Time Ticking...

HE Knows What’s The Best!

2009-08-11T00:50:00.001+05:30

When I Asked God for Strength
He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face!

When I Asked God for Brain & Brown
He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve!

When I Asked God for Happiness
He Showed Me Some Unhappy People!

When I Asked God for Wealth
He Showed Me How to Work Hard!

When I Asked God for Favours
He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard!

When I Asked God for Peace
He Showed Me How to Help Others!

God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted
He Gave Me Everything I Needed.

-- Swami Vivekanand

Have I Lost It?

2009-07-08T03:45:00.001+05:30

Its a question which has been hitting me on and off these days. There are so many things going around these days regarding work that this question pops up every time…

On 4th July, I completed 4 years in the IT industry. It has been a great journey. But somehow I don’t feel its going as good as it was or as it should be. And there are reasons to it…

With each passing year, I was aiming at certain areas that I wanted to cover as part of my learning. But the things didn’t work out as I wanted. In fact, its not working out as I want. I was expecting to learn few management aspects during this last one year, but its been a failure. Thus, seeing even a single thing being mismanaged irritates me to the core! Only positive is that I learned few things which should not be done!

Indian IT is still there where it was! Mostly its extracting from either the ignorance of its user or by providing services (read manpower) at lower costs outside India. So, lower cost services (which is quite lucrative for Indian services companies) mean that you do the crap you are asked to do! And when its being earned by using the ignorance of your client, which aren’t technical enough to understand the pieces involved, that means you have the upper hand. Sometimes, I feel shocked to hear the cost itself and makes me think that what it so special we do with it that it costs so much? Honestly, what we normally do in one day at office, I can finish it up in a much shorter time. By no means I want to say that I work so well, but people I know, most of them can do it. So, why is that it does not works out at office? We all have different answers, but for me I hate if the work I am doing is donkey work! And that’s why, learning isn’t good enough and I end up wasting lot of time…

Thus, I am asking myself this one simple question these days…Have I lost the zeal to work? Am I not comfortable enough to work the way I was doing earlier? Have I lost the energy and the enthusiasm?

The answer is a YES and a NO!

Yes, I don’t feel like working on anything crap! I don’t want to work on anything that isn’t planned well. I don’t feel like wasting my energy on things that aren’t worth. I ignore discussions, meetings that starts going in wrong directions. After being 4 years in this line, I expect more maturity. And I detach myself from things if that level of maturity isn’t there! Yes, I have lost the zeal to work that way!

No, I still feel the same for my work. I just love it! I love to experiment on new things, integrate systems and bring it on a common platform. I practice all such stuff. I love learning new technologies, to see what’s going on around the world and what the world is looking at! I like to find out issues that require a technological touch to get resolved, which is what always keeps me on my toes. No, I have not not lost that energy and zeal to work!

Only solution I see to it is, move on and do independently what I like!

Hope…

2009-04-10T02:07:00.001+05:30

Saagar ke vishal hriday mein, jab kashti hi ghabray!
Saahil door nazar na aaye, tab maajhi paar lagaaye!!

Jungle ke har zarre mein, jab maut ho taak lagaye!
Hirno ki ek toli ko, ek hiran hi raah dikhaye!!

Finally...A Day Off !!!

2009-01-27T01:16:00.001+05:30

Finally, I took a day off! Its 26th Jan 2009, India's 60th republic day celebrations and I watched it with a smile. I actually had plans to go for flag hoisting ceremony at office. But with my habit of getting up late, I woke up at 7:45, though my alarm was ringing from 6:45. And it was impossible to reach there in 45 mins. So, I decided to take a chill pill and sleep again :)

I got up later and cherished the Republic Day Parade. Though I know there is lot of money that goes into it, but it displays our country's military might, cultural unity in diversity and a clear message that nobody can put us down. We are Indians and we are proud of it!

India knew this time the Ashok Chakra awardees very well. We all thank them for their bravery and making us live life with peace. We salute you again and again!

Another interesting thing was the salute given by a lady (Air Force parade lead) to a lady (President). Though I don't carry that kind of regards for Smt. Pratibha Patil as I had for Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, but still it was a wonderful moment :)

After parade got over, I did something I love. I slept :) From 2 to 9, I was in my dreams. I did not call anyone, neither responded to anyone. You know what, this is the best thing to do in life. Just keep on sleeping :D

Right now as well, I want to sleep but damn, I am not feeling sleepy at all. So, I have switched to 2nd best thing...Blogging! Few hours back, I also looked into various campaigns that are going across. One that I really liked was Jaggo Re campaign (www.jaagore.com) and I am also registering for it. Interesting aspect is that Election Commission of India is also recognizing and supporting it. If only, they could have done this kind of thing earlier, it would have saved my sis going door to door for election work. Teach India, Akanksha, iVolunteer were few other campaigns I went through. I believe there is lot of stuff that is happening. What I really want to check out is how it is reaching the bottom of pyramid, to the people who are far from this world of technology and all!

And I did not think of work at all today! Damn, I am going to be in trouble waters shortly! There is lot of pending work and I can see myself being axed by the load that is coming on this week. But for now, lets enjoy! Will see to work tomorrow ;)

So, a great day ends here! Probably, I will write some more! Some technical stuff as well...Google's services are really irritating me and I am gonna write a full fledged entry on that! Anyway, happy to have a day off :) :)

Year End Diary !!!

2009-01-01T12:49:00.001+05:30

Year gone by, another in the offering! 2008 was eventful in lot of ways. Here are they:

One of the most important events was that I laid the foundation stone for my firm. Things are in progress. Planning is on a higher side. I am able to touch multiple domains now and that's making me excited. Lot of collaborations are happening and I am learning new business stuff with each passing day. Thanks to the Team! 2009 is going to be extremely important where I expect more opportunities to be converted into business, more ideas to be converted to products, domain expansion and reaching out to more and more people. I also expect meeting more people, bring more people into the team and learn new business processes.

I have rejoined Persistent Systems, after getting quite bored from R Systems. Its my team at Persistent that matters most to me than any other thing in the company. Learning is good so far and I expect more technology grasping in this new year. I may leave the company during this year itself.

I had to leave home and come to Pune which, honestly speaking, wasn't a good feeling. I miss my home and may take a U-turn shortly. But I came back to get myself more established in professional setup. So, currently I am going to focus only on that.

I have got lot more friends now and that's truly a good thing. I don't believe in having resolutions to make more friends because friendships happen Just Like That :)

I have let my ego dominate again and is a beautiful thing that has happened :). Say Go To Hell to people who don't care for you. Frankly speaking, they don't deserve to have me as their friend. There are people who care for me and I only care about them :)

As usual, I didn't follow and schedule and not going to follow anything this year as well. Gym is on cards from past some time and I, hopefully, will be continuing that. I have become more organized as far as information is concerned. I am keeping my stuff arranged pretty well, only on my machine :)

And the mantra for this year... "DO WHAT THE HEART SAYS AND DO THINGS THAT LEADS ME TO MY GOAL" :) Hell with any schedule and plans! And more India specific things will be on cards this year!

Only bad thing, I still don't have a Fanti :(

That summarizes my year! Probably I have missed few things but this looks OK for now. Have a great year ahead guys and thanks for being there! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009 :)

So, Who's Responsible???

2008-12-10T00:07:00.001+05:30

Even I wanted to write. Throw my anger out - At politicians, at media, at terrorists, at Pakistan, at non-cooperative intelligence agencies, at anything and at everything. Frankly speaking, you just can't get away, you simply can't. But because there was so much happening, I could not find words - there was, and still is, simply frustration and anger. And I did not want to make this only copy-paste news, because we all know what happened. Because we all wrote about it and did not want to read it again and again!

I read a lot, a lot...blogs, articles, newspapers, magazines! And I thought about only one thing - Who's Responsible?? After all who is?? And for a long time, I could not find an answer...

We, in India - the Indians, call our nation...The Sleeping Tiger! The Future Superpower! Frankly speaking, we are not! No one knows about the future. And if you are a tiger who is sleeping in present or a superpower in future, what are you currently? I am a proud Indian and there are no ifs and buts to it. But there are things that we don't accept - and that we have to accept it.

Communities in India decide to break laws, disturb normal routine of life and destroy public property - all for quota. One religion fights with other because of no reason. We vote based on which party supports our community or religion, and not nation. One region hits on people from another region and there are regional clashes. Government decides to disobey Supreme Court orders to appease a community. Some regions prefer to support neighbouring countries that their own nation. Groups clash for a piece of land. For vote bank, industrialization is kicked out of state. Media starts showing live telecast of army locations for TRPs. Some people blame unbiased interrogators, commandos and their families who lay their lives to help us live peacefully. Anyone can call a bandh to get attention. Isn't it?

Then...we call ourselves Biggest Democracy in the World!! Freedom is given at a condition, that you know your duties and will perform it well. Probably, looks like that is not applicable.

And then when terrorists attack, we have something to say. Honestly, nothing is going to happen this time as well. Only because the people we choose to lead us are one of us. And, are we responsible enough to make that change? Till the time we are not, don't expect...

Is Baar Nahin !!!

2008-12-02T20:57:00.001+05:30

Is baar jab woh choti si bachchi mere paas apni kharonch le kar aayegi
Main usey phoo phoo kar nahin behlaoonga
Panapney doonga uski tees ko
Is baar Nahin

Is baar jab main chehron par dard likha dekhoonga
Nahin gaoonga geet peeda bhula dene wale
Dard ko risney doonga,utarney doonga andar gehrey
Is baar nahin

Is baar main na marham lagaoonga
Na hi uthaoonga rui ke phahey
Aur na hi kahoonga ki tum aankein band karlo,gardan udhar kar lo main dawa lagata hoon
Dekhney doonga sabko hum sabko khuley nangey ghaav
Is baar nahin

Is baar jab uljhaney dekhoonga, chatpatahat dekhoonga
Nahin daudoonga uljhee door lapetney
Uljhaney doonga jab tak ulajh sake
Is baar nahin

Is baar karm ka hawala de kar nahin uthaoonga auzaar
Nahin karoonga phir se ek nayee shuruaat
Nahin banoonga misaal ek karmyogi ki
Nahin aaney doonga zindagi ko aasani se patri par
Utarney doonga usey keechad main,tedhey medhey raston pe
Nahin sookhney doonga deewaron par laga khoon
Halka nahin padney doonga uska rang
Is baar nahin banney doonga usey itna laachaar-
ki paan ki peek aur khoon ka fark hi khatm ho jaye
Is baar nahin

Is baar ghawon ko dekhna hai gaur se
Thoda lambe wakt tak
Kuch faisley
Aur uskey baad hausley
Kahin toh shuruat karni hi hogi
Is baar yahi tay kiya hai

- by Prasoon Joshi

INDIA vs. INDIA

2008-11-24T15:32:00.001+05:30

There are two Indias in this country.

One India is straining at the leash, eager to spring forth and live up to all the adjectives that the world has been showering recently upon us.

The other India is the leash.

One India says, give me a chance and I’ll prove myself.

The other India says, prove yourself first and may be then you’ll have a chance.

One India lives in the optimism of our hearts.

The other India lurks in the skepticism of our minds.

One India Wants. The other India Hopes.

One India Leads. The other India Follows.

But conversions are on rise. With each passing day more and more people from the other India have been coming over to this side.

And quietly, while the world is not looking, a pulsating, dynamic new India is emerging.

An India whose faith in success is far greater than its fear of failure.

An India that no longer boycotts foreign made goods but buys out the companies that makes them instead.

History, they say, is a bad motorist. It rarely ever signals its intentions when it is taking a turn.

