May 1, 2009
Election Day experience
Soon after, we were close to our polling booth, where I saw army men on duty and little more closer to the booth there were a few police men. It left me pretty impressed with the security, wonder if such security is provided even in areas like UP, Bihar.
At the gate, I saw the queue of voters and got little uncomfortable with the thought of standing in that queue in the scorching sun. 45 minutes in the queue I saw and understood the following few things…
A handicapped guy was not let to vote due to lack of a photo identity. For all those who didn’t know, with the address proof you also need to have one photo identity. If you are going with your family at least one person in the family needs to have a photo identity.
Senior citizen need not stand in the queue.
Now something interesting… one young girl with her mom was so excited about voting. Showing her middle finger (that’s where they put the black ink this time…. wonder why?), she said “I am going to show this to all my friends, losers none of them went for voting”. We can definitely do with more people like her.
According to the news agencies, in Mumbai only 45% voted which I agree is not such a good figure however, I personally know minimum 7 people who submitted all the necessary documents much in advance but didn’t have their names in the voters list. And another 7 who had booked their tickets for the annual holiday 2/3 months back. In both the cases, it was not possible for the citizens to do much!!
I finally put my vote at around 1:30pm and felt ecstatic through out the day. This was not the first time I have voted but after all that our country went through and is still going through, after exercising my right… I thought I did my bit in improving the situation.
April 15, 2009
Would you be voting in the coming election?
Apart from that we have the media encouraging people to vote. Just last year jaagore.com came into existence, which already has thousands of registrations. As for me, I have always voted, unfortunately my name came in the list of voters little late; however, as soon as I had my name in the list I voted with all sincerity.
Election campaigning is going on in full form. Political Parties are getting film stars to campaign for them. This year the TV campaigning has got much more entertaining unlike in the past. I particularly liked the below Ad campaigning done by BJP.
But the question remains, how we should see to it that our voted is not wasted on the wrong person/party. I have been thinking a lot about this and why not it’s the question of my nation and directly or indirectly it affects me! Should I vote for the party campaigned by my favorite actor? Should I decide looking at the ad campaign on TV that impressed me the most? Or should I just wake up and see around, if the party ruling my area has actually contributed in its development in the last 5 years and if not should I give a chance to another party?
This is our one chance but as they say in Hindi… Sau sohnaar ki ek lohaar ki (Our one equals their hundred).
Before you vote for elections this time, besides you own wisdom and awareness, please do some research on which party really deserves your vote. Following site is the latest tool provided by Google, hope it helps;
http://www.google.co.in/intl/en/landing/loksabha2009/
March 18, 2009
Prithviraj Chauhan on Star plus ends

