જિંદગીને એટલી બધી પણ ભરી ન દો કે તેમાં સુખ માટે જગ્યા જ ન રહે. તમને ગમે તેવું કંઈક કરવા જિંદગીને થોડીક ખાલી પણ રાખો. સુખ માત્ર મંઝિલે જ નથી હોતું, માર્ગમાં પણ હોય છે. જિંદગી સાથેના સંવાદોમાં છેલ્લે કહ્યું કે, એ જિંદગી, તું ક્યાં છે? મારે તને જોવી છે! જિંદગીએ કહ્યું, આંખોના ડોળા ફાડીને મને શોધવાનો પ્રયત્ન કર, જરાક આંખ મીંચીને મને શોધ, હું તારી અંદર જ છું.
તું મારાથી ખુશ છે? જિંદગીએ આજે એક અણિયાળો સવાલ પૂછી નાખ્યો. આમ તો તે અનેક વખત આવા સવાલો પૂછતી રહે છે પણ હું તેને જવાબ આપતો નથી. આજે મેં જિંદગી સાથે સંવાદ સાઘ્યો.
ના રે યાર! હું તારાથી પૂરેપૂરો ખુશ નથી. જો ને તું મારું ધાર્યું કંઈ થવા જ દેતી નથી. ખુશ થવાનું માંડ કંઈક કારણ મળે ત્યાં તું નવો કોઈ પ્રોબ્લેમ ઉભો કરી દે છે. આજે ઓફિસે જતો હતો ત્યાં જ ખબર મળ્યા કે, એક રિલેટિવને એક્સિડન્ટ થયો છે. બધું કામ પડતું મૂકીને ત્યાં દોડવું પડ્યું. ધારેલું બધું જ કામ રખડી પડ્યું.
જિંદગી મારી સામે હસી. તેણે બીજો સવાલ કર્યો કે, તારા રિલેટિવને બદલે તને અકસ્માત નડ્યો હોત તો? પગમાં પ્લાસ્ટર આવી જાય અને ડૉક્ટર તને કહી દે કે, હવે ત્રણ વીક બેડ રેસ્ટ કરવાનો છે. તો તારે પડ્યા રહેવું ન પડે?
જિંદગીને જવાબ આપ્યો, ના છૂટકે પડ્યા જ રહેવું પડે તો શું થાય? તું ક્યારેક આખી પૃથ્વીને જેલ જેવી બનાવી દઈ માણસને એક રૂમમાં પૂરી દે છે!
પણ તું બધું નાછૂટકે જ શા માટે કરે છે? આ તો કરવું જ પડશે, આના વગર તો ચાલશે જ નહીં, મારા વગર આ કામ બીજું કોણ કરશે? તારામાં બ્રેક લાગી જાય તો પણ ઘડિયાળનો કાંટો તો રોકાવાનો જ નથી! સમય એ એક એવું વાહન છે જેમાં બ્રેક જ નથી! હા, તેની રીધમ એક જ રહે છે. પણ તું તો એને તેની ગતિ કરતાં પણ વધુ દોડાવવા માંગે છે.
જિંદગી! તને હું પહોંચી શકવાનો નથી. તારી પાસે દરેક સવાલના જવાબ છે! જિંદગીને કહ્યું.
અને તારી પાસે માત્ર સવાલો છે, ફકત સમસ્યાઓ છે, અઢળક ફરિયાદો છે, ઢગલાબંધ અણગમા છે, ક્યારેય ન ખૂટે એવી નારાજગી છે, ખળભળી જવાય એવો ઉશ્કેરાટ છે. મેં તો તને આરામ માટે આખી રાત આપી છે પણ તને ક્યાં ઊંઘ આવે છે?
મેં કહ્યું ને કે, તારી પાસે બધા સવાલના જવાબ છે! જિંદગીએ કહ્યું કે, એટલે જ કહું છું દોસ્ત, મારામાંથી થોડાક જવાબ શોધી લે. તું તો પ્રશ્નોમાં જ એટલો ગૂંચવાઈ ગયો છે કે, તારી પાસે જવાબ વિચારવાની ફુરસદ જ નથી! હું તારા માટે છું પણ તને તો મારી સામે જોવાની પરવા જ નથી.
તમારી જિંદગી તમને ક્યારેય આવા સવાલો કરે છે? કરતી જ હશે, કારણકે જિંદગીનો સ્વભાવ જ સવાલો કરતા રહેવાનો છે. સવાલ એ છે કે, આપણે એના પ્રશ્નોના જવાબો મેળવવાનો પ્રયત્ન કરીએ છીએ? તને હાથ લંબાવો તો જિંદગી તમને જવાબ આપી દેશે.
માણસ જિંદગી સાથે આખી જિંદગી યુદ્ધ લડતો રહે છે. શિયાળામાં પોતાની જાતને હીટરમાં ઘૂસાડી દે છે અને પછી ઉનાળામાં કાશ્મીર ફરવા જાય છે. ચોમાસામાં કીચડની બૂમો પાડતો રહે છે અને બાથરૂમમાં શાવર નીચે ઊભો રહી વરસાદના સપનાં જુએ છે.
બગીચામાં જવાનું ટાળે છે અને સ્પ્રે છાંટેલા બુકેમાં બગીચો શોધવા ફાંફાં મારે છે. ઝાકળનું બિંદુ કેટલું નિર્મળ હોય છે એ તેને ટીવીના એલસીડી સ્ક્રીન ઉપર જોઈને જ સમજાય છે. કૂંપળનો અર્થ ખીલેલાં ફૂલો પાસેથી નથી મળતો. ખાંડમાં શેરડીની મીઠાશ શોધવા મથતો રહે છે અને જિંદગી ક્યારે શુગર ફ્રી થઈ જાય છે તેની સમજ નથી પડતી.
