The Sachin I know
A wonderful write-up by Harsha Bhogle on Sachin's 20 year's of International Cricket.
Posted using ShareThis
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Lion-heart player; Chicken-hearted team
The final ball of first inning. He guarded the deep cover boundary. Batsman whacks the ball in about 10 feet’s distance. He latches at it and plunges the most spectacular catch. The dismal fielding performances until now, by the young guns, get cover from the veteran, not until the opponents have piled a mammoth 350.
He opened the innings alongside the ‘Dynamite’. Rest what followed is a golden history. The ‘Dyno’ exploded for a brief period. The ‘Golden boy’ and the ‘Flair boy’ returned soon. With them hopes too. The team gave up. The spectators, turned off.
Meanwhile the cuts, the pulls, the drives and the scoops made an evening delicacy for the Hyderabad folks. He defended, he ran, he danced down and he smashed. The ‘Rising hope’ accompanied him well until the rush of blood made him prey. He makes a century, and a half and marches for a double when the chicken-hearts denied him strike and gifted the match away.
Every run he scores is a landmark. Every century he scores is feather on cap. He has all, but is humble as a child. Most runs, most matches, man of the matches, centuries, half’s and many more. Such is a person, Sachin is his name.
Salute!
(Sachin’s ODI hundred against Australia was a superb batting spectacle. The audacity of run scoring was at its peak. Nothing is blissful then watching Sachin bat, as he did in Hyderabad.)
He opened the innings alongside the ‘Dynamite’. Rest what followed is a golden history. The ‘Dyno’ exploded for a brief period. The ‘Golden boy’ and the ‘Flair boy’ returned soon. With them hopes too. The team gave up. The spectators, turned off.
Meanwhile the cuts, the pulls, the drives and the scoops made an evening delicacy for the Hyderabad folks. He defended, he ran, he danced down and he smashed. The ‘Rising hope’ accompanied him well until the rush of blood made him prey. He makes a century, and a half and marches for a double when the chicken-hearts denied him strike and gifted the match away.
Every run he scores is a landmark. Every century he scores is feather on cap. He has all, but is humble as a child. Most runs, most matches, man of the matches, centuries, half’s and many more. Such is a person, Sachin is his name.
Salute!
(Sachin’s ODI hundred against Australia was a superb batting spectacle. The audacity of run scoring was at its peak. Nothing is blissful then watching Sachin bat, as he did in Hyderabad.)
यह दिल मांगे मोर .......
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Rich Dad Says…
Robert Kiyosaki, a fourth generation Japanese-American, a well know tycoon in financial education of this generation, a renowned author of the best selling book Rich Dad Poor Dad and the series of books that followed, has touched a delicate aspect of human life where one attempts for the better financial achievement along with health and peace. In his uniquely simple, yet professional technique, he has put forward the very essence of ones life. For him preaching financial intelligence amongst the masses is as important as providing the basic education. He also criticizes the schools for averting our society from such teachings. Following are few note-worthy tips advocated by him.…a person may generate income by being an Employee, or by being Self-Employed, or by starting his own Business, or by operating as an Investor. He represents this in a diagram made up of four quadrants. While all four quadrants have its merits and limitations, none is better than another. The person may operate in either of them to make a better living. Each has its own measures of success and failures. An individual’s decision to work-out in either of the quadrant depends mainly on the core values he possesses. The strength of dream and the will to sacrifice plays an important role in success of a being. In his book Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert throws light on the reason for people choosing the comfort quadrant and grounds for their success and failure. The Employees and the Self-Employed earn their income from their jobs and spend it over expenses while the Businessmen and Investors generate it though asset holdings.
…the phrase “Go to school, get good grades, and find a safe, secure job” is absurd in today’s fast growing and ever-evolving world. The advice stood good during the industrial age. But the changing times of Information age has proved otherwise. Schools do not teach the vital subject of money as the teachers could barely preach them to students. Hence, the students are deprived from the financial freedom. Robert tutors the financial aspect through books, seminars and board games.
…Robert entices people to know the difference between an Asset and a Liability. He explains an Asset as the holding that puts money in your pocket and the Liability as that take it out. Contrary to the general belief Robert argues that a person’s house is his Liability, as it burns his money with the day-to-day expenses.
…it is quintessential to make it a habit of paying yourself first. This means to treat your investments as top priority expenses and habitually pay them first. The monthly bills and other intrinsic expenses must give way for them. Robert challenges to have about 30% of your income get into investments on a monthly basis. His noble advice is to keep the expenses down until the investments reap results.
…to gain financial education means to gain understanding of one’s cash flow statement. The Cash flow statement portrays the sources from which the income is generated and the various ways it is taken out. It states whether the income is passive (generated through investments) or generated from the four quadrants. More passive the sources, better is the financial understanding and near is the financial freedom. An investment may be done for generation in cash flow or for the capital gains. Robert recommends to be sure of the rationale behind it.
…in the game of money, says Robert, to find a mentor. If the monetary figures terrorize you, find an expert who is wholeheartedly willing to scale up your knowledge and investment. He persuades to gain knowledge by reading financial journals and attending seminars. In the times of Information age, one has access to tremendous stock of knowledge. Only the appropriate source has to be found. Robert also cautions against the agents who are always on hunt of your money.
…by following the simple steps one may climb up the financial ladder. Money is something that can be your supervisor and also can it be your subordinate. Today the education system has made plenty of subordinates. But if one gains knowledge and becomes smarter, he can be the supervisor and make money work for him. Wealth, describes Robert, as the time your money can help you survive if at all you stop working for it.
Although, this is a glimpse of a floating iceberg, I urge you to gather more information about Robert Kiyosaki and his teachings by reading his books. His books namely ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’, ‘Cashflow Quadarant’ and ‘Increase your Financial IQ’ are a must seen over your bookshelf.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
A Buffet Decode
Warren Buffet, a man with his foresight, courage, perseverance and confidence has rode against tide, and perhaps times, to emerge victorious in the game called life. His wisdom, though globally criticized, has weathered the financial Tsunami and has laid a highway where-in the young aspirants can speed away their career wagon. Today it’s not only important but also apparent that his foot steps being thoroughly observed and followed.
Simplicity
From the time Buffet began his career as an investor he constantly choose simplicity over complexity. The familiar businesses which involved buying and trading of goods are his favorite and obvious choices. He purposely has stayed away from the hi-tech businesses such as IT sector for he’s unable to understand the rationale behind them. He invests in the businesses which he understands and seems to have a predictable future. His focus is on buying the shares of companies with great management and not for the sky high claims made by the rest. He advices to buy shares at a reasonable price and hold them for the entire life. This basic investment principle seems forgotten in the buying-selling mayhem of today.
Decisions
Buffet was visibly upset when he said that the so-called experts are to be blamed for misguiding the society and causing the universal financial slaughter. He has always used his own knowledge and expertise for the investment decisions. The experts, the analysts and the so called Guru’s, have no place in his calendar. He suggests checking their intent while they promote a stock or mutual fund to you. Usually the high-yield funds are more risky but bear huge commissions to these brokers. On the contrary he challenges one to gain basic knowledge in accounting which helps in interpreting the financial statements. In the long run, the investment in education will prove the results by itself. Post an investment set aside your entire panic factors. Even after an abrupt crash, hold on to your nerve and keep faith in your business. While others run away on some expert opinion, apply your skill and understanding before making a hasty decision.
Faith and Perseverance
Perseverance is a principle unearth from nature. It can be best explained with an example of farming. During the seasons, the farmers sow seeds. They protect the seedlings from all possible threats. They keeping watering and pasturing them with a hope that one day the sowed seed will sprout out and enrich the entire farmland with crop. The harvest will yield them return enabling a year’s living. Buffet promotes nature’s principle of sowing and reaping. He advises to buy, protect and believe in your investment. Persevere with it for a longer period which, as a principle, will guarantee result in future. Let the time take control of your investment while you, as a farmer, keep protecting and praying. Remember, inconsistency and panic can slay the entire yield.
Buy Businesses, not stocks
Businesses are meant to be constant, while the stocks are volatile. The fluctuations in the price of shares may occur due to reasons other than the underling principles of business. Often they are manually altered setting an emotional outburst within an investor. The hyperactivity in prices may lure an investor into a financial trap. Hence, it is apparent to get inside the core principles of the business and the people handling them. As Buffet says “Great people make great businesses”. Buying the stocks of sound business will ensure the steady returns while the good management will secure the companies future. This business-management mix provides an investors’ paradise. It’s not what you sale, but how long can you sell?
Be Opportunist
The stock market is the place where the emotions keep flowing as swift as a flooded river running downwards through the huge mountains. Usually the buying-selling decisions are taken over the tips gathered from the so called experts. People, alike the ship-herd, follow the best player even if the consequences may lead them into a financial turmoil. Thousands are slaughtered ruthlessly when this ship herd mentality creep in. During such lucrative times, Buffet advices to make decisions based on ones own assessment and adhere to the basic principles of investment. When the herd sells, the time is on for big purchases. Evaluate the correct price and pour into sound businesses. The downturn provides an opportunity for the professional and educated investor. By being an opportunist, Buffet doesn’t mean to swing at every pitch. He means simply awaiting the right opportunity to invest in your circle of business.
‘Mr. Market’ and the ‘Margin of Safety’
Mr. Market, describes Buffet, as your business partner-one with enormous emotional eruption within, who is influenced day in and day by the quoted prices and is allured to make buying and selling decision around it. When he’s elated, he dwells about every good part of business. He sells you his stock but within is afraid about you reaping huge return that he would miss. When he’s down he only sees trouble. He is terrified that you will sell him the depleted stock and tries enticing you by putting a lower price tag on shares.
Buffet warns never to fall under Mr. Market’s influence. Mr. Market will be there day in and day out. He’ll be back tomorrow if you have ignored him today. He’ll continue to offload his stakes with lucrative offers. He’ll play with your emotions over and over again. At such stage, advises Buffet, to check and study the moods of Mr. Market and take a wise decision. Use Mr. Market as a metaphor that every value investor should use to access the prices and opportunities.
Margin of safety means the difference between the ‘Price of stock’ to the ‘Value of business’ with the former better over the price. The bigger the gap, better for the business and ultimately better for the stakeholders.
Be Informed
Information plays a vital role while trading stocks. Keep your eyes and ears open, apply the knowledge and act sensibly. There is no room for hara-kiri in the stock market. Remember the emperor wears no clothes on the trade-street. Gather as much as possible before chucking your money. Get deep into the financial statements of the company prior investing. Check out the promoters’ ethics and the future prospects.
Further, Buffet suggests keeping down your stock holding. Which means, unlike the popular belief, maintain a narrower portfolio. He says diversification is cover for ignorance. More uninformed a person, wider is his portfolio. Ignorance leads a person towards a financial nightmare as he trades numerous stocks without much of ground knowledge. Hence Buffet keeps his holdings concentrated.
With all these proven and tasted Buffet-principles about investment, one can rest assure climbing the financial goal. The investment of time and education is worthy before investing your hard earned money over someone else’s hot tip. Buffet thinks so.
Get going and be a responsible investor.
Simplicity
From the time Buffet began his career as an investor he constantly choose simplicity over complexity. The familiar businesses which involved buying and trading of goods are his favorite and obvious choices. He purposely has stayed away from the hi-tech businesses such as IT sector for he’s unable to understand the rationale behind them. He invests in the businesses which he understands and seems to have a predictable future. His focus is on buying the shares of companies with great management and not for the sky high claims made by the rest. He advices to buy shares at a reasonable price and hold them for the entire life. This basic investment principle seems forgotten in the buying-selling mayhem of today.
Decisions
Buffet was visibly upset when he said that the so-called experts are to be blamed for misguiding the society and causing the universal financial slaughter. He has always used his own knowledge and expertise for the investment decisions. The experts, the analysts and the so called Guru’s, have no place in his calendar. He suggests checking their intent while they promote a stock or mutual fund to you. Usually the high-yield funds are more risky but bear huge commissions to these brokers. On the contrary he challenges one to gain basic knowledge in accounting which helps in interpreting the financial statements. In the long run, the investment in education will prove the results by itself. Post an investment set aside your entire panic factors. Even after an abrupt crash, hold on to your nerve and keep faith in your business. While others run away on some expert opinion, apply your skill and understanding before making a hasty decision.
Faith and Perseverance
Perseverance is a principle unearth from nature. It can be best explained with an example of farming. During the seasons, the farmers sow seeds. They protect the seedlings from all possible threats. They keeping watering and pasturing them with a hope that one day the sowed seed will sprout out and enrich the entire farmland with crop. The harvest will yield them return enabling a year’s living. Buffet promotes nature’s principle of sowing and reaping. He advises to buy, protect and believe in your investment. Persevere with it for a longer period which, as a principle, will guarantee result in future. Let the time take control of your investment while you, as a farmer, keep protecting and praying. Remember, inconsistency and panic can slay the entire yield.
Buy Businesses, not stocks
Businesses are meant to be constant, while the stocks are volatile. The fluctuations in the price of shares may occur due to reasons other than the underling principles of business. Often they are manually altered setting an emotional outburst within an investor. The hyperactivity in prices may lure an investor into a financial trap. Hence, it is apparent to get inside the core principles of the business and the people handling them. As Buffet says “Great people make great businesses”. Buying the stocks of sound business will ensure the steady returns while the good management will secure the companies future. This business-management mix provides an investors’ paradise. It’s not what you sale, but how long can you sell?
Be Opportunist
The stock market is the place where the emotions keep flowing as swift as a flooded river running downwards through the huge mountains. Usually the buying-selling decisions are taken over the tips gathered from the so called experts. People, alike the ship-herd, follow the best player even if the consequences may lead them into a financial turmoil. Thousands are slaughtered ruthlessly when this ship herd mentality creep in. During such lucrative times, Buffet advices to make decisions based on ones own assessment and adhere to the basic principles of investment. When the herd sells, the time is on for big purchases. Evaluate the correct price and pour into sound businesses. The downturn provides an opportunity for the professional and educated investor. By being an opportunist, Buffet doesn’t mean to swing at every pitch. He means simply awaiting the right opportunity to invest in your circle of business.
‘Mr. Market’ and the ‘Margin of Safety’
Mr. Market, describes Buffet, as your business partner-one with enormous emotional eruption within, who is influenced day in and day by the quoted prices and is allured to make buying and selling decision around it. When he’s elated, he dwells about every good part of business. He sells you his stock but within is afraid about you reaping huge return that he would miss. When he’s down he only sees trouble. He is terrified that you will sell him the depleted stock and tries enticing you by putting a lower price tag on shares.
Buffet warns never to fall under Mr. Market’s influence. Mr. Market will be there day in and day out. He’ll be back tomorrow if you have ignored him today. He’ll continue to offload his stakes with lucrative offers. He’ll play with your emotions over and over again. At such stage, advises Buffet, to check and study the moods of Mr. Market and take a wise decision. Use Mr. Market as a metaphor that every value investor should use to access the prices and opportunities.
Margin of safety means the difference between the ‘Price of stock’ to the ‘Value of business’ with the former better over the price. The bigger the gap, better for the business and ultimately better for the stakeholders.
Be Informed
Information plays a vital role while trading stocks. Keep your eyes and ears open, apply the knowledge and act sensibly. There is no room for hara-kiri in the stock market. Remember the emperor wears no clothes on the trade-street. Gather as much as possible before chucking your money. Get deep into the financial statements of the company prior investing. Check out the promoters’ ethics and the future prospects.
