డైరీ

నా అనుభవాల హస్తాక్షరి

ఈ డైరీ

నన్ను నేను కలుసుకొంటాను

ఇది తెరిచిన ప్రతీ సారి

ఒక పేజీలో నవ్వుతాను

ఒక పేజీలో నవ్విస్తాను

మరో పేజీలో

అమ్మ చేతి వంటను గుర్తు చేసుకొని కడుపు నింపుకున్న రోజులు

అమ్మాయి చేతికి తొడిగిన తొలి సంపాదన గాజులు

అనుమానాల అనలంలో నిజాల అన్వేషణకై దగ్ధమైన ఘడియలు

అనుభూతుల అంబరంలో అలుపెరుగక పైకెగిరిన అనందాల గాలిపటాలు

ఆవహించిన గమ్మత్తుల మత్తులు

ఆరాధించి హత్తుకున్న అందాల సొత్తులు

మధ్య మధ్యలో

నన్ను జాలిగా చూసే ఖాళి పేజీలు

కంటినిండా కడలి నింపే ఖాళి పేజీలు

ఖాళి పేజీ నిండా అవ్యక్తమైన ఆవేదనలు

అసంపుర్తిగా మిగిలిన ఆమోదించని వాదనలు

రేయిపగళ్ళ మధ్య సంధ్యా సమయంలా రేపటి పేజీ

రూపుదిద్దని రూపం కోసం డైరీ పెట్టే ఆరాటాల పేచీ.

నీ నవ్వు..

గదిలో

నాలో,

మదిలో,

గదిలాంటి నా మదిలో,

వినపడని సడిలో,

వర్షంలో తడిలో

కవ్వించే కలలో

కనిపించే ఇలలో

పైకెగిసిన అలలో

పరువంలో వలలో

పూసిన ప్రతి విరిలో

పండిన ప్రతి సిరిలో

పారిన ప్రతి ఝరిలో

చేరిన ప్రతి దరిలో

వినిపించే ప్రతి స్వరంలో

వేడుకొనే ప్రతి వరంలో

కోరికల ప్రతి శరంలో

కోసుకున్న ప్రతి నరంలో

ఏరులై పారిన ఎరుపులో

నిన్ను చేరాలనే నా పిలుపులో

ఎప్పటికి వీడని నీ తలపులో

ఎన్నటికి వాడని నా వలపులో

నీవు కావాలనే నాలో

వికసించే నీ నవ్వులు లోలో!!

Limited Freedom!!

Recent verdict by Supreme Court of India has strengthened the belief of existence of democracy in India. It is a triumph of fundamental rights over the immoral brute force.

Ashis Nandy is a well known social, cultural and political critic of India. Recently he has been named as one of the top 100 public intellectuals of the world by the magazine, Foreign Policy. Recently he had been alleged of writing provocative and inflammatory article for a national daily. He had been charged with creating animosity between communities. The case was filed by the head of the Gujarat Branch of the National Council of Civil Liberties. The article “Blame the Middle Classes” talks about the widespread hostility between Hindus and Muslims in Gujarat, which once shared a healthy rapport. He writes about the failure of National party in confronting Modi over the Godra riots of 2002.

Gujarath, the sate which has disowned Gandhi, he writes, Gandhians made peace with the conscience by withdrawing from the public domain. Even the Gujarati translations of his complete works have been stealthily distorted to conform to the Hindu nationalist Agenda.

The involvement of sangh parivar in 2002 communal riots and aftermath of the riots that established the religious chauvinism had been compared to evolution of sikh militancy as a result atrocious suppression by Rajiv Gandhi and cohorts. Development in the state justifies amorality, abridgement of freedom and collapse of social ethics. He writes that change can only be possible by the new generation that too out of their sheer self-interest and tiredness which will help them to learn to live with each other.

In response to his writing, which mirrors the current religious apathy scenario of Gujarat, in the national daily, the state government had filed a case, charging with communal inflammatory and promoting enmity within the society through his article. But Supreme Court delivered sensational verdict by restraining Modi government from arresting Ashis Nandy. The court even cancelled the summons issued by the Ahmedabad police department and squashed the right of issuing the summons against Mr. Nandy in future relating to the case.

The verdict by Justice Kabir read “There is no ground for harassing a Journalist. Let him live in peace. You (Gujarat) are prosecuting this man for his article. These are worst things happening in this country. If a journalist cannot write then who else will? They look for soft target to catch but not even a single politician or small municipal councillors are caught. He is 71 years old and is a soft target for you.

Justice Sanghvi said “people coming form the land of Mahatma Gandhi have become so intolerant that they can’t even tolerate an article”.

Supreme Court has curtailed to the pernicious effort by state of Gujarat to squeeze the fundamental rights of a journalist. The views expressed in his writing are purely his personal thoughts and beliefs. In democracy, where a journalist plays a significant role in building a perfect society, should be allowed to practice his freedom to write and government should accept the constructive criticism with open hands. The verdict has been able to transpire a ray of hope on the existence of democracy over the looming darkness of anarchy and apathy.

Ijaazat

Ijaazat, probably one of the best movies I have seen so far. It came out in 1987, was directed by Gulzar. Naseeruddin Shah and Rekha were the protagonists of this mind bogglingly emotional movie. A two and half hour movie revolves around Sudha (Rekha), Mohinder (Naseeruddin Shah) and Maya (Anuradha Patel) and labyrinth relations among them.

Mohinder and Sudha, who were separated 5 years ago, bump into each other at a railway waiting room and one rainy night. As the night goes by they start unfolding the happenings before their marriage went into shambles. Mohinder is in love with Maya. Maya, who does not believe in marriage, is also in love with him but is non committal on marriage. Meanwhile Mohinder gets forced by his family to marry Sudha. Mohinder tries to reach to convey the happenings and convince Maya, but she is not in town. So in no-go situation he ties the knot with Sudha, after he explains her about his past relationship and also promises of putting things behind.

After marriage, Sudha finds Mohinder trying hard to forget the past and yet not succeeding in that. One fine day Maya comes back to town and learns about Mohinder's marriage with Sudha. As she couldn't stand the fact, she attempts to commit suicide. Moved by her condition, Mohinder lends emotional support in fixing her back in shape. Sudha, who is unaware of this whole suicide attempt, reckons that Mohinder is still in love with Maya and leaves him forever and also writes not to look for her.

