrations ever!!!
Early Saturday morning I came down as usual for breakfast and there was my eldest son Vasanth ready with a vase full of roses for me.

He wished me and we had breakfast together. We spent most of the day at home since my youngest son Sreyas had a track meet and was not home. After lunch I took a short nap. When I woke up Sreyas had come home and Vasanth announced that we were going to the movies that evening (he had gone and purchased tickets while I was napping). After a quick dinner of pasta we headed off to the movies to watch the just released movie 'Drive' starring Ryan Gosling. It was an intriguing... albeit violent movie. We wanted to go out for dinner but decided that we would go to New York City for dinner on Sunday. Vasanth and I picked the restaurant and made reservations for Sunday evening.

We arrived home and as we were entering our home I noticed a very large spider web on our front porch with a rather large spider sitting in waiting for prey. Vasanth had seen this the previous night and explained to me that this was called the 'garden orb weaver'. I was so fascinated by this spider that I spent an inordinate amount of time just watching the spider and of course taking pictures

These spiders are unique in that they weave their webs every evening and eat it every morning along with any prey that gets trapped.

After answering phone calls from relatives and friends we got ready and drove to New York City. I had decided to visit the World Trade Center 9/11 memorial, just to reflect on how precious life is and hoe blessed I was to be able to spend my birthday with both my sons. What better birthday present could a mother ask for. We walked around outside the WTC area since we were not able to get tickets to actually enter the memorial........ tickets were sold out until the 2nd week in December, :(.
We then walked to the Raoul's, restaurant where we had made reservations for dinner. It is a quaint little French restaurant located in the SoHo district of Manhattan. The food was fantastic and of course the company was even better. After dinner we ordered our desserts and out came the waiter with the most COOL LOOKING dessert ever (Vasanth had conspired with the waiter to get this made for me). It is called a profiterole and it came enclosed inside a caramelized sugar cage, candle and all and it was delicious too. Of course all the people sitting in the tables close to where we were came to know that it was my birthday and I got birthday wishes from total strangers, :)).
After the most awesome evening with my kids we headed home.
A memorable birthday weekend I will cherish for the rest of my life. Here are some pictures:

Epic water tanks of Cuttack

2011-09-11T21:57:00.003+05:30

Folks

I just saw 'Highway on my Plate' showing all the great eating joints in Cuttack today. But I was shocked to see that the water tanks above have been replaced with modern monstrosities, but I am not sure if those shown on TV were from the same place as the ones shown above: beside St Joseph's Convent, near the stadium.

If my assumption holds true, then a cardinal sin has been committed. What say, folks?

Our Birthday 2011

2011-09-11T20:14:00.001+05:30

Thanx for your Birthday wishes friends!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TAS

2011-09-10T00:55:00.001+05:30

Hi Tas,
Wish you a very Happy Birthday !!! Have fun..:)
debnath

~ Happy Teachers' Day ~

2011-09-05T23:35:00.001+05:30

Eid Mubarak

2011-08-31T17:50:00.002+05:30

From Tasneem & family.

Dahi Handi 2011

2011-08-26T23:49:00.000+05:30

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

2011-08-23T10:36:00.003+05:30

Jo vaada kiya woh toh nibhana padega.....I had promised Vimal that I will post what I did on my birthday. Sorry Vims no pictures:(

Birthdays are always special. Especially when someone is 1st born. Me being the eldest of the siblings have that special privilege. Though my mom forgets all other birthdays she is the first one to call and wish me early in the morning. Now my son is her competitor. He and family called at12.00 am(being in the US he had the advantage of time difference) and you know what! my 20 month old grandson Arjun also wished me. He said 'AAPPY NAAMAA' still learning to say properly happy birthday nannamma. After my mom comes the call from my daughter's family, Prutha (my grandaughter) is the first one. This time I felt that she is really growing up as she was asking about what plans I have for the day and who all I am inviting etc etc. I think almost till 12 noon I was on the telephone enjoying all the attention and the wishes from family and friends.

Then I realised I haven't yet started my daily chores. My husband appears and says a very happy birthday and whats for lunch. Uff! Now I have to think about lunch. I go to the kitchen and open the fridge trying to figure out what to make and come out annoyed. Why the hell I have think about what to make for lunch even on my birthday. I sit on the sofa with the grumpy face. My dear hubby comes and says don't worry we can go out for lunch. I get ready quickly and was wondering where would he take me out for lunch. We left the house and he takes me to a place called 'Royal Rasoi' just next to my house. The place is cosy and nice. You know what! there were friends and my daughter's family waiting. Everything was planned. Wow! it was a nice surprise and a grand get together. We had a lovely veg buffet.

After coming back I relaxed for a while and thought of just checking my emails. My mail box and facebook were flooded with birthday wishes. A big thank you to all of you for the greetings good wishes.

Just before the birthday when people ask me what I was planning to do on that day I always tell them what so great about birthdays except for the fact that it reminds you that you are a year older. But believe me on each and every birthday, I really felt special and blessed to have good people around me. I am happy that God has gifted me with a lovely life and only pray that rest of my life should by healthy and do whatever I can for my family and the society at large.

Ey Mere Pyaare Watan

2011-08-16T06:08:00.000+05:30

I'll let the video do all the talking...:-}

The two Presidents!!

2011-08-04T08:30:00.003+05:30

This is not just another walk down the black and white memory lane. It is a unique scenario because the photo was taken when Mr. and Mrs. Giri had visited Berhampur when the former was the President of India. I guess my mom was the President of the Nari Seva Sadan. What is amusing is the seating arrangement. Notice that the President of the Nari Seva Sadan thought that she and not the prez of India, should be the 'center' of attention....LOL
Omkar and Toofan are here. See if any of you can locate yourselves or your parents...:-}

Photo of the Day - Please Vote for Vishnu

2011-08-02T23:45:00.003+05:30

http://fotoflock.com/index.php/photogallery/photo-of-the-day/47-photo-of-the-day/7921-photo-of-the-day

Chillar Party

2011-07-31T15:28:00.002+05:30

This is the Chillar Party of our club. These children are from the slums. They go to nearby municipal schools. We give them guidance in Maths, Science and English. We also have small programs like watching a movie, guiding them on nutrition, hygiene, dandia, drawing and painting etc. These pictures were taken last Sunday after watching the movie 'Chillar Party'. They enjoyed thoroughly. We plan to take them to the planetarium once the monsoon is over.

Remembering Film Institute Days

2011-07-20T17:46:00.000+05:30

Very interesting Blog:

http://institutewallah.blogspot.com/

Shravani Mela

2011-07-16T10:28:00.002+05:30

BABA DHAM , Where SUSHIL is taking a trek of 105 Km to see Lord Shiva @ Ajgaivinath temple , Sultanganj , Bihar.

A testimony about Athena

2011-07-12T09:29:00.001+05:30

A testimony about Athena

This is a personal testimony, which we wish to share with you –about the illness of my 12 year old daughter, Athena.

On 24^th June, 2011, our worst fears were confirmed. After several weeks of recurrent throat infection and rounds of antibiotics, we were referred to St John’s Hospital, wherein she was diagnosed as suffering from Rheumatic Heart Disease, with a leaking mitral valve –which could degenerate further, and lead to open heart surgery at a later date. She was advised a penicillin injection every 21 days for the next 28 years.

