Chennai Express n Bhag Milkha Bhag

Back to Back movies....not in quick succession..but over consecutive weekends. Chennai Express was pure fun...both mindless and silly. No regrets. Saw a SRK movie after long gap. The last one probably was few years back...unable to recall the exact one. Not a SRK fan, but believes in his ability to act in emotional scenes. But overall always believed him to be a hyped and over rated. Being a superstar has its own advantage. People just follow crazily leaving behind the good and bad of the movies. Salman is another classic example of how a bad actor can be a top superstar. He is simply awful in most scenes. The recent grosser movies are insane and become hit because of his star power. Coming back to Chennai Express, it was a fun ride. SRK made spoof  of himself in many scenes and for the 1st time i felt he has done well in comedy. Rather I can say, his acting always look comical...but in this comedy, i felt him acting. Deepkia is the main scene stealer. She is  incredible  in this movie and got a very good footage at par with SRK. Probably seeing her 1st time in big screen as lead actress and totally impressed with her ability and screen presence. Would recommend those who wants pure masti and laughter and don't care for story line or themes.

Must praise Rohit and his technical team for making a one liner story to a 2+hr project and keeping it glued. He has done it again to be in 100+ crores club. Going by the news snippets, it may gross 200 cr plus. Ming boggling. Quite a paradox in indian context. People spend 200+ for a 2 hr watch and spend equal amount on pop corn and snacks, but cribs a lot about few paise or rupee increment in other essential commodities.

Talking about 'Bhag Milkha Bhag'......its a wonder piece. Always believed in the abilities of Rakesh Omprakash Mehra. He is pure genius story teller. Farhan is outstanding..never felt him to be an actor thru out the movie. He as got beautifully involved in the character and presented a award winning show.
His preparedness must have been pain staking. Divya Dutt needs a special mention. She has been one of my fav actress and always wins admiration in what ever role she plays. Sonam has little role as love interest...looks cool and impressive. The partition has been subtly presented without creating much mayhem.
Superb. Truely inspirational. Committment, Dedication and Hardwork are truely recipe for success. MUST WATCH.
NB - Stay away if biopics and long duration movies are not your likings.

Love & Aggression

Aggression wins War not Love. Can they co-exists? Why aggression? Is aggression needed in every field...every moment of life....? Many questions...but answer is simple for me. I stand by Love.

Aggression is a reflection of frustration, failure, ego, anger. Love is a reflection of peace, humility and compassion.

Aggression intimidates and creates distance...loves unites and brings joy.

Some people love their love but bring loads of aggression as well. This is a way to control their love and keep in control. But, why it is required? This is redundant as with Love automatically the world is won.
People who can't manage interpersonal skills too get aggressive at times and spoil their personality and relationship equations. Other ones who have failed in relationships takes out revenge thru aggression in every bit of life...pity...i really pity them.

Love ..love ..love.........is the mantra for a happy and peaceful life.

Hare Krishna...

Jai Hind

Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely. What could be a better example here than our bourgeois political system and parties which are hitting new low everyday with tons of scams and scandals. On top of that, vote bank politics and politics-corporate nexus is something that never goes out of fashion. No matter what, they are untouchable to our judiciary system.

Every time I see this, it reminds me "Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed". What is more disturbing is that, while middle class values are slowly on erosion, the legacy our politicians are passing by doing large scale corruption with a formidable stand is more dangerous. The result, India ranks 9th in corruption and 54% paid bribe to get official things done.

India is in dire need of leaders. Few who I see, are victim of media massacre. While others are being forcibly projected under political and media patronage.

The only hope India has is its ever regenerting middle class who outshines itself and brings glory in more than one way with its sheer indomitable spirit and passion to excel and make mark in the ever competing world. I hope, they rise one day.
-Jai Hind

Raajneeti - Mahabharat Interpreted

Watched Raajneet yesterday evening. This has been already termed as 'SuperHit' in domestic and overseas markets. I fail to understand the viewers discretion at times.

First thing first. It is not Gangajal or Aparahan.They are landmark movies.
To start with storyline - Its a out n out political drama. Considered to have been inspired from great epic Maha-bharat. Few characters are evident like Kunti, Karna, pandavas etc.
There is glimpse of movie Sarkar too. There were many key events and turns, but unfortunately they lack soul stirring impact. Every 2nd scene in movie shows crowd, dust and some cliched dialogues.
Movie ran for 2 hr 36 minutes, could possibly be trimmed by 15-20 minutes.
Manoj Bajpayee is definitely the scene stealer. Ajay Devgan is perfect, but this role could have been done by anybody. Ranveer is competent. He could have brought emotions instead of just looking serious.
Katrina was not as cute as she looks in Akshay movies. She still needs to work on her accent or should get it dubbed well. Found her accent coupled with serious dialogues towards end as melodramatic.

The execution is competent. Simple and effective camera movements. Wish director could have made the twists more impactful.

