Revolution 2020 - Chetan Bhagat

I neither love nor hate Chetan Bhagat's books. But I certainly like his style of writing with his characteristic simple language and wry sense of humour which arises when he aptly describes situations and emotions which we all Indians go through in our everyday lives.

Revolution 2020 is packaged with all the usual ingredients which makes Chetan Bhagat the most widely read Indian author in Fiction category.

It is about 2 friends who prepare for the entrance exams to study at the IITs, who fall for the same girl, and the results of those competetive exams on their lives and the choices they make later about what they want to do in life.

For me the take away from this book is the admirable way in which the author describes the journey of an average Indian student and the problems plaguing the education system in India, without exagerrating and without becoming hyper-critical.

Verdict : 3.5/5

Read it for the accurate description for problems plaguing the Indian Education System.

What's in a Name ?

What's in a name ? Apparently a lot ! According to numerologists, it even influences your life ;)
Ok coming to the discussion of names, I cringe each time I see my blog's name "MY-FREE-THOUGHTS" in orange and that too bold :(

Way back in 2008, I was looking for something like "Random Thoughts", "Time Pass" etc etc but everything was taken up already and I did not have the patience to come up with new names or experiment with more names :(

So all you people making fun of my "free-thoughts ? are-there-paid-thoughts-as-well ?" blog, please be informed that the blog's name has been henceforth changed (though the url obviously will stick with the old name) and therefore no comments on the oldname will be entertained ;) !

Its Raining Sweets !

From Dussera, our house has been flooded with sweets. Everyone, right from acquaintances to close relatives, have never come empty handed in the last few weeks. At any point in time, there have been atleast 2 variety of sweets available right from the humble Kesari to the exoctic dry fruit varieties and Gullas. Keep It Coming People ! You all are Invited at all times ;) !

Not My Life ... ?

Did you know that by helping begging children, by buying products that are made by children, and by turning your faces away from child rag-pickers, that you are actually helping human trafficking and that it is a part of modern day slavery ?

I saw this documentary movie " Not My Life - Ending Modern Day Slavery " on CNN. Its about Modern day slavery in all its forms and variations. Its not just a problem existing in poor countries in Asia and Africa but in 190 countries(official figures) across the world including the USA and European countries. The movie tells us that its not just poverty which forces people to fall into this hell but a lot of other factors. Modern day slavery thrives today mainly because of the need for cheap labour, child soldiers and brothels.


The most disturbing scene in the documentary was this small hut/shack in Mumbai where
they found 25 girls hidden in a small room in enclosed spaces as small as 5*5 feet and in between false ceilings between the roof and the horrifying fact was that the ages of these girls ranged between 4 and 12 ! And they say in the documentary that the person who was responsible for finding and rescuing these children was killed in an accident within two weeks. There are many more such disturbing stories and incidents from Albania, Ghana, USA and Italy that is shown in the first part of this movie.

The director of this movie, Robert Bilheimer, clearly explains that many of us are not aware of how we indirectly help modern day slavery by thinking that we are not a part of it and hence we are not helping it to thrive.

And the film maker makes us realise that everyone is indirectly helping this slavery to exist. How many of us have helped children begging in the streets without realising that it is another form of human trafficking where children are forced to beg so that someone else can make money ?

How many of us realise that the food we eat or the clothes we wear or the crackers that we burst are often because of the labour of a child and therefore again helping in human trafficking ?


These children, after they attain a certain age, are again transferred from factories to brothels and again after a certain age back to slaving in factories. But usually these children do not live even up to 30 years of age beacause of various diseases, injuries that they get when working or because of the torture that is inflicted on them to make them work.

Did you know that in Albania, from a group of 30 children, 1 is randomly picked and burnt alive, just to show as an example to other children, the fate they will encounter if they try to run away ??

So what can we do to stop this ? How can we help ?

The first step is to understand the forms of human trafficking that exist in the world today and in what all forms it is projected.

Please go through this link and see the movie and facts about it -

http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/16/director-we-can-change-the-world/

Once you see the movie and understand what modern day slavery is, you will surely find a way and do your bit in shrinking the size of this hell and pulling people and helping people out of it.

Please do not have the attitude of its "Not My Life" !

Enid Blyton !!

