At the Crossroads

I never really knew that so many people enjoy my Blog. That gives me a high. Really! If I have ever wanted to do something, I have wanted to write well, and to be appreciated for that is the icing on the cake.

Well, now that the cat is already out, one of the most special moments of my life is about to come – I’m getting married! It has still not gotten inside. I haven’t really thought about it, in the hustle and bustle of preparations.

I just wonder what life will be after marriage! No matter how much I try to think that nothing would change really but it is slowly seeping in that there would be a sea of change. Imagine not being able to run to your mum for everything you need to know, right from a recipe to worldly sophistication. Imagine not being able to call up your dad to ask favours, right from organizing your financial commitments to his advice on everything. Imagine not being able to run to your brother for every small or big problem, right from a railway reservation not confirmed to investments not done. Imagine being separated from your entire life and whatever you have nurtured till now. Imagine not being able to have any claim on what you have treasured for your entire life.

I never thought this is going to be so difficult. I am out of home since last 8 years. I never thought it would hurt so much to leave this time. I have never cried while leaving home, but this time it is going to be really bad. I hate the ambiguity of this situation. It is a momentous occasion that I’m marrying the person I want to marry but it is going to be immensely painful to leave the people I was born to.

Although I avoid thinking too much, try to be busy in the work that has to be done; but in those odd moments when it crosses my mind—even for a wink of a moment—I feel that heaviness in my heart. I think about mum, the hundreds of arguments, childish temperaments, odd comments; I regret them all. For I am what I am because of her. I have always done what I wanted to do, I have been extremely stubborn. But if I am educated, if I am qualified enough to be able to stand tall, feel proud about myself; it is only because of her. In fact, so many times I feel I behave like my mum. All my life I have never really listened to her, but being her daughter, I have imbibed so many of her habits and mannerisms. And today, I have no words to thank her for bringing me up the way she has. I am indebted for life.

Although I think I’m closer to mum, all girls are, but dad has always pampered me to the hilt. Right from the time when as a 5-year old and I declined to leave a toy store, since a telephone had caught my fancy. I realize how embarrassing it must have been for him, but he bought me that. It was an expensive toy at that time, still he gave me the joy of owning it. I still smile when I think about his advice on all my journeys alone. He would never fail to say all those words again and again, never forgetting a thing – “Do not get out of train. Do not take your hands out of the window. Do not leave your seat. Do not eat anything which your co-passengers will offer, no matter how friendly they seem. Go safely and eat well. Do you need money?”

What makes my dad special? The fact that he thinks the world is a good place and everyone is a good human being. Do good and you will get only good. And the fact that he has been a great dad. Right now, I can recall another embarrassing situation from my childhood. We had been to a sports store to buy shoes for my brother and much to my parents’ dismay; I had just acquired a fancy towards skating. And I decided that I am not leaving the store without getting a pair of skates. I feel foolish today and sad, how much I was pampered. A child is a child. It would fancy a thing this day and tomorrow it would be gone. Despite knowing this, my dad gave me everything I fancied. Even on this day, my parents have given in to my wish. I have absolutely no word to say Thank you, I would never have, there can never be a word to thank your parents. Isn’t it?

My Brother! My Bhaiya! I don’t know if God can ever make anybody as good again. He is a big brother in every sense. We have several funny and memorable instances from childhood, which I would treasure for the rest of my life. He was a brat in school. I was the coy one. After school, he would run away to play cricket or football, and give me his school bag to carry home (poor me!). I remember hundreds of those afternoons, when I was forced to bowl to him (he was a budding Sachin at that time) and tasting the horror of his culinary skills when mum used to be out. I remember hundreds of stories that he would tell me to fool me. But they all seem unimportant, insignificant and immaterial in front of the unquestioned and unconditional love and dependability he has given me in all these years. I cannot think of one word which will define what he means to me. A mentor, a friend, an idol, a parent, a confidante, a supporter, a guide—he has been all these to me and much, much more. I am an embodiment of his confidence. He has always been an inspiration and constant source of motivation for me. I just have to listen to him for a while to get back and get going. His energy is infectious. He is a person who can claim a room; he makes an impression wherever he goes. In fact, it seems so strange but I have picked up so many of his habits, may be because I always looked up to him while growing up. He used to have this habit of carrying several books with him whether he reads them or not. Same with me. My logic is what if I wanted to read this book and not that. So I eventually end up carrying 6-7 books on a week’s trip. He has this habit of buying a lot of books. He has subscribed to several magazines, which he keeps piling and saving to read one day! Well, you have got to come to my place to see that your self. I have only books and magazines in every corner of my house and I am never ready to part with any of them. The thing is I feel I should know about SEZ, Economic policies, what happened to P-Notes, latest trends in Fashion, Make up, politics, India’s relations with Pakistan, Russia, China and blah, blah, blah. Well, some day I would read them all. So they are all piling up. My so-called bed-side table for skimming at night; has already become a mountain of magazines. I have subscribed to, god only knows, how many magazines. In fact, now when I go to bookshop, I feel I have more books than they have! Phew! But I appreciate the fact that I have imbibed the habit of reading from my Brother, and writing has come naturally to me through my mum.

For him it is difficult to believe that his little sister has grown up and for me it is going to be very, very tough to leave the family, which has been a constant source of unconditional love. Can you believe it; I almost cried writing all these. I know it is going to be very, very difficult! I don’t know how every one does it?

I don't know how she does it by Allison Pearson

I just finished reading I don’t know how she does it by Allison Pearson. When I bought it on a heavy discount (although I still cannot believe that it was originally for 1000 bucks), I did not expect it to be a great read. I got it from Landmark. I wasn’t even looking for it. But when I started reading this amazing book, there was no looking back. I would wait for opportunities to read it. It’s a fat book, so I took 4 days to finish it, but it was truly a remarkable journey!

Reading “I don’t know how she does it” was like going through a myriad of emotions. It would make you burst into laughter at some point, it tugs at your heart and leaves you feeling warm, on several other occasions. It is a story so common to all women, no matter if she is in India or Germany or Britain or South Africa. She has to be a working woman, not even a mother, to empathise.

Well, the book is about a working mother. She is not just another working woman, rather she has a very important position in her company and she is also a high flier. She has international clients to cater to and takes care of other people’s finances. She works for the love of it. We all know how a job gives you a high anytime. A homemaker might suffer from self doubt at some point of time, about her abilities but a working woman always knows that she isn’t getting paid for nothing!

It’s the usual story of this working mother running against time to match steps with the role of a mother and expectations from all the responsibilities she handles at her workplace. To add to her woes, she is a constant target of all those stay-at-home mums for not being a good mother! Well, obviously, if you look at it, it is but natural to be jealous of a working mother because she is seemingly enjoying best of the both worlds. But, even without being a mum, I can feel her pain. There are so many like her around us.

When I finished this book, and even when I was reading it, I wondered what I would do when I became a mother. I really cannot say anything for sure. You never know! But ideally, I would like to stay at home for my baby. I would like to see the joy of listening to her first words, seeing her walk for the first time, be there when she is hurt or when she needs me. Why do we want to be mothers? Just to have children? Because that’s what everyone does? Or because motherhood really is a joyous experience. Being scarily responsible for somebody so tiny and trusting! If life is not about being there for her on those occasions, then I don’t know what really life is!

I know it is difficult when you are used to the idea of Double Income, when you are used to splurging at the whims and fancies, when you are accustomed to your monthly salary; it is really difficult to let it all go. We all think we would manage. We would maintain a fine balance between home and family. We all know that is a myth. Don’t we all associate home with mother? Aren’t we too used to it!

While I was reading the Shopaholic series, I thought this is how I wanted to write. But after reading I don’t know how she does it, I feel, well, I guess this one is so much more better. So much more humorous, so much more lively, so much more real!

Go Book shopping in Pune!

For a Book lover, who is obsessed with books (yeah, they are different things), it is important to know the best Book shops in town and when they hold their Sale. So one can plan the purchase. Therefore, for the benefit of all book lovers in Pune, today I would share information on where to shop for books in Pune. Trust me I have been to almost all of them and I always keep looking for Sale and good bargains.

Check out my list. I am sure it will benefit you.

Crosswords: They have their Annual Book Sale somewhere in August – September every year.

- ICC Trade Towers, Senapati Bapat Road (one of the biggest and best in Pune; they also have a BRIO outlet inside the Store, so that you can have good coffee while you read)

- Sohrab Hall, Junction of RBM-Cannaught Road, Behind Pune Railway Station (last time I went there, there was a CCD outlet inside the store. Because you never know what could happen over coffee!)

- Renaissance, J.M.Road, Near McDonalds (you can also check out bargains outside this Crossword)

- E-Square, University Road (It is inside the multiplex, so that you can browse through some good books while you wait for your show)

- City Pride, Kothrud ( almost all the major multiplexes in Pune have Crossword inside, so as to give you value for your time)

- Supreme Centre, Near Ozone, Aundh (It is that tunnel kind of store—unidirectional, but houses a lot of books. So when you are shopping for groceries next door in Ozone, pick some books and magazines for weekends)

- Premiere Plaza, Next to McDonalds, Chinchwad (I think this is the only Crossword store in Pune, where I have not been. It has opened recently for the book lovers in Pimpri-Chinchwad)

- Gold Adlabs, Kalyaninagar (another one in one of the biggest Multiplexes in Pune. Good Movies. Good Books. Good Shopping at Lifestyle next door! What else can you ask for?

