5th July...Bharat Bandh! Called by Opposition parties, lead by BJP, apparently to raise concerns of the aam aadmi
The result: Schools, Colleges shut...many offices closed...trains stopped, buses being damaged, huge traffic jams, loss of crores of rupees.
What kind of politics is this: you trouble the common man, in name of raising their concerns. Whats the point of disrupting the whole system? And more importantly...what benefit the common man gets out of it! Simply nothing...
Its Just a lame attempt at show of power...or else how do you justify a crowd pelting stones at a office cab, carrying employees to work? What if a ambulance gets stuck in the traffic jam ?
Agreed that price rise a issue and it should be debated upon. I'm sure those doing it must have deliberated upon it before taking such a decision (I'm sure, even they love votes). It would have been more appropriate, if the Opposition party would have called for a debate on national television for the government to explain this. That would have been peaceful, wouldn't have caused any troubles to anyone, and yet it would ensured that the concerns were voiced to those who matter. In this age, where Media is so much empowered, and so much reach..do we need bandhs to ensure that our voices are heard!
While driving to office, I was wondering ...if Bandh is a platform to raise issues..then what is Parliament for ? Isn't it supposed to be a platform where our chosen leaders should discuss/debate topics which concern the nation and its citizens? And what happens in parliament sessions: walkouts...! These very political parties, refuse to utilize that precious time and money, to have some constructive discussions.
I've always believed that Opposition should be about constructive criticism...instead of "opposing just for the sake of it". Would there ever be a day, when we'll see some constructive politics in India!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
From Labour Room...
One of my colleagues once commented that "once you have seen your wife enduring Labour Pain, you would start loving her all the more". And after my experiences over last 48 hours..I must admit that I couldn't agree more.
My wife entered the labour room, with approximately 21 weeks pregnancy. While the reason and result both were rather fateful in our case, but the experiences or lets say the process was almost similar to that of full-fledged delivery.
She was in labour for close to 14 hours.
14 hours of continuous and literally excruciating pain, consistent bleeding. Every single minute was a test of her mental and physical strength. And with every passing minute my respect for women hood, and in particular for my wife, grew stronger and stronger. Ironically, women are still called 'the weaker sex'
And in that context it's so disheartening to see the plight of women in today's world. Female foeticide is a grave reality, dowry deaths haven't really vanished, domestic violence continues as we speak.
As men..the least we can do is respect and love women. Women - who endure pains of unimaginable degree to give us life.
My wife entered the labour room, with approximately 21 weeks pregnancy. While the reason and result both were rather fateful in our case, but the experiences or lets say the process was almost similar to that of full-fledged delivery.
She was in labour for close to 14 hours.
14 hours of continuous and literally excruciating pain, consistent bleeding. Every single minute was a test of her mental and physical strength. And with every passing minute my respect for women hood, and in particular for my wife, grew stronger and stronger. Ironically, women are still called 'the weaker sex'
And in that context it's so disheartening to see the plight of women in today's world. Female foeticide is a grave reality, dowry deaths haven't really vanished, domestic violence continues as we speak.
As men..the least we can do is respect and love women. Women - who endure pains of unimaginable degree to give us life.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tough Times...
A few minutes back, wrote this e-mail to my boss:
" Must say it has been probably been the most discouraging week of my 3 yrs at Newgen. 3 cases getting dropped/halted/postponed. As a sales guy, you are bound to get disheartened. Typically we don’t see such emotional/philosophical emails being send to ones line manager, but somehow felt like sharing it with you more as a senior rather than as a line manager. I am trying, and would keep trying...and hopefully other weeks would be a little different from this one.
regards,
Bindesh "
I guess this speaks volumes about what I'd be going through right now. The only word which comes closure to describing this situation is : "Frustrating". There was a famous line in The Alchemist "...when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." But somehow get the feeling, the universe, these days, has changed it loyalty. It is conspiring to ensure that I am not achieving!
Possibly, when the times would change, I may reflect upon these times as "learning period" or philosophically remember this "..as a testing period" ...but as of now its a pain in the ass really.
Hoping desperately for the situation to change...and for the universe to start conspiring again in positive direction. Till then..I'd keep fighting...inshallah.
" Must say it has been probably been the most discouraging week of my 3 yrs at Newgen. 3 cases getting dropped/halted/postponed. As a sales guy, you are bound to get disheartened. Typically we don’t see such emotional/philosophical emails being send to ones line manager, but somehow felt like sharing it with you more as a senior rather than as a line manager. I am trying, and would keep trying...and hopefully other weeks would be a little different from this one.
regards,
Bindesh "
I guess this speaks volumes about what I'd be going through right now. The only word which comes closure to describing this situation is : "Frustrating". There was a famous line in The Alchemist "...when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." But somehow get the feeling, the universe, these days, has changed it loyalty. It is conspiring to ensure that I am not achieving!