I found some loopholes in story and relationships, yet its acceptable. Movies are movies. Good for home collections.

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Cape Town - What a Place !!!

Back to blogging after a long gap. It was sheer laziness coupled with domestic and official issues that kept me away.
Anyways, I am back and what a subject to start with !!! The last one month was spent away from family in the land of South Africal. I was stationed at cape town for an official work. The journey happened really hurriedly. A decission was made, and I had 3 hrs to packup and move. I obliged and gave it a flying start for a flying journey. A colleague of mine joined me in this journey to an unknown territory.

Leaving back a sobbing wife, started to Blore airport at 1am. Flight was at 4 via Dubai. Blore 2 Dubai was decent journey - a matter of 4 hrs. 2 hrs in Dubai and mostly spent in transferring to desired gate, little checkings and even little eating. Hardly had time for shopping nor had the desire to do so.
Journey from Dubai to Capetown is more than 9 hrs long. A pain. More so, bcoz I was seated in the middle of two seats on the left column of economy class. Our great educated politician Sashi Tharoor (Former UN under-secretary General, also a columnist) termed the economy as 'Cattle Class'. Mind you, he is also considared a Humanitarian. I agree with him on this for sure. I wish the economy class can have more leg space and strechability. Well, 95% of people travell economy and it has been mandated by office...so I consoled myself.

Journey ended on time. From plane, the view I gathered bit disappointed me. I told myself, its not as beautiful as I thought. Anyways, I am not here to settle down. Let me do my work, prove my mettle and get back to my own country.

A colleague from Oracle Capetown office was kind enough to agree to receive us. It was my first physical encounter with him. And I must say, he and his family has become a  very good acquaintance of mine. They are very endearing and helpful.

I also met other Oracle colleagues. They all found to be adorabale and supportve. The best commonality we share is our fondness for cricket.

Attaching some photos of Capetown. Will write tomorrow to complete this blog.

Cheers,
Ranjit

Continued ................................

The Purpose of Life

Human life is a great life. Why? There are many other forms of life, why is human life is so great? The reason is that while all other life forms can have happiness, only humans can experience joy.

Animals only know how to get things for themselves. They are able to get food only for themselves and to find shelter only for themselves. On the other hand, humans have the ability to share. Because, we know how to share things that brings us joy. That is why it is only possible for humans to know joy. Animals don't have the urge or the desire to share.

Generally, the people are just like animals. They simply don't know anything beyond the necessities of the body: How to sleep, eat, mate and defend. And the Bhagavad-Gita says, out of many thousands, someone may develop this reasoning power “Why I am suffering?"

What is the goal in our life.? Our only goal is to go back to GOD. We can achieve this through kindness, love and generosity to other humans. We should share. That 'We should Share' is an easy thing to say but difficult to do. How can we share? We can start by sharing our devotion, our love of God. When we share that, we will have the desire to share.

Most people think that devotion is to sit in a place of worship and ask God for things. This is not devotion. Devotion is to think about God. Thinking about God, even for a few minutes per day, will help us learn to share everything we acquired and this will bring us back to God.

Bur Lord Krishna says that this special prerogative of the human being is not awakened very easily, except by some good association, just as we have this Krishna conscious association.

The purpose of human life is to enquire:

Who am I?

Where have I come from?

What will happen to me at death?

Why do I suffer?

Why do others suffer?

Who is God?

How can I serve God?

Why is there variety of living beings?

How can I get out this cycle of birth, old age, disease, and death?

How can I live eternally?

Only the human beings enquire, the animals do not enquire. Unfortunately at the present time many humans have become two legged animals.

Men should give up lust, greed, and anger. These force us to sin and the result is hellish life in this life and the lives after.

Men should give up the killing of animals. This means no meat eating and no leather (car seats, sofas, and clothing). One can eat meat only if there is no other means for survival in terms of vegetation.

Human birth is rare; we have to make the best use of it by not engaging in sinful activities. The sinful activities are being greedy, lusty, angry, and violence against other living beings (animals and humans).  

Don’t waste this life by getting attached to the bodily platform of life (meat eating, lust, greed, anger, partying, discoing, bollywood and so on). This body is just one drop in the ocean of bodies that we are going through. A sword is hanging over y our head. It will fall at any moment. All your properties, cars, and big bank balance won't help you at the time of death. Only your service to Lord Krishna will count at death. So make the best use of this precious life by serving Lord Krishna.  All your physics, chemistry, math, computing, and business knowledge will be completely erased at death. Only spiritual knowledge will go with you, and the top most spiritual knowledge is the Bhagavad-Gita.  So don't waste precious  time, read the Bhagavad-Gita, listen to the Bhagavad-Gita, and watch the Bhagavad-Gita.

We are the soul and not this body. The body is temporary but the soul is eternal and immortal. Our aim in life should be to escape from fangs of material life (birth, old age, disease, and death). This can only be done by humans, who have the higher consciousness.

