What a bad idea sirjee??

During the recent times the creativity has been at its best. With so many entertaining and amusing ads and moreover not many ad able to cause pain like watching any of the Ekta Kapoor's TV family drama. Ads like many of the recent in the Hutch's different talk time recharge card campaign, Centre fresh's- centre fresh khaiye aur juban pe lagam lagaiye, Chloromint's - chaparghanchu ye bhi koi kabbadi khelne ka waqt hai, Reliance Mobile's- India me muft ki advice bahut milti hai or Ye India ka cricket hai biddu, Pepsi's ads- Kahin aap dada ko bhool to nahi gaye or hamre dress ka naap le lo for 2011 world cup..So many to count these ads were the ultimate source of entertainment. But, while making an ad one must take care of some basic things. If ads sole purpose is fun and to entertain then you can go up to any level of nonsense and in that case you must avoid any reference to a serious issue.

I got the idea to write this post while watching a very popular ad campaign of Idea Mobile with having Abhishek Bachchan playing the role of a sarpanch. Though this ad seems to be very popular these days because it is being telecasted very frequently but what I didn't like about this is that it tries to make the mockery of a very complicated and long existing problem of Indian social system and moreover a curse to society- the so called caste system. This ad just tries to undermine the real problem behind this caste, creed, race or religion based discrimination. This matter is not such that one can make fun of it. This needs some serious thought and research not the funny advertisement.
Start looking closely at nay of these discriminations caste based, religion based, race based or of some other form the problem is far more complicated and has many more background to it than just a name. Take caste based system for example- at the macro level names today can hardly tell anything about a person's caste and at micro level i.e. at a village level it's not the name rather it's the image of person in front of you and your thinking leads to caste based treatment. The root cause of the problem is not the name rather it's the mindset and the values inculcated by the parents, teachers and moreover by the social system. Just you try thinking of someone's cast by looking at his/her name. Believe me you will not get any idea about it unless you really care about the caste. So, what is the real cause?? So, the need is to change the mindset of people and not their name.
These caste or religion comes in picture only where we want them. Even if the name reveals caste or religion , things remain unchanged where we are not at all interested in such nonsense details. Take the example of Hindi film industry. It is mostly dominated by the Khans. But, how many persons have you find yet telling that he/she didn't like a movie because a Muslim was the actor in it. Because we watch movie for entertainment and that is why we don't show any interests in actor's caste/religion. Another good example is Cricket. Irfan Pathan- the guy who has seen the highs and lows of life at a very young age. But the sides he saw because of his game and his religion was of no use and had not played any role.

So, at any stage of life these caste/creed/religion comes to play a role only when the people want to take use of it!! In this technically advanced world, these birth based (caste/creed/race/religion based) discrimination is real shame on human beings. In India these catse and religion based systems have been real hurdle in the path of development and even a danger to the integrity and sovereignty of secular democracy of India. Our political and religious leaders have gained maximum out of it. This is because of them the walls of religious and caste systems are still rock solid. We need to demolish the walls of such systems. We need to treat every human being in a manner which is not affected by his/her birth time credentials.

So, by just replacing the name with numbers will not give the solution. This may just result in a funny ad. If we will still remain interested in such details of caste and religion then the number system will not stop us for sure. In fact, because of technical and legal complications the phone numbers are more hierarchical (though in geographical perspective but then also if someone is too bothered about a person details..he will decode out of number also). So, even in number based system it will take hardly any time in drawing the lines of caste and raising the walls of religion. The basic need is that we need to understand the importance of being a human. We need to realize that these man made boundaries are of no use. We need to change our mindsets first and then if needed change these names!!

So, please no more funny ads on any serious topic. Stop this please..What a bad idea sirjee!!!

Rahul Gandhi: The controversy child of Indian politics or just a soft target

Few days ago, I saw a clarification made by Rahul Gandhi on his Khadi remark made earlier at the executive meeting of Congress party. This was not the first time when Rahul was facing this situation. Since the day when he entered in active politics controversies have always surrounded him. He has been the target of leaders from other parties or at times even from his own party leaders. So, is Rahul the person who creates controversies or it is just that he is the soft target??

