Lady Santa with her magic

A charming day. The lady santa had made full preparations for the X-mas celebration. She bought the santa-cap the other night and was cheerful for the Christmas eve for the next day. She had bought some sweets for distribution in office. She was glad and I was happy to see the gladness on her face when we reached office on the 24th of Dec. It was fun. The office environment was gleaming with decorative displays. It was no work meant that day and everyone were in a mood of celebration. I too had inner contentment and was enjoying the moments; it was as I felt like everywhere there happy faces and everything just seemed perfect. The lady santa had created this magic for sure and she had even cajoled me to wear the fancy t-shirt which I had bought but was waiting to wear it for an occasion. The occasion – was not needed actually because every day it is an occasion. My confidence rose like rocket and I felt utmost contended. The tasks in office were carried out like routine but I had more zeal to close it fast and leave early for the day for a good evening celebration back home. But to mention another thrilling part of the day was the utmost thrilling experience in office – they had arranged for a movie show. It was real fun, Golmal 3 full comedy. (although we had seen this movie in theatre), but seeing it in group was more ecstatic; There were snacks of all kinds to make the matter best. Pop-corn, sandwiches, chips, colas, and we had a full-stomach. So much that there was hardly any space left in the tummy for the grand evening dinner that night. But all in all, my part of enjoyment was more because I was glad the lady santa was having a cheerful time. Frankly for me, the time spent more on the bi-weekly report, which I circulate in office.



The next day was a holiday obvious because it was a weekend day of Saturday. The late wake up in morning was what we were waiting for on Saturday. We had a good break at home after a long and hectic schedules in Office. Good food, good lunch, good winter sleep – what else was wanted. We had good day all in all and there no external adventure, since we preferred to stay at home. The pending grocery shopping was completed and we had plenty time at home to get bored. This was intentional in the hope, we would plan something outdoors for the new year. Well that’s in pipeline now. Lets wait for the big-day and we shall have another glamorous experience to share.


Cheers


Bhola

The North East (India)

Its mostly a pre-conceived notion. It’s just an idea of dismissal from the existing norm. It has been further alienated from the very owners of the mainland. But do anyone care about the genuineness of the stuff they all talk about the North East India. Yes, ‘considered’ the most ignored and alien place in India, this issue has been further deteriorated with the people’s attitude for the place. And the inhabitants has only the more reason to feel the same for the Indian mainland. What worse, the general survey will only indicate about the common man’s IQ of the NE India. Its not uncommon to find that many people will not know how many states are there in the NE label, or that still worse know the names of the city capitals. This might even prompt you to check your knowledge of the same, but as person who comes from the NE, I will say you just don’t need to know the names of states and cities. There are infact much more to know, the culture, living standards, the truth of exaggerated fear from terrorism, the tourist attractions to visit. Yes I say ‘exaggerated’ terrorism because what I have studied from the people I interacted on their opinion about the north-east India, it was simple they just know its not the safest place in India and that these are just understood issues. At once I knew about this ‘understood’ issues because to tell you the truth, in recent times I have seen more terrorist/Naxals or Maiosts attacks in the Indian Mainland than the NE. Then why this step-motherly behavior towards the NE? The main reason what I conceived would be the geographical location and terrain. Situated at one corner and surrounded by neighboring not-so-developed regions or countries, this was bound to happen with the north east India. The railways are only connected to few NE states with Assam having the major share, and hence the most progressive state in the NE. the development could not reach out to the deep-down. Further plagued by hilly terrain of the roadways, it made miserable effort for the development to occur. You could comprehend what I mean when I say when you travel from Tura to Shillong (both in Megahlaya), you need go via Guwahati. Then there are places and routes that will take shorter to reach by road then the Railways. All these instances I just implied about the small issues which add up to the create the dissatisfaction. Keep aside terrorism as failure factor for the NE, because that is one of the common issues everywhere else now. There are unhappy instances but they are not the worst part here.