Further, Buffet suggests keeping down your stock holding. Which means, unlike the popular belief, maintain a narrower portfolio. He says diversification is cover for ignorance. More uninformed a person, wider is his portfolio. Ignorance leads a person towards a financial nightmare as he trades numerous stocks without much of ground knowledge. Hence Buffet keeps his holdings concentrated.
With all these proven and tasted Buffet-principles about investment, one can rest assure climbing the financial goal. The investment of time and education is worthy before investing your hard earned money over someone else’s hot tip. Buffet thinks so.
Get going and be a responsible investor.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
A Date with Nature
All along the journey, everyone comes home. The fascination of the trip is incomplete until shared with few near and dear ones. On 8th August 2009, after a period of year and most importantly after graduating as an MBA from a prestigious US university, that too in flying colors, Sagar landed in India. We friends along with the family welcomed him back to the motherland. All the wishes and the dreams seemed fulfilled in the eyes of his extremely proud parents. They are now looking forward to extending the family by adding a daughter-in-law in there gorgeous family-home. The circle is on its way of completion. As I write this, Sagar is on his return trip to US for completing his specialization.
Dhawal, who has recently joined an international engineering company at Aurangabad, managed to reschedule his dates to get maximum possible time along with Sagar. Me, Dhawal and Sagar has a chemistry of our own that makes possible however complicated equation on this earth. We three have a varying academic background. Dhawal is brilliant at figures. Sagar is sparkling at results and I dazzle with the co-ordination. Our intellect matches that bonds us together. We respect, we acknowledge, we sport, we laugh, we pun and we celebrate together. It’s not that there are no differences or week links. But we always empower each other with the positives. Never said in words, but always followed.
The next 20 days of Sagar’s in India had to be aptly divided amongst a very huge list of groups. The family deserved the maximum time. I had witnessed the inner pain of his mother and advised him to stay home for the most possible time. The relatives, the Accenture team, the Vikroli team, the Kaddu-Rupu-Teju team and the rest of us (MASK team) need to satisfy ourselves on whatever left. Moreover Sagar had to meet Sampada too, as he won’t be here to attend our marriage. Also, the revitalized relations with Sudhir had to be shared with Sagar.
Dhawal had a tailor made plan. On 14th we called Sampada to my house wherein the two were introduced to her. Although Sagar was friends with her on gTalk and Dhawal had talked to her on our engagement day, it was a moment of honor to meet in person. 
We shared the ‘tribute video’, viewed the engagement snaps, enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by my loving mother, had a great chat and later snapped by Amu in his mobile. It was heartening to see the entry of a girl in our team as smooth as I could have only imagined. Hat’s off to both of you. It is being great pleasure having you as friends. I savored the occasion by gifting red roses to each of them.
By fall of the evening Sagar congratulated Sampada and me for the upcoming journey of life. He wished us good luck as Sampada left to her residence. Later, three of us left towards Thane for enjoying a night of the lifetime. We three were invited by Sudhir for having a night-out in his beautiful apartment house. His lovely wife Sucheta and magnificent kid Paritosh welcomed us with arms wide open. Such a wonderful hospitality it was for three of us. On reaching Thane, we enjoyed Badminton at the court of his building. Sagar partnered me while Dhawal accompanied Sudhir. On paper it looked like a cake walk for me and Sagar. But as the saying goes “Lethal in his own backyard”, Sudhir demonstrated zeal of a youngster and blew us apart to a sensational victory. Cheers!
Meanwhile Sudhir’s Dad came back from his routine evening walk. We three bowed at his feet and seek the blessings. He was excited to see us after almost a decade. Over a quick wash we settled into Sudhir’s house. The party began with Sucheta baking ‘maythi bajiyas’ and exclusive garlic-chicken. The booze and fizzes of bottles engrossed us into a world of our own. We touched every possible topic and had a fruitful discussion with supportive proofs. The recent mayhem in our town of Virar, the life and style of the people in the US, the vacation spots around Aurangabad, the careers of each of us and the plenty of other thought food were discussed. Mr Raiker was happy to know about the other members of our old society. Sucheta chipped in too with her worthy comments while Paritosh sat aside with all eyes and all ears focused on us.
As the night grew, so did the mood. Sudhir, in his own class, made a pun out of a marathi serial and we enjoyed a deep laugh. The historic characters which includes Mevalal, Mul-padle, Baba aahet ka?, Sutesh, Yeh Suddssss, Watan etc. etc. was excavated from the memory stash. Sharing them at this juncture in our life was very heartening. One of the best things that can happen to a child is to have a happy childhood. With the grace of God and of our parents we indeed are the exemplars. The sleep overtook our senses unknowingly.
On 15th August we left Sudhir’s place at around 6:00 am. Sudhir and Sucheta took us to the temple of Lord Shanker. Later, they went back to Thane, while we came back home. Surprisingly I found two friends of Amu deeply in their sleep over my bed. They had begun celebrations of Amu’s birthday since last night itself. I didn’t bother much and switch on the TV. His highness, Mr Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India was addressing the citizens of our country on the eve of its 62nd Independence Day. The speech covered the richness of our cultural history, the advancements in various sectors and the hope of a better future.
Later in the day Sudhir visited my place along with Sucheta and Paritosh. Although brief, it was pleasing to get a surprise visit of his. We visited Sagar’s and Dhawal’s residence and bid bye to Sudhir. The two eventful days of each of ours lives thus concluded.
A day earlier of Ganapati bappa’s arrival i.e. on 22nd August, Dhawal returned from Aurangabad. I took him to a very quiet and peaceful place in Virar. We witnessed a soul pleasing calmness and superb scenic beauty of a setting sun. At the fall of night we came back to Sagar’s place and went to the Talav with him. The next thirty minutes were high-level intellectual forum, beyond understanding of anyone except for us three. During night we played Carrom. It was Kailash, our mentor, who surprisingly joined us at Sagar’s place. We cherished a wonderful game of Carrom.
Next day the Ganapati Bappa took guard in the residence of Sagar. All the charm and the enthusiasm were observed on faces of each of the family member. Sharad and Meenakshi had specially arrived from Hyderabad to seek blessings alongside meeting Sagar. The special prayer of ‘AtharvaShirsya’ was chanted 11 times by Sagar’s mother. An ‘Aarti’ was sung post it which was concluded by ‘Mantrapushpanjali’. The family had arranged ‘Prasad’ for few close ones. I too was invited. The Prasad comprised of full fledge lunch, puran-poli (with ghee), modak, sweet kheer, panchamrut etc. etc. I was full to my throat and was barely able to talk. I escaped the scene in silence and enjoyed an afternoon nap.
By evening Sagar’s house was full with guest. Me and Dhawal visited the places of few others and came back. It was blessing in disguise to exchange few words with Sharad over a dinner plate. This guy is made up of some supernatural material. Despite being studious and having degrees from IIT-B and IIM-A, he has followed his heart and soul to become an entrepreneur making a difference in social wellbeing. Later we shared carom board too. As the team ganged up, we began ‘Maha-aarti’ chanting prayers at the top of our voices. Ravi, Rohit and Amol were the peak performers. Bidding bye we disintegrated.
Two days later I developed red rashes on my legs. The itching sensation over them was unbearable. I could hardly ground my feet. I somehow managed to attend office on Wednesday. But by the dawn on Thursday, the infection was spread over to hands and ears. The burning was excruciating. The rashes were replaced by the thick layer of red skin on hands and legs. The ears were swollen and the eyes were red. The experience was novel and I had no clue as to what had happened. I found out it to be an acidic reaction for excessive consumption of sweet and sour delicacies. The lack of sleep has exaggerated the pain. I have to miss the office on Thusrday. Seeing my agony the home maid brought Neem leaves to apply its juice upon the infected skin. My mother grinds those leaves and applied the paste all over the body. She also dripped the Neem juice over my hair. I found this kind of natural remedy fresh and innovative. I dared to taste the Neem leaves and split it the next moment for the extreme bitterness. The maid provided valuable information about the Neem leaves and the various advantages of using them more often. Leaf or bark is considered an effective pittha pacifier due to its bitter taste. Hence, it is traditionally recommended during early summer in Ayurveda (that is, month of Chaitra as per the Hindu Calendar which usually falls in the month of March - April), and during Gudi Padva which is the New Year in the state of Maharashtra, we find an ancient practice of drinking a small quantity of neem juice or paste on that day before starting festivities. Like many Hindu festivals and their association with some food to avoid negative side-effects of that season or season change, neem juice is associated with Gudi Padva to remind people of using it during that particular month or season to pacify summer pitta. Also I have drunk litres of Amla and Kokum juice to negate the effect.
Later I plan to shave. These days I postpone the activity for three to four days and wait till it bushes over my check. For some mystic reason I pulled out Vicco Shaving foam that came along as complimentary with the Turmeric tube. And to my astonishment, I found it more soothing and calming then the costlier foreign brands. The spread of foam was thick and fast. The aroma was stress relieving. And the shave was fantastic and clear. Alike the Turmeric tube I am now in love with the shaving foam too. The value and importance of domestic product is far less then the immensely advertised foreign goods. But I can say it with experience that the benefits are exactly converse.
Now it was time to bathe myself। Mother had prepared an herbal water solution which had Neem leaves in it. The boiled water had a greenish look and the smell of leaves sanitized the air. This time around I locked my lips tight preventing the inlet of the bitter herbal water. The Neem juice in my hair proved to be a perfect shampoo as the hairs regained its shine, softness and luster. All in all it was a rich experience of an assortment of natural beauties. The adversity of acidic reaction over my body caused me to unearth the mysteries of nature. The nature had a date with me. It has wide-opened another closet. Care for the body and nature.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Stepping over Independence
India is where the world stops today. The exuberant blood flowing within the veins of its youth has mesmerized the super powers. During these trying times of economic turbulence, the entire world expects the deliveries from India. It would be appropriate to call India a world in itself. On this very day the country received its Independence from the British Empire. The historic event signifies the importance of democracy that provided freedom to its citizen for spreading its wings wide open. The leap till now is worth praising.
My India has a blend of rich heritage supported with a prosperous culture. The country is proud to mother the greats like Buddha and Ashoka who are accredited to change the course of human history. The country also parented the great Rushis’ who preached Religion* to this world. The epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat enlightens the human soul. The rivers enrich the land with minerals that provides healthy food. The man made wonders too has a distinct place. Art has a special acclaim. The people themselves are open hearted who treat every other human as part of their own family. The bonding and belongingness amongst each other broadcast a well knitted society even for the various religious followings found here.
Historically, India has always been under siege of foreign invaders. Moghuls looted its precious metal time and along. The Europeans, masked as traders, ruled for about 200 years. The British drew the geographical borders of our country. After an elongated fight and sacrifices of the freedom fighters, we received Independence from the British on 15th August 1947 demarking the rise of new India. Every year since, on this very day, the martyrs are remembered and praised for their sacrifices. For their unselfish efforts, we are leaving into a democratic nation with freedom to all citizens. Post hoisting the national flag over the historic Red fort, the Prime Minister addresses his speech to the entire nation. The national anthem is sung post speech and the progress of country is exhibited in the coming hours.
For past 62 years the country has made growth in leaps and bounds. At the time of Independence the country was broke and had a gloomy future staring right in its eyes. The people were uneducated and there exists more problems of social, economic and political turmoil. The religious divisions put by the British have haunted our country time and again. Even after these drastic aspects it was our social beliefs that kept us together and has enrooted us to the glorifying days ahead.
Today we have made advancement over a wide range. The technological sector, the IT sector, the agricultural sector, the defense sector, the scientific sector, the automation sector, businesses, education, sports, media, advertising, entertainment etc. have all made a surge towards the upward swing. We are know as the nuclear nation and are marching towards becoming the super powers. The scientists have launched a prestigious space shuttle program named ‘Chandrayaan’ which will enhance our understating of Moon. The stock exchange has helped many to become wealthy. The life of an educated Indian* has been rewarded with luxurious.
Of course, these developments have come with certain distractions and hindrances. We are facing terrorism like no other country. The naxalities has been foddered until forming the cancerous cells. Due to lack of political will, the common man is still deprived from the basic amenities. Water supply continues to be a major problem. The sad fact is the fight over river water in country like India which boasts of having rich rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Bhramaputra. Corruption, in all states and forms, has decayed the very purpose of democracy. A high poverty rate has constantly challenged the social sanity. And the biggest threat is the ideologies proposing the division of Indians over religion and motherland. We need to understand that the same ideologies are forwarded for the personal gains of few and are hazardous for the unity of our country.
Today on the Independence day of 2009, we must think to become a bit more Indian. We have to have a social aspect attached to our dreams. We have to step over the challenges and bring back the glory. We must refrain from complaining about everything and developed a mindset of prosperity. What ever a mind conceives, it achieves. We will present India to this world as a gift of God.
It’s our country, our home, our paradise.
कुछ ऐसा कर के दिखा, ख़ुद खुश हो जाए खुदा...
*Religion – Religion means faith in whichever god you believe in. Its more of spiritual enlightenment.
*Educated Indian – This doesn’t mean the academic degrees, but the increase in overall financial IQ.
My India has a blend of rich heritage supported with a prosperous culture. The country is proud to mother the greats like Buddha and Ashoka who are accredited to change the course of human history. The country also parented the great Rushis’ who preached Religion* to this world. The epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat enlightens the human soul. The rivers enrich the land with minerals that provides healthy food. The man made wonders too has a distinct place. Art has a special acclaim. The people themselves are open hearted who treat every other human as part of their own family. The bonding and belongingness amongst each other broadcast a well knitted society even for the various religious followings found here.
Historically, India has always been under siege of foreign invaders. Moghuls looted its precious metal time and along. The Europeans, masked as traders, ruled for about 200 years. The British drew the geographical borders of our country. After an elongated fight and sacrifices of the freedom fighters, we received Independence from the British on 15th August 1947 demarking the rise of new India. Every year since, on this very day, the martyrs are remembered and praised for their sacrifices. For their unselfish efforts, we are leaving into a democratic nation with freedom to all citizens. Post hoisting the national flag over the historic Red fort, the Prime Minister addresses his speech to the entire nation. The national anthem is sung post speech and the progress of country is exhibited in the coming hours.
For past 62 years the country has made growth in leaps and bounds. At the time of Independence the country was broke and had a gloomy future staring right in its eyes. The people were uneducated and there exists more problems of social, economic and political turmoil. The religious divisions put by the British have haunted our country time and again. Even after these drastic aspects it was our social beliefs that kept us together and has enrooted us to the glorifying days ahead.
Today we have made advancement over a wide range. The technological sector, the IT sector, the agricultural sector, the defense sector, the scientific sector, the automation sector, businesses, education, sports, media, advertising, entertainment etc. have all made a surge towards the upward swing. We are know as the nuclear nation and are marching towards becoming the super powers. The scientists have launched a prestigious space shuttle program named ‘Chandrayaan’ which will enhance our understating of Moon. The stock exchange has helped many to become wealthy. The life of an educated Indian* has been rewarded with luxurious.
Of course, these developments have come with certain distractions and hindrances. We are facing terrorism like no other country. The naxalities has been foddered until forming the cancerous cells. Due to lack of political will, the common man is still deprived from the basic amenities. Water supply continues to be a major problem. The sad fact is the fight over river water in country like India which boasts of having rich rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Bhramaputra. Corruption, in all states and forms, has decayed the very purpose of democracy. A high poverty rate has constantly challenged the social sanity. And the biggest threat is the ideologies proposing the division of Indians over religion and motherland. We need to understand that the same ideologies are forwarded for the personal gains of few and are hazardous for the unity of our country.
