August Kranti

Last two weeks have been enriching and a great learning experience for me. Honestly, I had lost faith in our politicians and our parliamentary system. My frustrations were on a all time high also because I thought we all were only good Argumentative Indians ( As Amritya Sen says in his book with the same title ) in the drawing rooms or at best in local trains or restaurants, over a cup of tea or a mug of beer to cheer our sagging morals. But no I was proven wrong once again. It’s said in Geeta “ yada yada hi dharmasya …” that whenever there is a danger of dharma & truth losing the battle, the God takes birth in some form or other as a savior.

Well this time around too it is he who was on the scene, directing a finger towards Anna to be the torch bearer, as Anna himself put it in his simple way. And Anna did an excellent job of bringing people from all sections and age groups to stand behind him for this noble cause. Graft was the focal point in our lives for a long, but it reached its’ nadir in recent past. So it was a very apt time for someone like Anna to pick up the torch. We needed to rise from the depth of despair and darkness hovering around us as dark clouds.

The politicians had the arrogance of absolute power and of misplaced authority they thought they all have to do anything and still get away with it. The fact that not a single politician or a bureaucrat had been subjected to a strong punitive action for a serious graft in last six decades, gave them this misplaced notion and took them on their ego trips. Someone or something was needed to push them and their arrogance to a corner and force them to take some corrective and positive steps. Well, this movement did that. It’s only sad that it took them so long a time to gauge the mood of the common man.

Agreed, we have hundreds of things wrong with our country and system, but every once a while something or someone comes along and restores our faith and hope. There may be a section of society who criticized Anna’s methods and means. Still even they cannot but agree about and discount the incredible impact this movement has had on our polity and society. The same youth who were termed the other day as net savvy - chat hungry, disco loving people, living on staple food of Valentine days, Mothers’ & Fathers’ and Teachers’ day greetings, stood behind Anna for a better future. Indeed they all want a CHANGE and with immediate effect, and so do we all.

Yesterday was a defining moment in the history of Independent India. The politicians rose to the occasion, albeit later the expected. The debates in the parliament were of a very high order. If Arun Jaitley & Sushma Swaraj were extraordinarily brilliant, the young Turks like Varun Gandhi & Sindia were good too. Abhishek Manusinghavi and Sitaram Yechuri were excellent in their matured and measured speech. Our PM, Shri Manmohan Singh too acted and spoke like a statesman. All in all it was reminiscent of good old days when Atal Behari Vajpeyi, Ram Manohar Lohiya, Somnath Chatterjee, Pandit Nehru, Krishnamenon and others laid the foundation of a strong democratic parliamentary system. Finally a resolution was passed with thumping of benches, giving a sense of unanimity to the agenda of the debate.

It’s truly a win – win situation for the civic society and the polity. It’s truly a victory of our people and our democracy. What also stood out was the impeccable behavior of the masses. For once not a single untoward incidence took place anywhere in the country. No damage to any public property was reported the administration, the police and the people, all of them, need a salute. It showed us all that our voices can be heard and registered even through non violence.

Three cheers to Gandhigiri in full show. It was really a great reality show, peacefully conducted by the anchor Anna and his team.

Anna's Andhi - End Game in sight

As I write this blog the end game may be right underway on the Anti Corruption Protest. Our Honorable PM Shri Manmohan Singh, Leaders of Opposition Party in both the houses Smt. Sushama Swaraj & Shri Arun Jetli showed great statesmanship in appealing jointly to Shri Anna Hazare to end his fast. What stood out also was that the Speaker of the house, Smt. Meera Kumar Stood and joined hands in the appeal. I felt it was a great step forward. The voice is heard and registered and so Anna should have agreed to end the 10 day long fast. But Anna showed no signs of relent. He wanted the three points of disagreement to be discussed and debated in parliament and a resolution to be passed in favour of a strong Lokpal Bill. Finally the government appears to have agreed on that too. Both the parties have come to a common midpoint, and thus have both been victorious. It’s truly a Win – Win Situation.

It certainly paves way for a stronger bill. I am in complete agreement with all the three points. The strongest being the inclusion of Lokayukts in States and Citizen Charter. The Lokpal bill would certainly have been a meaningless exercise without these two points.

This protest is perhaps only the beginning of many such struggles if we really want to cleanse up the system.

Three Cheers for the relentless efforts of Anna, Kiran Bedi, Prashant Bhushan, Kejariwal, Medha Patkar, Justice Hegde and many more team members and of course the thousands and thousands of people across the country and of course all the members of parliament.

Jan Lok Pal Bill - A common Man's Perceptive

I have heard Nilkeni's interview on IBN. How ironical ? His colleague - NKN has totally divergent view about the govt. and its functioning.

Nilkeni's ideas are good but they will take 5 more decades to implement, given the political will available today and for will be generated in decades to come. And that is not people and the youth of today do not want. They are used to quick solutions now, like the quick money, quick food, quick entertainment etc. So in this case what they want is not rhetoric any more, but a quick positive step. They all know it is going to be an uphill task but they want a beginning.

 

It is 4 / 5 decades now since the Lokpal was first tabled in parliament. Nothing had been done as yet. The current bill is a carbon copy of the previous one. Just that. They do not want the bill to have any teeth. And mind you it’s not the congress alone; none of the parties want a stronger bill against corruption. The answer to the " WHY " part is very simple. Who will save them then ? The generation of today is highly aware and conscious about their hard paid tax money. So they are frustrated and have lost faith in the politicians of the day. They had reached the Tipping Point and were looking for someone to kindle their anger and frustrations. They saw the hope in Anna's Movement and so the spontaneous support from all corners of the country. Not for nothing many luminaries and well educated people have joined the movement. And why not ? Who is not affected by this monster called " Corruption " ?

 

And see the arrogance of the government and their mental corruption because of their ill placed misconception of their absolute power. They pick the team and put them in Tihar Jail under an alibi of threat to the civic society and then without batting an eyelid, shamelessly withdraw the case and leave them free. Is it not a classic case of " Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely " ?? One day they involve them in the joint draft committee and on another day they do not hesitate to call the team as highly corrupt bunch from top to bottom.

 

They ( the politicians ) do not hesitate to tell the people of the country that the police did what it felt was right on august 16 th and later our Yuvraj Rahul meets PM and they decide to release him. They want to shamelessly project Yuvraj as a highly humanitarian person and take credit for the release. If Police was the authority who took the call of arrest then how come the politicians could take the call of release ? How could they perceive the threat perception differently ?? Is it not hypocrisy ??

 

The politicians also argue that parliament is supreme, and only they have the powers and authority to make a law and that civic society does not have a right. Agreed, but little do they all realize that:

 

• They are mere representatives of the people, by the people and for the people. They are in fact only care takers of our interests. They are elected only for 5 years, before seeking peoples’ votes again, where as if at all there is no change, it is in the people. So who is supreme they or the people?

• They are now a days getting elected by getting about 20 odd % of the votes, out of 50 odd % votes polled. So how can they claim to be representing majority of the society?

• When they feel, and they feel quite often, they seek advice from National Advisory Committee, whose members are not elected members, then why not take opinion of the civic society.

• Every year, they seek opinion of various sections of society, industrialist before the Financial Budget. Why do so if the voice the people is not to be heard?

