Live Life King Size

Wedding Blues

2010-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yes I am officially sold out and carries a tag which says Not for sale any more :P

That was the reason which kept me away from blogging for a long time. Wedding was great, had lots of fun with family and friends now I am trying to settle in routine life.

Past 5 months were really eventful specially the endless session of shopping etc was really hectic sometime so could not get time for socializing.

More will follow in future posts about wedding events and other memorable time.

Highway on My Plate

2009-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

These two guys shown in the picture are creating new brand of Indian culinary which is called "DHABA" also known as roadside eatries.

Dhaba's were originated in Punjab which was mainly started for the Truck drivers who travel long distances away from their homes but slowly it spread all over India.

I really feel jealous and thankful at the same time to Rocky (with specs) and Mayur.

Jealus because both of them get lots of different, delicious, variety of food to eat and thankful coz, its because of them we get to see the real Indian cusine.

I am a big time foodie and love to explore different cusines and also some traditional dishes at the places which has some legacy behind them. This is one of the main reason I love this show and I never miss it. (You can watch it at 8:00 PM on ndtvgoodtimes)

There were similar kind of shows in the past too but the USP of HOMP is it mainly covers the highway eateries, most of the time which go unnoticed due to its locations.

If you really want to taste real Indian cusine, I strongly recommend you follow Rocky and Mayur, make a note of the places which they recommend and do visit these eatries whenever you are in that part of world.

Rocky is a non vegetarian with a fondness of sea food while Mayur is vegatarian with a very god taste and trust me guys they will never disappoint you. If you are a foodie then you can not afford to miss this show. I wish I could have anchored a show like this. (Dreams are free of cost :))

You'll get the full anaylysis of the place they eat, starting with the ambience, service, value for money and ofcourse the taste and yes the "Rocky and Mayur special humour" is free of cost.

Recently HOMP started from the mountains of Kashmir and travelled all the way from Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujrat, MP and then down south Medikari and ended their journey in the back waters of Kerala.

The next destination is Far east where they are going to dig in some eastern delicasies and a mouth watering feeling for us. There is a saying if you want to know the culture of a city, start with its cusine so if you want to increase your knowldege about eastern states and its people, its food, dont miss the journey.

Rocky and Mayur, Thanks a lot for this great show and I look forward for some more mouth watering cusines and tips and obviously beautiful scenaries which are complimentry :)

Love,
Mayank

No more Peace Marches and Candle lighting

2009-11-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

Whole evening I was following the debate between the politicians and citizens of India showcased by Times Now on the first anniversary of 26/11 attack.

First of all, I pay homage to the martyrs and the people who died on this dreadful day. In past some years I have noticed, the peace march or the condolence meeting for these unforgettable days have become a routine or I should say "escapegoat" to be more specific.

You light a candle, show your faces on camera and after the event head back to your home and forget everything till next year. This is more like a fashion statement to be part of any of these events. Will it help to overcome the trauma victims faced? I am not convinced.

I saw there was a live "Rock Band" performing live at 'LeoPold's' which was one of the target and witnessed 11 casualities.

This is really Ridculus. If you'll ask the people who were gracing the Leopold's proudly with a beer in their hands, will shrug off and will say This is the spirit of Mumbai, it always bounce back.

Give me a break guys!!! This is not more than an excuse now. Where you are heading, You guys are taken for granted by yourself. This is one of the biggest problem Indian have. We are used to these attacks now, I reaaly feel its part of our lives now and that is the only reason we guys are taken for a ride everytime.

Ms. Shobha Day said on Times Now, "Wake Up Mumbai" Shame on you, we are not part of any Rock concert, atleast not today and her anger was justified.

1993 Bomb blast, Parialment attack, Mumbai local train blasts and now this everytime we say we'll bring back the life to its normal pace. My question is why? how can we forget such accidents so easily?

This is time for a wake up call, Its now or never.

In the whole year we kept on and still blaming the political system that our leaders are not taking effective measures.

Let me ask these so called educated grads who are sitting in the air conditioned offices of news channels and blaming the politicians, why don't these guys come forward and take the lead?

Why don't you guys leave your luxurious jobs and join Politics?

But no "keechad me hath kaun gande kare".

Leaders are not coming from heaven, we are the one who elect them and now we are blaming oursleves not them.

Its's been one year but the Kasab's trail is still on, more surprisingly without any verdict. I do not see any need for the trail when he was caught on camera shooting at innocent people. Isn't it enough?

I know people will say, he is just a victims of big sharks who are the real mastermind. My answer to that he is not a Robotic machine, he is a human being and atleast got his own mind. He should be hanged in public

Common India come forward and "Be the change what you want see in our political system". Arranging debates and helding peace march is not going to help us. Do not let terrorism beat our spirits.

To conclude I must say I am disappointed and worried not because our politics but the attitude of this country.

Love,
Mayank

No Parking Here

2009-11-25T10:03:00.000-08:00

How much I love my bike? I dint know the answer till 2 days back when It was literally taken from me(forcibally and without my knowledge :( ).

Story goes like this. Being a Sunday I decided to go on shopping at newly opened Bangalore central in Jayanagar. It has opened recently, so I thought to give it a try to avoid commute time. I parked my bike in the side lane as there is no 2 wheeler parking available inside (I thought so). It was little dark do I din't notice the "No Parking" Board standing.

Actually this was first time when I have made such a mistake. I really respect law and order and somehow I made a mistake this time. When I came out after wasting my 2 hours (actually I didn't buy anything "Khaya na peeya gilas toda barah ana" vali bat). Little did I know that I am not going to find my bike when I will step outside.

When I went to the place I din't find my bike. Then the guard told me that it has been picked by the traffic police patrol.. because it was parked in No Parking Zone Gaush!!!

What the hell is this now. Where the hell this guard was when I parked it.

Then I notice that I parked my bike next to the No parking board proudly :(. Suddenly I started missing my bike. I felt like someone has taken my prized possesion. I was dying to see it and also worried because they people handle the vehicles with utter carelessness and why the hell they have to care!!!

When I enquired I was told it has been taken to JP nagar police station. Sigh of relief, its nearby only, walkable distance. So I hurried up and reach there but found that it has been taken to Jayanagar Traffic police station.

Hell!!! I felt like to kill that guard who mislead me. But what to do, din't have any other option rather than going to Jayanagar. So I reached there and first of all I checked whether my bike is there or not? Yuppie!!! it's there. Really felt like I am meeting a lost friend after such a long time. It fels so good. But I knew getting it back is not so easy, I have to pay fine.

To my biggest surprised Traffic policeman told me that I can take my vehicles without paying any fine!!!

Surprised and confused ("aise kaise chod diya")

I am still trying to figure out why he let me go but ultimately we were reunited and I drove it back home proudly.

Love,
Mayank

My First experience of South Indian Wedding

2009-11-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Recently I got a chance to attend my friend's wedding. This was the first South Indian Wedding I have attended so far and I must say the experience was overwhelming.

First of all the ceremonies are little bit different here. In this part of country the reception is held prior to the wedding. It was held the previous evening of the wedding. And next day wedding rituals were due. Anyhow we were invited for both ceremonies :)

Stage was decorated with beautiful flowers and the Bride and Groom were standing with their immediate family members, accepting the blessings and greetings of friends and well wishers. Something unusual which caught my eyes was the long queue of visitors to meet the bride-grooms and get themselves clicked ("hamare yaha north me khane k liye itni badi queues hoti hai :)"). It looked like that we were standing in a temple, waiting for a glimpse of our God (Live in concert:)) but this was a unique experience so we also put ourselves in the queue.

Meanwhile, songs were played in the background, although traditional classics but we were impressed by the way these people portray their culture.

After little wait, we were lucky enough to meet the bride and groom and pay our regards and obviously clicked a snap. By the time our stomach started complaining and we sincerely entertained its call and headed towards the dinner hall.

