Saturday, June 04, 2005
I N D I A
When you travel the length and breadth of the country (which I haven’t) I guess you’ll be surprised every inch. The latest incident that surprised me was the episode involving the rickshaws.
I remember traveling in auto in Delhi during my initial school days – when I was maybe ten years old. That was the age when you don’t really know what sympathy means. All I wanted back then was a game of cricket every evening before crashing into the bed. I was then was transported to richer places like Coimbatore and Chennai (occasionally) and Bangalore. I almost forgot about the existence of rickshaws coz there were none in these places. Almost 12 years later, I traveled in rickshaws that are driven by men – sans motors – in Delhi and I’m pained. Not that I didn’t know about its existence, but traveling in them was like really tough all of a sudden.I tried the Metro in Delhi for the first time this weekend. It was AWESOME. It beats most of the metros that I’ve seen in Hollywood movies. The thing works like a breeze – with zilch noise and terrific acceleration. The whole station, metro, escalator – everything – is clean like crazy. Hell, you wouldn’t believe you are in India. It just costed seven bucks for like a 7 Km ride. I wouldn’t’ve minded paying 35 bucks! Once you are out of the metro, you see the rickshaws. Loads of them. I’ve come to realize that this is the first thing that strikes a foreigner. A life of contrasts. Five star hotels, and rusted vehicles outside. 1st class trains and platforms filled with people without shelter. Flashy cars and bullock carts squeezing for the same space. The place we wanted to go was two streets away, and we didn’t want to walk in the Delhi afternoon sun. Rickshaws seemed to be the answer. I couldn’t believe that we were going to take a rickshaw. We hesitated to walk, and are we going to make that guy pedal a huge thing with two bullies inside? Sounded like the 1900 master-slave culture. I really couldn’t make up my mind. But not using the rickshaws would also mean no business for those folks. My friend said: “Well, this is India, and this is their livelihood. Let’s take it. Give them some business”. I gave in. I couldn’t convince myself that not traveling in it was a solution, simply because it wasn’t. It was one of those moments that really put you on hold with no way to go.
It was even more painful to see the guy pedaling on slopes. He literally had to put the whole body load on the pedal. Fortunately, the road was pretty much even throughout, and that saved him. We didn’t have to get down either. I gave him 15 bucks instead of the 10 bucks as agreed. I really don’t know why I did it. My extra five bucks isn’t a solution to anything. We aren’t going to change India through charity. But still, it kind of gave a satisfaction. Maybe I thought he deserved it.
Even worse was the next incident. We were walking along a small pavement with soft drink bottles in hand. The place was pretty rotten and smelling real bad. We were pretty much scrambling out of the place when a rag kid asked us some alms. We were in no mood to give charity. After realizing that we aren’t going to give him anything, he cursed us… loud enough for us to know. I was pretty depressed for a moment. For such kids, it’s almost a right to claim for alms. Wonder what that kid would become if he grows up. It would be no surprise if he goes out of the way. For him, it’s just his life and everything he does is justified. You really can’t straighten out guys these later after having grown up in an ambience like this.
All this makes me think of another issue. Lots of people I know give alms, which is a short term solution to a long term problem. A lot of them don’t because they believe alms would just encourage these folks. For me though, it remains a tough question. For once, both parties seem right.
Monday, April 11, 2005
B A N G A L O R E !!!!!
My first week in Reuters has been quite entertaining one. From Skits to role playing, quizzes.....you just name it, I experienced everything. This is the way Reuters welcome newcomers its a great way.
Last week we had a party at hotel Leela for the entire Data Operation team and ........we had a B L A S T.
The infrastructure is pretty cool with flat screen monitors, personal telephones with STD & ISD facility, Reuters Messaging Service (similar to MSN)etc etc.
But the amount of passwords one is supposed to remmember is quite intimidating. IDs for telephone, PC, Bridgestation, 3000xtra, Oracle......the list goes on and on.
