Where do I belong?

I have thought about the whole regional biases before. May be a couple of years back when I wrote something about the affiliations and hence priorities being decided as per the linguistic abilities of the person. Fair. Whatever.

Raj Thakare recently blazed about the issues Marathi Manus is facing inviting a lot of sentiments, debate and mockery. I happened to hear the speech he made at Shivaji Park. Homework was thorough. He made statements with references. People reacted without any.

Which side of the coin is true? I don’t know. I only know either is not serving the purpose of development. And I am being specific to development of Mumbai as that’s where the major reaction has spurred from.

Area of Mumbai is 437 sqkm. That of India is 3287590 sqkm. 0.01%.
Population of Mumbai is 1.2 crores. That of India is 112.9 crores (as per 2001). 1%
Mumbai has 6 seats in the Parliament in total of some 545. 1.1%
Mumbai contributes to over 25% of national GDP. Opportunities and resources are plenty I guess.

Still the infrastructure sucks. I am at loss. Isn’t there space for everyone?

“That’s the reaction of masses dude” or are they?

I don’t think even the so called intellectual layer of Mumbai who drives the financial capital is any different. Being Marathi can mean (and I say can not does) being a sentimental fool.

For once try and set the priorities right. You are “learned” for god’s sake. For those who are not, tag of “Indian” is by default. But then again….as they say….to each his own….there are always the regional loyalties to consider.

Changing Times ...

Surprising that the Anniversary for Reliance marks the death of Journalism.

Yesterday Benazir Bhutto was assassinated. Today Times of India ran the front page advertisement of the Reliance Empire.

Did not know that the front page news cannot be changed at last minute if important enough news comes up. Not getting into the debate of what she did and what she did not, I feel it is not the way for anyone to die. For sure it bears some importance upon the political scenario of Indo-pak relationship.

Isn’t it the duty of supposedly the “best” newspaper to flash the more prominent news for the nation on the front page? The soul is not saved in spite of the poor attempt by the editors to print the “Times of India” on both the pages.

I think she deserved page one.

And what do we do? Celebrate the success of an empire? Feel sorry for Benazir? Or just mourn for the death of journalism?

I Did It My Way.

Recently I heard the once famous masterpiece by Frank Sinatra. I did it My Way.

Stoical and Inspirational. Someday as the end nears, let me be able to sing this song standing tall.

For those who have not had the chance of hearing it, here are the lyrics.

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, Ill say it clear,
Ill state my case, of which Im certain.

Ive lived a life thats full.
Ive traveled each and evry highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, Ive had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, Im sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

Ive loved, Ive laughed and cried.
Ive had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

!?

As one steps into the second quarter of life, one word hits you quite regularly. And more it hits you, more you fear it. Commitment.

Last month I attended one of my closest friend’s marriage. He is only 24. Watching him there in that mandap all dressed up in bridegroom’s attire. (it’s a different story that south Indian males hardly wear anything for their marriage) But that was the “Eureka” time for me. Committment!

I mean I have already crossed the first quarter of life. I have no clue as to when is my turn for it. I am hoping it will be somewhere near 28. Age I consider nearest to ideal. What I fear is what Ragsi could commit at age of 24, will I be able to do it at 28?

Adjustment if the name of the game dude; someone told me. Ideally. Will I find someone? Hopefully!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

JuSt CrUsH iT…

Learning from relationships never seems to stop to amaze me. Only a few days back I was amazed to see how boys and girls can perceive the meaning of crush differently!

For me (and I am speaking on behalf of the male fraternity, call it self proclaimed spokesperson….well at least a very large percentage of it) word “crush” means that you like a girl. That’s it. Full stop. It does not mean that a guy is in love with the girl or he would like to have a romantic relationship or he wants to marry her or for that matter he is her fan! And yes, crushes can change many times in a day.

For girls (it comes from some of my well informed friends of fairer sex) it essentially involves a romantic angle in the whole matter. I don’t know if that changes that often but I am pretty sure in this sense they are not much different. So even if it changes, for whatever little time it exists, they got to perceive some romance in it. (And I have no clue why as even the dictionary points towards something destructive with that word.)