Possibly, when the times would change, I may reflect upon these times as "learning period" or philosophically remember this "..as a testing period" ...but as of now its a pain in the ass really.
Hoping desperately for the situation to change...and for the universe to start conspiring again in positive direction. Till then..I'd keep fighting...inshallah.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Ye dilli hai mere yaar...
Dunno whats it with movies, which prompts me to pen down something every time I happen to watch a "good" movie. "Good" ofcourse is a subjective term here!
Today, it was Delhi 6.
Nice movie. Could have been nicer, with some editing. Its grey areas aside, the movie does manages to put its message across, and put it across fairly well. Rakesh O Mehra, indeed deserves a pat on back for this effort...touching upon real, and very pertinent issues. More importantly, like many other movies of late, the message nevers sounds cliche.
The core message ofcourse here is - practise what you preach! We preach Ramayana, but hardly practise what Ram did. We so often talk about unity/love...but even with smallest of reasons...we are literally ready to kill each other. This we can witness very often...in Road Rages, Riots, Caste based discrimination. It takes guts to touch sensitive issues like these, when there is cut throat competition in commercial cinema. That pat on back is indeed well earned. What makes Rakesh's message more appealing is the symbols (Kalabandar/Monkeyman, Ramlila - and the characters portrayed in Ramayana) he uses to convey the message.
Other than the symbolism used, and the message conveyed, on a personal level, the movie establishes a instant connection...because of Delhi angel. Delhi has been my home since birth, so the city indeed has a special place for me. It has been a witness of my growth....from a school going kid..to being titled 'account manager'!!
Till now, my professional world has revolved around 'international sales'...which essentially means that sooner or later (assuming I continue in this domain) I'll have to move outside India. And whenever I think of leaving India/leaving Delhi...it gives me goose bumps. Its difficult, literally impossible, to imagine life away from the city which has been your companion ever since your existense in this world!
Kaun jaye, Zauk, Dilli ki galiyan chod kar...
Today, it was Delhi 6.
Nice movie. Could have been nicer, with some editing. Its grey areas aside, the movie does manages to put its message across, and put it across fairly well. Rakesh O Mehra, indeed deserves a pat on back for this effort...touching upon real, and very pertinent issues. More importantly, like many other movies of late, the message nevers sounds cliche.
The core message ofcourse here is - practise what you preach! We preach Ramayana, but hardly practise what Ram did. We so often talk about unity/love...but even with smallest of reasons...we are literally ready to kill each other. This we can witness very often...in Road Rages, Riots, Caste based discrimination. It takes guts to touch sensitive issues like these, when there is cut throat competition in commercial cinema. That pat on back is indeed well earned. What makes Rakesh's message more appealing is the symbols (Kalabandar/Monkeyman, Ramlila - and the characters portrayed in Ramayana) he uses to convey the message.
Other than the symbolism used, and the message conveyed, on a personal level, the movie establishes a instant connection...because of Delhi angel. Delhi has been my home since birth, so the city indeed has a special place for me. It has been a witness of my growth....from a school going kid..to being titled 'account manager'!!
Till now, my professional world has revolved around 'international sales'...which essentially means that sooner or later (assuming I continue in this domain) I'll have to move outside India. And whenever I think of leaving India/leaving Delhi...it gives me goose bumps. Its difficult, literally impossible, to imagine life away from the city which has been your companion ever since your existense in this world!
Kaun jaye, Zauk, Dilli ki galiyan chod kar...
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Paradox of Disassociation
Had resigned from my job, at Newgen, a couple of weeks back. Reasons were : impatience (read long wait for success in new geography), money, and some of the people!
Post-resignation, life was easy - no tension of work, no time pressures...easy life.
And that's what you need, to understand how much you enjoy doing a particular thing. For close to two weeks, I did not do what I used to do day-in and day-out; and this break actually made me realized - how much I enjoyed doing that.
Most of us, often complain of things being so routine/monotonous for us. However, what we don't do is to pause for sometime and completely detach ourselves from our regular routine for some days. This break actually helps us rejuvenate and at the same time, makes us understand - whether we love what we do or we don't?
It indeed is a paradox that to test your love for something, you need to dis-associate yourself from it. But, we need such paradoxes.
Resigning from job could'nt have been better than this; it helped me get back to my job with more vigour now.
Post-resignation, life was easy - no tension of work, no time pressures...easy life.
And that's what you need, to understand how much you enjoy doing a particular thing. For close to two weeks, I did not do what I used to do day-in and day-out; and this break actually made me realized - how much I enjoyed doing that.
Most of us, often complain of things being so routine/monotonous for us. However, what we don't do is to pause for sometime and completely detach ourselves from our regular routine for some days. This break actually helps us rejuvenate and at the same time, makes us understand - whether we love what we do or we don't?