Now things were getting interesting for us. That was my first experience of eating in a mass ceremony. We were made to sit on the chairs with Banana leaves spreaded on tables. This was like perfact traditional touch which I enjoyed thoroughly. Then they started putting different dishes, let me try to recall, some chutneys, rice, sambhar, rasam, sabji, sweets, curd, raita, dosa. It was all south indian cusine but well praepared and lots of varities and yes no spoons so you have to dig into the dishes and enjoy it naturally :)

All the gents were given coconuts and ladies were provided with a coconut and a bowl. This also came as a surprise for us but we welcomed the change. After having the meal we bid goodbye and our wishes to the couple and head back home (kinda typical Indian guests :P "khaya peeya or nikale").

I could not catch much of the action for marriage rituals which I desperately wanted to do :( .

This was my first experience of a south indian wedding and I will cherish the memories for sure and obviously will look forward to attend some more so I am open for marriage invitations :P.

I wish the couple to have a great married life ahead.!!!

Love,
Mayank

My Childhood Diaries 1

2009-11-19T09:44:00.000-08:00

A news of death of one of my childhood pal "Pavan" took me to the past. Although Pavan was a handicapped guy (Which is the reason for his early demise) but we really had a great time together.

His place used to be the Adda for all of us. After school we used to gather at his house varanda and shared all the happenings of the day or plan our next holiday.

In those days we used to celebrate all the festivals together like Diwali, Lohri, holi, even for Lohri we used to form a group and went door to door to gather fire woods with singing the tradational jingle of Lohri -- Lohri Lohri Lakadi Jive twadi Bachri..... This is a tradition in Punjab to go door to door and gather the firewoods which will be later used to light the camp fire on the auspicious day.

Holi was also used to be one of the most awaited festivals for us and obviously Diwali was the special one. We used to gather all our fire crackers at one place and then start the show till late night. Next day of diwali, our gang used to visit all the houses of the society greeting elders and taking their blessings.

Those were the best time of my life. Need not to worry for anything, After school used to play lots of games, whether its summer or winter, nothing could stop us. We didn't have to worry about any office or any deadlines, any assignments or any client meetings.

Summer vacations always seemed to be very short for us. Our routine was to get up early and go to a nearby park and then play cricket after coming from the park time for the breakfast and then gather for the long afternoon video game sessions.

Evenings were always welcomed either by Cricket or some other indoor game. after dark, Hide and seek (chupan chupai) was a must and everyone used to be scared of starting the game because in a dense lane of houses it was really hard to find someone. Those words which used to be called out, when you find someone are still afresh in my mind.

One more interesting game was "Pan Dikkar". In this game we have to hit a tower of stones with a ball and then try to make it again before the opponent hit you with tha same ball. We used to play this in teams and enjoyed like anything.

Sometimes I think why we have to grow up and start behaving like the instruments in this world. Why can't we always be a kid and enjoy. The most sacred things about kids is they do not have any hatred about anyone. Even when they fight with each other, after some time you'll see them together even this used to happen with us.

I really miss those day and specially Pavan. When I heard about this I really wanted to cry but could not because we are not human beings anymore we are just instruments.

Thank you for touching my life

In ways you may never know.

My riches do not lie in material wealth

But in having friends

Love,
Mayank

Illegal Encroachments

2009-11-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever imagined a situation, when you get up in the morning and you are told that the house in which you are living from past 5-10 years does not belong to you any more!

Or when it is the time for your morning tea, you see people with Buldozer are ready to demolish the construction in which you have your house.

Imagine how painful that moment would be. I saw a similar scene today morning, on my way to office. There were some illegal constructions as they say, near to my office which were being mowed down.

One day back the house which were full of noises is no more. Its just a land now with a sign board which states that this property belongs to govt.

Residents were watching their nests falling down helplessly, what else they can do. They are forced out of that place. I understand that this land was illegally occupied and authorities have all the rights to demolish but what about the poeple who used to live there. Will they be provided with any accomodation?

If we compalin to authorities they will simply shrug it off by saying that a notice was issued in this regard.

Let me ask them is a single piece of paper is enough? You take some action when you have some option otherwise you just wait and watch. What are the options these poor people have? Today they will vacate this land and find a new one till the time govt. asks them to vacate that too. This is not the permanent solution of this problem.

These pople should be provided with pucca houses so that a new land encrochment can be prevented and with that one person from these families should be provided with the option of work under govt. welfare schemes so that they can afford living in the space provided.

This whole problem starts with the unemployment, when you do not have a regular paying job then one can not afford a consisten house. It depends on one's current job location so these poor people do not have any other option rather than encroachment where they can have small tea shop or snacks bar for the lower segment of society. If they'll have a regular job then obviously situation will be stable and we do not have to take pains for the illegal encroachments.

These kind of operations takes lots of efforts, same efforts can be used in rehabiliating these people. This will have two good effect, one is city will be more beautiful and organized, 2nd people will respect govt.

Lets hope govt. will take certain action in this regard to improve this problem.

Love,
Mayank

Evening snarls in a Metro

2009-10-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

At 6:00 PM I went outside of my office for a chit-chat cum tea session with my friends. This is our regular time to come out of the office, by this time Bangalore roads are full of burstling traffic, work is over, people are now heading to their homes.

In a city like Bangalore or other metros this is such a challenge to reach back to your nest. Buses are full, auto valls are struggling to make their way, company shuttles carrying their employees from far offices. Its such a mess but unfortunately its a daily affair which one has to bear.

Sometimes rain also add to people's problmes, one ends up stuck in traffic jams for hours(I have been a victim of this several times). This is one of the problems which comes as a complimentary with big cities.

I was born and brought up in a small city, so travel time was never a problem. Even if you want to travel to other end of the city it will take you maximum 15-20 mins. I still remeber my father used to be at home by 6:30(by the time I also had to be at home :)) even when he left office by 6:20, that was fixed because there was no traffic jams to welcome him on his way back. You can't have the same luxury here. One should know all the shortcuts and sometimes even break the signals to avoid the traffic which sometimes proves costly. People call to their home before leaving office as its a new journey altogether, indeed it is.

But one whole breed survives on this all the Mela, vendors, chai valas, chat thelas. People waiting on a bus stop or a person waiting for a cab has plenty of time to kill which creates lots of business for these vendors. When there is a traffic jam or a person is tired in mid of his journey, he can always step by and roadside thella to get his enthu back. If you are lucky may be you can run into an old friend on one of these kind of joints.

As they say every morning comes with a new start but I would say its almost true for the evenings too in Metros. Thats why they are called Metros.

Love,
Mayank

Taking the Big Step

2009-10-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

This post is all about me. If you have little interest in me or my life then read on otherwise please close the window.

I am utterly confused, I am desperately trying to find the motive of my existence. Is it only writing some meaningless codes for some people, whom I have never met or is it something big? I really don't have the answer right now.

Do I really wanted to be someone or its just an excuse to keep of the things. I want to go on a ride to Leh. I want to travel whole India in 2nd class compartment. I want to do community services. I want my life to be filled with adventure, adreline rush, excitement. I want to be a writer someday, an enterprenuer. I know it seems impossible and funny to have desires like these or you can also say these are the common fantasies lots of people have.

Here is the difference, Till the time these remain fantasies for me I am just a common man but the day I'll start making them a reality, I'll be a happy person or I would use the world extra ordinary which everyone wants to be on this planet.

In all confusion, one thing is sure that I do not want to live a normal life. I want my life to be meaningful and on a path of Self discovery. I do no want to get up in the morning and go to office and wait for someone to tell me what I have to do for the rest of the day.

But the big question is To pursue, whatever I mentioned above, you got to have Balls!!! Do I have it in me?

I may or may not, but surely I will find the answer very soon. I don't want to waste my life in pretending to be someone, I am not.

What is the right time to do what you really want to do? Lets start from school. In school you study hard because your parents want and they are right in their senses. In college you study hard so that you can land up in a good job, In job you work hard to excel in work. One day you get retired with a weak feeling in your heart that there are still hundred of things which you should have done.