Infact there are much more unexplored resources and aspects of the NE. Yes resources not only in terms of minerals, raw materials and crops, but the human resources, development resource of the untamed region. The 7 NE states are sisters waiting just the acceptance from the Fatherland India. Politically we have the support, but what the NE needs is the same treatment like all other states because it has been left aside like a scolded child. The capable human resource have been moving out of the region due to lack of opportunity and better career aspects elsewhere. This would be the case with all major locations, but since the NE is primarily deprived of major corporate development, there is very little scope for the capable and developed man-power. The tourism industry again has ample scope in NE, but then the distant from developed regions makes it a choice last in the list. The ‘Scotland of the East’ (pls google it in case you don’t know what it is…. I suppose this you should know) and the Himalayan hilly regions of Gangtok and Darjeeling have somehow survived and got promoted top in NE tourist list, but there is much to be done for these places to come to par with major attractions with the Indian Mainland. However one thing which I would like to make a special mention is that common man in the NE is by large a wealthy-at-heart person. The general concept is live life happily and make best use of your talents. They are very hard-workers and they have simple concept of living. There are landmark differences about the way of life and in treatment of common issues in the rest of India - the stringent religional biases, and gender-differences. In that terms, NE India will be a proud region and it has only more bliss to offer to its inhabitants.


Cheers
Bhola

The Vacation in Meghalaya

I feel disgruntled. The dusshera vacation is over and I am now to pack my bags and head back to Pune. Huh.. good days are spent so fast or is it really a practical experience of Einstein’s theory of relativity – that modifies the clock with respect to places. Whatever be it, at the same time, I possess a mixed feeling, blended with contentment. The fortnight vacation in my hometown – Tura, the wonderful hilly town in Meghalya, was an amazing trip that fullfilled the promises of a beautiful stay. First and foremost, the Durga Puja festive could never have been any more wonderful than spending it here, a town know for its mixed population. But this being a town in the North East, Durga Puja is always a celebration time of the year. The city is beautifully decorated with lights and there are majestically decorated mandaps all over the town. Since the Puja is celebrated by all local groups and is not only limited to Bengalis, hence this adds more charm for the entire population here. The Bengalis, Marwaris, Hajong, and the Nepalis – all tribes celebrate the Durga Puja with all the more charm and zeal here and this is the major reason why this place holds a special attention for the Puja celebrations. Entire crowd would come out of home and visit the mandaps to offer the prayers to Maa Durga and seek her devine blessings. It’s a mandate that people must visit most number of mandaps and must come out of the house on both the days – Ashtami and Navami. Most of the ladies would be performing the Navratra Puja at home and this woud mean a holy engagement for the full 9 days. Childrens have all reasons to cheer since the school remains closed for about a week and they would be utmost busy with their fun games with pistols and laser beams.
The main Charmer however is the way ‘Bisarjan’ is carried out on Dushami. This holds a special and emotional connect with the devotees as they carry out a grand procession of Maa Durga and entire city jumps into the streets bidding goodbye to her. Chanting holy praises of Maa Durga: “Durga Maai ki Jai’ and “when she is coming next?: Next Year” the entire crowd would dance to the fullest strength and greet each other. This is a time when – elder or younger, male or female everyone out there is engaged in celebration mood. There is drum beats everywhere and people would dance to the choir of those beats. Meanwhile there are others who have come out with drinking waters for the crowd – the homemakes have gathered into the streets with tea and biscuits for the devotees who would be tired with their dancing antics and holy slogans.
All these affairs were witnessed by me and I had all the more reasons to be proud of these people, the stuff and the city. The much awaited vacation gave to me all that what it promised and hence I am all praises for it even though all good things come to an end, this one did come early. My face gleamed with happiness and contenment since I had visited my hometown after 1 long year. Also given the fact, this is my first visit after my wedding, this visit holds a special place in my heart and mind. The good thing was that my wife enjoyed the stay too and she was actually bit apprehensive initially at the thought of coming to a mediocre town in North-east. But I had calmed her feelings and assured her that the North East was as peaceful and serene as any other place in India.
All in all I end this blog once again in a happy note and also this is the end of my wonderful trip here which I will miss for sure for atleast one year after which I am supposed to come back again for a fresh vacation. But this is a long time and I can only wait for it for the moment. After all coming home is the only desire in the heart, when one is immensely occupied with the hectic office shedule. Long live these vacations.

Insaan - ek Khoj

The Verdict day. And finally it proved to be a justified one since it ensured a non-biased verdict. Atleast this the thought of the majority. It took decades for settlement, but all’s well that ends well.
Hundreds of opinions were flashed in status messages in FB/mails and sms and one thing was for sure, the mass only wanted peace and nothing else. It was touching to see the intelligent minds displaying extra-ordinary messages. But my mind was equally perturbed by other class of people – mainly the political support group who just know to create hullabaloo and has no reason for the ultimate cause. There are goons paid to create fuss and uproar in society and they have no religion whatsoever. I was anxious to see how much power these goons would display when the verdict is out.