It indeed is a paradox that to test your love for something, you need to dis-associate yourself from it. But, we need such paradoxes.
Resigning from job could'nt have been better than this; it helped me get back to my job with more vigour now.
Monday, August 4, 2008
At cross-roads...
Just like my diary, the rate of my entries into this space is also diminishing at a fast pace. A fair gap between last two entries.
Life has been moving at a rapid pace these days; got engaged this July!! And now, slowly coming to terms with this reality...
Soon to be Mrs.Pandey has Sonal as a prefix and Mishra as Suffix. Based out of a satellite town called Kalol, near Ahmedabad. She'll be completing her MCA next year. So going by the current tradition(in terms of right age for getting married) - when settled to ones satisfaction; this marriage can be aptly called "Bal-vivah"!!
They say that the phase between, engagement and marriage is the most beautiful and most rememberable one. And they are not wrong! This indeed is turning out to be a beautiful phase of life..and of this relationship. You get to know the person...and you let yourself known. The feelings...slowly and steadily get intense and intimate. The word emotions find a new meaning.
At the same time, such a relationship like this brings with it a deep sense of responsibility and I am sure that this feeling is going to strengthen/intensify with each passing day. This transition from being a 'carefree single' to a 'committed & to-be responsible soul' has just begun. Would be interesting to meet, Mr.Bindesh Pandey around the same time next year.
Life indeed is at cross-roads...personally as well as professionally...
Monday, January 7, 2008
Taare Zameen par...
Written on 30th december, 23:10 hours
Taare Zameen Par...
Dont know where to start from. Right now there is a tussle going on ,in the mind, to find the best superlative to describe Taare Zameen Par. And looks like we have to invent some new superlatives which can do justice to Taare Zameen Par. In my quest till now(to find the best adjectives/superlatives)..the words which have come across my mind are: awesome, superb, beautiful....just amazing. The movie is more beautiful than what any of these adjectives can convey.
Though am a highly emotional person, but it doesnt happen very often that tears trickle down my cheek....and I dont make an attempt to stop that flow. This happend while seeing TZP. And I guess that should explain the kind of connect the movie establishes with its audience.
Was talking to Sumil a couple of days back; told him that I'll going for TZP this sunday...and he predicted that on sunday night there are 200% chances of my blog having a entry about TZP. Must say Sumil...Bulls eye!
Frame by frame, the movie is a masterpiece. A beautiful and touching story, told in a simplistic yet equally beautiful manner. There wasnt a single soul in the audience who left the theatre with dry eyes. I Believe the timing for this movie couldnt have been any better. With the world around us going more and more mechanised,and the emotions getting a back seat its time when we actually pause for a moment and think about those emotions. Its the time when we actually stop thinking "ki bada hoke kya karega/banega", and let the kids follow their heart...and chase their dream. Everyone is not destined to be a doctor or a enginner or a manager...then why do we force the kids to chase these 'imposed' dreams. They can be sportmans/womens, they can be faishon designers, they can be journalists, they can be writers, they can be painters...so why restrict their horizon...why limit the parameters on which we define success of someone. Its time when there's a need for an honest attempt to understand the dreams in those nacent eyes.
Coming back to the movie, Darsheel deserves a standing ovation for his performance here. I am sure even the greateset of great actors wont mind to stand up and applaud this kid. He has done a marvelous job. Nonetheless, not to take the credit away from Aamir Khan-The director. He has this knack of delivering knock out performances as an actor, but this time he does it as a director too(ofcos he 'did it again' when it comes to acting). He does full justice to the story and eventually ends up creating a masterpiece which has certainly raised the bar for other directors. Everyone in the cast does good justice to their respective roles, and everyone's effort indeed shows here. Good performances, complimented by good music + lovely lyrics makes the impact even more stronger.
It a must must must watch...for everyone, irrespective of their ages.
Taare Zameen Par...
Dont know where to start from. Right now there is a tussle going on ,in the mind, to find the best superlative to describe Taare Zameen Par. And looks like we have to invent some new superlatives which can do justice to Taare Zameen Par. In my quest till now(to find the best adjectives/superlatives)..the words which have come across my mind are: awesome, superb, beautiful....just amazing. The movie is more beautiful than what any of these adjectives can convey.
Though am a highly emotional person, but it doesnt happen very often that tears trickle down my cheek....and I dont make an attempt to stop that flow. This happend while seeing TZP. And I guess that should explain the kind of connect the movie establishes with its audience.
Was talking to Sumil a couple of days back; told him that I'll going for TZP this sunday...and he predicted that on sunday night there are 200% chances of my blog having a entry about TZP. Must say Sumil...Bulls eye!