જિંદગી સાથે યુદ્ધ લડતાં લડતાં જ જિંદગી પૂરી થઈ જાય છે અને માણસ હારી જાય છે. સુખનો સરવાળો મોટો કરવાની લ્હાયમાં જિંદગીની બાદબાકી ક્યારે થઈ ગઈ એ માણસને ક્યારેય સમજાતું નથી. સુખ તો એક અવો પદાર્થ છે જેનું ઉત્પાદન રોજેરોજ કરવાનું છે અને રોજ તેન વાપરવાનું અને માણવાનું હોય છે. માણસ સુખને ભેગું કરવા મથતો રહે છે, થોડુંક ભેગું થઈ જાય પછી આરામથી સુખને માણીશ એવું વિચારતો રહે છે પણ સુખ માણવાનો સમય જ મળતો નથી.
સુખ સાથે સંતાકૂકડી ન રમો. યાદ કરો તમે આજે તમને સુખ ફીલ થાય એવું શું કર્યું? થોડુંકેય સંગીત વગાડ્યું? એકેય ચિત્ર જોયું? કોઈ પક્ષીનો કલરવ ઝીલવા કાન માંડયા? ઘરના લોકોને સારું લાગે એવી કોઈ વાત કરી? દિલને હાશ થાય એટલું હસ્યા છો? કોઈ ગીત ગણગણ્યા છો? કે એટલો સમય પણ તમને નથી મળ્યો?
જિંદગીને એટલી બધી પણ ભરી ન દો કે તેમાં સુખ માટે જગ્યા જ ન રહે. તમને ગમે તેવું કંઈક કરવા જિંદગીને થોડીક ખાલી પણ રાખો. સુખ માત્ર મંઝિલે જ નથી હોતું, માર્ગમાં પણ હોય છે.
જિંદગી સાથેના સંવાદોમાં છેલ્લે કહ્યું કે, એ જિંદગી, તું ક્યાં છે? મારે તને જોવી છે!
જિંદગીએ કહ્યું, આંખોના ડોળા ફાડીને મને શોધવાનો પ્રયત્ન ન કર, જરાક આંખ મીંચીને મને શોધ, હું તારી અંદર જ છું. તમે પણ તમારી જિંદગીને શોધજો. મળી આવશે...
છેલ્લો સીન:
આપણે જો સુખી થવું હોય તો એ બહુ સહેલું છે, પણ આપણે તો બીજાં કરતા વધુ સુખી થવું હોય છે, અને તે બહુ મુશ્કેલ છે, ............કારણ કે આપણે લોકોને એ હોય છે તેના કરતા વધુ સુખી માનતા હોઈએ છીએ. -
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
First Day at K-Bridge
Hi All,
Not many of you know that yesterday (11th Aug) was the day when I ushered myself in the world of corporate IT four years back. This never happened in last 3 years but yesterday I was feeling rather nostalgic probably because first 3 words of "nostalgic" rhyme with "nose" and I have runny nose since last 3-4 days!!
There was an interesting thing which happened before I officially joined K-Bridge. I didn't know the name of the person who interviewed me, he just mumbled his name and I didn't bother asking him (Much later, it was revealed that the guy was Vikas. I also found that he got my surname wrong, so I felt the score was settled!!)
Another thing is that when I got call offering me a job, I didn't get the name that time as well and didn't bother to ask. The only thing that I heard correctly was the remuneration figure!! I also doubted Rediffmail's send "Read Mail Receipt" feature and sent loads of fake mails to my other mail address to verify that it was working.
On the 11th Aug 2006, the start of the day was not very auspicious either. Just after I left my residence, my Scooty lurched to the right (I still remember the direction!!) and caused my entire right shoe and some part of the trouser to submerge in the trademark Vadodara pothole. So, it was muddy, wet and frustrating start of what would be a very important day of my life.
Nothing untoward happened till I reached the gates of K-Bridge. Then I was welcomed by Yogit who seemed like a harbinger of good luck to me :). Due to overnight rain, the bridge floor was slippery. I was extra careful because of I didn't want to wet/injure myself though I was still wet behind the ears (pun intended). But Bhups was in the mood to defy the laws of gravity and break some Olympic records for somersaulting events, so he (not deliberately) did a full somersault right before my eyes and fell flat on his back. I didn't register any emotion on my face but was feeling obviously sorry for him.
Then I was guided to Conf Room where 2-3 people were already seated. I think they were Brinda, Khyati and another Hardik. I also joined them and studied their faces. After some time, Shaunak entered and we all collectively thought that he must be a tech lead or PM or something in that role. I half stood up to greet him but he settled himself rather quickly in a chair nullifying me an opportunity to make friends with a PM so early in my career.
After that it was the usual induction process, signing of letters and everything that follows for a new employee. I was going through lots of emotions though. Never really comprehending a single feeling. I was happy and jittery,hopeful and nervous at the same time. I didn't know anything about the world of web technology. And I'm not being modest here. I really know NOTHING about web technologies except how to use them. The only thing that was keeping me up on my feet was my belief that I can overcome the odds and learn and adapt the new technology.
Once the induction completed, we had a round with Sachin (I guess) about introduction to KBIS, KCMS and KIMS. I had already read about them before joining so that knowledge floated at the top disallowing any new knowledge inside.
Then we were assigned our workstations and I felt devastated to have the PMs (SV and DP) breathing down my neck :). Such is the will of God, I conciled my self.
During the lunchtime also, I was in my shell just like out-of-form Sachin or Rahul Dravid lingering in the 90s. I knew only Jigar and shared his tiffin only. Later in the day, Nitin called all the new joinees and explained the rules and policies of K-Bridge which we all listened to with rather open-mouth then open-mind. The reason I guess none of us had ever experienced such thing earlier.
Out of all K-Bridge policies, we remembered only one thing working hours. It was 10 to 6. As soon as the clock struck 6, volley of messages started on the Yahoo messenger among 5 of us. Nobody in the office budged an inch to acknowledge that the play time was over.
