Watching the news on Times Now last night made me recall those days when I first saw a live war in television. Flights and bombers zooming in Iraq and Kuwait, first war that was telecasts all over the world. Nothing of it changed the way the war entered 11th day in the Gaza strip, killing civilians and tarnishing school buildings. Palestine and Israel war doesn't seem to end for any good any soon. For a moment it makes us feel if at all we are in the civilized society where every negotiation and dialogue fails to resolve confronting issues between the nations.
My heart started to ache further when the next news in line was of our brave soldiers making it amidst the terrain, cold winds and a fierce enemy marching towards them in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. They are very close to the LOC fighting for the security of our Nation. The cry for a war against terror inside the country is bringing in a cold war in the borders again. Army soldiers are fighting the terrorists and moving forward, leaving behind their families and friends in sheer desperation. It is shame on our country that we don't give due respect to these soldiers who put their lives for the security of the Nation and in turn idolize and cheer cricketers and actors who make the most of fame and money in their professions. There are hundreds of unsung heroes of our Nation whose families are shattered after they had laid down their lives for our homeland security. Unless and until we wake up to the internal and border security of our Nation, no wonder war is always at our door step. We need leaders who would raise their voices and create a sense of fear in Nations to even think of attacking us. We need powerful leaders who can create a sense of security in the minds of Indians and a sense of fear on those who aim against us. According to Bhagavath Gita, " If war is inevitable, fight it with courage." When negotiations fail, and diplomacy disdains, and war become the only way to win for our Nation, let it not be the responsibility of the few soldiers alone, let the whole Nation awake to the call, a call for security and peace of our Mother Land.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
My New Year Post
Year 2009, another new year started with the usual prayers and celebrations. Bringing in new hopes and new expectations. There is so much of energy to sustain throught out this year, face adequate challenges, prepare oneselves for best of opportunities and bring in more success. Success is a huge edifice that can be built with bricks of hardwork, cement called trust, sand called dedication and water called right perceptions and mix it with right attitudes and vision towards certain goals set for this year, both individual and entreprenuel. The goals towards both professional enrichment and personal growth. Wishing my family and friends and all my well wishes and collegues a wonderful and passionate year ahead! Happy New Year
Friday, December 19, 2008
Sculpturing a stone to a success story...
Many a time, lot of things in this world go meaningless and value less, just because they dont happen at the right time, at the right place and with the right people. Lot of talent goes unnoticed because they dont know the way of right exposure. Lot of experience go useless without others learning from it. Lot of efforts result in no visible changes or profits or making a difference. Why does this happen? And how often does this happen. It can happen to anyone, any time and any where. What makes the change? How come some people experience a difference in life? When they find that something called "Right" in all aspects.
There is an inspiring story of two people - simple friends who did simple things in an extra ordinary way. They did not do different things, but did things differently from others around them. A decade of perservarance, warmth and unchanged understanding and equivilibrium of thougts to grow in life. They still remain simple friends who fight, who laugh together and who cry together for ups and downs in life.
It was the beginning of their careers, simple and small pay jobs that kept their kitchen fires running. A small moped that helped them shuttle to office. She used to help him fuel that little vehicle and he used to pool her to office, to avoid the atrocities of heavily crowded city buses, and protecting her from the men who are still meaner in their behaviours in the buses. He used to help her by training during lunch and after office hours on technology that she never understood completely. She used to listen to his classes and suggest improvements. 3 years went off by the time, the little office they worked, had its shutters closed. Just 5 collegues and 3 best friends emerged. First birthday of her child celebrated with the sponsered money from him. She rushed with her last few hundreds to help him take his wife for a surgery. Life unfolded by each other helping in times of need and still managing to look at being something big in the future.
From there they had to take different paths in career, but still remained together in life, with the same care and concern, love and affection. There emerged two interdependent families.
With a huge joint family, little child, sick husband then and a demanding job at a call centre, she shouted at him, when he proposed her to start taking up an MBA course. Finally his cause won. She gave him a direction to move from a training institute to a software career, a dream that he dreamt from his Anna University days as a trainee and student. From then, nothing made them look back.
People looked at them with envy. With always a wrong intention but they never bothered about what others think. What mattered to them was their growth, their children, their families and future. For that if they had to spend time together everyday, they did it. They did not regret for the false looks they had just because its a married man moving with another married woman. Society looks upon you and puts you down, only if there is something for which you should be guilty of. As long as there is no such wrong notions between them, I think that made them never ever bother about all this scrap of the dirty minds. A pious friendship, a carefilled relationship and fathomless affection. Together they toiled towards their growth, worked unearthly hours, shared beautiful thoughts and all good wishes, equally handled issues and troubles on the way, stood besides each other when trauma stuck and started to realise their dreams. Building a success story from scrap is a tiring process, but with someone's faith and confidence, nothing is impossible in this world. Today they inspire youngsters like them to aim big and move forward what ever may be the circumstances. Especially he doesnt give lectures like she does, but his sets examples by his actions. She is an orator and a writer who I think inspires people around. Today she and her husband regard him as one in their family, nothing happens without him at home. His family gets elited with them around. Now they chase each other to grow further big, leaving behind all the tragedies of poverty, vulnerability, fears and insecurities.
