"GOLDEN NEST"

“Royal Enfield” – thy name roars! Dream History & Reality!

2011-12-15T03:20:00.005+05:30

A post that was long due to my lovely family & friends...

Childhood: I was in primary school & my evenings after completing my homework would be to play marbles with my friends in the small playground opposite to my home. Thanks to the wonderful fields, open country, the cemetery, big open well, chirping birds that surrounded our small little home with strange reptiles that would often pay visit & the silent night that woke up to the cries of the big owl family & the fierce & sharp howling of the nearby stray dogs. I would, every now & then be distracted with my game & studies with the beat of the Bullet of uncle Ramu. I would listen to the beat of the Bullet & the sound would continue to reverberate in my ears. I wondered at the robust machine & at a young age compared Bullet with other bikes. Though my knowledge was limited to the knowledge of the friends around me, whenever I got someone who could tell me about Bullet, I would be all ears paying attention to the details of the description. The sound would last though the Bullet had gone beyond sight.

Thus began my curiosity of the Bullet which, one day I wanted to own.

"Master & the Beast"

Childhood through 17 Yrs age: I remember the conversations with my friends about Royal Enfield and I should say – it was a registered dream. When I was in MICO, I got more exposure on the mechanical aspects of my dream bike & the judgment in the mind & heart was made “Royal Enfield was engineered” while others were manufactured. My dear sister Ramya, friends Sridhar & Naveen would vouch for the passion.

17 through 30: My Father gifted me a Hero Honda CD100ss in 1997 & I rode it for a good 13 years. Though my craving for the thud stayed on, hidden & waiting to take over – Dream is indeed an opportunist & who am I to deny?

Not every hunt ends in a kill: Back in 2003, when I was an Assistant Driver with South Western Railways located at Hubli, I paid several visits to the Bullet garage but fate had it that I could never meet the owner to discuss on buying a second hand Bullet. In 2007, I visited the Royal Enfield showroom in Bangalore, got the quotation & thought I had made it when my Parents succeeded in convincing me that the time has not yet come.

Small Turns: Oh! A wonderful thing happened en-route life – My wedding with Srividya. Though the love story began on my Hero Honda which by now had taken the look of a Nazi with a swastika on the tank & the sides, I had slowly but effectively set the frequency of my love on the one that I have always loved. She would tell me of the glow in my eyes when I spoke of RE & after 6 months into marriage, was crazy as me but being a pillion is what she chose.

Now that I had sold my Hero Honda & everyone convinced or confused, I’m not sure, I had to book my Dream Bike. The plan took a back seat for a while since my cousin flew to Germany on work & I had to keep his bike in the interim.

"Made like a Gun"

Thanks to Google: Productive hours at work went into research, analysis & making up my mind on which one? There was the 350 Standard, Machismo, Thunderbird, Electra, and Classic 350 & 500. If looks could kill it was Classic 350 that did the honors. Moreover, the new classic model inspired by World War II had to inspire me – a war freak! Specification read, re-read & re-read over a hundred times because “you don’t buy a Bull, you own a Bull”

Colour: Though a firm believer in black & white initially chose red as it represented passion, anger & blood. My wallpaper was an elegant picture of the beauty in red.

Beauty in Red

Final verdict of all those who cared: Dad was convinced that I wouldn’t agree for anything lesser than Bullet, Mom tried but failed in convincing me that 1.25 lakh can be better utilized, my wife was happy that it’s happening & so was my dearest sister & brother in law was as excited as me in the classic 350. I knew my nephew Skanda would love the rides on my dream bike.

Booked & the wait that was shocking: After a couple of visits to the Royal Enfield showroom along with Dad & Vidya, on September 18^th 2010 Red Classic 350 was booked. The wait time was a little under 9months was what the showroom mentioned. Did I have a choice? Hell no! I had to wait – I have waited since childhood & I was happy, excited, thrilled, amazed & what not about the bike that I shall OWN.

Majesty!

Change in colour: Red definitely looked stunning but black was evergreen. Having contemplated many times, during the 6^th month of the waiting period changed the colour from Red to Black. May be the book Black Beauty had its impact unknown.

What’s in a number: Though not a believer in Astrology & Numerology, since my last number plate added to the number 9 & the rides were pleasant with no obstacles, I wanted the number to add upto 9 for which I had to pay 3000 rupees more.

Sum to "9"

Co-incidence of events & belief’s: My parents always buy things on a Thursday & so it happened. On Thursday the June 2^nd 2011 my Black Classic 350 was delivered adding to the celebration of my Sister & brother in law’s 6^th year wedding anniversary.

Looking forward to the long joyous rides ahead & the tag line of this blog “Where Dreams meet the conspiracies of Life”

Captain of the Month

2010-06-02T21:54:00.000+05:30

School frens get together

2010-05-30T19:03:00.000+05:30

I have to start by saying - I only wish a lot more had joined this wonderful lunch at Gufha.

Arathi, Mangala, Ranjan, Kashi & Vidya

Spider with it's web - what a symbolic representation of the history that we weave

Mangala Gowri had come down from U.S.A and sent a message to all old timers on Face Book.
We(Mangala,Arathi & Ranjan) met at Jayanagar 4th block on 29th May 2010 and headed out to Gufha on Arathi's recommendation and it was a good 3 hours that we spent together recollecting all the good old pranks and achievements of school days.

As bright as it can get - Memories

Wish to spend more time like this - a walk into the history !

Last of AOL Tech BNG Parties

2010-05-30T18:31:00.001+05:30

This is definitely the last of the parties hosted by AOL Tech BNG.
Date: 27th May 2010
Venue: Barbecue Nation

Tech Leadership with the Blue Monster - Ascend in '10 trophy

Most obvious that the feelings were mixed,disturbed emotions,confused state of mind for most of them while others were on their own trip. The only question I had was what made the difference, was it the company,the client or was it Me... I believe I made the difference to situations that I encountered and shall only get better with time.

We made a good team - PK,RON & VISH

Great journey with great people- memories shall be cherished for long...

Tech BNG bids adieu to AOL Members

2010-05-30T18:16:00.000+05:30

A beautiful journey that was started on July 11th 2002. My entry into this beautiful world was on June 11th 2004. AOL has decided to close business in BNG on 31st May 2010, no regrets but a great learning and many thanks to all those who have guided me in the success story thus far...

Just thought of uploading a video with a slide show of some pictures on you tube & hence this post
BNG Tech bids adieu to AOL Members

TPL Finals

2010-05-30T17:39:00.002+05:30

TPL Semi-Finals

2010-05-17T21:17:00.002+05:30

TPL Week 5 Results

2010-04-30T23:35:00.000+05:30

Matches played - 5, W-3, L-2

If you wish...

2010-04-26T21:25:00.000+05:30

TPL Week 4 Results

2010-04-26T21:12:00.004+05:30

Matches played - 4, W-3, L-1

TPL Week 3 Results

2010-04-19T18:24:00.001+05:30

Matches played - 3, W-2, L-1

TPL Week 2 Results

2010-04-09T14:59:00.000+05:30

Two matches played - W-1, L-1

April 1st 2010 - Tears of Joy

2010-04-08T14:26:00.000+05:30

Two memorable moments for the family on April 1st 2010...

Nataraja.H.V. retires after 31 Years of service in MICO BOSCH & Vishwanath.N gets promoted as Assistant Manager after 5 years & 9 months in AOL AEGIS.

We were all at BOSCH to witness the retirement ceremony of Anna when my boss called me to announce that starting this day I shall take on the role of an Assistant Manager.

Robert Bosch - because of whom we are what we are today

Lions Den - I'm sure he will miss being there

King retires in a Kings attire

His team to whom he was less of a boss, more of a God Father

What His team had to say about Him

After retirement Team which shall always be with Him

Last few words of wisdom by the Leader

Last punch out & smiles of gratitude - back to his second home which now shall be first

Vishwanath son of Nataraja promoted as Assistant Manager

I'm proud of all that He has done for the family - Dedication, Loyalty, Punctuality, Discipline, Prioritization, Time conscious for which I don't need any other examples.

Hats off to the person who won hearts at work, made a difference to thousands of lives and for always being there when in need.

WINNER of 2 gms gold - Vishwanath.N

2010-04-07T11:18:00.000+05:30

On April 3rd 2010, Myself & Vidya along with my parents went to Bhima Jewels to purchase a gold chain for Vidya. Once we were done with that, there was this contest of guess what would be the gold rate tomorrow at Bhima. I chose same as today & on 6th April 2010 morning when I received a call from Bhima telling that I have won 2 grams of gold for the contest - I was surprised & so was my family.

2 grams gold coin

This is the first time that I have won something in a contest like this - Life's good after Srividya's entry to home is all I can say !!!

TPL Week 1 Results

2010-04-05T16:04:00.000+05:30

The Lion Retires from MICO BOSCH

2010-04-02T17:12:00.002+05:30

Shine in '09 WINNERS Q4

2010-03-26T16:20:00.001+05:30

It is indeed a moment of great satisfaction when your hard/smart work pays off.Second site level award won by BNG - Shine in '09 Q4

The bash was held in Lake View Farm, whitefield on 21st Mar 2010 and here's a glimpse of the events of that memorable day.

Started off at 1200 Hrs with a warm welcome and the first activity was playing dumb charades.

CCC's v/s Leadership playing dumb charades

Folks enjoying lunch

Lemon & Spoon Race

Best Moments Captured

Team playing Volley ball

Vish's Chargers - TPL II

2010-03-18T15:44:00.001+05:30

The race never stops and so does excitement on the WINTECH floor. After a round of brain storming and picking lots for the matches to be played, it was decoration time.

I had preserved the banner for Vish's Chargers that was made for Season I. Along with the banner we have a few more things lined up including some merchandise from Deccan Chargers home store.

Proudly hoisted the Banner as in the pic above on my desktop and I'm sure looking forward to some good cricket and engagement from my Team.

Deccan Chargers Rock !!!

Doddamakali Fishing Camp

2010-03-16T01:29:00.012+05:30

A wonderful getaway with wonderful people. Not much complications that arose in planning the Leadership outing to Doddamakali fishing camp on 13th & 14th of Mar 2010.

Praveen did the booking and got us an extra discount of 20% on the bill.

Started off in 4 cars at 0630 Hrs and a delicious breakfast in Ramanna near Yediyur lake. The journey was interesting and short and by 1200 Hrs we were descending down the hill to the base of the camp. The view on both sides were amazing. And the excitement just kept rising with every turn that the vehicle took.

Welcome lemonade which was followed by lunch and then the endless fun that began.

We jumped into the water with the life jackets on and the Trampoline just kept us going with laughter unlimited.Playing volley ball on the sand with never before seen dives was fantastic.

Barbecue by Ron and sandy was the highlight of the evening.

Kedar was experimenting with his Cannon digicam and this was the best portrait that he captured of Sandy.

An awesome outing ,the memories of which shall be cherished for long...

Standing top L-R: Sampath,Anish,Vivek,Kedar,Ronald,Steve
Sitting top row L-R: Lokesh,Shameer,Praveen,Preetham,Thomson,Sandy
Sitting middle row: Titus
Sitting last row L-R: Kuldeepak, Vishwanath

Tech Premier League - Season II

2010-03-12T18:26:00.000+05:30

Background: After a phenomenal success of TPL during March 2009 , Tech leadership decides to launch TPL season II

Fixtures: Six tech teams on the 6.1 floor of Explorer block of ITPL are all set to enter the field with their brigade of players and one can for sure say "More Battle than just a Game"

Objective: Engagement and Competition cannot get better as it's a race for fame and records never before seen in the History of AOL TECH

Launch Date: Official launch on 21st March 2010

Updates: As & when there is enough blood on the ground

Freaky Railway Quarters (17)

2010-03-11T16:50:00.001+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

A gang of five(Parashuram,Nooka Raju,Subba Rao,Seshagiri Rao) at a private house at the start of the journey at Hubli was reduced to two by the end of 12 months. Myself and Seshagiri were left and found it was not worth paying that much of a rent and using our influence got ourselves a railway quarter.

Nothing of special mention on the first few days except the only question by our neighborhoods - how did you like the house? We did not know if they were asking out of concern or curiosity. We hardly lived there. It was a resting place at the head quarters and we cooked seldom. While thus was our lives, we had a new entry called Raju who had got a job in shed in compensation for his father's demise at railways.

We thought it would also act as a security to the worthless utensils that we had in our quarter.As days passed by we encountered a few incidents which were not normal.

One night when myself and Raju were sleeping, in the middle of the night I saw Raju standing in front of me and staring at me. Not sure why ? I stretched my hands and felt Raju sleeping next to me. When I looked back the image had disapperaed.

A few days passed by where myself and Seshagiri did not meet each other. One afternoon when we were having lunch , Seshsagiri started describing the same incident and when I mentioned I too had a similar experience we were stunned.

Then we did a little bit of investigation with the neighborhood and got to know that a woman had commited suicide in the toilet of that quarter and since then whoever came to that place vacated in a very short time.
We did not have that much of patience to shift elsewhere,hence we continued to live on.... Only care that we took was when we were not around we had asked Raju to sleep in the opposite quarter with a friendly family.

This was truly a freaky incident and I should say I loved that experience too...

To Paradise with the Angel of my Life

2010-03-11T15:22:00.003+05:30

What a synchronization of vibes ? What a match of choices ? What co-incidental of minds ?

Wasn't really the easiest of choices when you are planning your honeymoon. We started with the Himalayan Village and then the Maldives, Andaman and Lakshwadeep. Either the place was not of great interest or the commercial complex of the place. Having gone through several websites and trip makers, Vidya asked me to decide on a place where we are to ourselves and a place unforgettable with of course the food at it's best.

After a serious brain storming I decided on Woodway Estate and The Serai in Chikkamagalur and it was worth every cent of it.

Feb 8th 2010: We reached Wood way Estate by afternoon only to realize we were the owners of the estate for another two days. Highly disciplined staff made our stay all the more comfortable. Our accommodation was in a room which had a fireplace and a beautiful view of the estate.It was all frozen moments at the dining table with only the two of us and the silent cool breeze.

Feb 9th 2010: The trek to Bande kallu gudda was the highlight of the day apart from the long walk in the coffee estate and the chit chat with Shreedev & Sushmitha.Wonderful sunset with speedy wind that took us off our feet. A beautiful experience indeed.

Feb 10th 2010: We reached The Serai saying good bye to Wood Way. A warm welcome with a welcome drink and introduction to our villa #17 with a private pool and gazebo. Even though The Serai is located on flat grounds, it has all the luxury and the sight that definetly enchants. Recreation in the billiards room and the cycling activity added more value to togetherness.

Feb 11th 2010: Luxury at it's best with a wonderful soul mate and time that remained frozen were the highlights of the day.

Feb 12th 2010: Departure to home.

The dates shall truly be a testimony of the most memorable moments of OUR LIVES.

With Love,

Vish/Vidya

Squirrel's Act at Home

2010-03-09T18:23:00.000+05:30

The day was 5th March 2010. I left for office at 1100 Hrs. Mom & Vidya were at home. When they were having lunch they heard some noise in the kitchen but ignored.

When Vidya went to serve food she noticed that a squirrel had played with the idols in the Pooja room and was happily sleeping on the Mantapa.

When she tried to wake up the sleeping fellow, he nods and goes back to sleep.

Finally when she took a stick and shook the mantapa is when the squirrel actually ran out.

Next day morning dad suspected it was a rat which had entered the house and when I explained what had happened and it was a squirrel, we had a good laugh about the incident :)

Fun @ Work

2010-03-05T20:34:00.000+05:30

A blog for skanda

2010-02-23T23:52:00.002+05:30

Trust me, it wasn't easy to just create another blog - because this time around I was creating it for my nephew Skanda who is two years old now...

There was a lot of thought that went into it - it's an attempt from my end to capture history in the minutest detail possible. As I grew up my parents,relatives and friends would go in lengths to speak about my childhood, memories of which I dont have.

When ever I heard people speak about the notorious or sometimes the brainy side of me, I only wished they had it all captured in black and white. The fun of reading about oneself or peeping into my Father's dairy would be such an interesting thing that I experienced.

This is just a start Skanda's World and I'm sure with the support from my sister,wife and brother in law I would be making a wonderful biography of my nephew Skanda.

My Father's life & what he practised

2010-02-01T12:19:00.001+05:30

Ways to luxury & happiness - My Father's life & what he practised

Jan 31st 2010: After dinner My father called me & Vidya to give some advice on financial planning.Even though He has not studied economics or read highly priced books on savings & planning the future, the following points are what He wanted us to practice to be happy & independent:-

- Always have an exit plan

- If you earn 100/- , 25/- has to be saved

- Always leave 1000/- in the bank when your salary is credited. At the end of the year 12000/- saved should go as another investment

- Run to the bank if you have to deposit (do not postpone things when it comes to investment)

- Accumulate 75% & then 25% can be taken as loan

- All purchases to be made only at the end of the month

- You take care of money for five years, then the money will take care of you

- Lastly don't sacrifice anything that you dream, plan & achieve it

Thanks Dad

Monday the 18th jan 2010 0947-1010 Hrs

2010-02-01T12:07:00.002+05:30

Sweet! Oh sweet, love of mine
you took away all my pain & disdain,
brought rains from Heaven,
war of the minds come to an end.

Why should I repent of the year's gone?
When I know of the pleasant moments that await.
No more histories & philosophies of the past.
I shall now on speak of Heavenly bliss.

You're family & that's all I know.
WE are ONE is all I believe.
Of love & happiness we shall be
& all the earth below shall smile.

Blessings of elders past & present.
WE say more to LIFE & LIFE STARTS NOW...

24/01/2010
2257 Hrs

ಸುಂದರ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆ - 2009

2010-01-05T00:23:00.013+05:30

2008 - ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆಯ ಸವಿ ನೆನಪು

೨೦೦೮ರಿಂದ ೨೦೦೯ರವರೆಗೆ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಬದಲಾವಣೆಗಳಾದವು. ಇದು ಕನಸೋ ನೆನೆಸೋ ಎಂದು ಯೋಚಿಸುವಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷವೇ ಕಳೆದು ಹೋಗಿತ್ತು. ಗೋವಾದ ಗುಂಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಹಿಂದಿರುಗಿದ ನಾನು ಮತ್ತೆ ನನ್ನದೇ ಆದ ಲೋಕವೊಂದನ್ನು ಹುಟ್ಟು ಹಾಕಿ ಅದರೊಳಗೆ ಹಾಯಾಗಿ ಕಳೆದು ಹೋಗಿದ್ದೆ.

ಒಂದೆಡೆ ಕೆಲಸ ತನ್ನ ಪಾಡಿಗೆ ಉತ್ಸಾಹದಲಿ ಸಾಗುತಿತ್ತು, ಮತ್ತೊಂದೆಡೆ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮದುವೆ ವಿಷಯ ಬಂದಾಗಲೆಲ್ಲಾ ಮನಸ್ತಾಪ, ನನ್ನಿಂದ ಮನೆಯವರೆಲ್ಲರ ಸಂತೋಷವೇ ಹಾರಿ ಹೋಗಿತ್ತು. ಏನೇ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಪಟ್ಟರು ನನ್ನಿಂದ ಸರಿ ಪಡಿಸಲಾಗದ ಪರಿಸರ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉಂಟಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಇದನ್ನು ಬರೆಯಬೇಕೋ ಬೇಡವೋ ಎಂದು ಬಹಳ ಯೋಚಿಸಿ ಕೊನೆಗೆ ಇದು ನಾನು ಬಂದ ಹಾದಿ, ಇದು ಸತ್ಯ, ಈ ಕಹಿ ಘಟನೆಗಳು ಮುಂದೆ ಸಿಹಿಯಾಗಬಹುದೆಂಬ ಕಿಂಚ್ಚಿತು ನಂಬಿಕೆ ಇಲ್ಲದ ನಾನು ಹಾಗು ನನ್ನ ಮನೆಯವರು ೨೦೦೯ರ ಪರಿವರ್ತನೆ ನೋಡಿ ಅಚ್ಚರಿಗೊಂಡೆವು.

