0411 hrs - Woke up and found the bus cruising on Ahmedabad's pothole ridden roads.
0420 hrs - Ahmedabad railway station, got down. Thought of exploring the area. Seven minute walk later, reached the main entrance. The entrance to the station is all nicely done.
0430 hrs - Bought the Times of India. 3 Rs.
0432 hrs - Realized that the guy cheated me, Ahmedabad Mirror was not present.
0435 hrs - bought the Ahmedabad mirror, 1 Re.
0445 hrs - Settled in the nicely lit waiting area of the station, and started reading the News paper. Stimulus package details. More updates on the terror attacks. Article about how security can be breached at the Ahmedabad airport (Sometimes I feel, these news channels and the papers themselves, provide terrorists with ideas). Staring at the girls and the costly cars passing by once in a while.
0550 hrs - Finished the Times. Started reading the Ahmedabad mirror. Realized that the rupee I spent on this was a waste. The news was crap anyways.
0600 hrs - Finished the mirror. Interrupt by a voice, a lady voice at that. Asking for time. 0600 I reply, and she takes the seat nearby.
0610 hrs - Again the same voice, asks me where am I going. I reply airport and start looking at the pictures again. One more question and I was thinking whether I should talk. After some deliberation I decide otherwise.
0630 hrs - Hunger strikes. Exit to the nearest tea-shop. The tea tasted great. But the 'gaatiya' that he served for the snack was horrible.
0655 hrs - Entered the restaurant for a proper serving of breakfast. But, the Idli sambar served there was horrible. Re-iterated my belief about having south-indian stuff elsewhere.
0710 hrs - Auto to the airport.
0725 hrs - Ticketing and Security check. The wait starts. My flight is at 0900.
0840 hrs - Boarding call.
1000 hrs - Land at Mumbai.
1255 hrs - Chennai
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Alone around Udaipur
Atul made his exit to kota, early on the morning of 8th. Sankha took the late morning cab to Ahmedabad. My bus to Ahmedabad was late in the night. So that left me alone and pretty much with the whole day to roam around Udaipur.
Udaipur is a nice quaint little city. I thought that roaming alone would be the most boring thing to do, but yes, It lets you observe what's happening around you, take in the scenery without any intervening thoughts. I hired an auto, the driver promised to show me the sights of Udaipur for 250 bucks. We started off with a park, moved on to the famous lake pichola, the zoo at Udaipur. Then headed to the City palace, which was a musuem of the mewar heritage. It was quite beautiful, and well maintained. An hour there and it already was 430. Then we headed to a garden and a small science museum inside it. Once out, the driver took me to a crafts store. There i ended up spending a lot to buy quite a few things. Exit and straight to Brijwani's house.
Small nap and dinner later, headed out to catch the bus. A nice little trip comes to an end.
Udaipur is a nice quaint little city. I thought that roaming alone would be the most boring thing to do, but yes, It lets you observe what's happening around you, take in the scenery without any intervening thoughts. I hired an auto, the driver promised to show me the sights of Udaipur for 250 bucks. We started off with a park, moved on to the famous lake pichola, the zoo at Udaipur. Then headed to the City palace, which was a musuem of the mewar heritage. It was quite beautiful, and well maintained. An hour there and it already was 430. Then we headed to a garden and a small science museum inside it. Once out, the driver took me to a crafts store. There i ended up spending a lot to buy quite a few things. Exit and straight to Brijwani's house.
Small nap and dinner later, headed out to catch the bus. A nice little trip comes to an end.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Brijwani is now Puneet
This post is dedicated to Brijwani, oops Puneet, who ceases to be a bachelor from now on...Congratulations to him on his change in role. The consensus in our friends' circle was always that he would not be the next one to walk the line, but he sprang a surprise. Dec 7th D-day. I, Sankha and Atul were the only ones present. Others dropped out for varied reasons, some convincing and some not so convincing.
The stage was set. This is prob the only Sindhi wedding that I'd be witness to, and should say it was a grand occasion. Let the flow (of liquor ;)) never stop, seemed to be the motto. And everyone seemed to be having a great time. Being witness to South-Indian wedding, of which the song and dance is not a part of, this one seemed quite different.
Leaving Chennai on the afternoon of 6th, witnessing un-precedented security everywhere (atleast at airports), weathering multiple baggage checks (Yes, my single carry-on was checked 5 times), I reached on the morning of 7th at about 2 am. And since then it was a great time for the next couple of days. We were curious witnesses to most of the rituals that were taking place. As a part of a ritual, the clothes of the groom were torn to bits, leaving just about enough for him to protect his modesty. (Of course, we too contributed generously). Parties followed parties, and our room was the centre of all activity. Evening, we embarked on the search for the Mystery gift, which we vowed in college, would be presented to all the friends. 7 p.m - It was already time for Brijwani to mount the horse. Should say it was a comic sight, the groom weighed down under layers of heavy clothing, a turban on his head, and a mini-sword too to go along with it.
Dance, more dance and we reached the bride's place. Reception and a sumptuous dinner followed. We were mostly tired, and I managed to keep the jinx behind me yet (Yes, my past visits to friend's marriages were not great, health-wise). A simple marriage ceremony followed, witnessed by not more than 30-40 people. An hour later, at about 1:30 a.m on the 8th, Brijwani and Nisha were man and wife.
Congratulations! Wish you a Happy, Great, Wonderful, Fabulous, Fantabulous Married Life.
The stage was set. This is prob the only Sindhi wedding that I'd be witness to, and should say it was a grand occasion. Let the flow (of liquor ;)) never stop, seemed to be the motto. And everyone seemed to be having a great time. Being witness to South-Indian wedding, of which the song and dance is not a part of, this one seemed quite different.
Leaving Chennai on the afternoon of 6th, witnessing un-precedented security everywhere (atleast at airports), weathering multiple baggage checks (Yes, my single carry-on was checked 5 times), I reached on the morning of 7th at about 2 am. And since then it was a great time for the next couple of days. We were curious witnesses to most of the rituals that were taking place. As a part of a ritual, the clothes of the groom were torn to bits, leaving just about enough for him to protect his modesty. (Of course, we too contributed generously). Parties followed parties, and our room was the centre of all activity. Evening, we embarked on the search for the Mystery gift, which we vowed in college, would be presented to all the friends. 7 p.m - It was already time for Brijwani to mount the horse. Should say it was a comic sight, the groom weighed down under layers of heavy clothing, a turban on his head, and a mini-sword too to go along with it.
Dance, more dance and we reached the bride's place. Reception and a sumptuous dinner followed. We were mostly tired, and I managed to keep the jinx behind me yet (Yes, my past visits to friend's marriages were not great, health-wise). A simple marriage ceremony followed, witnessed by not more than 30-40 people. An hour later, at about 1:30 a.m on the 8th, Brijwani and Nisha were man and wife.
Congratulations! Wish you a Happy, Great, Wonderful, Fabulous, Fantabulous Married Life.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Off to Udaipur...
Finally, the much needed break. Going for Latte's marriage. Though I'd have wanted the break to be longer than the 3 days currently planned. But, only 3-4 ppl are turning up for the marriage. So my plan of heading to the hills has been dropped. Even before starting off (2 days before) comes the bad news that my early morning flight has been canceled (Damn, these so called low cost airlines). It means now i'll start flying late afternoon, and reach Ahmedabad by night. Also I'd have to head to Udaipur alone now.
Unprecedented security measures at the airports, for Dec 6. Some e-mail threats too for kidnapping planes out of Chennai airport. So the hope is that I at least fly out, although delayed. I dont want to get stuck up here, now, after planning things so much in advance.
Unprecedented security measures at the airports, for Dec 6. Some e-mail threats too for kidnapping planes out of Chennai airport. So the hope is that I at least fly out, although delayed. I dont want to get stuck up here, now, after planning things so much in advance.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
The week gone by!
The only good thing about it was that I got to miss office for 4 of the 5 days (Of course my leave balance would go down, but still missing office, unplanned, gives a sense of fun). Down since saturday evening, due to fever, cough and body pain. Sunday, fever continues. Monday, few blood tests later doctor suspects it to be Dengue fever. Meanwhile a tropical storm is heading Chennai's way. Tuesday - status quo. All I manage is only sleep. Wed, much better, but on leave still. Thu - Terror attacks on Mumbai since wed night, managed to haul myself up to the office, to be greeted with the news that the storm has intensified to a tropical cyclone - Nisha is the name. Took 2 hrs to reach home that day, avoided the already clogged roads and took the train instead. Had to wade through 2 feet of water to reach home from the station. Friday - Our roads wore the look of a river, lake breached, knee-deep water flowing all through the day. Needless to say, did not venture out. To heighten the frustration, no power since thu evening. Saturday - Power restored late morning. The rains have let off just in time for my parents' and sister's arrival tomorrow afternoon.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Rodent's tale...
For the past couple of days, our home has been invaded by a rodent, not the cute one from Stuart little type, but the real nasty one, nibbling at whatever it could find and destroying it. My cousin grew enraged at the very mention of it. It chewed and destroyed his Motorola headphones. We used to discuss the method that we should adopt to kill it, should we catch it alive. 2 methods were the overwhelming favorites, ones is to beat it to death, the other to put it in a bucket of water and suffocate it to death. So the trap had finally been set, waiting for the kill.A strange noise at 3 in the morning woke me up, only to find that our trap had been successful, and the rodent was caught. Well, 3 in the night is not a great time to discuss the punishment for an obtrusive and a destructive rodent. So we momentarily put off the decision and went back to a peaceful sleep.