After 5 years of this episode, she finds out from Mohinder about the suicidal attempt of Maya and also Maya's belief over the possibility of polygamous relationship among the three of them. Sudha also learns that Maya got killed in a road accident right after Mohinder got the note from Sudha to not to look for her. Sudha feels remorseful for deserting Mohinder without knowing the facts. But the climax of the movie adds an unending trauma to the viewers leaving them in a pleasant pain.

The movie revolves around three characters. At one point Mohinder had the options to go for, and at the end he was left alone with his plight itself. The movie has a mix of peculiar and typical characters of our own society. Mohinder seems to be very indecisive, neither he could forget Maya nor he could justify his marriage to Sudha. He got entangled with himself in the cobweb of uncertain mind, which consists of his insurmountable love for Maya and irrefutable respect for Sudha as his wife. Sudha, who is the sharpest of the bunch wouldn’t hesitate to take the decision of leaving Mohinder as per the demand of situation. Maya, a radical feminist, and whimsical character among three, has a different set of ideas on life. At one point she doesn’t believe in marriage at all and at another she believes that she would be accepted by Sudha to be a part of bigamy.

It seems very confusing how three lives get spoiled by affection. It is equally enthralling to see the way protagonist gets disturbed by the things at home that constantly remind him of his ex-girlfriend, Maya. The more he tries to get diverted the little he gets succeeded. Sometimes small incidents of an affair would leave large impressions that take more than a lifetime to come out of. I have seen many movies that have triangular love story aspect to them. But among all those this one is one of the best, just like Sangam.

I don’t think this blog would be enough to write about the songs in Ijaazat. All songs are the best ones to date. All of the songs are eloquently written by Gulzar, and sweetly sung by Asha Bhonsle. A special movie with spectacular lines of dialogues penned down by Gulzar. He is the best in reflecting the plight through dialogues. Each dialogue of the movie is unique just like another. One of the shayiris in the movie as follows.

chalte chalte mera saaya

kabhi yu karta hai zameen se uthkar ..

saamne aakar haath pakadkar kehta hai

abki baar main aage aage chalta hun

aur tu mera peecha karke

dekh zara kya hota hai!

Constant Change!!

Seasons are changing, of course seasons are bound to change. Some seasons are so welcoming that you can not say NO, and some seasons are so intrusive that you can not hideout yourself. For me, this season has been embracive and attractive.

As someone said, you don’t see things as they are but as you are. Probably, that’s true. It’s not the change in season; it must have been the changes occurring in my life. We all know that we all change every minute of life, probably a bit exaggeration, at least we all change according to time. But we kind of acknowledge the change that we like. Perhaps, I am doing the same here, acknowledging the change I like or the change that has affect on my lifestyle. With that, let me change my approach here (although, I am not changing my intension).

My life has been changing the roads so often, if not all the time. One day I find myself interesting, and annoying at the other instance. At one moment, I find myself lonely and at the other instance, I enjoy my aloofness. Sometimes, I am gentle, sometimes I am cruel. Like this, I find myself in all kind of moods at one time or another. What I like most in all of them, I am not sure, probably the one where I bleed and /or the perhaps the one where I read, and of course the one, for sure, when I am with me, being secluded, I enjoy those silent screams beaming out of me in pleasant pain to reach the sky of never ending hope. That’s my favorite part.

Looks like its time to say good bye to that seclusion. Yes, I am giving up my favorite segment of life. I have decided to come grips with the detachment of detachment. But before I isolate the isolation, let me pay homage to riveting section of life. One has to listen to oneself to understand what one wants to be or what one needs to be. I owe a lot to this detachment phase that I have gone through. This phase clearly taught me the magnitude of attachment and measure of disconnection. Sometimes, people ought to live alone, for sometime to comprehend the fact that life is not what it seems. I feel astonished to look at myself after all these changes. This ‘Me’ is not something that shaped up in a day or two. I had undergone different sectors with constant and consistent observation. I am truly not what I was. I was rustic, arrogant and adamant to some extentand obscure at times. It took me sometime to wipe out the dark clouds and to understand that my foot too needs ground to walk around.

That’s all past, bygones are bygones. One doesn’t need to remember the past as long as he never forgets the essence. Now, let me tell you about ‘change’ (I think that’s what I did, all this time). This change is a welcoming, promising and a potential change. I will write up more on this ‘change’ next time.

Tantalizing Three Yrs...

It has been three tremendous years to my job life today. I still can’t believe myself that I have got launched three years back into the world of industrial manufacturing. Time flies, doesn’t it? But these three years were roughly smooth paths and the knowledge gained in these three years is truly unfathomable.

In those swaying moods of the path alteration, I stuck to my own field, where I felt I at least had an acquaintance, if not the expertise. It was not an easy task, as some of the most well rated mechanical engineers had already bid adieu to the field. At that point I was perplexed, frustrated, and aggravated. Fortunately, as always, luck embraced me warmly, just in time, as I was about to get froze with lackluster response from employers. That was when I landed into the world of machines and money.

These three years journey was really enthralling. Every day there was at least a single occasion to learn something new. All the theories and concepts that we learned back in school (if only one remembers..) would find an incident/situation where they need to be applied. We understand those theories better and start concentrating on the functioning of the tool or process. I still remember my college days, where I used to accept the data as given, but now I tend to ponder the concept behind the requirement. The approach to a problem has been better day after day. I see myself as a better engineer than I was before. Like all the phases, even this job phase has some ups and downs, some rough stages. But without plight, it would be hard to distinguish the bright.

In these three years, I have already switched companies once. I am sailing in the second boat, which I thought would be better, in fact it indeed is better. But no matter how many companies we toggle, we will remember our first job forever, just like first love, first kiss and first break-up. After all, the first employer was the only the one who believed in your abilities and kindled the light of hope in you by honing the skills to stand up to the competitive market. I am very grateful to my first employer, my manager and my colleagues for encouraging me to keep running in the marathon of market.

These three years brought many changes in my life. I am more thoughtful, I am more emotional, I am more energetic and I am living a better life. Anyway, I wish/hope future will always be as bright as the time has been so far. I wish to write many more anniversaries like this.

Three cheers to thee years… hip hip hurray!!

Feeling Numb!!

Other day, I was chatting with one of my friends. She was quite curious to know about me and was asking different questions. After sometime, she asked me one strange question that startled me completely. She said, “You seem to be not happy with your life, are you happy with yourself?” I wanted to say ‘yes’, but somehow silence crept into me and I couldn’t get a single word out of my frozen thoughts.

