Reflections....

Somewhere up among the stars

2010-11-20T00:09:00.003+05:30

Wrote a new song, I wish to compose a tune for this one, working on it with a friend of mine. Meanwhile, your comments please..

Somewhere up among the stars,
I wish I could be seen.
Somewhere up among the stars,
I have never been!

Its been a while since I flew,
I never thought I'd be stuck here.
Stuck here with your memory in me,
I am in fear, oh I miss you dear.

You said I am not the one for you,
Didn't you mean to say I am?
I know you want me to be there,
Where you can see me always night and day.

But things can change so fast,
I had it in control but I lost it now.
Do you really feel am wrong?
Hell ya I am, but I am sorry and how!

I couldn't reach there, oh God,
Just take me to the heaven above,
For that's where she wants me to be,
That's where are the stars so wow.

Somewhere up among the stars,
I wish I could be seen.
Somewhere up among the stars,
I have never been!

Somewhere up among the stars,
Atleast you will see me.
Somewhere up there,
You'll look for me and thee.

Somewhere up among the stars,
I want to be!!
Yes,
Only you & me!!

Those kids I tell ya !!

2010-11-18T23:49:00.000+05:30

It was one of those cheerful days in office. Everything went perfectly well, no issues, no escalations, it was like one of those perfect days in office where everything goes as planned. Nothing at all that could really pass off as strange or out of place. I have always wished for such days. All this until I realised, one idiot had other plans.

In a fit of rage, I left office early that day. I just couldn't stand him and my blood was literally boiling from inside. What does he think of himself? All abuses, hatred, aah damn, what business he has in spoiling my mood? I was walking at the train station all dejected and absolutely disgusted of whatever had happened. Correction, I was not just walking, but storming along.

Thud, I bumped into a young kid in school uniform, obviously from school. Heck, this God damn city has so many people, can't I even bloody walk in peace without having to dodge people, or more like specs, there are so many of them!! I stared at him with anger and moved on, while still looking behind and Bang, there I go again. This time a bunch of them, same uniform, same school. Back Off!!

I stormed ahead, without the slightest of regrets of having hurt one of them, if at all I did. I reached where I had to, and the freaking train had not yet arrived. I was panting, and sweating like a pig. I stood there, not far away from those bunch of school kids. I noticed, they all were smiling and chatting. Should be about me, I assumed, what better thing to laugh about for them than a stupid lean man crashing into them on a busy Monday evening at a train station?

I noticed the train was no where in sight, I got a bit curious to know what those kids are talking and laughing about, which forced me to go close to them. I was still fuming, and irritated to the highest level of tolerance. As soon as I got there, I got the rudest shock of my life. I just stood there is shock, my eyes glued to those kids. They were all mute.

What on earth is wrong with me? I am getting mad at a bunch of school going kids, who can't speak, talk in sign language, and seem to be poor. Look at them, they are so helpless and yet so happy, they are having fun here, enjoying every bit of what life has to offer. And here I am, with much better facilities than them, and still complaining about every single thing. Work, boss, love, friends, money, time, study, marks, and what not. Everything gives stress, everything is so not easy for me. There is so much struggle. And look at them, they have twice as many problems than me, but yet smiling as if to suggest they have all the blessings in life.

That day taught me a very good lesson. Blessings are with everyone, its just a matter of realising you have it all, and making the most of what you have. These kids are mute, they don't have the most basic thing and yet they have so much in life. They have a beautiful smile, a big heart, a selfless attitude and most of all indestructible determination. Hats off!!

My heart melted, and I kept staring at them, as all my hatred and anger and whatever that had happened, had vanished from me. These bunch of kids have so much energy in them, so much positive energy, that the world around them changes for good. They have the power to change the world around them. They just did that, its proof enough.

I went back happy, happy to have come across little angels. The best thing that anyone can do is bring a smile to someone's face, whether knowingly or unknowingly. Life is all about being happy, and making others happy.

Those kids I tell ya!! :)

What to write?

2010-08-18T21:49:00.002+05:30

It's been ages since I last wrote something here. Did you notice, I started this blog way back in January 2008? Yes indeed, more than 2.5 years back. And, did you notice this is my 21st post? Which means I write approximately 0.7 posts every month. Not even 1 complete post a month, that’s bad!

Ahem, for all logical reasons, the above analysis is crap! But then, I've been doing some crap things these days in life, so things are justified here.

Just before I started writing this, I asked myself, what to write about? I gave it a serious thought, but then I didn't get a convincing answer. Hell yeah, as always. Let me give you an excerpt of that gruelling little period of question and answer session that ran within my small but ambitious brain -

So you want to update your blog today after so long, why?
Because I've not written anything for ages and that I have so much running in my mind and so much happening in life to write about.

Hmm, so what is happening in life? And what is running in your mind?
You asking as if you've been a stranger to me all these days. You know it all, I know.

