Indian Educational Services (IES)

This seems to be a brilliant idea. It would be interesting if and how it takes shape. But certainly kudos to Kapil Sibal for re-initiating the proposal.

I strongly believe that the canvas for such reforms is not only huge but also within reach to be able to paint within a decade (or even less!). All it would take is the focus on solutions rather than cribbing. And that I believe is not a far fetched dream these days. Personally, having observed the 'system' from within (atleast to some extent) in about 4 countries now during the last 5 months, I certainly sense more energy in India. One just cannot miss noticing the aura around. For instance the graffiti I saw on the pavement walls on the streets between the Andheri - Churchgate area caught my attention the first thing I landed a few weeks back in India. These were interesting in two ways. Firstly the art was more pleasing than the spit-paints that existed before. Secondly there were some nice messages displayed in some innovative formats. I am sure it would go a long way just like the IES proposal in reaching its target audience - i.e us. The changes are happening!

As they say in marketing, its all about the right target and the right campaign. Rest will take care of itself.

Is it a Google thing?

The number of visits on my page from all parts of the world even when I am less active keeps increasing these days. If its not a Google thing I would love to have some feedback as well ;)

The Observer

When I read back some of my last few posts I realise how irregular I have been. Most of the times being constrained by the inability to manipulate the IT settings of the company laptop or transitioning from one place to other or at other times being super busy with work. But these past 4 months I have definitely learned as much if not more that I have learned in the past 22 years. Infact it has been a sort of unlearning which combined with the learnings of 22 years is making me see things in totally different perspectives. Couple that with the fact that I have been almost around the world in the last 80 days! I understand its a dream and now the only thing I want is to be able to put in practice what I have learned. To follow what I have observed. To get a chance to grow again!

Meanwhile one of the experiences here in Liverpool brought the following thought in my mind:

- Life is as easy/ difficult as you make it to be. The key being: To live YOU gotta make it anyways matey!

Merry Christmas :)

Mortification

Fact of life: Its almost always that the things we need are the ones we dont have.

PS: After 2 weeks in Italy, feels like home.. coming back to Homewood Suites :)

aife aife kaife kaife

Saala pain ke baad hi gain kyun hota hai..

A Pressing Issue

All it takes to iron clothes is the confidence that you can and the strength to bear the consequences..

PS: Some ppl take time to gather that ;)

Existance

Why should I exist?

Settlement Issues

WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY, PROSPEROUS AND SAFE DIWALI!!

Its been a looonng time now. Busy, exciting, tough, learning.. you name it. The past 2.5 months have been eventful by all standards.

It all started with the entry into this naukari shuda zindagi! A much awaited event in life. And with it began the thoughts of personal settlement at some point of time in near future. Now due to the lack of any such prior experience in the art I may not be in a position to fully understand the meaning of it. But going by the examples of the experienced ones and the general feelings around on such topics it was an unsettling thought for me.

It was also during this time that I realised how horrible I was and how I still sometimes continue to be. And felt fortunate to have the good people in my life who let me believe that I still got some worth and gave me the strength to strive.

And at the same time came the call to work on the swine flu project at the US site of the company and the opportunity to contribute as an enabler to the same field I saw through a student's perspective an year ago. So tonight at the end of three weeks here in North Carolina I finally sit down to compose what I have been unable to put down in words for the past 2.5 months of my life. The issues still unsettled and the solutions still being sought.

Meanwhile, a thought to ponder upon:

- Isn't it funny how often we doubt the truth, just because the lies are so prevalent out there.

...

Time and again.

...

I want to cry.

Johny, Johny

Johny's Pop (JP): Johny, Johny!
Johny (J): Yes, Papa.
JP: Eating sugar?
J: No, Papa.
JP: Open your Mind.
J: Ha Ha Ha.

X, Y, Z Time

X: I was wrong even when I was right.
Y: What?

E71

This has been a long awaited moment.. a special one. To be able to blog on the go being the major driver for this act of mine, I plan to stay connected more often.
Yaaaay :-)

Zindagi revisited

What is life if not the sum total of all your experiences?

- must be some knowledgeable fellow.

...

Having a good time at home..
Want to share so many things but dont know whats holding me back..

Interventions

Man and his penchant for all interventions, Manual.

Mazaa aa gaya

Jab wohi safedi kam daamon mein milein toh koi woh kyun le?
Yeh na le..

2004 - 2009

That is it..

a SMS

When GOD leads you to the edge of the CLIFF, TRUST him FULLY. Only 1 of 2 things wil happn; eithr HE wil CATCH u when u fall or HE wil teach u how 2 FLY.

...

The power to be and the desire to be not.

Stability

All frustrations possibly die out when stable.
Or is it the other way round?

Star Wars - Episode 3 - The Kaun 'Quest'ion

Z: Anakin or Luke?

Star Wars - Episode 2 - Passion & Emotions

Z: Never be emotional about your passions and never be passionate about your emotions, yet be passionate and emotional.