ಜನವರಿ ಹೇಗೆ ಕಳೆಯಿತೋ ತಿಳಿಯಲಿಲ್ಲಾ, ಆದರೆ ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೆ ನಾನು ಉಂಗುರುವನ್ನು ಬಿಚ್ಚಿಟ್ಟು ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷವಾಗಿತ್ತು.ಮನಸಿನ ಗೊಂದಲಗಳ ನಡುವೆ ಒಂದೇ ಒಂದು ಸಿಹಿ ನೆನಪೆಂದರೆ ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ Pinti ಯಾ ನಗು- ಅವನಿಗಿಂಥಾ ಆತ್ಮೀಯವಾದ ಬಂಧ ಬೇರೊಂದಿಲ್ಲ. Pinti ಗೆ ಜೈ !

ಸುಮಾರು ಐದು ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ನಾನು AOL ನ ಇನ್ಸ್ಟಂಟ್ ಮೆಸ್ಸೆಂಜರ್ ಬಳಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ , ಆದರೆ ಆಕಸ್ಮಿಕವಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲಿಂದಲೋ ಒಂದು ಬರಹ ಬಂದು ನನಗಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ನನ್ನ ತಂದೆ, ತಾಯಿ ಮತ್ತು ತಂಗಿಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಯೋಚನೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಹಾಗೆ ಮಾಡಿತು. ಆ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಸಾಲಿನಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಗೌರವ,ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಆ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಯ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಯೋಚಿಸುವ ಹಾಗೆ ಮಾಡಿ - ಆಹಾ ಇದ್ದರೆ ಹೀಗೆ ಇರಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಅನಿಸಿತು.

ತಮಾಷೆಯಾಗಿ ಆರಂಭವಾದ ಆ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಧೀರ್ಘವಾಗಿ ಅವಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯನ್ನು ಉಂಟುಮಾಡಿತ್ತು.ಆ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳ ಸುರಿಮಳೆಯನ್ನು ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿ ನಿಶ್ಚಿಂತೆಯಿಂದ ನಾಲ್ಕಾರು ದಿನ ಕಾಲ ಕಳೆದೆ. ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಮ್ಮ ಅಪ್ಪನಿಗೆ ಅವಳ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೇಳಿದೆ - ಅವರ ಸಂತೋಷಕ್ಕೆ ಎಲ್ಲೆಯೇ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲಾ. ನನ್ನ ತಂಗಿ ಭಾವನಿಗೆ ಕೂಡ ತುಂಬಾ ಕುಶಿಯಾಯಿತು. ಅಪ್ಪನ ಆದೇಶದಂತೆ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಮನೆಗೆ ಕರೆತಂದೆ.

ಆ ದಿನ ಎಂದು ಮರೆಯಲಾಗದ ಅನುಭವ, ಧಾರಾಕಾರವಾಗಿ ಸುರಿದು ಬಂದ ಮಳೆ, ಹೇಗಿರುವಳೋ ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಗೆ ಬರುವ ಹುಡುಗಿ ಎಂಬ ಮನೆಯವರ ಕಾತುರ. ನನ್ನ ಹಿಂದೆ ಗಾಡಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಕುಳಿತಿದ್ದ ಅವಳ ಹೃದಯದ ಬಡಿತ ನನಗೆ ಕೇಳಿಸುತಿತ್ತು.ಬಲಗಾಲಿಟ್ಟು ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದ ಅವಳನ್ನು ನೋಡಿದ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಮನೆಯವರೆಲ್ಲಾ ಒಂದೇ ಕ್ಷಣದಲ್ಲೇ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಹರಸಿದರು.

ಅದಾದಮೇಲೆ ಆಗಸ್ಟ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಶ್ಚಿತಾರ್ಥ - ನಂತರ ಸುಂದರ ಪಯಣ.ಇಲ್ಲಿಯವರೆಗೆ ಬರೆದದ್ದು ನನ್ನ ವಯಕ್ತಿಕ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಘಟನೆಗಳು.

ಈ ಮದ್ಯೆ ಕೆಲವು ಕಹಿ ಘಟನೆಗಳು ಕೂಡ ನಡೆದವು.ನಮ್ಮ ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಅತ್ತೆ ಮಾರ್ಚ್ ತಿಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತೀರಿ ಕೊಂಡರು.ಕಿರಣ್ ಭಾವನ ತಂದೆ (ಮಾವ) ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ತೀರಿ ಕೊಂಡರು.

ದೇವರ ದಯೆಯಿಂದ ಮನೆಯವರೆಲ್ಲರ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸುಖ ಸ್ತಿತಿಯಲ್ಲಿತ್ತು. Pinti ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಸುಧಾರಿಸಿದ್ದಾನೆ.

೨೦೦೯ರಲ್ಲಿ ನಾ ಕಂಡ ಊರುಗಳು:
- ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು woodway ಎಸ್ಟೇಟ್
- ಶಿರಡಿ
- ಜೋಗ ಜಲಪಾತ
- ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ
- ಗೋಕರ್ಣ
- ಕೊಡಚಾದ್ರಿಯ ನಿಸರ್ಗಧಾಮ
- ಕಾಕಾ ಬೇ - ಕೊಡಗು

೨೦೧೦ ದೇವರ ಆಶಿರ್ವಾದದಿಂದ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿರಲೆಂದು ಆಶಿಸುತ್ತ ಮತ್ತೆ ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಸುಂದರ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆಯ ವಿಸ್ಮಯ ಲೋಕದ ಹುಡುಕಾಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊರಟಿದ್ದಾನೆ ವಿಶ್ವನಾಥ...

Blazer Day -27th Aug 2009

2009-12-26T00:24:00.001+05:30

Hmmm.... Stephen Ernest our Boss's idea of Blazer for Tech leadership came true on 27th Aug 2009.

John P Henry our client had come down and it was the season of Tech Film Festival - our contest for CCC's.

It was a coder-oi material blazer that we froze on and the tailor came to office to take measurements and it was a prompt delivery.

Blazer Day Album

It was a great feeling wearing the blazer - the day was so bright and colorful.

It was also Nisha's birthday.

The pictures are also a remembrance of the day that may repeat itself with a few new faces added or deleted.

ONAM 2009 -late entry

2009-12-25T22:21:00.002+05:30

Well, this was pending for a long time along with a few others and today the 25th Dec 2009 I had plenty of time to work on my blog & hence this post.

Onam Pics

We had done decoration for diwali and Nisha was quite disappointed that we are not doing any decoration for Onam. My self and Ron joined hands with Nisha & Anish and celebrated Onam in the traditional best we could afford.

With only a few flowers purchased the rest of our decoration was done with the help of plants from ITPL (luckily no one was caught plucking flowers and leaves from ITPL property)

Every time WE do something different it only goes to prove Unity in Diversity :)

Shine in '09 WINNERS

2009-12-25T16:29:00.002+05:30

After a long and strenuous struggle and should I also say slogging - BNG does it for the first time in AOL's history of winning an enterprise level competition.

The year 2009 witnessed some amazing performance from BNG and quarter three Shine in '09 was Won.
A lot of processes which we started back in Feb and Mar payed off with this victory.

Tech party was organized at Unwind Island off Sarjapur ring road on Nov 8th 2009. Ronald and Myself played MC's for the evening. It was a great fun filled evening with VP's and senior management present to reward the CCC's who had won laurels not only to themselves but also for the site.

Songs,Dance and prize distribution for Tech Film Festival (the internal contest) was followed by the inauguration of the new contest - TechAthlon-"The Amazing Race".

A fine dinner and a good get together for techies.Site remained closed from 1730-2230 Hrs.

This shall be a moment in my stay at AOL that cannot be forgotten.

A glimpse of the moment that was captured :)

NisargaDhama-Kodachadri

2009-12-25T15:36:00.021+05:30

Kalyani NisargaDhama Pics

After much internal conversations Our group of cousins decided to head out to Kalyani NisargaDhama in Nittur.

Departure was on 30th Oct 2009 at 2230 Hrs.Arrival at the camp was without any pain with a few exceptions of humps and bumps of the bad roads after Shimoga. We were greeted with a warm smile from the staff who showed us to the cottage.

Without wasting any time we finished our morning routine and were seated at the traditional dining table.Hot Kadubu (Idly made in a leaf) and chutney of onions was a feast indeed.

After breakfast we had our share of childhood fun with the swing and the see-saw.

Manjunath head of NisargaDhama-popularly known as Manjanna caught up with us and helped us plan the day ahead. He's definitely a person that you will like at the first meeting.

It was a wonderful jeep journey to Idlumane falls.Mind you it's only a jeep that can take you there and not any of your fancy cars. It's a small trek to the base of the falls. The falls is in seven steps and people who really want to enjoy the beauty that nature has to offer have to take the pain of walking through the falls - a fifteen minute trek. At the end of which I'm sure unconsciously your mouth shall be opened at the sight that awaits you. Idlumane falls has a height of about 70Ft and it's a bliss to stand at the foot of the falls for the shower of your life.

Idlumane Falls Pics

It was lunch time when we returned to the camp and though not an excellent menu it was good enough to fill our stomach. After a quick nap we headed to Kodachadri in a jeep. This is one trip that would be in your memory for long as it's nothing less than the costliest roller coaster ride that you can pay for.After we reach the peak it's a trek to Sri Shankaracharya peeta which is about twenty minutes. The view of mountains and valleys is just amazing and if you have enough time it's also a beautiful sunset point.

After returning to the camp we had a camp fire around which we played some songs and after dinner it was good night's sleep.

Next day morning it was boating time in Sharavathi back waters which we all enjoyed.From there we headed out to Kollur temple and after darshan on run to Bangalore.

It was a great trip in terms of the journey,the stay,the jeep trip,boating and most importantly very economic.

Shirdi - Sep 2009

2009-09-09T10:33:00.008+05:30

"Sainath in the palakki "

When Sai Baba calls there's no telling NO.This year around it was also time to take along my parents and Nanjundi uncle.

On Sep 04th 2009 Karnataka Express departed on time from Bangalore city railway station and on Sep 5th 2009 we reached as per schedule at Kopargoan at 1430 Hrs.From there by rickshaw to Dwaaravati for accomodation. After a quick shower We went for the Darshan - the Samadhi Mandir darshan is one thing like the Tirupathi darshan that cannot be explained.You have to be there to witness the glory.After dinner myself,Gaurav & Vinod spent some time in Dwarakamai. IT IS PEACE TO BE WITH HIM.

On Sep 6th 2009 we had the bhajan at Khandoba mandir.Followed by the Bhajan was the Procession of Sai Nath to Chavadi & Dwarakamai. Ghorak's drum beats along with the dance from almost everyone present there only made it a sight unforgettable.

Followed by the procession it was Bhajan in Samadhi Mandir-not many are gifted to be there singing a song in the name of Baba.

Still humming the Bhajan for Baba we reached Kopargoan at 15oo Hrs on Sep 7th 2009 and the Train arrived at 1645 hrs. Departure on time and arrival at Bangalore on time on Sep 8th 2009.

Thanks a lot to Vandhana aunty and Kamath uncle for making us a part of Sai Smaran.

And thanks to all those who shared our joy enroute.

"OM SAI RAM"

Also check "Shirdi"

ಇದು ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ದಿನಚರಿ !!! Love's little Notes !!!

2009-06-29T13:51:00.017+05:30

It's really been a very long time that I maintained a daily diary.Sometimes twitter has been keeping a track but I guess nothing like what a pen and paper can do....

Here's an effort or should I say Moments in time which will be a good read after my retirement... am I serious about what I just said ? Yes, very much a believer in the destiny of time and plans unknown, I sure would enjoy the history of myself like the ones of Hitler I read... The only fear-shutdown of blog spot :(

I am not into the acts and modes of dedication,hence I keep it to myself and to the LOVE who shall be the last to strike that chord of my heart which shall be broken and never replaced, if for once it plays a tune I don't like...

22nd Jan 2009 :
Was on a routine at work & that's when I get an Instant Message-Hi Vish...
Conversation revolved around work & recent terminations and then to breakfast.
She asked me if I finished breakfast and I replied - I thought you were cooking breakfast for me and I want you to cook for the rest of my life...
Thus began "Love's little notes" :)
Till then with absolutely no thoughts what so ever,I was forced to think about what I had decided I shall never think. This time though the only difference was there was clarity in the chaos and the decisions that I made.

I guess Feb 2009 was all formal conversations and every time we caught up on gtalk or on aim I was only giving her time to think and I knew she was thinking hard.

21st Mar 2009 :
We speak about the FPR discussion that happened at work.By this time I was firm on what I wanted and she was helping me understand her better before a YES or NO. This can be the most crucial period because you are thinking and its not just the instinct.

08th Apr 2009 :
After long cellphone conversations we decided to meet at Malleshwaram Coffee Day. As usual I was punctual and have to admit she is as punctual too. As any other such meetings would end,this one was serious and it was about how much you can speak about yourself and your family.I was convinced of my decision and she was happy about her decision too.
But the final conclusion was until both families are not convinced we shall go no further in our conversations.

May 2009 :
It wasn't difficult at both places and infact my family was jumping with joy at what I told.It's so nice and beautiful to see your family happy.Some decisions that we make may not be an obvious sad look at the face but you know it's a worm slowly eating your mind starting from the heart. Atleast I was relieved and all losses were restored.
Everyday that I spoke to her brought a new life,sometimes it feels like you just started when you have done it all and had to fortunately or unfortunately taste the bitterness that it has to offer.
May '09 definitely showered some good drops on the seeds newly planted :)

07th June 2009 :
Without any apprehensions I invited her home and I could see the anxiety on her face and the curiosity in my family.
They liked her and it was love at first sight for them. Immediate plans were made that her family will be invited the coming weekend.
This shall be a day unforgettable where I felt nature has blessed me when it rained as if it knew I would love it. In rain with the one you love is a beautiful experience.(Heaven's Blessed on the first date)
That night with a sigh of relief,we bid good night to each other with a smile of faith and hopes.

14th June 2009 :
Her parents were invited by my father to my place so that they could speak and see each other.Have you seen the earth trembling,that's how nervous she was on that day.
It was a lovely evening where the families got to know each other.

21st June 2009 :
After their visit,it was our turn to visit their place.As expected it was a good get together.
The reason why all this was done so fast was because starting 22nd June it's ashada and no good things are done during this month.

4th July 2009 :
Now this was something that I liked...first time myself going to buy jewelry.Vidya came home and along with my Parents we went to Bhima jewels at Koramangala to purchase the engagement rings.

18th July 2009 :
First shopping with Vidya at megamart.We brought shirts and trousers for the engagement and guess what ? after long years I shall be wearing a sweater.I'm sure it will surprise a lot of them around me even my mother,because I believe the weather cannot affect me in any way & hence I don't wear any winter wear. It's my sweet hearts gift & I shall not only wear it but also brag about it :)

09th August 2009 :
The big day-got engaged to Sri Vidya at Kannika Parameshwari Temple in Srirampuram. Srinivasa Kalyana was heavenly. It was a good feeling receiving blessings from elders.Rings were exchanged and so were our hearts !

Now that I'm engaged I bring an end to this and shall start another post "Heart Work"

WE LIVE 2 EAT !!! INDIA !!!

2009-06-18T13:41:00.002+05:30

Love Of Swallows

2009-06-18T13:29:00.008+05:30

This was another forwarded mail & it had to be a part of my history......

Here his wife is injured and the condition is fatal. She was hit by a car as she swooped low across the road.

Here he brought her food and attended to her with love and compassion.

He brought her food again but was shocked to find her dead. He tried to move her....a rarely-seen effort for swallows!

Aware that his sweetheart is dead and will never come back to him again, he cries with adoring love.

He stood beside her, saddened of her death.

Finally aware that she would never return to him, he stood beside her body with sadness and sorrow.

WoodWay Estate - ChikkaMagalur

2009-05-23T14:49:00.009+05:30

Wood Way Estate - ChikkaMagalur

It all started with a plan for a Team outing and I sat on http://www.holidayiq.com/ hunting for nearby hill stations and comparing the tariffs. Chikkamagalur was pending for quite a long time on my travel list and this web search helped me find a home away from home. Yes ! it was the Wood Way Estate which proved there exists a home away from home.

Though the mail sent by shreedev@woodwayhomestay.com had all the details regarding the route, we took another route which was not so bad but our vehicle took a hit.
Bangalore-Nelamangala-Tumkur-Gubbi-Kadur-Chikkamagalur as against Bangalore-Nelamangala-Chennarayapatna-Hassan-Belur-Chikkamagalur as suggested.

We (Myself,Ron,Joe,PK & Rufi) started at 0330 Hrs on 21st May 2009 from ITPL.Untill Kadur I could see the Santro speedometer hitting 100's & 120's,Rufi was at his best.The Kadur-Chikkamagalur stretch was broken with patches of tar rather than tar itself. Not too sure if I can call that a pothole or a crater but we had to run over it at 60kmph and we had to stop with a thud.Guess what! all the four rims were now bent and I could hear Rufi say "thank God the tyre is tubeless,else it would have bursted".

Ron gave a break to Rufi & took the wheels.I was now the navigator and it was a long 23kms that we covered to reach our destination - Wood Way Estate.

As described by Sushmitha ( she owns the place with her husband Shreedev ) it was love at first sight. Santosh,the care taker welcomed us with a warm smile and the first question he asks us, how about a cup of coffee ?- Oh man! the strong coffee from their own estate with wills from ITC was the best way to start a day. We were lost in the sight of the mountain ranges opposite to the estate & that's when we heard a maruthi gypsy come in. Shreedev who was all smiles introduced himself and this was the first time I saw a host who was all passionate about what he does for his guests.He quickly shared the plans and recommeded what activities are possible within the short stay that we were there.

The moment Santosh led us into the rooms,we were all praise about the interiors,the details that were taken care of,the wardrobe with a dressing mirror and most importantly the cleanliness of the restrooms.We all wanted to hit the shower first,but the sound of breakfast pushed it further.
Ron & Joe fell asleep amidst nature on the hammock and I could sure say - they were in an out of the world experience.

I spent some time with my camera and the greenery of the place and also made friends with other guests who had checked in.Time was sure flying coz it was already lunch time.Lunch was a combo of urban & traditional dishes which included kessa(made of a leaf which looks similar to plantain leaf) and jackfruit paliya.

I was shaken awake by joe and it was actually Santosh who wanted us to go trekking to the mountain opposite to the Estate.We were accompanied by Shivappa who led us on the trekk.On the way uphill,we were able to guage how much of a toll smoking has taken on us ? Rufi had taken it big time I guess,he was the last man following. Trekking is always fun when you encounter something by surprise, I spotted a snake skin, a green scorpion and Joe spotted some fruits and berries.

It was a short rock climbing and we were on top of what seemed so huge from the bungalow. We enjoyed the sight of mist passing through us and the wonderful cloud formations. We hardly sat for 20minutes and it started raining.We did wait for 5minutes to see if the rain would stop as there was heavy wind too.But we were wrong and there was nowhere to hide.I was apprehensive about the Sony camera that I had in my pocket and hence took off my t-shirt to cover it around the pocket so that the camera is safe.