Ah yes, I know it all. And I know that it's been nothing short of a roller-coaster. But then tell me one thing, what exactly do you want to write about?
Hmm, let me see. May be, my office and work life. Oh no let that be, coz this blog is not going to be private. How about the Friendship Day experience? It was strange, really strange and someone has even suggested me to write on that. Oh and how can I forget my latest new possession? One thing is for sure, if I write about that, it'll hit the headlines. Or you think I should write about that bad, or rather worst ever, break-up or whatever that was? Nah, that is just too bitter an experience to post on a blog. I'd rather park it within me and sport a rise smile as if to suggest things are fine. It's damn difficult, I must say. But then, I've got used to it. Used to the difficulty that is. But nwys, I don't want to write on that one. How about writing on the unforgettable and maddening verbal assault at home by parents for being as careless as a kid and loosing expensive gadgets? Phew, that was some thing man! I cannot imagine my bloody self, how can I keep loosing stuff? It gives all the more reasons for my mom-dad to oppose any big new thing I intend to purchase. And rightly so, because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ah, hoping to not lose anything else. Have anyways lost my usual self! Ahem, I guess I should write about her. Her? Oh yeah, that one, yes. Or may be no. No, not now, let’s give it some time. Ok how about writing another poem? Or maybe I’ll make a quick list of all the quotes I’ve written. Yeah that would be great, besides there is this latest new trend of people writing their own quotes on facebook as updates. I love doing that. But then, there are so many that I have written at so many different places, where do I get all those from? Aah, damn, am confused.

Err, ok cut it, let me know not ask you any further. Write whatever you feel like.
Well, ok.

I left it at that, no more questions, I said to myself. But then, I seriously want to write something nice. What should I write?

Hell man, just another day passes by where I decide to write something, ponder over the topic for hours together, and ultimately it just ends up being written in my mind. The blog remains deserted.

Damn!!

Missing Myself!

2010-03-02T01:29:00.000+05:30

Worry takes over,
When I feel something’s missing.

It’s a feeling so weird,
And a feeling full of dullness,
Almost like a nightmare
I had always feared.

Today I am smiling,
But tomorrow I frown,
Alas, it’s the curse of the self destructing brain cell
That makes me feel brown.

When you ask me what is wrong
I have no answer, no reason to say.
And as funny as it may sound,
I don’t know myself, the problem or the way.

They say life is short, make the most
But then, I don’t fear for the most, coz,
I still fight for the least.
And that’s where the fear shows.

I cry within,
I cry for my being.
Surely, a break I desire, for,
The path in front is crumbled and falling.

Am alone in here,
Life is such a nasty thing.
Am afraid, I got to do something soon, for,
It's not just another mood swing!

My random thoughts,
Are taking over my randomness for sure
Am feeling a bit weird,
Coz, I miss myself, and there seems to be no cure!

Why do we have to fight?

2010-03-02T00:33:00.005+05:30

I just wrote this to ease of some tensions within our college working committee so that we sort out differences and work as a team towards making our annual event Pratyaksha '10 a grand success -

When they created it,
They were concerned.

Worried for whether it will sustain
Still they did it, and they did it right
For, it was passion and not worry that was their might.

Why then do we have to fight?

While some don’t know the purpose,
Some don’t care to know the reason.
Still we work as a team,
We do it for them, for us, for all good times, fun and seasons.

Remember your first day in college?
You were all smiles,
Gradually though…why do I see grief?
Why do I see anger? Why do I see distance in miles?

Am sure it was not intentional,
Am sure somewhere, someone is sorry for it all.
But why keep it in you and keep it boiling through?

If you run away, you have taken a convenient way out.
You still win, we might still win too.
But we don’t care to see the loss.
We lose a friend; we lose a way of life.
Take your pick, don’t think, for it’s easier to decide than a toss.

It may not be the passion; it may not be the worry,
That may drive you to come.
Think about the drop of sweat, the pain that they take in teaching us.
Think about the strain, the anxiety in them to lock the rooms when we leave.
Think about the rusty fans, and the age old chairs, they are waiting for us.
Think of that boss, who makes you work like hell whole day.
And still you look forward to evening and that Room No 12 at the corner.

What is it that brings this day?
What made us so futile and frail?
It is the larger interest of the college that we work,
And much larger is the interest of the self and much larger is the perk.

Hoping to see renewed energy in the days to come,
A heartfelt sorry may be the solution for some.
Don’t think that ‘sorry’ is a word for the weak,
For, saying sorry shows how strong a man can be in times of problems thick!

Still nothing is lost,
And nothing does it cost.
So lets do it, and do it right.
Be it passion, worry, or simply fun as your might.

And remember, we don’t have to fight!

- Milind Gandhi
(So-called Event Head)

Pratyaksha '10

2010-03-02T00:29:00.003+05:30

Poem I wrote on Pratyaksha '10 - The JBIMS Annual Event!

Starting from the blues of Monday
and the twists of Tuesday
with the wild Wednesday
and the thrills of Thursday
along with the fun of Friday
and the serenity of Saturday
comes the superlative Sunday!

A Sunday full of life,
is just the ideal one you need.
A day to planet earth,
Is a day of good deed!

After struggling through the week,
you look forward to unwind.
A day with friends and fun,
Certainly, a day worth all the grind!

Come to Pratyaksha ‘10,
For you shall never forget this day.
Come and enjoy, for, we promise,
It’s not going to be just any other Sunday!

Pratyaksha ‘10
Go Green!

I have a Dream...

2010-02-20T02:55:00.001+05:30

I have a dream...

To be at ease with all that I have,
To fly high with my feet on the ground,
To be happy and still brave to rave,
To be a fanatic and still remain sound.

I want to be famous,
I want to be rich,
Though not too much to let enemies amass,
Not too much to be afraid of the ditch.

I feel I should be home,
When I feel I should be away.
Lord, help me, for
I live two worlds each day.

To dream is to wish,
To live is to accept.
I dream a life, I live another,
Am caught, I must say, and it’s so apt.