Frame by frame, the movie is a masterpiece. A beautiful and touching story, told in a simplistic yet equally beautiful manner. There wasnt a single soul in the audience who left the theatre with dry eyes. I Believe the timing for this movie couldnt have been any better. With the world around us going more and more mechanised,and the emotions getting a back seat its time when we actually pause for a moment and think about those emotions. Its the time when we actually stop thinking "ki bada hoke kya karega/banega", and let the kids follow their heart...and chase their dream. Everyone is not destined to be a doctor or a enginner or a manager...then why do we force the kids to chase these 'imposed' dreams. They can be sportmans/womens, they can be faishon designers, they can be journalists, they can be writers, they can be painters...so why restrict their horizon...why limit the parameters on which we define success of someone. Its time when there's a need for an honest attempt to understand the dreams in those nacent eyes.
Coming back to the movie, Darsheel deserves a standing ovation for his performance here. I am sure even the greateset of great actors wont mind to stand up and applaud this kid. He has done a marvelous job. Nonetheless, not to take the credit away from Aamir Khan-The director. He has this knack of delivering knock out performances as an actor, but this time he does it as a director too(ofcos he 'did it again' when it comes to acting). He does full justice to the story and eventually ends up creating a masterpiece which has certainly raised the bar for other directors. Everyone in the cast does good justice to their respective roles, and everyone's effort indeed shows here. Good performances, complimented by good music + lovely lyrics makes the impact even more stronger.
It a must must must watch...for everyone, irrespective of their ages.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Saying Bye to 2007....
Just a couple of days more, before the "yy" part of dates will read-08. Anyways, thats not what prompted me to pen down something. Had some time to kill, as my office bus comes only after 8 p.m... hence thought to read the testimonials which people have written about me on orkut. You do feel good when people say something good about..and esp. those who are close to you, whom you call you friends. And thats why I think why dont we express that often, both in our professional & personal walk of life. On professional front, One pat on the back or a couple of good words can make a big impact. It motivates the person like anything. He/she gets this feeling that yes,the good work which I m doing is getting noticed and appreciated. The effort which I m putting in is not going waste. And that pat on the back actually helps him/her remain self motivated when in middle of something challenging or when things are not going his/her way. Similarly on personal front, when someone hears something good about him thats satiates his hunger for motivation on emotinal level. Not just praise, I believe, even small(and i guess apparently very common) phrase like: "Dont worry, I am wid you", or "i understand" make a lot of difference(though, in a subtle way)..
Many a times, I have said to a friend that the most poverful 3 words in this world are: "I love you". When you say it someone(or hear it from someone) with all your heart....it shows...and irrespective of how the other person responds to it, you feel so good saying those words. And I can bet that even if the person responds negatively, they do feel good listening to those words(ofcos its a different mattter, that they may not express the happiness)...
So if you have something to say to someone..go ahead... say it will all your heart...
Good bye 2007!
Many a times, I have said to a friend that the most poverful 3 words in this world are: "I love you". When you say it someone(or hear it from someone) with all your heart....it shows...and irrespective of how the other person responds to it, you feel so good saying those words. And I can bet that even if the person responds negatively, they do feel good listening to those words(ofcos its a different mattter, that they may not express the happiness)...
So if you have something to say to someone..go ahead... say it will all your heart...
Good bye 2007!
Monday, September 24, 2007
The bond that Unites India
One would often read/hear that "nothing unites India like cricket does." And this statement was on display today. Cricket which makes a Vice President and the peon ask with equal excitement "score kya hua hai ?"; cricket which makes you frnds with the Auto-Rickshaw driver...Cricket which makes you hug people, whom you have never seen before....Cricket which makes you dance...makes you laugh...probably makes you cry as well.
Today India has won the World Cup for Twenty-20 Cricket.
And the feeling was something beyond words...Its something special...you call up your frnds..you are excited like a kid...jst everyone you see has a smile on his face...there are people dancing on the roads...music being played in full volume...people distributing sweets. What a team of 11 people does in a oval shaped groud, for the period of close to 3 hours..can bring smile on the faces of 100 crore people! Thats incredible...beyond any comparison. Needless to say...Nothing unites India..like Cricket Does.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Why they call me senti...
First things first, They very rightly call me "senti"!. For I dont see any other reason why I am writing another post regarding "Chak De India". Yeah, watched it for 2nd time today. Thats automatically proves..I have really liked the movie.
Nonetheless, here I am not going to talk about the movie all over again. There's just one particular scene...which I would like to mention/talk about.
Its the scene, where the reaction of SRK is shown...after the Indian womens team have won the world cup final match against Australia. In real life,almost all of us would have faced this..when we were part of a winning team. The moment, immediately after winning...that is something to cherish for your whole life...that moment when you actually dont know how to react...that moment..when you suddenly realize..yes! we have done it. One's emotion @ that particular are amalgamation of so many emotions. In the movie too...this particular part has been picturised simply superbly....There's tht little disbelief(That yes! we have finally won it!) in the eyes...tears automatically trickling down...getting a little week in the knee. I must say, for me that has to one of the best scenes I have ever seen !
