Chitradurga - Dad's long standing wish

Ever since my Father underwent the brain surgery in 2011, he wanted to visit Chitradurga. He relates that to the stories and novels he has read. The day was 22nd December 2012 and thanks to my friend Sridhar for joining us and driving us in his Swift.

ಸಿಡಿಲಿಗು ಜಗ್ಗದ ಉಕ್ಕಿನ ಕೋಟೆ 

The mark above was the small impact left by Hyder Ali's cannons when they made a futile attempt to enter the fort. This is the main entrance to the fort.

ಓದುವುದರಲ್ಲಿ ಮಗ್ನವಾಗಿದ್ದ ನನ್ನ ತಂದೆ 

We hired a guide named Channabasappa who took us back in time - The HISTORY!
The fort in itself is on seven circles or what they call ಏಳು ಸುತ್ತಿನ ಕೋಟೆ. The snake in the picture below represents the way the fort was built and it was next to impossible to attack the fort.

ಏಳು ಸುತ್ತಿನ ಕೋಟೆ 

The name Chitradurga was arrived because of the many resemblances to animals and things. In the picture below you can see a ship, a rabbit and the face of an elephant.

ಮೊಲ, ಆನೆ, ಹಡಗು 

The legendary Obavvana kindi can be seen in the picture below through which Hyder Ali's army tried entering the fort again and how the brave lady saved the fort by killing the soldiers with a pounding log.

ಒಬ್ಬವನ ಕಿಂಡಿ 

ಅಣ್ಣ, ಶ್ರೀಧರ್ ಹಾಗು ನಾನು 

We visited Chandravalli after the fort and the cave was amazing. On our way back we visited Sri Rajendra mutt.

Camel ride with Pinti

March 11th 2010...

A fun filled day for me and Pinti. I was back from work and there was this man on the road with his Camel. 

I took Pinti on a ride and earned a ride for me as well!!!

The joy on his face simply cannot be described in words - it's an experience and you have to be a part of it know how it feels like :)

A Remembrance - Belgaum & the Fairfield Atlas

Introduction : As usual one day of my week end goes in cleaning the first floor and today the 20^th October 2008 when I was cleaning the attic, I found the railway carton box in which I had two diaries… Running through the pages I found this piece which was titled

 

“A Remembrance “written on 5^th May 2003.I realize that in writing and the vocabulary I have come a long way. This extract has been typed word to word from my diary with thoughts added that I thought were missing.

Walking through the lovely streets of Belgaum today, I remember those days of the year 2001 when my hardships knew no bounds.Myself, Guruprasad, Sajid Khan and Anil Kumar waking up at 6am and starting off to Fairfield Atlas for reconditioning and commissioning of machine tools. Thanks to Mr. Krishna Murthy for giving an opportunity to expertise in the field of maintenance.

Everyday used to be hard and every evening colorful and joy.

I remember the way we had stripped open all the parts of the machine, examining each and every part, washing the parts in diesel patiently and setting all the parts in sequence for further assembly.

Our food at the Company premises used to be horrible-most of the grams what the Hotel manager used to cook, himself did not know the names. The name of the hotel was ‘Ravikiran’.

Many a times for dismantling seized and rusted parts we used a 100mm Diameter * 2000mm diameter long rod as a hammer. The shock of the hammering too had become pleasant to us. After hammering with it I was unable to even lift a glass of water once…Nerves on my hand taken a toll.

On one occasion we mounted anti-vibration pads to machines weighing 8-10 tons with a fork lift of 2.5 tons capacity. The amount of manpower involved and the risk we took when imagined today not only surprises me but also shocks to a great extent One false move and our hands would have been crushed under the 10 ton load of the machine.

When we were scraping the table of Cincinnati Grinder, myself and Guru Prasad had lifted the table nearly 400-500 kg.God knows how we got that strength. Whenever it came to the matter of moving machines, lifting machines and heavy physical work, we were all ahead. 

There was no staying back because we all enjoyed the job and day after day passed making us experts in the field. Dismantling and assembly of critical parts with or without the drawing was no big problem to us.