 

The simple point is “Why not engage more experts from the civic society”. Let them all discuss it thread bare with the Anna Team, including the standing committee, the politicians from all the parties and discuss pros & cons of all the issues and then table it in the parliament. We will then reach a consensus and passing of the bill will not be an issue then. The problem is that the ruling party is on a high ego trip. So unless that is gotten over, the probabilities of getting an amicable solution and resolving the deadlock appear to be very dim.

 

 

 

 

 

Anna's Andhi - 2 nd wave

This time around the Anna Andhi has swept the country through the length and breadth of our boundaries. Even the NRIs residing in different part of the world have joined the struggle. I am very pleased to see the solidarity shown by the Nobel Prize Winner – Su Ki. What is most pleasing to the eyes is the peace maintained both by the swarm of people and also the administration. This shows that if both the parties show restraint, the views and point of views can still be sent across. I strongly feel that Anna and his team, well supported by Shri Shri Ravi Shankar and Baba Ramdev need to be complimented, and so the Police and administration of all the places. I have a gut feeling that this movement will go down in the history as one of the most peaceful agitations against the establishment. I will not be surprised if Anna gets a Nobel for peace in times to come.

More on it and our " 64th Independence year " later !!

Cabinet Reshuffle

I fail to understand the logic & purpose behind this rejig. If Performance was the criterion to shunt out a few, then hardly anything has been done except in the sports ministry. The non performers, and let me assure you there were many, were left untouched. It may b e because they were either heavy weights or because of political compulsions.

If it was to punish some then how come TMC railway MS continues in the council of ministers, in spite of the fact that he rubbed Dr. Manmohan Singh on the wrong side.

I do not know how come Jairam Ramesh's new position can be termed as elevation. If he was a performer, then he could have been given a cabinet rank in the same ministry and given additional responsibility of rural development. It certainly smells of industry pressure.

Hardly any new faces and young blood have been inducted. Gurudas Kamat's repositioning does not give any signal. Thankfully he resigned.
All in all it is like using the old ambassador car with 4 flat tyres and a flat spare tyre being interchanged for the heck of it. The car still is in bad shape. The driver to is a dummy because the car is remote controlled.

stupendous feats

My nephew, Sudeep went biking from Mumbai to Leh via Manali - Rohtaang Pass with 13 of his colleagues. They returned back in about 2 weeks. A couple of them had to abandon their mission halfway through due to failures of their bikes and some other reasons. rest of them made it, and made it well. They all were first timers to such a long biking trek and hence it makes it special to them all.

Sudeep on his bike



Similarly my Friend Kedar went cycling from Manali to Leh with half a dozen younger enthusiasts, including his teen aged daughter. It is nothing new to Kedar as Adventures like Cycling, Trekking, Mountaineering keep the blood flowing in his body, but for the other youngsters and my friend Pawan it was a first major cycling trek.

Kedar with the camera

Both these feats are highly commendable because I had been to that area very recently, albeit on jeep. But I have seen the terrain and the difficulties you face as you travel at those heights.

I salute their spirit and will power. It is nothing but alchemy of chaning common human being in to special ones. These are men of Gold turned in to Steel. So it is reverse alchemy of sorts as far as their spirit and will pwer is concerned.

Shrinagar - Leh a Jeep Safari

Preparation for the trip:

Though acclimatization helps as you start climbing up the hills, be it in jeep or on cycles or by trekking, you are better placed if you take diamox125 mg  - twice a day - 3 days before you start the climb. Similarly you should take coca - 30 ( a homeo drug ) - 4 tablets - twice a day - 3 days before you start the climb. Subsequently you can take 1 diamox and / or 4 pilss of coca 30, on each day as you climb above 13 / 14 k height. You must also carry other first aid medicines like paracetamol, dispirin, d - cold, some cough syrup, and ciproflox ( 250 / 500 mg ) tablets.

Precautions:

Take as much of water / Liquid diet like soup as you can during the trek / trip

Don't spend too much time if you are feeling giddiness / getting vomiting sensation / head - ache at high altitudes

Don't get over excited or walk briskly or do higher activities like running etc at high altitudes.

Our Trip:

Our Leh – Ladakh trip started from Shrinagar, at our behest, on May 29 th, a day ahead of our other group members, because we wanted to experience the life on the House Boats and move in Shikaras on the famous Dal Lake. Well !! it was a big disappointment. Dal Lake and Shrinagar are no more the heavenly places on earth. An illusion was broken. So was my experience in seeing those three Mugal Gardens in the city. The Shalimar Garden was built by Jahangir for his queen Noorjahan, and is the best in my opinion. The Nishat bag is the largest garden in the city. The Third one built by Shahajahan is called Chashma Shahi or Shahi Bag. May be, this time around the tulips at Siraj Bag and many rare varieties of flowers were not there to welcome us.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/FlowersInShrinagar?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCODiopGmsf_mSQ&feat=directlink

We could however visit the Shankaracharya Temple on a hillock. This temple was built 200 years BC. You can have a beautiful view of the whole city from the top. It is unfortunate that cameras are not allowed there, so we had to leave them behind in our jeeps. Some lost Opportunities for the shutter bugs, I must say.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/Shrinagar02?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNS92MyFq8GPEA&feat=directlink

Our jeep safari started really on June 30th, when our other group members joined us. Our first stop was at Sonmarg. Kedar had strategically chalked out our itinerary to ensure that we had stops at right places to get acclimatized as we move ahead on higher altitudes. We went trekking to Tajiwas Glacier in the morning. Almost everyone slid on wooden skates from the glacier and it was difficult to differentiate the aged ones from the youth. I was excited like a child to see & feel the glacier and the melting of snow that forms the origin of small rivulets finally taking shape of scary rivers as these join each other down the hills. And yes, one of the items from my wish list of treks, that of seeing the Glacier, was fulfilled.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/Sonmarg?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKam3obakZucPQ&feat=directlink

We stopped for tea at Dras , on the way to Kargil and stayed in the night on the next day. Dras is the 2nd coolest inhabited town in the world. Oh !! yes, we crossed Gozila pass too. It’s at about 14K Feet height. We also saw the Tiger Point and the peak at point 5304 which were recaptured by our magnificent army during the Kargil War.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/ThroughZojilaPassToKargil?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCPGSl_rOgrTy0AE&feat=directlink

We started early in the morning for Leh via Mulbek, Namika – La, Fota – La & Lamayeru. You get to see the Mulbekh Chamba – a lovely 8 / 9 mtr high statue of Matraiya ( Future Buddha ), the two passes – Namika la & Fota la, Called La in their language and the lovely monastery at Lamayeru on the way to Leh. The moonscape site was breathtakingly beautiful. We also had fun at the magnetic field. Kedar showed us how the vehicles move against gravity. It is really an optical illusion, but still every one of us had fun there, and had photo shoots.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/KargilMubrekLamayeruLeh?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNzR1_PeoL2bSg&feat=directlink

The next day was again a day for acclimatization and local site seeing. We saw a couple of monasteries around the city of Leh.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/AcclimitizingAtLeh?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNGzqo3szJnJBg&feat=directlink

Then one day we visited the Pangong Lake and passed through the Changla pass. The whole journey was breathtaking as we curved through the mountains up and down and again up before descending to the lake in the valley. The lake is just out of the world experience, and only seen to be believed. The different hues of mountain ranges surrounding the lake add beauty to the whole landscape. The saddest part to know is that the Chinese hold almost 75% of the lake, even today – some 50 years after they invaded our boundaries and captured the area.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/LehChanglapassPengongLake?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMPtxcrO_pXRYw&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/WildLifeOfLeh?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNuzzOm7-KaE2wE&feat=directlink

Alas !! our government turns a blind eye on all such happenings, like the POK, the areas at Batalik, Kargil and Pengong. Be it China or Pakistan, we just accept. Thanks to someone who gave orders to recapture some of our lost territories.

