From Dawn to 'Dust'

It has been a long time since I have been craving to go out, and finally today I decided to take the first step. I would call it a long drive as total distance covered is just over 90 km in the time span of almost 7 hours.

Yesterday, when I was in VIT, I decided to make the first move. I was really sick and tired of making plans and canceling them so this time I didn’t made any plan. This morning at 5:30 AM, I got up and Googled the places to visit near Vellore, and randomly selected one. So, there it started from Katpadi to Amrithi Forest. I just looked at map, it was showing some 28 km.

I started at 6:00 AM, with only piece of information about the route that I have to follow SH-9. I drove about 12 km from my home, and noticed a scenic way towards hills nearby and decided to change the course. I asked one of the tea vendor about the way, all I understood from his Tamil that it will also take my to Amrithi Forest area with longer route. I didn’t know what compelled me to take longer route, but after having a cup of tea there as I can’t resist ‘gumti’ tea, I followed that way. It was dawn time and the countryside view was just mesmerizing, and little fog was icing on the cake.

Though Vellore is the hottest and driest place in TN, but this time because of heavy rains it is very cold and wet. After driving for next 12 km, I missed a detour and ended up in some very backward area. I was about 8 km from Amrithi and suddenly I found the muddy road leading to a small creek. I though that I will be able to drive through the creek and I heard someone, an old lady was coming towards me trying to say something. From what I understood by her expressions and hand gestures that I shouldn’t cross that creek, then I decided to stick to my old trick and waited there for someone to pass through that creek, so that I can see how deep it is, and here are some glimpses that made me change my route. 

So, now it was time to find a way out of countryside, I backtracked to nearby village and was looking for someone I could talk to, and suddenly I heard a God send voice speaking in Hindi- “Kya Hua” (what happened?), I saw one mid aged person speaking in Hindi in one of the most remote place in TN. It was 8^th wonder for me. He helped me out by suggesting another route which added another 20 km to my estimated calculations of miles. I followed the route, while making sure that I am on right road by asking people about it. I learned very important thing that even if you don’t know the language of people but expressions and hand movements (if you are in India) are enough to give you the answers of most your questions.

This new route was just awe inspiring with lush green fields and mountain side drive. I encountered some wild monkeys, peacocks and other small animals on my way and finally reached Amrithi Forest, Zoo, and conservation area.

Amrithi is one of the untouched areas for trekking point of view. As I tried to enter to jungle part to reach the waterfall, I was stopped by forest guards as flow was water was high, but great Indian ‘jugad’ again worked and I got a chance to visit the waterfall (though without camera). The Zoo is just ok and there is nothing worth mentioning, except that there are lot of imli’ (tamarind) trees, but a good place as far as this part of country is concerned. In my return journey, I decided to follow SH-9 but it was not as beautiful as the scenic road that I followed in morning and also with heavy traffic.

I must suggest that if you have two wheeler then do follow the route that I followed it is worth going. For me, Amrithi was just a place to break my ‘traveling-fast’, so I didn’t explore it much (due to restrictions there). I reached home by 12:30 PM, with goals accomplished, 90 km driving, testing of my physical condition and a few photographs (I am feeling that my hands are little rusty, as I was taking outside photograph after 1.5 years, hopefully I will get back to form soon). Yes, I had ‘banana bhajiya’ on my way back, by a vendor making it off fresh banana, and it was one of the most delicious bhajiya I had in past few months!

P.S.- Roads are more or less good, except for some patches of gravel road in between. I am still dusting my cloths, so be careful while selecting cloths. 

"Say"

After a long time, a came across a song which is worth posting. It not a very new song, but I heard it sometime back and it got lost in shuffle. I must say it has double effect if you listen it rather than just reading the lyrics, so here it is "Say"- By John Mayer

"Say"

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say [x8]

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only . . .

Say what you need to say [x8]

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say [x24]

 

P.S.- This song is worth dedicating to everyone reading this post...

Life!

Strange name for my post, right?? I always write with spirit that is full of life, but this time I am little down, or I would rather say I am tired. I really don't remember when I had a full weekend for me... just me. But, seems like the work life balance is going wrong some where, without me knowing about it.

It sucks to work continuously without having a break, as I say my students that even machines needs oil and maintainance time to time and I am on roller-coaster ride for last three months continuously... But, for me last three days were kind of eye openers. I realized that I am not in touch with people I care about, most of them are either angry with me or just wondering what happened to me. I forget at least 3 birthdays, 2 anniversaries, 1 guest post on a friend's blog, my morning Yoga, many breakfasts and lunches, and many more things. Well, what can I say, the visit of the delegation was very crucial for us and we have been preparing for it for 6 months. So, all my focus and dedication was just in one direction... as someone said "Ek baar jo maine commitment kar di, to main apne aap ki bhi nahi sunta...". So, there was a commitment from my side, and now its time to move on and explore life little more, just feeling like getting up from a deep sleep and its time to get ready and get going. 

Now some good news, finally after one year my camera is out. Yesterday, I clicked some pics as well (check my facebook profile). Tomorrow my Suzuki Access will be back after 15 days of repair time, next two weekends I will be getting full off so planning to visit some nearby caves or Mahabalipurum. Most likely in January, I will go for a very short visit to Lakshdweep (if anybody interested, because going alone or with wrong company sucks). Finally, I started cooking today (shows I am definitely getting some time now) so dear friends, family and all put all angry faces aside because... I am back! and its gonna be legen...(wait for it)... dary.

A pic for those of you who are not on facebook (hands are still rusted, but will post some better ones soon on The Third Window)- 

Break Down the Walls...

When a child is born, he/she has only blood relations. The first part of the life is childhood, the life that we all miss and, most things we miss about it is free atmosphere around us and a total break free live without tensions and social obligations. But, as we grow up we make new relationships, friends, love, enemies etc., and suddenly one day we realize that we overload ourselves with all the relations and social boundaries.

For me, I like life with no boundaries, I am not a very social person, I hate kids, I don't like noise around, can't stand relatives most of time... Presence of people in my house usually bugs be if they are there for long time. I think, I was just opposite to it few years back, but may be its effect of last three years (in US) that I spent alone. Now, when I look back, I think what has happened to me is for a greater good. I am a wanderer by basic nature, staying at a place with the same group of people is not possible for me, it doesn't mean that I don't respect relationships, but life need seasonings time to time, otherwise life becomes boring and still.