Landmark: Address: (Next to Dorabjee's), Opposite Magnum Mall, Moledina Road, Camp.
I personally think Landmark is amazing. It is exhaustive and thorough. You have books for every topic. For example, in Crossword you have general section of Fiction or Indian Fiction. Landmark has sections called Humour also. It is much easier to locate a book. Usually, Landmark runs a Book Sale in the month of September – October. Actually, they are running one right now, which is on till 2nd October ‘07. They keep their Sale low key, for whatever reasons. Also, for those who think it is Expensive to buy books from shops, there’s a book stall right outside the Landmark, where you get loads of books in bargain prices.

The Word Book shop: Address: Boottee Street, Camp Pune, Tel.: 2631214 / 2633118.
I have heard that this book shop had catered to the Pune Book lovers, much before the Crosswords and Landmark came into picture. It always stocked the best books of the season. It has a loyal set of customers. The owners give their personal attention to the shop and are willing to source the books, if it is not available already. It carries 10% discount throughout the year.

Book World: Address: Basement, Sagar Arcade, Fergusson College Road.
It is a small Book Corner, not really a shop experience here. Books are stacked from floor to roof. But they have huge collection. You can go there only if you know it is there. But it is worth visiting, as I have always found any book on any topic here. It is almost inconspicuous in its presence. You might also get some second hand books in this place, if you want to save some money. There is also a book corner, right outside its entrance, where you can get some bargain buys. Supposedly, Book World also holds an Annual Sale, promising 10-15% Discounts; but I don’t know when they do that. Need to keep a close watch there!

Hong Kong Lane: Address: Near Garware Bridge, Opp. Chitale Bandhu, Deccan Gymkhana.
If you want to buy or sell second hand books, then you have to check out Hong Kong lane. It has a small corner, where several popular books are piled up. Those who do not know what to do with the books you have already read but do not really want to keep; then look no further. Come to Hong Kong lane, sell your old books and get yourself new ones.

Danai Bookshop: Address: Taj Blue Diamond, Bund Garden Road. Tel.: 2625555.
It is a small Book shop in one of the city’s 5-star hotels. Mostly, it attracts the Blue Diamond crowd and people from Koregaon Park or Osho Ashram—mostly the foreigners. It is done up in classic White, which gives it an aura of its own. It is a small place for just picking up something off the shelf. Don’t expect to find any particular book here. But yes, they do have lots of international magazines, quite aptly; considering that they get a lot of crowd for those.

Popular Bookshop: Address: Deccan Gymkhana, Tel.: 25678327.
It is a small bookshop on the intersection signal, which joins JM Road, FC Road and Bhandarkar Road. If you have seen Chitale Bandhu of Deccan, just keep walking towards FC Road, on your left handside is Popular Bookshop. It also stocks popular Hindi and Marathi books. This air-conditioned bookshop enjoys a loyal clientele over the years and even 3rd and 4th generation customers visit the shop often. The Shop supposedly runs a Sale during Diwali every year, and they also have Bargain Counters where books are sold at half the price. So check out this cozy, little Book Shop in Diwali. I know I am going to.

International Book Service: Address: S No 759/5, Deccan Gymkhana.Tel: 25677405.
It is one of the favorites with Puneites, who love its old world charm. It stocks books on all topics but you would not find the luxury of lounging here. It recently completed 70 years and enjoys the attention of a set of loyal customers. Only problem is that it is closed in afternoons and on Sundays. Well, I am yet to check out this book shop but I think it is going to be worth visiting. So, here I come!

Books I want to Read

I am grateful that finally I am catching up on my reading. I recently finished “For Matrimonial Purposes” by Kavita Daswani. It was the story of a girl who wants to get married. She is a typical girl, in many a sense, but she is not your common type, in many ways as well. She wants to get married to a decent Indian guy chosen by her parents, alright; but she wants to really like him (although may not really love him). It is important for her to get married to the right guy—right for her. In this pursuit, she looks at every Indian, marriageable guy, as her prospective groom and when it does not turn out to be the way she thought, she is left heart broken. Yes, with every guy! Well, if you look around isn’t this the case with modern, educated Indian guy or girl. It is not always that you fell in love with somebody and proceed towards marriage. Many times we do not come across any such person in our entire 25 to 30 years of lives! Quite possible!

The story is not hilarious; it is real. It is a story which you see everywhere. So, I kind of liked it. Thank God, the girl found a guy in the end and they lived happily ever after, whatever!

Right now, I am reading “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” by Mohsin Hamid. This book is very different in its narration. The narrator is talking to an American tourist and doing that, he is taking the reader through his experiences. The story is set against the 9/11 attacks and how it changed the lives of Muslims around the world, more so of those in America. I have read more than half of the novel, and I really want to read the author’s first book also called “Moth Smoke”. It is supposedly an acclaimed book and has won several Awards. I get a little scared to read an Award winning book. Most of the times, I do not understand it. Take the example of “Life of Pi”. I tried really hard but I could not finish it.

Well, anyways, I have tried to put together a list of books which I would like to read in near future:

Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid
Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (His “Kite Runner” was fabulous)
Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn (Haven’t read a good Thriller since ages)
Straight from the Gut by Jack Welch
Mahatma vs. Gandhi by Dinkar Joshi (which is supposed to be the basis for the movie “Gandhi, My father)
Chocolat by Joanne Harris
The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris
A Crowded Marriage by Catherine Alliott
Bride at Ten, Mother at Fifteen by Sethu Ramaswamy
Can you Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella

Why we love India

I am not a religious person but I do connect with God. So I tend to believe that I am a spiritual person. During these festivities of Ganesh Utsav, I really did not participate in any of the celebrations. But this Monday, when I saw the Visarjan ceremony, I had a weird feeling, a sense of loss. I did not celebrate, but I would miss all the celebrations which were happening all around.

I often wonder why we love India! I mean look at the roads, look at the education system, look at the competition for few seats, look at the politicizing of each and every issue, look at the frame to frame copy of foreign movies, look at the social and economic gap, look at the disturbance on Border areas (and not only Kashmir), look at disturbing instances of violence in the name of caste and religion, look at career opportunities (or the lack of it), look at increasing crime, look at eve-teasing; Why do we love India? Then I thought, may be this is it. May be because we have so many gods, castes , religion and festivals. May be because we know how to celebrate together. May be we know how really one should celebrate. It just gets on you. Even if you ignore it, can you really stay away from it? If you are a Bengali in Maharashtra or a Keralite in Kolkata—you would still celebrate Durga Puja!

Add to that the recent victory of India in Twenty20 World Cup. I still believe that nothing bonds us better than Cricket! We still have different festivals but Cricket is undoubtedly the common thread that joins us all together. Look at me, I am not really a Cricket person but this game is so infectitious that you cannot ignore it for long, and definitely not an India-Pakistan match for sure. So, there I was watching the Grand Finale of Twenty20 World Cup. Well, I am sure all of you must have heard the bang of the chocolate bombs after we won the match, no matter which part of the country you were in!

On a special journey called Life

I just realized how under-traveled I am! I have not even seen India completely, forget about abroad. My first real tour was when I was in class sixth; we went to Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Lucknow, Delhi, Shimla, Chandigarh and Delhi. I was quite young then but I remember everything clearly. Undoubtedly, I loved Shimla, the best. I just love mountains. I remember there were so many monkeys when we were going up to see this temple called Jhakhu Mandir in Shimla. It is supposed to be the highest peek there, and the view was lovely from the top. I remember the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, I remember that wonderful park at Pinjaur, I remember the person sitting outside the Qutub Minar with a huge snake, I remember the bada and chhota Imambada of Lucknow, I remember the Mall road of Shimla, I remember Columbus of Appu Ghar; yet I feel every city has so much to see that covering so many cities in 15 days is the same as not seeing them at all. I had been on this tour with my parents, my grand-parents and my brother. Our second tour was down South. We saw Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore, Tirupati, Ooty and Coonnoor. I just loved Ooty and Coonnoor too much. They were heavenly. It is something to do with Hill stations. It was lovely. I went with my parents to all these wonderful places. I remember the Tea and Coffee gardens of Ooty, the zero-visibility foggy roads of Coonnoor, the unpolluted Tirupati, the amazing Mysore palace and a bit of Bangalore. I discovered Bangalore more when I stayed there for sometime. Well, to think of it, I have not been that unlucky after all. I have had the privilege of staying in three Metros – Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai. Can you beat this? Well, to go slightly off-track, city exposure did wonders for my self-confidence. I used to be over-awed by city life. I always had this feeling how would I adjust? In fact, it all started with moving out of home for my Graduation. I had the first brush with freedom and independent life. It was my first journey out of home alone. Those three years prepared me for life ahead. Of course, there was much more to come. Post graduation, I moved to Chennai to stay with my brother. Those 6 months were amazing. Nobody really likes Chennai. I mean people from other parts of India. They would prefer other places to Chennai, any given day. I liked Chennai. It was kind of conservative yet a metro. It is much cheaper than any other Metro and if you love South Indian food, you don’t need to look beyond! My next destination was Bangalore. I did not really see the entire Bangalore but the fact that I used to move around alone, taught me several things. Bangalore, for me, is all about Udupi restaurants, cyber cafes and several hopes and dreams. I was preparing for CAT at that time. I really learnt using internet in this place. In fact, I stayed all alone in Bangalore for 15 days. It was scary initially. What if I needed something in the middle of the night? I knew nobody there, absolutely nobody! It was from Bangalore that I did my first long distance train journey alone. I learnt all the now-seeming simple things like doing reservations in train or making a demand draft. Yeah! Joining IMDR in Pune really made me a metropolitan at heart. I used to be overwhelmed by even Pune earlier. But now it seems like a second home. It’s nice and relaxed. I think life is nowhere even close to what it is here. Chilled Out! Its here that I had the real campus life experience—my first late nights, first instance of being on my own, my first Scooty, this Blog, my first visit to a real disc, my first Film Festival and many more firsts. I loved every bit of it. When college days came to an end and I landed in dream job in Mumbai, I could not have asked for more. But, well, I never really liked Mumbai. I don’t know why. Today I regret only one thing. I did not SEE Mumbai properly. It is an amazing city, whatever I might say. There is always one thing or the other happening (and I am not talking about Bomb blasts and Flood). I did not see Prithvi Theatres, I could not check out the Strand Book Sale, I missed out on “Class of 84”, I could not go to King’s Circle for Books, I did not see Colaba flea market and so many things. But I chose to move out, so I am not really complaining. But yeah, it all boils down to What next? The latest trip was to, well, Life’s finest Abode! Yes, the Aamby valley. It was a heavenly experience. The peace, the tranquility, the unabused atmosphere, everything about Aamby valley is such that you would want to get in a cozy cottage and spend some days of sanctity, away from the hustle and bustle of crowd. Well, I was sure lucky to be there. Everything said and done, I still think I am highly under-traveled. I want to travel more, see all the beautiful and amazing places—in India and then abroad. That’s what life is all about. Isn’t it? After all, life is a journey in itself.

