Happy Birthday Sach!

24th April is the birthday of Sachin Tendulkar, one of my favorite hero. Happy Birthday Sachin! You are the man who made me and million others follow cricket! 

Keep Going! Keep Rocking… 

God Bless! 
Cheers! 
Adi

Connecting the dots, connecting with People

This weekend (Friday and Saturday) I was at Kareli, a small town or rather village in the Narsinghpur district of M.P. The purpose was to attend a family wedding. My mother has her roots in Kareli (her mother’s family belongs there). I was not very keen to go but she insisted me to go to wedding anyhow. After coming back I realized that I spent a great couple of days and it was really good that I went there despite my reluctance. 

Functions like these are the best way to meet your relatives and friends at a single place with whom you have not met for long or haven’t met at all. It is another way of socializing or rather connecting with people. And to be honest, villages are the best place to witness the so called “social network”, albeit it’s in a real world and not in the virtual! For me it was a great experience because I met so many new people who knew me by name but were meeting me for the very first time. In fact I never knew I had so many cousins! Also, I had a glimpse of the village life, which in a way is very serene and simple.

When you get so much of respect and love at a go, you are bound to get overwhelmed. And similar was my story. You can feel the happiness in the other person’s heart, there is nothing to fake. Everything is genuine and pure; feelings, smile, words and actions. In cities, where people hardly have time for others and meet with fake smiles, these things are not to be found. 

The big thing I observed was that people are simple and helpful. Simple. Period. They wear simple clothes, eat simple and live simple. There is nothing complex in their lives. When you first see them, you might tend to think and talk about their dressing sense. But then they don’t care what you think or say. When you meet them, you will know that dressing etc. are fake things and not to worry upon. One must have a clean heart. They would be ready to help you in every possible way. 

 I then thought about the life we are living in cities. We don’t have time to meet people. In fact we hardly greet people. I don’t remember the last time, I said “Hello” to a stranger. The housing society where I live, I have not seen anybody talking to each other, except for occasional hi, hellos. The irony is that, in the last 1 ½ years, I myself haven’t talked to my neighbors. 

I must say, I would not forget Life’s biggest lessons I have learnt in 2 days. Simplicity is indeed a great virtue. Your home could be small, but your heart should be BIG. Life is too short to keep Egos and Grudges. 

Connect the dots, Connect with people. 

God Bless! 
Cheers! Adi

Sunday Luncheon @ Arpil’s

Arpil, one of my friends, got married in February and ever since he came down to Pune, we could not meet because of one reason or the other. I wanted to attend his wedding function and had got my tickets booked as well but had to cancel it at the last moment because of office chores.

This Sunday Arpil invited me for a Luncheon at his home. And it was his birthday as well that day, so it became lunch-cum-birthday treat. It was for the first time I met Richa, his better half. I had an awesome lunch and enjoyed the perfect hospitality. Sunday was made!

This post however is not about lunch. It’s about the gesture that Arpil showed. I am a fan of Arpil’s nature ever since the day I first met him at Bombay sometime in 2006. He is polite, down to earth and a person with clean heart who probably cannot hurt anybody.

Many of friends got married between last year and this year. Some weddings I could attend and some I could not. But till date nobody has taken pains to meet me post marriage as a couple, let alone inviting over a cup of tea! Life changes post marriage, agreed. And might be in this fast moving world, who takes the pain of inviting somebody to home? Gone are those days, though not totally. People like Arpil are still there!

