Feddie or Rafa ?

Clash of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at today’s Australian Open, is giving me goose bumps!

These great legends have their own set of fan following. Its not that the fans dislike or disrespect the other person, but it’s just there.Why these two groups exist? Well, deep down, we all know…

Nadal, on one hand, is composed, aggressive, deterministic and has sheer passion to play to win. Federer, on the other hand, is cool, calm, serene, and is pure class! I assume that It is these characteristics that people get influenced from, see in them, that inspires them.. motivates them!

This got me thinking, on the lines of these charactersitics… Who am I? Is it Fedex or Rafa? Or Rather, what charactersitics would I like to imbibe? I would say – a little bit of both! I would like to be cool and calm, but aggressive sometimes; discover some passion, and behave as a pure class! I would not only like to play my part effortlessly, but also play some part which defies the logic! That’s been Federed v/s Nadal for me since ages!

When I see such exhibits of inspiration, it motivates me and for a while, it feels that I’ve got it all figured out. But then, again I lose some focus, and await another exhibit of the same kind, and I start all over again! This has been on going with me for quite a while now, but it seems alright for now, and I’ll keep looking! Such doses are necessary I guess, to move ahead!

So, yeah, I've it all figured out ;). I would've looked out for me if I were you.. :)

After a long pause...

Whoaaaa! My hands are trembling, while attempting this piece of writing!

Its been long. One year ago, was my last post! Not that I was away from writing; however, did take up a different kind of writing for a while! It was nice, and fruitful. So, don't feel the disconnect!
And yes, getting married can keep the blogging away!

So, milte hai break ke baad.... is affirmative! Its cool to be back!

Cricket World Cup, as I saw it!

02-April-2011, just before the 2pm match, I put my Facebook post (Yes, Facebook had taken over the normal blogging then, if you are reading this blog after several years!):

Just Imagine... You play, and make your nation proud; some say you are the greatest batsman in the world; a very few like you, as the rest worship you - they call you the GOD of cricket. But you think there is yet, one unaccomplished goal - to bring THE CUP home ! No matter what the result, With all due respect, hats-off to you, Sachin! (The entire nation bows!)

Really, it was a moment when Sachin was called THE greatest batsman Cricket would have ever seen, who had already scored 99 centuries then, was in top form, scoring maximum runs already in the World Cup 2011 tournament! Needless to say, people did have expectations from GOD, expectations that 1983 would again return after 28 odd years, as GOD was playing our side, may be for the last time for the World Cup!

I was just wondering the whole day, what would be going on in Sachin's mind. Fragment of my imagination:

As a lad, I wanted to play good Cricket, and of course WIN the CUP for my NATION! Now that I am a good sportsman who has done pretty well, people have dearest of expectations from me; some even go on the verge of referring me as GOD of CRICKET. But am I , really the GOD? If I fail today, I would be referred to as GOD, who could not WIN his dream, could not win the WORLD CUP!

However, after the spectacular clash between the Indians and Lankans, WE DID IT! We were the CHAMPIONS! The CUP was OURS!

What I would like to cherish is not the game itself, but the sentiments that followed.

Yes. The feeling was indescribableJ. I pinched myself as I doubted myself:

“Is this really happening? Did I just watch each and every ball of the match where my India took the WORLD CUP? WE ARE the WOLD CHAMPIONS? The Master got what he once wanted? ” Pinch! Pinch! “Did I just view HISTORY being created in front of my eyes?”

What better way for Sachin to play great batsman’s innings through life, and what better way for the entire team to payback the gratitude, by winning him the world cup!

What followed immediately, was a scream; a scream so loud out of my window expressing the mixed feelings of love, anger, desperation, happiness, pride, and contentedness. Something made us all back home, feel fuller and good for being a part of the nation; your own nation!

The very next thing I recollect is putting several Facebook wall posts, ALL IN CAPS! Seems to be funny now, but would like to cherish those posts, those words which flew seamlessly, boundlessly:

DONE DONE DONE!

I LOST MY VOICE SCREAMING!!!

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT SINCE 1983!

I AM PROUD TO BE VIEWING EACH AND EVERY BALL OF THE WORLD CUP, WHICH WE WON SINCE I WAS BORN!!!! SOMETHING FOR SURE, TO TELL TO THE GENERATION TO COME!!!

BRAVO!! BRAVO!!! BRAVO!!!

THIS PHASE OF MY LIFE IS CALLED - EVEN SEEING THE GOD PLAY, CRY AND WIN!!!! NOW, HE CAN ACCEPT WHAT PEOPLE CALL HIM - GOD !!!

Just watched GOD shake hands even with the security person on the field! That's how down to earth you should be! That's why he is GOD!

HE HAS CARRIED THE BURDEN FOR THE NATION FOR 21 YEARS. IT IS NOW TIME TO CARRY IT ON OUR SHOULDERS. - VIRAT KOHLI!!

IT IS THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE. ---SACHIN!!!