Are you happy? How disgusting/demoralizing is that question!! It makes you think deeper and forces you to talk to yourself and look at your own reflection, which sometimes can be lot scarier than a poltergeist. That very question digs probing into who really I am? Do I know what exactly my role here, what exactly I am going to be? Do I really know where exactly I would land up in the future; at least do I have a plan where exactly I would like to land up? Before that, am I at the position where I intended to be? If not, what were my intensions? Did I have any back up, in case my intensions would not meet the target? There comes another question, having a back up, is it a strength or weakness? Does it show that I am under confident or I am intuitive? Wait a minute, I think I got diverted. Suddenly there comes another question, did I get diverted then or now?

I still don’t know the answer to that mind boggling question. Is there a correct answer to that question? Even to come up with a convincing answer, we first have to define ‘happiness’. What exactly is happiness? How do you define that? I believe it’s very subjective. It varies with the person and his choices. Slowly we are molding an answer to that question. Now I shall ask myself, if I am happy with the kind of life I am living here, my job, my car, my apartment, my social life, my family life, and more importantly my solitude. First three are discernible/apparent aspects. These are normal/typical aspects that are defined by the society (Society is just a mirror which would show your exterior evidences). The latter three facets are the most vital of the bunch which would decide your happiness.

As someone said, we are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others that in the end we become disguised to ourselves. We are too disguised to ourselves that we can’t be able to really recognize who we are. Believe me there are some instances where we would like to ignore even if we recognise ourselves.

At the end, all that my friend wants to know is the answer; I wonder if I really have to type that answer (which y’all must have sensed by now) after 5 mins.

IPL - Cursed Gift

From past couple of weeks, celebrations have been touching the zenith, where all other sporting events would dream off reaching. These celebrations, or visual spectacle, as per media are called as IPL T20 cricket. IPL has been mesmerizing the cricket lovers as well as the regular, city living, working class people to highest possible extent. As a cricket lover I, Myself felt that idea of IPL as one of the greatest exciting cricket event ever, but it turned out to be mere compliance of entertainment and exploitation with the interest of prolific profit.

BCCI was always against the shorter of form of cricket. The Team India was not ready to play this format either at home or outside the sub continent. But BCCI, which accounts for interest in earnings, changed their stand when they learned the response and revenue it generated in short amount of time. One of the lucrative minds put forth the idea of this Indian Premier League, IPL. IPL’s arrival was loud and clear with the multitude biddings that were made at the payer’s auction (I know, it sounds odd). The owners of the clubs are one of the well known entrepreneurs of Indian Market and some hot shot bollywood stars. It was displeasing to see this deceitful union of cricket and corporate or cricket and celebrity.

About T20 format, I love as much as any other format of cricket. I am sure it is leaving the bowlers handicapped. But small amendments can bring bowlers aggression back. That can be an upgrade to the current version of T20 format. In one of the matches played between Kolkatha Knight Riders and Hyd Deccan Chargers, the pitch was bowler’s paradise. It kept batsmen at bay and bowlers utilized the conditions very well and the match turned out to be an absolute humdinger. But the perplexing statement was from VVS Laxman captain of loosing side, Deccan chargers, blasting the pitch condition. It sounded utter ludicrous. Just because its shorter version doesn’t mean that, a storm of runs is expected. Playing on these kind of pitches brings the best out of batsmen and who ever adjusts to the situation and stay alive till end, will be considered as a matured batsman. Demanding for an inspection of the pitch was farcical. Of course, I felt absurd looking at the team members of the Deccan Chargers. It has the most explosive batsmen of contemporary cricket as well as most conservatives. It was an odd mixture and their opening pair was a weird mixture. Seriously, Gilly and Venugopal Rao, that pair was as weird as it gets. However, we all know that some of team members are there in the team to attract and bring the local people to the stadium. For example Dravid in Bangalore club, Laxman in Hyderabad club and so on.

These manipulations were made by BCCI. Not only this, adding music bands, dancing girls, and laser show, and etc. When I go to watch a cricket match, I would expect pure entertainment etched out of cricket show put on by 22 players. I would even enjoy the pause of one minute between the overs discussing the happening and predicting the possibilities. I wouldn’t want my cricket to get adulterated with this unwanted glitter. I doubt, if we would feel the same way if Sachin scored a century as we felt few days back when he hit against the Australia in one of the finals. If a spectator comes to stadium expecting entertainment other than cricket then it is an utter disgrace to game itself, it is almost like going to bar to eat some peanuts, how preposterous??. Watching at IPL, I felt like, I was there to enjoy loud music played, to catch flying kisses of bollywood celebrities or to steal the glimpses of flaunting cheer girls and, oh ya, some cricket in between.

To me, IPL was an event where cricket is played by corporate, not by players. It is an easy and attractive way to make money. Commercialization of cricket is like cursed gift to the cricket and cricket lover. Inclusion of money brings the professionalism down.

Money Talks, Boss!!

(These views are based on cricket and spirit of game. There are some other dimensions which would prove the whole event as the most disastrous event ever.)

Earth Day!!

Today is Earth Day. The intention of introducing earth day is to bring the awareness of increasing jeopardy that is looming over environment and to persuade one and all to join the force to minimize the peril so that we can all survive another day to treasure the beauty of Mother Nature.

The very thought of Mother Nature reminds me of one of the beautiful songs ever written in Hindi literature, called 'Ye Kaun Chitrakaar Hai!!' This one was penned by Bharath Vyas, one of the renowned lyricist/poet of Hindi film industry. He elucidates the nature as a marvelous piece of art work. He feels, the green, long standing trees, blue and vast sky, shining red sun and fragrant gusts of wind and each and every bit of nature as awe inspiring art work of a spectacular artist.

I wonder if we get the same feeling when we look at the nature around us. Gone all those days, when the nature was naturally beautiful. As they say, power always brings responsibilities. Somehow, we acquired the power, through scientific inventions, and completely ignored the responsibilities to balance the nature.

Well, better late than never, let’s buckle up and be eco friendly, at least from now.

Ye Kaun Chitrakaar Hai Ye Kaun Chitrakaar...