Early morning, The tired mouse lay still, after a constant battle trying to nibble at the iron rods of the snare. A change of heart! We decided to set it free, and took it to a secluded area, couple of streets away, far enough for it to not come back. The moment the snare was opened, it went out jumping happily!! Its happiness, as if signifying gratitude, vindicated our decision to set it free.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Kalyani Viswanathan
Today, I came across this beautiful piece of writing, to which I would be doing a great injustice if I am not sharing it. This piece left a deep impact on me, especially the protagonist's character. The author brings out the silent and subdued emotions of the protagonist with a good choice of words. I do not know the author of the piece. If I come to know I'll surely update this entry. Dear readers, please read it when you have time.
The story, it is claimed, was written by an employee of a IT company in a short story writing contest. It is the story of a Brahmin girl who loved a non-Brahmin and had to marry someone else due to father’s compulsion, and now leading a perfect life with little happiness! The story follows below with the Author's short prologue.
Hi folks, here's my entry to the much talked about short story contest. The story is not short though, I apologise! When I thought of this story, I envisaged it and almost started writing this in Tamil but only then did I realise that my written Tamil is not upto the mark. (Well, am not claiming my English is excellent, but it's relatively better than my Tamil) In fact, even after I finished writing it, I still felt the story belongs to Tamil. Will mail it to my aunt and get it reincarnated in Tamil. Pssst, the most operative name in this story, I ripped from Thevar Magan. It somehow signified a lot to me!
Dearest Appa,
27th Jan' 1965
Hope this letter finds you, Amma, Raji and Seenu in good health. The weather here in New York City is icy cold. But Avar sollraar - I have missed this winter's biting cold. I still wish I had seen the snow…But then, I still wish I had not left Trichy at all. I do miss Trichy, Appa. You, Amma, Raji, Seenu, pakkatthaathu Rama, Vikatan, Ucchi Pillaiyaar Koil, filter coffee, Holy Cross College, the Physics
Department and of course Sakthi. I know you wish I hadn't brought his name in this letter. But not to worry Appa, I understand that you got me married to Visu because you thought it was best for your daughter. I still remember Amma wiping her silent tears with her madisaar thalappu and you shouting at me the day I told you about Sakthi. Later, when the initial shock wore off you patiently listed umpteen reasons why I should not marry Sakthi. I agree Appa, that 20 is too young to decide, that Raji and Seenu would have been affected greatly by my 'mistake', the Agrahaaram would have scoffed at you…a meat eater was not a good match for someone who had never even tasted onion and garlic. The reasons were innumerous. I knew you'd still have objected and offered other reasons even if he had become a Dhigambara monk. Visu on the other hand, wore a poonal, he is the son of Neelakanta Sastri, an Engineer and he researched about computers which is what made you jump for this alliance. Am not complaining Appa, Visu is a nice man. Tell Amma that I could not try her kozhakkattai recipe this Pongal because coconuts were too expensive and Avar nenacchar that it was ridiculous. Anyway, we went out on Sankaranthi day and dined out. He thought it would be a good idea to invite the Chatterjees also. But I didn't speak Bengali and Mrs.Chatterjee spoke English in an accent that comes with living years in America. Hence I made myself busy with the menu card. They ordered various species of fish, shrimp and a lot more of items I had never seen in my life. I ordered orange juice and a sandwich. The other diners thought it was queer coming to a seafood restaurant and settling for a sandwich. That day, I learnt that Avar prefer pannradhu beef, pork, bacon and seafood. Do you know, Appa…Sakthi gave up meat because of me? I didn't ask, he just did. But then, Sakthi is not Neelakanta Sastri's son and that made it imposible for Subramania Iyer's daughter Kalyani to marry him. I will keep you posted on what happens here. I don't think I can make it to Seenu's Upanayanam. Tell Amma not to get me a pattu podavai for the poonal, I don't use them here. I wore it once and felt like a clown here.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
20th Oct' 1968
We are fine here. Gautam is speaking his first words and I swear they sounded like 'Dosai'. But Visu claims it's just gibberish. From your previous letter, I gather that pakkathatthu Rama is married and settled in Jamshedpur. Nice to know that. Please find out her address from Saarada maami and write it to me. I want to keep in touch with her. I hope Raji is happy with her husband in Madras. I spoke to her last month, great to know that she has a phone. Do tell Seenu to study well and prepare for his school final exams. Raji also told me that Sakthi is married now. I wish him good luck, but I could not convey the message to him. Raji refused to be the messenger and I know you have severed ties with Sakthi's father, your long term friend Sankaravel, thanks to me. I hear his wife is his cousin…He must have succumbed to his mother's wishes. How did Avani Avittam go? Visu's mother gave me a bunch of new poonals for Avani Avittam but Visu was in Boston that day. He wouldn't have used it anyway, I haven't seen him wear one in the last three years. Gautam is now playing with the spool of thread - mere thread it is, what else can I call it? Gautam will not even know what it signifies, I guess. Visu is making sure Gautam grows up listening to English only. He says it will make his life easier. But I do read out passages from Ponniyin Selvan and Bharathiyaar's poetry when I am alone with him. It's more of reading to myself, I guess. I actually got that poetry book as a present from Sakthi, it still has his scrawling signature in the first page. By the way, Visu saw that book and asked me about Sakthi, I told him. Hold your breath Appa, he didn't throw me out of the house. He is a good man, no question. He said it is okay and that he doesn't mind. And then he told me of his American girlfriend whom he was once in love with, when he first reached America - Amy, a fellow Researcher who was in a brief relationship with Visu when she was in New York. They lived together for 3 months and decided against marriage, somehow. Amy once dropped home when she was in New York. Nice lady, she was. Ask Amma to send me Sambar Podi for this whole year. My friend Sudha is coming to Madras next week. Ask Seenu to catch the Rockfort Express and give it to her. I will collect it from her here.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
3rd June' 1974
We have arrived here safely. After two months in India, I find it hard to adjust back to normal life here. Gautam and Ranjana demand vadai, paayasam and vaazhai ilai here. Visu's relieved to be back in America. I left a set of my books there. If it's not in Trichy it must be in Visu's parents' place. If you find them, safeguard them until my next trip. They mean a lot to me since they were gifts from Sakthi. By the way, Appa, I found out Sakthi's present address in Madras from Rama and Saarada maami. I wrote to him. I am extremely proud to know that Dr.Sakthivel is a cardiologist much in demand there in Madras. He was thrilled to hear from me after so long. You know what he has named his daughters? Kalyani and Raagamaalika. He called me. You know what, he's still a practising vegetarian, Appa. He didn't revert back just because he lost me…He asked me if I still sang and whether Gautam and Ranjana could sing. I could see a proud father in him, when he claimed his daughters could sing upto Ra ra Venu Gopala. That's when I remembered that I was once a good singer. I wonder why I stopped singing, wonder why I never exposed the kids to Music and Dance. But then, I realize that I had buried all that deep inside me when I left Trichy; after bidding farewell to my best Rasika, actually. Sakthi. After the call, I tried singing 'Kurai Onrum Illai'. I could not rquite reach Charanam, because of the lack of practice and more importantly because of the tears that filmed my eyes and the constriction in my throat. I sang to Visu and the kids one of these days. Though Gautam was impressed, father and daughter could not just wait for me to finish! By the way, next time some friend comes to India, send me a Sruthi Box. I would like to start singing again.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
14th Aug' 1978
Just back after our tour to California. Find our photos, picture postcards attached herewith. After you are done with showing all family members, relatives, friends and neighbours, pass them to Visu's parents. It was a welcome break for the four of us. But I missed my paattu class students all along and was happy to resume the classes again last evening. Did I mention in my previous letter, before we left on the tour - I finally got my driving license here. I sent a few photos to Sakthi too. He has sent me quite a few records and cassettes. I loved it! I'm reminded of AIR, almost! I'm circulating them among my friends too. And of course, playing them for my students too. They are picking up beautifully. Funny news is, I, a Tamilian, is teaching Telugu and Sanskrit kritis to a cross section of Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada,Telugu, Marathi, Bengali students in an English speaking nation. The music sessions have resulted in a reborn Kalyani, Appa. Thanks to Sakthi, really. I would have never taken it up had it not been for his reminder. I am now thinking of what life would have been like if I had indeed married him. I would have of course lost you and Amma. But right now, with this life in America, Visu and these monthly letters to you, Rama, Raji and Seenu what have i gained? I don't find an answer, Appa. Neither do I think I ever will. Again, as I have always reiterated, Visu is a good man, no complaints there. He is every bit the son in law you wanted. Researcher, American Post Graduate Degree holder, a dutiful husband and father, earning a comfortable income. I know it is too much to ask for anything else. That is a fantasy I left midway in my life…Once upon a time in Trichy with someone else.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
14th Apr' 1984
Met Dr.Sakthivel after 19 years…He had come to New York for business purposes and paid me a visit. Visu and the kids welcomed him home with great pleasure. And they liked him too. In fact, they did most of the talking initially. And of course, he got me a whole load of books, cassettes, Mysore Paak and lots more.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
20th Jan' 1990
I just went through all these letters lying in my closet draw for years together. These are letters I started writing to you and then decided not to post. For obvious reasons. I could not mention Sakthi to you even though I was itching to. Not because I was afraid to invite your wrath. I just did not have the heart to hurt you, I know these letters would have hurt you. Because deep inside, I know you were disturbed - You knew Sakthi was a good man, you knew he was a man of substance, yet you didn't want to go further. Society, I know. Family…I know…And all these letters would have only wounded you more. Today 2 years after your death, and 6 months after Dr.Sakthivel's untimely death in a road accident, I somehow felt like re-reading all these letters. To me, all these unstamped, unposted letters mean a life that could have been.
