Tragic Apathy - No time for blame game

The city of Mumbai has begun to scare me. Not so much because of the terror attacks. But because of the attitudes of people. Thursday and Friday people were back to their routines while at 3 places, there were explosions, gunshots, wounds, victims and survivors. Unfortunately, I do not see this as the much acclaimed reslience or spirit of Mumbai. The causes of such catastrophic events like the blasts or floods cannot be hidden behind a facade of spirit. Because, now the spirit is turning to apathy. Those who are not personally harmed by the blasts are back to their normal lives. 

Even as I sit in the comfort of my armchair writing this, the likes of Alyque Padamsee, Farookh Sheikh et al pass remarks on some show, other celebrities and honchos give sound bytes or quotes, politicians jockey for space, coverage and eventually voter leverage, media - both print and TV look to cash in on 'exclusives' sometimes giving away too much, the police look clueless at times while NSG commandos have to waste one of their hands using a hand held communication device. Over 60 hours is what it has taken to neutralise the threat from the terrorists. Clean-up operations and investigations are a far cry. People have lost their lives both defenders of justice and innocent victims but can unpreparedness be excused? We are thoroughly guilty of overlooking what can be overlooked. It is easy to speak from the confines of one's home or the studio, and after every tragedy there is a hue and cry over how people will actually contribute, something that fizzles out in a short while and the tragedy is forgotten except by those who have been mentally and physically scarred by it. 

As a society and a nation, we seem to be heading backwards at the current rate. When it is only perchance that a disaster drill is conducted, where crisis management is not given serious thought, where the best immediate response we have to terror is rifles of a bygone era. I don't question the honesty of the policemen, the valour of the armed forces, the stoic support of the hotel staff or emergency forces, but I certainly question - Where is India headed? Are we going to allow an all too common 'Chalta Hai Attitude' to immerse us or are we going to make an effort to be change agents. How many of us can claim that our interest in the despicable acts extended beyond curiousity either at the location or as it unfolded on TV, beyond how it affected our daily lives, and beyond a momentary thought for those directly affected by the same. I probably admit that I myself need to pay heed to my own words. But only can cognizance of a problem bring about a solution. I'd like each one of us to be responsible as citizens of India, not as residents of a particular city or state. 

Mumbai Blasts of 26th November 2008

The bomb blasts in Mumbai have certainly rocked the city. A prayer for all the people whether affected or not....

Mumbai Blasts - Media Should behave Responsibly

When it comes to such crucial situations, the media personnel while obviously trying to cover the happenings to their best ability should at no point of time come in the way of those in the line of fire and doing their duty. The last thing one wants is a dozen or more cameras and microphones shoved in the face of the general who is trying to take charge of the situation and diffuse it in the quickest and least damaging way as possible. As long as the media does not become a circus it is ok. Because, while bringing the viewers and common man closer to the action, airing conversations with people stuck inside the hotels which may potentially give away their locations to terrorists who may have access to media may not be the wisest thing to do. The plans being made to counter these terrorist attacks should also not reach the terrorists in any form. It is advisable that the media let the people trained to do so get on with their work without coming in their way.

Mumbai Blasts - 24

There been a fresh explosion in the Trident/Oberoi as well. There is a double-edged sword to being aggressive in such situations as has been suggested as the stance by A N Roy. Whenever there are hostages involved the focus is always on the hostages being rescued alive. There must be a wary approach adopted by the authorities. Gung-ho will not help. I also hope that the authorities are instructing the media to show and portray what the want. The media can be manipulated at such times in case the terrorists have access to media. 

Mumbai Blasts - 23

2:50 p.m. There have been fresh explosions in Nariman House and the Taj. The situation at the 3 locations is far from over. It did not sound like a grenade but a blast according to one person trapped inside the Taj.

Mumbai Blasts - 22

Apparently an Israeli family has been taken hostage at one of the 2 locations. There are 3 layers of security cordon below the hotels - the police, the army and the NSG. A whole lot of people can be seen at the bottom of the Taj. This has now been going on for almost 12 hours now considering the first blasts started at about 10 yesterday. A curfew has been declared at Gateway of India. Seems like the rescue operations are well underway with an operation by the army and commandos. 

Mumbai Blasts - 21

Its 8:45 a.m.  and the story isn't over yet. There are still terrorists and hostages at the Oberoi and Taj. The latest news is that there has been another blast at the Oberoi rught now. The hostages are on the 19th floor at the Oberoi. They showed some people being rescued from the Taj a couple of minutes back. 

Mumbai Blasts - 20

NDTV India reports that 9 terorists have been caught. While the reported deaths have increased to 80. This really is terrible. 3 senior officers of police also dead. Doctors are on the scene at the Taj and the Oberoi. 

Mumbai Blasts - 19

Theres a car whose auto cop has just gone off outside the Taj. One wonders what this could mean. Ok just as suddenly as it started it seemed to have stopped but it seems to have resumed again. I hope its something triggered off as a false alarm and not indication of greater danger. They are sending in people with full bomb disposal squad grear. Not for the car but into the Taj. 

Mumbai Blasts - 18

Theres been a 6th blast at the Taj. There is worry brewing that the longer the time that the terrorists remain undefeated the greater will their confidence rise. 2 hostages have been killed at Cama Hospital apparently. It is going to be a while before VT station is going to be in a condition fit for use. It is for sure that no one will be using the station tomorrow. THere are pools of blood and stains all over the place. It is now almost 2:45 a.m. and almost 4 hours since these attacks first began. Let us hope that the police and army get things under control at the earliest. 