I was a regular viewer of this show from the time of its beginning until about Jan 2008. My interest went on reducing with the detoriating standards of the show. Gradually, I stopped watching the show. But on 15 March while surfing channels, I saw that Prithvi is in front of Ghauri and in sometime his arrow hits Ghauri and he is dead. I then realized that this was the end of Prithviraj Chauhan serial.
But even the end was not directed well, it’s sad that something that started so well had to end like this. To think about it now, the tv show on the king was quite close to his life. By close I don't mean the story, by close I mean the way the show was so much loved by Indian viewers all over the world similarly the real Prithviraj's life was also something that was talked about not only in India but world over. But because of the brutal mughal ghauri he couldn’t live that life longer. And now when a TV show was made on him even that turned out to be a disaster towards its end.
It is strange why the makers didn’t show what really happened than the imaginary story. No one knows what the real story of Prithviraj Chauhan was but at least if the story of Chand Bardai was followed in its entirety; it could have been controversial but definitely interesting. But perhaps, that would mean to have a huge budget.
As I end my post, I want to give 1000 salutes to the great hero, whom people called Maharaj Prithviraj Chauhan!! There were very few kings like him.
March 9, 2009
Thoughtful SMS
I received this text message on my phone some days back. Since then I have been thinking over it, and the more I think, the more I am convinced that every word of this sms is so true!
We are definitely in that age, where most of the time we are using people and loving things. Probably, it’s because for the thing we have paid a heavy price and people are free, even when they are not free as in the case of an employee, we want to use them because we have paid for their services. So in every situation, we are using people and loving materials.
This attachment towards our mobile, laptop, TV, car, ornaments, net and even orkut is taking us far from our loved ones. Talking about orkut, we see a column under ‘Personal’ 5 things I can’t live without, most of the times we see people writing family, friends, kids, animals… which makes humans, things. Ofcourse things cover everything but why is there nothing to differentiate between things and living being.
Really, once we clear our mind of this confusion, everything will go smoothly in our lives. Love people and use things, never the other way round!!
February 6, 2009
Spam mails story
Every time, I sat to delete these spam mails even I would think something similar. And today when I read this news article on how terrorists are using spam mails to pass on messages, I was left thinking why is it that, every good thing is best used by bad people?
According to this news, they have software which sends the mail to millions of people, that is actually a message meant for another terrorist. Now this actually helps in reducing the chance of getting caught. It’s easy to keep a track of few emails but highly difficult (or impossible) to track millions of emails. Now if you are thinking next time you will read your spam mails, it’s of no use because these mails are in code language which only the other terrorist will understand.
How much ever I hate to admit, it’s a classic example of out-of-the-box thinking. Sad, the pace in which evil runs its mind only if good could run faster. This actually is the need of the hour but we need to wake up to this truth first.
Read the full story at:
http://in.news.yahoo.com/20/20090206/1416/tnl-the-spam-mail-in-your-inbox-could-be.html
January 7, 2009
Year 2008-09
Health wise also a very difficult year, can’t recollect when before this I had so many problems one after another. Not much of prosperity either can be claimed in the year 2008. And nobody needs to be told about the social disasters we saw in 2008. Even though, that didn’t do me any damage directly, I felt depressed hearing and thinking about it.
In short, all that we wish for everyone every New Year (Health, wealth, happiness) none was hugely present in the year 2008. So I say it was a very challenging year.
But now putting the past behind, I welcome 2009 with all my heart and soul. They say dawn is closest to a dark night. After the dark night that 2008 was, hopefully 2009 turns out to be the dawn of my life and helps me move ahead like the way I want to!
Professionally and Personally, I can prove myself to my loved ones. I am able to word my thoughts with all creativity and clarity. Talk when I am supposed to talk and stay quite when I am supposed to stay quite (not the other way round as it usually happens).
I hope all this happens in 2009 or I would be blogging about 2009 the way I did for 2008 and who likes bad publicity (except for the item girls). Because time really flies and it will not be long before 2009 also ends disclosing its share of goodies and baddies.
December 8, 2008
Old is gold
One such occasion was when information about how TAJ hotel of Mumbai is still standing strong even after such serious terror attack was in news. There are a lot of such historical constructions that are much stronger than the recent constructions. Even though, we are more advanced now, it is during those days that we saw such supreme quality of work… quite contradictory isn’t it?
Take the example of Doctors, today it will be very rare that only one visit to the doctor will cure you of an even minor problem like flu or viral fever. Even for that you have to go more than once. It takes time for Doctors to understand the problem or it’s just a smart way to get more business… only Doctors can answer that better. I have heard from my elders that even with less research done, the Doctors in the olden times were far more effective in their treatments.
Or talk about News channels, as a kid I know how boring the news channels were but now I understand that, then they would give only news that mattered. These days news channels works hard on everything but hardly on the real news. And even if they do it sounds more like a drama!
Similarly, in all professions we see the standards are going up only superficially not necessarily from deep within. The quality of work is reducing every year and the reasons for this could be many. But the root of all is the fast paced life. It’s a fast life, people want to quickly finish one project and start with another… more projects means more money and more money means more success!! And where competition is more, dwell on the regular customers, making them wait for 10 years what can be delivered in 1 year.
It’s strange that our ancestors with less in their hands could give more and we with more are giving less!! Probably, because they found joy in giving and we are trying to find joy in taking. But the question is… are we really finding the joy we are looking for??
May 4, 2008
Dose of Denial
- Shri Satya Sai Baba