We can attain an immortal spiritual body full of bliss, knowledge, eternal, and without a trace of calamity if we follow the Bhagavad-Gita with seriousness.

The main teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita are:

- Be compassionate towards all living beings, thus love all living beings. This means don't be envious or hateful of others. Be friendly to others, be nice to others, be kind to others, be generous to others, be merciful to others, be charitable to the needy. Don't cheat others, don't lie, don't steal, don't hurt others, don't drink, don't take drugs, don't eat meat, don't buy leather.

- This body you (the soul) are residing in, is temporary, but the real you, the soul, is eternal. Just as we change worn out clothes, jobs, houses, cars, partners, and so on. One day you will be forced to change your body too. So don't get too attached to this temporary body and material life. And just as a manufacturing company designs it's products today for production in the future. Similarly you are designing your next body with the actions you are taking now. So if you think let me enjoy now and forget about the future. Thus if you think your next life is not worth thinking about now. Then your next life will be that of nothing. You will take birth among the 8 million species of living beings below that of human beings (animal and plant kingdoms).

- There is only one person who without any doubt declared himself and proved that he was the Supreme Personality of God, Lord Krishna. Always think of him, worship him, and serve him. In this age of Kali, which means the age of ignorance, there will be so many godless people who will try to make you godless too.  Surrender onto the only proven God, Lord Krishna. Do you know anyone who can lift a mountain, expand himself into thousands of forms, show the whole Universe in his mouth, put out a forest fire by swallowing it, kill all the demonic and save people in this very life. Lord Krishna did all this. 

In this age of Kali, the age of ignorance and irreligion. There will be many imposters who will claim to be God or prophet of God and cheat innocent people. These imposters can only cheat people; they cannot exhibit the potency of God. Only Lord Krishna proved himself to be the one true God and savior of fallen.

Source - Iskcon/http://sangita-paintaings.blogspot.com

Back 2 Back Moviezzzzzz

Movies don't excite me much these days; unless it is from BIG B. However, it was back to back '3 Idiots' and a little known movie 'The Angrez' over the last weekend. Both movies are funny and awesome – though I will rate 3 Idiots way above for its content and production value. 'The Angrez' is made on a less budget and by not so famous artists. But, humor wise both gave me equal laughs.

Let me start with '3 Idiots' – I guess everyone is rushing to see this breezy entertainer and is having phenomenal run in box office. But I didn't rush to any theater. Theaters are running house full, ticket prices hiked. Going to a movie with multiplex costs a bomb these days. While producers/actors/distributors cry loud against piracy, they are also to be blamed for the rise in piracy. If ticket prices are raised then many people will be averse to go theater and will turn to pirated DVDs and DTH. Abnormal star prices, production values might be pushing them. But it is the viewers who lose out in the game by shelling more money for tickets.

I am poor guy and got dump of these movies as charity by a dear friend. Piracy is not good for industry, but when pricing becomes irrational, no one can help it.

3Idiots has interesting premises. Its almost entirely shot in college and takes light hearted jabs at Indian educational system. The story runs simultaneously with flashbacks. Desi Tom Cruise aka Amir Khan aka Rancho perfectly fits the bill as an intelligent college student. Sharman as Raju and Madhavan as Farhan play two close buddies of Amir at college and match him equally in terms of performance and delivery. Undoubtedly the movie rocks and has a universal appeal. It's a complete laugh riot and I didn't get a single moment of dullness.

Apart from these leading actors, Kareena as Pia impresses thru her JAB-WE-MET act. Boman Irani and Omi Vaidya playing respective Virus (Professor) and Chatur(aka silencer). It's both of them who have given maximum laugh. Their performance is truly commendable and appreciated by one and all. I saw Omi for the first time on screen and after little research found him to be a small time actor in Hollywood having appearance in couple of movies and TV serials.

It's a very good movie, but not the best. The climax was a bit letdown, I guess. Though directors urge to prove a point is acceptable, something other than child delivery using a vaccum cleaner would have been better.

Having said good things about the movie, this has its own share of controversies. Considered to be based on  '5PS' by Chetan Bhagat and not given duly credit to original author resulted in lots of mud-slinging in media with each party accusing each other. But who knows what is cooking? This could just be a another promotion gimmick to stay in focus. I am sure 5PS must be in the top selling category again with this controversy. This also might have piqued curiosity of book worms to check out the onscreen adaption and differences.

Raju Hirani, the director prodigy maintained his success streak and proved that he is best in the business. The best part about his films are flawless execution in delivering a social message with unlimited entertainment. Post Munnabhai series and 3Idiots , the expectations have soared and I want to see more such beautiful movies. These are the movies which will bring back the crowd back in theaters provided distributors and producers are little rational with consumers.