These days, I am breaking the walls that I have created around me. It is a time when I move on and reach to new heights and do something that satisfies me rather than wondering and worrying about people who doesn't matter much to me. I care about very few who are close to me, and I used to care about others as well in a caring way... as unlike others comments and kiddish things never affected me. But, this time I think that I should challenge myself little more and get out of useless boundaries.

As I always say, comfort zone in one's life could be very productive at the same time very dangerous as well, from the past experiences, I learned that second case is more true in my life. So, why not break down the walls around and set self little break free to enjoy a brave new world...

(just some random thoughts)

ciao

Suit Up!

So in next two days my first semester as an instructor will be over, seems like that time just fly by like anything. I still feel like my first class just got over there, I was little nervous as well as confident about the choices I made. This one semester definitely was a roller coaster ride with lot of ups and downs, got a chance to meet some of the very interesting people as well as some of very irritating individuals. This profession teaches you a lot, I remember I was very sensitive person specially when there is anything related to me, or people connected to me or my country is going on, and always believed in making everyone happy (no matter what) but now I am learning to be little tough with people and situations. 

I loved the work, my class at the same time I hated the admin work to my guts. But all are part of academic life, I am really happy that I have not compromised on my mission (may be in some other post), at the same time sad to know about dishonesty, and disrespect growing in this field. Its high time when both faculty and students should understand their responsibility and behave accordingly. Looking at the brighter side, I must say that it was a pleasure to guide some of brightest minds in the country and interact with them and make a bond with the neo-mentality, and I hope to continue the same in coming time.

It was a great learning experience so far and I am looking forward to next semester, I am really not sure how long I will be in this profession, but I want to learn and enjoy every moment of it.

So, suiting up for coming semester... 

P.S.- I am learning to say 'no' as well :)

Ciao

So finally it begins...

Its been a while since I wanted to read something good, last year when I was in Bangalore I came across 'Shantaram' in our home library. Looking at the size of the book, I didn't dared to start it, but I was constantly getting good reviews about the book from my friends, book critics etc. 

After coming to Vellore, I found some extra time in late evening, which I usually kill on internet... so while returning from Indore last week, I saw this fiction on a book stall and decided to purchase it. After reaching here, it was a long wait of a week to start it as there was heavy work load from VIT, and today finally I started it! I have finished just one chapter of part one, but with every turning page I am liking it more. Just looking like day to day story of us and people around us, and I am guessing that like every story around us, it will be extraordinary in itself.

I will be sharing some interesting quotes from this book time to time... but for now, I am visiting Bombay once again with Mr. Roberts.

Ciao

Immortals of Indore

So here I am, back to my home town... the city of love, the city of food... Indore.

This city has seen my childhood and my adulthood, and in the same way I have seen a lot about this city- the people, the places, and the stories. Each and everything is imprinted in my memory. Now every time I visit this city, I see some changes... population is growing, it is losing its peace, it is developing with rapid speed and there are a lot of things that have changed the face of this city, but at the same time the heart and soul of the city is still the same... they are immortal. This pure heart and soul keeps this city in a special category and that is the reason why most of the outsiders comes here once, never want to leave this place and people like me want to come and visit it again and again.

1. If you are talking about Indore and you are not mentioning the food, then you know nothing about this place. People here love to eat, this is one of the place in the country where you will never have problem with food as food from each and every part of the country is available here. But, you have to modify it in little spicy form otherwise your food will be a big failure here. 

2. Poha and Jalebi in the morning and Pan shops in evening are a part of life here. They are not just eating joints, they are heart and soul of this city. 

3. People here are modern, but at the same time very much attached to their roots. One from cities like Delhi or Mumbai may call them as small town mentality people, but it is something that they are proud of!

4. In this city, social activities really means social activities... those activities are not limited to a club or society. Here, neighbours know each other and they know how to celebrate as well as support each other very well.

5. Indori Language, you probably aware of Mumbaiya, Bhopali and Bihari tones of Hindi... I would like to invite you to enjoy another tone, which is Indori... a unique, funny, and interesting way of speaking Hindi. Search of youtube you will love it. 

6. Most important immortal of Indore is that people know how to enjoy life, they are not just busy in making money or running fast with the pace of life... they know how to cherish it and enjoy little moments of joy.

7. People here love to have small fights, specially on roads when they are driving or sitting in public transport. It starts without any good reason and always (mostly) ends with both parties ending up smiling and having cup of tea together... 

8. Barber shop are men's gossiping points many guys just go there to talk about all issues like social, personal, love, movies or anything under the sun. You will never get bored if you are at any barber shop. 

9. Most important thing about this city which is noticed by everyone is that people here are welcoming and open minded. You will never see people fighting over language, state or any other issue that you see around. Also, they love to have guests and insists you to be a part of their evening as and when possible. 

...these are some of the immortals of Indore from many, I hope I will share some more with you soon.

Who I Am...

Neither fire, nor water, nor air, I know not who I am...

ARS (Automated Response System)

Warning: This is not a technical blog about any of my project, so please discontinue if you are thinking something like that. 

Automated Response System (ARS) is very common word that we come across when we watch Hollywood movies and read some Sci-fi stuff, but today I am talking about our personal automated response system that, most of us don't realize that it exists somewhere in our body (brain to be precise). The most common example of ARS is our reflexes which automatically reacts to some of the activities around, another example is out sixth sense (yes! I believe in it). But, I am not going to talk about any of these systems too, today I am talking about some of the systems in our body that we rarely notice which is little funny and equally interesting too. 

Today I was working on solving one of the project problem to help one of my student since early morning, and, suddenly I realized that after few hours of head banging I am feeling very very hungry. As, the work is in deadlock, so I decided to take some time off and start writing blog... now what is the connection between my hunger, blog and project?? Simple, its my ARS when I am very busy or mentally tired I do this. I started to think about my school and college days, I never looked panic during my exams, there is always a chilling attitude about exams from my side, whereas many of my friends were totally panicked and rushing around. Then I noticed that it was my ARS which made me do something different then being panic. I remember that I used to eat a lot those days, and gain a hell lot of weight during my exams (combine effect if eating and sitting), and now this system has also acquired another member in the family which is my blog. Whenever I am supposed to be super busy, panicked, or tired I do one of these activities.

Its kind of discovery in self, I don't know how many of you realize that you have this system, but I am very sure that you must be having something which is funny at the same time very interesting. I remember one of very close friend of mine who used to shout 'Aao... Aao' before all viva exams, saying that he gains confidence after that... I am sure its his ARS, another one I have seen doing moonwalk right before the exams (its true!!!), and I also used to watch a lot of movies before my exams... all these are ARS!