Harii Bharii Vasu.Ndharaa Par Niilaa Niilaa Ye Gagan

Ke Jisape Baadalo.N Kii Paalakii U.Daa Rahaa Pavan

Dishaae.N Dekho Ra.Ng Bharii

Dishaae.N Dekho Ra.Ng Bharii

Chamak Rahii.N Uma.Ng Bharii

Ye Kisane Phuul Phuul Se Kiyaa Shrr^I.Ngaar Hai

Ye Kaun Chitrakaar Hai Ye Kaun Chitrakaar

Kudarat Kii Is Pavitrataa Ko Tum Nihaar Lo

Inake Guno.N Ko Apane Man Me.N Tum Utaar Lo

Chamakaa Do Aaj Laalimaa

Chamakaa Do Aaj Laalimaa Apane Lalaat Kii

Kan Kan Se Jhanakatii Tumhii.N Chhabii Viraat Kii

Apanii To Aa.Nkh Ek Hai, Isakii Hazaar Hai

Ye Kaun Chitrakaar Hai Ye Kaun Chitrakaar

Tapasviyo.N Sii Hai.N Atal Ye Pava.Rto.N Ki Chotiyaa.N

Ye Barf Ki Ghumaradaar Gheradaar Ghaatiyaa.N

Dhvajaa Se Ye Kha.De Hue

Dhvajaa Se Ye Kha.De Hue Hai.N Vr^Iksha Devadaar Ke

Galiiche Ye Gulaab Ke Bagiiche Ye Bahaar Ke

Ye Kis Kavi Ki Kalpanaa

Ye Kis Kavi Ki Kalpanaa Kaa Chamatkaar Hai

Ye Kaun Chitrakaar Hai Ye Kaun Chitrakaar

Movie Name: Boond Jo Ban Gayee Moti (1967)
Singer: Mukesh
Lyrics: Bharat Vyas

Woh Kaagaz ki..

Ye Daulat Bhi Le Lo,

Ye Shohrat Bhi Le Lo

Bhale Cheen Lo Mujhse Meri Jawaani

Magar Mujhko Lauta Do Bachchpan Ka Saawan

Woh Kaagaz Ki Kashthi Wo Baarish Ka Paani

Mohalle Ki Sabse Nishaani Purani

Wo Budhiya Jise Bachche Kehte The Naani

Wo Naani Kee Baaton Mein Pariyon Ka Dera

Wo Chehre Ke Jhuriyon Mein Sadiyon Ka Phera

hulaaye Nahin Bhool Saqta Hai Koi

Woh Choti See Raaten Wo Lambi Kahaani

Kadi Dhoop Mein Apne Ghar Se Nikalna

Wo Chidiya Wo Bulbul Wo Thithli Pakadna

Wo Gudiya Ki Shaadi Pe Ladna Jhagadna

Wo Jhoolon Se Girna, Wo Gir Ke Sambhalna

Wo Pithal Ke Challon Ke Pyaare Se Tho'fe

Woh Tuti Hui Chudiyon Ki Nishaani

Kabhi Re't Ke Oonche Tilon Pe Jaana

Gharonde Banana, Banaake Mitaana

Wo Maasoom Chaahat Ki Tasveer Apni

Wo Khwabon Khilono Ki Taabir Jaageer Apni

Na Duniya Ka Gham Tha Na Rishton Ke Bandhan

Badi Khoobsoorat Thi Wo Zindgaani

I started off my day with this nostalgic number. The lyricist etched each and every memory/moment of a typical childhood flawlessly. I would be surprised if it did not take you back in time. One would sit helplessly listening to this and picturing ones childhood days. I was completely mesmerised with Jagjeet Singh and Chitra's voice. Listening to this song was like a pleasing pain. I was wondering where were those days. Those were the real carefree days, where we were flying high in the sky of unfathomable joy. That’s the only phase of life where life has no impurities, in other words childhood is an unadulterated version of life. Even though we live in confined space, the joy we feel is boundless/infinite. With those short steps, we walk immeasurable blissful miles.

Whenever I go to my native place, the smell of the soil brings a smile on my face. My people embrace me with the same affection as ever. The wall still asks me to climb up, if I can. My bicycle gets ready to go for a ride. Neem tree still kisses me with a blow of air. I feel I got lost somewhere. Somehow, I forgot all those memories, all those warm instants. But listening to this song definitely makes me nostalgic of those golden days.

Saaransh

Saaransh was my weekend movie. Saaransh was incidentally debut movie for Anupam Kher and his acting was too good that later that movie, he was offered elderly roles only. Rohini Hattangdi, Soni Razdan, Alok Nath were among the star cast of the movie. Story screenplay, dialogues and direction was handled by Mahesh Bhatt.

Film starts with the phone call from US to BV Pradhan, a retired head master, about the murder of his son, who was working in US, in a brutal mugging. Even after the three months, Pradhan wouldn’t come to terms with the fact; where as Parvati Pradhan comes to an agreement with the prognostication of a swamiji that her son would reborn. Pradhan feels his aimlessness and looses his desire to live. One fine day he decides to commit suicide and in the process gets rescued by his paying guest, Sujatha and her boy friend Vilas. But his decision to commit suicide stands unchanged and this time even Parvati joins the dreadful event. Just when they are ready to have poison, they witness the tussle between Sujatha and Vilas. They learn the fact from Sujatha that, she is pregnant and Vilas’s indecision to marry her because of the fear of his father, a corrupt, cruel politician. The news of Sujatha’s pregnancy lights the flame of hope of Parvati and she cancels the idea of suicide and persuades her husband to take steps to handle the matter with Vilas’s father. Vilas father gives a damn about the whole incident and advices her to undergo abortion and grounds Vilas from visiting her. When Sujatha decides to keep her baby with the support of Pradhan and Parvati, politician tries to abort her pregnancy and intimidate the elderly couple maliciously, as it proves to be an obstacle for his victory in upcoming elections. But Pradhan and his wife undergo all kinds of trauma and at the end luckily an old student of Pradhan, who is currently an esteemed leader in government helps them out of dire situations. Vilas gets cut loose and leaves home to marry Sujatha. Meanwhile, Parvati’s belief grows stronger and stronger day after day. Pradhan gets flummoxed with the situation and decides to talk to Sujatha and Vilas about the situation. He explains them the predicament and ignorance of his wife. He asks them to leave the house immediately and don’t even try to call or mail them in future. But Parvati shows her reluctance to let them go. But Pradhan evicts the couple bluntly and explains her, the fact that their dead son will not comeback. Realizing the truth Parvati recommends the suicide plan. But Pradhan enlightens her with the fact that people won’t die for dead people, the real courage lies in living and facing the truth and hoping for best in coming years.

The whole movie revolves around Anupam Kher. He presented himself immensely and unfathomably. It was official entry to 1985 academy awards. The plight of the couple after losing their son is immeasurable. They loose all kinds of support, financial, mental, and physical and everything. Everybody was up to the sniff in their roles. The scene where Anupam Kher was asked for bribe for his son’s ashes and the way he cries out his agony at customs officer his truly heart touching.