Moral of the story: A stone is just a stone unless its in the right sculptures hand.
Bottomline: That is Krishnan Vadivel for me! My Mentor, Guide and a Best Friend.
There is an inspiring story of two people - simple friends who did simple things in an extra ordinary way. They did not do different things, but did things differently from others around them. A decade of perservarance, warmth and unchanged understanding and equivilibrium of thougts to grow in life. They still remain simple friends who fight, who laugh together and who cry together for ups and downs in life.
It was the beginning of their careers, simple and small pay jobs that kept their kitchen fires running. A small moped that helped them shuttle to office. She used to help him fuel that little vehicle and he used to pool her to office, to avoid the atrocities of heavily crowded city buses, and protecting her from the men who are still meaner in their behaviours in the buses. He used to help her by training during lunch and after office hours on technology that she never understood completely. She used to listen to his classes and suggest improvements. 3 years went off by the time, the little office they worked, had its shutters closed. Just 5 collegues and 3 best friends emerged. First birthday of her child celebrated with the sponsered money from him. She rushed with her last few hundreds to help him take his wife for a surgery. Life unfolded by each other helping in times of need and still managing to look at being something big in the future.
From there they had to take different paths in career, but still remained together in life, with the same care and concern, love and affection. There emerged two interdependent families.
With a huge joint family, little child, sick husband then and a demanding job at a call centre, she shouted at him, when he proposed her to start taking up an MBA course. Finally his cause won. She gave him a direction to move from a training institute to a software career, a dream that he dreamt from his Anna University days as a trainee and student. From then, nothing made them look back.
People looked at them with envy. With always a wrong intention but they never bothered about what others think. What mattered to them was their growth, their children, their families and future. For that if they had to spend time together everyday, they did it. They did not regret for the false looks they had just because its a married man moving with another married woman. Society looks upon you and puts you down, only if there is something for which you should be guilty of. As long as there is no such wrong notions between them, I think that made them never ever bother about all this scrap of the dirty minds. A pious friendship, a carefilled relationship and fathomless affection. Together they toiled towards their growth, worked unearthly hours, shared beautiful thoughts and all good wishes, equally handled issues and troubles on the way, stood besides each other when trauma stuck and started to realise their dreams. Building a success story from scrap is a tiring process, but with someone's faith and confidence, nothing is impossible in this world. Today they inspire youngsters like them to aim big and move forward what ever may be the circumstances. Especially he doesnt give lectures like she does, but his sets examples by his actions. She is an orator and a writer who I think inspires people around. Today she and her husband regard him as one in their family, nothing happens without him at home. His family gets elited with them around. Now they chase each other to grow further big, leaving behind all the tragedies of poverty, vulnerability, fears and insecurities.
Moral of the story: A stone is just a stone unless its in the right sculptures hand.
Bottomline: That is Krishnan Vadivel for me! My Mentor, Guide and a Best Friend.
An Year that had been larger than Life 2008
Especially for me, this had been one of the best years in my career and very challenging year overall. An year which had seen the best of time and the worst of slide downs throughout. An year which gathered momentum of all sorts. An year of success and much tiring times.
January 2008: My husband with Aish went to fulfill a long time prayers to Lord Ayyappan .
I was taken by surprise as my interview on "Chennai Sangamam" flashed in NDTV on the Pongal day Jan 15th across India.
February 2008: Winning the EWIT excellence award, especially taking a lead on my role model pushed me to a list of surprises. Most Valuable Player Award from GD for Q1 was one another pleasant surprise
March 2008: Addressing a Women's forum on a International Women's day ignited my spirits all the more. Diagnostics Tool Certification was another technical achievement that I least expected. March 12 marked its significance when my father in law gave me a standing ovation as I went on stage in Music Academy to receive my award. My mom and family stood in applause.
April 2008: Got my visa to US and travelled with family to Michigan in mid April, proving a point to lot of people who thought we would get succumbed to my husbands sickness. Turning negative times to positive opportunities once again proved as my strength.
May 2008: Two things fight to take the first seat... Aishu turned 10 and our visit to Niagara falls. To me its a dream come true. Water Falls excites me always and this Falls made my dream many times, and walking down the Niagara river, I felt an amazing transformation in me
Finally my much awaited dual MBA certificate came in from IGNOU...