To meet the alreadu existing high standard is quite a challenge but as others have done it so will I .......
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Bizarre Stuff........
I got this info from one of my friend..... and this is the bizarrest stuff I ever heard......
Pratik Patel has put up a part of his body - theforehead - as ad space on an Internet auction site. Sold on the idea of the human billboard?
Well,21-year-old Pratik Patel, is convinced that he willfind takers on the auction website on which he hasbecome the first Indian to auction a body part as adspace. Yes, this computer management student from Punedoesn't deny being inspired by "fellow advertisers" onthat particular auction website. "I was rather surprised by the overwhelming responsethat Andrew Fischer got. He sold his forehead as spacefor advertising and got $37,375. When he can earn somuch through his forehead, why can't I?"
And what of other body-part auctioneers like AngelBrammer of Scotland, who sold her bust as ad space;and the pregnant Elise Harp of Georgia, who auctionedher protruding tummy as ad space? "Well, if I had whatthey have, I would do it too!" he saysFor those interested in buying Pratik's forehead as adspace for 30 days, bids start at Rs 1 lakh. "Listingis free of cost. However, the transaction fee of 5% onthe final value is what the advertiser has to give theportal," informs Deepa, corporate communicationsmanager of the website, "The rest is all his."
Money, however, is not his only criterion, insistsPratik. "Money apart, I also want to be famous. Thisattempt to auction my forehead is a stepping stone tothe UK, where I intend to pursue higher studies. Ofcourse, the more I am paid for my forehead, the betterwill be the quality of my education, the life of myparents and friends, and the life of tsunami victimsas I want to make a donation too. I also plan to buy alaptop." If Pratik has already planned how to spend what heearns, it's because he's confident the concept of bodyparts as ad space will work in India. "Why not? It's a unique concept. It's a matter oftime.
The moment this becomes a trend here, there willbe no looking back." Adds Deepa: "If corporates come forward to plant theirlogos on someone's forehead, it won't be long beforethe trend spreads like wildfire. As far as body partsgo, being an Indian portal, ad spaces will always haveto cater to community viewing." Pratik, in turn, is game for everything. "Put any logothat you want on my forehead as long as the money isbig."
Did we hear a bid out there?.....
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Nonsense
Well, several times, I thought about giving up on this site. Several times, I read a few old posts and felt like (no actually I knew......) it was all trash (crap...... bullshit).
Several times, I asked, when did I have such moronic ideas? So I wondered, why not throw it all away, since it does not represent my current beliefs?
But if I do that, I will never have a decent record of my younger years, because when it comes down to it, my views are always changing.That's why this blog will remain. New layout, new style, but nothing of the past will be deleted. This will only mark the stepping-stone of my growth.
For one day I will look back on this post and say to myself, when did I have such shitty ideas?
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Adios ! ! !
It's as if a secret room
It doesn't matter if they see
The moment that they meet it all
Sunday, January 30, 2005
The Sacred India - From the eyes of Paul Brunton (P B)
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Height of Joblessness !!!!
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Jesus and India - is there a connection.....
MY QUESTIONS:
- The Holy Bible is also silent ......and mentions it as the unknown days of Christ. Why is this so...was it done deliberately......or was it out of mere ignorance.....
- After the crucification there has been numerous Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu scriptures which have recorded accounts of travelling of a saintly man from the west.....to the far east.......why has Christianity chosen to deny it.....
SOME POSSIBLE ANSWERS:
Kersten provides irrefutable evidence to this fact.......from the writing in the Buddhist scriptures and certain excavation conducted by him in an around Jammu & Kashmir*. This can be understood from the fact that at that time (and possibly even now)..... India was the powerhouse of spiritual knowledge. Supported by kings....and their subjects...... spiritual activities were given the highest priority in their daily life.
This is the reason why certain teachings of Jesus have marked similarities with Hinduism and Buddhism.