After leaving his regular job of financial consultant in UK, Rahul returned India in 1999. In the 1999 general parliamentary election he appeared alongside his mother in the election campaign. But, still that time it was not very clear that when will he become the part of active politics?Later he became the member of Congress party and then contested the election form Amethi parliamentary constituency in 2004 and currently representing Amethi as an MP. He joined politics and moreover Congress party during a period when it was going through its worst time. But, since the day he became the part of Indian political system a long run debate has started. He has always been questioned about his capabilities. Some people just expected a miracle from him while others were busy flashing his failures and mistakes. Were this all hypes because he was the son of former Indian prime minister and moreover the fifth generation person from a family which has ruled independent India for more than thirty years? All these tags which Rahul was carrying since his birth have certainly helped in entering and rising in Indian politics very fast but at the same time because of these tags he has always been surrounded by critics and controversies.
If some unconfirmed news are to be believed then Rahul has paid really a heavy price to become the part of Indian politics. His split from his long time Columbian girlfriend Juvenita was the huge cost he paid to be in Indian politics as suggested by his mother Sonia Gandhi. He did this in order to avoid controversies but even this price proved of very little use in keeping him away from controversies. Some of these controversies were of such nature that Rahul could have hardly help himself.
One controversy started with a cheap remark on Rahul by Gujrat chief minister in an election campaign. By calling Rahul "the hybrid bachra of jersy cow" Modi has crossed all the limits of cheap political publicity stunt. But, was this controversy making any sense or it was just made to check the temperament of an aspiring young politician who has hardly experienced the muddy and dirty roads of Indian politics? Before making such remarks Modi must have thought about its validity. If Rajeev Gandhi opted to marry a foreign lady then what was wrong in this? If Rahul's mother is of non-Indian origin so, what unconstitutional scenario does it create? Modi must have feel ashamed on him by making such irresponsible statement.
Another major controversy came in picture during March 2005, when a PIL was filed by a group of lawyers in Allahabad high court to set up a formal inquiry in Rahul encounters with FBI almost four years ago. Following are the reports from TOI.

Rahul's $0.2 mn encounter with FBI
8 Mar 2005, 2043 hrs IST, IANS

LUCKNOW: A suit has been filed in the high court here seeking information about the alleged detention of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and his Colombian girlfriend by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2001. The petition, filed by four lawyers, is likely to be heard Wednesday.
According to the public interest litigation, Gandhi, the son of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and his companion were released after being detained at Boston airport following the intervention of the Prime Minister's Office.
At that time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Indian prime minister and Gandhi was not a member of the Lok Sabha. "Vajpayee's principal secretary and then national security adviser Brajesh Misra spoke to top US authorities to enable Rahul Gandhi and his girlfriend to get away," claimed Prem Chandra Sharma, who moved the court along with three others.
Sharma claimed to have gathered this information through the Internet and said he had downloaded certain documents to substantiate his allegations. The petition alleged that Gandhi was found in illegal possession of about $200,000. And it was in that connection that the FBI had detained him along with his girlfriend Sep 21, 2001.
The FBI was said to have sought an explanation about Gandhi's possession of such a huge amount of money, which he was unable to provide, the petition said. The petition sought a writ of mandamus to the Indian ambassador to the US as well as the union home secretary to make a disclosure about the entire episode.


After this date this episode never came in limelight again. Don't know what was the real case??

The real test started during the UP state assembly elections earlier this year. It was wellknown for a long that in UP the condition of Congress party was worse than ever this time. Despite the fact that there were many complex fundamental problems were the reason behind the party's current condition many congress party leader were expecting miracles from Rahul. They were thinking that by projecting Rahul as the face of Congress in assembly election they can overturn the party's fate in a short span of months. but, was this expectation of magical change (jaadoo) in this real world was justifiable? After all Rahul is not a superman, he is also a normal human being. On the other hand the leaders from other parties who were busy in relating the failure of Congress party in the UP election to Rahul's political capabilities should have thought rationally.
How the failure of a party as a whole can be related to a newcomer of politics? That also at a time when party is already going through lean patch, the overall political landscape of the nation has taken a major shift and the just the charisma of Nehru-Gandhi family was no more enough to win an election. Again Rahul was victimized for none of his mistakes.

During the UP election campaign itself, Rahul's statement at a rally created another major controversy. This time it was something which Rahul has given birth to. He made a statement mentioning that Babri demolition would not have happened if anyone from Nehru-Gandhi family have been in the power. By making this statement he undermined his own party great leader and former prime minister P.V. Narsimha Rao's capabilities. Also, he forgot the very basic fact that India is a democratic nation. It is another story that his family has ruled this nation most of the time in post independence era but that doesn't change the India's status as a democratic nation. by making this statement he was not helping his party. In fact he was attacking his own party's failure. He also quoted the division of Pakistan as one of the achievements of Nehru-Gandhi family. Again he didn't realize the sensitivity of this issue. He also forgot that this kind of statements may lead to communal vote-bank shift. These statements created a major controversy this time with people from opposition and from his own party questioning these remarks. This time Rahul's political immaturity was uncovered and he had to face its consequences.

