Throw it aside quickly - Wrong attitude, not the garbage!

When the rains arrive, I have a lot of fond memories associated with the rains. One of them being, travelling to Pune from Mumbai in an Express Train, along the "Ghaats" of the west. The journey filled with greenery, waterfalls and cool weather was often accompanied by a "Bread-Omlette" breakfast, or a "Chips-and-Chai" snacks. After hogging through, I used to fold the paper/plastic wrapper/anything else and put my arm out of the window, to throw it all away. Just like that. It used to irritate me to the heights more than that of the surrounding hills, when my parents tried to stop me, and put it all aside only to be thrown away later. At times, I intentionally made sure that there's more garbage, and handed it over to them - "Keep this.. Keep this as well..!!"

This was, thankfully, many years ago. We are all embarrassed about some things that we did as a child, and this particular behaviour of mine will remain one such thing for me. But, come on, I was a child! And while I sit here today and type it all away, faces flash in my memory that bore no expressions of realization of doing anything wrong, hands that did not hesitate during the "throw". These faces, these hands did not belong to children, but to adults.

And I can proudly be completely neutral (I wanted to say secular, but then......) about the owners of these faces, these hands. Men, women, Educated, uneducated, all alike. Please note, I have used educated-uneducated, not learned-unlearned. Anyway, to continue, people across age groups, across religions, all alike. At schools, in trains, on beaches, on streets, in canteens, all alike. The lists, sadly are not limited to just these.

Haven't we all criticized our motherland for it being an unclean, messy place? We love our Bollywood movies, and there's a reason for many or most of them being shot in foreign locations. And an acknowledgement of that reason is our general reaction when we see those scenes - "Such wonderful, romantic and clean place!" We step out of our homes, and the journey of most of us starts with dodging and jumping through crap, to keep our shoes polished, nice. We see "Holi" being played throughout the year, with the colored "Pichkari" decorating the streets, the walls, the corners. We see people enjoying a quick snack in the bus, in the train and throw the wrappers - away if in bus, down if in train. We see, we come back, we sleep. Worse, maybe, we follow.

Is it really, the only way to go about it? Do we "have to" so blatantly disregard the norms? Aren't there enough options available? One might argue that there's no "infrastructure" - it is our favorite, isn't it? That there are no dust-bins available that regularly. Really? Can a person standing on the platform of the train say this, when he/she throws plastic on the tracks when there's a dustbin right behind him/her? Actually, excuses for the sake of excuses are dime a dozen. The reality of the fact remains that we are simply not prepared to take even little extra trouble to look for a proper disposal outlet. We are not ready to wait for even a minute and hold on to the crap when there's a dustbin coming up. We are not ready to walk a meter or two extra to reach out to the dustbin and do the needful. Probably because, we know - rather we assume arrogantly - that someone else will take care of that.

Watching "Munnabhai" and the "Gandhigiri" has come as an inspiration for me, in this case. There have been many incidents, when someone throws crap so carelessly, I simply pick it up in front of them, keep it either in my bag or else in my hands, and wait to spot a dustbin. The good thing is, "most" of the times I have not had to go to the dustbin. Perhaps the realization, or perhaps just the public shame strikes these people and they ask to return the "gift" agreeing to throw it away, where it should be thrown. I know at least a couple of friends of mine who do the same, and who say it works with the most.

But the picture is not so pretty always. Two days back, I did the same thing with a 50-something uncle (who'll be referred to as "The Uncle" throughout this post). He had enjoyed his packets of popcorn, and thrown the wrappers right where he sat in a train that was about to reach its destination equipped with dustbins. But the act had absolutely no effect on him. He was in conversation with a fellow passenger. He looked at me for exactly a second, and carried on with his conversation. His companion talked something about "the problems in the country". And I could not control myself before pointing out that "these" are the problems in the country. Result - another second of looking at me followed by continued conversation from "The Uncle". His companion, however, was surely embarrassed. By the way the sadistic pleasure is not the reason, why I do it. It is simply because at the end of the day I know that I did not simply "take the shit". That I did at least a part of my part.

Back in the engineering days, some my friends and peers realized this fact, that we have to play our part. They were prepared to walk not just one, but several extra miles to actually do something about it, and I was fortunately a part of it. We walked those extra miles, quite literally, cleaning up through a famous beach and a major railway station in Mumbai. A friend of mine opposed to the idea of this drive. Opposed in a sense that he refused to participate. Not because he was insensitive to this issue. Not because he didn't care. He did care, he was sensitive, but he was sure that this won't help. That this was a waste of our time and energy, which we could utilize to do something better. Maybe, he had met more of "The Uncle" people in his life who watered the plant of skepticism inside him. But, finally he agreed to be a part of that idea, and we agreed to later take part in another idea of social welfare that he had (I told you, he wasn't insensitive. Perhaps, he'll be reading this post.)

