I was AMONG the FEW LUCKY people in this WORLD, who join an organization and the very next thing that they get to know is of a contest going on. I was very excited when I got to know of my luck and the fact that there is a blogging contest going on.

Don’t get me wrong here, it had nothing to do with my intentions of winning the contest. I was excited…looking forward to read what others would write, I thought of getting to know every one through their thoughts which they would pen down…oops type down.

But the sky came crashing on me, when THE BIG BOSS with THE BIG EYES, gave me the news that I did not have a choice and had to participating in the contest. (Why was he calling it blogging contest….then, why not blogging EXERCISE????) anyways, I love my job. So I didn’t MESS with THE BOSS and agreed to write.

I can’t even visualise my self writing in my dreams. All the writing stuff I can relate to is THE ESSAYS I WROTE on ‘MY BEST FRIEND’ and ‘THE COW’ while in school (yes, I did go to one).

Now, this was giving me NIGHTMARES, DAY MARES and all the OTHER MARES. I RACED MY BRAIN to figure out what to write. ( hey…I got a MRI scan of my head done recently and now I have a DOCUMENTED PROOF that I have something up there in my head and it is in working condition,.) So please…. no need for second thoughts here.

After exercising my brain a lot,( ALAS !….I did not even loose a pound after all this exercise :-(, I feel like suing the person who said exercise leads to weight loss.) Anyways, I had a more important task at hand than SUING THAT JERK. So I decided to write something about ME and LOVE. So that if at all; you cannot relate to one aspect of it. you all could relate to the other

LOVE; the most difficult word to be explained, yet the most WONDERFUL thing on this earth. ALAS it can’t be expressed in WORDS (ESPECIALLY by a person like ME). To understand it you have to experience it.

By the time I could REALIZE all this, I was already in LOVE. I don’t know when i fell in LOVE, I don’t know when it STARTED or HOW it STARTED, by the time I REALIZED all this, I was HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE.

All I CAN THINK OF is HIM. I wake up THINKING ABOUT HIM and I go to sleep DREAMING ABOUT HIM. MY LIFE just REVOLVES AROUND HIM; I LOVE HIM SO MUCH …. …all I can say is…I LIVE FOR HIM AND HIS LOVE. LOVING HIM has given a MEANING to MY LIFE …..MY EXISTENCE.

I’m so MADLY in LOVE with him that I see HIM ALL AROUND (LOVE is INTOXICATING man…………..!) I see HIM EVERY WHERE and in EVERY ONE ……when I look at my neighbour, my colleague or anyone for this matter I see HIM SMILING THROUGH them. You must be thinking I’m MAD ! But that’s true my friend……… LOVE DOES DRIVE YOU CRAZY

Since I see HIM every where and in everyone; I keep SMILING at everyone. and I’m sure any one would look BETTER when they SMILE and I’m no different. I should thank HIM for making me look PRETTIER! ( I don’t know WHY I DON”T FEEL like being MODEST rite now???)

PEOPLE who HEAR this SAY that I’m CRAZY and I’m DRIVING THEN CRAZY TOO. They think I CANNOT LOVE HIM like this and if at ll I do, then I MUST BE REALLY REALLY CRAZY. ( I SHOULD still be THANKFUL to them for at least not getting me into an ASYLUM )

But I REALLY DON’T CARE about what they FEEL as I KNOW I Love HIM and HE LOVES ME TOO, and that is ALL I CARE ABOUT.

NOW YOU would be WONDERING, HOW can I be so SURE that he LOVES ME too.

OK, LET ME tell you that also :-). He KEEPS ASSURING me that HE LOVES ME. HE TAKES CARE of ME and PAMPERS me. He GETS me EVERYTHING I need without me ASKING for it; EVEN ONCE.