Power is mis-used word here but then what I meant is sheer brute power to harm the innocent man. The saddening part is that the very common and innocent crowd fall prey to their political and religious trap. And more saddening part is the sheer number of such supporters for them. It is here where the story takes a beating and the unthinkable would come to truth.

Happy that none of these kind was part of the day and it went off peacefully. I was furious initially when it was a self-declared holiday in office and was fearing a social clash in the country. But at 4.30 PM the news channel gave a relief message and finally I felt contended also to have half day off from work.
Here are excerpts from the messages posted in FB for the day:
“Kya mandir kya masjid banayenge, agar ban saka to siyasi maukparasto ko insaan banaynge”

“Kya banane aaye the, kya bana baithe; kahin mandir bana baithe, kahin masjid bana baithe,

Hum se toh jaat bhali parindon ki; kabhi mandir pe ja baithe, kabhi masjid pe ja baithe...”
“Time to forget Past and Start a New Begining (PEACE).......JAI HO....India Rocks...!!”



“Neither Saffron nor Green...have chosen white as the color of life from our flag ...”

“Mandir to ban jaayega, Par Ram kahan se laaoge?

Uss masjid ki deewaron ko, Kya paak kabhi kar paaoge?

Jis chaukhat par log jale, Ram wahan na jaayenge,

Jin galiyaron mein khoon gira, Maula kya reh paayenge?"


“lambi chal rahi hai ladayi jaat paat dharm ke naam kii....

koi kahta hai masjid kii jagah hai koi kahta bhagwan raam kii....

aaj nateeja aana hai, haath jod ke prarthana hai prabhu tumse...

Naa hindu kii, naa musalmaan kii... aaj jeet ho insaan kii”

An Unwasted weekend.

It feels lethargical. Its a wasted weekend and I never took out my step out of the house except for buying the vegetables. Sometimes I felt quite boring and bit sentimental and at the same time I had a mixed feeling of surrenderness. Thats how normally many of such weekends have spent, and I feel I have no idea of its justification in terms of how does really it matter. But yes, it sometimes quite matter when you have nothing to think about. This sounds like crazy. Its sounds more abysmal; I dont really justify myself being so confused at times. While at others, I feel I am quite contended with the way things have been going so far.
Well the office project seems to be headed nowhere with the usual stuff of never ending issues and more problems faced or better created everyday. Everyone goes with it but not anyone really drives it. I took for the same and calmly accepted to go with the flow rather than trying to try a different approach. But I ensured, whatever I did, was in good taste for me and my boss. I was more to be happy with my current role than my erstwhile sting with TCL and the hectic work life.
Hey I thought to mention about today's climate when I started with this blog. Its amazing view outside and the rains are uncessant. It was little bothering when I was out buying the bhindi and gobi. But it was drizzling beautifully and I thought thats a perfect evening to spend... at home cook some good food (red meat) and have nice supper. Yes, this took me some time to compose this blog in installments, coz I was invloved in spending my activities for a great evening. The good thing was that it rained continuously and this being a sunday today, there were no worries. It looked a cool environment today and the weather lost its heat. I must say it was bit shivering in afternoon sometimes. I gazed through the glas-panel of the balcony and only saw mist on it. It was such a fantastic view quite filmy and quite mood-setting. I just felt calm and my mood steady. In the evening, it was all satisfying since I thought the was day not all wasted when I thought I was wasting it. Now I must close this blog else my ice-cream would melt and I would miss the fun. Well it has not yet started to melt, given the reasons I already explained about this weather. But my mouth has already started melting and I must stop my fingers here... and wait for the next very interesting topic to be discussed in my next blog.
Cheers
Bhola