I was confronted by a friend of mine a few days back by a question “so….how is your sweetheart doing?” These are the times when I feel happy, confused, suspicious and mad at the same time. Happy to think I am capable of having a sweetheart. Confused because I did not know I had one. Suspicious because what on the earth this person wants from me and mad because that hardly the first sentence to greet a friend. So back to story and I had no clue who she was talking about. With all the politeness in the world I said, “well, she is doing fine…..by the way whom you are talking about?”

“Common now, don’t you know? The whole group thinks you are mad after her.”

“which group?”

she let me out on the information with a look similar to the one Alice must have had after tumbling through that tunnel. Piece by piece it came. And slowly but surely it fit like a jigsaw puzzle.

Suddenly I was able to make out the meaning of all the quick glances exchanged and small laughs shared amongst the members of the “group”. It was quite appalling to know that I can be thought of as a most loyal fan and nothing beyond that. Even a “label” of friend would have sounded better to ears. Not that I do not like someone but its quite different to be made fun of on entirely different imaginations.

So, just to make it clear, crush means only the fact that one likes a person as a friend and likes to spend time with her and that is all there to it!

His name is "Today"

Some lines I really liked....

Ours by Choice
We are guilty
of many errors and many faults
but our worst crime
Is abandoning the children,
neglecting the fountain of life.
Many of the things we need
can wait. The child cannot.
Right now is the time
his bones are being formed, his
blood is being made, and
his senses are being developed.
To him we cannot answer
"Tomorrow."
His name is "Today."

- Gabriela Mistral

Lost

I am sad.

I think I used to be a better person.

Don’t remember when.
I only remember me then.

Lately I have dried up.
Of emotions. Of friendships.
Of some close relations.

I have failed everyone I think.
I have succeeded enough.

I have become cruel.
I can’t cry anymore. Even if I wish to.

I feel like I am walking towards the success with me facing my past.

I want to cry.

I don’t know if I have friends left.
I mean the old ones.

I want to grab all the happy moments.
I want to escape.
Why do I have to face it all?

I can maintain two faces.
One of Dr. Jekyll and other of Mr. Hyde.
I hate both my faces.

I only like my curly hair. Straight as arrow they are.
Unlike me.

I have become selfish.
I despise myself a lot of times.
My behaviour is turning obnoxious.

Losing it.

Time to fight.

A spoonful of advice - from a friendly neighbourhood

“More money and only more problems to take care of J” One of these days before sleeping, I was chatting with my mom. We are searching for one more and a bigger house.

I have started inquiries. The other day I asked the builder who is building right across my house. 1000 sq. feet and 1.2 crores! This essentially translates into 12k per sq feet. Hmm….

Well, had it all been white money, I would have thought of (well, honestly only thought of J) applying for bank loan. But then this 70-30 ratio kills me. So back to ground realities and I started thinking of other possible alternatives. Say like searching a good house at some other place. My parents are not so cool with this option. Inertia may be. Mom actually told me that at this age she just cannot think of settling into any other city. Other suburbs she might think of, but then probably I should think again!

I am too cool. So I was totally ok with the other options. Till today evening.

I came back today to find aunty staying next door sitting and chatting with my mom. Since I landed earlier than usual, I wasn’t much tired. Also in some time I hadn’t said hi-hello to any neighbours and so I sat there. What followed was amazing fun for next hour or so!

“These guys were just waiting! Whose number is it first!” (I entered middle of a conversational thread. What number? Who was waiting? I had no clue! Later I realized it was about who has the first appointment with god or for that matter devil :P)

“Nahitar kay”

“The idea that all of us could be benefited never touched their minds. How my decision is elected final against yours……that was the main concern. Had it not been for that; all of us would have got bigger and architecturally better flat. There have been some stupid pillars climbing right in the middle of house such that you can’t even renovate the house the way you want! (Ohh….topic close to my house, I mean my heart. Or is it that I have started listening selectively?)

The above line of conversation followed for some hour or so J. Long time I had seen my mom engrossed in such kind of gossip. My mom is not much of a gossip person. But it was fun to see her enjoying herself. My presence in the whole conversation was restricted to say “huh?....eh?.....err…….oh yeah……what are you saying bits. But more importantly what I realized was how important could be the factor of neighbourhood in house selection! You never know how much the neighbouring uncle and auntys can mean for an evening chat. Strange realizations stupid things can lead to….