This is that rarely ever moment. History is turning a page.

For more than half a century, our nation has sprung, stumbled, run, fallen, rolled over, got up, dusted herself and cantered, sometimes lurched on.

But today, as we get into our 62^th year as a free nation, the ride has brought us to the edge of time’s greatest precipice.

And one India – a tiny little voice at the back of the head – is looking down at the bottom of the ravine and hesitating.

The other India is looking up at the sky and saying – It’s Time To Fly !!!

Source: India Poised

Old Memories... Refreshed !!!

2008-10-25T22:30:00.000+05:30

From Left: Pooja, Madhu, Saurabh (behind), Ankur, Priyanka and Mohit

This photograph is of my oldest and one of the most special groups. This is my school group and of people I clearly remember and are in constant touch with them...

Ankur was in India for less than a week and I reached Delhi from Pune just a day before he was about to leave. Ok...a flashback! Ankur is my school's best friend! He left India around 10 years back. He resides in Canada now and was here in India after 6 years. So, we planned a get together of school friends. Because, he is not in touch with all, so only limited people met.

Before leaving Pune, I wanted to pick up a gift for him, something special, which he may not get in Vancouver that easily. After consulting endless number of people, I decided to buy a kurta and Dr. Kalam's autobiography - Wings of Fire. Over that I added a special CD (for which I had to search lot of stores) - Jana Gana Mana by A.R Rehman. And I am pretty sure, Anki wont get this easily at his place :)

So, in morning, we all decided to meet up at 11AM so that we can spend as much time as possible. I picked up Ankur and though we were before time, he was a bit concerned that other people might be waiting. And I was sure that no one will reach on time - you see, I understand India Standard Time very well ;) We reached first but still, unexpectedly, everyone came in within half hour. This, I say, is unexpected as once I had to wait for 1.5 hrs before the first person arrived...

Initial few minutes were a bit formal, which slowly turned out like a school kids meeting - masti over anything and everything :) From the initial discussion over what everyone is currently doing and the future plans, we went back to school days in a matter of minutes. The days of games, punishment, care, fights and the confessions, leg pulling were the hot topics of the day...

In the evening, we went to a store where we could get our DAV special photograph clicked and encrypted on a coffee mug. After getting 2 dozen photographs clicked, we finally selected one (after much debate and argument) and got cups for all. We kept waiting outside the store (at Metro Walk itself!) and made sure that one of us was constantly on their head to get that done as quickly as possible ;)

The original photograph and some other special photographs are with Ankur. I will post it as soon as I get that :)

The plan further was to go to Pooja's home as she could not join us because of a broken leg! Damn, at first, when I heard that Pooja's leg is broken, I thought how can someone do that! She must have picked up an injury in the process of thrashing someone :D. Later only, I came to know that it was a little accident. Oh Pooja! We feel sorry for you and missed you as well :) And because, I had some other urgent work, so I could not go to her place...

In all, it was such a wonderful day that it can only be felt and not explained. See, I have tried explaining but I could not do it as well as it was :) People have moved ahead in their lives for good, overcoming their difficulties, their weak points and it feels so good to see that :)

Guys, thanks for joining in to make it such a memorable day and Anki, hope you make your short trips to India more frequent :) This has refreshed some great old memories :) :)

And finally, can some one tell me what was that chocolate thing Pooja was talking about ??

Round 2 About To Begin !!!

2008-08-17T15:56:00.000+05:30

It was 17th August 2005 when I joined Microsoft group at Persistent Systems. Today, after 3 years, on 17th August 2008, I am going back to join the same group, after a gap of around 9 months, on the same day. I am in flight right now and may take up some time to post this one, but I am feeling great to be back with the same team...

That day was special, this day is also special - at least for me...its my birthday after all ;) History is about to repeat itself. 3 years back I joined with an aim, to learn as much as possible...down the line, today, aim has changed but not the energy! I am hoping for another successful tenure with this great team.

Though I have not been with team for around 9 months, but I have been in constant touch with all guys! So, I am not having any alien feeling going back there. Celebration for the third anniversary with the team will be on shortly :)

Round 2 is about to begin now...Way to Go Masters!

Celebration Style...Delhi Way!!!

2008-08-15T23:37:00.000+05:30

This is the only time when people fly kites in Delhi, 15th August. Its no longer a special Independence Day celebration, its a part of life here! Come 15th August and everyone climbs up to terrace at least once today. Whether there is breeze or not, whether one knows to fly a kite or not, whether the humidity is 0% or 100%, you will meet everyone if you are there on the terrace for the whole day!

There was not much breeze today, I am not a good "Patangbaaz" and humidity was on the higher side as well...BUT WHO CARES? I enjoyed a lot today with kites...I celebrated my relieving from my current company (which happened yesterday...more on this later), shouted "I Booooooo Kaaaaaaatttaaaee" few times and felt great !!! The kites in the photograph were the only ones left after the day :)

And mind it...its not Independence Day celebration! I celebrate being a part of India everyday :) And efforts to make it better will continue life long :)

Have We Betrayed Their Sacrifice?

2008-08-15T20:50:00.000+05:30

Its INDEPENDENCE DAY...yet another! Its celebration time...yet again! Its a holiday...yet again! And it is one of those 2 days when people remember their nation (most of them, if not all...I am sorry to say that). Channels run a patriotic movie each, FM stations play few songs, there is a PM speech, tight security and all...that's it! A holiday for everyone to enjoy! Tell me, if 15th August is anything more than this!!

Every country's independence day is a proud moment for its citizens! And I am also a proud Indian today and for all the 365 days of an year, just like others are! But people who gave this chance to us, people like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and hundreds others, will they feel proud when they will see us the way we are today and what they expected during their struggle? I am, by no means, saying that India hasn't progressed. It has, definitely! But what they dreamt of India to be and what we should make it, it is far away from that. In fact, we have never won the race to freedom...

This morning I opened the newspaper and didn't looked for tri-coloured ads and articles. I went straight to National news to see about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. I don't think I need to say anything else on this...probably you can read my mind by now!

India still struggles from problems that should not have taken 62 years to get resolved. Religion, region, caste, child gender...list is endless! I am, by no means, a pessimistic guy - but a pigeon can not get away from a cat by closing its eyes! And we all know, that we have never opened our eyes to this at all!

India is suffering at the hands of its political system. And because India is now a "Senior Citizen" today, even its own people are neglecting it! Both parties are looking to make a twist in its tale for their own benefit.

What are we doing? I know I am putting up these questions again and again in my last few posts but I can not help it. I am trying and will continue to do so, should not everyone come and contribute, and help India get rid of its problems...

The dreams of our national independence heroes are already shattered. Ok...we remember their sacrifice every 26th January and 15th August...but have we justified their sacrifice? Or have we simply betrayed it?

A friend of my mine wrote this as his status message...

"For those, who only remember their nation twice a year...Happy Independence Day !!!"

Proud Of You...Dear Politicians !!!

2008-07-23T00:38:00.001+05:30

I thought to write a lot about the political drama that's going on. But so much has been talked and written about this, that I thought not to write about this. Still, here is something I liked mentioned on NDTV 24X7, one of the very few good news channel. They mentioned a statistics which was worth taking a look !!!

60 million of Indian public vote using electronic voting system. Today, as trust voting began, 52 MPs were not able to cast their vote electronically. They didn't know which button to press (and how to press??) !!! Then, because vote had to be cast, they gave away their votes on a parchi (a slip of paper) and then our honourable speaker counted that !!! Wow, I am impressed man !!!

Then the drama of PM not allowed to deliver his speech, MPs bringing cash into the house, as-always-established fish market, Mayavati calling herself "Dalit Ki Beti" who's chances of becoming PM has been snatched... Amazing !!!

I am extremely proud to have these people in the country who, in fact, run the country (???) !!! A couple of days back, my friend wrote about Horse Trading on his blog and how we can solve this problem of corrupt politicians. So, I commented back mentioning that this can not be solved with current system. Its because politicians aren't a problem. Its WE who are are creating this problem, named politicians. When I went for Election Commission work, I met people, who are well educated, and were not interested in getting their voter id cards done. While they were not, I am pretty sure illegal immigrants across the country are. And they will help elect these uneducated pieces of shit back to power again !!!

Kids, who are the future, are still not educated properly that country is not meant to provide you money if you are given the power !!! Also, who is teaching them that Nation comes first than region, religion, caste etc. Who is telling them the importance of education? Sure, till that happens, lets all be proud of our dear politicians...they are just our selection. Sad !!!

The Excitement Of Being An Entrepreneur

2008-06-27T22:31:00.003+05:30

Tomorrow, I will be delivering beta version of the product to my clients. They have been waiting for it and are excited about it, just like I am about its release. Last 15 days have been days of extreme stress, as I was not able to find out time to wrap off the work. But now then the work is over, I can relax for these few moments and think about future strategies, so as to face next challenges with greater zeal!

The excitement of being an entrepreneur is electrifying. It gives you so many challenges to face that you are always at your best !!! You know what you want and you have the freedom to deal with it. The skills and experience you gain is unmatchable...

Recently, I understood the importance of marketing, user reviews and user requirements, and learnt ways to generate revenue and how to plan for long term!!! I am involved in all steps from requirement gathering to development to promotion to gathering user reviews. Wearing so many caps at the same time isn't easy and is not for weak-hearted!

I have come in contact with loads of people because of this and it makes me excited...but its difficult to leave your job when you have liabilities. People discourage it, but best part for me is that my family support me!! So, seeing an appropriate time, I will go ahead with my firm on a full time basis...

So, finally I have initiated the process to realize my dream. I am in to create a vertical market, which virtually does not exist right now!!! And I am READY for it !!!

Way to Go...Masters!

Working For Election Commission Of India...

2008-06-12T11:55:00.002+05:30

Recently my sis got the duty to go for verification of voter id cards and those who don't have it, give them necessary details and forms, from where they can get it done and how! And I accompanied her on weekend so as to wrap off things a bit faster.

Here is a part of MY experience...

At first, there were more discrepancies in the data than I can imagine. Forget about people for a minute, even we were struggling with information we had at hand. She called up the higher authority to know what to do in few particular cases and they were not having any answer to it. So they took up a decision and asked her to go that way, which I must mention wasn't good as this will increase the work now!

Most of the people have their voter id cards but the information was not available in government records. I don't know how!!! There were lot of discrepancies in photographs. Imagine...two people were sharing the same face...photograph of a lady in front of man's name...duplicate information of people...

I must mention that some people were extremely cooperative. They knew that we are coming and they were ready with their cards for verification. Some called us in to have a seat, offered water and wrapped off things nicely. Very nice people, I felt extremely happy to see good families "possessing" common sense!!!

On the other hand...we met the other extreme. Infact, most of them cooperated well except those special 5% which are present everywhere!! The most special case was this...One guy aged around 30 did not want any verification to be done, though he was carrying his and his family's voter id cards. When I asked about date of birth proof, he asked me to put in any date. When I refused, he asked me, "To aap yahan kya karne aaye ho?" I stared back at him and said, "Aap hi bata do". He was roaming around for some half hour to get his verification done, but when he realized that we will not do it without a proof, he accepted the form and left. I mean, what was going on there? I must say there has been lot of infiltration into India and who knows who belongs to India and who doesnot?

Forgetting this nonsense, there was another incident thinking about which I can't stop laughing. On a couple of occassions this happened. We handed over the form to someone standing downstairs (from their family) and a lady was standing on the top floor! After handing over the form, I asked for date of birth of all family members. She told that from the terrace and was stuck at last one - her own. And I asked her, "What's your date of birth?". She said.."I am coming down to collect the forms...", only because there were 3 more ladies standing out to hear that! LOL...what a drama!!