We used to have a jolly environment at the work spot and our boss. Mr.KK was a gentleman. He never interfered in the job nor even questioned us when we sat joking and chatting in our work spot. He had great respect for the MECHANIC.

As days passed by, our moves became more professional and our analysis was just too good. We were all equally skilled but Khan Bhai was more intelligent than the rest because he had worked in Australia for four years. Right from cleaning the floor to picking up the dust, oil and grease, we all shared equal amount of job.

I don’t know whether you may believe it or not, for many days the stain of the grease and oil hadn’t gone from our hands and we were least bothered. Just for name sake we washed our hands before eating.

At this instance how can I forget the taste of New Niyaz and Suruchi which we frequently visited?

I can never forget the dress that I wore during maintenance-a brown 10^th standard pant or MICO’s grey colored one with grey t-shirt or a black t-shirt upon which in later stages I started to wear MICO foreman overcoat.

The company people were really good natured and provided all the necessary tools until KK purchased a tool kit which I personally maintained. From my training days till date I love cleaning tools and arranging them because they fetched my meals.

The machines we commissioned and reconditioned includes Barber-Colman gear shaper, Gear Shaver, Gear Hobbing,CNC Cincinnati Milacron,CNC and Conventional Warner and Swasey,Healde Internal Grinder,Multispindle Drilling Machine,NC Milling Machine,Pneumatic 3 spindle Horizontal Drilling Machine and Cincinnati Universal Grinding Machine.

We learned to live socially-you for me, me for you. At the end of the days works, Oh! No, many day’s night would have set in by the time we returned from our job. On many occasions our work went up to 16hours when we were determined to finish the task taken up in the morning.

Normally we used to return to Ajit lodge(less of a lodge, more it had become our home) fresh up, change the dress and go roaming through the most unforgettable streets of Belgaum-Khade Bazaar, Ganpath Galli, Kirloskar Road, Maruthi Galli and Station road. 

Even though we roamed through the same streets everyday we never felt bored because it would be colorful everyday and we added to the color by joking and singing on the way.

One more reason why I liked Belgaum was the greenery and the people who were very interesting. On the way to the Company the road on either side was cultivation land, a land so green – that sight! My eyes can never forget. The company itself was located with the background of a mountain and in the month of December the mist and the fog filled Mountain View was a pleasant sight. I always wished to stay on the mountain writing my thoughts and poems and I swear if I get an opportunity I would forget all the world.

At later stages we started to visit internet centers-silicon Valley at the end of Gondali Galli and the Cyber Den in front of Hanuman Temple. We used to be the last leaving customers chatting, chatting and chatting. One more entertainment was cards. We played and played but never got bored.

Initially we worked six days a week and Sunday being a holiday Mr.KK would finance for the movies and the dinner at the New Niyaz.All the stress and strain of the six days were relieved on the seventh day. But some days when we did too much of physical work, we would be so tired that with severe body pain we were unable to move across the bed. But all our pain lasted only the night and again by morning we were soldiers fit for war, lions ready for the attack.

How can I forget Bajrang(Baja),Satish(Satya),Mahindra(Gotia) and Chottu Ustad, who were our maintenance rivals but good friends outside the company premises. We used to enjoy the journey in Fairfield Atlas bus. They shared their views with us and spent some evenings with us. After the days hard work we all assembled at Manik’s Hotel (in front of Fairfield Atlas) for a cup of tea and vadapav.

The rain in Belgaum is very interesting with continuous drizzling through out the day with 5-10 minutes gap in between. Even though initially we hated the rain later on we started to enjoy and with our umbrellas on , we roamed the streets.

The Maharastrian girls were very good looking -nose ring, jasmine flower for the hair and some women in the traditional Maharastrian saree-just wonderful. My Heart has skipped a beat many a times n Belgaum.

Well, it’s all a remembrance today but it was that stage of my life as a working youth with full vigor and charm.

Thanks Belgaum, I learnt life’s most crucial lessons here and will never forget one of my most loving places on earth-BELGAUM.