Oh, and by the way, it is not that I love to be such pain in the ass for people like "The Uncle". But I'm sure, I would seem like one, had I done something of this sorts with you. Many of you may laugh this post off, with the tree of skepticism firm inside you. Some of you may even feel offended while reading this. But you know what, you should feel offended. Not because some "aira gaira" is giving you shit, rather because you are giving shit (quite literally) unnecessarily. You are doing something wrong. You have an opportunity to grow as a person, as a citizen. It is not a mountain to climb, it is not breaking stone. It is simply a habit, an attitude silently waiting for you to inculcate it in yourself. This is not a foolish "gyaan". Imagine you not spreading crap, imagine even others not doing it. Even if you are skeptical, what's the harm in at least changing yourself? And really, it is not difficult. It is perhaps a question of realization, and I'd conclude with the same thing that I told my skeptical friend - "Even if one person changes positively because of this, I'll consider this time and energy spent well."

Shiksha (Hindi) vs. Shiksha (Marathi)

From the the time when we were children - so small that we didn't even understand most of what we were taught - we were taught a certain Sanskrit Shloka, "Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu.... Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah...!!" Of course, the meaning was explained to us, but we weren't really able to 'understand' it. Today, I believe most of us understand it, and at least some of us agree with it.

Yes, you've got it right. Next few minutes or so, if you're able to persist, you'll be reading "The Teacher's Day" special. So let me get it on the floor, "Happy Teacher's Day". And it applies to you too, because you need not have 'formally' taught me anything till date. Yet, I'm sure I've learnt from you.

So, Teacher's Day. I'm quite positive that I came in this world, crying. From that moment on, my parents were my first teachers. First thing that they must have done would be to teach me to smile, to laugh! Since then, many people have been my formal teachers, and lot many informal. Most of them made me educated, some of them made me "learned". (No, I'm not a wise-ass. But I'm no dumb-ass either.) They taught me beyond books and grades. They taught me beyond school and classes. They gave me a perspective, which was an untouched territory for me earlier. And isn't this perspective thing quite important in the exam of life? I may learn concepts, facts; but if I'm not really able to put them into a perspective then they may very well resemble a key for which I have no lock to open.

I've been fortunate enough to have learnt from some of these teachers whose name I take with pride till date. Of course, I respect all of the teachers out of the respect for the "institution of teacher". But some things other than blood - they really come from heart, don't they. And I'm proud to say, even today, in my current institute, there are few teachers that have made me awestruck with their knowledge, with their perspective and with their personality. We hesitate to use the word 'perfect' honestly, but I wonder - should I?

I mentioned the "Institution of Teacher". For a few months, when I got an opportunity to formally teach some school children, I got the taste of my own medicine. Suddenly, I was at the opposite side of the court, and I knew the kind of serve coming at me. But, I was not really trained to return it efficiently. Thankfully, I learned in a while, and also the other side felt it needless to throw me such curve-balls. Point is, the respect for this institution has increased many fold in me.

What some of these amazing teachers have taught me is this - where darkness is there, light must be there. Sadly enough, as I write, I would like to reverse this quote. Some "Guru" people today have taken "Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu" etc quite seriously these days. The forgotten catch is that, one should feel that about their gurus. The guru himself/herself should not consider it for themselves. And some of their actions - well, I guess devil has his school existing as well. For, these people must be teaching there, really. Right from the "guru" who takes advantage of the blind and unchallenged faith of the common people, to the "guru" who sucks life out of the student instead of inculcating life in him/her. From the "guru" who instead of imprinting knowledge in their students' mind imprints scars and burns on their bodies; to the "guru" who instead of becoming the counselor of the students, necessitates counselor for them. Open the newspaper, tune into the news channels, and you'll see plenty of evidence.

And this is from where the title of my post is inspired from. "Shiksha" in hindi means "Teaching", whereas "Shiksha" in Marathi means "Punishment". And that's a bit of irony. The inadvertent irony. Yet again, as one of the teachers of mine says, you can't change everything overnight. You can hope, and be the best that you can be. That's the light. Again, Happy Teacher's Day...!!!

Dreamt as a journey...

Breeze, that flows by me
As I pass by destinations
the points in time that passed
become the scent in the breeze
As I go through the motions

The fragrance brings forth
those incidents, those people
they generally prefer to stay
in the comfortable memory rooms
they come out together, they topple

I close my eyes, yet I see those guys,
I hear those talks, I recreate those walks,
The walks were dreamt as a journey...
That did comprise, routine surprise
Beach and the rocks, sand in the clocks
didn't stop running, irony...