As you can imagine, we were devastated. We had no answers to Athena’s plaintive cry: Why me?

A pall of gloom descended on our lives. Managing her pain, and reassuring her that she would be cured some day, became our priority.

Through Regina, mother of Karishma, Divya’s friend, we were persuaded to go to Narayana Hridyalaya –and she requested Yvonne Thomas, of St Marks Church, to set up an appointment with Dr Colin John, Paediatric Heart Surgeon at Narayana Hridyalaya ofr his opinion.

So, we visited Narayana Hridyalaya yesterday –and had to undergo a series of tests and Echocardiography –and a team of Doctors –Dr Sejal Seth and Dr Saraf – recorded their observations and requested us to meet Dr John for his expert comments.

Now, this is the part that I do not know how to express in words –for words fail me. The tests have indicated that Athena’s damaged mitral valve had miraculously regenerated itself –and she does not have rheumatic heart disease – and her condition was re-diagnosed as Post Strep Arhritis, which is not life-threatening at all –if one takes treatment regularly. The treatment was now reduced to 5 years injection only – and an annual checkup every year.

We were in tears of joy. All the prayers –our well-wishers as well as those of our own family members –had made possible for us to witness a live miracle. Dr John even made us visit the Paedtriatic Heart Ward to watch how little children—some, a few days old –were recovering from heart surgery –and therefore we should count our blessings. We prayed that God bless those wonderful Doctors, who save lives, day in and day out.

It’s a miracle, and we have experienced it --and all we can say with gratitude is: Praise the Lord.

Govt's Lokpal bill will send you to jail for 2 years for your complaint

2011-07-04T13:55:00.000+05:30

Howzzthis?????????

Sarkari Lok Pal Bill : To jail citizen for 2 years under the bill

Rather than gunning for the corrupt and corruption, governments Lokpal
seems to be gunning for those who complain against corruption. How
will Governments Lokpal work?

Rather than gunning for the corrupt and corruption, governments Lokpal
seems to be gunning for those who complain against corruption. How
will Governments Lokpal work?

Suppose some citizen files a complaint to Lokpal against some corrupt
government servant. Before the investigations actually start, the
government servant can file a cross complaint against the citizen
straight to the special court, without any preliminary enquiry by any
agency, that the complaint is false or frivolous. The government will
provide free advocate to the government servant to file this case. The
citizen will have to defend himself on his own!

Then there is stiffer punishment for the complainant than the corrupt
government servant. If the Special Court concludes that the complaint
is frivolous or false, the citizen faces a minimum of two years of
punishment. But if the corruption charges against government servant
are proved, there is a minimum of six months of punishment for the
corrupt government servant!

Governments Lokpal will have jurisdiction over all NGOs in the country
but it will have jurisdiction over less then 0.5% of all government
employees. Government argued that the Lokpal would get overwhelmed
with too many cases if all public servants were brought under its
ambit. So, government has restricted its jurisdiction only to 65,000
Group A officers. Also, state employees will not be covered by Lokpal.
There are 4 million central government employees and 8 million state
government employees.

In sharp contrast, all NGOs are covered under governments Lokpal,
small or big, whether in state or centre. Even unregistered groups of
people in remote villages are covered under the ambit of Lokpal. So,
in a remote village, if a group of youngsters detect corruption in
panchayat works using RTI, the youngsters can be hauled up by Lokpal
but Lokpal would not have jurisdiction over Sarpanch, BDO or their
corruption.

Whereas Lokpal would not have jurisdiction over Delhi government
officials, it would have jurisdiction over all RWAs in Delhi. All
small neighborhood groups who raise donations to do Ramlila or Durga
Puja would be under Lokpals scanner. Lokpal could haul up activists
from any of the farmers, labour, anti-corruption, land, tribal or any
other movements. All the movements whether registered or not, are
under the jurisdiction of Lokpal.

There are 4.3 lakh registered NGOs. But there would be several million
unregistered groups across the country. Lokpal would have jurisdiction
over all of them. No one can dispute the fact that corruption in NGOs
needs to be addressed. But how can you leave most public servants out
of Lokpals purview but bring NGOs upto village level within its
purview?

http://indialawyers.wordpress.com/2011/06/24/govts-lokpal-bill-vs-jan-lokpal-bill-comparative-chart/

Ms.Lilian... Remember her...?

2011-07-04T00:33:00.000+05:30

The Quality Of Mercy

2011-07-02T07:53:00.007+05:30

The quality of mercy is not strain’d,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

The bard was right. No one can force someone else to be merciful. The giving has to come on its own. And ironically if a mild word like mercy is suffixed with a more brutal one like killing, the meaning takes on a potent shade. Then of course, it droppeth not as the gentle command from heaven but becomes a desperate act that has to be administered right here on earth.

Like many, I too believe that life and death are only in the hands of God. Any justification and reasoning whatsoever, therefore does not make sense to me. But often even skeptics turn into believers. And the reason for the sudden change is nothing but a helpless deal that life suddenly decides to dole out.

Now let me tell you about my Golden experience. And my not so golden decision- something I never thought I was capable of ever taking. It’s not like I have never had pets before. But my relationship with Champagne was a unique one. Even though he arrived as only a gift for Masha (my daughter)on her birthday, it coincided with the initial letting go of my son Misha to a residential school in Chennai. Therefore while the Golden gift was just a furry ball for my daughter to play with, for the mother in me Champagne became an instant emotional crutch to lean on. Four years later when Masha also left for college, the support only became solider.

Thus began my emotional roller coaster ride that lasted fourteen long years. While the initial ones were more of highs and less of lows, after the tenth birthday, I knew that the rest were bonus years. Hence the next four became a drug that worked its magic only because I began milking life to its fullest. So during Champagne’s 11th and 12th year, apart from viewing his every breath as a potential last breath, I also desperately tried to connect with the painful sights and the aching smells of old age. The 13th and the 14th year I spent frantically trying to mend the inevitable end.

Euthanasia being as legal as it can get for ailing pets, the final year also proved to be a gentle test for my decision making skills. Maybe I was being stubbornly selfish in trying to prolong our ‘golden’ moments together. Or maybe I just did not like to play God. I always hoped that nature would take its course and I would be exempted from dirtying my hands with any of man’s legal but mercifully brutal executions. And after two crucial stages of surgery and recuperation and two more of mending the ending, I began feeling that perhaps I did possess some special healing powers. I vowed that my goodbye to Champagne would come at its own pace. And even if I was forced by others to look at any lethal option, I was absolutely certain that my heart would never, ever change its mind.

But life can be cruel. And in the guise of clemency it can sometimes force you to pass a judgment you never imagined yourself capable of. Just like the first step of grieving is denial, the first step of letting go is also immediate denial. The acceptance comes gradually. When you lovingly stroke your once upon a time 34kg pet only to come in contact with his entire skeletal system. It comes when his kidneys fail and one by one his organs start to give way. It comes when there is internal bleeding and his greedy body starts to reject even saline. It comes when his voracious bark turns into a wailing whimper. It comes when all the golden warmth is suddenly replaced by a cold and a lifeless gaze.

