Proud of Achievement

Life changes in a flash. It is so true. Probably this is the perfect moment for me to consolidate and pen down my thoughts on how life has transformed.

I think of days when my mom used to show me an aeroplane flying in the sky and make me eat my dinner. Time when we used to watch cartoon in our neighbhour's television. Time when a family of four used to live in a single room which used to be a kitchen in the morning, dining room in the night and a bed room following that. Fond memories of those days still linger in my mind. The struggle for survival was at its very best. Those are moments in life where we used to fight for transformation from a lower middle class to a upper middle class.

Well this is a kind of struggle that most of them go through in their life. The only way to fight this struggle is to have loads of patience. Am happy that we as a family have fought this battle gracefully aceepting whatever life had to offer us.

We had to wait a while for the transformation to have taken place. Today am happy and proud. Today I don't have to feel happy by seeing a plane flying over my head, because I have been into a plane. I always used to think, I will never cross the Indian borders. But I am happy to have visited the western part of the world. I don't have to be happy staying in a single room, because I have MY OWN home. It is such a nice feeling. I am proud of myself to have achieved what I have achieved.

To all my friends - I remember you

There are many things in this world without which you cannot survive. Parents teach you how to walk, how to eat and how to talk. But there are many things that they do not teach. And that is where FRIENDSHIP comes into picture. This is such a special bond which you will always remember.

Today is world friendship day and I want to remember all my friends who were always there when I 'wanted' them. From the days when I was in school till today, I made so many friends. And there are many of them with whom I am still very close. Few of them, I made friends in no time and yet they are so close to my heart. It's like I know them for ages. They are special, very special.

There are few relationships which I really want to forget and keep moving in life, but even they were friends at one point in time. If someone asks "which is the year I want to forget?" I would say 2008. That was the most pathetic year by far. But no regrets, because then it was followed by 2009, the most fabulous year by far. Life has turned around and it is so beautiful. I feel that am the most luckiest person on earth.

"I wonder why? I wonder how? I wonder where they are? The days we had, the songs we sang together. I try to read, I go to work, am laughing with my friends, but I can't stop to keep myself from thinking".

Thank you all for being with me. Love you all.

The great Indian VIP syndrome

How fragile is India's "national honour" that it is undone simply because a former president was frisked at an airport? An FIR is lodged against the staff who frisked Mr.Kalam and the airline was asked to apologize for that. How ridiculous !!! Our national honour should rest on bigger issues like fighting poverty and illiteracy, not on the empty ridiculous rituals of hierarchy.

Our nation is blighted by VIP syndrome - their refusal to stand in queues, refusal to obey traffic rules, constant demand for special privileges. Aren't they common people like us? In fact they are nation's servant and we have elected them. A curse on these VIPs! Why do we even need Z category security for the politicians? In fact the common man should get the Z category security cover.

I want to tell you something Mr. Praful Patel. There is nothing wrong if someone is frisked at the airport for security reasons especially in the age where hijacked plane is a favourite terrorist act. And surely this is not an issue to be discussed in parliament. We should be happy that the airlines are doing their job instead of lodging an FIR. How ridiculous!!! It is good to show respect to Mr.Kalam, but not at the cost of security.

Those days I was naughty, still I am

It was the first day of my school. Like everyone, I did not know what a school is and what needs to be done when one goes to the school. I don't believe, I took some sand from the ground and threw it on my teacher. This is how my schooling started - a very naughty kid. I laugh out loud when I think about that incident even today. But I somehow take pride when I describe this to my friends now. I am really proud.

No one knew what I was doing - a silent killer, a very naughty and a cunning kid. Once I was trying to ring a door bell of a house, but I was not able to reach the bell (I was in class 2 then). Someone offered me help and I took it gracefully. After sometime I started running. Guess what? It was not my house.

How can I forgot those days when I flunked in Biology in my half yearly exam of class 6 and begged my teacher to somehow give me some more marks which will see me through? How can I forgot my class 11 school annual day? I almost ended up in the police lock up. The guys from other school came into our school and were teasing the girls from our school. We went and thrashed those guys till it started bleeding from their head.It was fun.