Kalyani Viswanathan.
The story, it is claimed, was written by an employee of a IT company in a short story writing contest. It is the story of a Brahmin girl who loved a non-Brahmin and had to marry someone else due to father’s compulsion, and now leading a perfect life with little happiness! The story follows below with the Author's short prologue.
Hi folks, here's my entry to the much talked about short story contest. The story is not short though, I apologise! When I thought of this story, I envisaged it and almost started writing this in Tamil but only then did I realise that my written Tamil is not upto the mark. (Well, am not claiming my English is excellent, but it's relatively better than my Tamil) In fact, even after I finished writing it, I still felt the story belongs to Tamil. Will mail it to my aunt and get it reincarnated in Tamil. Pssst, the most operative name in this story, I ripped from Thevar Magan. It somehow signified a lot to me!
Dearest Appa,
27th Jan' 1965
Hope this letter finds you, Amma, Raji and Seenu in good health. The weather here in New York City is icy cold. But Avar sollraar - I have missed this winter's biting cold. I still wish I had seen the snow…But then, I still wish I had not left Trichy at all. I do miss Trichy, Appa. You, Amma, Raji, Seenu, pakkatthaathu Rama, Vikatan, Ucchi Pillaiyaar Koil, filter coffee, Holy Cross College, the Physics
Department and of course Sakthi. I know you wish I hadn't brought his name in this letter. But not to worry Appa, I understand that you got me married to Visu because you thought it was best for your daughter. I still remember Amma wiping her silent tears with her madisaar thalappu and you shouting at me the day I told you about Sakthi. Later, when the initial shock wore off you patiently listed umpteen reasons why I should not marry Sakthi. I agree Appa, that 20 is too young to decide, that Raji and Seenu would have been affected greatly by my 'mistake', the Agrahaaram would have scoffed at you…a meat eater was not a good match for someone who had never even tasted onion and garlic. The reasons were innumerous. I knew you'd still have objected and offered other reasons even if he had become a Dhigambara monk. Visu on the other hand, wore a poonal, he is the son of Neelakanta Sastri, an Engineer and he researched about computers which is what made you jump for this alliance. Am not complaining Appa, Visu is a nice man. Tell Amma that I could not try her kozhakkattai recipe this Pongal because coconuts were too expensive and Avar nenacchar that it was ridiculous. Anyway, we went out on Sankaranthi day and dined out. He thought it would be a good idea to invite the Chatterjees also. But I didn't speak Bengali and Mrs.Chatterjee spoke English in an accent that comes with living years in America. Hence I made myself busy with the menu card. They ordered various species of fish, shrimp and a lot more of items I had never seen in my life. I ordered orange juice and a sandwich. The other diners thought it was queer coming to a seafood restaurant and settling for a sandwich. That day, I learnt that Avar prefer pannradhu beef, pork, bacon and seafood. Do you know, Appa…Sakthi gave up meat because of me? I didn't ask, he just did. But then, Sakthi is not Neelakanta Sastri's son and that made it imposible for Subramania Iyer's daughter Kalyani to marry him. I will keep you posted on what happens here. I don't think I can make it to Seenu's Upanayanam. Tell Amma not to get me a pattu podavai for the poonal, I don't use them here. I wore it once and felt like a clown here.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
20th Oct' 1968
We are fine here. Gautam is speaking his first words and I swear they sounded like 'Dosai'. But Visu claims it's just gibberish. From your previous letter, I gather that pakkathatthu Rama is married and settled in Jamshedpur. Nice to know that. Please find out her address from Saarada maami and write it to me. I want to keep in touch with her. I hope Raji is happy with her husband in Madras. I spoke to her last month, great to know that she has a phone. Do tell Seenu to study well and prepare for his school final exams. Raji also told me that Sakthi is married now. I wish him good luck, but I could not convey the message to him. Raji refused to be the messenger and I know you have severed ties with Sakthi's father, your long term friend Sankaravel, thanks to me. I hear his wife is his cousin…He must have succumbed to his mother's wishes. How did Avani Avittam go? Visu's mother gave me a bunch of new poonals for Avani Avittam but Visu was in Boston that day. He wouldn't have used it anyway, I haven't seen him wear one in the last three years. Gautam is now playing with the spool of thread - mere thread it is, what else can I call it? Gautam will not even know what it signifies, I guess. Visu is making sure Gautam grows up listening to English only. He says it will make his life easier. But I do read out passages from Ponniyin Selvan and Bharathiyaar's poetry when I am alone with him. It's more of reading to myself, I guess. I actually got that poetry book as a present from Sakthi, it still has his scrawling signature in the first page. By the way, Visu saw that book and asked me about Sakthi, I told him. Hold your breath Appa, he didn't throw me out of the house. He is a good man, no question. He said it is okay and that he doesn't mind. And then he told me of his American girlfriend whom he was once in love with, when he first reached America - Amy, a fellow Researcher who was in a brief relationship with Visu when she was in New York. They lived together for 3 months and decided against marriage, somehow. Amy once dropped home when she was in New York. Nice lady, she was. Ask Amma to send me Sambar Podi for this whole year. My friend Sudha is coming to Madras next week. Ask Seenu to catch the Rockfort Express and give it to her. I will collect it from her here.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
3rd June' 1974
We have arrived here safely. After two months in India, I find it hard to adjust back to normal life here. Gautam and Ranjana demand vadai, paayasam and vaazhai ilai here. Visu's relieved to be back in America. I left a set of my books there. If it's not in Trichy it must be in Visu's parents' place. If you find them, safeguard them until my next trip. They mean a lot to me since they were gifts from Sakthi. By the way, Appa, I found out Sakthi's present address in Madras from Rama and Saarada maami. I wrote to him. I am extremely proud to know that Dr.Sakthivel is a cardiologist much in demand there in Madras. He was thrilled to hear from me after so long. You know what he has named his daughters? Kalyani and Raagamaalika. He called me. You know what, he's still a practising vegetarian, Appa. He didn't revert back just because he lost me…He asked me if I still sang and whether Gautam and Ranjana could sing. I could see a proud father in him, when he claimed his daughters could sing upto Ra ra Venu Gopala. That's when I remembered that I was once a good singer. I wonder why I stopped singing, wonder why I never exposed the kids to Music and Dance. But then, I realize that I had buried all that deep inside me when I left Trichy; after bidding farewell to my best Rasika, actually. Sakthi. After the call, I tried singing 'Kurai Onrum Illai'. I could not rquite reach Charanam, because of the lack of practice and more importantly because of the tears that filmed my eyes and the constriction in my throat. I sang to Visu and the kids one of these days. Though Gautam was impressed, father and daughter could not just wait for me to finish! By the way, next time some friend comes to India, send me a Sruthi Box. I would like to start singing again.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
14th Aug' 1978
Just back after our tour to California. Find our photos, picture postcards attached herewith. After you are done with showing all family members, relatives, friends and neighbours, pass them to Visu's parents. It was a welcome break for the four of us. But I missed my paattu class students all along and was happy to resume the classes again last evening. Did I mention in my previous letter, before we left on the tour - I finally got my driving license here. I sent a few photos to Sakthi too. He has sent me quite a few records and cassettes. I loved it! I'm reminded of AIR, almost! I'm circulating them among my friends too. And of course, playing them for my students too. They are picking up beautifully. Funny news is, I, a Tamilian, is teaching Telugu and Sanskrit kritis to a cross section of Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada,Telugu, Marathi, Bengali students in an English speaking nation. The music sessions have resulted in a reborn Kalyani, Appa. Thanks to Sakthi, really. I would have never taken it up had it not been for his reminder. I am now thinking of what life would have been like if I had indeed married him. I would have of course lost you and Amma. But right now, with this life in America, Visu and these monthly letters to you, Rama, Raji and Seenu what have i gained? I don't find an answer, Appa. Neither do I think I ever will. Again, as I have always reiterated, Visu is a good man, no complaints there. He is every bit the son in law you wanted. Researcher, American Post Graduate Degree holder, a dutiful husband and father, earning a comfortable income. I know it is too much to ask for anything else. That is a fantasy I left midway in my life…Once upon a time in Trichy with someone else.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
14th Apr' 1984
Met Dr.Sakthivel after 19 years…He had come to New York for business purposes and paid me a visit. Visu and the kids welcomed him home with great pleasure. And they liked him too. In fact, they did most of the talking initially. And of course, he got me a whole load of books, cassettes, Mysore Paak and lots more.
Your loving daughter,
Kalyani.
Dearest Appa,
20th Jan' 1990
I just went through all these letters lying in my closet draw for years together. These are letters I started writing to you and then decided not to post. For obvious reasons. I could not mention Sakthi to you even though I was itching to. Not because I was afraid to invite your wrath. I just did not have the heart to hurt you, I know these letters would have hurt you. Because deep inside, I know you were disturbed - You knew Sakthi was a good man, you knew he was a man of substance, yet you didn't want to go further. Society, I know. Family…I know…And all these letters would have only wounded you more. Today 2 years after your death, and 6 months after Dr.Sakthivel's untimely death in a road accident, I somehow felt like re-reading all these letters. To me, all these unstamped, unposted letters mean a life that could have been.
Kalyani Viswanathan.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
My first English composition...probably mediocre at best!