My friend shared with me this thought quoted by our beloved Baba. I was not able to accept this and asked my friend why we should deny anything in life when we are anyways denied so many things by life. Why should we add to it?
After thinking it over for sometime, I interpreted that what it probably means is when we want something and don’t get it, we should learn to deny it, instead of running after it. It would make us tougher when we stay away from what we want most. It is difficult to follow but worth trying.
Few thoughts later, I also feel that the denial should not be done for basic requirements of life but for the not so basic requirements. Now if I want water I have to drink water sooner or later to survive I can’t deny it. However, if I want Pepsi badly, and I don’t get it then I can surely strengthen my resistance and by my own will refuse to have it.
Having said that, it should not be the case of sour grapes. Deny it without denying its worthiness. By doing this we can save ourselves from being miserable and as Baba says it will make us strong over a period of time. Thank you Baba and thanks friend for sharing this quote with me.
December 14, 2007
The future needs help...
But sadly, it’s not doing as much good as it should. On the contrary, the recent events revolving around teenagers in India, has raised a question mark on their upbringing.
This certainly may not be with all the children; however the area of concern is the increase in percentage of kids that are emotionally imbalanced. Even though, I have no practical experience… I think the solution lies with the parents more than anyone else.
As children are growing up faster… parents need to be two steps ahead of them. It’s a competitive world and the time has come to compete with your children. Before a thought crosses their mind, it should cross your mind and help you avoid the destruction. This is possible only when you know your child inside out.
But again it may not be as easy, with both parents working or busy with other activities. So how and when do parents gauge the mind of their children? That is when weekends and holidays help. Not only it gives parents a chance to relax, but can be the right opportunity for them to gauge the mind of their kids.
To get a solution for such sensitive matters can never be easy. But individuals and society need to wake up first. And then take small steps ahead to create a bettter and safe environment for all.
October 31, 2007
Careful with those home remedies

Since my college days, I have tried so many of those make-it-at-home packs, for beautiful skin and hair. I mean a human body has so many flaws to improve upon. So whenever one has a solution for any of those flaws one does get interested to know and try it. But sometimes the solution becomes a problem.
Likes once I heard on the radio, an excited Radio jockey, very confidently enlightening all her listeners; with her excellent tip on how to remove marks left after those uninvited pimples stay. Well, according to her just crush few Garlic cloves and apply it on the marks. Impressed by the confidence of the RJ, I ran to the kitchen and did exactly that, only to see the pimple marks being converted into burn marks.
The pimple marks wouldn’t be visible from far but the marks left behind by garlic could be visible from miles away. Days after that were really horrible, however months later the marks disappeared completely. Till date when I get pimple marks, I am too scared to do any home made remedies to remove them.
One of my cousins had a similar experience when she tried applying curd to make her hair smooth and manageable. She was horrified to see some of her hair greying after this treatment. This reminds me of a story I read in the newspaper, few years back. A man lost his vision, after he put drops of lemon juice into his eyes because he read it was good for the eyes.
I have always been in favor of these home-made remedies however there are certain things one needs to be aware of. We all have different skin and hair types, what may work for one, may not necessarily work for another. If you decide on trying a home remedy first try it on a small part of your skin or hair. For sensitive areas like eyes, ears don’t do anything without consulting a qualified Doctor.
October 16, 2007
Vacancies for writers
Being a writer, I thought this was an opportunity I should explore. My hands full of wet flour I found myself so helpless, I had no clue how to take down the number. I rushed and washed my hands got hold of a pen, only to find out there was no ink in it. Managed to get another one but before I could write, the ad was off the screen.
I cursed my luck “Why does it always has to be me?” and got back to what I was doing…. kneading flour. Just as I am about to, get hold of something good, I am not ready for it… so I thought.
But some times you do get a second chance in life and so did I. Same evening, again the ad was displayed and this time neither were my hands occupied nor my pen without ink. So, I wrote the phone number and decided to call up the next day.
Long before the call I had thought about what I was going to ask and if they asked me to come for an interview, I would go the same day. After all, the employer should feel important (Dad said so…). Monday early afternoon, I called the given number, after about 50 tries, finally got through.
This was the most crucial part of the whole adventure, because this is when I discovered the ad was not about “Vacancies for Writers” but it was “Vacancies for Waiters” and for all I know, I was not remotely qualified or trained for the job.