June 2008: Visit to Sears Towers Chicago and also getting my 7th EAward at work gave a real boost
July 2008: Kick started a huge responsibility wearing multiple hats at work towards a much required 24*7 concentration and working towards only one goal- a project success.
Aish met Dr Kalam in her school.
September 2008: Spent a good amount of time with my childhood friend Madhuri- a deep dive down a 16 years back school stories... wow, what lives for a life time is the childhood friendships
A new friend sparked my life with the presence on my birthday. Also lost a good friend Radikha, whose untimely death moved me beyond thoughts
October 2008: Completed the largest responsibility entrusted upon me. Started to re vibrate my thoughts in my blog. Thanks to this writing spree that got me introduced to Mrs Sarada Ramani....my ongoing inspiration.
Novemeber 2008: Tears rolled down on the day we went live, as a flag bearer of a project that tested our patience and efforts. Watching Obama transform the American history was another exciting moment. Finally bid adieu to Michigan, that gave me a new and profound energies to look at life...Manjit brought new and real meaning to friendship.
December 2008: Aish winning with her school team in the Inter School Dance fest conducted by kalaignar TV and Abirami Mall, made me recognise a grown up independent child who knows to handle priorities. Still remember the sparks in those four eyes that awaited me in Airport as I came back to India, Aish and Raghu gave me a big hug making me feel proud of my family... without their fullest support, I am sure, I would not have been what I am, my mom and sisters awaited eagerly along with my best friends and my mentor Krishnan and my manager Shankar. Getting back an old and much cherished friendship back in life, is like getting back a lost fortune....sometimes, people and their emotions bring in more happiness than materialistic things. Thanks to this wonderful year, that thought me lot of things that gives me a strength to handle anything in life
January 2008: My husband with Aish went to fulfill a long time prayers to Lord Ayyappan .
I was taken by surprise as my interview on "Chennai Sangamam" flashed in NDTV on the Pongal day Jan 15th across India.
February 2008: Winning the EWIT excellence award, especially taking a lead on my role model pushed me to a list of surprises. Most Valuable Player Award from GD for Q1 was one another pleasant surprise
March 2008: Addressing a Women's forum on a International Women's day ignited my spirits all the more. Diagnostics Tool Certification was another technical achievement that I least expected. March 12 marked its significance when my father in law gave me a standing ovation as I went on stage in Music Academy to receive my award. My mom and family stood in applause.
April 2008: Got my visa to US and travelled with family to Michigan in mid April, proving a point to lot of people who thought we would get succumbed to my husbands sickness. Turning negative times to positive opportunities once again proved as my strength.
May 2008: Two things fight to take the first seat... Aishu turned 10 and our visit to Niagara falls. To me its a dream come true. Water Falls excites me always and this Falls made my dream many times, and walking down the Niagara river, I felt an amazing transformation in me
Finally my much awaited dual MBA certificate came in from IGNOU...
June 2008: Visit to Sears Towers Chicago and also getting my 7th EAward at work gave a real boost
July 2008: Kick started a huge responsibility wearing multiple hats at work towards a much required 24*7 concentration and working towards only one goal- a project success.
Aish met Dr Kalam in her school.
September 2008: Spent a good amount of time with my childhood friend Madhuri- a deep dive down a 16 years back school stories... wow, what lives for a life time is the childhood friendships
A new friend sparked my life with the presence on my birthday. Also lost a good friend Radikha, whose untimely death moved me beyond thoughts
October 2008: Completed the largest responsibility entrusted upon me. Started to re vibrate my thoughts in my blog. Thanks to this writing spree that got me introduced to Mrs Sarada Ramani....my ongoing inspiration.
Novemeber 2008: Tears rolled down on the day we went live, as a flag bearer of a project that tested our patience and efforts. Watching Obama transform the American history was another exciting moment. Finally bid adieu to Michigan, that gave me a new and profound energies to look at life...Manjit brought new and real meaning to friendship.
December 2008: Aish winning with her school team in the Inter School Dance fest conducted by kalaignar TV and Abirami Mall, made me recognise a grown up independent child who knows to handle priorities. Still remember the sparks in those four eyes that awaited me in Airport as I came back to India, Aish and Raghu gave me a big hug making me feel proud of my family... without their fullest support, I am sure, I would not have been what I am, my mom and sisters awaited eagerly along with my best friends and my mentor Krishnan and my manager Shankar. Getting back an old and much cherished friendship back in life, is like getting back a lost fortune....sometimes, people and their emotions bring in more happiness than materialistic things. Thanks to this wonderful year, that thought me lot of things that gives me a strength to handle anything in life
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Fears, Feelings, Failures- Needs Faith to handle them!!!