Now 'The Angrez'. It's a funny movie in lines of 'Hyderabad Blues' made by Nagesh kooknoor some decade back. The story revolves around 2 NRIs who come down to india to join a IT company and get into a scuffle with local charminar guys without a cause. Then, there is another group which is trying to kidnap one of them. The NRIs tussle with each other to impress girls at office, local charminar gangs antics and constant attempt to take revenge on NRIs, Kidnap gang's involvement etc invokes lots of laughter.  The major funny factor in this is the usage of 'Hyderabadi Dialect'. I being lived there for 4 years could relate to the language and their body language.

One actor stands out in this movie.  He plays role of 'Saleem', a stree smart guy in charminar gang. As he exaggerates and dramatized a lot by making stories and adding spices, he is fondly called 'Saleem Phenku'.

Though never heard about this movie before friend handed over the dump, I seriously liked it. This movie is just a plain stress buster and worth watching again and again for plain fun.

Have Fun Guys...................Enjoy Life....as You Never Know When It Stops !!!

 

PAA Rocks !!!

I watched PAA few days back @ Fame lido multiplex. Movie was cute. And Auro was cuter. Yes, Auro. A child with rare disease called progeria, where ageing process grows 5 fold. It was an unbelievable experience, probably first time in bollywood, rather in Indian film industry such a movie has occurred. A 67 year old man playing a 13 year old boy. A role reversal – where real life son and father plays a role reversal in reel life. A movie which doesn’t show its subject in pitiable condition. Most importantly, in a country and industry where actors play a dominant role, the face, voice and overall personality has been fully masked. The lights go off,  show starts and Auro appears. He easily lands in your heart and keeps you engaged with his intelligent humor and heart touching demeanor. His antics at home, school and with PAA is simply awesome. His school friend Vishnu too has got good footage and impresses all. Abhishek bachchan as a progressive and educated politician is competent. Vidya balan was a revelation. Her outburst, emotions and romance get full 10/10. Auro’s grandmon, fondly called as BUM is sweet and strong lady.

Unlike other movies like Tare Zameen Par or Black, it doesn’t get pitiable and sentimental to the sufferings. This is simple well made movie with real life romance, humor and hummable music. But, I hated the last scene of movie where AURO unites his parents and dies while on medical bed. Everyone wishes to see more of AURO, At least a part 2 of it.

There is not a single trace of BIG B in this movie. Throughout the running of movie, I literally forgot BIG B and was indulged within AURO. The thought of BIG B never came to mind at all. After movie was over, all audience was talking about only AURO and how remarkably he has acted. AURO has beaten BIG B left and right with thundering applause. He has become so lovable that, such a unusual film is running to packed houses even in 4^th week and is one of the highest in ROI category. Made with a budget of 15 cr, it has returned more than 70 crs.

Surely, BIG B has stolen the thunders at 67 for will get max Best Actor awards nominations. With this, he has proved again that HE IS THE PAA OF ACTING.

BIG B – We all love you. You are truly the emperor. PAA Rocks !!!

 

Cheers,

Ranjit

Wonderla - A Fun filled Place

25th Dec’09 was an enthralling experience. It was Christmas day – A holiday observed all over to celebrate birth day of Jesus Christ. For me, being a non-Christian (in this birth), it’s all about a days off coupled with rich plum cakes and strengthening secular belief. It being on Friday, was going to be an long weekend. Mind was already on work to plan out a good outing. After getting rejection from couple of nature and wild-life trips on account of heavy rush and unavailability of tickets, I thought of going to ‘Wonderla’. It’s an amusement park 45 kilometers away from my residence. My good old friend Shyma joined in this adventure. We planned to start at 10am and be there by 11.30am to experience all fun and get maximum value for our money. Stuffed ourselves with good breakfast and started at 12noon. It’s said ‘It is a bad plan that admits no modification’. Though keen to make it early, Out lazy weekend life style modified this and we reached wonderla at 1.30pm. The drive was so-so until we hit outskirts of blore. The road was full of traffic both ways. Reliance on google map further added to delay. That’s weakness of modern age – depending on technology for each and every thing. Google map threw up a map and I followed this to end up in a more longer and confusing route. No blame to google, it is only lack of sense called common.

The drive on Mysore road was a breeze. We zoomed through in no time. The parking lot seemed full and I was directed to park at extreme end of a line. We walked into ticket counter and got into the exciting play ground called wonderla. Setup in around 100 acres of land, It is one of the largest in India with more then 50 themes.

As we got in, there was no leaflet explaining various rides available and their direction. We just followed our instinct. We were hungry and decided to have food first followed by dry rides and water rides. Climate was mix of sunny and cloudy. We got into cloak/changing room. Took a big locker to store all our stuff. Changed to shorts and got ready for the o-lala experience. The restaurant was average. The sandwiches we ordered had hardly anything inside it. Gobi Manchurian was good though.

The park has wide range of attractions including gut stirring crazy rides, high thrill rides, water slides, cine magic, cars, free falls, swings and two large pools with waves to name few. The first ride we took was interesting. Its swings, rotates clockwise and reverse. When you challenge the fear, its fun. We screamed, shouted and laughed to show that we are no scared and enjoying it. Then we got into a ride that has a cart shape and rotates clock wise. It has more height, but lacks thrill.