After crucification
Not only did Christ survive the Crucifixion, he travelled with his mother (Mother Mary) to India and finally died at an old age. The tomb of Jesus still exists in Kashmir. Accounts of his second arrival to India can be found in the Bhavishyat Mahapurana (a hindu scripture written in Sanskrit) and also in writings of Mullah Naderi.
What pains me is the fact that proponents of Christianity have chosen to ignore these irrefutable truth for such a long time and possibly will do it in the future......but why.......do they consider that associating christianity with the religions of the east would make it inferior........or is it something else........
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Bye Bye 2004.........Welcome 2005
On the 1st of Jan........start the day auspiciously......pray to the Almighty.......that he is there with us in this year too......as he has been there for all this time.
Have a GREAT......GREAT......GREAT new Year.........
All the very Best.....
Monday, December 27, 2004
The day after tomorrow........
Wherever I put my eyes on I can only see death and destruction. Life has come to a standstill in Chennai on 26th Dec 04. It was around 6:30 AM (IST) when I felt the first tremor that rocked Chennai. The tremors continued for about 15-20 min. After the experience of Gujarat earthquake (I was in Mumbai that time), I understood that the epicenter of the quake would be somewhere away.
Little did I know what was in store for the day?
The first Tsunamis struck at around 9:30 AM (IST). I was at home when I heard the chaos…..people running around in panic. At first, I couldn’t understand what had happened. There was lot of confusion…..and rumors started spreading. It was only when my friend, who was at the beach, called me up that I could get the true picture. I rushed out of my house towards the beach (curiosity……..it’s in our genes).
And then I saw something which made my heart froze. A huge wave….. almost equal to a two storey building ……..and still increasing…….came crashing onto the beach. People were running everywhere…….for their dear life.
'Life'....huh!!! .....the word has given a new meaning to me now. I understand how precious are the days when one feels the warmth of their loved ones all around them....what it takes to wipe tears of others while holding back ones own. True how a shocking incident can test our….. character.
By 12:00 PM (IST) the actual extent of devastation began to sink in……overturned catamarans…….sinking fishing boats…………merchant ships struck to each others...… floating planks…..and above all thousands and thousands of human lives. What makes the situation worse is the fact that majority of the dead were children who were either playing or had come with their parents for a walk on the beach.
The epic devastation of Bhuj and Latur earthquake on land remains etched in the country’s collective consciousness……..one more has been added……
Its night know when I write ……deathly silence engulfs us all…….broken only by the roaring sound of waves crashing onto the beach.
It has been a day of grief…..pain…..but as life goes on……the agony of those who have left their dear ones…….will be overcome…….I know they will…..
WE SHALL OVERCOME
WE SHALL OVERCOME
WE SHALL OVERCOME……….SOMEDAY
O DEEP IN OUR HEARTS
I DO BELIEVE
WE SHALL OVERCOME
SOMEDAY
Monday, November 29, 2004
Economics of Life
One question that's been bombarded me umpteen times: "What do you want to be?or"Do you have an(y) aim in life??" (latter one being my dad's way of phrasing the same question....with the "y").
When I was 6 - 7 yrs old........I wanted to become just like the ice cream vendor who used to come every evening (not sell ice creams.......but to have all of them).
When I was around 11 yrs old ....... I was sure that my future was in gardening .......I had seen the gardner sit around lazily, chatting with his friends.......simple life........ no problems whatsoever
As I grew up Diego Maradona used to fascinate me.......I just wanted to become like him......what skill he possessed......outstanding!!!!
Then came Tendulkar.......Vishwanathan Anand..... the list goes on and on........
History had always envinced an interest in me........I always wondered how those historians, archaeologists etc used to come up with amazing discoveries. I wanted to be one of them.........probably ........probably even now.....
By the time I was in senior secondary the ocean of accountancy engulfed me.......... in the beginning I found it tough......but slowly got the hang of it......
Then came college hmmnnnn..... no........life aint that bad.....this is what I felt then........especially in the company of friends.........
And here I am......... almost on the verge of completing my MBA in finance...........
