This world, My greatest teacher! (1)

Stepping out of the house opens up new avenues to our way of thinking. A sense of responsibility is developed and we are answerable to ourselves for every deed done. There are two ways of looking at this scenario, a few people take it too seriously and accept it as a challenge whereas other type of people get totally drenched into the fun due to this completely changed phase of life.

I would fall into the second category now. I naturally had a feeling of nervousness after dropping into this alien land. Conversion mentality prevented me from calling home when the call would cost merely a buck but equivalent to 42 Indian Rupees, that was partly because I had lost one dollar after dialing wrong STD code!!!How can anyone insert dollars into cart machine when one can see no carts in there? It all reasons down to jittery feeling and a bit of ignorance due to lack of traveling experience.

Conversion mentality takes a lot of time to get overcome at least till you find a source of income for yourself.I laugh at myself for how I used to think when I look back at first 10 days in here. No one would dare to walk for 2 hours to bring grocery ( heavy stuff like rice ) and stubbornly refuse to take a cab or at least enquire about the bus timings.Day and night I would worry about how to meet expenses, fight too hard to find room mates to share the rent with , it was just too much tension and worries.Now the guy is spending , God knows how much, on booze every week!! Not because he is earning too much money, but because he knows how to enjoy life!

Meeting different people and taking good things from them is currently what's there in the process.It will be talked about in the subsequent blogs.

Lesson 1: Things do fall in place, it's only a matter of going through the process while keeping a cool head on your shoulders. Things have got to move on , life can't be stagnant.

Experience begets Faith

You can love him for your well being or hate him for your personal tragedies but you certainly cannot ignore the supernatural power called GOD. It does exist and wanders constantly around us without our awareness. Not everybody is a great fan of keeping belief in such divine powers because one is able to overcome problems with ease or may be the problems aren’t big enough. The crucial part is that when these minor problems grow big on you , you have got to throw all your egoistic, preconceived notions in the dustbin and start experiencing a new outlook towards life , in short start searching for GOD.

A theory without experience is as good as a fiction and probably that’s why theory doesn’t get accepted into the so called intellectual human minds till it is actually experienced in real life. A boy refusing to accept HIS existence suddenly changes his outlook and becomes a devout follower of certain deity is not a very rare phenomenon. This happens as an aftermath of what he experiences when he finds himself into fix and all exit doors shut. He is suffering from a normal fever which can be termed as influenza and thus lying on the bed in a helpless fashion. Fever starts engulfing him from top to bottom and caretakers keep on putting more and more blankets onto him. He is shivering so all the fans in the bedroom are turned off. The windows are shut, lights are put off. He is administered prescribed medicines which probably put him to sleep. Everyone goes out of the room after making sure that patient is sleeping.

After some time, suddenly patient gets up and starts feeling strangled. The reason is quite obvious. He feels like a guy buried under loads of worries which are analogous to the blankets, mired in the sadness with no solution to get out of it, things are stagnated. Someone really needs to get this moving. This boy suddenly gets out of his bed and starts crying hoarse. May be this is the kind of catharsis he needs through which he can throw out all the distressing things. Everybody all of a sudden rushes into the room and starts attending to him. Mom takes him into her arms and asks caringly about what happened. He can’t explain anything but somehow manages to point out that he can’t breathe. Naturally all the windows and doors are opened and fans are turned on. Mom starts praying and everybody else looks to soothe his nerves. Mom tells him to chant a few lines from a holy book and start imagining positive things. He lies down again with his eyes closed practicing prayer much to the surprise of everybody as he never did this before.

He really needs a savior at this point of time and most importantly he himself feels the need of one. After a few unnerving moments, he can feel the caring hand caressing him and unblocking the respiratory tract. He can very much feel his presence into and around him. A flash of realization dawns upon him and makes him feel so ungrateful for his earlier notions. He feels so much better now which enables everyone heave a sigh of relief.

A person suffers more because of the mental blocks than because of the physical worries. That’s when the need of God is felt. The God never fails to come to the rescue if the worries are addressed to him wholeheartedly. Faith can make all things possible where a mere intelligence is never good enough. Most of us suffer from a ‘ FAITHOPHOBIA’ .So get rid of this unfounded fear and experience a better life full of trust , spirituality and an ultimate well being!

The Best Day of My Life

Guys, this isn't written by me but this article revitalizes my inner hidden energies every time I go through it. A sheer optimism and gratefulness for the Almighty are the main highlights. It oozes positivity and keeps one aware of how lucky he or she is for merely existing on this wonderful planet earth. A simple prayer type essay is an example of how one can redefine one's life by a mere change of perspective about the simplest of things happening in day to day life.