I'll be there for you!!!

Well, as Joey says –How you doin’? I don’t know whether how many of you have been fan of this show but if you have seen it, the chances are you have fallen for it. My own friends would vouch for the fact that I have become obsessed with FRIENDS!

I discovered F*R*I*E*N*D*S quite recently. By the time I saw the first episode of FRIENDS, the curtain had already drawn on the Grand Finale of the Tenth Season; and the lovable cast had moved on with their lives.

By now, I have seen almost all the Seasons, laughed at Chandler’s one-liners, smiled at Ross’ sweetness, empathized with Monica’s idiosyncrasies, stumped by Phoebe’s matter-of-factness and bowled over by the sheer charm of Rachel and Joey. Basically, they are all cute and independently very good. In fact, I loved them so much that I tried looking for bits and pieces beyond the episodes—how this sitcom was put together, how the cast stuck to each other through anonymity to fame, how they created a history of sorts by striking deals as a group; moving from 30,000 $ per episode to 2.5 million $ per episode for each of them. Everything about FRIENDS is now a case study in itself. It is said that after the phenomenal and unexpected success of FRIENDS, many such sitcoms sprung up; but what works for one may not work for others. Look at our own “Ram Gopal Verma ki Sholay / Aag”.

I just bought this Coffee table book on Friends titled “Friends 'Til the End: The Official Celebration of All Ten Years” by David Wild. Yeah, I bought a coffee table book! So what? Haven’t I already established that I am obsessed with all kinds of books! And come on, it was only for 399 bucks. I think it was a great deal. After all, FRIENDS TV show is one among the Hall of Fame now, and one should know about the making of such all time great comedy. It has so many pictures of the moments from all the Seasons and some behind the camera moments that I could not stop myself from having it. I still cannot stop wondering what really does it take to create a genius like that. Of course, the fact that it was taken off air when it was still popular, is part of the reason why we still drool over it. Just look at our band of K-serials and how they keep on having generation leaps and disturbing twists and turns to the original story. Can you imagine, what this lovely Sitcom would have become, had they given in to the popularity of the show? There is definitely a learning from here. Even when something is working, you should know when to stop. Nothing is sacrosanct. If you do not bow out, you would be kicked out. It takes a lot of wisdom to identify the right moment and a lot of heart to take that decision.

I remember, even when I had not heard about Friends, I had known Jennifer Aniston as a Hollywood actress and had vaguely heard about Courtney Cox. But I had no clue about the rest of the cast. Look at me now, I eat and drink Friends now. If I am home, I would either be reading the Friends book or you would catch me watching one of the Seasons. In the FRIENDS book, they talk about when they realize that FRIENDS had become a phenomenon. Look at me, I come from a small place in Jharkhand; and I totally freak out on FRIENDS. Do I need to say any more what popularity this lovable sitcom has achieved?

Introspective wanderings

I am a writer at heart at least that is what I like to believe. I like to believe that before you become a good writer, you need to become a voracious reader.
How many times it has happened to you that you have read a book and marveled at the knowledge of the writer? How many times you have read a novel and it has touched you deep inside and left you wondering how it is possible to define an emotion so beautifully? And how many times you have been filled with awe by the sheer genius of an author in describing a moment? Well, since I am an aspiring writer, these days I also look at what is the style of a narration and how has the story been told. In fact, I also know what kind of books I want to write. I have found a writer of my own taste. I have devoured four of her books and only two other are yet to be read. I am just dying to lay my hands on them. The stories are engrossing and deliciously funny. There are at least hundred instances when you empathise with the character, frankly speaking, most of the girls would feel one with the character. Well, all of us are born Shopaholics, aren’t we! Well, if you have ever read any of the books in Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella, you would know what I am talking about. I love her style and would like to write like her. Of course, I would like to be known for my own style but you know it always help to define your objective.

Today I was into my one of those introspective modes. I was thanking God for a decent Appraisal, and then suddenly I realized that there are actually so many things which I should be thankful about. Look around and you would find most of the people unhappy about one thing or the other. Some of them have been unfortunate in marriage. Some have been unlucky in their careers. Some are cribbing about the tons of responsibilities thrown on them at a young age. Some have lost the purpose of living. And of course, there are millions of people suffering in poverty and destitute. When you look at all these, you suddenly realize what a blessing your own life is! And here, you were cribbing about how much more your salary should have been, how much better life partner you could have chosen, how your friends are settled in U.S and how better others’ lives are! Frankly, there is no end to it. You would always find something to cry about. Nobody is supposed to be perfect; nobody is supposed to have a flawless life. I strongly believe all of us have our share of happiness and sorrows. You cannot just compare your house with the Bungalow your friend has, because you never know he must be struggling to make his two ends meet after paying loads of EMIs for that lovely bungalow. So why not be thankful about all the good things in life. Come on, all of us have something to be happy about. So keep smiling and feel blessed.

The Way Forward

Sometimes I feel totally hopeless. Where do I go from here? What next? I have a nice job for sure but I do not see a career here. May be 2 years at the most, then what next? I never planned my career. Yeah, I had a vague idea that I want to be in a creative field. I did Advertising for a year then moved on to this job. Here I do communication for my product & Company. Of course, Wipro has an entirely separate Corporate Communication group, but if we need to do any communication at our level, I do it or coordinate for it. It is a great learning experience. Right now, I am so excited about the response on my Direct Mailer, which we did for our new catalog. We have already got 10% response and its increasing day by day. Then we have gone online with the same Concept and the opportunities on web are overwhelming. There is so much one can do and we are slowly modifying our website to meet our needs. I am also setting up an Outbound Call Centre for my company, which would be followed by an Inbound Toll Free Number. I have absolutely no experience in Telecalling initiative but even nobody else has in my company, so I am learning as I do it.
My funda about a job is simple. There should be enough Learning and Excitement that you want to come back to work everyday. When that does not happen, you need to find out the reasons why it is not working out. And if the case is completely hopeless, you need to let it go. Till the time I have opportunities to learn and do something exciting, I am all for it, otherwise it is time to move on!
I always dreamt of becoming a writer. I still do. But along with writing, I have noticed an inherent knack of Editing in myself. I cannot help edit or correct whatever I read. It just comes naturally to me. I do not have to try hard. May be editing would be “The” Career for me. Who knows!

My Idiosyncrasies

I have obsession for books and bookstores. You can catch me buying books everywhere, in Crossword, in roadside stalls, on Platform pushcarts, even Online. In fact, it does not just end there, I feel editing comes naturally to me. I cannot help editing, punctuating and finding mistakes in anything I read. I am also an avid fan of all those glossy and expensive magazines where all the stuff is obnoxiously over-priced. But still I think glossy magazines perhaps originated because of people like me; you can catch me reading a Filmfare or a Femina all the time. I think getting up late on a Sunday is a waste of time. You should enjoy each and every moment of your holiday. Why waste it sleeping? My friends cannot figure out why I buy books at a rate greater than I read them. That one even I have not figured out yet. I hate it if my things are unorganized or dirty. You can find me dusting my place even at midnight, depends upon my mood. Colleagues say the term “retail therapy” was coined after me. I would drink tea without sugar but Garlic Bread without Cheese is just not for me. People call it Idiosyncrasies. But hey, I don’t have anything much if I do not have my little idiosyncrasies.

Treat yourself to some Bheja Fry

If you have not already seen Bheja Fry, then you must. I am sure only recommendation would not be enough so let me fight my case with 10 reasons why you must watch this obscure movie with a bunch of TV and theatre actors:

Watch it for its non-Govinda style, non-Johny Lever style, non-Great Laughter Challenge style comedy; in short, its refreshing comedy; something which none of us have seen on Indian diaspora for a long time.

Watch it for its simplicity, almost like a Play. The story hardly goes beyond one room but you never seem to notice this. We really do not feel great about seeing heavily paid actors dancing on the streets of London and beautiful locales of Switzerland and New Zealand like teeny-boppers.

Watch it for its unconventional and interesting storyline. The story just revolves around an evening but I have yet to come across a person who thought it was mundane.

Watch it to prove a point that a good movie need not have an ostentatious budget. Last heard, this movie has been made on a tight budget of 50-55 lakhs, it still stands much ahead of those over-budget and overrated movies by Johars and Chopras, who give least thought to the freshness of concept and make us fool by showing same stories with same star cast and even same locations but, mind you, with a different and more elaborate name.

Watch it for its casting, especially Vinay Pathak. He is really good, guys! I am sure all of us have noticed him in Khosla ka Ghosla as well. Even Milind Soman looks like having a blast, and of course, you cannot miss Ranvir Shorey.