And then you know. That it is time to shed all your wise philosophies about karma. It is time to discard all your logical ethical beliefs and embrace mortality as a stepping stone to immortality. Then you know. That it is time to finally end all the pain. It is time to help your beloved pet finally cross the rainbows bridge.

When you kill someone you are not just killing them, you are snuffing out all that they can become. But euthanasia is like lighting a candle of dignity so that the darkness of suffering is eliminated for your loved one. It is like finally conceding to the fact that when all hope is lost and you do have a choice, it is better to let your loved ones rest in peace. After all, a body can never suffer in sweet repose. Especially when there is a powerful Someone to watch over it.

So rest in peace, my Champoo jaan. The quality of mercy may be twice blest but the quality of mercy killing definitely is not. It only blesses him that takes. So you are the blessed one. I’m not sure if God approves of my act. In fact I’m not even sure if you approve of it either. But I’d like to interpret the feeble whines of your last night on earth as a desperate signal to assist me in agreeing to sing the final lullaby. And your contented relaxed expression (almost like as if you were smiling), as you breathed your last on my lap, I take it as a sigh of relief.

View from my Balcony...

2011-06-19T10:54:00.001+05:30

Thatz me at 12,959 ft...!

2011-06-13T22:36:00.002+05:30

Location: Mt. Afarwat Peak, Gulmarg

Horses at Gulmarg

2011-06-13T00:40:00.002+05:30

Affarwat Peak, Gulmarg

2011-06-13T00:37:00.000+05:30

Mobile friendly Blog...

2011-06-13T00:29:00.001+05:30

Thatz right...! Our Blog has now been optimized for viewing on mobile phones. Check it out...!

The Weather Forecast

2011-06-10T17:13:00.000+05:30

Nadal is the Champion – Roger Roger!

2011-06-06T01:35:00.000+05:30

It was extremely SPAINful to watch Roger lose.....
FeDERer - Jo DER gaya Samhjo Mar Gaya!!!

Aam Aadmi

2011-06-06T01:13:00.000+05:30

Sea You More Often!

2011-06-06T00:57:00.000+05:30

Sincere Apologies for the disappearance!
Promise to blog more often!

Memorial Day Holiday - 1 task accomplished

2011-05-31T04:20:00.006+05:30

Some pics from Reena's BAM visit...

At my house, Gopalpur (of course) and Reena's old rented house, at her college, SVC!!! and at Uma's house.

Some are in BBRS at my niece's wedding. There are of course the who's who like SaritaJi, but then there are some folks like MKC, his wife Seema, Rathod Sahab, Bistnu Bose et al. spot 'em if u can ;-)

Mumbai ~ Kashmir ~ Mumbai: 07 ~ 17 May 2011

2011-05-21T22:18:00.001+05:30

The title should actually read: Mumbai ~ Srinagar ~ Gulmarg ~ Pahalgam ~ Martand ~ Acchabal ~ Kokernag ~ Verinag ~ Sonmarg ~ Srinagar ~ Mumbai:

My first visit to Kashmir was in the year 1972. It was a school trip along with Stanley, Ratna, Ashok, Sushmita, Faiyaz, Sanyasi, Sr.Roslie, Ms.Shamim and others. Visuals of our house boat near the zero bridge are still vivid.
My second visit was just a week back. We covered a lot of "Must Visit" places including a walk thro the narrow lanes of old Srinagar. The trip was self designed as most tour agents, we realised, routinely offer a touch-and-go experience.
I must mention about the wonderful people that we met here. Right from Government officials, businessmen, shopkeepers, local tour guides... everyone was so willing to go out of their way and help. It's so difficult to match Kashmiri hospitality.

Feels good to share a few images which is just a fraction of what we shot:

Gar Firdaus rōy-e zamin ast, hamin ast-o hamin ast-o hamin ast.

(If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this.)

~ Persian Couplet

Happy Mothers Day!!

2011-05-08T16:47:00.005+05:30

Mothers - Tall or Short, Fat or Slim, Young or Old, Strict or Lenient,

Orthodox or Liberal, Dark or Fair,

Can never be Ugly......they are always beautiful!

Wish all the mothers a very happy Mothers Day

On this occasion I present to you the five generations of my family. From top to bottom - My maternal grandma, Manikyamma, my mom Ramadevi, Your Truly, my daughter Padmaja, my granddaughter Prutha

Dilli Meri Jaan

2011-05-01T20:56:00.006+05:30

The whole of last week I was in Delhi...! There is something special about this place... Having stayed there for a considerable length of time, its difficult to let go that attachment... Delhi is also a photographers paradise... the narrow gullies near Chandni Chowk... the monuments... street corners... there is so much to photograph! And of course not to forget the golgappas... papri chaat... tokri.. Mmmm..! While I did not have much time to shoot coz my work schedule was tight... I did mange a few pictures... These abstract patterns were made at Jantar Mantar:

The Feline David Headley..............

2011-05-01T14:47:00.003+05:30

Or Mutant X ?????

I am trying to be back!

2011-04-26T04:28:00.002+05:30

In reply to a couple of pings!

Someday very soon, I will post some of the pics from the last BAM visit.

Anyway, wanted to pass this along - a quote from Oscar Wilde, while reading about people who actually "thought", as opposed to, I guess, the mass delusion surrounding a certain Godman's death. No offense, may his soul rest in peace, if it can.

It goes something like "there is no difference between monogamy & bigamy, both are '1 woman too many' " ;-)

Did you know that Oscar Wilde was sent to prison, leading to his ill-health and then death? We live in a funny world, don't we?

I am the imperfect woman - wild flowers are

2011-04-25T14:01:00.001+05:30

Hi everybody,

Here's a small simple poem from Rayla. It is beautiful.

http://theartistinyou.typepad.com/taiy/2011/04/i-am-the-imperfect-woman-wild-flowers-are.html#tp

Ranjana

Wish you all a very happy Easter!

2011-04-24T10:17:00.002+05:30

Bustling Market - Big Bazaar, Brahmapur

2011-04-23T11:40:00.003+05:30

A Good and Happy B'earth'day!

2011-04-22T11:10:00.005+05:30

For Christians across the globe, today is a sacred day because it is associated with the resurrection of Christ. And because it is the Friday before the Easter, it automatically qualifies to be God’s Friday. Spell it with an extra ‘o’ (like everything divine and superior should be invoked as) and you have a Good Friday!

For everyone across the globe, today is also a happy day. It is the World’s birthday. After billions of years of looking young and beautiful, Mother Earth has finally started to show her age. Therefore all the passengers aboard her planet have collectively united as crew members to try and undo the damage done by them. At least on this day, people and organisations leave aside their differences and vow to plant seeds of hope and aspirations for the coming generation.

And apart from also being Sushmita's birthday, today also happens to be my birthday as well! And this year I have decided to revel in the merry making with a ‘launch’. Of my website! And since in Orissa( like in every other State), we charming Indians have an endearing style of articulating certain words in the most appealing of ways, most of my friends and relations would come here expecting a ‘lunch’.

Therefore, at nargisnatarajan.com I have plucked and harvested an assortment of virtual delicacies- of arts and of sciences with an assortment of nuances that hopefully will appeal to every taste. And the best part is that you can have a bite of this mid-day meal, any time of the day. Any time of the month. Any time of the year!