Roads, good or bad, tell you stories great deal
make economies rock, or make them kneel
In India too same is the case
here too, roads mirror the nation's growth pace.
Chandigarh roads, well manicured
Delhi's roads highly insecure
Bangalore's roads choc-a-bloc
All vehicles in the country's roads go honk-honk-honk
Chennai's roads pothole ridden
Mumbai's roads, what dangers have they hidden?
Hyderabad's roads, shorn of any green
The nation's roads, taking you to avenues unseen
Roads, some scenic, some sombre, some dull
constantly hum with the engines' lazy lull
evry inch of road space in this country is fought for
by pedestrians and vehicles big and small, bus and car
We drive our vehicles, the typical bully way
ready to knock down anyone coming in the way
Road-rage is the order of the day
Would we ever learn to drive, The Civil way?
GOD says Nay!!!
-- Narsi
make economies rock, or make them kneel
In India too same is the case
here too, roads mirror the nation's growth pace.
Chandigarh roads, well manicured
Delhi's roads highly insecure
Bangalore's roads choc-a-bloc
All vehicles in the country's roads go honk-honk-honk
Chennai's roads pothole ridden
Mumbai's roads, what dangers have they hidden?
Hyderabad's roads, shorn of any green
The nation's roads, taking you to avenues unseen
Roads, some scenic, some sombre, some dull
constantly hum with the engines' lazy lull
evry inch of road space in this country is fought for
by pedestrians and vehicles big and small, bus and car
We drive our vehicles, the typical bully way
ready to knock down anyone coming in the way
Road-rage is the order of the day
Would we ever learn to drive, The Civil way?
GOD says Nay!!!
-- Narsi
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Whats happening to me?
Life's becoming dull. Weekdays pass off in a haze of work. And weekends, in a blur. With 5 days of work pressure (we have a release coming up soon, but the fact is that I don't contribute to it much) during the weekdays, the fact that there is nothing to be done over the weekend, makes the weekend crawl. It's as if I have lost interest in everything and to do anything. Neither TV, nor books. Neither movies, nor roaming as well. Most of the part I stay and laze around at home. Makes me wonder, have I become aimless? And this when I have so many things to do. Cat's coming up. Then there are essays to do, to say the least. I feel frustrated. This quote aptly sums up the situation I am in
"You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocketship underpants don't help." - Calvin
I think I need a break. Probably a long weekend out of town, in the mountains or a lazy hill station should help rejuvenate...
"You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocketship underpants don't help." - Calvin
I think I need a break. Probably a long weekend out of town, in the mountains or a lazy hill station should help rejuvenate...
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Congrats Lewis!
I never felt this way and don't think I would in the near future. My heart started racing, full beat. at 12 in the night. Let me be perfectly clear before you draw your conclusions!
It was when Massa was racing Hamilton for the F1 drivers title at the Brazilian GP, when 3 laps from the end the race took a dramatic turn, when Vettel overtook Hamilton, when it seemed possible that Massa might just be crowned champion, that my heartbeat started climbing up. I was literally able to hear it go thud-thud. Is this what racing is all about? Pure thrill. Possibly, Yes. Something which the likes of Cricket would never offer.
I wanted to see a Massa victory, but alas. Did Glock slow down in the end to allow Hamilton through? You never would know. But it is so hard to lose the title by just a solitary point. Massa, the manner you handled defeat, you gained my respect. At the end of the day, the fact is that Hamilton is champion. Congrats Lewis! You deserved it.
It was when Massa was racing Hamilton for the F1 drivers title at the Brazilian GP, when 3 laps from the end the race took a dramatic turn, when Vettel overtook Hamilton, when it seemed possible that Massa might just be crowned champion, that my heartbeat started climbing up. I was literally able to hear it go thud-thud. Is this what racing is all about? Pure thrill. Possibly, Yes. Something which the likes of Cricket would never offer.
I wanted to see a Massa victory, but alas. Did Glock slow down in the end to allow Hamilton through? You never would know. But it is so hard to lose the title by just a solitary point. Massa, the manner you handled defeat, you gained my respect. At the end of the day, the fact is that Hamilton is champion. Congrats Lewis! You deserved it.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Changing HINDU with the TIMES??
Overheard by one of my friends at a theatre playing 'Swades'.
P1: Saala, koi masala bhi nahi hai yaar, is movie mein.
P2: Haan chal chalte hai...pak raha hun mai.
I used to wonder how movies such as swades failed at the box office, whereas no-brainers like no-entry do wonderful business. Probably it's not that hard to figure out. Probably it's a national obsession with glamour. Probably people do not want to get in touch with reality. Or probably in this world of extremes, people want to forget reality for atleast those 3 hours when they are in a cinema theatre.
We were still in college, and those were times when the sensex was at 4000 levels (Whether it would head below 8k now is a different question altogether). The only paper we used to get in our mess was the The Hitavada. The guys collectively used to subscribe to The Times of India, Mumbai edition. The 2 business dailies of the nation would comfortably reach us a day late. Forget about The Hindu and the other prominent dailies. I used to love the content of The Hindu purely for its editorial content and the quality of articles. And that was the opinion of many. But I find many people shunning it mainly due to it being very bland. No or very less coverage to glamour and unwanted events, which otherwise we used to find in plenty in The Times. People dying of hunger don't find space, but a Britney spears' garment auction certainly would, just because the daily wouldn't sell. Overdose of sensationalism. It really is a world of misplaced priorites.
Off late, the Hindu too is losing its sheen, atleast here in its Chennai edition. Its moved from its un-biased views to a more partisan outlook. The Times seems to be enjoying the laurels, for the moment atleast, for its reporting and its editorial content. Would a prolonged presence change its views? Remains to be seen...
P1: Saala, koi masala bhi nahi hai yaar, is movie mein.
P2: Haan chal chalte hai...pak raha hun mai.
I used to wonder how movies such as swades failed at the box office, whereas no-brainers like no-entry do wonderful business. Probably it's not that hard to figure out. Probably it's a national obsession with glamour. Probably people do not want to get in touch with reality. Or probably in this world of extremes, people want to forget reality for atleast those 3 hours when they are in a cinema theatre.
We were still in college, and those were times when the sensex was at 4000 levels (Whether it would head below 8k now is a different question altogether). The only paper we used to get in our mess was the The Hitavada. The guys collectively used to subscribe to The Times of India, Mumbai edition. The 2 business dailies of the nation would comfortably reach us a day late. Forget about The Hindu and the other prominent dailies. I used to love the content of The Hindu purely for its editorial content and the quality of articles. And that was the opinion of many. But I find many people shunning it mainly due to it being very bland. No or very less coverage to glamour and unwanted events, which otherwise we used to find in plenty in The Times. People dying of hunger don't find space, but a Britney spears' garment auction certainly would, just because the daily wouldn't sell. Overdose of sensationalism. It really is a world of misplaced priorites.
Off late, the Hindu too is losing its sheen, atleast here in its Chennai edition. Its moved from its un-biased views to a more partisan outlook. The Times seems to be enjoying the laurels, for the moment atleast, for its reporting and its editorial content. Would a prolonged presence change its views? Remains to be seen...
Saturday, October 04, 2008
The wait continues...
What is it with movies like Swades and Rang de Basanti that you never get tired of watching them? I would have Swades at least 20 times and RDB more than 10 times. But each time I sit to watch them again, it seems like a new start and a new experience all over. I discover the finer nuances of the movie with each watch. Probably the fact that the movie deals with the awakening of a new India amazes and enthralls me all over again. I'd really like to give it to many people the way it is shown in RDB [In the face], but alas, India is a free country. The pan-spitters, law-breakers, corrupt officials and other persons who don't have a respect for other lives are enjoying their hey-day. It remains to be seen for how long though! The wait continues...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Lehman's bust, Merrill's gone...
It's been enough news (leave alone whether it is good or bad) for one weekend. Lehman Brothers has gone bust and Bank of America (BofA) buys Merrill Lynch for 50b $. I knew Lehman was in bad state, and were looking for a suitor, but the quick sale of Merrill, almost a fire-sale, was a complete surprise to me. Early on a Monday, just before leaving for office (Incidentally, I work for Merrill) on a routine, quick glance at CNBC to check how SGX Nifty was performing, a flash news piece caught my attention. It said, BofA has offered 29 $ per share of Merrill and the two are in talks now, and I was confused all the way to office whether I saw it incorrectly, or was it CNBC who made a typo error. And the reports earlier that BofA was in talks with Lehman for deal, made me almost believe that CNBC was wrong. But simultaneously the news that Lehman would be filing for bankruptcy was flashing on screen, and I knew something was brewing in the Merrill camp too.
As soon as I reached office I got the news from my colleagues, that the deal is through and that Bank of America has taken over Merrill Lynch. Immediately, I sent messages, the text reading "Welcome to BofA" to most of my friends, who were caught completely unawares. The looks on their faces said it all, when they reached office. But among all this I was personally very unhappy at the turn of things :( Two companies, one of which is more than 150 years old and the other on the cusp of a century have gone for ever. Lehman Brothers, a 154 year old organization, which survived tougher times during the great depression, ceases to be an entity. Merrill Lynch, a 94 year firm, the most recognizable name on wall street, with the familiar Bull logo might cease to exist sooner or later! Rumours about imminent job-cuts, and jokes around this started doing the rounds. The whole day was a hell of an activity. After all, its not often that you see two financial giants fall in a single day! Dont know whats in store in the future, but as Scarlett says "After all...Tomorrow is another day!"