The queues were long. waiting time was varying from 30minutes to 1 hr. It sucks, but no other option. After couple of other rides and cine magic, we jumped into pools. These were plain pools with sliders. It was fun. Jumping into water after long time. Management is sensible; they had created a separate pool dedicated to ladies and kids. Then we got into big water rides and made to wait 1 hr. It was so-so. Before you think whats happening, where is the fun –you will be on the other side.

Then the most nicest thing came. Swimming in a pool that generates sea like wave. They release waves every 1 hr for around 20 minutes. That’s more than enough. The waves go up to 2 meters at origin and matches sea sans sand. We spent almost 45 minutes – trying to reach each corner, taking wife and piggyback, giving a shot to swim type that we hardly do now. It was a blast. The water was rich in chlorine which was little repulsive. Everyone was enjoying the water and waves. Guards were alert and monitoring keenly to avoid any mishap. IT was 5 pm by then. Sun was setting and climate was getting chiller. We ran to cloak room and got back in dry clothes. The process of changing and keeping at cloak room takes lots of time. And people keep the word ‘shame’, ‘shy’ in their locker. Most men are either bare bodied with small short. Girls little conservative. That’s good. We are Indians.

After having almost 15-20 rides and play in pool, we lost all the energy and needed food. Had dosas and tea. They were good. We din’t had any more interest or energy to get engaged in any more happenings. Rain disco was on. Crackers were bursted for long 15 minutes, making a sort of diwali celebration. Area was nicely lit. We bid farewell. Walking up to car was a tough task. Muscles and joints were not supportive. Journey back home was nice. I followed commonsense and reached home early without being misguided on road. At home, we had simple and yummy Bengali food. Very poor in remembering those delicacies, so won’t disclose the distorted names.

And at the end, we had plum cakes to celebrate the Christmas in true spirit ( or as I believe. Being a foodie, I attach a dish to an occasion. Can’t help it).

Happy New Year 2010 and the beginning of a New Decade

Best Wishes for New Year 2010
and for the New Decade

 

 

LIFEBOOK 2010

Health:

1.    Drink plenty of water
2.    Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
3.    Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less  food that is manufactured in plants
4.    Live with the 3 E's -- Energy,  Enthusiasm, and Empathy
5.    Make time for prayer
6.    Play more games
7.    Read more books than you did in 2009
8.    Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9.    Sleep for 7 hours
10.  Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day ---- and while you walk,  smile


Personality:

11.  Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what  their journey is all about.
12.  Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control.
       Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.  Don't over do ; keep your limits
14.  Don't take yourself so seriously ; no one else does
15.  Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
16.  Dream more while you are awake
17.  Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need..
18.  Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with  his/her mistakes of the past.
       That will ruin your present happiness.
19.  Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate  others.
20.  Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
21.  No one is in charge of your happiness except you
22.  Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
       Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away
       like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23.  Smile and laugh more
24.  You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree .

Community:

25.  Call your family often
26.  Each day give something good to others
27.  Forgive everyone for everything
28.  Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the  age of 6
29.  Try to make at least three people smile each day
30.  What other people think of you is none of your business
31.  Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:

32.  Do the right things
33.  Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
34.  GOD heals everything
35.  However good or bad a situation is, it will change
36.  No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
37.  The best is yet to come
38.  When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
39.  Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least :

40.  Do forward this to everyone you care about. 

Best Wishes,

Ranjit

Intolerance or In Tolerance

Intolerance or In Tolerance

 

 

It’s said “Change is the only thing constant in this world”. It is an integral part of life. Be it internal or external. We grow, evolve and experience change. Everything outside us also changes, for e.g. the nature, infrastructure, people, behavior etc.

We experience ‘Change’ even more, when it accelerates, keeps pace ahead of us and is enforced on us. Little more than a decade back, a mobile phone was unheard of. It took everyone by storm and penetrated each ones life making it an indispensable commodity. The same was the case with Land phone, Television, Satellite channels and most rent, the Internet.

No, I am not moving away from topic ‘Tolerance’. Just showing a catalyst which has affected our tolerance limits.

There are many factors and I am not a socio-behavioral scientist to dig down the socio aspect of it. I am confining myself to few limited factor including technical evolution to discuss the agenda.

Tolerance is a symptom of human behavior. When the symptom is in unacceptable limits, we call it intolerance. Limits vary.

Tolerance is within. It is acceptance. Intolerance is reaction – both within and outside. We find both forms at home, school, office, society, national and international level.

Changes move faster than time changes. Social, economical and personal equations have changed. What seemed taboo in past, is accepted now with élan. What seemed good in past is rejected at present. What seemed an order yesterday has become a mere ritual. Rituals and practices have become formalities.