When was the last time you did something for the first time ?
Though I have different answers everytime, this would top the list of my favorites untill I find a better one. It was a great experience with the rain hitting you from all angles and you're walking half bare in the middle of nature saying to yourself-what a nice way to get kissed this way :)

Our evening was as adventurous as it could be and the dinner that followed was awesome,not to forget the IPL match between Bangalore Royal Challengers and Hyderabad Deccan Chargers in which RC won against DC.

I slept not knowing I actually slept for 8 hours straight whereas back in Banglaore I hardly sleep for 3-4 hours.I did not want to wake up & feel the pain of heading back to Bangalore.We spent time walking through the coffee estate and playing with browny & blacky,two dogs of the estate. But you know it well, I was home away from home and had to return back to the traffic and the chaos of the city life.

On our return trip, unplanned stop at Belur and that was indeed worth it.

Now that adds WoodWay to the list of places to be visited again before death.Thanks to my friends who made it happen,Sushmitha & Shreedev for running a beautiful show and to all the staff at WoodWay that make it so special and of course to Rufi's Santro who was the beast of burden and who took the hit yet managed to get us back home safe.

All pics on this link : http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0BbuXLFm2ZsWMO

Heaven's blessed on the First Date !

2009-05-09T20:06:00.002+05:30

It wasn't one of the usual days for Prem on 08th April 2009. It was his first date with that special person who would walk into his life to be there as a part of all his endeavors.

We met near Malleshwaram Coffee Day at 1745 Hrs & then headed to the nearest wonderful spot - Sankey Tank. We walked unaware of how long we walked and finally sat on a bench. That bench shall surely be of historic importance in the years to come. For once after a very long time I felt , time flies when you're in Love. Yes it was indeed time for Dinner as was planned.

Nadhini Deluxe on New BEL Road played host for the dinner that followed. I couldn't have asked for a more romantic dinner when I had a table with a Red Rose in the vase and Kishore's romantic numbers playing at the background.

It was just after we stepped out of the restaurant that I knew Heaven has it's plans and as told by my best friend "If you desire for something,the whole world will conspire to make it happen".Yes it was raining with lightning and thunders in the middle of summer. Ah! what a moment to be with the person who has just walked into your life and who is willing to get wet in the rain saying - I love this moment.

Together we rode on my bike and now it's time to thank all Heaven's for making this day so special !!!

Prem's sure looking forward to more blessings - after all he deserves it ;)

Sweat trip to Murudeshwar and Gokarna

2009-05-07T18:32:00.001+05:30

This was an all cousins trip that almost seemed impossible with the chaos and confusion that we encountered before we actually started on 30th April 2009. A long list on e-mails circulated with respect to budget, clothing and accommodation.

On the way we stopped at Jog falls for a sight that always remains fresh like the breeze and the mist that covered the valley. Our accommodation was at hotel kamat in honnavara.

On 31st we covered Idugunji temple, Apsara Gonda falls and Murudeshwar.
On 1st May we covered Gokarna and OM Beach.

OM beach would be the highlight of this whole trip. Though we reached by afternoon that too after our lunch at Gokarna Temple and stayed on the beach till 6pm, we felt we should have spent some more time just watching the waves, the rocks and another boat ride. Fun shall never end at the beach and it shall remind me of all the other beaches that I’ve visited.

We returned on 2nd May and on the way we also visited Lion and Tiger safari.

Temperature was at its peak and as always I enjoyed the sweat that kept on dripping.
This will be a trip that shall be remembered for all the heat, antakshari, memory game and dumb charades.

Kaka Bay – Coorg

2009-05-07T18:26:00.004+05:30

Though not a confirmed trip till 18th April 2009 midnight, it was another memorable trip from AEGIS where the WINTECH Leadership enjoyed to the core.

After going through all the tariffs of Jungle resorts and fishing camps, we froze on Kaka Bay near Virajpet in Coorg. A wonderful place, adjacent to the river.

We left ITPL at 0420 Hrs on 19th morning, enroute breakfast and everybody fell asleep. That’s when Latha woke me up telling – vish our vehicle has a break failure. Luckily it was not a high way and the driver stopped the vehicle by applying hand brake. No other option left, we had to wait until a mechanic came from Hunsur and repaired it. It was lunch time when we arrived at Kaka Bay. After a full meal we all fell into the water with the life jackets on.

Rafting, boating and swimming followed until we were all tired. Then the usual round of a long walk, gossip and chat. That evening was lucky for me as I won 700 rupees in three Cards game with Irfan & Ron. Camp fire with dance was simply awesome. No one knew when they fell asleep.
Next morning after breakfast we headed back to Bangalore. Lunch and icecream at GoniKoppa was delicious. Sometimes fun never seems to end when you have good company, be it work or a picnic. This trip was soon to be followed by another amazing trip with cousins to Gokarna and Murudehswar.

Pictures of KakaBay - Coorg

Best Buddies

2009-04-25T15:47:00.003+05:30

Life takes new wings everyday with the kind of friends we make. Here at AEGIS 10th April 2009 was called as Best buddies day.

Myself & Ron had planned or was it by design we know not , but we were determined to win this contest.

We had to make a collage & come dressed alike. We chose to wear black and black and the pic. above was our collage.No doubt we won the contest but were also applauded for the kind of Team works we exhibit.

Feels good to participate in such contests and show that BEST BUDDIES do exist !!!

In Love - Again !

2009-04-08T13:08:00.002+05:30

In memories of love I wrote then,
In pleasures of love I write again.
Wings which were long dead ;
Have taken life to fly - to fly again !

To such heights I flew again,
Which only the power of love doth show.
Charming,enchanting,awesome and beautiful-
All words come to life again.

She was there,She was there,
She was all I could see.
The dimple on her cheeks when she smiles,
The sparkle in her eyes when we meet.

Every wave carries a new song,
Every moment takes my breath away.
I shall live,I shall live,
To that moment, till then -

HER HEART BEATS NEXT TO MINE.

08/04/2009
02:41 Hrs

Dilema of the LCD TV

2009-03-23T21:58:00.003+05:30

Today the 23rd march 2009 wasn't planned but plans and net digging had begun a week back when Myself & Ron decided to buy a LCD television.

I ran through all of Google learning how to buy a LCD and then search and compare prices of various manufacturers. To start off SAMSUNG caught my attention because of it's price,then by LG. I called up Ron and we went to Adishwars in HSR layout to checkout the Ugadi festival offers on different models.

LG SCARLET42 and LG JAZZ42 caught our attention because it has 40000:1 contrast ratio,both being HD1080 and USB compatible. Checked out the EMI scheme and also the exchange offer for SONY flat CTV that both of us had.Had little choice but to freeze on exchange offer because if you go with exchange offer on LG it's zero down payment and 20 EMI's.

Later in the evening took my Father to the show room to show him LG JAZZ and other models.As I had guessed before His eyes fell on SONY V40.Unfortunately for SONY there is no such offer. It was 33% down payment and 8 EMI's.

Even though I told my Father we will go with LG JAZZ , I'm still not sure if I have to wait for some more time and go for SONY.

Today's Fortune

2009-03-22T19:25:00.004+05:30

If fate means you to lose, give it a good fight anyhow.

You don't get to choose your manager's and all probabilities you end up working for someone you know is a freaking idiot,pathetic decision maker, high rated gossiper, wait's till the appraisal to give you a feedback,strong believer in perception and above all who considers your hard work as a threat to self.

Not on an emotional note but yes similar thoughts run through everyone's mind when you don't get the expected.This is the capture with a friend who went through the trauma of annual appraisal from a well known company and I had gone to console him and must admit tobacco does heal to a great extent at such situations. He finished a pack of tens.

Two most important things are taken into consideration when an appraisal is done.One performance two potential.

Let me give some insight into PERFORMANCE :-
There is no strategy when a Team is allotted to you yet you have to be all green week on week.
Little or no difference between a horse and a donkey ( both are beasts of burden).
People who steal your files are considered inventors.
The farther you are from your key responsibilities,better the management.
The word baseline and delta carries no meaning at the end but of utmost importance at the beginning.
Down time consideration is only in the books. In reality it can never happen.
Finally performance is directly related to the number of times you accompanied the manager for passive smoke and lousy dinner.

The next bit will make you roll on the floor laughing - POTENTIAL
This word can drive you nuts when you look at it's meaning in a dictionary- Potential means existing in possibility.
If you want to read further be very clear with terms such as Innovation,Passion,Accountability,Collaboration,Integrity,Leadership and Execution.

Untill recently the only meaning of execution i knew was - a putting to death especially as a legal penalty . But oh! my God it carries hell lot of meaning and I'm zapped.
Innovation is borrowing a book from the library and never return again.
Passion is walking fast and gazing stars when your manager is speaking.
Accountability is when you know how to spend the budget allotted to you by saving it in the bank.
Collaboration - I swear i just copied and pasted that from the file.I don't know what it means because I haven't seen anyone here use that word but only aware that yes it carries maximum weightage on your PMS.
Integrity is doing the correct thing even when no one is watching.Forget about the meaning, folks don't do things right even when someone is watching.
Leadership is pushing and pushing until you or the other fall off the cliff.

Simple understanding of Potential - all those work hours spent playing games on the net,ability to laugh aloud at the poor joke cracked by your manager,swiftness in moving your butt off the chair as soon as a senior arrives,poking your nose at all things hanging free,often trying to find different answers to "wassup",proving a point to the core that it was you who invented the wheel,generosity in buying a pack of cigarettes for your boss who earns five times more than you.

The most interesting conversation was when he went on and on the feedback given to him. Oh man, I truly felt like putting all those managers through a narco analysis because I knew my friend really well.

I guess the conversation went on for a very long time and I'm sure I may get nominated for revealing the facts that everyone are aware of in this industry.

It's not in everyone's stride to digest the facts and accept the fact that fate means you to loose.
It takes a lot of courage to take the punches and move on - yet you never know when I may punch back.

Renuka Bar and Restaurant (16)

2009-03-16T22:29:00.002+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

After a tiring trip of long hours when I returned to Hubli, neither did I have the energy to cook nor the interest. A quick shower & I would ride my bicycle to Renuka Bar & Restaurant. Silent atmosphere with a very good service and excellent vegetarian menu.

By the time I made my fourth visit to Renuka, I had made friends with the waiter’s and the Manager. They would play Rajesh Khanna hits for me and I would enjoy my food listening to them.

If there’s a name of a Restaurant that I wouldn’t forget, it would be Renuka opposite to the Railway Station Hubli.

Philately Club of Hubli (15)

2009-03-16T22:27:00.003+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

As days passed by there was something haunting me and that was about my hobbies. I used to so much absorbed in stamps,pencil sketches and my treasure trunk at home and I was missing all of them.That’s when I went to post a letter at the General Post Office and met Sajjan Rao-head of Philately club in Hubli.

I immediately opened an account and the next time I visited Bangalore I took back with me my collection of stamps. And the album that I had till then.

Sajjan Rao invited me for a couple of Philately club meetings and introduced me to the top philatelists. Thus my collection which had come to a halt started again and I would spend my leisure re-arranging my stamps.

Lord Varuna - Bengalooru crazy

2009-03-13T01:04:00.003+05:30

When was the last time you experienced summer in Bengalooru ?

Wait, let me think.............................. Never !

Come march and it's the start of summer. You see ladies with umbrella's trying hard not to face the tan.,continuous roar of the fan,silent buzz of air conditioning at office,people cursing each other for the congestion and the smell of sweat in trains and crowded buses,a little more business for all the sun screen lotions and people trying to be a lot more health cautious by consuming all the fancy cold drinks...

Alright, now let's come to the Garden City of India - Bengalooru ( where the skies cry when we sweat )

It's the mid of march 2009 and we have a beautiful,pleasant weather with rain drizzling and the cool breeze kissing your cheeks.

I was at work when Myself and Praveen decided it's time for dinner. The moment we stepped out of the explorer building of ITPL , wow! was the expression of the moment. It was drizzling and we decided to take a walk around the campass. And the heavy dinner that we usually have changed to curd rice- just a little more thrill to add on to the weather.

Overall a pleasant evening experience and I guess I would be greedy if I ask anything more from Varuna-the GOD of rain.

Bengaloorige Jai !!!

12th Mar 2009

2009-03-12T14:10:00.002+05:30

Location : Forest, an old monument,sea
Things : Bullet,corals,wooden door
People : An old man,a boy,myself
Scenario : I'm riding a bullet through the forest and then I take a U turn and head straight into an old monument with a wooden door.As soon as I enter a boy locks the door from outside.I actually land my bike on the sea.An old man opens the door and picks up a coral from the sea.I look out for the young boy who is not to be seen.

Why do we dream?

2009-03-10T22:15:00.002+05:30

Two different schools of thought exist as to why we dream: the physiological school, and the psychological school.

Both, however, agree that we dream during the REM, or rapid eye movement, phase of sleep. During this phase of sleep, our closed eyes dart rapidly about, our brain activity peaks, and our muscles suffer temporary paralysis.

The physiological theory centers upon how our body, specifically our brains, function during the REM phase of sleep. Proponents of this theory believe that we dream to exercise the synapses, or pathways, between brain cells, and that dreaming takes over where the active and awake brain leaves off. When awake, our brains constantly transmit and receive messages, which course through our billions of brain cells to their appropriate destinations, and keep our bodies in perpetual motion. Dreams replace this function.

Two underpinning physiological facts go towards supporting this theory of dreams. The first lies in the fact that the first two or so years of ones life, the most formative ones for learning, are also the ones in which the most REM sleep occurs. It follows that during this time of the greatest REM sleep, we experience the greatest number of dreams. The second physiological fact that lends credence to this theory is that our brain waves during REM sleep, as recorded by machines measuring the brain's electrical activity, are almost identical in nature to the brain waves during the hours we spend awake. This is not the case during the other phases of sleep.

Psychological theorists of dreams focus upon our thoughts and emotions, and speculate that dreams deal with immediate concerns in our lives, such as unfinished business from the day, or concerns we are incapable of handling during the course of the day. Dreams can, in fact, teach us things about ourselves that we are unaware of.

Connections between dreams that the human psyche have been made by many people over thousands of years. The famous Greek philosopher, Aristotle wrote in his "Parva Naturalia," over 2,200 years ago, of a connection between dreams, waking experiences, and emotional needs.

Others have delved into more complicated explanations for dreams, such as the prophetic nature of dreams written of in the Bible, which was and is a belief held by many cultures. Sigmund Freud, one of the fathers of modern psychology, believed dreams to be symbolic of any number of things buried deep within our minds and our memories.

Until someone proves or disproves one of these theories, or poses an alternate one, we are left at square one. Our knowledge as to what causes us to dream is limited to the fact that we do dream, and that dreams occur during the REM phase of sleep. Sweet dreams!

Dreams - unlimited !!!

2009-03-10T21:43:00.004+05:30

After the renovation of my room on the first floor, when I sleep , My head is in the north which earlier used to be west. Could be a strange coincidence but I have started to dream everyday.

I spoke to my father and he had his explanation telling since it's a change in the direction it may take a day or two for my mind to adjust to that position. It's been more than a week and I have seriously started to enjoy most of my dreams.

But on 10th march 2009 when I woke up, i could see that i was sweating. I was on my death bed in a hospital with my family surrounding the bed.Conversation about cancer which has attacked me at an early age caught my ears. I could see it all and i was speechless. I even counted the number of people around me. I was about to bid good bye to all when i actually woke up.

On a serious note I'm going to have my dream diary starting today :)

Details of all that I can remember shall be mentioned and the fear is the truth that I have to speak...

A little of Ghazini …

2009-03-10T21:30:00.000+05:30

March 8th 2009, Myself and a couple of my friends were in the cafeteria having our dinner. As usual the topic is calls and I really was not interested. But then the topic turned out to be the blunders that each one of us has committed in the past and I must admit, we have loads of it.

Strange – what was the best sought after yesterday, today becomes a blunder and I guess tomorrow, today will be a blunder.

Theme of the discussion turned out to be Ghazini (a Hindi movie). How I wish I had memory loss could be short term or long term was what one of my friend told and I had to agree. We live so much with the stench of yesterday that sometimes each and every breath becomes a rage of fear, anger, hatred and cruelty.

I being one of those who treasure the leaves and insects that I collected as a child, really would love to have the Ghazini effect. Even though life’s beautiful is what everybody keeps pretending today, we fail to realize we are running away from the realities.

It was half an hour that we spent together and it was joy – the very feeling of having forgotten what we wanted to.

Goa – Bye bye to 2008

2009-01-12T12:30:00.003+05:30

Two cars were scheduled to leave Banglaore on 29th Dec 2008 , unfortunately only one left. That left Me & Ron to reach Goa by Bus. The journey of 15Hrs by bus was a memorable one. From here we caught a bus to Ranibennur & from there to Dharwad. On arrival at Dharwad the Stand incharge told us that the next bus to Panaji was only at 2230 Hrs. And the time then was 1700Hrs. We continued in the same bus to Belgaum. On arrival at Belgaum we came to know that there were no private buses to Panaji and the bus service starts only at 2230Hrs. Having herad that we decided to have dinner at New Niyaz and then sat against a wall at Belgaum bus stand.

Finally the bus arrived at 2300 Hrs and we reached Panaji at 0415 Hrs on 30th Dec 2008. Rufi & Suneer were waiting for us at the bus stand. Ron had booked the rooms at Baga beach and the name of the place was Joaquim’s – a wonderful stay with the view of the beach.

It was only on television that I had seen before the fireworks for the New Year celebration and this time I was a witness for the most colorful New Year of My life.

Time flew like it was nobody’s business and all I recollect now is the beach , the sunset , the banana ride and of course the long walk.

Cheers to Life and 2009 !!!

2008 - ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆಯ ಸವಿ ನೆನಪು

2009-01-10T13:56:00.008+05:30

ಜನವರಿ ೦೧ ೨೦೦೮ ನನ್ನ ಸ್ನೇಹಿತೆ ದೀಪಾಳ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು , ಶ್ರೀಧರ್ , ದೀಪಾ ಮತ್ತು ಮಂಜುಳಾ ಆಂಟಿ ಹೊಸ ವರ್ಷದ ಸಡಗರದಿ ಕೇಕ್ ಅನ್ನು ಕಟ್ ಮಾಡಿ ಕೇರಂ ಬೋರ್ಡ್ ಆಟವಾಡಿ ಮಾತಾಡಿಕೊಂಡು ಹೊಸ ವರ್ಷವನ್ನು ಸ್ವಾಗತಿಸಿದೆವು.