Answer is you will never get the ideal situation, you have to take the big step. You ought to beat the time otherwise it won't give you a second chance.

You might be thinking that all I am talking here is nonsense but ask a person who has followed his dreams in midst of all the opposition what is that feeling.

I'll be doing an introspection what I really want and how can I take the Big Step.

Independence Day

2009-08-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am a die hard fan of nation, days like Independence day and Republic day really matters a lot to me. I always have a feel like we should celebrate these days like other festivals but today these days are celebrated more like a formality.

Since a long time I could not celebrate any of these day dues to one or another reason. This time I already planned in advance and made sure I take part in the celebrations. I thought to celebrate it with GCH kids. You can get a feel for this day only at places like schools or parades.

I was well on time for the function and trust me I felt like I am back to school. Kids in whites, busy in preparations and music of patriotic songs in background, always fills you with pride. These are the moments when you feel your nationality, your identity.

I remember my school days when we used to take part in cultural activities on this day and not to forget the wait for the sweets at the end of celebrations. Those were the days which I always miss.

Celebration started with the Flag hosting and after that we all sang National Anthem (Jan Gan Man). It was long time back when I sang our Anthem but I still remember it and singing with other kids was giving me a feeling of assembly :)

After flag hosting there were some cultural activities by kids like poems, speeches. When the official ceremony was over we started with our activities.

We had some small quiz for the kids like showing them the pictures of national leaders and ask them to identify, asking the questions related to nation like national song, national bird and so on which was really a hit actually the reason was winners were getting chocolates as prize.

Then we have biscuit distribution as a closing event obviously kids loved it. At the end I was satisfied that I have celebrated Independence Day with kids. It was a really refreshing event which came after a long wait but It made my day.

Love,
Mayank

Chotu The Darling

2009-08-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

I visited Chotu on Saturday first time after the surgery.
He was full of life and had his trademark smile on his face as you can see in the picture.

Yes he is the darling of everyone. There is not even a single person in the hospital who forgets to ask about him doesn't matter whether he or she is a nurse, cleaner, volunteer, ward boy and even other patients.

Chotu cracks jokes with everybody even with his Doctors(Can you believe it!!!). Right now Chotu is bit angry with one of Doctor because he has got married but Chotu still has not got his "Laddoos" (Marriage sweets) and he makes sure that everyone should know about it so that sooner or later he'll get his share.

Most of the time whole ward is full of his laughter vibrations. He is an insipiration for other patients who are much older than him and welcomes everyone with a cute smile. He is responding very well to the treatment and co-operating with the doctors. Most important thing he has adapted to the situation and has got his confidence back which is going to help him in recovering. He has new dreams and hopes and he still remembers the counting 1 to 5 which we taught him before the surgery.

Life is back on track for him except that he can not walk freely because of those rings in his leg\ and has to finish his daily chores at bed but he is fine with that.

Lets hope to see him walk soon. Will keep you guys posted about his progress.

Love,
Mayank

Tough Start for Chotu's new Life

2009-08-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

This post is about Chotu, kid from Govt Children Home (GCH). His left leg is affected by Polio resulting in making him a dependent. We cam across him on one of our regular visit at GCH.

He always made us think, we should do something more for him which makes him independant rather than giving extra care for the time we were together.

Some of our Team members took the initiative and after lots of efforts we managed to admit him in M. S. Ramaiah hospital for surgery. It was a challange in itself as Doctors were not willing to admit him because he is an orphan. After getting assurance from us and a care taker, they considered him. From here started the new journey for Chotu.

He is healthier and happier here than GCH. He is getting necessary nourishment and ofcourse attention which is must for a disabled kid. Most important he is learning the benefits of hygine.

With a hope in his eyes and qute smiling face Chotu attracts everybody. He is as mischievous as any other kid of his age, sometimes hard to handle and has a fear from Police (Guards at the gate are Police for him). Idli and dosa being one of his favourite dishes and ofcourse can not resist himself from chocolates and cookies. And by the way he is the most favourite person in his ward.

He has undergone a surgery on last Monday and responding well to the treatment but first week was very tough for the team. He was in utter pain and was inconsolable. Its a really challenging to make a kid (6-7 years ) understand that this pain is going to ease his life.

Even though I was visiting him regularly but could not visit after the surgery but we talk almost evryday and now he has again started giving me the updates of his routine. But still there is a long way to go. He has to live with the Rod which has been inserted in his leg to straighten it for the next 6 months with the regular exercises. He is trying to adjust to the conditions.

I am pretty sure he is a brave kid and will be able to walk very soon like a normal kid. We are waiting for that day eagerly when we'll see Chotu walk without any help. Lets pray that day will come soon.

Will keep you guys posted about his status.

Love,
Mayank

Prabhakaran The Tiger

2009-05-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

It's official now. LTTE Chief Prabhkaran is dead. When I was looking at the pictures of his dead body, Somwhow I developed a sense of sympathy for him, I quite do not know why?

If I shed some light on the history of this conflict then it goes long back somewhere near 1972. When the Ceylon(previous name) was renamed to Sri Lanka, Buddhism was the main religion of locals Sinhalas whileTamils in Sri Lanka was not treated like a part of island nation they deprived of their rights LTTE was founded to fight for the justice against the Sri Lankan goverment.

He might be a declared terrorist who would have masterminded some of the high profile assasinations including our the then Prime Minister Rajeev Ghandhi in 1991 still he was a worrior, who faught till the last breath for Tamileen rights.

He was famous as a Ruthless Leader, who did not heed to any warnings by SL Govt /International Community.

Let me clarify I do not favour violance but Prabhakarn might be having enough reasons to walk on this path of War & terror. Information I have gathered about him from available literature states he was utterly dedicated for the cause of Tameelens, there is no doubt about it.

One Single man who has faught for 30 long years inspite of all International pressure, even when he formed LTTE it was a bunch of some young guys, he has built an entire Army including all 3 wings(Army, Naval, AirForce). This man certainly would have some guts. He used to tell to his pupils better die rather than captured.

His orgnaizing skills were so perfact, LTTE was the only declared terrorist group which had all three wings which worked like a professional Army with having seperate head for each wing. He has given new dimensions to the Gureilla War, most of LTTE's army vehicle were captured from SLA.

All LTTE Cadres used to carry a cynaide capsule with them in case of any possible chance of getting caught, they were told to swallow the capsule.

Lots of people will not agree with me here because the method used by Prabhakarn were inhumane like Suicide cadres, having executed some of the key assasinations which created an anger among people.
Even some of them say he was not fighting for justice but for his pride. People used to say he lived like King, let me ask them if you spend 30 years of your life in hiding, always on alert of either to be killed or captured does it sound like King's life? Does it make him pride? Well I don't think so.

The man who could have left Island nation at the start of this final phase of war, deided to stay till the last moment to support his troops.

Prabhakaran's cause was right but the method to achieve his goals were wrong but what else he could have done? To have a peacful solution both sides should compromise, You Can't clap with a single hand. This time ceasefire was broken by the SLA.
Prabhakaran, the Tiger is no more, his fight for Tamileens rights will be remembered with great pride and will be written in golden letters.

Above expressed views are my personal. No offences meant to anybody!!!
Love,
Mayank

My First Encounter with BEC

2009-05-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

BEC stands for British English Council, I have opted for a Certification from BEC so this post is all about my first experience of BEC Training.

PS: I will be writing this Post without using words like AND, OR, BUT. Which are general fillers in the language with some pretty common words like basically, actually, usually etc. These kind of words are called empty words, which don't have a meaning.

Today I have had my first class of BEC English Certification for Vantage level. Trainer a lady, named Jaigowri . She started the class to introduce us with our name prefixed with an adjective starting from the first word of our Name(like she named herself Jolly Jaigowri).