Drops, of rains, start falling
they drench me with happiness
the music they start producing
echoes the rhythms from the past
each, vibration, pleasantly shakes

The lightning, parts the sky
as struck, those parting moments
some left, most yet remain
only farther, but not by the heart,
to fill, if any, holes and dents

I close my eyes, yet I see those guys,
I hear those talks, I recreate those walks,
The walks were dreamt as a journey...
That did comprise, routine surprise
Beach and the rocks, sand in the clocks
didn't stop running, irony...


Breeze, that flew by me,
scent, slowly fades
Droplets, cease to fall
music, hits final notes
As I go through emotions...


(Next station, Borivali.. Agla station, Borivali.. Pudhil station, Borivali..)

And the life goes on. We easily move on. But the memories, they linger on, and on...!!!

Onions and Opinions

These days when I log on to Facebook, or receive messages on whatsapp, a good amount of content is dedicated to recently increased price of onions. Poor Mr. Mukesh Ambani (poor - not in monetary terms) they say, is no longer the richest man in India. Who is the richest man in India? The answer that they have is something like in the picture below.

I have the option to laugh it off and move on in life. But somehow, for some reason, I am unable to do so. The feeling that I have in my gut is like the one if you could mix 'irony' and 'pity' and drink it in one smooth motion. Why? Because I begin to think, is this person really that rich? Is he in a position to sit on an undefeated throne and negotiate his terms and conditions as he wishes to?
As my memory refreshed in one of the recent economics lecture, the share of Agriculture in the GDP of India has become third from first in past decades, while the number of people working in the agriculture sector remains higher than any other sector. It somehow tells me that the farmers are not getting their dues. Of course, I am no expert in economics and there's a real good chance that the inferences I draw are wrong. But what I have been hearing, seeing around me does kind of back this inference.
What do I hear? What do I read? "Farmer commits suicide." "Famine affects xyz state." "Crops flow down in excessive rains." In fact, there are times when news such as these become so common that most of us even stop noticing them, the same way we do not notice date on the newspaper or the name of the company publishing the newspaper.
What do I watch? A marathi movie titled "Pangira" had released in 2011, which revolves around lives of people - most of them farmers - in a village named Pangira. After getting through many problems of farmers, finally a young woman (heroine of the movie) with support of an old Teacher gets the farmers grow alternative crops such as onions in the absence of enough water available. The farmers toil and toil away, finally able to grow a good quantity of onions, with good quality. They take the onions to the ZP Bazaar, expecting a decent amount in return from the wholesalers and distributors, who would further take these onions to the common markets and earn hefty amounts on them. What are they offered? The amount, that does not even recover the money that they had already put in, in order to successfully grow the onions. They are emotionally destroyed, violence erupts, police are deployed, they get shooting orders, almost half of the farmers die from bullets, and life of the village Pangira is destroyed.
For a moment, let's forget the climax. Let's discard it, saying that after all it is a movie, and such things rarely happen in real life. But rest of it? Unfortunately, it is the stark reality that many of the farmers of India are facing day after day, months after months, years after years. Ruling party, opposition party remain mere independent variables in this equation. Today we say we have tears in our eyes even before peeling the onions, just because of the price at which we buy. And then we conclude thus, that it is obvious that onion farmers are getting richer and richer. Unfortunately, it largely contradicts the facts. The middlemen, the wholesalers, the distributors - they may be getting richer, or even they may not be. But the farmers remain at the lower end of the pyramid - and this is again where the irony steps in. They are the base of the pyramid, which would be nonexistent if we remove farmers from below. And yet, they are always under constant pressure from all the layers above. And the agriculture minister seems to be passing the buck to the farmers as well - saying that they are responsible for the price hike.
The point of stating all this here is this: First of all, I do get the pun intended in the picture above. I do get the funny side of the jokes circulating on various platforms. I do get the fact the the pinch that the common man feels is also a significant factor behind all this. But, I just wanted to put across this point of view as well. We are living in times when crops remain stored in warehouses beyond the point of them remaining usable, and then they simply end up down the drain. Why - they're not priced adequately. In these times, generalizing a farmer as rich is almost same as generalizing the likes of John Abraham, Katrina Kaif as "Actors". Some of them are, most of them aren't.
The opinions are open for debate (Not about the "models termed as actors" though). And the write-up is not intended to offend anyone. Mere flow of thought, kind of impulsive.

Local Train or Vocal Train?