Thats it! Bas yehi kehna tha. And yeah...They rightly call me senti!
Nonetheless, here I am not going to talk about the movie all over again. There's just one particular scene...which I would like to mention/talk about.
Its the scene, where the reaction of SRK is shown...after the Indian womens team have won the world cup final match against Australia. In real life,almost all of us would have faced this..when we were part of a winning team. The moment, immediately after winning...that is something to cherish for your whole life...that moment when you actually dont know how to react...that moment..when you suddenly realize..yes! we have done it. One's emotion @ that particular are amalgamation of so many emotions. In the movie too...this particular part has been picturised simply superbly....There's tht little disbelief(That yes! we have finally won it!) in the eyes...tears automatically trickling down...getting a little week in the knee. I must say, for me that has to one of the best scenes I have ever seen !
Thats it! Bas yehi kehna tha. And yeah...They rightly call me senti!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Gulzarish-II
Some more...
1. Unka hum-safar ban saku..
aisi kismat kaha..
Mere hum-safar bane...
itne wo bad-kismat nahi!
2. Rishto ko Panapne ka mauka to do..
Jazbaaton ko apne...
kabhi aawaj deke to dekho...
Mohabbat Itni bhi buri cheez nahi
Iske aagosh mein aake to dekho.
3. Baatein us se na jaane kitni hoti hai
aur na jaane kab se hoti aa rahi hai..
Par fer bhi kabhi...
Jee bhar ke baatein nahi ho paati us se
4. Use umeed bhi thi...
aur intzaar bhi..
Ke guftgu karunga main jaroor...
Aur shayad...aisi hi koi umeed is taraf bhi thi.
5. Sab kuch waise hi hai..
jaisa roz hota hai...
par shayad sab kuch waisa nahi..
darasal...kuch khafa si hai aaj wo.
6. Kaise dikhaye mohabbat ki inteha hoi...
jazbaat hai ye...koi numaish ka samaan to nahi
7. Kuch khaalipan sa tha din mein...
ek adhoorepan ka ehsaas liye...
tujhse guftgu na ho to...din mukkamal nahi lagta
8. Kabhi Socha na tha ke itni mohabbat hogi kisi se...
kasoor mera...ya khoobi teri kahu ise..
9. Aati to hai unhe bhi humari yaad...
Humse guftgu ka mann to unka bhi karta hai...
farq sirf ye hai ki..
unhe kuch chupana bhi bakhoobi aata hai.
10. Zindagi se koi khaas mohabbat nahi mujhe...
...armaa bas itna hai ke tere aagosh mein dum nikale
kamas-kam wo maut to sukoon ki hogi..
To b contd...
1. Unka hum-safar ban saku..
aisi kismat kaha..
Mere hum-safar bane...
itne wo bad-kismat nahi!
2. Rishto ko Panapne ka mauka to do..
Jazbaaton ko apne...
kabhi aawaj deke to dekho...
Mohabbat Itni bhi buri cheez nahi
Iske aagosh mein aake to dekho.
3. Baatein us se na jaane kitni hoti hai
aur na jaane kab se hoti aa rahi hai..
Par fer bhi kabhi...
Jee bhar ke baatein nahi ho paati us se
4. Use umeed bhi thi...
aur intzaar bhi..
Ke guftgu karunga main jaroor...
Aur shayad...aisi hi koi umeed is taraf bhi thi.
5. Sab kuch waise hi hai..
jaisa roz hota hai...
par shayad sab kuch waisa nahi..
darasal...kuch khafa si hai aaj wo.
6. Kaise dikhaye mohabbat ki inteha hoi...
jazbaat hai ye...koi numaish ka samaan to nahi
7. Kuch khaalipan sa tha din mein...
ek adhoorepan ka ehsaas liye...
tujhse guftgu na ho to...din mukkamal nahi lagta
8. Kabhi Socha na tha ke itni mohabbat hogi kisi se...
kasoor mera...ya khoobi teri kahu ise..
9. Aati to hai unhe bhi humari yaad...
Humse guftgu ka mann to unka bhi karta hai...
farq sirf ye hai ki..
unhe kuch chupana bhi bakhoobi aata hai.
10. Zindagi se koi khaas mohabbat nahi mujhe...
...armaa bas itna hai ke tere aagosh mein dum nikale
kamas-kam wo maut to sukoon ki hogi..
To b contd...
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Chak De India...
Vinay very rightly said that by Sunday morning, there will be a post on my blog regarding Chak de India. He was my roomie for more than 12 months or so, n hence he knows very much about certain aspects of me...and how I digest a movie is one of such aspects.
