One Helluva Trip - Rishikesh

To Go Or Not To Go? That was the question. As Bijli was busy bargaining for a meal extra with the camp operator and Dhamankar was busy double-crossing tourist bus agents to lower costs, I was doing nothing at all but waiting for signals from my tummy that had wrecked havoc the past week. Thanks to the discipline enforced by my dear roomie, I felt better and finally decided to embark on my most adventurous trip ever – Rishikesh.

In the bus, the usuals started. One group singing songs and another, surprisingly small group, Smirnoffing. The songs slowly became too difficult for me and so I decided to join the intellectual conversation happening on the other side. These guys, I have to say, become exceptionally brilliant when drunk. There was a terrific discussion on Congress and politics, which, to my anger, they didn’t even remember the next day. After a few ‘Secretary, Sports’ and ‘EOM’ dialogues people started sleeping though my height and weight meant I couldn’t. But I had Miss.PS for company. She has taken an oath never to sleep on trips like these.

The extra meal that Bijli successfully fought for was missed as we reached late helped by the traffic and fog. A small trek and we reached the Camp Zero. Ganga for the first time. Oh My God. Amazing. This was the ‘Jumping around Phase’. I was so happy that I couldn’t stop shouting and jumping around. Very Happy. Just couldn’t take my eyes off her. But it was time for Lunch. But in this tour there were two things that should be mentioned. At times I felt, “ Was the purpose of the trip taking photos?” coz, thats the only thing we did. The other was the excess of would-be-managers in the group. Everyone was part of the decision making process and naturally sometimes ‘Too many cooks...’. After some volleyball we were ready for Rafting, the best part of our trip.

This is ‘the Anup Rao Phase’. It really was the most adventurous hour of my life. For most of us I guess. There were too many instructions from our boat ‘Captains’. Zero Degree Ganga was splashed on us for us to get accustomed to getting drenched in it. Life Jackets were tightened and ‘Ganga Mata Ki Jai’ bhajans were shouted. The first Rapid came. Anup Rao went. Deep into the water. Panic followed and he reappeared the same way but this is one event he is not going to forget ever. Neither will we. Manali too fell but was able to come out immediately even before she had the time to panic. In the next rapid Gathoskar thought ‘Why should Anup Rao take all the limelight’ and fell as well. He didn’t panic much and was rescued. Then all of us jumped into the water in clear peaceful waters and did some fake swimming.

By this time, while the other blessed souls were ready for cliff jumping, my ‘Shiver-a-thon’ started. I enjoyed too much it seems. I continuously shivered for 2 hours. Couldnt speak or walk even. Nothing doing. Finally when we reached Camp Zero at night it was time for Camp Fire, the first in my life. I expected a lot of dance, singing, shouting. Something to happen all the time in the camp. But nothing happened. It was ‘Melody time’. My attempts at singing songs like ‘Ashiq banaya’ or ‘Dhoom Dhooom come and add my fire’ failed. Again I had PS, anup and Dhamankar for company as we heard a few Tamil songs as well and finally slept around 2.

Next is the ‘Romantic Walk Phase’. Disclaimer: This only means that the time was best suited for such a walk. But we were 3 boys and 3 girls taking photos and enjoying the walk in the early morning as others were sleeping. We were supposed to start at 7.30 in the morning and we promptly started at 9. Naturally we missed Haridwar. I had the most beautiful breakfast of my life(Never used this adjective with BF) on the banks of the Ganga under Glorious sunlight.

Then came the ‘Walk-a-thon Phase’. We walked and walked and walked. Saw Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula and an Ashram. Lunched at Chotiwala. Then started the Fantasy League Phase. From then on till 5 in the eve when we had Tea, we spoke nothing but the World Cup. Who scored how much, how did he get out, who ran him out, what was his economy, what did yuvraj have for Lunch. All these were discussed too much that it became infectious and the next phase started.

The customary Antakshari didn’t happen but DumbCharades was played. Gathoskar, Arora, Dhamankar, Vishal came up with unknown films, the Dukanians were brilliant and all of them worked hard to give me a simple Hindi title and heaped praises on me as I enacted them. Then ‘the Great Mail Scam’ broke out. For once, all of us became ‘Hypa’. All of us told ourselves not to speak about it yet were doing anything but that. It is another issue that Manali and Rusty were sleeping blissfully unaware. Anything more about this here would screw me.