I love my neighbourhood. And I am not so cool after all!

Dosti ka naya funda

1. You should not have friends who are committed
2. If you have then you should not meet the person your friend is in love with
3. If you do then you should not become his/her friend as well
4. If you ignore previous 3 then get ready to get jacked!

Did I hear you asking why?

Simple! Current make’n’break statistics in love stories suggest that the probability of breaking the affair now or in near future is much higher as compared to yesteryears.

So prepare yourself for the eventualities. If the anticipated break indeed happens (high probability mind you; nothing has changed from previous sentence!) then you want to lend only one shoulder to crying friend. You can shift the weight from time to time you know and you won’t have any joint ailments.

Consider where both were your friends. Both your shoulders are gone and orthopeds and shrinks are having a gala time! Orthopeds coz suddenly you have developed a shoulder pain and shrinks because you are going mad emotionally (what did you think, for the break-up couple…you fool what did I get the shoulder pain for??)

Got it now? Yeah well only one case where you can ignore the initial advice….

Only when you yourself are in love with the person your friend loves! Just kidding…!

I am single. Thank god for small mercies!

Life in a Metro…..where was I living all this while….??

Movie starts with something like this….. A has affair with B… B has with C……C has with D…..D has with E who in turn has it with F……and to complete the circle……F with A!

Then everyone starts sleeping with everyone…..that is cool in a way…..but I just wonder if a pornographic gangbang would have been a better time pass….:P

Then there come the characters in the film……unbelievably weak……Shilpa Shetty is like the forgiving “abla” naari of 60’s where she is ready to forgive her husband whatever he does….

KK has got the best deal…..no limits to infidelity…..sleep with everyone…..come back home…..wife is always there!

Kangna and Sharman are confused…..one is acting like a slut and another like a pimp…..ain’t clear what they want from life…..apparently it’s the race of life why they are acting so….

Shiney Ahuja is the biggest loser…..everyone dumps him…..his wife…his career in acting…..and finally Shilpa Shetty!

Nafeesa Ali and Dharmendra are the old age lovers……again Nafeesa forgives someone who stood her up years ago…….watching her and Shilpa Shetty it seems that there is serious lack of dignity in metros for women….

Dharam paji……getting old….his crying makes audience laugh in the theatre……what else do I say??

Saving grace…..Irfaan Khan and Konkona Sen….had they not been there I probably would have walked out in half!

And of course the singers……come out cool first time……but as the movie progresses……there presence becomes increasingly creepy……(songs are nice though)

I think I should put a full stop to watching Hindi movies unless someone really recommends it……I mean look at me…..all I have done after watching last few is writing these reviews of crap movies….! Not that anyone read them here…..but then it’s a country of free speech ain’t it?

Overall…..its a CRAP movie…..and if u read this and still see it then just drop your contact number in comments because I assume you have shit loads of money to spare….!

Please Stop Singing; Noen ain’t no good

“Yudhdha Taryanche, Swapna Suranche”

That’s the program that is currently going on like a TV series. All the supposed self proclaimed who’s who of Marathi television are invited to participate in a singing competition and display “the other set” of talents!

I happened to watch one of the episodes the other day. It was a tired evening after office and I switched it on with some expectation of listening to pacifying melodies. What I actually got….well, why don’t you experience for yourself? After all its “the other set”!

I am not trying to make a point here about their singing abilities however. It sucks big time. And then there is further complication. After every round I think last 3 are eliminated and remaining reach the next round. So basically considering their singing, those who have really decided to watch should thank their stars that the annoyance level surely goes down per level.

There was one shot displaying the emotions of participants while the results were announced. The “stars” that feature in last 3 are apparently so broken that it seems like they were super confident of making to next round and now they can’t become great singers! I am sure its not only these stars however. It all comes across as a coached performance. You know…..when camera comes; show that you are dejected kinds.

But for what? Do producers/directors really think that they are increasing the interest levels by letting stars manifest “real life reactions”? and on top of that do they think audience is fool enough?

Rather than such stupid star fight, may be a chance can be given to some people who can really sing. And if they can’t manage that then put that money in producing something good for Marathi industry.