Believe me, for some these are just silly activities but for some its just like performance enhancer, rather then being panicked their subconscious mind make them do some other activities that I mentioned, to make them roll again.

I think, my ARS has served the purpose for me... time to get back to work again! :) 

ciao...

Maine to panga lena hai...

Kabhi kabhi mere dil main khayal aata hai... well, aaj kal kabhi kabhi nahi kai baar mere dil main khayal aata hai ki life is going on the same track for a long time. But, 'khujali' inside me is not letting me to be on same track for a long time, jab tak life main koi panga na ho tab tak dil nahi bharta hai. Professional front things are going well, and personal front things are looking up, but there is life beyond the professional and personal sphere where only 'me' exists (egocentric Anoop!!!). The 'me' circle of life is not letting me sit tight and do things in regular manner, and today after talking to one of my student the 'me' inside me is just kicking me to get out and get going in truly 'me' style.

Life main pange ka bhout importance hai, specially jab panga life se lena ho (total Rajini style panga), and Khujali inside me never let me sit without these pangas. Now question is what is next Khujali for me, bas yahi point hai jahan par ek bada sa '?' (question mark) aa jata hai. I have done many crazy things in life and my khujali always biased towards adventure side of life, it always made me do things that raise the bar to a next level. But this time, its different! I am feeling like doing something different, this time its invoking my creative side, its invoking an entrepreneur inside me, its invoking responsible (?) me. 

Gustakhi maaf, but dear Khujali I am new to this new phase of life and 'me' don't not like being responsible. It just want to be same old irresponsible that do whatever it want to do, makes mistakes and laugh at those mistakes, like to make fool of itself and fool others and finally being enigmatic and love to see 'dhakkan' like expression on the faces of others. Being so unpredictable such that sometimes it surprise itself... and the great feeling of banging head with hand and have a free laugh (not the artificial one that we are used to these days). 

Well, what can I say... this is one of those weird posts that I usually write to confuse others ;) and as far as 'me' is concerned... he says- Neither fire, nor air, nor water, I know not who I am!

I am here again...

Before starting the poem, I would like to thank each and everyone of you who sent me messages and called me after reading my last post. It feels really good that there are some people out there who cares about you. Well, coming back to poem, it has been a long time since I wrote a poem in English, I am not good at this but thought why not give it a try- 

I am here again

 

I remember those days of sorrow,

I remember the days with no tomorrow,

I was trying to go beyond the gain,

… and I am here again.

The path was complicated with ups and downs,

I needed you when I was down,

You came and held my hand,

… and I am here again.

You are my destiny I knew,

But had the fear to accept the truth,

But, I fought my fears to win you again,

… and I am here again.

Now hold my hand and walk with me,

Down the roads reaching inside thee,

We walk down those memories again,

… as I am here again.

The clouds are giving sign of rain,  

Dance with me to ease my pain,

Let me kiss you in this rain,

… I am here for ‘you’ again.

A bad day...

Today was one of the bad day of my life, I was struggling all day just to feel free of all burdens. The fight between heart and mind is probably the oldest and most unresolved fight in the history, you don't know what you really want to do and what you are really doing. The heart is pulling you in one direction whereas mind is saying you you to do just opposite. The struggle of making a choice between heart and mind makes you a complete mess and in most of the cases you end up hurting yourself and hurting someone very close to you. most of the time there are some side effects as well... 

Today, I ended up hurting someone who is very close to me, broke my professional etiquette and for the first time shouted at one of the student who eventually ended up in tears, was not able to give my 110% in class, and in the end I am have nothing but feel of guilt.

After all this, at the end of the day I am still not sure which side I am going. Probably people have seen best of me, but not some are seeing worst of me, and I am standing totally helpless to do anything about it. Every time when I gets into any big trouble, I always look for some peace in any secluded place like temple or close to nature and try to find answers and I usually get the right answers, but this time all I am getting is a blank. I am a fighter and straggler who never gives up so easily, but this time I feel like giving up on very first step.

Some Kalmadi Jokes....

For last few days, I am receiving some sms and facebook comments about Kalmadi. Though the turned a national pride to national shame, but at the same time he himself became a national joke in front of the country. Some of the interesting msgs are jokes are compiled below. Please add your jocks and comments in the comments section. 

Disclaimer- I do not bear responsibility for any the jocks posted here, they are compiled ones! 

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Kalmadi tried to hang himself after all this shame, but ceiling in his house cracked and fall down. 

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Baba Kalmadi have you any shame, 

No sir, no sir, its a Loot Game,

Crores for my partner, Crores for my dame, 

Crores for me too, putting India to shame... 

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A teacher asked her student what his father does, he answered 'he's a  stripper working at a joint'. After class she asked him if it were true, and the boy said 'he's actually on the CWG committee working with Kalmadi, this sounds a lot less embarrassing'!!

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Kalmadi Kalmadi, yes papa

Eating money, no papa, 

Telling lies, no papa, 

Show your balance sheet... ha ha ha

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Saturday with Pav-Bhaji

Its been a while since I posted a blog related to food and related stuff. I accept and Italian food is my weakness, but you can't beat Indian food at its best. I started to like cooking when I was in US, initially it was a burden but slowly with headphones on and different experimentation (that include the incident when I almost set my apartment of fire) I started to enjoy cooking. My part time work at Rollins helped my in developing skills in International food and at the same time was lucky to get roomies who liked the variety in food and accepted my experiments with food! 

After coming back to India, its on and off with food. As I believe to cook the right food, you need right mood... after joining VIT, I again got a chance to get into cooking as its a good stress reliever in the evening when you have heavy day and need something to charge yourself. I have been doing some regular stuff for a while with occasional changes in the menu, and most of those changes are on Saturdays and Sundays, today its a good chance to get into cooking as its all day power cut and there is nothing much to do... planning for Pav Bhaji. As my cooking range is electric so have to wait till evening 6 before start cooking. I love making Pav Bhaji as people like it the way I cook, and today there is no one but me to enjoy it so its little odd but let it be... lets get on and get going... (I will post some pics as soon as it will be done)

P.S.- Some pics...

I know its a weird post from my side, but sometimes its fun to do stuff like this :)

Beautiful Stranger

Last few days were very eventful in my life, now when I look back then I realize that I have done so many things last few days which were totally unlike me, the things that I used to think that I will ever do in my life. But, life is full of surprises and you never know when you will see a magic in your life.