But all n all, it was a great experience. It was great to learn people's behavior. So, finally, I have done something with government as well. Next time I will do something for government when I will be Prime Minister of India ;)

That's Why...Pukarta Chala Hoon Main !!!

2008-05-20T00:53:00.000+05:30

Some people may find it difficult to digest, but I was a very shy guy when I was in school. My classmates, teachers - everyone knew about it. And you know, every teacher, in an arrangement or free period wants to get kids engaged in some kind of activity. To keep the period free, there used to be only one demand, "Who will sing the song?" And there were times when I became the target. There was a time, when everyone was singing one by one. In those tough times, my mind used to switch to super-sonic mode to figure out which song I should sing. That's why...

During my college days, even after being forced so many times to sing, I never sung any song in public, though they heard me singing me lot of times at night when I used to shout at around 3 AM :). But in the last semester, some of my friends made a circle around me in free lab, and said - "It's almost over now, the degree. Come on...sing a song!" At first, I tried to change the topic, but then I had to. That's why...

Persistent was all-n-all a different affair. I sung too many songs, that some people had to stop me after my 10th...or may be 20th...or probably 30th...song got over! But then, one of close friends used to dislike my singing too much! And then, I took up the challenge to prove that I don't sing too badly :). That's why...

That's why...I always like this song, "Pukarta Chala Hoon Main". This song has rescued me on every occasion. Whether it's school, college or office...I always used it to great effect to save my day. Because, when you sing this song, you are actually doing nothing...it's the song that creates MAGIC !!! That's why, I love this track...

Sung by Rafi Sahab with such excellence, that sometimes, it makes me wonder how can someone sing so beautifully. An extremely sweet and simple song, it touches my heart every time I hear it !!! Hats off to the greatest singer of the century !!!

Here goes the video...

Learned From Mistake...

2008-04-09T01:04:00.002+05:30

It was January 2007 and I was in Seattle. The power went down in the whole city because of some heavy winds. I was in my room at that time and was busy working on my laptop. I kept working, thinking the power will be back in some time, just as it happens in India ;). But that did not happen. I thought that let me continue work and enjoy songs till the battery allows. As soon as the battery vanished, the machine went down into hibernation.

Next morning, there was still no restoration of power. I thought to go to closest Microsoft building, charge the laptop and check up my mails. There were very few points in which power was available and most of the people were sitting there. I put the plug in socket and booted the machine. Because it was in hibernation, it resumed its saved state.

Suddenly, I said..."Damn!" The songs were still running at highest volume. And Himesh's Dil Vich Lagya Ve was all over the place. That song has such high beats that the whole floor was shivering! I tried shutting down the machine; I tried to login; I tried by closing the lid of the laptop - but to no effect. It went on and on and on...because there were so many applications running on it, it took long time to allow me to login. A girl sitting there started dancing on the beats; others were staring at me. Somehow, I was able to login and stop it. I wrapped up my work as soon as possible and left from there! That was actually very embarrasing!! Only relief - atleast one girl enjoyed it!

Last Saturday, I had an appointment with someone. I was carrying my laptop and was supposed to show him few things on it. I sent a message from the reception and was waiting outside. I don't know how, but the thought crossed my mind, "Damn!! Laptop is in hibernation mode and I have not switched off the songs." Immediately, I took it out from the bag, plugged in the headphone and then switched it on. While it was booting, I was called in. Because it's a better config machine now, so it came up in a 6-7 seconds. I immediately closed the Winamp and saved myself from another embarrasment - though its implications could have been more serious than just embarrasment!!!

I came out from the meeting and said, "Thank God! I am gonna switch off the music before hibernation, EVERYTIME from now onwards." :)

Taking Out Time For Mohit Batra !!!

2008-03-22T01:49:00.003+05:30

I have been busy, though office work is not too much from past some time. But there are loads of tasks on my Hit List, as always. And these days, I feel I am short of hours in a day. I wish I get 48 hours in a day to wrap off my activities. I give time to family, friends, work, study, planning, action, television, traffic jams, laptop and to everyone and everything.

Today is Holi and it's 1:55 AM right now, and I am in office. There are some critical things in process and I am just keeping an eye on it. No one else is around. I had a plan in the morning to wrap off few tasks from the list. But I decided to keep everything aside after I entered the office.

I decided to take out time for Mohit Batra, after a long time. I decided to stay quietly with him. Do things that are of no use and do nothing as well. We surfed net unnecessarily; watched loads of laughter challenge videos; wrote a part of code that we always wanted to write - in which we saw our computer crashing 9 times and showing Blue Screen of Death; have Pepsi with us; we are listening to songs and now we are blogging :)

Though I do these things regularly but there is something or the other that don't allow me to dedicate complete time to him. And this day belongs to Mohit Batra! We enjoyed it a lot :)

Main Shayar To Nahin...

2008-02-14T00:15:00.002+05:30

Hai Kadam Is Zameen Par, Hai Nigaah Us Phalak Par !!!
Har Nazar Jhukti Jaaye, Apni Ek Jhalak Par !!!

This was my status message on gtalk today. Reading this, one of my colleagues asked me, "How do you put such sahi status messages on your gtalk?" And I said, "Bas aise hi :-)", trying to be modest :-). Thank God, I turned my face away, otherwise he would have seen me blushing. And I was on cloud 9 :-D.

Actually I meant - Thodi creativity, thodi chori-chakari :)

Atleast My Shayari (mixed with shers from here and there ;)) is of some use, I can put status messages on gtalk that are sahi...

Rafi Sahab At His Best - My All Time Favorite Song !!!

2008-01-26T23:07:00.000+05:30

Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna Ab Hamare Dil Mein Hai!
Dekhna Hai Zor Kitna Baazu-e-Kaatil Mein Hai!!!

This has always been my favorite song and will always be...a track on my hero - Shaheed Bhagat Singh, from my favorite movie - Shaheed, from my favorite singer - Rafi Sahab!!! Undoubtedly, THE BEST EVER!!!

Keep Reading And Posting :)

2008-01-23T01:05:00.000+05:30

I have this habit of reading the blogs daily, written by people I know. There is simply a lot of variety. Though not many people do blogging, but its still a very good activity. You get to know about a person a lot - habits, behavior, activities and above all - human nature and its working (Please! This is no philosophy. Try it out and you will get to know :))

I was going through my older posts few days back and that is where I realized how my behavior and posts on this blog changed with my changing mood. It was very interesting to go through some great moments and made me recollect my thoughts which I keyed down from time to time :)

You may find it strange but sometimes I go through previous posts of my friends as well. There are lot of things to remember and that sometimes is a good source of happiness :)

Though its a bit sad that some don't go through my blog these days, but I still love to write. It is the best place to be. So, keep reading and posting :). I am waiting for posts on your blog and your comments on mine. Thank You :)

A Great Sweep For Six :)

2007-12-31T01:46:00.000+05:30

Today, after such a long time...I played Cricket! I must tell you that it was an amazing feeling to be back playing one of my favorite games! And those things happened that were bound to happen. Here they are...

The most certain of all is this. I got a big jerk in my knee! I had to keep a runner for last two deliveries of match. And I hate keeping a runner! But I still managed to bowl in all macthes. Oh! In case you are getting confused, I must tell you that we don't play any 50 over matches. We play some 10-10 over matches, but in big ground ofcourse, with players count somewhere near 6 per team :) For the rest of the day, I was in my bed with this excuse ;)

I bowled OK OK. Not to potential I can! Because now, I have lost all my pace. Hey, but I have not lost the swing, which was still working today :D. And I managed to pick up couple of wickets in each of 3 games we played.

But I batted well. Few fours went through my bat as well, because I play ground shots mostly! The thing that made my day was a sweep shot that went for six, the same way Tendulkar used to hit Kasprowicz. Mast shot tha yaar... :D

I met many school pals of cricket ground! It was great to play with them again, the same way we used to do during school days!!! And, I enjoyed a lot! It was a terrific day...And I hope by tomorrow morning, I would be walking fine as well :)

Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai...

2007-12-31T01:12:00.000+05:30

A Little Sweet, A Little Sour...
A Little Close, Not Too Far!!!
All I Need, All I Need...
All I Need Is To Be Free....................................

Taare Zameen Par - The Movie !!!

2007-12-26T01:33:00.000+05:30

And today I saw this one! I was all flat on this one in first half hour of the movie itself. And surprisingly, the flow of emotions was increasing as the movie progressed! Impressive, very very impressive, I must say! Its indeed a masterpiece! I can certainly watch this one some thousand times more, ofcourse on a DVD! But till it comes out, I would definitely catch it on screen once again :)

It actually surpassed my expectations. The performances were exceptional from Aamir and the little sweet boy! The good thing was I hadn't heard the songs before (except Bum Bum Bole...which is already in my current favorites list :)), so it looked all more impressive. And my favorite tracks are "Teri To Manzil Hai Vahin" and "Maa".

Definitely the Best Flick of the Year...and it would be painful to see if pathetic movies like Om Shanti Om get any awards over and above this one.

Go for it guys, it's now tax free as well :)

Taare Zameen Par...

2007-12-06T01:25:00.000+05:30

I hardly await any movie, and only once in a while that I love any trailor! Last time it was way back...I loved the trailors of Swades! And without watching the movie, I must admit, I was in love with it :) And this time it is Taare Zameen Par!!! Based on kids, looks like it's going to be a touchy subject! And I am eagerly awaiting this one...

This kind of kiddish nature in subjects always attracts me, which not just deals with innocence but shows a strength that we all are made up of! Also because these kind of subjects shows that kids should be allowed to remain kids, in order to maintain the natural balance! In this highly competitive environment, there is already so much stress. And when kids are forced to learn, do extra curricular activities in which they have no interest leads to obvious unnatural growth. It's been many times I had a chat with people over this topic. While most of the people think and say that kids (at least theirs) should strive for that extra in field which they think will be a good prospect. I would say seeing each other, most of the parents are trying to do this same thing! And only one side of the coin is looked at! The unnatural growth, stress levels, frustration, arrogance and that I-me-myself attitude are part of the other side of the coin to which most of the parents are turning a blind eye. SAD! Extremely disappointing! Its high time that "so called educated and working" parents should understand the BASIC FUNDA of life! Growth should be smooth and not necessarily fast!

On the other hand, while working with kids, I have also realized that it is one of the most critical areas where government needs to focus. 26% population is under 14 years of age. If India wants to move globally ahead, this is where they have to put in more serious thoughts! This 26% is the Future! These stars on Earth really needs to be nurtured carefully!

"Khul Ke Sochein Aao,
Pankh Zara Failao,
Rang Naye Bikrao,
Chalo Chalo Chalo Chalo...Naye Khwab Bun Le!!!
Bum Bum Bole...Masti Mein Dole....Bum Bum Bole...Masti Mein Dole...."

The new song from the movie...Awesome track! Must hear this one! Waiting for this movie to come up :) Bum Bum Bole...Masti Mein Dole....

You Choose Your Life...

2007-12-05T01:09:00.001+05:30

"Your very nature will drive you to fight, the only choice is what to fight against !"

-- Lord Krishna To Arjun in Bhagvad Gita

World's Best Food !!!

2007-11-28T00:11:00.000+05:30

Past few days have been awesome in terms of having my food. After a gap of seven years, I have actually tasted it properly. The same aloos, gobhis, rajmas...along with paranthas in lunch just make my day! I feel like having lunch on time! I feel like working after having it! I feel relaxed :)

And it's cooked by none other than my Mom and I take it to office everyday. That sweetness and love, even in the food itself is sufficient to forget everything else and do what I want to!