Today on the Independence day of 2009, we must think to become a bit more Indian. We have to have a social aspect attached to our dreams. We have to step over the challenges and bring back the glory. We must refrain from complaining about everything and developed a mindset of prosperity. What ever a mind conceives, it achieves. We will present India to this world as a gift of God.
It’s our country, our home, our paradise.
कुछ ऐसा कर के दिखा, ख़ुद खुश हो जाए खुदा...
*Religion – Religion means faith in whichever god you believe in. Its more of spiritual enlightenment.
*Educated Indian – This doesn’t mean the academic degrees, but the increase in overall financial IQ.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Magic Journey
At last our skies have some dark clouds coming from the South-West which hopefully will begin monsoon and conclude the extended summers. On the day when sky poured the first rains in Virar, i.e. Saturday June 20th, a few moments ago my team won the final match of the season. The rains invoked the inner senses and filled the entire body with a magical excitement. This change of season was to bring about the change in fate.
The magic journey began on the following day, i.e. Sunday June 21st. I had a sleepless night on Saturday with some mystical exuberance. We were destined to Palghar and had a plan to catch the Passenger train which arrives at 9:35 at Virar. Strangely me, Aai and Baba arrived at Virar station with more than 20 minutes to spare. Raju Kaka and Aparna Kaki meet us on the station. Aapa Kaka soon arrived. On other times we are used to last minute phone calls and the blunders of missed trains deserve a separate write up. But for today astoundingly, we all were up to the mark. A pleasant surprise.
To our astonishment, the train wasn’t over flooded with people hanging all along. On the contrary, it boasted open spaces in the corridor as well as along the gang way. Aai and Aparna Kaki found there way inside and were immediately rewarded with a seat each. Baba and Aapa Kaka stood along the vacant gang way, while I and Raju Kaka hung alongside the corridor. Our family is known for the audacious conversations during travels. But the time was such that we seldom talk to each other. The audible volumes were set at low pitch. I visualized a ‘thinking hat’ on each of our head.
As the train left Virar, I bow down towards the temple of Goddess Jivdani to seek blessings. I murmured a soft prayer in anticipation of the day ahead. Further the train gathered momentum and the cool breeze made its way through the open door on which the two young boys were seated. I began to admire and acquire the nature’s glory towards the eastern mountains of Sahayadri range. Soon, two little kids, viz. a girl and a boy, in their torn attire, began a hindi film song with a choked throat and went places begging for a penny or two. The two accepted few dimes and merrily left towards next coach. A peanut seller appeared on scene and made a good business around. Later, the shells and wrapper found its way underneath the seats. A ‘dhokla’ vendor found a Gujrathi family who made his day by ceasing the entire sale. The sweet-soar taste of the typical train-dhokla engrossed the entire coach. A woman was sighted with her nose covered with the kerchief and the contracted forehead. The dour on her face flaunt the dislike of the smell and the purchaser too.
By now the train had reached the bridge that stands over river Vaitarna. I had a holy duty to obligate that of immersing the rotten flowers in the creek. Instantly I extended my right arm and threw of the material into the open water. Immediately I realized the mistake of throwing off the plastic bag too and felt guilty for the sin.
The train passed through the farm lands which alike everyone were eagerly waiting for the heavens to open up. The farms were ploughed and the greenness was dark and pale. The skeleton of small tributaries connecting to the Vaitarna creek was evident while a Cuckoo sang atop a nearby tree signaling the soon arrival of rains. For the moment I was engrossed into shades of natures.
The distant claps from the other side caught everyone’s attention. Few around began to change positions while others, though not physically but emotionally, fainted. As the claps became thick and fast I got to know about the arrival of the team of Eunuchs. A glimpse of them deep into the gang way terrorised a young chap standing next to me. He shivered ferociously. I somehow gathered my composure and was unfathomed by their presence. Eunuchs usually don’t trouble anyone until one tries to bully them. If you raise your hand in disapproval of letting a dime, they pass by without a word. I was well aware and conscious about this hidden fact and implemented the act soon to get away untroubled.
The train halted at Kelva enabling the picnickers to alight and almost emptying the entire train. With just a station to go, my anxiety was leaping skywards. By now I had sweaty palms and cracking legs. Hruturaj, one amongst my close friends, ensured that my nervousness was intact by sms’ing me all along the route. I glanced inside the coach to find Baba and Aapa Kaka deeply absorbed into a chat. Aai and Aparna Kaki were whispering into each others ears while Raju Kaka stood beside with hardly a word. On the day, Palghar seemed to be at stones throw distance from Kelva. As the train loosed its speed, my heart beat reciprocated. It was very unusual of me getting nerved down. As I stepped over the Palghar platform, from the bottom of my heart I prayed to almighty to offer me strength for the forthcoming episode. The curiosity of my family, by now, turned into anxiety. They somehow gathered their power and we together walked away.
Later in the day, God does sprinkle his magic over me and my family and in spite of reaching to my destination at Palghar, I feel of beginning yet another beautiful journey.
The magic journey began on the following day, i.e. Sunday June 21st. I had a sleepless night on Saturday with some mystical exuberance. We were destined to Palghar and had a plan to catch the Passenger train which arrives at 9:35 at Virar. Strangely me, Aai and Baba arrived at Virar station with more than 20 minutes to spare. Raju Kaka and Aparna Kaki meet us on the station. Aapa Kaka soon arrived. On other times we are used to last minute phone calls and the blunders of missed trains deserve a separate write up. But for today astoundingly, we all were up to the mark. A pleasant surprise.
To our astonishment, the train wasn’t over flooded with people hanging all along. On the contrary, it boasted open spaces in the corridor as well as along the gang way. Aai and Aparna Kaki found there way inside and were immediately rewarded with a seat each. Baba and Aapa Kaka stood along the vacant gang way, while I and Raju Kaka hung alongside the corridor. Our family is known for the audacious conversations during travels. But the time was such that we seldom talk to each other. The audible volumes were set at low pitch. I visualized a ‘thinking hat’ on each of our head.
As the train left Virar, I bow down towards the temple of Goddess Jivdani to seek blessings. I murmured a soft prayer in anticipation of the day ahead. Further the train gathered momentum and the cool breeze made its way through the open door on which the two young boys were seated. I began to admire and acquire the nature’s glory towards the eastern mountains of Sahayadri range. Soon, two little kids, viz. a girl and a boy, in their torn attire, began a hindi film song with a choked throat and went places begging for a penny or two. The two accepted few dimes and merrily left towards next coach. A peanut seller appeared on scene and made a good business around. Later, the shells and wrapper found its way underneath the seats. A ‘dhokla’ vendor found a Gujrathi family who made his day by ceasing the entire sale. The sweet-soar taste of the typical train-dhokla engrossed the entire coach. A woman was sighted with her nose covered with the kerchief and the contracted forehead. The dour on her face flaunt the dislike of the smell and the purchaser too.
By now the train had reached the bridge that stands over river Vaitarna. I had a holy duty to obligate that of immersing the rotten flowers in the creek. Instantly I extended my right arm and threw of the material into the open water. Immediately I realized the mistake of throwing off the plastic bag too and felt guilty for the sin.
The train passed through the farm lands which alike everyone were eagerly waiting for the heavens to open up. The farms were ploughed and the greenness was dark and pale. The skeleton of small tributaries connecting to the Vaitarna creek was evident while a Cuckoo sang atop a nearby tree signaling the soon arrival of rains. For the moment I was engrossed into shades of natures.
The distant claps from the other side caught everyone’s attention. Few around began to change positions while others, though not physically but emotionally, fainted. As the claps became thick and fast I got to know about the arrival of the team of Eunuchs. A glimpse of them deep into the gang way terrorised a young chap standing next to me. He shivered ferociously. I somehow gathered my composure and was unfathomed by their presence. Eunuchs usually don’t trouble anyone until one tries to bully them. If you raise your hand in disapproval of letting a dime, they pass by without a word. I was well aware and conscious about this hidden fact and implemented the act soon to get away untroubled.
The train halted at Kelva enabling the picnickers to alight and almost emptying the entire train. With just a station to go, my anxiety was leaping skywards. By now I had sweaty palms and cracking legs. Hruturaj, one amongst my close friends, ensured that my nervousness was intact by sms’ing me all along the route. I glanced inside the coach to find Baba and Aapa Kaka deeply absorbed into a chat. Aai and Aparna Kaki were whispering into each others ears while Raju Kaka stood beside with hardly a word. On the day, Palghar seemed to be at stones throw distance from Kelva. As the train loosed its speed, my heart beat reciprocated. It was very unusual of me getting nerved down. As I stepped over the Palghar platform, from the bottom of my heart I prayed to almighty to offer me strength for the forthcoming episode. The curiosity of my family, by now, turned into anxiety. They somehow gathered their power and we together walked away.
Later in the day, God does sprinkle his magic over me and my family and in spite of reaching to my destination at Palghar, I feel of beginning yet another beautiful journey.
Monday, June 29, 2009
King Rock Tiger and a Tuna
Preface
With the members disappearing as fast as an ozone layer, it was essential for MASK to get fresh blood into its streams. Initials of Manish, Aditya, Sudhir and Kailash formed the MASK Sports club back in the 1990’s. Those were the days when all four were in their early 20’s with a single dream of conquering the universe. They are accredited for encouraging the younger one’s to think sports as a serious event. Not only the field sports, but the in-house games like Pic-Pic and Vyapar got its fame. The smartest thing done by the fantastic four was adding up two youngsters in their Arsenal. First was the all-rounder Sagar, who has proved his style, class, stamina, elegance time and again. Another was Kunal. Some people need no introduction. Such is his persona & flair. Incidentally, the initial of both fits into MASK.
In the early 1990’s, the MASK saw its future in Sagar and Kunal. Both of them were chiseled under the able leadership of Kailash, famously know as KT, again for the initial’s i.e. Kailash Thakkar. In the late 1990’s Aditya, the computer expert and Sudhir, the business mastermind, unknowingly separated themselves from the club in chase of their corporate dream. KT was left with Manish and the two kids. Now Manish, the most FUN loving guy on earth, rose to the occasion, took responsibility and went on adding new members. In comes Amol. The bully. Then followed Rohit and Kedar. Rani, the only female member of the club joins. The club gets its new blood. Now the thoughts of conquering the outside world flow. So a trek into the great Himalayas is planed. Kailash, Aditya, Kunal & Sagar make a feast of the tour. Matheran, Lonavala, Astha Vinayak, Bordi, Narpad are conquered later.
In the same area, there lived a very subdued and shy little boy, who always had a smile on an innocent face. He was the most brilliant amongst all. The intelligent Dhawal. Though he wasn’t into the club, but was not far from the members. His entry into club was unknowing. In a very short period he earned respect and value in the club.
Today the MASK sports club has lost its existence. With the marriages & families of Kailash, Manish and Amol, they separated their association. Rest preferred their careers over running a club. The golden era of MASK sports club has come to an end. The members have grown far greater than the core values of club. The excellent value of TEAM is degraded from the members. Even the best of efforts made by Kunal and Dhawal could not bind them. Only thing remaining are memories of its glorious past. End of an empire.
With the members disappearing as fast as an ozone layer, it was essential for MASK to get fresh blood into its streams. Initials of Manish, Aditya, Sudhir and Kailash formed the MASK Sports club back in the 1990’s. Those were the days when all four were in their early 20’s with a single dream of conquering the universe. They are accredited for encouraging the younger one’s to think sports as a serious event. Not only the field sports, but the in-house games like Pic-Pic and Vyapar got its fame. The smartest thing done by the fantastic four was adding up two youngsters in their Arsenal. First was the all-rounder Sagar, who has proved his style, class, stamina, elegance time and again. Another was Kunal. Some people need no introduction. Such is his persona & flair. Incidentally, the initial of both fits into MASK.
In the early 1990’s, the MASK saw its future in Sagar and Kunal. Both of them were chiseled under the able leadership of Kailash, famously know as KT, again for the initial’s i.e. Kailash Thakkar. In the late 1990’s Aditya, the computer expert and Sudhir, the business mastermind, unknowingly separated themselves from the club in chase of their corporate dream. KT was left with Manish and the two kids. Now Manish, the most FUN loving guy on earth, rose to the occasion, took responsibility and went on adding new members. In comes Amol. The bully. Then followed Rohit and Kedar. Rani, the only female member of the club joins. The club gets its new blood. Now the thoughts of conquering the outside world flow. So a trek into the great Himalayas is planed. Kailash, Aditya, Kunal & Sagar make a feast of the tour. Matheran, Lonavala, Astha Vinayak, Bordi, Narpad are conquered later.
In the same area, there lived a very subdued and shy little boy, who always had a smile on an innocent face. He was the most brilliant amongst all. The intelligent Dhawal. Though he wasn’t into the club, but was not far from the members. His entry into club was unknowing. In a very short period he earned respect and value in the club.
Today the MASK sports club has lost its existence. With the marriages & families of Kailash, Manish and Amol, they separated their association. Rest preferred their careers over running a club. The golden era of MASK sports club has come to an end. The members have grown far greater than the core values of club. The excellent value of TEAM is degraded from the members. Even the best of efforts made by Kunal and Dhawal could not bind them. Only thing remaining are memories of its glorious past. End of an empire.
Chapter 1 - Treasures
Since the December 2006 Goa tour the contact between Kailash, Amol, Sagar, Dhawal and me was not much. Amol parted ways and felt comfortable with other group. Kailash left for Chennai. Dhawal for Pune and Sagar plans for US. Still every one of us was thinking about another chance to take out time together and cherish the memories. Possibly for the final time in lifetime. We all felt comfortable with each other even after a long gap. Back of the minds everyone knew that once we get together, all the fun, excitement, charm and cheer will come back. Sagar decides for summer vacation. Dhawal takes out his map and searches for the destination. After wandering all across India, we decided that the time has come once again to visit the best destination ever visited. Goa. This time in mid of May heat. So starts our May 2008 Goa tour.
Sagar books six tickets way ahead in March. We always knew that some ticket will need to be cancelled. So was the case and only four of us made it. I, Sagar and Dhawal was accompanied with a young boy named Amogh. Amogh had just appeared his diploma examination and wanted to chill out. He being cousin of Sagar, we accepted him to be part of our team. I had my doubts about our tour being memorable. Dhawal was skeptical too. But this time it was Sagar who was encouraging us to accompany. Probably he wanted to be with us once before taking off to US. At last he valued our association. Finally a weekend prior to our journey Dhawal and I decides to go for the tour. He arrived from Pune a day before our travel date.
We didn’t plan much this time. Except Sagar, none of us even knew which train we were taking for Goa. Only in the evening of 13th May 2008, we know that Holiday special Mumbai-Karwar express will drop us in Goa. After getting back from office in evening, I quickly packed up and left home for Goa. On our way to Dadar station, we celebrated Dhawal’s birthday in local train. Thanks to him for the delicious chocolate cake he offered us. On reaching Dadar station we quickly settled into our train and switched-off lights biding good night. We came across the great working of the Indian railways soon, when a Travel Ticket Examiner, commonly know as TC, woke us up at two in midnight for checking our tickets. On satisfying his requirements we again slept on the upper berths. Around four o’clock I came out of my sleep to see a person sleeping underneath our seats with his body fully covered with bed sheet. He surly was blessed by TC and was traveling without into reservation coach. Amogh and I was disturbed by his existence and lost our sleep for the night.