We also visited the Nubra Valley passing through Khardungla Pass, the highest motorable road pass in the world. There we stayed in the tents which had all the amenities. We went for a small trek cum walk at a sacred lake ( for locals ) in the evening. We also visited a hot water spring at Panamik and also went to nearby desert dunes at Diskit ( on our return to Leh ), where some of us enjoyed the camel ride on double hump camels. It was an amazing sight to see desert sand dunes at such heights.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/KhardunglaPassNubraValleyDiskitLeh?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCK7erN_Qw4zVrQE&feat=directlink

 

Sadly our journey was to end here as we started back to Leh . A day was kept for a lovely visit to the Army museum at Leh. It is a must see place for all to see and know about the valor of our armed forces.  We also had river rafting. It was a great experience for the first timers. But, unfortunately there were hardly any rapids. The most memorable part of the day was spent in spending time with the locals in their home. The experience of their lovely kitchen, the prayer houses, their culture, their tea - called gud - gud and above all their hospitality was heart warming.

The remaining half of the day was for emptying all our pockets and for swiping our credit cards and cursing our fates at seeing the ladies getting wild and wilder at each stop or a shop. This, for me is the most painful sight to all men. But we can’t do anything, can we ????

We were lighter when we landed at Leh and came back heavier when we left the next day for our return journey. Thankfully no one had to pay for extra baggage at the airport, and we all men had a wry smile.

There is not one single moral of the blog. there are a couple of them ( In Lighter vein of course ):

Don't marry if you love travelling

If you can't help - then don't take her along

If you can't help that either - Travel Light on pockets too and yes, don't forget to keep all your  credit cards back home.

And if you can't help that either then relax and curse your luck !!

A restless bear next to you – Hair Raising Experience

Can you imagine a giant restless bear with thorn like hair sitting next to you on a flight?? At least I can never imaging that happening to me, even in wildest of my dreams. However, that is what exactly happened to me on my flight from Karachi to Sharjah en-route to Mumbai. I had chosen an aisle seat was comfortably reading the flight magazine of Air – Arabia. Once a while, I looked up to see if some lovely faces entered the plane or not and whether someone like that settles next to me. Though, I had never been so lucky on that account.

The middle seat on my left was still vacant, so I was still hoping against hopes for a miracle to happen, at least this time. While on a similar mission, I saw a 6 feet plus tall frame entering the plane. If he did not have a human face I would have taken him as a grizzly bear. He wore a Pathan – Suit, but had his sleeves rolled up to his mighty biceps. He walked through the aisle and slowed down as he approached my row. I was still hopeful that he would pass by to the rows ahead. But sorry!! He stopped right there only and breathed heavily all over me. I was shit scared for a moment, because the images of Tom & Jerry flashed in my head and I saw myself running for shelter and being chased by the big cat.

I saw upwards and made an apologetic face and got up from seat to give him the way. He settled in the middle seat somehow and occupied 25 % more on either side. I thought of it as a serious encroachment, but could hardly say anything, forget even muttering to myself. The person on the window seat must have been also feeling the same, because we looked at each other and expressed profound sympathy towards each other.

It was a case of “ SO FAR SO GOOD ”. After I took my seat, I noticed that he had large curly, but thorny hair all over his hands. Not an inch of flesh could be seen. That to me was alright till then, because there are a many gifted with that kind of structure. The flight took off and our problems compounded. The grizzly was a real restless animal. He wriggled and moved all over the place. And as moved left and right his hair brushed and pricked my naked hands. The person on the other side was lucky as he too wore a Pathan suit and his arms were protected. So it was left to me and the grizzly person. We were playing a game of chess. He gave a “ Check – Protect your Arms ” warning and I was “ Saving my King, the arms ”. Though, I had ingeniously developed a synchronized swaying motion with his wriggles, sometimes I could not avoid the accidents. On those occasions I just fell short of bleeding. Every time his hair touched my arms, my small little soft arms screeched and squealed in pain. I could see my hair raising and rising in protest. Finally I decided to withstand personal pain rather than this torture and inclined my body by almost 45 degrees towards the floor, to avoid contact with his thorny hair. But I had to swing back again to give way to others & the crew members and then again I cried in pain.

The most frustrating moments, which were quite frequent, were when he rose from the seat, pinched and tweaked his lower parts and sat again with a thud, thus unsettling two of us on either side. I really do not know what he achieved, except hurting me and my soft arms?

So bad was the hair raising experience.

Khurshid Akhter

I was in for a shock when at the airport I was told that I was required to do police registration. Really I was tensed up. I was told that someone would be coming to receive me. As I walked out, I saw a person holding a plaque card with my name. He introduced me himself as Khurshid Akhter. We headed for his car. He read it on my face, perhaps, and asked me what was bothering me. I told him about the police verification & registration. He calmed me with his assurance.

He took me to a police station on the way to the hotel. He knew an inspector there. The inspector was an elderly person with beard. He received us with warmth. We greeted each other and eased out in our chairs. He listened to my case and then directed us to the place where this formality could be done. He gave his card too. We went straight to the other police station and found that it was already day off for them.

Next day, khushid took me to the police station. As discussed he was right on time at the hotel. I was to learn over the period that he is very punctual, which is a trait I like very much. It was a Friday. We met the person who was to complete the formality. He told us about a long procedure and gave us a long list of things to be complied with, which included a set of 4 photographs and also informed that the station office was to close at 12 noon. I got tensed up again, but this man, Khurshid was as cool as cucumber. I envied him.

Khurshid drove us to a market place, got myself snapped, kept his assistant there to collect the photographs and drove to Martin Dow to be there in time for the meeting. His punctuality reflected here too. Luckily the MD of Martin Dow put someone on the police registration job and ensured that I was not required to go there again. I got all the formalities done by the time we called it a day. We finished our meeting late in the evening. Khurshid was considerate and asked me to relax at the hotel that day. Next day onwards, he was with me all the time till 11 /12 PM, like a protective shield, to ensure that I was not alone and that I was comfortable.

During our conversations he got to know about my purchases and also realized that I wanted a camera to shoot the places I visit. A camera was immediately organized. My wish list too was registered in his memory bank. I did not require any reminders as he had already planned everything out for me. Things moved and happened like a well oiled machine. No hick ups.

I must say that he is very warm and loving person. He is a complete family person, but still gave priority to me because he knew what loneliness is, on a foreign soil. He is a god fearing person and is bestowed with some supernatural powers, because everything has fallen in place in his personal life and career, as he wanted. So much so that he wished that his first trip on a plane should be to Haz. And lo!! It happened. His trip to Dubai could not materialize in spite of the fact that he had a Visa, the ticket, the hotel booking etc, and that did not flutter him a bit, because he wanted the Haz to happen first.