Then after Happy Birthday singing for Bhadada, we reached hostel, again later than we expected. But this was one helluva trip. Not to be forgotten as easily. Though a bit overshadowed by ‘the Great Mail Scam’, the happy memories are on top of my mind. On others’ too I guess. Thanks Bijli and Dhamankar. Gujju and ViSa took care the finances, rightly. Thank you Amar, Swati, Manali, Arora, Kanika, Dukanians, ‘for all seasons PS’, Anup Rao, SCSS, Gangs, Photographer Raghu, Laxman, the only swimmer in the group Rusty and Gathoskar for making this time Memorable. And the biggest Thanks is to the Holy Ganga. Waiting to see you again.

What next Fedex?

An hour or so ago, history was created at Wimbledon when Roger Federer lost to Thomas Berdych in the Quarter Finals. Fedex has reached the finals evertime since 2003 at SW19 and hence this comes as a surprise. What happens next to Federer.

Lets see what happened to Fedex since the time he lost to Nadal at Wimbledon in 2008. That marathon match was considered the best ever Wimbledon match. And while it demoralised Fed, it boosted Nadal and he won Olympic Gold and Fedex was forced to vacate the top spot. As expected everyone started plotting the demise of the greatest champion of Tennis.What happened next? He won the US Open and again the whole world came n support of him. And the next year proved to be one of the best. First French Open and 15 Grand Slam titles. Back as World No 1. and lost very narrowly in the Finals of the Us Open. FEDEX was officially back and was expected to be at his best forever. Add to that this years Australian Open and his status as the greatest player of all time was almost sealed.

But in all these was forgotten that the exploits of Roger in the last 2 years did not come at the expense of Nadal but at his absence. He still had a losing record to Nadal and he has not beaten Nadal in a Slam final after Wimbledon 2007. So when Nadal was back at his imperious best, people expected Roger to have a better answer. But still he didnt. He lost to Nadal again in the Madrid Masters.

Another new aspect of Fedex this year has been his rare immodesty. Its becoming too apparent these days. Though he failed to reach the semifinal of a Grand Slam at the French Open this year , he looked so confident of his grass court chances. He promptly lost in the finals of his warm up event. Now comes his Wimbledon defeat.

What next? One of several things may happen. One, he may be back again this hard court season with a few titles and the Us Open and again will be expected to be at his best. Two, if he loses again in the US open before the Semis then the final days have started. Here one of two things may happen, like an Agassi or Schumacher, his last days wont be his best and he ll retire as a player ranked around 7 or 8 in the world . Otherwise, this is what I expect the most, he may have a last flourish left in him and may win Yet another Grand Slam and then retire. You see, I am a fan of Pete Sampras.

Roger Federer needs a great farewell, of a kind no sport has heard of. Bettter than Schumacher, Bradman Michael Jordon or any others. . Doesn't he?

But there is another curly haired guy from India who has reserved the Greatest Farewell of all time. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.

The Most Memorable and the Happiest Day In My Life

The most memorable and happiest day in my life answered the question I posed in the previous blog.

This happened on the day of my sister's marriage. I mean my friend who I consider my sister. This may seem strange to some. But thats the way it is. She is my sister.

Some background info before I start. She is the one who loved me as much as my mother possibly could have. The four plus years I have spent with her will remain the best I have had. Her father was a little weak in heart. He has high blood pressure and is a diabetic. Naturally he was excited a lot by his only daughter's marriage. But a little too excited it turned out to be.

The bride was in Chennai, the bridegroom in Mumbai and the bride's brother in Malaysia. So the huge burden of organizing the marriage(you know how Indian marriages are!!!) fell on both parents. And both proved equal to the task running hither and tither , doing everything needed. All set for marriage. But Providence had other ideas. He had a mild heart attack on the Tuesday before Saturday's marriage. And was admitted to the ICU in a reputed heart specialty hospital .This was not informed to the Bride or the Groom's family. But still he could not keep himself out of the preparations and excitement. AGAINST DOCTOR'S ADVICE he wanted to get discharged from the hospital and he forced his family to do so.

But the family members were wise enough not to allow him work anymore. On Thursday , after his daughter came ,a little too excited again, he had another attack,this time a bit stronger. The celebration mood came to a standstill. Its a matter of life and death. Doctors naturally were angry with him and the family. He was ordered not to think even of moving out of the ICU for a week . His ECG showed his life was at stake and he had to undergo a Bypass surgery as soon as possible. He should forget attending his own daughter's marriage. You have to see him and hear him speak how much he likes her. MISSING OWN DAUGHTER'S MARRIAGE?. Can you just imagine missing your daughter's marriage?

