An Eventful Year!

What a remarkable 2011 has been! A year of beginnings. A year of hopes. Many events that showed there is light at the end of the tunnel. It was the year of euphoria when India was crowned again as Cricket World Champion after 28 years of wait. The year that made prominent politicians jailed for their shameless scandals. The year in which one old man stood up and united the nation against corruption. The year in which individual record of little master was broken by his teammate and during which a fellow Indian, an  unsung hero who stood like The Wall, decided to quit ODI Cricket.

The world rejoiced when the most wanted terrorist was shot down. Ironically, India mourned the loss of great artists: a ghazal maestro - his songs pleasing our ears even today, a multi-talented actor and filmmaker better known as the youngest evergreen romantic hero and, a fanatic whose junglee portrayals ruled the silver screen between early '60s and late '70s. I mourn the loss of two great people who changed the world of computers. They made many others like me to be proud of the profession we chose. We also lost one of our renowned cricketers whose captaincy was as shrewd as a tiger who led India from the front. Its the year of commemoration of these people who embed themselves forever in our memories. Sad but true.

 As to me, I met two of my best friends who stay abroad and paid their visits to India earlier this year. I am glad I met them. It certainly became an eventful year for me when I met my schoolmates 10 years later. God! that get together was so refreshing and so cherishing to see those tiny faces fully grown to plump heads.

The place where it all started :)

The most distinctive of all, its been a great year of blogging. It started with a couple of technical blog posts which received positive response from few of my friends. That triggered me to start off exploring the extent of my writing abilities. It really turned out well. Readers began appreciating my work. I was delighted by the overwhelming response I got since this was the only thing owned by me which was completely exposed to public.

I have written about all those things that were indeed rumbles in my mind for some time. I wanted some means through which I can express these ideas and shut my mind up for a while. I was well aware that some of my friends were bloggers. I thought at once - why shouldn't I start blogging? Blogspot was the place. I was very timid and it troubled me a lot when I thought about my style of writing. I admit that there is no peculiarity in my writing, but something made me anxious about it. No doubt, I was confident about whatever I was going to write will be understood by common man. I have a decent knowledge of English vocabulary and sufficient grip on English grammar that was enough to pull it off in some style.

For now the rumbling has stopped. No! It has paused. "Stop" is a dangerous word because I won't let my new found interest to be lost so easily. Its just that I am trying to find subjects which qualify for a good write up. So, I wake up every morning with empty thoughts or with a nightmare having some kind of monster. I have been reading some best sellers lately and hoping that it will generate a spark to resume this work. I am sure that there is still a lot of it that's left in me to write on variety of things. The mind just wants just the right ignition on which I will be interested to express my thoughts. For instance, when I watched Memento, I found the screenplay so impressive that I read its script and I got involved in thinking of a simple story that would be a short film. I had a vague idea about the story, but could not decide the plot. I wanted the screenplay to be like Memento's. I started writing the script but it is still incomplete! Next time, I will think of a good story first before I pounce on writing a screenplay.

I even tend to start writing poems or songs. I am deeply inspired by works of my co-worker, who owns this blog: Junkyard of Songs, and songs by British Rock band: Oasis. I guess I need to have some built-in skill to write songs. When I asked my co-worker, he said that it got into him. I need to wait when it gets into me. Finally, to all my blog readers, I am grateful to all of you. Without you guys I am not completely focused. So, keep reading my posts and leave you comments. I hope to come up with interesting posts with fresh rumbles in my brains. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year 2012. What remains unforgiven is what took them so long to rock in India?

RIP

Jagjit Singh, Bhimsen Joshi, Shammi Kapoor, Dev Anand, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Steve Jobs and Dennis Ritchie

The Reboot of Mahabharatha

How sure are you to believe those 100 Kuravas are children are of both Dritharashtra and Gandhari? How did Satyavati's son Vichitravirya die? Do you strongly believe that five Pandavas are sons of Pandu and Kunti? The version of tale written by Shashi Tharoor gives life to the great epic by being more realistic. There is no magic or wizardry involved. There is no boon or curse. But, it only tells the truth. Its all beautifully presented in The Great Indian Novel. It maps people and incidents of Indian freedom struggle to that of characters and situations in Mahabharata. It marks the beginning of politics. I am not referring to politics by Krishna as stated in Bhagavad Geeta. I am inferring to the birth of Indian politics that is witnessed even today. The only prerequisite to read this book is you need to have knowledge of Indian Independence movement and you should have read Mahabharata.