Over a quick breakfast we tried to figure out the plans for our tour. Thivim was selected as our destination railway station from where we could land up in heart of Baga. The thought of coming back at Baga thrilled us. Immediately the memories returned. The greenish coastline, the coconut trees, the adjacent hill, the shacks, the awesome king fish curry and the soft sand on the beach. Add to it a glass of wine. Those were wonderful thoughts which were shattered soon when we came to know that our train was late by four hours. Into the heat of konkan, we were roasted in the train. Never board a holiday special train henceforth as it is the least respected train by the railways. It kept on getting aside of every other passing train.
Atlast at two o’clock we thanked the Mumbai-Karwar express for reaching us at Thivim. The horrifying times were still to come. We were astonished to find such a horrible heat outside. The air was oven heated. I, Sagar and Dhawal worried about the complexion of our skin. Amogh didn’t bother much about it. The sunscreen was forgotten and we were here to be toasted. Soon we took an auto and in fourty five minutes reached Baga. The sight of Baga beach in the afternoon pleased and calmed us. Unlike the last occasion, we found much silence around. On selecting a hotel room opposite to a beach sight we settled in. The room belonged to Mr Francis who let us an AC room at a cheap rate. After a shower we felt hungry. Soon into a nearby hotel, the sea food was consumed gleefully. King fish curry with plain rice was going to be our main cuisine. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. Post lunch a desert was gulped.
Getting back into an AC room, Sagar and Dhawal took out their writing pads. I took out mine. Sagar planned the next four days. Dhawal the budget. Rs. 1000 was provided per meal. We already had spent Rs. 865 for lunch and knew that dinner will cost more. On a fight Sagar brought down the per meal budget to Rs. 800. To buy time, I agreed and accounted the expenses until then. Amogh had no choice.
Today was the day to experience water sports. We set across for a parasailing glide onto the Baga beach. Underneath the steaming Sun, the glide excited us par below our expectations. Although the motor boat ride thrilled us, the Rs. 1200 we spent was not worth. Sagar and Dhawal soon jump into water. Amogh follows. About 5:30 PM we came back to our AC room. The Sun was ready to set. We were getting a little excited for enjoying dinner. Over a quick nap, we headed towards our favourite shack on the Baga beach. That night, the Mumbai Indians were playing for their existence in the Indian Premier League against the Chennai Super Kings with Tendulkar playing his first game of the league. A huge screen was set by the shack owner. That evening very little did us knew that both our passions viz. Cricket and Food would taste delicious. Dhawal was to treat us this evening on the eve of his birthday a day before. King fish curry, squid, plain rice and dal was ordered post a bottle of wine. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. As the splendid food settles into our stomach, Jaisurya makes a mockery of the Super Kings bowling attack. It rained sixes at Wankhede stadium that night. We all saw an old Sanath Jaisurya that night sitting far away on the Baga beach. Instantly the prominent words ‘Jaisurya Talapla’ came out. In the late 90’s those two words narrated an essay by itself, stating that this legendary batsman from Srilanka has enjoyed a feast over the opposition bowling attack. Often it was India at the receiving end with Venkatesh Prasad, Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble torn apart. Mumbai Indians won their first game in the IPL and so did we win our first day at Goa. Post dinner we took a long walk along the coastline. Banana cake and pastries were consumed as desert. At around 12 o’clock we felt asleep within our AC room by putting the AC temperature to mere 16 degrees.
Since we got the AC room at cheap rate, we received only three bedsheets to cover up. I sacrificed and let others take on the three available bedsheets. The AC room freezes in the midnight. I tried to pull up Sagar’s bedsheet. He immediately sensed the danger and locks himself around the bed sheet. I had no other option then putting off the AC of an AC room. Ahhh I said, and slept. The outside temperature was hot. Soon it merges with our AC room’s temperature and all of us start to sweat. Our bed and pillow drenches in sweat. Dhawal and Sagar found it uncomfortable into the bedsheet. Both of them got up and to their astonishment find AC in switch off mode. They start to wonder the reason behind it. Dhawal see an AC remote next to me and immediately figures out that it must have been me who has put off the AC. He kicks and curses me for my deed, puts on the AC, snatches the remote and gets back to his wet bed. This time Sagar religiously shares his bedsheet with me. Sweet Dreams.
Chapter 2 - Triumph
Witnessing Sunrise on the beach too is an experience in itself. On the second day i.e. 15th May 2008, I got up early at 6:30 am. Others were still in their sweet dreams. My efforts to wake them up went in vain as all the three wrapped themselves tightly into the bedsheet. So I decided to witness the sunrise alone. Below our room was a pastry shop. I ordered 4 cup’s of tea. One for me and three for others who were still tight in bed. I thought for a bed-tea treat for them. To my astonishment I received a bill of Rs. 80. It was shocking. Rs. 20 for a cup of tea that tasted horrible (not for the amount spent) was too much. On consuming it I took the steep road towards the beach.
The beach was quieter then prior evening. The atmosphere was pleasant. Soft pre sunrise light was pleasing. The calm waves touching the coastline were leaving the delicate surf-line towards the border. Birds sang on the nearby trees. Cool breeze added to the fantasy. Soon the sun rose from the east, opposite the coastline. The raw sun rays added a golden touch in the atmosphere. I felt blissful in those moments. Across the coastline, the shack owners were dressing up their shacks for the day ahead. I settled in one of the shack for another round of tea & breakfast. Here I witnessed the hard work of the shack boys. For nearly 18 hours a day, 4 months a year, they were into these shacks and trying to make a living for another year. Their effort was worth saying Bravo. Relaxing on chair, I felt calm inside myself.
As the day progressed, more people came to the beach. Most of them took a long walk towards the hill. I consumed my breakfast as slow as a snail would cross a 100 foot road. In about hour’s time I set myself back to the room. I was astonished to see all three still tight in those bed sheets. This time I didn’t bothered to wake them up. The three glasses of tea I purchased for them were freezing in the cold AC room. In about half hours time I was ready for another day. Amogh had waked up by that time. Over a brush he drinks the medicine like cold tea out of no choice. 20 Rs. more were utilized. He pulls out Sagar’s camera and shoots the beach from the corridor of the room. My generous efforts to wake up Sagar and Dhawal paid 50% dividends as Sagar woke up. This was a day to explore Goa over a motor bike. I set myself outside the room in search of the bikes. A young boy staying in the same building, opposite side ground floor, let us two Honda Activa of his. In next one hour we all pulled our socks to witness true life of Goa. Dhawal & Sagar shared one Activa with Dhawal serving as a rider, and Amogh, with no choice, took the rear seat of the Activa that I rode.
My Activa was a sort of follower. The leader Activa was the one taken over by Dhawal & Sagar. I don’t know why, but I simply obeyed the marching orders of them on those beautiful narrow Goan roads. Every little turn, every little speed- breaker was surpassed as per the orders of Sagar. Without any plan in mind, I just followed them. Rather I didn’t bother about any plan. I was calm inside and was wandering like the free bird. Or beast. As they call me. For a second I thought about resigning myself from the self imposed captaincy of the cluster.
Outside Baga, we rode across the beautiful river. To snap the scene Dhawal halted near a science garden owned by a south Indian doctor. He respectfully allowed us to wander through the upcoming science garden with him serving as a doctor cum guide. Dhawal snapped all of us in the scenic frames. The doctor added to another frame with us. Promising to email the photograph, Dhawal exchanged cards. Sagar seeks road and here we ride again. The destination is fort Chapora.
Enrooted to fort Chapora we took several U-Turns for missing the narrowest of the roads. Others felt the heat and their urge to consume breakfast increased. In a small restaurant we ordered for a light breakfast with tea. Riding further we took few more U-Turns & the V-Turns to reach the base of fort Chapora. The time must be about 11 o’clock. The heat was ferocious. I actually felt the sun burns. The fasttracks cooled us off a bit. Atleast we had protection for the eyes from the bright sunlight & heat. It was a tiresome way up to the fort. On reaching the gates, we relaxed for few moments. Dhawal snapped us. With various angles. Tilting himself more then the camera. The scenes from top of the fort were simply awesome. The sea water was having a greenish touch towards the coastline and bluish shade deep inside. Towards the eastern side the bird sanctuary was visible with coconut tree belt stretched beneath the fort. Towards the northern side the beautiful beaches were visible. And to the south lays the rocky beaches of Vagator & Anjuna. Nature has painted a perfect sketch in this part of Goa. We relaxed for a while onto the fort wall facing the Arabian Sea. Sagar snapped the trick photographs wherein the faces of all were portrayed in my glares. Dhawal captured the surrounding scenic beauties.
On our way down, Sagar decides for a visit to Arambol beach. Thinking of the sweet memories of our last visit, I agreed. The road passed through extreme remote places. We witnessed real Goa passing through those little villages. Life seems to be tough all over the world. But people make it happier. The remote interiors of Goa are no exception to that. Local people are proud to be Goan. With their language, work ethic, faith, sport, culture and determination, they exhibit a life pattern.
It took us another fourty five minutes ride to reach Arambol beach in north Goa. Arambol beach coincide with the Baga beach. It too has beautiful coastline with a small hill on its northern side. Unlike Baga here you find most of the tourists are foreigners. The air here too was oven heated. We decided to settle in a shack. On cooling off with breezeirs and fruit juices, we ordered lunch. The vendor offered us three fishes. We settled for Rock fish as a starter. The preparation was so special that the taste of Rock fish dish will live till eternity. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. We crossed our lunch budget by a tall margin. Damm it. Who cares? Post lunch Sagar & Dhawal engaged themselves over a pool table. Amogh picked up the camera and sets towards the hill. I wandered alone across the coastline. Now I know the reason for my skin complexion turning dark on returning from Goa.
At about four o’clock, Sagar ordered to leave Arambol, destined to Calangute beach for the sunset. My Activa obeyed again. On instructions of Dhawal, we halted at Vagator & Anjuna beaches. Both beaches being rocky, tourist seldom visits here. With some great snaps onto the rocks, we set towards Calangute beach. To our astonishment, there were loads and loads of people gather on the beach. A thought of mistakenly visiting the Kelwa beach on a public holiday passed each one of us. It was so densely populated that it seemed all the beach lovers of the world have set up an evening show on the Calangute beach. We noticed that people speaking Hindi have come from north India. People speaking Tamil, Telugu, Kannad and whatever, have come from the South. Couple chanting in Bengali has come from East & the Gujarati family represented the western provinces of India.
As the sun sets for a set, Dhawal grabs his camera. Sagar follows. Soon I lost their sight as they diluted into the huge crowd. The motor boats sailing on the coastline and the para sailing deep inside added to the climax of the sunset. Sagar and Dhawal captured all the essentials of a wonderful sunset photo. The water scooter jumping over the water level with a pale orange background of setting sun was a perfect photo frame. Para sailor passing the half drowned sun against the pale orangey sky was another portrait image. I wonder if there was a Friends Oscar for photography, then Dhawal would have won Gold while Sagar grabbing Silver. None of us have a one% art in framing scenes except Sagar and Dhawal. God hasn’t imposed all talents in a lone person. It was evident.
We returned to our AC room on Baga beach at around 7 o’clock. The two glasses of morning tea that belonged to Sagar and Dhawal were poured. Rs. 40 washed off. Over a quick shower all of us parted to dine on our favourite shack of Baga. Underneath the electric tree we ordered yet again the sea food. Garlic Squid as starter, King fish curry and rice for main course. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. Seating over the talcum powder like sea shore sand, the delicious food was happily eaten at a snails pace along with a bottle of wine. We dinned for about 3 and half hours. On satisfying the senses we routed back to our AC room. Pastry was consumed on the way. AC on. Temperature 16 degrees. Lights off. Good night. Sleep tight. (wrapped inside the bed sheet).
Chapter 3 – Beat the heat
Day three was no different then the previous day. I woke at 7 o’clock. Soon left to Baga beach for a sun rise. The pleasant coastline was awe-inspiring. The joy of witnessing the calmness of early dawn beach is more to experience then to express. It was refreshing. The tiredness of roaming underneath the blazing hot sun vanished. Spending an hour in such a wonderful atmosphere and over a quick breakfast I came back to our AC room. Other have already got up. Dhawal had made up his plan to experience the thrill of riding again. The destination was central Goa. Capital Panjim, Dona Paula point, Miramar beach and the Mapusa market were next stops. Over a debate on which order to visit these places we left for the battle. Battle against the soaring heat. It was a day to wear helmets. More for the highway route which we took then for the heat. Dhawal’s ‘Horse’, Activa, gave the marching orders. My ‘Horse’ obediently followed. Surely I had lost my Admirals’ cap.
Pretty soon we found that the battle wouldn’t be easy. All of us were drenched in sweat. Unlike the other day, today’s route was passing through town. The tree less tar road was chucking severe heat. We could have easily succumbed to the heat. I was worried for my Activa didn’t look strong. The high temperature could easily blowup the engine. As this thought passed my mind, the gas emptied. With no help around Amogh and I were stranded. Sagar and Dhawal went on further in search of petrol. There was no point in hoping for the help. Instantly we both decided to carry on our journey. Amogh pushed from back and I steered the handle. We covered about a kilometer before they found petrol for us. Both of us felt lifeless with no energy to carry on. Somehow we kept the flame alive.
Crossing the huge bridge, we reached the capital city of Goa. Panjim. The beauty of the city was glowing in bright sun light. The main road passes parallel to creek. Ride on this road was much fun. Halting along a road side, Dhawal pulled out his camera and snapped us. The nearby beauty was captured too. A huge hotel surrounded with Gulmohor trees across the creek was a picture perfect frame. The beautiful party ships were parked on the banks. Dhawal didn’t waste time. I found some time to relax and was fresh to carry on. On satisfying the cameras thirst we set for Dona Paula point.
It took another thirty minutes to reach Dona Paula point. Nothing was found to be special here. The structure of the Dona Paula monument was undergoing repairs. Also the heat was making life uncomfortable over the monument. Sagar found a cold drink shop where we quenched our thirst with a wonderful Lime soda. Dhawal was busy with his camera. Some people find beauty in everything. Dhawal did found it here too. Amazing. With unsatisfied hearts we left the point. There was no point in visiting the point and we thought of wasting our precious time. The same could have been utilized relaxing in shack of a Baga beach. By then we had traveled too far. As the saying goes ‘The tired mind stops thinking’, I had lost all my thinking powers.
Sagar & Dhawal further decides for an old Goa trip. I wanted to oppose but also didn’t want to loose energy over a debate. Hence, I backed off. On our way we halted at Miramar beach. This beach too has a beautiful coastline. The tree garden and small play area add up the splendor. The white coloured stone structure which sits opposite the beach was a picture perfect frame. Immediately the cameras’ clicked. There was a specialty on this beach. Hundreds of wooden sheets were kept standing separating each other at a formally measured distance. We put our mind behind the reason of such organized structure and as always came up with another hundreds of ideas. Most of them vague. Sagar with a self timer captured us in his camera.
The break on Miramar beach was soothing. Except breakfast and lime soda nothing had gone into our bellies. All were very hungry. Somehow we continued the route to old Goa. An hour more on Activa and we landed into the famous church in old Goa. Unlike the last occasion in December 2006 when a fair was set up, we found less people around. We wandered along the church for few minutes and then laid ourselves onto the soft grass underneath a hugh banyan tree. A cool breeze flown underneath. Few beautiful birds whispered amongst themselves. The moment chilled us a bit. It was blessing in disguise. The satisfying affection of the tree inspired me. I immediately made my mind to plant a tree in my native which will provide warmth to others. It was a very noble plan which still is in its planning stage. Execution committee somehow has not found time for exhibition of the noble cause.