Being a Maharashtrian it hurts to see nothing good, nothing of quality is coming out!

It Festive season...

Hay Nikhil, Dude! Hows life?

Hay Amit, fine man. Where you up to?

Just going out.

Where?

Jlt man….nothin special.(wht a nuisance!)

Ha baba but where? Kuch thikana to hoga…

Surabhi’s room yaar.

Some B-plan competition eh?

Hmm….(shit he knows I am participating)

So whts the team?

Me, Surabhi and I think a couple of others…(there he goes!)

So whts the competition? Wht details?

(Wht the fuck!!) are there was this mail a few days back. Don’t remember who had floated it.

(He doesn’t remember? For god’s sake, u have registered and u are participating….) Ahh…

So when is the deadline?

(shit, its tomorrow….if I tell him now, he will also participate….) Don’t remember man…..but I think sometime in couple of days I am not very wrong.

Aha…

Chal cya….Surabhi is waiting.

Sure.

Amit reaches Surabhi’s room…

Are kitna time Amit!

Are Nikhil mil gaya raste me…was asking bout this competition…

Bola kya usko?

Well not much…

Hmm…

Accha sun, we need a DVD writer. We have to submit the final proposal in DVD as the film we have shot cannot fit in one CD.

Shit!! Only Nikhil has a DVD writer. I cant ask him now.

Hmm….ek kaam karte hain…Rima nahin to Suresh ko poochne bolte hay (these are the other two member of the team)

So Rima calls Nikhil.

Hay Nikhil, yaar I need your DVD writer sor some time….can u give it pls (this pls comes surprisingly sweetly!!)

K….np….get ur lappy…..will writ eit anytime u want.

Are can u pls lend it for some time?

Okies…..but wht do you need it for?

Wanna write a DVD. (To be honest enough, I am a lil technologically backward…..dunno many uses of it other than DVD writing!)

Haan but wht?

Are there was this film we had shot….just wanted to write tht.

Oho….so yet another b-school competition huh?

Yeah.

So who all?

Me, suresh and a couple of others….

Chal thik hay….leke jaa….

Epilogue: Nikhil never came to know that Amit, Surabhi, Rima and Suresh formed same team. In spite of all the efforts to keep the competition at bay, they cud not win the competition.

And someone had posed a question whether B-school help us become better human beings….

Some things never change....

Accused for: Committed one of the biggest blunders a person can ever commit.

Defendant played guilty.

Court adjourned till next hearing in which the penalty would be declared. However the offence committed is so grave that parliament and legal advisory board is thinking id including it in the list of criminal offenses.

I actually went and saw (or tried to see....) 'Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna' by a supposed to be director called one Mr. Karan Johar.

Story on part of the defendant:

That f***** thing sucked big time. Sure. So much so that 4 people (including me - the defendant) left 10 or 15 minutes after the interval.

Preity and Shahrukh are married. Sharukh meets Rani in some park (arbit meet as typical of KJ movies) just before she is supposed to marry and sitting in full wedding clothes in park. (Point to be noted here is he is already married for 5 long years) He advises her to go and marry. So does she and ties the knot with Abhishek. Then when he is out of the park, he meets with accident and injures his leg for life. Since he was a football player before that, now it is obvious that he cannot play football. So a level of bitterness creeps in him. So far so good.

Some years later, they meet again (And the trauma starts.......for audience....not actors). Because of his son and with some typical third grade KJ jokes. Some damn chemistry strikes once again and since they are dissatisfied with their respective partners, the storyline starts. OK let us get this straight. He is unsatisfied because Preity is more successful than him. (As a matter of fact she never bosses around. But still....). Rani is unsatisfied because Abhishek is interested in parties. (But point again he always wishes that she accompany him to the parties but she always refuses).

Bottomline: Marriages in DANGER!!

Point to be noted my lord is that it is typical....dont get the notion that it is something different just because it is in Caps. (Its in caps coz I want to complete this blog. Otherwise the danger persists that writing about this damn thing, it is so boring that I might never complete my post)

But the efforts to save marriages is seen only on the parts of Preity and Abhishek. Though we see Rani and Shahrukh to try and make some efforts, all they end up doing is: Shahrukh takes Rani to some sex shop to get her some sexy lingerie so that she can look sexy and Rani tries to teach him some lessons which Abhishek seems to practice with her and in the process she herself gets "lost" (Only if you know what I mean). See......I told you it is unbelievable!!