                       "Datta Darshanaalaa Jaayaacha Jaayaacha Jaayaacha..
                        Datta Darshanaalaa Jaayaacha Jaayaacha Jaayaacha..
                        Anand potaat maajhya maaina ra maaina,
                        Anand potaat maajhya maaina......."
(Rough translation from Marathi - I go for "Darshan" of Lord Datta. And I just can't contain the happiness.)

There I am, standing in a packed morning local train from Borivali. Waiting for the train to move, reading a book. The horn blows, train starts moving, and suddenly, after a loud "Ganpati Baapaa Morya" and "Pundalik varade, haari vithhal....", the above song starts echoing through the train coach. The "Zaanzaa" (an aarti instrument) start accompanying the song. And I simply stop reading the book and get engrossed with the song(the fact that I stopped reading a damn interesting book says a lot).
Whether I'm a conventionally religious person/a theist or not is irrelevant here, for that is not the reason of closing the book and being involved with the song. It is rather the strength that the song and the music emits. A local train travel at the peak rush hours is a very tiring experience in itself for some, and seldom goes a day when I don't witness a quarrel in the local train journey. In this context, there is often a group in at least some trains that is daily singing these songs lasting their entire journeys. And believe me, I haven't noticed a quarrel in any of such coaches, where the harmony of this music establishes its presence over everything.
At the start of it, you just enjoy the beats, the tunes, the fact that it is not some famous singer but just a common man like you and me who is singing such a beautiful melody. Gradually, you tend to forget the time in which you are supposed to reach a particular station. You become more and more calm and peaceful. I don't know how many of you will agree with me, but it slowly yet surely synchronizes loud voices and silent voices alike. Oh yes, I'm not singing loudly absolutely does not mean that I'm not singing with them in my head. It creates an invisible yet very much present connection with whoever comes within its reaches. It is such a power - a power that does not intimidate, rather, that binds people together! Is that what was the whole purpose behind the concept of singing "aarti" for different gods, in their unique sense of languages/religions/ethnicity? I have always believed so.
Coming back to the train. Whenever I get in such lucky coaches, I forget whatever work/non-sense I have at my hands. Let it be songs that I would otherwise listen to with my earphones, books that I love to read or at times read-up for an exam that I would be facing in few minutes. Whatever I have described above may seem to be a little superfluous or impractical to a few. But then, somehow I have always managed to find that serene place inside me upon closing my eyes when I travel in such trains. The wish - why couldn't my destination be a little more farther - always comes next.

As I conclude, another such song I recently heard keeps repeating itself in my head. Incidentally, Today is "Aashaadhi Ekadashi", and this song kind of relates to this day.
                                        "Hya Vithu cha, gajar hari - naamaacha, jhenda rovila...!!!"

P.S. Pardon the reference to Marathi songs, and days significant to Maharshtrians if you are unable to understand. I just go by the recent most such experience of mine.

In-class sleep

"Last night I had watched this episode and that
as a kid I had seen a magician, his rabbit, his hat.."
whoa, suddenly I realize, I'm in a lecture deep
and thus I write about in-class sleep...

as I wake up with a sudden jerk,
I extend my neck and try to gather the classwork,
at that I fail miserably, yet I peep and peep,
and thus I write about in-class sleep...

I give up on that and then I look around,
hoping that others are on the same ground,
some fully concentrating, give me creep,
am I the only one with in-class sleep?

But then some nice people are a reassuring sight,
I observe them, with sleep they fight,
the world is still not a place so steep,
some phenomenon it is, in-class sleep...

It's like a world in a trance,
vivid images blow up and around they dance,
it's a state of 'high' without any shot or nip,
and thus I write about in-class sleep...

There's a class to sleeping in class,
it needs some skill, not a job for the mass,
I'm not sure if this poem is classy or cheap,
regardless, I go back to in-class sleep...!!!