Watch it for its well-defined characters, and the thought gone behind characterization of each and every person in the movie. You cannot miss the detailing in the characterization of the lead characters, unlike our so-called “big” movies where even shoes in one scene does not match in the consecutive scenes (and I am not even talking about songs!)

Watch it for the length of this movie. It is a story well said in 1 hour and 35 minutes. Quite short for Indian standards, so you could catch it even on a weekday.

Watch it because I am sure you would like to keep it for your home library.

Watch it with your family because it is a comedy but surprisingly it is not vulgar. They really make very few movies these days where you could have fun with your entire family without any embarrassment.

And finally, watch it for the effort in giving something different to the intelligent audience (read us)


Disclaimer: I am not even remotely related to the producer, director or the actors of this film. But I would hate it if this movie flops, as several good movies do. It really deserves to be a super hit.

The Weekend that was!

I had a rocking weekend. What did I do? Just cleaned the house. I have felt this several times that cleaning for me is somewhat therapeutical. The satisfaction, which I get after cleaning, is amazing! It is similar to the feeling of creating something! I love re-organising things as well, I love the process of creation.
Earlier I used to make a lot of cards for birthdays or even in general. I also used to make a lot of Collage, but not any more. Collage does not excite me anymore. But I plan to make a different kind of collage now. I want to gift my mum & dad a collection of our old photographs with anecdotes; I hope I will be able to gift that on their anniversary, which is on 17th May.
Day before yesterday, I was looking at some old photographs of my childhood. There’s a picture of me with my mum. I felt so lonely at that moment. I felt what am I doing here! Why have I wasted so many years staying away from my parents! Suddenly I realized, they would not be there forever with me. Why am I not spending more time with them. Parents are very special people, no matter what you do or even what you do to them; they will always be there. Always! There is a sense of comfort and security in parents. Nobody else can give that much of comfort and security, no other relationship. Because all other relationships are the ones, which we cultivate; the relationship with our parents are natural! Whenever I see old pictures, I start crying, for the loss of those old days. I am very happy with my present but time is something, which you cannot stop, which is why it is so precious. That made me realize what am I doing with the time, which I have in my hands now! Why do we waste so much time in fighting and useless competition to earn more than our peer groups and hoard more and more assets! Do we ever logically think about what are we doing! And if it is at all required to do that.
Coming back to my weekend, well it was all about quality time at home. All of us got together and cooked a lot of things, and had a feast in the evening. We had Paani Puri, Cakes and Dhokla. Then we went for a stroll and talked leisurely, which is a rare occasion. I have also realized that in our daily lives, we are so much in hurry of doing several things that we do not talk much, as in not really have a conversation, where you need to think and open up.
Another good thing was we played badminton as well. If you are following something to achieve something, it is better that you do not lose continuity. And I have decided that I have to play at least 5 days a week. So getting up early (8 am on Sunday is definitely early) really made many things possible.

The best thing about being in Pune is that you do not dread Mondays so much, or may be depends upon what kind of work you do! Because I have seen my friends in Sales fearing about Mondays. I really have my sympathies with them; it is really unimaginable for me to roam around the length and breadth of the city throughout the day and come back to crunch numbers or do backend jobs. First of all, riding for 70-80 kms in a day is dreadful for me.

Write Corner

I have always believed that I write well. People around me also have felt that way. I know I enjoy Writing as an activity. Some day I would like to write a book, but I have no story to tell. There is nothing which I want to share, I just like writing. Perhaps I could be a good Editor, making people say things in a better way, polishing the stories, which others want to narrate! It is at least good that I am in Communication. I was in Advertising but I am not cut out for one-liners, I guess; I am more into stories! Here, I get opportunity to write, even if it is a letter, I think it requires expertise to draft a good letter. Being in Communication, I am polishing my skills. Someday I would like to do a course in creative writing. Perhaps it is too tough to let go a nice job and try fulfilling your dreams. It definitely makes sense when you know what you want to do. It would not be new for me to do that. I quit my previous job because I badly wanted to be in Pune. I was not living in Mumbai; I was counting days and months! I knew this opportunity was just right to move on. And I just quit without getting offer letter from my current company. I know it sounds whimsical and very daring, but in reality it was the only hope I had!
At this point of life, everything has become routine, there is nothing much which I want more! I love this stage but still I want something to live for, a passion in life! I have also started enjoying doing up interiors. This idea has born because we recently booked a place, I would like to build a dream home. I think I am fairly good in Aesthetics and Colour sense. I understand balance. So I know I can do it.
Coming back to writing. Of late, I am writing very little and reading even less. My problem is that I am an idealist. I want to do everything, which is not humanely possible or requires better Time Management. I am already fighting a losing battle with rising early in the morning. But I know I can do better.

Little wishes

There was a time when I used to visit temples; I used to open a long list of what I want from God. But when I go now, I do not ask for much. In fact, nothing but just the general stuff like keep everyone healthy and happy. I am happy that I am at that point of life where I do not have unaccomplished dreams. I am not ambitious. Everyone wants a Merc to drive, a Villa to live in, an ideal family who do want you want them to do, but we don’t really want them. In other words, these things are great if we could have them, but otherwise also life is pretty good! What do I want from life?
I want a loving husband who cares for me and loves me immensely for who I am. He should understand that I am not perfect. In fact, far from perfect! But that is what defines a personality. I wan him to be there for him as well for anything in life and at any point in life. Isn’t that the essence of love? I want him to treat me as his equal. I understand the basic need of a man to feel slightly superior to women. I do not blame them. That is how he world has taught him to be! It cannot go overnight. I would let him enjoy that benefit once in a while. Well, that also proves how magnanimous women are!
I want to take care of my parents and in future, I would similarly want to take best care of my in-laws, because there is no greater strength than love of your parents, the sense of security, which you have in knowing that no matter what happens you can always turn to them any time any where. They are the reason what we are now. If we feel good about ourselves because our parents made us that way.
I want a great life and wife (that too!) for my brother. Words cannot define how good and great he is! In A subconscious way I have always idolized him. When we were kids, we used to fight a lot but since my bro had to stay out of home for higher studies, right after his Class 10th, we have grown more fond of each other. The reason being that we did not stay with each other for too long. But he is the best brother anyone could wish for—loving, witty & dependable.
I want beautiful and independent children, who get right values in life and make their own destiny. Although it is too early but sometimes I think how difficult it is to be a parent, to guide a life and make her understand what is right and what is wrong. You always want best for your child and what her to lead a secure life. I want my child to understand the intricacies of life and not be judgmental about people.
I want a beautiful home, a place where my family loves coming back to, a place where I feel relaxed and secure. It does not matter if it small but it should be spic & span and so beautiful that people should get awe-struck on seeing it.

Healthy & Happy

Ahh! Much to my dismay & disappointment, I have also joined the bandwagon to lose weight. Yeah, that is the only thing on my mind these days—How to Lose Weight! My target is my birthday. So I have about one and a half months to achieve my target.
To begin with I have started cutting down on oil, potatoes, rice and sugar intake. The logic is if you cut down on intake, your exercises will start working on your existing fat.
I start my day with a glass of luke warm water with lemon & honey. Breakfast is normally, Poha or Upma but I want to have Corn Flakes for atleast 2-3 days in a week and eggs for 2 days and for the rest, I guess, Poha or Upma are OK, because they are also recommended by dieticians even on weight loss programs. Lunch is still a matter of concern because earlier I used to get Dabba, but now it has stopped and I’m managing by eating out or going home for food or sometimes not eating at all. But is is not a good practise. I have heard that one should “Breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dine like a pauper”. But how many of us really follow that. I am also bidding goodbye to Pizza, Chocolates and Junk Food. I am incorporating more of Curd, Green vegetables and fruits. I know it works.
Another good thing which I already do is play badminton for atleast an hour in the evening. It is really a good exercise. So to just put it in a nutshell, I should continue following things to achieve my target:
·Avoid Sugar, Oily & Junk Food
·Play Badminton for 1 hour at least 5 days a week
·Take stairs instead of Lift
·Drink lots of water
·Say No to food when I am not hungry

And I definitely need to do following things to get slim-trim and healthy by my birthday:
·Get up early in the morning
·Do half an hour of Yoga at least 5 days a week in the morning
·Do at least 30-45 minutes of Gym early morning
·Eat a healthy Breakfast
·Get Lunch from home
·Eat by 9 pm at night
·Sleep by 11.30 pm
·Drink at least 4 liters of water daily
·Be Happy

There cannot be anything more one can do without killing oneself and one’s lifestyle. I am not obsessed about losing weight because I am not fat, I am just 50 kg. It is just that I want to get a little lighter, probably not lose that much weight but get toned and energetic. And most importantly have a balanced and proportionate body. When you are healthy, you are happy! Isn’t it?

