Thank you, Mr. Blogger

One might find it amusing but it is true. This blog idea is not my own, rather a borrowed one. One day I was casually surfing through the net when I chanced upon a blogger who had more than 100 posts. On one hand each post made lot of sense; on the other hand the topics were well-timed. I wondered at his crisp, easygoing writing style, more so at his passion to keep on posting year after year. His commitment rings loud and clear through his postings.

That sparked my passion to blog. Although I would like to post more blogs like him, I always seem to run out of steam. By the time I sit in front of the computer at the end of the day, I am dog-tired and hardly have the energy to go on. But I guess this happens to him as well, because I have noticed his writing style go little haywire every now and then. But I haven’t seen him give up on posting. I guess that is what sets apart the achievers from the dreamers.

I have read in one of his postings that he even keeps a book handy to write in from time to time new topics which he could use on the blog. Very thoughtful, isn’t it? His style too is down-to-earth and usually throws light on things which everyone takes for granted. He is got the eye for detail. With lines that are often laced with witty sarcasm, he always makes sure his point is driven home.

I am just keeping my eyes open for more such writers. And regarding the one who has inspired me much, I can only say…Thank you, Mr. Blogger.

A day out at the Hyderabad exhibition

Ever since I quit my job and started out on my own, life has been one exciting tiresome journey. Actually with a move like that, I thought I would have huge chunks of time which I would fill in with lot of exciting things, but it proved otherwise.

With my time now finely split among several clients, I hardly have time for myself. So, it came as a pleasant surprise when I found that I actually had time to visit the exhibition with my wife. The exhibition at Hyderabad, which happens once every year during the months of December, January and February, is quite reputed. The vendors who set up stalls at this place come from places as far as Jammu and Kashmir in the north and Kanya kumari in the south. So, imagine the diversity of products and services that Hyderabadi people get to see.

The moment I stepped into the exhibition, I immediately felt one with the flashing lights, bustling crowds, announcements on the blaring loud speakers and familiar chants of the vendors beckoning your attention. The jewelery and the bangle stalls made me feel as though I was walking the busy streets of Baghdad. But shockingly the prices were outrageous.

But still, I bought a couple of household things. A shawl for my mom and a kurta for my dad. Silk scarfs for my aunt. A nice handbag and a couple of dresses were what my wife got. As for me, I had other plans to spend my money on -Like getting on the Giant Wheel. But to my dismay my wife said she would immediately go home if I tried to do something like that.

So even though I have enjoyed stalking the stalls late into the night at the exhibition, my dream to get on the Giant Wheel still remains elusive. I am actually planning to sneak away to the exhibition once again, as soon as my wife is off to complete her PhD. What do you say?

"The monk who sold his Ferrari " fails to impress me

I am very choosy when it comes to reading books. This probably is one of the reasons why I don’t read every book that I come across. After a lot of deliberation, I convince myself by actually leafing through a couple of pages before contemplating on owning a book. Only when the author’s style, clarity in presentation and storyline impress me, I think of purchasing it.

So, when everyone was raving about Robin S. Sharma’s book, "The monk who sold his Ferrari”, I had my own apprehensions hidden at the back of my mind.. Now after completing the reading of the book, I am quite convinced it is a pure dud. I believe the book is crammed with a lot of mumbo-jumbo that really doesn’t work in the present system. The logical reasoning Julian delivers to his subordinate lawyer is down right silly at times.

I think Indians have taken to this book for the simple reason that there is a lot of praise on the East. Indians are good at resting on their past laurels as most of them still believe in sages having super natural powers that enable to live for more than 1000 years.

Wake up Indians. Get a life!

Ratan Tata on a path breaking "car" ride

I don’t go nuts over cars. But I guess Ratan Tata’s Tata Nano is here to drive lot of people nuts. The huge price-shrink in the car has caught everyone positively lulling over the price. Especially the middle class, which I presume is abundant in India.