HE MAKES all the EFFORTS to KEEP ME SMILING every time.(NOT LITERALLY every time OF COURSE). HE does make me CRY sometimes, probably because HE finds ME CUTE when I CRY, but HE MAKES IT UP for that quickly and GIVES ME a reason to SMILE soon. DON”T YOU feel all this is ENOUGH of an assurance for me? or for this matter ANYONE?

I HAVE ALL THESE REASONS to prove my love but THE WORLD always HAS ONE SINGLE LOGIC (or THE LACK OF IT, I must say) to prove me wrong. THEY SAY I CANNOT be in LOVE with HIM because he is GOD.

SO WHAT? who TOLD THEM GOD doesn’t want LOVE??? or GOD hates BEING LOVED?

For them HE is ONLY GOD, they SEE HIM only in MURALS and BOOKS. ….FOR ME, HE is my sweetheart; my everything.I DON’T SEE HIM in a particular FORM or PLACE. I SEE him, I FEEL him and I SENSE him every where. He is NOT just the GOD to ME …HE IS MY WORLD……….MY LOVE.

And THIS IS what I TELL HIM EVERY, TIME and HE SMILES SHYLY in RESPONSE:

LOVING YOU FILLS MY HEART WITH JOY;
MY LIFE WITH MEANING And,
MY WORLD WITH HAPPINESS.

Thanks SWEETHEART………..THANKS FOR LOVING ME And;
THANKS for LETTING ME LOVE YOU !

I LOVE YOU !

It is high time that politicians in India should take an unconventional path of reaching out. The INTERNET.  While the top ones seems to be aware of the potential. They cannot afford to do it now and lag behind the race, lots of bucks at stake + an un tapped potential for reaching out.

FYI Barrack H Obama raised over half a billion dollars for his election campaign over twenty one months and managed a lavish opening ceremony, after becoming the president of US.

While the right winged BJP seem to be catching on- to understand- the reach. Majority of the political parties in India appear to be lost. LK Advani’s website is powered by Blogs possibly taking a cue from the American style of web campaign.

Any why not, there is a catch here. According to reports, there are merely 55,000 active bloggers in India and users are growing. The parties should find themselves in the webspace more from now onwards. I also understand limitations like internet accessibility, user friendly environment, literacy and foremost funding. At the saem time we all know how much amount of money goes into the campaign (the difference as well. What is allotted by the election commission and the amount that is spent). Thousands of IT and non IT professionals can derive direct/indirect employment with this exercise. I am not at all counting the reach and public relation activity which will follow. Digitalizing a political party will ensure transparency (to a great extent), that connect with the decision makers and one step close to what I see digital India as. With the assembly elections inching in, there is still a lot to do and LOT of education.

A recent activity caught my attention, let me share. A certain Ajith D moved the Supreme court in a bid to express his views (hate) surrounding a particular right winged political party. His mode of expression? An extremely popular networking site called Orkut. This 20 year old computer student was jailed later bailed out because his own views can fan communal passions and unrest, the SC says.

What’s news? The court can even prosecute you for creating hate blogs, communities and content, that is abusive in nature. To an extent that a user can find himself charged with Libel. I have witnessed such hate sites and clubs everywhere and going by the SC judge statement, “you should know what you are writing,” of course one knows what he/she is writing. I feel, that this is the beginning that ‘blog democracy’ has already started creating an impact, however I support the court’s judgment to take responsibility what you write.
A dear colleague abstains from blogging for the same reason. “One should take responsibility of the content you produce or else don’t .”

Allow me to take you to a picturesque village in Kerala, among the Western Ghats, where I was born and spent some beautiful years of my life. The beauty of the village lay in its ponds, streams, temples, lush green scenery, simple village folks, and last but not the least, the majestic mountains.

For me, the word “mountains” conjures up countless images of romance, beauty, mystery, grandeur, tranquility and pure bliss. As children, my cousins and I were perpetually intrigued by what lay beyond and over these mighty structures. Thus, to douse our curiosity, we once planned an expedition to explore them, on foot. However, despite the resoluteness, we could only muster the courage to explore the smaller ‘rocks.’