So select your choices with measure. View them with pleasure. And savour them at leisure.

Binayak's Reprieve _ Today's TOI Editorial

2011-04-18T07:48:00.001+05:30

It was far more than just a matter of bail when the Supreme Court last Friday ordered the suspension of the life sentence that was being served by Binayak Sen. Its significance is not just due to the outrage that had been expressed across the world over the incarceration of a human rights and public activist working in the most backward areas of Chhattisgarh. Binayak Sen's plight served as an opportunity for the highest court of the land to acknowledge the anomalies in the sedition provision and the manner in which it has generally being misused to gag dissidence in our democracy.

As this newspaper reported in the run-up to the court hearing the sedition provision, which was inserted as Section 124A in the Indian Penal Code way back in 1870, is so arbitrary that Binayak Sen could well have been let off for the very same offence with just a fine. For, without a word of explanation, this colonial law provides three very different levels of punishment for those held guilty of sedition: life sentence, imprisonment up to three years or monetary penalty. The definition of sedition is also so vague that the Supreme Court was forced to rule in 1962 that this provision, in the wake of the constitutional guarantee of free speech, would have to be read down to deal only with those who allegedly incited violence against the state.

But, as evident from the experiences of Binayak Sen and numerous lesser-known victims around the country of this draconian provision, the Supreme Court's 1962 clarification has proved inadequate to safeguard against the misuse of the sedition law. It is therefore a welcome development that, subsequent to the order granting bail to Binayak Sen, law minister Veerappa Moily announced that the government would ask the Law Commission to review Section 124A IPC in order to recast the provision or scrap it altogether. The provocation was the oral observations made by the bench comprising Justice H S Bedi and Justice Chandramauli Prasad that Binayak Sen's sympathies for Maoists did not make him liable to sedition.

The importance of the corrective applied by the Supreme Court is all the more evident from the Chhattisgarh high court's failure to recognise glaring infirmities in the case, whether on the issue of conviction or on the quantum of sentence, despite delivering a 35-page order two months ago declining bail to Binayak Sen. The Supreme Court's intervention in this case is in line with its recent verdict that mere membership of a banned organisation was not a crime unless he was found to have committed violence. Binayak Sen's release should pave the way for his acquittal of the charge of sedition.

On OTV.....

2011-04-17T10:55:00.004+05:30

Actually yesterday at eight in the evening there was a programme on OTV where Shanker and I appeared on a show called 'yehi toh jeebana'.....it's about inter-religious marriages and we were invited to participate. Could not inform yesterday due to some net connectivity problem. Today at 12 pm there is a repeat telecast. In case you are interested you can watch it. There are four couples and since we are the fourth one, you can catch us at about 12.45....
See you...:-}
Those without OTV channel can watch it on 'orissatv.com' live....!!

To the first man I fell (irrevocably) in love with.

2011-04-15T03:21:00.001+05:30

Stanley David Sanjeeva Rao was born on the 15^th of April,1956 (I’ll leave the math to you),in Bhanjanagar,Orissa.

He was born into a mad family(to say the very least), to Charlotte Sanjeeva Rao and Earnest Sanjeeva Rao,who contributed generously to the country’s population,if the current census is anything to go by.

Throughout his rather eventful life which was peppered with many a failed love affair thanks to his mother’s timely intervention,Stanley keenly pursued knowledge,second in order to women of course.

He was a bright boy in school,patronized quite predictably by Sr.Rosalie and many a girlfriend alike.His mother eagerly pursued his progress,as far as a mother of seven humanly could.

With the help of his family,he went to Loyola College,Chennai,from where,many years later,his daughter would encounter her very first stalker.After studying Economics there,and engaging in much approved of ‘productive’ youthful activity,he graduated with a Masters in Economics from Berhampur University with a Gold Medal that left not even the faintest trace upon his personal dealings.

While working in a dubiously named SAIL,he was swept away by a wave of overwhelming love for a beautiful girl from Jeypore,who he married by reciting Kahlil Gibran’s poetry to. Like all married men and women in the country,both Jayashree and Stanley , settled in Kolkata, decided to end their marital utopian existence by starting a family.Two girls-Divya and Athena appeared from thin air,as it were,and life as they knew it,was never the same.

Soon they moved to Bangalore,with their two daughters in tow, who were growing up far too rapidly in front of their eyes.It was only the other day that the two girls cheered him on as he answered questions from Quizmasters.Now it seemed,he had a lot of answering to do:

-”Daddy,pleaaaase can I go partying?”

-“Daddy,I know it’s ten o’ clock in the night,but I HAVE to buy world maps for tomorrow’s test.Please can we go Daddy?”

-“Daddy,News is SOOOO boring.Can I watch Sony please?”

-“Daddy,what do you think of my boyfriend?”

-“Daddy,I want an Ipod..please buy me one?”

It’s no surprise of course,that his once jet black hair has now turned grey,prematurely,might I add.It is only fitting therefore,that Stanley would love nothing more than to go to the Himalayas,and meditate.

It is also fitting that before he has to wake up his two girls every morning,he writes poems and reads the Bible to brace himself for the obvious dreaded morning that awaits him.

In spite of the unimaginable stress the women in his life cause him,Stanley trains several individuals across the country and turns them into diamonds our decaying country so desperately needs.

Stanley,in his free time,watches Dexter,a psychologically arousing and gripping show,which further establishes his affinity for the not-so-normal and the oh-so-insane life many of us fancy living,but avoid on account of its obvious absurdity.

Stanley also sings to his daughters, shops with his wife, and does not sleep until his youngest daughter Athena decides to do so-subject to her whims and fancies,a liberty she enjoys considering her eleven-year old self has access to such liberties a doting father so (un)willingly decides to give.

All said and done,Stanley is a nice guy.Everyone loves Raymond,and everyone loves Stanley.

Stanley David Sanjeeva Rao is my father-the BEST father in the whole wide world (arguments even implying the opposition of the same will not be tolerated,let alone entertained). By virtue of being his eldest daughter,and by the Divine Right vested in me,I have hacked into his ID and posted this write-up,to let all of you know,that not only is he an amazing father,a loving husband,a loyal son,and a good friend, he is also a truly good human being-a rarity of sorts in today’s world.

Daddy forgives easily,loves unconditionally,gives till it hurts,smiles when everything’s crumbling around him, encourages,motivates,and is a fighter.He never gives up,and above all else,he has taught me to spread my wings and fly.To Live.To enjoy the sounds of silence.To be still.To learn.To strive,to seek,to find,and not to yield...

I love you Daddy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!:)

Visakhapatnam aka Vizag

2011-04-14T18:42:00.008+05:30

It was windy and sunny and great. Hope to see you folks here too sometime.

p.s Some photos and comments are a little awry. please mix n match. The photos seem to have gone in reverse order
Yus, dat's us during Sumi n Sareena's visit to Vizag
Sigh...Next, people are going to have chaat nearby and not spare me a second thought..

I am the silent sentinel of the oceans...

What the blisterin' barnacles.. A puny 800 cc car in my territory???

I am going to let loose all my six packs at it..