Intolerance is of various kinds. They may be broadly classified as:-

• Personal intolerance – Success invites envy and jealousness. Lack of personal hygiene keeps everyone at bay.
• Religious intolerance – Religious biasness and imperialism
• Ethnic or racial intolerance – caste, color, creed 
• Social – Taboos and Stigmas
• Generational – Changing times, outlook

“I am holier than thou” attitude is root cause of most of the intolerances. Men grow in a particular belief bounded by society, education, culture, history. They influence a lot in shaping our thought processes. We have seen the fall out of Operation blue star, Godhra riots, religion imperialism, caste suppression etc.

There are various theories on how man originated in this planet. Theories being theories, we can’t prove them. Every religion has a different version to it, while science supports the evolution theory. Looking back, I doubt/am not sure if they had the sophistication of today’s time. They must have been raw, wild and uncivilized. Slowly, society got formed to meet each other’s needs and it produced many guidelines and charter on do’s and don’ts.  It might have formed in various parts of world. Then came apostles, gurus and guides, who shaped the destiny of those people by introducing religions. Religion – A way of living has been the most powerful instrument so far in human lives. Since childhood, we have been taught to be guided by this. Consciously or sub-consciously we follow this.  Karl marx, the famous philosopher and communist has once opined that ‘Religion is opium of the people’. It is a very strong statement. However, I agree to disagree. It can be called ‘Religion is opium of the weak people’. Good people follow religion and bring in peace, harmony and love to society and Weak people interpret religion to bring division, violence and hatred. Today, when we look around, most of the violence stems from religious conflicts. Within a single religion, there are again conflicts in line of ethnicity and race. This comes as everyone thinks I am superior and the best in class and rest of the world should follow me. No one spares time to introspect and fix the loop holes. Few that come for reformation, appeal to limited class and face the wrath of extremists.

In last 1 year, many Indian students in Australia were attacked. Our foreign minister visited Oz and assured Indian community of no attacks. However, this remained unabated and victim counts continue to grow. Why are we attacked? What government is not tough in dealing with Oz? Why we still looking up to Oz? Many questions, but few answers. Government doesn’t care, and we don’t bother. We Indians have been doing well in all segments of economy and often seen as a threat to all laid back communities who were used to get jobs on platter. We were a populous nation with limited opportunities. This mindset triggered the zeal to do well and excel ahead of others. I am happy for this mindset we Indian have. Along with this, we also need to put in self esteem and nationalism. In absence of this two, we will continue to be looked down upon. Uneducated, power-hungry and mindless Politicians have done enough harm to nation using British ploy ‘Divide and Rule‘ to server their selfish ends and we have been a hapless victim to this. Instead of calling ourselves democratic nation, citizens feel more powerless. Informally, a burgeon society has been already formed to decide the course of nation and our future.  (TO BE CONTINUED)

 

 

 

Merry XMas

Merry Christmas.I wish all my friends and denizens of world, all the best with success, peace and wellness.
GOD BLESS ALL. MAY PEACE PREVAIL AND BRING AN END TO INTOLERANCE AND ANIMOSITY AMONG RELIGIONS, GROUPS, CLANS AND NATIONALITIES.

Its a looong weekend. Many people have planned their vacations in advance. Locals stepped out while outsiders stepped in for somthing different.
I been to a wonder place called 'Wonderla' in mysore road,bangalore. Its a fabolous place to be with family and friends. Great recreation and fun. Will discuss more in next post.

Best Wishes,
Ranjit Bisoyi

Weekend – Sunday –Musical Extravaganza

Weekend – Sunday –Musical Extravaganza

After Saturday’s resotel event, It was musical treat on Sunday. After a extended sleep and grand delayed lunch, we set out to the event courtesy a dear friend Shyama. There is a saying ‘Har Dane pe likha hain khane wale ka naam’ which means, ‘Everything is destined and you will get accordingly’. It was never a planned event. Shyama called and enquired what we guys up to this evening? I said nothing special. Then he pulled out the offering  of two VIP passes for the evening musical concert as a part and last leg celebration of ‘Bengaluru Habba’. It has Rajastan sufi performers along with my fav Sherya Ghosal. She has awesome melodious voice coupled with prettiness. She has been performing since childhood and finally this diamond was polished and showcased by genius and thouftful film maker Sanjay leela bhansali. Her songs in ‘Hum Dil chuke sanam’ , ‘Devdas’ and ‘Jism’ were heart touching. And at a young age of 25, she has more than 25 top line awards in her kitty. How gifted and lucky !!!