The most recent controversy was something that doesn't make any sense. In the Congress executive committee meeting Rahul has asked for major reforms in party's charter. He raised the points which are genuine and practical in nature. He questioned the validity of few code of conducts mentioned in the party's charter. Wearing Khadi all the times, abstain from taking alcohol and perhaps land ceiling and a few more code of conducts were under the scrutiny. By raising these points Rahul tried to be more practical and realistic. But he was forgetting that we live in a gernotocratic country where people are not ready to easily accept reforms instead they were happy in carrying legacy. The time when these conducts would have been introduced these were making sense. But, change and reform is inevitable. But, a nation as a whole we are very much allergic to change and reforms. So, again a progressive statement made by this young man created hue and cry inside his own party. Finally, he retracted from his statement or moreover tried to cool down the situation by making the statement that he has found Khadi as the most comfortable dress to wear and he never made any such statements regarding removal of Khadi from Congress party's code of conduct. Clearly it was an act of damage control.

Rahul has climbed the steps of political ladder of Indian politics very fast though not as comparable to his father, because of his family and a number of trusted followers of his family in the party. But, because of this Gandhi-Nehru tag has made the public life of Rahul much more vulnerable to controversies. It is not always the case that he creates controversy instead he is made the soft target. But, Rahul has to learn to face these controversies boldly and to rise in the Indian politics with all these misfortunes.

Sports equal to Amusement

The Title of this post may appear surprising. But, it is true in the context what founding fathers of our Constitution thought of sports. They believed that sports had no role greater than being an amusement or recreation. Though I am not someone who is expert at Indian constitution. But I came to know about this fact from the interview of Union sports minister Manishankar Aiyer given to Karan Thapar in last weeks Devil's Advocate.
During last decade, on several occasions we have witnessed some unusual hue and cry about abysmal Indian performance at different international sports event. But, on most of the occasion this hue and cry was just an impulsive reaction which didn't change the fate of Indian sports even to a least significant digit. Usually all this drama took place immediately after the pathetic show from Indian sports person at some international event. Even the so called powerful Indian Media used to highlight this kind of sports related concern only at the time when it helps to increase TRPs of their program. Even after a consistent history of abysmal performances and 60 years of independence we have failed to analyze the root cause leave apart the implementation of solution to this problem. Every time we look at the short term problem and try to find some specific solution to that problem. But, We never tried to visualize the bigger picture of Indian sports.

Why I mentioned this interview is that I found some strong and reasonable answers from the minister. At least he is someone who dared to raise a finger at the fault of the founders of Indian constitution. At the same time with his following statement
"Now if the founding fathers of our Constitution believed that sports had no role greater than being an amusement or recreation then it’s hardly surprising that over the last 60 years we have not given sports the kind of importance it deserves."

He made another important point clear that we as Indians are very slow or non-reactive in rectifying the mistakes or in correction of errors. So, if something wrong was there in the constitution at time of formation it is still there even after about sixty years.

Also the minister gave justifiable answers to other questions as well. About cricket he made a valid point that BCCI doesn't get a single penny support from government so there is no point in crying at the benefits provided to cricket players by BCCI. Also he made one good point that at least this is the one sports in which we have done well in past and doing well.

It is really surprising to see media acting in such an irresponsible manner. After the T20 world cup they were busy in flashing the protests by the people associated with other sports. So, what media was really trying to convey?? Should we stop the all happening around cricket because we are not doing well in other sports??? By stopping all cricket activities would we be able to improve the poor conditions of other sports?? Or the solutions to the poor sports condition lie somewhere else?? Instead of looking at the bigger picture media was busy in this cheap stunt to increase the TRPs. Why not these media people shown the cold and blunt responses of Indian public and government towards the Hockey players when they won the world cup?? Why did media find that the governments attitude towards hockey players was unjustifiable only after T20 world cup?? So, what media was attempting to show?? Rewarding hockey player was necessary or not rewarding the cricket player!!!

What a short-sighted and baseless thinking?? Can't a country of more than a billion people dominate in several games. Just look at Australia- A country with 20-25 Millions population. Still it dominates in Cricket, Hockey and has also produced great players of single player event like Tennis.

There are so many fundamental problems responsible for the current poor state of Indian sports. The need of the hour is to implement a policy which will address these problems in long run. But, the drafting an honest and practical policy and its implementation in the complicated Indian system is really challenging.
I am still surprised at the thought of the founding fathers of our constitution - sports equal amusement!!! How they reached this absurd conclusion even at a time when India was dominating in Hockey and the even the history of India tells the importance that was given to sports like wrestling, archery!!!! Hope now after sixty years of independence our leader and more generally average citizens of the nation will change this equality and will give sports its due respect.