Once we got cockroaches to the class (I was in class 12) and let them free - even they have right to freedom. But I guess, the freedom was too much. They just went crazy, they took a world tour of the class- scaring everyone. I could hear girls screaming - "save us", as though a dinosaur entered from no where. I was naughty!!!

Those were days when I used to bunk my classes and met girls from a convent. I still remember the coffee shop where we used to meet. Those were days when I won many quiz competitions and quizzing was life. I always wanted to become a quiz master. Those were days when I got the chance of choosing modeling as a profession. Those were days when I got a chance to get into the Air Force.

Am I not naughty anymore? I would deny that. I am still the guy with loads of energy and have plenty of ideas to plan a prank. I am still a prankster. I am still the same old guy who likes to be happy all the time, who is still not sure what to do with life, who is still not serious about life. Well, I don't think this would ever change about me. This works for me and may be I would never change.

Why am I here? - Independence of thought

It was a wonderful birthday that is coming to an end. It was an unusual birthday - the birthday I celebrated in Atlanta away from family and friends. Definitely I missed them, but there were surprises to compensate for that. Calls from people whom you never expect a call. Many old friends and few 'not' friends called up and made this wonderful day. This was one part of it. The other part was the thought which was pondering me for the whole day.

What are we here for? Why were we born? What have we done in so many years? End of the day what do we want in life? As usual, I never found an answer. That was the moment I decided that there's no point thinking all this. I always listen to what my heart says and for a long time I was thinking - Is that THE approach? Well, I don't care. It works for me and I am a person of heart. I love to listen to what my heart says. It's fun.

I do not want to think what people did to me and neither do I want to think what I did to them. I am happy the way I am and there are people to back me. I just want to keep doing what I feel like without 'bothering' anyone. This is where I feel I am really independent - independence of thought. And that is why I am on this earth. Yes!!! So I got an answer finally. I am here for 'independence of thought'. And I define 'independence of thought' as divine pleasure derived from listening to one's own heart.

It's that simple.

Respect them - They are women

It is so difficult to write about one of the most beautiful creation of god - Women. Personally, I have a lot of respect for them. What makes me write about them? Well. It's obvious. I feel I can not even do half of what they do in their life - right from giving birth to a child till they leave this world, there are multiple things that a women handles.

I feel women are more stronger. Well, they might not be physically strong all the times, but they are very strong both emotionally and mentally. Giving birth to a baby is no child's play. But a women does it so gracefully. Yes, delivering a baby is a nice feeling, but its equally painful. Only a person who is strong can do it. "Strong" does not mean physical strength. It is beyond that. Isn't it?

Even the transformation from a girl to a women is interesting. The amount of maturity a guy has is far from that of a girl. Girl's always mature faster than a guy. What more do I tell about this wonderful creation of God. I have so much respect for them.

Women are the best when it comes to managing things. She is the person who makes most of the sacrifices. Isn't that unfair? Why is a girl suppose to leave her home and move into the guy's home after wedding? Consider a situation where in, a family has one girl child and another the opposite sex. And the head of the family has enough money only to send one child to school. Whom does he select? The boy. Why? Only he can be a bread winner when he becomes a man? A girl/women cannot be a bread winner? This has been a misconception for years together now. Things have improved now, but we still have a long way to go.

I personally feel that reservation for women various sector would be similar to discrimination . Well, the concept of reservation for women exists so that a women gets a chance to serve the various sectors'. But this can become an hindrance. This way we may enforce an upper limit to the number of women who can serve the industry.

Women are epitome of love. They are the best thing that can happen to a man. They make one feel very secure. For instance, when I get married and if my mother and my wife pick up a fight, I would make sure I support my wife (If she is correct). Because she is the person who left her home where she had spent her wonderful childhood. And she left her home just for me.

I salute the wonderful creation of God. I respect them a lot.