Thank You Arpil and Richa for that wonderful lunch. And I hope to get such lovely parties more often ;)

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

Sandwiches, Pizzas and more…

For me visiting Mumbai is synonymous with giving a tingle to my taste buds. If you are a foodie, the city has lot of offer in its platter; from mouth watering street delicacies to relishing savories in the plush restaurants-the city has got choices of every kind. For me the recent visit to the city was great in terms of enjoying the food in every possible way I could. Though I was there for barely 24 hours, I made sure I tasted everything I liked-

Friday Snacks-Friday is the best day of the week after Sunday. I tasted the trademark Sandwich of Mumbai. The taste that could be found in Mumbai itself and not anywhere in the world. And this Sandwich taste best when you have it from a road side stall. Forget hygiene and all; just relish the taste! Next on the menu was Vada Paav. These days I avoid having Vada Paav, but how I can I miss that when I am in Bombay? Forget health; enjoy the aroma. Life is too short to worry about health hazard a single Vada Paav can cause. A cutting tea post that made it- the whole some snack. A walk around the streets of Vashi and an excursion to the Inorbit mall made my tummy ready for another round of snack. This time it was a plate of Paani Puri and a Barf Gola after that. Wow! I was having a Barf gola after ages.

Friday Dinner- A walk around the streets of Vashi made my tummy yelling for more. We had decided to have late dinner, when all our friends joined us. In dinner it was Tandoori Platter in the starters and Dal Makhani and Roti in the main course. Nice meal. I was just wondering how much I am eating?

Friday finally ended with a sweet Paan!

Saturday Breakfast-If you love South Indian dishes, Mumbai is the place to have it after the South Indian states. And if you want it cheap, try the Idlis and Wadas of the guys who sell it over bicycle. I had Idlis to fill my stomach and boy I had 5 ldlis for 10/-

Saturday Lunch- I had my lunch at INDIGO Deli-a very plush restaurant in the High Street Phoenix Mall, Lower Parel. It was bit expensive and had a little to choose from the Continental Cuisine menu for a veggie like me. We took assistance from the waiter who helped us in making choices. We had a Thin Crust Pizza and a wonderful dessert. The dessert was simply majestic. One of the best I had till date. One should visit occasionally these places to have a great fine dine experience; the ambience and the crowd just fantastic!

Post lunch, it was time for me say Good bye to Mumbai only to say Hi sometime again!

It was really a gourmet trip for me, I guess ;)

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

My Friend Ganesha

I have a strong relationship with the Ganesha of Siddhivinayak. He is my best friend. I always feel a sense of calm when I meet him. And if I am in Mumbai, there is not an iota of doubt that I would not go and meet him. It is an irony that I first went to Siddhivinayak temple when I had already passed a year living in Mumbai. Facts are sometimes more surprising than fiction. I distinctly remember that it was the year of 2007 when I first visited the temple. And the feelings are beyond the cocoon that words can give. It was a sort of attraction, a friendship that clicked instantaneously!

It was the day then. From that day onwards, I visited to meet my friend every Saturday. When I was leaving Mumbai, I was leaving not only the city I loved, but my best friend also, though he is in my heart, with me always. My occasional visits to Mumbai were never completed without meeting him.

I was in Mumbai last Saturday and as usual went to meet him. It was an experience in itself. The mind becomes so calm, so tranquil when I go there. I feel there is some magic at that place that attracts me.

Thank you my friend for being there with me, for me, always!

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

A walk down the memory lane

This weekend, from Friday evening to Saturday evening, for about 24 hours I was in Mumbai. Mumbai, the city I love beyond imagination. No matter where I am, the love for Mumbai remains the same as it was when I was there for the first time in 2006. Though Mumbai is hardly 100 odd kms from Pune, I hardly go there now days. Perhaps it’s my laziness that is reason behind this!

The reason for visit was to see off my friend Avinash, who was going to Dubai for his new job and had a scheduled flight on Saturday. I do not know when I would get to meet him next, so just decided to pack my bags and reach there. He had already flown in from Bangalore to Mumbai.

A visit to Mumbai always refreshes the memories of my 3 years when I was a resident there. And those memories are simply wonderful. The charm of Mumbai can be felt in its air itself, which probably is missing in any other city I have been to. The other good part of this visit was that I get to meet my old friends and my ex-Hexaware mates, Tushar, Amreesh, Denzil and Sunil after a long time. We had a party on Friday, and relived our old days, talks of here and there; this and that till late in the night. This gives another best part of Mumbai, no matter what the time of night is, the city never sleeps. No matter how much late in the night it is, just pick a rickshaw or Taxi and back home without any worries.