Professional life :-

- ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ ತಿಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು Team Manager ಆಗಿ AOL ನಿಂದ ಪತ್ರ ಪಡೆದೆ. AOL Internship Managementನ ತರಬೇತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸ ವಿಷಯಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಂಡೆ. ಅದೇ ತರಬೇತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ CBTL ( Certified BPO Team Leader ) certificate ಅನ್ನು ನನ್ನದಾಗಿಸಿಕೊಂಡೆ. ತರಹಾವರಿ ಪ್ರಯೋಗಗಳನ್ನು ನನ್ನ ಪಂಗಡದ ಮೇಲೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಮುಟ್ಟಬೇಕಾದ ಗುರಿಯನ್ನು ಮುಟ್ಟಿದೆ.
ಯಾವುದೇ ಅನುಭವವಿಲ್ಲದೆ AOL call centre ಪ್ರವೇಶಿಸಿದ ನಾನು ೪ ವರ್ಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ವಿಷಯಗಳನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಂಡು,ಪ್ರಗತಿಯ ಮೆಟ್ಟಿಲನ್ನು ಹಂತ ಹಂತವಾಗಿ ಏರಿದೆ. Captive centre ನಿಂದ Outsourced centre ಆಗಿ AEGIS ನ ಆಡಳಿತದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಒಬ್ಬನಾದೆ.
ದಿನಾಗಲು ೧೪ ಗಂಟೆಗಳಿಂದ ೧೬ ಗಂಟೆಗಳ ಕಾಲ ಕಛೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಳೆಯಲಾರಂಭಿಸಿದೆ. ಇದುವರೆಗೂ ಅಷ್ಟೊಂದು ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರನ್ನು ಹಚ್ಚಿಕೊಂಡಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ ಆದರೆ ೨೦೦೮ ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನ ಗೆಳೆಯರ ಬಳಗ ಎಂದಿಗಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆದಿತ್ತು.
ಅಗಾಗ ಸಾಕಪ್ಪಾ ಸಾಕು ಇನ್ನು ಆಗದು ಈ ತಲೆ ಬಿಸಿ ಅಂದು ಕೊಂಡಾಗಲೇ ಯಾವುದು ಹೊಸ ಪಾಲಿಸಿಯ ಪರಿಚಯ ಮತ್ತೆ ಅದರ ಹಿಂದೆ ನನ್ನ ಓಟ. ಹೀಗೆ ಪ್ರತಿ ದಿನವು ಹೊರ ಜಗತ್ತಿನ ನೋವನ್ನು ಮರೆಸಿ ಹೊಸ ಚೇತನವನ್ನು ನನಗೆ ತಂದು ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಕೆಲಸಕ್ಕೆ ಕೋಟಿ ಪ್ರಣಾಮ.

Personal Life :-

- ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆರಳಿಗೆ ಹಾಕಿದ್ದ ಉಂಗುರವನ್ನು ಬಿಚ್ಚಿಟ್ಟೆ. ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆಯ ಮತ್ತು ನನ್ನ ಸ್ನೇಹ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಬಲವಾಯಿತು. ನನ್ನ ತಂಗಿ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾವ , ಸ್ಕಂದನ ಆರೋಗ್ಯದ ಸಲುವಾಗಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಬಂದರು. ಬಹುಷಃ ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಸ್ಕಂದ ಹತ್ತಿರವಾಗದಿದ್ದರೆ ಆಫಿಸಿನಲ್ಲೇ ಮಲಗಿಬಿಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ. ೨೦೦೮ರ ಹಾನಿಯೆಂದರೆ ನಾನು ೮ ಕೇಜಿ ತೂಕ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಂಡೆ. ಹಸಿವಿನ ಪರಿವೆ ಆಗಲ್ಲಿಲ್ಲಾ. ಏಕಾಂತದ ನನ್ನ ರೈಲ್ವೆ ಅನುಭವಗಳು ಮತ್ತೆ ನನ್ನದಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಯಾವುದೊಂದು ಕವನ ಗೀಚಲಿಲ್ಲ , ಯಾವುದೇ ಚಿತ್ರ ಬಿಡಿಸಲಿಲ್ಲ , ಯಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಯಾವ ವಿಷಯದಲ್ಲೂ ನನಗೆ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲಾ. ನನ್ನಷ್ಟಿಗೆ ನಾನು ಖುಷಿಯಿಂದಿದ್ದೆ . ಹಲವಾರು ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರ ಮಾಡುವೆ ಆಯಿತು , ಕೆಲವರು ದೂರ ಸರಿದಿದ್ದರು , ಕೆಲವರನ್ನು ನಾನೇ ದೂರವಿಟ್ಟೆ. ದೇವರ ಕೃಪೆಯಿಂದ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಆರೋಗ್ಯದಿಂದ್ದಿದ್ದರು. ನನ್ನ ನಿದ್ದೆ ಮಾಯವಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಹುಡುಕಾಟದ ಗೊಂದಲದಲ್ಲಿ ೨೦೦೮ರಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಲುಕಿದೆ.

Travel :-

- ಗಾಲಿಬೋರೆ ಜಂಗಲ್ ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್
- ಅಂಡಮಾನ್ ದ್ವೀಪ
- ಪೊಂಡಿಚೆರಿ
- ವೆಲಂಕನಿ
- ನಾಗರಹೊಳೆ
- ಹಂಪಿ
- ತಲಕಾಡು
- ಗೋವಾ

Plans for 2009 :-

- ಇತಿಹಾಸದ ಚಕ್ರ ತಿರುಗಿ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆಯ ಲೋಕ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ರಂಗಾಗಲಿ.

ಸ್ಕಂದ rocks ! heil Skanda! ಪಿಂಟಿಗೆ ಜೈ !

Christmas - 2008

2008-12-25T09:13:00.005+05:30

Was still thinking about the christmas celebration of 2007 and 2008 had carved it's way to the end of the year. This time it had be different and wonderful than last year and by design of the Management Myself and Ron were in the same construct (Apin).

Initial plan was to go silver and red and when we started building it was silver and black. It was a team work and the end result was simply amazing. Black screen with stars pinned to it made the night sky and as supporting beams we had the black lining with a snowman and a silver ring hung from the ceiling.

The crib was a house with a chimney and the crib dolls were placed inside the house with lot of greenery at the front and a fence that was made of icecream sticks. At the entrance to the crib we had ice flakes with a blue light at the background for the night effect.

It was a very good feeling to have so many hands and brains bringing the best of creativity.

Merry Christmas to all !!!

I DO WHAT I'M TRAINED TO DO

2008-12-20T11:22:00.003+05:30

Caution : Do not read until this caution is taken off

It takes a lot to dig and dig into the past, things buried so deep, thoughts that have taken the roots long long ago, pages of the books all effaced, petals preserved that will crack if they are lifted, post it's which would go into unsolved puzzles of the world, all but self that carry the scent of the old ink, songs that were never sung, poems that were never published, letters that were never mailed --- that's Me and the Me that Myself struggle to battle everyday.He's dangerous, silent and a pro.

ಮುಂಗಾರು ಮಳೆ- ಭಾಗ ೨

2008-12-16T04:15:00.022+05:30

ಬೇಡ ಬೇಡ ಎಂದರು ಮತ್ತೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಅದೇ ಶಾಲಾ ದಿನಗಳ ಸವಿ ನೆನೆಪಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮನಸು ತೇಲಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತದೆ . ಆ ದಿನಚರಿಯೂ ಎಂದೆಂದಿಗೂ ಮರೆಯಲಾಗದ ಒಂದು ವಿಶೇಷ ಅನುಭವ. ಒಂಬತ್ತು ಘಂಟೆಯ ಕ್ಲಾಸಿಗೆ ಏಳು ವರೆ ಘಂಟೆಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ ಕ್ಲಾಸ್ರೂಮ್ನ ಬಾಗಿಲು ತೆಗೆದು , ಬ್ಯಾಗ್ ಅನ್ನು ಒಂದೆಡೆಗೆ ವಗೆದು ಸೈಕಲ್ ಸ್ಟ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ನ ಬಳಿ ಸುಳಿದಾಡಿ , ಶಾಲಾ ಮೈದಾನದ ಕಟ್ಟೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಕುಳಿತು ಯಾವ ಮೇಸ್ಟ್ರು , ಇನ್ನೇನು ಕಾದಿದೆಯೋ ಎಂದು ಯೋಚಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಹಾಗೆ ಸೈಕಲ್ ಸ್ಟ್ಯಾಂಡ್ ನ ಎಡ ಬದಿಯಿಂದ ಮೆಲ್ಲನೆ ಕಣ್ಣು ಮಿಟಿಕಿಸದೇ ನನ್ನನ್ನೇ ನೋಡುತ ಬರುತಿದ್ದ ಹುಡುಗಿಯ ಸವಿ ನೆನಪಿಗಾಗಿ ಈ ಲೇಖನ.

ನಾನು ಆಗ ಒಂಬತ್ತನೇ ತರಗತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇದ್ದೆ. ಅಂದೊಂದು ದಿನ ಏನೋ ಯೋಚನೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾ ನಾನು ಮೊದಲನೆ ಮಹಡಿಯ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದೆ. ಎಲ್ಲಿಂದಲೋ ಒಂದು ಸುಮಧುರ ದ್ವನಿ ಕೇಳಿ ಬಂತು, ತನ್ನದೇ ಲೋಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಳ ಗೆಳತಿಯ ಜೊತೆ ನಗುತ್ತಾ ಬರುತ್ತಿದ್ದಳು ವಂಧನ. ಅವಳ ಹೆಸರು ಮೊದಲೇ ತಿಳಿದಿತ್ತು ನನಗೆ. ಹಿಂತಿರುಗಿ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಒಮ್ಮೆ ನೋಡಿದೆ - ಹಾಗೆ ನೋಡುತ್ತಲೇ ನಿಂತಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಮರುಳಾಗಿ ಹೋದೆ . ಆ ಗುಂಡು ಮುಖ , ಮದ್ಯೆ ಬೈತಲೆ , ಆ ಕಣ್ಣು ಇದೆಲ್ಲದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಆ ಗಂಭೀರ ನಡೆ , ಮತ್ತೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಅವಳನ್ನೇ ನೋಡಿದೆ. ಆ ದಿನ ಹೇಗೆ ಮುಗಿಯಿತೋ ತಿಳಿಯಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ಓದಲು ಬರೆಯಲು ಮನಸೇ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಮೊದಲ ಬಾರಿ ಒಂದು ಹುಡುಗಿಯ ಚಿತ್ರ ಕನಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂತು. ವಂಧನಳ ಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ಕನಸಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಿ ಅಚ್ಚರಿ ಅಷ್ಟೆ ಅಲ್ಲ ಮತ್ತೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ನೋಡಬೇಕೆಂಬ ಹಂಬಲ ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಡಿತು.

ಮರು ದಿನ ಬೆಳಿಗ್ಗೆ ಶಾಲೆಗೆ ಹೋದ ತಕ್ಷಣ ಯಾವಾಗ ಅವಳನ್ನು ನೋಡುತ್ತಿನೋ ಎಂದು ತಡಪಡಿಸಲಾರಂಬಿಸಿದೆ. ಮುಂಜಾನೆಯ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ ಮುಗಿದ ತಕ್ಷಣ ಅವಳ ಸಾಲಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಳು ನಿಧಾನವಾಗಿ ನಡೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಹೋದಳು. ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಮಾಡಿದವರನ್ನು ದೇವರೇ ಸೇರಿಸುತ್ತಾನಂಥೆ. ನನ್ನ ತರಗತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಳ ಗೆಳತಿ ಇರುವುದು ನನಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ವಂಧನ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಮಾತಾಡಿಸಲು ಬಂದಾಗ ನನ್ನ ಕಣ್ಣು ಅವಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಇತ್ತು. ಇದನ್ನು ಗಮನಿಸಿದ ಅವಳು ನಂತರ ನನ್ನ ಬಳಿಗೆ ಬಂದು " ಹೇಯ್ ಯಾಕೋ ಹಾಗೆ ನೋಡುತ್ತಾ ಇದ್ದೀಯ "ಅಂದಳು, ಏನು ಇಲ್ಲ ನಿನ್ನನು ನೋಡುತ್ತಾ ಇದ್ದರೆ ನೋಡುತ್ತಲೇ ಇರಬೇಕು ಅಂತ ಅನಿಸುತ್ತದೆ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದೆ. ಅದನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿದ ಕೂಡಲೇ ನಕ್ಕು ತಲೆ ತಗ್ಗಿಸಿ ಹೊರಟುಹೋದಳು. ಅಯ್ಯೋ ಇಂಥ ಅವಕಾಶ ಹಾಳು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡೆನಲ್ಲ ಅಂಥ ನನ್ನನ್ನು ನಾನೇ ಬೈದು ಬೇಸರ ಗೊಂಡೆ.

ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದ ಮೇಲೆ ಅವಳದೇ ಯೋಚನೆ - ನಿದ್ದೆ ಯಾವಾಗ ಹತ್ತಿತೋ ತಿಳಿಯಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಮೂರನೆಯ ದಿನವಾದ ಇಂದು ಏನಾದರು ಸರಿ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಮಾತಾಡಿಸಬೇಕು ಅಂಥ ನಿರ್ಧಾರ ಮಾಡಿ ಶಾಲೆಗೆ ಹೋದೆ. ಅದ್ರುಸ್ಟ ವಶಾತ್ ಅವಳು ಬೇಗನೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದಳು , ಯುದ್ದಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗುವ ಪರಿಯಲಿ ಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿ ಹೋದೆ. ಅವಳ ತರಗತಿಯ ಮುಂದೆ ನಿಂತಿದ್ದಳು. ವಂಧನ ಎಂದು ಮೆಲ್ಲಗೆ ಕರೆದೆ , ಏನು ವಿಶ್ವನಾಥ್ ಅಲ್ಲ ಕಾಶಿ ಎಂದು ಅವಳು ಅಂದಾಗ , ಹೇಯ್ ನನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು ನಿನಗೆ ಹೇಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತು ಅಂತ ಕೇಳಿದೆ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಅವಳು ನಿನ್ನ ಹೆಸರು ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲ ನಿನ್ನ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ನನಗೆ ಬಹಳ ಗೊತ್ತು ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದಳು. ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯವಾಗಿ ನಿನ್ನ ಹತ್ತಿರ ನಾನು ಮಾತಾಡಬೇಕು ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದೆ , ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಅವಳು ಈಗ ಬೇಡ, ಮೊದಲನೆ ವಿರಾಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತಾಡೋಣ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದಳು. ಹಾಳು ಸಮಯ ಎರಡು ಪಾಠ ಮುಗಿಯುವಸ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ಎರಡು ಯುಗವೇ ಕಳೆದಂತಾಯಿತು ನನಗೆ. ಮೊದಲನೆ ಮಹಡಿಯಲಿದ್ದ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನಾ ಮಂದಿರದ ಎದುರು ನಿಂತು ವಂಧನ ನಾನು ನಿನ್ನನು ಪ್ರೀತಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇನೆ ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿಯೇ ಬಿಟ್ಟೆ - ಮೊದಲನೆ ಬಾರಿ ಹೃದಯ ಬಾಯಿಂದ ಹೊರಗೆ ಬಂದು ಬಿಡುವ ಭಾಸವಾಯಿತು. ಅವಳು ನನಗೆ ಯೋಚಿಸಲು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಸಮಯ ಬೇಕು ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿದಳು. ಬಹುಷಃ ತುಂಬ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನೊಡುತ್ತಾಳೊ ಏನೋ ಅಂತ ಅಂದು ಕೊಂಡು ಮುಂದಿನ ಪಾಠಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹಿಂತಿರುಗಿ ಬಂದೆ. ಮಧ್ಯಾನ ಊಟಕ್ಕೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟಾಗ ಕಾಶಿ I ಲವ್ u ಅಂತ ಅವಳು ಹೇಳಿದ ಕೂಡಲೇ, ಮುಂಗಾರು ಮಳೆಯ ಹನಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮಿಂದು ಹೋದ ಕಾಶಿ.

ಪ್ರತಿ ದಿನ ಅದೇ ಮಾತು, ಕೆಲವೊಮ್ಮೆ ಮುನಿಸು, ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷ ಹೇಗೆ ಕಳಿಯಿತೋ ತಿಳಿಯಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಬೇಸಿಗೆ ರಜೆಗಾಗಿ ಕಾಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನಾನು ಯಾಕಾದರೂ ರಜೆ ಬಂದಿದೆಯೋ ಅಂತ ಕೊರಗಿದೆ. ಅವಳ ನೆನಪಲ್ಲಿ ಕವನಗಳನ್ನು ಗೀಚಿದೆ , ಕೆಲವು ಚಿತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ಬಿಡಿಸಿದೆ ಸಮಯ ಸಿಕ್ಕಾಗಲೆಲ್ಲ ಅವಳದೇ ಧ್ಯಾನ. ಹೀಗಿರುವಾಗ ಹತ್ತನೇ ತರಗತಿಗೆ ಹೋಗುವ ಹುಡುಗರಿಗೆ ಹತ್ತು ದಿನ ಮುಂಚಿತವಾಗಿ ಶಾಲೆ ತೆರೆಯಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಘೋಷಿಸಿದರು. ನನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಸಂತೋಷ ಪಟ್ಟವರಿಲ್ಲ. ಶಾಲೆಗೆ ಹೋದ ಮೊದಲ ದಿನ ಹೇಗಾದರೂ ವಂಧನಾಗೆ ವಿಷಯ ತಿಳಿಸಬೇಕು ಅಂಥ ಅಂದುಕೊಂಡೆ. ಅದೇ ದಿನ ಅವಳ ಗೆಳತಿಯೊಬ್ಬಳು ಶಾಲೆಯ ಬಳಿ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದಳು. ಅವಳ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ಸುದ್ದಿ ತಲುಪಿಸಿದೆ. ಮಾರನೆಯ ದಿನ ಶಾಲೆ ಬಿಡುವ ವೇಳೆಗೆ ಸೈಕಲ್ ಸ್ಟಾಂಡ್ನ ಬಳಿ ನನಗಾಗಿ ಕಾದಿದ್ದಳು ವಂಧನ.

ಹತ್ತನೇ ತರಗತಿಗೆ ಬಂದ ನಂತರ ನಾನು ಲಿಟರರಿ ಕ್ಲಬ್ನ ಪ್ರೆಸಿಡೆಂಟ್ ಆಗಿ ಆಯಿಕೆ ಆದೆ. ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸ್ಪರ್ದೆಯಲ್ಲೂ ನನ್ನದೇ ಮೊದಲ ಸ್ಥಾನ. ಅವಳದೇ ಸ್ಫೂರ್ತಿ, ಅವಳ ನಗುವೇ ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರೇರಣೆ. ಭರತ ನಾಟ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಳನ್ನು ಮೀರಿಸುವರಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಮೊದಲನೆ ಸಾಲಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಳಿತು , ಆಹಾ ಓಹೋ ಅಂತ ಕೊಂಡಾಡಿ, ಹೀಗೇ ಕೊಲ್ಲುತ್ತಿಯ ನನ್ನ ಅಂಥ ಮನಸಿನಲ್ಲೇ ಅಂದು ಕೊಂಡು ಅವಳ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇನ್ನಸ್ಟು ಮುಳುಗಿ ಹೋದೆ.

ಆ ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷ ಹೇಗೆ ಹಾರಿತೋ ಅದರ ಅರಿವೇ ಆಗಲಿಲ್ಲ. ನನ್ನ ಮತ್ತು ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಶಾಲೆಯ ಬಂಧ ಅಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಮುಗಿಯಿತು. ಮೆಲ್ಲಗೆ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆ ಹಾಕಿ ಮನೆಗೆ ಹಿಂತಿರುಗಿ ಬಂದೆ.

ನಾನು ಕಾಲೇಜಿನ ಮೆಟ್ಟಿಲು ಏರಿದೆ. ವಂಧನ ಇನ್ನು ಆಗ ಹತ್ತನೇ ತರಗತಿ. ಮಧ್ಯಾನ ಅವಳು ಮನೆಗೆ ಊಟಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದಳು, ನಾನು ಕಾಲೇಜಿಗೆ ಬಂಕ್ ಹೊಡೆದು ಶಾಲೆಯ ಗೇಟ್ನ ಬಳಿ ನಿಂತ್ತಿರುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ. ಎರಡು ನಿಮಿಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತು ಮುಗಿಸಿ,ಮುಂದಿನ ಭೇಟಿ ಯಾವಾಗ ಅಂಥ ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿ ಅವಳು ಮನೆಗೆ, ನಾನು ಕಾಲೇಜಿಗೆ.