Recent past had been a witness to the emerging fears across the globe. A hard hit recession, changing job markets, dripping economies, war like terror striking Nations, and suddenly everywhere around, there seems to be a sobre mood. Fears that are weird and varying in nature. Companies are worried how to handle the salaries, jobs, people, expectations, customers, commitments etc. Employees are tight lipped in job insecurity, inflated cost of living, rising prices, and uncertain global scenarios. Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland and many other major indigenous auto companies are showing a slow down. It reminds of the way the Standard Motors came to a standstill in 1980's.
Once glorious cities now fear turmoil beyond repair. One highly paid companies today struggle to manage their balance sheets. We are seeing top companies like Satyam going ahead with acquiring its promoters owned Real estate businesses buying debt, making people wonder what kind of business strategies these are. Infosys took this time to employees to go on salary paid community service time...bringing in new initiatives to serve the society. On the other side, the Indian Auto Industry is creating waves by creating cheap cars. Backed by the quick and rapid moves by RBI and PSU banks towards CRR and cutting down interest rates on the home loans and public borrowing, the Indian financial spectrum is all set to bring the movement necessary is the otherwise standstill consumer market.
One thing that makes everything move forward is a constant faith. Faith in the fact that things will change, and change for good. And this is the time, that we keep our faiths stronger and steadier to move forward amidst any kind of adversity. It is the time, that we all keep our faith in our possibilities, and it is also the time to uphold our faith in the power that is at work behind the veil, faith in the work that is to be done and the offered guidance
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Embajada De Espana - An Introduction to Spain
As the Ice Storm bid adieu to me in Detroit, I planned to reach Airport little earlier than planned. Waiting in the airport lounge, a black American sitting next to me, asked me with a frightful look if I am travelling to India. Thanks to CNN showcasting the Mumbai terror again and again in an television adjascent to us. He gave me a sympathatic look at me. Do I need to fear going back to India? Huh... Was surprised when my co-passenger sitting next to me in the Airplane asked me the same question. Common guys, terror is stricking my Nation, agree..but that doesn't mean that we should not travel to India. Amidst this discussion, emerged a friend from Spain.
Roberto Vazquez Delgado, who works for Dept D'Informatique started to introduce me to Spain. Spain being the second largest country in Western Europe. An invitation to come to Madrid and from there to Barcelona, made me curious about Spain. Today what we realise is a global village. Travel to any part of this world is possible. Learning and adopting to any culture is easy. Making friends world over is a practice. Being at the helm of affairs is an advantage. Information is power. That makes me begin all my plans of my next trip, this time to Spain.
Roberto Vazquez Delgado, who works for Dept D'Informatique started to introduce me to Spain. Spain being the second largest country in Western Europe. An invitation to come to Madrid and from there to Barcelona, made me curious about Spain. Today what we realise is a global village. Travel to any part of this world is possible. Learning and adopting to any culture is easy. Making friends world over is a practice. Being at the helm of affairs is an advantage. Information is power. That makes me begin all my plans of my next trip, this time to Spain.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bye Bye Michigan!
Ironically this happens to be my 100th post in this blog, may be the last one from Pontiac, USA this year, and also happens to be the most cherished post.
When I was coming to US, I was thinking that I would not have anything to leave behind or carry forward other than a Project's destiny and memories of places I visited. But today the story is different. I carry with me the most valuable learnings, enriched individuality, better confidence, best of technical and quality, process and deliverables experience and above all many hearts who wish I would come back. I was infact taken back my pleasant shock when one of my friends here said she would pray hard that my plane gets cancelled!! what a prayer!! Just because I would stay back for a little more time!! Gosh, unbelievable!.
I made good number of friends in my co-workers here especially Lori, Savitha and John.. Outside office, I think the best happened to me are Manjith, Usha aunty, Arul, Pastor Rajan, Kuchmolz aunty, Raj, Sudha Chayya, and ofcourse Madhuri and Srividhya, getting back in life here in USA.
This year had been wonderful with so much of activity and achievements, it is also one of the most excellent years in my career and also in personal life, and probably amidst the recession and its ripple effects, I am still confident that I can make the best of the coming year as well, in terms of learning, growth and putting in my hardwork at work and also confidence that I can make the best of my times ahead. God, thank you for this year, the experience and the opportunity and all the blessings and good things that happened, thank you for the bad things as well, for they change the way we look at life and learn from experiences and become better person. Thanks to all everyone who made this journey especially my manager, my mentor, my friends and my family..above all my little one who cooperated with me being independent and understanding to balance my life so far so good towards growth.
When I was coming to US, I was thinking that I would not have anything to leave behind or carry forward other than a Project's destiny and memories of places I visited. But today the story is different. I carry with me the most valuable learnings, enriched individuality, better confidence, best of technical and quality, process and deliverables experience and above all many hearts who wish I would come back. I was infact taken back my pleasant shock when one of my friends here said she would pray hard that my plane gets cancelled!! what a prayer!! Just because I would stay back for a little more time!! Gosh, unbelievable!.