After relaxing for half and hour under the awesome banyan tree, we decided for a late lunch into a nearby restaurant. Another King fish dish with prawns curry, rice and Jain Omlette was consumed along with brezzers and fruit juice. Later we left towards Mapusa. This place is famous for typical Goan products shopping. Cashews, wines, dried fish and what not, can be purchased in the same area. Another hours ride and we reached Mapusa. Leaving aside the liquor shop, I and Dhawal engaged us into a cashew shop. Quality cashews were purchased with few chocolates. Sagar purchased wine bottles. Amogh happily carried them. Dhawal and Sagar showed there disapproval for me purchasing two Kg cashews for Pushkaraj. Both were upset on me being close to Pushkaraj more these days then to them. They even reminded me that Pushkaraj has no sister to whom I can think of marrying. I was in no fighting mood. Otherwise there surly would have been few broken bones and knocked teethes. Oops. I wanted to take on my old friends for a new one? Was I right? Never knew.
We came back to Baga after watching a local football match. These Goans are very passionate about their football. The pressure in atmosphere was immense. Crowd erupted when local team won. We cheered too.
After a quick shower, all of us got ready for another dinner. Suddenly the thought of dine refreshed us. On our way to our favourite shack on Baga beach beautiful pictures left behind by the setting sun were filmed. Tandori Tuna and Garlic Squid were ordered as starters to go with Tiger prawns and bottle of wine. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. Rice was consumed along with King fish curry. That night the curry tasted splendid as the Kolkata Knight-riders were literally butchered by the Mumbai Indians. With few more Mumbai Indian supporters around, the atmosphere was no less then a cricket stadium. We were roaring at top of our voice every time a Knight rider got out. And the roars were thick and fast. Knight riders, the initial team I supported, bundled out for mere 65 against the team I supported presently. The Lankan star, Jaisurya finished the match in mere five overs for the Mumbai Indians with a quick fire fifty. Crackers went ablaze onto the Baga beach that night and celebration continued long and strong. The combination of Tendulkar, Jaisurya and Pollock was going well for Mumbai Indians along with Nair, Kulkarni and Takawale punching well although Uthappa was struggling. Our combination of Tandori Tuna, Garlic Squid, King fish curry with rice and Jain Omlette too went very well with Tiger prawns a big disappointment.
Banana cake, Chocolate éclairs, a cup of Ice cream and we jumped into bed. I switched off the lights after finalizing the expenses. Very soon the sleep caught me. I thought of talking to myself in dreams, but was surprised when found that the other three were discussing hypothetical subjects that mid night. Amogh was deeply hurt and was speaking his heart out. Dhawal and Sagar were pulling him. After a laugh and my warning everyone slept. Good night.
Chapter 4 – Victory
Saturday, 17th May 2008 started with the same routine for me. I woke up at 6:30 AM. Amogh accompanied me today. The same warmth and calmness of the beach was experienced for the third day in a row. So rewarding was the experience to me than the demanding daily routine. It really relaxed me. By the time we came back to our AC room, Sagar and Dhawal were awaked. Soon we packed our bags, kept them into the safe custody of Mr Francis and checked out from the AC room. This day was our last day of our trip in Goa. So we wanted to take immense out of it. We unanimously decided to restore ourselves in one of the shack of the Baga beach. Sagar & Dhawal wore their Swiss T-Shirts. I was dressed fully into my denim’s. Amogh geared up too. Soon we took the front seats in a shack and relaxed. We had 5 hours to spare here before we come back to the real world. Our Goan fantasy was ending. As a sand sipping through from upper chamber to lower of an Hourglass.
Breakfast consisting of double omlette, bread butter, French fries and fried King fish was ordered with milkshakes & fruit juices. The consumption of bread was as slow as is the preparation of one. A fruit would have ripped by the time we drank a glass of juice. We were having no thoughts no action nothing whatsoever. All of us were comforting effortlessly. We seldom talk to each other in that period. Other than the noise that waves made along the coastline there was silence. People were sparse. The time had come to a stand still. Hourglass lying horizontal on table.
Dhawal was capturing images from time to time. Suddenly a little bird came nearby our table. We were surprised to see a Sparrow. After a long time. I remembered seeing a Sparrow last in my school days. Almost the bird had skipped from my memory. Sparrow probably is the first bird known to most of us as the mother’s repeated the Sparrow stories a number of times while feeding us. It does appear that these beautiful little birds are near extinction. But such a tiny they are, they almost get overlooked. Even by the environmentalist. I am yet to hear a ‘cry’ for saving Sparrow’s. Or may be the environment will loose balance on the extinction of big animals such as Tigers and Elephants only. Extinction of a small bird will make no harm to it. Sparrow represents the weaker community of humans’. It was severely taken advantage by the stronger ones for their own misery. Whatever it may be but it seems that other creatures on earth are losing fight in front of the greed of human being. We are proud of ourselves to be called best creation of God. But are we ruthlessly finishing his other creations?
Dhawal immediately clicked that Sparrow in frames. Sagar dropped few slices of bread for the little bird. In few moments the bird disappeared. Till now I am yet to see another Sparrow.
Couple of hours passed by. Few more people came to the beach. The loneliness felt earlier was suddenly gone. We took out a soft tennis ball and played high catches on the sand. After a few good catches and few fumbles I came back to my comfortable seat. Rest kept playing. Sagar bought a sea shell from a vendor. Blowing it few times, everyone settled into the shack. Dhawal and Sagar engaged themselves onto the pool table. I ordered food for the final time. King fish curry and rice was gulped with few brezeers and juices. Amogh being vegetarian ordered Jain omlette. The concept of Jain omlette itself is contradictory. First the Jains are pure vegetarian. Egg omlette is not. Amogh calls it ‘Jain omlette’ for like Jains he never consumes onion. And the Jain omlette does not contain onions. People are freak. We had an example along. While we happily treat ourselves, the Hourglass shelved all sand from the top chamber. The time was up to leave Baga. The town which has provided many sweet memories was bowed for the final time. Bidding farewell to Mr Francis we picked our baggage and took a cab to Thivim.
Our train, the holiday special Karwar-Mumbai express was late by couple of hours. With nothing much to do, Dhawal and Sagar played squash alongside the Thivim railway platform board. Later Sagar and I conquered the small steep hill that stands 80 degrees straight along the Thivim platform. Dhawal snaps few pictures. On arrival of the train we quickly settled. Dhawal goes to the other seat and switches on his mobile songs. Sagar and I finalize the budget of our trip. The entire tour cost us mere 16,000 Rs. Which mean Rs. 4,000 per head. That too the amount was from the savings done in year 2006. Considering the inflation we had enjoyed the trip in 2008 at a cost of 2006. That’s the power of savings. It multiplies the rewards in more than a way. The entire episode meant that the trip was almost free for all. Amogh had enjoyed a sponsored Goa trip.
To bid time we played cards on our return journey. A dinner, few snaps and we were fast asleep. The train which was late as expected reached Dadar station at 6:00 early morning. An hours journey in a local train and we reached home by 7:30 AM, thus concluding the 2008 Goa trip.
Chapter 5 - Destiny
From the next day daily routine started for me. Dhawal packed off to Pune in couple of days. Sagar’s was last week at his Job for he had already resigned. The sweet memories of Goa vanished quickly. May be the heat had caught us all.
World economy has always undergone changes. A couple of centuries back the Agrarian economy existed. Agricultural products ruled the market then. With the advancement in technical know-how the economy slowly shifted towards the Industrial Age. Rich people were known for the big industries they owned. Later few rich countries went through big recessions, the Capitalist took over the economy. They ruled over world market for about 70 years. In the early 1990’s the Berlin wall, which separated West Germany with East Germany, was brought down. The occasion is said to have broken the world boundaries and thus started the Information age. It has open immense opportunities for the member countries of the World Trade Organization with free trade between them.
We too were enjoying fruits of the Globalization. On 14th June 2008, Sagar packs for US. The event demarks a rise of new era for all of us. Now the world was wide open to be conquered. Sagar being the first soldier. The prior weekend we all planned a grand send-off for him as a tribute. Dhawal came from Pune a day before. I had a plan of shooting a short film which needed Dhawal’s approval and execution. The film would cover few incidences from our childhood. Like a flash back, I chalked down few interesting occurrences of us with Sagar. Cricket partnerships, Badminton matches, snacks atop pump house, studies, festivals, rainy days restaurant and what not did came out from the memory stock. The single wicket championships won either by him or by me, and the in house table tennis matches has a very special place in my memories. The thought of not having Sagar in my cricket team was a dreadful thought. Immediately the matches won single handedly by him flashed back. The Stephen Edberg’s and the Michael Sticsh’s along with Ganguly’s and Azaruddin’s were remembered. A Badminton tie I never won was against him. Carrom & Chess was never my cup of tea. I lost all the encounters brutally. I being a strong person rarely show up my emotions. But my eyes were watery while thinking of those wonderful passed moments. Mumbai Indians lost their way in the IPL and were eliminated in the league stage with some crucial losses.
On the send-off day i.e. 7th June 2008, I and Dhawal started early. We filmed a documentary with other friends. I edited the entire film adding up few songs. A Rang De Basanti touch was evident into it. Everyone enjoyed the film. I and Dhawal stayed at Sagar’s place. We talked and talked and talked that night. Our emotions were flowing as brisk as a flooded river. Loosing Sagar’s company, probably this close for ever, took a serious toll on us. A week later Sagar flows to US with I and Dhawal left back. God has a planned destiny for each one of us. We are here to follow his orders. The bitter truth was accepted and the life continued. It still continues.
To be honest, Sagar is yet to find place in the list of my very close friends. Not only for the unanswered phone calls, but there are many other reasons supporting my claim. Yet I did support his idea of Goa tour. More so I made a video honouring our friendship. Later, Balu asked me about the video. He questioned my intentions regarding the tribute and send-off treat. Did you bid same when Chirag flown to US? Was there a party when KT left for Chennai? Was Dhawal parted off in same way to Pune? Then why only for Sagar? And what not did he asked. He was right on asking these questions. I was speechless. And still has found any answer. And probably do not want any answer.
The beginning…
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
10 year hence…
The year 1999 symbolizes the breakeven point in the 4 of us lives, who made it to the Saar Pass trek in the Great Himalayas. I and Sagar were 18. The silver hairline over our body was apparent while the dark hairs were growing thick and fast. The moustaches were sprouting and the pimples were beginning to scar our cheeks. We both had appeared for the standard XII examination and were eagerly awaiting results. Kailash was the eldest amongst us. He had just been 25 and had already been a respectable person in our eyes. With KT, as Kailash is famously known, the toughest of the tough appears easy. The queries unfold itself with his sheer presence. He carries a golden touch with a unique flair of his own. Aditya was our fourth combatant. This guy had 25 inch biceps and a 50 inch wide chest. The complexion was fair and the body was muscular.
It was 9th of June in the year 1999, that we boarded the Paschim express from Borivili railway station to reach Delhi. We were well informed about the ‘Thugs of Delhi’ and were cautious about there presence right from our first footsteps in the Capital city. I and Sagar were shielded by Aadit as KT found us the way to reach the Youth Hostel at Chanakyapuri. On our route we passed aside the historic Red fort that stands tall and proud into the heart of this wonderful Capital city. The India gate and the parliament house were passed further. In an hour we settled into the dormitory of the Youth Hostel. Aadit found a Sardar family and began chanting in his then vicarious English. Later the manager yelled at us for eating Bhaji-pav in his crystal clear dinning room. We barely were affected by his comments. Aadit took numerous baths in the oven hot weather of Delhi.
By the fall of evening, the Thugs at Delhi Bus Aada got better of us. We were compelled to buy tickets at higher rates. Aadit was helpless in this encounter. Our destination was Kasol, a tiny village in the interiors of Himachal Pradesh. Almost 20 hours of non stop travel landed us at Kasol, where our base camp was located. River ‘Beas’, a tributary of holy Ganga, flew right in front of our tent. After couple of days of acclimatization we were ready for our trek. Our group was the last of that years’ camp and consisted of diverge crowd. Two young Gujrathi’s from Surat made good company of ours. A group of young college students from Pune ignited spice with a non-verbal competition against us. A Delhiate was centre of attraction. An elderly Yelkawaar family from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, cast the enthusiasm one feels in these sensational mountains. But the person who came very very close to us was one Mr Chopde who accompanied his beautiful wife. The accent of Mr Chopde was typical Nagpurian and although rough, sounded sweet to us. Our wavelength with the family matched within no time. Soon Sagar and Kailash demonstrated there unbelievably flexibility and caught the attention of the entire group. Aadit self imposed himself to the managerial post by claiming the post of environmental leader. I decided to run a gear lesser to protect by fragile back. Sagar literally walked atop a 50 foot rock which stood perpendicular to the ground level. Aadit shivered and the rest trembled. By now 4 of us carried the reputation of being the best amongst the entire lot. We were the fastest between villages and also eat the most. They tagged us as ‘Bombay Boys’.
Initial 3 days of trek barely provided a challenge to either of us. The narrow path which passed between the huge spine trees along the banks of river Beas, endow us with the awe-inspiring scenic beauties which fulfilled our souls. The Himalayas welcomed us with wide-stretched arms. There were few casualties around. The Yelkawaar had a bad stomach upset. The ladies were seen labouring with swollen ankles. A mid-aged gentlemen’s team was struggling for air. The young guns from Pune were fraught to complete the huge distances. And the oxygen depleted as we moved to 8,000 foot above sea level.
During the fourth day of our trek, we were destined towards ‘Bada Thach’. The route passed through few steep hills and the rains had made the path slippery. Even the splendorous surroundings couldn’t keep fatigue from spreading in us. Our bodies showed the first sign of disintegration in this chilled climate. Barely 100 meters from the camping ground, we found an unusual plane underneath a huge mountain range. The rains had surpassed and the sky was wide open. Me and Sagar immediately threw ourselves over the lush green grass and began to admire the natural beauty lying down. KT and Aadit too rested. Those 15 minutes of soothing sleep underneath an open sky at about 8500 feet above, besides the most gorgeous green surrounding calmed the inner senses. The speed of ours provided the leverage to enjoy such a pleasing nap while the agony of other increased every passing minute. On reaching the Bada Thach camp, we were informed about the recent attacks of the wild Bears on to the livestock. We might have narrowly escaped one. The entire night was sleepless as everyone was on high alert with sticks to counter the possible attack.
Day five was a steep climb towards Nagaru, the tip of Saar Pass. This place is the most amazing and the most beautiful place one can ever climb. I and Sagar were first as usual to reach. We could barely manage a foot or two in the wild storm. Entering one of the vacant tents, we had to grip around the base of the pole to stay grounded. The ice rain began post storm. The hard impact made by the hits of ice cubes above the tent sent tremors in our stomach. An hour later the atmosphere mysteriously changed. Everything was at a stand still. The cloud cover had disappeared and the sun rays provided the magnificent glow to the surroundings. The Nagaru peak was surrounded by famous mountains of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The first glance over the icy mountain tops aroused goose bumps all over. A plain white cloud rising above from the nearby valley and amassing with the above skyline was breathtaking. The entire valley was blushing with yellow flowers that were spread over the lush green grass. The night was eventful as well. At around 2:00 am, we came out of our sleeping bags to see the meteors that were visible to naked eyes as they are in the science centre. The hardships of a relentless day were forgotten and the hearts were full with the amazing beauty of mother Earth.