Some strange things happens so fast that you never know that its a dream or reality. I think I am in a dream streak these days, time is flying like anything and I feel like living each and every moment of it. I am just trying to keep some of these moment close to me, and feel like I could get hold of them but definitely its not possible. Moments pass by, but memories are always there to cherish. Life is very strange, moments that makes us happy at present same moments makes us cry after some time and in the same way the moments that makes us cry at present gives us a reason to laugh in future. 

This life is full of struggle and disappointments sometimes, and when some moments of happiness comes they look so strange that sometime they scare us, and looks like illusion. I live in moments and enjoy them, but at the same time get scared of it. That time you have some 'addictions' in your life which takes you away from all fears and give you a confidence in yourself. For some people addictions are bed, but for me I love my addiction :)

Just a thought...

Recently someone posted it on google buzz... I really liked it so rephrasing it here- 

"Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it...."

When you are at comfort level with someone, the person could be any one, your good friend, student, sibling or even the one you love. You get to know them and sometimes you get surprised with the hidden potential of that person. You get to know goods and evil of the person, initial period is always full of hick-ups as you are getting to know each other. Sometimes some of the incidents/talks make you feel that the potential of the person in totally unexplored, and to see them successful, sometimes you have to make some sacrifices. Just looking at long term goals, short term ones looks insignificant. If you really care about them, sometimes its imperative to leave them or even leave them on bad terms. Probably they will never know it, and they will never want to see your face again, but you always know at bottom of your heart that you care about them...

Ciao... 

Why?

Why do we bang our had on the rock when we know that its going to hurt us in the anyways? 

Why do we make make same mistakes again and again when we know that result will going to be same? 

Why can't we understand simplest things in the life? 

Why its so hard to draw lines sometimes? 

Why do we give up so early sometimes? 

Why its so hard to understand people and its so hard for them to understand you? 

.....

.....

..... 

Lot of questions, but no answer...

Surprized!

I used to tell my friends that big decisions in life takes least time, but I never experienced it before. But, sometimes life surprises you the way that you have never expected. Some moments feels like they should never pass and some moments pass so fast the you left surprised that how it happened! Its just an exuberance... an excitement from inside.

Right now, I can't say anything... but I am just living the moment and enjoying every bit of it. 

Salaam Zindagi!

Noor-e-Hindustan...

I am sure most of you watching news and following some stories coming into media for last two months from Kashmir region. I don't know what to say about that situation, because as a proud Indian I have no doubt that Kashmir region was, is and will be a part of Republic of India. But at the same time I have concerns about the people over there, and about the tax payers money being wasted on one single state. 

I know that this post may be little strike on some of us, but seriously just take the two points I have mentioned above. First, about people of Kashmir, if just 5% of there allegation on Indian police and army is true then just imagine how tough life would be there to live in this situation, at the same time the daily life threat from militants and other separatist groups. You can't pick a side and without picking a side you can't survive. So, what is the result? Some fools will influence you and guide you in the way that you are behaving these days. It is the time when government leave all the pride behind and take this issue seriously and take some strict steps to control the situation, not by keeping people inside their home but by creating an open atmosphere there. 

Now looking at the other side, I do accept that people there have problems and they are in some real tough situation. But, will behavior like this will solve the problems? I believe that the way there people are behaving these days is little immature. If they don't have faith in their country and they think the neighbors will be a better option then what the hack they are doing here, they should have moved back there long back. They have to understand that the amount money put on this single state and special provisions given to this state are something which they will never get in either of autonomy or going with Pakistan option. I don't know if these people watch television or not and how much they are in touch with the situation across the border, just think of a life in that country and ask your self that is that the place where you want to be?

I believe that there are two clear options in front of people and Government of India- 

1- Try to mix with the mainstream in India, and don't look at the government with expectation of something 'special'. Be a good citizen of India and support the country by helping us removing all these trouble makers like militants and separatist. You can do so by informing any suspicious activities near by your place, not giving them place to live and perform operations and at the same time boycott these separatist parties, if you won't support them, there will be no existence of them in the beautiful valley. 

2- Its my humble request to my government that stop throwing  a big chunk of tax payers money on a single state if these people are not ready to co-operate. If you calculate the amount of money spend on different schemes, military operations and other stuff in this state it would a shocking revelation. Why not spend the money on development of country, infrastructure, creating jobs, warfare, agriculture, education, sports etc. I believe that we have more big concerns they to worry about. China is creating troubles everyday, if some emergency arrives then we should be in a position to stand by our-self. So why not focus on making the country stronger. 

This second point is written keeping in mind that if people of  J&K are not cooperate. I believe that if this is the case, let them go be a part of some other nation or let them be on their own, they will learn soon that what blunder they have made. At the same time, open doors for the people who really want to be a part of this country and reallocate them in other states. I believe that this step would be a responsible as well as strict step. 

Anoop

 ...

Common Wealth Game

Two years back when I was in US, there was some exciting things to look forward in India after my return. One of those was Common Wealth Games in Delhi, and to tell you the truth I intended to attend the games, but that time I didn't knew that Common Wealth Games means Commonly Wealthy ban-ne ke Games (Games to become wealthy commonly) for politicians. 

Facts have been stated many times, and I am repeating once again that amount of money spent for preparations is more than that of Beijing Olympics, work done is hardly 10-20% of them. None of the sport complex and sport village can be called completely done! No sporting facility is available for players to practice regularly. People responsible for all this mess up are not even accepting their fault, on top of that they are busy in blame game and being ignorant. All these things have been said repeatedly, along with much more irregularities. The corruption will require a separate blog post, and I seriously do not want to touch that topic as it just more and more disappointment. 

I am not writing this blog to restate the complaints as you all know about them, this blog is about what should be done about it. I believe that this is the time to shake things up from top to bottom. Last time I saw some hope, anger and awareness in this country after Mumbai attack, I think the time is calling us to show the same face again to tighten up the things. I think that some of the things that we can do are- 

1. Boycott the games, I am serious about. Those who know me, they know that I am not a person that support this type of activities. But time is asking for sending a strong message to this government, opposition and all the useless people sitting in parliament. Whole world should see what happens in this country... no Mr. Singh or Mr. Gandhi can cover this shame. Its not against the players participating form Indian side, but national interest is above individual interest. 

2. Country wide legal cases filed against IOC, and other people involved in this scam. One or two request can be ignored, but when thousands and millions of cases filed, they can't be ignored. 

3. All players should boycott the associations run by politicians (irrespective of they are honest). Specialists of the game should be given ultimate power. Politicians could be given role of 'external adviser' at max. 