ಒಂದು ವಾರದಿಂದ ನಮ್ಮ ಭೇಟಿ ಒಂದು ತಿಂಗಳಿಗೊಮ್ಮೆ ಆಗ ತೊಡಗಿತು. ಬಹುಷಃ ಸೆಲ್ ಫೋನ್ ಆಗ ಇದ್ದಿದ್ದರೆ ಅದರ ತಿರುವೇ ಬೇರೆ ಆಗಿರುತಿತ್ತು. ದಿನಗಳು ಉರುಳಿದಂತೆ ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಜಾಸ್ತಿ ಆಗ ತೊಡಗಿತು. ಏನೆಲ್ಲಾ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ ಪಟ್ಟು ಅವಳನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿ ಮಾಡುವ ಸಾಹಸ ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಕೆಲವೊಮ್ಮೆ ಸಂತೋಷ, ಕೆಲವೊಮ್ಮೆ ದುಖ. ಹೀಗೆ ದಿನಚರಿಯೇ ಬದಲಾಗಿ ಹೋಯಿತು.

ಪ್ರತಿ ಸಾರಿ ಭೇಟಿ ಆದಾಗಳು ನಾನು ಅವಳಿಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಹೀಗೆ ಇರಬೇಕಾದರೆ ನಾವು ತಾಳ್ಮೆ ಇಂದ ಇರಬೇಕು ಅಂತ ಹೇಳ್ತಾನೆ ಇದ್ದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಅಂಗ್ಲ ಭಾಷೆಯ ನುಡಿ ಮುತ್ತಿನಂತೆ "Out of Sight is Out of Mind" ಕೆಲವರಿಗೆ ನಿಜವಾಗಿಬಿಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಇತ್ತ ಕಡೆ ನನ್ನ ಪ್ರೀತಿ ಜಾಸ್ತಿ ಆಗುತ್ತಾ ಹೋದರೆ ಅತ್ತ ಕಡೆ ವಂಧನ ನನ್ನ ಮರೆಯಲೆತ್ನಿಸಿದಳು. ಕಾರಣ ಏನೇ ಇರಬಹುದು, ನನ್ನ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನಗಳು ವ್ಯರ್ಥವಾದವು.ಕೊನೆಗೊಮ್ಮೆ ನೋಡು ಕಾಶಿ ನಾನು ಕೂರ್ಗಿ,ನೀನು ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ನಮ್ಮಿಬರ ಮಿಲನ ಈ ಜನ್ಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾದ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ , ನೀನು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಮರೆತುಬಿಡು ಅಂತ ಹೇಳಿ ಹಿಂದಿರುಗದೆ ಹೊರಟುಹೋದಳು.

ನನಗಂತೂ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಸಮಯವೇ ಬೇಕಾಯಿತು ಅವಳ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನು ಜೀರ್ಣಿಸಲು. ಮನಸಿಗೆ ಬಂದದ್ದನ್ನೆಲ್ಲಾ ಬರೆದೆ,ಇನ್ನೂ ಬೇಸರವಾದಾಗ ಮಿತ್ರನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹಂಚಿಕೊಂಡೆ , ಕೊನೆಗೂ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆ ಎಂಬ ಪದದ ಅರ್ಥ ತಿಳಿದೆ. ನಾನು ಮತ್ತೆ ವಂಧನಳನ್ನು ನೋಡಿದ್ದು ಒಂದು ವರ್ಷದ ಬಳಿಕವೇ. ಅಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ಇಬ್ಬರಲ್ಲೂ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಬದಲಾವಣೆಗಳಾಗಿದ್ದವು. ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕಂಡೊಡನೆಯೇ ಮುಗುಳ್ನಕ್ಕು ಅದೇ ನೇರ ನೋಟದಿಂದ ನೋಡಿದಳು. ಮತ್ತೆ ಆ ಮಾಯಾ ಜಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಲುಕಲು ನಾನು ಸಿದ್ಧನಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ.

ಅಷ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಜೀವನದ ಮಧುರ ಕ್ಷಣಗಳನ್ನು ನನ್ನ ಮೈಕೋ ಗೆಳೆಯರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಳೆಯಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದ್ದೆ. ಈ ಒಂದು ನಿಜ ಘಟನೆ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಅನುಭವಗಳನ್ನು , ಅನೇಕ ಪಾಠಗಳನ್ನು ನನಗೆ ಕಲಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಈ ದಿನ ಯೋಚನೆ ಮಾಡಿದರೆ ಒಂದು ಸುಮಧುರ ಭಾವನೆ, ವಿದಿಯ ಆಟದ ಒಂದು ತುಣುಕು, ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕವಿಯನ್ನಾಗಿ ಮಾಡಿ, ಆ ನೋವು ಇನ್ನೂ ಬೇಕು ಎಂಬ ಹಂಬಲವನ್ನು ನನ್ನಲ್ಲಿ ಮೂಡಿಸಿ, ಎಂದೂ ಮರೆಯದ ಸವಿ ಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ಹೃದಯದಾಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಡಿಸಿ, ಅಗಾಗ ಹೃದಯದ ಬಡಿತದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಹೊರಬಂದು ನೋವನ್ನುಂಟುಮಾಡಿ ಮತ್ತೆ ತಣ್ಣಗಾಗುವ ಈ ಮುಂಗಾರು ಮಳೆಯ ಚಳಿ ಅನುಭವಿಸಿದವರಿಗೇ ಗೊತ್ತು.

ಏನೇ ಇರಲಿ ನನಗಂತೂ ಎರಡು ವಿಷಯದ ಖುಷಿ - " ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮೆ " ಯಾ ಸ್ವಾದವನ್ನು ಸವಿದೆ.
- ಹುಡುಕಾಟದ ಗೊಂದಲದಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನನ್ನೇ ಹಲವಾರು ಬಾರಿ ಹುಡುಕಿಕೊಂಡೆ.

What could I do ???

2008-12-03T01:10:00.004+05:30

After a long time was really able to spend some time with myself trying to analyize what exactly happened in Mumbai terror attack from 26th Nov 2008 to 29th Nov 2008 and where I failed ?

I accept I have failed and here is why i say so...

I haven't paid the taxes sincerely

I have bribed the officials in getting a driving license and passport

I have always been safe because guarding the border was not in my scope

I did not want to protest because I had no faith it would yield results

I did not vote,instead was sleeping at home

I could have joined the armed forces,but was afraid to go against my parents

I have refrained from voicing my opinion when there was opportunity

And a couple of questions for the future...

Would I send my children to armed forces ?

Will I go if there is a call for war ?

Can I be more watchful of my own neighbourhood ?

A lot of these questions and my own acts run as fast as they could in my brain. I have been a part of corruption,bribery,poverty,politics,defeat and what not , which have all contributed to many such instances of terrorism.

High time I wake up and act and do what is right.

Velankanni & Pondicherry

2008-11-23T18:17:00.003+05:30

This trip again was one of those that was planned the day before and then travelled.
Ron called me on 13th Nov 2008 to check if I'm in for the trip and i confirmed. Actually Myself,Ron & Joe had planned this 5 months ago but were not able to make it happen.Finally frozen on Myself,Ron,Joe,Suneer in Rufi's car the santro.

We started on 15th nov at 0030 hrs. At Salem we stopped for Tea and Joe checked with a few truck drivers about the route and they suggested some short cut which would save a few kilometeres.
As the journey proceeded, we had nothing but curses for Joe because the road was horrible and in some places no road at all. On the way Joe let go of Ron's cap out of the window.

We reached Velankanni at 1200 Hrs, headed straight to the beach where Ron took a holy dip and then we visited the Church. Prayed for the well being of Skanda and by 1530 Hrs we were done with lunch.

Started from there to Pondicherry and travelling through the villages we reached at 2000 hrs. Took two double bed rooms at Hotel Sad Guru. A quick shower and we were at Rendezous ( Ron's favorite ) for some continental food. A wonderful ambience and delicious food , the breeze of the sea- it was splendid and the perfect mix to call it a night.

Next day we all woke up late and spent the first two hours in the Tic Tac DVD shop selecting the titles. Tired and hungry we went to Aachiamma Restaurant- it had been a long time since I had such spicy food and the service here was top class.

After lunch we were strolling on the beach where we met an astrologer with a parrot and then a boy who made his tamed monkey play.

Later in the evening we went to Auroville Beach and Myself & joe jumped into the sea wearing a life jacket. The waves were rising high & high with every tide and the pleasant evening was asking for more.

After another round of shower we started for Bangalore and we stopped at the border to have some hot Idli's. Reached Bangalore on 17th Nov 2008 at 0430 Hrs.

This was a trip where we were in action throughout and I just loved the swiftness with which it all happened.

ಕನ್ನಡದ ಎರಡನೆ ರಚನೆ

2008-11-13T20:05:00.003+05:30

ಯಾಕೋ ಏನೋ ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯಲು ಕುಳಿತಾಗಲೆಲ್ಲ ಒಂದಲ್ಲ ಒಂದು ಅಡಚಣೆ ಬರುತಲೆ ಇದೆ , ಆದರೆ ಇವತ್ತು ಏನಾದರು ಆಗಲೀ ಬರೆಯಲೇ ಬೇಕು ಅಂಥ ಕುಳಿತುಕೊಂಡೆ .... ಅಬ್ಭಾ ! ಏಷ್ಟು ಆಲೋಚನೆಗಳು , ಏಷ್ಟು ಅನುಭವಗಳು --- ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ವಿಚಾರಗಳನ್ನು ಆಂಗ್ಲ ಬಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆದು ಬಿಟ್ಟಿರುವೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಆಗುವ ಘಟನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಬರೆಯಬೇಕೆಂಬ ಆಸೆ ಆದರೆ ಈ ಬ್ಲಾಗ್ ನ ಕನ್ನಡ ಅಕ್ಷರ ನನಗೆ ಬಾಯಿ ಪಾಠ ಆಗುವ ವರೆಗೆ ಕಷ್ಟ.

ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಅಕ್ಷರ ಬರೆದಾಗಲು ಮತ್ತೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಪರಿಶೀಲಿಸ ಬೇಕಾದ ಸಂದರ್ಭ , ಕೆಲವು ಅಕ್ಷರಗಳ್ಳನು ಹೇಗೆ ಬರೆಯಬೇಕು ಅಂತ ನನಗೆ ಅರ್ಥವಾಗುವಸ್ಟರಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನ ಯೋಚನಾ ಶಕ್ತಿ ತನ್ನ ಹರಿವನ್ನು ಮರೆತು ಬಿಟ್ತಿರುತ್ತದೆ.

ನೋಡುವ ಸಮಯ ಸಿಕ್ಕಾಗಲೆಲ್ಲಾ ಅಭ್ಯಾಸ ಮಾಡಿ ನನ್ನ ಈ ಕನ್ನಡದ ಇಂಗಿತವನ್ನು ತೀರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತೇನೆ .......

Diwali @ AEGIS

2008-11-02T00:16:00.005+05:30

( Flower Rangoli by Nisha )

At AOL, we don’t miss any celebration and it was Diwali that was much awaited. A mail was sent by Ronald a week earlier for the contest and celebration details. A bay in each Unit Managers construct had to be decorated and the best was to receive the award. Along with that all had to bring sweets from home which was exchanged at work.

For our construct, that is Apin’s construct, Nisha took the lead in Rangoli with flowers and while they were on phones girls in the team made Aakasha butti’s and painted them. One specialty was all the decoration was made out of scrap. Aakasha butti’s were made out of scrap paper files. Myself and Ron made Diya’s out of paper cup and painted them also attaching a flame to it.

On 28th Oct 2008, we were all dressed in ethnic and it was celebration time. We clicked photos of the construct and distributed sweets to the Tech floor. Our construct won the award for the decoration and everyone appreciated the rangoli done by Nisha.

May the festival of lights bring joy to ALL!!!

Bison on Track Caution Order (14)

2008-11-01T22:43:00.001+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

What is a Caution Order? Caution order is a document which gives the rules and signals to be followed from the departing station to the destination station. It’s specific to the individual route and keeps changing depending on the maintenance of the track and the weather of the section.

On the railway lines you have bridges that are being constructed, ballast that are refilled, track tamping, rail welding, a new level crossing for which you have to blow whistle freely or worst case like what happens in the Londa-Castle Rock section : it’s migratory season for the herd of bison’s for which you have to be cautious.

You are asked to be cautious not to protect the bison but to protect the train, the driver, assistant driver and the guard. To quote an incident it was my friend Debjit Roy’s train to Castle Rock and midsection they ran over a Bison whose horns got jammed between the cattle guard and the rail and the cattle guard which is a 15mm wrought iron was bent out of shape. They had to stop the train, clear the carcass and then proceed to Castle Rock. There are incidents in the past where the herd or one of them have injured the staff fatally.

Hence during those days where the herd of bison’s are seen a special caution order is mentioned about bison on track and when you approach that kilometer number you slow down the speed of your train and watch out to see if you can spot any bison.

I’m sure we have all seen the herds on National Geographic or Discovery Channel and its no different here. They run in hundreds and when they cross the track the scene is a stampede of the worst order. Every herd has a leader who is huge than the rest and carries that look at his stance, he who would be watching the way and only when he signals the rest of the herd follow. I was lucky to have watched this once and I shall always remember that I was a part of that wildlife adventure.

Save WILDLIFE , the Planet also belongs to them.

DudhSagar Falls (13)

2008-10-31T13:07:00.004+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

DudhSagar in Hindi means Milky Ocean. And if you want to check that out yourself, you must be there to witness the majesty with which it flows. This falls reminds me of the treasures that nature tries to hide from man and keeps it in such a secret corner that only the brave can reach it.

DudhSagar is around 14kms from Castle Rock on the way to Kulem, a wonderful trek on track with the dense forest that surrounds you and if you are lucky enough you get to see some leopards and bears. The moment you reach the advance starter of Castle Rock station, a chill runs down your spine looking at the gradient which is 1:24. The engine slowly takes the first left curve, you cross the rangers bungalow and you are amidst the wild and from then it’s a journey unforgettable.

The wonderful man made tunnels and bridges and the lovely creeks through which forms the mini falls here and there. Come rainy season and its bliss to be there in that route. You just keep watching the scenery on your left and right and suddenly without a clue DudhSagar captures the attention of all those awake and dead in the train. And those who woke from their sleep will remember that sight forever and will say “it was worth waking up”.

If you wish to trek, you can start from Castle Rock. It wouldn’t be a jungle trek, but it’s a trek on the railway track walking through the tunnels and bridges and enjoying the beauty that’s untouched. It would take around five hours from Castle Rock and then on arrival at DudhSagar you just jump into the water at the base of the falls.

If you are as adventurous as me, you can climb the falls and stand there on the top and say “awesome”. Or just go underneath the bridge and relax in the water with some shade from the trees. You can hang around until evening and take a train either towards Castle Rock or Kulem as the train frequency is good, especially the goods train.

When you have worked as hard as you could, a shower at DudhSagar revitalizes the strength in you and keeps you refreshed until your next visit.

Castle Rock - love at first sight (12)

2008-10-31T11:14:00.004+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

Life’s a journey and enroute you fall in love many a times with many a things and Castle Rock is one such destination which will hold you so tight with its serene beauty and untouched soul that you don’t want to come of that imprisonment.

Castle Rock is a small beautiful village which forms the border between the states Karnataka and Goa. The inhabitants are mostly families of railway men and forest guards. Surrounded by mountains and thick forest with a lot of streams that run through the forest, Castle Rock would be anybody’s love at first sight.

I was fortunate to have spent some wonderful moments of my life here. The railway station is one of the remains of the British establishment. You will also find a turn table for steam engines here.

A little bit of history here – British had the routes until Castle Rock and from Castle Rock they would transport all the goods by land to the port at Goa. Then one day they met this shepherd who showed them the route through the mountains to Kulem in Goa and on arrival at Kulem they shot the poor shepherd. And from then, they started laying the railway lines from Castle Rock to Kulem. They have left behind wonderful tunnels and bridges which are still healthy and would run another hundred years. The gradient at the start of the station from Castle rock to Kulem is 1:24, the steepest in the Indian Railways.

Opposite to the railway station you will find a building made of small bricks which is a monument in ruins and once upon a time owned by the Portuguese. Any train that would come from Goa to Karnataka will be taken into this building with only the entry and exit doors and the whole train would be searched for smuggling of gold. Offenders were shot if they tried to escape. And rumors have it that the jungle between Kulem and Castle Rock still has gold bricks thrown by smugglers and which they could not find again. This could be true because you can see a couple of trains in the valley which has not been restored (its mission impossible to take any machinery into the valley with the thick vegetation that the mountains possess).

Every season brings about a change in the weather and here it’s not only the weather it also gifts a new dress to nature. Leaves that turn from green to red to brown, the path of the streams that get dried and then runs as if in a race and the whole mountain that takes on a camouflage. Winter is the best of all that I have enjoyed here. The fog would be so thick that an object that is just two meters away will not be visible. When you stand at the door of the running train, the breeze that kisses your cheek and the mist that you feel on your skin and the cold pain that you experience when you do some mechanical work on the train are all reminders of how beautiful life is when you are a part of nature.

At the entrance to the Castle Rock is the Turva River and I shall cherish the moments spent here bathing or just watching it flow. I have had the best Jack fruit cutting it off myself from the tree, the best curds that had to be cut with a knife.

To visit Castle Rock you can catch a goods train or any passenger from Londa and you can get to Londa by any train that’s running from Hubli to Vasco or Hubli to Belgaum. Best place to trek and get lost in the wilderness. I wish I had a camera when I was in railways to capture all of Castle Rocks emotions.

I shall visit this place before death just to say “I love you Castle Rock “.

Life at TGT - Tinaighat (11)

2008-10-28T17:36:00.004+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

Iron ore from Toranagal and Bellary mines get loaded to train no. TGT SPL and is on a wild run to reach it’s destination – Vasco port where it gets loaded to the ship bound abroad. This is the only goods train that runs on top priority and leaves a red trail even to the extent of stopping an express at the crossing.

There is the ship at Vasco in Goa waiting to get loaded with the red dust which is worth crores and runs the lives of thousands of families. For the running staff it’s a matter of pride to be driving the iron ore special which is bound for Vasco directly or to Tinaighat which is a station located between Londa and Castle Rock.

This is a station where you see activity day and night, in rain and in shine. There’s no room for errors and leisure and there’s no time to wipe the sweat off your face whether it be an old man, a woman or a child. These are mostly laborers from Andhra Pradesh and northern Karnataka. Because of the number of trains that arrive at Vasco and the shortage of lines and staff, railways don’t want any delay in the shipment of the ore and hence the pit stop called Tinaighat. The trains destined to Vasco are terminated here and the iron ore gets unloaded here at Tinaighat and from Tinaighat to Vasco it goes by Trucks.

As soon as the train reaches Tinaighat station the laborers run towards the train and in groups of four or five take on each vehicle. The total load that has to be unloaded is 5,500 Tons and efficiency being at its best the train gets unloaded in approximately 90 minutes. One has to see the action of the shovels which is synchronous and also the flow of sweat and the movement of the muscles which will leave you spell bound.