Next couple of days was downward trek towards Kasol. The historical town of Manikaran falls on the same route. One can find the hot water spring, a foot beside the bumbling cold Beas. The warmth of water not only provided the heat for cooking and bathing, but it also has a rich source of minerals coming right from the extracts. Half an hour further down, we reached Kasol marking the successful conclusion of our trek. Other than a scratch here and there we 4 were fit and fine. Few crippled campers surprisingly were back on there toes and were dancing hard during the camp fire.
Next day the early morning bus took us to Manali, the favourite city of Himachal Pradesh. We halted at Kullu to buy the woolen clothes. Mr and Mrs Chopde accompanied us to Manali. The city of Manali is a happening place at all times. The Tibetian market is grand and wonderful. The temple of Lord Buddha is vast and fantastic. Sleek roads that pass through the residential areas between the hills are magnificent. And the people are humble and beautiful. A day later we went to Rohatang Pass which connects Siachen with India. These mountains are wrapped with a thick layer of white snow at all times. The temperature hardly gets in positive. Yaks are seen aplenty and the pass is paradise to the lovers of adventurous sports. We had an experience of a lifetime cuddling ourselves underneath the silk-soft snow.
A long overnight journey brought us back to the Youth Hostels of Delhi. The contrast in temperatures between the two cities at last took its toll over our bodies. The first aid box was pulled out for the first time and the antibiotics kept us floating ahead. Next day early morning we caught Delhi tourism bus to reach Agra. Our first halt was at the Red fort of Agra, which is a monstrous yet beautiful edifice. From one corridor of the fort, we glanced over river Yamuna to see the Taj Mahal which was alluring in the baking sun. An hour later we were at the door steps of Taj. The structure is much adorable seeing with ones eyes then in snaps or films. The magnificence of Taj is more to experience than to express. We were stunned admiring the delicate carvings over it. That was an experience to savour for entire life. On our way back to Delhi we offered prayers at the Krishna Temple of Mathura. The sweets were awesome and the Lassi enlighten our tired bodies.
June 30th 1999 we came back home. Since then, 10 years is a very long time. All four of us have changed addresses. Sagar and I have become grownup adults. KT and Aadit have extended their relationships. Each of us has chosen varying professions. Yet the moments cherished all along the tour are still afresh in the memory stock. We often bank upon them during the lull periods. The mesmerizing Himalayas have left a lasting impact in each of our life.
It was 9th of June in the year 1999, that we boarded the Paschim express from Borivili railway station to reach Delhi. We were well informed about the ‘Thugs of Delhi’ and were cautious about there presence right from our first footsteps in the Capital city. I and Sagar were shielded by Aadit as KT found us the way to reach the Youth Hostel at Chanakyapuri. On our route we passed aside the historic Red fort that stands tall and proud into the heart of this wonderful Capital city. The India gate and the parliament house were passed further. In an hour we settled into the dormitory of the Youth Hostel. Aadit found a Sardar family and began chanting in his then vicarious English. Later the manager yelled at us for eating Bhaji-pav in his crystal clear dinning room. We barely were affected by his comments. Aadit took numerous baths in the oven hot weather of Delhi.
By the fall of evening, the Thugs at Delhi Bus Aada got better of us. We were compelled to buy tickets at higher rates. Aadit was helpless in this encounter. Our destination was Kasol, a tiny village in the interiors of Himachal Pradesh. Almost 20 hours of non stop travel landed us at Kasol, where our base camp was located. River ‘Beas’, a tributary of holy Ganga, flew right in front of our tent. After couple of days of acclimatization we were ready for our trek. Our group was the last of that years’ camp and consisted of diverge crowd. Two young Gujrathi’s from Surat made good company of ours. A group of young college students from Pune ignited spice with a non-verbal competition against us. A Delhiate was centre of attraction. An elderly Yelkawaar family from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, cast the enthusiasm one feels in these sensational mountains. But the person who came very very close to us was one Mr Chopde who accompanied his beautiful wife. The accent of Mr Chopde was typical Nagpurian and although rough, sounded sweet to us. Our wavelength with the family matched within no time. Soon Sagar and Kailash demonstrated there unbelievably flexibility and caught the attention of the entire group. Aadit self imposed himself to the managerial post by claiming the post of environmental leader. I decided to run a gear lesser to protect by fragile back. Sagar literally walked atop a 50 foot rock which stood perpendicular to the ground level. Aadit shivered and the rest trembled. By now 4 of us carried the reputation of being the best amongst the entire lot. We were the fastest between villages and also eat the most. They tagged us as ‘Bombay Boys’.
Initial 3 days of trek barely provided a challenge to either of us. The narrow path which passed between the huge spine trees along the banks of river Beas, endow us with the awe-inspiring scenic beauties which fulfilled our souls. The Himalayas welcomed us with wide-stretched arms. There were few casualties around. The Yelkawaar had a bad stomach upset. The ladies were seen labouring with swollen ankles. A mid-aged gentlemen’s team was struggling for air. The young guns from Pune were fraught to complete the huge distances. And the oxygen depleted as we moved to 8,000 foot above sea level.
During the fourth day of our trek, we were destined towards ‘Bada Thach’. The route passed through few steep hills and the rains had made the path slippery. Even the splendorous surroundings couldn’t keep fatigue from spreading in us. Our bodies showed the first sign of disintegration in this chilled climate. Barely 100 meters from the camping ground, we found an unusual plane underneath a huge mountain range. The rains had surpassed and the sky was wide open. Me and Sagar immediately threw ourselves over the lush green grass and began to admire the natural beauty lying down. KT and Aadit too rested. Those 15 minutes of soothing sleep underneath an open sky at about 8500 feet above, besides the most gorgeous green surrounding calmed the inner senses. The speed of ours provided the leverage to enjoy such a pleasing nap while the agony of other increased every passing minute. On reaching the Bada Thach camp, we were informed about the recent attacks of the wild Bears on to the livestock. We might have narrowly escaped one. The entire night was sleepless as everyone was on high alert with sticks to counter the possible attack.
Day five was a steep climb towards Nagaru, the tip of Saar Pass. This place is the most amazing and the most beautiful place one can ever climb. I and Sagar were first as usual to reach. We could barely manage a foot or two in the wild storm. Entering one of the vacant tents, we had to grip around the base of the pole to stay grounded. The ice rain began post storm. The hard impact made by the hits of ice cubes above the tent sent tremors in our stomach. An hour later the atmosphere mysteriously changed. Everything was at a stand still. The cloud cover had disappeared and the sun rays provided the magnificent glow to the surroundings. The Nagaru peak was surrounded by famous mountains of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The first glance over the icy mountain tops aroused goose bumps all over. A plain white cloud rising above from the nearby valley and amassing with the above skyline was breathtaking. The entire valley was blushing with yellow flowers that were spread over the lush green grass. The night was eventful as well. At around 2:00 am, we came out of our sleeping bags to see the meteors that were visible to naked eyes as they are in the science centre. The hardships of a relentless day were forgotten and the hearts were full with the amazing beauty of mother Earth.
Next couple of days was downward trek towards Kasol. The historical town of Manikaran falls on the same route. One can find the hot water spring, a foot beside the bumbling cold Beas. The warmth of water not only provided the heat for cooking and bathing, but it also has a rich source of minerals coming right from the extracts. Half an hour further down, we reached Kasol marking the successful conclusion of our trek. Other than a scratch here and there we 4 were fit and fine. Few crippled campers surprisingly were back on there toes and were dancing hard during the camp fire.
Next day the early morning bus took us to Manali, the favourite city of Himachal Pradesh. We halted at Kullu to buy the woolen clothes. Mr and Mrs Chopde accompanied us to Manali. The city of Manali is a happening place at all times. The Tibetian market is grand and wonderful. The temple of Lord Buddha is vast and fantastic. Sleek roads that pass through the residential areas between the hills are magnificent. And the people are humble and beautiful. A day later we went to Rohatang Pass which connects Siachen with India. These mountains are wrapped with a thick layer of white snow at all times. The temperature hardly gets in positive. Yaks are seen aplenty and the pass is paradise to the lovers of adventurous sports. We had an experience of a lifetime cuddling ourselves underneath the silk-soft snow.
A long overnight journey brought us back to the Youth Hostels of Delhi. The contrast in temperatures between the two cities at last took its toll over our bodies. The first aid box was pulled out for the first time and the antibiotics kept us floating ahead. Next day early morning we caught Delhi tourism bus to reach Agra. Our first halt was at the Red fort of Agra, which is a monstrous yet beautiful edifice. From one corridor of the fort, we glanced over river Yamuna to see the Taj Mahal which was alluring in the baking sun. An hour later we were at the door steps of Taj. The structure is much adorable seeing with ones eyes then in snaps or films. The magnificence of Taj is more to experience than to express. We were stunned admiring the delicate carvings over it. That was an experience to savour for entire life. On our way back to Delhi we offered prayers at the Krishna Temple of Mathura. The sweets were awesome and the Lassi enlighten our tired bodies.
June 30th 1999 we came back home. Since then, 10 years is a very long time. All four of us have changed addresses. Sagar and I have become grownup adults. KT and Aadit have extended their relationships. Each of us has chosen varying professions. Yet the moments cherished all along the tour are still afresh in the memory stock. We often bank upon them during the lull periods. The mesmerizing Himalayas have left a lasting impact in each of our life.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
My Barber Madan
Off on Saturday provides luxury towards attending the personal work that though important but barely possible on hectic weekdays. Grooming is one such important activity amongst banking, petrol, family visits, cricket, doctor, afternoon nap, studies etc. On a wonderful Saturday evening I went to visit my under construction house that stands in a tall edifice in an unexplored area of Virar east. The scenic beauty of setting sun that leaves an orangy sketch towards the western skyline satisfies the inner thirst. It calms down the overburden stresses acquired throughout the demanding weekdays. Towards north falls the temple of Goddesses Jivdani which sits atop the beautiful mountain. This landscape too provides a stunning view. Fulfilling the desire and admiring the nature I left the construction site to get a haircut.
I parked my bike on a roadside against the grooming shop of Kailash. Entering the 10X30 shop I was greeted by Madan in his usual style with a smile “काय कुनाल दादा, बर्याच दिवसानी एने केलात?”
It was more than the mere inquiry of wellbeing. The respect behind the actual words was evident. I smiled back and pat his back and said “हो. तुला भेतैलाच खास आलो.”
“पण आज कैलाश दादा नाही आहेत. स्टेशन ला गेलेत. उशीर होइल येइला.”
I usually prefer Kailash over others for hair-cutting. Since my childhood I and many others have been cutting hair from Kailash. The exceptions have occurred only in his absence. On one such occasion a year ago I had allowed Madan to touch my skull. Back then I was happy for the skills displayed by him. It was as comforting as Kailash and had a touch of youth exuberance too. Hence I immediately asked Madan to do the duty himself in absence of his master. I said “आज तूच काप मज्हे केस.”
“दाढ़ी पण करुया की दादा?” he queried.
“ठीक आह्ये” I replied.
The charm and gloom which appeared on Madan’s face after hearing my response was worth filming. I don’t prefer shaving outside as per the doctor’s advice to self shave after the several surgeries I have under gone for warts.
The store has three well cushioned chairs that take about 80% of the entire carpet area. Kailash’s chair is the last next to the cash box that is secured underneath the heavenly presence of God. The middle chair is operated by a new person every time I enter. And first chair from the door side, beside a hung up television set, is obtained by the young boy Madan. This sturdy fair guy comes from the ghats of Maharashtra. The educational qualification doesn’t matter to him as the traditional barber family doesn’t boast over it. He has obeyed his parents and married a young girl from village at the age of 22. These days he is 25 and the family is complete with an addition of a baby girl. The physical stress put during the long exercising sessions has strengthened each muscle of his. The broaden collar bone and the massive biceps demonstrate a perfect healthy human. With Madan you won’t ever fill the usual boredom of haircut. He always has a subject or two which hasn’t taken up in any other discussion forums of mine. He’ll talk about the little happiness life has blessed upon him. On another turn he’ll discuss about the missed chance of getting into the Indian Military services. The hurt of his comes to ground from deep inside the soft corner of heart. It happens with the broken dream. I have unsuccessfully tried to help him forget this many times. Not that he is a military man and stands barber for loosing on it.
This Saturday evening was going to be long session for me for being with Madan, and the absence of proprietor had spiced him up. The voice of his was vibrant and loud. After about 5 minutes I got a chance to enjoy the exclusive services of Madan. The scissor, the comb and the sprinkler made appropriate moves which formulated a symphony of haircutting from the skillful hands of Madan. As went the cutting so did the usual chanting of his. The television showcased a dubbed south Indian film which as customary had a scary hero and a beautiful heroine. I was getting glimpse of it as and when Madan stood aside. Suddenly Madan began on films. Then I knew about running of the south Indian film in a typical Marathi environment. For Madan’s wish the channeled wasn’t changed until now. He pukes about his love for south Indian films that too dubbed. I wonder whether that is for the muscular ill-looking male protagonist actor or is for the gorgeous heroine. Maybe I and Madan have contradictory reasons for respecting the audacity of that south Indian freak.
I dare to shake up the button named ‘channel’ on the broken strip beneath that little 14 inch television which was more audible than its size. The changed channel broadcasted the song from Emraan Hasmi’s film ‘The Train’. The beats in music engrossed the small room with loads of sound. I searched for the button ‘Volume’ to find it misplaced. “वोह अजनबी, वोह अजनबी” made Madan as well as me to tap our legs. Another type of concert began to assist the ongoing scissor, comb, sprinkler show. All of sudden the screen show Geeta Basra. Plenty of gossipers have made merry attaching Harbhajan Singh’s name with her. I opened before Madan about the chitchat to which he astoundingly was aware about. He looked pleased looking at the dazzling Geeta Basra and uttered “अच्छा हीच का हरभजन ची गर्लफ्रेंड.”
The tail of this tale didn’t stop here. Madan was well informed about Yuvraj’s patch up with Kim Sharma.
I heedlessly questioned him about the source of this rich knowledge stock. For a reason or other he took this enquiry as my interest to know about his daily curriculum. He began stating the loads of works he performs during the busy work-days. I understood that the Friday’s and Tuesday’s provide maximum work other than the packed Sunday’s. Rests are passing days for this business. With the active competition they have equipped themselves to sustain the heat. The business is good and remained unshaken by the recession. I did agree over it as the customers like me remained loyal to Kailash throughout. I myself have to collect a kilometer on my bike’s meter reader before reaching here. I also know people come here from Virar west to get the haircut. Kailash surely reaps the benefits of his hardwork, dedication and loyalty. He stands perfect idol to man’s work worship.
My haircut came to close and the shaving began. Madan pulls out a pack of gutkha and peels of the cover. The entire pocket is emptied at one go demonstrating his decayed tooth’s. I kept mum. Sensing my awkwardness he responds by saying “दादा तुला बारे माज्या सारखी वाईट सवियी नही ते”. I smiled back. Later he religiously pulls a drawer and takes out the best shaving cream, brush and after shave. He’s well aware of my sensitive beard.
Meanwhile Madan continued describing his Holiday which falls on Monday. He warms the bed until 10:00 AM. Later he dedicates himself to his little daughter, who seems to be world for him. He propound for her brushing and washing. The wife is spared on Monday. By 11:00 the family goes to market the weekly groceries. At 1:00 Madan goes to nearby bar to get his weekly booze. A special lunch is served on Monday’s by his caring wife. A Marathi film is watched every Monday afternoon post reading the three different newspapers. Those papers keep Madan foot-to-foot with the world, especially with Harbhajan and Yuvraj. At the fall of evening, which seems adorable from this place, the family visits either of the ponds situated at Manvel pada or one nearby Virar station. This concludes the holiday of Madan. Thus Tuesdays seem tiresome.