4. There should be a new provision to file criminal cases against these a$$*****. 

I think that money spent on organizing these games was enough to develop multi-sports facilities throughout the country, or to meet any problem like hunger, poverty, illiteracy up to a great extent. So, next time any candidature should be proposed after common consensus is the country. When thousands of farmers are dying out of hunger, there is no arrangement of power, or even clean water to drink I believe country is not in a good condition to bear these games with corruption on top.

P.S.- anyways we are not going to create magic in these games, so there is not matter of pride in conducting these games saying that it will bring pride for India in sporting world.

Thought Crises

Today, I am sitting in front of computer and trying to write something, I started with different things 2-3 times and after writing few lines I cleaned up the stuff and got back to the first line. I rarely have such a thought crises... or at-least manage to get some crap to write for this blog. But this time, its different...

I think I have thought about everything that I possibly could but result is nil... seems like too much of interaction within a day makes you empty from the top floor... and today was one such day!

चेहरा

ज़िन्दगी भी क्या नए रंग दिखाती है,

हर मोड़ पर एक नए चेहरे से मिलाती है,

चेहरे, कुछ जाने पहचाने से, कुछ अनजाने से,

किसी के पास जाने की दिल करता है,

किसी को भूल जाने की कोशिश करता है|

कभी कोई चेहरा अपना सा लगने लगता है,

किसी चेहरे से मिल कर रुक जाने का मन करता है,

इस ज़िन्दगी के सफ़र में कुछ हमसफ़र बन जाते है,

कुछ इस भागदौड़ में खो जाते है,

कुछ खोना कुछ पाना सब एक सा लगने लगता है|

क्या भूलू क्या याद करू, कुछ समज में नहीं आता, 

बस चलता जाता हूँ, आगे बढता जाता हूँ, 

कई चेहरे नयी चीज़े सिखाते है, 

तो कुछ नयी राह सुझाते है, 

सुनता हूँ सब की, पर करता हूँ अपने मनन की, 

क्योकि में भी एक चेहरा हूँ, इस भीड़ में अकेला हूँ|

-अनूप

My own Star Trek...

Yesterday I was watching movie Star Trek (2009), though I am big Star Wars fan, but I must admit that I enjoy Star Trek occasionally, specially this flick when I watched first time in Columbia. I went home and watched most of the series from beginning. One of the interesting thing about both the movie series are their opening and closing monologues. We all know about Star Wars's "Long time ago, in a galaxy far far away... " similarly Star Trek has “Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.” very interesting and full of adventure. 

Today, I thought why not define my own voyage the way Star Trek has done... 

"Space and time are the new frontiers. These are the voyages of a complicated mind, on a mission of learning and understanding each and everything comes in its way. Its mission to explore and develop a brave new world for itself, meet distant civilizations and live a life full of adventure."

Seems like the Sci-fi craze is back! I really need to search my collection back and take out some of the good documentaries, books on space otherwise I will kill a week watching movies again.

The sinner me!

Today, when I was on the random searching mode I thought that lets change my search track from technical, political to something different. Eventually, I decided to search about seven deadly sins and four last things. Although, I know that what are the sins and last things but I wanted to read about them in detail and also about their origins. I must say that lot of websites have very interesting information including beloved Wiki. After reading about them in detail, I tend to believe that I am a big sinner too... May be all sins will not apply to me, but to be fair most of the sins I have committed at some part of my life. The sins are wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony. 

The revelation was equally shocking ans surprising, looking at the atmosphere around me it is very clear that these most of these sins are not actually sins anymore they have became part of life and sooner or later all sins will be considered normal. Because believe it or not that is the cost that we are paying with being so called developed and cultured. I don't know which direction we are going in, but what ever that direction is, it doesn't seems the right one. Gone the days when these were sins and considered untouchable, now these sins have got a new name- status! and we all are running behind them. 

Lets define new sins in the modern society, I am very sure that honesty, and other virtues are sins for a person to live in the modern era. Seem like the time is coming to interchange sins and virtues.

New Poem

एक मुसाफिर बन निकला था मैं,

चुनी थी अपनी राहे, 

बढ़ चला था प्रगति पथ पर, 

देखी कई नयी दिशाएं|

चलते हुए जा पहुचा वहां पर,

जहाँ सूरज डूबता था,

लेकिन पाया की वहां पर भी भौत उजाला था, 

खो न जाऊ चका-चोंध में, डर सा लगने लगा, 

लेकिन साथ ही साथ नए सपने देखने लगा| 

फिर सोचा की शायद यही मंजिल है,

और रोक लिए अपने कदम, 

रहा कुछ दिन वहां अकेला, 

लेकिन मन भर गया जल्द ही,

लगा की यह वो मंजिल नहीं जिसकी मुझे तलाश है| 

फिर चल पड़ा रह पर,

फिर मिली मंजिल, खड़ा हूँ मंजिल के सामने, 

लेकिन देखता हूँ की रह ले आयइ है उस ही जगह पर, 

जहाँ से की थी सफ़र की शुरुआत, 

बस रस्ते नए है, रूप नया है| 

The Masters of The Universe...

Since my childhood, I am very interested in space, shuttles, ships, aliens and all those things on great contradiction related to existence of the Universe. This weekend, I was on my way from Vellore to Bangalore, and looking at the diversity of the fields outside of my train and same thought process started again. I am not sure where I started, but soon I was thinking about our existence in the Universe. How can a life form evolve in the dead weight like earth, I have seen the best and worst of this evolution process. If I agree with most of the Scientists that we the cells came from the foreign planet through meteoroids, even then I think that there should be some starting point of inception of life in the Universe. I believe, we have a lot of learn about those details about ourselves. The next thought that strike my mind we about the Universe itself... what is it? How did it came to existence and how it grew so much and so complicated... what is exact size of it and what is beyond it? More I think, more complicate it gates, probably we are designed it that way to ask so many questions to ourselves.

I know, that most likely in this life I will not get answers of most of my questions, but I am a believer and optimistic person... who still looking for answers to these questions. When I was younger, I always believe that thinks are not what they look like, there are people out there who made this game called Universe and they are watching us closely may be for some study... or may be just for fun! I call those people The Masters of The Universe.