There is a Sun and Stars in his name itself and he shines and twinkles and radiates positive energy. Khurshid means Sun & Akhter means Stars. That is what Khurshid Akhter is in real life too.

Easy things for VVIPs

It is a very easy thing for them to fall sick or get BP / Heart Pain / Depression the moment they are caught and subjected to interrogation. Similarly it is very easy for them to get all critical documents, files from the concerned departments, where their cases are being handled. It is also very easy for them to get such files missing from the offices. Why so now even the hard discs have started finding a way out from the offices. Police / CBI / ITax departments are helpless as such documents start walking out from their offices too and they are all left clueless. As it is they clueless, but then missing files, documents, hard discs etc strengthen their hands and eventually the cases become toothless and finally the bigwigs are free to say that " Nobody is guilty till proven so ".

we believe all that and give them our votes and help them win by massive majority to enable them to run in to another scandal.

" Ye Sab Unke Banye Haath Ka Khel Hai "

Shame to the Great magicians  PC Sorkar / Jadugar Mendrek etc. Our VVIPs can do what they can't do.

Jay HO !!

Dr. Deshpande

I just could not resist the temptation of visiting Pilani immediately after completing my work in Pakistan High Commission at Delhi. Pilani, where I grew up and graduated from BITS, keeps on calling us old Pilanians time and again. Nothing has changed since I left the place in 1971, except the growing population and dirt, but the place and the people are exceptional. So this time it was no different.

During my sojourn I learnt that an Old Batch ( probably 1976 – 77 pass outs ) comprising of some 80 odd well settled people now had organized felicitation of Dr. Deshpande in Pilani. They organized pick up, drop, lodging and boarding for all the family members of Dr. Deshpande and arranged a hugely successful program in AUDI ( yes, our dear old auditorium ). They gave a cheque of Rs. 2 Lac and a citation to him. We all knew Dr. Deshpande and had always high regards and respect for him, but hardly any one had thought of this gesture. It moved me.

Hats off to the 80 odd boys, who are different.

An incident which is etched on our memory like many others tells amply about the command and respect he enjoyed. In a street fight some boys from CEERI thrashed some of the students from BITS. As usual the BITSians ganged up together and charged at the CEERI gate with hockey sticks, lathis in their hands. Dr. Deshpande rushed to the spot, when he came to know about it. He stood at the gate and said in loud and clear voice “ ABOUT TURN ” and all the BITSians turned their backs and walked off peacefully. A big clash was thus avoided.

It is really very sad that only a few months later he passed away, leaving a legacy and his memory behind.

Flip Flop - Jairam Syle

I do not know what is wrong with a person like Jairam Ramesh . These days he is seen changing his position and decision with a flick of an eye lid. It was a big NO for Posco, Jaitapur, Vedanta project etc etc and he changed his decision almost the very next day. Now he says he is acting under some pressure. Well, if that is the case who stops from resigning gracefully with head high saying "Enough is Enough !! I would rather quit than buckle under pressure which is against my conscious and above all against the interest of our country's already worsening environment scenario".

Har Ki Doon - Trek April 20 - 30; 2k11

                                           I wrote this from comfortable confines of my home.

Trekking is fun and this one from Sankri to Har Ki Doon was no exception. We started our journey from Delhi on April 20th. Our first lap of journey was from Delhi to Dehradun by A C Express. We reached Dehradun early in the morning.

Our tour operator Mr. Nautiar was waiting at the station. A bus and a jeep took us to our first pit stop at a Youth Hostel en route, for the breakfast. We, the senior citizens, were given a preferential treatment and were accommodated in the jeep. We got this special treatment right throughout the trek, and that made us feel privileged and proud too, of our younger generation which had a mix of adults and children. This, in fact is the real strength of our culture and upbringing.

The 210 Kms journey from Dehradun to Sankri took almost 10 hours, as the travel was through treacherous winding roads going up and down the mountains along the river Tongs. A minor snag in our jeep carrying us senior citizens was to add to our thrill and excitement. Our jeep refused to move an inch after we had to stop for a while to remove a branch of a tree which was felled by some locals.

Locals from the nearby village gathered around us and each one commented and advised as if he was an auto expert. Finally it was concluded that the jeep had to be left there. A well to do local stopped a transport jeep – van carrying two army persons to Sankri. The Army personnel cooperated readily and saw that Neela & Shaila Tai were made comfortable in the seat behind the driver. They sat beside the driver and Swanand, Uday & I sat in the open luggage portion of the jeep on the back. It was getting dark by now. The 6 to 8 km bumpy ride appeared an endless journey. At last we made it to Sankri and had a sigh of relief. Hot soup was ready by then to welcome us all.

Our tour operator had goofed up, with an intention to make some fast and easy buck, and had booked for only 15 people in the Garwal Vikas Mandal Nigam guest house. We had to grease the palms to get others too accommodated in the guest house. Unfortunately this story was to follow us right throughout the trek at all the camping sites.

These experiences only taught us to fight out the unknown challenges and still enjoy. That is the hallmark of a trek. It was like a case of So – Far – So – Good.

Sankri – Taluka – Osla ( Seema ) – Har Ki Doon Trek:

Each day during the next 3 days, we walked about 10 to 16 Kms, gaining altitude of 400 – 800 Mtrs every day. Though the gain appears minuscule on paper, it was difficult because it was never a one way up or a down story. One moment we were on the banks of the river Tongs and the other at the top of a mountain, as if we were playing hide and seek games with the river and mountains.

The trek from Taluka to Osla and Osla to Har Ki Doon were tiresome and grueling. However, nobody seemed to complain about the odds, the distances, the inadequacies of food stuff etc, because at the end of the journey on the day there was something new that the Nature had to offer to us.

our exhaustion melted in the biting cold, the snow clad mountain top ranges, the surroundings, the lush green forests at the foothills and flowing waters from the rivulets and the falls and the steaming hot soup was a welcome refreshing elixir, as the sunset draped us in its warmth of the cold. Surprising no ? That even as the sun set behind the snow clad mountains, there was warmth felt by us all.

Har Ki Doon, some say it is the abode of lord shiv, and some say it’s the abode of all gods. Whatever it may be, it was surely our abode for a day and two nights. It was bliss, happiness and sense of fulfillment for us all.

The descend of around 30 odd kms, from there was comparatively easy but more frustrating as we approached our last base at Sankli, because a sense of colossal loss gripped us thick and fast as we touched our base at Sankli. Next day we were supposed to move back to the life filled with madness and hustle and bustle.

We all must have cursed our short lived fortunes, of being in places, full with peace and serenity, joy and happiness and cursed our misfortunes of leaving behind moments when we could identify ourselves with the nature.

But then that is what all life is all about, Life that of ups and downs, happiness and sorrows, accomplishments and defeats. So nothing to worry dear !! There will again be a TOMORROW !! And again a trek full of excitement and challenges. So, Wait till then folks, for my blog on another trek.

A special mention of Kedar, Swanand, Sangita Tai, Neel, Dhruv & Akash will not be out of place. They were all there for any one and every one who needed a helping hand.

Yes, to end the note if I am asked to spell out what I missed then I would reluctantly add a couple as under:

         Having gone thus far and so close to the Glacier ( Only 8 Kms from the last camp ) I would have loved to see and tick that off from my wish list, but the heavy snow fall earlier had made the site unreachable. So the wish list continues to have the Glacier.