Need for Communication 2

FaceBook, Twiiter, LinkedIn, Orkut, Blogger and what not. Social Networking has become an inseparable part of the modern day civilization. Social Networking (SN) was vaguely designed few years back, to reflect what it actually does today. It was a luxurious affair to send an email to a distant friend, but now it has become a necessity to even do a video conferencing with several people far off. It has grown from a toddler to a Sabu. IT has changed the face of the world and has shrunk it with beautified lining. Data, data and even more data and communication are the requirement everywhere. Thousands of miles of under sea fibre cables and terabits of data speed is only indication of the implication of the need for communication. Multiple telecom terminologies, Optics, SDH, SS7, Ethernet have only drastically reduced the complexity of easy communication. In this age, a person may not be expected to own a ration card, but he must have at least 2 things: a Mobile Phone and an email address. Why people are even developing thier own social websites forget those FB and Orkut. Wedding invitations are now customized online and people put their testimonials and design according to their choices the contents and the factuals.
Well I thought I almost wrote the preface on a book I am about to write. Indeed I was actually infatuated by the popularity of these networking sites and status updates of friends and the mutiple witty comments on them. Thanks to these sites, you are now friends with even the lesser known individuals in your real life. I am even concerned that how these sites are competing not only with each other, but even with Office Software and applications. People tend to relax by taking breaks from their schedule and posting some amazing wits on their status. Some share funny applications and has to judge what Paul the Octopus has to forecast about their fortune. People get hooked to these sites for the reason to get connect. You are so flabbergasted with these sites, that you dont stop pulling even your leg by indirect means. Huh these addictions, I am not an exception too.
See I have been hooked to these sites and I find more comfort in sharing my thoughts in the SN this very blogger site.
Nonetheless I always thought my productivity was directly affected by the proportion of time I spend on these sites, but than I just could not curb accessing these sites. It is a virtual world for me sure like for all others and I find social solace in them. Actually I couldn't have deciphered the benefits I derived out of these sites, but certainly I feel elated reading friends posts and witty comments and feel bounded to them in social world in this busy world. Sophistication prompted easy advantage but addiction led to sheer popularity. So far so Good. Better far better best.

Democracy vs Development

I start on a happy note today. Its been good time; my parents are in town and infact its quite amazing to find pleasurable moments at home. The weather has grown awesome and the mighty sun has disappeared in the sky since couple of days. All you can see are the thick black clouds and the strong winds honing over them. Perfect mood setting environment for a fun-filled atmosphere. Hence No more the usual topics today. Instead as per suggestion from one of my closest colleague, Punit, I start to discuss on a very debatable topic: The Indian Democracy - the worthiness of being a democratic nation. Truly the term 'democratic' has first been misused and misinterpreted by a huge section of Indian Population and politico. Well India was never prepared for being a democratic nation untill it had first addressed the equality in caste and checked for the corruption. Huge Population has always been the biggest problem and you can imagine the impact of sheer numbers in democracy. How I wished democracy was based on brains and not simply on numbers. For even the cattle-class and four-legged species account for huge numbers. They too can claim a liablity in their role in the Indian democracy. Its either way, there is no respite for the common Indian. Its either the rich man's game - the money power, or simply the huge illterate mass effect - the number without logic. Democracy can never be justified when people vote for their leader when they least know about ther leadership. Truly the large masses have the voting appeal for a same-caste leader or even region. There is simply no logic applied in this kind of political arena. Leaders like Mamta, Mayawati, Lalu do not in plain context qualify in simple terms for being even a polite human being first, forget about they being huge political figures. How on earth can you as a literate and democratic citizen be a mute spectator to the dirty games played at the name of democracy. Surely the intelligent minds know the kind of cunning leaders there are and even know their own personal gains and startegy, how these other section of the society nominate these leaders tells lot about the negativity of democracy in India. How there are internal terrorists, naxalites and maoists and why cannot the government tackle these issues like the US. Simply because the government does not want to lose the voting numbers. Feels pathetic at the plight, there are countless cases of political menace, the misuse of political power or money. The goondaraj from the sons and daughters of eminent but worthless political figures. These politicians play nice cunning games - they will highlight and blame Pakistan for any external terrorism act and do all noise in showing how worse a country like Pakistan is. But what they do for internal Naxal and maoists strikes? Keep mum and people will forget everything. They can't take chances in combating them and losing the political battle. Sheer disgusting.
The common man is to be equally blamed too. Not that Jaago-re campaign is minuscule or unimportant, but that majority of the masses have to take the initiative to change the system and not be just spectators. A refrom is needed in the Indian administration to change the figure of its political charm. We cant be happy calling ourselves democratic when really our age old issues are still unaddressed when we say the power vests in our hands. This is so untrue and unjustified that we call it a democracy. Perhaps there are more things to resolve the issue. Perhaps the population problem will be the toughest for Indians to handle. Perhaps India will take years to still remain on the path towards a developed nation. We dont like to live in future, we prefer to spend time in present. We like to call ourselves a 'developing nation' and for same reason, we shall not exactly change for a developed one.

Aaj Mausam bada Baiyman hai...