First Week

First week of class is over! I have been waiting for this week to come so that I can test myself in the modern standards of teaching. I must say that I have got some of the brightest minds sitting in my class room. The week was over with a pinch of salt because of some technical issues, sometimes it feel like that we have became the true servants of technology. As far as class is concern, I am trying to keep their interest alive and trying to put the subject in more interesting and interactive way. I am not totally successful with that but ready to take this as challenge and try to do better and better everyday. Really there is a lot to learn from my students and I am a good student of my students ;)

Most interesting part of last week was when I have collected an informal feedback from my students. I am glad that they have participated actively and gave be great suggestions! And thankfully most of the suggestions were related to some of the non-technical part of the teaching... hand writing, audibility, pronunciation, and make class more interesting and interactive. Well, what can I say I am on it and ready to put on some good efforts! 

ciao

Auroville

I spent my last weekend in Pondicherry, the trip was very successful as I got some quality time to spend with family. Pondicherry as a place is just an average spot to visit, I would say nothing outstanding that I have never seen, but it has some typical beauty that is mesmerizing. We didn't want to rush the trip, so we have visited very few places. Some of the things to do in Pondy are-

1. Take a downtown walk around Aurobindho Samadhi, the nearby French consulate and some of the buildings are really beautiful. 

2. Spend an evening a Rock Beach. 

3. Spend a morning at Auroville Beach or Paradise Beach. 

4. Visit Auroville and spend some time to learn about that place. 

5. Make sure to eat a any local pizza outlet, a lot of them are there you will like the test there. 

I wrote this blog to share information about Auroville, it is a world village conceived by Shri Aurobhidho and The Mother. The place where there is no religion, no money, no color. It is a world town where people from different part of world stay and work in collaboration and harmony. A true peaceful and beautiful place that has lot to offer. We had some time constraint, so couldn't spent enough time to explore more about the town. Hopefully in next trip will get to know that place more closely... but do visit their website and learn about their unique concept of peaceful leaving.

Time to Gear Up!

Finally after a long time... a family weekend! Mom and sis are coming to Vellore today, and luckily I got this weekend free from all those duties that I hate to do. So, its time to have fun and enjoy the Indian Monsoon. I believe that there could be no better place then Pondicherry in this part of country to go for a weekend and have fun. So, after a long battle with back problems and boring weekends with exam duties, its time to get back on road.

I just noticed that I haven't used my camera for last few months, so it will be a good time to try some hands on photography and bring the best out of the French Architecture of the coastal town of Southern India.

What is going on??

I wanted to write this blog a long back, but work is keeping me busy here and home internet connection is no longer active. So, finally today I got some time to reiterate some of the recent incidents in India.

1. I was born in 1984, for most of you this year means nothing, but for a whole city name Bhopal it was a nightmare to remember the this year. I gas leak in Union Carbide Factory took more then 25,000 lives (Government figure is 16,000). Millions have life long deficiencies or illness and many future generations are carrying those symptoms, it felt like a Nuke attack on Bhopal. After 26 years of court trials, the people who were responsible have got 2 years imprisonment!!! I wonder, if it is possible in any other country in the world. On top of that, the main convict is spending his life in outskirts of New York, everyone knows that except Indian and American governments.

First, those people faced a tragedy and then followed by such a disrespect to those who are dead. Its a shame, on any civilized society and people who takes responsibility to be representatives of the society. The news that I have mentioned was on enough to broke hearts of millions that now a followup is airing that claims that State Government had helped in escape of the main culprit. 

2. Manipur, a north eastern state of India. With population of about 24 lac is suffering from the 'bandh' announced by the Naga people. These so called activists have closed the National Highway for many days. This highway is the lifeline of this small state, and all supplies of food, medicines and other important things has been done through this highway for many years, and now the situation is that the state has no food, no medicines, no gas... in all they have nothing to live on. The local food price in the market has reached up to a level that it is out of reach of common man, most of the hospitals are closed or taking only emergency cases due to lack of medicines. 

And our beloved government is doing.... NOTHING. I wonder, if in place of a north eastern state if it would be Delhi or any other state... the army has been called by now, but people sitting at the higher level never cares about a state which is politically and financially not very beneficial. No wonder they ask for a separate country or getting in closure with China, I don't blame them. Our government has to understand that concept of Republic of India is not only limited to a few state, the a holistic concept that our forefathers conceived and everyone believed in it. They have to understand that organizing CWG or aiming Olympic or boasting about our software industry is worthless if so many people are dying or suffering.

Looking at these two situation, sometimes I ask myself is it the same country that I believed in and confident about? I need answer, and presently I believe that no one is out there with a satisfying answer.

All I Want Is…

Everything! Well, let's be little modest and talk realistically. There are a lot of things that we want to do in our life, and probably my list is little ambitious one. So, here goes the final part of my bucket list that I started couple of week back on this blog-

1. Skydive alone from 15,000 ft
   
2. Own an island at Lakshadweeps
   
3. Do a great job as instructor and bring in the change in the system that I am looking for… (details will be in some other blog)
   
4. Fulfill my business dreams
   
5. Work in the field of micro finance and child education
   
6. Adopt a child
   
7. Getting married (if I will ever) at some very interesting place… may be under the sea, or on top of Mt. Everest ;)
   
8. Able to be in the old physique and able to kick, jump and run again
   
9. Direct a movie
   
10. Write one of the best fantasy-fiction of all time
    

Well that's all about the current dreams… but as the life had been 'dreams unlimited' so far… so this list will grow with time.

PS- This was just on the fly list for fun… so no serious talks and questions please ;)

Please! Let 'em fly...

Now a days, when I see local news paper here, I noticed a lot of focus is given on how Indians are doing in other countries. It is no secret now that many of the top companies in the world are headed by Indians or people of Indian origin. In the list of richest people in world you see two Indians among top five (not referring to any latest list...). But, a common factor in all the stories is that they left the country and then they earned the spot where they are these days. 

India is a amazing country, people here learn to struggle and grow as their life proceeds. So, it makes really easy for them to grow in other countries where the struggle is very less to none and as a result you see LN Mittle, Indira Nui etc. But what are those factors which are keeping same person behind in their own country. Sometimes I think about these factors and in the end everything becomes so complex that I choose to leave this topic. But, now here in VIT I am learning some of these things... and I will share with you as the time permits and relate my experiences with current day problems.

The very first thing that I learned here that we waste a lot of time of some non essential things. I can tell you about many complex processes in India which are comparatively very simple in other countries. Right from any simple work in the municipal corporation of your city to get driving license to just pay your fee in college. Everywhere things are so complex that most of the time we give up. This things lead to corruption, as we are so frustrated with the whole system that we like to pay some extra bucks to get over things done in easy way. With time this dependency becomes habit... and result is what we see around us. Other thing that I have seen is that we spend so much of energy in paper work, for a very small and insignificant work we use a lot of applications, which lead to nothing but wastage of time, energy and paper. I am not opposing the use of papers for important stuff, but using so much paper for nothing never makes sense to me... 