Each one of us is the same,
Each one of us is sane,
But still we regret to dream,
And still in sorrow we remain.

It’s not easy to face,
It’s not easy to dare,
Nor to remain calm and share,
But then, who says life is fair?

I have a dream...
Though worth a penny,
I have a dream...
Rather, dreams too many.

- Milind Gandhi

On a writing spree..

2010-01-12T00:24:00.002+05:30

There was a time when I used to actually think and ponder on what to write about in my blog. But things have changed, and changed for the good. Strangely, I have suddenly developed a flair for writing. I now have 3 distinct ideas in my mind which I am surely going to pen down soon. Two of them infact are already in the process of being written.

I wish to get these published in any newspaper or magazine. Its now my dream to write a book and this experience of writing articles will surely help me along. One thing that keeps me going is the appreciation that I have already received from some of my close buddies for my previous blog posts. They feel I have good writing skills. But I do not think so. I think I need to add a little more variety to my vocabulary which I am afraid am not very good at. If you notice, I have never used any heavy words in any of my posts. Same goes with my articles, which I fear will mark them down when compared to the work of other more accomplished writers.

All said and done, the bottom line is that I will not let this flair in me get bogged down, come what may. I am working towards my dream and am confident of improving with every new article and blogs to come. Will surely share my articles soon.. but not in this blog.

A new blogger id for my articles is coming soon.. Till then, adios! Happy reading to you, and happy writing to me. :)

Touching Lives..

2010-01-02T23:59:00.004+05:30

Back with a difference! Yes, am certainly back to the blogosphere after a long break. Back and how. Feels great to put some pressure on the usually snoring dead brain cells and come up with something exciting to write about.

This time round though, its coming straight from the heart than from the mind. Its about life.. touching life!

I feel so proud to be associated with Touching Lives. I think it is one of the only very genuine NGOs around in the city that really, in the true sense, makes a difference. I don't know if my words would make sense but when I went to the slum area today for the first time, what I heard and saw was truly amazing. Small children came running towards Sonia (Founder of Touching Lives) calling her Sonia didi, and that to me is what is meant my making a difference.

Merely donating some cash, or sponsoring a child's education does not really mean you are touching a life. It is those little things like spending quality time, teaching, playing with the kids that really counts. It is an amazing feeling to see small children run towards you in sheer excitement just because you are taking them out to play in a garden. It is fun to see the innocent and cute smile on their faces when they look at your camera lens. It is truly blissful to see the amazing display of creativity and freshness in their paintings.

Feels really great to join this wonderful team of young people led by Sonia. I think it a great mix of youth and experience, energy and passion on display which will go a long long way.

So, how often have you touched life? For me, I just started today and now there's no looking back.

Exhilerating Disgust!

2009-06-06T03:00:00.018+05:30

Five hours of sleep, Morning through afternoon full of caffeine, Evening of rush and leaving office in a hurry.. and a night full of exciting highs & forgetable lows!

That describes my topsy-turvy day leading to this very moment when I write this. My laptop clock shows a time of 03:17 AM and am writing for the very first time from somewhere away from home. Am in college currently preparing for our event coming up on Sunday. My day was super hectic today.. and is going to be more so in the couple of days to come. We are organising a Farewell Event for the TY students named Sayonara '09.

Confused? Well, this was what I wrote and saved in draft, of what was supposed to be my next exciting post here. It was written in the early hours on Saturday, 6th June and I was to continue writing once my event was over. Sadly though, it was my last attempt at writing on the blog from my Dell Lappie. It's gone now.

It was an eventful weekend. We had so little time on our hands before our event and so much to do. Om, Ajay, Prashant, Tushar & me decided to stay overnight in college Friday night since there was a lot to do. Besides working hard for the initial few hours of the night, what I encountered for the rest of the night was nothing short of a thriller.

Ajay & Prashant, who went to hunt for food at about 1 AM in Fort area, came back limping & with torn pants. They had tripped off the bike and bruised their legs and elbows badly. It was an accident! While Om did the first aid and applied Dettol on the bruises, me and another friend zoomed off to get Soframyacine and get some food along since we all were really starving. We had to go all the way to Bombay Hospital to get the medicines and on our way back stopped by BadeMiya's for some rolls.

Prashant & Tushar left soon after while Om, Ajay & me decided to stay on. Ajay was preparing the video which was to be given to each of the TY students as a momento,Om & me were busy on our lappies, playing! With no mood to sit and cut thermocol pieces & paint, we spent a rather philosophical Friday night in college discussing about each others strengths & weaknesses, and about how life was and is. It was pleasing to really get to know some of my college buddies, who are very close friends now.

Anyway, as D-Day was approaching, we all got quite busy preparing for the event. Since I was the so-called Event head that day, though I don't think I did anything at all, I was kept busy with a lot of decoration, printing, event flow discussion and stuff. Saturday whole day went in crafting the decorations. McVeggies, Golden glitters, fevicol, water paints, coke, drinking water, all scattered amidst people working! It was a great mix of energy & passion on display. With no sense of time & oneself, everyone contributed selflessly to the event, atleast the making of the event.. It was truly dramatic.

The same bunch of guys who stayed back Friday night decided to stay back Saturday night as well! If only I would have shown such dedication in studies, I can only imagine where I would be. Saturday night was all work little fun. We were tired, dead sleepy but still managed to hang on till about 4 odd when we realised, we had to rest for a while.