Mumbai Blasts - 17

Shouldn't the people being rescued/coming out be briefed not to tell the media how exactly they were resecured. There is no telling what media the terrorists may have access to. As I change the channel I see the same chap being interviewed by another channel with a delay of a few seconds perhaps. It feels so eerie that earlier this year me and some of my colleagues were in the Taj on the first floor for an interaction with the CEO of Nokia. It seems so surreal that we were at the scene of what is taking palce right now. 

Mumbai Blasts - 16

They are talking to people who have exited the Taj just right now. They saw 3 terrorists. There were about 150 people who were on the staircase. The army rescued them and they descended through the stairs and out the rear entrance to the hotel. 

Mumbai Blasts - 15

Reports say that there are 2 terrorists hidden in the Oberoi and 4 in Taj. 

Mumbai Blasts - 14

That live video feed in the previous blog where people were shot at from some window or other showed one man who probably had his hand hit by a bullet. The theories doing the round is that the terrorists took the hotels and then targetted the top cops that came after them. There have been nakabandis put up at over 40 places and the cops hope to catch the evil doers. I hope they catch them. They deserve the worst for what they have done by the way of these blasts and firings. 

Mumbai Blasts - 13

The sounds of gunshots continures at the Taj and reporters dont know whether the bodies beind dragged out are that of terrorists or soliders. Civilians are being frisked and lined up in case they are suspects. Some of these cameramen really got to have guts to be right where they are. Some prefer to be a little distance away from teh action. And firing resumed outside the Taj and the cameramen and the people standing outside just took a dive for the ground all caught on tape. The VT station bears a desered look as a brave reporter points out what is probably an undetonated grenade with the pin intact while wrapped in some pink paper or material. What is the reporter doing there unsupervised by cops. The reporter proceeds to pick up bullets that are lying on the ground amidts the bloodstains. You can see the shiver in the reporter's hands as he goes about doing his job. The scenes being shown on TV are much too gruesome to be repeated. 

Mumbai Blasts - 12

The army has surrounded the Taj. The army has started its operations to bring the situation under control. Let us pray that they can bring things to a quick end with the fewest of casualties if any at all. One cannot help but despise such acts which are purportedly for a cause but wreak so much havoc and loss. Meanwhile the flames continue to burn at the Taj. It will be a while before the fire brigade can even attempt to rescue the heritage structure. N. N. Krishnadas is the Mp who was spoken to in an earlier post. Other channels are also speaking to him now. One wonders what the MP is trying to do. He is not talking to Tez channel. He says they cannot see anything outside. 

Mumbai Blasts - 11

I can't believe the reporter is continuing to ask the MP who the other MPs stuck in the hotel with him are. The MP he is talking to is a Mr. Das. Sometimes the media can be so absolutely irresponsible. The reporter now asks the MP "Have you all tried getting out of the hotel?" They are in a big hall on the first floor. The reporter asks whether they have barred the door to the hall. There has been no communication between the MP and outside officials. The reporter now ventures to ask "Are you scared for your life?" and "Are there any people who are very anxious, women and children?". The MP replies and says he can still hear gunshots. Security has suffered heavy casualties outside the Taj. Reporter says "We fear for your life and hope you get out safely"

Mumbai Blasts - 10 (An MP in Taj)

One of the news channels is not talking to an MP who is stuck in the Taj hotel. The smoke arising from the Taj is increasing. This is going to leave the Taj quite certainly charred at best. There are 200 people in the Taj as per what the MP in the Taj is saying. The reported insists on asking him whether the terrorists are in front of him as they speak. Ok. They are not hostage but they are stuck inside while the battle continues between the terrorists and police ensues. The reporter says the gun battle is taking place on the terrace. The MP says that they are all on the first floor. The reporter asks the MP whether he can see terrorists right now. The MP reiterates that he say 2 terrorists with black cloths around their faces. It all started when they were having dinner. 

Mumbai Blasts - 9

There are pictures of a man with a an AK 47 in hand as mentioned in the previous post. The army and NSg commandos are present as back up. There are apparently 40 hostages in oberoi including foreigners and indian nationals. There has been fresh firing at the Oberoi between the police and the terrorists. The terrorists are said to be youth with automatic rifles. 

Mumbai Blasts - 8

The mail was sent at 1:26 a.m. There are certain sections of the email that are being blacked out and not read out to prevent inciting further tensions in the city and country. There is talk of showing people their place "aukaad dikhana". The updated reports say 70 plus dead. Sigh. It is indeed terrible. I am happy that my college mates are all safe at the hostel but how close a shave it was for so many of them out on the road at the time of the blasts highlights the fine line between safety and danger. We need to be very alert and aware of out surroundings. India TV is showing pictures of what appears to be a terrorist with a navy blue tshirt, a young man, a blue bag, a rifle in hand, a little blood on the left side of the face and the definite gleam of a fanatic in his eyes. 

Firings happened at Capitol Cinema in addition to those already mentioned. It seems that the Taj is well and truly on fire. It remains to be seen whether it will be possible to salvage anything. Apparently the 2 killed at Chowpatty were of Kashmiri origin. Theres a 2 page email that channels are flashing that has apparently been sent by the terrorits. The email is in Hindi. It also says that the terrorists warn that this warning is not underestimated as just an empty warning. 