So I left at this point (which was something like 15 minutes after the interval). But you read on as I narrate the story as i heard it from some friend. In the process of having some damage control done for their marraiges, they only end up sleeping with each other. (Point to be noted my lord is when Abhishek who is her husband and in opinion of many, handsome than SRK, wants to make love to her she refuses it on the grounds that there are many more things than just sex). Basically they are losers as all of you juries must have guessed by now.

Saving grace: Good old pillar of Hindi cinema.......Amitabh Bachchan. (Though his character is shown to be a lil frivelous)

As story by defendant comes to close, the next court session begins. Members of the honourable jury are ready with their opinion and comments.

Jury: As defendant has already played guilty, the possibility of doubting that never existed. However considering the fact that he has already undergone more punishment than required, as per the Indian law, he need not be punished again. Watching a KJ movie is a punishment in itself. Also as per the utilaterian theory, for greatest good of greatest number of people and considering the social implications of such movies, the bench of this jury feels that permission to KJ for producing/directing movies should be reconsidered. The jury stands unanimous in it decision. Decision awarded 14-0.

P.S. This is a good revenge technique however to suggest your enemy to go and watch the movie as battles could be won without a bullet.

Juniors' night and me

Junior's night.......

I danced on stage after something like 7 years.......

After my first year engineering when I had danced in our freshers party.......

And now when we threw party for juniors.......

Preparation in last couple of hours.......

First one involving 4 songs from past decades and more than 10 people willing to dance........

Dance steps, choreography, practice only twice.......

Plain fun, enthusiasm and makin sure that we have fun in prolly last year of educational career.......

Needless to say a total disaster.......

Highlights on stage.......

I forgot stpes couple of times......

So did other people.....

Someone's saree's knot got loose.......

No one got props on stage with which we were supposed to dance with.....

Song stopped once.......

We ended up dancing with partners we were not supposed to......

JLT.......

I am dying laughin even when i remember it.......


Second one when we took stage on the beats on 'Sex Bomb' song.......

One good hit to end show with.......

Call it foolishness, enthusiasm, fun, bewakufi.... I don't care.....

Just living life by some right advice.......there is certain age to do certain things.......

And then of course the traditional role of waiters serving juniors askin "would you like this sir? Would you like that ma'am?" "Drinks are served upstairs Sir!!" "We also serve special ice cremes and paans and alike ma'am"

A trully memorable and fully enjoyed evening.......

And thats that!!

Being ?

Yesterday I visited Cheshire home. A place for mentally retarded human beings. Otherwise just like us.

But how big a difference that otherwise makes. So many old questions resurfaced. What is life? Who is god?

I said, " they have no life. Its just a mockery of it. Who exactly are we being good to by allowing them to live that kind of a life?" ..............I have always been a supporter of euthanasia. More I read, more my belief is reinforced. Criminal? Who me? ok.......... To which he answered," They are feeling people mate, not thinking like you and me".......well.......in any case, on the day of judgment I have something to ask back to god.......

Am still thinking.

Same day I saw the softer side of so many of my batch mates whom I wouldn't have known otherwise. Ever. Nothing new that everyone would feel sad in such an environment but something I saw there moved me. People I always thought to be too selfish and too materialistic came out so differently. And me, myself, whom I have always looked up to as an emotionally enriched person, was nowhere to be found. I could interact with those people probably easier than most of them. But where was that feeling of sadness? I felt i was sad just because one is supposed to be sad. I felt so helpless that I am not doing anything. So damn helpless. It drained me. And that's that. I thought as if i was lying to myself when I said I am sad and angry.

But Why?........

It made me realize however how blessed we are. Fights for placements, higher education, strategic thinking seem so petty.

What I am going to do about it someone asked. I don't know. I do not know if I am brave enough to visit and spend time with them. Partly because I cant see that life. Partly because I am becoming dry I think. A state i dread of. And one more why?

But something for sure. What remains to be seen is how I channelize all this "learning".

Alive and Kicking....

Now that my blog has survived an premature death threat............alive and kicking!!