Come D-day, and I reach college at 1.30 PM and guess what I am clearly late! Most of the guys are already there and with just 5 hours to go for the event to begin, it was panic situation. I gave my laptop to guys who were burning the CDs to be given away as momento and started focusing on getting the decor in place. Besides also quickly briefed Prasad & Prachi, who were the hosts, the event flow and various games. Neha helped a lot! Unlike her size, she has some serious passion & energy towards such events. Hats off!

Soon, the audi was ready. Having just arrived from Ajay's office with some prints, we were all set to go. Everything seemed to fall in place suddenly and it was time for it to all begin.

People slowly started trickling in. The response was clearly not up to our expectations. Nevertheless, the fact that it was the last day in college for most of them, it was a memorable evening for those who turned up. The video made it all the more memorable. We did a pretty decent job I felt gauging through the reaction of the audience. Although I realised, I have a lot to improve on when it comes to Event handling, it was a truly enriching experience for me. And I strive to do much better, come the next event.

The photo session was exciting. All the guys, including me, were dying to click a snap with the 'white & brown stripped girl' ;-). And why not? She was cute. Having done with all the post event nonsense, it was time to pack up and leave. I was in a mood to head straight to Leopold and enjoy the next couple of hours in celebration of the event. We were all ready to pack up and leave and that's when Disaster struck!

I got everything but the most valuable thing, my laptop! It was missing. I laughed it out initially, thinking it was a prank by someone but soon realised I am in for an forgettable incident! It was actually missing. A big, bulky, black Dell Inspiron went missing. Someone flicked it!

I was stunned. Couldn't speak a word. Everyone went berserk searching for it, right from the Audi to Room No 12 to the second floor but in vain. I failed to digest how a laptop could go missing from the college when all of whom present were us students! It's so freaking hard to believe it could be flicked from college premises. I somehow gathered courage to admit the fact that it was missing and headed home with fear and dejection in mind.

It was not my fault, was it? Or was I really careless? I didn't know then.. I still don't. Can't describe the level of fear in my mind while I was heading home. I was so scared of my parents' reaction that I just couldn't talk it out to them that night.. nor the next morning before leaving for work.. I just couldn't say it. Had to call my brother and tell him the entire episode. My bro in turn called my parents, and what followed what something I last experienced almost a decade ago when I had failed in my maths prelim paper in VII class.

I had to face the music. I guess I deserved it, in a way. I certainly should have been careful. I should have atleast known where my laptop was last being used. Anyway, all said and done, I must say all my friends that night helped a lot in trying to find my laptop. So much so that we all are in the process of drafting and sending a letter to the Director urging him to increase the security standards in college. Anyone, just about anyone, can enter the college premises without any hesitation. It just goes to show the sorry state of security.

What followed that dreadful weekend was a series of visits to the college & police station and major pondering on whether a police complaint should be lodged for the case. Turns out, it is very essential to lodge a complaint to be on the safer side and I will surely need to do one and quickly.

It was that dreadful weekend that really opened my eyes. 9 days from then, here I sit today and write my story of failure and a sense of disgust. I almost get that 'fighting a lost battle' kind of a feeling now. Again, just when things seem to fall in place, another episode of outright dejection in life. I fear, what's next?

Really, life can't be so harsh, can it?

Will I ever get to live life my way?

Wish me Luck!

2009-05-31T00:27:00.005+05:30

I have always thought there are two kinds of people in the world. One who are always happy no matter what. These types find something to ride home about in all that they do. Yo! that's the way to go. Then there are people who always remain sad. They find sorrow in almost everything they do.

You know by now where do I fit. Why is it that always when I just think I am getting back to normalcy, something happens and I get back to being the bloody idiot that I am. It's almost become a way of life now. Not that I am not doing anything to get over it all, but then my mind is now used it, I guess. It's used to all the crap, sorrow and waste in life.

I am sure everyone goes through this phase in life where nothing seem to go as planned. Guess what, in my case this phase now seems to be such a long one that I do not remember the last time I did not have so many things to ponder about in my mind. I mean, I do not remember when was I tension-free. Is it that I really have a lot to think about which makes me feel out of place? Or is it because of the recent history of being a freaking pessimist that makes me further get into the ruckus? It's like quicksand, you get to it by mistake, and you are taken in with little chance of you coming out anytime soon.

It's really so bad that, I having cleared an AMFI Mutual Funds Advisors certification, something I was wanting for long now, does not really bring that real smile on my face. Even if it did, it was just for a brief moment. I really wanted to enjoy the day after I left the exam hall with my result in my hand. I was happy and wanted to spend the day out enjoying. And guess what happens?

I am sure in everyone's life there are those good friends whose company is always welcomed. While he/she may not be the special one, still being with them and spending time often makes your day. I was of the same opinion that day when I met my good friend after the exam but then... I don't know. It's difficult to explain. It's like, anytime that I am really honest, I make people uncomfortable. That's how it is. I hate to say but with my attitude, I end up ruining someone's else mood. Even though that person is trying to cheer me up by asking to meet-up for desert in the night. I so wanted to go, but then it never happened. Why? I ended up being so freaking sad and irritating that my friend finally had to get rid of me in a way. Good thing was, my friend atleast managed to have a good time after I left. I really hope so.

I really did not want to do this. Why would I ever want to spoil my friends mood when they infact want to cheer me up? That's how it has become and I don't know what to do about it now. Someway somewhere, it was because of the nice slow music playing that started it all. Those kind of songs always take me in some other world where I am with all special people, there is love, freedom, content, happiness and life is so much better. And just then reality strikes.