As I look back in the past , I wanted to be a lot of things. And I guess I'm no different from others. We watch action movies, and we want to be there, to do that. We see bungee jumpers perform astonishing feats, and we feel an urge to emulate them. Finally.........it is what we do in life is important........ not the one we left back.
Those options that went off into thin air were not entirely unachievable. But I just didn't opt for those.
Why?.......... It probably wasn't the best option to choose.
In effect, we all desire a lot. We also have a lot of options to choose from. But we chose some of them ......not all , coz we didn't have the time or resource to be in all of them at the same time. In other terms, we couldn't have bit more than we could've chewed!
And that's what economics is all about - the science of choice, given the infinite wants and limited resources!
Quite funny, isn't it?
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Bangalore Ahoy !!!!!
Going for the Reuters interview........hope I make it.........
Last time 24 of us from the college and it was great fun........full partying (and ....... !!!). Lets hope the going is good and I come out successfully.
From the brief time I was there I got the feel that it was almost had that Mumbai touch in itself. Actually I felt Bangalore to be a lot better than chennai (which is full off @#$%*&^).
If I hit the bulls eye then the next 2 yrs (hopefully) would be in Bangalore (yippeee!!!!).
By the way I am already placed in INDIABULLS an equity trading company. (hehehe)
But if I get in Reuters then I am ready to ditch this job.
So pray for me guys pleaseeeeeeee!!!!!
Monday, November 15, 2004
.:. Diwali .:.
Hey guys
wishing u all a very happy deepavali.
Didnt post for a long time......
I still havent got that bug to post everyday......
College is going on.....the same......
I have started to work on this project on building a website on the nuances of Finance. Lets see when I am able to actually put it online. Keep you guys posted on the latest on this front.
Apart from that life is busy as usual ....... travelling from home to college consuming half of my day (I hate that !!)
Cya
Monday, November 08, 2004
Its raining.....raining.....raining........&......
And with change of weather bring (especially during rain) with it sufficient dosages of .... running nose....sore throat....and worst of all F E V E R. Even I couldn't escape its clutches.
To make it worst the roads are all clogged with water (sewage and bloody stinks like hell). The roads in and around Mandevli and Mylapore (chennaites would know them better) test even the best of the drivers .......worst if you are in the bus (standing).....with your entire body doing all forms contortions (quite..... painful I should say).
Rain or no rain ......our classes will go on and on and on ...........morning to evening.......the next day............the day after...........
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Ma Durga r Pujo
Well.....coming back...... the traditional six day countdown to Mahasaptami starts from Mahalaya. Goddess Durga visits the earth for only four days but seven days prior to the Pujas, starts the Mahalaya. The enchanting voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra fill up the predawn hours of the day thus marking the beginning of "devipaksha" and the beginning of the count-down of Durga Puja.
To commemorate this festive occasion , the preparation starts about a 2-3 months back. No stones are left untouched to make this occasion a success. Afterall it is our Ma who comes to visit us only for a few days after an entire year.
The ocassion ...... as I told above..... starts with Mahalya ....thats the first of the ten days of the festivities. On this day bengalis living in Kolkatta visit the Holy Ganges.
The following days are spent on various activites such as giving finishes touches to pujo pandals .... running everywhere for chaanda (hehe) etc.
The real celeration starts from Mahasapthmi ie 7th day of Ma staying with us. Its fun and frolic all day around....adda with your friends being the only exercise of the day (and to top it all.........u get to savour the lip smacking........bengali cuisine.... damn I feel hungry already).
Mahashthami and Navami passes in the same manner.
The day of Vijaydashami is generally marked by gloom and saddness. Well.....atleast I felt something like that. Especially during the time of Bishorjon of the Idol of Ma.
To tell u the truth ........ I........I couldn't stop my eyes from getting moist. Especially because this was the first time I ever went for bishorjon. With heavy hearts me and my friends departed to our houses......back to life.......as usual.......work as usual......huh??