What followed were celebrations on the roads accompanied by several hundred cries, bikes, cars, loud music of dhol, jam packed traffic and what nots – everything NOT UNDER CONTROL!

When I look back now, I still get the Goosebumps. But what I cannot make up my mind still is: Was I happy because India won the world cup? Or was I happy because India won the world cup with Sachin on the squad!

Taking the Plunge

I am seeing a simple, sweet, innocent girl with a lovely charismatic face. And it all comes back to me, and it all comes back to me...

Ever wondered, why certain things that happened, did happen? You cannot tell why something happened today, but you join the dots only connecting backwards!

Life progresses and the little baby grows into a child, and the child into a boy. As he reaches puberty, his thinking matures as the life advances. The materialistic world gets him, and the responsibilities start piling up. He makes many friends on the way, but even good friends move on. He wonders, why the good times with friends can't stay forever. He makes new acquaintances, which leads him to the acquaintances of those acquaintances, and then...

Sees an adoloscent innocent face with her hair reacting to the gushing cool breeze coming from the nearby window. The Mumbai - Pune train travel, never felt so much soothing. Only, if you could see that smile on the face.. !! You introduce yourself, and immediately realize that you have made a stupid impression! You talk, talk and talk! Talk about nothing, Talk about something and talk about everything. And she listens, and listens.

You sit in the garden for a long time, just to be with her. Just to listen to her, Just to talk to her, Just to see that smile of hers. You discuss about the beauty of the moon, which otherwise never attracted your slightest attention before. You visit the coffee house again and again, watch countless movies together, try all different cuisines, and may be even watch that CIRCUS show.
You meet her, then you want to meet her, then you need to meet her, and then may be only for a while, she goes away. Now, you die to meet her.

When she is back, you hold her hand, and she places her head on your shoulders, and your head falls on her. You have your cute little fights on who missed whom more. You also know that she is the one, and she knows it too... but still no one would express the three little words!

You then gather some courage, and invite her to a quite little place for two. The magnificient roof top ambience with very old romantic live music, is wooing her. She knows what might happen. You excuse yourself for a bathroom break. And when you are back, you arrive wearing a suit, and holding on to a red rose. Then you utter the three magical words... and you are relieved that you did it. You finally did it. She then holds your hand, and that is all the answer that you need. That is all, the answer that you need.

You now plan, on what next, and the dilemma of convincing the society haunts you both. Will they agree, or won't they, makes your nights sleepless. You finally risk it, and to your surprise, things readily fall into place. You cannot believe yourself.

What dots of life it has been, and how they marvellously connect. Holding the ring this christmas eve, my eye meet yours and ...

I am seeing a simple, sweet, innocent girl with a lovely charismatic face. And it all comes back to me, and it all comes back to me.

Shopping in the narrow gullies of Mumbai...

To start with, I am not a GUCCI or PRADA guy, even if I would be found frequently hanging around a MALL, buying some cheap stuff that I don't really need :). Frankly, I very much HATE the MALL culture, but choose to live with it.

I am not very sure about others, but if you are a GUJARATI person living in Mumbai, and would like to do some feminine shopping in bulk, you do not hit a MALL, but you head to south Mumbai, into the narrow streets of Zaveri Bazaar (for Jewellery), Hanumaan Gali and Bhuleshwar(for clothes), and other adjacent streets, for anything and everything.

These streets are really old, narrow, and not-so-clean. Buying stuff from the stalls, would give the first time spectator a feeling that you are buying some cheap stuff off the road, as the shop would not be equipped with four walls an air-conditioner, or even a fan for that matter. But only if someone were to tell you that these wholesale dealers are the same people who deliver the goods in the elite shopping malls of Andheri or Bandra, would he/she really belive it? No, you may not! But then I wondered why I didn't otherwise see any manufacturing factory, of say, Sala Liketan.

We surpassed some utensils shop, which was really of insignificant size and shape and it looked like the owner might be just smart to make his two ends meet. But he actually turned out to be the sponsor for all the benches, and related furniture for all the municipal schools in vicinity. Great, ain't he? We had a look at where the very famous garment owner (name witheld), who would earn in crores, lived! It was really just a shanty place.

We then visited an atleast 50years old UDIPI place, which was again a very shabby place. But only if you would have had his wada, dosa, and especially chutney (coconut, and morogapuddi), you would have exclaimed it ONE OF THE BEST SOUTH INDIAN CUISINE you would have ever had!

All such historic places and its importance, made me wonder - do the best of businesses flourish in such quiet/shanty/shabby places? And would you, as a consumer rather sweat and buy something off the unclean roads? Or would the MALL culture eventually take you over?

P.S.:
Well, I also happened to see the hangout places, where my parents used to meet during their pre-married days ;)

Today, after a long time, I had the privilege to walk through the narrow streets of Mumbai again. We covered Davaa Bazaar, Zaveri Bazaar, Hanumaan Gali, Panjra Pol, CP Tank and a few other narrow gullies, which I do not remember, and I simply loved it :) If you've been in and around in Mumbai, and still have not paid a visit to these places, I am sorry, but you are YET to SEE Mumbai! This is not an overstatement, it very much remains a fact!