Do you think that India got its independence due to resistance of our freedom fighters? The book mentions that after the World War, British were tired and lost capacity to rule India. So they appointed the last viceroy to clean up the mess quickly and return home. Indian leaders were given just eight months to form government. Meanwhile, Pandu was unhappy with Gangaji's principles of non-violence. He went mad when Dhritarastra was hailed as Gangaji's successor. He always believed in aggressive means to get rid of British. He left Kaurava Party and went on to build India's army. He took help of Japan for its formation. Eventually his movement wasn't successful and he got killed in an airplane crash.

At this time India was in a great predicament and agreement was never drawn between Kaurava Party and the Muslim Group. So, it was Mohammad Ali Karna parted with Karnistan as a separate state. There were Indian Muslims who backed Kaurava Party and they wanted to prove that there are many Muslims in India and India will help uplift them. And it did happen. Karna's theory was falsified. He stood firm on his belief that Muslims can only flourish if they are in a separate state but definitely not in India. It was under Mohammad Rafi as party president when Manimir was annexed to India overnight by Vidur. It also describes about the aftermath of Partition. What ignited the Manimir issue? Because of Dhritarastra's blind idealism, he was blamed when he got UN involved in this issue. Because of UN, part of it was given to Karnistan and bulk of it to India.

How well did Dhritarastra perform as first Prime Minister of India? He was becoming ignorant about social values that he had when he started the movement. Uplifting rural India wasn't being considered by him. That led to the rise of the Pandavas with Drona as their mentor. They stood for a cause of up bringing rural sections of Indian society. This posed a threat to the ruling party. Between Kaurava Party & the Pandavas stood Ms Draupadi Mokrasi; Ms D. Mokrasi, in short. I hope you got what I trying to say. And this is how she was objectified and exploited between the two. Yet she was protected by the five pillars of the nation: Judiciary, Army, Media, Diplomatic & Administrative Services.

It also discusses about expulsion of colonial rule in Comea and finally it was joined with Indian union. This happened under the leadership of Dhristarasta's most trusted minister: Kanika Menon. Kanika was India's representative at the UN and notorious for long speeches. The book elaborates about cause for Indo-Chakra dispute and also throws light on how India failed to defend Tebia. Indan jawans fighting in mountain regiments had no all weather rations and were obliged to wear canvas tennis-shoes in Himalayan snow. Dhritarastra was so immersed in the company of his popular minister Kanika that he had no desire to listen to the warnings. Our soldiers with their unprotected backs turned, warming glove-less hands before domestic stoves in icy mountain passes, as Defense Minister Kanika danced with a mask of confirmed conquer while Dhritarastra makes visionary speeches about non-aligned unity and brotherhood of Indians and Chakras. So he was criticized for his negligence and his decline was gradual but decisive. Gradually his daughter Priya Duryodhani gears up and takes the role of India's CEO. Her stubbornness and her will to operate as per her wish was her sole objective. Many initiatives were taken by her despite strong opposition. Her only appreciative accomplishment was India's victory in the Gelabi Desh war. She was found guilty corrupt electoral practice. The famous scene of Draupadi cheer haran is associated with how Duryodhani and her handpicked minions had been stripping the nation of the values and institutions we had been right to cherish.

It is no doubt that as we read along, our minds will start associating characters of the epic to the real people involved in Independence movement. Today's youth will definitely be enlightened after reading this book because I honestly did not understand what Manimir issue is all about. I couldn't make head or tail of it when I read about it in the newspapers or when I watched on television. I feel so relieved and inexplicably happy now to know all these things about my country. I was startled to discover so many things about Indian freedom struggle and its aftermath. The cunning nature, the shrewdness and the wickedness of those people whom we think as noble men are justified.