Mumbai Blasts - 7 (Avoid Rumours)

2 terrorists were supposedly killed at Chowpatty. Metro Cinema is supposed to be the site where Vijay Salaskar was killed. It is indeed sad that people resort to such despicable acts. The blast at Vile Parle was reportedly in a taxi under a flyover. There was also a bomb that went off in a taxi at Dockyard Road. Army commandos have been called in. Apparently there has been a two page warning email that has been sent to the Indian government by the Deccan Mujahideen that such acts will continue unless they are paid heed to.

Mumbai Blasts - 6

Cops are stopping cars with guns in hand and not taking any chances at all. Drivers and passengers are being asked to produce identity in a bid to flush out any terrorists that may be trying to escape. Apparently, the bombs and terrorists made their way in through the sea and meant to escape either by the same way or on roads. Hemant Karkare, ATS chief is supposed to have been hit by three bullets and succumbed to his injuries. Salaskar, encounter specialist is also reportedly dead in the battle against the terrorists. Toll is supposedly reached 65. It is difficult to make out in such situations what is the truth and what are rumours. Even if they are rumours, all channels seem to be showing more or less the same rumours. 

Mumbai Blasts - 5

A couple of boats have been caught at Chowpatty beach. The news channels are all showing tristed carnage of taxis, etc that were ripped apart in the blasts. The entire road to VT station is blocked. People in offices, buildings, hotels at Marine Drive and the area have been asked to stay put. 

Mumbai Blasts - 4 (Stay Calm, we must be united against such cowardly attacks)

Hemant Karkare of the police last reported injured has probably succumbed to his injuries. There have been supposedly 5 blasts in the Taj itself. There is also a report that there has been a blast in J W Marriott at Juhu apart from what has been unfolding at the Taj and Oberoi hotels. 

Mumbai Blasts - 3 (Stay Calm)

One report states that DIG Ashok of police is dead. Another senior officer Vijay Salaskar is also injured and so is Hemant Karkare. People are requested to stay calm as this deadliest of turn of events to hit the city unfolds. Let us all take a moment to pray that the worst has passed and that there shall be no more. Be calm and panicking will not help. 

Mumbai Blasts - 2 (Taj on Fire)

There are gunmen in the Taj with hostages at their mercy and the latest picture being shown show that a section of the Taj is on fire and the upper dome of the Taj also apparently had a detonation go off in it. The streets are absolutely quiet and not a soul dare wander out. People in the Marine Drive, Colaba area are not being allowed to leave their present locations. The flames at the Tah can actually be seen outside the windows now. 

Mumbai Blasts

It chaotic. The city is locked down. No one knows if and when and where the next blast may happen if there is one. CST, Colaba, Vile Parle, Santa Cruz, Nepean Sea Road are some of the areas that are reportedly suffered from blasts. 

Welcome back nth time

and yet again. I am back. It has been a while. 

and whats new?

banks are crumbling and tumbling. investment banks at least for sure are not exactly the best place to be right now.

ah well. the usual exams and stuff. more from your side folks.

where's your ticket

a few days ago there was some controversy about how some passengers travelling by local trains ask not so well off looking passengers whether they have a first class pass when they board the train.

just after that, it actually happened. i was in the train standing by the door, when a couple of TCs entered. they did not bother asking me for my pass but they went in and asked a couple of others for their passes. as it turned out they did not have a first class ticket/pass. i thought the TCs would eventually ask me for my pass, but they did not bother.

it was a real life encounter with how people perceive things differently as well as people.

free falling...

Bunjee Jumping, Free falling while rappelling, white water rafting, parasailing some of the most fabulous activities that one can do.

Its a tremendous feeling. For those moments it is like you are transported into a completely different world. If its a bunjee jump, then the blood rushing to your head as the ground shoots up towards you, just does not give you any time to think. Sometimes in life you need to take decisions the same way. In my college experiences there have been numerous instances when we have had to think on the spot and take a call about an issue. To withstand that pressure and come out with the right choice is what separates the grain from the chaff.

Then of course there is parasailing where you are floating above the rest of the world beneath you and it is the most calm and peaceful feeling ever. It gives you time to introspect for someone who is not a first timer. For the first timer it is more of a thrill than an experience where you are taken up to a bird's eye view and can think about your life from that perspective.

White water rafting is all about navigating the rapids. As the word itself suggests it is time for quick assertive strokes that take you through the rocks that lie in your path and cause the foamy white water. It is also about team work unless of course you are in a kayak where it is all about maintaining a balance just as the way it is in life.

Free falling while rappelling is another sublime experience. It is only you, gravity and the safety harness. There are times when you would probably feel the ground rushing up at you and want to reach the ground rather than have the rope arrest your descent. Ensure that you aren't free falling in life. Or even if you are and you liken it to a rappelling free fall, then don't life sight of the fact that part of the activity is that you don't make hard impact with the ground or rock face, but finally get back to solid earth.

Each of these individual activities is a fun experience in themselves. The physical part of the sports are demanding and exacting but it is more about the mental battle to conquer the terrain and the nascent danger that makes them thrilling and an altogether powerful experience.

-- Kairav Parikh

Rise Up!!!!

My dream is to fly,
over the rainbow so high...