People say not to be sad because it’s over but to smile and think about good things that happened. But how can you do that when just thinking of the good times makes you feel sad because you realize what you’re missing?

I suppose I'm just perhaps a bit too honest. I'm putting off going to sleep, because I know when I wake up I'll have to go through the same things, but it's another day...

One more day of keeping my mouth shut and being a good little boy.

One more day of working my ass off.

One more God damn day...

One more day of making people uncomfortable with my sadness even though I try to be quiet...

One more day where I can't feel like I can relate to anyone around me...

One more day where I feel miserable in life...

and one more day where I have to hear that I am just too sad.

Wish me luck!

Music..

2009-05-11T14:56:00.007+05:30

During troubled times, I've always craved for good music. It helps me relax and stay calm. So be it this time as well. I've been listening to some nice slow numbers, just the types I love the most. Though the occasional sad ones always spring up in my mind. It's funny actually I don't understand why when people are sad they listen to sad songs as if being sad itself was not enough! This is the case with me too. I end up listening to some of the sad ones and all those magic moments come up in my mind, when I used to be.. umm.. well, whatever I used to be earler.

Anyways, such is life! Can't help but go with flow, can I?

Besides, I came across this interesting song from the movie Rann, you might have heard about it by now. The song has already come under the scanner, though I like it somehow. Here goes the lyrics -

Kinda lonely..

2009-05-09T23:25:00.001+05:30

I really wish people would 'talk' to me sometimes. Most of the time, people just walk past me and only see what's on the outside. I have always heard from people that talking to someone and saying it all out sometimes makes you feel better. It gives you that funny feeling of content, even though you know at the back of your mind that what is to happen, is to happen.

Coming back, I really wish I get to spill it all out to someone. Someone who doesn't mind it at all and willingly listens to me. I have some good friends to talk to, but then, I don't know. I don't get that 'yes-you-are-the-right-person' feeling with any of them. Besides, someone whom I really want to talk to, seems to be absolutely dis-interested in talking. Will I ever get to talk to someone? Hell, I feel kinda lonely today.

I generally talk to quite a few number of people daily. But that's about it. I do my work, I talk to people to get my work done, people talk to me and get their work done. That's about it. There are the occassional cricket, college, exam, picnic talks but then, am I really in the scheme of things? No.

How life has changed. Whatever happened to the boy I used to be? I was once fun loving, carefree and full of life. But now I look out upon the world and see nothing. To me the world is empty, full of waste. It's so strange, I travel in the Local trains everyday and there are so many people around me. Hell lot of people, so many people to talk to. I have so many friends in office, college, school... and still I find myself lonely. Alone sitting & waiting for things to happen.

I wonder, will this ever change? Or rather I should ask, why and how did this happen at the first place? I never thought I would end up writing this blog. It hurts me when I see close friends going far away from me. But who is to be blamed? It's not those close friends I guess, it's me. Yeah, don't know why but it's me.

I think I know what went wrong. I think I also know what do I need to do to get over this all. But that's about it, I just know it. Am not doing it. Rather, it just doesn't happen. And what's more, things start getting worse. It's 12.45 AM currently. I should be studying at this time for my ongoing exams and not blogging on how lonely I feel in life today. But guess that's how it works, you know. It's a vicious circle.

One thing is for sure. Though I am feeling sad today, there is always a silver lining somewhere. Am looking for that small little glimmer of hope. Hope things get better, sooner. And once it happens, that feeling will be really delightful. After all, How do you know what happiness is if you have never been sad?

Anyone listening?

A new beginning!

2009-04-16T00:31:00.001+05:30

Well, I haven't written anything for a loooooong time. Every time I log in, I keep wondering what made me not write for so long. So just for starters, let me post this. At least I wont be discouraged by looking at the date of my last post, as it happened for all these months (7 months, 13 days to be precise)!

Keep watching this space, Lotssss more to come.. :-)

Train Pals.. !

2008-09-02T22:51:00.000+05:30

Train travel can be very boring. Specially when you have to travel for close to 2.5 hrs every day and given that you don't have company while in the train, its a real struggle. One thing you can do to kill time is read, but heck, am not the one who can read after a tiring day at work and later college. Its an even worse thing to do than sitting idle. Same is the case with me, I travel from Malad to Churchgate and back and more often than not, I am alone and reading is the last thing I'll do given my situation at the time of the day.

But it was different yesterday. I took the 8.38 PM Borivali slow from Churchgate. Generally I take a fast, but yesterday it was too crowded with no place to sit. As soon as I stepped in and having digested the fact that it was a slow, I though this would be the most boring hour of journey back home with nothing to do and no one to talk to. Until 4 well dressed gentlemen came in and sat at the porch in front of me, 1 of them sat besides me. Three of them were, I assume, newly married guys somewhere around 25-30, and the one sitting besides me was an elderly guy probably in the mid 40's.

As soon as they entered the compartment talking to each other, I realised they all were Gujju's and discussing Stock Markets (no price for guessing here, its so obviuos, any well dressed Gujju with a diary and a business magazine/newspaper boarding a Borivali local from Churchgate almost always has to be associated with the Stock Market) I was spot on!