In this short span of time, I also visited my old and best friend Ganesha at the Siddhivinayak Temple. It would rarely happen that if I am in Mumbai, I do not visit to Siddhivinayak. Apart from this, had a great time in relishing road side delicacies also. I ate Idli, Wada Paav, Sandwiches, Barf Gola, Paani Puri and what not. I was behaving as if I have only few hours left to live.

But despite all this fun, there was a question spinning in my mind- Would I be prefer to come to Mumbai again? The answer instantly did not come YES and perhaps it was a NO! Surprising; but true. Considering the serene life style I am leading, I would not prefer to go back to the daily hustle bustle of Mumbai. You have to be on your toes, running always, faster than the time. Plus the climate which is humid makes it all the way not preferable to go back again. And yeah, I always have the choice to go for a couple of days and rock there.

But No matter what, Mumbai Rocks, as always!

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

The voice within!

Its 12am, the threshold between Saturday night and Sunday Morning! I am just about to doze off but not before jotting down a thought that just came to my mind. What is prompting me to jot down thoughts just now and not tomorrow? I guess it’s my promise to myself that I made few days back. Ever since, I made a renewed promise to myself, I daily open my blog and think on the ways I can make it better. When I say better, I do not refer to changing its looks but the content that I can share.

In short if I say, I feel more connected now and more inspired to keep it updated. Probably this is the thing that was within me when I started but gradually it started to dwindle. And what is this? What is this thing that is inspiring me? I would say that this is the voice within! A voice that supports you and inspires you to keep alive your passion. I know I do not write great, but then who says you have to be great to follow what you like?

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

Wednesday Hangouts!

Wednesday has become a hangout day for me. I along with my flat mate, Sanjeet, go and taste the food at different restaurants. Sometimes we are accompanied by other friends. For the past few weeks, we have tried all the restaurants in the vicinity of our locality. This gives me a break from my daily dose of cooking dinner for myself. I feel though, I get satisfaction from eating at home and not at a restaurant, but yes, the break is welcome.

Today we went to a Restaurant called as “Flavours” which is near to our house only. The food was in the category of “okay” and service was in the category of “slow”. The ambiance however was quite nice. Being a roof top restaurant, nice breeze was blowing, making it perfect. The slow service irritates you but sometimes proves to be a blessing in disguise. It gives you time to have a great conversation on any topic. And in this fast moving virtual world, that is really a big thing-Sitting together and having a conversation!

Had my meal to full and had a walk as well to digest it! Looking forward to a new destination next Wednesday :)

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

I believe

I believe in many things but the biggest of them is that I believe in God. And I am proud to say that I am on the side of the theists. If I take a wild guess, at any given geographic location or time, the theists would always outnumber the atheists. And it’s a fact not an opinion. My belief has only grown stronger and my relationship with God has only deepened over the period of time.

The belief, I would say started at very young age itself when my parents imbibed it in me. But it was not like that I believe only because they told me to do so. I believe because each moment I feel there is somebody who is taking care of me. There are events in my life that have proved that he is there, with me always, just like air.

Today is no special day. Today he saved me from a fatal road accident. Had I not applied brakes in a fraction of second, I would have crushed between two vehicles. It was probably the hardest brakes that I applied in about 1.5 years of time since I have been in Pune. And if it was not enough, I was lucky that I did not skid, else it would have been a disaster in such traffic. These are such moments when you have a tête-à-tête with death and then you realize that why people fear it so much even though they know that they have to have a rendezvous with it one day.

For a moment, I was shaking in every literal sense of word. I stopped my bike for moment, took a deep breath and then moved on. I hardly get shaky and unconfident when I am on road, but because of that close shave, I was just unable to drive the way I use to. Somehow, drove slowly and came back. And when I was back, I went to the temple inside my society premises, bowed my head and just said-Thank You, yet again!