Life vs Life

Opportunities and better opportunities—is there any end to it? You just go on & on. You need to decide. You are either this side or the other side, you cannot always take the middle path. And almost always we want to take the path in-between almost in everything.
Mumbai is the city of opportunities. You will ask for one, you will get hundred. But what happens to life? My personal experience is it is very tiring and exhausting. Life in Mumbai drains you and you need tremendous amount of energy to sustain there. Picture this; you get up in the morning according to what time you have to catch the train. You keep at least 45 minutes for commuting, even more in most cases. But 45 minutes is minimum, if we keep the case of lucky few aside.
You reach office anytime between 9.30 and 10 am. By that time, you probably missed your regular local or caught it just-in-time, in which case you did not get a seat and kept standing and struggling to get some fresh air, throughout your journey. Even if you managed to sit, you probably squeezed in between a fat aunty who would not budge even an inch and another who is already struggling to keep herself on the seat. If you get down at Lower Parel, then God only can save you. Perhaps 80% of the entire Borivali to Churchgate crowd gets down there; so you really got to struggle to get down at the right time. And if you do not have to get down and still you are anywhere near the entrance, even God cannot save you. Abuses are hurled at you and people stamp your feet and you are pushed from all sides. When you finally get down at your station you wonder if the day has actually begun or ended! But you are not so lucky because the day has just begun, and anyways you are in Mumbai, my dear!
Then you get out of the station, and you are into yet another struggle to manoeuvre your way into a cab. And finally, you land up into your office. While entering your office, the first thought that crosses your mind is—is it only a Tuesday! 4 more days for the weekend! Oh God, please give me strength to go through this entire week successfully. Then its time to check your mails and make job list for the day. Obviously, you do not need to make new ones everyday, just change the date of the job list, which you made earlier because anyways jobs don’t get over just like that. It takes its own pace to see the end of it. Let’s not get into the details of the “exciting” work we do. Somehow, we just manage to get through the day after many cups of tea and coffee, many rounds of gossip and bitching and obviously looking at the watch twice per second (if that is possible). While going back at 9 pm we think about all the wonderful things our friends are doing, the fat packages they are drawing for doing “exciting” jobs and also about our own pathos and whether we are going to feel the same each day for the rest of our work life. Whatever happened to job satisfaction and “my work is my hobby” kind of life?
When you get back there is no energy left for doing anything else. You just look at the piles of “nice” books you got to read, that some day you would read them! So that’s life in Mumbai where you get time to talk to your loved ones from your office phone or while struggling in locals.
Take Two. You get up in the morning. You feel the fresh air of the morning. You do not have to rush to board a local so you take your time. You exercise, go for a walk, even cook your breakfast. Then you leisurely get ready, and still reach office by 9 am. Okay, 9.15 0r 9.20 am. You check your mails, reply a couple of them and take necessary actions for the urgent ones. You go for tea at 10 am and the day sails along smoothly. Before you realize, it is 6 pm. Normally you get back to home by 7 pm, then you go to Gym or play Badminton or just go out for a movie. You do not have to wait for the next weekend to enjoy yourself! You do all that and then you enjoy your book too. You catch up with friends and sometimes gossip till wee hours of the morning. Welcome to life in Pune.
Yes, you give up “better” job opportunities but you get a better life in bargain, where you can just pause for a moment to enjoy yourself, without missing your local!
Your life is an outcome of the choices you make in life—today I truly understand the meaning of this line.

Mundane & not so Mundane

Sooner or later life tends to become routine. You can’t help it. Nobody can. When something changes, either it gets exciting or rocks your world but after that phase passes; life makes a routine out of the new things developed out of changes. Yet again.
When I see a Mumbai-Pune bus, old memories come alive, how I used to commute between Mumbai & Pune! Life was literally on the fast lane. But then Mumbai does that to you. You just have to find time for everything in the time available. So you end up running against time. I know I sound like someone who really hates Mumbai. I really do! Some of my friends remember me when they think about who is the person who hates Mumbai the most!
Even going to Mumbai for a day’s trip makes old memories come alive, and I just thank God that I am not in Mumbai anymore. When somebody says that I love Mumbai! I really wonder, did I miss something which this person has experienced and enjoyed.
Recently, one of my friends called up to inform about some job opportunity there. Ha! Are you mad? I am not going to swap my life here for anything, or more correctly, I would not want a life in Mumbai for anything. Frankly, I am a little laid back person. I love working and, mind you, I am very honest towards my work; but I do not want those so-called career opportunities by putting my entire life in stake.
Just think, why do we keep running? Why there is no end to our wants? Why we are never satisfied with what we get? Eventually, what matters is—are you having a good time right now? Not later, not after one year, not after retirement, Right Now!!! If not, then what is the point I am proving to myself with the loads of money I earn? That my worth is more than my peers? This anyways is highly subjective and nobody other than yourself can ever gauge your true worth! So do we try to ascertain that I am capable of earning so much that I can buy the best gadgets in the market and blow money at whims & fancies? Well, in that case, any amount of money can never be enough to cater to whims & fancies.

Forwarded wisdom!

There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second
richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

1)He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!
2)He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
3)He still lives in the same small 3 bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.
4)He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.
5)He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.
6)His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.
7)He has given his CEO's only two rules. Rule number 1: do not lose any of your share holder's money. Rule number 2: Do not forget
rule number 1.
8)He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch
television.
9)Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time
only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.
10)Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.
11)His advice to young people: Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself.

Cheers!!!

Draupadi-an intrigue

I have been thinking about some topics to dwell on and research. I have particularly found the character of Draupadi from Mahabharata, quite intriguing. Long time back, while in college, my room-mate and best friend, was reading a book on Draupadi called Jagyaseni by Pratibha Roy. It was in Oriya, so I could not have the good fortune of reading it, but my friend was sweet enough to take me through it while reading it herself. And I was immensely amazed and involved in that book. I tried finding an English or Hindi version of the same but I could not. I don’t know if its translations exist at all.
Even after that instance, I have come across the story of Draupadi in bits and pieces, here and there. There have been short stories and instances from Mahabharata. What I recall of the Mahabharata we saw on TV, I think the story was not perfect! Besides, I think the story shown on TV was quite straight and in white and black. It never attempted to dwell on each of the enigmatic characters of Mahabharata, and even Ramayana, for that matter. And I truly believe that the Mahabharata which we normally come across, is a little exaggerated. You definitely don’t believe that Bhishma would have slept on a bed of arrows for days and that too, pointed side up!!! I remember, I read in Times of India perhaps, that it is written in Mahabharata that Bhishma slept on a bed of arrows. Now this could also be interpreted as a bed of arrows, wherein the arrows are side-ways and not the pointed side up! But we like to believe what we like to believe.

Job-hopping

I read somewhere that “in life, when you start feeling jealous about a friend and the way she feels about her job, well, dude, it is time for you to move on!”
Of late, I have been thinking about what would I really want to do with my life! Should I make it just a money-spinning ride? Or go beyond it? I don’t know. I mean I try to think about this objectively. As much as possible. I have quit my job. You can call it a little whimsical or impulsive decision! In fact, it does not sound for real at all! I HAVE QUIT MY JOB! Man!!!What am I going to do? (For starters, I do not have an Offer letter in hand). How am I going to find another job? And one more problem I am facing is that, what kind of job would I want to do? I don’t know if I am asking this question to myself, a little too late. But some of us live our entire lives, even thinking about this aspect.
Life never fails to intrigue me. I did not get it out of choice. I got it by chance. What am I supposed to do with it? Nobody told me! Well, people tried telling me, but I always thought otherwise. My family thinks I just keep on hopping from one thing to another just for the heck of it. But I think I pity myself for living about 25 years of my life, and not knowing what am I going to do for the rest of it.
Right now I am looking for jobs which are similar to the one which I have done for the last one year, just because it is the most logical thing to do. Although I already overlooked logic and sense (in the accepted form) while quitting.
My boss thinks I am not only foolish but also stupid. I don’t want to even think about that aspect. I think I am reasonably intelligent. I think logically. So I am fine in that department. The problem is I ask too much question from life. People think I am crazy to give up such a dream job and go back to starting from the scratch. However, I think that if I know where I am going and what I want to achieve, then I would not mind starting it from scratch. The problem is I don’t know.
Let me see, what my options are. I am really really keen on is a short-term course in creative writing. I want to tell stories but I don’t have any right now. In India, there is hardly any decent institute conducting any such course, which is worth my time and energy. Besides, I also love reading. I have gathered from somewhere that if you love reading then publishing houses are the place for you, where they receive a lot of manuscripts. You have to go through them and identify the money-spinners. I would love to WRITE. I know I am telling this nth time but then that is the only truth of my life. I dream of a place where I am surrounded by all the books I want to read and I am being paid to read them. How cool!!!

Oh Beautiful world of Romance

Lately, I am in the process of re-discovering the simple and innocent joys of Archies' and Mills & Boons! They remind me of the carefree and restless days of teenage, the mushy imagery of the world outside, the perplexity of unknown future, the infatuations, the temptations, the enormity of unimportant issues, the girlie-gossips!!! Teenage comes alive!
Mills & Boons, for the beginners, are novels with out of the world notions of romance and passion. A gullible teenage mind comes to and tends to believe in the love portrayed by those novels. But when you grow up, you understand the innocence behind it all. A typical M&B romance would have a 19-25 year old female protagonist, and a 35-5 year old male protagonist. A female contender, who would always be older than the heroine and a male admirer, who would always be younger than the hero! The heroine would always be either a secretary or a nurse or an interior decorator or the likes. While the hero most definitely would be tycoon in whatever field that suits you. The heroine would be a delicate beauty and the hero would be a tough and rugged but extremely handsome man! And they have to keep fighting and make love off and on till the "lived happily ever after" end! So, as you can see, I have cracked the code of M&B.
I read somewhere that M&B mostly has female readers and several male authors write under female pen names because believe it or not, such romantic novels are meant for and read by women, the world over. Look at me, I have read close to 200 M&Bs. Romance always takes the tension out of the window and word looks rosy-coloured. Isn't it?

It rained last night!!!!