We thought to comply with the other colleagues waited till 6:30. No movement. 7:00. No eye-lids flickered. Then we became restive and decided to ask Nitin whether we can leave for the day. All of us went together towards Nitin's office. By the time we reached there, all the bravado vanished and feet turned to stone. Who will bell the Lion ? (Cat is obviously out of place here :) ). After a long discussion, I ventured out to ask Nitin, whether we can leave. He caught the verb "leave" and let us go.
I was never happier in my life. We all returned to our desks with newly infused lives and packed all the things with encouraging shouts from other seated-and-bound-to-work-late colleagues. Directing good byes to only SV and DP, I dashed for home.
That was the memory of whatever I remember on first day at my first job!!
P.S: I'm using Arial fonts here to be inline with K-Bridge policy.
Not many of you know that yesterday (11th Aug) was the day when I ushered myself in the world of corporate IT four years back. This never happened in last 3 years but yesterday I was feeling rather nostalgic probably because first 3 words of "nostalgic" rhyme with "nose" and I have runny nose since last 3-4 days!!
There was an interesting thing which happened before I officially joined K-Bridge. I didn't know the name of the person who interviewed me, he just mumbled his name and I didn't bother asking him (Much later, it was revealed that the guy was Vikas. I also found that he got my surname wrong, so I felt the score was settled!!)
Another thing is that when I got call offering me a job, I didn't get the name that time as well and didn't bother to ask. The only thing that I heard correctly was the remuneration figure!! I also doubted Rediffmail's send "Read Mail Receipt" feature and sent loads of fake mails to my other mail address to verify that it was working.
On the 11th Aug 2006, the start of the day was not very auspicious either. Just after I left my residence, my Scooty lurched to the right (I still remember the direction!!) and caused my entire right shoe and some part of the trouser to submerge in the trademark Vadodara pothole. So, it was muddy, wet and frustrating start of what would be a very important day of my life.
Nothing untoward happened till I reached the gates of K-Bridge. Then I was welcomed by Yogit who seemed like a harbinger of good luck to me :). Due to overnight rain, the bridge floor was slippery. I was extra careful because of I didn't want to wet/injure myself though I was still wet behind the ears (pun intended). But Bhups was in the mood to defy the laws of gravity and break some Olympic records for somersaulting events, so he (not deliberately) did a full somersault right before my eyes and fell flat on his back. I didn't register any emotion on my face but was feeling obviously sorry for him.
Then I was guided to Conf Room where 2-3 people were already seated. I think they were Brinda, Khyati and another Hardik. I also joined them and studied their faces. After some time, Shaunak entered and we all collectively thought that he must be a tech lead or PM or something in that role. I half stood up to greet him but he settled himself rather quickly in a chair nullifying me an opportunity to make friends with a PM so early in my career.
After that it was the usual induction process, signing of letters and everything that follows for a new employee. I was going through lots of emotions though. Never really comprehending a single feeling. I was happy and jittery,hopeful and nervous at the same time. I didn't know anything about the world of web technology. And I'm not being modest here. I really know NOTHING about web technologies except how to use them. The only thing that was keeping me up on my feet was my belief that I can overcome the odds and learn and adapt the new technology.
Once the induction completed, we had a round with Sachin (I guess) about introduction to KBIS, KCMS and KIMS. I had already read about them before joining so that knowledge floated at the top disallowing any new knowledge inside.
Then we were assigned our workstations and I felt devastated to have the PMs (SV and DP) breathing down my neck :). Such is the will of God, I conciled my self.
During the lunchtime also, I was in my shell just like out-of-form Sachin or Rahul Dravid lingering in the 90s. I knew only Jigar and shared his tiffin only. Later in the day, Nitin called all the new joinees and explained the rules and policies of K-Bridge which we all listened to with rather open-mouth then open-mind. The reason I guess none of us had ever experienced such thing earlier.
Out of all K-Bridge policies, we remembered only one thing working hours. It was 10 to 6. As soon as the clock struck 6, volley of messages started on the Yahoo messenger among 5 of us. Nobody in the office budged an inch to acknowledge that the play time was over.
We thought to comply with the other colleagues waited till 6:30. No movement. 7:00. No eye-lids flickered. Then we became restive and decided to ask Nitin whether we can leave for the day. All of us went together towards Nitin's office. By the time we reached there, all the bravado vanished and feet turned to stone. Who will bell the Lion ? (Cat is obviously out of place here :) ). After a long discussion, I ventured out to ask Nitin, whether we can leave. He caught the verb "leave" and let us go.
I was never happier in my life. We all returned to our desks with newly infused lives and packed all the things with encouraging shouts from other seated-and-bound-to-work-late colleagues. Directing good byes to only SV and DP, I dashed for home.
That was the memory of whatever I remember on first day at my first job!!
P.S: I'm using Arial fonts here to be inline with K-Bridge policy.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Power of Good Thoughts
“Say hello to strangers and enjoy the people you know” – Try to implement this thought for a single day and you will see the change in your life. You will be much happier than you are today…
I still remember when I was in college, Payal (one of my best buddy) used to write bunch of good thoughts in her book and no wonder she followed them (or might be still following) whenever needed.
I was also inspired by her and started copying her book in my handwriting (silly me as I could have photo copied that book :))
During old college days, I never implemented any of my written thought in my life and I regret about it today as I could have started living quality life since then, but no worries – Its never too late.. I have been implementing the power of good thoughts in my daily routine since couple of years!! And you know what I AM FEELING SO GOOD!!!
I am living my life at the fullest in any situation just because of the positive attitude of my nature I have adopted from the good thoughts and this post is about encouraging all readers to replicate it in their life.