Shock, challenge and bliss : A tale of the unexpected

Till date, there have been countless times when I have blessed government of India and RBI for printing the currency notes on a fine piece of paper. It is strong enough to go in a wash with the clothes, and still come out in one piece after the dried clothes are in our hands. The note in the above picture was the latest addition to the list of such notes - the notes that have given me so much happiness so many times, just because I never expected to find it in my pockets.
In our lives, there are too many things happening unexpectedly. Some, at times bring shock with it. The very first paper in the engineering exams (the beautiful Mathematics) was one such example. News of one particular person hooking up with another one particular person, was another. Of course, with time there have come to my knowledge too many pairs of such "one particular persons" that the shock value of it has been reducing. Being posted to Chennai and in effect Trivandrum after training with Infosys, was another example, however momentary that shock was. On a more serious note, there are far more shocking news that reach us every day, and first reaction that we have is "It was so unexpected!"
I have always believed that it becomes very imperative to digest the shock as soon as possible, and take it as a challenge instead. I somehow again have to go back to the above mentioned mathematics paper (no, I will not go back to the other example I quoted : At least till now I have never had to take up such challenge). The challenge involves gathering all the available resources, come up with a quick strategy on how to utilize them, and implement it to the best of the abilities to get the best possible result out of it. (In context of that mathematics paper, it went as follows, in the above order : Limited knowledge and the person sitting in front of me; finishing quickly and rightly whatever I knew and verbal and chit-written communication with the person mentioned; ensuring that I attempt as much so that I don't fail in the exam.)
However, it was the part when the unexpected brings the "bliss" along with it, that the note in picture represents. 10 rupees may be a small amount comparatively, but still when one finds it when it's not expected, the bliss is eternal. At least for me it is. When a friend suddenly appears in front of me after a long time, that moment when I spot this friend makes the day and probably next few for me. Of course, that person actually needs to be a friend in my mental list. Recently after enjoying a wonderful afternoon at a place called "SODA", when the bill came, it was a brilliant moment. Why - because the bill was almost half of what I was expecting, because we happened to be there in the "Happy Hours" period. And then, how can I fail to mention all the surprises in the birthdays, and even otherwise!
The same reason why Ross, Chandler, Joey, Monica and Phoebe decided to celebrate a birthday of Rachel one month before the actual date, for it could be a complete surprise. Though they forgot that poor Chandler's birthday was to come even before Rachel's. You might not understand this last one if you haven't watched "FRIENDS". In that case, this unexpected piece of information will prove to be a bliss for you, as you should hopefully be wanting to watch this series...!!!
As I conclude this write-up, Raghu from MTV Roadies comes to my mind - "Expect the unexpected!"

IPL-NAAMa

April-May is that time of the year, when school vacations are going, Mangoes satiate most of us, the Air-Conditioner business sees happy times, and well, IPL happens. Recently, I got to thinking about the teams participating in IPL and their stylish-trendy-rocking-dashing names. And then I was thinking, do these teams justify the names that they have got? Let's see.

• Sunrisers Hyderabad : This is the recent-most addition to the IPL franchises. It's interesting, that every match they play is either around the time of sunset, or after the sunset. But then, there could be a deep meaning to it that I'm either not aware of or I have not dared to imagine. The team probably has one of the best bowling line-ups in the league, but their batting line-up - not impressive. Worst for them is the fact that few "star" players they have are not performing. Still, early days. Let's see if the Sun(Network) rises on this franchise or not.
• Kochi Tuskers : There's this friend of mine, a big fan of certain "Mini Elephant". The Kochi Tuskers always remained Mini Elephants to my liking. They seldom looked strong performers, never really looked like a competition to the lions and tigers in the jungle of the league. They had one roaring Mini Elephant though, whom one Mr. Harbhajan had tamed years back.
• Sahara Pune Warriors India : Another franchise that began participating in IPL along with Kochi Tuskers. One profound fact about this team is that the name of their sponsors "Sahara" is more highlighted than the team itself, whether it is the name of the stadium in their home location or their theme music during the match. About the warriors part. Well, they never really looked to be in any "War" as such. At maximum, they were able to pull of some "battles". Warriors under-training, maybe.
• Kings XI Punjab : For many parts in time, they did appear to be Kings, at least on the paper. But again, never really lived up to the "Kings" in their name. They have had Queen Preity as their owner though.
• Delhi Daredevils : A name that gives a very exciting impression to someone. For most parts, with the kind of players that the team has had, the name "Daredevils" suits. Alas, the Daredevil act almost always failed, leaving the team hanging by the wires that protect them. And going by the performance this year as well, they need to prepare for the stunts very hard for next year.
• Rajasthan Royals : For me, Rajasthan has always had a sort of royal touch to it. At least that is the impression in my mind. Though this royalty never enjoyed huge wealth, they managed their limited resources well. Royal winners of the 1st edition of IPL. And the captain they have in the form of Rahul Dravid for past few editions automatically adds to the royal aura surrounding the team.
• Kolkata Knight-Riders : The team had started off like brave, capable knights, from the first day in the history of IPL. But then, the knights could not move up further, the horses looked tamed. It took them the 5th edition of the IPL to achieve real knighthood. The owner they have along with certain former captain did keep the franchise in the news.
• Mumbai Indians : Before I say anything, I take a moment to think about the foreign players in this team. "Indians", really? Who knows, what they must be thinking about this fact. One good thing though, I could always associate this team with the "Indian" cricket team in the nineties. Both teams were very promising, but quite often they failed to go over the line that differentiates the good and the great. Also, they have the person in the team that put "India" on the global map and set the yardstick for greatness.
• Royal Challengers Bangalore : This team, in the inaugural edition had the word "Royal" written all over them with the kind of players that they had. But soon, the royals then made way for the princes. Nonetheless, the players are much capable of pulling off this "Royal" tag. The team has always remained "Royal Challenger". They could never be the winner, even with the full house of excellent players in the team. Let's see if they make the transition from the "challenger" to the "challenged" at least this year.
• Chennai Super Kings : This is one team that truly lives up to its name. Winner of two editions, runner ups in other two, out of total five editions. Arguably the most balanced side in the IPL, with a captain that I personally have always admired for his leadership skills and his individual performances. They still remain the side to beat according to most of the critics.