The real phase of the life starts after the age of 50. There would be no physical attraction at that stage and the bond between a husband and wife would be purely of love and affection. One of the excellent lines of the movie is

“tumhaare chehre ki jhuriyon mein hi mere jeevan ka saaraansh hai”

That explains everything.

తృప్తి

తెల్లవారితే శనివారం. కాని ఈ రాత్రికి తెర పడేలా లేదు. ప్రతి రోజు తెల్లవారిజామున అలారం మోతకు నిద్ర లేవడానికి బద్ధకించే నేను, ఈ రాత్రి నిద్ర కోసం తపిస్తు, తంటాలు పడుతున్నాను. కన్నీరు పెట్టుకోటానికి కలతలు లేవు, కల్లు మోయలేని కలలు లేవు, అయిన కంటికి కునుకులేదు.

అలా అనుకుంటూనే కంప్యుటర్ వద్దకు వెళ్లాను. నిద్ర కు సహకరిస్తుందేమో అనుకొని పాటలు విందామనుకొన్నాను. బయట చలి. వెన్నులో ప్రవహించి వణుకు పుట్టిస్తుంది. ఇంతలో "lukkaa chuppi" అంటూ పాట మొదలయ్యింది. ఈ సారి నేను చలి కి వణకలేదు. కాని పాట పలకరింపు నాలో వణుకు పుట్టించింది. ఆ వణుకుకు నాలో గడ్డ కట్టుకున్న ఙ్ఞాపకాలు కరిగి నన్ను వెనక్కి తీసుకెళ్ళాయి. నన్ను నా ఇంటికి తీసుకెళ్ళాయి. అలా వెళ్తూ వెళ్తూ తనకు నచ్చిన ఒక సందర్భం వద్ద ఆగిపోయాయి, నన్ను సంధిగ్ధంలో వదిలేసి!

చిన్నప్పుడు మనకు తెలిసిన లోకం చిన్నది కాని పొందిన సంతోషానికి అవధులు లేవు, హద్దులు లేవు. ప్రతి పక్షానికి, అమ్మ నన్ను పిండి మరకు వెళ్ళమని పురమాయించిన సాయంత్రాలు ఇంకా గుర్తున్నాయి. మా ఇంటికి అర కిలోమీటర్ దూరంలో ఉండేది. అలా నడుస్తూ, నా చుట్టు ఉన్న జనాలను చూస్తూ నాలో నేను అనుకొన్న మాటలు ఎన్నో, ఎన్నెన్నో!! పిండి మర వద్ద కూర్చుని పని ముగిసే దాక రోడ్డు పైన వెళ్ళే ప్రతి కారు, ప్రతి మోటర్ సైకిల్ పేరు చదువుతూ, లెక్కపెడుతూ గడిపిన ఆ క్షణాలు, జీవితం ఇలాగే గడిచిపోతుందేమో అనుకొన్న నా ఊహ (అందులోని తీయదనం ఇప్పుడు తెలుస్తుంది), అంతే తప్ప వాటిని సంపాయించాలి, సొంతం చేసుకోవాలి అన్న ఆలోచనకూడ తట్టేది కాదు. అలా పని ముగించికుని ఇంటికి వస్తే, అమ్మ నాకు ఒక్క రూపాయి ఇచ్చేది. ఆ రుపాయి తీసుకొని నేను సరాసరి గుజరాతీ చాట్ భండార్ వద్ద కు పరుగు తీసే వాణ్ణి. ఆ రుపాయి తో అయిదు పానిపూరిలు (గప్ చుప్) తినేవాణ్ణి. అలా తినే నాకు ఆ రోజు స్వర్గం నిచ్చెన ఎక్కినంత ఆనందం. లోకాలను జయించినంత గర్వం. కాసేపు గాలిలో ఎగురుతూ చందమామ ని తాకినంత తృప్తి.

అదే సంతోషం, అదే తృప్తి కోసం రోజు తపిస్తున్న ఇప్పుడు. ఇప్పుడు పూటకు వంద రూపాయల పానిఫూరి లను తిన్నా ఆ తృప్తి ని పొందలేక పొతున్నాను. ఎక్కడికి వెళ్ళిన, ఎమి చేసిన తీరని వెలితి, నాలో, నాతో సదా!! ఎదో ఒక తెలియని అసంతృప్తి. ఈ జన సందోహంలో నన్ను నేను ఎక్కడో వదిలిపెట్టి వచ్చానన్న ఒక బాధ, మళ్ళి తిరిగి నాకు నేను దొరకనేమో అని ఒక భయం.

తిలక్ అన్నట్టు,

"ఆ రోజుల్ని తలుచుకొన్నప్పుడల్లా

ఆనందం లాంటి విచారం కలుగుతుంది

నేటి హేమంత శిథిల పత్రాల మధ్య నిలిచి

నాటి వాసంత సమీర ప్రసారాల తలచి

ఇంతేగదా జీవితం అన్న చింత

ఇంతలోనే ముగిసిందన్న వంత."

అంతలో పాట ఆగిపోయింది. నిశ్శబ్దం కమ్ముకుంది. నిశ్శబ్దం నన్ను, నా ఙ్ఞాపకాలను రెక్క పట్టుకుని లాక్కొచ్చింది. నిశ్శబ్దం మళ్ళీ నిర్జీవ జన సమూహంలోకి నెట్టేసింది.

బయట చలి. వెన్నులో ప్రవహించి వణుకు పుట్టిస్తుంది. ఈ వణుకు ఖచ్చితంగా చలిదే!!

Cricket Cricket..

It has been a mind-boggling month of events in the world of cricket. The test series between India and Australia was a spectacle of neck and neck battle. In amidst of the battle, announcement of Gichrist’s retirement was an unfathomable and unanticipated loss to OZs. They could stand up to the wave even after the bow out of Langer-Damien-Warne and McGrath. Can they, this time, again?