That was a tricky, (saved but) really interesting along with 2 things which you like about you with(Please notice I din't use AND :) ) the most happiest moment of your life.

My answer was Meaningful Mayank!!! Other people also come up with some good words like Rocking Retheesh, Victorious Venky etc. Two things which I like about myself are, First is, I am a funny guy, second, I am a good writer(I don't know what you guys might feeling :)).

Then the most happiest moment of my life when I presented a pearl set to my Mom from my salary. This was happend to be a good exercise, came to know about other's experiences.

Then we were given two pictures where (saved and) need to describe the situation according to that. Let me briefly describe the pictures.

First picture was a scene of a busy market of a city at peak hrs. We need to understand the picture then(saved one more AND) come up with the description, idea about the picture. It was a market showing some Grocer store, Bakers, News Agent office, One car having a family inside passing by, one motorbike, half shown bus, 2 twins troubling their mother, plane flying at a low level(which states airport is nearby that description came from a person in the class), one couple standing outside the grocery shop, one girl in front of baker's shop waiting for someone. One unattended object lying around. (Good memory, I recited the picture without even referring back to it :) ). You can refer to the picture :)

It was very interesting exercise, got a good response from peopel. Different people trying different predictions like some called that unattended object could be a bomb, bag, even a gift :).

One guy told a person peeping out of the Baker's first floor window was trying to call the girl to be careful of the pick pockets, other one told she might have been waiting for her boyfriend. Interesting thoughts were pouring in. People were getting creative :).

Second picture was scene of a typical Saturday morning(As One guy called Raj described it). Whole of the family was in the scene. Mother was running after a Cat meanwhile the milk got boiled over, Eldest daughter was trying to study even though younger brother was watching a soccer match on TV with full volume still father was snoozing happily in the mean time youngest son was doing some mischief while a Neighbour/boyfriend/passer by/vendor(We could not decide!!!) was peeping through window to catch the whole scene :) .

You guys can try to predict the image, no need to upload the image when I have described it so effectively :)

After that we had some audio session listening people greeting each other in different ways. Some were very friendly, warm, helping, responding,(one more but) some were rude, lethargic, kinda favouring you attitude.

Then we had a greeting session with each other based on the audios, which was another interesting part.

How to start the Conversation , (one more and) respond a conversation and take it further. This is something very important, one should know how to greet people or how to return the greetings. Like If some is saying "How Do You Do" then we should return saying How Do You Do.

If someone is asking you "How Are You"(Stress on Are like aare) then we should respond Fine, Thanks, How Are You(Stress on You).

Very interesting, interactive, meaningful , knowlegeable session, whole credit goes to the lady(Jaigowri).I found her very dedicated for the training, who wants participation from everyone. Looking forward to have some more interesting stuff , (saved one more AND)will keep on sharing the experience with you guys.

Let me tell you, we are so addicted to use these fillers which I mentioned at the start specially AND that sometimes even we, ourselves don't know, when we are using them, which I came to know after completing this article ,(even here I was using and, can u beleieve :))searched for AND(I found it at 5 places :))

Love,
Mayank

An Entrepreneur's Hardships

2009-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to the people who are neither pursuing their Degress from any Top notch B schools/Technical schools nor they have any plans to do so but still they want to be an Entrepreneur.

Most of the time we come across people, who are either successfull Entrepreneur or in the line to become one. But most of them have one thing in common. they are from renowned B schools or top notch institutes like IIMs/IITs.

Even Club Jam fame Rashmi Bansal have written a book about the stories of 25 successful enterprenuers who all are alumni's of IIM A named Stay Hungry Stay Foolish.

Does this mean a person without a degree from any of these schools can't dream to become an Entrepreneur?

Answer is a Big NO!!!

This world is full of people who are successful business man/woman or Entrepreneurs who don't hold any such degrees. Even some of them could not complete their Education properly but still they are Rocking.

Who doesn't know about the success story of Lat. Mr. DhiruBhai Ambani or Karsan Bhai Patel of Nirma fame, Sabir bhatia, Subhash chandra, Rahul Bajaj. We have plenty of those. I won't be able to name here everybody. They all have one thing in common, they had a dream, they followed it.

There is one ground rule, one should be confident about the Idea on which he/she works and follow your dream and protect it.

Entrepreneurship is not an easy journey. One has to sacrifice everything(yes everything) for the initial years, you can say this is the time which decides whether you have it in you or not?

First and foremost, you need to stretch your working hrs may be without holidays. On monetary prespectives also you have to compromise. Like they say Rome was not built in a single day.

Reliance was built on the hardwork and sacrifices done by DhiruBhai. Even though he faced a lot of hurdles but due to his determination and dream for making a company of a common man, he kept on going and Today its one of the most valuable company of India.

Karsan Bhai Patel, started selling detregent powder on bycycle and today Nirma is a synonym of Detergent powder in India. He achieved this milestone due to hard work and detremination.

Even if you take example of Subhash Chandra, he is the founder of Cable Tv network in India in his own way. He was the first to launch ZEE Tv through Cable network. Even he gave a hard time to Star Tv in the initial days.

All these legendry people learnt it on the job which these top institutes try to teach in the classrooms. On the job knowledge is the best one to have as you have faced the problem practically.

I am not pointing any fingures for these great Institutions, I am just trying to boost up the spirits of would be Entrepreneurs who are not part of these institutions.

Most important thing is to prepare yourself for the tediuous job of an Enterprenure. Many people take this intiative but Many of them give up in the middle. Bcoz Reality is always different from the dreams.

When we start something we don't know about the hardships which will come in our way. We think we'll satart generating Revenues from very first day. Always make sure you should have some motivation behind your dream other than money.

If money is the only factor for which you want to try a stint for Entrepreneurship then I would recommend either to drop the idea or change the motivation factor. Initial years of Entrepreneurship is not to make the fast bucks, you can do that for the rest of your life.

There are some questions you need to ask yourself before you decide to be an Enterprenuer.

You won't be able to spend much time with your family?
No Holidays?
Working on with low/without salary?
Ready to take Risks?
Never Say Die Attitude?

If you trust your dreams and you are sure that your idea can work then just start it and don't give up in the middle. It might take time, some time even you'll think to drop it and go back o your previous job but once you have started keep going and you'll find your Dreams come true.

If you are a Would be Entrepreneur then start preparing for that from now onwards. It's a kind of self learning class which will help you to pass the Entrepreneurship test in the future :).

All The Best!!!

Love,
Mayank Kinger

A Day Out with GCH Kids

2009-05-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Our group decided to conduct some sports and fun activities at GCH(Govt. Children Home), Bangalore. From past some time we felt a need to conduct this kind of "Sports Day" to boost up the spirit of the children and let them join in some fun.

So we choose 10th may, Sunday for this event. We decided upon couple of indoor as well as
outdoor games for them.

Indoor games
----------------------

Musical Chair
Ribbon Race
Singing Competition

Outdoor games
----------------------

Sack Race
Spoon Race
Frog Race
Ballon Race
Relay Race

Please have a look at the picture attached!!!

The biggest challenge was to conduct these events peacefully and maintaining the discipline among children. Sometimes they are really uncontrollable and I can't blame them. This kind of environment they get since the time of their birth. Its our duty to teach them to behave in a disciplined manner. We also have some social responsibilities, something should be returned back to society in favour whatever it has given to us.

Now when we are kinda regular visitors there, so kids have started listening us and obeying us too but intially it was real hard. Somehow we managed to conduct the events peacefully. In my knowledge this type of event happend first time.

We all know how much eager a child is for a sports , even I remember my childhood when weather could not stop us to play in "hot summers or cold winters". Their enthu for the event was at its peak as we expected!!!

They were eager to take part in each and every activity even though it was bit hot last day :)

It was a real sense of relief by seeing them playing and enjoying the activities which was bringing smile to their faces. I was noting down the names of the winners, at the time when they were telling their names, they have a sense of achievement and pride. They were happy that they are doing soemthing which is being recognized.