Thus, on a cheerful, bright afternoon, during the summer vacations, we set out on our ‘daring’ mission. With great laughter and excitement, we climbed the rocky terrain. Once we reached the summit, we were totally delighted by the beauty around us. Also, the exuberance of having reached the ‘top’ was evident in every tired soul. We sat there for hours, sinking in the feeling and enjoying the bonuses, like the cool breeze against our faces, the swaying paddy fields below, the people in their colorful clothing working on the fields, and so on. Most important, we got a totally new perspective; one that was very interesting and exciting! We longed to go there everyday.

Soon, as the monsoons arrived, we would watch the sight of clouds hovering over the mountains. We would spend hours, doing nothing but witnessing the clouds change shape, color, and eventually come down as rain drops. Those were the moments of true revelation; the moment of a lifetime!

As I grew up, my love for the mountains also grew; and so did the intrigue factor. The Ruskin Bond stories that I read with great interest further enhanced my belief in the mystery of the mountains. When I read these stories, I could see the entire story unfold in front of my eyes and I felt being a part of it. Then, to add fuel to fire, my friend who belonged to the Garhwal region, would relate unending tales of first-hand supernatural experiences with such conviction that I was seriously sure about the mountains’ mystique factor. The mountains continued to elicit special emotions in me.

Most recently, a wonderful rendezvous with the mountains happened during our visit to Nainital, Uttaranchal. This journey once again flamed my eternal love for the mountains. While at the hotel, we could sink in beautiful sights of the placid Naini Lake, surrounded by the rising mountain ranges. During the evening, while taking a stroll along the Naini Lake, I felt a sudden sense of nostalgia. It was probably a result of the cool weather and the beautiful scenery. I was inundated by the soothing memory of my wonderful childhood days, along with my long-cherished perceptions about the mountains and an unexplainable happiness on visiting the place. The entire experience was so humbling, it reiterated the insignificance of ‘me’ in the entire scheme of things. Unknowingly, my mind wished to be a part of it, forever, to know and love them more.

When I look back, I feel extremely fortunate to have obtained such invaluable moments of beauty and pleasure, which every man truly deserves. I also believe that it is our responsibility to preserve this beauty, so that the generations to come can cherish such wonderful moments of revelation and self-discovery, and in the process, remember their forefathers for the good things they left behind.

It is intermission and I am still waiting for the story to kick off. Considering the movie was supposed to be about the most lively part of my city, it can’t get worse.

Filmed on the setup of andarun shahar, ‘Delhi-6′ is seen from the eyes of Roshan Mehra [Chchota B (when will he grow up?)]. While Mr. Siddhu Khiladi did a Chandni Chowk to China last month, Roshan moves from New York to Old Delhi with his grandmother (Waheeda Wasted Rehman) and an accent (that pisses you off throughout the movie). Don’t worry. I am not going to reveal the story. The film does not have one. So, AB(CD) and grandma receive a grand welcome from their neighbors, known and unknown. Director Rakeysh Mehra tries to repeat Rang De’s mixing concept by playing with the backdrop of Ramlila, but fails to execute the magic.

However, what hurts the most is a false image of one of the most historic places in the world. From the very first scene, the area is depicted as a storehouse of chaos. Till the end, the film doesn’t go beyond narrow kuchas and cycle-rickshaws. In contrast to the title song that talked of the city as one with two hearts, the place appears heartless. In the last fifteen minutes, the script mentions (thrice) that the essence of the place are its people. I wish we could see THAT Delhi-6. The steadiness of Purani Dilli, which is much more appealing than its commotion, is not captured by the camera. Instead, the film repeatedly mocks the life of the city. The manner in which the screenplay turns into a spoof about issues like superstitions, mob mentality, family traditions and communalism is unbearable.