A diwali with difference: TOEFL and SAAWARIYA...the ultimate combo of pain

Few months ago I would not have imagined the way I celebrated the 25th Diwali of my life. As far as I can recall no Diwali of my life was anyway similar to this. All this started with a $50 mistake committed by me few months back. After writing my GRE and getting a satisfactory score, I decided to book a date for TOEFL. It was September last week and I wanted the date of TOEFL as early as available. I got a date of November 3 at Bangalore and I immediately booked the date. Just after booking the date I realized that this date is special(in a sense that I have already scheduled something on this date) and recalled that this is the same date on which I will be writing subject GRE in Computer Science and that at Chennai!!!! What a blunder this was??? The rescheduling was going to cost $50 to me(Thank god...falling dollar was giving a bit of satisfaction!!!!). Then it was real frustration for me...I immediately searched for the next available date and this was on 9th November, 5.30 PM at Bangalore. Without wasting a minute I booked this date. After few days of booking the date of TOEFL I got to know that this is the day of Diwali. After knowing this I was imagining the Diwali with TOEFL from 5.30 PM onwards!!!! Even after this I didn't realised the Diwali day. Just TOEFL was not enough for the day. A day earlier to Diwali, I threw an idea to watch the Bhansali's blockbuster release SAAWARIYA..and what a surprise I got the sponsor as well!! Bhattu was ready to sponsor, condition I had to book the tickets. Anyways for me it was a usual task to which I am used to. This day was different, but I can manage a ticket on most of the occasions. I tried to get the ticket at INOX but it was my hard luck...houseful!! But, my good luck as well..FUN cinemas has started in Bangalore!!! I tried booking 2 tickets at bookmyshow.com then I came to know there was 2+1 offer on my credit card. So, I booked three tickets. I contacted Baba to be the third person. But , it was good luck of Baba who refused!! So, finally all was set for me on this Diwali. From 5.30 PM onwards TOEFL and then 10.00 PM onwards movie on its first day!!

I woke up around 11.00 AM on the Diwali day. Because, TOEFL was from 5.30 PM onwards so a day ago I decided to wake late on this morning. Also late last night I started to watch the movie "JAB WE MET" and slept early morning so even it was not possible for me to wake up early. After waking up the big question was what to do till the TOEFL time because, I was not in a mood to do any useful work. So, I slept again. And finally woke up around 2.30 PM and then after finishing the routine job I went to MG Road to see some of my friends(One usually comes to Bangalore from Mysore on weekends and holidays...to see someone...so I can expect at least two there!!!). I had my lunch with them and then I proceed towards the test center and canter was also on MG Road itself. I didn't have the printout of my admission ticket and this was a Diwali evening. After running around the test center I was able to get the ticket printout.

Here it comes-the big Billion crowd of India!!!!! It was really a long queue to write the TOEFL examination. Moreover the queue was looking similar to one at railway reservation counter of at the public distribution system shop!! So, the morning started to signal the day's story!!! I made my mind to face more troubles ahead. Anyhow I managed to sit on the allocated seat by 5.45 PM. I was also worried a little because of the packed schedule after TOEFL movies was there to follow from 10.00 PM. But, there were more troubles waiting for me!! The microphone of my system was not working and the replacement and further testing of microphone wasted another 10-15 minutes. Finally I was set to fight the long lasting war!! But more troubles were waiting!! Even good things happen in life at a wrong time!!! A beautiful lady was writing the test at the adjacent desk!! So, this was big cause of concern and big source of distraction for me during the test!! The fire crackers were adding more fuel to my trouble-list. Anyways, even till now I had no idea about the complete duration of test. I started working on reading section..oh my god..there were three passages and I was supposed to work for an hour in this section!! Bachpan se ab tak kabhi bhi shayad 1 ghante lagataar angrezi nahi padhi hogi!! Ye to sarasar nainsaafi thi aur wo bhi jab ki bagal me dekhne ko ek badhiya lady ho then ye angreazi ke ghatiya and abstract passages pe concentrate karna kitna mushkil ho raha tha!! After struggling for sometime I finished the writing section. Now, it was the listening section. This was the real pain. I can't recall the last lecture which I have attended without sleeping!! Here it was more problematic. Lectures and talks which I was supposed to hear were on the topics that I never liked to listen and in front of me there was something/someone which my eyes didn't want to miss for a moment despite of the wrong timing!!! So, I really struggled through out the listening section. May god help me?? After this there was a compulsory break for 10 minutes. I came out and replied to several Diwali greeting messages. I also informed Bhattu about my pathetic condition and asked hime to reach the theater in time and get the tickets from the counter.

Now, it was the speaking section. oh..come on...I was being given times in the range of 45-60 secs to speak on different topics!! This time interval was something unusual for a person like me (people know about me..main kitna kam bolne wala insaan hoon!!!). The time used to finish while I just introduced the topic!!! It was already 9.20 PM. Then came the last section - the writing assignment. It had two questions and supposedly to take an hour more. But, I was already tired of this TOEFL!!! So, I managed to finish this off in 35-40 minutes and came out of the testing center by 10.00 PM. The immediate task now was to rush to FUN cinemas. Managed to reach there by 10.15 PM.