Sometimes it would make you sad to see the children and women in that laborious process, but you know it’s survival and people have chosen the hard way rather than turning to some anti-social activity. When they carry the pride of being honest and hard working there is no room for softness and you just salute them for the hard work they do.

Whenever I got an opportunity I would speak to them, listen intently to the narration of the life in the huts and most importantly about their health. It was really surprising that some of them had worked for about ten years loading and unloading the ore and they don’t remember the last time they fell ill or visited a doctor.

Life is really not about repenting or cursing your fate that HE chose you to play in the dust day in and out… It’s about the gratitude that HE chose you because you were the best and HE built you out of that clay that hasn’t heard of any disease.

My sincere thanks and regards to all those that work in Tinaighat, who shared their experiences with me and taught the courage that a man should possess when he walks alone in the wild.

Food and the Bone Mill Odor (10)

2008-10-28T16:36:00.003+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

Behind the Londa Railway Station at the UBL end is the famous bone mill. To the left of the station is the bone mill, adjacent to that are the paddy fields and on the right side of the railway track is a stream. Sometimes we had to wait at UBL end of Londa station for crossing or just detention which would extend to long hours.

Having confirmed with the station master we slowly open the Tiffin box and begin our dinner in silence. The pungent odor of the bone mill is something that everyone has to smell one day and during those initial days I was about to throw up if someone asked me to have my food there. Days passed and there was no option but to gulp down irrespective of how the place was.

Sometimes I would put my head outside the window and look at life near the bone mill, you can see the workers carrying baskets filled with bones on their head, crows, eagles, vultures feeding on the heap of bones and now and then a dog that would steal the biggest bone and bring it over to the track. All this made little impact on the people who lived in the quarters nearby or the villagers who lived in and around the bone mill. The odor of the mill would travel to more than a kilometer’s distance in winter.

I certainly am not complaining here about the bone mill but this was one of those experiences which taught me to respect food because when you’re hungry and you feel the cramps in your stomach, the place, the smell and the stink really doesn’t come to your notice and when you’re done with your food all that you think about is – how do the people working in the mill eat at the same spot they work in.

It’s all about what you think is imperfect and insane in the world because the same thing is perfect and sane in the same world.

Higginbothams and the corner bench at the Station (9)

2008-10-27T18:02:00.003+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

Higginbothams – name of the book stall at the stations on South Central Railway.

When I had to wait for the train to arrive at Hubli or Londa or Belgaum, I would walk to Higginbothams and pick up a book that would keep me engaged for a couple of days.

It would be so much fun to sit on the engine at a crossing or on an empty platform bench, hold that treasure in your hand and forget the world until you hear the whistle blow or the station speaker call out the name of the train which is arriving or departing.

On some evenings when I knew that was rest was guaranteed I would walk with a book in my hand to the station and spend the evening reading and observing life that always seemed so slow when compared to that of mine.

It’s on the railway platforms that life shows you so many colors, so many moods, so many emotions and so many lessons which I always wished were taught to me in my school. One was on a journey for his honeymoon and the other was going for a funeral. One was leaving his home in search of opportunities and the other was running away from responsibilities. One had come to bid good bye to a beloved and the other had come to welcome his love. One carried the load that his strength would permit and the other swung his hands free. One would laugh throughout the journey and the other would sit on the footboard gazing at the silent sky. One would walk like he owns the world and the other would walk like he doesn’t care who owns the world.

I read a great deal about Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekar Azaad, Subhas Chandra Bose, Chatrapati Sivaji, Swami Vivekananda and Adolf Hitler. Every time I read them they gave a new insight and some times intoxicated my brain so hard that I fell asleep on the bench itself.

Every time I fell, I only learnt to stand up more firmly and determined that I will succeed in the exams that life can throw at me. It was then I set this constant reminder “know what’s more than enough for you before you can ask for more”.

Muddy boots and wet sandbox (8)

2008-10-24T23:43:00.004+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

Let me give a little technical background here – Any Loco will have two sand boxes attached to the engine and dry free flowing sand is filled during rainy season so as to avoid wheel skidding. It is operated by pneumatic pressure by the button on the control stand. Sand is injected between the wheel and the rail and with that friction the wheel doesn’t skid instead moves forward. Sometimes when it is raining heavily and in the rain when sand is filled, it gets wet and forms blocks of sand which will not flow through the pipe and that is when it’s a memorable pain for the spinal chord.

It was a trip from Alnawar (LWR) to Ambevadi (AVA) a distance of about 20kms.This route is one train system where until the train has returned from AVA to LWR no other train will be sent in the same route and also it’s a side line. East Coast Paper Mill is located in Ambevadi, the forest range that belongs to Dandeli. Trains carry bamboo and other necessary raw material to the paper mill and from the mill the trains transport finished paper products.

Permanent speed restriction while going to AVA is 25kmph and on return its 30kmph.The road is steep and is a ghat section.

It was around 2200 Hrs when we departed from AVA. The weather was cloudy and the wind was chilling. We had 40 vehicles to carry; I suggested that we carry it in two halves so that we won’t experience any difficulty enroute. But the Driver Mr.S.B.Bhavikatti was confident or rather over confident that the WDM2 Loco would pull that load uphill.

We started with all his prayers to the Gods that he believed in and that which he kept on the control stand. It would have been 3kms that we had crossed and it started raining cats and dogs in the section. For another 2kms he used up all the sand even when it was not required. The sandboxes were empty or clogged when we had crossed 5kms and it was still raining heavily.

I helped myself with some tobacco and had kept the window open to let the breeze hit my face. The engine experienced a jerk and when I put my head out of the window noticed sparks flying of the loco wheels. Immediately opened the extra sand bag stored inside the loco and took out my Tiffin box and filled it with sand. I forced opened the door and the next minute I was running next to the track putting sand on the rail. This took the wheel off the skid and it started moving slowly, but the section was so rough that the horse power of the WDM2 was no good to haul the load. I took out my dagger and pierced a hole at the bottom of the sand bag. With all the strength I held the bar with my right hand and holding the bag in my left stood on the foot board letting sand flow on to the rail. This exercise continued for nearly 12kms in the middle of the night.

Finally we arrived at LWR and from there w headed to UBL. On reaching UBL, I thanked Mr.Bhavikatti for his stupidity and on reaching home, lay dead on the floor.

When I woke up, for a moment I felt I had lost sensation of my back and when I tried hard to wake up from the floor, it was an electric shock that ran through my spine and I collapsed on the floor. My fried Seshagiri helped me sit with my back leaning on the wall and immediately applied Iodex and Moov and I sat there half dead and was not quite sure what had happened to my back.

Thought of calling sick to work that day but my instincts said “don’t escape” and sincerely I reported on time for the next train that I was booked.

Long Hours on Track (7)

2008-10-24T22:25:00.003+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

First experience of long hour’s duty- on 18th Mar 2003 I was booked for Train No. SEJ to Hospet (HPT) at 2215 Hrs,while checking the engine I broke MR1 drain coc of WDM2 and the train was detained for 4hrs at the shed. I arrived at Hospet at 1130 Hrs on 19th Mar. The same night I was booked for LE/Bullet at 2000 hrs to UBL and I arrived at UBL at 0115Hrs on 20th Mar and continued duty for crane spl. to Gadag (GDG).It was all about loading and unloading of MG coaches and the work continued till 2100 Hrs.

I slept on the platform in peace and woke up at 0530 Hrs on 21st Mar and continued duty and finally arrived back at UBL at 0000 Hrs on 22nd Mar. I had worked 52 Hrs on this trip.

This memorable trip laid the foundation for many such trips where I worked for long hours and on another instance working with water spl. I had achieved my all time highest of 63 Hours on duty.

Lessons learnt while working for long hours :-
- Eat anything that you get and don’t smell your food before you eat (in summer rice and dhal in the Tiffin would have started to decay within 4hours of filling it).
- Sleep is not the most important thing in life (public service is of utmost importance).
- Don’t look at your watch, because looking at it will not get you relief.
- Don’t complain of pains and aches (everyone has it), learn to get a kick out of it.

Settling in Hubli (6)

2008-10-24T13:02:00.002+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

On January 22nd 2003 I reached Hubli at 1230 Hrs. Myself,Seshagiri Rao and Subba Rao took a room in Modern Lodge and went to DPO’s office but we were asked to come tomorrow.

On 23rd Jan, we filled the Service Record and we were divided into four groups and my group was under the guidance of Mr.H.I.Kallimani.

On 24th Jan exactly at 0000 hrs we started the first handling (Handling is the term used for on the job training, this is very important as this is the only time you get to learn the signals and the road for all the routes) on the Train SVM77 heading to Castle Rock. The first time when you are in action, you feel like the world is moving around you but you are constant. The first handling with Driver Daffedar was informative as he mentioned the position and gradient of the signal and the track. We returned to UBL (Station code for Hubli) with Driver Siddique.

On my return it was a real surprise to see that Seshagiri and Subba Rao had shifted the entire luggage to our rented house at Chalukya Nagar.Now the room mates were Seshagiri, Subba Rao, Venkataramana and Parashuram. Handling continued and on 27th Jan myself and Seshagiri purchased provisions and also made 4 duplicate keys for our house.

On 28th Jan, I collected the South Central Railway Identity Card which is a possession in my collection now. Mr.Kallimani was kind enough to sanction leave and I left to Bangalore by Ranichennamma at 2230 Hrs.

From 29th Jan to 03rd Feb I was at home, catching up with friends and relatives. In such a short span these are the folks that I met – Mr. Philips who was my employer when I left for Railways. Sridhar with whom I played a match of caroms, he lost this time too. Mr.Selvaraj from Shivamani industries in Jalahalli.Relatives in Mathikere and BEL, relatives in Vijayapura and KR puram.MICO friend Guru Prasad, School friends Reshmi,Arathi,Mangala and Pushpalatha. (Today I’m in Bangalore and hardly meet anyone owing to the busy schedules that each one of us have).

By 8th Feb 2003 we had all that a house needs which included a gas stove, all utensils and most importantly a Tiffin carrier for the trip.

On 11th Feb 2003 I received my second stipend of 4610/-. On 21st Feb 2003 we had a viva with the ADME at Hubli.

On 1st Mar 2003, I got the ZTC results – 4th Rank with 84% Marks. On 2nd Mar 2003 I was in Bangalore for a day.

On 3rd Mar 2003 I was in Hubli again and I gave my Citizen watch for service. My uncle Srinivasan had presented this watch to me when I stood 1st in my 7th Standard public exam. And since September 2007 I hadn’t worn a watch.

On 4th Mar 2003 we filled the bio-data at DPO’s office and I signed a LIC policy (Jeevan Anand 1,00,000) which I took from Mr.Pulliah (He was the one who got us the rented house and this was an obligation)

On 5th Mar 2003 , I went to Combined Crew Booking lobby and was informed that the independent duty may be booked anytime.

On 6th Mar 2003 I prepared small charts that would help me in identifying the signals and the stations.

On 7th Mar 2003 at 0730 Hrs my independent duty with Driver A.S.Lazarus carrying the Train SVM-10 to Castle Rock (CLR). CLR arrival was 1955 hrs

Thus started the job as a Diesel Assistant in South Central Railways working for Hubli Division.

Today's fortune 24/10/2008: A thrilling time is in your immediate future

2008-10-24T11:13:00.004+05:30

Was logged in to Orkut and found this on Today’s fortune and thought let me spend some time in analyzing my present status and where I might head in the near future.Alright,let me try to narrow it down personal, professional and others.

Professional Status: Being a Team Manager for AOL tech process, I’m satisfied with what I’m doing, lot of learning’s everyday, new challenges that I encounter all the time, responsibilities that increase all the time and the pay satisfactory.

Would I want to change? NO, unless I get a 35-40% hike on my present pay.

Personal Status: Enjoying life as a bachelor, no quarrels with anybody in the family. Would like to spend all the time with my nephew Skanda , happy spending money on things that interest me, No commitments to burden me, happy with the investments made and great lessons learnt from the past relationships. Handful of friends whom I trust and wouldn’t want anymore.

Would I want to change? YES, only dissatisfaction in the family (though not with me)-I’m still alone. Have authorized my parents to look for some one who is adventurous and speaks her heart out. I would love to hunt myself, but haven’t had much luck in the past and I’m getting to believe that “Marriages are made in heaven”. I don’t want to take a single breath if it’s not worth it.

Others: Speaking of fortune, I don’t gamble nor do I believe in finding a hidden treasure.

Would I expect fortune to knock my door? Hell, NO.

My Leisure at Guntakal and Moulali (5)

2008-10-24T10:13:00.002+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

When I thought of writing this post, the first thing that struck my mind was my Father’s saying “change of work is called leisure” and he always intended and many a times scolded me for sleeping a lot during my school and college days. Now I realize how true that was and later on I came up with my saying “what will I do in my coffin”? And I thought of leaving behind a history that I would love to read in my old age-which I doubt will never come.

Most of my leisure at Guntakal was spent playing caroms and watching movies in the re-creation room at the quarters. I would spend every evening drawing the engine parts and practicing engineering scripts on my fair copy of the notes. All my sleep started to fade away here and in the night I would sit outside in the balcony smoking, reading poems from “The Golden Treasury” and sometimes writing letters to Sridhar, Naveen and Arathi or to my Sister.

Initial days at Moulali was spent exploring the roads around the ZTC.Then began the worst hobby where I would spend all night writing thoughts in my diary and I would travel all over the world including Christ School, Christ College, MICO Vocational Centre, Belgaum and all the faces that have crossed my life and all the faded memories were brought back to life and I was playing the same old games in my mind. (I will post all the thoughts I have written one day and would get some brains going dead and hopefully save my own as they mean a lot to me)

Letters from Sridhar Machani and my Sister deserves a special place on this post. The only thing that I have ever waited for in my life -Letters from my friend and Sister which was a solace and on which they would give all the updates of Bangalore and family. In the world of e-mails where reply becomes such a tedious task, Sridhar would take all his time to reply to every thing that I wrote on the letter (If he permits I can publish some of them) it’s the scent of the ink, the words stressed which would make the ink blot and those smiley and symbols and the signature on a letter which would convey a lot more than the deepest thoughts on an e-mail.

Whenever I was in a pensive mood I would sit alone with a burning stick in my hand and compose poems or make a pencil sketch or think about Shilpa-who still smiles and dances in the corner of my brain.

Thus I enjoyed whatever I was doing wherever I went and I would do those things again and again as it was pleasant at that time and writing this post brings a pleasant fragrance of life’s wonderful moments spent in a crowd - yet alone.

Secunderabad Life at the Hostel (4)

2008-10-20T16:29:00.004+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

Our room was on the first floor and my room mates were Anand Rao, Jay Prakash, Seshagiri Rao and Ravi.I had taken a bed at the centre of the room and all luggages were unpacked and arranged in the cupboard. Life at the Hostel was luxurious with a separate study table for each, canteen on the ground floor and an open balcony from where the view was wonderful of the Centre, playground and also a top view of the kitchen. We had Times of India newspaper delivered to our room at 0500 Hrs and we could happily take a 30 minutes nap after lunch.

Couple of days passed and we had to get serious about our studies on G&SR (General & Subsidiary Rules). The marks what you score in the final exam at ZTC is what decides your seniority for promotions when you hit the job as a Diesel Asst. I was reading rather than studying the Manual given and spent most of my time drawing signals and warning boards and coloring them.

Saturday evening to Sunday midnight it was just fun and travel and the places that I visited during my stay in Moulali were Birla Mandir, Charminar, Salar Jung Museum, Tank Bund Road, and Golkonda Fort. We did watch a couple of movies and I used to travel everyday to Secunderabad for a good cup of tea.

Had forgotten to mention about my study table – creativity is something some people are born with and cannot live without. I would cut all the beautiful pictures from Hyderabad Times and with Seshagiri’s help paste it on my table.

December passed and it was New Year 2003, a time for celebration, time to shed all your inhibitions, sing and dance to your own tunes and any tune that people around you play. It so happens that the entertainment is the same but the faces change when compared to the past. Room mate Ravi had left Railways as he had got an offer from BHEL in Chennai.

On Jan 04th 2003 we left for Vijayawada for an educational tour , we studied various signals, walked over Krishna Bridge and also took time off to visit the book exhibition where I had purchased a book on Pencil Sketches and that unleashed a hidden talent which was unknown to me until then.

After our return from Vijayawada it was serious study time and we would stay awake until late in the night but half the time would be only laughter and jokes cracked by JP (Jay Prakash) or by “O Hansini” a song which was Debjit Roy’s favorite and later became everyone’s favorite.

On 21st Jan 2003 we had the final exam and on the same day we bid good bye to Moulali and boarded the Train no.Kacheguda-Dharmavaram express to Hubli.

A Remembrance

2008-10-20T16:21:00.003+05:30

Introduction : As usual one day of my week end goes in cleaning the first floor and today the 20th 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 5th 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 10th 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

Secunderabad Life at the RPF Barracks (3)

2008-10-19T17:33:00.004+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

It was November 2002 that we arrived at Secunderabad Station and caught a bus to Moulali , Headed straight to Trainee hostel and the time was 0730 Hrs.When we met the Warden , he informed us that the hostel was full and that if we wanted accommodation we had to manage in the RPF Barracks. I did not think much but headed from there to the RPF Barracks which was a 15 minutes walk ……..

From the main gate to the barrack would have been 600 mts and it was just a big hall with some shaky cots and broken glass windows with a door which did not have a locking arrangement. Took bath and headed back to the training center. Everybody was concerned about their luggage back at the barracks.

The prayer started at 0900 Hrs and with a small speech by the Principal we found ourselves in the classroom. Mr.Murthy entered the class announcing that he will be the class teacher and it sounded like I had long forgotten that word.Anyways there was a round of introduction and when it came to electing a Class Leader I was unanimously chosen as I had been the best at Guntakal (even though Mohan Rao had warned me that I should opt out of Leader role at Moulali, because there would be too much to study).

We had lunch at the hostel canteen and I don’t remember the taste as I was very hungry. After the class we all rushed back to the barracks and this is where the actual life at ZTC (Zonal Training Centre) begins……..

Luckily the luggage was undisturbed. I unpacked a few daily usable clothes, shoe polish tin and the brush. After cursing all the officials possible for not having sufficient rooms at the hostel we headed back to the hostel mess for dinner. After dinner the 15 minute walk seemed a little too long as I was tired after the travel from Guntakal to Secunderabad and the already three trips from the barrack to the centre. On reaching the main gate, we realized that there was no power and it was pitch dark and none of us had a torch. Slowly we crept to the hall and lay on the cots and it was only when one of the alarms went off that I woke up.

Day 2 was mostly spent in the class and during breaks trying to convince the warden to allot rooms and also mentioning that we would adjust with whatever is given. As I spoke in Telugu, he asked me to check out some ladies quarters at the back of the centre. After the class, I went with some of my friends to check them and the word that I may use with all rights is pathetic. The cots were broken and twisted and the beds were happily conquered by bed bugs. Saying a big NO I walked back to the barracks.

When the news came to us that the hostel rooms would be allotted, we were actually jumping with joy.

Around a week and a half had passed in the RPF barracks and I was enjoying the long walks and the stillness that existed in the darkness of the night.

ANDAMAN – Paradise Re-defined

2008-10-14T18:04:00.008+05:30

Firstly I know the pictures are what everyone looks for on this Blog.....here's the link :- http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0BbuXLFm2ZsWLh

30th Sep 2008 Travel :-
Chikka Adugodi to Bangalore City Railway Station 1300 to 1345 Hrs
Departure from Bangalore to Chennai by Brindavan Express at 1430 Hrs
Arrival at Chennai 2030 Hrs
Park Station to Trisulam Station by suburban train 2145 to 2210 Hrs

Description : Train No. 2640 departed on time and the journey was more of getting to know Murali,Wilton and Madhu who were a part of this trip along with Venu.