But as far as the other car manufacturers are concerned, they are simply lapping the news with popping eyes and gaping mouths. Knowing they are almost done to death, they are involving in something most Indians are good at – mud slinging. But Ratan Tata with his usual grace seems to be unfettered. He challenges the competitors to fight a manly fight where it is truly worth battling – The market.

The Nano with its sleek look packs in features which involve common sense like tubeless tyres, single wind shield wiper and a rear engine.

With the Nano hitting the roads sometime late this year, I guess it will be a good bye, in other words, "ta ta" to other cars.

Amar Chitra Comics – A treasure trove of inspiring stories.

As grownups, I think everyone of us misses his/her childhood days. I wish I were once again a child dashing through the school corridors yelling out loud caring two hoots for the students or the teachers. The very memoirs gently pull on the heart strings turning me nostalgic and misty eyed.

As a child, what I enjoyed the most was reading comic books which my brother used to bring home tucked under his arm from Ajantha library which was close by. My elder sister, my younger brother and I used to fondly look forward to his return. We would keep guessing what he would bring home whether it is going to be a Tintin or an Asterix or a Phantom or a Mandrake or simply an Amar Chitra Comic book.

Among all, I liked Amar Chitra comics a lot. Stories culled out of the Hindu Mythology have always fascinated me. And still remain to fascinate me though the belief of reality eludes me.

So, my joy knew no bounds when I stumbled upon a book store in a book fare, which had a large collection of Amar Chitra comics. Joyously I gave myself the liberty of picking up as many as I could with whatever money was left in my wallet. I am glad I did that, because now I can look forward to spending some quality time reading my favorite books – Amar Chitra Comics - and relive those good old school days.

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Making a hundred resolutions for this year is my first resolution

After going through a couple of "The chicken soup for the soul" books, I am quite convinced anyone can achieve anything. If one steadily works towards the goal without ever losing sight, one can turn his/her dreams into realities, literally. This is what I purposefully plan to do this year.

Moreover, I know making 100 resolutions isn’t a cake walk. So, I asked my wife to think up some artistic resolutions which she finds are the best. I handed a similar request to some select friends of mine who fortunately or unfortunately have my best interests at heart.

Over the years, I have tried my hand at myriad things. Be it, playing chess (where I have actually won prizes), basketball, and gymnastics on the sports side or simply garnering a variety of degrees for pure fun of being dubbed an academician or picking up foreign languages like French and Spanish…you can say I have been there, done that.

This year too I plan to include some exciting stuff while making my resolutions. Stuff like paragliding, speed boating, trekking… and so on. I have even identified the places where these things are easily doled out. Who knows, with the things that I have in mind this year might just turn out to be better than 2007.

By lanes and by lanes.

Life is full of odd twists. 31st December 07 was one such day which had its sway in full vigor. From dawn to dusk I found myself riding life's roller coaster at full throttle. Although I cautiously planned my itinerary quite early to Raichur, Karnataka, my in-laws place, yet everything was thrown out of gear with an unexpected client's call. As this client is someone on whom a major portion of my business hinged, I was left with no alternative but schedule a meeting with him. Clients being clients, with a disarming smile he delivered an invisible punch by asking me to complete some of his work before evening. I promised it would be done, with a desperate hope that God would work a miracle.

I immediately rushed home to catch up on domestic matters with regard to my leaving Hyderabad. The laundry man was missing. The heap of unironed dresses was staring at me. Then there were these CDs which were to be copied. I simply gave up on the job as my wife gave a spine chilling stare. Initially, we planned to go by bus. With time playing a cruel game we decided to catch the train instead. The last train to Raichur was around 5.25 from Nampally. I just had half an hour to rush to the station; moreover there was no reservation for us.

Perilously, we zigzagged through the thick Hyderabad traffic in an auto. Scooted to the ticket counter and bought tickets. And were just in time to clamber on to the whistling train. Having made it to the station on time both of us heaved a sigh of relief. All through the journey I was busy screaming orders to my team to get our clients work done. Afterwards, we stared at each other blankly. After a few more hours, my wife smiled. Extending her hand wished me a Happy New Year, and then it finally dawned on me that I had entered into the year 2008.