When I first came to US, we had nothing in our hands except for the 2 bags with some cloths and daily necessity (I know this is the situation of every single person who steps into the US without any support). But what we had extra with us was a power of Good Thoughts. The first thing Chirag told me when I entered into our rented apt was “ITS NOT HOW MUCH WE HAVE, BUT HOW MUCH WE ENJOY- THAT MAKES HAPPINESS” and I am still keeping this thing in my mind even after 2 years of my stay in this country.
We have hurdles at every step in our life but how we adjust ourselves to pass through those hurdles- that really matters. Be thankful for the difficult times because during those times you can grow!!! Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to???
Let me give you a good example of the power of good feeling thoughts…
Few months back I went for one interview and after the 2 hours conversation, the Project Manager asked me “Apart from your technical skills, you have a great energy and a beautiful smile on your face!! I don’t get it? How do you do it? ” and I replied “Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Ruja, you have two choices today: You can choose to be in a good mood and make others smile or you can choose to be in a bad mood and complaint about your condition.”
I choose to be in a good mood everyday. Here is a very good thought about the life and choices we have in the life: "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life.”
I know we can’t control some situations but we can control ourselves by adopting positive attitude. No matter what your goal is, the mind plays an important role in achieving every kind of success, (Try to stay away from your Heart decision, it is very deceptive :))
Finally, here are some affirmations that are good to say several times a day!
Be happy.
I am loved.
I am a free bird.
I love. I am loving.
I love myself and all creation.
Everyday in every way I am better, better, and better.
Keep Smiling. Always.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Making Decisions, Hard but Right, Scary but Right
Hi Everyone,
Today I woke up early and completed all my routine work so fast… Was looking at the movies website and thinking to watch some good movie… I m not a big fan of SRK but somehow I clicked on SRK movie page… suddenly my eyeball got stuck on “Kabhi Alvida na kehna” … Oh my gosh, such a boring movie and such a indigestible concept… How people go for an extra marital relation when they are happy enough with the current partner???
I thought for a while and then decided to portrait my views in an article. I know it’s a very touchy topic and everyone is having different opinions for this. I have seen many couples in my life who are very happy with their life but want some extra fun and that extra for them is having an affair with the good old buddy, colleague or the person who met last nite in a club.
I thought for a while and then decided to portrait my views in an article. I know it’s a very touchy topic and everyone is having different opinions for this. I have seen many couples in my life who are very happy with their life but want some extra fun and that extra for them is having an affair with the good old buddy, colleague or the person who met last nite in a club.
When we think practically, it seems to be a rubbish to get involved in such a relation when u r already committed to the other person but at some point of time “It’s a one’s opinion, one’s decision, or I can say one’s liking”!!!
According to one of my friend (He would not appreciate if I give his identity ;)): ” It's interesting and can be fun and it's typical thing to happen when the two in marriage live alone and spend most of the time just with each other. Eventually they start getting bored of each other... and... Extramarital relations start taking place!
Sometimes the above few lines happen to be a very true!!!
For some ppl “Its all about Cheating”, For sm ppl “Its all about having fun”, For some ppl “ Its all about exploring some new facet of the relation” Here exploring something new doesn’t mean to get involved in some physical relation but sometimes it also means to involve emotionally with the other person.
Having an affair is always a bad decision for me but can u imaging some ppl who are stretching their relation just bcoz thy are married.. no matter how happy are they but they don’t wanna end up that relation.. for thm I guess, having some new partner in their life who gives more happiness, more care, more love is a wise decision. I am not telling that this kind of affairs are good enough to continue with but they are good for certain kind of relations… finally everyone needs to be get loved and cuddled!!!
At my point of view: “Once you cheat, you destroy the unspoken trust that is the glue upon which all relationships are founded. I knew that without that bond, any relationship is bound to fizzle. “
I don’t feel proud of being involved with someone who belongs to someone else but at the same time when you are broken soul and you hold onto the person who has the patience to listen to your sad story, make sense of your irrational thoughts and teach you what it means to love isnt selfish and it cannot be called bad but its good decision.
So finally, to conclude this topic, I would say Its all about taking a wise decision.. If you are happy with your current partner then think twice before getting involved with the other person… But If you sense trouble in your relation, you should seek counseling. Always give second chance.. An affair wont resolve anything!!!
If you are in extramarital affair, you can never justify urself.. no matter what brings you in that and what encouraged you to do so.. The relation and ppl both would never be appreciated…
Before posting this article, I have asked my hubby for his opinion and he concluded very wisely “You can go for it if you feel our marriage doesn’t sound successful ;)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Looking Outside My Window...
Hi Everyone,
Since many days(or read months), I have a same routine...Wake up at late mornings, get ready, have breakfast and then sitting on my bed with laptop...
Everyday I do time pass with orkut and facebook and twitter.. and smtimes giving replies to my emails or chatting with good buddies..nothing creative I have been doing since past one year....
I was so exhausted with this routine and it affected my nature.. I became so negative, didnt have a confidence on anyhing I do, feel so lazy and tired even If I dnt do any physical or mental work... I always cry on a small small things and the reason behind this is : I dnt like my life the way it is right now.. It doesnt mean that I am not happy with my life.. I just am not happy with my routine :(
Today I was just sitting on my couch with my lappy and looking outside my window, was feelng good to see the trees with their fall colors.. It was very pleasant view from my window.. It was like a "rangoli" of green, yellow, red, white and many more new colors.. :)I was just looking at them and thinking why these trees are so happy and flexible with the change in the season?? Why they are just so perfect and never complaint about what is happenning with them?
They are so colorfull in fall but ready to lose their beauty as soon as winter arrives. In winter thy look just so ugly and dead with no leaf on their branch :(
and then again in spring , they are just so green, beautiful and look so fresh... These trees are so very happy and flexible with the change of season then why cant I do that? why its not possible for me to change with the season??