Thank God its Friday. New Office, new tasks, new laptop, new KRA. At home, new flat(rented), new LCD, new household & appliances. All that makes a new life. Things are on track so to say.
Its been a pleasant weather today that inspired me to pay time to my hobby. The new office building in Dighi is miniature caricature of NASA office. The view from the glass window displays all barren land for a stretch of 2 kms radius. There is nothing but rocks and sand all through the radius. Its the desolate, but royal island - the TCL office in Dighi. And just from the 2nd floor, when you look outside, you feel like a feeling of a NASA scientist proudly witnessing the far-flung view till the eye can comprehend. The big Satellite antenna nearby adds to the feeling of a high-fi affair. Here, its like working for a rocket launch. Sounds big but sounds apt. Woh-yay, the clouds have turned my mind poetic today. Calm weather and a cool breeze like this would surely have turned even Gabbar Singh to a Vijay calmly playing the mouth organ melodiously. Why he lived on rocky mountains? Never mind. I am enjoying today, the weather, the climate in Pune. I have fewer things to discuss on a personal note now, guess I should focus more on some special issues, articles or news. But I am not fact writer and I must prepare my self with stuff before I can attempt to do so. Never mind again, I would continue to put my thoughts in general and also list regular updates of whats happening. Raghu had suggested me to start writing stuff for Knowledge sharing in Telecom field. SDH he said. Yes I said and I would may be sometimes start with a new blog alltogether for that kind of stuff. Dude, in my new profile there is very less scope for my previous technical skills. In this new role, I must now focus on process issues and management skills. (Will go for an MBA? :P). Cramer had been defeated and now I must wage a war against Metasolv. I must conquer processes.
This is it for today. Nothing official about it.
Cheers
Bhola Prasad

The Final day in Amdocs

Time and tide wait for none, and today it didn't wait for me either. Its 23rd of April 2010 and I am physically present in Office T12 N2-416 (thats the place I sit) but mind is on the clouds. You see, I am actually not supposed to 'work' on my last 'working day'. So its been a cool morning today in the summer of April and I have all things to do but resolving the BANs. This blog deserves a special wishlist since the words in this blog comes directly from cloud9 (not that stupid drink).I have just to clear the check list for exit form and I need to do it in morning hours. I have not taken any vacations and I have my joining in TCL on monday 26th April. Hectic weekend, since I also need to shift my belongings to new home.
I am stuck now with stuff; I think I am running short of them, but at the same time, my mind wishes me to write more. I am exactly not sure, how I feel at the moment, but I must admit, there is a sigh of releif and my apprehensions are subdued. Blogging has become my favourite way of communicating with my self. I feel I express myself more clearly when I happen to jot down whatever comes to my mind and which my fingers find comfortable to keep typing on and on...
Once again the the Good-bye mail has been written and is on its way to recepeints. I was actually unsure if I could convey how I felt leaving amdocs, and with what thought I was parting, but thanks to some developed skill, I did feel my message was conveyed. Here how the text go:
"Writing a Good-bye mail is not actually a wishful task to do. But then there are stages when you have to choose for the next step in life. Needless to say, working in Amdocs was one of the greatest learning experiences and most importantly, working with such a group of wonderful people had become sweet memoirs of my short experience here.

As I write this email, I have mixed emotions to share; some flourishing wishes and some apprehensions. But I am leaving on a gainful note. I have had moments of happiness and concern and truly I always had trusted the opportunities I got. Today I decide I need to choose my opportunities.
Thanking you once again for your support all through my stay here. Wish you good luck."

So I end here for today. Hope is the only thing I am carrying with me, as I enter yet another stage in my life.

Cheers
Bhola

Its a Breaking News....

And finally some good news coming my way. I have put my papers in amdocs last week and currently serving the notice period here. I resigned on 23rd March and have on offer in TCL for a very good position and a decent package. (Ofcourse if you get a nice role and a calm boss, who would care for profile?).  The decision has been taken and my wife is all settle to come down here and settle in Pune. All the ifs and buts had finally to be taken aside and our life needed a change for a stable life.
Finally we are looking forward for a settled life together, am to come out from the 'married bachelor' status. Its fresh like starting things all over again - looking for house, all the house-hold appliaces, TV, fridge, bed, crockery... and the list continues. We are excited. Making a new beginning all over again would be a welcome change and this has more promising things in life. Was waiting eagerly again to make a 'happy-blog' entry after long time. Had I posted this blog a couple of days earlier, it might just not have been in tune with the striking chord of my sentiments. I didnt want a date as April 1st to state something of utmost seriousness to our life. Notwithstanding, every word I type in this blog would carry a special sign of promise for a better life ahead. Meanwhile, things are only promising now and I scorn divulging too much on issues as has always been the case with me. I think I must confess to my little known facts about me. Sometimes I feel I am a guy too complicated even to myself. Seriously. I understand this could be a common issue, but then given the mind I carry my thoughts, there has always been pre-determined concept of apprehensions, which I just fail to give away. Whatever it is, I take it and accept for what I beleive. Not to make it heavy, I know I am a simple guy above all. Fine with the start, I look forward to continue this journey 'as it comes by' mode. To throw more light on how things materialized, I knew I had to go for a change in job and hence I went for it. Given that I had two offers, patience only demanded me more to get the best deal for me. Surely my wife is too happy at the prospect of a change for she too is ready to come and settle down at the cost of her job for time being. Family matters matters a lot and nothing could have been more pleasing than to prioritize family over anything else.