All of them were either Manager, Reserarch Head, Director of a Broking House. The one sitting besides me (I remember his name but somehow I feel I shouldn't disclose) was the Treasurer of Associated Capsules Group a Finance and Consulting firm based at Nariman Point. I sneaked into his business card while he was shuffling something in the bag. The gentleman sitting opposite me was carrying two copies of the latest edition of Outlook Money. One of his curious colleague asked the reason for the same. His pal, sitting besides him, instantly answered saying he is a proud man today. His article has been published in the magazine as he passed the copy to the person sitting besides me. I was amazed.

I couldn't read the article entirely, but I noticed the byline. He was the Head, Institutional Sales, SBICap Securities. I couldn't believe for a second I was sitting in the company of big people, the Treasurer besides me, the Head of Institutional Sales in front of me. Slowly but surely, I started getting interested in what they were talking about. Without making any eye contact, I continued to closely listen to them since I am very much interested in these topics.

They were talking about certain scrips which would do well in the future, RPL, Suzlon being a few. They spoke about everything from the way ahead for the market, some funds doing great, some of the sectors they were tracking and the like. Towards the end they were discussing about launcing a new mutual fund! Yes, they were talking about the admistration part of it and what problems could they face in the future and stuff like that.

What really amazed me was the fact that inspite of being such highly qualified people, they were so polite and good natured in the way they interacted. Ofcourse they knew each other very well, but the way they were discussing and putting their point across was really heartening to hear. Their discussion kept me interested throughout and without really making them concious, I kept listening to them. I did not speak a word simply because I felt they would feel awkward to talk to someone they dont know and mind you they were talking some real dope regarding the Stock Market and being experts in what they do, I would assume they would get it right!

All in all, it was a very good and enriching experience. It was also very inspiring since I always wanted to get into something related to the Stock Markets and Analysis and Research of the same. I hope I get capable enough to step into their role one day in the future. Who knows, someday down the line, I could inspire someone the same way!

3 mistakes of my life.. !!

2008-08-18T12:17:00.000+05:30

I am not really fond of books and reading and stuff. But I’ve always been a fan of Chetan Bhagat and his novels. I had read his Five Point Someone and One night @ a Call Center and really liked them. As soon as his third book, 3 Mistakes of my life was launched, I wanted to really get my hands on it.

I did not really get the time to read it as soon as it was launched. One day I reached early to college and had some time to kill, so I just went to the nearby Oxford Bookstore and bought the book. It’s priced at a really cheap Rs 95 only.

There are very few books that I have read which had me engrossed into it completely. Whenever I used the read it, I lost track of the time. Initially, I only read it while traveling in the train. I travel for atleast 2 – 2.5 hrs every day (only train travel) from Malad to Churchgate and back. I used to finish close to around 25 – 30 pages everyday. I was slow mainly because, I enjoyed reading it and wanted it to last for as long as it could. However, with time, my curiosity increased.

Now, I also started reading it at home after dinner while on my bed. I read it till my eyes turned watery and when it was time to sleep. Somehow, the entire plot kept running in my mind throughout the day. Even while I am not reading, I kept thinking about Govind, Omi, Ish, Ali, Vidya. All the characters kept haunting me throughout. I kept wondering what would happen next, forming my own version of the book.

I started relating the entire story to that of mine, not that it matched, but I was wondering what would have I have done next if I were in Govind’s shoes. What if I did this? Should I also start my own business which I have been long wanting to do? A Cricket Shop? Tutions? All these thoughts kept running in my mind.

Till finally, when I finished the book. Yesterday, I stay awake till 1.30 AM just so that I finish the book. The climax was so well written, it kept me interested throughout. Somehow, I thought the ending could have been a little different. In the sense, it was a very sad and unfortunate ending. But anyways, I am no one to really suggest anything to Chetan Bhagat. He is the best, a master in writing. He writes in such an easy and simple language, anyone can understand.

There it is, my little tribute to Mr Chetan Bhagat. Thought I’ll write something on him and the fantastic book. Its a must read for all. Am already waiting for his next. Oh and btw, I finshed the book in 7 days flat! :-)

Long time.. !!

2008-08-04T23:17:00.000+05:30

Its been so long since I updated my blog. Last I posted was on Feb 24, a good 5 months back. On my way back home today, I just thought I'll write something today. Do not really have anything to write on.. let me just start.. may be it'll lead me somewhere.. ;-)

These 5 months have been crazy.. in every aspect. Umm.. ok got it.. Let me just list down some of the major things that happened over the past 5 months (not necessarily in order, just what comes to my mind first) -

Finally, pursuing MBA
Yes, I got through JBIMS Part Time MBA course. After a good 2 yrs of attempt, I finally got through the college any one would dream of getting into. So what if its a Part Time course, once I am out of college, I'll have a good 5 yrs of work-ex along with a MBA degree from JBIMS with Finance as specialization. Wow, my CV is going to be rocking 2 years from now. The faculty here is amazing, and the overall quality of knowledge is excellent. Phew, but must mention the travelling takes a toll.

Pehla Vilayti safar;-)
Thanks to my bro who is settled in Singapore, I went for my first trip abroad with family. It was fun.. a very good break from the hectic schedule here in Mumbai. We first landed at Changi Airport, Singapore and the very next day took another flight and headed to Bangkok, Thailand. Spent around 4 days there and came back to SGP. Spent a good 4-5 days at my bro's place then headed to Malaysia for a small 2 day trip. The entire trip was truly memorable. Took a lot of pics, but sadly not many with me in them coz I was the official photographer. But nwy must say, SGP has impressed me a lot. Its such a well planned city. Really amazing. Another precious moment for me was the sight of the Petronas Twin Towers in the night. Trust me it looks gorgeous when lit. Absoultely stunning. I would say its a must see once in a lifetime moment for anyone.