So, in this frustrating atmosphere if someone wants to do something better for himself, for his society and country... probably he/she will spend his young energy is most useless work and but the time that person is ready to explore the world... probably half of his age will be gone! 

Kya Kare Kya Na Kare

It has been more then a month since I joined VIT University. I was one of the interesting decision I made, as those who know me for sometime can't imagine me in the academic field. I joined on March 25th, and it was most weird time to join any education institute in India. The reason being that it as almost term end as exams are there in late April and May. So, there I was... 

After joining here, soon I realized that there was nothing much to do till Summer Semester starts in mid of May, so whole day you are sitting in your office (which is (un)-fortunately in front of Director's office and just above Chancellor's office). I came to know that at least 20 more faculty members are suppose to join in coming months... and then it all started. Suddenly, you became the most senior faculty member among new joinees (although your age and experience clearly shows as you are the youngest one)... many new faculties come to meet me and seek some guidance about finishing some formalities and all those kind of things... they face my face first with a feel of nonacceptance that they are talking to a student (who has faculty ID card and wears tight T-Shirts and designer jeans with Nike shoes). Then they all start speaking some alien language (which indeed called Tamil) and after explaining to them that I don't understand, they move to some other room or talk in English (in last month I spoke the amount of English that I haven't spoke in my first 3 months in US). 

So that was the beginning, after a few days I started to feel alien in my own office as all the new faculties have been assigned room in some other building which is at last 2 Km from here so a whole group decided to stay in my office as I was sharing the office space with two more faculty members (temporarily). Now you feel to realize that you are a product of globalized market... people around you are speaking the languages which sounds very similar and very difficult to understand (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayam.... all in a single room). Also, sometimes you hear some interesting versions of English (Tamil, Chinese etc.) I must add that after Made in China products, and next globally available phenomenon is Made in China Students... 

Finally, you have been assigned some exam duties where you just have to stand for three hours in the hot afternoon and you feel like crashing down to sleep... (I HATE EXAM DUTIES). Somehow, you finished the exam duties and you have been assigned a subject for summer... you start to prepare lecture notes, quizzes etc. When all preparations are in full swing, one night at nine you get an SMS from your colleague that all new faculties will take classes from next Fall semester and your summer class has been canceled :(( The ABET accreditation committee will be visiting your campus this December and you have been assigned responsibilities to develop an Embedded Systems Lab and they also requested (?) to offer a course in Embedded Systems coming fall... and so your life goes on and you SUCCESSFULLY finished your one month in academic field :D 

The Bucket List... Travel

1. Leh-Laddakh (India): One of the most amazing and sacred place of the world... An open jeep or something similar will add to the flavor of the place.

2. Euro Trip: I just want to drive down, crossing countries and visiting people and places...

3. Caribbean: No description needed...

4. Siberia: One of the coldest place on earth, and equally interesting...

5. Africa: Some remote part of Africa will be fun to visit :)

P.S.- There are some other places, but this is my must visit list :)

To Do List...

So, finally boring days are over and VIT people have given me some responsibilities. In the mean time I was also working on some of the project ideas and finally feel like I am very close to start something new here. But, before starting the real work so ground work needs to be done... and here is my to do list-

1. Work on the setting up the embedded systems and programmable hardware lab. (I have most of the hardware avaliable here, but formalization is indeed needed)

2. Its really hard in India to get Computer Science students for some hardware projects, they are mostly interested in software programming. So, I am thinking of starting a fun group that will focus on some fun projects. I hope I will get some students through it.

3. The internal protal here is a big let down, specially to conduct short quizes, and assignment distribution. I have to find some better way of doing it... (Suggestions??)

4. Prepare lecture notes and lab assignments for next semester's Embedded Systems course.

5. Work on some project ideas for B.Tech and M.Tech students and also looking forward to start some basic research which may take some time.

6. I really hate these exam duties, have to bear it till May 12th.

7. How about a weekend road trip?? Have to go out of this killing summer for some time...

A Catalyst Needed!

Its been a while since I have posted any 'content' post, for last month or so I am just posting some links or random thoughts that come across my mind, and I must say that this post is no different. Couple of months back, I used to think that after joining VIT, I might be busy and loaded with work but still will find some time to write about experiences of the new life. But, the face is I am getting enough time as workload is very less and I do have some not-so-interesting stories, and still I am just killing time.

Last week, I have opened Voyage many times and set down to write something... but seems like a catalyst is missing which force the chemicals inside my mind to write something. I have so many stories about VIT, IPL, Shashi Throor etc... and everyday I am getting new updates on news, but still that cloud of late-back attitude is hovering over me.

I really have to find the missing catalyst before alienating myself.

P.S.- After writing this blog, I am feeling little better and may be after reading it 2-3 times over coming days, will get back my missing catalyst... this is what called self inspiration ;)

कुछ हिंदी में हो जाये!

काफी दिन हो गए है, लेकिन हिंदी में कुछ नहीं लिखा, तो सोचा की आज हिंदी में ही कुछ लिख लिया जाये, आखिर पड़े-पड़े लेखनी मैं भी तो जंग लग जाता है ना! आज कल काफी समय मिल जाता है, तो कुछ समय हिंदी साहित्यिक रचनाओ एवं पत्रों को पढने में व्यतीत कर लेता हूँ| कभी कभी आश्चर्य होता है की साहित्य की इन बेजोड़ रचनाओ का भविष्य क्या होगा जब इस अंग्रेज़ पीढ़ी के बच्चे बड़े होगे जिन्हें की हमारी भाषा और संस्कृति के बारे मैं पता ही नहीं होगा, लेकिन मुझे दुःख नहीं होता अपितु इस नौजवान पीढ़ी पर दया आती है की ये पीढ़ी कुछ महान रचनाओ से वंचित रह जाएगी|

Another Poem from Dushyant Kumar

I have just finished with the last blog, and suddenly I saw this poem from him and couldn't resist to put it on the blog--

Is nadi ki dhaar me thandi hawa aati to hai,
naav jarjar hi sahi lahro se takrati to hai,

Ek chingaari kahi se dhoond laayo dosto,
Is diye me tel se bheegi huyi baati to hai,

Ek khandahar ke hriday si,ek jungli phool si,
Aadmi ki peer gungi hi sahi gaati to hai,

Ek chadar saanjh ne sare shehar par dal di,
Is andhere ki sadak us bhor tak jaati to hai,

Banjar maidan mein leti hui nadi,
Patharon ki ot mein ja ja ke batiyati to hai,

Dukh nahi koi ab uplabdhiyon ke naam par,
Kuch ho na ho aakash si chati to hai.