01st Oct 2008 Travel :-
Departure from Chennai to Port Blair at 0430 Hrs
Arrival at Port Blair at 0630 Hrs
Airport to Aberdeen Bazaar 15mins by Taxi
10 mins walk to Cellular Jail and Fisheries Museum
15 mins walk to Zonal Anthropological Museum

Description : As we had sufficient time before the Check in we decided to spend time sitting at the arrival of Chennai Air Port and even took a short nap.
As soon as we arrived at Port Blair we were attacked by auto/taxi drivers. We finalized on a taxi at 100/- to Aberdeen Bazaar. Finding Azad Lodge wasn’t difficult (double bedroom cost 300/- per day).Lunch at Light House restaurant was good.
Cellular jail was interesting and the exact replica of what I had read in the books. The sound and Light show at the jail took us into the life of those immortals who laid down their lives for the cause of Freedom.
Zonal Anthropological Museum gives an insight into the life of tribes of Andaman.

02nd Oct 2008 Travel :-
Journey by bus from A/Bazaar to Wandoor 0815 to 0915 Hrs
Wandoor to Redskin Island 0930 to 1015 Hrs
Redskin Island to Wandoor 1415 to 1500 Hrs
Wandoor to A/Bazaar 1600 to 1700 Hrs
10 mins walk to Children’s Traffic Park

Description : Govt. tourism dept. is one building where you can book tickets for most parts of your journey. Tickets to Redskin Island was booked one day prior and we had to get to Wandoor on our own.
Being Gandhi Jayanthi the regular bus stand route was closed & we had to go to a nearby circle to board the bus. I would like to mention here about two Cops who guided us and also helped in catching the bus to Wandoor.
The driver of the bus was friendly who called up folks in Redskin Island and told them not to move the boat until his bus arrived.
We had to take permit from the govt. official at Wandoor. Ride from Wandoor to Redskin Island was beautiful with view of Amazing islands. In Redskin included in the ticket is a short trip of Snorkelling, but if you pay another 100/- the guide will take you a little deeper into the sea and also explain the names of the Corals. Here you can play in the sea until you’re tired and the water being crystal clear you tend to go deeper and deeper.

03rd Oct 2008 Travel :-
15 mins walk to Phoenix ay Jetty
Journey from Phoenix Bay Jetty to Havelock Island 0615 to 0830 Hrs
Journey by bus to Radhanagar Beach 0915 to 1015 Hrs
Journey back to Havelock jetty 1215 to 1315 Hrs
Havelock Island to Phoenix Bay Jetty 1400 to 1600 Hrs

Description : A strange thing that happened here , we went two days in advance to book the tickets to Havelock Island and at the booking counter we were told it was booked for the next three days. As I had read about the same in other blogs, I told the rest of the group to be awake and ready by 0430 in the morning. When we reached Phoenix Bay Jetty, there was a queue as usual and after standing in the queue for about 7minutes,we had the tickets to Havelock in our hand.
One of the memorable sea journeys that you will enjoy and also Radhanagar Beach – wow ! the best beach that I have visited in India.
I can go on and on about Havelock Island but certain things in life are better enjoyed when the story is untold.

04th Oct 2008 Travel :-
0930 Hrs departure from Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex to North Bay
North Bay to Ross Island
Ross Island to Viper Island
Viper Island to Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex 1730 Hrs

Description : This package is more of travel but you will still enjoy the Ross Island which was a British Headquarters and now under the control of the Indian Navy. The Guide at Ross Island Mrs.Anuradha Rao will take your breath away by her speech.

05th Oct 2008 Travel :-
Aberdeen Bazaar to Airport by bus 1015 to 1030 Hrs
Port Blair to Chennai 1300 to 1500 Hrs
Trisulam Station to Park Station by suburban train 1545 to 1610 Hrs
Departure from Chennai to Bangalore by Kaveri Express 2130 Hrs

06th Oct 2008 Travel :-
Arrival at Bangalore Cant 0330 Hrs
Bangalore Cant. to Chikka Adugodi by Rickshaw 0340 to 0400 Hrs

Expenditure : Overall expenditure including food and transport for this trip was 14,500 /-

Something’s happen by chance (2)

2008-09-13T08:00:00.005+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

It was just like any other day except that My friend Naveen who was doing MBBS in Davanagere had come home to Bangalore to purchase his Medial books and as usual since he did not possess the driver’s license nor knew how to ride a bike, I had to be his driver to Avenue Road.

He purchased his books and on the way back to the parking lot, along the roadside I noticed this advertisement for Diesel Asst. for South Central Railways and the Qualification asked was ITI in fitter, Millwright Mechanic and all bench trades. As it cost only ten rupees for the application, I picked one and filled the details and posted to the address mentioned.

After that I had to leave to Belgaum to work for Fairfield Atlas on behalf of Dynamic Services & Engg Consultancies. I completed the work there and after My return to Bangalore My uncle Anantha Krishna sent me on a project to Gurgaon as an Engineer from Atreya Integrations (never did I want to become an engineer). I returned from Gurgaon on 12^th Sep 2001.

When I reached home, mother informed me that there is a written test on 13^th Sep for South Central Railways and gave me the hall ticket. Half heartedly I wrote the test which wasn’t all that difficult and I did not have any hopes because all the candidates who had come there had thick books which they had studied for more than 6months and for some of them it was the 5^th or the 6^th attempt. Whereas I wrote it, without turning a page of my MICO or any other manual.

Life went on as usual with the maintenance work that I did for Dynamic Services & Engg. Consultancies and also for Atreya Integrations. Financial earning per month was 3000/- INR from Dynamic Services & Engg Consultancies and nothing fixed from Atreya Integrations (I really cared less about my earnings because I knew my time would come and I have to hone My Technical skills to the sharpest possible on Earth).

GOD blesses you with such surprises that you don’t realize what HIS plans are. I received a letter calling for the Psychological test. Again without a clue answered all the questions in the time given. This was a cake walk I can tell, after all the practical training I had at MICO.

Now almost confirmed that I would get through this round, I was awaiting further communication and finally it arrived asking me to come for a final Medical round at Hubli (which was bound to be my home station for two years).The wait was more than two days and My father who had accompanied me had to leave after two days. I was staying at my father’s friend’s in-laws place where Badrinath their son became my friend (hospitality received in their home for more than a week cannot be forgotten).

Here GOD puts me through another test. When I was examined for 6/6 eye test, the first day I really couldn’t make out the direction of opening of ‘C’.This examination is conducted in a dark room where you have to sit at a distance and at the other end you have a small ‘C’ with a faded light at the background. The attendant rotates the ‘C’ and you have to tell the direction of the opening of ‘C’.The doctor whose name was Renuka asked me to reappear for this test the next day as I had passed in all other tests and also for the fat that I was the only from Karnataka in that Batch.

Feeling low I returned back to Badrinath’s home. I called up home and informed them that I had some defect with my eye and I doubt passing it the next day.

I hardly get any dream even to this day but on that night a miracle happened – Lord Venkateshwara came in my dream and I remember it well, it was the gopura of Tirupathi. Quite amazed after I woke up, I recollected that on my earlier visit to Tirupathi when I had to wait in the queue for nearly 24hrs, after the darshan I had told to the Devine unseen that I will not visit you again. When I mentioned about my dream to Badrinath’s father, he told me to make a wish telling if I get through the medical test, I will visit Tirupathi for Lord’s darshan.Not quite trusting my own wish I went to the Railway hospital the next day and the ‘C’ was crystal clear and they had to do multiple rotations to confirm the same.

When HE calls you, there’s no stopping and as all the elders later told me, it was God’s way of calling me to Tirupathi again.

Thanks LORD – I did not have to strive much to be noticed by YOU.

After the medical round, I had to go through a final round – a one on one with AME and then take off to Guntakal for LOCO Training. I traveled on a pass for the first time in my life.

Journey from Guntakal to Moulali (Secunderabad) in my next post…

Railway - Begin (1)

2008-09-07T15:48:00.007+05:30

Note : Railway Diaries follows the Number on the Post Title

Vishwanath Sir, Vishwanath Sir…that’s the wake up call by the call boy to book me for a train at 0300 Hrs. I look into the Train no. its PSJT Spl to Hospet and Driver Mr. Christopher.

After signing the call book I get ready. Bath a mandate for me no matter what time it is, a short prayer asking for blessings for myself, driver and the train to reach the destination safe. Depending on the time left is when I decide if I have to cook something for enroute.

After reaching the Lobby, sign the log register with the Train/Driver’s name, collect the Caution Order and wait for the Train to arrive which sometimes has already arrived and most of the times the wait in the Lobby itself takes 5-6 Hrs and after 6 Hrs if you want to sign off and go home you can (But rarely we sign off, because we all understand that there is a serious shortage of Running Staff).

Finally the Train arrives and I check the fuel balance and the following-, headlight, flasher light, all brake pipe hoses and the coupling, radiator room, generator room, brake shoes, water level gauge, expressor room, sand in the sand boxes and finally clean the wind shield and the control stand.

Now comes the second part of the wait time, you wait for the signal of your line.

Main line starter, advance starter proceed .oOo that’s the whistle code, one short one long one short when the train starts the station. At the first curve where you can see the full formation, I look back and shout, formation rolling intact and Guard signal right.

Approach of the next station – Distant signal caution…….Distant signal caution Home danger and then Home signal caution line 1 ….. Line 1 starter danger.

You get down, do a check of the break shoes, and blow down the air tank to release moisture. Wait for the train to cross and exchange signal (green flag in your left hand and red flag in your right hand, the moment you notice something wrong in the crossing train you raise the red flag immediately)

Line 1 starter caution, advance starter proceed and the short long short whistle code and the train leaves the station.

Then between this station and the next station you have a level crossing for which Gate Distant proceed and then Gate signal proceed (If gate signal is danger then Gate Distant is caution).

Approach of next station – Distant signal attention, Line 1 Caution, line 1 starter caution, advance signal proceed and exchange signal with the station staff.

Finally after crossing all the stations you reach the Destination, halt your train, apply hand brakes, note the fuel balance and if charge is not taken over unscrew the lever for throttle and break and take it to the Combined Crew Booking Office. Sign off and rush to the Running Room.

Depending on what time of the day it is you give rice to the cook and get vegetables and toor dhal and also oil for the curry from a near by store.

A quick shower, a full house meal and then off to the bed.

And the trip continues in a similar routine.

Terms :-

Call Boy- the designation for the person who comes to inform you about the train in advance.

Call Book- the book where you sign telling that you will report to work or if you are calling sick.

Lobby (Combined Crew Booking Office)- office where you report and sign the registry.

Running Staff- Engine Driver, Assistant Driver and Guard.

Running Room- place where the running staff stays at destination.

Have had great experiences in two years of my life (2002-2004) that I spent in Railways as a Diesel Assistant. Will share more in the near future and this post was to set foundation and also I was checking myself if I still remember the terminology.

I'll Wait........

2008-09-07T14:09:00.006+05:30

Bang! Bang! Bang ! , Three shots aimed at the torso of the once loved one, this was a long awaited moment for Prem and he had it rehearsed for the last 2 months-the time when he knew he was closer to vengeance.

There was cry, fear and panic in the wedding hall but it was a moment of truth for him as the warm blood touched his cold feet. He bent down for one last glance at the face that had deceived him and he remembered the lines he had wrote when she had dumped him “I saw heaven in her face and a hell in her heart “. As rehearsed, he wanted to smear her blood over his forehead and shout "love hurts" but he refrained for reasons unknown.

The crushing beats of the water falls and the rustling of the leaves, a pen with it's cap opened lay beside the man who was fast asleep still stinking of the cheap spirit that he had consumed, some fishes tried to clean the stains and dirt of the hand that lay dipped in the flowing water-this man lay there amidst the wild with a smile on his face, not all the smiles are the same – this one displayed a sense of accomplishment.

He did not know the date or the time and was unsure of how long he had passed out, he tried to lift himself but fell hard on the rock as he felt an acute pain on the left side of his brain and this was not one of those hangovers. Still lying there he searched his pockets for some more spirit that can ease his pain, finding that he had emptied all, he splashed the water on his face and decided to leave.

After a few staggering steps, he walked back to the rock where he had spent the last unknown and unaccounted hours of his life – searching under the leaves he found what was at the moment the most valuable, the most precious of all the things that he possessed on earth --- his pen which was a gift from his high school friend.

The next couple of hours unable to walk , he sat leaning on the trunk of a tree, this time his sight was fixed on the pen and thoughts racing back to the playground, which he believed was the only real playground where , as everyone big had told him life is a playground. All those who were opponents on that playground had turned good or if time be true the most trusted friends of Prem’s life.

All the counseling had failed from family and friends and now he sat there – was it all worth it?

He knew he cannot get her out of his mind and the least he could do was, drench his brain and mind and what ever that reminded him of her, in the sight of her blood at his feet asking for forgiveness. He knew it was the ego but still he wanted it – some forget and move on and some can’t live without the pain. It’s like a bullet in your heart, as long as it’s there you have the pain, you operate to take it out, you die. IF IT DOESN’T HURT – PREM’S DEAD

Note: I hold no accountability if it resembles anyone’s love or life.

ಕನ್ನಡದ ಮೂದಲ ರಚನೆ !!!

2008-08-24T10:44:00.005+05:30

This morning I was experimenting with the blog when I found out that the combination of ಕನ್ನಡ and English was very much possible. Have a lot of scripts that has to be posted especially the poems written by My Father.

ಇದು ಒಂದು ಅದ್ಭುತವಾದ ಅನುಭವ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂತೋಷದ ಸುದ್ದಿ . ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಸವಿ ನೆನಪುಗಳಿಗೆ ಬಣ್ಣ ಹಚ್ಚುವ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಮಾರ್ಗ.
ಜೀವನದ ಈ ಸುಂದರ ಪಯಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಂದು ಹೋದ ಭಂದು ಬಳಗ , ಸ್ನೇಹಿತರು , ಗುರುಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಮರೆಯಲಾಗದ ಘಟನೆಗಳು --- ಈವೆಲವನ್ನು ಚಿತ್ರಿಸಿ ನನ್ನದೇ ಆದ ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಬರೆದು ಹೋಗುವ ಆಸೆ , ನನ್ನದೇ ಲೋಕ ಹುಟ್ಟಿಸುವ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ.

Control your anger

2008-08-21T07:30:00.003+05:30

20/08/2008 , an usual day at work when I received this mail from Gaurav , infact not many forwards that I get these days but this one had a message and may be at some instance of each one's life we all would have regretted and probably repent even to this day "had I not done that.....it would have been better". There are many such instances in my life to remember and I know we all do.

While a man was polishing his new car, his 4 yr old son picked stone & scratched lines on the side of the car. In anger, the man took the child's hand & hit it many times, not realizing he was using a wrench. At the hospital, the child lost all his fingers due to multiple fractures.

When the child say his father.... with painful eyes he asked 'Dad when will my fingers grow back?' Man was so hurt and speechless. He went back to car and kicked it a lot of times.

Devastated by his own actions...... sitting in front of that car he looked at the scratches, child had written 'LOVE YOU DAD'.

The next day that man committed suicide. . .

Anger and Love have no limits, Choose the later to have a beautiful & lovely life .... Things are to be used and people are to be loved,But the problem in today's world is that,People are used and things are loved.......

Independence Day - 2008

2008-08-15T13:57:00.012+05:30

Life's little changes and the ways to reinvent self never stops and in rare circumstances like the one which happened to Vishwanath -- extends for time indefinite. But all that has to come to an end and I'd rather say " Good Morning " than " Good Night ".

Today being the 61st Year of Independence , I was trying hard to trace My Memory back to the farthest childhood moments that I could and as I always believed I could remember it all quite very well.

May not be a pleasant journey but for sure I have enjoyed the Freedom of choice , Freedom to speak my heart out , Freedom to travel to destination unknown , Freedom to be self and above all Freedom from the bonds of misery.

Slowly I returned to the world around at present and marriage being the word of all seasons , questioned myself " Hey Vish , are you independent and do you really have the time to celebrate Independence Day ? " Guess what - Yes I did and was also excited like the good old school days. The sequence of events today as follows , I was at work doing a refresher on tools and troubleshooting and just before the clock struck 00:00 Hrs wished the floor a Happy Independence Day , reached home at 09:00 Hrs , slept untill 12:00 hrs , had lunch with Mother , changed the orkut photo to that of Bhagat Singh , renamed the title from " closer to vengeance " to " Vande Mataram " and that's when I thought let me also see what my friends and relatives have to say about freedom.

I sent an SMS to all " Happy Independence Day ! If you're married ignore the message ". The responses that I recieved were strange - there was Rashmi who replied ( Ayyo Katte ) , Manju my cousin ( Kya idea sirji ) , AnanthaKrishna my uncle ( I cordially reciprocate da 1st half of ur sms ! ) , Drun my manager ( wrong person vish...Am still celebrating :) ) , StephenErnest my manager ( Lol.. )

So , different people different meanings for independence , some happy to say I'm independent and a few i'm in dependence and a whole lot who smile and say I don't know , but are lost in thought.

I don't want to discuss or dispute the political affairs or the economic progress that my country has made over the last 61 years.Apart from being a good citizen who obeys the traffic rules and honestly declares the income tax I haven't contributed in any way to the betterment of my country.That's the Truth and I close this post by saying " Let Truth Prevail ".

Comp back in action :)

2008-08-12T14:32:00.004+05:30

Hmmm....My HP desktop computer which I got from AOL in the year 2006 for Rs.2225 which was deducted in two installments from my salary was under breakdown for a couple of months now when I accidently deleted some files deteted by AVG anti-virus.

Anish Gopi my friend reformatted the hard disk and it's now back in action (10/august/2008).

On 11/08/2008 outgoing calls from my landline was barred as I had an outstanding on my broadband bill.Remitted the amount on 12/08/2008 morning and it was 12:00 hrs when I returned back.

Tried to catch some sleep and when I couldn't , did this blog.

Cleaning

2008-07-28T12:01:00.006+05:30

After a long time on 12/07/2008 I set out with the vaccum cleaner to clean my place. And as usual wondered how on earth did so much of waste accumulate ? Started with the book rack and then to the attic and finally the front room.

It was a great feeling to see my stamps,photos and paper cut out's after a long time. A few of my clothes which hung on the hanger for quite a few months finally found a place in my cupboard.Shoes which hadn't seen any polish were gliterring by afternoon and all the antiques which hung here and there adoring my sweet little room reminding me of special moments were dusted.

Found some bits of paper , flakes of tobacco and an old note pad on which I has recorded the SMS conversation dating back to Feb 2007 when I had parted with a dear friend of mine.

Strange are the ways of life and even more strange are the people that we come across.For two years I knew this person and did not have the least doubt in my mind that a day would come when I would be shattered.All the hopes,dreams and vows were broken as if it were made of glass and She just walked away.

Half heartedly I had lunch and set to think again , because thats the best I can do these days.Tried hard to co-relate my little cleaning exercise with that of life and wondered - can i really dust off those memories which are not so pleasant or which hurt the most.May be i can or may be i don't want to...

Some live at present , some live in memories of the past , but a few live not to repeat the past...

" Back to Brahme " Part 1

2008-04-07T06:37:00.008+05:30

Hmmm...The day was bright as ever and Prem was in his usual thoughts of life,philosophy and of course the adventure sports that he had planned for the weekend.He tried to run through his calendar to make sure he's not missed out a friends birthday or a relatives anniversary and that's when he saw the days were closing on for his wedding.He closed his eyes for a moment and returned back with a hush.