I made good number of friends in my co-workers here especially Lori, Savitha and John.. Outside office, I think the best happened to me are Manjith, Usha aunty, Arul, Pastor Rajan, Kuchmolz aunty, Raj, Sudha Chayya, and ofcourse Madhuri and Srividhya, getting back in life here in USA.
This year had been wonderful with so much of activity and achievements, it is also one of the most excellent years in my career and also in personal life, and probably amidst the recession and its ripple effects, I am still confident that I can make the best of the coming year as well, in terms of learning, growth and putting in my hardwork at work and also confidence that I can make the best of my times ahead. God, thank you for this year, the experience and the opportunity and all the blessings and good things that happened, thank you for the bad things as well, for they change the way we look at life and learn from experiences and become better person. Thanks to all everyone who made this journey especially my manager, my mentor, my friends and my family..above all my little one who cooperated with me being independent and understanding to balance my life so far so good towards growth.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Few Funny Pictures, I managed to click!
Tried taking a bag from the girl, thought would be too much to carry home
Manjith tried to catch the falling man!!!
One picture most of the girls were clicking with, wondered what, and laughing to myself, I also stood beside this poster. Not a bad idea, to show this to my man and declare something!!! Ofcourse, to pull him at times! Jus Kidding!
Always had a wooden tortoise charm sitting on my laptop which my overseas collegue gifted me, I thought, this time, I would move on with some thing new, and found this little cute things hanging around on my table!!!
Me and My Snowman!
Tried this snow man but started to shiver and ran inside on day one
Finally managed to make another snow man the next day ,and cheered myself by taking a picture with him, before he melted away!!!
Happy ThanksGiving
I am amazed to find this concept of thanks giving celebrated Nation wide in America today. What an inspirational day it is ? How many of us pause for a moment in our lives to look back and thank all the people who brought in a change in our lives? I usually do not believe in celebrating Friendship day, Valentines day, Fathers day and other concepts Archies and other marketers brought in to India in the recent past. I am wondering why the Thanks Giving day had not made popular so far? Is or is not thanks giving a continuous process in our lives. Anyway, what ever may be the argument, I today, had a chance to recall to myself, about all the people who made that small difference to me. I do not want to list them here, and in the process miss someone inadvertently and regret later.
I thank God for this beautiful life, a life well balanced with ups and downs, and for making the person I am. Counting my blessings and thanking god, for the troubles had shown my courage, pain and suffering had increased my inner strength, enduring badness had shown me righteousness, good things and good people inspired me and thanks to all those people who have enriched my experiences and knowledge, wisdom and truth, tranquility and inner peace, friendship and beautiful relationships, a purpose and vision in life to go forward.
Thank You - One word that my english teacher taught me to use as much as you can and when ever necessary, for appreciation strengthens people's relationships and Gratitude is the rightful way to touch a person's soul. Thank you for reading this too!
I thank God for this beautiful life, a life well balanced with ups and downs, and for making the person I am. Counting my blessings and thanking god, for the troubles had shown my courage, pain and suffering had increased my inner strength, enduring badness had shown me righteousness, good things and good people inspired me and thanks to all those people who have enriched my experiences and knowledge, wisdom and truth, tranquility and inner peace, friendship and beautiful relationships, a purpose and vision in life to go forward.
Thank You - One word that my english teacher taught me to use as much as you can and when ever necessary, for appreciation strengthens people's relationships and Gratitude is the rightful way to touch a person's soul. Thank you for reading this too!
Why Mumbai and Why Taj? Time for Homeland Security to be strong
In the wake of the ongoing financial crisis across the globe, India is able to keep proclaiming that we had strong fundamentals, and our banking and financial business houses are stable irrespective of the ripple effect of the economy. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, portrayed a brave picture in spite of the dynamics at Dallal Street. A country whose GDP is steadily increasing and is also able to bring down the inflation to single digit in the recent past, a country which stood tall sending Chandrayan mission to Moon, and who vibrantly displayed the nuclear strength and wealth of our trio forces including army, navy and air force is causing a concern to our neighbours and world nations. India's intellectual brilliance and dependency of the world nations on Indian human potential is one way making it a super power quickly. All we now need are the strong politicians who brings in the required visibility for India, why we should not be called a developed Nation?
Less than a week after Ambika Soni, the Tourism Minister, invited the world to visit India, a hub of spiritual enlightenment and harmonious destination for the troubled world, a hit on the Taj Hotel is quick blow on our tourisim aspirations. In the couple of times, I had the opportunity I had to visit Taj in Mumbai, I found the place is the best destination for foreign tourist, businessmen and industrialists and also for politicians and scientists. Very elegant and poised Taj welcomed guests abroad to make them feel at home. Staying in Fariyaz in Colaba, I took few beautiful walks across the marine drive shore line watching the elegance of the place and the tourist attraction with British chariots entertaining guests.