These are just the random thoughts I had when I started thinking about the names of these teams. Some may be unsubstantiated, some justified. No offence intended. Well, some is.

Having a ball - with the 'Sir'

 Today, as much diversified information we get from various sports websites about the game of our interest, comparable to it is the amount of news that we get on social media websites. Oh, and in humorous, sarcastic, and at times brutally intolerant ways.

Take for an instance, people opine that a cricket player gets more than enough opportunities. Undeserving opportunities, some even think. And then starts the roller-coaster ride. The creative Tweeple, facebookers and others act as the cogs and wheels of this roller-coaster and the ride takes on an increasing speed. The player gets a whole lot of accolades such as 'Sir', 'Lord', 'Shri Shri' and what not.

And then, there's simply no stopping it. This player is watched at all times through the Hawk's eyes. Any event, any phenomenon related even remotely to that player sets the social media ablaze. And the event in its original sense could be a positive one, or a negative one. But the result is just the same. It could be a couple of Triple Hundreds, a well-left-delivery getting him out bowled, or even a victory achieved even after getting out since technically it was a no-ball.

Yes, to a large extent we see the fun involved. Most of these people intend to make it a harmless ride, or maybe they just go with the flow as they have the impression that whole world is doing so. But at times, things seem to be going out of the line. Much to the misfortune of the player, even after he has proved that he has become a utility player and has made an impact on the game on numerous occasions, there's just no stopping it. It hasn't been seen yet, at least.

However, it is all the more heartening to see the player taking all of this in his stride, not letting it affect him in negative ways and keep on giving his best and being responsible for the success of his team. The critics may be having a ball on the social media, but there’s no backing down from the player himself. Of course, he still may have a long way to go before really standing tall above all of them. But as they say, diamond is diamond only after years and years of being under pressure. He is toiling away on the field as well as off the field. It is to be seen if he emerges as the diamond or fades away in the history like many others have.

Having said all of this, India is full of cricket crazy people. They criticize too soon, they praise even sooner. This player has been the exception in the latter case. It will be interesting to see if and when he makes the break-through.

P.S. Of the many things I admire about M. S. Dhoni, shrewd and cunning intelligence is one of them. And I don't know if he has done this intentionally or unintentionally, but the fact that he has joined the 'Sir'castic club has worked for the player in concern. Earlier criticism turned into a humorous incident, with even the "Extra Innings" seeing the funny side of it. It ought to work in favor of this player.