Star Wars - Episode 1 - The Dark Side

X: Fear of loss is the path to the dark side.
Y: Anakin turns evil.
Z: What will I become?

A serious problem

'Jahan chaah wahan raah'

But what if someone has multiple chaahats and is confused to choose among the raahs that thus emerge.. a parallel universe could be the ideal solution and a viable one too..but atleast not for now!
So until then..
Any serious (practical) suggestion/ afterthoughts?

mostlybhu.blogspot.com

WANTED FOR THE CRAPPY SLAPPING of a RETARDED SPACE ALIEN

$2200

What's Your Blog Wanted For?

Created by OnePlusYou

Galti..

Some galtis are infact non-amendable and thinking about them doesn't help much either.

The Daffodil Principle

The Daffodil Principle

Galti

X: No galti is ever non-amendable.
Y: But saale tu galti karta hi kyun hai.. pls pls pls pls plssss sudhar jaa..

Little things that piss me off..

So I am back in Delhi and as mentioned in previous post could actually gather some strength to do the 'To Do' list !! Need some more strength though :) Was waiting for a special moment for this post :P and now that it has come its time to do vik's tag. My first tag! It really was FUN and I feel relieved after the whole excercise. Without further ado here goes the tag..

First the rules: "Write about things that piss you off, and the reason in brief. No rants, they only make you more miserable. This will let you let it out in a civilized manner. And please, not things like terrorism, politics, poverty or moral policing. Write about small, mainly personal things, things that you directly and often come across during the day."

1) Ridiculing others: Ok. So you have had a lot of experiences. I do credit you for accepting that you are not perfect. But ridiculing others when unasked for is the worst thing according to me to boost your ego. And if you say this is a friendly banter I think there is a difference between banter and ridiculing 'out of habit'. I might not get the fun part but this incessant habit of yours does more harm than good. So unless someone is hell bent on not changing their irksome behaviour (I personally believe even then this should be the lastest resort) I see no point in ridicule as a habit. And if you need to have your scoop of fun let me know I will suggest you atleast 10 others less hurting to people.

2) Cribbing: Agreed that there are things beyond someone's current reach. Things that are troubling you now or things that you just dont have control of. But cursing yourself or the society or the situation wont take you anywhere. I Also acknowledge that some use cribbing as a way of relieving the pressure. Thats a personal choice and acceptable until you are in control and dont suffer from its side effects. But personally I would rather prefer to devote some energy in easing the situation by working towards the solution than looking for a temporary relief.

3) Adamant Behaviour: There may be situations sometimes when the other person might make a valid point. Rarely as it may be, but believing that such an event can never occur just makes me pity you. So sticking to your point only because YOU have made it (Thats how it seems!) rubbishes all good points you have made to date.

4) Call Back: When you say you will call back. I wait for your call !! I understand you were busy. But why make the promise in first place?! Ok, for some people now I have set it as default to not process those words when they say it :)

5) Bargaining: Except for the bargaining with autowallahs in Delhi on the exorbitant demands they make, I see no point in bargaining. If the person feels that (s)he could make a fortune out of the little extra bucks they make out of me, I love to grant them the pleasure. Waise fortunately I havent been duped many a times and was mostly saved by the presence of ppl who bargained for me. So its high time I start loving this act ;)

Thats it! :)

I tag AC, Adil, Kauzzy, NMG, Vinayak & Ayush Try karo bhai logon..Its interesting!

March a memorable month..

The last time I wrote was special and I am amazed I could pull that off :D

Well whole of the last month was exciting. It started off with the much awaited Goa trip. It was our first trip in 5 years and as I mentioned it on orkut: It just had to be special!

Then was the one lone minor - 'The last minor of IITD life' (or the last 'second minor' if you like it that way!).

Followed by a special birthday celebration :P (again the last one in IITD!)

Immediately came an awesome departmental (dulla) party which everyone seemed to enjoy in their own special way (including me :P :P).

Then came the longing to be at home and the wait for a week during which I had a terrible health. Worst in this semester :(

And ya I am going back to Cambridge! This time just for one week for Novartis' orientation. Couldn't believe myself when the news came as I had given up all hopes of visiting that place again especially after I dropped plans for PhD. But excited to visit that place and meet everyone almost exactly an year after I came back :)

and now that I gather myself to write on my last day at home, I think of the things I have to finish off before leaving IIT Delhi. If I could follow the schedule, I would have like no time to sit down like this for the next two months. Dont know if I could do that!!

And that includes completing an interesting tag by Vik which I am sure I would have a great time contemplating. But due to my lethargy in general as with other things in life over the last three months I have left this one unfinished too!

I need some strength :)

Wondre !!

March 27th, 2009 // written for March 24th, 2009

Twinkle, twinkle little star how I wonder what you are,
up above the woeld so high !
like a diamind in the sky !!

Ps: Let there be light !!
PPS: Happy 100th to me !! hehe

HoLi

Happy Holi to all !!