Sports activities really encourage the competitive spirit and a sense of achievement which boosts up the confidence which can be seen on their faces yesterday.

Somehow a thought came in my mind that If we can pick these childrens and put them for a training in sports they can do wonders for our country. They can really bring the glory home and can end the dearth of Medals for us. They have Tons of raw energy which usualy get wasted bcoz they dont know how and where to use it. This raw energy can and should be converted to a fruitful outcome.

Kids were so busy in the events yesterday that even they din't remember that its late for their lunch time. In the mean while their staff asked us to wrap it up as kidswas getting late for the lunch but somehow we managed to complete the events.

They had a great fun in watching the Ribbon tale match :). This is something very intresting game in which u need to protect your artificial tale from other people to pluk it. If They pluck it means you are out. We had a good laugh by wacthing it :).

Sack race was another interesting event where you need to wear a sack till your waist and then you need to run and finish the race.

We planned to conduct the Ballon race also but we were able to conduct only one round of this, after that by seeing the ballons children got excited and busted all in one shot :) that was also a good reminder of our childhood when we were used to behave in this manner. Franckly speaking somewhere at bottom of my heart I also wanted to join them :)

Ultimately we winded up with the Chocobar icecreams which was a good hit among children as well for the Team :).

Will share more experience in the future!!!
Love,
Mayank

My first tryst with Rock Climbing

2009-04-23T00:45:00.000-07:00

From past some days I was carving for something Adventurous and Thrilling, then one of my friend suggsted to go for Rock Climbing(on the wall). I was all excited on this coz I hadn't done it before and said Yes!!!

We reached there, saw the 'Climbing Wall'(on which we had to climb, had a thrill in the body!!!). have a look at the picture

Seems pretty easy? but its not, trust me(atleast for me I can say that :)

When I had a first glance at the Wall, I thought its easy, nothing to worry about but when I put my first step in the hole and tried to move higher I came down :((I din't fell coz safety rope was there)

My all excitement, adventure spirit came to a halt(not end coz it was the first try :) ). I wondered is it really that difficult? My other friends were able to climb easily without any assistance.

I tried it for many times but same outcome :( . My hands are not strong enogh to hold the holes and stay I guess. But don't worry guys I dint loose my confidence, "I'll do it somehow atleast on the last day of the camp :)".

I think I need to start exercising to get my hands strong("Need to get Strength man really"), Hands play a very important role in RC coz you need to have a good grip on the holes and then climb further. Its quite a fun for a person who can climb the wall.

My trainer tried all the tricks but I could not get through it :(. Finally she said this is the first time I am seeing a well built person like you, is not able to do this. Then she got the problem that hands are not taking my weight(let me clarify here that I am not that heavy but hands are bit weak to take the body weight).

I am good at one thing atleast, I am a great source of entertainment for others including trainers, at the Camp :). Generally I joke a lot and play some pranks so I am of some use for them, thats what I feel coz laughing is also very good exercise :).

But I am determined to come over the weaknesses and one day has to go for Real Rocks for sure!!!

Will let you guys know in my future posts whether I climbed it on the last day or not but pray for me :)

Love,
Mayank

No More Shopping?

2009-04-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Its already 11:45 PM, I came little late from office, just finished my dinner. But today I am determined to finish this article. I am trying to do this from past 3 days, but due to hectic schedule in the office could not do this, so I have written this in parts :).

50 % sale!!!

some time back this "Logo" was almost everywhere, some brands went till 70, even 80%. My mind always indulge in the complex thoughts, how these comapnies can sustain their profits even after selling their products at a whopping 50 to 80% discount? But then I gain my conciousness and start looking for some good stuff available rather to think about their profits I concentrate to get mine.

But frankly speaking I am not a sale freak!!! I generally go for some new arrivals although it comes hard on my pocket :( but I am bitten by this "New Arrival Bug".

You might be thinking why I am emphasizing on this sale, anyhow this is a routine activity. But this time it has some other factors , like lasted much longer than the previous year and with some add on offers as a bonus.

Is this to woo the customers!!!

Due to Recession people are very tight on pockets and spending is being watched carefully, nobody wants to spend much on the commodities which can be hold on. Today people are quite uncertain whether they will be holding the same job tommorow or not. These are the factors which is making people to go easy on their pockets.

How the Shoping Brands handling thses issue, how they are trying to get the customers in the stores? Do they have any ideas in their kittys?

Ofcourse they do!!!

I noticed this time the sale was on for more than the usual time and the Brands which doesn't put their stocks on sale, was also seen with the Sale Banner. Even some was there with add on offers, making some really unstoppable Deals to go for. Even I encountered offers like "Buy 3 get 5 Free", could not belive it but true(even I buy stuff under this offer, could not resists :) ).

People were dying for the offers like this which seems wise to me. When we are hard on our pockets then these delas should not be let off.

I would like to reproduce some lines from "The Economist."

"Many companies have launched lower-priced products in order to avoid losing customers as
they trade down. Danone, a French food group, has created a line of low-cost yogurts in Europe, called “€co Packs”, that come in smaller tubs and fewer flavours than its standard products."

This idea seems pretty effective to make both sides are happy, companies are generating revenues even in the Recession time, and customers are enjoying the product, although the shorter version of it but still something is better than nothing.

"The trend towards thrift will not disappear when the economy picks up. For one thing, those banks left standing after the bust will be far more parsimonious with consumer credit. For another, many people will still be intent on rebuilding their nest-eggs, which is reflected in sharply rising rates of saving. Sociologists also detect a distinct change in people’s behaviour. Until the downturn, folk had come to assume that “affluence” was the norm, even if they had to go deeply into debt to pay for gadgets and baubles. Now many people no longer seem consumed by the desire to consume; instead, they are planning to live within their means, and there has been a backlash against bling."

Now this is something interesting, this study shows that thers is a great change in the spending habits, now people know how much important savings are. Even I personally feel, one should always have a backup, atleast for Risk Management. This lesson can be seen as a plus point of Recession :)

Even some car manufactureres are coming with a unique technique to fight slowdown. Huandai motor has launched a new scheme that they will take back the car within a period of a year, if buyer lose his job or laid off due to recession, and that too without any penalty!!! Seems pretty interesting, atleast who has hold his plans to buy a four wheeler, now can go ahead.

Companies are trying hard to sustain their market share and revenues, might possible consumer will get benefitted from this. Lets hope for some more Great Sale Offers in the future too.

Love,
Mayank

Other side of Indian Police

2009-04-04T00:14:00.000-07:00

Thursday 4:30 PM, was not feeling well so left home early. After reaching home thought to have a cup of Tea and by chance switched on the TV, so called Idiot Box, sometimes I feel it is sometimes not, God only knows the reasons.

Forget the channel name but Movie was "Yashwant", done by Nana patekar, Kinda typical indian style movie. Ek rishwat na lene vala imandar police man kind of, fighting against the corruption. Leave it, I am not going to discuss about the movie here instead this movie triggered something inside me to think about "Cops" on the positive side this time.

Its a general perception of public that all the policemen in this country are corrupt and they only work for money. I remember one dialogue from the movie "Ek halwaldar jiski tankhwah(salary) Rs.1800/- mahina hai vo kaise apna parivar chala sakta hai". It made me to think over this issues.

If you follow my Blog then you would have seen in my previous post(Great cops of India) also, I have raised this issue, although it was not in the main stream.

while watching the movie I was constantly analyzing the life of a police constable, in todays time he would be earning maximum of Rs.5000/- as a salary and other perks and benefits which are negligible. Is this much of money is sufficient for the family. After long duty hours which includes nights also what he gets? mere 5000/- bucks!!!

On the other hand they dont have any respect in the society, people neglect them, media writes against them. We are kind of building a wall between them and the society. Its been 15 yrs I started reading news paper, I haven't read even a single article about the cops which was positive or raised their problems and concerns.