         We all felt that the trek should have ended on a high note like the last time , that with Rafting. It was not to be. Probably we could have detoured to Rishikesh to try our luck this time.

         We certainly missed out on the hospitality, the arrangements and quality sumptuous food of Negi.

The link to my album given below, covers only 250 odd snaps out of about 800 snaps which I took during the trek. I could accommodate only so many in the allotted 1 GB free space. But I am sure you will see almost all important snaps. Once I get snaps from Neela Tai, Shaila Tai, Uday and other camera holders, I intend to write CDs and give it to you all.

So, Happy Viewing till then

https://picasaweb.google.com/ganuag/HarKiDoonApril2k11?authkey=Gv1sRgCJmo__nV6rn1-wE&feat=directlink

Anna's Andhi - lessons for some others

This tool of creating mass awareness and gathering huge support , like in the phenomenon " Anna's Aandhi " can be used effectively by some radical groups too. They should have learnt by now  that the bullets do not get any party anywhere. I have sympathy for the Maoists for their suffering, their ideology but not an iota of sympathy for the means they adopt. I agree completely that there are many a millions who are a deprived lot, but asking for their rights through might is not correct, in my opinion. If some Leader with a mass appeal from their ranks chooses to sit on hunger strike, on streets of power, generates awareness, connects people through the power of networking, then they can certainly force the people in power to come to the discussion table and force them to hear their voices, their concerns and grievances and jointly arrive at an amicable solution.

I have also understood and learnt in my  professional life that revolt does not take you anywhere, but on path of misery and frustrations.

So the PATH of CHOICE lies in the Lage Raho Munna Bhai Pattern. Isn't it ??

http://youtu.be/c6ugieyqqS4   Watch it to get convinced !!

Your opinion ??

Certificate - better late then never

I participated in the 20 KM pune cyclothon on Feb 27. It took almost 2 months for the organisers to upload the certificates. Great Speed , particularly in an era of Bill Gates who thinks of Thoughts @ the Speed of Light.

Today I could see the certificate on the net and print it.

I must say though " It is never too late "

gurumurthy - 2

part of this clipping was in today's speech at patanjali. Good One

http://youtu.be/TfmPrvxJNfs

gurumurthy

today I happen to hear him on TV on Astha Chanel. It was a congregation of top intelects and swamis at Patanjali premises. I treid to see if I could get it on Youtube. I was not luck, but I landed on one of his clippings. This one too is good. See it and give your comments.

http://youtu.be/KMm_v-c5xNI?hd=1

Galvanizing Movement

April 5, and April 8 th; 2011 will go down in the history as golden moments ( bringing about CHANGE ) of our country because some thing very unusual happened and the democratically elected government had to bend backwards to agree for participation of non elected citizens to share power to decide their own course. The issue of corruption has been eroding our society since independence, but it never loomed so large as it has in the recent past. The common man was at the receiving end. His anger and frustration was mounting, but he was helplessly waiting for some inspirational leader.

Why ?? because he knew his strengths and weaknesses. No body in seat of power would have given a damn about it if he had gone on a fast. Baba Ramdev had started Bharat Swabhiman Movement to generate and build opinion of the man on the street against corruption. But still the common man was not knowing what and when to do. Anna sized the moment and rightly picked up the right spot. Yes, You need to be at the right place and at a right time to grab the opportunity. Sorry dears. This opportunity does not mean he is an opportunist. He only chose the right method, time and place to ignite the light. Rest is history now.

Let the activists not stop here. let them take one issue at a time and see that it is taken to its' logical conclusion. This is certainly a new beginning. A new HOPE for revival. A silent peaceful revolution has begun.

                                                        This was the scene in almost all cities

                                                     Jyot Se Jyot Jagate Chalo

Me at Shanivar Wada

I was also happy to join the struggle and support the cause in my own small way. A day's fast and participation in the Pune Candle March was my way of support. I  shall wait for more opportunities to help in whatever way I can.

VANDE MATARAM

Anna's Andhi - I can relate with the cause & so I support

Now congress leaders like Sibbal and Manoj Tiwari have taken a line that Anna's fast is inappropriate and that he should come forward and be open for discussions / negotiations. Sounds stupid, as coming from the Congress Party whose own leader Mr. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted this route to bend the British back. They are trying to mislead the countrymen yet again by saying that they are open to suggestions from Anna and his supporters, but they are not ready to sign on dotted lines. Which dotted lines are these people talking about? The activists have simply been demanding civil participation. Some people like Sibbal and Singvi said that it is illegal and not constitutional. If so and be it so, but then why they cannot amend the constitution or bring out an ORDINENCE, ( president’s order ) bringing about immediate implementation of such an amendment ??


The politicians should realize that they are public servants chosen as their representatives and not kings or masters. So it is high time they start behaving like servants. The Jan Lokpal Bill aims at bringing them, the bureaucrats and administrators to book if they fail to deliver or misuse the power given to them by the citizens.

It is just the beginning. These activists mean business and have good plans to bring about changes by fighting for Reforms in Electoral, Judicial, Education, Health, Welfare systems etc. These are all our causes so let us all unite and give them support.

Today’s youth was waiting for a Leader. They who support this movement can relate with the cause and hence the huge and massive upsurge in support. Keep it up Anna.

In my March blog on Jasmine Revolution, I thought about a similar upsurge in our country. I am very happy that it has hit us fast.

ABHIVYAKTI: CORRUPT POLITICIANS, BUREAUCRATS MAFIAS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN PAKISATA...

ABHIVYAKTI: CORRUPT POLITICIANS, BUREAUCRATS MAFIAS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN PAKISATA...

ABHIVYAKTI: Bharat Svabhiman & Excellent Lecture At Chhattisgarh Rally 1

ABHIVYAKTI: Bharat Svabhiman & Excellent Lecture At Chhattisgarh Rally 1

ABHIVYAKTI: Baba Ramdev Kiran Bedi Anna Hazare at jantar Mantar Delhi 4

ABHIVYAKTI: Baba Ramdev Kiran Bedi Anna Hazare at jantar Mantar Delhi 4

ABHIVYAKTI: India Against Corruption with Dr Kiran Bedi-Jai Varun Giri

ABHIVYAKTI: India Against Corruption with Dr Kiran Bedi-Jai Varun Giri

Sri Sri at India Against Corruption - Press Conference

India Against Corruption with Dr Kiran Bedi-Jai Varun Giri

Baba Ramdev Kiran Bedi Anna Hazare at jantar Mantar Delhi 4

Bharat Svabhiman & Excellent Lecture At Chhattisgarh Rally 1

CORRUPT POLITICIANS, BUREAUCRATS MAFIAS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN PAKISATA...

Jasmine Revolution has begun here too !!

Like always we were waiting for some one to show us the light and a way to move forward. And Anna Hazare came on the scene. The movement has gained momentum over the last two days or so. Thanks to the social networking again. Let this movement not stop here till the government accepts the jan lokpal bill recommendations. Any issue that hurts the common man needs to begin like a movement as the government and the politicians are least bothered to tackle the common man's issues like the cancerous corruption issue.