Unfortunate events that happened at Sydney definitely spur the momentum of Team India. They played extraordinary cricket at Perth. Perth, supposed to be an easy walk for OZs, but turned out to be a nightmare. They talked the talk, but couldn’t able to walk the walk. Indians played a like bunch of hungry cricketers. Their batting was immaculate, and bowling was spot on. Young Indian bowlers showed the charisma of orthodox and unorthodox swing bowling. They swung viciously with the new ball, especially Irfan and with the old ball; RP brought the reverse swing into picture, which is where the OZs were clueless against Poms, which cruised through the gate of OZs defense. Even though India lost the series by 2-1, but the fight they put up was something to relish in the coming years. It’s amazing to know that, India have been the only team where the OZs hurrah has been faltering. It was one more enthralling batting display by secular saint, Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

The fourth day of fourth test was something special, Gilly announced his retirement. He decided to bow out of international arena. I felt he chose the perfect possible time to bow out (very few made this decision at right time). Gilly brought special significance to the keeper in a cricket team. Before his emergence into cricket, Keeper was considered to be a part time batsman and his primary job is to pouch the ball. But Gilly changed the facet of keeper criterion. He set the standards for the selection of keeper. He was the only player, who every team wished they had him. His aggression in the first fifteen overs was immeasurable. His strike rate is 96 in ODIs, who wouldn’t want him? Unlike his aggression, he is known for his humility and integrity and sportsmanship. He is the only player who would walk if he nicked the ball (Which is seldom in current bunch). Gilly will be remembered for his batting more than his keeping skills (remember 149 in the 2007 world cup final).

Shaun Pollock had the same thoughts as Gilly; even he retired from international cricket. Pollock, 34, made his decision to quit a bit sooner than expected. Pollock who started the career under the shades of his predecessors, made his own mark sooner than expected. His medium paced off cutters proved to be lethal. Even the best of the bests had no answer to his nagging off stump line. His meager runs per ball shows the evidence of his consistency. His batting skills were also handy, at times. He pulled out the Proteas from dire situations many times. But his miscalculation in 2003 world cup will remain as blemish in his illustrious career.

The irony in loosing these two players to their corresponding teams is, they lost two at the exit of one. Both in their primary job were as good as in their batting. Its a tricky trauma for the two sides. Anyway, Gilly bowed out, Pollock bid adieu. I wish, these two will have a great life after cricket.

On the whole, January was exciting, action-packed welcome to untiring cricket. Sachin belted some runs; Lee knocked over stumps, and cricket was the ultimate winner, again.

Nishant

'Nishant'-end of darkness was a movie made by Shyam Benegal in 70’s. 'Nishant' is a story about the exploitation of women and oppression of landlords, written by Vijay Tendulkar and the film stars Naseeruddhin Shah, Shabana Azmi, Smitha Patil, Amrish Puri and Girish karnad. I can say, undoubtedly, they belong to best bunch of actors of last millennium.

The story is about the incidents happened at a village in Andhra Pradesh during 40s. Naseeruddhin Shah is youngest brother of brutal, powerful landlord of village, Amrish Puri. Smitha Patil is wife of Naseeruddhin Shah, who keeps her husband away from his brothers, who actively indulge in alcohol and women (he himself is not inclined to all these habits). Girish Karnad is a school master, who gets transferred to this village, comes with his wife Shabana Azmi and only son. Naseer gets attracted to Shabana at the very first sight and keep thinking abt her all the time. One day his brothers observe the difference in Naseer and make him savor the alcohol and in that trance he reveals them his fascination for Shabana. At the same night, somebody knocks on the door of Girish, while they are having the dinner and Shabana opens the door to answer and to her surprise, Naseer’s brothers grab her and take her forcibly to their mansion. Girish tries to get har wife back in all the possible ways; he approaches the landlord, police, lawyers and collector, and what not!! All these efforts go in vain as no villager is ready to testify in front of court. At the end, with the help of the priest, Girish mobilizes the villagers and they successfully end the oppression of landlord by killing all the brothers. The ironic twist in the end was they kill both Shabana and Smitha in the spur of moment.

The film mainly depicts the oppression of landlords that had(s) been prevailing in the villages of India. In Girish we can see the plight of a helpless and cowardice middle class citizen of India. He even reconciles with the situation and starts to live as if nothing had happened. But the movie shows even the powerless, feeble and vulnerable people can become stronger and detrimental if they stand together against the atrocious, vicious force of oppression. Shabana’s tryst with Girish at the temple spurs him to mobilize the people and bring the difference in the society. Even though he succeeds in bringing the change, but the force gets cut loose without a substantial leader and unmethodical, disorganized approach. That’s why the end up killing innocent Smitha and Shabana, who were truly victims of the society, were not among culprits.

This was the debut film of Smitha Patil, one of the greatest actresses of bollywood. Shabana did her role impeccably. The photography of the movie is picturesque by Govind Nihalani. Nishant does need a fair bit of thinking to get the point that director wants to address. One need to put his effort to understand thoroughly, otherwise will be in 'Nisha'!!

Whiny Winners

Last week was a chaotic one in cricket world. India lost a test match, thanks to some horrendous umpiring, Australia equaled the most number of test victories with that of Steve Waugh’s record, Harbhajan had been labeled as racist and handed a three test ban, Team India refused to lead the series further demanding the axing of Steve Bucknor from standing in the following test and reevaluation of Harbhajan’s case. Back in India, media made most of the incident, piled profits on the repercussions of average man. They held some talk shows, they collected the opinions of former cricketers, they covered the anger of common Indian, and some even took an interview of Harbhajan’s mother on the umpiring frailties and racism abuses. People rallied on street holding the banners and screaming slogans against Team Australia, Umpires and match referee (Some placards read satyameva jayathe, what is that to do with cricket) and burning their effigies. As Suresh Menon wrote in his article for cricinfo “The President-elect of the ICC, Sharad Pawar, is upset. This is not something trivial like farmers committing suicide, which he can ignore in his other avatar as the Minister of Agriculture. This is the real thing. The BCCI runs the ICC and the media run the BCCI.” Eventually ICC had to come down and removed Steve Bucknor from the upcoming test match and scheduled a rehearing of Harbhajan’s case. And as a result of this, Team India agreed to continue the tour and the people back home cooled off measurably. But looking back at the things, can we call it fair game? Is sportsman spirit prevailing in Indian side?

Everybody knows BCCI runs ICC. BCCI plays major role in modifying (manipulating) or introducing the rules. BCCI made ICC to step down Bucknor from the third test. But the question is, won’t he be standing in the any of the matches that involves team India? If he does, what happens to the trust that exists among teams and umpires, will it be there? If he does, then lot of scrutiny would fall on the shoulders of Bucknor. What if he doesn’t participate, the elite panel, which consists of just eight umpires, would grow slimmer.

But my concern is, how can we justify the removal of Bucknor from upcoming test? It never happened before in the history of cricket. Umpire selection shouldn’t be based on team’s choice. A team shouldn’t select the umpire. This will not be considered as fair game. Indian players, who criticized the OZs for their ill-spirit, have themselves slipped down into the same pit of shame and blame. This whole incident reminds me of my childhood incident.