Today afternoon..saw Chak De India. Good n clean movie. I am not a SRK fan, but he deserves a applause for his role here. I rarely like SRK movies...Swades was the first one, and Chak De is the second entry in that list.
Around 30-40 minutes back, I visited the official site of Chak De, and therein the Synopsis page contained following lines
"...it is not that we cant win. Its just that we have never believed we can."
and I believe, nothing best can describe the essence of this movie, better than this sentence. It's all about believing in yourself...and when one believes in something, then it becomes his/hers passion. Passion, which is hardly to be seen anywhere around us...at least I havent seen such a thing in past year or so. People seem to be doing something, more or less for the sake of it...Its like playing hockey...to get a government flat under sports quota! But, in reality...it has to be about holding that stick...and experiencing the rush of blood inside you. The passion..which comes from the fact..that you are playing for India...you are representing India.
I have been a decent sportsman in last 22 years of my life...of cos, havent played any game @ the big stage. But I do know, what it feels to win...and win against all odds. I indeed had that passion about my game...passion which made me believe...that yes..we can do it! And seeing this movie..I was reminded of our cricket tournament victory in MBA. That was something special. That bunch of 14 players was special...indeed everything associated with that team was special.
Will recommend this to everyone..who has been passionate about something in their lives. May be it'll motivate you to chase that dream...chase that passion.
Vinay...you know me so very well!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Slovakian Serenity
Landed in Bratislava late on wednesday night.. And the Slovak Police did its best to keep us away from bratislava(capital of slovakia), as long as possible! We had to wait for close to 1 hour for the immigration clearence...and at that time I was really having second thoughts about visiting this country for a 2nd time. Anyhow, we finally entered Bratislava. Its pretty much contraty to its neighbouring capital Prague. While Prague is a typical cosmopolitan..beautiful...full of people...lots of hustle bustle...Bratislava is instead a quite, but nonetheless pretty beautiful city. Life moves at a easy(but definitely not lethargic) pace here. Had a couple of good meetings, before the weekend finally set in. Over this weekend, we travelled to High Tatra mountain ranges... one of the most famous in this part of europe. Its about 4 hours drive from Bratislava. And its just awesome..simply breathtaking natural splendour. I mean.. i really dont have words. Will soon be sharing the pics of this trip..and it'll become more clear then. Infact not only the High Tatra's...the whole 4 hour travel across Slovakia, presented some beautiful views. Large grasslands spread along with the highway...very very beautiful indeed. It was indeed a welcome break frm the frenzied pace of activities, to which we are getting used to.
The trip is in its last leg. We'll be boarding the flight back to prague on tuesday evening..and then have a flight from Prague to Delhi(with stopover in Amsterdam) on 29th morning. In all probabilites, will be reaching delhi around 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning on 30th. The trip has been a mix of varied experiences..both on personal as well as professional front. The best word, which I could find as of now to describe my experience is : Learning. Its indeed been a good learning experience...hopefully it realizes into something materialistic as well...
Probably my last post before I am back in India.
Till then..cau(means bye in Slovak)
The trip is in its last leg. We'll be boarding the flight back to prague on tuesday evening..and then have a flight from Prague to Delhi(with stopover in Amsterdam) on 29th morning. In all probabilites, will be reaching delhi around 1 or 2 o'clock in the morning on 30th. The trip has been a mix of varied experiences..both on personal as well as professional front. The best word, which I could find as of now to describe my experience is : Learning. Its indeed been a good learning experience...hopefully it realizes into something materialistic as well...
Probably my last post before I am back in India.
Till then..cau(means bye in Slovak)
Monday, August 20, 2007
Welcome to Prague: The land of Budwiser...Skoda..and Beautiful women
Had a pretty relaxed sunday...got the room @ 2:00 p.m. Unpacked.. freshed up...had a brief nap... and then went on explore little bit of prague. And I must say, I fell in love with the city @ first sight..
Famous things about Czech..Skoda..pretty much evident on the roads...Budwiser...(for the records a can of Budwiser or Pilsner costs you 30 crowns(Czech Currency), while water costs you 35 crowns!! )..and then short skirts!! Well Delhi has its share of modern/happening people...and some of them are indeed bold enough to sport some short skirts..but boy..here it seems like as if short skirts are the national dress for women! However this fact should not undermine the beauty of Czech ladies... simply beyond comparison... ofcos second only to the elegance of their indian counterparts....
The first meeting today, went on pretty decently...lets see how the remaining part of trip shapes up...
Meanwhile, as promised..some glimpses of Prague...