Now, whatever has happened was beyond my imagination again!! I had an hint of pain of TOEFL in back of my mind(definitely not of this level of pain). But, I never had even thought that a Bhansali movie will also turn out into a pain!! Don't know how a film maker can make this kind of commercial movie?? Commercial movie should have at least some sense and practicality in it. But, trust me, this movie has very few logical and practical thing(if at all!!) in it. Don't know if Bhansali has assumed a different world in which the story of movie is developing!! But, definitely nowhere in the world you can find the city of this movie!! The movie lacks a good story. The weakness of this movie is someone who was being highlighted as the USP. It is the poor direction which can only led to such a poor movie. The sets were of Bhansali class..really superb, Good quality music..great job by Monty Sharma...Even acting of the newcomers is good and Rani Mukharjee as a street woman is fantastic!!! But, movie lacks the basic in the script and direction. Bhansali has tried to show a blind love and that also for someone who is almost an unknown person to her. May be this kind of love would be existing but the question here is people would definitely not like to watch all this in a movie. The movie completely fails to be an entertainer. Whatever story Bhansali has directed seems only possible in an utopia of his imagination!!

After all these happenings/mishappenings we returned back home. Because of the packed schedule I didn't even get a chance to have dinner. So, the samosas of FUN cinema was my dinner. After reaching home I decided to pen down the story of this unforgettable Diwali day. Still more drama left!! The electricity was gone in between. It is now back. Electricity cut left me in really pathetic condition for almost two hours. I couldn't have slept, even sitting was difficult. Mosquitoes were in party mood and celebrating Diwali and giving me no room for survival. Thank god..now when electricity is back..hopefully after finishing this blog I will be able to sleep properly. So, whole day story- TOEFL+SAAWARIYA and then electricity made this Diwali a different one with a complete package of pain for me!!!

So, finally all the troubles of examinations with dollars investment are over. Now new day, new beginning and new journey ahead!!!

This was not an Indo-Pak cricket match at all!!!

5th November, 2007, about 10.00 in morning I got disturbed while sleeping due to TV noise. Oh..it was the commentary of first ODI of five match ODI series between India and Pakistan. I have just missed almost half of the Pakistan batting!!! Something unusual for me. This all was because of some changes I wanted to develop in me.
This was a Monday morning..the boring and monotonous Monday morning on which after a two days of either very happening or very dull weekend I used to prepare myself to reach office. But, no..this Monday morning was very much different from the past so many Monday mornings. This was the first working day after my relieving from Qwest. Now, for few weeks, till the time we rent a permanent office I have to work from my house. So, I decided not to waste time (already I am less productive during initial phase of work and especially while working at home!!!) in watching the dull cricket matches which last for so many hours!!!! Because of this brainwash I just forgot about the match. This was Gujju who disturbed me. I got the few glimpses of Pakistan inning while half awake half sleeping.
Finally I woke up around 12.30. After finishing the routine stuff..I thought about my lunch!! I didn't have the courage to take the chance of eating in the shop downstairs!! Also I was not so energetic to go to a decent restaurant in the locality. Also I was tired of Maggi. So, I decided to make food. After thinking for few minutes, option of food was clear!! I cooked Khichadi!!! Then I started with understanding and reading stuffs related to our work. After sometime I opted for my lunch.

Now i switched on TV to watch the score. What a great day??? I had Khichadi in my plate to eat and a boring India-Pak cricket match to watch!! Life rarely provides this kind of combo offer.
During last 10-12 years I have become used to watch a quality India-Pak cricket match. Though in the early and mid 90s India-Pak matches were not frequent. But whenever it took place it has always entertained up to fullest. How one can forget the world cup 96, 99 and 03 clashes between these two arch-rivals. In 96 and 99 it was Venkatesh Prasad and in 2003 it was Sachin who led India to a triumphing victory. In recent time the last two T20 matches has delivered such high class competitive and entertaining cricket. With these kind of past performances and clashes no one would have expected such a dull and slow match between these two countries which took place at Guwahati. Even in past cricket fans have witnessed one sided match ususally in which Pakistan used to crush India. All credits to the lethal fast bowling trio Wasim-Waquar-Aquib. But, even those were completely one sided matches. But what took place at Guwahati on 5th November, 2007 was really not expected and even not enjoyable. This Pakistani team seemed to doing everything wrong.

Anyway I am very happy with all this. if this kind of match will continue. Things will be easier for me and I will keep myself way from TV set easily. But, may be India-Pak history will be repeated in coming matches!!!! Though it will be difficult for me to be away from watching a typical India-Pak match. But, in the large interest of fans I would like to be an altruist and hope for a better next ODI at Mohali. No more Guwahati ODI please!!!!!

One inning is over with waves of changes all around

As per my expectation, my last working day at Qwest was given as 2nd November. So, now I am free from Qwest. This day was something for which we (I am not alone!!!) were preparing for last one month or so. But, during last few days there were so many changes and new development happening around me those worth noting down here. Few were expected but still of very much importance for us and few happenings completely surprise package for most of us.