Prayers started to flow. His wife was with him in hospital throughout. He missed the Engagement Function held on Friday. The groom's family provided valuable support once they were informed. He was asked not to get tense. Doesn't it seem absurd? Your only daughter is going to be married. And you wont be attending it. And you should not get tense. nervous , excited or emotional.

Discussions were held with the doctors who strongly advised against getting out of bed for 5 minutes even. What was everyone supposed to do?

He missed Engagement on Friday. Friday's report of his health was not encouraging. All lost hope of him attending the marriage. All looked up at the supposed Supreme Power and exclaimed "What the hell are you doing about the miseries happening here? " and then " Do you really exist?"

I was there for marriage on Friday to help what I could. There was no excitement at all. No celebration mood. So after doing some petty work I was late to the Church. The bride and the groom had walked to the dias. I had some space to stand only at the last. One of my friends( I have a crush on her!!) who was standing at the front, called me.

What I saw will remain etched in my memory for eons to come. There he was sitting upright, with a serene face. His wife and brother were near beside him. That image flooded my eyes with tears. Even this moment when I am trying to put these thoughts into words( miserably so) , I am getting emotional. That is THE most memorable moment in my life.

That moment made me look up into the sky and exclaim " Oh My GOD, You have done it. Thanks "

Whatever be the medical explanation that the doctors may give, I don't care. Its some Super power that made this happen. That Super power may be his Wife who stood with him throughout, may be the doctors who are going to cure him or the prayers and hopes of the well wishers. Anyways I consider it a miracle.

And seeing my sister hand in hand with her soul mate made it the happiest day in my life.

And today his Bypass surgery is over and he is doing fine.

In a lighter vein, here is my epilogue.

My roommates, Gaje, Mani, Viji and Vinoth( I wont tell his nickname) want me to add their names in my post just like authors dedicate their books to someone special to them.

So here it is. Thanks guys and I dedicate this post to you all.

What is God?

One of the most mysterious issues modern mankind(probably our forefathers too) loves to debate and fight over is GOD.

So, now , I too am plunging into this dirty, already overcrowded pond.

Now that this argument can become too aggressive for some, here is my disclaimer.

All the issues dealt with in this post and my blog are my views. If it offends someone, I am not to be blamed.

Let me start.

There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who devoutly beleive in God, those who deny its existence and the rest. I wont call the 'rest' as agnostic for the reason , the rest include the whole lot of people whose minds waver with respect to their views of God.

All these 3 kinds of people dont have answers when probed too much on their stance.

The pious keep giving explanations like "He is formless, colorless, cant be comprehended by lowly souls like humans , blah blah blah..". But when rationality is brought in and we explain how acts once attributed to God are now being explained by Science and ask them to be more precise (2+2 = 4 anytime everywhere) and question them further they ought to get stumped though the fanatically devout wont accept it. That they will introspect later is altogether a different matter. These people killed Galileo and created many heretics out of scientists, refused to accept scientific explanations for hitherto inexplicable behaviours and attributed diseases to act of Devil.

The non-beleivers (the so-called rationalists) pride themselves in the fact that they dont beleive in God. They say explanations are available in Science for everything and will be available for the unexplained. But when asked some serious questions like "what happened before the Big Bang?" their stand wavers. And when things get too emotional like death of one's parents , the heavenly ( I have to use this word though these people do not believe in a heaven or hell) bliss we feel when we are treated to nature's best features, the coincidences we find in nature that Science cannot explain or when you sincerely hope(the beleivers call this prayer) things will work out right after an interview which decides your life they start thinking about an unknown power that may influence the world.

The other group includes all the others. They need not be probed too much to disturb their stance. They readily accept or reject His presence.

Where do I stand? Undoubtedly in the third set.

Let me try to put my thoughts in writing. It will look extremely fuzzy that you will stop midway and think "What the hell does he want?"

In the earliest of times deers knew by instinct and experience that chatting with a tiger is certain death and chatting with the opposite sex means an offspring. Similar thoughts like these developed over time and reached greater heights with the chimpanzees who scientists attest are brilliant relative to other animals. Many of these knowledge transferred through several species and generations and reached mankind, when he finally evolved. People belonging to this school of thought debate if Devil came first or God came first. My opinion is that both compliment each other. As earliest man attributed his diseases to a Devil, he definitely would have thanked his God for the good things happening to him. And fearing his God many desert him he started offering sacrifices to God as we did see in "Apocalypto". This God does more harm than good to this world.