Famous things about Czech..Skoda..pretty much evident on the roads...Budwiser...(for the records a can of Budwiser or Pilsner costs you 30 crowns(Czech Currency), while water costs you 35 crowns!! )..and then short skirts!! Well Delhi has its share of modern/happening people...and some of them are indeed bold enough to sport some short skirts..but boy..here it seems like as if short skirts are the national dress for women! However this fact should not undermine the beauty of Czech ladies... simply beyond comparison... ofcos second only to the elegance of their indian counterparts....
The first meeting today, went on pretty decently...lets see how the remaining part of trip shapes up...
Meanwhile, as promised..some glimpses of Prague...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Journey so far...
Writing this from the hotel lobby in Prague(Czech Republic). Reached prague around at 9:00 a.m... managed to get out of the airport in another 10-15 mintues.. Must say Prague is a beautiful place...infact beautiful looks a little small word to describe the beauty(watever I have seen in my travel frm the airport to the hotel...and I m sure with some sightseeing n all, this belief will get further strengthed. )
How was the Journey?? well...decent..thats it! The Delhi-Amsterdam flight of KLM hardly had nything when it comes to in-flight entertainment. Some real oldies as air-hostesses(no offences meant to the elderly ladies...but i m sure, an airline of KLM's status can look @ little more younger when it comes to their cabin crew!...between, we thought that only Air-India or Indian Airlines has those elderly airhosteses.). Amsterdam-Prague was much better...although it was a short flight, of jst 1 hr. The plane had a good leg space..very much comfortable... and indeed... some lovely ladies ;) .
need to spend some time here n there, to b precies till 2 p.m.; since only then we'll get our room. Plan to go for a couple of drink with our business partner, and then a light lunch. Will rest in the later part of the day.... and hopefully some work in evening...
Have some good snaps clicked..will upload them soon...
As of now..bbye!!
How was the Journey?? well...decent..thats it! The Delhi-Amsterdam flight of KLM hardly had nything when it comes to in-flight entertainment. Some real oldies as air-hostesses(no offences meant to the elderly ladies...but i m sure, an airline of KLM's status can look @ little more younger when it comes to their cabin crew!...between, we thought that only Air-India or Indian Airlines has those elderly airhosteses.). Amsterdam-Prague was much better...although it was a short flight, of jst 1 hr. The plane had a good leg space..very much comfortable... and indeed... some lovely ladies ;) .
need to spend some time here n there, to b precies till 2 p.m.; since only then we'll get our room. Plan to go for a couple of drink with our business partner, and then a light lunch. Will rest in the later part of the day.... and hopefully some work in evening...
Have some good snaps clicked..will upload them soon...
As of now..bbye!!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Another first...
The last 14-1 5 months have witnessed many firsts in my life. My first day @ office...my first salary...my first +ve response from a customer...my first year @ office...my first promotion...
And if all goes well...sunday(19th aug) morning at 00:52 a.m., there will be another first in my life-My first foreign travel...my first travel by plane!!
So, how am I feeling ? To be frank, havent actually got time to feel anything. Things have happened thick n fast. And once it was decided that yeah I'll be going...then it was all onto fixing appointments, getting the visa done, getting the tickets done...and all those logisctical things...Nonetheless, many of those associated with me are indeed happy. Namely my parents...some of my close frnds...
Have done some decent hard work for this trip...lets hope..its successful!
For the time being...bbye India!!
And if all goes well...sunday(19th aug) morning at 00:52 a.m., there will be another first in my life-My first foreign travel...my first travel by plane!!
So, how am I feeling ? To be frank, havent actually got time to feel anything. Things have happened thick n fast. And once it was decided that yeah I'll be going...then it was all onto fixing appointments, getting the visa done, getting the tickets done...and all those logisctical things...Nonetheless, many of those associated with me are indeed happy. Namely my parents...some of my close frnds...
Have done some decent hard work for this trip...lets hope..its successful!
For the time being...bbye India!!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Gulzarish-I
A summary of my attempts at being gulzarish...
1. Ek baar fir tere shehar se hoke guzar raha hu...
...ek baar fir...yaadon ka silsila chal pada hai...
2. Roz ki tarah
aaj bhi guzar raha tha us raaste se...
...wahi raasta jispe ek mandir bhi hai
kabhi dil kia to do pal..
..khuda se bhi guftgu kar leta hu..
chalte chalte..
aaj bhi hui guftgu...
bas itna kaha ke...
...uska khayal rakhna...
3. Kuch ajeeb hi hoti hai
mohabbat ki majbooriya...
usko batana chaho..aur usi se chupao
4. Kehte hai mohabbat mein shaksh pagal ban jaata hai...
aur jo pagal na bana de..wo bhi koi mohabbat hui!
5. Ajeeb ittfaaq hai ye bhi
Jis se izhaar-e-mohababat
karna chahe ye dil
wo suane ko taiyar nahi..
aur sunane ko is dil se...
koi kuch kehne ko taiyaar nahi!