The process of recovery is long and painful after the terror attacks. It is not easy as said to bring back normalcy. It takes lot more efforts to attract tourists and welcome people, if the finest of hotels are themselves not safe for stay, where else could the world go?. Delhi attacks around Diwali, Goa's ongoing sham of rapes and murders, burning of churches in Orissa, Kerala and Karnataka effecting the sentiments of people, Gujarat riots, Hyderbad attacks, Lucknow and Varanasi temple blasts, and now the Mumbai attacks, all seems to be in a pattern that is aimed to curtail the growth of a Nation. One side Nature is creating havoc with Bihar and Orissa floods and the other side this man-made intimidation is costing us more.
Time to put an end to this unwanted human suffering, create a safe place to live, raise the banners of peace high, and take serious measures aiming at National Security. No concessions to be made to combat terrorism and punish those involved seriously to put an end to this worst game.
Less than a week after Ambika Soni, the Tourism Minister, invited the world to visit India, a hub of spiritual enlightenment and harmonious destination for the troubled world, a hit on the Taj Hotel is quick blow on our tourisim aspirations. In the couple of times, I had the opportunity I had to visit Taj in Mumbai, I found the place is the best destination for foreign tourist, businessmen and industrialists and also for politicians and scientists. Very elegant and poised Taj welcomed guests abroad to make them feel at home. Staying in Fariyaz in Colaba, I took few beautiful walks across the marine drive shore line watching the elegance of the place and the tourist attraction with British chariots entertaining guests.
The process of recovery is long and painful after the terror attacks. It is not easy as said to bring back normalcy. It takes lot more efforts to attract tourists and welcome people, if the finest of hotels are themselves not safe for stay, where else could the world go?. Delhi attacks around Diwali, Goa's ongoing sham of rapes and murders, burning of churches in Orissa, Kerala and Karnataka effecting the sentiments of people, Gujarat riots, Hyderbad attacks, Lucknow and Varanasi temple blasts, and now the Mumbai attacks, all seems to be in a pattern that is aimed to curtail the growth of a Nation. One side Nature is creating havoc with Bihar and Orissa floods and the other side this man-made intimidation is costing us more.
Time to put an end to this unwanted human suffering, create a safe place to live, raise the banners of peace high, and take serious measures aiming at National Security. No concessions to be made to combat terrorism and punish those involved seriously to put an end to this worst game.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Not Again! Stop Killing Innocent People
It gives a deep insecure feeling, seeing people bleeding and dying in Mumbai. The last thing that could be attacked are hospitals, and it's a time to stop the terror. Railway stations, hotels, tourist places, hospitals, shopping areas, temples, trains, buses, and the list goes on n on of all the terror strikes happening in India. Are our cities so vulnerable to terror? This cannot happen without local support and it is a shame to note that our intelligence agencies could do nothing as the country is bleeding one city after the other.
Hundreds of lives thorn into pieces, eighty people dead, ongoing encounter and people held hostage. Its heart- breaking to see the wailing people and their families, to see the injured and dead. Taj stands tall in front of the Arabian Sea retaining the glory of the best hotel in Mumbai. Colaba is a posh southern area where you can see happy tourists riding the horse chariots and taking the boat rides at Gateway of India. All these places are now under terror, pain, and fear. Its time that strict security measures are taken to protect the innocent people. Be it in what ever form of terrorism, this has to stop and stop now.
Government and people should work together to eradicate this contagious terror that is threatening the National Security. If there is something that we can learn from the western world, instead of picking the practices of celebrating valentines day and Halloweens, we should look into the way people handle distress calls, and the importance given to homeland security. Have we ever thought about it, do we have strict visa regulations, do our airports guarded against importing terror, are our borders safe and secure, is our internal police and intelligence strong enough to identify issues before they happen? Are our ministers capable to handle security issues, than to come on live TV and show sympathy every time an adversity happens and talking all parrot talk about compensation, requesting calm, and proclaiming that we condemn this? Who are funding this atrocities and what is the motive behind every blast? There are major hidden questions that need to be answered and uproot the last roots of terror in India, or else, devastating families and deepened scars of insecurity and fear will remain breaking the peace of our homeland.
Hundreds of lives thorn into pieces, eighty people dead, ongoing encounter and people held hostage. Its heart- breaking to see the wailing people and their families, to see the injured and dead. Taj stands tall in front of the Arabian Sea retaining the glory of the best hotel in Mumbai. Colaba is a posh southern area where you can see happy tourists riding the horse chariots and taking the boat rides at Gateway of India. All these places are now under terror, pain, and fear. Its time that strict security measures are taken to protect the innocent people. Be it in what ever form of terrorism, this has to stop and stop now.