It was the 5th day of consecutive rains in Mumbai. A Wednesday. I had went to office on Tuesday only to find that hardly anybody had turned up, so I just ended up checking my mails and sailing through the pages on Orkut. Then we had trouble coming back home also. Since the trains had already stopped thus I had to rake my brains and decide whether to accompany my friends in a cab or just wait for the trains to start working again, no matter how much time it takes. I have a thing against taking roads in Mumbai, it takes unnecessarily loooooooong time to reach your destination and especially at a time when everyone would be rushing home, I was unable to decide whether it is sensible to take a cab home—from Worli to Andheri, that too Andheri-east!!! Anyways, I always think it is better to get stuck with 3 other people with you rather then be grounded alone as I am not very well-versed with Mumbai yet, and besides I have no other place to go, except home! So I had to give up the temptation of taking the train.
Luckily, we had no problems till Bandra, where we dropped 2 of our friends. Then we took the highway, till Vile Parle. From there, my friend’s car picked us up; and she dropped me on the Andheri Western Highway. I was relaxed after that because my place is quite close to it, so I walked till there. Since the time I have walked from my office in Worli to Andheri, it has become a standard for me. So whenever I have to decide to walk I compare it with 26th July’s experience, and I know if it is within my capacity!!!
I reached home safely, and shortly after that it started pouring like anything. So from Tue evening and the entire Wed, I had lots of time on hand. I watched TV non-stop, nothing in particular, news in general! And I read Archies’ and also started a Mills & Boon. MBs are funny things. I think it is unrealistic, senseless, too naïve and too teenager-type for me! But I still like to read these romantic novels to take the tension out of my system. It takes you to another world. It does not matter that it is still stupid. But I am not ashamed to admit that I have read more than 150 of these stupid novels. They are real stress busters.
And guess what, I am sure many people came across a fully-clothed Rakhi Sawant taking interviews yesterday, on India TV. So for CNN-IBN’s Citizen Journalist Raveena Tandon Thadani , India TV answered with Rakhi Sawant!!!Pheewwww!

Insensible Sensitivities

Human beings are really an incomprehensible, insensible and strange lot. Yesterday while I was surfing channels on TV, I saw Amir Khan giving interviews and he sounded angry. That was enough to hold my attention more than even any of our own ads! What I heard and comprehended turned out to be such a stupid issue that I wonder why I am writing about it and why it has become a matter of national debate. The point of contention is Amir’s film “Fanaa” being stopped from being screened in Gujarat, because apparently Amir had offended the sentiments of the people of Gujarat by supporting the rehabilitation of people being affected by Narmada dam!Whoof! First of all, I wonder what is wrong with supporting the rehabilitation of people who would be affected because of the dam. Secondly, I fail to understand why people of Gujarat would be offended by someone being rehabilitated.
Even right now, while I’m writing this, I’m watching an interview of Amir with Rajdeep Sardesai on CNN-IBN!

No Reservations about thoughts

Reservations! Right now, it is the talk of the town, or more specifically, the country. But look at me. I am also one of the many people who are sitting on the saddle and watching the match, as if this does not affect us. We have done this so often that now we have got used to it. Be it the government of our country, the political situation, the freedom of expression, the crime against women, the illogical societal norms, the mindless riots, the terrorism, the injustice—we wait for others to go ahead and fight case on our behalf. We are happy to be part of the crowd. Nameless! Faceless!
Frankly speaking, I have not been able to decide whether I am in favour of reservations or against it. I think Reservations for SC, ST & OBC were institutionalized to uplift them at par with others. Over the years, the so-called “lower caste” people have been oppressed and victimized by the “upper-castes”. The reservations in educational institutes were to educate them and uplift their status in the society. Another thing was that over the years, these people had been fooled into doing menial jobs for others. Now with education, they can take decisions and be aware of the consequences of those decisions.
Going a little back in time, Mahatma Gandhi introduced castes & religions to Indian politics (I have no idea why?). And everyone knows what this caste-based politics has come to be today! Selfish politicians play games with poor, uneducated lower-caste people, and fill their vote-banks; and promise food, housing, jobs, better infrastructure and now, reservations in return. Nobody is bothered about what happens to the “General" category. All political parties are playing their dirty politics with the future of this country.
We have had reservations in our system since years; I don’t know how much it has helped. Like any other noble idea, it has gone haywire. My own observation of so-called lower-caste people has been that sometimes I have found entire families of doctors and engineers; while sometimes there are families who have not been able to educate their children to primary school also. They have no idea, how to! It is quite obvious that the rich are getting richer and the poor, poorer.
The idea behind reservation is to uplift the weaker sections of society. For that matter, I would not shy away from raising the issue of reservations for women. I don’t know there should be reservation for women or not. When I think about our local trains, and imagine life without Ladies’ compartment; I’m all for reservations for women in local trains. I cannot imagine travelling in the General compartment. The problem would be obvious if you have seen a local train; and you would empathise, if you have traveled in one. But when it comes to reservation in educational institutes, I don’t really think, it is required. I accept that women are physically less strong than men, but intellectually they are at par! But the point again comes to the fact that we have a history of years of oppression of women. So perhaps for sometime this reservation can help bring more & more girls to school, and ensure representation of women in every sphere of society--be it education, academics or politics. Now this problem leads to the problem of girl-education. Thus, the problem is so complicated and inter-related that it is very difficult to say that we do not want reservations at all!
Coming back to the current problem, we definitely do not want 50% of our seats reserved. Imagine fighting for only half the seats. Already, it is accepted that the entrance exam for IIM Ahmedabad is one of the toughest in the world. Imagine what would happen to the next generation. Would it be worth fighting for getting into IIMs & IITs of the country? Even now, people start questioning their own abilities when they fail to get through IIMs & IITs. As if not getting there makes you less intelligent and a lower grade individual. People have gone places and conquered world without those degrees. There is no doubt about the quality of people who make it to these premiere institutes, but we cannot question the intellect of thousands who don’t make it. The problem now moves to our education system and social orientations and acceptance. You can gauge the difference in the attitude of people when they discover that you are from IIM or some other MBA institute, similarly, IIT vis-a-vis regional colleges. In fact, even my orientation also is similar but of course, it is not logical! We have too many prejudices and limitations. The problem is also that most of our parents expect us to be doctors or engineers. There is no doubt that their intention is to see their children successful and secure in life, but sometimes they take it a little too far.
Moving back to the main issue of contention, I think in no time, most of the educated class who can send their children abroad, would start looking at it as a better option. When you start getting step-motherly treatment in your country, you need to look beyond it. And in no time, government would crib about brain drain.

Aggression

During my appraisal discussion, my Boss told me, that I should be more Aggressive.Even my immediate boss says I should be aggressive.Initially, as the easily-motivated sort I am, I thought, Yeah!they are right. I need to be more aggressive and dominating. They told me, Advertising is a field where if you are not aggressive, people will take you for granted and would not give you importance. But now, I think, should I be in a job which takes away the very essence of me! Is it worth it!I think I am sensitive, emotional and very unlike the hardcore go-getter. But that is my personality. And those qualities make me sensitive.Perhaps, I am at a wrong place or profession.
I always dream of being a writer. I have no idea, what would I write!In fact, in my whole life, mostly I have written poems. Out of which, most of the poems, I have written during school, which now seem too childish.I have written 2-3 poems in the last 2-3 years. Would that qualify me as a writer!Even if the answer is in affirmative, I would be tagged, very slow!Does not matter! Sometimes I think about leaving everything, and start writing. But I have not found my inspiration!

I should or should I?

Sometimes when I see poor people begging, I find myself in a dilemma. Whether to give them money or not! Everytime this happens to me. I feel sorry for them but never have I been able to come to a conclusion. In fact, it also happens when I see poor, old people working. So many times, it brings tears to my eyes but these are some of the things, I have not been able to make an opinion about. Why does a person beg? Either he does not want to do hard work or does not have an opportunity to do any work. Then what do you do. Give him few coins, and that's it! What difference would that make to his life. The poor, little kid, who keeps asking you for money because he has not eaten anything for days or all his siblings begging around......all of them.....what future do they have? Here I think about my future and my career; and how whatever I have is not enough. I think about what do I want to do in my life. I have choice. They have none. Even survival is a big question mark for them.
Then there is another thing--pity. I pity those people who have to do hard manual labour for living. I don't know whether I should pity them. Is hard work, worthy of sympathy or it is like any other work? What is wrong with hard work? Why my heart sinks when I see a labourer pushing a cart full of load? I don't know. I really have no answer!

Going back in time

Today I was going through my old posts. It was a great experience. Truly. It brought back all those memories back, the exhiliration of being placed in my dream company, the phase of aimlessness,the joys of reading, and lots more. I marvelled at my own written words! I wonder why have I not written any poem for so long! By the way, now my plan is to get into the arena of short stores. Let's see when and how I start.
Just now I was also thinking about my new hair cut. I am also planning for streaking my hair. Now how's that related? Well, new things! Perhaps that is what I need to do. Perhaps, after a point life gets monotonous and you just need to incorporate new things or changes to breathe a new lease of life into your daily life! If we go on doing the same things, we would get the same results. Heard that before?