When I was in high school, I used to play cricket with my brother. My brother was a way better cricketer than me and I would always end up on the loosing side. Every time I loose a match, I would demand him to bat left handed (he is a right hander), just to secure a pity win. As expected, I did win most of the times, and had been called a cry baby. Whenever I recall, at first I get embarrass and then laugh out loud. I laugh at my unsportive, mean manipulations to taste the victory chug, pity!!

Whiny winner, its not just me!!

Chaotic Cricket

This year’s Border-Gavaskar trophy will be remembered for many reasons. This tour is supposed be last visit to Australia by senior players like Sachin, Dada, Dravid and Kumble. The four giants, who have been standing tall as four pillars to this dynasty of cricket India, who have been the face of cricket India for almost decade and half, have come together to try one last attempt to make it a remarkable hurrah. Unfortunately, the tour has become a bad taste in mouth.

Men in blue had started off New Year auspiciously. First session of the second test match was controlled by Indian bowlers. They bent their backs and continuously bowled at right line and length. Just when I thought, India were cruising along very well, from no where, Steve Bucknor made his presence felt by pricking the balloon of cheers, by adjudging Symmonds not out. But the fact is Symmonds had nicked the one off Ishant, a young debutant, which could be heard by one sitting in the middle of crowd. Although, this was not the first one that went wrong, but I believe it was the crucial one. It changed the face of game and affected badly on young debutant, who couldn’t pick up the wicket through out the test match. It was a series of errors by elite panel members of ICC. Ponting stood his ground after nicking one to keeper; Symmonds got three undeserved chances, Jaffer bowled off Lee, where Lee clearly overstepped, David’s dismissal in the second innings, Dada’s undoubtedly questionable catch by Michael Clark and many more.

It wouldn’t be fair enough to demand umpires to come out correct all the time. But some of the errors were too clearly visible to be blindfolded. On top of that, current technology would be handy to make some decisions wisely. They chose not to refer third umpire, who was clearly accommodated to adjudge at the times of obscurity/uncertainty. Baffled, I am!! Rather they took the advice from Ponting, whose integrity itself is in doubt, in (mis)judging Dada’s dismissal. If Ponting was honest at the first place, he would have walked after nicking one to keeper off Dada. Certainly, in the middle of heated contest, a player tends to forget ethics to sniff the victory. Player’s integrity and sporting spirit is not as sacred as it used to be. It was clearly inadmissible to see OZs playing the game in ill-spirit, who have been world champs and have onus of setting the standards for cricket world.

The only fragrance from the dirt mud was spread by Tendlya’s 38th test century along with charismatic century by nemesis of Australia, Very Very Special Lakshman. Tendlya’s innings was a classic, conventional test innings filled with authority, and dexterity. Where as Lakshman’s was full of aggression and sweetest timing possible. For Sidneysiders, it was one last glimpse of wristy wreck by Lakshman and one last waft of deft and dash by ‘Bradmanesque’ Tendulakar, who is unarguably one of the greatest cricketers of all time.

The verdict of the Match referee after 5th day of the test match took the blemish out of the frying pan and into the fire. Harbhajan was labeled as racist and banned for three test matches, even though there were no evidences were presented. That was totally ruthless and clearly objectionable. Everybody agrees that Australians are not only a bunch of better cricketers but also better sledgers. It was weird to learn Harbhajan get penalized for abusing racially against the team which is deeply notorious for altercations with all the cricket teams in the world. Baffled, again!!

Anyway, it was one of those tests which will go into history for all the wrong reasons and one of them being, Gilchrist’s appeal to get rid of Dravid off Symmonds, where Dravid left a foot gap between bat and ball. Clearly, one has to question if we can still call cricket a gentleman’s game.

Retrospection - 2007

I don’t know how to start on my second half of the year. My second half was more eventful than my first half. It was like a happy ending in a bollywood movie.

July month was the beginning of all the fun and frolic. I was all excited and stoked with my scheduled trip to India in August. Believe me I was much more eager this time than my first visit, and this is all because it was not a regular visit. This time is was a purposeful visit, a ceremonious visit. It was my sister’s marriage. I think it was one of the precious moments of my life. I did all the shopping and bought the tickets and was waiting for my time to fly high.

The trip was fabulous. Journey was really smooth and slick. The event was tremendous. I lived in the event; I soaked fully in the tears of joy. It was heartening to see my sis in bridal ware. It wouldn’t have happened without the association of my brother. He worked hard to make this occasion memorable. Kudos to one and all.

Then came September, and I had to wake up from my dream of stay in India. Work was calling me. For the second time in the year, I had to fly back to rat hole. But this time with satisfaction filled eyes. I felt a kind of accomplishment this time. But deep down somewhere I was terrified with the fact of returning to isolated/quarantined myself and it resulted in taking me down for a week or so.

After this, in the following three months, I had reunions with my friend. One in North West, one is west coast and last one in central east. All these were a bundle of joy. I really cherished each and every moment of these GTs. I lived my life in each of them and waited for another one to come along, like waiting for sunrise to banish the darkness. It was enthralling to see some of my friends after years. Even though time gone by, our friendship is as strong as and as beautiful as wall of china.

This brings me to December. This month was supposed to be a month of happy holidays. I did have holidays, but the work load was overwhelming. I was completely occupied with the work and deadlines. And in the holidays I took trip of Charlotte. Stayed over there couple of days and got back home after Christmas. Stay was joyous and back journey was like an onus on me. I spent my holidays home all alone. My daily schedule was get up watch a movie eat and watch a movie and have dinner and watch a movie and sleep off. I spent my days mostly under roof, locked inside my apartment. I dint speak for two days. It was like living in an isolated island, but the truth is I am living right in the middle of the town, as one among the society. I am not blaming anyone but me. I am the reason for what I am today. I regret and love it. Anyhow this is me and my year 2007. It was neither a spectacular one nor a sordid one. It was jus like any other year.

Today is December, 31st. Ring of the mobile woke me up, and it was my mom. She woke me up to remind me of the date and remind me to keep myself safe. Moms are all like that. They just want their kid to be hale and healthy. And just like that my day started with all smiles. Believe me today is lot shinier even though sun was still sleeping and darkness was still reigning the central zone of US.

2K7 - A Retrospect

December, last month of the year, always brings smiles on many faces. It's the month to recollect the cherishable memories of the whole year and ponder some decisions that may or may not have affected our lives. It's about time to reflect on some of those events, incidents and predicaments.