Mum! I love you! YOU ARE THE BEST !!!

Three New Songs To Die For...

2007-11-12T01:27:00.000+05:30

Latest addition to my current-favorites list have been following three...

==> Hum Jo Chalne Lage (Jab We Met)
Words to die for...
Aao Kho Jaayein Hum!
Kho Jaayein Hum Yun Laapata!!
Aao Meelon Chalein!
Jaana Kahan Na Ho Pata!!!

Baithe Baithe Aise Kaise Koi Rasta Naya Sa Mile!
Tu Bhi Chale, Main Bhi Chaloon, Honge Kam Yeh Tabhi Faasle!!!

==> Main Agar Kahoon (Om Shanti Om)
Words to die for...
Tumko Paaya Hai To Jaise Khoya Hoon!
Kehna Chahoon Bhi To Tumse Kya Kahoon!!

==> Jab Se Tere Naina (Saawariya)
Words to die for...
Rab Bhi Deewana Lage Re!

Awesome songs! Lyricist of all these three songs have put in some real hard work! Words that ask you to be free, and you will just dance in joy!!! If you have not listen all of them, you are definitely missing something... :)

Back Home !!!

2007-11-12T00:40:00.000+05:30

It seems like a dream! Because I am still not able to believe it! I am back home permanently after a gap of almost 7 years. And I reached just a day before Diwali! What a great time to come back home!

It was a tough ask for me; infact one of the toughest! I was juggling around with no answer to my question. Should I or should not I? I decided to write, but could not even write my personal diary because I was so badly confused! I heard views of atleast 100 people on all this and I tried my best to avoid listening to people who could highly influence my decision, including my family and close friends! I wanted this to be my own decision, so that I don't regret or blame anyone else later!

Yes, there was pressure on me to select one; a great team to work with or my family! And I choosed the latter one! Past 20-25 days were stressful. From making a decision to letting my team and friends know about this to leaving them to do this shifting work...wasn't easy! Many of them were not ready to take it and I really appreciate their affection. I won't say my heart won, because my mind wasn't involved at all. I would love to stay at both places. But my responsibilities made me decide what I wanted!

So now, I am Back Home which, my Mom mentions as "Vanvaas is Over"! My growth curve is about to change - either up or down - depending on effort that I would put in! I would like to thank all those who have been part of this small but crucial chapter in my life. Next chapter is about to begin and time is ready to tick again...

Am I ready? YES, I AM !!! GO ON MASTERS !!!

Tough Decisions !!!

2007-10-29T19:35:00.000+05:30

Some decisions are meant to change LIFE !!!
-- Baneesh

Some decisions are meant to change LIVES !!!
-- Mohit

Veeraniyaan - Javed Akhtar At His Best!

2007-10-19T17:58:00.000+05:30

Un Dino, Jab Ke Tum The Yahaan
Zindagi Jaagi Jaagi Si Thi
Saare Mausam Bade Meherbaan Dost The
Raaste, Daawatnaame The Jo Manzilon Ne Likhe The Zameen Par Hamare Liye
Ped Baahein Pasaare Khade The, Humein Chaanon Ki Shawl Pehnaane Ke Vaaste
Shaam Ko Sab Sitaare, Bahut Muskuraate The Jab Dekhte The Humein
Aati Jaati Hawaayein, Koyi Geet Khushboo Ka Gaati Huyi, Chhedti Thi, Guzar Jaati Thi
Aasmaan Pighle Neelam Ka Ek Gehra Taalaab Tha
Jismein Har Raat Ek Chaand Ka Phool Khilta Tha
Aur Pighle Neelam Ki Lehron Mein Behta Hua
Woh Hamare Dilon Ke Kinaaron Ko Chhu Leta Tha
Un Dino, Jab Ke Tum The Yahaan...

Ashkon Mein Jaise Dhul Gaye, Sab Muskuraate Rang
Raste Mein Thak Ke So Gayi Maasoom Si Umang
Dil Hai Ki Phir Bhi Khwaab Sajaane Ka Shauk Hai
Pathar Pe Bhi Gulaab Ugaane Ka Shauk Hai
Barso Se Yun To Ek Amaavas Ki Raat Hai
Ab Isko Hausla Kahoon Ki Zidd Ki Baat Hai
Dil Kehta Hai, Andhere Mein Bhi Roshni To Hai
Maana Ke Raakh Ho Gaye Umeed Ke Alao
Is Raakh Mein Bhi Aag Kahin Par Dabi To Hai

Aapki Yaad Kaise Aayegi...
Aap Yeh Kyun Samajh Na Paate Hain
Yaad Toh Sirf Unki Aati Hai...
Hum Kabhi Jinko Bhool Jaate Hain

That Free Time...

2007-10-04T12:14:00.000+05:30

"It's both ways - Time is killing me and I am killing time"
I mentioned this line some time back in my status message on messenger. I have been short of work for some time! No, I have not lost my job but I am waiting for a new project to arrive. THAT FREE TIME in between has given me a lot of things to understand. Here is a part of my experience...

At first, I must mention that I was never completely out of work except for a day or two. I was "short" of work. That made people think that I am not working at all! I never played a foul game by showing off that I have work and don't have time. But THAT FREE TIME told me that its more important to present that you are busy! People keep on saying that Smart Work is more important that Hard Work. Well, THAT FREE TIME told me that they actually play only smart!

I have fell into a bad habit of not saying NO! Earlier, I hardly used to say YES to anything, now its the other way round! At times (after this bad habit caught me) when I used to be completely occupied by work, I still never said NO to anyone, if they asked for my time. Whatever the case may be - masti, help at work, chatting or anything...I always took out time for it! They can hardly present an incident where I did not! But I wrapped up my 2 projects simultaneously some time back. And I started to ask for time from the same people. So, THAT FREE TIME told me that once you are in a poor situation, you are meant to be left alone and handle that time alone! THAT FREE TIME also told me that its better to stick to NO that to YES! People love to get tackled that way - they think they are dealing with a top class person who is taking out time for them only!

I utilized lot of time reading on my favorite topics. It was so refreshing that I actually love those subjects more now. THAT FREE TIME has taught me to always be in touch of books and take out time regularly to go throught them!

There were also times of high frustration when I wanted to do a lot of things but could not. I started out with few new ideas but hardly gave them a good push. Now with those ideas shaping up, that has given me a new energy to make them better. Philosophically speaking, THAT FREE TIME has taught me that there will be out-of-work times but you need to work on your ideas - that's more crucial!

Though I am not fully out of this situation, but I am coming out now! And although frustrating but it's been a learning experience! THAT FREE TIME told me:
"Make it both ways - Don't kill time and don't let the time kill you!"

What Did You Say...Compete With Rivals??

2007-09-26T12:06:00.000+05:30

Do Not Compete With Your Rivals, Just Make Them Irrelevant !!!

And I totally BELIEVE in this...has been my strategy all the way through! Just that I never put it in words, but here it is now.

PS: I got this line from a book. So, don't start jumping if you come across the same book :). But seems like it was only for me :)

Look At That...India Has Gone Mad !!!

2007-09-20T12:23:00.000+05:30

Yuvraj Singh smashes the ball all over the park - Six Broad Sixes To Broad...wonder what Flintoff has to say now :)

That also reminds me of World Cup match with Pakistan when Aamir Sohail challenged up Venkatesh Prasad and Prasad uprooted his off and middle stump the next ball!!!

Cheering it along...Innndiiiiaaaaaa India !!! Innndiiiiaaaaaa India !!! Innndiiiiaaaaaa India !!!

Maa Tujhe Salaam !!!

2007-09-03T17:55:00.000+05:30

An old video, but looks as new and great every time. I don't blame my Dad, when he says that this video drives him crazy :) You must have seen this hundreds of times, watch once more :)

Another Addition To All Time Favorites Gallery!

2007-08-30T14:49:00.000+05:30

On top of a mountain, a light drizzle, a gentle breeze, clouds covering the mountain and greenery all around...

A passionate hard look, a breeze touching the soul, clouds crossing through the body, a blessing drizzle and a pinch of orange...

Another photograph that goes into my "All Time Favorites" Gallery !!!

My Gurus !!!

2007-07-17T02:00:00.000+05:30

These days I am in the process of undergoing another change as far as my learning is concerned. So, I thought its the right time to pay my regards "again" to My Gurus!!! Atleast, this way, for the first time, I will pen down all of them together (its actually typing down their names :)...). This would be a bit long post, but really can't say less than that. Probably, I can copy and paste it as their testimonials in Orkut :)

Here it goes, in a random order (I wont be able to cover all, as the list is too big. My apologies to them)...

=> My Parents: They are the real teachers of my life. Everything good that I know today is because of them. They are my best and favorite teachers. I don't need to think whenever I am stuck anywhere; I just need to talk to them and I get a solution. Thanks to God for the blessings that he has given me in the form of my parents. I don't think I need to say anything else :)

=> Hem Sir: My Sankrit teacher was one of the most inspiring gurus of my life. He was the simplest person I have ever seen in my life. So much dedicated, so committed towards studies that I used to feel like studying even if I did not want to. Not just studies, but he taught me how to come up in life. At the age of around 14, I used to listen to what he said, which I admire a lot! On our farewell day of school, he wrote on my greeting card that school gave me: "Vidya Dadati Vinayam", which means Knowledge makes you more Humble! So gain more knowledge and apply it well! I will never forget his words!

=> Hema Ma'am: I can not forget that speech competition at Rama Krishna Mission in 1998. Before that, in school, I dominated in every activity I did. During the preparation of speech itself, I did the same thing. Hema Ma'am was the incharge for getting all of us prepared. But on that very day, the day when India smashed Pakistan in Dhaka's final ODI with a world record chase, the things were getting on my nerves. Only because I was down with too much expectations, cough and cold. Most of the time I was standing under sunlight, hoping that I wont face cough and cold problems during my turn. Hema Ma'am came to know what was going inside me. She told me, "Mohit, whatever happens here, you are still the best for me! Go and present! Don't think about the result!" That was really defining time for me, which gave me a lot of confidence that I still possess. I presented and went on and on and on...to win the top most position!

=> Anjali Ma'am: She was, undoubtedly, not just my favorite teacher but was favorite to the complete class and still is. She used to treat everyone like kids and not just students. She backed the complete class in whatever we did! For some four years, she was our class teacher. She not just taught us the subject, but how to manage and organize things, behave in front of others, how to be more humble - in short, how to be nice human beings. Best thing that she added to us was the feeling of patriotism. I still remember that few students never used to sing National Anthem properly, and most of us could not pronounce it well. She decided to keep 5 marks for National Anthem only. We all used to stood up in every class of hers and one of them used to sing. Sing it properly with proper pronounciation and in exact 52 seconds, else start again! If anyone is moving or not concentrating, then he/she is going to sing next! We learned it so well; wont forget it for life. And I admire it a lot! These are the things which should be learnt by a kid at a very early stage. Not just this, we used to talk to her about our all problems and she made sure we are comfortable in every way! Thanks a lot Ma'am :)

=> Shalu Ma'am: She was my computer teacher in school. Its because of her only that I always had some kind of edge. She supported me everytime, gave me extra time to sit back in lab, never stopped me from taking print outs of my code (when everyone else was allowed to have only limited pages :)), helped me in every practical I did, gave me the toughest of problems to work on (I still remember that "8 Queens" problem; I was on cloud 9 when I was able to wrap that up). Only because I was very keen to learn C++ :) The same skills helped me during my college time to gain an edge. I have high regards for her! That was my start in the computers field!!!