I am a Desi

Wassup? This is the most frequently used word/phrase here. Yes you got that right?  Welcome to United States of America – the land of opportunities (so called). I am nearing an end of a wonderful month , a fantastic experience of lifetime in Atlanta, Georgia.

Big roads filled with cars, high buildings and greenery all around. Disciplined and kind people, clean roads and nasty weather – you have it all. The most commercialized place on the earth – they can create revenue from almost nothing. All this while, I thought no one is better at business when compared to ‘gujjus’  . But guess, I might have to change my opinion.

Am an Indian and it was very easy for me to compare India and the USA. And as a nation, we have a long way to go in terms of infrastructure, education and technology. But all I can say is we are on the right track. All we need is good governance. That’s the only complain I have. We have all the talent to grow, but who is playing the spoil sport? The politicians. Its a sorry state of affairs. We are living in a country which had a ‘acting’ finance minister presenting the union budget. But all we can do is ‘hope’.

During this month, I was asked my so many people – whether I would want to settle down in the USA. My answer was a big NO. There are multiple reasons. India is a place which has a ‘place for emotion’. People value ‘real values’. Its a country where the concept of joint family still exists. Its a country where a child still listens to what the parent says. Its a place where you find thousands of people on a 100 m road. Its a place where people become friends while having a cup of tea at a road side shop.  A country where a son or daughter takes care of his/her parent when they are old. It is one of the few countries least affected by the economic meltdown. It will still grow at a 6.5 percent under such circumstances – a sign of strong and robust economy.

I am a desi. Am happy to return to my homeland- India. The country of colors and happiness.

Time for transformation. India needs it

Where are we heading as a country?  I don’t see a great future in the near future . The politicians are not serious nor they were any day serious about India. How can we be serious when we have an acting Finance Minister presenting the union budget? It is ridiculous.

At present I live in the so called ‘happening city’ called Bengaluru. No doubt it’s a very nice place with good people and equally good climate. But what the city lacks is “infrastructure”. It is called the IT capital of India. I feel it should be termed “worst infrastructure” capital of India. This is the problem with most of the cities in India. What is the reason of the infrastructure projects/ government projects getting delayed? The Karnataka government has promised that the first phase of the metro rail would be ready by 2009. And am sure this is not going to happen. It’s again a “promise” made by the government. There are many projects of this kind which are in serious trouble across India. But what is the solution? I have an answer.

I want to ask Mr. Narayana Murthy, what is important ? To be chief mentor of Infosys or to take up a government project and manage it successfully. If he has already taken up a few, then why doesn’t he go ahead and take up more projects of that kind? He is a person who has shown immense leadership and extra ordinary managerial skills. I think the nation requires him more than Infosys. And a manager is a good manager if he/ she can manage any kind of resource. Does Tata and Sons require the services of Mr. Ratan Tata?

May be Infosys requires the services of Mr. Murthy or Tata and Sons require the Mr. Ratan Tata. But I feel, its the nation which requires people like them more than anyone else.

It’s high time people like them get together and take up big infrastructure projects and manage them with the co-operation from government. Even the government has to take a step forward and allow these individuals to manage the projects with complete autonomy. 

And it’s time for young people like me to take up a village and transform it. I don’t know how many have heard about a gentle man named - Rangasamy Elango . A mechanical engineer from IIT had a vision for his village Kuthambakkam. The way he has transformed this village is tremendous. It is worth reading his interview on http://www.indiatogether.org/govt/local/interviews/elango.htm 

It’s time to rise. I don’t know how long are we going to tell this? All we can do is, be optimistic and keep praying that one day, the politicians will transform into “real politicians”. God bless India. Jain Hind!

Time for revenge

Note: A real life story.

I usually don’t understand why people get the feeling of taking revenge. And all this while I was wondering why does the ‘feel of revenge’  even exist. But then probably I have answered all these questions.  People say, only situations and experience teach you everything. That’s when one would understand things well. This is what has happened to me I guess.