Once again thanks and bye…

05/05/03

00:05 Hrs

The Rappa - Sakleshpur

Let me introduce the Gang - Vish, Ron, PK, Rufi & Vivek

Being together is a passion and hence we plan for an outing as & when one of the gang members ask for it.

It was after much research on the net that I planned for the Rappa and it was so much worth that we revisited this place again.

A place literally at the end of the road and the meaning of rappa in Kannada is a river bank.

The place is located on the back waters of the Gorur Dam and the water never dries here. The cottages are located away from each other and the dining area is made from naturally available resources. All the cottages face the water.

Right in front of all the cottages, in the middle of the river is an island and at the background is the dam. It's love at first sight for lovers of nature.

We jumped into the water with the life jackets and rowed the kayaks till we were tired. The food was delicious.

We took a nap on the island. Oh! forgot to mention that they have three lovely dogs that give the guests good company.

The ruins of an old church half submerged in the water is a kilometer away from this place.

Anyone planning to visit the place as bachelors - its an awesome place to chill out.

Mysore - a mission!

As a child I remember listening to the history of his childhood narrated by my Father. They lived in a colony of brahmin families in Mysore. My grandfather had to run the family of six with his salary. He was working as a cook in a hospital. Everyday was a struggle to make the ends meet. And there were days when the family would live on one meal a day. At a very young age (standard V), my Father was working hard by distributing news papers, selling vegetables and working as a wood cutter. When my elder uncle Venkatesh got a job in BEL, the whole family moved from Mysore to Bangalore. My grandfather was retired by then. In order to escape from hunger, my Father joined the Armed forces. To this day, my Father and his siblings live the memories of their childhood and their connection with Mysore is with blood.

Sometimes the stories of their poverty would make me cry in silence thinking of the hardships they have gone through in life. My Father has struggled to make me what I am today without denying anything that I asked for.

I took it as a challenge to give my Father the happiness of his son owing a property in Mysore - the very place where they struggled for one meal a day.

My Fathers childhood friend Sathyakeerthi who still resides in Mysore had come to our place and I spoke to him about my Challenge. He assured me that he would check and let me know. The very next day he gave me a call telling that their is a Brahmins Welfare Society through which they are providing plots but he cannot guarantee anything on his end. I immediately went to Mysore, met the person in charge of the Society and signed up for the deal. I chose a 60*40 plot and the total was quoted at three lakh rupees.

with Vidya in front of plot# 005 registered in the name of Vishwanath Nataraja

Quarterly I had to deposit fifty thousand rupees. I was working with AOL and my monthly salary was fourteen thousand rupees and the maximum incentive I could earn was seven thousand.
Only on earning the maximum, I could reach twenty one thousand out of which I kept aside seventeen thousand rupees towards the property payment. And in the balance four thousand I had to give some home and manage my expenses as well.

My motivation to work was the property in Mysore and I had to earn the maximum incentive month on month  by being a distinguished performer on all metrics. Unknowingly I was the best at work and that helped me climb up the ladder of success.

I cleared the three lakh rupees and had to wait for another two years for any information on when the property registration would happen. I waited patiently and on faith that I would achieve it. Finally the property was registered with a total payment of five lakh forty thousand rupees. My joys knew no bounds and I had given the best gift to my Father. A piece of land in a place where he had struggled during his childhood.

am Proud of this achievement

I feel proud of my achievement and as my friend Sridhar says "whats the point of dreaming if you dare not chase it".

Welcoming the Jr

I always liked the tradition of celebrating Life! 

What more joy can life give you than a celebration to welcome a new life into the world, our family, to our lives and hearts? Blessed I am to be with the most caring parents, a loving sister, concerned brother in law, lovely nephew and a second mother - my wife! 

My love also goes to all the true relatives and friends who have been a part of this wonderful life.

My baby completed five months in the warmth of its Mothers belly and as is the tradition, we celebrated the occasion through the Srimantha. Friends and Family gathered to shower wishes and blessings for the two of them.

A little research on the tradition: The word Seemantham refers to a parting of the hair just above the eyebrow where the Goddess of Wealth, Sri Mahalakshmi, resides. This leads to the practice of applying kumkum to the parting in order to propitiate the Goddess Sri Lakshmi such that when a woman delivers a child, she is considered the embodiment of the Goddess Lakshmi herself.