=> Kath Sir: He was my mentor and computer science lecturer at college. Just 4 years senior to me in age, but he was and still is, a world in himself. No one in college wants to study, you know. But his was the only class everyone used to attend. Great motivator, great supporter! He always liked me very much, and so do I liked him. He was the one motivating me to go for a presentation within one month of joining a college, where I fought up with lots of seniors. I was highly appreciated but I could not win, so he told me - "Its a great attempt; Don't worry, we will come again next year and will win". And we did that! He asked me to go for various events, when no one was ready to participate! He showed enormous faith and trust me and I tried my best to keep up to that! He always told me, "I can only guide you! You have to see whether you can do it or not! Give it your best shot". Few times, though, things did not go too well between us...but most of the times, he was the driving force for me! A great teacher, must say!

=> Sarika Dee: This is interesting! She was my incharge at TCS where I did my internship. But I started calling her Dee after my training got over. She was more to me than just my incharge; she is just like an elder sister to me! I never forget to call her and tell her about my activities and problems. After 3 tiring years in college, I was out and down. I wanted to do well in training, but how? There was no way to motivate myself. And day I joined TCS, I came back smiling. It was not work; it was pure enjoyment! I don't know how that 6 months passed; I don't know how during this time I learned so much listening to which people feel shocked. She is such an extrovert. She knows how to say it on your face. She knows how to laugh, even with 100 senior serious guys around. PM used to sit next to our cublcle, and she used to make fun of him every minute (Must say, I am smiling right now while writing this :)). I still remember there was shortage of space, so slowly we were 6-7 guys sitting in one cublicle, where there was space for only 4. And the whole work hall could hear us laughing everytime. And she was the initiator everytime. Morally, socially, technically - she is a real genious! Because of her only, that I now enjoy my activities much more! Thanks a ton, Dee!!!

=> Ravi Sir: Nervous, tensed, a bit afraid - I was, when I joined Persistent. First time in the industry; beginning of my career! Must say, seeing the induction training, I was more scared! I was thinking too much - Can I survive? But then we met Ravi Sir, our trainer. And from there began a never ending association. I felt that my knowledge base was improving day by day. There was lot of interaction, masti and fun during classes. He is a very down to earth person. A knowledge hub; A very nice friend! I will never forget my training project, where I got a great team to work and a great friend as well! I know I can talk to him anytime while taking an important decision and will get my solution in just a matter of seconds! No Sir??? :)

=> Daadu: Just like Dee, Vijayendra was my incharge when I joined Microsoft team! One of the coolest minds on earth! I talk to him about everything! I dont argue with him too much; actually I don't need to! He speaks and I follow, almost blindly! Leo like me! Speaks less, unlike me but his jokes are too good! Great guide; he has been crucial to my growth within the team and company. Scolds me a lot as well :(, when he comes to know that I am not doing things correctly. Always a company to feel relaxed and a single solution to all problems! You are the best, Daadu!

=> My Friends: Last but not the least for now...no one is complete without his/her friends! And I have the pleasure to have greatest friends on earth! Without them, this list will always be incomplete. I have learnt a lot from them and they are my strength! I won't be writing much about of them now; but they know what they are for me! I would have been a big ZERO if they would not have been there! Thanks to all of you guys...Nishu, Anki, Bandi, Harshu, Baba, Ankit, Mishra, Tedi, Nams, Jaggu...and many more! Probably, some other time, I will pen down each one of them :)

ITS MY PLEASURE TO HAVE ALL OF YOU IN MY LIFE!!!

Ruk Ruk Rukna Naa...

2007-07-10T13:41:00.000+05:30

Tu Chal Yunhi Ab Subha Shaam!
Rukna Jhukna Nahin Tera Kaam!!

On July 4, 2005, I started my career! And now I am two years old in the software industry!!! I have learnt a lot and I am still a little kid in this industry, who gets fascinated with little ideas that he has. These two years have been awesome; I just mean, SUPERB!!! Out of the college, what I just needed to get started in this industry - I got that and tried to explore the most I could.

These two years have given me a good platform to build on. Best part is - I still have that confidence and determination to do good, even better now. From here, I hope to take the things ahead - to establish my own firm one day. There is still some time before I go for it; I just want to be fully armed!

From being a developer, I have learned to lead team, work out business requirements, interact with clients and many more. So many people, so many processes, so much interaction - all has added great values to my experience.

And this was just one part. By God's grace, other and better part is my family, friends and team!!! Thanks to all of them for such a great support!!! Without them, it would not have been possible in any way. They helped me sustain this load, helped me grow and helped me rectify the shortcomings. I value them a lot and I owe them a lot!

Just the beginning...Phew! WAY TO GO MASTERS!!!

India Hits $1 Trillion Mark

2007-06-20T02:30:00.000+05:30

Indian Economy Is Now $1 trillion.

I found this article at rediff which is pretty interesting:
Rise of the rupee: What India must do

On a linear scale, the rate with which we are growing, at Rs. 20 to a US dollar, India's GDP would be $2 trillion and at Rs. 1 to a US dollar, it would be $40 trillion. Awesome figure! Add to this the fact of PPP (Purchasing Power Parity), we are already over $5 trillion. And at Rs. 1 to a US dollar, you can calculate the number very well !!!

But sad factor is, Rupee appeciation is not taken positively by everyone in India, primarily by Indian Software Companies. This is simply because of the reason that IT companies have been booming because of this difference between Indian and US currency exchange. They still can, if they stop depending on US economy so much. A clear point to be remembered is that India in itself is one of the biggest markets and people are no more technology illetrate. Only thing that needs to be realized is the potential India has in terms of consumption of technology and I am pretty sure, the future will have the pleasure to see that.

As far as GDP factor goes, I would like to say - WELL DONE INDIA !!!

It’s The Attitude That Matters!!!

2007-05-28T12:29:00.000+05:30

I am into a new role for past some time in the IT industry - The Role of a Lead. This is what I love to do - to lead a group - and I'm not new to this role. Several times I have done that. But every time, there is something new to learn...

You can not satisfy everyone every time. This is what I have learned these days. And seriously, you can't - not every time at least. At sometimes, yes! Because if you do that every time, only person who would not be happy would be client!! And believe me, that's very true. And if you want that everyone remains satisfied every time, then there is only one way! You need cooperation - from your mates. Everyone has to understand the responsibilities as well as the limitations. Only that leader is successful whose team backs him up, knows that he will take care of them and trusts him. Otherwise he ends up with no one to lead!

People do get frustrated sometimes with work they get. If this assignment is given because that can help team come up and is temporary, then I believe, it is justified. But the Attitude is rarely what you expect. You explain the reasons and still find yourself looking for someone who can take up that assignment. Someone, who can volunteer to do that for the team. That's where, I believe, theoretical concepts like Team Spirit, Team Effort carry high value.

I have seen few instances recently where new guys rejected the assignment given to them. I talked about this is to a very senior guy in my team and he told me the reason behind this in very clear words. Market is pretty good right now, so people find the courage to say no to things given to them. You learn everywhere, so if things can help team in short time, won’t it be good to wrap it up??? Definitely, if it’s a long job you need to perform, then you can sit and sort it out - but people hardly do it. I have seen one person directly resigning without even having a chat about it!!! And what was more shocking was that it was his first assignment. He agreed to stay back after he was deallocated from the task. Come on! At least have a chat!

Attitude - this is what defines everything!! You can find people with skills, with sharp brains - but would struggle to find people with right attitude towards work. "9 to 6 guy", this is what I call people without positive framework of mind towards work. Even sometimes, you fail to gather people for team parties - that's shocking!!!

There is plenty that I can say, but better is to keep on trying! You can try to raise the right attitude amongst people with words, with action, with examples. But you can not guarantee that or force it! Its they, themselves, who have to understand their roles and responsibilities. Its they who need to have their attitude aligned in positive direction! Same positive alignment is what defines great teams!!! After all, it’s the Attitude that matters the most!!!

My First Musical Instrument - Keyboard !!!

2007-05-02T09:16:00.000+05:30

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Finally I own one now! I always wanted to have one and now I HAVE ONE! I always felt fascinated that how it feels to put up your fingers on this magical instrument. Now I can feel it myself :) I have waited for it for too long...but, better late than never :)

Frankly speaking, I don't know how to operate it, but I am damn sure that I am gonna have that knowledge pretty soon. And slowly but surely, some tunes will start flowing out from it! At the very outset, I want to play three tunes:

1. Saare Jahan Se Achcha (pretty common, but most lovable one)
2. Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera (atleast the beginning :))
3. Chaudhavin Ka Chand (has been one of my favorite piano tunes from a very long time, when I heard Brian Silas, one of the greatest piano players, playing this tune)

Lets see how far I go. But I am definitely inclined to put up my free time on this. And thanks to Mom-Dad for buying it for me from Delhi and thanks to Mehul, one of my best susti friends, for bringing it to Pune :)

YAHOO!!! I have a keyboard now and I am badly falling in love with it :D

Paisa...Yeh Paisa!

2007-04-16T11:43:00.000+05:30

My recent close observations on "The Penultimate Paisa" and picking out bits from the past on it has been a good analyzation exercise - and have been forceful enough to put it here.

Take my word, software industry is paying too much to everyone (and yup, I belong to this industry only - that's why I love this thing :)). This has allowed many freshers to feel like Scrooch McDuck!!! No wonder, being like Scrooch McDuck can not leave you without having a severe impact! You earn a lot, still feel like you don't have enough!!

Recently, I went out for dinner with some mates and got a chance to interact more closely with them. Interestingly, I never went out with any of them before. So, it was probably more effective to study the behavior. We sat down and one of the voices from the group came sharply, "I will have only Vodka and that too half. Huh! I used to have quarter in college. NOW I EARN!!!" And some similar words popped up and the conversation started. Few minutes later, the topic switched - "What!!! What a crap package? Look at other companies, how well they pay! I don't have enough to spend, that's why we are sitting in this local restaurant with just a half in hand. Huh!" And all the quarter drunk techies moved their mind to this topic now! I mentally detached myself from the group gracefully and the action in my tired mind begun, though I kept watching their reactions.

This propelled me to find out, at first, what happens when one starts earning! There are only two answers and both are opposite sides of a coin, though exceptions are always there. To one side belong people whose heartbeats start going up with the thought of spending a single "paisa" on even themselves, forget about others. They are those who think twice before even going for a dinner to a restaurant, once in two weeks! Other side belong to sweethearts who love to spend too much. They have seen that ICICI says, just swipe the card and Hum Hain Naa! And they love to belt out money to show their stature.

Their still remains a common factor between both groups. They never spend it on others, and those who do - do it with I-Am-The-King feeling. And they always complain that they don't get much. First group explains their position saying that they don't get much, so they spend less. Second follows saying they don't have much to spend. After all, how much do a person need? Is there any end to this struggle to earn more? What do you do after earning more, make more and more luxuries as your need - or probably get a full Vodka instead of a half or quarter? Whenever I force myself to earn more, at last, I only end up speaking, "Shit! Why do I need more?"

This forces me to ask one more question. How many people spends their bucks in some good activities and not just on themselves? Is that the case that you only help others when you are a millionaire? Or you just can't find a line to differentiate your needs and luxuries? You love to spend it on discos! You love to watch movies twice a week! You belt out money to gift your "girlfriends" on Valentines Day!!! You want to show-off with a car or a bike, with a slim mobile - but ever considered spending a single coin for a good social work??