We got into the show at 7.30pm. Rajastani sufi singers were performing then. I had listened the ‘Nimbuda’ song from ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’. But the one performed here is way different and had a folk touch. There were 10-12 artists singing and performing on various instruments. The synergy was awesome. A artist from group took a very tiny object in mouth and created number of variations and soors consistently for 10 minutes and received thundering applause from crowd. I wonder how he does it. I can’t think of such sound without a bigger and modern instrument. They were felicitated well for their art.  Before shreya could start, a male singer considered to have won popular ‘SaReGaMa’ on zee came on stage and sang two quick numbers to a grand applause. Shreya stepped in next to a even more thundering welcome and claps. She is a big name in business. She praised Bangalore and its people. It’s ceremonial. Praised its food, air conditioned climate and people. She was felicitated by Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari. Watcher her performing live for the first time. As I was in VIP stage which was VVIP stage away from stage. Some 20-25 rows away from stage. Good enough distance to have blurred images of stage personalities. The galleries were full and I needed to hunt for chair. I managed to get two and choose to sit near the broad display screens put on both sides of VIP gallery. It was like watching a tennis match.  Constantly swinging heads to watch from stage and display screen. She performed amazingly and invited audience participation. We listened to 4 songs and thoroughly enjoyed them. It was getting colder and one could feel the dew. The audiences were wild. Whistling and lousy comments are common in such public performances. It was 9:30pm and I thought of leaving mid-way to avoid damaging cold breeze and possible pay out to doctors. Besides this, we were hungry and the mere thought of dining out pushed us out hard. We had a nice food outside and reached home at 11pm. Time to sleep and get ready for a 4 day week.

Some photos of functions attached herewith.

 Cheers,
Ranjit

Weekend - Parkfield Resotel - Photos

Pics of Parkfield Resotel……….

What a Weekend !!!

 

Last weekend was eventful. After a long time, I went out on both consecutive days of weekend for recreation. Saturday, we had a company outing - sponsored by company cultural association known as ICE. The venue was Parkfield resotel, near hoskote -on the outskirts of city. And Sunday, I visited Bengaluru Habba  - a festival on music and art.

First things first. After getting up late on Saturday and doing mundane affairs, we got ready for a short drive to event venue. A colleague and dear friend with spouse joined us for the drive. We reached around 1.30pm. Road was not so bumpy to complain about. Massive infrastructure is taking place all around bangalore. Expressways getting asphalated. Roads getting widened with multi-lane drive ways. Flyovers mushrooming all across to make major roads signal free. Elevated road ways, metro constructions further concretize the ways all over. Its good to see these developments that bring name to city, providing employments and creating wealth opportunities for common men and corporates alike.

Coming back to parkfield resotel - We flashed our entry tickets to sentries at gate. They were rather kind to let us in. I am saying kind, as it has become impossible now to get into anywhere without being frisked including cars. It was green all around. All of us were hungry and anticipation of a good buffet further ignited our craving for food. Nevertheless, it was lunch time and being weekend-lazy we had skipped our regular breakfast. After parking the car, our eyes were looking for known faces. The lobby was a great structure with sophas every where to sit and relax. It has Cool breeze coming from all  directions. We straight away went to buffet counter wondering how the food and queue will be? Thankfully, there is no repeat of Innovative Filmcity. Either the resotel is organized or our committe has learnt the lessons. Counters were many. Food was limited for me being a vegetarian. It was simply and must say, the dal and aloo-gobi curry was tasty. Desserts are always look-forward-to items in buffets. It was variety flavors of ice-cream with gulab jamoons. One needs to have the art to make way by jostling in crowd to get what you need in crowd. I am poor in that. But my better half equally good in that. She is short, little heavy post thyroid, but can easily make her way in crowd and fight out with élan.

Back to parkfield - I tried little bit of vanilla, mango and thanks to wife; she got a gulab jamun for me. I think love is all about sharing joys and sweetness of life (pains optional). Post lunch, we walked around to explore the venue with greater details. Alas, it is neither innovative nor wonderla. Met friends and colleagues, exchanges pleasantries, introduction to family happened. Also, queries about "what to see here". We discovered a cricket pitch, tennis court, volley court, TT and a large swimming pool. I had taken swim trunks, but was scared to jump in seeing large crowd out there. No, i don't have aqua-phobia. Its just crowd and my dear wife. The later I must refrain from explain. After taking 2 rounds of pool and finding out whos-who, we went to check out large gathering in cricket field. They were four team, recognized by colored bands in their hands. The game as i understood was to save their kings from suicide bomber attack. Take it easy, it’s not Pakistan or Afghanistan. The attack is mere water balloon attack. Teams throwing aqua bombs and running wild. I wanted to mingle and have fun. But my wife timely pointed out to the white trouser I was wearing and its possible condition post the game.

That useful observation saved me from being called colored. How does it matter......I am dark anyway, and people of developing nations or white nations consider rest of the people colored. Sometime back, I had a mail forward where a African kid has written a beautiful poem comparing white and black.  Same replicated below.

This poem was nominated by UN as the best poem of 2008, written by an African k id




When I born, I black
When I grow up, I black
When I go in Sun, I black
When I scared, I black
When I sick, I black
And when I die, I still black

And you white fellow
When you born, you pink
When you grow up, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you cold, you blue
When you scared, you yellow
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you gray

And you calling me colored ?