This is the latest song that has caught my fancy. Amamzing tune. Decent lyrics. Brilliant video. It caught my attention during the freshers' party. I'm sure I had heard the tune before but I didn't have a name for the song. I didn't pay too much attention to it then but later in the week I happened to be around a TV set that was playing the video and I was fascinated. It's a well conceptualised video with a storyline that more or less matches the lyrics. Very well choreographed as well.

Rise Up is certainly going to remain a favourite in my playlist for a long long time from now because of the sheer energy it brings in me. If you haven't heard it yet, now is the time.

-- Kairav Parikh

Vettel the next Schumi?

The Italian Grand Prix. Tifosi going wild. Ferrari did win the race even though Massa finished 6th and Kimi even lower down the order. Vettel in an STR Ferrari won the race from pole position. Youngest ever on pole, youngest ever to win a race and it showed in his baby-faced innocence. I can barely believe that the lad is a year younger than I am and already arrived on the global scene.

It was a hard fought race for Hamilton, Kimi, Fisichella - who gave hopes to lots of Indians after making it into Q2 in qualifying but it was not to be as a result of a collision with Coulthard, Massa - showing yet again that he can be the world champion title holder for Ferrari this year.

Hamilton now has a very slender lead going into the last 4 races, just one solitary point. Seems like this season will go down to the wire again. Next is the Singapore Grand Prix, the first ever night race. Will be quite a spectacle. Don't forget to catch up with the action in 2 weeks times. Meanwhile Hamilton's appeal will come to court and will decide drivers standing in the championship.

Delhi Blasts...

Some of my friends were in Delhi till earlier on Saturday and it is fortunate that they were back before the blasts that occured later the same evening. I would like to say a prayer for those not so fortunate.

It is tragic that people continue to perform such despicable acts of cowardice. It is at moments like these that one questions the very motive of existence.

It really seems like just going through the motions, thats what life has been reduced to. Each person has different aims and goals, be it to become rich, to be religious, to be famous, to be happy in life, is there a single correct goal that all people should have? Again I ask, what is the purpose of existence? Is it peaceful co-existence? What then, that the burgeoining population and limited resources are eventually going to lead to lack of peace due to coveting the same limited resources?

Difficult questions to answer. Do you have the answer?

sweet revenge...or bitter aftertaste...

Earlier today I was reading an article in the newspaper how the Ansals have surrendered themselves after their anticipatory bail was cancelled. As per the case they are being held responsible along with two managers for a fire that broke out in a cinema hall and claimed almost 50 lives.

The case and its proceedings are not what interests me and is not what this post is about. Apparently after years of waiting, the Ansals have been arrested. What is a psychological case study is the remark from the relative of one of the deceased in the tragedy that now the souls of the dead can rest in peace.

From a purely bystander standpoint, it fails comprehension that the Ansals going to jail is now responsible for the peaceful passage of the souls of the dead. This represents so much negative energy that such a situation causes.

Similarly, the untimely/unexpected death of a patient causes aggrieved relatives to take out the frustration on the doctors. There is a human element involved of pain, hurt, anger, frustration and rage at not being able to play God. Not having the power to give life. Most people could pick up a weapon and take the life of another person or through negligence do the equivalent, however no one has the power to give life.

There is a need to understand the psyche of the relatives of the victims and counsel them as the amount of negativity in their mind after numerous years would affect them adversely. The pain, anguish and hurt you feel at the loss of a loved one never goes away, but with time you learn to deal with it and cope with it, and doing so is not disrespectful to the memory of that person. As long as the person is in your heart and mind, it does not mean that you cannot live your life or you cannot smile or cannot be happy, in most cases the deceased person would want you to be as normal as possible.

Keep your peace of mind. Amen.

India Gate....

Its a pretty impressive monument when you look at it lit up at night. Never realised it earlier. Actually i did realise year back but sometimes memory needs to be refreshed to understand what things mean to you or how they seem to you.

Of course, how can one think of india Gate without thinking of Rang De basanti, the cult movie at the time of its release. The movie did well and challenged the tradition that the hero must live happily ever after.

Just a few stray thoughts. Enjoy the coming weekend.

Regards to all.

Cold coffee...

Paid a visit to the Orchid near the Domestic Airport today for work purposes. The meeting was fine. The cold coffee was great. We asked for it specifically without ice-cream, but its a 5-star man, how can they follow simple instructions? Bingo. there came two cold coffees with ice cream.

Conversations can happen over coffee. Sometime coffee places aren't as "Perk"y as we've expect them to be. Sometimes all that is shared over coffee is silence. Silence can speak a thousand words. But the silence can also be an uncomfortable one. The silence can be misconstrued as assent to a question. Or it can just be a dazed silence.

Sometimes life goes by at such a frentic (for the purists in you, since frentic isn't part of the oxford just yet, you can replace it with frantic or frenetic as you please, for the those who don't know what I'm talking about ignore the parentheses) pace that you just wish you could slow it down. Sometimes you would want to go back in time and relive moments or change certain things, but we still haven't managed time travel. As also in the Back to the Future series and recently Harry Potter, time travel and changes in past or future can have terrible consequence. Live life as you would be happy to look back at your choices 30-40 years down the line. Meanwhile, enjoy your coffee. Cold, hot, espresso, latte, black, no sugar, frothy...

And then there was none...

Ah well. Polly Esther's (yes the name was confirmed at the venue) was the venue. We had the fresher's party for the junior batch.

I don't know how many people agree with me but I certainly preferred the unlimited starters rather than the limited biryani that we had last year. Lol. Food. How can you keep that out of my top of mind.