This brings me to a state of irritation. Money has always been a point of concern in the world! And with the world getting more and more volatile, the focus of people have shifted to themselves. Its an urge from my side to everyone reading this, to spend atleast some part of your "paisa" for some good cause!! There is no point being a Scrooch McDuck!! At the end of the day, EVERYONE IS SAME!! All that differs is your GOOD WORK!!!

It's My Choice !!!

2007-03-30T00:14:00.000+05:30

Music has always been a special part of my life. From my childhood days upto now, music has always been there, in all good and bad times. From Rafi Sahab to Sonu Nigam and Shaan, I love all kinds of it. My personal choice has always been this desi music, even though I have tried a lot to get habitual with its Angrezi counterpart as well. But unfortunately, I have never been able to develop such kind of love I have for Hindi one.

Here is a short list of my favorites, which I must mention, had been a part of me and my life. They are not exactly the ones that belong to my top 10, but are attached to me because of a thought:

--> Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna
Movie: Shaheed, Singer: M.Rafi & Manna Dey

--> Zindagi Kaisi Hai Paheli
Movie: Anand, Singer: Manna Dey (Modified after being informed :))

--> Phoolon Ka Taaron Ka
Movie: Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Singer: Kishore Kumar

--> Main Gaun Tum Sojao
Movie: Brahmachari, Singer: M.Rafi

--> Duniya Pagal Hai
Movie: Shagird, Singer: M.Rafi

--> Jaiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge
Movie: Mere Sanam, Singer: Asha Bhosle

--> Pukarta Chala Hoon Main
Movie: Mere Sanam, Singer: M.Rafi

--> Maut
Movie: Kaante, Singer: Lucky Ali

--> Main Aisa Kyun Hoon
Movie: Lakshya, Singer: Shaan

--> Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera
Movie: Swades, Singer: A.R.Rehman

--> Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon
Movie: None, Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

The depth of each and every song is immense and can tore me apart if I would listen all of them at one go (apart from some cool songs in between, which belong to my super times) :)

Have a go at them and you will definitely love them!!!

Salute to Indian Defence Forces !!!

2007-03-19T17:18:00.000+05:30

Recently we had our team building trip! While I carried great lessons with me at the end, there were some haunting thoughts as well! Simulations in games were pretty good. And I thought to take many of them as live scenarios and not just games! This made few things tough to digest!

One of them was a night treck! Idea was pretty well defined but ended up in almost a mess! There were two guys who went on for a treck. One of them went unconsious. Other wasn't having enough resources to help him out - not even a First Aid Kit! He just had a torch and a wireless. He was communicating with base camp in order to get some help. Our instructor, Rtd. Commander Girish with a background from Indian Navy and Naval Intelligence was quitely watching the events - and what we did! We also had a local guide who knew the area but not the way. And we had a mountaineer - another expert. Two search parties were formed. Task was to bring down the unconsious man to the base camp !!!

The other guy informed us that he went north, took a steep and is on top of mountain! Moreover, he was flashing torch! The search parties went off taking necessary resources from the base camp. But lost the way soon in the such high bushes! We kept on moving, now without direction. We kept communicating with them. Finally we met them, gave the unconsious guy first aid, made a stretcher and brought him down. Extra two hours we took, on a small mountain!

Most of us never took it seriously. Even I didn't to an extent - because I was busy thinking something else. Something that was getting on my nerves. A thought that was provoking !!! As soon as we lost our way and everyone was busy passing his/her ideas, I started relating this simulation to real life. We knew the way, they informed us in the beginning. We knew this is simulation. We knew no one is hurt. We had a local guide and a mountaineer! Mountain was pretty small and safe! We were aware that there is nothing coming that can hurt us !!!

But compare this thing with patrol parties - The Indian Defence Forces! Remember Kargil? Where is enemy sitting? What's the location? How much it is? Death can bounce upon any time, from anywhere !!! How many days it will take to find out? High terrains...almost impossible to treck! And that was not simulation; that was REALITY !!!

That was an act of Heroism! Nothing can match it! They leave their families behind, just to make sure we are safe! They play with death, and its an unbelievable act of heroism!

I talked to Girish Sir about this. He said there is a threshold after which you stop thinking about yourself when you are in such a situation. Its always the task at hand and your mates that are important for you !!! Hats off to that !!!

But around month or two back, when I was leaving for Pune...Aaj Tak was shouting:

"We have the videos. See the cowardness of defence forces. They leave their guns and run
off."

Why don't this Aaj Tak shut its dirty mouth up??? Just to make their TRPs go up, they can do anything. What the HELL??? I have stopped watching Aaj Tak after that nonsense. There may be few exceptions, but why they are taking it and creating unrest among the public? Read my similar previous post on The Idiot Box !!!

As for Indian Defence Forces, I am proud of you...just as the whole nation is !!!
Mohit Batra salutes you !!! Keep on going !!!

Master's Act - The New Action Blog

2007-03-19T17:06:00.000+05:30

Here is my new and additional effort to put in some technical stuff !

MASTER'S ACT - The Action Has Just Begun !!!

Watch Time Ticking Space for personal and Master's Act Space for technical stuff.

Thanks,
Mohit

Love To Work...No Matter What !!!

2007-03-02T21:19:00.000+05:30

Balancing life is one part and doing what you love is other! And I believe in following the later! Balancing life is not on the agenda because I know its already well balanced...don't give a damn to what others think!

And I love to work...I love to go deep and deep into my work! What if people don't give me the credit that I deserve? What if I am not getting anything extra financially for that work? What if people think I am workaholic? I don't give all these things a damn!

It's ultimately ME, ME AND ONLY ME, who is taking out benefits out of all these! Experience, skills, confidence...everything! Does not matter if I work on my office stuff or my personal ones - Anything that I like! My goal is to learn at this stage, get the experience and march towards one of my major goals!

Although that is not my Final Destination, but is certainly one of the major ones! So, the countdown is on and Time is Ticking...

First Hands On With Picasa !!!

2007-03-02T13:47:00.000+05:30

Its too good a tool...Google's Picasa ! Highly recommended!
Download Picasa and get your imagination going !

Budget 2007/08 - Most Awaited Time Of The Year?

2007-02-26T11:36:00.000+05:30

Frankly speaking, I have never put my foot in this arena before. But this time I am looking forward to it. Its one thing most awaited as it seriously affects various aspects of life.

I have been going through various predictions, polls, surveys in past few days related to upcoming budget. But surveys show that many people are not interested in what it will be. There is one simple reason. The essential commodities are going to become costlier, no doubt. And why taxes are increased on certain entities is really not known. There is no transparency that why certain items are made costlier even when the country's reserves are no short, and supply is good. The general reaction is just one - taxes are increased to satisfy politicians' luxurious needs, their pockets and bank balances. And why this burden is only on essential commodities and not the luxurious ones - government can ask common man to pay more; let rich be more rich and poor become more poor.

Where the money is getting utilized and for what purpose? Where is it going? How much money has been collected fom taxes, from where the tax is being collected more and where it is utilized finally? Don't we, the citizens, have the right to know about each and every rupee that is being spent?

The infaltion rate is high and government talks about the growth rate? The things look irregular. Most of the polls show that people are in favor of maintaining both. Medium inflation and then, look for growth. But government, or in other words - governments over the years, don't seem to be interested in controlling inflation. Whats the use of killing its own people and boasting of high growth rate? Today morning only, I went through this new piece of information that VAT is all set to increase from April 2008 from 4% to 5% and guess what, its essential commodities again - Gas, wheat, flour, rice, pulses...And what's more, April 2009 will see this increase go from 5% to 6%.

More interesting fact that came up in surveys was that people are ready to pay taxes in certain fields, if they are going to be utilized in that field only - like education, health etc. But does that ever happens?

Let's see what government has in store for aam aadmi this time. The process that may alter the economics of all our households. I am surely going to keep an eye this time. Watch this space for more!

The Test Of Ability !!!

2007-02-21T14:08:00.000+05:30

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

Its All About A Smile !!!

2007-02-09T09:18:00.000+05:30

Phir Se Mile Jo Hum Deewane...
To Yeh Samjhe To Yeh Jaane !!!
Hum Bhi Rahein, Rahein Yaar Hamare Jahan...
Aaye Nahin Kabhi Hum Mein Koi Dooriyan !!!

Frankly speaking, past few days have been extraordinary. They were simple, yet illustrative and powerful enough to drive me through a rough patch! I met loads of people and was just surprised that I know so many people and yes, they remember me well!

On quite a number of occassions, I thought that I should write. Somehow, I could not. Not because I was too busy but because I fell short of words, and that too by a big margin, which normally never happens - my diary knows that well :) But this time I was, I still am. I initiated this post long back. Type, type, type - Backspace, backspace, backspace...no use - I just lost the talent to write !!! Please help me out describing the below mentioned things. I would highly appreciate it :)

Before I start, here is an unedited list of tensions I prepared just to throw everything out of my mind (and yup, I don't use numbers - it would have given me a heart attack striaght away):

Leave
Timesheet
Project Work
Surgery
Drive
Submit Bills
Credit Card Bill
Cell Activation
Ticket
Appraisal

This is something that was writable. There are things that I did not wrote. This list is although not very hectic but was frustrating, and with pain killers around day and night...this was taking a toll on my nerves.

But it changed. I never expected that too happen so rapidly. Two days before I was leaving Delhi, came the Annual Function of my school. My friend called in - "Get Ready Mohit, we all are going to meet today - we, the old pals of school." And we met !!! Everything - the playground, my class, my teachers, my pals and that energy of annual function - was flowing. Everyone has changed - more responsible, more energetic, more consious - yet they are same - same sweetness in their voice, same behavior and that SAME SMILE. Enough to give my writing skills a hammering.

How should I explain when I met my teachers? They spoke less, they still called all of us by our names - still after 6 years, they remember !!! They kept looking at us and kept smiling. There were many silent moments. The memories were much stronger than anything else.

Not forgetting to mention, canteen samosas - that was a part of my life for 10 years - were still there and were as effective as before :) And that same style 90 mins play - with dialogues, dances and an emphasis on India - was so very effective. Kids - in front of me and behind me - all were dancing. Everything was moving in joy !!! There was no stopping !!! "BByee tensions", I said, "I got my way, you take yours."

Wait! This was not done. Few more days were yet to arrive !!! Reaching back Pune, I took my normal routine with few enhancements :) I went to school as every Wednesday. Kids recognized me and so did I remember them well. They called me up as usual - "Bhaiya, th..thi..this! I first! Finished! Check naa! Check my answer first!" How sweet was that !!! After the regular class, I distributed the chocolates. They asked me about my US trip. How I went there? What I saw there? What do people wear? They talked endlessly. "Bhaiya, you come tommorow naa? You come daily naa?" And even they were just smiling !!! They have just become a part of my life now !!! Not to forget, all the teachers were happy to see me back !!! All thanks to them !!!

And somehow I was able to get over some illusions as well. I dont want to mention that but take it, the fog above me has cleared a lot !!!

And as I said, I have already lost my vocabulary. Let me know what words can you give to this. Somethings really can not be described !!! Thats why I love fuzziness over absolute in many cases !!! And frankly speaking, it just takes one momemt. Its all about a SMILE !!!

The Definition Of Success !!!

2007-01-30T23:55:00.000+05:30

"Success is NOT defined by HOW FAR you go...
It is defined by HOW MANY times you failed but still Stood Up again, Passed that Obstacle and WENT AHEAD !!!"

-- From my great friend Baneesh

And I love this quote. Has been very important and close to me.

The Idiot Box !!!