Farewell to my mentor
Very few people have I come across in life who have a tremendous influencing power. Harish is one of them. He was my manager for a good year until he got promoted further and moved on to lead another team. It was a real setback not only for me but also for the other members of my team since it was really difficult to digest that he would be leaving the team. The kind of leadership he displayed was really inspiring. Some months down the line came the shocking news about him leaving the organisation. Everyone in the department including me were stunned to learn that and why not! It was a great loss, not only to the business, but also to each individual. As for me, I was his biggest fan! Will never forget all those days when we used to organise events, stay back late, pani puri at 5.30 AM while we were working nights, appraisal discussions, parties and what not. And yes, how can I forget his sweet gesture, that of giving a gift to everyone who worked under him. I got a cool Ford car model and even special was the letter he wrote for me which will always be with me wherever I go. Thanks Harish for everything! You'll always be my greatest inspiration ever. And yaa, dont be surprised if I take your place somewhere in the future ;-)

CCD & me
What has not changed in these 5 months is my regular visit to CCD, with someone special :-), who got even more special with time :-) :-) The frequency has definitely gone down due to my college, but it still continues! Btw, a new coffee joint at Orlem is giving tough competition. Though, I am sure CCD will be back with a bang, since I heard its getting a facelift.

The Secret
How can I forget the secret. My friend recommended watching this movie for a long time but he would always fail to get the movie because of some pen drive issues. But nwys, co-incidently my college professor showed us the movie. And now I recommend this movie to all my friends. Its a must watch. I'll not disclose anything about the secret, but frankly, it has the power to change your life. I have started implementing it, with great difficulty initially, but it sure works. It works wonders.

My stupid, cute little mind :p
Hehe, sorry for the wierd heading. But its true, a lot of things going on in my mind these days. A lot more than what did 5 months back, which is why I am writing about it. Money, Family, Studies, Love, Hate, Friends, Fights, Irritation, Frustration, Happiness, Bliss, Enjoyment, Peace, Holiday, Luxury, Job, Cellphone, Music, Movies, Life,.. and what not.. the list is endless. All these keep running in my mind.

Phew, not sure if I covered everything. But this is all I can think of at this moment. Some great moments, some not so great ones. While a lot of good had happened over the lsat 5 months, some regrets as well. All in all, Life was a roller coaster, as it always is and will be.

ROCK ON!!

Cricket for Crores.. !!

2008-02-25T00:25:00.000+05:30

I had read somewhere - "Money is like a sixth sense, and you cant make use of the other five without it". Its really amazing what money can do to you. The other day, I was watching the IPL auctions live on the news channels and was really amazed at how much the corporates are willing to spend on each player. The owners of the teams (Yes, teams are no longer according to the place where their players belong. They are owned!) sat and strategically decided upon the team composition they wish to have and thereby started bidding for cricketers.

Wow, Now cricketers were on sale. Literally. A total of 70-80 odd players were bought by 8-10 different teams owned by the elite class of people from India including SRK, Mukesh Ambani, Vijay Mallya and the like. Anything between 1 to 6 crores were spent on a single player with the highest getting 6 crore rupees going to our very own MSD. As always a lot of controversy followed with regards to whether cricketers deserved the price they were bought for. Certainly, MSD who does not have a great technique seems to be overpriced (much like the Rel Power IPO) when compared to Ponting (sold for just 1.5 crores).

All this apart, I feel all international players would now be quite in a fix since the IPL tournament clashes with much of their other commitments. Frankly, I wont be surprised if the IPL gets a place in the official ICC calender soon. I mean, with the BCCI (richest sports body of the World) which is even richer than the ICC, there is no doubt whatsoever. What worries me is the fact when cricketers get carried away with money, they really dont seem to serve their primary purpose, which is playing for their country.

Anyways, for a common man and a cricket fan like me, its going to be pure entertainment. Just imagine the fun at Brabourne when Sachin belts Shoaib for a towering six, and when the entire stadium erupts! Wow, am waiting for the calender to come out. Just hope all matches at Mumbai are on weekends.. ;-)

A lot can happen over coffee.. !!

2008-02-15T19:07:00.001+05:30

CCD has always been my favorite coffee joint. So much so that I actually thought of writing this. Well, Bombay has always been known for its cafe culture and the youth frequenting the coffee shops for all sorts of reasons. It has really picked up off late with a lot of cafes opening up at every nook and corner of the city, well almost. Malad Link Road itself has 4 CCD's and 3 Barista's. Just imagine within a stretch of 2 Kms from Inorbit Mall to Evershine Nagar, a total of 7 cafes and apart from that a host of other restaurants and freak out joints.

Anyway, I visit CCD absolutely every weekend. Yes, as shocking as it may seem, it has to be atleast 2-4 times in a week. Almost every Saturday & Sunday you'll find me there. Apart from that once in a while on weekdays as well. And to top it all sometimes twice in a single day, of course, at two different joints. I know you would be now wondering why on earth does this guy go there so frequently? Well, to be frank, I don't know. Needless to say, I am completely addicted to coffee which is why most of my orders at CCD comprise of a Cappuccino and for a change sometimes a Chocolate Pastry to go with it.

Sometimes I feel I would have benefited the most if CCD had a Loyalty Program or something like that. In fact, that is an idea I am in someway going to pass on to the Marketing Personnel at CCD. Its not a bad idea actually, its a win win situation both ways. CCD benefits with more customers, and people like me will always welcome this move.