As soon as I reached office I got the news from my colleagues, that the deal is through and that Bank of America has taken over Merrill Lynch. Immediately, I sent messages, the text reading "Welcome to BofA" to most of my friends, who were caught completely unawares. The looks on their faces said it all, when they reached office. But among all this I was personally very unhappy at the turn of things :( Two companies, one of which is more than 150 years old and the other on the cusp of a century have gone for ever. Lehman Brothers, a 154 year old organization, which survived tougher times during the great depression, ceases to be an entity. Merrill Lynch, a 94 year firm, the most recognizable name on wall street, with the familiar Bull logo might cease to exist sooner or later! Rumours about imminent job-cuts, and jokes around this started doing the rounds. The whole day was a hell of an activity. After all, its not often that you see two financial giants fall in a single day! Dont know whats in store in the future, but as Scarlett says "After all...Tomorrow is another day!"
Thursday, September 04, 2008
One day in the life of a RTO in India...
I had my personal appearance appointment for my driving license today. I along with my friend reached Mandaveli (Chennai locality) RTO at 0950 am (we were informed a day earlier to be at the spot by 10 am) only to be told by the official there that the slots for the driving test for the day are over, and that we would have to come back again after another week. Our representative from the driving class told us first that there is no other option, but he was not at all convincing in his reply. Actually a part of a greater ploy where candidates are initially asked to come at 10 am and then upon reaching they would be told that they were late and would be accomodated upon shelling out a couple of hundred bucks. The same modus operandi, and we were asked to pay 250 bucks. Seeing our reluctance he began convincing us. We called our driving instructor and then further discussions between those 2 people ensured we dont have to shell out anything extra. And then the eternal wait started.
For the next three and a half hours, sitting on the footpath, we analyzed most 4-wheelers that crossed our way. Their features, all the finer aspects and the traffic pattern in the area. Saw 4 new 2-wheelers getting registered, without even the mandatory official check. 3 Vehicles getting their number plates painted from the guy who set his shop under the tree beside us. Saw people coming from various parts of the city, most of them on loss-of-pay, for their appointments only to find that the official wouldn't keep up. The same police vehicle crossing the street twice, Tea shops doing brisk business, vehicles parked in a complete lack of order, and of-course a majority of touts lurking around everywhere.
Thank god, I had company! Three and a half hours, 2 cigarettes (my friend smokes!), 2 teas and 2 soft drinks later, it was made known that we have been issued driving licenses. And that we would have to come back again a couple of days later to get our photographs taken. The RTO inspector did not make an appearance, but still our application has been blessed with his initials (I dont even know, if the signature is genuine or forged). As we were driving back to office, the merits of the system in US, kept continually playing in my mind, along with one another thought. GOD SAVE INDIA!
For the next three and a half hours, sitting on the footpath, we analyzed most 4-wheelers that crossed our way. Their features, all the finer aspects and the traffic pattern in the area. Saw 4 new 2-wheelers getting registered, without even the mandatory official check. 3 Vehicles getting their number plates painted from the guy who set his shop under the tree beside us. Saw people coming from various parts of the city, most of them on loss-of-pay, for their appointments only to find that the official wouldn't keep up. The same police vehicle crossing the street twice, Tea shops doing brisk business, vehicles parked in a complete lack of order, and of-course a majority of touts lurking around everywhere.
Thank god, I had company! Three and a half hours, 2 cigarettes (my friend smokes!), 2 teas and 2 soft drinks later, it was made known that we have been issued driving licenses. And that we would have to come back again a couple of days later to get our photographs taken. The RTO inspector did not make an appearance, but still our application has been blessed with his initials (I dont even know, if the signature is genuine or forged). As we were driving back to office, the merits of the system in US, kept continually playing in my mind, along with one another thought. GOD SAVE INDIA!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
WALL.E
Who could have imagined that a movie with a trash-compacting robot and a vegetation evaluator robot would turn out to be such good emotion-filled fun ride. The animations experts of the film should get the accolades first. They have created a masterpiece, emotions of WALL.E and EVE are brought alive. The 2 robots in the movie almost act human. Next, the artists who did the voice over for the robots, esp WALL.E, for the wonderful job. The best scene in the movie when WALL.E emerges from the tunnel with the plant and cries out "EVE" (pronounced EVA), you can almost feel it. The central character WALL.E, of course, is too appealing, too cute, too charming, and the way it (or should I say 'He'?) cries out 'EVE' is too pleasing. You cant help but fall in love with WALL.E. WALL.E made my Saturday afternoon.
I was too moved, and too happy after watching the movie, that I am strongly recommending it to my friends. Its not the kind of the movie which is intended for children, it has got its own message subtly put across. The way the director portrays the skyline and then zooms the camera in to reveal mounds of trash is very effective. Its one of the best movies among the recent crop. B.t.w WALL.E and EVE in the movie are acronyms. Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth Class and Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator.
What makes you come out of the movie, thinking, is that WALL.E has a soul. Go, have a watch!
I was too moved, and too happy after watching the movie, that I am strongly recommending it to my friends. Its not the kind of the movie which is intended for children, it has got its own message subtly put across. The way the director portrays the skyline and then zooms the camera in to reveal mounds of trash is very effective. Its one of the best movies among the recent crop. B.t.w WALL.E and EVE in the movie are acronyms. Waste Allocation Load Lifter-Earth Class and Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator.
What makes you come out of the movie, thinking, is that WALL.E has a soul. Go, have a watch!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
A day may come...
A day may come when India would be the leader in the Olympics medals tally...
A day may come when India is no more divided on linguistic barriers...
A day may come when we see orderly traffic on Indian roads...
A day may come when we see clean streets...
A day may come when we can get things done without greasing the palms of the Babus...
A day may come when consumer is king in India...
A day may come when India selectively issues visas to global citizens...
A day may come when the average Indian citizen is law-abiding...
A day may come when India and Pakistan are friends again...
A day may come when Communist parties are banned in India, and we have the 2-party system...
A day may come when kabaddi sportsmen are sought after for advertising everything...
A day may come when Indian politicians are accountable...
but this is not the day. This day...we live on!
PS: Inspiration from the speech by king Aragorn: Battle Speech at the Black Gate, from the movie 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' (2003). "A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.This day we fight!!"
A day may come when India is no more divided on linguistic barriers...
A day may come when we see orderly traffic on Indian roads...
A day may come when we see clean streets...
A day may come when we can get things done without greasing the palms of the Babus...
A day may come when consumer is king in India...
A day may come when India selectively issues visas to global citizens...
A day may come when the average Indian citizen is law-abiding...
A day may come when India and Pakistan are friends again...
A day may come when Communist parties are banned in India, and we have the 2-party system...
A day may come when kabaddi sportsmen are sought after for advertising everything...
A day may come when Indian politicians are accountable...
but this is not the day. This day...we live on!
PS: Inspiration from the speech by king Aragorn: Battle Speech at the Black Gate, from the movie 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King' (2003). "A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.This day we fight!!"
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Fedex and Rafa
This week, Rafael Nadal takes over from Roger Federer as the new top ranked guy in Men's tennis; The Numero Uno. Though I am a staunch Federer supporter, I am happy for Nadal, because he's worthy of the position that has come after a lot of hardwork. He had been trailing behind Fedex in the second spot for 160 weeks now. So no doubt that he deserves the accolades being showered on him. In the midst of all this, the focus has now shifted from Fedex. His recent form slump has resulted in critics labelling him a spent force, and doubts are surfacing if he would ever regain his past glory, go past Sampras' 14 grand slams and ever win at the Olympics and the French open. Spent force? Well certainly the facts below should be speaking for themselves. I came across these from the ATP website.
For starters, Federer has reached the semi-final of the Australian open and the finals of the other 2 grand slams this year. His Wimbledon final against Nadal is already being called the greatest game of tennis in the open era. He now holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at no 1 - 237; The second in line is far behind with 160. w.r.t other statistics,
Aces 3rd position - 461 in 55 matches
Second server points won, 2nd position - 58%
Service games won, 3rd position - 88%
1st serve percentage, 15th position - 65%
1st serve points won, 5th - 77%
Break points saved - 66%
Points won returning 1st serve - 33%
Break points converted, 21st position - 42%
Points won returning 2ns serve, 8th position - 53%
Return games won, 10th position - 28%
So why is this being called a serious slump and fedex being written off? Probably the standards are different for different people. This which looks like a no mean achievement, is bad from Fedex's standards. Its not the fact that fedex is losing more matches this year - and that too with players, whom he used to dismiss them with the wave of a wand - its the way that bothers more. The federer-on-court, ever composed has started showing mortal signs, on-court emotions, frustrations and helplessness. Is it age which has caused a deterioration in his armoury? Certainly not. Both of these player are pushed to the limit by each other, trying to find that one spectacular shot, to explore that small chink in the armour to out-do the other. Its probably more to do with the Mind. Rafael Nadal has gotten to him, his mind. The best of duels are fought more in the mind, than on the field (remember the australian strategy in Cricket?) and this moment Fedex is intimidated by Rafa. Ultimately this has to be overcome if he needs to achieve greater heights. And I do hope and pray that he returns stronger, both mentally and physically, next year and this rivalry continue for some time to come.