The Summer of 2010

Its a rapid transition of the season. Winter has disappeared (it was not actually fully there) and with the onset of March, the sun has started to take some serious activity. And finally when it goes there to the full fledged summer season, the mercury level will refuse to come down. Boy, Lalit Modi too had this in mind & thus this year he scheduled the IPL a bit earlier this year to compensate the extended schedule in summer. There can be no more praises of this IPL thing in this blog here. Last year I had dedicated one full blog to this IPL stuff & it has ribbed once again my writing prowess. I won't divulge facts about already knowns facts of this IPL. Its fantabulous and everyone knows this. Its the greatest source of timepass assured for the next couple of months with even the ladies in town discussing hot topics & players of the IPL. Good news about this year is that the IPL is being played in India unlike last year where somehow there was a general feeling of discontenment among the crowd for the foreign venue. Bad news for the TV channels other the SetMax. Think what else they can telecast during this period of IPL fever? Nothing but stories and updates of IPL. Browsing through the famous channels will only assure you, the breaking news of IPL story, with headlines flashing every second about an injury to knee of Harbhajan Singh, or the sweet lady Shilpa shetty dancing in joy at the sixing strokes played by Yousuf Pathan. Or the internet world sharing the latest updates from the blogs the fakeIPLplayer. Boy boy too much stuff this is.
Sure the other soap TV channels will not mind much when they can plot fascinating stories of their own to attract TRP. To tell you the truth, I was taken by surprise when I saw the little girl from the serial "Balika Badhu" in headlines stories of her being hospitalized and how the news channel were begging the fellow Indians to pray for her life. Man, me and my roomate were taken aback. We couldn't comprehend what & how utterly tragedy had gripped the little child in real life and we were clueless. Now next moment it was a matter of shame & disgust. To our agony and distrust, the news channel were only telecasting the scripted story of the serial  itlsef in reel life. Never did I feel so disgusting about these news channels. I thought they hyped real stories, but they were way too ahead of my apprehensions. I couldn't have beleived what the hell is being telecasted. My roommate Raghu was equi-vocally all too ashamed & flattered. 'Worst' was the only simple word he used to describe it and I could utterly comprehend how much resentment he had about such scripted headlines and worthless news channels. Indian can digest anything and that could be the only reason the channels break any stuff to make it into breaking headlines. I wish I could break those heads.
No wonder they can even telecast stories like Anandi the girl from Balika Badhu, buying an IPL team, or may be even playing for one team. You never know these news channels. God help all those fellow Indians who enjoy such stuff from so-called healthy news reporters. No more discussing this stuff. Its getting into my head way too much & I dont have intentions to allow my disinterest take control over me. 
Right now, things at the personal front has not taken any improvement stages as yet. Still struggling to get to the terms of changed life. I feel it was like a dream when I got married and suddenly I woke up, finding my life same like when I was a bachelor. I have decided, things have to be set to proper frame & I have vowed I wont let it delay much. But for time being again, atleast for few days, I need to wait and watch. Its said that patience is the key to success and right now I am beleiving just that.
Cheers
Bhola Prasad