I was so depressed with sudden change in my life when I came to USA. In my initial days, I was enjoying everything but as time passed, I felt so boring and felt like I am wasting my time sitting at home for 24*7.. I had very busy schedule when I was in India.. I was craving for free time from my busy schedule and suddenly here I have got plenty of time to spend at home (alone). I wanted to do something worthy or something that can make me busy for the day.. I have tried a lot to get some job but my luck didnt favor me... and I was forced to continue with my useless routine..
But today suddenly when have looked outside and thought about the different seasons and change of the leaf with tht season, I have realised that, may be today there is a winter or late fall(tree with no leaves) is going on in my life but one day sure it will turn out to the gorgeous spring.. I too will get busy with my career and I am sure I will make new beginning very soon..
This post is not just to tell you guys about my routine and any frustration but its also about those who are tired and bored of their life and think that nothing is happeninng good.. Our life is like a season and we all are destined to have all four seasons in our life : winter, spring, summer and autumn.
Dont get depressed in winter as u dnt have anything to do just like trees without leaves.. Dont get overexcited in early fall with so much good in your life just like beautiful fall colors and be calm and cool in spring and summer just like cool and pleasnt colors of leaves...
I have realised this today after spending 1 long year with the confusion in my mind about my career.. I have realised that nothing nothing will last for the entire life... Make every moment enjoyable.. and prepare yourself to face unexpected situation that may occur in life...
I have understood that : " Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts"
Today I have realised that may be GOD has given me plenty of time to spend my entire time with family, my ownself or may be somthing good i could have done
instead of just thinking bout career,, there are many things to do in life except career.. I have wasted my year in regreting that my career has been spoiled but in real sense its not true.. I can start at any time.. and thats the only thing I want to share with you guys : Never Never Never Give Up...
"Don't be discouraged. It's often the last key in the bunch that opens the lock. "
Monday, July 27, 2009
Rain Extravaganza
Hello all,
Am writing down here after some time, and there being no such prominent thing to talk about I thought would do some writing on weather…
Weather…ahh how boring when you read the above two lines, and coming from me, quite unexpected isn’t it. Wait till you read whole of it and then decide. Apologies for misdirecting, I meant to talk about rains, how many people get affected by it, no I don’t mean economically or climatically, I mean emotionally.
To elaborate, do you feel this yearn when it rains to go out and get drenched, it happens with me all the time. Feel a sense of exhilaration when those rain drops touch my face…You won’t believe it, but when I drive back home, getting wet in rain, I invariably have a smile on my face. Yes its true, I don’t know why, but I somehow can’t stop smiling, I simply enjoy it to the core. People around me driving fast to get home, careful of puddles, wearing raincoats, nothing of it seems to touch me, its something can’t be described in any vocabulary.
I know I know rains in Vadodara take a dangerous value every year, fortunately this year they are sensible yet giving us time to take pleasure out of it. Believe me I can jump in puddles, dance around, and use to do all of that as if nobody is watching. Only now, my job and my schedule doesn’t let me do it, which makes me all the more sure, its not much fun in growing up is it?? It reminds me of famous Jagjit ji's gazal..
“Woh kagaz ki kashti who barish ka pani”
Quite appropriate isn't it?? Well there is no such fun as eating something hot like bhajiyas and sipping adrak wali chaiye and watching rain droplets, cool breeze blowing on your face, airy and mixed of droplets…………
Did I invoke experiences on rain for somebody?? Well com’on everybody out there who shares little of this sentiment, share some experience of rain with us, and lets make a rainy rundown of the memory lane…
Am writing down here after some time, and there being no such prominent thing to talk about I thought would do some writing on weather…
Weather…ahh how boring when you read the above two lines, and coming from me, quite unexpected isn’t it. Wait till you read whole of it and then decide. Apologies for misdirecting, I meant to talk about rains, how many people get affected by it, no I don’t mean economically or climatically, I mean emotionally.
To elaborate, do you feel this yearn when it rains to go out and get drenched, it happens with me all the time. Feel a sense of exhilaration when those rain drops touch my face…You won’t believe it, but when I drive back home, getting wet in rain, I invariably have a smile on my face. Yes its true, I don’t know why, but I somehow can’t stop smiling, I simply enjoy it to the core. People around me driving fast to get home, careful of puddles, wearing raincoats, nothing of it seems to touch me, its something can’t be described in any vocabulary.
I know I know rains in Vadodara take a dangerous value every year, fortunately this year they are sensible yet giving us time to take pleasure out of it. Believe me I can jump in puddles, dance around, and use to do all of that as if nobody is watching. Only now, my job and my schedule doesn’t let me do it, which makes me all the more sure, its not much fun in growing up is it?? It reminds me of famous Jagjit ji's gazal..
“Woh kagaz ki kashti who barish ka pani”
Quite appropriate isn't it?? Well there is no such fun as eating something hot like bhajiyas and sipping adrak wali chaiye and watching rain droplets, cool breeze blowing on your face, airy and mixed of droplets…………
Did I invoke experiences on rain for somebody?? Well com’on everybody out there who shares little of this sentiment, share some experience of rain with us, and lets make a rainy rundown of the memory lane…
Monday, February 23, 2009
Rendezvous with UK
Hey Everybody,
Everybody on this blog, is just a bunch of people, and there is no much traffic coming in, in terms of posts, so am seizing one more opportunity, to just bring in some density to the posts!!
Well am on my second business trip to UK, and high time that I share my experiences. Some people would ask, whats the big deal, why care to write about it here. For me it was, as have not been to an overnight place alone, and this was UK, altogether out of the country, alone!! It was a big and tough deal (though I do not admit it as tough often) for me at least. Moreover, it was the first time, I ever travelled in a flight, so some additional experience to add it to. This am talking about my first trip, that was in April. I spent days in planning for it, and packing for it too, literally, I had started packing a week before.