But as they say "Ashchey bochor abar hobey" (Next year ..... again).
Before I finish this very......long..........Post......of mine.
Lets.....atleast.....for the last time.......this year.......shout in unison.
BOLO DURGA MAI KI........JAI !!!
PS: I FORGOT.....SO BAD OF ME....
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Today I turned 23.....
To my parents and sis who were the first one to wish me (dot at 12:00). As always loving and supporting me.
To my friends in Chennai Shwetha, Parvadha, Nalini, Sudha, Sriram (thanks for the tip on good life and good WIFE !!!) .....Ajai..... my friend in Mumbai ......thank you all for wishing me....each one of you have contributed in your own way in making this day so special ... Its overwhelming to know that you are still important in the eyes of some people.
Today, while cleaning my room (finally,....did it after.......ummnnn...... dont remmember).
coming back......when I was cleaning my room....... I came across some pictures (very old........atleast it looked old to me). I uploaded some of them here.....
The day I turned 5 yrs old ... me on the left........ with my cousin brother.
With my grandmother
Thursday, September 23, 2004
The return to innocence........
Voila!!!! what a beautiful sight must be for those whose hard work finally paid off.
It takes a few fleeting moments to destroy man's very own creation........by himself...........what an irony!!!!.
Its in our nature to destroy ourselves..............
And yet we forget about HIM.........He who gives us all.......the power to think...........to create.........
I probably dont know why I am writing this ...............probably you wouldnt even understand what I meant to convey.
What prompted me to write was this picture taken from columbia space shuttle in its last mission.
The photograph attached was taken by the crew on board the Columbia during its last mission, on a cloudless day.
The picture is of Europe and Africa when the sun is setting. Half of the picture is in night. The bright dots you see are the cities lights. The top part of Africa is the Sahara Desert.
Note that the lights are already on in Holland, Paris, and Barcelona, and that's it's still daylight in Edinburgh, London, Lisbon, and Madrid. The sun is still shining on the Strait of Gibraltar. The Mediterranean Sea is already in darkness.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Show me the M O N E Y..........
Slowly........... it would become a mad rush. Trust me man............. a month or so........only one question will be hanging in the air..............Which company is coming.............. or for that matter..........did u get in somewhere???
Welcome.......welcome to the M B A Placement season. Here no one is your friend. Steal, Kill do anything but get a job somehow.
As my classmates say "who cares about others when your life is all hay and sunshine"
Monday, September 20, 2004
A vision of Spring...........
Some sketches of them.
The pyramids of Egypt – Pharaoh’s Glory Gold………. Diamonds rubies dazzling wealth……….. monuments of magnificence……..today stands stark forlorn, forgotten, against the arid particles of the desert ………….the Sahara
The grandeur of the Maya people ………. The genius of their astronomy and mathematic ………………skeleton of an empire……………the bare bone of a city……….. swamped in the Amazon jungles of South America.
The crumbling columns of the Colosseum…………..the empty galleries of theatre & forum where once music, dance, logic and politics flourished.
Alas! the Greek tragedy.
The might of the Caesar………the brilliant oratory of the senators……….the built – up gospel “ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME” …………..that great Roman empire today………..shadows ……..shamble……….the ruins.
This is the consistency confounding story of Man everywhere. We are a peculiar creature ………..the innocence and gentleness of a child………..the perservity and fiendishness of Mephisto…………….the beauty and love of an angel…………..All three coexist……..
What a marvel of the creation???
Who created the earth……….the sun…………….the moon……….stars. How did our space and time come into being?
What was before????
What will be AFTER ????
Friday, September 17, 2004
Yipppeeee!!!!
But I know......... there is still two terms to go and I have to work really hard to keep my grades up.
I am thinking on creating a site which will deal with issues related to Finance. Actually my site layout is ready. Time permitting I will start with this one too. The reason for this second site is that I dont wanna put financial stuff in my personal site which basically deals with SPIRITULAITY.
See the layout.......... does it look good........please tell me.