Yesterday, I found all my old storybooks and novels stacked up in a huge cardboard box in the attic. The books mainly consisted of Enid Blyton's Famous Five, Secret Seven, Malory Towers, The Five Find Outers and The Adventurous Four series. The sight of these books brought back a floodgate of memories of my childhood where books played a vital role.

It all started when Dad got me the Famous Five book - "Five Go Down to the Sea". It was during the summer holidays after 5th standard exams and unable to handle my tantrums at home for more Tinkles and Amar Chithra Kathas, he got me this book thinking that it would keep me quiet and busy atleast for a month (Since this book did not have cartoons and had around 200 pages he assumed I would be slow in finishing it). But thanks to Enid Blyton's skilled writing and simple language, I was able to understand and appreciate the story plot and loved the characters in them. The book kept me hooked and I finished the book in 2 days much to the dismay of my parents.

After reading this book, my parents dreaded taking me to any book store or mall or infact any place which had a bookstore in vicinity, because I always ended up with not less than 2 of Enid Blyton's books to buy. I still remember those days when I was oblivious to hunger, sleep and time when I started reading one of Enid's books. She used to bewitch her readers and take us into her world consisting of hot,buttery scones, lemonades, sandwiches, castles, treasure chests, picnics, dogs, friends, secret notes, maps, code words etc. Sigh ! Those were the days when you had no worries, no deadlines and you could just snuggle into a cozy corner and forget the world around you !

Thanks to you Enid, my dormant bookworm gene got triggered on and Thanks for sharing your world with us ! Thanks for making me a bookworm and for being an integral part of my childhood !

I will miss you ! Adieu !

Today I lost you.
In losing you, I have lost a part of myself .

You were everything to me, be it in happiness or sorrow.
You were always there for me !
You were my wellwisher, my friend !

I got to know what grandfatherly love was through you !
I was lucky to have a godfather like you.

You accepted me without conditions and showered love on me without reservations !

I will miss your hugs and kisses !
I will miss your soothing voice which talked sense into me !
I will miss those loving eyes which read and understood my silences !
I will miss your support and guidance !
I will miss the breakfasts, lunches and dinners that we had together !
I will miss those trips where you taught me a lot of things !
I will miss the discussions and arguments that we had !
I will miss those letters and notes which you wrote me !
I will miss the birthday wishes from you !
I will miss the gifts and chocolates that you gave me !
I will miss everything about you ! Everything !

You taught me how to behave and handle every situation !
You guided me through all my important decisons !
You stood for me and by my decisions and convinced everyone !
You taught me to be independent !
You accepted me with all my faults and still loved me !

I will miss your smile of encouragement !
I will miss the words which taught me to pursue my dreams !
I will miss your presence which boosted confidence in me !
I will miss the person who made me to respect myself.

In losing you I will miss the person, who showed me how to live life !

But deep inside, I know you will always be there for me !
I know that you will hold my hand and guide me always !

If you had been present now,
You would have wiped my tears, smiled and said " Stop crying, silly child ! Death is part of life ! I will be there with you always"

But I cannot help it.
I am not able to stop it ! And I know you will forgive me ! And I know you you are still smiling down upon me !

I will miss you, a lot !

Effect of a vacation !

Today I was dragging my feet to go to office after a blissful vacation of 2.5 weeks but the day was nothing as I thought it would be. It was infact the opposite and after a long time I really enjoyed being in office. Things that made my day were -


1. The sense of awe when I saw the beautiful camups of my office with all water fountains fully functioning after such a long time.
2. Colleagues and project mates greeting you with a smile and saying "Welcome Back" !
3. Friends bombarding you with Hi's and questions as soon as you log into your system.
4. Meeting another bunch of friends for lunch and they abusing you for not getting them anything from the place where you went for vacation and immediately demanding a compensatory treat in a 7 star hotel.
5. Mail from Infy scrabble captain saying that I was selected for Infy Scrabble team after playing so many rounds of games.
6. Irene after all did'nt damage NY much as expected and hence no extra work burden from onsite !
7.107 unread mails(thankfully fwds) in my inbox to read !
8.Meeting friends again for snacks and the start of the usual teasings and arguments !
9. Finishing substantial amount of work.
10. And leaving office early with a sense of satisfaction and contentment !!

What's Next ?

