The DELHI CM's comment

Ref ET Mumbai edition dt 21-12, PG 13. In an interview on her win Mrs Sheila Dikshit seems to convey that Delhi was un-impacted by the Mumbai terror. As a person from the region, and as someone who sees these attacks as that on India and our administrative failure, I am pained. She says she never brought the terror issue up in her public meetings as nobody seemed to be concerned. No maam we are, much more than you and your entire political fraternity. You couldn't talk about Delhi blast becuz, ur administration failed. And didn't talk of Mumbai attack because it happened close to campaign time. This country may be divided in casts and religion, but the common man is still at peace in genl. Many in your fraternity may not like it ofcourse. Hell !!!!

The Indian 2

My dad was transferred from Madras (now called Chennai), to greener pastures called Delhi some decades back in Independent India. Much like Mandy from the book "Indian by Choice", I can't relate too much to Chennai. Not that i hate the place, but I am more at home in the place i've known as home since birth. And whosoever knows where my ancestors came from. Am I a hypocrite when I (now) convinently feel that as long as you retain your roots and are pround of it, its ok to prosper at a place other than the place of birth?

The Indian.

Hmmm. This graphic novel 'Indian by Choice', a first of kinds I think, is amazingly done. Reminds you of little things about India, and the sons and daughters who've made home on foreign soil. Completely loved Neelabh's art and Amit's story. Well done guys. I've read a few graphic novels or comics or the likes, this one that Toinka picked seems the best. Thank u 2 wifey. PS: isbn 978-81-8328-140-9 www.wisdomtreeindia.com

My faux pas for the day

I had setup an alarm for me to wake up and get ready for the exam at six. The alarm on my phone can be turned off on weekends. I forgot to uncheck that option. Thanks to the bio clock and the routine of getting up for Ita most of the days, I woke up on time. :-D

Turns 1

ok. She is celebrating her first happy birthday, and here I am preparing for an exam tonorrow morning. Hmm both being imp, time management kicks in. Happy Birthday Ita.

She Walked

It was fun to watch Ita walk all by herself for the first time last night. Yay. Her walk seemed to be faster than PT Usha's run.

Ridiculous

Mr. Narayan Rane publically complains that he has been overlooked when Mr. Chavan is chosen to be CM Maharashtra. And he is expelled, says Govt didn't do this and Ministers were aiding the terrorists of Mumbai 26-11 attacks, of financial Irregularities of the former CM and what not. He also claims he can topple the new govt. Why is he complaining now? He says he has never been interested in any post. What does he mean?. . Why wasn't he complaining when he had a chance to be a CM?....As Obelix would probably say, these Politicians are crazy. And I add have no conscience.

Helpless!!

Been following the terror story, feel helpless. As citizens we could only have been watchful. Better intel could have help prevent. As Shobha De said last night 'politicians stay out'. I'll add don't waste the taxes u collect from us for these oppurtunist kinds. Use it for us. Wish I could do something as well to fight terror. Hats off to the NSG, Mumbai police, fire service, and the rest for their bravado and guts in this battle.

Appeal for peace

Another face of terror in Mumbai. Hasn't the world had enough. Killing, and putting innocent few to gunpoint. Very sad, that terror shows its face time and again. We proably need a change of mindset. Stop disrespecting others lives. Stop running after money. Terrorists don't have any religion, language, or colour. I maybe be nobody, but am concerned and hurt. Hope the mindless attacks Stop.

Marriage etc.

A few of my friends and I were chatting on marriage. Same gender, Hetro ones too. The core revolved around how the association brings huge changes to the life of both partners. I dare say the 'better half' does the most of it, but the other half does some too. The ratio depends on the couple. Two individuals, two minds, two perspectives, different upbringing, different thought process, and differences would be there. Give and take and life could be smooth. I'm not suggesting undue compromises on one part, but joint adjustments. The adjustments should be not be seen as a sign of meekness. Most imp. Spend quality time between the parttners and have fun. Thoughts?

Uma returns. . . . .

Uma returns to cinemas. Thanx to Lambu n Rinks.She watched GOLMAAL Retuns. Nice fun with only 18 people in the hall and Ankita deciding to walk up n down the stairs, and crawl on the floor. Hmmm.

Yipee Yay Yipee Yay

This month probably shall also go down as the month of "Good news". Never have I heard so many in quick succession......
21/x/08 (in chronological order)
News 1> Meera and Kiran announce a date for their wedding
News 2 > India posts its biggest win over Aussies at Mohali test
News 3 > Alka delivers a baby girl

22/x/08
News 1> Kavita delivers a baby boy
News 2> India succesfully launches its Moon bound unmanned space vehicle , Chandrayan-1

Happy festive season...

Suddenly I remembered

This month shall probably go down as the month of connecting with old friends
My classmate from grade 4 traced me on orkut, I gave him my number and he called. It was so good just connecting. He is coming down to Delhi (from the US) in Nov. We are going to meet the folks he is touch with and the folks I'm in touch with.... Yipeee
Another classmate of mine from Aptech traced me on orkut... she is now in Noida and has agreed to come down some day / meet
Inspired I traced my closest friend and a few others at School again on Orkut....
Jai Orkut...

What do I write about?