For starters, Federer has reached the semi-final of the Australian open and the finals of the other 2 grand slams this year. His Wimbledon final against Nadal is already being called the greatest game of tennis in the open era. He now holds the record for the most consecutive weeks at no 1 - 237; The second in line is far behind with 160. w.r.t other statistics,
Aces 3rd position - 461 in 55 matches
Second server points won, 2nd position - 58%
Service games won, 3rd position - 88%
1st serve percentage, 15th position - 65%
1st serve points won, 5th - 77%
Break points saved - 66%
Points won returning 1st serve - 33%
Break points converted, 21st position - 42%
Points won returning 2ns serve, 8th position - 53%
Return games won, 10th position - 28%
So why is this being called a serious slump and fedex being written off? Probably the standards are different for different people. This which looks like a no mean achievement, is bad from Fedex's standards. Its not the fact that fedex is losing more matches this year - and that too with players, whom he used to dismiss them with the wave of a wand - its the way that bothers more. The federer-on-court, ever composed has started showing mortal signs, on-court emotions, frustrations and helplessness. Is it age which has caused a deterioration in his armoury? Certainly not. Both of these player are pushed to the limit by each other, trying to find that one spectacular shot, to explore that small chink in the armour to out-do the other. Its probably more to do with the Mind. Rafael Nadal has gotten to him, his mind. The best of duels are fought more in the mind, than on the field (remember the australian strategy in Cricket?) and this moment Fedex is intimidated by Rafa. Ultimately this has to be overcome if he needs to achieve greater heights. And I do hope and pray that he returns stronger, both mentally and physically, next year and this rivalry continue for some time to come.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Zeno's paradox
Yet another lunch hour, and yet another pointless discussion. A couple of puzzles and tricky mathematics questions found their way to the table. I was introduced to a Mathematical puzzle, more of a paradox. I'll try and recreate it in my own words. It involves the classic old tale of The Hare and the Tortoise, as narrated by my friend. The story goes this way. A hare and a tortoise agree to a race but the hare concedes to the tortoise, the luxury of having an initial lead before the actual race start. When the race was about to start, the tortoise presents an option to the hare. It says "You would not be able to win the race anyway. You would take time to come up to the point where I currently am. And by that time I would have drifted further away. And again when you try to reach me, I would have gone some more distance. So theoretically, I am the winner of this race." The hare did see a logic here, and conceded the race. (Am wondering, was this the origin of the phrase hare-brained?) Obviously there has to be a loophole here. Dying to get back to my seat to google it out.
Here is what i found. The exact version is slightly different, though. Its strangely called the Achilles and the tortoise paradox of motion. Thus it goes. Theoretically, rather paradoxically it states that In a race, the quickest runner can never overtake the slowest, since the pursuer must first reach the point whence the pursued started, so that the slower must always hold a lead. Strange, according to this, there would not be any of those chilling come from behind victories in modern sport. I was not able to find any fallacy in the logic. The post gives the false assumptions made to support the paradox. All this sounds interesting? Have a read here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno's_paradoxes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno%27s_paradox_solutions
Here is what i found. The exact version is slightly different, though. Its strangely called the Achilles and the tortoise paradox of motion. Thus it goes. Theoretically, rather paradoxically it states that In a race, the quickest runner can never overtake the slowest, since the pursuer must first reach the point whence the pursued started, so that the slower must always hold a lead. Strange, according to this, there would not be any of those chilling come from behind victories in modern sport. I was not able to find any fallacy in the logic. The post gives the false assumptions made to support the paradox. All this sounds interesting? Have a read here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno's_paradoxes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeno%27s_paradox_solutions
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Movie Weekend...
Its been more than six months since I stepped into a cinema theater, if you discount the one movie, 21, that I saw while in the US. The last one was Taare Zameen Par, on the 1st of Jan 08. Since then Many movies have come and gone, and though I have caught up with most of them on DVD, I still miss being at Sathyam. Infact, I have been trying hard to get someone along to see Jaane Tu...but without much success. Finally, I decided Torrentz is the way to go...the entire movie took about a day to get downloaded, the repeated breaks in between, and the log-offs did not help either.
I dont want this to turn into another film review too. Just that there is no one at home and am feeling bored, I switched the computer on and started typing something. And this post has been due for quite a while too. Most of my blog entries, sadly would be back-dated ones, with me thinking and writing about them after the dust has settled. And I wanted a change for once.
This weekend was more of a movie weekend. Saturday afternoon - The Wanted. Saturday night - Subramaniyapuram. Sunday afternoon - Jaane Tu ya Jaane na. The Wanted was a ok-ok type of movie, though you get very less of Angelina Jolie in the movie. If you can discount the logic behind the extravagant stunts, they are a visual treat.
Already there was so much hype about Jaane Tu...it better live up to expectation. At least the movie started off well, different from the crazy bollywood masala movies off late. The chemistry between the lead pair was good, though they were claiming for most of the movie that they were friends. Genelia looked good, and didn't have to act much too. Her character in the movie was played to perfection, the lively, charming girl. Sadly her act changes as we go deeper. She mostly appears in a sombre mood, as the movie progresses, and I was wondering...Was she the one who infused life into the earlier part of the movie? The movie become predictable as it progresses, and the common Bollywood idiosyncracies start creeping in. The end, almost predictable. All in all, a decent movie. I should add though, that I truly liked the screen character Aditi.
Yesterday night I watched a movie, Subramaniyapuram. A tamil movie by a debutanat director, set in the 1980s. It was a masterpiece act where all the scenes in the movie truly look, feel and ooze the 80s. A movie of friendship, bits of love, and betrayal. 5 friends, a mute for the most part heroine, a crooked politician and his crooked brother, protagonists' initiation into crime, deeper and deeper they fall, BETRAYAL. Certainly left a lasting impact on me. Way to go, Director! We need more of such thought-provoking cinema, amongst the tons of mindless crap being dished out.
So whats up for Sunday night? Sadly, the Monday morning office routine, and the impending GMAT does not allow that luxury.
I dont want this to turn into another film review too. Just that there is no one at home and am feeling bored, I switched the computer on and started typing something. And this post has been due for quite a while too. Most of my blog entries, sadly would be back-dated ones, with me thinking and writing about them after the dust has settled. And I wanted a change for once.
This weekend was more of a movie weekend. Saturday afternoon - The Wanted. Saturday night - Subramaniyapuram. Sunday afternoon - Jaane Tu ya Jaane na. The Wanted was a ok-ok type of movie, though you get very less of Angelina Jolie in the movie. If you can discount the logic behind the extravagant stunts, they are a visual treat.
Already there was so much hype about Jaane Tu...it better live up to expectation. At least the movie started off well, different from the crazy bollywood masala movies off late. The chemistry between the lead pair was good, though they were claiming for most of the movie that they were friends. Genelia looked good, and didn't have to act much too. Her character in the movie was played to perfection, the lively, charming girl. Sadly her act changes as we go deeper. She mostly appears in a sombre mood, as the movie progresses, and I was wondering...Was she the one who infused life into the earlier part of the movie? The movie become predictable as it progresses, and the common Bollywood idiosyncracies start creeping in. The end, almost predictable. All in all, a decent movie. I should add though, that I truly liked the screen character Aditi.
Yesterday night I watched a movie, Subramaniyapuram. A tamil movie by a debutanat director, set in the 1980s. It was a masterpiece act where all the scenes in the movie truly look, feel and ooze the 80s. A movie of friendship, bits of love, and betrayal. 5 friends, a mute for the most part heroine, a crooked politician and his crooked brother, protagonists' initiation into crime, deeper and deeper they fall, BETRAYAL. Certainly left a lasting impact on me. Way to go, Director! We need more of such thought-provoking cinema, amongst the tons of mindless crap being dished out.
So whats up for Sunday night? Sadly, the Monday morning office routine, and the impending GMAT does not allow that luxury.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
First impressions...
Ladies and Gentlemen - We'll be landing shortly at 25 minutes past 2 at the John F Kennedy international airport in New York. The outside temperature is 22 deg C. Please fasten your blah blah blah...blah blah blah. Immediately my neck goes craning to the left window to catch glimpses of the world famous sky-scrapers of NYC. Darn! disappointment. A fat person' back was all the view I could get. To the right now, and it seemed sea was the only thing in view...all blue. Only thing I now had to look at was the emirates personal entertainment screen, and the occasional air hostess whizzing past with a sense of urgency.
As soon as the plane taxied and came to a halt, the noise level in the plane suddenly goes up - Mothers, brothers, sisters, everyone seemed to be calling everyone else. Well, I (and my friend) having to call no one at that moment, gave my colleague a hi-fi and then the long procedure for actually setting foot on American soil.
A million hopes, a million dreams...man, this is America. End of the tiresome and boring Emirates flight...no good food, no good air hostesses. We hired a private taxi, had a black driver - a nice guy at that. He realized that we were first timers (should have been obvious from the way we were staring at the countryside and the buildings. The tallest building back in Chennai, apparently is the LIC building, which paled in comparison with the variety and architecture of the buildings in the financial nerve centre of the world) and was good enough to point out the various landmarks of NYC. He had a keen financial acumen, and almost left us embarrassed with his repertoire of knowledge. We had to dig very deep to answer his questions. Be it the recent market crash or the billions of dollars of loss that Merrill Lynch posted, Citi's Indian head or the Oil prices, he had an answer to all of that. Before we could be subjected to more such probing questions, luckily we arrived at our destination in Jersey City. Certainly he made us realize, we were a small cog in a big wheel.
As soon as the plane taxied and came to a halt, the noise level in the plane suddenly goes up - Mothers, brothers, sisters, everyone seemed to be calling everyone else. Well, I (and my friend) having to call no one at that moment, gave my colleague a hi-fi and then the long procedure for actually setting foot on American soil.