Lets look at it another way. There is archeological evidence of David ruling Jerusalem, of the Trojan War and of the Kurukshetra War. These stories actually form the foundation of religion and God. Homer sang Iliad and Odyssey to the descendants of the victors from the Trojan War. In order to get praised and rewarded, he slowly exaggerated their heroics . Over centuries these exaggerations multiplied exponentially resulting to the present form.

Similarly the Ramayana and Mahabaratha were exaggerated over centuries to its current form.

Later came Buddha, Mahavira , Jesus and the Prophet. I view them as extremely ideal people who preached people. They did something unheard of those days in real life. Soon they became Sons of the Supreme Power. But for the advent of Science and mankind's increased rationality, Gandhi and Vivekanandha would also be considered so. As a famous author once said, "Had Gandhi been born 3000 years ago, his birth would have been in myths, his youth in miracles and he would have been worshipped as God".This kind of god would do more good than harm to this world.

What will happen if one says "All the best" to you before you appear for an importan exam? In absolute terms, nothing. I equate this with prayers. Nothing happens but that feel good factor will do a lot of good. doesnt it? The concept of God helps here.

A feeling that God looks after us and will punish us in case we do harm is absolutely necessary in today's world.

And there is this symbolism part. Most beliefs inherent in any religion symbolizes something. As an example we can cite Muslims wearing Purdah. This started because they had to save their skin from scorching sun in the Middle East where it all started.

In my view, at some point of time in everyone's life looks up ( God supposedly resides there) and says " Who are you? What the hell are you doing about the miseries happening here? " and finally " Do you really exist?"

I got a answer to these last week. That comes next

My Two Days in Singapore

Procrastination is the thief of time. It seems I like this particular thief a lot or perhaps it would be more apt to say it likes me a lot or even lives with me. Anyways, for now, I have shrugged it off my shoulders and am writing this.

Singapore, in a nut shell, can be considered the world's largest mall plus theme park where people live too.. Such is the magnitude of commercialisation of the city.

Indians, when they visit Singapore, find superlative adjectives insufficient to describe their thoughts of the city. Our airports lose out miserably to the Changi Intl. Airport there. the Metro Rail is just incredible. Amazing.

We reached Changi Airport around 5 in the morn and took the MRT to our hostel at Little India. The city has 4 routes and several junctions. But not for an instant do we get confused inside the MRT. The trains are fabulous. Its incredible that every other MRT station itself is a mall.

Throughout this post, I ll find it difficult to express my wonder completely.

We reached our hostel around 6 and discovered that we could not check- in before 2 PM.So we started out to Sentosa Island, yet another wonder in the city. We did luge ride, sky ride, cable car and saw a 3-D film and dolphins playing. Unbeleivable creatures they are. Never miss a chance to see them.

We returned to our hostel around 5 that evening. Little India is a small part of the city which has Indians(no surprise that) predominantly Tamils. We started out again, did some shopping, boating and saw bungee jumping.Shopping was cheap in Bugis St, a lively and happening part of the city. We returned to our hostel at 10 and the next moment were asleep.

Next morn, we got up late(procrastination again) so had to skip the famous Singapore Zoo. We visited a nearby mall touted as the best in Singapore. The Mustafa Centre is huge and extends on both sides of a main road. After that started our great walk.We walked around 7 kms that evening covering all the tourist spots in that area, the Esplanade, Merlion, China Town, City Hall, the former Supreme Court complex, the War Memorial , Singapore Flyer and another boating.

Apart from these, about singapore, I could not find soil anywhere and equally difficult to find vegetarian food. Of course I could get some good vegetarian food but then they were Indian. I was searching for non-indian food. The roads were perfect. One could not be mistaken if he/she assumes horns are banned in Singapore. Such is the traffic discipline htere. Another trivial , makes-me-envy info : the average life expectancy at birth is 82.

For a city that was almost non-existent 100 years back and badly bruised in the war, this is great going which could not have been acheived but for the dedication and will power of all those involved. Citizens and politicians comprising malay, chinese and tamil population.

I ll be back with my experiences in Malaysia and Cambodia soon, Procrastination permitting.

The 100 Country Club - Our journey starts

Finally it has happened...