31st October, 2007

This was the last working day of the only lady of our group/team at Qwest. After all it was also different from most of the other person's last working day. She is going to get married and then moving out of country. She was able to initiate the paperwork formalities of exit by afternoon. By 5.00 PM I received the call from boss regarding today's meeting(daftar). So, I asked Baba to move for meeting. Madam was still busy in working out the exit formalities. I asked madam about tomorrow's schedule and then I came to know that at 6.00 Pm it is her train to Hyderabad. So, I told that we will meet tomorrow and then I and Baba moved for the daftar. We first reached at a place where boss was waiting in order to look for some permanent place for our daftar. The agent got a shock when he looked at the people who would be working at that place(Baba ki mahima aprampaar!!! Jo dekhta hai wohi tez se chondhiya jata hai!!). Anyway we also didn't like the place and moved to Bihari's house for meeting. I switched to car now(sorry Baba..Bangalore ki traffic me option milte hi Bike ko bbye bolna padta hai!!!) . Now I heard something which was something not very clear to me. Boss was telling me that Bihari called him a day ago and told some problems. Bihari's family members were asking him something about his marriage. All this talk was on such an unexpected and unanticipated line that I was not able to figure out anything about which boss was talking. Anyway after crossing all the old Madras Road traffic at around 6.30 PM we reached at Bihari's place by 6.45 PM. Akhil was expected to reach at his place by dot 7..so till that time we moved to Bihari's place.

We started our meeting at Bihari's place because boss had to go to meet someone around 9.00 Pm and the dot 7 guy didn't arrive till 7dot 7..so only agenda of today's meeting was to clarify individual stands. So, the first thing..surprise package for me and Baba!!!
Boss: haan to batao Bihari kal tum kya bol rahe the?? kuch shaadi ka bol rahe the??
Bihari: haan sir...ghar wale shaadi karne ko bol rahe hai..
then this discussion went to a long stretch . Everyone put his own thoughts and suggestions.
but, the most interesting part was Bihari's statement:----"Ab jyada jor dalenge to karna hi hoga!!!"

Still not very clear to me..anyways I tried to give my best opinion about what to do if he is ready with the idea of marriage. Also told him to please provide us the ticket along with wedding card.
After all without our dance how can his marriage take place???
So, with this surprise package this day was over.

1st November, 2007
This was the day when madam was to say bye-bye Bangalore!!! I woke up around 11.00 in morning. After sometime I called madam and asked for her schedule of that day and if she has time we can have lunch together. I got a positive response from there. Sorry Bihari..but keeping practical considerations in mind I didn't ask you!! I asked gujju and he readily agreed. We reached to madam's place and then called Baba for the lunch. but, Baba was in no mood to come without makeup. So, Baba asked for some time. We went to a nearby restaurant and Baba later joined us after completing his makeup. We finished our lunch then it was the sutta time for Baba and Gujju gave his wallet that was something Baba will never forget (Baba otherwise nahi lene ka..Gujju ki bhavnao ko smajhne ka!!). After lunch we moved to madam's place to finish her packing.