Why are we so rude to them, when our security is in their hands. Their families are always neglected, they dont get good education. How can we expect them to behave like a patriot when things are like this. They are also human beings, they need their fare share of respect and position in the society.

Why they are not being honoured by the press, why dont we have any kind of public awards for them? Why dont we encourage them so that they do their duty with more dedication. We always write against them but we never think about the story on the other side. There might be some mistakes from their side also, I am not denying this fact. But have we ever tried to understand, what is driving them to do this?

We complain that youth are not keen on joining police, do we try to find out the reasons, its the image of the police which really needs a make over. They should be treated like the Real Heros, so that people get inspired by them and police also get respect and stand in the society.

These issues should be thought over. We need to mingle them with the main stream society, so that they feel like a part of it and start working towards protecting it.

"Nano" the wonder car

2009-03-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Its official "NANO" is launching finally on 23rd March.

Hmm it got famous as '1 lakh ki car'. This is made for 'Aam Aadmi' actually who still can't dream of a big car.Nano is the cheapest car available in the market and ofcourse people are waiting eagerly for this now we have to see, will it be able to live upto the expectations of people?

I think sometimes who will be NANO's target customers? Will the level of car driving people ome one level up? The people who used to buy bikes costing 70/80 k are now going to buy NANO or peole who used to buy Maruti 800 will come one level down and buy NANO.

But if we'll analyze it a bit, it will not hamper anyone's market will create its own market. There are several reasons behind this.

First there is a considerably margin between NANO and the other cheaper car available, like if you take Maruti 800 which is the only cheaper model next to Nano, the price difference is almost 1.5 lacs which is a marginal diference.
Second, the person who has a Karizma bike or Royal Enfield would obviously not go for it.
Third customer who is planning to buy Maruti 800 will buy the same. If they buy NANO means they are coming down one level. Which will not happen coz Indians have a typical tendancy, they dont like to get counted in the "Aam Aadmi" and buying NANo means coming into "Aam Aadmi" category.

So Nano is going to create its own new market. But obviously level of car holders will come one level down. My concern with NANO is as it will bring down the level of car holders, where are we going to accomodate this new car holder's generation? Do we have sufficient space on the roads or can we handle more pollution?

I live in Bangalore, and driving on Bangalore roads is a curse, trust me. I drive bike, driving a bike is far easier than car coz you always have a luxury you can drive wherever you want, dont get me wrong I mean narow lanes, footpaths etc..
And I don't see any space where we can drive a car so If Nano is coming and I am sure in the first year, Tata is going to sell atleast 50,000 Nano's. I am worried what will be the traffic conditions after that.

So lets pray it will live upto the expectations of people and will not create any more traffic hassles for other commuters.

Great going Nano!!!

Love,
Mayank

Deflation-Inflation Game

2009-03-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

I got up in the morning, and was following my routine i.e with my daily cup of green tea, reading newspaper. First word which I read for the day was. "Deflation". This is my first encounter with this word so I tried to think the meaning of this word in my mind, then I found the definition there itself. I would like you to read trhe definition from TOI.

"A persistent decrease in general price of goods & services. It occurs when the inflation rate falls below zero and stays there for a sustained period"

After reading it, my mind went in the past, somewhere around 6 months back when we used to read one word called "Inflation" everyday. I know what Inflation is, but what is this Deflation now, and why there is so much of cry on this.

When I completed the Article then I got my answers. Let me tell you, Deflation is the reverse of Inflation, when prices are keep on falling and people are not buying the stuff in hopes to fall prices further. Seems weird but true. Then I started thinking when Inflation was going high people had problem, now when it is coming down(deflation is called negative inflation) then also we have problem. I was not able to sort this out.

I fully read(actually again read it) the article and started analyzing it. The fear is when people are not buying the commodities even when the prices are coming down then it create some kind of collapse in Demand so that means Inflation is not coming down due to improving economy but it is coming down bcoz of fall in demand. It is but obvious when customer won't buy something the market has to reduce the prices further.

Ultimately it is going to effect our Economy in no good manner. It will reduce the purchasing power and Investment as customers are not willing to spend. It will create a kind of 'Deadlock' in the market, it will be a weird scenario. There is particular word used for this situation called "deflationary spiral, or vicious cycle". As the prices are falling and customers are not buying in hope for further decrease so it results in low productions which further will cause low wages and demand, ultimately to meet all these, reduction in prices. Which creates a DeadLok. Sometimes this lasts very long, Japan has suffered this for almost a whole decade. It started there in early 1990's and things came to normal only after a decade. Generally this kind of Decade is called "THE LOST DECADE"

What should a common man should do in this scenario. First thing we start investing. Look for companies whose sales are not affected much by prices, like gaints in consumer goods, healthcare and utilities Companies which can counter lower prices through higher value added products or greater economies of scale Firms with low levels of debt. Companies which had earlier taken heavy debt at high rates see their real cost of debt soar during deflation.

specially when we are already fighting with the Recession, we should take our steps very carefully. We are not in a state to handle any mistakes so I think the best way to beat this is to take the collaborative steps and majors. First thing is remove the fear from the markets. Recession is not so big but we have made it big by having so much discussions around it and daily having leangthy articles and discussions over it. When everybody will talk about it then obviously people will get concious and it will restrict therir steps like investment etc, which in the long run are going to affect our economy badly.

When people will stop investing in the markets due to fear then how can we recover from this phase. Actually Business is all about Trust, if we have lost trust for the market then doing the business is impossible, so we should remove the fear and start building Trust so that markets will get some cash/funding and start recovering and people start doing business again.

We should also improve our purchasing habits. In this kind of scenario customers will restrict his/her hand while buying the daily commodities. Previously they used to buy in bulk and store it now due to continuous fall in prices they are buying as per the needs which ultimately encourage Deflation.

I conclude this discussion with hopes to control this game of Inflation and deflation and to get the strong hold of Indian Economy.

Love,
Mayank

A Teacher

2009-03-14T00:31:00.000-07:00

"Shaadab" was the name of that boy.

I met him on a sunday morning at 'Govt. Children home' . We as a group of some youngsters used to visit GCH weekly on sundays, on one of this kind of visit I met him. At first sight only I found that he is different from his inmates. Energetic, enthusiastic, qute smile and always ready to help others and yes most importantly very clean. Generally children dont keep themselves clean at these kind of govt. homes bcoz of lack of guidance but he was an exception.

He was there from quite some time, I dont remember why he was kept there. Children who commit small crimes or fled of their homes are generally kept at Children Home.

Whenever we reach at GCH al the children used to got excited and run towards us to shake hands or share regards. One day he was one of them. He came straightforwardly to me and hold my hand with a very qute smile and ask abt me. I was little surprised but as it was a routine so it din't bother me much. After the initial introduction we were busy in our routine activities like yoga classes, drawing competition, distribution of milk etc.. But at somewhere at the bottom of my heart I was inclined to Shaadab, he had something which was attracting me, his magical smile.

I was thinking how he can be so happy at a place like this where other children used to cry and complain but he was so calm and happy. Due to this quriosity on my next visit I met him again, as usual he was in the same spirits. Then I sit with a group of some children and he was one of them, they started sharing their problems and concerns almost everybody was complaining except him, on the contrary he was trying to console other boys.

After this discussion was over all the boys were dispersed and I was left there with Shaadab then I asked him about himself. He complained only about one thing that he wanted to go to school. I asked him where he is from, he told me he was from somewhere near Amravati.

Family reunion was also one of the activities in our agenda so we used to ask boys regarding their homes so that we could trace therie families so was I asking him regarding his native. When I asked him that whether his parents knew that you are here and the reply really shocked me.

His both parent were DEAD!!!

I was in shock for a moment. Shadab was becoming more complex for me to understand. If a child is far from his parent then there is hope of reunion but here there was no such hope. After gaining control on my senses I resumed talks with him.