And was I excited when I landed, well its an understatement. Ever taken a 6 year old to zoo, listened to their squeals, admiration? Well I resembled most of it, only the squeals part was minus, as have to behave my 26 year old image.... But I compensated that with click click click, oh I never stopped taking photographs, as I myself don’t have a very photographic memory, so didn’t wanted a single moment, event slip by without me taking a record of it in my life’s history. Every place that I visited, and even London, which I was taken to after a week of our arrival, I kind of absorbed the surroundings, I mean I thought I did, but wasn’t very observant. Just saw everything, and absorbed.
Precisely an year after, am back here again, and this time I intend to be observant. Well the excitement part was missing, I was glad alright, but not a 6 year old anymore. But I was wrong, the evening I landed, I was given a warm, no cold welcome by Snow. It started the moment I touched on London earth, literally, when I came out of Heathrow, and was waiting for my bus to come, it started. When I slept at night I didn’t expected the sight I would meet the next morning, but what I saw, I’ve never come across ever in my life. I could say heaven might look like that. The whole world around me was painted in white. I tried to capture as much I can in pics, but it was insufficient, oh dear it was beautiful sight!!!! I’m at short of words to explain that, and wow I enjoyed the snow fights, falling in snow, walking on snow till knee deep. Everyone was talking about cold, but I couldn’t feel it, I just felt the snow, and the beauty, and the magic!!! They say thats it has never snowed like this in last 18-20 years, arrey yaar, mere aane ka kuch to effect hona tha na!!!!
It didn’t last long though, it started to rain after couple of days itself, and it becomes nasty after that, slippery, cold, and dirty...The whole beauty just disappears, replaced by muddy snow, water, what we very fondly call as kichhad...
This time also I planned to visit several new places, but weather was not so supportive. I did go to two new cities, but made 2 trips to London as well. Because I simply did not feel that I have seen enough of it, I wanted to get proper music, feel of one of the most wonderful cities of world. And yes this time, I could enjoy it more. As you go to London, you immediately feel the difference, I always thought English people say more sorry and thank you’s than their all the words in an entire day. But not in London, you crash into somebody, look back and say sorry, but the person is already several feet away. Something you could relate with people in Mumbai!! But the speed, the pace, its all so energetic, and infectious, that you just want to get into it, and disappear. Thats what I did, just roamed around in streets, watched people, see them running from one place to tubes to undergrounds. Here in Woking after 7 you hardly see people on streets, some late commuters coming back from office, or some people jogging or taking walks here and there. But in London, wow, people jogging, groups out to dinner, having fun, Bands playing on bridges, and on streets. Yeah some people play individually, or in bands here, on streets, and you can give them money as a thought of appreciation. There was one singer I heard last Sunday, and he was amazing, I stayed there just to hear him sing for an hour, missed two of my trains back. And it was not just me, he had a crowd listening to him, and some people dancing on his music..Imagine people doing that on a roadside, some ladies who had gone out shopping, dropping their bags, and dancing to his tune...That was a sight really, and strangely, I was reminded of India, I know we don’t have bands playing on streets, but you can’t deny how crazy we are for dancing, who better knows this than X-Kbridgers!!
London, a most fascinating city, I have been to, Mumbai also fascinates me in a similar fashion. So many people, all running around in their own self, so many tourist places to see, attractions, theatres, shops, coffee shops, restraunts, bars, cars, all of this and more. And everything in a huge number, and variety, catering to different types of people. And the maximum variety is in the people I see, this would become a rather long post if I describe them, so saving it for some other time. I am just happy then had been part of this city for sometime, of its life, of its people though for a short time, but could experience it
I must say, English people are more organized and meticulous in things than anybody. Not just tourists, but local people also carry a map when they are going somewhere. They have maps outside every station, tourist place to guide people, which happen not to carry one. Their trains, most clean, with dustbins, and technology enabled, and why not. They spend money on these things, because they put tickets to see everything. Whether it be their museums (there are hundreds of them), other attractions, and yes even church. They have put huge ticket on seeing St. Paul’s Cathedral, and also on Tower of London, and many places that could be available free. Okay I agree they have kept their British museum as free entry, but major attractions in it are still paid. I guess they would soon put a ticket to see Waterloo station too, in any case, people from other cities do buy ticket to come there.
I have heard people say British people are arrogant, proud, haughty, but couldn’t come across many like the image created. I have wonderful and jovial colleagues in office. The family with which I stay, that lady ensures that am taken proper care of. When I wondered away a bit in London yesterday, and asked a lady for directions, she ensured, that she comes with me till the next turning to show me the correct way. I met a street photographer, near National Gallery, who took pics of people on street, and when he took mine, he was all very happy to send it to me, and give address of his site, so that I’ve no doubt that he is genuine enough. Or the couple on the Thames river cruise, who when came to know that am an Indian and tourist, started telling me about the places that we were able to see from the boat. These are just few of instances, when I came across several very nice people here.
And the curiosity they hold about our country, its simple beyond their understanding why girls don’t drink, why is it considered bad. Why children live with their parents after 20-21 years, why live in is not prominent at our end, why there are arranged marriages, why are there so many castes, and so many restrictions. But they are fascinated by all of it, our festivals, when I tell them that we have a kite flying festival, or navratri where people dance for 9 nights, or Diwali, where we light everything, or holi where we show our love to everyone through colours. I daily get lots of questions, and I answer them back, but it seems they always need more information, more insight into our country. So easy to understand why Slumdog Millionaire is such a hit, and got so much appreciation. Everybody asks whether I have seen the movie, and yes till now, everybody has said they liked it. Here in Woking its still running one show per day!!! Our director has infact watched many Indian movies like Anand, Masoom, etc, asking for more recommendations of movies that he should watch!! Which makes me derive that their opinion has changed, they don’t just want to see the slums, the rough part, they want to see more of India, the cultural one, the intelligent one!!