The fever pitch in the country is raising by the minute with Anna Hazare's deteriorating health after fasting continuosuly for the past 8 days. The whole country is united for fighting corruption though lines are divided over the dangers of powers demanded in Jan Lokpal bill.

The government again misjudged the crowds and support that Anna Hazare and his cause has, and decided to blink finally. The meeting that took place today at the parliament between the Government(Pranab Mukherjee, Salman Khurshid) and Team Anna(Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Santhosh Bhushan) did not seem to go well by reading the grim expressions and body language of Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi though Mr.Bhushan seemed relaxed and non-chalant.

Again the government is trying to buy time and as Anna's health is deteriorating, we can just hope that this movement still continues to be peaceful and no unfortunate event takes place which would take away the focus from fighting corruption and the need for a better Lokpal Bill.

But as we know, a strong Lokpal bill means a deathknell for all the corrupt politicians and government servants of this country. As a cynic, though I support Anna's good cause, can we really expect this government and parliament to actually pass the bill with the required majority ? What if the deadlock continues? What will happen if Anna refuses to take medications or drips ? What if some unruly elements manipulate the emotions that are running high in the country now ?

Inshaallah nothing like that happens....but still, one can't help wondering what's next?
Definitely history is being made now. But have we learnt from it and will we refrain ourselves from committing the same mistakes ?

Arranged Marriage - A nice video !

Found this Video posted by a friend on FB. Liked the take on arranged marriages in this video !
A very interesting interview !



Of course at the end when the guy says "I felt lost and now have found the way ...." is a bit too filmy! But neverthless a cute and nice video !

The direct link to this video - http://youtu.be/nYHeLoj1H2Q

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara !

Zoya Akhtar, the director of this movie has silenced all her critics and has proved that she was not just lucky with "Luck By Chance" but that she indeed is a powerhouse of talent to reckon with.

For a change we have a director who understands that audience do have a brain and can think.

This movie is about 3 friends on a bachelor's party to Spain and their life changing experiences. The 3 musketeers are Imran(Farhan), Kabir(Abhay) and Arjun(Hrithik).

Abhay Deol's dilemma if he is marrying the right person, Hrithik's obsession with work for the sake of a secure financial life, Farhan's strained relationship with his parents, strikes a chord with all of us.

The best thing about this movie is the way the director has conveyed the meaning and importance of living life fully without preaching and without getting too sentimental.

All the actors have done justice to their roles including Katrina and Kalki. For me the highlights were of course Farhan's expressions in every scene, his antics and the deep intensity of his eyes which expresses a range of emotions.

Some of the scenes that you wont forget for a long time are -

1. The banter of "mantally sick bwouy" between Farhan and Abhay.
2. The scene in the restroom where they start shouting at the same time.
3. The scene where Katrina comments upon Hrithik's pink cell phone.
4. The 15,000 ft bungee jumping scene.
5. The misunderstood proposal scene.
5. The out running of bulls in the last scene.
6.And of course the antics and Shayaris by Farhan.


This movie leaves you feeling good and smiling and thinking of how you are going to live your life fully in the present. And yes you will be humming the songs while you do that.

Rehna Tu !

When I listened to this song first, I thought it was a song sung by a guy who expresses his feelings to the girl he loves.
But then when I saw the movie I realized that it was dedicated to the city and the spirit of Delhi.And then again when I concentrated on the lyrics I realised that this was no ordinary song.
The lyrics of this song is written by Prasoon Joshi and transformed into magic by the music and voice of AR Rahman.

Delhi 6 movie was released way back in 2009 and this song still has a soothing effect to anyone who hears it and who can understand and appreciate the deep hidden sufi meaning in this song . This song can suit your need beautifully to descibe human love for a person, city, thing or even god as you can see in the last stanza.

Now you may be wondering to whom am I dedicating this song to...It is definitely to my beloved city.

Yesterday was stuck in a traffic jam in heavy rain. And I was thinking how peaceful and calm this city was 10 years ago and how it has transformed now. Then I remembered this song and realised that no matter what happens I will keep on loving this city.