Anyway it was fun to dance the night away. The last freshers party for me at the institute that has taught me so much. Can't help but feel "Nostalgic". Sorry you guys. You better organise a great "party" as well. The biggest of the year. Sigh. Don't know how I'm going to feel when its going to be time for our farewell party.

Been through school. Been through junior college. Been through grad school. But saying goodbye here is going to be toughest of them all.

Here's saluting the spirit of Bajaj. Just thinking about the anthem makes my eyes well up. Those who prefer to sit aloof while the anthem resounds will never know what it feels to be a part. I'm glad you can't and never will.

Ganpati Bappa Morya

Its that time of year again. For the God with the trunk to make his way into many homes.

Only to be immersed after various number of days depending on how long people keep him at their homes. I'm not against the idea or against restricting people against their beliefs. What does annoy me is that people don't understand the amount of damage the idols do to the eco-system when they are immersed as they are more often than not, not eco-friendly.

I am lucky enough to have a view of Siddhivinayak Mandir from my home, so my prayers to Lord Ganesha for a cleanerGanesh Chaturthi.

GIve a dog a bad name...

It is disappointing that heresy can play such a major role in influencing the opinion's of people. I myself might have indulged in it and might have fallen prey to it on munerous occasions but it is something that I will try to change.

I always say we life but once (because I don't know about all this reincarnation stuff and I'm not too sure that in my next incarnation I will remember anything from this one) and it's best we learn from our mistakes and do the best we can.

Taken for granted...

Sometimes we take things for granted in a manner that is absolutely despicable. We take advantage of the fact that people may be doing something for us and do not respect them for it but instead believe that it is but natural that they should be doing what they are doing.

If we want to bring about a change in the world, then the change has to come from within. The typical "Chalta Hai" attitude cannot work anymore. Change has to be made at an individual level.

With the burgeoining global population, it is but a matter of time before things get completely out of hand. Already there are issues with a large percentage of global population being obese and an equally large or greater number suffering from malnutrition. Such an imbalance is a tragedy and has come about against the forces of nature.

The time to act is now. And every one of us must act.

Perfect time for that famous line "Let's do it".

Oops...did you drop something?....that name??

Name-dropping.

How often have you heard someone go "It was just recently that I was talking to so-and-so...." or "I can visit so-and-so anytime..."?

Quite often these honourable mentions are a turn-off rather than impress the intended audience. You often tend to tune out the speaker on such occasions. And also when you try and slip in such mentions apparently casually and unintentionally in conversation, it is quite noticeable more often than not.

Potentially You

Certain events in the past few days have made me realise how strongly I feel about potential in people going wasted purely as potential.

Opportunity doesn't knock twice and time and tide wait for no one.

I also feel that it is only those people who take the effort to stand up and try to get through the door that is partially open who deserve to get through the door.

After all you have to create your own luck.

As a wise friend of mine once said "You have two choices in life, either accept things as they are or bring about changes yourself."

Welcome back everyone.

-- Kairav Parikh

I know what you did last summer!!!

hmm...
so that brings to an end, the summer internship...
first brush with work life...

it was fun...plus it had its perks as well...you gotta just love the squash court where you can escape to and get your frustration / energy out by whacking a ball against the wall...kinda like playing against the Michael Chang of yore...

End of this work stint brings with it....the return of classes and the masses...

Am i looking forward to that or dreading it?...I wonder sometimes...then again i decide even if i am dreading it...i better well go back and enjoy it...Im sure its gonna be fun...

Good luck to the peopleon who join...What say PS?...

Anyway adios amigos and amigas...

India win v/s Sri Lanka

India won in the Asia Cup after yet another fine performance by the batting line up. Slowly but surely the entire batting line up is firing simultaneously. Ominous signs for Sri Lanka who face India in the finals. Sehwag, Gambhir, Dhoni, Raina, Yuvraj and now Sharma have been going great guns. The boys should pull off a win in the finals to provide the icing on the cake.

A Piece of Cake...

Yes thats precisely the title of one of the latest books I've read. Its a book about an MBA graduate who is working in an FMCG. A story that I could relate well too considering that I am doing my MBA as well. I was recommended the book by my friend G, however it fell short of belonging to the Five Point Someone mould. It was a nice book all the same, a change from the thrillers I've been reading recently. Recommended if someone wants a nice timepass read.

There I go again

for the second time running, I am posting after a month...almost a month in any case...a bit busy with my internship...and somehow not so attached to the internet as i was once upon a time...i've realised that reality is better than virtual reality...might as well live life in real live colour rather than Highest (32bit) colour...

Long Hiatus

Welcome back after a long hiatus folks.

Post exams and a trip to Amby Valley and Hong Kong and the commencement of my summer internship, I have been too lazy to blog.

Anyway I will now make an effort to be back and in full force.

Enjoy the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend. Meanwhile folks I am going to enjoy meeting my engineering time friends for lunch. Adios.

Cricket up close...

Ah yes. With the IPL bandwagon hitting the city. It was kinda difficult to go too long without bumping into one or other of the cricketers. Andrew Symonds and Adam Gilchrist were the first two that we bumped into. Unfortunately they were also the most arrogant of the lot. Didn't have the time to pose for a snap before dinner while they were still waiting to fill their plates. Seems like it was too much effort for them to stand still for a second while taking a snap. Herschelle Gibbs here though was a much nicer guy. Posed for pictures, signed a couple of autographs even though he was waiting for his dinner himself. Just goes to show how differently, different people take success. Even our very own R. P. Singh seemed to have picked up his own attitude in his short stint on the international scene. It is no wonder that there has been that little controversy with Sreesanth and Harbhajan Singh of late. Enough about that though. It was great to bump into these cricketers especially cause my little brother is a big time cricket fan. It sure made his day, and that made mine.