Though initially we were given access to the very limited area of the house (don't know why???). But after sometime we got the access to the complete house. Then the champagne video came into discussion. Madam was telling that she didn't receive that. But, the real problem was that madam didn't look at the mail. Baba was putting all his creativity in explaining that video. So, finally madam decided to watch that video. Who was knowing this step will lead to one of the embarrassing moments for people there. She opened the mail and directly played the video attachment. What the hell was this happening??? I didn't have any clue...the only thing I knew by that time that Baba had played that video successfully. But here something else was playing!!!!!!!!!!! Next question was directed at me. "Tu sahi video mail kiya hai na??"
My answer was yes as baba has already confirmed that he watched the video!!! Also, that video playing in front of me(though for a small moment) was new!!! So, I was nowhere the source of this video. But for few moments this video put me in a clueless situation. This would have been a more entertaining topic if I would have not sent that mail or someone like Baba would have got a glimpse of the video!!!Anyway this episode was over very soon. After sometime boss called that he was on the way and he will be coming in few minutes. So, after sometime boss arrived and today he was before the time!!! He was then briefed about the protocols to follow while sitting at this place. After some light talks the time to leave for station came. The discussion about leaving early or on time ended. Baba had some pre-scheduled important meetings and Gujju had booked the ticket of "Jab We Mat". So, they formally said good bye to madam in their own style. I, madam and boss left for Bangalore City station. Just few minutes after leaving madam's place I received call from Langda (Bihari). He inquired about the things (He uses to keep himself updated about every khabar!!!) and then told me to pass the phone to boss and then discussed something important to boss. Bangalore traffic was in no mood to forgive us for a day...everywhere it was huge rush of traffic despite of a public holiday!!! Anyhow we were approaching city station in time. Suddenly near Corporation circle boss asked, what is the source station?? I just looked at the ticket and it was Bangalore Cantt!!!! One more surprise.....fortunately we left early for station.....boss made some calculations and turned the car towards Cantt station. Boss told that this train must be starting from City station. We tried to get the time of train at city station but by that time we reached Cantt. Now boss was here to show the energy and stamina of maggi...he carried the heaviest luggage with him and successfully crossed the platforms. Though I was suspecting every moment that tomorrow he will definitely be not feeling well!!! It was still 15-20 minutes left in the arrival of the train. Boss asked us for coffee/tea. just hearing coffee...madam repeated coffee for 2-3 times and then boss asked..what??? Then on not getting any answer..he spoke.."ye kya kuch bol ke chup ho jate ho tum log!!!" Then I told that it has to do with some mail....then he asked to forward that mail..I asked madam to forward the mail..but she put some excuse..that she would not be able to forward that mail(though I insisted that please elaborate the coffee story to boss!!the simple question...what do you think of coffee???). After few minutes one of her friend arrived at station and then the train arrived. While she was boarding to the train....I got a call from Langda..but sorry Langda..I was not able to pass the cell to madam. So, I briefed Langda about the events...After few moments train started slowly to leave the station and our raising hands were saying good bye!! Though there was no emotional drama visible..this was definitely a heavy moment..for someone who was leaving the city after spending 3-4 good years..for me also it was a heavy moment..it was the end of good friendship times we enjoyed. I also received few uncalled titles because of this friendship!!!!
So, after the departure of train I, boss and her friend returned in the boss' car. While we were about to reach my house I received a call again..no prize fro guessing this was again a call of Langda..This time he was in no mood to to spare me..He started.." aur good bye kar diye madam ko?? aur ye kya?? tum saale ek cell phone nahi de sakte the.itna bhi dimag nahi hai..ek akeli ladki train se ja rahi hai!! yahi thi tumhari dosti..ek ghatiya sa Nokia 1100 bhi nahi de sakte!!..." and he went on....I was just hearing all this..i tried to clarify.."yaar tu bol to sahi raha hai..but yaar us samay socha nahi!" Then he came again.."tum saale info box...sahi time pe kuch dimag lagate hi nahi..main yahan yeh soch paa raha tha aur tum wahan pe hoke kuch nahi soch paye!!" I tried to give more excuses..but he was in no mood to accept any of these. Anyway the fact remains in no way one person can replace the other...so, Bihari..I can't think of what you can easily...so sorry once again..as I failed to think where it was needed!!!

2nd November, 2007

This was again a big day for me. After all I was to leave my first job/company. But, things have gone in such direction during last few months so that I didn't have any good feelings about the company. So, I was waiting restlessly for this day. After waking up around 11.30 AM, I reached office around 1.00 PM. Then I, Baba and Gujju went for lunch. From 2.30 PM I started the exit formalities with full pace because I was in no mood to come again on some other day just for these formalities. By 4.00 PM I gave the exit interview form to Amresh and was waiting for Exit interview and signature from Administration person. Earlier Amresh told me to wait for few minutes and then he will call me for exit interview. But , after browsing through my exit interview form he changed his mind (Form was full of bitter facts and experiences)and it was Soumya who was going to take my interview. About 5.45 PM my exit interview started and to surprise everyone it lasted for almost 45 minutes. This was somewhat longer than my selection interview of the same job!!! I was asked to elaborate each of my answers which I had written in the form. I was also enjoying this. Elaborating all those bitter facts and my bad memories was giving me great satisfaction!!!! Also, this was very enjoying because of the fact that at the time of job interview..there was so mush on stake..this time nothing was on stake!!! Even during my worst time in future(if it comes!!!) I will not be looking back to these people or this company!!!
After this interview I was a free bird!!! Again it was the daftar time. Boss was on the way to daftar..Today I couldn't be the part of meeting. I had to leave for Chennai to write my subject GRE in Computer Science. Now, I am tired of these Exams. What a wrong moment when I took the decision to write so many exams!!!! As boss reached the office(Qwest) to pick me..It was the Bangalore rain which forced Baba to also come in the car(kitna badtameez hai ye Bangalore ka Baaris..samajhta bhi nahi..weekend pe Bike ki kitni jaroorat hoti hai Baba ko!!! ab Baba ko wpas daftar se lautate hue bike le jana padega!!Bike bina to baba weekends pe jee hi nahi sakte!!! Pure Bangalore ka chakkar lagana hota hai!! Waise bhi baba ke multitasking me bike ki kaafi ahmiyat hai!!) After coming back home I packed my bag and move towards station to catch the train to Chennai. I was really feeling free and relaxed. Leaving Qwest was giving me a great comfort and satisfaction!!!