-By Dushyant Kumar

The other side of coin...

Before posting the link, I must say that what Naxals have done yesterday (killing 83 CRPF Jawans) was absolutely not accepted and should pay for that, at the same time I am not a big fan of Arundathi Roy. But, this whols Naxal story has other side too... and looking at such a detailed account I have to believe that if not all then some part of it is definitely true, and which is very disappointing. Its a shame of the whole country and the government that this kind of things are happening and people who are responsible for this are sitting in some position at center or state. Its a big article, but do take some time to read it... its a worth read.

http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264738-0

In the end in words of Dushyant Kumar-

हो गई है पीर पर्वत-सी पिघलनी चाहिए,

इस हिमालय से कोई गंगा निकलनी चाहिए।

आज यह दीवार, परदों की तरह हिलने लगी,
शर्त लेकिन थी कि ये बुनियाद हिलनी चाहिए।

हर सड़क पर, हर गली में, हर नगर, हर गाँव में,
हाथ लहराते हुए हर लाश चलनी चाहिए।

सिर्फ हंगामा खड़ा करना मेरा मकसद नहीं,
सारी कोशिश है कि ये सूरत बदलनी चाहिए।

मेरे सीने में नहीं तो तेरे सीने में सही,
हो कहीं भी आग, लेकिन आग जलनी चाहिए।

till next time... Ciao!

A Phone Call

This morning, I was doing my regular stuff at VIT. Suddenly my phone rang with some unknown number...
"Good Morning"
"Good Morning, may I speak to Mr. Anoop Jain... I am calling from ***** Communications"
"Yes, this is Anoop. How can I help you?"
"I have seen your profile on one of the job protals, as you are working in the hardware design and development so we have a good job offer for you in our company"
"O.K., can you send me the job description on my email mentioned on the same portal"
"Sure, I will send it to you. May I know what is your current location and where are you working now?"
"I am currently in Vellore and working as Assistant Professor in VIT University"
"Oh, so you are in academics?"
"Yes, Sir I am!"
"I am really sorry Sir, I have mistakenly called you. We can not offer this position to you"
"OK, not a problem. But may I know why?"
"(silence...)"
"Sir you there..."
"Yes...we are looking for professionals..."
"...and not looking for those who prepare these professionals?"
"(silence...).... its not like that sir"
"...anyways, thanks for your time... "

.... I don't know how and when this mentality will change... but this needs to be changed.

a new avenue

First of all thanks to Harshil for this title "a new avenue", so, finally I am here at Vellore and starting a new career as Asst. Professor at VIT University. I am confident, but still have lot of questions about this career. I still wonder that this noble field is still considered 'untouchable' among students here in India. May be they like A/C offices and money involved in the corporate lifestyle. But, looking at the newly selected batch of faculty members here, I am sure that good time is coming in the field of education in India. As for me, I am just following my dream, as Priyanka told some time back "not everybody gets second chance". So, I am all set to enjoy my "second chance".

I wonder sometimes that how much adventure we have in this field, right now I am just having a chat with one of the new joinee with me along with writing this blog. She worked eight years in a University in Chennai, and there they have rule that you can not teach same subject in conseuctive semester, WOW... means lot of new things to learn and expend the circle of knowledge which is really good for someone beginning his career in this field.

Looking at the University and meeting some of the wonderful minds of the country gives me a great satisfaction and proud feeling, I just can't wait for some foreign Universities to come and revolutionalize and revitalize this field in India!

My house hunt is still on, and once I get the place to live I will start to look around and search some of the hidden natural treasures in this part of country... 

till next time... Ciao!  

The Open Field

"Sometimes it hell getting to haven", I heard this about a year back watching a wrestling show. If my memory serves me right, I wrote about it that time. Today, this line came across my mind while thinking about last three months.

It has been long, tiring and difficult journey. I had multiple goals to achieve, and all of them were very crucial with respect to my future and the way I like to see my life. I never liked the word 'compromise', but now I have learnt that for rest of my life I have to live with it. I was like a wild hawk who like to measure distances with my own flight, but who ever thought that this hawk will lose the wings so soon. But, I have no regrets and no complain I have done my best and I will do my best on the road to recovery. I will not be 100% of what I used to be, but seems like it not the end, it is more like a beginning to explore new dimensions in the life. May be I just need some time to figure out and find out that what is my second love, because I had never thought about it before. So, it is time of some introspection and then again start my journey towards the excellence.

Life is an open field now, and I may choose any path in front of me. But, looking at past and my inherent nature I will probably love to make a new path myself.

-Thoughts from a wandering mind

Yesterday Once More

This is the generation of Rock music and Hard Metal, and I am one of them who follow this form of music religiously. But, some time you are not in mood to listen the 'heavy' music and at one such moment about two years back I started searching some old school stuff. The result was incredible and more than my expectation.

I started with listening to Smokies, Chirs Nroman was just amazing those days leading Smokies to name and fame. As I started exploring, it was really hard to believe that how such a wonderful music can be forgotten or lost. The list goes on with The Carpenters, Eagles, Scorpions and many more such groups. More I listen more I am involved with them, whether its small account of Yesterday Once More (Carpenters) or the extreme emotions with Lay Back in the Arms of Someone (Smokies). Each and every song has something to offer with its uniqueness and simplicity. How can one forgot Hotel California (Eagles) or Wind of Change (Scorpions). Well, after listening to these songs on youtube, the next thing in my to-do list to purchase some of these musical gems to keep them with me all the time.

Now looking at some other untouched music, especially by Indian audience is American Country Music. There are a lot of small music bands there, and believe me they carries a whole new dimension in the world of music. They may not me huge hits around the globe like their pop and rock counterparts but they are no less in quality. I started listening to this form of music during my road trip to Cumberland Island in Georgia, while playing around different radio stations while passing through states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia. Just roam around the Nashville- the music capital of America and listen to the singers on road side, you will not believe that you may never want to leave that place due to mixed effect of atmosphere of Somkie Mountains and the Country Music… its like drinking 200 yrs old wine. You might want to check some of numbers by Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, Julianne Hough, Keith Urban, etc. The use of the basic instruments like Guitar, Harmonica, Banjo, and Mandolin will take you to another level of musical satisfaction.