Potpourri

" जिंदगी तोह एक मजाक है भाइयों, तुम भी उदा लो। "

- The Saket Yadav
(Venue: Potpourri, CP, ~12 AM, March 7, 2009)

Pune Times

Of all the neutral cities I have been to, my times in Pune turn out to be the best everytime I go there. And I truly love the people and the air of Pune for this.

To begin with you definitely need to know what a 'neutral city' is. Ok. So, a neutral city is one with which there is no 'give and take'. For example, cities like Tarapur (a small nuclear town), Rawatbhatta (another nuclear town), Bombay, Delhi and Boston where I have lived for a considerable amount of time and have been involved in some 'give and take' DO NOT come under this category. (Delhi, however would be on top in its category. But thats beside the point). So under the category of 'neutral cities' comes places like Pune, Goa, Dehradun, Chennai and New York where I have spent just the right amount of time without becoming an integral part of it.

Of Pune I still have a faint memory of my first visit there as a 8 year old for some relative's wedding. I remember the overnight journey from Bombay to Pune by road in an Asiad Bus with my grandmother. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway wasn't built then and the journey took us more than 5 hours through the ghats of Khandala and Lonavala. We reached Pune at around 4 in the morning and even today I can't forget the freshness of setting my foot for the first time in Pune. A small happening but a one I would cherish forever.

Since then every visit to Pune has presented a new and adorable Pune to me. Be it for a state level award ceremony with 2 classmates (who chose to become doctors !) and parents (when I discovered the 'educational hub' history of Pune), scouting a home for my uncle (when I discovered the serene and beautiful landscapes of Pune) or the last three visits to my bro's college, when I discovered a young and vibrant Pune. With the myriads of B-Schools sprouting these days in Pune ( the result: an energetic, pleasure-for-all-eyes crowd from all over India) and the recent Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 the city has got a completely new look all over it. And the Mumbai-Pune Expressway being operational for a long time now the Bombay-Pune journey only takes less than 2 hours.

The visit last week was particularly special as the family had been planning on a quiet and relaxing time together out of home for a long time now. And so it came with me and mummy landing in Pune for the weekend at my bro's place. Had a refreshing outing to the temple at Alandi followed by the famous Ganesh Temple courtesy Dagduseth Halwai. Then an amazing and sumptous dinner ( I am enjoying food these days courtesy The Gym :). More on it later !) at the food court of the Pune Central Mall followed by the scoops of Gelato ice cream ( A kind I enjoy at par and sometimes even more than the flavours of Baskin Robins). For mummy all cones are cornetto and all cups have to be vanilla ice creams. But she enjoyed it too! The bro was refreshed too and the family was all tired after a great day's adventure. That night I had a nice sleep after a long time. As I had already explored the hangout places in Pune during my two visits prior to the last with my bro, for the next day we planned to watch a natak ( which I was seeing after 7 years!) at the Bal Gandharva Rangmanch which was refreshingly hilarious. Then followed it up with Delhi 6. A cool and awesome movie with a splendidly pleasant performance by all, especially Sonam Kapoor. (I haven't see Saawariyan yet but Sonam Kapoor is really cool!). At the end of the movie I was reminded by a friend's call about a mail from Novartis that I had missed regarding my preference for the date of joining!! And so ended the weekend and I returned mentally and physically the next day to the place where I have been having a wonderful time of my life for the last 5 years.

The whole weekend and particularly throughout the movie I thoroughly enjoyed one sweet feeling! Watching a movie of a place on the top of the list of my Non Neutral Cities at a place on the top of the list of my Neutral Cities !!

What is your 'neutral city' list like?

Let there be light :)

Power House

BusYness has the power to weed out unnecessary things.
पर कुछ लोग अपनी लाइफ ख़ुद ही fiter बना देते है।
You thwart all my plans ! and I like it :P

Happy again :)

Today's fortune: Patience is the art of hoping.

Thank you :)

Luck By Chance

X: Only when someone puts in extraordinary efforts does one get extraordinary help, which is also known as luck.

Introducing: Mr. Z

X:
Y:
Z: I am NOT what I am.

==============
Introducing:
Mr. Z .........as Mr. Z
==============

PS: Henceforth, Mr. Z would be dropping in as and when the plot demands.

God

Y: I could have been God. But I chose to be myself.
X: Oh, come on. Not again.

sUm and U

X: You are more than the sum of your cells.
Y: How is that?
X: Come on. You wear clothes.
Y: Do clothes define me?
X: No. But you define your clothes.
Y: What do you mean?
X: Just that you are more than the sum of your cells.

A Step

X: Two points make a line; a step sets the path.
Y: A path need not always be straight.
X: But a straight line is the shortest path.
Y: Is 'shortness' a criterion?
X: No, But focus is.

Silence

Sometimes silence speaks so loud,
it makes me hear nothing.

September

When did september end?

Things

Things will be what they will be,
That doesn't mean you should stop acting.