My Dog - a mail i got

• My dog sleeps about 6 hours a day.
• He has his food prepared for him.
• He can eat whenever he wants, 24/7/365.
• His meals are provided at no cost to him.
• He visits the doctor once a year for his checkup, and again during the year if any medical needs arise.
• For this he pays nothing, and nothing is required of him.
• He lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than he needs, but he is not required to do any upkeep. If he makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
• He has his choice of luxurious places to sleep.
• He receives these accommodations absolutely free. 
• He is living like a King, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.

All of his costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every day. I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick in the head.......

 

 

 

My dog is an Indian POLITICIAN!

Seeing is Believing - Not Always

Yesterday I dreamt that King Akabar & Birbal were born in this century !! Birbal came to me in my small house and said " Badshah asked me if - Seeing was Believing ? and I told him politely that the answer was NO, Not ALWAYS. He was surprised and asked me to prove as usual. "

He laughed heartily when he saw me in a crazy and weird outfit and said " I knew that you do not have a dress sense, even at home, so I have come to you " . Say yes to help me otherwise ..... !! I had no options so I agreed.

He saw me from top to bottom and said this idiotic dress sense helps my cause. so come out and stand in the sun light. I followed what he said. He took out a camera and asked me to stand normally. He took the first snap. Then he asked me to put my hands on the hips and lift the Kurta a bit. He took the second snap. he gave me the rights to upload the same after he had proven his point to the King.

I saw the king and his darbar erupt in huge laughter and then saw the king patting Birbal on his back. Since the point was proven I now exercise my rights to upload the same to show others in the country who hit my blog that Seeing is Believing - Not always..

So here are the two pictures !! make your own judgement

It appears that I have nothing under the kurta !! Birbal took a few shots to finally get what he wanted. I had only one given to me as a right. in this one the smart ones can see my half pant. What he finally got was from an angle where no one could see the half pant !!

This one proved his point and he said Q . E . D. !!

So what you see is not to be believed always, until unless you confirm it like a theorem and say Q. E. D.



When The Ship Sinks - The Rats Jump Out First

Some of our IT giants have started withdrawing and relocating Indian employees. WIPRO has a different view and they are not on withdrawal mode as yet. It is expression of solidarity with the people of Japan. Are they behaving like emotional idiots ?? My Opinion is a big " NO ". It would have been great if these companies had shifted all their employees to a safer location, not Indians alone, and stayed put and helped the people of the country there.

Opinions sought !!

Japan Tragedy

Japan bleeds after the triple shock - that of the Quake, the Tsunami and the after effects of Blasts in the N - Plants. But the resilience, the calm discipline of the people in handling the situation is some thing remarkable.

Lessons to be learnt !!

ABHIVYAKTI: Head in the toilet prank - Just For Laughs

ABHIVYAKTI: Head in the toilet prank - Just For Laughs

Head in the toilet prank - Just For Laughs

CHECK N USE PUBLIC PLACES

talibanism in India

I read a comment on face book which said that the Telengana people have brought down the statues on tank bund road at hyderabad. They threw some of them in the Hussain Sagar and some were left lying on the ground. What a pity and shame. I am surprised to note that this was allowed to happen in our country too like the Talibans had brought down the Buddha statues in Afghanistan.

TOLERANCE is simply disappearing from our value system. How sad ??

ABHIVYAKTI: Sachin-Kumble, Funny running

ABHIVYAKTI: Sachin-Kumble, Funny running

ABHIVYAKTI: Sachin the legend.watch shot of a life time on 3.15- 3.25min

ABHIVYAKTI: Sachin the legend.watch shot of a life time on 3.15- 3.25min

Sachin the legend.watch shot of a life time on 3.15- 3.25min

I JUST LOVE HIM

Sachin-Kumble, Funny running

Euthanasia - Great Judgment

Today the SC has lived up to its reputation once again by passing a great judgment in the case of Ms Aruna Shahanbag. Poor Lady is bedridden for past 37 years and still one can see the spark in her eyes in the TV pictures. I can not understand why some people speak about Euthanasia, till the medical fraternity, the psychologists and the patient himself do not feel so.

Active Euthanasia is prohibited for good. No body, not even the doctors should be allowed to be " God Players ", as one famous novel suggests.  As far as the passive euthanasia is concerned, I agreed that it should also be decided on case to case basis, and shall be carried out under strict supervision of HC / SC. But even that will make them as " God Players ".

So no is the answer for " Euthanasia ".

The KEM Staff, the doctors and nurses there are doing an excellent job in keeping her in great shape and spirits.

My only comment is - How come the ward boy got only a punishment of 7 years ?? He must be a Scott free person by now and smiling. There the law of the land needed to be so powerful as to send a strong message in the society of criminals. It would be a great thing if some one files a case against that person again to ensure that he finally gets what he deserves.

Ali - Ali

The supreme court has once again come out as super activist and squashed the appointment of PJT as CVC and also asked government to tell why no action has still be taken in the case of Ali who has about Rs. 8 Billion stacked in UBS and has evaded tax of almost Rs. 70 K Crore. Here is a case where in the government knows the name of the person, his bank account details, his where abouts and still is dilly - dallying in taking some concrete action. In fact he should have been behind the bars by now.

This government is only busy in safeguarding its' Kursi.

As of now the SC is the only ray of hope for the common man.

Jasmine Revolution - Let us be the CHANGE

The power of the net was recently seen in the Jasmine revolution brought about through the Tweeter & Face Book. Tunisia, Egypt and now Libya have either changed hands of power or they are about to change.


I keep on thinking if this powerful tool would ever be  used in our country to put pressure on the government, a non performing minister or a bureaucrat to take action, be it against corruption, rotting food grains outside FCI Godowns, water logging during rains, etc or even for change of government.

This, then, would certainly a Gandhian Way of fighting for the rights. Unless the youth decide to join this struggle, a few Anna Hazares, Megha Patkars will not make a change.

Let us all say Enough Is Enough !!

Budget 2k11 - A mixed bag

I have liked a couple of things in the otherwise a tame but populist budget in my opinion, churned out of compulsions of oncoming elections. Provision for building up capacities of cold storage for food grains is a good positive move.What this government had missed out in all its 6 decades of rules and so many 5 year plans was plugged at last. We had seen how the surplus grains were rotting outside. I also wish that the supply chain system of food grains from farms to the last man in the streets also improves to plug the heavy leakages through out the system.

The provision of giving cash subsidy in stead of subsidy in prices is again a good move, if it works and if the money is given to the right man at the right time. The UID will be a good tool to ensure proper delivery. However, the distribution of UID needs to be faster and should not take years together. I had read about the cash subsidy given to girl children in Bihar and that the success rate was above 95 %. So why it can not be a success on a larger scale?

Increasing the exemption limit is once again like throwing peanuts. Really, we the middle class people are being treated like monkeys by all the FMs. Compare the savings in comparison to the % inflation rise and rise in petrol / diesel etc, you would also see a point in what I say. Well if not monkeys, we are Cattle Class as Tharoor had baptized us.

I do not understand why tax exemption is not given to an individual for any purchase of energy efficient system / item? I had long back written to shri Manmohan Singh, when he was a FM in Narsimharao's Government and requested him to give 100 % tax exemption ( besides the min exemption limit ), for purchase of all such items be it CFL Lamps, Solar Water Heating System, Solar Lamps etc. Neither he did it nor any of the successive FMs have thought about it.