But yes there are other things too, like they think that the entire population in this world should speak English, if not, then its their problem how to communicate with them. They would not speak slowly, for all those ignorant ones. Some English speak heavily accented English, which is difficult to understand for me too, but no avails, they simply deal with it as your own problem. Then they talk most about their weather, and these days recession. Okay agreed that theirs is most unexpected weather, and so always fancying ours, but if we leave them once in the kind of floods we face or in Scorching summers, then probably fancies would come to an end.
On another note, there are certain things that we can take a lesson from them too. Like how to enjoy life and work both. Most of the people here culture some sports, be it squash, football, rowing, cycling, anything, but just for the sake of keeping yourself fit, and prepared. That is, they eat a lot, and they spend their energies in this manner, which is important. They know how to keep their house and cities as a whole clean. Nobody in India I ever saw, would throw trash in dustbin, and if it misses it, then take the trash from ground, and throw it in bin again. But I saw this here, and something that impressed me, to acknowledge that its part of your duty to keep your surroundings clean. For them having maids is perk of being rich, so they generally do everything themselves, we can’t imagine a day without our maids, can we?? Well they also lead well maintained lives, and I thought, are there no poor people in the country at all, question was answered outside Waterloo station, where first time in UK in my second trip, I actually saw beggar here. And then I saw many of them across London, Woking does not have a single one, atleast haven’t come across any yet, fortunately. As I look forward to a world devoid of beggars, too philosophical, or optimistic!!
But am not writing this for any comparisons sake, making it clear for all those who bothered to read till here, and thought, one more India-abroad kind of comparison. No am looking at all of it with a layman’s eye, and describing what I felt, hardly touching anything serious....All in all its pleasant to be here, but without a single doubt in my mind, I miss my home and my country, although the weather is good, or the roads, or the freedom. I miss the horns of vehicles on streets, people shouting, children playing on roads, autorickshaws, hawkers, panipuri umhhhhh.....Well better not talk about food...
Its rather a long one though, but my experiences are still not completely shared, but I got to stop. The only last thing that I am suddenly reminded of is, several days back, I had gone to office wearing a kurta-churidaar-dupatta, and somebody in office told me, that am looking very Indian today – and I replied as looking as in??? I AM AN INDIAN, and he looked at me with a smile, that he understood. He’s an NRI, but I got several disapproving looks from other Indians on road, looking at me like - wearing a traditional attire in there is something like same old Indian mentality, giving those smirks while passing by, well whats the harm if I have the same old Indian mentality, I am actually an Indian, ain't I, so why should I bother change it, has anyone ever said the same old British, or American or French mentality...Well they do say it here, typical British, typical French, Irish, etc.... I guess perception, different people, different opinion, irrespective of nationality!!!
Everybody on this blog, is just a bunch of people, and there is no much traffic coming in, in terms of posts, so am seizing one more opportunity, to just bring in some density to the posts!!
Well am on my second business trip to UK, and high time that I share my experiences. Some people would ask, whats the big deal, why care to write about it here. For me it was, as have not been to an overnight place alone, and this was UK, altogether out of the country, alone!! It was a big and tough deal (though I do not admit it as tough often) for me at least. Moreover, it was the first time, I ever travelled in a flight, so some additional experience to add it to. This am talking about my first trip, that was in April. I spent days in planning for it, and packing for it too, literally, I had started packing a week before.
And was I excited when I landed, well its an understatement. Ever taken a 6 year old to zoo, listened to their squeals, admiration? Well I resembled most of it, only the squeals part was minus, as have to behave my 26 year old image.... But I compensated that with click click click, oh I never stopped taking photographs, as I myself don’t have a very photographic memory, so didn’t wanted a single moment, event slip by without me taking a record of it in my life’s history. Every place that I visited, and even London, which I was taken to after a week of our arrival, I kind of absorbed the surroundings, I mean I thought I did, but wasn’t very observant. Just saw everything, and absorbed.
Precisely an year after, am back here again, and this time I intend to be observant. Well the excitement part was missing, I was glad alright, but not a 6 year old anymore. But I was wrong, the evening I landed, I was given a warm, no cold welcome by Snow. It started the moment I touched on London earth, literally, when I came out of Heathrow, and was waiting for my bus to come, it started. When I slept at night I didn’t expected the sight I would meet the next morning, but what I saw, I’ve never come across ever in my life. I could say heaven might look like that. The whole world around me was painted in white. I tried to capture as much I can in pics, but it was insufficient, oh dear it was beautiful sight!!!! I’m at short of words to explain that, and wow I enjoyed the snow fights, falling in snow, walking on snow till knee deep. Everyone was talking about cold, but I couldn’t feel it, I just felt the snow, and the beauty, and the magic!!! They say thats it has never snowed like this in last 18-20 years, arrey yaar, mere aane ka kuch to effect hona tha na!!!!
It didn’t last long though, it started to rain after couple of days itself, and it becomes nasty after that, slippery, cold, and dirty...The whole beauty just disappears, replaced by muddy snow, water, what we very fondly call as kichhad...
This time also I planned to visit several new places, but weather was not so supportive. I did go to two new cities, but made 2 trips to London as well. Because I simply did not feel that I have seen enough of it, I wanted to get proper music, feel of one of the most wonderful cities of world. And yes this time, I could enjoy it more. As you go to London, you immediately feel the difference, I always thought English people say more sorry and thank you’s than their all the words in an entire day. But not in London, you crash into somebody, look back and say sorry, but the person is already several feet away. Something you could relate with people in Mumbai!! But the speed, the pace, its all so energetic, and infectious, that you just want to get into it, and disappear. Thats what I did, just roamed around in streets, watched people, see them running from one place to tubes to undergrounds. Here in Woking after 7 you hardly see people on streets, some late commuters coming back from office, or some people jogging or taking walks here and there. But in London, wow, people jogging, groups out to dinner, having fun, Bands playing on bridges, and on streets. Yeah some people play individually, or in bands here, on streets, and you can give them money as a thought of appreciation. There was one singer I heard last Sunday, and he was amazing, I stayed there just to hear him sing for an hour, missed two of my trains back. And it was not just me, he had a crowd listening to him, and some people dancing on his music..Imagine people doing that on a roadside, some ladies who had gone out shopping, dropping their bags, and dancing to his tune...That was a sight really, and strangely, I was reminded of India, I know we don’t have bands playing on streets, but you can’t deny how crazy we are for dancing, who better knows this than X-Kbridgers!!