I never used to believe in taking revenge. I used to keep my cool and take life as it comes. My friends tell me that I am a kid coated with sugar all over. But few situations tend to make you act in an undesirable manner. Manner in which no one would expect you to.

This time blood boiled. Imagine a situation. You have a person who is going through a very bad phase in life. You first try and understand that person with lots of pain. Make he/she feel comfortable and then slowly take that person out of hell. Then you get to be the most closest person. Trust me!!! That is the most awesome feeling one could experience. I experienced it for a long time. For everything good that happens, something bad will happen. It’s important how you handle that situation.

I was thrown out in no time. Things changed drastically. And why was I thrown out? Probably because it was time for me to be thrown out. I was just a passerby. I was looked upon as a person who will just steady the ship. Once the ship was steady, I was pushed into the ocean. Worst part, I did not know to swim.

I am quite smart and cannot be fooled easily. But I was proved wrong. I was fooled and was stranded. I was brought down to knees in to time. I was made a complete entertainment package like “tata sky – isko laga dala toh life jingalala”. Indeed that’s what had happened. My life was ruined.

I am not a saint attaining sainthood. I am normal human being looking out for a revenge. When I am good, am really good and when I am bad, I AM REALLY BAD. People who know me well, will know it better. And I don’t say things without thinking. And when I decide to do something, I make sure I do it. I will follow the same principles which were used on me.

I went through hell and people were not bothered. I shed tears and no one was there to wipe them. I was not even having the basic support. I was pushed into hell, for taking out someone from that hell.  Am not a fool to fold my hands and accept everything gracefully. I will act and will create an impact.  No one can take me for granted.

Hope people realize that my thinking is not wrong. My reactions are justified. A deep thought should be given to what I have penned down. Someone should get into my situation and visualize how it feels. Am not wrong this time.

Be like a kid - They are more mature

Many a times I feel that I was better as a kid. Why do I say so? Well, there are various reasons. My friends and parents used to tell me "Kalpit!!! Grow up". I used to wonder what do they mean by that.

People wanted me to think in a more 'mature' way. Tackle every situation and handle more responsibilities. Nothing wrong with that. But somewhere I feel that I have lost that 'kid' in me. There were days when the biggest worry in life was passing those high school exams. Days when friends used to fight, but never took anything to heart. Days when there was jealousy, but it used to subside when someone tells -
'You are the closest person to me'. Days when there was only 'innocent' love. Weren't they my best moments in life? Still trying to find an answer.

I want to share what my friend Valentino (name changed) shared with me.

He said - "I tried to be what I was and that was what people loved in me. I was loved because i was possessive, I was caring, I was crazy for 'someone', I went an extra mile to do things for that 'someone'. I was there when 'someone' wanted me. I took that 'someone' out of hell and showed that life is beautiful. But end of the day, I did not get what I deserved."

Well, I tried asking him who that 'someone' was. He was in tears and left the place. I met him again few days later and asked him - "what is wrong?" He narrated everything and trust me even I was in tears. He was a very simple person who 'really' did not get what he 'deserved'. It was like a bulldozer running into his peaceful home which he had built with 'patience' and 'honesty'. A relation which he had built with patience and honesty was destroyed in no time. And now he is trying to bulid that home again block by block. He had taken few incorrect steps, but 'ya allah', none were successful. I know it's going to be very difficult for him to keep moving in life. I see him ruining his life everyday.

It is always important to learn that life can change in no time. After a point, people don't like you for what they used to like you for (not everyone one is that way). Isn't it strange? But that's how things are. You have to live with it.

I remember when I was a kid, when my close ones used to hurt me, I never used to take it too seriously. I used to be all fine in no time. And to be more general all kids are that way. As we grow and when we so called attain 'maturity', we tend to get hurt for many things and we tend not to forget things.

It brings me to a question which I have been debating with my own self for a long time. Weren't we more matured when we were kids? Atleast I was. I want to think like I uesd to when I was a kid (I am young still).

Don't worry Valentino!!! You will just get stronger and stronger. Rememeber this -'Always go after a person who is behind you and not after a person whom you are behind.'