The lead actors add to the misery of the viewer. Pawan Malhotra (the younger Sharma), Vijay Raaz (thullaa) and Divya Dutta (Jalebi) put up good performances. Rahman’s superb music (that inspired me to go for the movie) is a misfit to the standards of the film. Don’t make a Kaala Bandar of yourself by going for the movie. Instead, I recommend spend 3 hours wandering on the streets of Delhi-6. Taste the real life of Old Delhi. With the delectable offerings, those 100 bucks will be more than paisa-vasool.

Rating:*1/2

I read somewhere that “the year 2009 will be a golden year in Indian cinema”. I do not really disagree with his statement. This remark comes from one of the most proficient script writer turned film maker in today’s time.

At Dev D, Love, booze and court dance was subtlety replaced by Sex, drugs plus rock n roll. The plot of the film stood at Sarat Chandra Chatterjee’s Devdas where a post colonial weak kneed, drunkard Zamindar spends the rest of his life in a menace. Unbelievable acting, by the lead protagonists and great music score by a rookie. This coke snorting, use for nothing fella, bundles out cash after cash. Visits Old Delhi’s underground garage and ultimately finds himself at peace with Vodka and Leni. I was fuming at the director that how he can make a film of this nature, the same time dumbfound to see actor Abhay’s performance, brain cracking. During the film and after the film (I was not able to watch the last 20 minutes, I left the hall) me within, was asking continuously, how can children or men for that matter be so restless, wayward, lifeless, careless and errant? I felt like straightening him up, with whatever means i can. I came to know that the other woman’s character (Leni) was borrowed from the infamous DPS mobile phone girl. However, nothing of similar nature happened after that, or maybe I don’t know. What is the point in making a full length feature film out of in hindi and dishing out for public consumption? People may disagree with my thoughts, don’t really care. Again, I should give credits to the director and the actor who permeated so well inside the skin of the character that he was able to emote, so well.

After what has happened at Mangalore early this month. I don’t mind watching Dev D with the factions of Sri Ram Sena. Rather I would love to hear what they say. Dev D should be a valentine treat for them.

In the end I would say, Dev D had everything but life.

Marriage… It doesn’t matter whether it is love or arranged, important is happy married life and it depends on personal understanding of couple, so we can’t say which is better or which is bad.

If I start comparing love and arranged marriages we will see that both has certain pros and cons. Most of the people have perception in their mind that arranged marriages are ideal marriages. But from my point of view it’s not true .there are certain things, which are found in love marriages and not in arranged. Like spending time together and getting to know each other. Because when you have decided to spend the life together it is important you know the person. There should be mental compatibility and understanding among both of you. And this happens when you spend time together. On this people may argue that even after knowing each other for so long then why people get divorced after marriage. It is because when two people are in love they are at their best to impress each other. They behave, they talk and they wear what the other person likes. But it is after marriage that you get to know the real person. There are couples who are still discovering each other even after twenty years of their marriage. This is the actual beauty of a relationship where everyday you discover a new thing about your partner.

In case of arranged marriages the relation starts when the girl and the boy get to know each other in a couple of meeting before the final commitment. Before deciding anything the parents check the family background and financial stability. Which is also very important. As most of the people have an idea that those who go for arranged marriages are not in an advantageous position but it’s not so you may get the right person for whom you have been waiting. Even in love marriages after many years of courtship people find their partner not suitable and they break up. So it is not about spending time together but successful marriage is all about understanding and respecting each other’s feelings, love and concern. It is argued that love marriages offer more independence and freedom as compared to arranged marriages since both of them knows each other so the social pressure and family pressure is less. If you know somebody before marriage it allows partners to have better respect and understanding for each other’s needs and desires. In love marriages expectations are more compared to arrange marriages, as they know each other and want their partner to act in the best possible manner. But sometimes these expectations become harmful.

Love or arranged both is based on empathy, responsibility, commitment, love and concern. So it’s not just about initial love and attraction it needs a lot of dedication and effort to sustain a marriage. So there is nothing like an ideal marriage it’s all about the way you perceive your marriage. After all you should be happy with your life partner irrespective of love or arranged marriage.