Avoid a void

"Hey, let's go man. I have to catch 7.12 a.m. local..!!" How many times, have we heard dialogues like these! Life today, has really become fast paced. One has to think about whole lot of things to do "tomorrow" before going to sleep "today". Some lucky ones, even look forward to the next day and the various tasks to be carried out. What if those lucky ones, do not have those tasks ahead any more?
Well, something of that sort has happened with me recently. There were at least 3 things associated with me, that I knew were going to be a crucial part of my day, every "tomorrow". And they were no mere things-to-do, they were the things I wanted to do, things I loved to do. And now, I can't do those. I will certainly talk about two of those things. Third, well, may be some other time.
We all talk about social media - How social media is good/bad, how it has affected us etc. Among all these things, one definitely good thing happened for me. I got in touch with a bunch of genius, crazy, creative and well, kick-ass people. For months, as a friend of mine says, I knew them just by their profile pics. Well, not really. Through the interactions I have had with them - meaningful as well as "Bakar" - I have known them at least to an extent. And it was really a wonderful experience. The group was supposedly formed for preparations of some exam, and the group did cater to that need, more than what I could ask for. It certainly added to my knowledge, my perspectives. There was this extended period of time when I looked forward to getting online in the night, and getting on with whatever we as a group did. And now, the exam and everything related to it has reached its finality. This is the first thing.
Around three months back, I stumbled upon an opportunity as a volunteer to go to a school, and contribute in the learning of few 4th standard kids, thanks to "Teach For India". And I grabbed it with both hands. I admit, I was a bit scared, as to how a bunch of small kids will take to me. But it was just a matter of starting. It was one hell of a ride, with these adorable kids. Naughty, definitely, but adorable and smart. The Teach For India Fellow to whom I was supposed to assist was a really nice person, from whom I learned a lot. And the time spent with the kids - teaching them, at times talking to them about completely non-academic but important issues, playing with them, trying to answer their innocent-but-difficult-to-answer questions - has meant a lot to me. And the love shown by them leaves me tongue-tied at times. The spontaneous "thank you" messages from them made me work harder for them. And now the school is over, with the kids having summer vacations. Next semester, I doubt if I can continue with this, as the much awaited MBA journey starts this June.
Such things had kept me going, each and every day, for past few months. And now suddenly I have to make do with the fact that they have taken a pause, let's say. A big pause. But hey, haven't I always believed to take the positives out with me? And that is something I intend to do, even now. I still have frequent interactions with the friends I have made while preparing for the said exam. Of course, the original intention behind starting with it is done with. But these people are still themselves. And some of you do know what making friends means to me. Slowly, gradually, there will seem a decline. But then that is something natural. What will remain important is that these people will still be friends with me. With the kids, it was certainly a wonderful learning experience for me, and I hope it was same for them too. I imagine that after few years, some of them will suddenly cross paths with me, and they have made good with their lives and still remember their Omkar Bhaiyya. Imaginations apart, the kids have showered me with affection, and I take it away with me.
But still the question remains. I do not have these things to look forward to, "tomorrow". No problems. There are so many things, that I have been wanting to do, but haven't been able to do yet. Reading few books, travelling to a few places, getting back to some old and wonderful friends, spending a little quality family time, getting hold of few entertainment series and movies, resume with the "Drums" lessons (when do I actually play successfully???)... And of course, some lazying around and eating and eating. Let's see, how many of those do I tick-mark before this summer ends...!!!

Writer's Block

There have been so many times, when this term has crossed by. Writer's Block. And a question suddenly came to my mind. When someone 'thinks' he/she is facing a Writer's Block, can he/she not write about the Writer's Block itself?

What can the Writer's Block really be..? It can certainly be a block in which a writer lives. It is may be a local habit picked up while growing up to call the place we live in, a 'block'. Or is it general? Anyway, going by the traditional sarcastic description that a writer carries, one would not imagine this block to be a lavish one. The Kurti wearing, side-bag carrying, one room block enjoying, Writer. At least, that is how lot many parents describe it to their kids. Some who are very well known may boast of a different picture altogether. Well, let them.

Or is it simply a block he/she is playing with, since he/she does not have anything else to do..?

The writer, going back to the ABC's of writing. Or he may even be making different shapes using many such blocks, and keeping himself sane. Or is he, really?

Or the writer has decided to let go of his good old profession altogether, and start building houses using real blocks?

Of course, if you revisit the traditional parental description of a writer I mentioned a little while earlier, why would the writer not do this? Maybe, just maybe, this will help the writer in the sense that things will percolate in his mind, and then he'll be back to his love..

Or, is it simply that the writer has a stuck CAPS-LOCK button on his keyboard, and whatever he writes (types) is simply coming in BLOCK letters?


Caps lock stuck or not, I think some wrong button is definitely stuck in my head. And it indicates, I need to go and do something useful. Why useful? I need to go and do, SOMETHING..!!

Mission Expansion

A child gets so happy and excited on seeing a balloon. He tries to blow one up himself. Slowly and steadily, balloon starts blowing up. Child gets more excited. He wants more. He keeps on with his efforts. There comes a time, when the balloon reaches its optimum size. But does the child know that it is in fact the optimum size? Does he have the ability to gauge that? If not, the balloon is going to burst, after all. In vain, isn't it?
Expansion, in a lot of sense, agrees with this story of a balloon. Expansion, generally signifies growth, and reflects positively on any entity. And it is, actually good. But as dear "Makdi-Man" says, "with great power comes great responsibility." How true and universal it is! While going through an expansion, any entity has to keep a check on synergy and to make sure that each and every person involved has covered a common ground. Of course, the onus is significantly on the people to ensure that they work towards this.
Consider a business. At the start-up stage, it is generally a small one, with a team of people numbering in single digits. Keeping the objective common and the decision making inclusive does take place by and large. Needless to say that it is imperative. After a while, when opportunity to expand comes up, it is generally grabbed with both hands. But an eye has to be kept at the changes taking place, and how they affect the company as well as the individuals. It becomes very very essential to ensure that cracks do not seep in.
Consider even an online thread. Last year, I had happened to join one quite late from the date it started. After joining, and giving it a quick scan, it was evident to me that a lot of quality things have been discussed on the same, and hence I thought it was necessary for me to familiarize myself with it. Even if there was an impulse to say something, I did consider that a thought might have been given to it earlier. After dutifully looking for the same, I was satisfied that I controlled the impulse. Today, when I see somebody else in that position-at times blabbering away like everyone over there is like a newbie and actually not responding to one who refrained from taking a dig at him and explaining things nicely-again somehow I relate it to this expansion phenomenon. As and when newer people join an existing thread, it gradually becomes difficult to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Though I understand that such things happen, and happen for good. Some learn, some have fun, some always have intended pun (couldn't stop from rhyming). By the way, at such times, my respect for moderators and seniors on any thread or forum increases tremendously.
Organizing something has always fallen under this category. As the number of heads goes up, so does chaos. I'm sure, I have caused some at times, and faced some at others.
Eventually, I will say that expansion does have quite a few positive notions. But then, there is a way in which it should happen. The original entity, the new entrants and anyone else, need to be patient, calm, and most importantly having an eye at the common objective. Then one can reap fruits of the same.