After a lot of deliberations and failed plans, My brother and I are ready to embark on a trip to Singapore, Malaysia and Combodia. We in our family are used to making a lot of travel plans of which, I have to admit, very few see the light of the day. So , we are used to making plans sometimes knowing well that they wont be realised. This too started like this, or so I thought.

My brother and I have been thinking for quite sometime about going on a foreign tour to watch a sports event. The feasible options we had were Dubai (Tennis) , Bahrain, Singapore and Malaysia (F1 GP) . We also had a European trip in mind but didnt think it would be possible in the next few years atleast. But suddenly my bro started planning seriously about going to Europe to watch Tour de France and the German GP . His plans soon became bigger and bigger and soon became infeasible. He wanted to visit areas in the vicinity of few hours from Berlin and Paris and that extended to Copenhagen which was near Oslo near Stockholm near Helsinki near Petersburg near Moscow and Europe was over. You now realise why our plans became impossible.

So , with a bruised heart he started plans for a far cheaper and far nearer Singapore and Malaysia. And to add a extra adventurous element to the trip , we decided on Combodia which is not a tourism option for most Indians.

2 days in Singapore , Malaysia and Combodia conclude our trip. Staying in the World's Largest Hotel, visiting Angkor Wat temple Complex which is bigger than modern day Los Angeles, a trip to Pol Pot's torturous places excite me the most.

There is one thing we are afraid of, though. Weather. I find that the only reason that air fares are at their lowest. Hope it is not so bad that we are forced to stay indoors.If we have to stay indoors there is always Vamanan and Harry Potter 6 to watch in Singapore and Malaysia. Plus the Apsara dance and khmer massage. No matter what we are gonna have fun.

fine.. I ll be updating my adventures almost everyday this week along with some pics . Watch out.

Happy Journey to me and my brother.

THE 5 BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ

I am back after a hiatus. This is going to be my first post in months. When I thought of writing on the best book I have read I could not get hold of one single book. So here are 5 of the best books I have read, in no particular order.

HARRY POTTER SERIES

J.K. Rowling is now the richest woman in Britain. Just few years back she was a single mother who had no takers for her eccentric story. When she did, she captivated the whole world with her amazing creativity.
One thing every Potter fan wondered about, once he completed reading the series, was “How the hell did she think about this intricate storyline full of labyrinthine twists and turns when she started with the first part itself?”

Her characterization was impeccable. The Surprise element was unbelievable. I am proud to have been born in the Harry Potter era.

PONNIYIN SELVAN (TAMIL)- KALKI. KRISHNAMOORTHY

Kalki mesmerized the whole of Tamil Nadu in the 1950s with his mind-blowing magnum opus “Ponniyin Selvan”. The detailed depiction of the historic chola heartland hypnotized every reader. The book, with the greatest Tamil ruler Raja Raja Chozhan as its protagonist, is based on history. It actually fills up the mystery surrounding the death of a Prince , Aaditha Karikalan , in the 12th century. The characters Vanthiya Thevan , Vaanathi and Nandhini are now eternal here. The fact that the book has Third generation fanatics stands testimony to its greatness.


ATLAS SHRUGGED

This is the greatest creation of Ayn Rand based on her philosophy of objectivism. She depicts how an ideal world should exist by demonstrating the problem with the world as it really is. This is not a book on action, comedy, horror, thriller, sex, romance nor is it fast paced . To know what exactly it is, one has to experience the world rather than just read it. The following two excerpts aptly sum the core of the book. “JOHN GALT is Prometheus who changed his mind. After centuries of being torn by vultures in payment for having brought to men the fire of gods, he broke his chain and he withdrew his fire until the day when men withdraw their vultures.” “I swear by my name and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for me”.

FOUNTAIN HEAD

This is the first masterpiece from Ayn Rand. If Atlas Shrugged was about the ideal world, this was about the ideal man, in the form of the eternal character Howard Roark. Here, the whole world conspires against the hero. The ordeals faced by him as he overcomes the world are told in typical Ayn Rand style.



ITS NOT ABOUT THE BIKE, ITS ABOUT THE JOURNEY OF MY LIFE- LANCE ARMSTRONG

Speak of resilience and determination, its Lance Armstrong everyone thinks of. Such is his grit and resolve. The modesty with which he has narrated his story in a matter-of-fact tone is admirable. Diagnosed with testicular cancer, he rose through his unimaginable willpower to win the 2000+ km Tour de France, through the tedious mountainous terrain not once or twice but an astonishing seven consecutive times. Three years after retiring from cycling, he is raring to go once again. He is truly my most inspiring role model.