I asked him din't you miss your parents he said sometimes (Jab b mai udas hota hu ya akele hota hu mai Kuran ki Kalame gata hu or mai vapis khush ho jata hu) but whenever I felt so I used to read Kalmas from the "Holy Kuran".

A merely 7 to 8 years boy was making me spellbound. I dint left with any words. He was teaching me how to live life. He was becoming my teacher. I was thinking who had taught him all these things in such an early age on top of that while telling all he was quite normal.

I really got a great Teaching from him. Its you who decides how you live your life not your destiny. Even after losing his parents and living in a CHildren's home where his future is not certain, he doesn't have any regrets/sorrows. "Nobody Can stop this child", I thought in my mind and waved bye for the day to him.

On my way back home I kept on thinking about him and comparing my life with his. I have everything a job, loving parents, friends, an inmate but still complaining, on the other side he was blank but much happier than me. I deided that day I'll try to be happy doesn't matter what the conditions are.

After 2 more visits I could not visit children's home for some time and in the meantime, he was shifted to some other place. I even could not meet him for the last time, could not say good bye to him.

Whenever I go to children's home my eyes search for him. I always miss him. He was there for a very brief period in my life but have a great impact on me.

No matter what the conditions are whether in favour or against always be happy and make others happy thats the way of living lavished life.

Hats off to Shaadab!!!

Love,

Mayank

My Brother's Wedding part 2

2009-03-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

It was a hot afternoon. The day was 20th Feb, 2009. I was taking a flight to Jaipur from Bangalore International Airport yes I was going home finally.

I reached well ahead of time so thought to roam at the new airport(for me it was new as I was boarding for the first time). Just then I saw the well established Bar at the Airport so could not resist my thirst and bought a beer to kill some time and for "TASHAN" :)

I was sipping beer and watching passengers, thats my best time pass trust me. I enjoy this a lot. Somehow I killed some time then it was only half an hr in boarding so thought to get up and go to washroom. Then Suddenly I came across an old college friend who was also heading towards home, he has to attend his own Wedding :-) and I had to attend my brother's Wedding, yes real elder brother.

So one more beer session for Friendship, sorry can't help it, a quick one actually bcoz boarding was going to start in few minutes. Our college days got refreshed, actually we both had lots of drinks together during college. Sorry forgot to intoduce him, 'Kaushal'. We both had a good time in the flight, thankfully it was on time. Kausahl was very tensed actually, please dont get him wrong, he was tensed coz he had to catch a bus to his nativeat 11 and we were landing at jaiur at 10:30. I dint get a chance to ask him whether he managed to catch the bus or not.

So I was at Jaipur. My brother was there to recieve me. Next day was busy doing shopping and in the night I had to catch a bus to my home but I was not tensed coz I had plenty of time. Finally I reahed home in the morning.

Mom & Dad was at the gate to greet us and I was going crazy to see them. I was happy coz I was seeing mom after a long time as well as sad coz she was wearing a Coller(Due to sarvical Pain), she was looking tired.

Now onwards wedding peparation starts. Sunday was "Janew ceremony", a must ritual in Hindus. Was well done with lots of relatives coming and giving there wishes/blessings. It was fun actually. We both were having it at the same time.

In the evening we had some puja at home and small Sangeet. Sangeet was a great fun. Danced a lot. But I was also worried for Mom, coz she was dancing with that coller. Evening was great fun.

Then came the night which scared me. Mom danced a lot in the evening and now she was having a terrible pain. She was crying with the pain so do I. I was holding his head and was trying to make her calm, finally we had to give her injection. I was speechless, dint know how ill she was. She also had a pneumonia attack and was hospitalized for a week. I was weeping silently that I can't help her. Some how the pain was relieved and she slept.

From next day onwards it was my duty to stop her from doing any exertion. Trust me its really hard to control her, she was always ready to dance and taking up the things in her hand. But I understand her part also, She has waited for the day since long. She used to get emotional in a day 3, 4 times that I am not able to do anything in my son's wedding. so it was all in my hand to make the things happen in her way so that she won't feel bad. Anyhow I had done most of her shopping from Bangalore as she likes my choice always but still there were lots of things to do.

Then relatives start pouring in. daily we had some function. Finally the Sangeet Day arrived. Everyone was in high spirits. We danced like anything in the evening and yes Mom was irresistable :). We also had Dandia. It was great fun. By the grace of God she was feeling well.
Then came the D day, yes the Wedding day. In the morning Ring Ceremony was there. It was also cool nothing to tell much. ya one important thing this was the first time I met with my Bhabi.

Evening came and everybody was looking great in their respective outfits. Best part was everything was on time thats why my father was happy. To make both of them(Mom and Dad) satisfied is really tuff. Both have their own ways. But I managed to do that. Thumbs up for me :)

As usual we danced a lot in Barat. Fire crackers,music it was a great pomp and show. We reached at the venue well on time. Then we have all the ceremonies like Ribbon cutting, jaymala,dance and all.

It was a huge gethering, all the respected people from the city were present. Doctors, CA, advocates, officers. Was really good to see all the people. Everyone was happy seeing the preparations and was praising us. Mom & Dad were really happy, on the seventh sky afterall all their hardwork and preparations was successful and me too after seeing them happy.

Mom again started dancing, this lady really drove me crazy yar, the more I was trying to stop her more she was dancing. She was unstoppable and I was worried If she'll have pain then it would be very difficult for all of us anyhow I was carrying an injection with me in case of uncontrollable pain.

So wedding was great. Finally we brought Bhabi to her new home. She was also very excited and happy as everyone was pouring love on her.

So with all wishes of nears and dears the event was great and I was also relieved as everything was done peacefully and Mom & Dad were happy.

I wish the new couple a very happy and rocking married life and wish Mom will keep well.

Love,
Mayank

My Brother's Wedding

2009-03-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, sorry for being away for a long time. I was busy in the preparations for my Brother's Wedding. Marriage was great with lots of fun and ya lots of work and responsibility too, afterall its not easy to be a groom's brother, specially when you are next in line and every single person you meet will pull your cheeks(trust me its really painful) and say now your line is cleared, that too not single time but every time you encounter with them. I don't understand why people remind this?

After coming over the cheeks pain there was lots of responsibility and work as Mom was not keeping up well due to which she was upset, infact very upset coz she was not able to wear the necklaces and other jewellery, which was specially baught for the occasion. I can understand her pain. So it was also my responsibility to make her calm and celebrate each function with great enthusiasm so that she wont feel bad. Finally I was successful you can see the snap above as a proof of my sucess. I can do anything for this smile, trust me.

Evrything went great, that was my reward for alll the hard work I have done for the preparations. My management was good, this was the response/feedback from the people. Ultimately I was very happy that project has been suceessfully deployed at Client side :)

Soon will share the details of all the functions and some more snaps.

Love,

Mayank

Recession Time Resting Time

2009-02-08T09:32:00.000-08:00

Every morning I wake up, have a look at the news paper with my daily cup of 'Green tea' (recently started for diet purpose :) ), I read about Lay offs, thousands of people losing their jobs, companies going bankrupt and markets crashing etc. This is a some kind of routine from past 6 months. There is particular word used for all these happenings, "RECESSION" or may be we can call it 'Financial crunch'.

I am not going to start a debate whether Recession is good or bad. Because by having a debate over this we can't turn around the situation, rather I would discuss why Recession is good and how one can make a Best of this time even being fired from the job!!!

Seems weird? I know but dont worry, I haven't had any drinks before wriitng this blog, :)

First of all let me start with the "Nature's Law Of Balancing". If we'll notice then there is always a balance between things, lets take our life as an example. Sometimes we are very happy, sometimes sad. Sometimes all the things happen in our way correctly sometimes not even a single one. There's neither more sorrows nor more happiness, always an "Equilibrium".