Life sometimes is a struggle between what you want and what it offers.Lessons once learnt may not be of any help when life gives you the same puzzle to solve and you are lost again and more often you end up with the same life lock situations that you cannot navigate.

Prem at work was at the best and had won the confidence of all his colleagues.Meeting deadlines,handling training sessions for the new hires,drawing performance plans and charts,attending leadership development programmes,six sigma projects and most of his weekend plans would end up in doing an extra shift at work.He would always say "I have enough time to rest in my grave" , impressive and at times the most annoying statement that one would want to hear.

Trying hard to hide the conversation with his fiancee, Prem would be to himself and often in those pensive moods.Family was a major issue with his fiancee.Prem being family oriented and the other more towards materialistic.Their conversation over the phone would always end up with material trying to win over moral or vice versa.Though firm in his approach towards life,people that he had influenced and his long never ending speeches of philosophy, he believed he could change the other.

More often than not we try to change the situations,the surroundings,the people around us because all the time our thoughts are as our watches are-no ones perfect but each believes his own.

Was Prem a puppet in the hands of time or was it time itself was the big question.Pondering over these thoughts he never felt hungry nor did he want to rest.At last he had to say "No" - family first and break the vows of engagement.

Sad but true , some things are better late than never.

Cousins trip to Hampi

2008-02-26T03:33:00.003+05:30

It was a success feeling even before the actual trip began.

I returned from office and got ready to leave to the railway station where we all had planned to meet. Departure from Bangalore to Hospet: 2130 Hrs. Next day arrival at Hospet: 0710 Hrs.As Murthy had arranged everything , we had the driver waiting with the placard. From station to Hotel Mallige, got ready and after breakfast, we started off for the Hampi site visit. On the way we visited Sai Baba temple which was still under construction. We hired a guide for 4 Hrs who was very friendly and patient.

For me this was the fourth visit but for my cousins it was the first and I could see that excitement.As for myself I was lost in memories of the past when I had visited along with my railway friends. Time-how I wish I could take it back to where I wanted to stop.
After the Hampi site visit, a little tired we had lunch at Shanbhog & headed for the hotel.
TB dam visit was cancelled & we all jumped to the swimming pool of the hotel, which was fun to the core.Evening was spent with Bhajji & Mandakki and then the traditional dinner with jowari roti and sides. A little heavy with the dinner we came to our respective rooms and spent a little more in chatting with each other over a drink.

Next day morning we had breakfast and headed towards Anegundi which was a bit of travel but it was filled with antakshari and jokes.
The boat ride to the Nava Brindavan was pleasant and the site itself was great –Brindavanas right in the middle of Tunga. A funny thing happened on the way back-the boat which was scheduled to fetch us back broke down & we had to wait for at least 2 hrs for that to get ready & I must say that Manju,Lakshmi& Vani did panic to a certain extent. Finally from Anegundi toTungaBhadra dam which as ever as it was – splendid.

A quick pack up& we reached the Hospet station. My railway friend Subba rao came to meet me & it was a great feeling even though we spoke for only about 10mins. Departure from Hospet at 1900 Hrs & until 2200 Hrs we were singing and shouting aloud. Reached Bangalore at 0600 Hrs.

I know its been a long time that I took to pen this down, but as I say if I could turn the time back , I would do the same things which I have been doing all this while.

“ UNEXPLAINED “

2008-01-05T19:32:00.000+05:30

Lovely seat of sand,
shade of the coconut tree,
grains of sand in My hand,
eyes lost on the pleasant waves.

There I sat, not to think of life,
but of the beauty, that lay ahead of Me.
The surf of the sea, bringing life in Me.
was it an illusion?, was it a reality?

There emerged from the sea,
a beautiful girl, Oh! was out of Me.
the curves, the cleavage,
diamonds dripping off Her body.

Eyes that were seducing-
driving passions at Me.
was it a love at first sight?
or, was it the lust thrown at Me?

I lost the sight of sunset,
chillness surrounded Me.
Eyes that were inviting,
the smile, Oh! that did kill Me.

It all happened as a dream,
Her smile, the only thing I remember.
Her heart beats next to Mine.
The next thing I remember, stars smiling at Me.

Days turned to weeks & weeks to months,
the beach had become a paradise.
There was love in the air,
the sea stood a silent witness.

The stars, the waves, the breeze-froze,
as We exchanged Our wedding vows.
Now as I write this, there She comes,
Oh! She’s got that smile again,

I’M SORRY, I’VE TO DROP THE PEN AGAIN ; )

19/02/2006
19:45 Hrs

“ THE DEPTH “

2008-01-05T19:31:00.000+05:30

Force Me not;
to sing the sad old hymn,
To bring back memories to life,
to drive Myself insane.

Let Me not;
to your false cries heed-
as often before.
Sleep on a bed of roses, yet! feel the thorns.

Sight I need none;
of those seductory frame,
or of those sparkling eyes-
that burnt Me alive.

Never again would I like to feel;
the disguised skin of yours,
or of your breath next to Mine.
your kiss- a pleasant hell.

Life’s hanging on the sail;
don’t bring back another tide-
there’s nothing left behind.
Bid Me good bye – NEVER TO RETURN AGAIN.

09/01/2004
12:25 Hrs
Belgaum running room

“ BACK & AGAIN “

2008-01-05T19:30:00.000+05:30

Depressed & disturbed I lay,
gazing at the starry night.
The chill breeze embracing Me,
amidst the nature-quiet.

The moon & the clouds,
did Play hide & seek,
Little did I realize-
they were mocking at Me.

The wind carried faint voices,
something strange I felt.
Lightning struck the nearby tree
& all the stars were gone.

There I stood as a stone,
gazing at the deadly sky.
Lightning’s & thunders wild-
made all the below cry.

Lightning made the silent night a day.
All I could hear were cries.
Someone outside let out a cry
it’s doom’s day! We’re all dying.

People ran from homes,
Some knelt down to pray.
As I stood cold & confused,
the clouds started it’s play.

I felt some unseen hands,
reach out to Me from above.
The moment was bliss,
And! There was a cry-Kashi.

It was My friends,
all who left Me alone.
Neither Myself could I see-
and then, there were a thousand sun.

My mortal remains were below,
but with the immortals was I.
The world had seen it’s end,
and We were in Our own.

This was the day long awaited,
to race back through time…
And here We were,
enacting the same-old plays.

All familiar faces were back,
All losses restored.
All I missed were paper & ink,
TO PEN IT DOWN –AGAIN.

29/10/2003
13:00 Hrs

“ THE SHIP & ME ”

2008-01-05T19:27:00.000+05:30

Lovely seat of sand,
sight lost on the waves,
Thoughts racing fast-
beyond the sight, in the sea disdain.

Memories hunting or haunting,
I could not but trace.
Sure! it was raining pleasure,
but again, My eyes were wet.

I felt an unseen hand,
tendering My cheeks & wiping My tears.
No doubt it were the same,
that once patted My back, in sorrow & in joy.

Friends We were,-to other’s envy,
As the fisherman & His boat.
No fun We missed in company,
all sorrow, in silence We grieved.

Our flag on the island far,
Our costumes for the Holmes adventure.
Planning stories together-
to tell among friends & his place.

Always on the run,
to sight things first.
but back at school,
the same lords of last benches.

How We grew into adolescence
and then, the smart beard youth-
A mystery that remains unsolved,
I’m still in search of a clue.

As it had always been,
fortune favored You.
Myself deserted,-to struggle,
on this broad field of battle.

Friend, He is the luckiest,
who gets one meal a day,
for I traveled very long,
no food to eat, but surplus pain to drink.

At the end of My search,
to end Myself I came,
Your hands had the miracle touch,-
giving new hopes to the one to die.

The distant ship I see,
beneath the clouds You’re traveling.
As the rain kisses the earth,
I know, You will come to kiss Me.

Mortal though We are,
Our friendship immortal be.
Bring Me fortune, bring Me joy,
bring back My dreams.

On Your return,
Dr.Watson! I shall surely be.

20/08/2003
17:05 Hrs
Journey from SBC to UBL (Train no.2725)

“ DRIED BUT NEVER DEAD…

2008-01-04T08:32:00.001+05:30

Here on My couch I lie,
Gazing at My worldly possessions-
Every little thing so beautiful,
Scented memories of the past.

As new leaves spring up
My treasure too does-
Adding on old, gathering their scent.

A few effaced pages, I do possess.
And also the ashes of the one’s burnt.
Dried petals, leaves & insects-
DRIED BUT NEVER DEAD.

The scars of childhood’s still fresh,
Same are the voices of the lost ones.
All were dear’s then…
Oh! Alas, no one’s near today.

Some doors to Me are shut,
Some welcome’s pretend.
Myself a fool then, now,
Knocks at every familiar door.

It’s the pain of remembrance,
That I love most-
A remembrance of the kindest friend ever,
And of the one lost love.

The games of childhood,
The illusions of adolescence,
The battles of youth,
All!, all that fell My precious time.

I, traveled without a destination,
Now, I have but one left-
To there these treasures be brought,
And besides Me gently placed,
Remember-DRIED BUT NEVER DEAD…

05/07/2003
20:25 Hrs
Completed at Ajjampur when on dead loco accompany to Arsikere

“ FUNERAL “

2008-01-04T08:26:00.000+05:30

Thus let Me be buried;
Amongst the common grave-
No colourful petals be thrown,
Nor sounds of trumpet be heard.

Let no stone be laid
To burden My heart,
No epitaph be carved
To praise My glories.

Build no tomb
To imprison My soul.
Nor visit My grave often
To depress Me more.

I! foresee now, the tears,
Of My beloved ones.
A few standing by My grave,
Still, silent & tears full.

Cry not! I shout,
But heard in vain.
Less mournful tears
Should drop from Naveen’s eye.

The body is gone,
Gone to decay with the living.
The spirit’s still high
That floats on the wind.

Cry not! when I’m gone away,
Hold no occasion to remember Me.
Let Me lie in peace with Death,
No more battles with Life-

NO MORE WINGS TO FLY.
27/02/2003
00:05 Hrs

New Year 2008

2008-01-02T13:22:00.001+05:30

You can never ask anything more when You have spicy food , warm cushion , candle light cake , Friends & Carrom board.

This is the sweet & the short description of the New Year celebration 2008.

Started the celebration with hot spicy Bisibele bath with Potato chips & MTR jamoon , followed by cake cutting ceremony by Manjula aunty.

2 boards of Carroms (Myself -Aunty with Sri-Deepu).
We won both the boards & the losers had to prepare Tea for all J

Let the days ahead bring Peace & Prosperity to ALL!!!

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HORSLEY HILLS

2008-01-02T12:57:00.000+05:30

Great journeys just happen without much planning & this was one of them.

Departure : 0430 Hrs

Myself , Sridhar , Deepu & Raghu set out in Sri’s swift.
Being the end of December the weather was foggy & cool breeze kissing our faces. It was an endurance test for Sri & for his Swift.

After Devanahalli cross our Pal stops the car on the highway – Reason – thick fog !
1st stop was at chikkaballapur for a cup of tea & from there on it was a long journey through the no roads to Madanapalli.
I managed to take 2 quick naps on the way while the rest were probably cursing Me for misleading them to the horrible route.

2nd stop was near a pond where they took out the frustration on Me : (

Finally We reached the base of Horsley Hills & the 8km drive through the thick vegetation was wonderful.

Arrival at Horsley : 1030 Hrs

After a cup of hot Coffee we set out for a walk to the view point of the hill , played for sometime, saw some wildlife which were in cages & came back to Punnami for the buffet Lunch.
The lunch was very much satisfying as We had no breakfast.

Departure : 1330 Hrs

This time there was no room for error, We came via H-Cross.
A quick stop for Tea & We also took some Concept photos (another blog post by itself in the making).

Arrival : 1730 Hrs

Life can be all sweet in the presence of wonderful Friends like Deepu & Sridhar & the Memories would remain forever.

Catch a glimpse of Our happiness on snaps through this link :-

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CHRISTMAS 2007

2008-01-02T12:56:00.000+05:30

Team Rakesh/Vish/Neema

Of all the beautiful things that happen at AOL, Christmas decoration was indeed the last in the row & probably the Best.

Indians keep proving Unity in Diversity, where all the Team mates join hands in making the crib & above all the Prayers that each one has to offer for the well being of the other.

The link below shall walk you through the 7.1 floor of explorer building in ITPL :-
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AOL TECH OFFSITE TO MASINAGUDI

2008-01-02T12:52:00.000+05:30

It was a History in the making---Tech offsite

Departure from ITPL : 0630 Hrs
Arrival at Masinagudi : 1630 Hrs

Enroute Breakfast & Lunch at destination.

After a quick shower, it was time for some sports (football, volleyball & cricket), Which was followed by Disco, gambling & dinner at the camp fire.

Safari was nothing more than a drive through the same road through which We had reached Masinagudi.

Highlights of the Trip :-
Sighting a Tusker
Sighting a herd of Deer
Sighting a Bison
Disco
Haunting stories that were discussed
Ron who almost missed the trip
Football & Volley ball

For anything else that I missed out , You have the album to witness :-
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Pirates vs Myrmidons

2007-11-17T11:05:00.000+05:30

Team Neema Reddy

Rajeev - Multi tasking

Latha - Leader of the Pirates

Pirates- as cool as it can be

AOL shift bid effective November 4th brought with it a lot of changes & rollovers...

I moved with Rakesh to handle Batch 142,143 & 145...

BNG TECH moves from 6.1 to 7.1 on the Explorer building of ITPL...

Week ending 17/11/2007 a Team meeting is arranged in Coffee Day after which the 2 crews assemble & WE decide the Team names.

Team Vish with Sun-Mon OFF are PIRATES

& Team Neema with Fri-Sat are MYRMIDONS

Rocky is now MYRATES (lol)

Latha completed the Team Board with assistance from Rajeev & Sanyukta.

Material supply courtesy :- Vish

Enlightening the Mind

2007-11-17T09:34:00.002+05:30

Amar/Vish's Team Outing

2007-11-17T09:21:00.000+05:30

A long wait was worth it for the Team---Adventurous outing to Turrahalli Betta.

All planned along with Venu (from club x-plore).
Transport arranged to reach ITPL by 0600 Hrs.

Team was waiting for us & we started off from ITPL at 0700 Hrs & on the way we picked the breakfast & from there to Teju’s place to pick the trekking gear.

We reached the base camp by 0900 Hrs & had our breakfast.

6th & final activity: After repeated Rappelling We set out for the Most adventurous Water sports activity that is water floating. return trip & enroute We stopped for Lunch at Queen’s Court Dhaba.

5th activity: Rappelling --- 30 foot rappelling for the beginners was a little too much but the courage what each one displayed simply showed Me & Amar what confidence each of our Team guys had in themselves.

4th activity: Wriggling – a small creek in the rock & We had to crawl between that. That was sure a close fit for most of them.

2nd activity: Navigation – from the peek of the mountain where We were standing, We had to learn the art of navigation & plan our trek to another mountain which was approximately 3kms. Here We did a fantastic job scrapping through the rough vegetation & jumping smaller rocks.

1st activity: Team works – where a single rope would be wound around the waist of everyone in the Team & We had to climb the steep rock supporting each other,
Trust me that was a little too much because people were still not able to rest their feet firmly on the rocks.

3rd activity: Tunneling – where We had to do the Jackie Chan stunt of climbing vertically using the hands & limbs. It was an ultimate adventure.

This was one of those Team Outings which Our folks would remember for long.

Click the link below for the Trekk Snaps :-
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" SHIRDI "

2007-10-22T09:42:00.000+05:30

After the Pattaya Masti...it was time for the annual visit to SHIRDI.

I really lack words to describe the wonderful things that always happen in SHIRDI.

Just click the link below to see how beautiful Life can Be........

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Bengalooru 2 Pattaya

2007-10-22T09:38:00.002+05:30

Vishwa ! Vishwa ! wake up was the cry when I woke up on Thai airways at Bangkok airport.

Had never dreamt of an abroad destination & definetly anything that happened between Sep11th to Sep16th 2007 was a Dream come true.

Now composing this post Vishwa is very much awake :)

Destination : Pattaya & Bangkok
Date : Sep11 to Sep16 All gathered at Bangalore airport by 1800 hrs on 11th for the 2245 hrs flight to Bangkok.
Arrival at Bangkok : 0245 hrs
Amazed at the sight of the Bangkok International Airport & We walk on the straight escalator to exit.

Two Thai women in the traditional costume welcome us with Jasmine garlands ( U can see them on the album) We board the Thomas Cook bus for the drive to Pattaya , enroute a quick break at 7Eleven ( like our general stores).

Break fast break at Tiger Ranch & Wowww Big cats with all that majesty , it was wonderful.

Welcome @ Bangkok International Airport

On top of the Tallest building in Pattaya Slide down the tallest TowerWhen was the last time You did something for the first time ???

My next adventure of sliding of with a sling from the tallest tower in Pattaya (approx 58 floors) was thrilling.
Our Boss Rajiv was the 1st to take off .
I was just a little more adventurous taking self pics on the way down.

After the thrilling jump We head for Lunch to Delhi house , from there to the Best Hotel in town--Royal Cliff Beach Hotel.
Royal Cliff Beach Hotel

ALCAZAR Show

Awards Ceremony

A quick shower & we set out to the base for the fabulous “ALCAZAR” show—it was an amazing hour that would remain for time unlimited.

Followed by that we went to the Russian Fantasy Show--- again 1st time on a show that was real fantasizing (no pun intended).

Dinner at a typical Thai food & then off to the Famous WALKING STREET --- Life can be that way too. A street filled with thousands of women & a variety of activities that leaves You just staring & that is where I saw how short a shorts can be & how much of clothing a girl really needs (may be a little bit of comparison of east & west).

LUCIFER a disc by the local band forced Me to shake a leg.

Overall thrilled with the way things were around Me returned back on a motorcylce along with Rocky at around 0230 Hrs.

The breakfast that followed next morning was the best that I had ever seen & tasted.

On speed boats we headed to the Coral Island. Enroute was a much thrilling ride of the para-sailing & the dip in the ocean. I guess I was still in a dream to be seeing the clear sea & the wonderful merge of the blue & green waters.

Life could not be any more pleasant than the view of the sea with the salt dripping off My face. Brought mementos for the AOL Team that had made it possible for Me to be there – key chains with their names engraved in wonderful color’s.

Returned back & took a bath in the sea that evening & got ready for the Awards Night in the Trekking attire.

Awards night in Pattaya, would remain in the cells of My brain for long & probably the high too.

Dinner Cruise
Next morning after breakfast & check-out We headed to Bangkok , a long journey amidst the beauty of Thailand.

Lunch at Delhi haat & then to Rembrant Hotel.

A quick shower & off to Choa Priya River for the dinner cruise, even now dreams were running around & I was just going with the sail.
Cruise band entertained us with her Bollywood numbers.

Irresistible Food on deck

From there we head to the saulim night bazaar & did a little bit of shopping there & that was the beginning of the Bahts shedding.

Next morning Myself,Rocky,Paul & Shyam head to Lotus Tesco for the rest of our shopping & from there to MBKshopping mall & the shopping was almost complete except for the chocolates.

It all happened so fast that We found ourselves heading back to the Bangkok airport & there spent the remaining Bahts for chocolates & headed for check-in.

Dinner on plane & woke up to the fresh breath of My India at the Bangalore airport at 0000 Hrs.

Thanks a Million to AOL for making a dream come true & thanks to all those whom I worked with for the continued faith & support.

Click the link below for the wonderful Thailand :-
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