Government and people should work together to eradicate this contagious terror that is threatening the National Security. If there is something that we can learn from the western world, instead of picking the practices of celebrating valentines day and Halloweens, we should look into the way people handle distress calls, and the importance given to homeland security. Have we ever thought about it, do we have strict visa regulations, do our airports guarded against importing terror, are our borders safe and secure, is our internal police and intelligence strong enough to identify issues before they happen? Are our ministers capable to handle security issues, than to come on live TV and show sympathy every time an adversity happens and talking all parrot talk about compensation, requesting calm, and proclaiming that we condemn this? Who are funding this atrocities and what is the motive behind every blast? There are major hidden questions that need to be answered and uproot the last roots of terror in India, or else, devastating families and deepened scars of insecurity and fear will remain breaking the peace of our homeland.
Missing the first man in my life!
There could be no better day to recall a person who cherished in my dreams, who nurtured me as a kid, who loved me more than any one else could, and dreamt all my dreams even before me. November 26th happens to be one such day, that the recollection of those wonderful days enrich my day and re-vibrate my energies to the fact that I have to fulfill some one's visions for me. The best I could do, is to make his dreams come true. His pride in me to multiply where ever he is. His blessings to shower upon like ever and his spirit guiding me always.
A Man with Smile. That's how I remember this great man who happens to be the first and for the most part of my childhood, the only man whom I knew. He taught me my first words, walked with me my first steps, pampered me with first toys and gifted me first books. He taught me that reading improves your knowledge, your vocabulary, your communication skills and also your creativity. His love was so simple and vast that I haven't seen him hurting anyone in life. A man of passions, love for his family, devotion to god, work is worship and a great neighbour and friend. Even after 16 years that he disappeared into the god's kingdom, he is still alive in thoughts and memories of not just his family, but his friends and neighbours. No wonder, we are lucky. I am proud that he happened to me in life as my great DAD!!! Happy Birthday Daddy, though I know we don't have you today amidst us, you are in our thoughts and our focus in life towards goodness and growth. The smallest tribute we can pay for you would be to bring in smiles of people around us, be sincere in all our work, dream big and work towards it and keep up the basic values of life that you enriched in us. Love you Nana!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Flast Fliers in Life
Few people stay in your life all the time, they stand beside you in thick and thin, share your everyday activity, keep knowing every aspect of your life, and they just go on. Few people come at some part of your life, make a huge impact on your thinking, feelings, activities and go off. People who are there always may or may not influence you to the extent than these Flash Fliers in life. Its the difference of a usual sea or an occasional tsunami.
One person pulled me to walking everyday for half hour, saying why the hell am I spending all my time on the laptop! We walked miles and miles, sharing the sun, frenzy weather, fearful winds, snow showers and with all this our thoughts. We travelled back to three decades, memories that age more than my own age, and became an ardent listener always. The other person spent most of the weekends with me, With all their permissions, I would like to write about these two special people I came across in my recent past.
Just a fortnight before the well planned travel to USA, 35 years back, a 36 year old woman with 4 children aged between 5 and 10, faced one of the most difficult adversity. The sudden death of her husband. All the relatives who eagerly awaited for the family suddenly disappeared. Friends kept a distance. But her convictions were strong and she made the bold decision to still go ahead with the travel. This time, she had to handle it all herself. 7$ per person was what was allowed to be carried and lot more shocks awaited her in a cold country. Jersey City welcomed her with a cold shoulder, with absolutely no people to support or guide. Though born in a wealthy business family, she had to restart everything afresh. Did different jobs that she did not even want to recall to feed her children, working night shifts, making food for neighbours in the morning and baby sitting forgoing her few hours of sleep during day. In all her 30 plus years of stay in US, she never owned a vehicle. I was shocked to know that for a month we could not manage with out a car here. Not a single time, she went to a restaurant nor bought shoes costing more than $10.
As the roads took new turns in life, there emerged four success stories. One daughter as a senior vice president in a leading bank, other two daughters running their own pharmacy' s and medical aid centres, and her son who is a leading Auditor and an upcoming solicitor. Today when her family meets at her apartment in Jersey, she is embarrassed with 3 BMWs and couple of Ferrari's coming down at her parking lot, envying her neighbours. Summer comes, she is again busy making her dhoklas, papads, and roti's this time not for 4 but 7 of her grand children who eagerly awaits her in every summer. One way, I felt that I found my mom in Michigan.
I saw a pain in her eyes when I went to tell her that I am leaving. May be she found someone to share after many years, few moments to say, Ho, Ya and walk ahead with smiles. Yes, looks like I rekindled her emotions, and am writing this here, only to inspire people like me, that no adversity is difficult not to cross. All it needs is a strong conviction, determination, will power, enormous amount of self less love and sacrifice, hard work and perseverance. As she set back to Jersey city, from Pontiac for Thanksgiving this week, I know she is a flash flier in my life. I may not see her again but her spirit and determination had definitely made an influence on me! People who make a difference!