From the day of formation in its mother's womb, a child grows in different stages, each with a stipulated time frame. Accordingly, although brain formation takes much earlier, memory cells are said to start activating on the completion of seven months of pregnancy. Thereafter, the unborn child can record sounds and vibrations from its surroundings.

In order to format the brain in an optimal condition, Vedic tradition calls for the recitals of relics and verses known as Udhagasanthi or Uthakashanthi Japam in a soft but powerful mantra recital that lasts for about an hour and a half. On completion of this japam (recitals), the pregnant woman is bathed in cold holy water, without the addition of any warm or hot water. This takes places even as late in the evening whereupon the child in the womb shakes and jerks from the stimulation of the cold water. 

The specific function of japam is to give a solid state of mind in preparation for the child's birth through a positive vibration from the recited Mantras that provides sufficient strength to the child in the womb, and creates an atmosphere conducive to the earthly possessives on his or her birth.

Each Vedic mantra is designed for a specific stimulation, so that its phonetic vibration attains its fullest value. Udhakasanthi Japam gives confidence to the pregnant women and also increases her mental strength, with supportive gathering members blessing the child and mother for a normal delivery. 

^{The essence of the Vedic tradition brings relation to reality and though I don't understand much, I do believe and have faith that a monkey could fly across an ocean.}

Savings for a cause

I found this candy box in Aegis cafeteria at the tea stall very attractive & after a word with James (shop keeper), he gave it to me once the box was empty. I had such a liking to the shape of the box, wanted to put it to good use.

Installed it next to Sai Baba’s idol in my room & whenever I got coins as balance for anything that I purchased, I started dropping it in this box. I think I had this box installed sometime in March 2010 & it was in October 2011 that the box was full with coins & a few notes.

Vidya wanted to count the currency on my Birthday – the 17^th Of October. Dad & Vidya sat down for the task & it took them an hour to count & re-count for confirmation. The total was 2500 INR.

It was as though all our minds were tuned to the same frequency by some unknown force – the three of us wanted to use that money to help someone in need. We decided we will donate that to Harohalli School for the differently able children  & on Children’s day, the 14^th of November, I & Dad attended the children’s day celebration at the school & donated the money for a cause.

I would like to thank my parents who taught me the practical way of “sharing is caring” & my Wife who reciprocates the frequency of my mind. I am happy that a small saving was used for a good cause & promised myself to continue the exercise till as far as I can.

Thai_Malaysia_Singapore

Inspired by Quotations & dreams I have conquered a few of the things which make me proud “that I have lived” & inspire me to strike off all that is there on My Bucket List. 

One such item on the list was to travel to an international destination with my better half – my wife.

The research of the top rated travels ended with SOTC (not sure what the abbreviation is) & the hardest part was easily solved with their list of packages & wasn’t hard at all to freeze on Thai_Malaysia_Singapore – a 10Nights 11Days package. The dates mentioned on the itinerary seemed possible from the work load perspective at office.

Though the visa, tickets & accommodation was handled by SOTC, Vidya had to do pre-shopping for the trip & I was busy with the other logistics – currency, the to-do list & a whole lot of browsing for the pros & cons.

The booking was made & the departure day wasn’t far behind, infact arrived very soon. Hired a citi taxi to reach the Bengalooru International Airport to board the flight to Colombo (Srilanka). First experience to Vidya & she was thrilled with the Journey. A short break in Colombo & then boarded the connecting flight to Bangkok.

Reached Bangkok at 0600 Hrs & ran into a whole load of confusion – our arrival was missed by the SOTC person there. Had to call the contact & then on a self hired taxi reached the All Seasons Hotel. We were greeted by the SOTC tour Manager Adil who was a nice man. Another 2 hours wait in the lobby before we got our room. Hungry by the journey, we headed out to 7/11, that’s a super market where we managed to pick up some bread, jam & biscuits for our breakfast.