On being Four

On Aug 14, I completed 4 years of my professional life. So, kudos to me and my friends!
For all those do not know, I completed 4 years of my IT (software) job in the same company, which I code-name in my posts as Nirvana! And what 4 years these have been! Wow!!! Fresh from college, we were a part of this organization, and we've definitely come a long way!

I still remember the tinkle in my Dad's eyes, when I told him that I got this job! He was happy to know that my first paycheck would outweigh his salary of his 28th year! Man, I could never forget that day, that moment!

Hmm.. so how do I feel, what do I think, what did I learn, where do I stand, and most importnatly - what next? Too many questions for me to answer. Here are a few thoughts:


Foreword:

• We were a bunch (8, to be precise) of fresh graduates put together, to be labeled as Project team for the Indian wing.
  
• So, it was just another college for us (lets call it Niravana), with just one exception - we were paid!
  

Coherent Feelings - Then and Now!

• When we came here, we shared a thought - I am here to work, for this organization. Now, I think - This is my organization. First we tried to abide by the rules, now we lay our own rules.. now that's a rocking feeling!
  

On a lighter side...

• However, there is another thought we shared back then - This is my cubicle, my another home. Now, we think - This is company's cubicle, and I want to go home :P !!! Just kidding!
  

What did I learn/realize

• There is hell lot of difference when it comes to work for an organization, than what you actually perceive. Back then, we wanted to be the best - best programmers, for instance. However, now we think that there is more than to being the best! Its to know what you are NOT best at! Yes, to know your weakenesses! That does help.
• I tried my best to share my knowledge, my thoughts.. The best part is when your mentee becomes a mentor, and you are proud that you once shared something with him!
  
• Be open - discuss and resolve. There is nothing more important than talking... talking honestly, talking practically!
  
• Do not settle, look out for a better solution. Of course, constraint matters!
  
• The most difficult parts of projects are achieved by taking small & simple, yet effective steps.
  
• Admit and accept your mistakes. If you did it wrong, come forward and admit/accept the same. It helps you grow.
  
• Do not panic come-what-may. This is where experience comes in handy. Consider the problem, to be half-solved if you can still keep your head cool during crisis situations!
  
• Also, am thankful, for all the overseas opportunities (14 in number) which I got, which helped me to learn a lot, just by interacting with the people across the globe! The key in understanding them, and delivering them with the best, lies in being simple. Now, being simple is usually really difficult to achieve!
  

What is it that I wish to achieve

• What I wish to achieve from here on is to BUILD A CULTURE.
  

• Build a culture, where in all the people, whether big or small, new or old, would come in and contribute.
  
• If you know some good technical stuff - share! Do not hesitate, just share as much as you know. Never mind if you are not the master of that domain. Just come and share.
  
• Always think - Which are the top-of-the-stack things around me which I would like to change? Now, work on the top 3 to make it happen!
  
• Plan out for some activity - like playing/partying/some outing! Just plan, and drag all those are around. It helps in the longer run. A combination of (Work+Play) is unbeatable!
  
• Try NOT to follow the process, but be optimistic, so as to improvise on it! Improvise, innovate, and be open to it.
  

What next?

• Read a big fat question mark here. I really need a few pointers here, to be able to figure out my immediate next goals to work on.

Well, the whole post, went a bit corporate/nerdy... however, the bottom line is - I do not regret my past four years - I enjoyed every bit, I learned every moment; but in the coming years, I still need to explore what I really want from life. The hunt is still on.. and I will not settle... will keep looking for what would I really like to do!

Me and my worse situations

Funny, Jolly, Laughing at your worst of moments kind of guy that you might be, you still would have passed those 's***ty' situations! Shit, it happens. Yes, it does!

"Accept it. Don't look back, Forget it, and MOVE ON" are the super words, that you will hear, even from the usual not-at-all-philosophers around. And you want to get pass it, and you manage to go few miles too, almost forgetting about those situations.. yes, almost!

The worst part of the shitty situation is that, even if you manage to forget it, it WILL (note caps) be remembered! And REMINDED! Not by you, but by your so-called loved ones around! Somehow, they derive pure immense pleasure, and leave no tables unturned in going down your memory lanes, and bringing it all back! And history keeps repeating, every few miles.. in an infinite loop! And then, it takes a wile for you to be back to the present, and again re-iterating the forget-and-move-on process.

Looking on how to get a permanent fix here? Doesn't seem quite. Just forming a re-iteration process flow here:

• Close your eyes, and tell yourself.. you've got through this before, you can do it for one more time.
• Always remind yourself - You are a good person. That is the only thing true.
  
• SMILE, and try to give it a laugh, though falsified.
  
• Try to detach your conscious from the obvious. A good memory should help.
  
• A quick nap could do wonders.
• Get up, and tell yourself in the mirror - "Idiot. Its OK. Get Going."

And if nothing works, just give a firm tight slap to you, and greet yourself morning, for a new day!