This year has been an eventful one, in many ways, to me. I still remember moments of my stay at home on Jan 1st , 2007. It was a delightful welcome to New Year, with my family after so many years. Last time I spent my New Year day at home, with family, was in the year 1998. This time it was quiet an auspicious start to a new day, new year. Since that day I had enjoyed another a week of joyous stay at home before I made myself back to rathole (believe me, I had to), that is to US. I fell ill with the change in weather but more bothering turmoil was the reaction I received from people here, it was like rubbing salt into my wounds. So the month which started off with a peak ended up as a rough slide into a deep valley of fluster.

Feb was the month when I wanted to be in India. Of course, some dreams remain as dreams. Feb was the month of marriages; my good friends tied knots and jumped into a new phase life. A little disappointed for not being able to make it there, other than that, I am very happy for them. As a matter of fact, Feb. and March, both months truly belonged to marriages. They say spring brings hopeful attitude, but for them spring brought something more than hope. A new season, a new life, and blooming flowers greeted them warmly and prompted them into green stage of married life.

April was a regular one for me. Except for one blissful trip to Boston, nothing great to ponder on. Few of our friends got together at Groton, CT. We spent couple of days with ourselves and with our past lives. During that trip, I paid a visit to MIT and Harvard Universities. It was a memorable one. At last I could make it to MIT, somehow. Like always, time spent with my friends was surely heavenly. I feel these get togethers are like pit stops, where a car stops during a race for refueling, for new tires or for any repairs. And I believe we all essentially need these to keep ourselves alive in the race of life.

May was most sober month of this year. I dint go anywhere, spent my time with the work and work. The only positive is that I learnt few things about engineering, especially about steam and valves. Other than that, it was month of rest and relaxation. So was June. Nothing notable or great happened during these two months, except for some unusually interesting and undoubtedly understandable phone conversations. As a result of these unanticipated confabulations, I made few friends and I lost some much sooner than expected. After all, these phone services are not reliable ones. You never know when a bad/cross connection kicks in.

This is me in the first half of the year 2007. It was a fairly smooth ride, except for couple of bumps, but those hiccups were not big enough to put them on the paper (some were too big to put them on paper, better if I keep them to myself). But in all occasions and actions music (ArR's RDB) was there, constantly backing me up and keeping my spirits fresh and alive.

Thundery 'Thanxgiving'

This year my thanksgiving weekend was special. I took a trip over westcoast, that is to California. I have been longing to visit Calif since a long time. The visit bacame a special one with the participation of all my freinds.

It was a preplanned trip. We had been planning this since September and since then I was praying for a smooth trip all together. But luck backstabbed me and my plans jolted by weather and there by the delayed flights. By the time I reached LA it was 1AM in the morning (delayed by almost 5hrs), but the spirits were still strong and high. We were eager to confront one another, we were bursting to share some joy, we were agog to go wild and soak ourselves in the fountain of youth. Believe me, we lived upto the expectations, we kept ourselves awake, to see the rising sun, in the midst of interventions by cops and neighbors. Oh man, that was fun, silly fun.

The drive to Vegas was fabolous. Ofcourse nature was beautiful, the drive was smooth, weather was pleasant but the more pleasure was to see all of us picking on one another. That was spree of pulling legs. It definitely took me back to my college days. It was immensly satisfying to see the undying sarcasm of my freinds coupled with the maturity of riposting every comment wittily and funnily.

Stay at Vegas was fabolous. Everything was great about Vegas. Illuminating nights, Stunnig Casinos, long standing Stratosphere, gorgeous fountain show at Bellagio, 'never say die' attitude of people walking on the roads all night long, catching the glimpses of beauty flaunted by juvenile girls and the list goes on and on. I had all kinds of fun. I would love to write more about what I did at Vegas, but as they say 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas', I better keep my mouth shut (otherwise my friends would go gaga on me). I think it would be better if you visit Vegas and be a part of the fun rather than reading it in my scribbles. Anyway, it was an amazing experience. A three days of trip left a tremondous amount of memories to cherish. I believe, no matter where I go for a trip with my friends, I would enjoy to the fullest.

Till then everything was good, but the journey back to home was the worst one. My flight got delayed, and then had mechanical problems, and atlast got canceled.It took me more than a day to get back to Louisiana from Calif, poor me!! By the time I was home, I was tired, exhausted and depleted. But looking through the pictures of the trip, had envigorated me to script down the memories.

Nine Yrs to 'Nostalgia'

November 9th is one of the greatest days of my life. On this very day in 1998 I started the brightest chapter of my life. Yes, on this very day I stepped into the premises of College of Engineering, Osmania University for the first time, to amass everlasting memories, to collect perpetual reminiscences, to feed in unfading experiences of life time in four years of joyride.

I have been unreceptive for quiet a few days. I was low on confidence. My motivation had been on the thinner side. But looking at the date itself boosted me to write this up. I couldn’t control my urge to mention this special day on my blog. I still remember my first day at OU (Osmania University). I was thrilled, elated, excited and at the same time, tensed. It was a grand beginning to new life style. It was an exuberant instigation to a unique journey with full of highs and lows. I was rustic; I was naïve to that culture. I definitely took sometime to settle in. I believe we all did take sometime to come in terms with the conditions there, to get the grips of circumstances there. We were like newly bought, empty hard drives. We had lot of space to absorb, we had lot of room to learn, we had lot of freedom to fly high, to scream loud, to ride rough. We did all that, and much more. Attending classes, studying courses was like an extra curricular activity. We were always seen busy in unquestionably joyous deeds. Oh boy, how can one forget those countless trips from canteen to kinnera via main building, which has surely been the best route I have ever traveled. Of course, college days without girls, simply unimaginable. 10 minutes rendezvous would have generated at least an hour of debate in the evening while sipping the garam chai along with Osmania biscuits. Not only this, the moments when we all got drunk for every small stint, the moments when we shed tears at the loss of one of our dear friends, the moments when we all beat the hell out of invaders, the moments when we all zoomed in midnight ride for fruit juice, the moment when we all danced to eternal music on those colossal steps of main building, and the moment when I made most of my accidents and the list goes on and on.

I believe, the journey wasn’t a smooth one, there were some hiccups. It could be termed as safe flight with little turbulence here and there. We surely had some differences, which was quiet natural, considering our cultural and regional differences. But in the end, most of us have come out good and in fact as better persons. We learned so many things in those 4 years at OU, not only the subject, but also we all got cultured enough to gauge and stand against the different predicaments of life.

Well, I am blessed to be part of highly energetic group of my friends. Even after 5 years of engineering farewell, we are still going strong and slick. And real icing on cake is, few of us are having a reunion today. It will all be fun and frolic over the weekend. I am all excited and over the moon, who wouldn’t be??