A million hopes, a million dreams...man, this is America. End of the tiresome and boring Emirates flight...no good food, no good air hostesses. We hired a private taxi, had a black driver - a nice guy at that. He realized that we were first timers (should have been obvious from the way we were staring at the countryside and the buildings. The tallest building back in Chennai, apparently is the LIC building, which paled in comparison with the variety and architecture of the buildings in the financial nerve centre of the world) and was good enough to point out the various landmarks of NYC. He had a keen financial acumen, and almost left us embarrassed with his repertoire of knowledge. We had to dig very deep to answer his questions. Be it the recent market crash or the billions of dollars of loss that Merrill Lynch posted, Citi's Indian head or the Oil prices, he had an answer to all of that. Before we could be subjected to more such probing questions, luckily we arrived at our destination in Jersey City. Certainly he made us realize, we were a small cog in a big wheel.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Sad Sunday?
The article Sad Sunday by Kalpana Sharma in 'The Hindu' on International Women's day made me write this piece. The last line in the article is what caught my attention - "A day after International Women's day, celebrated these days more by companies selling consumer goods than by women, we must pause and reflect." and made me think. Come Woman's day, we see so many advertising and marketing campaigns targeted towards women, one of which said something like, 'As a woman, you need to feel special on Woman's day'. Damn...what about the other 364 days? Don't they need to feel special on other days? I don't understand the logic behind such foolish campaigns. Why do we indulge in self-pleasing tactics, when the realities around us are far different? (My company actually went ahead and hosted a dinner party for all women employees at a star hotel in the city.)
Sadly though, as the ground reality stands, its not just a Sad Sunday for women all over, but each day, Monday through Sunday, is the same repetition of the sad events. News channels vie with each other to bring to our drawing rooms the gory brutalities that unfold around us. Daily we see and hear events in which women are at the receiving end of things - news channels competing amongst themselves in this regard, to bring these news. A week before that I actually was witness to an incident of eve-teasing and harassment in the public transport. Though I have heard that such incidents occur often, I never was witness to one earlier.
Time: 0945 hrs, TNagar bus top. Boarded the bus 5B to Mylapore to get to office. A nice looking young lady got on along with me at the TNagar bus stop. As usual the bus was a little crowded. She was wearing a dress which bared the mid-riff slightly, when she stretched to reach the overhead support. Two men caught note of it and made their way through the crowd and approached her...standing there they were constantly staring at her and continuously kept falling on her. They even had the balls to grope at her mid-riff constantly. But why was this girl not raising her voice? Prob she did not know the local language...I wanted to step-in but did not, to not embarrass the girl. This incident was replaying itself in my mind time and again and questions such as 'What was her reason for not raising her voice?', 'was I right in showing restraint?", 'Should I have stepped-in?' keep coming back. Frankly, I don't have an answer for them.
Sadly though, as the ground reality stands, its not just a Sad Sunday for women all over, but each day, Monday through Sunday, is the same repetition of the sad events. News channels vie with each other to bring to our drawing rooms the gory brutalities that unfold around us. Daily we see and hear events in which women are at the receiving end of things - news channels competing amongst themselves in this regard, to bring these news. A week before that I actually was witness to an incident of eve-teasing and harassment in the public transport. Though I have heard that such incidents occur often, I never was witness to one earlier.
Time: 0945 hrs, TNagar bus top. Boarded the bus 5B to Mylapore to get to office. A nice looking young lady got on along with me at the TNagar bus stop. As usual the bus was a little crowded. She was wearing a dress which bared the mid-riff slightly, when she stretched to reach the overhead support. Two men caught note of it and made their way through the crowd and approached her...standing there they were constantly staring at her and continuously kept falling on her. They even had the balls to grope at her mid-riff constantly. But why was this girl not raising her voice? Prob she did not know the local language...I wanted to step-in but did not, to not embarrass the girl. This incident was replaying itself in my mind time and again and questions such as 'What was her reason for not raising her voice?', 'was I right in showing restraint?", 'Should I have stepped-in?' keep coming back. Frankly, I don't have an answer for them.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
My Eagle finally flies...
albeit for a few seconds only. For the past one month i had been tinkering with a piece of code called Eagle. Its supposed to do some wonders and make development easy and blah blah blah...only thing being that i never quite managed to understand it. And I am discouraged from calling in to London, because my queries are responded to in a heavy British accent, half of which i am not able to make any sense of, something like peoplespeak in mumbai. Trying to explain the way to reach the address...with your mouth full of pan juice.
Anyways the point here is that finally after a month of fooling around with this tool, i finally managed to get it into some sort of shape. Daily evening my lead would ask the status of work, and daily I'd draw a blank. Yesterday the same routine ensued, but he got a pleasant surprise when I told that we have progressed quite a bit with the configuration of the tool. The look on his face said it all :)
It certainly is a different feeling when you are able to see the results of your efforts. Difficult days in store in the next one week, but certainly my resolve is all the more steelier now. I'd fix it up soon.
Anyways the point here is that finally after a month of fooling around with this tool, i finally managed to get it into some sort of shape. Daily evening my lead would ask the status of work, and daily I'd draw a blank. Yesterday the same routine ensued, but he got a pleasant surprise when I told that we have progressed quite a bit with the configuration of the tool. The look on his face said it all :)
It certainly is a different feeling when you are able to see the results of your efforts. Difficult days in store in the next one week, but certainly my resolve is all the more steelier now. I'd fix it up soon.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Of P.C and populist politics
I, generally, am not the sort of person who cares too much about politics...and I feel myself to be a part of an increasing tribe too. Most of the people of my age too share the same view, I guess, that politics is a quagmire. But then I thought I'd give a listen in to this year's budget, to be delivered by P.C, out of desperation if not anything else. My code was not working, I was already behind schedule for completion of the work by a week. I actually had to understand the code written by some nerd (Strangely, it was titled Eagle) make sense of it and pull it up for implementation in my work. Writing code is much more interesting and easy than making sense of someone else's code. Simply put it was like cleaning up someone else's puke. I couldn't have been in a worse situation than this. So I decided to take a break from the monotony. The happenings in parliament at least could bring some comic relief. And luckily, my friend came up with some site that streams live video feed from the budget session. Well, I just reached office at 1030, checked mails, had a cup of good strong coffee from the cafeteria coffee vending machine and settled down for the budget speech. I opened up multiple windows of my browser - www.bseindia.com to check the market reaction to the budget, www.moneycontrol.com to check the stocks that are most affected, and the site which streamed the budget speech. Ready to go! The site said P.C is on his way to parliament and should be there anytime soon.
The speech began and went on expected lines. Election year - lots of sops. It covered sector by sector, announcing sops for some, taxing others and leaving the rest untouched. North eastern states get more fund, A.P, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh get new IITs. Farmers of India get a 60,000 crore fund for a one-time write off of loans. Not that they dont deserve it - after all they are dependent on monsoon rains to help them out. But the frequency is what amazes me, we cant do this over and over again, every fifth year. Immediately I checked BSEIndia to check how the banking stocks were doing - needless to say the BANKEX was taking a beating. It recovered after the government announced that it'd foot the write-off and the banks would not be affected. Prob it would do something on the lines of Oil bonds issued to Oil marketing companies.
Whether the government is trying and hiding its inability, to do anything towards the development of irrigation, behind this huge dole? After all its election year, you'll have to please everyone. And farmers constitute 40% of the population. But do all farmers borrow from Banks? what about those who had borrowed from money lenders? And what about those who borrowed from banks and rightfully returned the amount? Have they been foolish to do so? Prob in future we might see less and less of the loans taken being returned. The government has set a positive example - Way to go P.C!
The budget also had its moments of comedy, after all these people would behave the way that is India - Anarchy, when unchecked. They had to be reminded, time and again that they are on TV, live. Poor Somnath Chatterjee, he should be having a tough time dealing with them daily. Well farmers dealt with, in a single stroke P.C appealed out to the other major constituent of our population - The Middle class. By reducing the income taxes, he has in a single stroke endeared himself to other 30% of the population. Taxes reduced, minimum benefit of 4k - substantial benefits. Am happy, Certainly! At least my outgoing tax burden is reduced, now i don't mind whether women or senior citizens get more deductions. Other than this single major impact there also has been another impact of the budget on my life. Cheaper Cars - It'd turn out to be a positive decision if I decide to buy one in the near future (There certainly is a plan). Mobile phones costlier, Petrol and Diesel unchanged. It remains to be seen, though, if there'll be an impact due to a service tax being imposed on the stock exchanges. My transaction charges might increase. Its wait and watch on that front.
What remains to be seen is that whether UPA and its allies recapture power at the center in the coming general elections. Will this budget transfer into actual votes? Will P.C get a chance to equal or break Morarji Desai's record of delivering the maximum number of budgets? Time will tell.
The speech began and went on expected lines. Election year - lots of sops. It covered sector by sector, announcing sops for some, taxing others and leaving the rest untouched. North eastern states get more fund, A.P, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh get new IITs. Farmers of India get a 60,000 crore fund for a one-time write off of loans. Not that they dont deserve it - after all they are dependent on monsoon rains to help them out. But the frequency is what amazes me, we cant do this over and over again, every fifth year. Immediately I checked BSEIndia to check how the banking stocks were doing - needless to say the BANKEX was taking a beating. It recovered after the government announced that it'd foot the write-off and the banks would not be affected. Prob it would do something on the lines of Oil bonds issued to Oil marketing companies.
Whether the government is trying and hiding its inability, to do anything towards the development of irrigation, behind this huge dole? After all its election year, you'll have to please everyone. And farmers constitute 40% of the population. But do all farmers borrow from Banks? what about those who had borrowed from money lenders? And what about those who borrowed from banks and rightfully returned the amount? Have they been foolish to do so? Prob in future we might see less and less of the loans taken being returned. The government has set a positive example - Way to go P.C!