In my excitement, I didn’t notice this huge difference even after seeing the ad twice. So as they say, all for the best, first time when I couldn’t write down the number was probably a sign that this was not meant for me. Also, this incident made me realize, the importance of paying attention to minutest details.
September 7, 2007
The sacred language - Sanskrit

Sanskrit, a forgotten Indian language, is derived from the word samskrta which means ‘perfectly formed’. Long ago, it was the language used by civilized India. There are innumerable languages that have used Sanskrit, for its formation.
Besides being a beautiful language, it represents the ancient culture of India, which was more spiritual and wholesome. The most powerful source of knowledge, VEDAS is said to be written in Sanskrit. Controversy surrounds its origin; some historians support its Indo-European link, while others vouch it to be the language of the divine interpreted by the Rishis (Sages).
Sanskrit being developed in an age when there were very few human civilization devices and so Sanskrit doubled up as a language and tool for memory improvement. In the modern times, strong similarity is found between the working of Object oriented Programming (OOP) and Sanskrit.
While it may not be a common language today, many people especially Indians have this hidden desire to learn it. Harish Shetty, top management personnel with one of Indian MNCs, says, “I am a firm believer that, if you learn Sanskrit, your ucharan (speech) becomes perfect”. Prakriti Sharma, a self employed lady says “Since Sanskrit is not very easy to learn, its best to start early. I will make sure to send my kid for Sanskrit classes by next year.”
While many people I know are learning French, German, Japanese and so on… my first priority would be Sanskrit. Nothing wrong learning these languages too but as they say charity begins at home, on the same line, learning begins at home. I might as well start learning, what my country has got to teach me, first.
August 14, 2007
Indian Prisoners of War

15 Aug 2007,
I didn’t know much about POWs, until I saw this amazingly heart touching movie… 1971, Prisoners of War by Amrit Sagar. This movie is obviously about POW from the 1971 India-Pakistan war. It’s a flawless movie portraying the struggle of POW planning to escape from the prison, and what happens in between.
The climax especially would leave anyone awestruck. There are very few movies that are de-glamorized yet entertaining. And above all, an eye opener, which leaves a deep impact on the viewer. From that time on many occasions, I have thought what must be the state of these POW now.
Wish the kind of awareness hockey has got, after the movie Chakde…India, even the POW issue could get after 1971 POW…!But sadly didn’t read any such news about it, anywhere.
As I read the article about the freed prisoners, once again I restlessly look if there is any news about them. From 1971 to 2007, these army men are paying the price for keeping us safe and to think about it, what if there are similar POW from the Kargil war. According to some of the Freed Indian Prisoners coming from
Illegally under imprisonment in
A poem, dedicated to these POW
August 8, 2007
Archies Comics family has a new Indian member... Raj Patel