2007-01-21T00:31:00.000+05:30

A break after five months for me - from my work (partially only); And Back to Television - after a five month break. You see, there is not much to watch in TV these days, not in the movies either. Some people can just stand up on this and come up with their list of channels that they watch - but I find everything as nonsense. Rather, most of the things are nonsense these days.

Because most of the channels moving to that SAAS-BAHU crap, channels that run on my home TV are limited - NEWS channels, Sports' Channels, Discovery, MTV and few others. Few are definitely good out of these; I am talking specially about Discovery for its space related episodes and Star Sports where Australian Open is telecasted live these days (and I love to watch Leander Paes skills; forget about Sania)

But NEWS channels take most of the toll. And here goes the top news for the day:

==> Topping the charts is Shilpa Shetty's Big Brother issue. For a half an hour episode, 10 mins are dedicated to this. The same photographs of her crying, pointing out that she is a victim and then turning off her words is the story for the day. The shouting politicians, senseless debates, baseless messages - all are a part of it. Hell! All bakwas!

==> The Nathari Case. Two inhuman guys slaughtering kids and women. One of them now trying to prove himself mentally retarded so as to save himself from the penultimate punishment. More and more police officers are getting dragged into it. For sure, it is going to be stretched a long way and there is going to be no outcome. And if there would be, it would be somewhere after ... years. No set of people are taking heavy interest in this. Killing and all is a routine news now!!!

==> Aishwarya and Abhishek are getting married. Abhishek proposed Aishwarya!!! So, there are polls to know if they make a good couple and are you happy with it? Aish bought Saris worth 3 lakhs. Abhishek is the most eligible bachelor and girls are making fuss about this. From their visits to temples to their hospital visit - everything is captured. From polls to astrology - is anything left? Damn it! Is Aishwarya my girlfriend getting married?

==> Cricket matches are going to start soon. The in-depth detail is available - Who will open, who will bat in the middle order etc. Can Team India do it - starts the debate. Sachin Tendulkar goes to temple - is that NEWS? Oh, meanwhile Leander Paes moved to Round 3 of Australian Open. Where is this NEWS?

==> Celina Jaitley will make lots of love in her upcoming movie and will look really HOT. Cool Naa?

==> Some people caught a snake and said that God has just arrived. It has been bound by wires and is prayed. God!!! Bound by wires and then prayed? I don't know what is true, don't want to comment on anyone's feeling but Poor Snake, I must say!!!

And this is NOT THE END!!! Rape cases, burnging efigies, burning vehicles and public property, open murders - nothing is left; everything is covered. Priorities given to NEWS are ridiculous. Can I see anything good happening around the world or there is nothing that is nice happening around the world? These NEWS creates nothing but irritation among people, makes them more frustrated. The way NEWS is read, the ways views are put forward, way it is repeated, way NOTHING is made as the top story of the week - ITS PRETTY BAD!!!

I thought to leave this Idiot Box again and switch back to what I love - opened the laptop and started writing this blog. I am not turning my eyes away from the reality, but in the race of being the BEST, channels have really forgotten their basics. Its not NEWS, its all BUSINESS!!!

This is a Killer Song !!!

2007-01-13T09:03:00.001+05:30

This song is topping my charts these days. And finally, it makes entry to my all time favorites.

It asks to think, it forces to think..again and again.

I am sure you have heard it hundreds of times...but it never stops putting it effect !!! It is a Killer !!!

The Transparency !!!

2007-01-09T14:55:00.000+05:30

I heard a very interesting real-time scenario some time back, while I was attending a Data Mining session. The problem was very interesting in terms of complexity and scale. And was interesting not just technically but at managerial level as well. Here it is:

A company was working out well financially. The Chairman and CEO of company, Mr. A (it was quite a long time back, so I don't remember the names now) was handling the things pretty well. Mr. B was an advisor to the company and was working in close conjunction with Mr. A. After few years, Mr. A resigned from the post of CEO. After long discussions and decisions, Mr. B was appointed the CEO of the company and Mr. A retained the post of Chairman. Some time later, company lost its ground and went bankrupt. It was a very shocking incident for the analysts and was a challenge for them to find out the cause. The Data was then Mined. Analysts targetted the Mail Servers of the company at first. The results that came out were shocking!! There was only one problem!!! Till the time Mr. A was the Chairman as well as CEO, all mails that went to Mr.B also went to Mr. A. After Mr. B became the CEO, the level of communication decreased rapidly. Most of the mails that reached Mr. B never reached Mr. A. This loss of communication or rather mis-communication led to inapproriate decisions at inappropriate times. And slowly, over a prolonged period of this gap - company lost its ground.

This is a very summarized form of the long story where I got to see how everything happened and how analysts found out the root cause.

At that time, my interest in this story was only Data Mining and thus, was a pretty good case study for me. But few days back, I realized how thrilling that story was. How can loss of communication lead to such severe affects on businesses and everywhere?

Yes, that happened few days back !!! Mis-Communication !!! I was just not getting what was happening around me. Everyone had a different story to tell !!! There was NO TRANSPARENCY !!!

For an organization, its very important to keep the communication level high. There should be Transparency in the processes. Everything should be visible, clear - crystal clear !!! If you can't just trust your own employees, then probably you can't trust anyone else. And it's most important to have faith in your employees. It's all mutual. You can't expect some one to trust you if you don't show trust and faith in them. Trust them, make the things transparent !!! Your employees should never live in dark !!! Although, there are few things an organization can't share, but that needs to be well defined - what can be shared and what can not be shared !!!

Making things clear allow employees to take better decisions and participate more in the organizational activity. Although, it may sound a bit bookish but, I believe, it's very much true. Loss of communication or transparency can lead to such kind of results we could never ever imagine !!!

The Five Year Haircut Plan !!!

2007-01-02T16:40:00.000+05:30

With my stay extended by around ten more days in Seattle, I thought I need a Hair Cut now. Its been over two months now (too sad - I know). And as I enquired about the shop, this interesting fact came up:

The total cost of Hair Cut including Taxes and Tip is US $20. What??? TWENTY US DOLLARS??? (Thank God! There is nothing else to be paid!!)

But still, $20 is too much. Somewhere around Rs. 1000 !!! Alright, never mind. But before I go, let me put my thought process to these thousand bucks. So, here is a Maths problem to solve (including some logical thought!!!):

Question:
In India, Mohit goes to barber every month or two. Most of the times, it's two. And his each visit costs around Rs. 20. Assuming the Indian to US currency ratio as 1:50 (Although its less - but only to keep calculations simple :) ). The Hair Cut rate in US is $20 and Indian rate is Rs. 20. Assume, he gets married at the age of 27 (And please pray for that !!! The idiot dont want to marry before that - Typical IT Idiot) . And his wife is a total "kharchila party". And spends three times more than him !!! How long can Mohit use the money if he wait for another week?

Answer:
India :US = 1:50
Rs:$ = 1:50
1$ = 50 Rs
$1 = Rs50 (Rearranging)

Amount to be spent = $ 20
= Rs 20 * (50/1)
= Rs 1000

Before Marriage:

For four years, Amount Mohit can spend in India for Hair Cut:

Amount for 4 years = Rs 20 * (4 * (12/2)) ==> For 4 years and Hair Cut every 2 months
= Rs 20 * (4 * (6))
= Rs 20 * (24)
= Rs. 480

Amount left = Rs 1000 - 480
= Rs 520

After Marriage:

Now, assuming Mohit's wife would spend thrice:

Let amount Mohit can spend = x
Amount that would be spent by Mohit's wife = 3x

Therefore, x + 3x = Rs 520
4x = Rs 520
x = 520 / 4
x = 130

Thus, Amount Mohit can spend = x = Rs130
Amount that would be spent by Mohit's wife = 3x = Rs 390

Assuming, Mohit's wife snatched Rs. 10 from Mohit for facial as well:

Amount Mohit can spend now = Rs. 120
Amount Mohit's wife can spend = Rs. 400

With Mohit getting a Hair Cut once in two months:

Let number of months he gets a haircut = y
Therefore, 120 = y * 20
120 / 20 = y
6 = y

As he gets haircut once in two months, so total time he can get a haircut = 2 * 6 = 12 months = 1 year

Total years Mohit can get a Hair Cut = Before Marriage + After Marriage
= 4+ 1
= 5 years

Five Years !!!!! I can get a Hair Cut for next Five Years if I don't get a Hair Cut now !!! And still can save Rs. 400 for my would be wife which I am damn sure she is going to spend much more in just one visit (I wont mind it - Biwi to ho :D) !!!

Dude !!! I can definitely wait for one more week!!! Not a problem at all. After all, its a Five Year Hair Cut Plan :)

Sher for the Shers !!!

2006-12-27T17:34:00.000+05:30

Pankh Failaye Hue Mor Bahut Dekhe Hain...
Ghan Pe Chhaye Hue Ghanghor Bahut Dekhe Hain !!!
Naala Kehta Hai Samandar Se, Umadna Seekho...
Humne Barsaat Ke Yeh Shor Bahut Dekhe Hain !!!

And...I Am Missing Her !!!

2006-12-22T01:30:00.000+05:30

Musafir Hoon Yaaron, Na Ghar Hai Na Thikana

I can not exactly say that I have been roaming here and there throughout my life. But life has been moving on and on - as it should be - and so am I.

This probably is my last posting from Seattle for now. Before I leave, the feelings that I had been hiding for so long in my mind, heart and soul..and between my earphones and ears...and in those empty rooms where I had been singing...and yes, in my each and every thought, I thought finally to put it down. That yes, I Have Been Missing Her !!!

I never shared this feeling, it was all expressions only. Life here has been good, to some extent better and in some ways Best so far!! But without her, I am a Big Zero !!

Whenever there had been a discussion here on these lines, people say that loving anyone so much is just a useless thing, and no love like this should exist. But I dont care, because I believe it should exist and for me, it exists !!!

Business visits like these are helpful, in some ways interesting and a some times a good break as well. But if its about settling here - its not possible. Even if I get here everything, yes Everything - I still will never settle here as she won't come here - and for me life without her is a body without soul. Its not just about keeping her in heart and go on..its about being with her and do my each "Karma" for her!!!

Because this is about my heart; this is about my first love; this is about my nation, Our Nation, Our India. And I love her very much - no matter what!!!

And yes, I am missing her a lot, a lot !!!

The Childhood Days Are Back !!!

2006-12-18T13:05:00.000+05:30

Well, who says that "Old Good Days Never Come Back"? I say, they do come back, but only for few "lucky" guys.

It has been a good journey to Seattle - work wise and on a personal front as well. But my company made my dream come true. Yes, it was a dream only but now it is reality!

Eight long, long, loooooong years - when I last met my BEST CHILDHOOD FRIEND - ANKUR - THE CHAMP !!! I always used to tell him over chats, mails, phones - "Don't you worry Buddy. I will be there to meet you one day!" And I held onto my words :)

Here is a flashback...

Anki and me were together in school for eight years, after which he left for Bhopal, then Kenya and then Canada. All the time, absolutely all the time, we used to be together...just laughing at everything!! I don't even remember a single moment, when we talked anything serious!! Guess, we were quite young as well to talk anything serious :)

That time was phenomenal, simply awesome!! It never happened that we started our day without playing "Gallery"!! His bus no. 1 always used to be there before mine bus no. 4. And he was always ready with a team. Hey! And we never lost :D

The galleries we used to play, the rides in school where we used to play unique games with a big friend circle and those PT periods' football games. And as soon as that masti time used to pass - 8AM to 2PM - which included the time pass classes as well as punishments, then there was cricket - our favorite. Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble always used to be there on time !!!