The budget also had its moments of comedy, after all these people would behave the way that is India - Anarchy, when unchecked. They had to be reminded, time and again that they are on TV, live. Poor Somnath Chatterjee, he should be having a tough time dealing with them daily. Well farmers dealt with, in a single stroke P.C appealed out to the other major constituent of our population - The Middle class. By reducing the income taxes, he has in a single stroke endeared himself to other 30% of the population. Taxes reduced, minimum benefit of 4k - substantial benefits. Am happy, Certainly! At least my outgoing tax burden is reduced, now i don't mind whether women or senior citizens get more deductions. Other than this single major impact there also has been another impact of the budget on my life. Cheaper Cars - It'd turn out to be a positive decision if I decide to buy one in the near future (There certainly is a plan). Mobile phones costlier, Petrol and Diesel unchanged. It remains to be seen, though, if there'll be an impact due to a service tax being imposed on the stock exchanges. My transaction charges might increase. Its wait and watch on that front.
What remains to be seen is that whether UPA and its allies recapture power at the center in the coming general elections. Will this budget transfer into actual votes? Will P.C get a chance to equal or break Morarji Desai's record of delivering the maximum number of budgets? Time will tell.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Lunch time discussions...
Yet another day, Yet another discussion, completely pointless. Thats what lunch time discussions are all about. They have to be completely pointless, else there is no point in having them. The point of discussion would be just about anything, from the latest ITEM in office to F1 to politics and policies to sport to state of the nation.
F1 is one sport that sets my heart racing. I have not found this sort of adrenaline rush in any other sport. Football is a close second. Cricket is miles behind when it comes to exciting the viewer. Its a dull, drab affair for close to a third of a day (sometime for 5 days too, when its played in white uniform). But none to rival F1. I got caught on to the F1 bug while in the late teens, I remember watching it since when i was in my 11th std, when Mika Hakkinen lifted the title twice in succession. I used to love the duels between Micheal Schumacher a.k.a MS and Mika. And when my close group in college had a couple of race enthusiasts, i used to love the discussions that we used to have. Each of us were loyal to our teams and drivers. We used to go and occupy the front seats of the hostel common room and the tv remote well in advance on raceday, only out of fear that we'd miss our fortnightly affair with F1, just because someone is watching an idiotic bhojpuri film on Zee cinema (The most crappiest channel. Sometimes i wonder, how they managed to lay their hands on so much of crap, mind you they have got exclusive rights to it.). Recently, we heard of field trials being conducted to build a F1 arena, (I prefer to call it an arena, where gladiatorial battles are fought) and even the best known racetrack designer Herman Tilke came down for an aerial survey. Chances are that I might soon, if not in 2009, at least by 2012, (You know better the state of infrastructure projects in India) get the chance of seeing an F1 race in my own country.
India functions by its own set of rules, though. Here you have to pull the right set of cords to get the government machinery to throw its weight behind you. And governments do not trod on uncharted territory. As a rule of the thumb, the first thing a government does on coming to power is cancelling all the contracts signed by the previous government in the previous year. Another must-do (at least in Tamilnadu) is a mass movement and transfer of officials, bringing in trusted aides closer to them and posting the unwanted (read Fair and Just) officials to posts where there is not much scope of them creating any obstacle. It would willingly delay necessary reform decisions for the fear of losing out its popularity. On the contrary it would introduce more idiotic and insensible decisions which would benefit a minority population to gain extra mileage. One such decision is the allocation of quotas to backward classes in Higher education. Marginalized within his party and largely ignored on the national political scene, this act is master stroke by our Indian HRD minister to get himself into the center-stage. And he has done damn good at that. Instead of accepting the responsibility that nothing is being done at the grassroots level, they are hiding their disability and incompetent attitude behind the wall of reservations, and in turn get elevated to demi-god status. Darnnn, these ministers...
What started off as another lunch time discussion about F1 and 2007 season review amongst us, soon went along these lines. We discussed reservations in detail and we discussed F1 too. The next logical things was to take it a step further and put both of them together. We discussed 'What If'. We discussed the implications of putting the sinister plans of our minister into an enterprise driven sport like F1. Scary thought, huh? might be a reality too, if these dogs continue in office further. To top it off, once in a while would come along some underdog - largely ignored till now, trying to create name and space or himself on the national scene - who declare themselves the sole guardians of their community and region's faith and vehemently stand up for their cause, with scarce regard to nationalism and humanity. What if we had a concept of 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27.5% BC, and x% communal quota, for all the jobs that are created out of this F1 venture? What if say out of the 2 driver positions one had to necessarily be reserved? And what if the position goes unfilled? I have personally come across cases in higher education during counseling, the seat reserved for a person from a certain community and left unfilled is not allocated to anyone else at the end of the day. It goes vacant. Even grave situations would be where, say, the position for the person who refuels the car goes vacant, or the one who works on the tires. And if the positions had to be filled, would the entry criteria for both remain same? History suggests otherwise though. Thank god, there is private enterprise in this country. Yet another day, Yet another discussion, completely pointless...but refreshing. Thats what lunch time discussions are all about...
F1 is one sport that sets my heart racing. I have not found this sort of adrenaline rush in any other sport. Football is a close second. Cricket is miles behind when it comes to exciting the viewer. Its a dull, drab affair for close to a third of a day (sometime for 5 days too, when its played in white uniform). But none to rival F1. I got caught on to the F1 bug while in the late teens, I remember watching it since when i was in my 11th std, when Mika Hakkinen lifted the title twice in succession. I used to love the duels between Micheal Schumacher a.k.a MS and Mika. And when my close group in college had a couple of race enthusiasts, i used to love the discussions that we used to have. Each of us were loyal to our teams and drivers. We used to go and occupy the front seats of the hostel common room and the tv remote well in advance on raceday, only out of fear that we'd miss our fortnightly affair with F1, just because someone is watching an idiotic bhojpuri film on Zee cinema (The most crappiest channel. Sometimes i wonder, how they managed to lay their hands on so much of crap, mind you they have got exclusive rights to it.). Recently, we heard of field trials being conducted to build a F1 arena, (I prefer to call it an arena, where gladiatorial battles are fought) and even the best known racetrack designer Herman Tilke came down for an aerial survey. Chances are that I might soon, if not in 2009, at least by 2012, (You know better the state of infrastructure projects in India) get the chance of seeing an F1 race in my own country.
India functions by its own set of rules, though. Here you have to pull the right set of cords to get the government machinery to throw its weight behind you. And governments do not trod on uncharted territory. As a rule of the thumb, the first thing a government does on coming to power is cancelling all the contracts signed by the previous government in the previous year. Another must-do (at least in Tamilnadu) is a mass movement and transfer of officials, bringing in trusted aides closer to them and posting the unwanted (read Fair and Just) officials to posts where there is not much scope of them creating any obstacle. It would willingly delay necessary reform decisions for the fear of losing out its popularity. On the contrary it would introduce more idiotic and insensible decisions which would benefit a minority population to gain extra mileage. One such decision is the allocation of quotas to backward classes in Higher education. Marginalized within his party and largely ignored on the national political scene, this act is master stroke by our Indian HRD minister to get himself into the center-stage. And he has done damn good at that. Instead of accepting the responsibility that nothing is being done at the grassroots level, they are hiding their disability and incompetent attitude behind the wall of reservations, and in turn get elevated to demi-god status. Darnnn, these ministers...
What started off as another lunch time discussion about F1 and 2007 season review amongst us, soon went along these lines. We discussed reservations in detail and we discussed F1 too. The next logical things was to take it a step further and put both of them together. We discussed 'What If'. We discussed the implications of putting the sinister plans of our minister into an enterprise driven sport like F1. Scary thought, huh? might be a reality too, if these dogs continue in office further. To top it off, once in a while would come along some underdog - largely ignored till now, trying to create name and space or himself on the national scene - who declare themselves the sole guardians of their community and region's faith and vehemently stand up for their cause, with scarce regard to nationalism and humanity. What if we had a concept of 15% SC, 7.5% ST, 27.5% BC, and x% communal quota, for all the jobs that are created out of this F1 venture? What if say out of the 2 driver positions one had to necessarily be reserved? And what if the position goes unfilled? I have personally come across cases in higher education during counseling, the seat reserved for a person from a certain community and left unfilled is not allocated to anyone else at the end of the day. It goes vacant. Even grave situations would be where, say, the position for the person who refuels the car goes vacant, or the one who works on the tires. And if the positions had to be filled, would the entry criteria for both remain same? History suggests otherwise though. Thank god, there is private enterprise in this country. Yet another day, Yet another discussion, completely pointless...but refreshing. Thats what lunch time discussions are all about...
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
இனிய புத்தாண்டு நல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்
அனைவருக்கும் இனிய புத்தாண்டு நல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்। இந்த புத்தாண்டில் மகிழ்ச்சிகள் பொங்கட்டும்।
Happy New Year 2008 to all the visitors to my Blog.
मेरे ब्लोग पढ़नेवाले सभी को नए साल २००८ की हार्धिक शुभकामनाएं।
Wow, this is cool. Am loving it - Narsi.
Happy New Year 2008 to all the visitors to my Blog.
मेरे ब्लोग पढ़नेवाले सभी को नए साल २००८ की हार्धिक शुभकामनाएं।
Wow, this is cool. Am loving it - Narsi.
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