London, a most fascinating city, I have been to, Mumbai also fascinates me in a similar fashion. So many people, all running around in their own self, so many tourist places to see, attractions, theatres, shops, coffee shops, restraunts, bars, cars, all of this and more. And everything in a huge number, and variety, catering to different types of people. And the maximum variety is in the people I see, this would become a rather long post if I describe them, so saving it for some other time. I am just happy then had been part of this city for sometime, of its life, of its people though for a short time, but could experience it
I must say, English people are more organized and meticulous in things than anybody. Not just tourists, but local people also carry a map when they are going somewhere. They have maps outside every station, tourist place to guide people, which happen not to carry one. Their trains, most clean, with dustbins, and technology enabled, and why not. They spend money on these things, because they put tickets to see everything. Whether it be their museums (there are hundreds of them), other attractions, and yes even church. They have put huge ticket on seeing St. Paul’s Cathedral, and also on Tower of London, and many places that could be available free. Okay I agree they have kept their British museum as free entry, but major attractions in it are still paid. I guess they would soon put a ticket to see Waterloo station too, in any case, people from other cities do buy ticket to come there.
I have heard people say British people are arrogant, proud, haughty, but couldn’t come across many like the image created. I have wonderful and jovial colleagues in office. The family with which I stay, that lady ensures that am taken proper care of. When I wondered away a bit in London yesterday, and asked a lady for directions, she ensured, that she comes with me till the next turning to show me the correct way. I met a street photographer, near National Gallery, who took pics of people on street, and when he took mine, he was all very happy to send it to me, and give address of his site, so that I’ve no doubt that he is genuine enough. Or the couple on the Thames river cruise, who when came to know that am an Indian and tourist, started telling me about the places that we were able to see from the boat. These are just few of instances, when I came across several very nice people here.
And the curiosity they hold about our country, its simple beyond their understanding why girls don’t drink, why is it considered bad. Why children live with their parents after 20-21 years, why live in is not prominent at our end, why there are arranged marriages, why are there so many castes, and so many restrictions. But they are fascinated by all of it, our festivals, when I tell them that we have a kite flying festival, or navratri where people dance for 9 nights, or Diwali, where we light everything, or holi where we show our love to everyone through colours. I daily get lots of questions, and I answer them back, but it seems they always need more information, more insight into our country. So easy to understand why Slumdog Millionaire is such a hit, and got so much appreciation. Everybody asks whether I have seen the movie, and yes till now, everybody has said they liked it. Here in Woking its still running one show per day!!! Our director has infact watched many Indian movies like Anand, Masoom, etc, asking for more recommendations of movies that he should watch!! Which makes me derive that their opinion has changed, they don’t just want to see the slums, the rough part, they want to see more of India, the cultural one, the intelligent one!!
But yes there are other things too, like they think that the entire population in this world should speak English, if not, then its their problem how to communicate with them. They would not speak slowly, for all those ignorant ones. Some English speak heavily accented English, which is difficult to understand for me too, but no avails, they simply deal with it as your own problem. Then they talk most about their weather, and these days recession. Okay agreed that theirs is most unexpected weather, and so always fancying ours, but if we leave them once in the kind of floods we face or in Scorching summers, then probably fancies would come to an end.
On another note, there are certain things that we can take a lesson from them too. Like how to enjoy life and work both. Most of the people here culture some sports, be it squash, football, rowing, cycling, anything, but just for the sake of keeping yourself fit, and prepared. That is, they eat a lot, and they spend their energies in this manner, which is important. They know how to keep their house and cities as a whole clean. Nobody in India I ever saw, would throw trash in dustbin, and if it misses it, then take the trash from ground, and throw it in bin again. But I saw this here, and something that impressed me, to acknowledge that its part of your duty to keep your surroundings clean. For them having maids is perk of being rich, so they generally do everything themselves, we can’t imagine a day without our maids, can we?? Well they also lead well maintained lives, and I thought, are there no poor people in the country at all, question was answered outside Waterloo station, where first time in UK in my second trip, I actually saw beggar here. And then I saw many of them across London, Woking does not have a single one, atleast haven’t come across any yet, fortunately. As I look forward to a world devoid of beggars, too philosophical, or optimistic!!
But am not writing this for any comparisons sake, making it clear for all those who bothered to read till here, and thought, one more India-abroad kind of comparison. No am looking at all of it with a layman’s eye, and describing what I felt, hardly touching anything serious....All in all its pleasant to be here, but without a single doubt in my mind, I miss my home and my country, although the weather is good, or the roads, or the freedom. I miss the horns of vehicles on streets, people shouting, children playing on roads, autorickshaws, hawkers, panipuri umhhhhh.....Well better not talk about food...
Its rather a long one though, but my experiences are still not completely shared, but I got to stop. The only last thing that I am suddenly reminded of is, several days back, I had gone to office wearing a kurta-churidaar-dupatta, and somebody in office told me, that am looking very Indian today – and I replied as looking as in??? I AM AN INDIAN, and he looked at me with a smile, that he understood. He’s an NRI, but I got several disapproving looks from other Indians on road, looking at me like - wearing a traditional attire in there is something like same old Indian mentality, giving those smirks while passing by, well whats the harm if I have the same old Indian mentality, I am actually an Indian, ain't I, so why should I bother change it, has anyone ever said the same old British, or American or French mentality...Well they do say it here, typical British, typical French, Irish, etc.... I guess perception, different people, different opinion, irrespective of nationality!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)