-- Kairav Parikh

Tera Tera Tera.....Suroor.....

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No. It's a Himessss Ressssamiya. Or a look alike at least, that we spotted while stuck in a traffic jam on the way to a trek at Igatpuri. Quite a few people do not like the nasal man's music but quite a few folks out there love the guys music and you got to give the man a hand for sticking it out in the industry. Kudos to him.

-- Kairav Parikh

Nirvana

What is nirvana?
From what I understand and based on what I've read or heard, it is a state of peace, of bliss, of moksh.
Is everyone trying to attain nirvana? Does everyone want peace and bliss?
If that is the case, then in the rat race which we are running, each trying to keep our noses ahead of the other, aren't we damaging our chances of attaining this state?
What is more important, a peaceful life or a life without peace? They say it always goes down to a battle between health and wealth. When we say health, it includes physical, mental and spiritual and is not to be confused with physical health alone.
Does wealth offset the effect that the rigours of attaining that wealth have on one's health?
Is it truly worth it?
Who makes the decision?
Isn't it you, yourself?
One man's food may be another man's poison. Or woman's.
Makes you kinda wonder doesn't it? What choices do we take in life when we are at the crossroad. Is the choice we take, the correct one. As a wise person I've met in the last one year would say, "YOU WILL NEVER REALLY KNOW THE TRUTH." By which time, it will be past your decision-making time and the consequences will be yours to bear. You would naturally want to choose the decision that would result in the error you would prefer more which arise from two separate decisions.
Anyway time to get back to HRM, again for those who know, you can twiddle your thumbs or whistle and look around, while I tell the ones who don't know that it stands for Human Resource Management, the subject of my next examination.
Time for me to ruminate about that.
Adios. Pip-pip. Cheerio. And all that rot.

-- Kairav Parikh

When temples are not so pious!

It's the most irritating thing to have a post wiped out thanks to technology. Sigh. Can't be helped though.



Starting afresh. A recent visit to Siddhivinayak Mandir reawakened the question within me. Do the people paying 50 bucks to get ahead of the queue where normal people going to the temple wait, get their prayers answered first by God. I mean is it a FIFO queue (my technical minded friends will know what I'm talking about - for the uninitiated its basically that the first to reach is the first to get service). Forget the 50 buck paying variety what about the biggie stars that are ushered in by temple authorities who then go scurrying about to catch the celebs on camera in their temple. Like seriously, is God not listening to the prayers of the people who wait in line? The time is the same for everyone and as far as i know every single religion says that all people are looked upon as equal by God. So why is there a discrepancy in our treatment of God.



That apart, there was a time when I visited Orissa and we went to a few of the temples there. We couldn't carry leather items inside which meant I left my wallet amongst other things with in the car. There was a serpentine queue inside with plenty of pushing and shoving. Not to mention the security yelling at people and goading them on like animals. They even had sticks in their hands which were pretty menacing. At quite a few places there were priests near the dieties who were asking the people in the queue for money. I mean, normally there is a box or a place where you put whatever you want to, but here they were actually asking the people. And when I said that I don't have my wallet, on more than a couple of occasions I got responses from them as to what the heck I was doing there without money on me. This attitude was quite disgusting.

The other thing that really put me off was that some lecherous males were taking advantage of the confusion and the chaos of the crowd and pawing females who had strayed away from those accompanying them due to the crowd. For heaven's sake, its a temple, don't these people have a conscience. The same applies for pickpockets and thieves at the temples.

Spiritualism, religion, praying, these are all very personal and private things and up to the choice of an individual. Violation of this space is very putting off. I can't be at peace if I have someone harrying me on because I've spent 2 seconds in front of God and he thinks that means my appointment is over. Amen.

-- Kairav Parikh

Let's Go Garba...

Shucks...I really miss those days...back in engg college...when I got to enjoy the simple things in life like garba...now I've got to grapple with things like legal and tax aspects of business...well its not really as bad as I'm probably making it sound...but I did miss out on playing garba this last navratri...and thats a terrible no-no for a Gujju like me...:)...not that I play well...just the spirit and atmosphere thats fun...I remember this one time I dragged my South Indian friend Sid to the dandiya...and he was grateful to me for dragging him along for he sure did have a great time...those were the days...so careless and free...

-- Kairav Parikh

MBA Entrance Prep Material

Very utilitarian post here...

Anyone needing MBA entrance related material for assorted entrance examinations in India or anyone who knows anyone who needs the stuff please contact me within a week otherwise I will make my raddiwalla the recipient of about 10-15 kgs of the stuff...

Was the stuff worth it? Well one has to take the trouble of going through the stuff and solving the practice problems...That was the mantra that was chanted out to us...practice practice practice...i can almost hear it ringing in my ears even now...

getting back to the point of the matter...let me know...else its going going gone...

and somehow stuff like this or any stuff that you are discarding has a habit of being discarded just two days before you or someone else needs it...:)

later then...

-- Kairav Parikh

Another day another exam...