Terrorism Unjustified

It’s indeed sad that the doings of the worst form of human nature has struck again. A terror attack in Pune & dozens of youngsters killed. Grief & pain again has put the poor con-man at the receiving end. This was not the blog I wish to write. Things are happening too bad with times & there is no respite from terrorism, which day by day, seem to go relentlessly in justifying their mental sickness. Even here as I am writing this, I can comprehend the grief & pain of the family of the lost ones. 2 of my office colleagues (from Amdocs) were victims of the blast. Binita Gadani & P Sindhuri paid the heavy price with their lives when they went to German Bakery on Saturday evening 13th Feb. I feel we live in a world of misery & fear. I feel like an atheist everytime. There is really no pleasure in being a human-being when you realize the terror forms it takes. Or atleast it pains a lot to comprehend the sick brains which reside thoughts of such gruesome plans. The bomb was never the worst invention, but the evolution of the human-mind was. I fail to understand why such minds take the same form of existence when also this form is picturised as divine. Atleast I can seek calmness, it’s only a minority or a fraction that are of botheration here. They have ruined the very essence of the spirit of humanity & have proven to be defamed living objects. Just the like the cancer cells which tend to slowly affect the healthy cells, the terrorists too are cancer to the entire world steadily ruining the human-existence. And let’s not associate them as part of our own form. They are just terrorists & they have no other name, religion or relation. These creatures can only create misery to themselves but no one. They are invertebrates and they can’t stand on their own. Sadly we are at the receiving ends for the doings of these creatures. But let’s not deter and vow to be strong and be more active to fight them and show them they are the only losers here.

This way & that

The Winters are not chilling here. Atleast not the best of seasons and certainly it does not matter even it is not the worst one as well. The continuous morning shifts in office has done my stomach worse than good. Abnormal diet & lack of sleep in morning hours has affected me mentally more than physically. I detested this & hence the reason my luck got me continuous morning. But I never complained. I got this easy again to make it easier for me. 1 year in amdocs & still thinkning for future prospects here. Better I must look for the future in longer terms. Ok, this may give you a hint of what I am talking about. But at the moment, even I am waiting & watching. Lets see & hope for the best. The mouth Ulcer has grown sore & it does require extensive medication. Oh spicy food & non-vegetarian items. Now I must follow the restrictions to recover the pain. Well to be frank, when I started this blog, I didnt have any clear picture of the topic I should be writing here. But I just went on, thikning its pretty long time I made the last entry. So this could not be a best creation, but yes there will be certain masala topics worth reading. One has already been discussed above. I felt if I needed to write to shrugg off my boredom in office hours & again put some remix in my lietrature to bring life to my seemingly slept talent. I thought I will start discribing some of my old childhood fond memories. And I also thought I must discuss what presently I am going through. Now that I am a married man (I keeping reminding myself time & again), I think I can also use the word 'we' more often than 'I'. So we are still leading married bachelor life & still to get into real life. We have been looking for a job for her in Pune & yet to get any good opening here. So its quite testing time for us & we have things to do now: wait & watch for sometime. At the moment, Mumbai to Pune seems far distance during the weekdays.