As my internship comes to a close…

This one is dedicated to all the people who made my life in Switzerland not only easy but a lot of fun………The animals appear in the order in which I met them.

Niharika: My first point of contact. Her interaction started even before we touched the foreign land. All out insatiable queries were best answered and it was so much easier because of that. Also she in troduced me to wonderful world of trainees and so many new friends that I was to make.

Sandra: My first dinner invitation and first Arab dinner invitation. Austrian by nationality, she is a very quiet and mature person. Doesn’t talk much but whenever talks, talks a lot of sense. Of course a pub quiz partner. I enjoyed it very much Sandra.
I unfortunately dont have a snap righ tnow...

Nataliya: Ms. Brazil. That is what we call her sometimes. A very enthusiastic and jovial personality. I never knew Brazil and India had so many things in common. She has even gifted me with Brazil wrist band. I will never forget the match we saw together and I am expecting you next year in India.

Nataliya: My Ukranian connection. I have hardly seen anyone laughing like her. Perfectly innocent and not caring if someone is watching or not. I really envy you for that. I wish I can do just like that some day!! Again an extreme enthusiast…..Budma…..Ho !!

Michal: My polish friend. One of the coolest people and best friends I made in Switzerland. He is the one in whose room I am sitting while I write this. He so gracefully accepted me for the last week. We share a lot of interests in common all of which I cant write here because of obvious constraints…..but football is certainly one of them. A die hard polish fan. Too sad the way in which they lost today to Germany. I supported them mate….tough luck!!
We sure will meet one day again in life. Keep in touch buddy!!

Julia: Wie geht’s? My German connection. As I have mentioned before, our first host outside Zurich. I cant describe how I enjoyed that weekend Julia. She also happens to be the one who can boast of having started this tradition of having gatherings every weekend and making a lot of new friends and a lot of fun!! Your performance while bidding us goodbye at Lausanne station can never be erased from my memory.

Emyra: Again the first host. We never really had muchinteraction. But wishing you all the best wishes for your upcoming wedding and hope you two do well in life.

Daniel: A Hungarian student I met at Lausanne……
we didn’t have much time together. But I enjoyed
every bit that we spent together.

Dominique: Fosters Australian for beer!! I will remember your advise “Give it a try, it always works!!”

Andre: My brasilien __________

mate!! He just turned a man and what a grand party we had on his birthday!! You have been a great friend mate. I hope we always remain in touch. However before I go I am expecting to meet you again at Zurich…..

Where is Brazil??.....when you ask that question where is India next time……be assured that I will be there in India!!

Asia: We didn’t have much time together either….but whatever time we spent together, I thoroughly enjoyed. My polish friend.

Unna: Scandinavian friend from Denmark. One of the most silent and most sweet people around. Tell her something and she will go out of her way to help you. She was again a perfect host in Lugano. A very well received trip and who can forget the Swiss m

iniature museum? Pity Unna that we could not meet after that weekend. Hope we meet sometime in future.

Emir: Go Tunisia go!! He and Julia bag the award for most hospitable and courteous hosts. He is a silent worker. Will never say what

he is doing but you can be rest assured that it will be perfect. He also happens to be the one who showed me around in Basel when I had been there. He also is the member of our elite team which saw Brazil playing!! That Sheesha was amazing man with apple flavour. Do try sometimes the way I have suggested. Believe me it is nice!!

Carmen: Mexico. We spent very little time again but it was good trip with you in Lugano and Basel.

Ewelina: Poland again!! And I finally get her name’s spelling right!! Met her a little late as she arrived after some time than when we arrived. However, one of Zurichers I spent m

ost my time with. You have been a very good friend. Keep in touch.

Chris: My african brother!! We had great time together....i hope some of our african brothers do well in WC.......and for all those who do not know him.....he is another laugh freak just luke Natasha (Nataliya)!!

Thank you guys and girls for a wonderful reception and a wonderful stay. Have a lot of good memories to take back and hope to meet you all sometime in future. And anytime you plan to come ti India and just remember I am just a phone call away.

For all my Switzerland trip snaps....please click here

And Mike, Nataliyas, Sandra, Andre I am expecting you next year!!

P.S. I need to mention my project guides.....