Another day from the book of Life

All these months, while I was working and acting very busy, I have missed blogging terribly. I always think, life at Mumbai is too exhaustive. You don’t have time to think of anything else but work. And that can create emptiness inside you. My problem, perhaps is that I think too much about things which I should not, and too superficially about things, which I should. I like to believe that I love reading and writing. But I have no time! Or rather, I am lazy, too lazy to take time out from my “busy” days. But now I have decided (one of those resolutions!!!) to make the most of my time and days.
Today I saw “Water” by Deepa Mehta. I would say I am plain lucky to have been at the place where it was being screened. And somehow I decided to join the people watching it. I knew they were screening Water but I did not know it was that controversial movie. I liked the movie over all but critically speaking the actings of John Abraham and Lisa Ray left a little more room for improvement. But atleast here, John acts! I had found Lisa good in Kasoor, but of course Divya Dutta dubbed for her. I n Water, especially, when Lisa Ray comes to know about the name of John’s father. I thought, that particular moment demanded more to be spoken in terms of expressions and body language! Or, how should I put it, this scene needed a little more weight. Because it was a crucial moment in the story. Also, I did not particularly like the way John reacted when he came to know that Lisa had committed suicide. I thought it seemed that Lisa had just gone out of town rather than out of this world. But undoubtedly, Seema Biswas and the little girl were brilliant. All said and done, I think Deepa Mehta’s effort is laudable. And more than that she deserves a salute for her determination to make this movie. "Water" evoked in me a thirst to know more about the plight of those women in the past. I remember, I read in India today (or was it Outlook?) that in Vrindavan, there are still such ashrams where widows stay together. They pass their days raying and do not have any money on them for their sustenance. They are required to live a life of giving up everything in the name od widowhood. Today, in this world, this whole idea seems ludicrous, but in those days, this was the reality for any widow. I am glad I was not born yesterday....I mean in those days. May be I was, in some other body, in some other form!
Right now I am reading Collected stories Part-2 by Shashi Deshpande and May you be the mother of a Hundred Sons by Elisabeth Bumiller. After reading 4 books by Shashi Deshpande and hundreds by other authors, I have reached a conclusion today-- I love this author. Or rather I would say, I idolise her. If I ever became a writer, I would like to write like her. Her stories are actually not stories. Not in the typical way. It does not necessarily have a typical beginnng and the cliched ending, but it tells you a story. A very different kind of story. It would tell you about complexities of characters, of life being grey, of plethora of emotions, stories held in moments, hours or a few days. The books which I am going to read next are Ice-Candy-Man by Bapsi Sidhwa and Mediocre but Arrogant by Abhijit Bhaduri.

Nostalgia

I visited this blog of mine after so many days, and felt how could I possibly abandon it, I have shared so many of my thoughts here. I mean, we can grow up but we cannot detach ourselves from the memories of the past. Because as they say, most of my life is there! It was my first brush with blogging. I have started another blog but I think I would continue with this one also.

Work is worship

Today I realised how much I have missed Blogging, reading and doing the things I love doing. But to think of it, I enjoyed doing my work also, which kept me on my foot for one and a half months. It was really, really hectic. I literally was breathing work but it has helped me in learning what goes behind sending materials to Print media.
See I did not have enough time to think of a good Title for this post also. But anyways, life is in a fast lane. I still maintain that I hate Mumbai but I love my work and the work environment, and anyways, right now I do not have time to think also whether I love or hate Mumbai. Time kiske paas hai!!!

Back to where I belong-2

And why not when we are on the verge of getting sequels of every damn thing!
Anyways, I don't know how I managed to remain out of Blog world for so long because I really love it here!
It is just that on 1st June I joined my dream job. For two months, we had training; and after that when we were alloted our offices, the Mumbai disaster struck us--the Flood!But now, work has started. I'm learning. But to top it all--I M LOVING IT!Next weekend we have our First Alumni Meet. Add to that 15th Aug is on Monday, and frankly I'm not excited about Republic Day, but the Holiday as a result of it!!!
That reminds me, today I read in MID DAY, that Karishma Kapur's husband has stopped her from making a trip to US, and she was going there to be a part of Independence Day Celebrations??!!What about our own Independence Day?
Waise bhi, mainu ki?!

Back to where I belong!

Somebody pointed out that my blog is increasingly becoming academic. So I take a break because academics anyways, is over!
Two days back, I saw Hazaron Khwahishen Aisi at INOX. Actually, it has been 2 years and I had never been to INOX, the Multiplex, in Pune. I am a regular at E-Square. And it is the best in all respect. At INOX as well as at ADLABS, you don't really know that you are in a multiplex, you enter by some gallery and leave by another. What about EXPERIENCE!!!
Anyways, coming back to the movie, considering the fact that I am not an intellectual, this movie was a bit over the head for me. But it is good. The award-winning type! Actually, it is the true off-beat cinema type! It does not tells you each and everything, assuming that you are intelligent. It showed the total collapse of all systems in the interiors of Bihar. It was really a hopeless and a doomed picture! All actors were good! I really liked the way movie has been given a background, and the missing links have been beaded together with the help of letters.
Also read this review.

To all my friends at IMDR!

I don't know how these two years
just slipped off my hands,
I am still awed!
But it was wonderful to live,
near perfect, almost unflawed!

Can I forget,
life's first late nights!
Can I forget
inconsequential fights!

Getting late for classes,
despair of poor marks
low pay packages,
Ghorpade's n Doc's idiosyncracies,

No match to
anything we expect!
Now seems trivial,
in retrospect!

But for our frontiers,
when we leave,
We'll meet at every crossroads,
I believe!

From heart to heart,
there is a bonding we share,
though miles apart.....
All of us belong here!

Yet another Swades!

Swades has left an impression on me and I seriously feel that if our country can become a developed country, the development has to be at the most lower level—the villages! It was a shock when Mr Pravin Chordia said that about 60% of our land is increasingly becoming barren! And to come to think of it, as far as I could remember, I have always considered India synonymous with an agricultural country. But as he said that only Kerela has been able to sustain its agricultural productivity to some extent, Maharashtra has failed miserably.
The objective of going to Chinchni was to see for ourselves how a change in our habits and ways of doing things, can bring a lot of changes in the consequences. It was important to see it because it definitely makes a bigger impact than just listening to stories. We have already heard a lot of stories, its high time we checked some things ourselves.
The first thing strikes you before you reach the farm, is the stark contrast between the land which has organic farming done, and the rest of the land. There are patches of greenery, which makes everything obvious.
Mr Pravin Chordia, who initially worked on organic farming, incorporated the ideas of Shripal Achyut Dabholkar. Dabholkar gave birth to the idea of Prayog Parivar. As the name suggests, it is a community, which experiments and works on the idea that it is absolutely possible to live a good life at higher middle class income levels with just 1000 sq. metres of sunlight, 500 litres of waste water for a family of 5 per day. The idea is to enrich soil naturally as it has great potential and if it is done right, there is no reason why the results would not be favourable.
The idea here is to do a multi-level farming by incorporating as much varieties of plant species as possible. It helps to enrich the soil, as different kinds of plants give and take different kinds of nutrients. For example, the various levels could have as follows:
Level 1: Papaya, Teak
Level 2: Custard apple
Level 3: Bitter gourd
Level 4: Green vegetable plants
Level 5: Potatoes
This creates a bio-diversity, which makes a forest-like ecosystem, thus there is a symbiotic growth of all plants. You can find an odd sunflower, rose, teak, spinach, tomatoes, papaya, mangoes, curry leaves, henna, and just about anything. The more diverse, the better! It is also taken into account the things, which these plants would provide, for example,
For Bio Mass: Eucalyptus
For Cash crop: Teak, Sandalwood
For fruits: Min 1-2 of each species
For economic returns: mangoes
Thus by an intelligent mix of plants, all needs are taken care of. This experiment is not only self-sustaining but also makes decent profit making. But it is also important to take note that if one buys expensive land, then it would be very difficult to break even fast, thus the land should be bought at far off lands, for cheaper rates, otherwise all efforts would go in paying off debts.
Working in farms does not mean that one should live a life of deprivation, as this place also has satellite connection and even power is generated locally by water. About 70-80 people stay nearby to water the farm and take care of it. It s amazing to find out that handicapped people take care of this farm. It is also an effort to empower them, so that they do their bit of work and earn accordingly, not relying on government subsidies but dignity of labour.
To begin with, the soil is not necessarily fertile. It is made fertile by a process in which 9 alternating layers of ordinary soil and biomass are made. Then varieties of crops of diverse varieties are planted in this soil bed. After 21 days, one-third of the plants are cut and put into the soil. Again, after 21 days, another one-third is cut and put back to the soil; and then repeated for the last one-third of the plants after yet another 21 days. This makes the soil ready for farming. Then various levels are created by planting trees, and plants, which would form the various levels after they grow up. It is really amazing how everything works, but it is all a fact.
We also saw another of Mr Pravin’s farms, which has grown into a forest. In fact, 30 women from a village along with their women sarpanch, also came to visit his forest to know more about this kind of farming. Increasingly because of global warming and what we have done to our atmosphere, the rains are decreasing slowly; so slowly lands are becoming infertile because most of our land depend on rain for good crops. That reminds me of yet another startling fact about this farm that sometimes, it rains only in these farms and not in the surrounding areas! Actually, these methods gel well with the environment because it does not use chemicals in any form, whenever trees are cut; several are planted to replace it. Thus, when you do everything right, can you get wrong results?
Thus now increasingly people want to learn of such methods, which could make their lands fertile again, and bring prosperity to their villages. The use of chemicals over the years has made our lands sterile, which could be enriched again only through Organic Farming, there is no other way. Mr Pravin as well as all others who are involved with Organic Farming, are propagating this idea, so that if it takes up with even a small portion of our country, it would bring back great results; and then the idea would catch up with the rest of the population.