I was never good at reading
I was never good at writing
I was never good at doing the same thing again and again
I was never good at waiting beyond 5 mins of agreed time
I was never good with being struck at the same place (changed 5 jobs in 8 years)
I was never good to the guitar lessons ( I learnt just 3 when in 8th grade and haven't gone any yet)
I was never good at communication (I keep telling Toinka I'm an Introvert baba)
I was never good with history
I was never good at remembering conversations (who said what)
I was never good at remembering the star cast or the dialogues of any movie
I was never good at memorizing the songs [ i sing my own lyrics and do it well ;-) ]
I was never good at taking household decisions on my own (it had to be the other elders in the family)
I was never good at being possessive
I was never good at shopping
I was nevr good at bossing around
And
I think I never will be....
BUT
I still hugely love some 3-4 ladies on my life
I still love to be myself
I still love to do different things
I still love to do the same task differently
I still love my work and profession
I still love my parents and family
I still miss my friends
I still don't know what to blog about regularly ..........

She makes our lives wonderful

This gorgeous little thing is our lovely daughter Ankita. These recent before-after (head shave) pictures give away her naughty gleam in the eyes.

A bundle of energy that she is keeps us running around the household, whenever we are home. Darn I hate to travel > 3 hrs to work and miss all the action at home... But I'm so far loving the job as well.....

Her Fav chew food
- trash cans
- footwear
- anything she can lay hands on

Her Fav. sport.
- crawling fast from the room to balcony and back
- standing up on the edge of ( furniture) like a bed/chair letting go of the hold

Her best smile
- usually most of the times but best when she wakes up or sees Toinks

She occupies
- 3/4 of our bed
- 2/3rds of our wardrobe
- almost 100% of our attention

She hates
- to see us leave for office
- to put on clothes

Nazar na lagge

Thank You God

Corregidor Islands - The devastations of WWII

"Mr Peacelover", that was the title I was accorded at my 12th standard farewell a few years back. My recent trip to Corregidor Islands, a few kms west of Manila, Philippines makes me think the title was deserved. I wasn't around in my current incarnation during any of the WorldWars but am sure that If I had been around, such mass destruction would have pained me more.

I like history, forts and monuments of the era bygone, So we (a colleague of mine and I) started out for Corregidor Island from Quezon City around 6:30 am, took a 90 minute ferry to reach the Island. The island is a beautiful piece of land, green and so full of history. It partially blocks the Manila bay and still holds significance for entry into Manila via sea. I did no research before heading for there and thought it had some Spanish/American/Filipino fort etc. I had no inkling of the carnage it would have seen more few decades ago.

The brief on WWII history in Philippines. During WWII the Philippines was under a state of Partial Self-government under U.S. supervision. US of A had a sizable presence on the islands and that was detrimental to the Japanese scheme of things during the WWII. The Japanese launched an offensive on Dec 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbour, Philippines, Malaysia etc to counter the US build-up

As part of this attack, the Imperial Japanese forces bombed the barracks, military installations on the Corregidor Island where the Filippino-American army was holding fort under the command of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. The bombed ruin of the barracks, officers mess, a theatre, a 1000 bed Hospital (inside the Manilta Tunnel) are the silent witness from the time of the war. Before leaving for Australia under US presidential orders , MacArthur said to this army "I Shall Return". And that he did, 3 years later launching a surprise attack close to the lighthouse on the island. The Island was reclaimed after a short battle. This marked an important chapter in the freedom of the Filipinos from the Japanese. Philippines was formally declared independent in 1946.

Though the Japanese Army was defeated but they did not surrender, they set-off explosives in the lateral tunnels of the Main one and perished. The tunnel is shaped like a fishbone (see pic). The destruction caused by the innermost lateral tunnels have not been removed till date and thus the Island has a story of being haunted

I was immensely moved by the sheer size of destruction during the WW at a localized point. And then there are current wars against killing of innocents. I couldn't quite see and appreciate any Heroism (save for struggle for independence) on warring sides during the war... could just see devastation.

In honor of every soldier who died and never returned, my head bows in silence.

Some pictures of the trip to the island and more..

Let there be no war
Pl let there be no war
Lets live and let others live in a truly Free world.

Halo-Halo at Bar-One

Had been to Quezon/Manila in the Philippines over the last couple of weeks, the city does offer some challenge the vegetarian way of life. But I survived on bread, fresh fuits, "Bollywood" food and cuppa noodles.

Bar-One at The Holiday Inn, Quezon City become the place for me and some other bunch-a-people to hang about, meeting new people, joking around, sing songs out aloud, talking about what not, and having a couple of drinks and playing pool table. It was a United Nations of sorts....Indian, American, French settled in India, Australian settled in Philippines, half a score of Koreans on tour, Argentinian, Filipinos and God knows who all... We had fun.

I had a penchant for asking the most ridiculous drinks - aka mocktails, juices, iced-teas and what not at the "Bar-One". And the staff was always up to it. The Halo-Halo takes the award though.

It is a very popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice, milk, and sugar, to which is added various sweet beans and fruits, and generally served cold in a tall glass.
The bar typically doesn't stock such ingredients and so they got some for me and our friends from the ... How very thoughtful.

It was also amazing to have such a preparation at a bar at peak business hours :-D

Love those folks... they made me stay fun. More about it soon ( I hope)

Shubh Mahurat

, . ! @
Ingredients of Masala sentence.


What else were u expecting me to blog on day 1.