3 out of 11 papers for second semester of MMS first year done...
8 more papers and 15 more days seems quite a long long time before one goes back into the phase of not being pressurised by exams...
we do curse the professors that conduct surprise tests and tests during the semester and the assignments that we get, but when you come to think of it and look back at it, you would probably realise that if all those were done individually and not with one person doing it and the rest mass producing it, then it would be a lot more stress free at exam time...
also these professors are ensuring that the entire onus is not on one end sem exam which more often than not turns out to be a muggu's paradise...

-- Kairav Parikh

Where do you go?

With the modern day craze for hip-hop, heavy metal, rock and electronica, there are few English songs whose lyrics I would like to know leave alone remember. Just a throw back to the days when this song had released and was quite popular, just happened to randomly remember the song, so I wanted to share the lyrics with you. If you've heard it and know the beat do sing it aloud, I wouldn't dare try given the voice I've got - I'd be arrested in no time for killing the song. :)

" Where do you go, my lovely
Where do you go
I wanna know, my lovely, I wanna know

Where do you go, oh oh eh oh
I wanna know, oh oh eh oh
Where do you go, oh oh eh oh...
I wanna know

You leave without a word, no message, no number
And now my head is pounding like rolling thunder
You left me with a heartache deep inside
Girl you should see me cry all night, and I wonder

Everybody says, what a shame, what is wrong
They don't like the game we play
Heard you're hanging round every night until dawn
I'm waiting for you night and day

You gotta break the silence, don't keep me waiting
Just like a river flowing to the sea
You're running back to me
Come hear what I'm saying

Where do you go, My Lovely
I wanna know

Where do you go, oh oh oh...
Where do you go, oh oh oh...
I wanna know
Where do you, where do you go?...

Save me...

Come back and dry the tears, I cried for you baby
You've gotta stop this heartache deep inside
You've gotta help me make it through the night safely
Come back and save me "

Have a great life. Enjoy the day.
-- Kairav Parikh

India-South Africa Test Series - Honours Shared

With the recently concluded India-South Africa Test series ending in a 1-1 draw after India managed to win at a dustbowl in Kanpur, there is bound to be criticism from both domestic and international quarters. Former Indian and international players alike will censure the Indian board and the curator at Green Park, Kanpur for producing a wicket that was conducive to spin bowling. There will be serious questions raised about India not producing "friendly' wickets. All hogwash, after all when India visits England, South Africa or Australia, do they provide us with spin friendly wickets or do they have bouncing, seaming tracks? Any competitive team would play to their own strengths and try to expose the chinks in the oppositions' armour, so I see no reason why India should be criticised for any reason if they won on wickets that helped the spinners. We do know that Indians are good hosts and treat guests equal to God, but that does not mean that we will provide seamer friendly wickets that would play to the advantage of the opposition. \

Sehwag's performance, with the extraordinary 2nd triple century and chipping in with the bowling was commendable. Always a true entertainer, his shorter innings always had a couple of sixes for the spectators. The ball to get Smith bowled around the legs was just brilliant.

Harbhajan with his Man of the Series performance, lead amongst the wicket-takers and it was good to see him gaining in rhythm and bowling well.

Ishant Sharma, after a short injury break, showed us the talent that he possesses which needs to be nurtured so as to stand India in good stead in the future.

Ganguly showed just why its too early to write him off, with splendid consistent performances through the series.

Dhoni has improved by leaps and bounds as a keeper with his keeping showing plenty of improvement with some incredible takes. His astute captaincy in the 3rd and final deciding test with sound bowling changes shows that he is the right captain to lead India in the future.

These were some of the biggest positives for India to take away from the drawn series with South Africa.

-- Kairav Parikh

Quota System - impractical solution

Most alarmingly for the industry, there are enough reports and factual findings that students passing out of premier Indian institutes such as the IIMs and the IITs are not matching industry standards and cannot cope with actual practical scenarios though they may be adept at the theory they have learnt at their institutes. There is a 7th IIM beginning this year. Unfortunately, despite the prestige associated with an IIM, it is not possible for each of the IIMs to share the same quality of faculty and facilities. With increase in the number of IIMs/IITs, there can only be a further dilution in the standards of the students coming out of these institutes. Background based concessions on the basis of OBC/SC/ST etc., can open doors easily for such student whereas, students in the open category have to struggle to even dream of getting into such institutes. For students entering institutes through reservations, if the student has all along had it easy and sailed through the education system piggybacking on category, then it will be a severe impediment to the student while facing a real-life scenario. This would be especially true as the basic foundation is often not strong enough and is allied with the tag of a good institute. Such a situation would be damaging the reputation of the institute, cheating the student himself - as his/her dreams are unfounded by mediocrity, snatching away the chance of meritorious students - those with good scores who will not use any means other than merit to get through, and it will affect the nation on a global platform as well.

-- Kairav Parikh

Siddhivinayak - An extended parking lot?

Come every Tuesday, the area around Siddhivinayak becomes an extended parking lot. Do noise pollution, parking rules not apply on these occasion in the area? Especially since it starts from Monday night and goes on into the wee hours of Wednesday morning. The din, the chaos due to people parking left, right and center is ridiculous. Also, there are late night accidents such as the one shown in the pictures where cars have been known to collide with each other or motorcyclists and as in the picture they even run up on to the road dividers. Meanwhile, residents of the area have to rough through it, in cases where their own buildings become inaccessible.

-- Kairav Parikh

Milkshake with an Arabian Twist

Special imports from UAE. Milkshakes, 'sheiken' not stirred.