It’s a matter of belief, either you do or you don’t. I opine, being on the do side makes life simpler and easier.

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

Weekend at Indore

This weekend I was at Indore. It always feels good to be at home, no matter how small the duration is. And when you live away, you truly realize the importance of your near and dear ones. Indore is hot these days. You can feel the sun rays penetrating your skin deep down and the hot winds just blowing out fire. I really had a tough time dealing with that. Sometimes I feel it’s the change in lifestyle that has made me like that. When I was a kid, I used to play cricket in scorching sun in summers and never used to get tired. The big thing is I never complained that it’s too hot. And here I am, I had to go a couple of kilometers on my vehicle and I felt hot! Probably it’s the AC culture that is taking the toll on my bearing capacity. I have been working 6 years for now and 5 days I spend in my Air conditioned cubicle in the office. Anyway, for the time being I can’t help with that as to earn my daily bread I have to work ;)

Weekend was good as I was with my family. Ate to my heart’s content, slept well. What else one need for a weekend?

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

Who’s God?

Another funny incident related with Hanuman Jayanti. I went to city for some work and saw that that some political party was carrying out procession in the honor of the God. And in doing this they had created a huge trouble for the commuters that caused a traffic jam. I some how maneuvered my two wheeler only to find that about half a km ahead there was a procession by another political party. Not again! I said to myself.

I just thought that they have not spared God also. And now he must be wondering whom to vote for ;)

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

Bhandara-A great social service

Yesterday, 6th April, was Hanuman Jayanti, which in English means birthday of Lord Hanuman-the Monkey God who destroys all the troubles. I am in Indore this weekend and had the opportunity to celebrate the festival here. There was a great festive fervor in the city on the occasion. Bhandaras were organized in different Hanuman temples across the city. I had the privilege of eating in a Bhandara after long years. And to be honest, it felt really good eating near the temple with so many people.

Bhandaras for those who don’t know is the term used for a social service where in mass lunch or dinner is organized for all people. All here refers people from any caste, religion or socio-economic status.

I believe Bhandaras are a great social service. At least they have an advantage that for that time frame, each and every person is at the same platform. No matter for how small the duration is; we at least feel that we all are equal and same-Humans.

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

दो पंक्तियाँ

आओ सपनों को फिर पंख दे दें
चलो एक बार फिर आकाश में गोते लगाते हैं...

Presence of mind-Humor at its best

A couple of days back I was telling a humorous incident from my high school days to a friend. That perhaps is the best real life anecdote happened to me and probably is the best example of presence of mind of my best buddy-Nishant. The year was 1999 and we were in 10th class studying at Saint Paul Public School, Mandleshwar.

Mandleshwar, for those who do not know is a small and beautiful town on the banks of pious river Narmada. For more information, Uncle Google would be more than happy to help.

We both were back benchers who were incidentally toppers! This was an irony in itself. Considering the competition at our disposal, we would have topped even without studying!

This happened in one of our Social Sciences class. The topic was about Swami Vivekananda. The teacher had made that interesting topic quite a boring one, so we were playing tic tac toe, talking and giggling among ourselves. Call it our bad luck, we were caught talking and asked to stand up.

Teacher- ‘What’s the matter with you guys? Can’t you concentrate on what I am teaching about? What were you talking by the way?’

On that spur of the moment, Nishant spoke up, ‘Sir he was asking what is the name of Swami Vivekanand’s father? I told him that I don’t know, you better ask Sir.’

A sheepish smile crept on my face!

Our sir got stumped by this googly and was looking nervous, obviously as like many of us, he did not know the name of Swami Vivekanand’s father.

‘Good Question. I will get back to you on this. Sit down.’

We sat down with a big grin and the tic tac toe continued!