6. Aasmaa ke rang ko oadh ke wo bilkul aisi lag rahi thu..
maano badalo ki oat se koi pari nikal rahi ho...
7. Badalo ki oat se girte moti...
jab is chehre padte hai..
aisa lagta hai maano...
apne geele baalo se chitakate paani
ki boondein
mujhe pe daal rahi hai tu...
8. Kis ajeeb pasopesh ka naam mohabbat hai...
izhaar karne tak ki izazat nahi...
na usse..na apne aap se..
9. Kabhi to izhaar-e-mohabbat karn de...
kabhi to mauka de dil ki baat jubaa pe laane ka..
suna hai maut bhi nahi aati...
gar koi khwaish adhoori reh jaaye
10. Kal ek gustakhi ho gayi thi mujhse...
darsal 'gud night' kehna bhool gaya tha use...
aaj shiqayat ki usne...
koi haq jataye to...accha lagta hai dil ko.
to be contd...
1. Ek baar fir tere shehar se hoke guzar raha hu...
...ek baar fir...yaadon ka silsila chal pada hai...
2. Roz ki tarah
aaj bhi guzar raha tha us raaste se...
...wahi raasta jispe ek mandir bhi hai
kabhi dil kia to do pal..
..khuda se bhi guftgu kar leta hu..
chalte chalte..
aaj bhi hui guftgu...
bas itna kaha ke...
...uska khayal rakhna...
3. Kuch ajeeb hi hoti hai
mohabbat ki majbooriya...
usko batana chaho..aur usi se chupao
4. Kehte hai mohabbat mein shaksh pagal ban jaata hai...
aur jo pagal na bana de..wo bhi koi mohabbat hui!
5. Ajeeb ittfaaq hai ye bhi
Jis se izhaar-e-mohababat
karna chahe ye dil
wo suane ko taiyar nahi..
aur sunane ko is dil se...
koi kuch kehne ko taiyaar nahi!
6. Aasmaa ke rang ko oadh ke wo bilkul aisi lag rahi thu..
maano badalo ki oat se koi pari nikal rahi ho...
7. Badalo ki oat se girte moti...
jab is chehre padte hai..
aisa lagta hai maano...
apne geele baalo se chitakate paani
ki boondein
mujhe pe daal rahi hai tu...
8. Kis ajeeb pasopesh ka naam mohabbat hai...
izhaar karne tak ki izazat nahi...
na usse..na apne aap se..
9. Kabhi to izhaar-e-mohabbat karn de...
kabhi to mauka de dil ki baat jubaa pe laane ka..
suna hai maut bhi nahi aati...
gar koi khwaish adhoori reh jaaye
10. Kal ek gustakhi ho gayi thi mujhse...
darsal 'gud night' kehna bhool gaya tha use...
aaj shiqayat ki usne...
koi haq jataye to...accha lagta hai dil ko.
to be contd...
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The agony & Ecstacy of being the lone child...
Forgot to mention in my intro that I am the lone child of my parents... Yups, no siblings. It just happened that I was watching "Shakti"(Amitabh, Dilip Kumar starrer classical), and felt like penning down the good...and some not so good things of being the lone warrior!!
The good part...
Getting Pampered : You indeed are the king...for its you who orders; and more often than not those orders get ful-filled. So, be it getting mangoes from cold storage in November or getting your fav pair of jean... you just name it...and there will be whole-hearted attempts to fulfill that wish. These iklauta kids..indeed get pampered like anything!!
Apple/Banana/Grapes/Mango (whatever u may chose to call it) of the eye : Did anyone said centre of attraction! All the attention...all the love..all the care is bestowed upon u...U and ONLY U. Feels good..isn't it ?
U don't have to bother about sharing : Yippee.... if anything is there...you have 100% ownership of that. No one with whom u need to share your ice cream or the cake...or your room! No Siblings...so no fights for that pencil...or that copy...or that piece of cake...
And, now The not so good part...
Cramped up for space: When its only u..who is the centre of attraction...who is the lone focus, then at times you may not find enough space for yourself. It gets a little uncomfortable then... as there are times when you actually want to be just yourself...when you probably want to spend some time with yourself....but since you have always being their(parents) focus, and hence they might not understand this thing. And sometimes...this thing may frustrate/irritate you like anything..
No-one to share : Yeah, that was the good part...and that is the bad part well. A Sibling is one with whom you actually learn how to share. From sharing that piece of cake...to sharing your room...to sharing emotions!
One really needs someone to fight with...something with whom you can share your secrets...someone with whom share your dreams..share your thoughts. Thats helps...isnt it? I personally feel, siblings play a very important part in the growing up process... for I terribly miss not having anyone whom I could call my bro...or sis.
Don't know...whether the agony is more...or the ecstacy is...
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