Join the formidable movement against corruption. Support Anna

2011-04-07T22:05:00.003+05:30

Dear Friends
The following is for Pune but you can do the same in your city or town. Also read my article on Hazare below

APPEALING TO ALL OF YOU TO COME OUT IN LARGE NUMBERS TOMORROW, APRIL 8, OUTSIDE PMC ENTRY GATE TO SUPPORT ANNA HAZARE'S FAST. PL FAST FOR ANY ONE MEAL AS FOLLOWS. FOR THE FAST PL COME TO THE PMC'S ENTRY GATE AND SHOW YOUR SOLIDARITY AND SIGN THE PETITION. BE PRESENT THERE AS PER YOUR CONVENIENCE, IT COULD BE 15 MINS, HALF AND HOUR, ONE HOUR, TWO HOURS, YOUR CHOICE:

YOU MAY OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING TIMINGS (MISSING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MEALS) TO COME TO THE PMC ENTRY GATE AND SHOW YOUR SOLIDARITY AND SIGN THE PETITION:

BREAKFAST - BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10.30 AM
LUNCH - BETWEEN 12 NOON AND 3 P M
TEA - BETWEEN 4 PM AND 6 PM
DINNER - 7PM AND 9 PM

YOU MAY GET A SMALL MAT TO SIT ON THE FOOTPATH, WEAR A CAP AND YOU MAY SING OR WAVE THE NATIONAL FLAG.

WE WILL DO IT PEACEFULLY. COME IN LARGE NUMBERS - GET YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG. EVEN YOUR FIVE MINUTES OF PRESENCE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO ANNA' NOBLE MOVEMENT. COME ONE COME ALL AND PLEASE FORWARD TO AS MANY.

PLEASE READ MY ARTICLE ON ANNA HAZARE WHICH WAS PUBLISHED BY MONEYLIFE DIGITAL MAGAZINE TODAY TO KNOW WHAT ANNA IS ALL ABOUT: FOLLOWING IS THE ARTICLE

Moneylife » Life » Public Interest » Anna Hazare, our one, big hope, and why he can do it

Anna Hazare, our one, big hope, and why he can do it

Vinita Deshmukh

The soldier-turned-social reformer has grabbed the national headlines in the past 24 hours with his campaign for an effective anti-corruption law. But very few are aware of the die-hard Gandhian’s nearly four-decade long struggle to improve the lot of common people from his village in Maharashtra and his continuing agitation for good governance that has succeeded in bringing about citizen-friendly laws in the state

From the Yadavbaba Temple in Ralegan Siddhi, a village in western India's Maharashtra state, to Jantar Mantar in Delhi, is a four-decade long story of soldier-turned-social reformer Anna Hazare's commitment and tenacity in exposing corruption in public office that has often put the government on the mat and compelled it to make people-friendly laws.

A true Gandhian, Anna (as he is fondly called) has through his peaceful struggle, using the non-violent weapon of fasting, succeeded in getting some revolutionary laws legislated in Maharashtra. Most of his hunger protests have been undertaken at the Yadavbaba Temple where he lives, and sometimes at the Azad Maidan in Mumbai. (He has not visited his family house in the past 35 years.) So, it's perhaps only a logical sequence that he has now stepped up on the national stage, to become an instant icon of the nation, and especially for our youth.

As a soldier, Kisan Bapat Baburao Hazare was posted at the Khemkaran border in the 1965 Indo-Pak War. He was the only survivor in an enemy air attack that killed all his fellow soldiers on 12th October of that year. That's when he felt that God had a purpose for him and he decided to dedicate his life to work for the people. Anna also took a pledge to remain a bachelor.

He started work in the gallis (bylanes) of his native Ralegan Siddhi, troubled by the plague of alcoholism among the villagers, their dire poverty, the barren lands and the consequent large-scale migration of people to urban centres. In this situation, Anna stayed calm, and driven by a passion to make a difference, he encouraged fellow villagers to adopt five commandments: A ban on alcoholism; a ban on cattle grazing; water conservation; family planning; and shram daan (voluntary physical labour). And he was able to make a big difference, very quickly, and transform Ralegan Siddhi into a sterling model village that even Mahatma Gandhi would have been proud of.

The people built bunds that collected rain water and were crucial in making the village an agricultural hub within a few monsoon seasons. Together with the other commandments, the village soon became a model to be emulated by others, drawing hundreds of visitors from across the country and even around the world, who came to learn and even today draw inspiration from the incredible social and economic transformation.

It was during this process in Ralegan Siddhi that Anna experienced first-hand the malaise of corruption in government offices, how the concentration of power in the gram panchayat (a body of a handful of elected representatives), instead of the gram sabha (the people's collective), resulted in corruption and unfair decisions, and led to increasing injustice and poverty among villagers. He realised that fighting corruption at all levels and making people-friendly laws was the only way. Thus began a relentless campaign under the banner of 'Bhrashtachar Virodhi Jan Andolan' (Citizens' Crusade against Corruption). This led to a series of exposes of bureaucrats and ministers that often embarrassed the Maharashtra government and compelled it to introduce better laws.

Anna's best-known crusade was for the introduction of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Maharashtra. Aruna Roy was spearheading the RTI movement in Rajasthan. Anna felt that the Official Secrets Act of 1923 that the British used to loot the country, must be struck off and be replaced with a transparent system that could only happen through something like the RTI. For this, he undertook a hunger protest at Azad Maidan in 2003, which culminated in the implementation of state RTI Act. But the legislation was toothless and again he campaigned and succeeded in setting up an expert citizens' committee to strengthen the law. Subsequently, much of this became part of the national RTI Act that came into force on 12 October 2005.

Not many will know that Anna was also instrumental in working out the Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Act, against red tapism, which was enacted on 25 May 2006. He was angry that upright government officers were transferred, sometimes within months of being posted to a place, whereas some corrupt and favoured officials were cosy in their postings for 10, even 20 years.

He was also furious over government officials sitting on files that contained important public proposals and decisions. He fought tooth and nail for a law whereby a government servant must clear a file within a specified time and that transfers must take place only after three years. The Prevention of Delay in Discharge of Official Duties Act provides for disciplinary action against officials who move files slowly and also enables monitoring officials who stay too long in a post, or in a department, and for involvement in a corrupt nexus.

Anna also campaigned between 1998 and 2006 for amending the Gram Sabha Act, in order that the people (meaning the villagers) have a say in the development works in their village. While the state government refused to bend to his demand, it had to give in due to public pressure. As per the amendments, seeking sanction of the gram sabha (collective of villagers, and not just the few elected representatives in the gram panchayat) for expenditure on development works in the village is mandatory. In case of expenditure without the sanction of the gram sabha, 20% of gram sabha members can lodge a complaint to the chief executive officer of the zilla parishad with their signatures. The chief executive officer is required to visit the village and conduct an inquiry within 30 days and submit the report to the divisional commissioner, who has powers to remove the sarpanch or deputy sarpanch and dismiss the gram sevak involved. Anna was not satisfied, as the amended Act did not include "the right to recall a sarpanch". He insisted that this should be included and the state government relented. Recently, Anna joined hands with Arvind Kejriwal, the renowed RTI activist, to bring in a stronger Area Sabha Bill (at the moment it is still toothless), so that citizens in urban areas will have a say in the expenditure undertaken in their ward. A three-member committee has been set up by the Maharashtra government with Mr Kejriwal as one of the members. Public consultations are in progress.