By now the best efforts of Madan couldn’t sustain the bleeding wart over my cheek. I was in pain at certain scuffed areas. Madan continued about his family. The description of his village house made me actually see a typical Indian home onto a canvas. I could see the villagers with long white turbans seating next to house happily chanting and chewing and smoking tobacco. Madan’s dislike for relatives was spoken upright. He avoids visiting the first cousins who were financially better as he losses his freedom in there company. He and his wife as customary to the social scales haven’t visited the closest of the close relatives since marriage. Madan’s hate for them was purposely not inquired by me. On the other side, he prefers visiting friends place. On one occasion he stayed at friend’s residence at Nahik even the house of his cousin was a door step away.
By this time the shaving was over too. Madan applied alum as a disinfectant. Later he also sprayed the aftershave. The burning and irritation reached its height. Madan started rubbing my shoulders. The grip of his expansive palms was tight as a serpent’s bite. He massaged till the tip of the fingers which dissolved the spasms in my contracted muscles. I breathe a sigh of relief and thanked Madan for his devotional services. I merrily paid the bill with a handsome tip to Madan. Leaving the shop I crossed with Kailash who greeted me as usual.
While riding back I thought about Madan and his world. To me he represents the perfect living icon. He worships his work. He takes active part in his masters business. The lack of education doesn’t bother him. He’s mission is to satisfy the customers and share his good word with everyone. He makes enough to run a happy family. The family is his world. And most importantly he sports a wide smile. The smile that is genuine.
I parked my bike on a roadside against the grooming shop of Kailash. Entering the 10X30 shop I was greeted by Madan in his usual style with a smile “काय कुनाल दादा, बर्याच दिवसानी एने केलात?”
It was more than the mere inquiry of wellbeing. The respect behind the actual words was evident. I smiled back and pat his back and said “हो. तुला भेतैलाच खास आलो.”
“पण आज कैलाश दादा नाही आहेत. स्टेशन ला गेलेत. उशीर होइल येइला.”
I usually prefer Kailash over others for hair-cutting. Since my childhood I and many others have been cutting hair from Kailash. The exceptions have occurred only in his absence. On one such occasion a year ago I had allowed Madan to touch my skull. Back then I was happy for the skills displayed by him. It was as comforting as Kailash and had a touch of youth exuberance too. Hence I immediately asked Madan to do the duty himself in absence of his master. I said “आज तूच काप मज्हे केस.”
“दाढ़ी पण करुया की दादा?” he queried.
“ठीक आह्ये” I replied.
The charm and gloom which appeared on Madan’s face after hearing my response was worth filming. I don’t prefer shaving outside as per the doctor’s advice to self shave after the several surgeries I have under gone for warts.
The store has three well cushioned chairs that take about 80% of the entire carpet area. Kailash’s chair is the last next to the cash box that is secured underneath the heavenly presence of God. The middle chair is operated by a new person every time I enter. And first chair from the door side, beside a hung up television set, is obtained by the young boy Madan. This sturdy fair guy comes from the ghats of Maharashtra. The educational qualification doesn’t matter to him as the traditional barber family doesn’t boast over it. He has obeyed his parents and married a young girl from village at the age of 22. These days he is 25 and the family is complete with an addition of a baby girl. The physical stress put during the long exercising sessions has strengthened each muscle of his. The broaden collar bone and the massive biceps demonstrate a perfect healthy human. With Madan you won’t ever fill the usual boredom of haircut. He always has a subject or two which hasn’t taken up in any other discussion forums of mine. He’ll talk about the little happiness life has blessed upon him. On another turn he’ll discuss about the missed chance of getting into the Indian Military services. The hurt of his comes to ground from deep inside the soft corner of heart. It happens with the broken dream. I have unsuccessfully tried to help him forget this many times. Not that he is a military man and stands barber for loosing on it.
This Saturday evening was going to be long session for me for being with Madan, and the absence of proprietor had spiced him up. The voice of his was vibrant and loud. After about 5 minutes I got a chance to enjoy the exclusive services of Madan. The scissor, the comb and the sprinkler made appropriate moves which formulated a symphony of haircutting from the skillful hands of Madan. As went the cutting so did the usual chanting of his. The television showcased a dubbed south Indian film which as customary had a scary hero and a beautiful heroine. I was getting glimpse of it as and when Madan stood aside. Suddenly Madan began on films. Then I knew about running of the south Indian film in a typical Marathi environment. For Madan’s wish the channeled wasn’t changed until now. He pukes about his love for south Indian films that too dubbed. I wonder whether that is for the muscular ill-looking male protagonist actor or is for the gorgeous heroine. Maybe I and Madan have contradictory reasons for respecting the audacity of that south Indian freak.
I dare to shake up the button named ‘channel’ on the broken strip beneath that little 14 inch television which was more audible than its size. The changed channel broadcasted the song from Emraan Hasmi’s film ‘The Train’. The beats in music engrossed the small room with loads of sound. I searched for the button ‘Volume’ to find it misplaced. “वोह अजनबी, वोह अजनबी” made Madan as well as me to tap our legs. Another type of concert began to assist the ongoing scissor, comb, sprinkler show. All of sudden the screen show Geeta Basra. Plenty of gossipers have made merry attaching Harbhajan Singh’s name with her. I opened before Madan about the chitchat to which he astoundingly was aware about. He looked pleased looking at the dazzling Geeta Basra and uttered “अच्छा हीच का हरभजन ची गर्लफ्रेंड.”
The tail of this tale didn’t stop here. Madan was well informed about Yuvraj’s patch up with Kim Sharma.
I heedlessly questioned him about the source of this rich knowledge stock. For a reason or other he took this enquiry as my interest to know about his daily curriculum. He began stating the loads of works he performs during the busy work-days. I understood that the Friday’s and Tuesday’s provide maximum work other than the packed Sunday’s. Rests are passing days for this business. With the active competition they have equipped themselves to sustain the heat. The business is good and remained unshaken by the recession. I did agree over it as the customers like me remained loyal to Kailash throughout. I myself have to collect a kilometer on my bike’s meter reader before reaching here. I also know people come here from Virar west to get the haircut. Kailash surely reaps the benefits of his hardwork, dedication and loyalty. He stands perfect idol to man’s work worship.
My haircut came to close and the shaving began. Madan pulls out a pack of gutkha and peels of the cover. The entire pocket is emptied at one go demonstrating his decayed tooth’s. I kept mum. Sensing my awkwardness he responds by saying “दादा तुला बारे माज्या सारखी वाईट सवियी नही ते”. I smiled back. Later he religiously pulls a drawer and takes out the best shaving cream, brush and after shave. He’s well aware of my sensitive beard.
Meanwhile Madan continued describing his Holiday which falls on Monday. He warms the bed until 10:00 AM. Later he dedicates himself to his little daughter, who seems to be world for him. He propound for her brushing and washing. The wife is spared on Monday. By 11:00 the family goes to market the weekly groceries. At 1:00 Madan goes to nearby bar to get his weekly booze. A special lunch is served on Monday’s by his caring wife. A Marathi film is watched every Monday afternoon post reading the three different newspapers. Those papers keep Madan foot-to-foot with the world, especially with Harbhajan and Yuvraj. At the fall of evening, which seems adorable from this place, the family visits either of the ponds situated at Manvel pada or one nearby Virar station. This concludes the holiday of Madan. Thus Tuesdays seem tiresome.
By now the best efforts of Madan couldn’t sustain the bleeding wart over my cheek. I was in pain at certain scuffed areas. Madan continued about his family. The description of his village house made me actually see a typical Indian home onto a canvas. I could see the villagers with long white turbans seating next to house happily chanting and chewing and smoking tobacco. Madan’s dislike for relatives was spoken upright. He avoids visiting the first cousins who were financially better as he losses his freedom in there company. He and his wife as customary to the social scales haven’t visited the closest of the close relatives since marriage. Madan’s hate for them was purposely not inquired by me. On the other side, he prefers visiting friends place. On one occasion he stayed at friend’s residence at Nahik even the house of his cousin was a door step away.
By this time the shaving was over too. Madan applied alum as a disinfectant. Later he also sprayed the aftershave. The burning and irritation reached its height. Madan started rubbing my shoulders. The grip of his expansive palms was tight as a serpent’s bite. He massaged till the tip of the fingers which dissolved the spasms in my contracted muscles. I breathe a sigh of relief and thanked Madan for his devotional services. I merrily paid the bill with a handsome tip to Madan. Leaving the shop I crossed with Kailash who greeted me as usual.
While riding back I thought about Madan and his world. To me he represents the perfect living icon. He worships his work. He takes active part in his masters business. The lack of education doesn’t bother him. He’s mission is to satisfy the customers and share his good word with everyone. He makes enough to run a happy family. The family is his world. And most importantly he sports a wide smile. The smile that is genuine.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
IPL Mortem: Teams
Kolkata Knight Riders
Captain: Brendon McCullam
The glamour addicted; Buchanan divided Kolkata Knight Riders stood to the expectation of all those who predicted the last spot for the team. Not more to write about.
High: _________________________________
Low: _________________________________
Captaincy: 0
Over all: ½
Star performer: _________________________
Blank lines for next year. Hopefully they’ll fill them up.
Mumbai Indians
Captain: Sachin Tendulkar
The balance and the arsenal of Mumbai Indians made them the hot favourites for the championship. The entire season portrays the missed opportunities by players and the boiling blood of the fans. The followers like me had the emotional heights subordinated with the deep valleys of sorrow watching them play. The likes of Jaisurya, Tendulkar, Duminy, Bravo, Zaheer, Harbhajan and Malinga described a muscular force. But the blunders by these same names guaranteed the last to second spot for the Indians.
Captain Tendulkar himself represented the graph of the falling share market of these days. It was pretty hard to digest that the player of Tendulkar’s rank struggled for the correct balance and composition of team until the 14th game. The moves made him look silly, only if pathetic sounds strong. For some reason or the other he believed Rahane, Takawale and Shah being better batsmen to himself, Jaisurya and Duminy. The best should have batted the better part of innings. The team always came with some uncanny surprises may it be in the batting line-up or the bowling changes. Duminy, there best batter should have batted up at number 3 and the results could have been different. Sadly the age has caught up Jaisurya and the time has come to express gratitude for the marvelous entertainment he has provided over the years. It hurts to see a Lion struggle in his post prime years. Thank you Jaisurya. The Malingas, and the Bravos, and the Zaheers and the Bhajjis would cope up being better for most times only to gift a loose one and get smacked in later parts. The rift that was publicly expressed by Bhajji surly would have not gone well with the team management. Nayyar’s performance with the stick in hand makes him an eligible national selection in days to come.
The Mumbai Indians boasted strong bench strength with likes of Mills, Ronchi, Fernando and Napier at the side lines. But never were they utilized. The Rhodes and the Pollocks too were less heard off while the rest only shined in the mid match interviews. The most expensive team of the IPL with the perfect blend awfully struggled to match the one-step ahead teams. Suicide appropriately describes their campaign.
High: Three back to back straight drive boundaries by Tendulkar in a nail bitter against Rajasthan Royals.
Low: 3 run loss against the Rajasthan Royals.
Captaincy: 1
Over all: 2
Star performer: Jean Paul Duminy
Rajasthan Royals
Captain: Shane Warne
If at all the game is played with the spirit as it should be, here is the team that staged the perfect show. They were the defending Champions and fought like one till the last minute until there dream run was jolted by Knight Riders. Shane Warne revealed the ideal captaincy qualities and marshaled the weak resources to its extremity. Apart from Smith, the batting line up was foreign. The might of Yusuf Pathan helped Smith to gather some important wins while Warnie led the bowling with some commendable field placing backup with the wonderful fielding exhibition. Ojha, Quiney, Jadeja, Carseldine, Raut shouldered the second scale batting. Munaf Patel, Trivedi, Kamran Khan and Amit Singh used the opportunities to make there presence felt.
In a match against the Delhi Daredevils, Yusuf Pathan’s breathtaking stroke plays ensured a win and a monies worth for spectators. Warne smartly held back Pathan until the eighth spot where he launched a counter attack and dominated the unconquered Delhi. In another encounter against the Mumbai Indians the team staged an unbelievable spirit to pull out a victory from the jaws of defeat. Same did they do to the mighty Deccan Charges and the furious Knight Riders. The absence of three international stars viz. Shane Watson, Sohail Tanveer and Kamran Akmal didn’t help the teams cause. The young nerves shivered during the decisive moment and Warne was left alone to salvage the champion’s pride. His attempt although failed but scaled up this marvelous game of cricket. The journey of the Royal Challangers can be appropriately termed as Braveheart.
High: The uncharacteristic win against the Mumbai Indians by mere 3 runs. Warne trapping Tendulkar plumb in front was one of the moments of this years IPL.
Low: The dramatic batting collapse in the initial match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Captaincy: 5
Over all: 3½
Star performer: Yusuf Pathan
Kings XI Punjab
Captain: Yuvraj Singh
This team from the great land of Sikhs, representing the extreme North had the best composition of glamour, flair and the skills for cricket. The elegance of Yuvraj is no strange to cricket followers. The guile of Irfan has caught the best napping. The exuberant class of Sanggakara and Jayawardena has no match. The speed of venomous Brett Lee has no mates these days and the Sreesanths, the Katichs and the Chawlas can turn on any game on there favourable day. Add up the spice of the gorgeous Priety Zinta who religiously stood behind the team every single time they played. May come the wins or the heartbreaking losses, she was always there.
Unfortunately the batting lineup they bragged about and the team heavily depended on, never helped the winning cause. Usually the score struggled getting pass 150. The exit of Jayawardena at a crucial juncture bump there middle order. Yuvraj’s leadership too needs to be scrutinized. He visibly abused his team mates often. It was there slow bowling that enrooted them towards the semi final path. Yuvraj getting couple of Hat tricks would be happy to feather his cap. Chawla and Powar extracted gold as and when the opportunity came there way. Irfan was lethal as always. Abdulla shouldered the pace attack until Lee chipped in. Shaun Marsh’s presence was missed atop.
It is difficult to pin point what went wrong with the team. The enthusiasm was always there with bumbling Priety around. The excitement in camp after overpowering Mumbai Indians in a low score thriller was worth filming. The Priety hugs with Yuvraj, Saggakara, Jayawardena, Irfan, Lee, Chawla… the list is endless, was breathe taking. Did she also lock with Ramesh Powar? For me he was the real hero of that encounter diving around saving couple of sure boundaries at the death. May be the reason for elimination can be found deep inside own roots. The lack of focus may suit the team’s description.
High: The counter attack on Chennai Super Kings bowling that eventually ended up short of target.
Low: The loss against the Chennai in the second rubber when victory was indispensable and the target was mere 117.
Captaincy: 2
Over all: 2½
Star performer: Irfan Pathan
Chennai Super Kings
Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
The team led by the Golden boy himself and adding up the player of Andrew Flintoff’s stature could have not eluded the semi finals berth. The league stage was a cake walk with Hayden and Raina piling heaps of runs. Hayden was in his butchering best while Raina was composing calm that meant the huge pile ups almost every match. Dhoni proved his worth with bat, gloves and the captain’s cap. Kris Shrikant and the flamboyant self he is merrily represented the team where ever they went. He was always talking heights about the team. That symbolizes the strength of belief on team by the team management. There name consisting of ‘Super’ denote a special characteristic of all wonderful peoples of Chennai. Every other word they utter has a suffix of ‘Suupper’ and there tone calls for a patent.