Its really is a great place to just de-stress, relax, chill out with friends. Most of them come in as part of a group of friends probably to just chat over coffee, a lot of two chair tables will be booked for a couple on a date, some prefer coming alone with their ipod playing in their ears and a sutta to go with the coffee, very rarely have I seen people coming with their family and off lately I've even seen business meetings between corporates while sipping coffee with some number crunching on their laptops. As for me, keep guessing which category do I belong to... ;-)

MNS Shit.. !!

2008-02-08T04:40:00.000+05:30

I never imagined something like this would occur in the so called biggest metropolitan city - Bombay. Never imagined because of just a few group of shitty people, the image of Bombay would be questioned. Bombay was and will always be my favourite city with the never say die spirit and the so called 'the city never sleeps' tag. And actually, I stand by it.

Seriously, the whole MNS fiasco is crazy. How can they differentiate people by the state they belong to? How can someone be called a UP'ite or someone from Bihar or Jharkhand when they all are from one country? It irritates me, aren't all states in one single country - India. Why are we not Indians first and then from different states? These guys have brains of the size of peanuts I feel.

I just happened to see the video of them brutally beating up the cabbies and rickshaw walas randomly just because they were bhaiyaas. Just imagine the same happening to you when you go to some other 'state'. Actually I hope these MNS guys get the same treatment when they visit UP or Bihar. I mean, I seriously hope this doesn't get aggreviated into a major tiff among states, but I feel just arresting them wont help. Their thoughts should be arrested, and killed forever.

I really hope this episode ends and there is peace everywhere. Anyway, Bombay is Bombay... !! ;-)

Night Life.. !!

2008-02-03T16:07:00.000+05:30

Nopes, am not talking about the Night Life of Bombay (sounds better than Mumbai), which is quite interesting actually. I am referring to my night life. I work in the night shift at an MNC bank. I remember when I was offered this profile, I was really excited since I pretty much liked the job but I was split in two minds whether to accept the night shift and work for a good process or continue working in the day timings but not for an interesting process.

I eventually ended up accepting the new job and thought I would get over the night shift thingy since we had a lot of people working nights anyways. I was supposed to work from 6.30 PM to 3.30 AM officially. I have always liked the idea of going to work earlier than usual and kindof finishing most of the work that can be done asap and just casually enjoy the rest of the day and leave on time (I still do that).

Initially, it was different. Since I was on training, I had to go according to the schedule prepared by my trainers and approved by my TL. I ususally used to go on time go to sleep as soon as I get home (5 mins from my office) :-) and get up by around 10-11 AM the next day. I should admit that was my honeymoon period (ask any of my colleagues about it) in office. I had not been given much of a responsibility yet in the team so was enjoying my training.

Gradually, months passed by and we had a majot transition in the team when out TL moved on the another team and even further some months later another senior member of the team was moved to another process. That left me as one of the most experienced members of the team with which came a lot of responsibility which in turn meant long working hours. That is when I realised, damn! this was not a piece of cake. I am not denying the fact that I am the only one working overtime in the office, a lot of people worked for even longer hours. But I was quick to realise that the difference lied not in the work, but in something else.

Soon I realised the reason behind my constant headache, tremendous increase in coffee intake, loss of weight, weariness, and the like was the awkward working hours (now I felt it was awkward). My style of working was now suddenly a nightmare. Come early to work, go home really late, or I should say early in the morning the next day. Soon, I was called the night watchman.. quite a funny name actually.

And it still continues, it'll probably be somewhere around 2.30 AM by the time I finish writing this blog. After this I have another host of things to do by the time I am done for the day and at the end of it all again reach home early in the morning. Trust me it is not funny to share the lift with the newspaper vendor or the milkman everyday in the morning after a tiring day's work.

Quite depressing as this article may seem, its not really a sad story. Afterall, not everything comes on a platter in life. I am sure this experience is going to make me tough, as a person. I am never going to forget these days(read: nights) ever. Looking at it from a wider perspective, this is going to help me immensly in the long years to come in my career. Hope my managers read it.. ;-)

SRK and his Big Bucks.. !!

2008-01-12T23:30:00.000+05:30

Well, please don't be of the impression that I am a big SRK fan because I am NOT. Just decided to put down my thoughts when I read about the shocking news (to me) a couple of days back which said 'SRK pays Rs 27 crore as advance tax'. Isn't that really hair raising stuff. A man pays Rs 27 crore only as advance tax. Just imagine his income. On further reading the article I was even more shocked when it said his earnings could be somewhere around Rs 150 crore for the year 2007. Wow! I'll be fortunate to own such a huge amount ever in my life.

Then I was left wondering how and where would he spend it (if at all he needs to). Rs 150 crore, with some math here and there, it comes to roughly around Rs 1 crore every 2 days.. !! Wow again.. I mean somewhere we talk about the management graduates from the IIM's getting amazing pay packages close to around Rs 1-1.5 crore annually, and here we have a man earning the same amount roughly in 2 days. Not that I am comparing SRK to the IIM graduates, but I am just amazed at the huge difference.

Ofcourse, all said and done, ultimately we are talking about someone who has an outstanding fan following throughout the world, someone who can attract a maddening crowd at the London premier of his movie where the next day's Tom Cruise movie premier saw empty cinema hall and above all someone who is given the title of the King of Bollywood.