 

 

Back to parkfield - I bumped into our dearest EVP. We all liked and appreciated his presence. He is always cheerful and something to stump you. He seems to be thoroughly enjoying the happenings. Post aqua bomb game, we had tea and snacks including biscuits and little samosas. They were good. While I was spot on to avail the first serve, got a scream from wife. She stepped onto feces and was showing all tendencies of sickness. It took 30 minutes for her to recover, but not without throwing away lovely pair of shoes, she has adored always. its said 'all in this world is temporary and everything shall pass away'.

It has other events including live DJ and laser angels. Both were not so impressive, at least for me. I don't enjoy English music much. On top of that, they instruments they were playing were loud and not in sync. Few front benchers rather I say lovers of ENGI ROCK were swinging as if they were fully indulged and intoxicated with that rotten music. God save them. It was followed by laser angels. I was eagerly expecting this show. Why not - it was claimed to be 1st time in south india by Russian beauties- like icing on the cake. Not to forget, Russian girls are considered to be the prettiest in earth. I saw 2 white nationals roaming around in the group of colored. Eye catchy. Expectations were high. Countdowns started to give it a hilarious start. While countdown from 30 was on, we saw two damsels on stage. While one was inside a large transparent balloon, the other was freely strolling on stage. For a moment, I thought balloon will fly and the pretty gal will perform in air while other images will be created through laser rays. Expectations are expectations. However they are good thing in life. At least they get you there to give you a sense of pleasure which otherwise may not happen in real life. They are stimulants in our life. We look forward to tomorrow with a hope.

Well, finally the show started. Laser rays were piercing through everyone sitting there. The girl in balloon started swaying around, while the other on stage did amazing aerobics. Rays fall on them too. Their dresses radiated glow. It went on for 5 minutes and stopped. I guess almost everyone disappointed. What is new there........whts so new to be called first time in South india. An announcement follows - the show will resume again in few minutes.

Great!!! I told myself. I was just giving up. The best is yet to come. Hopes ran high. Show started. This time, they were wearing a dress with small blubs. It were those dancing blubs that we see in all ceremonies. I don't know if lights were controlled by beats/equalizers. But there were glowing on and off. This is something we have seen BIG B doing in Yaarana with Neetu singh in a song sequence in a huge stadium. We were simply fooled with even more misleading name called - laser angels. What crap!!!

Anyways, we sat thru the dance in anticipation of better things. Nothing such happened and we stepped out for a round to get ready for dinner course. Discovered the TT room. We needed to buy a ball for this. I told my friend; why not get it from the group who just left to get a better deal than buying from the counter. It stuck him and he asked those guys. Poor friend, he paid same price as he wud hv bought from counter. Those guys were shrewd. No win-win situation here. Never mind. It was only 40 bucks.  After sweating out for 40 minutes, winning 2 loosing 4, we broke for dinner. It has many varieties, but the quality was average. No, guys, Im not a sadist or pessimist. It was in most of the lips...that the food is just okie. Being a vegeterian, my choices came down by default. Paneer and mix veg curry was sour, getting towards stale. Other things were just okie. Deserts were equally poor. Kheer has deficiency of sugar and milk while custard had smashed fruits in poor taste. ice cream was a saving grace. But no choices. only strawberry.

We wound up at 9:30 and reached home in 45 minutes. But for road diversion and mergers, it was a safe drive in dark roads,

Overall, with family and friends around, mind away from work and calls.........it was great time spent. Look forward to similar events with great food and entertainment.

 

I will post on bengaluru habba on next post. Stay Tuned.

 

 

Cheers,

Ranjit Bisoyi

 

Perception

We tend to see things not as they are but as we are. Becoming quiet
and simple inside is a first step to seeing things truly

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Be a Destiny Enabler

Faith enables the creation of elevated fortune.

Usually there is a tendency to leave things to destiny. When something
goes wrong, we blame fate for it. Then we feel the situation to be
totally out of our control, which prevents us from taking
responsibility for our own life. And we will not be able to work in
any way for bringing about a change and improving the situation.
Instead of blaming fate for whatever is happening, we need to take up
responsibility for creating our own fortune for the future. When we
have faith in ourselves, we will take up responsibility for our own
life. We will, then, be able to work at making our each thought
beneficial, contributing to our success, making a better future for
ourselves.

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www.bkinfo.in

 

Lesson from Eagle

Normally an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it
Breaks . The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds
to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will
pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below,
the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It
simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that
bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us - and all of us
will experience them - we can rise above them by setting our minds and
our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can
allow God's power to lift us above them. God enables us to ride the
winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and
disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm. It is not
the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.

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www.bkwsu.org
www.bkinfo.in

Detachment

Detachment does not mean we don't care about what is going on in the
world. Detachment does not mean coldness or hardness. It just means we
learn to stand back and observe for a moment. Detachment gives us that
'space of time' to create a measured response and not to be overruled
by habitual reaction.

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www.bkinfo.in