The gigantic Hayden was pouring fire from his bat proposing strong opposition against the Aussie media who made him retire from the international cricket. And the dire strait the Australian team is under may call back Hayden for the supernova power he has dispensed. He is a star that is yet to turn into a black hole. The sixes he struck mesmerized the cricket fans. Raina arguable is the best batter next to Tendulkar at the current scenario. He has the class, elegance, aggression, temperament and skills to match the best. His presence solidified the middle overs while the CSK’s ruthlessly won the games with bat itself. Next to Hayden and Raina, the skipper Dhoni and little Partiv Patel ensured their hitting skills were intact. Morkel, Oram, Flintoff and Badrinath were disappointing.
The fielding was way below par. Dhoni too raised his concerns in the few matches they lost. Everyone seems to have slipper palms as the catches went down regularly. Hayden, Murali, Morkel, Badrinath, Balaji, Raina, Patel they all dropped sitters. The bowling too lacked the highest dexterity. Only the expertise of ever deceptive Muralidharan was their focal weapon. Often he came to the party with plucking crucial wickets at the interesting junctures. Young left arm spinner, Jakati played his part well. The pace bowling was forgettable with Morkel, Balaji, Oram and Gony giving nightmares to captain. Haven’t they got Ntini this year?
The CSK’s with their personnel could have played a gear up. Their victory path was written by the batters and until the semis everything went to the plan. The woken giant inside the Royal Challengers Bangalore blown away the mightiest batting line up of the CSK’s. They could manage just 146 which chocked the dream run of the Super Kings. The resentment over Dhoni’s face was evident as he believed his team could have been the champs. Their team can be called a Rainbow. Beautiful, but only for a while.
High: Suresh Raina’s 2 overs at death against the KXIP which stimulated victory.
Low: The semi final loss.
Captaincy: 4
Over all: 4
Star performer: Mathew Hayden
Delhi Dare Devils
Captain: Virendra Shewag, Gautam Gambhir
As the name proposes they sent Devils in the opposition camp throughout the tournament. With the munitions store consisting of the demolishing Shewag, devastating Warner, comforting Gambhir, Dilshan the destroyer, AB the butcher, Karthik the killer accompanied with the bowling armory of McGrath, Nehra, Nannes, Sangwan, Vettori and Mishra, the team would have not finished with anything other than foremost rank. The lineup itself sent shivers in the opposite spine. They literally toiled with some of the teams as the opponent was thunderbolt with the masterly executed plan. They were such well equipped as the spearhead pacer McGrath could not find a place in the playing eleven. After the initial bust, Vettori too warm the benches alongside Maharoof. It was a discussion point as to who will be the other team playing finals against the Dare Devils. Almost everyone had presumed the Delhiates to enter finals. And there league stage march illustrated the same.
Tilakratne Dilshan from the island of the emerald isle was their best batsman. He made sure his team gathered loads of runs in the middle part. The bowling captains had a tough time setting fields to this mysterious aggressive batsman. The late square cuts were awesome. The pull sixes were breathtaking. Add up the splendid fielding of his and a handy off spin bowling. Dilshan for me is the man of the tournament with his consistency. T20 seeker can find a perfect idol to imitate on.
AB D’villers and Dinesh Karthik made sure the ending was ripe. The openers surprisingly struggled. Injury to Shewag offered an opening to Warner who is a player enough to fill up the void. Gambhir excel in an innings or two. But the best part of the team was the strength of their lower half. The bowlers. Dirk Nannes has been a revelation and Ashish Nehra a revolution. They ensured opposition where shaken up early with the in roads. Sangwan backed up the effort with some splendid thoughtful bowling. McGrath’s and Maharoof’s work on him was evident. The spinners stuck to the task and chipped in with tight overs. Rajat Bhatia too proved his selection. Mithun Manhas and Manoj Tiwary blew away the golden opportunities to stamp there presence.
What is required to shakeup the mountain as mightiest as the Himalayas? An Earthquake. The Dare Devils encountered one. In the semi final. Against the Deccan Charges. In the form of Adam Gilchrist. The batting of Gilchrist that evening is indescribable. It was a massacre of the top bowling attack. Nannes, Nehra, Sangwan all suffered. The Adam Gilchrist hurricane ripped off the Dare Devils chance of being into finals. The history was repeated since the last year’s loss in semis against the Rajasthan Royals. Carnage appropriately describes the performance of Delhi Dare Devils.
High: AB’s century against the CSK’s.
Low: The semi final loss.
Captaincy: 2-3
Over all: 4
Star performer: Tilakratne Dilshan
Captain: Brendon McCullam
The glamour addicted; Buchanan divided Kolkata Knight Riders stood to the expectation of all those who predicted the last spot for the team. Not more to write about.
High: _________________________________
Low: _________________________________
Captaincy: 0
Over all: ½
Star performer: _________________________
Blank lines for next year. Hopefully they’ll fill them up.
Mumbai Indians
Captain: Sachin Tendulkar
The balance and the arsenal of Mumbai Indians made them the hot favourites for the championship. The entire season portrays the missed opportunities by players and the boiling blood of the fans. The followers like me had the emotional heights subordinated with the deep valleys of sorrow watching them play. The likes of Jaisurya, Tendulkar, Duminy, Bravo, Zaheer, Harbhajan and Malinga described a muscular force. But the blunders by these same names guaranteed the last to second spot for the Indians.
Captain Tendulkar himself represented the graph of the falling share market of these days. It was pretty hard to digest that the player of Tendulkar’s rank struggled for the correct balance and composition of team until the 14th game. The moves made him look silly, only if pathetic sounds strong. For some reason or the other he believed Rahane, Takawale and Shah being better batsmen to himself, Jaisurya and Duminy. The best should have batted the better part of innings. The team always came with some uncanny surprises may it be in the batting line-up or the bowling changes. Duminy, there best batter should have batted up at number 3 and the results could have been different. Sadly the age has caught up Jaisurya and the time has come to express gratitude for the marvelous entertainment he has provided over the years. It hurts to see a Lion struggle in his post prime years. Thank you Jaisurya. The Malingas, and the Bravos, and the Zaheers and the Bhajjis would cope up being better for most times only to gift a loose one and get smacked in later parts. The rift that was publicly expressed by Bhajji surly would have not gone well with the team management. Nayyar’s performance with the stick in hand makes him an eligible national selection in days to come.
The Mumbai Indians boasted strong bench strength with likes of Mills, Ronchi, Fernando and Napier at the side lines. But never were they utilized. The Rhodes and the Pollocks too were less heard off while the rest only shined in the mid match interviews. The most expensive team of the IPL with the perfect blend awfully struggled to match the one-step ahead teams. Suicide appropriately describes their campaign.
High: Three back to back straight drive boundaries by Tendulkar in a nail bitter against Rajasthan Royals.
Low: 3 run loss against the Rajasthan Royals.
Captaincy: 1
Over all: 2
Star performer: Jean Paul Duminy
Rajasthan Royals
Captain: Shane Warne
If at all the game is played with the spirit as it should be, here is the team that staged the perfect show. They were the defending Champions and fought like one till the last minute until there dream run was jolted by Knight Riders. Shane Warne revealed the ideal captaincy qualities and marshaled the weak resources to its extremity. Apart from Smith, the batting line up was foreign. The might of Yusuf Pathan helped Smith to gather some important wins while Warnie led the bowling with some commendable field placing backup with the wonderful fielding exhibition. Ojha, Quiney, Jadeja, Carseldine, Raut shouldered the second scale batting. Munaf Patel, Trivedi, Kamran Khan and Amit Singh used the opportunities to make there presence felt.
In a match against the Delhi Daredevils, Yusuf Pathan’s breathtaking stroke plays ensured a win and a monies worth for spectators. Warne smartly held back Pathan until the eighth spot where he launched a counter attack and dominated the unconquered Delhi. In another encounter against the Mumbai Indians the team staged an unbelievable spirit to pull out a victory from the jaws of defeat. Same did they do to the mighty Deccan Charges and the furious Knight Riders. The absence of three international stars viz. Shane Watson, Sohail Tanveer and Kamran Akmal didn’t help the teams cause. The young nerves shivered during the decisive moment and Warne was left alone to salvage the champion’s pride. His attempt although failed but scaled up this marvelous game of cricket. The journey of the Royal Challangers can be appropriately termed as Braveheart.
High: The uncharacteristic win against the Mumbai Indians by mere 3 runs. Warne trapping Tendulkar plumb in front was one of the moments of this years IPL.
Low: The dramatic batting collapse in the initial match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Captaincy: 5
Over all: 3½
Star performer: Yusuf Pathan
Kings XI Punjab
Captain: Yuvraj Singh
This team from the great land of Sikhs, representing the extreme North had the best composition of glamour, flair and the skills for cricket. The elegance of Yuvraj is no strange to cricket followers. The guile of Irfan has caught the best napping. The exuberant class of Sanggakara and Jayawardena has no match. The speed of venomous Brett Lee has no mates these days and the Sreesanths, the Katichs and the Chawlas can turn on any game on there favourable day. Add up the spice of the gorgeous Priety Zinta who religiously stood behind the team every single time they played. May come the wins or the heartbreaking losses, she was always there.
Unfortunately the batting lineup they bragged about and the team heavily depended on, never helped the winning cause. Usually the score struggled getting pass 150. The exit of Jayawardena at a crucial juncture bump there middle order. Yuvraj’s leadership too needs to be scrutinized. He visibly abused his team mates often. It was there slow bowling that enrooted them towards the semi final path. Yuvraj getting couple of Hat tricks would be happy to feather his cap. Chawla and Powar extracted gold as and when the opportunity came there way. Irfan was lethal as always. Abdulla shouldered the pace attack until Lee chipped in. Shaun Marsh’s presence was missed atop.
It is difficult to pin point what went wrong with the team. The enthusiasm was always there with bumbling Priety around. The excitement in camp after overpowering Mumbai Indians in a low score thriller was worth filming. The Priety hugs with Yuvraj, Saggakara, Jayawardena, Irfan, Lee, Chawla… the list is endless, was breathe taking. Did she also lock with Ramesh Powar? For me he was the real hero of that encounter diving around saving couple of sure boundaries at the death. May be the reason for elimination can be found deep inside own roots. The lack of focus may suit the team’s description.
High: The counter attack on Chennai Super Kings bowling that eventually ended up short of target.
Low: The loss against the Chennai in the second rubber when victory was indispensable and the target was mere 117.
Captaincy: 2
Over all: 2½
Star performer: Irfan Pathan
Chennai Super Kings
Captain: Mahendra Singh Dhoni
The team led by the Golden boy himself and adding up the player of Andrew Flintoff’s stature could have not eluded the semi finals berth. The league stage was a cake walk with Hayden and Raina piling heaps of runs. Hayden was in his butchering best while Raina was composing calm that meant the huge pile ups almost every match. Dhoni proved his worth with bat, gloves and the captain’s cap. Kris Shrikant and the flamboyant self he is merrily represented the team where ever they went. He was always talking heights about the team. That symbolizes the strength of belief on team by the team management. There name consisting of ‘Super’ denote a special characteristic of all wonderful peoples of Chennai. Every other word they utter has a suffix of ‘Suupper’ and there tone calls for a patent.
The gigantic Hayden was pouring fire from his bat proposing strong opposition against the Aussie media who made him retire from the international cricket. And the dire strait the Australian team is under may call back Hayden for the supernova power he has dispensed. He is a star that is yet to turn into a black hole. The sixes he struck mesmerized the cricket fans. Raina arguable is the best batter next to Tendulkar at the current scenario. He has the class, elegance, aggression, temperament and skills to match the best. His presence solidified the middle overs while the CSK’s ruthlessly won the games with bat itself. Next to Hayden and Raina, the skipper Dhoni and little Partiv Patel ensured their hitting skills were intact. Morkel, Oram, Flintoff and Badrinath were disappointing.
The fielding was way below par. Dhoni too raised his concerns in the few matches they lost. Everyone seems to have slipper palms as the catches went down regularly. Hayden, Murali, Morkel, Badrinath, Balaji, Raina, Patel they all dropped sitters. The bowling too lacked the highest dexterity. Only the expertise of ever deceptive Muralidharan was their focal weapon. Often he came to the party with plucking crucial wickets at the interesting junctures. Young left arm spinner, Jakati played his part well. The pace bowling was forgettable with Morkel, Balaji, Oram and Gony giving nightmares to captain. Haven’t they got Ntini this year?
The CSK’s with their personnel could have played a gear up. Their victory path was written by the batters and until the semis everything went to the plan. The woken giant inside the Royal Challengers Bangalore blown away the mightiest batting line up of the CSK’s. They could manage just 146 which chocked the dream run of the Super Kings. The resentment over Dhoni’s face was evident as he believed his team could have been the champs. Their team can be called a Rainbow. Beautiful, but only for a while.
High: Suresh Raina’s 2 overs at death against the KXIP which stimulated victory.
Low: The semi final loss.
Captaincy: 4
Over all: 4
Star performer: Mathew Hayden
Delhi Dare Devils
Captain: Virendra Shewag, Gautam Gambhir
As the name proposes they sent Devils in the opposition camp throughout the tournament. With the munitions store consisting of the demolishing Shewag, devastating Warner, comforting Gambhir, Dilshan the destroyer, AB the butcher, Karthik the killer accompanied with the bowling armory of McGrath, Nehra, Nannes, Sangwan, Vettori and Mishra, the team would have not finished with anything other than foremost rank. The lineup itself sent shivers in the opposite spine. They literally toiled with some of the teams as the opponent was thunderbolt with the masterly executed plan. They were such well equipped as the spearhead pacer McGrath could not find a place in the playing eleven. After the initial bust, Vettori too warm the benches alongside Maharoof. It was a discussion point as to who will be the other team playing finals against the Dare Devils. Almost everyone had presumed the Delhiates to enter finals. And there league stage march illustrated the same.
Tilakratne Dilshan from the island of the emerald isle was their best batsman. He made sure his team gathered loads of runs in the middle part. The bowling captains had a tough time setting fields to this mysterious aggressive batsman. The late square cuts were awesome. The pull sixes were breathtaking. Add up the splendid fielding of his and a handy off spin bowling. Dilshan for me is the man of the tournament with his consistency. T20 seeker can find a perfect idol to imitate on.
AB D’villers and Dinesh Karthik made sure the ending was ripe. The openers surprisingly struggled. Injury to Shewag offered an opening to Warner who is a player enough to fill up the void. Gambhir excel in an innings or two. But the best part of the team was the strength of their lower half. The bowlers. Dirk Nannes has been a revelation and Ashish Nehra a revolution. They ensured opposition where shaken up early with the in roads. Sangwan backed up the effort with some splendid thoughtful bowling. McGrath’s and Maharoof’s work on him was evident. The spinners stuck to the task and chipped in with tight overs. Rajat Bhatia too proved his selection. Mithun Manhas and Manoj Tiwary blew away the golden opportunities to stamp there presence.
What is required to shakeup the mountain as mightiest as the Himalayas? An Earthquake. The Dare Devils encountered one. In the semi final. Against the Deccan Charges. In the form of Adam Gilchrist. The batting of Gilchrist that evening is indescribable. It was a massacre of the top bowling attack. Nannes, Nehra, Sangwan all suffered. The Adam Gilchrist hurricane ripped off the Dare Devils chance of being into finals. The history was repeated since the last year’s loss in semis against the Rajasthan Royals. Carnage appropriately describes the performance of Delhi Dare Devils.
High: AB’s century against the CSK’s.
Low: The semi final loss.
Captaincy: 2-3
Over all: 4
Star performer: Tilakratne Dilshan
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