The Best Day Of My Life


Today, when I awoke , I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever!

There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did ! And because I did I 'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings and , yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.

I will go through this day with my head held high and a happy heart. I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today , I will share my excitement for life with other people. I will make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know. Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is , and I'll tell someone I love just so deeply I care for her and how much she means to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has given for me. I 'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his divine plan ensures that everything will be just fine.

And tonight before I go to bed, i will go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow , I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contended child, excited with expectations because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

By, Gregory M Lousig-Nont , Ph.D.
Source- Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul

EGO: Keep it at arm's length

Yes….They finally broke up. Five years of close friendship ended like a flash in the pan . It’s hard for them to come to terms with it so fast,the enormity of disaster hasn’t sunk in as yet. Digesting such an astronomical devastation is always going to be a tough ask. They wonder how can it happen all of a sudden, like a bolt from the blue? A few moments of intimacy are still lingering in their minds that happened not so long ago.They still believe that they are together having a ball, enjoying every little moment of their togetherness. They were like a single soul occupying two different bodies a few days ago and…. Now those two bodies are soul less , have lost their charm and are still searching for their lost liveliness. Everything has come to a standstill now which looked quite nimble a few days ago.All of this makes us wonder as to can it really happen in real life? It seems like a perfect stereotype film story in which characters break up with their partners as easily as they break a coconut. This just goes to show flaws in human nature, its fleeting, capricious nature which really is quite dangerous. Human being is more unpredictable than any other entity in this world. The incident brings forth dark side of emotions which shows an immediate effect on the relation with close buddies.We often take close people for granted who often give us the chance to flaunt our egos. Human is a very selfish animal which needs a stamp of importance to satiate the seething quest for gaining attention. People close to heart often have to bear the brunt as they become a very soft target to achieve this selfish objective. So the break up isn’t surprising if we understand this problem of ego clashes which tears apart relations and creates a gloomy atmosphere for the concerned persons.I still don't understand how can EGO be the FOUNTAINHEAD of human progress???

Sports: A sheer pleasure for those who understand

I have been associated with all kinds of sports from my childhood. Cricket tops the favorites’ list , which actually goes without saying considering an amazing craze for this game in the country. I have realized that nothing can bring as much a joy as playing and experiencing sheer thrill in any sport. I have played cricket for my school and various clubs and understand this game pretty well.It’s not how well you can play the game but how quickly you can learn the same is important. I have known many guys who were quite ordinary when they started playing but improved by leaps and bounds as they kept practicing. Deriving a joy out of the game is the paramount point to be given attention to by those who play sports.

Sport turns introvert guys into extroverts , inculcates tremendous sense of team spirit, teaches us to take failures in our stride and underlines the fleeting nature of success. Sport is a great leveler, so it always keeps players on their toes. It helps develop a great physique which keeps ailments away. ‘Sound mind in sound body’ is quite an apt old adage. A sports science is taught in corporate offices nowadays because of the resemblances sport bears with the corporate life. Career is never a ‘ 9 to 5 job’ for professional players similarly it’s never quite a smooth ride for top corporate officials.Roller coaster rides are daily affairs for these people.Sport science assists them tackle those.( remember corporate workshops held by Harsha Bhogle, an IIM graduate, who knows importance of sports.)

Joy is an integral part of any sport. It’s not a win or a loss but the pleasure it brings is immense, at the same time it amounts to frustration in some cases. That’s precisely what is not expected. People put a lot of passion and efforts just to win and when things don’t work correctly it leads to a so called humiliation. Sportsman’s spirit comes into picture over here. As long as passion is still alive, victory or defeat is immaterial. So in today’s time , when youths spend most of their time in front of idiot boxes, it’s high time to go out and play sport of their liking.

The most annoying Indian expressions.

Recently in Sunday Times , I happened to come across one fine, hilarious article.It talks about words that come together to imply a common truth but when delved deeper it leads to absolutely nothing.These are termed as Annoying Expressions by the writer. Moreover there are expressions used in Free India excessively some of which don’t even make any sense.Some do explain the ideas but they have been used so much by all kinds of people that they have lost their meaning.Here are some of these which keep us thinking about their meaning and ultimately force us to convulse into laughter.

A Digital Divide

This is catchy hence seems interesting. But the distinction between the rich and the poor is an ancient phenomenon which is least meaningfully expressed through ownership of computers.In fact the expression ‘rich poor divide’itself is meaningless because nobody is rich unless there are the poor and vice versa.Yet, so powerful is nonsense that the very idea of digital divide has made Indian government foolishly spend crores on procuring computers for starving farmers.