Personally speaking I would prefer an arranged marriage. Now the question why? In Arrange…whole family is involved. both one have a mind set to respect each other later on when understanding start growing between each other…then anything may come up if it’s in favor then good…if not in favor then family will be the most supportive at that time. But In love marriage…in difficult situation…all we have to manage our self… even families are helpless in few cases.

Satyam down, Lot of big names getting Bankcrupt, Jobs no more in Market, cost of homes too high, high cost of living. Everyone blaming everyone else. What’s the root cause? Let’s think why it happened -

1. As shoppers, we look for the cheap and best product.
   As sellers, we look for the best price for it (we are too happy if we sell it at higher price).
2. As Employees (Software Engineers) we look for higher pays, promotion and Onsite opportunities.
   As Employers (Project Managers) we look for getting things done at lesser price.
3. When we get profit in shares we are Happy without thinking that we’ll be on the receiving end some day.
   When our share prices go down we are Sad without realizing we were at the other end the other day.
4. We blame Politicians for not doing good and spoiling our Country.
   We don’t resist them if they do anything good if it’s for our Caste/creed/sex/religion. We don’t even vote forget about contesting an Election.
5. We are ready to pay anything for our Entertainment filling the pockets of Film stars, etc. If anything happens to them it’s a Breaking News. We cheer their punched on Enemies.
   We do not pay or donate money to Army personals who sacrifice their lives. We don’t even come to know how many bullets they fired to save us or how many have they taken on themselves.
6. We fight on minor issues ‘coz of Ego. We want our voices to be heard.
   We don’t want to hear what others are saying.
7. We are happy because all the work is coming to India and we are getting paid without realizing that we have snatched away someone’s job in US or elsewhere.
   We say it’s bad if outsourcing is stopped. We crib when we are thrown out of the Office. We don’t realize it came to us for profit and will go if they get the profits more by getting the work done from somewhere else.
8. When we are sad and disappointed we pray to God.
   When we are happy we don’t remember him.

Clearly we never think about someone else. We always think about us/ourselves. There’s an “I” everywhere. Think of the time 10 years back. It was Peaceful. Today we neither want to stay quiet and calm nor did we let others do the same. Clearly, either we all start thinking about Humanity or stop blaming others for our Sufferings. Not intended to hurt anyone or Pravachan. It’s the thought which came to my mind and I wrote it here. Thanks for your Patience to go through it.

Some couple of days ago i was thinking about me that am i a Successful person & enjoying my life and so on ……? and also started to think about my friends, brother and my close relatives. after some time i found completely sink in sea of this type question. In finally I reached on a result . I shall disclose it later.

In this world every one has a target, try to get it, get success and then decide next target ,try to get it and get success and then next….Is this truth of the life ? Ask yourself. Most of us have their eye on their target mile stone but neglect the greenery in the way of life. This greenery is nothing every one is familiar with it. It is enjoyment. In the race of acquisitions, most of us have forgotten enjoying the life.

Question is simple. How much of acquisitions and achievements’ does a common man enjoy in his life?

Now next question is that what is enjoyment ? For example. One person A who is returning to home from his work place by his luxury van and other hand one person B who is in crowded bus. Who is most enjoying his life A or B ? In my opinions it goes to 50-50 . any one of A & B may be more happy. I think that Enjoyment is only state of mind or feeling such as contentment, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy.

How to make a balanced life between our achievement and enjoyment? Work-Life Balance does not mean an equal balance. Trying to schedule an equal number of hours for each of your various work and personal activities is usually unrewarding and unrealistic. Life is and should be more fluid than that. However, at the core of an effective work-life balance definition are two key everyday concepts that are relevant to each of us. They are daily Achievement and Enjoyment, ideas almost deceptive in their simplicity.

keep smiling & be happy.