The song and its meaning goes like this...(The below translatiuon does not do full justice to the lyrics but could not find a better translation on net)

Rehna tu, hai jaisa tu
Thoda sa dard tu, thoda sukun
Rehna tu, hai jaisa tu
Dheema dheema jhonka, ya phir junoon
Thoda sa resham tu humdum, thoda sa khurdura
Kabhi tu ad jaye, ya lad jaye, ya khushboo se bhara
Tujhe badalna na chahoon, rati bhar bhi sanam
Bina sajawat milawat, na zyada na hi kum

(Just stay, stay as you are
A little pain, a little comfort
Just stay, stay as you are
A gentle breeze, a stormy obsession
A little silky, my beloved; a little rough too
Stubborn at times, you quarrel or fill with fragrance
Wouldn’t want to change you, not even a little
Without adornment, without impurity, no more, no less)

Tujhe chahooon, jaisa hain tu
Mujhe teri barish main bhigna hai, ghul jana hai
Tujhe chahoon, jaisa hain tu
Mujhe teri lapat main jalna rakh ho jana hai

(I like you, just as you are
In your rainfall, I want to soak and dissolve
I like you, just as you are
In your flame, I want to burn and turn to ash)

Tu zakhm de agar
Marham bhi aake tu lagaye
Zakhm pe bhi mujhko pyar aaye

(If I’m wounded by you
I’m also healed by you
I find love in wounds too)

Dariya, O Dariya
Doobne de mujhey, Dariya

(River, O River
Let me drown in you, O River)

Rehna tu, hai jaisa tu
Thoda sa dard tu, thoda sukun
Rehna tu, hai jaisa tu
Dheema dheema jhonka, ya phir junoon

((Just stay, stay as you are
A little pain, a little comfort
Just stay, stay as you are
A gentle breeze, a stormy obsession)

Haath thaam chalna ho
Toh dono ke dayein haath sang kaise
Haath thaam chalna ho
Toh dono ke dayein haath sang kaise
Ek dayain hoga, ek bayain hoga
Thaam le haath ye thaam le
Chalna hai sang thaam le

(If we are to travel hand in hand
How can our right hands together?
If we are to travel hand in hand
How can our right hands together?
One would be right, one would be left
Take my hand, hold my hand
We have to travel together, so hold my hand)


The song takes on a completely different meaning in the last stanzas and that is when you realize that this song is not just about earthy love but much beyond it !

Aazaadiyan - Udaan !

Udaan released in 2010 is one of the best movies that I wish I had seen earlier in the theatres. Thanks to Prashanth's nice reviews and pendrive full of movies, I unintentionally stumbled upon this movie and due to boredom decided to watch it. All I can do now is thank god that I did watch the movie.

It is directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and has Anand Tiwari, Ronit Roy, Ram Kapoor starring in it. The best part in this movie is the ending. A very realistic ending supported by beautiful lyrics and music. The song is called "Aazaadiyan" which literally means Freedom. This song has the ability to instill hope in you even in the darkest hours. Hats off to the lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya for giving us such an amazing song. The lyrics and its meaning goes like this -

Pairon ki bediyan khwabon ko baandhe nahi re, kabhi nahi re
(If one's legs are haltered with chains, it never stops your dreams)

Mitti ki parton ko nanhe se ankur bhi cheerein, dheere dheere
(even the smallest sapling breaks into the earth, slowly)

Iraade hare hare, jinke seeno mein ghar kare
(those, whose hearts have blosomming detremination)

Woh dil ki sune kare na darre, na darre
(they listen to their hearts, never fearing.)

Subah ki kirno ko rokein jo salaakhein hai kahan
(Where are those bars that can stop morning rays (there are none))

Jo khayalon pe pehre daale woh aankhein hai kahan
(where are such eyes that stand guard over thoughts)

Par khulne ki deri hai parinde ud ke chhoo lenge Aasman aasman aasman
(It's only until they open their wings, birds will touch the sky)

Subah ki kirno ko rokein jo salaakhein hai kahan
Jo khayalon pe pehre daale woh aankhein hai kahan
Par khulne ki deri hai parinde udh ke chhoo lenge
Aasman Aasman Aasman

Aazaadiyan, aazaadiyan
(freedom.. freedom...)

maange na kabhi, mile mile mile
(is never won by asking for it)

Aazaadiyan, aazaadiyan
(freedoms.. freedom...)