Similarly the age bar of 60 Years for Senior Citizens is a welcome step. I think that the benefit of senior citizenships should be extended in all sectors, be it travel by any mode, tax limits etc. However, it should be uniform across the board and not 58 in some, 60 in some other cases, 65 in others and so on.

But the biggest disappointment is overlooking the security concerns on N - E &  N - W borders. Look at China. How long we will continue to keep our eyes closed on that issue. Let us forget of being Bhai - Bhais. Enemy also keeps a distance if you are strong yourself. It is simple common sense, but then common sense is most uncommon, isn't it ?

Pranabda - You too Brutus ??

Even Pranabda has overlooked the aspect of security of our borders on the North - Eastern Sides of China and also of our borders along the Pakistan side. Year after year we hear about China's increasing resource mobilization capabilities and also about constant infiltration from the Pak side, but little do we take up some corrective measures or projects. We heard about Sealing of Borders on the Indo - Pak Border. Why the Center does not make any provisions in the budgets and take up this on war footing ? Similarly why can not we too build and spread our Air - Road - Rail network touching the Indo - China Borders ??

Let our hard earned money be spent on these causes rather than getting stacked  in Swiss Banks. It is high time for us to act.

You too Brutus ??

Railway Budget

Mamata Didi blew the buigle and sang " Aamar Shonar Bongla " and nobody can or could do any thing. What Lalu had done during his days is followed by  Didi. Why talk of inclusiveness ? Do for your self first, then for your party and then for your state. Forget about the rest. How simple it is. Our politicians are only playing the games to save their kursis through elections. China on the other hand has built Air, Road & Railway connectivity right up to our borders on the North - Eastern Sides. And we are only worried about our constituencies or states.

One more Opportunity Lost !! No one is bothered.

Sarp Mitra

We had an unusual guest amidst the chaos of the impending marriage in our house. A 3'6" snake entered my brother's house and was taking an afternoon siesta under the center table, when my brother's wife noticed him while searching for something in the heap of papers lying on the bottom rack of the center table. She screamed at top of her voice and ran out. We were busy in packing for our Indore trip. Initially I thought that some thing abnormal has happened in the kitchen. As we ran down and out, we were informed that it was a snake who had created the panic. Luckily, she had shut the main door while coming out. So we were sure the snake was still inside the house only. None of us had the guts to enter inside the house and do some thing, as none of us exactly knew what and how to go about the task of overcoming him.

We contacted fire brigade and took the contact details of the Sarp Mitra ( Firend of Snakes ) in our area. To our great and pleasant surprise both, the fire brigade and the Sarp Mitra, were in our house in less than 10 minutes. They were fully equipped for the task and had the necessary tools as they entered the house. They searched the drawing hall and finally located him perched on the sofa, under the cushions. Probably he had a good lunch and had been really looking for an afternoon siesta.

Poor creature. He was not destined to have all that luxury. Soon the Sarp Mitra literally caught him by his tail and pushed him in a gunny bag. Gone was the creature in no time, who created panic a little while ago

Both The agencies finished the official documentation and were gone in no time, after the thanks giving formalities were over.

" Hats off " to both the agencies for their machine like efficiency. It was probably our first positive experience of government machinery.

Gire tau bhi tangadi upar

Election results of Bihar has once again shown that the aam admi looks for development and votes for a party or a person who works for inclusive growth, and tries to address to the issues of health, education, shelter and food. It was proven in Gujrat Elections too, but the media played it low, because it was a BJP ruled government there. The congress gave credit to Nitish, they must be complimented for that, but chose to underplay BJP’s victory. They also downplayed the Zero Effect of the Gandhi Clan. Some in congress went to the extent of giving credit to Sonia & Rahul for their guidance and help in building the party from the scratch.

Kahate hain na “ Gire Tau Bhi Tangadi Upar ”

Food For Thought

Is it not surprising that Sonia and hence the whole Congress party do not get tired of beating their own drums and claiming that theirs is a “ NO NONSENSE ” party when it comes to corruption. Poor them, they do not realize that the country thinks just the opposite about them. Scam after scam of corruption and loot, the latest bigger, larger and are more scary and threatening than the earlier but still the party leadership is not ashamed. They think that they are doing a wonderful job by asking the tainted person to move, temporarily though. Whom they are fooling? Tell me a single political – administrative person getting punished legally and by law. Is mere removal enough?

The other parties are just following their footsteps, may not be on the same scale. You need courage and expertise to aim bigger, you know. Who can be better placed than the Congress which has ruled the country for almost 6 decades? That wealth of experience is paying them rich dividends.

Sarey Jahan Se Achcha Hindusatan Hamara

Long back the son of a known acquaintance told his father that he had scored a zero in a unit test. His father replied “ Never mind sunny !! You have only one way to go and that is Upwards ! ” .

It appears that the morale of the incidence applies in great measure to India in the ongoing Asian Games. We are at 15th place, at the moment, little above a little known country – Macau. China has crossed the hundred mark in Gold Medal tally. It reflects on our sporting standards. It may take a decade or two of sustained efforts to come anywhere near China.


Sarey Jahan Se Achcha Hindusatan Hamara !!

Sense of Fulfilment

Seldom, I read the page having details of the movies and naataks. However, Saturday was an exception. My eyes stopped on the advertisement of the naatak “ Mi Nathuram Godse Boltoy ”. Nobody in the family was interested at this point in time, because of the coming marriage function in our house, breathing down their necks. So, I checked up with Sudheer Kaka. He was interested but wanted clearance from his doctor daughter. She gave the clearance in the evening on her return. The decks were cleared, so to say. I sprang in to action immediately and booked 2 tickets of the show on Monday at 12.30 P. M.

We saw the naatak. We both were overwhelmed for sure. Incidentally it happened to be Nathuram’s Punyathithi. His nephew, Nana Godse, and Mrs. Hematai Savarkar ( If I heard her name correctly ) were also present to grace the occasion.

Recovering from my foolish act

I must have gone nuts or crazy in last hour or so. By accident I hit upon the link of drafts for editing. I observed that I had edited and posted all of the drafts so I deleted. Then I do not know what happened and I thought let me do the same for the published posts. I thought I would only be deleting the saved published drafts. Little did I realize that in fact I was in deleting mode of all published blogs. I went berserk and kept on deleting. I was lost in a mirage or sorts and was not able to come out of it for almost 10 minutes.it happened like CHAKWA , the way way we hear in our native places. I came to senses after about 10 minutes and realized that I had deleted all my blogs from June onwards.

Can some one help me and guide me to recover the lost blogs. Luckily I have a few ( last 9 ) on my i - google page. I have reloaded 3 of them now. So few of you, who are on my regular mailing list will get to see the mails again. Please ignore these if you have read these blogs earlier. and please send me some if you have still in your mails.

I felt like crying.

Sumant Sir

A person with a normal built wearing an old styled striped knee high under pant and a half cut vest just touching the thighs, appeared near the basin for a wash, as we settled in our seats in his house. He had no inhibitions and no airs too. In normal circumstances he would have walked to the drawing room in the same attire, but today he had unexpected guests in us. So he walked to the bed room, got himself dressed in a pyjama and a bush shirt and came out with a sheepish smile. He greeted us both. We touched his feet and got back to our chairs. He was Sumant Sir !!