The language used is at its best. It is one of finest English literary works I have ever read. You will definitely start reciting the conversations as mentioned in the book.  It has a modern touch of everything. Sarcasm and humor are both just brilliantly played. And, you will also admire Tharoor's skill in the way this twice-born tale is organized and narrated. Definitely this book must be made a TV series with Tharoor as a screen writer and director, and cast should consist of acclaimed actors filling the screen with astounding performances portraying the characters - delicately and carefully - as described in the book. Undoubtedly, this book is a must read for every Indian.

Further reading:
The Great Indian Novel - Wikipedia

Dangerous Profession

Enter Bangalore. The Silicon City of India. If you are an engineering graduate and you have the desire to see yourself in a technical role in the world computers, then you land yourself in a software company if you dream of working for it.

Software engineers have aspirations of many kinds. Get a load of this blog post: I Won't Go Onsite. It throws light on some things that goes through an Indian IT professional's mind. People die for onsite assignments to earn more money, to have a look at other side of the world. I find people dying to climb up the career ladder; promotions, better salary hikes, and so on. Also, I find geeks who drive with the motto of "Excellency is Success", you know, who are always hungry to learn new things on technology, management, etc. I agree, all these aspirations are completely valid.

Facebook Inc employees are the youngest and most satisfied, and yet the most stressed, among workers at big US technology companies, a survey found. Read more

Let's look at the other side of this business. You find many people who work just for the sake of their livelihood. They work very hard to earn more. Apart from work, people have plenty of financial liabilities to handle, personal issues related to their families, loaded with responsibilities & commitments, etc. Its way too much. Earning more is directly proportional to more work getting done from you. There is always a catch behind earning money. Its not as easy as we think or the way other people think about us. As we all know there is no tree that bears money. Secondly, there are situations where employees are exploited. For example: pressurizing employees to finish the task(s) within short time, provoking fear of getting sacked, etc. This leads to disasters. Couple of incidents are spotted below.

BANGALORE: A 31-year-old techie killed his 2-year-old daughter and later committed suicide at his house on Tuesday night...Failure at work is suspected to have pushed him to suicide. Read more

BANGALORE: Depressed over professional complications, a 38-year-old software engineer allegedly committed suicide. Read more

The question remains: what's the point working very hard that costs your life? I mean, is there a need to sacrifice your life for the sake of work? I don't think so! There are many other jobs available, but only one life! For the mankind's ever changing and everlasting desires, how long are you going to work? How much more are you going to earn, than anyone else? How long are you going to stay abroad experiencing the pleasure of alien life style? It is a matter of few days, few months or may be one or two years. Ask yourself:

Am I really happy?

If the answer is - NO, then you are definitely in the wrong place. Its time to walk away! Be contended and satisfied with whatever is given to you. But, don't ever let anything come near you that will take away your life or hamper  your well being! Whatever you do, make sure it has certain limit and also make sure you are enjoying it to the fullest. All that matters is the realization of the question: "What makes me really happy?" And, remember, life is very short to be very serious! It seems a little funny, but as a matter of fact the answer to this question changes with time. It is always better to introspect and choose the right answer which suits happy & healthy life in the long run.

My Role Model, My Choice

Since childhood, I think of being someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, or Hugo Weaving in the recent Matrix trilogy or anyone I am fond of on the silver screen. These desires were only part of my dreamworld; not those things which drive me crazy. I get excited when I see those guys in movies. Even now, sometimes when I am alone, I talk to myself delivering all the dialoguesin prominent movies in the way these guys deliver. Its not only about these celebrities, I also wonder about how beautifully these innovative movies are made; for instance films by Chris Nolan and James Cameron are my all time favorites. I even think of becoming like them one day. When it comes to music, I get inspired by Oasis, Iron Maiden and Metallica. I wish I could write songs like Oasis and Metallica or even play music like Iron Maiden. The songs are simple; but they have so much meaning in it. Music composition of Iron Maiden just turns me on and takes me to new world all the time.