Arrived at the 1st Destination

It was 1130 Hrs when we took a shower & were ready to explore Bangkok on our own. It was nice of Adil to have mentioned to us to the different modes of travel to go around the city. And the inland waterways was infact the most convenient because it was a two minutes walk to the jetty. The first of its kind experience to the two of us – standing on the boat with side curtains to avoid the spray of the water. Had we travelled by a taxi, we would have shelled out 250-300 bhats one way from Ramkhameng to Pratunam, but the boat only cost us 32 bhats for the round trip.

Walking across the street of the Platinum Fashion mall we met a good Samaritan who greeted us & mentioned that it was the Lucky Buddha day & we must visit the temple & seek blessings. He even arranged a Tuk-Tuk for only 30 bhats to take us round the temple & then drop us at MBK – one of the biggest shopping malls in Bangkok.

Unconsciously the shopping had begun – I guess that’s the way the color & of the stalls were set up in MBK. Without risking time, we managed to get back to the Hotel & were ready by 1930 Hrs for the dinner. The vehicle was on time & our dinner was at Hotel Ashoka – an Indian restaurant. The food was good. Could we have complained with the least choices available for a vegetarian in Bangkok? I guess not.

Next day started with a long drive to the Safari World. Wonderful layout designed for the wild animals – we felt we were in the cage because the animals & birds were roaming freely. It was a wonderful experience to see the Tiger & the Lion at an arms distance.

Safari World

After watching the wonderful Orangutan, Sea Lion, Dolphin, Star Wars & the Stunt show we drove back to the Hotel. After dinner we explored the street shopping which was a 3 minute walk from the hotel. We walked till the end of the road & forced ourselves back to the hotel. Once at the hotel, it was a drill of rechecking the goods that we had brought till now.

Safari World

Day three was free to do things on our own & what would anyone do in Bangkok – shopping of course. By now we were confident of the little adventure water way route to where we wanted to go. Guess we were a little early for shopping, had to wait relaxing on the roadside watching life till the malls & stalls opened. By 1100 hrs Vidya was into full fledge shopping. One thing you have to remember when shopping in Thailand is – it’s okay if you don’t buy after all the enquiry, as long as you are carrying that smile on your face. Just smile & learn to say “no thanks”. 

Lunch was at a north Indian restaurant & the food was good. After lunch the shopping marathon continued & with hands loaded, we returned to the hotel by the boat. MBK & Indra regent were explored again & again today & I striked off the names of people/kids to whom I wanted to buy something from this trip of ours.  After dinner the hangover continued with a little more shopping on the street side.

Shopping & Tuk-Tuk

The following day was a city tour. Golden Buddha, Reclining Buddha, China Town, Victory Monument, Gems Factory were all covered by afternoon. Since it was only the two of us, it was a chauffeured service drive to Pattaya. We checked into Hotel Beverly Plaza & after lunch, caught a nap. The evening started with a walk into the walking street – one of its kinds in adult entertainment. Neon lights everywhere & it looked like the world had moved into slow motion.

Reclining Buddha

We were ready by 0730 Hrs for the much awaited ride on the sea to the wonderful Coral Island. Enroute we stopped for parasailing & Vidya had the time of her life flying like a bird high up in the sky. Sitting in front of the speed boat was thrilling experience. Coral Island is a beautiful white sand beach with water sports, sun & the long stretch of the beach. Wanted to do something different for lunch & we munched on corn & guava.

Flying high

The ride back was adventurous with the tide rising high. By evening we were ready for the world famous Tiffany’s Show. This is something that you cannot describe in words – you have to watch it, the stage, the colors, the costume – everything comes to life. And Vidya had an opportunity to take a few pics with the characters in the show – wonderful!

Tiffany's

Pattaya takes on a different look by sunset & we enjoyed doing a lot of things for the first time which only reminds me of “when was the last time you did something for the first time” Be there to believe it or you may choose to get lost in the illusion of the lights & noises & the girls inside the show cases.