Archies comics came into existence in 1952, and I have been reading it since 1980’s. It had always been my favorite book, based on it there are also cartoon videos but never liked it that much. The blend of humour, logic and the connection with real life has been amazingly perfect, in Archies comics. There are so many stories I can think of even now and laugh, which at the same time makes so much sense.
In one of such stories, one of Veronica Lodge’s pair of pants were accidentally torn in the college. After which she is embarrassed to no end and is lost about what she should do next. When her Friend Betty suggests she should walk as if nothing as happened or she will draw people’s attention towards her; Veronica does exactly that. She walks to the classroom, with all her confidence.
When other girls in the college see this, they think if Veronica Lodge is wearing that, then obviously it must be the latest trend. And next day all the gals are wearing trousers which is full on one leg and short on another. Funny but when today I see ripped Jeans I get a feeling that this is what must have happened with the person who introduced it!
Now Archies comics would be, more dearer to me because they have brought in an Indian Character Raj Patel. From what information I have collected, sounds like, he would be presented in a positive way. Raj’s Father, Ravi Patel is rich and famous, and a Doctor by profession. The family includes Raj’s Mother Mona Patel and sister Tina Patel.
Hopefully, this character stays in Archies forever and is not just momentary.
July 17, 2007
Taj one of the seven wonders...
Last week, there was too much happening over the voting of Taj as the Seven wonders. Taj… what a beauty! is nothing less than a dream and so are the other wonders which holds in it subdued fragrance of the gone years.
The other wonders included were;
The Great Wall, China
Petra, Jordan
Christ Redeemer, Brazil
Machu Picchu, Peru
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
The Roman Colosseum, Italy
Wonder if there is some history associated to these other wonders as in the case of Taj Mahal. History about why it was created, how it was created and what happened after it was created. From the beginning to end there are tons of tales to tell. Again like many historical events even here, the accuracy of these stories is questionable.
Taj Mahal was created by Shahjahan a moghul king, in memory of his wife Mumtaz. If this interests you, Mumtaz died while giving birth to her 14th child when her 13 child was less than a year old.
Taj mahal was brought into existence after long years of hardwork from countless artisans. As a reward for all their hardwork, it is believed they were handicapped by cutting off their hands. Reason? No other Taj should ever be made again. This past of Taj makes me wonder if Taj is a symbol of Love or brutality.
Nevertheless, I am happy it has got world wide recognition as it definitely is a brilliant art work atleast this way the artisans earn their due credit.
If these stories associated with the taj, wasn’t enough there is another strong contender to the list. Taj originally a Hindu temple was seized by Shahjahan from a Hindu king. Now if this story is to be believed all the previous history of Taj becomes baseless.
To think of it, I am glad Taj is not known as a Hindu temple for then like many other beautiful and well-maintained Indian heritages even it wouldn’t even reach to the nomination list. We would not have all the campaigning for it because it would then become too non-secular for the seculars to promote Taj as one of the seven wonders or the caste and creed sensitive Hindu priests wouldn't allow low caste to enter Taj. So in short all for the best.
June 10, 2007
Trip to Puttaparthi

As a Sai devotee I have always tried to visit Puttaparthi atleast once in a year. This year I had been to Puttaparthi in February. There are a couple of very interesting incidents from my trip which I thought is worth a mention.
Our itinerary was planned as follows, Mumbai to Bangalore to Puttaparthi and back. We had planned to move to Parthi from Bangalore on 1st of Feb as it takes only 4 to 5 hrs from Bangalore to Parthi, so we had approximately 24hrs halt there. However on reaching Bangalore we got the news that Baba was in Chennai and would be coming back only on 2nd of Feb. Can’t explain how disappointing we felt at hearing this piece of news, as we had to leave Parthi on 2nd afternoon.
It is famous about Baba that no one can tell when and where he will be at a given point of time. Thinking about it I had a hope that probably Baba will change his plans and pre-pone his arrival at Parthi. To my excitement and joy this is exactly what happened. Instead of 2nd Baba reached Parthi on 1st of Feb almost the same time when we reached. Non-believers may term it as a co-incidence but believers like me know that Baba always hears the prayers of his Devotees.