One person pulled me to walking everyday for half hour, saying why the hell am I spending all my time on the laptop! We walked miles and miles, sharing the sun, frenzy weather, fearful winds, snow showers and with all this our thoughts. We travelled back to three decades, memories that age more than my own age, and became an ardent listener always. The other person spent most of the weekends with me, With all their permissions, I would like to write about these two special people I came across in my recent past.
Just a fortnight before the well planned travel to USA, 35 years back, a 36 year old woman with 4 children aged between 5 and 10, faced one of the most difficult adversity. The sudden death of her husband. All the relatives who eagerly awaited for the family suddenly disappeared. Friends kept a distance. But her convictions were strong and she made the bold decision to still go ahead with the travel. This time, she had to handle it all herself. 7$ per person was what was allowed to be carried and lot more shocks awaited her in a cold country. Jersey City welcomed her with a cold shoulder, with absolutely no people to support or guide. Though born in a wealthy business family, she had to restart everything afresh. Did different jobs that she did not even want to recall to feed her children, working night shifts, making food for neighbours in the morning and baby sitting forgoing her few hours of sleep during day. In all her 30 plus years of stay in US, she never owned a vehicle. I was shocked to know that for a month we could not manage with out a car here. Not a single time, she went to a restaurant nor bought shoes costing more than $10.
As the roads took new turns in life, there emerged four success stories. One daughter as a senior vice president in a leading bank, other two daughters running their own pharmacy' s and medical aid centres, and her son who is a leading Auditor and an upcoming solicitor. Today when her family meets at her apartment in Jersey, she is embarrassed with 3 BMWs and couple of Ferrari's coming down at her parking lot, envying her neighbours. Summer comes, she is again busy making her dhoklas, papads, and roti's this time not for 4 but 7 of her grand children who eagerly awaits her in every summer. One way, I felt that I found my mom in Michigan.
I saw a pain in her eyes when I went to tell her that I am leaving. May be she found someone to share after many years, few moments to say, Ho, Ya and walk ahead with smiles. Yes, looks like I rekindled her emotions, and am writing this here, only to inspire people like me, that no adversity is difficult not to cross. All it needs is a strong conviction, determination, will power, enormous amount of self less love and sacrifice, hard work and perseverance. As she set back to Jersey city, from Pontiac for Thanksgiving this week, I know she is a flash flier in my life. I may not see her again but her spirit and determination had definitely made an influence on me! People who make a difference!
The Faith Family
Its just few months now that I am associated with a group of people following a different religious path of mine, but still who accepted me with open arms of warmth and friendship. Religion to me is a way of living and is not a way of discrimination, after being born and educated in a different religions, to me, all faiths are like different roads to reach the final destination. A realisation of a supreme power. A belief of an power that is beyond man. A destination that is at the end of our life's journey.
Less did I ever thought that I would leave behind people who would cherish my memories with them in the past many months in USA, who acknowledged that I made a difference in their lives and in a way who told me that I inspired them. I am embarrassed. When a family of 60+ people stood yesterday in prayer thanking God that they had a chance to meet me, and putting a special prayer that I should have travel mercies and all success mercies in future, I felt a moment back in the glory of my Alma mater. When people hugged me with wishes that I come back, with a thought that I would keep in touch, and with a happiness of having met me and had a chance to be my friends, I had no words. End of the day, we all met and departed as Indians in America. I now realised that I am not only going to carry back home, a project success, but also the baggage's of love that these people filled in my life. One thing I realised, no matter where you are, its your attitude that makes you get the right people in life, and I am happy I did manage to find so many hearts wishing me all the best as I travel back home..
Less did I ever thought that I would leave behind people who would cherish my memories with them in the past many months in USA, who acknowledged that I made a difference in their lives and in a way who told me that I inspired them. I am embarrassed. When a family of 60+ people stood yesterday in prayer thanking God that they had a chance to meet me, and putting a special prayer that I should have travel mercies and all success mercies in future, I felt a moment back in the glory of my Alma mater. When people hugged me with wishes that I come back, with a thought that I would keep in touch, and with a happiness of having met me and had a chance to be my friends, I had no words. End of the day, we all met and departed as Indians in America. I now realised that I am not only going to carry back home, a project success, but also the baggage's of love that these people filled in my life. One thing I realised, no matter where you are, its your attitude that makes you get the right people in life, and I am happy I did manage to find so many hearts wishing me all the best as I travel back home..
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Fun in Sand - Sauguatek Dune Rides
The songs of the deserts are sometimes heard in the roaring silence of the winds and the magnificence of the rides down the sands towards the freezing lakes
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