Here is a run-down of some of Anna Hazare's major campaigns.

Liquor Prohibition Policy: Anna realised that alcohol addiction of the breadwinner in the family affected the woman of the house who was usually left to fend for herself and the children. He appealed to the government to bring in a law, whereby prohibition would come into force in a village if 25% of the women in the village demanded it.

In July 2009, the state government issued a government resolution amending the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949. As per the amendments, if at least 25% of women voters demand liquor prohibition through a written application to the state excise department, voting should be conducted through a secret ballot. If 50% of the voters vote against the sale of liquor prohibition should be imposed in the village and the sale of liquor should be stopped. Similar action can be taken at the ward level in municipal areas.

Thereafter, another circular was issued, making it mandatory to get the sanction of gram the sabha for issuing new permits for sale of liquor. In some instances, when women agitated against the sale of liquor, cases were filed against them. Anna took up the issue again and in August 2009 the government issued another circular that sought withdrawal of cases against women who sought prohibition of liquor in their villages.

Curb on sand extraction for developmental works that is destroying rivers and the environment: The sand mafia is notorious in Maharashtra, and it has the blessings of leading politicians of the state. Anna appealed to the government that this loot of natural resources must stop as it is leading to falling water levels and turning fertile lands into deserts.

After regular correspondence with the government and a series of meetings, the state government issued a government resolution in August 2009 that empowered gram sabhas to decide on sand extraction and that auctions should be held in front of the gram sabhas, with the attendance of the tehsildar, police officer and talathi being mandatory.

Use of biometric system to monitor attendance: Officers and staff at various government offices do not attend office on time, which causes inconvenience to people. Anna demanded the introduction of a biometric system to deal with the problem. Accordingly, on 28 July 2009, the state government ordered that a biometric attendance system should be installed at all government offices. This would help monitor attendance and speed up administration.

Warranty tenure of road works: The zilla parishad undertakes road works on which it spends crores of rupees every year, but most of these works are of poor quality, due to rampant corruption. Still, no contractor is taken to task for low quality work.

Anna Hazare's campaign resulted in the government issuing a special circular in July 2009 that requires zilla parishads to put up boards giving information of the road works, such as the contractor's name, the date of commencement of work, the total expenditure, the date of conclusion of the work and the warranty period. The contractor is held responsible for repairs of roads during the warranty period to ensure quality of work.

Now, with Anna Hazare demanding a joint committee for the Jan Lokpal Bill, it is unlikely that the central government will be able to ignore this much longer. For, he is one face in the country with a crystal clear image. And he is one who will not give up till he has achieved his mission for the good of the people.

http://www.moneylife.in/article/anna-hazare-our-one-big-hope-and-why-he-can-do-it/15399.html

The dabangg Laptops!

2011-04-05T10:55:00.000+05:30

Not long ago there was a film called Saanwariya. All I can recall is a blue gondola sailing atop the blue waters amidst the blue backdrop of blue skies with blue bridges and blue clock towers and sprawling blue mosque courtyards. In fact it was such a blue film, I wonder how it escaped the bowdlerized eyes of our censors. Unless of course they slept through the entire dreamlike movie- which I’m sure they did.
Anyway, April 2nd was another hot and blue day. Hot because all the Indians fans were not working, including the one at my house, who had taken a day off from office. The entire nation was ‘bleeding blue’ going hoarse singing the ‘one-day maataram’. And I was singing 'mujko yaaron maaf karna, main nashe mein nahin hoon'
But this collective craze for cricket also had me feeling alienated. So I busied myself in trying to operate the ‘movie maker’ that my daughter had installed when she was here. I know, I know, for the youtube hip hop cool genext this movie making is but child’s play but I had to literally go blue in the face trying to learn it on my own.But I did it! I finally made a movie!
I’ve tried NOT to incorporate any blue element in my film. Agar galti se koi mistake ho gaya ho toh please Vimal, don’t flaunt your blue-pencil at it. In any case the movie is feeling kind of blue because the entire nation’s eyes are still focused on something bluer.
So if you fans have started functioning again and are done singing the Won Day Maataram and done drinking from that bottomless CUP of joy, then kindly spare a few moments to have a dekho at my first ever effort at movie making. I am sure you’ll enjoy it.

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2011-04-05T00:09:00.002+05:30

H folks,
That's Aditya and me at his house in BBSR, on one of my frequent weekend visits to home. This was during Dec 10, when I went for our college gettogether.
Every weekend, if convenient, I hop on to a night train and I'm in Cuttack in the morning. Tasneem, what a boon, Indian Railways!! And Sunday night, it is one more train back to good ol' Vizag.

Love everything Odia...........

2011-04-04T16:29:00.004+05:30

.....right from the unmatchable Pahalo rosogollas, to the tacky titled movie posters, to the almost authentic odia thali at the Dalma restaurant. And of course the never-can-have-enough-of Katak chaat.....

Happy Gudi Padwa & Ugadi

2011-04-04T15:44:00.000+05:30

hi

2011-03-31T20:25:00.000+05:30

well the afore-posted photo needs no explanation - this is the tiger temple in thailand -abt 3 hrs from bangkok- u get 2 literally walk with the tigers (abt 30-odd) , pet them , put their heads on ur lap, catch a tiger by his tail and feed the pups. at first i was so hesitant- 200 kgs of pure , fluid , graceful muscle, canines that could rip ur carotids in a millisec and hunting instincts honed 2 perfection over aeons- do i need 2 mess with this? but the buddhist monks have really taught them tolerance. the only sad note- this is the king- born free and should be forever free! not on a leash- even my dogs dont have 2 bear this indignity! but all in all an awesome experience- silver lining- mebbe a gene pool for the future? note- only male tigers were out- perhaps the tigress can really never be tamed - all males pl note!

my baby-finally asleep

2011-03-31T20:18:00.000+05:30

Only Vimal could restore a memory ( this the one you asked, ryt ?)

2011-03-28T23:01:00.004+05:30

would you remember ? ..Dad and Mom send their best wishes, as always, but Ive been the one guilty of not mailing anything / its been a rough few months with little health issues for them, they are as cheerful as ever.. Dad 87 and Mom ( Ms Grace ??) 80 now and as sprightly or more than she s ever been. Do remember them in your prayers : Moms clear and well now ! Dads much better ;

next to Dad, my sis Olly,. then that small imp in the centre.. you know who . Next to Mom, in the two plaits ...Thelma David, you will remember dear people ...

Hey this Blog gets better and better : Ive been so out of communication .. forgive... much love,

Rayla & all at home

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose...

2011-03-27T20:09:00.000+05:30

A tribute

2011-03-27T18:56:00.000+05:30

This is a presentation by my daughter Masha made for her Nani Maa. Since the Sangeet ceremony of Misha was a very private and family affair, we had screened it there. I hope you like it.

Funny Inzamam-ul-Haq Interview (Parody)

2011-03-21T13:29:00.000+05:30

I know it's not cool to make fun of liguistic issues but these guys are too good!! One of them is my nephew Abner and Inzie, believe it or not, is my son-in-law Robin....! Even if I didn't want to, I couldn't help laughing. As the disclaimer says, just don't take it to heart......:-}

Happy Holi...!