His house was like what I had guessed, Just befitting his profession. He was not a teacher in today’s mould, earning handsomely on tuitions besides the hefty salaries that the today’s teachers get. A metal folding cot adorned the drawing room, which had two old chairs for visitors. An old TV on an old table was the other furnishing of the drawing room.

The attached kitchen had a serving hatch, opening to the drawing room. I could see the kitchen through the hatch. It was also styled and fashioned old styled.

The whole house had serenity and a silence of a classroom. It was pious and pure and simple like its owners.

Sir had taught all Apte girls ( my wife and all her three sisters ) in their school life. He taught Maths and Science in English. In fact he was a schoolmate of our Tara Aaji in Subedarwada School at Kalyan, from English 4th to 8th class, that is from class 7th to 11th in today’s terminology. This school was one of the three Akshikar Sir’s Creations like Chabildas at Dadar. So ! The family had long standing relations of sorts with him.

I was told that he spoke very little but was very articulate. He had not changed over time. Once a while, he raised his forefinger to drive his point home, in a teacher like habit. Other than an occasional comment here and there, he was more a good listener. What struck me most was his simplicity. It was written all over the house and had also rubbed on his wife.

He has a photogenic memory and it showed when he churned out surnames of all the sisters, spoke about where our kids were placed and where we lived till very recently. This is at the age of 80 Plus. He spoke about all with passion and love and yes, with out any malice. He could have hardly had malice for any one leave alone the Apte sisters.

I walked out after inviting him for my nephew’s marriage with a lasting impression. I have no hesitation to say that there are only a very few left of this breed. These are the people who have laid the foundation of strong India of Today.

I bow my head to salute such people. I salute you Sumant Sir !!

Pune Cyclothon

This Sunday was a special day for me. I participated in the Pune Cyclothon organized by Hero Cycles & Network 18. there were 4 categories besides the one for professionals in competitive class. One was for Children up to the age of 18, the second was for Corporates, the third one was the Go - Green and the fourth for the amateur. The first three had to cover a distance of 10 KMs and the last, a distance of 20 KMs. I appeared in the armature category.

I had once cycled from Pilani to Delhi, a distance of about 180 KMs, many times to Chirawa, about 15 KMs from Pilani, Once each to Khetari and Rajgarh ( 40 KMs from Pilani ). But all these attempts were during my college days. Then there was a huge gap. I had stopped cycling and till my retirement had become a slave of fuel driven vehicles, like scooter and the cars.

Once I shifted to Pune, I got back to cycling and physical fitness. Thanks to the influence of Nitin Gadgil, Kedar Gogte and Swanand Apte. Though I have been a fitness freak all through my life, I had hardly taken it seriously after I got more and more responsibilities in my professional field. My love for fitness, cycling, writing, painting etc had taken a back seat and were almost sidelined. Things changed for good post my retirement.

I must admit that I became a more of a social animal. I started attending marriages, thread ceremonies and get together. I lead our first ever family trip to Amba Ghat and to Rajasthan the very nest year. As if that was not enough, I undertook the Himalayan Trek. I started challenging my self. Our group leader, Kedar is a very keen adventure trekker. I got to know more about the latest trends in cycling during this trek. That is when I decided to get back to cycling once again. He even gave his geared cycle to me for a couple of months to know and understand the geared cycling. I almost fell in love and then I decided to follow Nitin and Swanand Apte, for their ageless spirit.

I started cycling with my new geared cycle. I had been doing that for almost 3 - 4 months now and covering about 15 KMs daily.

Last week I read about this event at Range hill Grounds. The event for armatures was to cover 20 KMs. And Lo!! behold your breath. I did it in style and in about 45 minutes flat. Probably I was the only one of my age ( 63 rd Running ) who was amongst the first lot to touch the finishing line.

I hope to continue that as long as my body and above all my mind permits.

I have heard and read some where - " the game is won and lost in mind and that the fear is in the feet ". So as long as I do not allow the negativity to creep in my mind or the feet, I will be able to do it, and SO WILL I.

Pune Cyclothon - some experiences

The cyclothon was an experience in itself. there were about 5500 participants in the four non - competitive categories, Children, Corporates , Go - Green, & Amateurs. All were to cover a distance of 10 KMs and we were to cover 20 KMs in the amateur category. we were all asked to assemble about 45 minutes prior to the start of the event. We were all there. It was a colourful event. There was music and festivity all around. However, there were some irritating lapses too




We were all there in huge numbers, right from 6.15 AM or so, and waiting for the word go. the first race for the children was to start at 7 AM and ours for amateurs was to start at 7.15 AM. It was almost 8, and still There was no announcement no communication and we were all left to our own mercy and guess working. Finally the kids category started at about 8 AM or so and then ours started at about 8.15 AM or so. We were told to assemble once again on touching the finishing line. So we did that and for what ? God alone knows. The only positive thing happened is that all of us were given a banana and a bottle of water. After spending some time there some wise participant from the army ( MH Khirkee ) commented in Hindi " Aarre bhai apne ko koi inaam thode hi milane wala hai, kela mil gaya !! ab chalo ghar ". we all laughed heartily on our own foolishness and returned back home.

I must also thank the organisers for the mess they created en route. The participants were given water bottles and almost every one threw their bottles on the way as if they were all in the France De - Tour Race or as if they all were like Armstrong or so. I wonder why there were no dust bins near these points. In fact these should have been created like pit stops where participants move out of the main track, take water, help for their cycles or medical assistance and then join back the main stream. if this was done and dust bins were kept then the participants would have automatically thrown their bottles in the bins. In fact that would have added value to your GO - Green Concept, which other wise was a farce as I did not not see any of the Green Effect.



Except for these blemishes the event was an overwhelming experience.

From Pages of My Dairy - World Cup - T20

As I post this blog, a couple of matches have already been played in the super 8. So one may think that these thoughts are influenced by some of the results in those games. But, No. Right in the initial stages, I had told my wife, daughter and son in law ( Yes, they were the only people to listen to my expert comments - La Vijay Merchent or a Sunil Gavaskar or an Ian Chapell style, on such a vital issue ) that two out of the four, South Africa, Srilanka, West Indies & India, will play the final and South Africa will lift the CUP. It is a wild guess but with some reasons. All the three nations have benefited immensely from the IPL. India too has. But we have more important players on the sick list then the others. So our top order in batting and bowling looks a little blunt and with out a zing. Seems Indians had too much of cricket, too much of moolah and probably too much of T 20 ( or is it Tick 20 so it loos zapped ) S A is the most balanced team with plenty of batters who can clear the ropes at will and plently of fast and spin bowlers to dent the opposition. Any body has a different guess?? I hope I am proven wrong.

From Pages of My Dairy - Lost Interest ??

I have not been active on the blog for almost a couple of months since my last posting. Have I lost the motivation ? Do I still have interests in blogging ? I don't think so. However, I have no clues whatsoever about the reasons so I am at a loss to give any explanations, or excuses or to reasons ( to put things lightly to get a clean chit ). I intend to catch up soon on the lost time. There are many things which have happened during this period, that need expression. I will cover them all in my blogs in July. Yes, again, I will be off the blocks for a week or more. This time surely it is for family reasons at Pune. Till then ! Have a good time.