That’s not all, when I went to the main hall where Baba comes to give darshan to his devotees I was stopped by one of the volunteers as the dress that I wore didn’t have a shawl or Odeni. As a rule every female entering the hall (even Prasanthi Nilayam) should to be covered from neck to feet with a shawl wrapped around.
With only a couple of mins for the gate to be closed I had no time to go back to my room to get a shawl. Although there was a smile on my face, deep down I really felt like crying. Just then another volunteer who was watching all this from a distance came to us and said to this volunteer
“Let her go probably she was not aware of this”.
Following a small chat with this helpful volunteer I was finally inside the hall after being refused entry from many other volunteers to whom I referred the volunteer behind who had given her consent. Again in the face of that volunteer I saw Baba himself.
In only 24 hrs of time span there was so much happening in Parthi (Some mentioned here, some not) that otherwise doesn’t happen in days together.
Time and time again I have been questioned by non-believers about why do I believe inSri Satya Sai Baba and they try to enlighten me with all the stories they have heard about him. This piece of writing, an answer to their questions is only a part of Baba’s involvement in my life; Similarly, Baba has helped and heard me in all my difficult times.
Puttaparthi... high on spirituality!
Sairam
April 13, 2007
Bindi / Tilak - Significant part of Indian culture

Tika or Bindi applied between eyebrows on the forehead by Hindu women is believed to be a symbol of Parvati -- the Shakti(Power) and signifies female energy that can protect them and their spouse from every evil.
It is also believed that pressing the point between the eyebrows (Bhrumadhya) keeps away cold, cough headache, fatigue. Hence while applying Bindi, ladies would press Bhrumadhya to be physically fit. However, these days women use sticker bindis instead of kumkum powder that doesn’t give the above benefit.
Tilak that the hindu men apply on their forehead represents auspiciousness. It can be made of sandal paste (chandan), sacred ashes (Vibhuti) or red tumeric (kumkum). The devotees of Shiva apply sacred ashes on the forehead, the devotees of Vishnu apply sandal paste (Chandan), and the worshippers of Devi or Shakti apply Kumkum, a red tumeric powder.
In ancient India, Tilak was applied according to the occupation of the person; Brahman applied Chandan (sandal paste), Kshatriya Kumkum, Vaishya yellow kesar or turmeric and Shudra black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal powder Tilak.
The space between the two eyebrows is the Ajna Chakra, Sandal paste comes with great medicinal value, apart from acting as a cooling agent it is spiritually beneficial. Chandan reduces body heat when applied at the Bhrumadhya.
Lord Siva's third eye is located at his Brumadhya and it is believed when open it can destroy the whole universe. Similarly, when the third eye of the soul opens it is capable of destroying physical, mental and spiritual (Adhyatmika, Adhidaivika and Adhibhautika) sufferings.
Our endless sins alongwith our three Karmas Sanchita (accumulated works), Prarabdha (Productive works) Agami (current works) are destroyed after concentrating on Bhrumadhya after applying tilak. While applying Tilak and beginning to meditate, one should pray this exercise will help them come closer to the unknown, unseen truth.
February 16, 2007
His-story can be our story too...

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful nation, which was the envy of many other nations. The obvious reason why it attracted, the interests of many wicked rulers. In not much time, these rulers in greed of more power and wealth entered the beautiful nation and captured most of its assets… before destroying its culture and magnificence. The protector of the land tried hard to save their land and people from these intruders but failed in front of their evil minds.
Many years later, the people of that destroyed land worked hard and were once again bringing it to its original state. However once again it drew the attention of power hungry rulers and once again was captured and destroyed.
This went on and on… for no man, in this once beautiful land learnt anything from history. They thought they were too well-learned to brood over what happened in the past. Only if somebody had told them, HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.
August 13, 2006
Ancient India
Was sanskrit the language they largely spoke? Where has Sanskrit disappeared from the Modern India? Whatever history we know about India today is after the inception of Invasions, what happened to the history before that?
We may never be able to reach to the depth of Indian History as probably all the genuine references has been destroyed. And its difficult to accept any theory without some strong evidence.
http://www.samskrita-bharati.org/books/prideofindia.pdf