2011-03-20T15:41:00.000+05:30

May this Joyous Festival

Colour your Life...

Happy Holi

Memories......

2011-03-19T21:45:00.009+05:30

Yaadon ki baraat nikli hai aaj dil ke dwaare......

Sapnon ki shehnaai beete dinon ko pukaare :-}

HOLI HAI !

2011-03-19T11:56:00.005+05:30

Holi is celebrated on the Phalgun Purnima (or Pooranmashi, Full Moon) in the month of Phalgun according to the Hindu Calendar. A peculiar coincidence this time, its the SUPERMOON. Moon at its closest wooing point with Ole Mother earth !

A colourful Holi to all my friends, irrespective of the geographical locations.

Zor ka Jhatka Spoof...

2011-03-16T19:53:00.000+05:30

A chota sa jhalak of what happened at Misha's sangeet ceremony.....

The Godfather Commands.........

2011-03-13T19:31:00.004+05:30

Hi Folks, it has been a while since I posted on this blog. No particular reason, just nothing interesting happening in my life worth posting, that is all. And then along came 'Vimal the Godfather'. He issued me a command on FB saying, "Hey, this should be on the SVC Blog too...! Too good...!!", to a picture I posted there. Not only this he also said, "On the blog include some background info... How? where..? year..? feeling... etc...". He even emailed me the EXACT picture I am supposed to post!!

When the GODFATHER commands, one OBLIGES, :)))

What happened was so bizarre I have not told it to anyone until now, so here goes.......

Soon after I graduated from college I worked at a place called ICRISAT in Hyderabad from 1979 to 1984. I worked in a lab analyzing soil and plant samples for the research scientists there. Being a lab, we used a lot of glassware and when it comes to lab glassware Corning was it, especially in those days. We usually ordered it from Borosil India, a subsidiary of Corning Glass Works in the US. One morning back in 1981 I was at my workbench (along with three other colleagues) doing what I did everyday and in walked a whole bunch of exec looking guys along with my boss. We were used to our bosses bringing in groups to our lab on tours so I thought nothing of it and kept on working. The group stood there for a few minutes conversing (out of my earshot) and suddenly one of them left the group huddle, walked around the lab, went to my colleagues benches, asked them what they were working on and finally came to my bench. I stopped my work expecting him to ask me about what experiment I was running (remember, I thought the visitors were also soil scientists on a lab tour). I was imagining all the possible questions he could come up with and forming 'INTELLIGENT' answers in my head. I wanted to IMPRESS him with my knowledge, :))). The gentlman stood a few feet away from me, just staring and not saying a word. My colleagues across the bench stopped what they were doing and now the whole lab was staring, waiting to see what this guy was doing. After what seemed like an eternity he goes, "What is your name Madam"??? I told him my name, he said 'Thank you', joined his group and they all left as suddenly as they walked in. Around 10 am, my boss walked into the lab and asked me to collect a variety of lab glassware and arrange them on my workbench. I still did not know what that group visit was for and my mind started playing havoc with me. I started wondering why that guy singled me out, why he did not ask me any questions. I started thinking that maybe I was doing something wrong and that I was going to be reprimanded etc, etc. The whole morning was nerve racking. As far as I could tell I had not done anything wrong so I told myself that I would deal with whatever happened and went off to lunch with my colleagues. When we came back to the lab after lunch we were shocked to see a whole camera crew in the lab and 'THE GUY' waiting near my workbench. My colleagues and I exchanged quizzical glances. When we left for lunch, I was in the middle of running a timed experiment and had to continue with it, like very soon, and these guys were in my way. I went to my boss and explained to him that I needed access to my work area since I was in the middle of my analysis. He goes, "just go to your bench and keep working, they will just take pictures". I had no choice but to go to my bench and conitnue working. They clicked pictures for half hour or so and left. I was quite annoyed that they just showed up and disturbed my work and let my boss know what I thought of that too. Apparently 'THE GUY' did not want anything staged, wanted it to be "natural' and that is why he pulled that stunt.

Like I said "BIZARRE", was what I felt . A few months later I got a color picture and also a black and white proof of the ad. I have no clue if that ad ever saw the light of day, and at that time I really did not care. The picture you see is the black and white proof which Vimal pilfered from my FB and added his own touch to it. I just cannot find the color photograph (which was much better and did not have all the added ad stuff). ENJOY!!

Our Prayers are with you, Japan...

2011-03-12T16:38:00.001+05:30

Some moments in life lasts forever...

2011-03-10T00:14:00.000+05:30

Feels really good to share this with you…

A few of my photographs (along with many from other photographers) were selected by the Director of Tata Memorial Centre for display in the hospital’s new wing. The inauguration of the new wing (Homi Bhabha Block) was on 02 March 2011 by former president of India, Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. I was also invited for the same. It was a great moment for me when I was also introduced to the dignitaries present.

It was also at this gathering that I got to meet eminent wildlife photographer Mr.Sanat Shodhan whose large collection of photographs is on display at various places in the new block.

Dr.Kalam appreciated that photographs have been put up on hospital walls and mentioned that patients will surely like seeing them. It was very kind of him for having singled out Mr.Shodhan and me for a group photograph.

I am sure I will cherish this moment for years to come.

Thank you for your good wishes.

Stretch Yourself...

2011-03-09T10:31:00.003+05:30

Aerobics teaches stretching body for health...

Have you stretched beyond that?

Words of wisdom from Guruji Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Stretching the Sound is Music.

Stretching the Movement is Dance.

Stretching the Smile is Laughter.

Stretching the Mind is Meditation.

Stretching the Life is Celebration.

Stretching the Devotee is God.

Stretching the Feeling is Ecstasy.

Stretching the Emptiness is Bliss.

Bahut dinon ke baad

2011-03-02T16:26:00.002+05:30

Bahut dinon ke baad, I visited the blog --and I find it a riot of colours (photos of Reena and the reunion) and emotions ( Nargis, Omkar , et al) and shairis (Laxmi).

All in all -- the blog is going on strong....... Vimal-bhai--tussi great ho.

But in the meantime, look what is happening --world events are panning out in real time in our TV and computer screens at home--Wael Ghonim became the hero of Cairo, leaders are scared of Julian Assange's wikileaks, and most of us are a part of Mark Zuckenberg's Facebook. Tyrants are on the run ; tight-fisted sultans are dishing out largesse to the impoverished middle classes.

Kranti ki aandhi charon taraf...kya baat hai....

And we in India are also watching our daily dose of Scams, which has become our hyper-TV's tragi-comical hit TRP series.

And Reena brought back something into vogue again --nostalgia. Bahut dinon ke baad .....

Two Weddings and a Funeral

2011-03-02T10:50:00.006+05:30

Aati rahengi bahaarein,

Jaati rahengi bahaarein……….

We have always led a nomadic life. And in the past thirty years had fourteen transfers and lived in eighteen houses. But the present zone that we are posted in and the present bungalow that we occupy will always hold the dearest memories. Not because I belong to Orissa but because this is the only bungalow that has witnessed three events close to my heart- two weddings and a funeral.