But hey, wait a minute, where am I heading? My skills are different, my qualification is different. All these things are way different to me. These guys are unreachable unless you are fully involved in it. Well, I always admire those people who work with me and who have better skills compared to me. I have seen people who design solutions to the most complicated problems we have in requirements. And what's more - these people inspire me to follow their path. Share their knowledge, make me learn new things and deliver better. These people are not celebrities, but they just normal people who meet me daily and I sit next to them at work place or at lunch. So, a sense of hope arises in me to tell me "If they can do it, why can't I?" All it takes is a little push to get me going in the path to learn what they have learnt and be capable of what they are doing or do more than what they have already done. Believe me, these guys are not my managers or supervisors at work. I hang out with them, have lunch, tea breaks, etc. Earlier I thought, its not good or cool to discuss about the things that I want to (technical stuff, to be precise) during breaks. But, in fact, its perfectly all right to talk about it. Some people like the topic as well. So, my thought processes matches the way they think. Thus, they don't fail to inspire me. It really matters how I choose my role models.

The whole idea is its not necessary that a Hollywood big shot or hit single musician to be my role model. It can be any one around me! Well, when it comes to movies, music and books, these celebrities are with me to keep me happy and occupied. Inspired by Chris Nolan's screenplays, I am thinking of a really good plot to write a script. Apart from blogging, I believe writing scripts is also a good choice as a hobby. Hmm, learning to write songs (like Oasis) is also not a bad choice. But, I find it unlikely, because I don't possess the built-in skill of being poetic. I had began writing script for a simple story and screenplay was more or less like Memento. I couldn't think about complete story and a strong plot. So, it remains unfinished. I can't sit idle, can I?

Expecting Expectations

Expectation - one word, different meanings. This is one of the things which troubles my mind and I fail to draw a line to conclude this is how it should be. I am going to say about just one meaning that explodes into many things. I am sure many of us have faced situations like the one I am about to tell here. As human beings, we all have many expectations. But, expectations from people whom you think are dear to you are of special priority because dear people are bound by relationship.

Expectations from dear people can range from the most silliest things to the most enormous things. If you get what you expect from them, you will be the happiest person on earth; unhappiest otherwise. And as far as my experience goes, the silliest expectations hurt the most. I cannot call them as silly because we have feelings, that's why we are humans. What good is a life without feelings? Let me elaborate on this point.

I meet new people. We gradually become friends. We quickly become good friends. Now I start giving in more of myself into this relationship. Just when we are about to know each other well and everything is going on fine (no collisions of any sort), strange things happen. Friends stop talking to me. I try to call/text/mail them, no responses at all. I am unable to figure out what went wrong between us. Relationship becomes  fragile instantly. I cannot even call it as friendship. Another instance: friends will think of me only when they need help. They won't even care whether I am dead or alive rest of the time. The most annoying thing about this is I come to know I am puppet only some months later. My questions are: Why lose touch suddenly when a simple "Hi" once in a while would have kept me happy. Or at least let me know what is wrong with me. Why think of me only when there is purpose? I have highlighted friendship here but I have faced these annoying things in other types of relationships as well.

Having experienced such things, I have realized these people don't deserve to be my friends at all. I believe it is the Lord coming to the rescue. I have the sense of judging people's character. Before they judge me, I am quick enough to judge them. This sense fails sometimes. So, it is by His divine power I am protected by all negative forces. Not only under these circumstances, but in many other cases as well. This belief not only acts a recovery from grief but also allows me to hold my head high and keep moving on. It is stupidity to have many friends if we fail to understand each other. I have a handful number of friends and I am very happy to have them as friends. Once in while, even today, when I think about those people who lost touch (weirdos) with me or about those self centered people, I feel very sad and I lose myself in clouds of  thoughts to realize what went wrong. Now I take care of myself in such a way that those people should never enter my life ever again. I wish them to be vanished into thin air.

The Facebook Song

Winding up this silliest expectation, here is an example of high expectations. I have seen high expectations from grown ups: people who are middle aged or mostly in their 50s or 60s or even some of them have in their natural instinct. When I was a kid, people did many good things to see me happy. Even today, many good things are being done with a thought that I will in turn satisfy their expectations. And these are not just expectations, but they are intense desires. This doesn't end here. They shamelessly ask "I have done so much for you, what have you done for me?" Now this is where it causes immortal pain! If they have such expectations at the back of their minds, why do anything to me? The side effect of this is you will become very stubborn and you will promise yourself "I won't do a damn thing for them"

I have expressed about a smallest sector of many instances ever possible in many situations. Enough said! I feel so much better now. Taking a break. Don't know how many of you will feel this as a crappy subject, I just wanted it to let it out. I will be back with something new again.