Now before you guys think of me an absent mind let me come to the point. If we see past 4 years in business, that was great, or may be I should use the word "Booming". Thousands of new jobs coming in the market. Stock exchanges were full of trading. No one had time for anything else except work coz when we are making money, we want to make it as much as possible. New projects/assignments in companies, increasing the workforce. People were working like anything with no time for fun. At that time nobody complaint that why we have so much of work but now when they have free time to enjoy or take a break everyone is complaining that we dont want a break!!!

Why we are treating this time as a Bad time, why can't we make use of this time, to spend time with your family. When was the last time when you took your kid to nearby park? or when was the last time you went on a family holiday? when was the last time when you saw the most awaited movie on a first day, first show with your friends? when was the last time you spend your time with doing the thing which you enjoy most?

If we'll try to find the answer we'll be Blank because from past some time we din't have time for all these. Now when the time has come, we are complaining!!! Anyhow this Recession is because of Nature's law of Balance.

Nature wants to give you some rest so that you can rediscover yourself. Instead of complaing enjoy it and make most of it. Go on the trip which you are planning from last 3 years, get on your Bike and head off to the Fantasy trip to himalayas which you have always dreamt of, spend some time in your garden, do some mediatation/yoga which you always planned to do first thing in the morning but could not do it, have some fun with your child and do the things which you liked most when you were a kid, before you waste this precious time, go on long walks with your loved one, sit with your parents or go on a beach with them so they feel that they still matters for you, meet with an old friend who used to be your best buddy in school.

Now I come to the second point. Innovation happens when do something different from our regular work which we call "R&D". Work conditions like in past 4 years when we have EXCESS of regular work then how can we be innovative? markets are full of old ideas/products, now nobody wants that old stuff and we are having plenty of time to spend on R&D , this is the best time for Innovation. Think and devlope something new which is not available in the market and you are back in the business!!! Spend some time on that idea/product which you always thought to develop/launch. We have done this before in 2001 software burst. When Indians loose thousands of jobs in USA and everyone has 'written off' the software industry but India's all IT business had grown mainly after 2001.

I conclude this article by saying, Instead of complaints, do things which you always have thought to do but could not because of lack of time, whether its to do some Innovation or spend time leisurely or by cursing this perioud and waste this precious time. Well choice is all yours!!!

Alll the very best, have a great time!!!

Love,
Mayank

Great Cops of India

2009-02-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, first of all thanks a lot for all your praises/comments/feedback for my first ever blog, which has really boosted my spirit to continue my newly found passion for 'Blogging'. So here I am again but forgive me because today also I have some bitter feelings, to share with you. I am feeling rather low now a days because of the happenings in our society. Feeling really depressed and not able to decide what to do. The following incident add it up.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videoshow/4068164.cms

Panicked(Horrered) by watching the above video, But sorry to tell you this is not a shooting of some documentry on the poor children, its the hardcore reality done by the people, on whom we are dependent for our security.

This happened in Itavah, UP is which still in the enigma of its beloved CM's birthday celebrations. The crime of the child was a theft of Rs 250/-(Accused). When I watched this video, I was not able to decide which Incident is more terrific, the Mangalore one or this one but ultimately I found that both are similar because in both the cases the victims were helpless.

The most shocking thing in this incident was in the country where people, who are invloved in scams, involving thousands of crores, are walking freely, even some are provided with z+ security(Our beloved politicians who are Ministers/CMS) and this poor girl who was only ACCUSED in this theft of Rs 250/- got this kind of treatment.

Now there are two sides of this story. One is which most us will feel after watching this video, a rage against the COPS doing this sin and second is what drove these copes to do such hilleriuos act even when they know they are on a camera.

Let me take the other side first. I was watching a debate on a news channel on this Accident, when someone raise this point of Frustatation among COPS . May be they are frustated enough(due to their social status, their Income or some other reason) that they find a soft target in that girl, who can't resist. If this had not been not caught on camera then I would not have been writing this Blog and the people would not have known abt this. Whatever be the reason This kind of behaviour can't and should not be tolerated!!! And the most shocking thing is, it seems that Cops were enjoying while Bruitalising that poor girl. They were so fearless it din't even bother them that whole incident is being caught on camera. I dont understand, don't they have their own children or they don't have feelings? How can someone do this with a merely 6 yrs girl.

Now the other side, what should be the punishment for this kind of CRIME? Are the suspension is enough, or just lodging a case against the responsible person, which will last for some years then everyone will forget about this or a press conference by the CM. I don't think so this is a solution. We should find the root cause of this. What drove them to do this so that in the future we should not feel ashamed by watching or hearing these kind of Accidents. We need to find some permanent solution for this which can't be find untill and unless everyone understands his/her responsibilities whether its Cops or we, citizens.

As a Responsible citizen, we should not let these kind of Incidents so easily otherwise that day is not too far when one of us will be in a situation like this and then we will be also looking towards others for a helping hand. Lets not prepare the base for that day. Take it as a wake up call.

Will love to know your views/suggestions on this!!!

Love,
Mayank

Indian Culture

2009-01-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well this is my first time so let me start with my Introduction first. Myself Mayank Kinger, working for a software firm in India's software "Makka", Bangalore just like other thousands of software professionals. Willing to start writing a Bolg from a long time so here it goes....

You guys might be wondering that why I have chosen a title 'Indian Culture'. Dont worry!!! I won't be writing all that old stuff again like we have a greart tradition and history and blah blah blah rather I would like to emphasis upon the new 'Talibanize', yes you read it correct(Taliban) culture which is in the development stage. Shocked!!!

Allow me to explain. Now a days we use to hear a word called 'Moral Police' read as MP quite frequently. Recently these so called Guards of our great culture, are again in the news for the Mangalore Incident, I should rather call it an 'Accident', where they were trying to protect our culture by beating the innocent and helpless girls in a Pub. According to them the girls were consuming alcohal and very indecently dressed so is this excuse give them(MP) the freedom to treat those girls and let me not forget the Man also, like criminals, beating them and dragging them, and misbehaving in the public? I would like you to have a look.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Girls_assaulted_in_Mangalore_pub/videoshow/4029808.cms

Just 3 days back we have celebrated our 'Republic Day' with great pomp and show and with lots of dreams to become a developed nation. After all this I think we should again ask ourselves Are we really a Democratic Country?

Today I was thinking are these kind of MP orgnaizations are any different from the Terrorist groups? well doesn't seem so, the only difference they are outsiders and these are insiders which are more dangerous. What is the difference between this SENE and Taliban? They also started like this and later what happend, whole word knows that. Trying to put a virtual, self imposed Ban on pubs/bar, may be next they will target Cinema halls then Radio and so on or may be tommorow they can enter in our homes.

In between here comes the statement from Karnataka CM that Pub culture is responsible for this Molestation of women. So dear CM let me ask you who is responsible for Rape, eve teasing and murder of home alone women? well I guess your answer would be the 'WOMEN'.

I dont understand why these kind of MP dont try to protect women, who can't walk after 8 pm on the roads rather they dont let any stone unturned to make it more difficult for women to express her views in public or wear whatever she wants. At one side we call ourselves educated and on the other hand we behave like a person, who is still living in 'Stone Age'.

Why dont we ban these kind of organizations when we can ban the LET, JEM kind of terrorist outfits? These MP leaders(so called Sadhvai Pragya, Muthalik of Sree Ram Sene) are also involved in the Bomb Blast, riots. Why is this difference? Even these people dont have any regrets!!!

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ATS_to_probe_Muthaliks_link_with_Malegaon_accused/videoshow/4047503.cms

Our general habit is to hear these kind of news and give our strongest reaction possible then heading back to our work. May be this is the time for us to wake up from a sleep and act to prevent India from becoming a 'second version of Taliban'.

Till one day before I also used to behave like in this manner or even some times switch the news channel to a music channel, just trying to act like a Pigeon who close his eyes after seeing the Hunter, assuming that he also can't see the Pigeon. But today I have a sigh of relief atleast I have expressed my anger in Public and will keep doing so in the Future.

Save our Culture, Save our Tradition!!!