Just two months after we moved here my daughter got married. Compared to my organized husband I was a novice parent and before I could emerge from my dazed state, the whole event was over. I vowed I’d compensate the next time for all that I had missed out on. So for the past year I made elaborate plans- the topmost priority being not to miss out on calling all my friends- old and new. But life has its own agenda. Last month the wedding reception of my son took place. And looking back I realize, I not only missed out on a few important names from my friends list but couldn’t even inform some of my closest relatives.

It is said that explanations are useless- because those that care don’t need them and those that don’t care will never understand. Yet I need to clarify. Not because I want to justify my stand but because now I understand why some of my friends forgot to invite me on some important occasion. Perhaps the numbers were changed. Perhaps their phones were misplaced. Perhaps they were blessed with amnesic minds. Perhaps they were busy with the preparations. Perhaps they had just lost a dear one. Perhaps this and perhaps that but all plausible reasons!

Just a month before my son was to wed, Mummy passed away. It was a funny feeling because more than a shock, it came as a dull kind of a blow. Expected yet unexpected! She was so looking forward to it. In fact I felt annoyed with God for His inappropriate sense of timing. I mean how could devastation and celebration walk hand in hand? In fact my son conveyed the same feeling when I gave him the tragic news. But I remembered the lesson I had learnt after Daddy’s death. It had left behind a vacuum that none of his children thought could ever be filled. And after ten long years of grieving I decided to gift all of us‘A Bouquet Of Memories’. And this present not only made Daddy immortal in the pages of time but also finally succeeded in turning our mourning into a celebration.

Moreover we had to be practical. The entire wedding preparations involved a number of people that were not as close to mummy as her children were. It also included a number of events that were pre-planned a year in advance by Nalini and her parents. Grief is very personal. And tainting it with a shallow display of emotional extravaganza would bring nothing but a painful guilt and unease. Especially to those not directly connected with the entire process. So even though the wound was still fresh we decided not to dampen the festive occasion with tears. Rather, with the gathering of family members from here and overseas, we decided to turn it into a remembrance of sorts.

But somewhere along the way the angst took its toll. And I guess it resulted in a procrastination of calls and e-cards and blogs that I had planned to make, send or blog about just prior to the wedding. Mummy had spent the last forty five minutes of her life clutching on to my hand with a helpless look in her eyes. My sister had sat by her side, reading the Quran. And in between her last minute inaudible gasps, mummy kept looking at us wordlessly while she silently sipped the holy water from Mecca that we offered. Compared to the boisterous mom that we knew all our life, it was the quiet and the gracious way she left us that really shook us up. In fact the only time I had seen such a close encounter with death was in films. Only this was less dramatic but more traumatic.

Initially I did not want to blog about this since I did not want it to sound as an excuse. But I owe it to my friends and relations to clarify why some were invited and others were not even informed. Especially since a few of them were very close to Misha. And a special mention to some of my Blogger friends in Mumbai who were probably waiting for my call. I'm really sorry Vim, Arun and Lakshmi. I really planned to post the e-card in our school blog but completely forgot. And I had also misplaced my cell. I truly feel a remorse that is difficult to describe.

What amazes me is that even though I overlooked some of my friends, Mummy made sure she invited a few of hers to tag along with her. Through this blog I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to some friends who have lost their ailing parents recently.

First of all to Stanley, Henry and Louis- who lost their mom just a few days after mummy left. What is astonishing is that Baby Auntie was Mummy’s best friend. To Deepa (even though we don’t keep in touch) who lost her dad exactly two weeks later. Again surprisingly, Matthews Uncle was a very close friend of my parents.

Since there is nothing much we can do out here on earth, let us rest assured with the fact that all our parents are having a good time out there greeting each other. And finally meeting their near and dear ones!!

P.S. This is not a tribute. This is not an explanation either. It is simply a celebration of life and death. For it is only when you learn to celebrate death that you can stop mourning in life.

This happens only in India...!

2011-03-01T22:39:00.000+05:30

Nandankan - When Did You Visit Last ?

2011-02-28T19:44:00.003+05:30

SVC ke natkhat bacche

2011-02-24T09:58:00.008+05:30

Yeh SVC ke natkhat bacche

Hai mastikhor..magar mann ke sacche

Umr hogi 40..45..50 ya 55 (pacchpan)

Koot koot ke bhari hai inme Bachpan

Hui sabko Pune mein milne ki tammanna

Jab ayi Pardes se humari nakhrewali Reena

Ashu aur Alpana ne kiya badhiya intezaam

Unke intezaam ko hum sabka salaam

Woh Le Meridian ka ek kona

ek jadugar bhi kiya jaadu tona

Arun ne bhi dikhaya apna chamatkar

Mushkil se hua jadugar ka nayya paar

Baatein chali un 37/38/40 saal ke har pal ki

Batein chali school ke dino ki, Career ki

Bacchon ki, Teachers ki, Berhampur ki

Mumbai ki, Pune ki, Filmo ki

Nahin choda humne baatein badnam munni aur sheila ki jawani ki

Baaton baaton mein gujar gaya poora din

Bichadne ne ki pal aaya toh udhas hua mann

Yeh sab mumkin kiya Godfather Vimal Parmar

Hum sab hai aap ke shukr guzaar

Ek wada karo....milne ki koshish karenge baar baar

Little Aaryan gets his name!

2011-02-22T05:44:00.000+05:30

Vinita, Aaryan and Vishwas

Three year old Arjun loves to prance around his garden

Mother Rhheeya (my daughter) with her Terrific twos - Arjun and Aaryan

Hi Friends, these pics were taken recently during the naming ceremony of Little Aaryan. Arjun loves his younger brother except that he loves to spank him sometimes!

4 weddings and nearly a funeral ;-)

2011-02-22T02:18:00.002+05:30

So this is in response to Vimal asking me, "kya yaar, kahan ho ...".

Whose funeral, nearly? Well, mine. The day after I landed in US, I got really sick. Diagnosis - bronchial spasms. Had kinda started feeling sick since the 7th. of Feb, but kept poppin' Vit C tablets and survived on fumes. The spasms would wake me up at night and hence the jet lag persisted. Long story short - sedatives and hi-antibiotics to the rescue.

On home front - home computer crashed (its a big deal). Wify, was at her wits end with my 2 gifts to her ;-)

On work front - piles of emails and work.

I'm sure this is not what u guys/gals want to hear on a post. Hence the silence ;-)

So, trip was fantastic. With Reena visiting BAM, had a chance to meet Nigar, Basant, Sushil, Sushma at my house. Met Uma Rani (Ranu) and Bistnu Bose. Boy, Uma's daughter is a replica of hers. Of course Sarita, I always meet her, Reena notwithstanding ;-) And then Suresh Rathod too. And then there was Manoj Chowdhury (rmbr he?) Nargis Apa et al, as you can see it was a little focussed on "our batch", I'll make it up next time.

Nephew's wedding in BAM, niece's in BBSR. Friend's (REC, batchmate) daughter at BBSR, Manoj's nephew's wedding at Gopalpur. Breathless!

BITS OF PAPER

2011-02-19T21:58:00.004+05:30

Taking you back to the echo system that has added value to our existence.

Back@School

2011-02-19T21:49:00.003+05:30

First Day @ School

Reena@Delhi

2011-02-19T21:28:00.003+05:30

AB

2011-02-19T19:59:00.001+05:30

Pune Reunion images contd...