A very sweet lady. And a very nice man. I was treated very respectfully at work and was given the full freedom to work the way I wanted to. A very professional treatment and I bet I was in best of hands.

Summer of 2006

Hmmm…..so I hear that you are learning something new everyday. This foreign soil seems familiar to you now. All the initial anxieties have vanished and what remains is desire to prove and perform and go home “wiser”. You have been fortunate that the true intention of summer training is being fully appreciated in your case. In fact you should say that you are learning much more than what is intended. Intention of course is the industry exposure. You are working with a bank and a Swiss one at that. So……

But as I said you are learning much more. You are learning the real meaning of independence. Independence does not mean that you can do whatever you wish to at whatever time you want. It only means that you are at liberty to take best possible course of action keeping in mind the good for everyone. You are realizing that slowly aren’t you?

Almost everyday every week you are meeting new people. You have made plenty of friends and some of them hopefully for life. You have been fortunate than you are very comfortably paid for a trainee. Your salary is much more than most of them. But it has affected you in either ways…..hasn’t it? One way you are comforted that your life has become much more comfortable. And on other side it is the pressure to perform. To prove your worth. To prove that you are indeed from the best business school from India in your area. I am happy that you are taking it in right spirit and it hasn’t got into your head.

I am also happy that you are realizing the “value” of money but at the same time you are not being miser and are spending money amply for experiences. It is a very appropriate trade off.

I am happy that you are noticing the differences and I am happy that you are able to understand why we, as Indians, are different. The difference in some cases is because there is no other option, in some of the cases because we have faltered and in some of the cases, it is because of choice. You have seen plenty of things here which are better than those in your own country. Some you think are better than in India but many you think are far superior to existing Indian standards. The first thoughts which crossed your mind were not of disgust for India and dream of settling here but were of anger and making them come true back home. I am happy that you are thinking that “My home will be like this one day……” rather than “India ka kuch nahi ho sakta” And I am very happy for that.

I am happy that you are not shy of meeting yourself. Have a nice hard look at your deficiencies. There are so many. I think this summer has given you the “exposure” in its essence. An exposure to yourself and to life. You have started to learn and appreciate life. And it is summer of 2006.

I am missing you.......

I am very relaxed now and Ali Haider’s Purani Jeans is going on……

………..Mohalle ki wo chat aur mere yaar…..suddenly all those memories are awake and in a moment I have started missing home…….I have started missing my friends….Ragsi, Shaks, Dicky, Callboy (Koulboy…..pls don’t think anything else), Onshul, Ghattu, Chino, Mayz…….(Raghu, Vinod, Daksh, Sunil, Anshul, Ashish, Siddharth and Mayank in that order)…..and I am missing u Aadat…..and Saji, bada bhai Matthai, and roomie Jas and Shipra, Sheetal, Sandhya, ali, Mansi and of course Antu………table bajake wo gane gaana yaaron ke saath…….and all my classmates in XL……and need I say XL ??

pahuchna college hamesha late……wo kahna sir ka get out from the class…….i am so fortunate (?)……I never had to hear tht……..

Wo papa ka datna aur kahne mammi ka chodiye ji aap…………..I am missing my family…..i am missin u mom and I am missin u Dad…..and I am missin tht “datna” too which in reality I don’t remember when I got last time……..love u 2…….and 2 ashs, kaks, kaka, aaji, 2 maus, kaka and everyone back home…….

Ladkpan ka…..wo pahla pyar……wo likhna haatho pe A+R……..wo likhna letter unhe baar baar………..wo lena dosto se paise udhar……..dont even know how we always settle wo hisab………..

Tanna nana dat tat dat tat nat……….music is on………and song is getting over….

Aisa yaadon ka mausam chala…….kahan mere dost aur wo guitar……...for me one more year with all these animals (read my frds) and XL is still remainin…..and I thank u god for tht……..love u animals and love u XL……..

All u ppl have a special space in my heart ………and believe me sometimes its wise to say it out loud (at the risk of sounding “senti” and being tagged as “uncool” and)……as a friend told me today….in words of Mark Twain……”20 years from now and you will be more disappointed for things you did not do rather than for those things you did……..”…..so just makin sure that I can eliminate some of those “did not do” things, which I can………………

I am missing u home, you mean a lot to me.