Go for Goal

There are times when life seems so complicated and there are times when it does not. The difference between the two occasions is when people put enough effort into planning and more importantly ensuring the implementation of their plans. Unfortunately, people tend to stop after the planning stage which does not give the desired outcome. Next time keep the desired result in mind and know that you should not stop till you have achieved your goal.

Bahrain Grand Prix - Part III

Finally, Massa deservedly took the chequered flag in 1st place followed by his teammate Kimi and the BMWs of Kubica and Heidfeld, the McLaren of Kovalainen. A much better showing for Force India F1 with Fisichella finishing in 12th place and Adrian Sutil the last of the runners in 19th place. Not much attrition in the race and only 3 retirements in the race. As the F1 circus heads to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, Kimi has regained the lead in the Drivers Championship with 19 points and surprise surprise BMW lead the Constructors Championship with 30 points followed by Ferrari and McLaren with 29 and 28 points respectively. It seems like this season may just be a 3 way contest between Ferrari, McLaren & BMW for both the Championships.

Bahrain Grand Prix - Part II

There was some speculation as to whether the Ferraris were running a lighter fuel load as was the case in Malaysia and thus would pit before the BMWs. However, it was the BMW of Kubica that came into the pits first. Kimi came in next and Massa and Heidfeld followed in the next 2 laps. Massa retained his first place after his pitstop while Kimi dropped down to 3rd place behind Webber who still had to stop. Hamilton went past Takuma Sato on the start finish straight and Sato immediately let Hamilton know that he wasn’t letting him through without a battle.

Button’s clash with Coulthard saw him have to retire from the race. Massa’s 2nd pitstop saw him come back out in 3rd behind the two BMW Saubers which were yet to pit. Kubica after leading the race for 2 laps came in for his pitstop which saw him behind the battling Super Aguris and as predicted Takuma Sato was anything but easy to pass. Nelson Piquet Jr. eventually had to reply after his earlier clash and transmission problems. Meanwhile, Hiedfeld was the race leader for a few laps before his 2nd pitstop. Hamilton’s race seemed to have gone all wrong as with 14 laps remaining he was still battling in 14th position. Championship points seemed a distant dream for Hamilton at that point of time in the race. Fisichella was driving a strong race for Force India F1 showing what Dr. Vijay Mallya meant when he said he wants the former Spyker backmarker team to graduate into a midfield team. Alonso was constantly harried by Rubens Barrichello down in 10th and 11th places for the better part of the race.

Bahrain Grand Prix - Part I

The start to the Bahrain Grand Prix was dramatic to say the least. Lewis Hamilton had a terrible start where it seemed like he could just not get off the grid. He dropped down to 7th place before a tangle with Nelson Piquet Jr. (who lost his 2nd gear on the warm-up lap itself) ensured that he lose his nose cone. Massa made a wonderful start which took him past Kubica despite being on the dirty side of the track. Kimi lost out to Kovaleinen at the start but managed to take back the place. Kimi later reeled in Kubica and overtook him with a wonderful mavouevre along the outside of turn 1. Hamilton managed to limp back to the pitstop which dropped him down to 18th place with a lot of work to do in the race. Vettel was out of the race 2 laps into the race. Hamilton took in a lot of fuel in his 11.7 seconds pitstop which could see his race strategy change from a two stop strategy to a one stop strategy. The second Sauber, Hiedfield took fourth place from Kovailenen’s McLaren to leave BMW in 3rd & 4th place. It certainly seems as if Ferrari and McLaren will be given competition from BMW during the course of the season. Two-time world champion Alonso was down in 9th place cutting a sorry figure from his once powerful position. Timo Glock was right on the tail of Alonso, showing where the Renaults figure in the running this season. Massa had another scary moment while lapping Force India F1’s Adrian Sutil. That would have surely caused a lot of anxious moments in the Ferrari camp while all the others would have been watching gleefully. Massa really needs to bring his car home from his winning position if he is to give Kimi any semblance of a fight in this year’s title race.

JBIMS Calling

With the CET written test results out, the scores are evidently much higher than last time round. This makes things tougher to predict in comparison to last year. There are 120 students expected to be with a score of 146 and above. With 17 marks for GD, 17 for PI, 4 for PAR and 2 for WE still to play with, there are plenty of chances for those at the borderline to make it through to a coveted seat at JBIMS. Last time round there was a case of a student with 99.95% not making it through to Bajaj whereas the year before there was an exceptional case of a student with 99.43% making it through. So a concentrated effort without any negative thoughts is the key to making the cut.

Pole on Pole

It is the corniest of lines but just couldn't resist it. For the first time ever BMW Sauber is sitting on Pole with the first Polish driver Robert Kubica who has shown much promise in his brief F1 career. Massa after his strong performances in Friday and Saturday practice sessions has garnered a well deserved second place to complete the first row of the starting grid. Hamilton managed to pip Kimi on row two. This should make for an exciting race indeed on Sunday and I hope that Ferrari can bring both cars home with strong results for both the drivers.

F1 game online

http://www.espnstar.com/formula1/formula1_ingspeedster.jsp
play the simplest of online f1 games here, it recreates the actual tracks that the f1 circus races on.

The five red lights illuminate

The Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend and already Ferrari have dominated the first two practice sessions. Massa has outdriven his teammate Kimi yet again in practice, but let us hope that Massa can carry forward that same performance come Race Day.