Anti incumbency factor

Usually used by psephologists when they want to say, “ We don’t understand these bloody illiterate voters”.

Indomitable spirit of Mumbai

The habit of people in the financial capital taking the trains a day after a terrorist strike or biblical floods.The expression is usually used by people who don’t take trains.

Indian Culture

Used chiefly by Indian males who have not read enough to know that other nations too have culture! The expression is always invoked to address the modernity of women.

Indian Brain

An illusionary organ claimed by Indians mistaking the success of IITians as a consequence of a common national intelligence. This is used in the context of other illusionary concepts like “ IT boom” and “ Software Superpower”.

“ I am in search of my identity”

A ritualistic quote of creative people when they have just become famous.

“ I was misquoted”

A statement of a celebrity in reaction to his or her quote in a newspaper after parents and friends took offence.

“Off the record”

“ I may be lying”

Paradigm Shift

An expression used by MBA graduates when they want to say that they do not know what they are talking about.It is often accompanied by ‘ synergy’ and ‘ leverage’.

Women on top

A headline found on glossy paper.It is used to signify a triumph of women.Like when they say,” storm the male bastion”.Women on top is interchangeable with “ GIRL POWER” and this is often followed by one or more exclamation marks.

Maiden bowls them over.

No idea what that means. Lol

“ Rekha is an enigma”

Rekha is not giving interviews!!!

The power of nonsense is truly immense , it is in fact , a relentless cultural force that is far more influential than sense.

Aditya Joshi...courtsey TIMES OF INDIA

A demigod or just an extraordinary HUMAN BEING….????

A kidlike face, diplomatic style of speaking, a determination quite visible in those innocent eyes, face oozing with tremendous confidence, a paragon of modesty, style and grace synonymous with his name…He is our very own , Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar.. This genius made his test debut at the age of 16 in Karachi against the likes of Younis , Akram spitting fire at the speed of knots. When he walked in , those fireballs started passing by his nose on the way to the keeper when he could hear only the sound of the wind as they passed by. He said to his partner,”I can’t see what’s being thrown at me”.One Younis bouncer smashed his helmet and severly damaged his nose.He had to take off his helmet , thus emerged a gory face which looked astonishingly determined to tackle more of such deadly bouncers.Non striker Sidhdhu made a reference of this incident in one of his talks and flabbergasted everyone.After being treated upon his nose, he decided to stay on. He didn’t score many in his debut test but made a graceful half century in that series . That particular injury incident marked the beginning of a Sachin era in Indian cricket.

Highest century maker in both forms of the game, highest run getter in the shorter version of the game and with several other records to his credit, he has become a national icon and a blue eyed boy of Indian cricket. Indian cricket fans have not only treated him as a great player but have gone as far as putting him in place of GOD.Fanatic as the Indian cricket lovers are, Sachin and many other stalwarts of Indian cricket have been exalted to the level , no Indian has so far managed to reach in terms of popularity. The dark side of their fanaticism has forced these demigods to bear the brunt of it and constantly carry the weight of expectations whenever they go out in the middle. Sachin has carried that weight with utter ease but 16 years of dedicated service has certainly started taking its toll on his body. His whimsical fans have now started to raise questions over his commitment and even the talent which seems preposterous to say the least.

He has often been blamed for not performing when team needs him the most to deliver.This brings out disappointment of his fans whenever he doesn’t perform. It’s true to a certain extent but it’s totally upto us to understand and follow the game with reasonable expectations from the players. Passion is an integral part of the game but whenever players don’t live up to the expectations it’s better to accept it as a part and parcel of the game.At the same time whenever players do well, the publicity and the flattering should stay within certain limits for this emotional response blows up the bubble of expectations. It’s high time we understand this and imbibe in our mind to prevent embarrassing situations we often find ourselves in. The demolishing of houses , stone pelting at the player’s residences, burning of their effigies definitely put forth our callow nature.Sachin is going through a phase in his career when the age has started to degrade his performances. Graceful exit is all what is needed because booing the great players out of the game is like showing disrespect to several years of fabulous service they did to this wonderful game.Don’t forget Sachin’s gallant innings at Sharjah, his nearly match winning knock in the Chennai test, brutal assault against Warne in 1998, admiration from the greatest of greatest Sir Don Bradman. This is enough to regard him as one of the great cricketers but that doesn’t make him a GOD who is an invincible batter. Keep him within the humans yet identify him as the second to none. Take a bow for such a glorious , rocking and astoundingly consistent career.