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

Weekend Chill

This weekend was simply great! I did not do anything special or anything to be talked about, but yeah felt great and that matters. I would try to jot down the reasons as to why I felt it was great-

The big reason- I did the things I hate with love. This weekend I decided that I would not crib when I wash my clothes. I would not crib while arranging my table and books. I would not crib while dusting the house. And the results were amazing. The tasks were completed without much hassle. I simply listened to music and carried out the above tasks. A lesson learnt- Take interest in doing things that you hate doing and then you would be able to carry them out with ease.

Reason number two- I did cooking and relished my food. Tried out few experiments and buoy they were successful to the heart’s content. Weekends are the best way to test and taste your culinary skills.

Reason number three-I zoomed on my bike. Just took it out, on the highway, in the city and simply enjoyed the ride. I love my machine. Me and my machine, do I need anybody else?

Reason number four- I watched movies. Watched the ones I love, yet again. There are few movies you would not get bored of, no matter how many times you watch those.

Reason number five- I read and read. I have started off with yet another Mario Puzo one-The Sicilian. Mario Puzo builds the plot in such an interesting way that you are bound to keep on reading.

Last but not the least, I slept heartily. Probably it was the effect of last week’s morning shift, that I compensated all my sleep. Sleep is one thing that I love too much.

In short a great one!

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

New Year, New Hopes, New Energy

Today is the auspicious occasion of Ram Navmi, the birth of Lord Shri Ram. And with this, the Chaitra Navratri or the 9 days of worship of Shakti to cleanse mind, body and soul ends.

Gudi Padwa marked the start of the Chaitra Navratri and the Hindu New Year. And this New Year has stared with new hopes and new energy for me. And as I usually take few resolutions on every New Year, I have done this year too. Let’s see how much I am able to keep them alive.

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi

Life is all about smiling and get going

The other evening I was sitting on a bench near to my society garden watching children play. They were all playing merrily and everyone had that big smile on face. Children are the best gift of God not only for their parents but also for the people they come in touch with. They are the only ones probably who can bring a smile on your face at any given time and situation. They are the ones who teach you that life is all about smiling! I was simply smiling looking at them and enjoying my time.

At the same time, I saw an uncle trying to teach his son riding a bicycle. After initial lessons and helping him out with the balancing technique, running behind him by holding the back of bicycle, he said-‘Go on Son. Try it out yourself.’ He came and sat beside me.

His son probably had a fear of falling and was hesitant and reluctant to try it out on his own. However his father kept on encouraging him, ‘Don’t worry, Papa is here.’

I exchanged greetings and said, ‘Why don’t you put in side wheels in the bicycle? This way I guess he would learn quickly and would not fear as well.’

His reply was quite polite, ‘You are right. But I don’t want him to start on a note that something is aiding him. I want him to learn on his own independently. One has to fight his own battles, he should understand that.’ I was quite amazed by the answer. But he was not wrong either. One has to fight his own battles. And if one inculcates that feeling early, the better.

Next moment I saw the little one trying to ride his bicycle. He fell in his initial couple of attempts. He looked at his father and his father simply said, ‘Don’t worry, try again.’ And he would simply smile. His perseverance deserved applause because he was not in the mood of giving up what so ever. And as they say, perseverance always pays. After few failures, he was finally able to strike a balance and ride the bicycle. After completing a round, he came near his father and while trying to stop, fell down again. His father picked him up, gave a peck on his cheek and said, ‘Well done. Go and try it again. This time stop slowly and put your feet down after that.’

He was all smiles and geared himself up for the next trip. Here I was just sitting and smiling, appreciating the feat of the kid.

Later in the day, I pondered over the scene again. Life is like that only-

1. You have to be on your own and fight your own battles.
2. It will throw you down at times. It’s your choice to keep your smile intact and get up and get going or simply give it up. First option is easier I feel.

I must say, Wordsworth has rightly said, Child is the father of man. They can teach us a lot!

God Bless!
Cheers!
Adi