Factory Visit

This season is full of trips and tours, but all fun-filled and great learning experiences.
This Friday (8th April) our Science, Technology and Ecology group went for a factory visit and a farm visit (dealt with later).
The factory we went to is owned by Pravin Masalewale, which owns a range of brands of spices--Ambari, Suhana and Sarvam.It is into a variety of products like turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, chatpata masala, Biryani masala, chaat masala, etc. We saw the processing of raw turmeric, chilli and coriander into powdered form, which are used at our homes.
Each spice is processed in a separate division and each has its own set of workers, dressed in the corresponding coloured uniforms, for example, Coriander ones wear green uniforms, Turmeric ones wear yellow and the Chilli ones wear Red. This is to avoid the confusion.
Turmeric: Raw Turmeric is fed into the machine, where it gets separated from any dusty particles and adulterants. Further there is also manual surveillance after the machine has done its job in the best possible way. This filtered Turmeric is then ground whenever required.
Coriander: Similarly raw coriander is fed into machines and there are several steps where the dusty particles, stones and adulterants are filtered by the machine. Mostly it is done by vibrating plates. Later on, here also there is a manual surveillance, while coriander is still in the machine. All these spices are used as single ingredient spice as well as in the various masala mixes like paav-bhaaji masala, sambhar masala, etc. For masala mix, Coriander is roasted in huge machines, which have an arrangement such that at the lower end there is a container filled with water. This container is heated at 230 degrees centigrade, and coriander is roasted in a container at the top of it, thus there is no direct contact with heat. The grinding is also done in several steps. As in case of coriander, it is first ground coarse and then finely.
Chilli: There are several varieties of chilli and it is determined by the oil content in them. Chilli also goes through a similar grinding procedure.
Quality Check: There is a Quality Check department where the oil content, moisture, flavour, ash content (adulterants), etc are tested. In fact, it is also tested here whether the raw materials are of standard quality or not. For this, any random sample is taken from the stock of raw materials.
Packaging: The smaller packs are done by machines, while the larger packs are done manually. It is amazing how little packs of 50 gms (which we saw) are made by the machine with absolute precision. The process is termed as Formed, Filled and Sealed. The printed flat plastic packets, roll through the machine, making a cylindrical shape along the way, where it is filled by the required spice and sealed after specific intervals. These intervals are determined by the quantities of packets to be made.
Canteen & Ambience: An absolute serenity pervades the place, as also because it is in the outskirts of the city. It made the memory of Factory visit of Marico come alive, which I had been to with my group members.
The factory has an open canteen, with natural breeze flowing. An ideal place to take time off from the work for people, working there. Even though so many people work in this factory and the fact that it is after all a factory, there is immense tranquility in the environment; and the factory has been aesthetically maintained!
In short, a great experience!

You can visit the company's website through here

Hivre Bazar trip

I was discussing about IITians doing great work at the grassroots level in one of my earlier postings, with a friend, so thought should write something about it.
Last weekend, our class went to Hivre Bazar, near Ahmednagar, about 122 kms from Pune. You can read about it here. The experience was amazing.There the connection of cities and villages became all the more apparent. Mr PopatRao Pawar (yes, the name makes you laugh!)has done a pathbreaking thing at this village. Within 2 decades, this village became a self-sustaining village, which earlier was deep into alcoholism, smoking, fights, crime and all the other vices. What can you expect out of hopelessness and frustation! But PopatRao focussed on developing a system (Water shed management), which not only solved the problems of drinking water and irrigation system but it also brought a social change. Now very few people are in the holds of such vices. By 2006, no family of this village would be Below Poverty Line. They plan to venture into marketing milk and milk products, produced at the village. In fact, they are also going to make HIV test mandatory before marriage, within a couple of years. The gram sabha of this village made certain things compulsory for everyone like no grazing, no personal bore well, no deforestation, family planning, etc.
The point is if all our villages become self-sufficient in respects of health, education, water facility, power supply, etc, the villagers wouldnot need to move out of their house to make headway to cities. Nobody likes to leave their house to make roads or dirty, diseased places, their home. Secondly, we should move away from idolising cities so much. Villages as well as cities have their importance, and we need to understand the connection between them so as to make life better at both the places.
Once a villager understands that he would not leave his village. A large number of migrations would stop, and the cities would also be saved from the threat of bursting of its seams, because of slums. The slums make a bad picture of the cities. Any system installed to manage the urban development falls apart because it is unable to cope with the migrations and the number people in the cities increasing at an unnerving pace.
If villagers stay in villages, get good education, relevant education, all facilities of a good life; and if a city dweller also plays his role well, then only we can dream of a civilised society and a balanced growth, otherwise there is no other way!
We need professionals who can bring change at the lowest level, and make a difference to the lives of people at that level.Actually, we should focus on need-based planning and not blindly ape the West. We have to see what we need. Surely, what US needs would be different from what we need! In fact, what different parts of India needs would also vary, after all, we are a heterogenous country!

Interview with a Slum-dweller

The recent demolition-drive in Mumbai has, once again, brought the plights and anguish of slum-dwellers in the fore. It is that part of urban reality, which we like to ignore. It is treated like that dirt, which we slip beneath the carpet. That brings us to the question of who is a Slum-dweller? We call any person, a slum dweller, who do not have any formal housing facility, access to basic necessities like shelter, food and water, and who do not have a fixed source of income. In short, they are the cause of our embarrassment because although we feel pride in our civilized society, yet allow people to live in such degrading and inhuman conditions. Go to any city and finding slums is definitely not a hard task.
Following is an interview with a slum-dweller, who lives on Footpath near the Corporation, Pune:

There are two women, busy with their household work near their “homes”. Their homes are a small triangular arrangement (like a tent) with plastic sheet.
Ques: Do you speak Hindi?
Ans: (One of them) Yes, I do but a little bit—only bits and pieces.
Ques: That would do. Would you like to talk with me for a little while?
Ans: (Unsure) OK
Ques: What is your name?
Ans: Ranjana
Ques: How long have you been here?
Ans: Since always. I was born here.
Ques: What about your parents? When did they come to Pune?
Ans: No idea.
Ques: Have they come from village or somewhere else?
Ans: Don’t know.
(A few people make a crowd around me; perhaps they were wondering what kind of enquiry is it. So I make it clear that I am a college student and have come to ask about the problems they face in their day to day life—problems of staying on the footpath, problems of water, problems of eviction and problems thereafter, etc. Most of them leave after that, barring a few children).
Ques: Who stays with you here?
Ans: My parents, my husband and my daughter.
Ques: What do they do?
Ans: My father works as a lights man with the Municipality, while my husband works???
Ques: Does your husband smoke or drink or creates any problem?
Ans: No he does not drink but he does smoke. He never creates any problem whatsoever.
Ques: How much does he earn?
Ans: No idea. He does not tells me.
Ques: Does Corporation’s truck bothers you?
Ans: Yes it does. Sometimes it comes once a week, sometimes once a month.
Ques: Where have you been living since your birth?
Ans: Here.
Ques: Here? Didn’t you face problems staying here, Corporation’s truck bothering you every now and then?
Ans: Yes, there were problems, but cannot help it. There is no place to go from here.
Ques: Do these trucks take your stuff?
Ans: Yes they do, and then we have to get it back by paying Rs 500.
Ques: You have to pay Rs 500 every time? That is a lot of money!
Ans: Yes. But there is no other alternative.
Ques: Why don’t you get yourself a house, cemented one?
Ans: How would we get that? They say that only those would get houses, who have stayed here since before 1995.
Ques: But when they find you staying here for such a long time, after they have evicted you; don’t they ask you to vacate this place?
Ans: They ask us to vacate this place and live near the river.
Ques: So there must be other people staying there? Are people allowed there?
Ans: There are people staying there but they are also about to be evicted.
Ques: Then why do they ask you to stay there, when they would anyways evict you from there also?
Ans: No idea.
Ques: By the way, since you said that you have stayed here since the time you were born, so you are definitely here since before 1995, then why don’t you get a house?
Ans: They say you would have to pay Rs 7,000 then only you would be allotted a house.We cannot pay that much.
Ques: Any other problem? What about water? Where do you get it from?
Ans: There is water problem, you can say. We get it from there. (Across the road, near by there is a tap in the neighbouring locality, where there are a couple of little cemented houses.) But the women there stop us from getting water. Although they have taps in their houses. Somehow we get it.
Ques: So every day, over the years, you have been living with this problem?
Ans: Yes. Can’t do anything about it.
Ques: But isn’t it a problem staying here throughout the year? Don’t you have problems in the summer or winter or may be during rains?
Ans: No we have got used to it. We put this plastic sheet to protect from the rains.
Ques: What about education? You have a child you said, right?
Ans: Yes, a girl. She studies at a school nearby.
Ques: In which class?
Ans: (Confused, asks from the daughter. The daughter starts to answer) In class 4.
Ques: Where is your school?
Ans: It is in 14 No., near Congress Bhavan.
Ques: How are the teachers? How do they teach?
Ans: There are many teachers, and they teach well.
Ques: Do other kids go there?
Ans: Yes, several.
Ques: What about food? Do they provide you with lunch?
Ans: Yes, they do.
Ques: What?
Ans: Rice.
Ques: Only rice?
Ans: Yes.
(Again I turn my attention to the mother of the girl, Ranjana.)
Ques: What about your marriage? When did you get married?
Ans: It has been a long time.
Ques: Still, what age were you at that time?
Ans: I must have been 18 years of age.
Ques: What about your child? When did you plan to get her married?
Ans: Now she is too small.
Ques: Of course, not now! But when do you think you would get her married? What age?
Ans: Not until she is 19 or 20 years old.
(I thanked her and left the place.)

After I had taken the interview, I was a little ashamed and uncomfortable about all this. I felt that we as students go and ask them various things, about their lives, their problems, to get an understanding; but at the end of the day what do they get? They remain in the same misery ever after. What difference did this exercise made to her life? To her, I might be another student, who came to make a mockery of their lives! For us it is a subject of study, for her it is an everyday life.
There are some things, which make us look helpless and stuck in the various systems. It is not that our legal system did not think of it. Every one is equal before Law, but we are smart enough to establish loopholes in our Laws and our systems. There are laws, which say that a notice has to be put up or circulated before eviction or demolition. Besides, there is a provision that people, who have stayed here since before 1995, should get a proper house. But look at what this Law actually turns out to be in actual life. Corruption in rampant, and nobody can do anything bout it! And we are part of this system. Look at the very case of trucks, which come to lift vehicles parked in non-parking areas. Most of the money, they pocket themselves; and we like it that way because it relieves us of paying more and the unnecessary trouble of going to their office.
Everyone knows that these poor people cannot file a case against the unauthorized evictions and demolitions, and the partiality and injustice met to them.