We bid good bye to Thailand & were on the Malaysian flight by 1015 Hrs. On arrival we checked into Hotel Pearl International. Our room was on the 20^th floor with a splendid view of the city, the amazing Petronas towers & KL towers. Dining hall was located on the fifth floor with a pool & whole lot of video games & snooker. The day went slow & we were in no hurry either. After a stroll at the mall in the hotel, we headed out for dinner & met the family from Chennai who were on their vacation. A nice family who were with us till the end of our vacation (Vishwanath, Hema, Varun & Varsha). We quickly made plans for the day ahead & went back to catch a glimpse of the well lit Petronas Towers & KL Towers. It’s a great feeling being at heights, only to wake up & realize life is short – make haste.

View from the Hotel

After the routine round of American breakfast, we had a photo session by the pool & by 0900 Hrs, we along with our friends hired a taxi & were out to explore to the Batu Caves – the world’s tallest Murugan statue. Amazing lime stone formations & the wonderful caves left us wondering how much more beautiful creations of nature can be explored in this short span of life & the CTC our company offers ;)

Rest of the afternoon was a walk in the hotel mall & eagerly waiting for dinner. Star Bucks Coffee shop was a good way to spend the evening.

Batu Caves

Next day we checked out & were on a city tour visiting Petronas Towers, Lake Gardens, National Monument, National Mosque, Istana Negara & the KL Towers – which gives a 360 degree view of the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur. Though the tour manger took us to the chocolate factory, we did not buy any (had reserved the chocolate shopping to Singapore).

After a wonderful experience at the KL Towers, we reached the foot of Genting Highlands for a memorable cable car drive through the valleys & dense vegetation of the highlands. With the mist & the cool breeze kissing our cheeks, we did not want the drive to end! On arrival we checked into the world’s largest hotel with 6187 rooms – Hotel First World. The indoor & the outdoor games drove us back to childhood & I did not want to miss the opportunity of re-living those lovely memories with the Love of my life – My cute wonderful lovely Wife! How I wish the time froze still, to give me more time to walk through the mist holding hands in hands with her. 

Cable Car - Genting Highlands

Early morning check out & the long drive to Singapore was one of its kinds experience - the stretch covered by palm trees was wonderful. Immigration to Singapore hinted at what to expect in terms of rules. We checked in Hotel Windsor on Mcpherson Road & by evening were ready for the Sentosa Visit. Beautiful manmade paradise with recreation of all kinds. The artificial beach where we spent the evening watching the sunset & walking along the beach. “Songs of the Sea” show mesmerized us with its effect which continued till our room & beyond.

Sentosa Island

Next day was the city tour visiting Swissotel, Parliament, City Hall, Fountain of Fortune & the Merlion. Marina Sands Bay & the Wheel were a delight to see & so was the National Orchid Garden. Though we visited & enjoyed the Gems factory, it was way beyond our budget to shop here. After lunch, we were on our own & we visited the famous Mustafa Center, only to realize Bangalore is the best place for shopping other than Bangkok. That did not stop Vidya from shopping & the trolley was filled after a 3 hour stroll. One last look at the store & we forced ourselves out to relax in the open field outside the center.

Merlion - Singapore

After a heavy dinner & tired with the shopping, walking, seeing & enjoying the vacation to the fullest, we were back in the room packing – now that can be challenging & tedious!

We bid good bye to Singapore & the Changi International Airport was icing on the cake with its botanical garden, Angry Birds, Merlion, line of the Famous brands & of course the Kaveri Vegetarian restaurant. Vidya updated her face book at the free internet kiosk & we boarded the flight to Srilanka.

On arrival at Srilanka, we bid good bye to our newly made friends, last few dollars spent on shopping & the big (as per star bucks it was regular) coffee. 

Changi Airport

Now we were just waiting for the Bangalore bound flight to take off to where we belong J Vidya enjoyed the Hindi movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara on the flight & in no time we were walking to pickup our luggage.

After dealing with the customs for the shopping we had done, we were home in a taxi. My parents were happy to see us safe & listened intently to the wonderful experience that we had brought back from our vacation.

This wonderful vacation check marks another item on my bucket list & inspires me to go for more that life has to offer.

What is Life worth if you haven’t lived chasing your Dreams???

Thanks to all those who made this a memorable vacation !