Cheers
Bhola

HONEY-MOON - in Kashmir the paradise on Earth

Dal Lake, Houseboat, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Iceburg, Pehalgam, Mughal Gardens... all these places hold a romantical charm. Our honeymoon in the beautiful Kashmir could not have been any more enchating then enjoying blissful moment on the rightly called the paradise on Earth. My perception of the winter season held the view that Global warming has completely wiped the word 'WINTER' from the climate dictionary. I was rather curious when I landed on the Srinagar airport on 6th of Dec09. Cold breeze swept away all my confused thoughts & promisingly whispered sweetly in my ears that assured me of a good stay in Kashmir. We held together our hands due to sheer drop in thermometer reading. First thing we discussed between us was that we needed another set of thick woolen winter garments. The agent seemingly awaited for us at the arrival terminal & promised of a charming tour, stay & visit at a reasonable cost. I had no bookings & followed the first agent what he had in store for me. A cab drive to the Dal Lake took 25 mins & we were presented a beautifully decorated & amazingly articulated houseboat. It immediately impressed us & we decided to make it ours - though only for 4 days.
The evening saw was taking enjoyful shikara ride on the big charming Dal Lake. The shikara really did remind me of some old romatic numbers from Bollywood. We immediately began a strong liking to the Dal Lake, Shikara, Houseboat, Kashmir....
The agent was actually quite helpful & he also arranged for the tour visit to the different icy places nearby Kashmir. The first visit was the local Mughal gardens, all being so famous for magnificientically created in Mughal times & well maintained till this date. The Nishat Garden, Mughal Garden, Shalimar Bagh, quite impressed us with with the flowers & the moring sunshine in the wintery season. It was a soothing feeling & romantically that was a perfect place to be.
Next we went on to another amwesome point - the famous Gulmarg, of which frankly speaking I had less idea. Reaching Gulmarg, my apprehensive mind took a turn & I felt a feeling I never felt before & this feeling I wanted to feel all through my lifetime. Our faced gealmed in the sunshine & more due to the reflections from the ice-covered mountains. There was ice everywhere & people were seen till far end enjoying to the fullest. I was rather thinking was all this real ice or has somebody taken large amount of raw cotton & spilled it all over to create the fake impression of ice. Surely I felt that, because I could see glittering sunlight in the sky & on the mountains & then the pure white soft ice on the floor. There was no silicon compund on the floor & there was no dust & no pollution. Again this cant be explaied in words, because the envrionment completely is full of charm everywhere. We hired a man-pulled sledge & had a good ride on the icy floor. Ofcourse I fought with my wife there.... & she hit back to me too.... snow-fight you call it.
We tried our hands at ice-skating & it was damn slippery & lest we should break our limbs, we were happy to end it short & have some goody skating snaps to capture the sporting moment.
The day ended without we realized the pace of time. Next day had another beautiful adventure- more ice- Sonmarg. Um, it was not actually fruitful, for too much ice did a spoilsport. The 2 hour ride was cut short just 10 KM of our destination to the reach the destination. But it had another special package for us. The 2 hour horse-ride on the next 7 km stretch along the way to Sonmarg uphill. There was biting cold & though we had sufficient woolen garments, we felt bitterly cold. The fingers nearly froze & the ears & nose turned visible red due to chilling cold. This I felt I was feeling the coldest time of my life. We returned shortly for the route was blocked due to heavy ice & we could not proceed further. But it was a satisfying effort it not so well adentourous.
On The final & fourth day we visited Pehalgam, a place famous for natural beauty & favourite destination for couples. We were lucky indeed; when we reached, the snow god showed favouritsm & welcomed us with romantic & amazing snowfall. It was the moment of the entire trip & we tried to feel the snow on our hands, giving less attention the biting cold we felt. There was another horse-ride we took, having less idea, the horse actually treks mountains & hills rather walking simply on the road. I grew bit fearful, horse-riding on hilly mountain covered with ice with every chance of being in danger, the horse could slip on the slippery ice & we could have well landed into hospital if not on the land. Eventually our fear gave way to thrill & we could both see adenture & fun in our eyes. The season had all good in store for us. There was a satisfying contenment in our eyes as we both glittered in happiness about our honeymoon destination. While Gulmarg had breath-taking scences & views, Pehalgam was mindblowing.
Sonmarg was quite too much for adventure, the Mughal gardens were quite romantic. The four even days passed so fast we could not realize our adenture in Kashmir was taking a turn towards the end. We felt quite sad, but at the same time, our hearts were spilling with contenment. We had to leave for we had another devotional tour to Jammu. Mata Vaishno Devi had called us & we left with open heart for Katra by raod (I wont divulge on my trip from Srinagar to Jammu/Katra, for my wife certainly didnot enjoy the long hilly ride).
We started off at night at 10.30 PM & we had to travel on foot uphill to reach mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. We certainly didnot have any idea how exactly we would continue our walk. We started off well, walked in winter at good pace, perspiring somewhat. The destination seemigly was receding, the more we walked. We realized we were tierd but we had to walk. I was inspired & I begab chanting Jai-mata di hoping this will boost our energy level. It actually did & we managed to the climb the hill of 12-km stretch in 5 fours approx. The darhsan was satisfying & there was less crowd & at 5 AM, we entered mata's Gufa. We felt so happy to reach mata's shrine & get her blessings. I mean it was really devotional visit & we felt so happy & blessed. We also visited Shivji's mandir just quite steps down the Vaishno Devi Temple. However we apologised from Baba Bhaironath for we had our energy levels exhausted & we could not have climbed another 2 hour uphill. So we started off at 6 am to reach Katra. Beleive me, walking downward the hill proved more tiring, since our legs had nearly given up. We walked & rested & then we walked, & again we rested & again we started to walk. This took almost 4 hours to reach Katra. There was 0 energy level, but we managed to reach on our room. We had 2 hours to take rest & then start off to Jammu for the next day morning Flight to Mumbai. My tiredness vanished, since our journey was not yet complete. We packed all luggage, & left off to Jammu. Got an accomodation there & slept for the entire day. We woke up again at night. did final packing & slept again. Morning brought some respite & we had replenished some energy. Reached airport on time & finally our flight to Mumbai started on time. (The Flight was via Srinagar, whereby we wanted to start all again). The Winter had dissappeared and we felt we had just woken up from a lovely dream. The faces looked dull but our camera had some support for us. We recalled what an adentorous, romantic, Sizzling (& some more such adjectives) honeymoon trip we had.
We assured to each other, couples do have more than one honeymoon trip, so that was not an end to the trip. Rather a beginning of more such wonderful trips.