The canteen samosas, ful flips, ampapad - ah! that was the lifeline of our school and ours too ;)

The classes used to be great too where we learnt together, enjoyed together, laughed together!! I still remember once our computer madam told us repeatedly to stop laughing. But we could not!! And we were asked to get out :D. And we went out laughing as well..he he

This is a part of that amazing class photograph that we have. This was in standard 8th, after which he left the school. We met once again after two years but for a very short time. And after that, it became only a dream to meet him again.

Back to the present please...

But NO...We Met, YES! We met again. And guess where? Seattle !!! And was there any difference?? Not at all, not at all !!! I was just taking photographs before he arrived. He came from behind and shouted, "Abe hero..yeh kya kar raha hai?" And we burst into laughter again.

He was here to view some Seattle attractions and we avoided everything..and just talked endlessly!! All those days were back in just few hours, rather in just few moments. People must have watched us, with we laughing too loudly. Ah! He has become a better comedian now!!

Watch this...the world was rolling along with us !!!

With we going along our ways to become "someone", we never thought off the names we gave too each other will came out to be so true. He stilll remains The Champ, and yes, I have become a big time Fighter Jet :)

This was a precious time for me!!! And I learned once again, HOW TO LIVE LIFE IN MUCH BETTER WAY!!!

Guys like him actually makes this World a Wonderful place!!!

SUPER HERO - Dedication To Indian Developers !!!

2006-12-05T14:41:00.000+05:30

The Song Of Indian Developers

Springs up from the bed with a crossword in his head
A shiver shakes his spine thinking what the boss said
Feeling like a mouse in the tiger’s den (ah right)

Missed the bus again, runs all the way to work
Prays to all his Gods, even Captain Kirk
Hoping he can make it in time for the bumpy ride

Opens all the windows, as he shuts the door
As the magic begins to flow, out to the fore

He’s no less than a super hero
Can’t make him fall
Ones and zeroes, threes and fours
But not that bad a guy after all

Afternoon comes when everyone eats
Staring down at lines on his L.C.D screen
Cracking up the code, faster than the speed of light

Evening bells ringing, had to meet his date
Digits on his hand will have to make her wait
Smiles at his phone, then tosses it aside

Opens all the windows, as he shuts the door
As the magic begins to flow, out to the fore

He’s no less than a super hero
Can’t make him fall
Ones and zeroes, threes and fours
But not that bad a guy after all

- By Parikrama Band

SOA: Taking Us Back To Basics

2006-12-03T14:49:00.000+05:30

Many of you must be aware of this or probably must have came around this sometime or the other - SOA: The Service Oriented Architecture.

This post is not about explaining SOA tech specs but about how SOA has just revolutionized the entire IT and has put the thought process back to basics. Please note that SOA does not implies only "Web Services", its just about Services which may or may not be web based. I said this because I have heard many people implying SOA as Web Services just as many ask me when I use the word Artificial Intelligence, "Oh! So you have worked on Neural Networks?"

We started off with our thought process for systems to help make our work easier - in order words, to ease off the hectic business tasks. That process went long way and came the Object Oriented Programming concepts, which was the mark of a new beggining. Every concept, every thought that comes up today just want to revolve around OOPs - nothing bad certainly - OOPs has given us that direction we always wanted!!!

But with systems growing bigger and bigger and requirements growing manifold, no single vendor or organization wants to keep scratching their heads with just one system. Its all about providing what business needs - The Services. The Services - that can help get the tedious tasks finished within moments.

Hey, but is your service a real world entity - not exactly. Is your weather forecast service an entity? Can your online air ticket booking exactly qualifies to be a real world object? Certainly not!!! Then, this essentially implies that we are deviating from our very basic OOPs paradigm. This new methodology, SOA, then is just challenging the existing architectures.

I had a long discussion few days back on the same. I thought breaching this object oriented concept a bit, I can expose my functionality as a Service, which is not only easy to develop and maintain but is also reusable. It is a other fact that you use Services to create an interface. But my mates was not too convinced with this - Deviation from OOPs concepts???

Here is what we need to understand what actually Services are for...

Service in itself is just a layer of shield between two interfaces, an interface between two different worlds. Its certainly not an entity, but is a set of functionalty that can help communicating between two models. It is used for integration of systems on a broad level, or for integration of parts of a system. These parts can be separated and developed in isolation, maintained separeately and reused by various applications. Services are capable of making systems secure, providing interoperability between systems or different parts of a systems and allows integration, and make the systems highly scalable and flexible.

Now here comes the crunch of the topic of this post. How it takes us back to "Basics"? Any methodology that came up was in the direction of easing out business tasks and making them more structured. The introduction of OOPs was on similar lines. Services are meant to do just that. Its no more thinking of just real world entities and objects, but to think about linking two worlds and to just focus on solving business problems.

But then what about OOPs?? I believe Service Oriented Architecture is rooted in object-orientation but adds a layer of abstraction. Services are not a departure from object-orientation, but rather an evolution. Services orchestrate calls to discreet business objects to satisfy requests. Objects are enlisted, behind the scenes, to formulate a response.

Saying this, its upto you to decide what your priorties are...Focussing on a tehnique or a business process !!!

My Initial Clicks !!!

2006-11-27T14:08:00.000+05:30

Man, I myself could not believe how I was able to click that...thanks to Vijayendra for his guidance (all that settings, modes and all those stuff...I really liked it). Its like I am developing interest in photography now.. :)

Here it is...

The Snoqualmie Falls

A wide angle view of the same...

An encounter with Rainbow...

On my way...
North Bend...
Another side of NorthBend...

You are free to download any of the images of this post and have it as your machine's wallpaper :)

He said - "This is Revolution" !!!

2006-11-11T13:14:00.000+05:30

You dont find great words like these too often...

"The aim of life is no more to control the mind, but to develop it harmoniously; not to achieve salvation here after, but to make the best use of it here below; and not to realize truth, beauty and good only in contemplation, but also in-the actual experience of daily life; social progress depends not upon the ennoblement of the few but on the enrichment of democracy; universal brotherhood can be achieved only when there is an equality of opportunity - of opportunity in the social, political and individual life."
--- Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Prison Diary

"Revolution" does not merely mean an upheaval or a sanguinary strife - nor is there any place in it for individual vendetta. It is not the cult of the bomb and the pistol. Revolution necessarily implies the programme of systematic reconstruction of society on a new and better basis..."

"...by "Revolution" we mean that the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice, must change. The peasant who grows corn for all, starves with his family; the weaver who supplies the world market with textile fabrics, has not enough to cover his own and his children's bodies; masons, smiths and carpenters who raise magnificent palaces, live like pariahs in the slums..."

"...the sense in which the word "Revolution" is used in that phrase, is the spirit, the longing for a change for the better. The people generally get accustomed to the established order of things and begin to tremble at the very idea of a change. It is this lethargical spirit that needs be replaced by the revolutionary spirit. Otherwise degeneration gains the upper hand and all of humanity is led astray by reactionary forces. Such a state of affairs leads to stagnation and paralysis in human progress..."

--- Excerpts from a letter from Shaheed Bhagat Singh to Shri Ramanand Chaterji, editor of Modern Review

My Experiments With...

2006-11-08T15:07:00.000+05:30

And it was time for another experiment. A technical guy who has never dealt with this technology before. One of those old age technologies that has never fazed out (and is seriously tough to master!!!) So, I decided to take this challenge "once again" (actually, was forced to take it !!!). After failing twice earlier, I was still raring to go. And I told myself - "I will do it, no matter what. I am not afraid of the consequences". Although my friends were!!!

I collected all my energies again, focussed on the problem at hand - and here I went!!!

Here is the algorithm for that - although it does not cater to all scenarios but has been built based on same technology but using new tools:

Phase 1
Step 1: Take two spoons of oil and put it in rice cooker (this is a newer released version).
Step 2: After it is bit warm, add vegetables (for POC (proof of concept) purpose, I used already broken pieces of frozen cabbage and whatever eatable was available).
Step 3: Add two spoons of salt (please dont add any buffer here, you may land into serious trouble).
Step 4: Keep it for some time as it is with lid closed.

Phase 2
Step 1: After your patience runs out standing in front of it, just remove the lid.
Step 2: Add 3.5 cups of rice of 160 ml each (this cup utility wasnt too good actually, check out the market for better ones)
Step 3: Add 7 cups of water using same cup (although, everything was floating - but then knowledge transfer via my friend wasnt too good actually :)
Step 4: Close the lid and wait!!!

Note: Start writing the steps in a diary, uff!!! its tough to remember, right?

And after an hour or so, one of my friends came in and said, "Hey, why your application is still not working?" He checked and then changed the new technology based cooker's switch state from "Warm" to "Cook" !!!

Ok...although, it took another hour to cook that but then this was my first encounter with Pulao. Oops! initial ones were with Paranthas but I ate that, although they were completly looked like part of pan only - complete black in color!!!

But must tell you, the Pulao finally, was ready and everyone ate that. Thank God!!! Atleast, there were no "special comments" after eating that.

Its Where The Heart Beats Stop !!!

2006-11-07T09:55:00.001+05:30

Just came around this video as a link on Wikipedia site...this has been written by ofcourse Rabindranath Tagore - but music and video has been composed by A.R Rahman with Indian Classical Besties putting their voices and creating magic with their instruments. And ya, way Lata Mangeshkar has started it is simply awesome - ah!! she can just kill anyone with her superb voice !!!

And ya, the words and original tune is, ofcourse capable of stopping Heart Beats :)

My First Day At Microsoft !!!!

2006-10-23T22:46:00.000+05:30

Yups dude, my first day at Microsoft !!! Yes, at Microsoft !!! The day about which I dreamt for around 4 long years...its a long time and finally I was going to be there, at Microsoft - the giant; which was around every corner of my mind - days and nights - about which I thought !

Before you start throwing in any congratulations mail to me, let me clear this air that I am still working with Persistent and am here just for a new project design. But still it is a kind of opportunity that I would have never got if I would have joined Microsoft directly. So, finally, that dream was getting too close, more close, and close...

After 26 hours of in-flight time, I reached here...Seattle - where it is actually, the Microsoft headquarters. Not to forget about the intense 10 days that I underwent...interviews, Visa, all formalities, packing and all that stuff. But it was done, everything was finished gracefully. Oh God! how come that happened? Rarest of times where I felt that luck was just favoring me and I was just showing immense confidence in it - surprising, seriously surpurising!!!

Everything that I thought about Microsoft - the poeple, the place, the environment...I was ready to experience it myself !!!

And yes, the day arrived. Thanks to Persistent for this. I was not too anxious too enter in, but a bit...after all its Microsoft - the place I always wanted to join. And before I entered, I just got a compliment about me being looking "great" and I was flattered..after all I was well prepared to enter...hehehe

My eyes were rolling and viewing each and every corner of the premises that I can blindly go and tell the locations now. Is this what my imaginations were all about? Well, I guess not...seriously it was much more than that!!! But overall it was good :)

I still have not seen the full power of what it is all about, but I guess infrastructure can not describe it actually...its all in brains!!! And people in my team back home India is no less :) Its all about dedication and way you enjoy and work. And its same for me from wherever I am working - My home, office, my hostel room or Microsoft office...

The first day in itself has been a great learning experience and I am more committed to work towards my firm, because I know where the "Real Power" lies...And not to forget, I am learning new things as well as each new enviornment teaches you something new or the other...

Thank God...my final goal wasnt just getting into Microsoft...otherwise I would have felt blank today...but now I am more excited...

Still, whenever dreams come true, its a great satisfaction and specially when you have really worked hard for it...and I add this day to my special ones :)