I reached station and occupied my berth. It was still half an hour in departure. All the happenings of recent days started to flashback in mind!!! How things have shaped during recent days. After diving through those memories of old inning I started to think about the new inning which is waiting there for me with open arms. Let us see the more waves of changes and what they will do??

Nepotism of modern Indian politics and its ugly face

The developments which took place in Karnataka politics during last one month has once again uncovered the black faces of mean and opportunist Indian politician. Nepotism has not been a new phenomena in Indian politics or say world politics for that matter. But, the events associated with nepotism that happened during the last one decade is striking the alarm to remind citizens about the beginning of a worse era of Indian politics than ever before. Nepotism is not the only one weak aspects of Indian politicians. In fact there are endless list of wrong thing associated with politicians in India. But, this shameless show of nepotism is reflecting their shortsightedness and how they consider politics as a family run business rather than discharging their responsibilities in professional manner. For the sake of immediate gain of their loved ones how these politicians have crossed all the limits and forgot all the basic principles of politics. To fulfill their and their relatives desire they turned blind eye towards rest of the world. They also forgot the very basics which have raised them to these heights.

During last decade we can find some high profile example of nepotism which murdered the principles and meritocracy(if exists!!!!) in Indian politics. First example goes back to 1996, when in Bihar an uneducated, housewife Mrs. Rabri Devi was made the chief-minister despite of presence of several senior, educated, experienced and competent for that matter leaders in party. Another incidence took place probably in 2006 when ShivSena supremo BalaSaheb Thakrey preferred to sideline his nephew Raj Thackrey to make the way for his son Udhav Thackrey. It is not hidden to anyone how competent a leader is Udhav Thackrey when compared to Raj. So, the real face of Bal Thackrey has come in public. A person who just used to talk about bravery and courage can't take a brave decision because this will annoy his son. Shame on you BalaSaheb and shame on citizens of Maharashtra who made this coward person as a symbol of bravery!!! These two are just the showpiece of this kind of events which took place during last decade.

The current mean show of nepotism has crossed all the limits and has taken the Indian politics to a new low. How, a former prime minister of India has behaved like a flip-flop controlled robot. That robot has just forgot his stature and dignity attached with that post he held earlier. He formed a party called JD(S), S for secular, to be in a separate line from that followed by BJP. But in early 2006, it came to getting the chief minister post for his son, he shouted much but reacted like a paralyzed person. He just acted in a manner that he was helpless. His son became chief minister of Karnataka with the support of BJP and signed a pact(political 20-20 even before it arrived in cricket!!!) which itself shows the desperation of politicians to get the power. After that for almost 20 months, this Ex-Prime minister didn't have any problems with a communal party like BJP. But as soon as it comes to power transfer as per agreement, this person started to suffer from so many incurable diseases caused by BJP alliance that no political doctor found its cure. How can one would have found after all it was the putramoh rog !!! He and his son betrayed BJP and even made some baseless claims. This was really a kind of unique betrayal even in Indian politics. If someone of that stature can betray to a written agreement at this stage, may god help people in keeping promises?? almost a week of political drama and halt was really a bad chapter in politics of Karnataka and moreover in politics of India. President rule was imposed in Karnataka. Father and son both tried their best to get supports from elsewhere like Congress and independents.
The Big Mistake: Father and son commited--> During all this circus they both just forgot the human(Esp. politician) instinct. If they are so shameless in the hunger of power then what about other of their party men??? It is still 20 months left in the completion of terms of this assembly. So, who is willing to waste the 20 months of his 60 months quota??? Result is now crystal clear. When party MLAs tried to form a government with support from congress with splitting JD-S. Suddenly this old bastard has forgot all the problems associated with BJP. Esp. at a time when media is uncovering the communal face of BJP. Now, they are in a hurry to support a BJP government. Only the time will tel what will happen to their opportunist effort. Even from BJP leadership's perspective, the CM in waiting Yeddirappa is also desperate to become CM. He is again ready to swing in the arms of a partner which issued divorce notice even before marriage!! May god help these politicians and moreover voters of India.

If we look closely at this trend of nepotism in Indian politics, just by looking at the above examples we can say this is not a phenomena bounded by regional factors. Bihar, Maharashtra, karnataka..it is omnipresent. The only thing we can say is that this trend is dominant in regional parties. But if we analyze the scenarios we will find that this is nurtured by national parties. Even in case of Karnataka, just to weaken its arch rival Congress, BJP signed such a mean agreement. So, most of the time national parties behave in an opportunist manner that results in some short term gain for some regional parties and to some extent to that national party. Though Leftists are the real hindrance to country's development, I like one thing about them is that there is no place of nepotism in left parties.

At a time when globalization is a worldwide phenomena and we are talking of boundary les world our politicians have failed to come above these family barriers. This is the high time for the citizens/voters of the country to respond to this call before it becomes too late!!!