Jo chheenein wahi, jee le jee le jee le
(those who snatch (their freedom), live)

Subah ki kirno ko rokein jo salaakhein hai kahan
Jo khayalon pe pehre daale woh aankhein hai kahan
Par khulne ki deri hai parinde udh ke chhoo lenge
Aasman aasman aasman

Kahani khatam hai ya shuruwaat hone ke hai (hone ke hai)
(Is it the end of the story or a new beginning ?)

Subha nayi hai yeh ya phir raat hone ko hai (hone ke hai)
(Is it a new morning or night about to fall ?)

Kahani khatam hai ya shuruwaat hone ke hai (hone ke hai)
Subha nayi hai yeh ya phir raat hone ko hai (hone ke hai)

Aane wala waqt dega panahein
(Will time that comes give us space to enjoy ?)

Ya phir se milenge do raahe
(Or shall we be getting dilemmas (tensions, troubles))

Khabar kya, kya pataa
(Who knows....! )

Welcome for new joinees in my project !

This was the fun questionnaire I was supposed to fill when I joined the project. Never knew it would be forwarded it to every person in the project. Anyways it was a nice experience and fun filling it. My answers are in bold. Everything else was commented by them ! This is how it went...

Cluster Name: = Web-Client
Technical Skills: = [just in case your team quickly needs an additional hand :)] = WebLogic, Websphere
What best describes you: = Friendly, outgoing, a voracious reader.
What best describes your home town: =
A blend of Trend and Tradition (Which place you are from?)
Your idea of a perfect work environment: =
CCD at every building, Bowling Alleys, Multiplex, Internet Access and clock-in of 8 hours per day.
(8 hrs – every 2 hours at CCD, Bowling Alley, Multiplex and Surfing – Work done:))
If there was one thing you can change @ work, it would be: =
First let me get a cubicle and PC and then I will think of changes :)
If not here as a ‘talent’ in Infy, where would you love to be: = IIM-B any day!
Funniest / Craziest Moment of your life: =
Hmm.....Getting ragged by Seniors and we in turn started ragging them!
What was the first thing you did, when you received your 1st job offer: =
Celebrated with friends since we all had got placed in the same company!
Special Skills [Now…be open. you can win people’s heart here!]:=
Debates, Trekking, Reading books, Blogging etc
Your inspiration / Role Model: = Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, J.R.D.Tata, and Warren Buffet.
If you could have 3 wishes granted, what they would be?

1. Join Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! (Which house you wish to join?)
2. Be a successful Writer!
3. Study at Harvard Business School! (If you get IIM-B, HBS & Hogwarts at the same time, what’s your choice?)

One last question, what would you do, if you won a $ 09 Million in Lottery: = Travel the whole world, Buy a Farmhouse, Publish my own books etc etc

Welcome to MSSBian Family & wishing you Good Luck!!!


***Onsite Folks are BCCed
Regards,
Bala

React Vs. Respond

Got this mail as a forward...worth reading ! The mail goes like this...

Suddenly, a cockroach flew from somewhere and sat on a lady. I wondered if this was the cockroach’s response to all the glory that was spoken about it!

She started screaming out of fear. With panic stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach. Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group got cranky to what was happening.

The lady finally managed to push the cockroach to another lady in the group. Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama.

The waiter rushed forward to their rescue.

In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter. The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt. When he was confident enough, he grabbed and threw it out with his fingers.

Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach responsible for their histrionic behavior? If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed? He handled it near to perfection, without any chaos.

It is not the cockroach, but the inability of the ladies to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach that disturbed the ladies.

I realized even in my case then , it is not the shouting of my father or my boss that disturbs me, but it’s my inability to handle the disturbances caused by their shouting that disturbs me. It’s not the traffic jams on the road that disturbs me, but my inability to handle the disturbance caused by the traffic jam that disturbs me.

More than the problem, it’s my reaction to the problem that hurts me...

The Take-Away

The women reacted, whereas the waiter responded.

We should not react in life, we should always respond. Reactions are always instinctive whereas responses are always intellectual !!!

I gotta feeling ..... tonight's gonnna be a good good....

I just love the energy in this song by Black Eyed Peas. A Perfect song for celebration...not necessary that you have to be a pub-hopping or a party animal to enjoy this song....So just lose it all and listen and enjoyyyyy this song !