P.S. Most of above may appear random, incomplete or even non-sense. But it is purely based on my experiences in very recent times, and the write-up is an impulsive one. I'm no theorist or philosopher.

A Dedication

Gratitude. Kids have it. They may not realize it. If and when they do, they don't know, how to express. But we are grown-ups. We are grateful to a lot of things, to a lot of people. If we know we are, if we know how to, then why wait? So here's a dedication to certain - or actually all - kids...

aey nanhe munho, shehzaadon..
mujh ko ye kabhi, bata do..
tumhaari hasee mein, ye taakat hai kaisi,
khushiyon ki jaise, imaarat hai aisi,
us mein ek ghar, dila do..
ghar ka us mujhe, pata do...                                                       (Intro.)


aankhen, bholi-bhaali.. masti, hai niraali..
aankhen, bholi-bhaali.. masti, hai niraali..

rutho agar toh bhi maanoge jhat se,
bado ko sikhaao ye karte ho kaise,
man jo tumhara, bedaag hai..
paani ke jaise, hi saaf hai..                                                           (1)

tumhaari hasee mein.........

seekho, dhyaan se.. khelo, shaan se..
seekho, dhyaan se.. khelo, shaan se..

kehta hoon kuch toh main dene tha aaya
par sach toh ye hai ke maine hi paaya,
pyaar mohabbat ka, nazraana..
isi liye gaaya, ye gaana..                                                              (2)

tumhaari hasee mein.........

Thoda Aur......

"Yaar Omkar, I had asked that girl out. She rejected. Later I got to know, agar THODA AUR rukta, toh she herself was going to ask me out. But since I did it earlier, she refused."
How does that sound for a situation? And how should one feel about this friend of mine? Of all the things, one thing is for sure. He has been the victim of 'Thoda Aur' Syndrome. By the way, it is not an isolated incident. Defying logic, I remember at least thrice having this conversation. With a different person, each time.
'Thoda Aur' is I think what sets humans apart from other animals. Had I got 'Thoda Aur' marks in my last year of engineering, I would have got a 'First Class'. It is only when I put it into perspective that a professor of mine had threatened me of a 'Fail' (no matter how baseless that rant was) that I get happy about it. The great Mr. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar decides to retire, and millions of us think, 'Thoda Aur khelna chahiye tha'. Perhaps, up until he announced this, a significant fraction of them had been venting frustration on the same guy. Bollywood has also been singing, "Thoda hai, thode ki, zaroorat hai..."
This 'Thoda Aur' becomes even more prominent in the shopping scenario. We always want 'Thoda Aur' discount on already existing ones. Even when we are getting something for free, "Thoda aur milta toh mazaa aa jaata!" Let me occupy a rock for a while and give you some customary gyaan. 'Thoda Aur' reflects a greedy nature. One should be happy with what one has.
Ok, screw that. I have come to terms to this way of thinking only recently, but there are numerous times, when a single-minded focus on this 'Thoda Aur' differentiates between winners and competitors. 1/100th of a second or 1/100th of a percentile appears to be 'Thoda Aur', but seperation between a Gold Medal and no medal, a college seat and a next-year-again-try is this same 'Thoda Aur'. A lot of great minds have been pushing for this 'Thoda Aur', and thus they are called great among billions.
And yeah, of course, how can I forget this.. After a session full of the 'Elixir of Celebrations' (Scroll down for the post below if you need explanation), people always tend to say this - "Thoda aur hota toh jannat hoti.. Bas ek peg aur.. Thoda aur...!!!"