Sagitarrian

Nothing but... to smile

2011-10-05T17:16:00.000+05:30

The words I would say, would be the best if its face to face. Its a simple truth. Smile.

A dream may break, few tears will fall, a race will be lost, love might fail, friends may hurt... These things are bound to happen, be strong in all the phases of life. I already know, so i'm saying it. Don't forget why you are here, because the moment of pain will go and you won't remember it, but the excitment of the dream, the shine in your eyes, the glory of running like a horse, being in love with the one, laughing with your friends - is what you will ever keep in your memories.

I can only imagine, nothing but... to smile.
Because, You are never fully dressed until you wear a smile…

SANDWICH...!!!

2011-04-18T00:54:00.001+05:30

Oops... did I said it out loud. Well even if I did, I bet the people who know me, totally get this.
(Grr... disturbed by a phone call).

Anyways... coming back to the YUM-MMY - Sandwiches. I think I had the first bite at a place about 200 mts away from school. And it wasn't a place that had chairs & tables. Its a stall, right at the corner of a 4-way high road. Crowd, people, noise - typical populated area at Chennai, and yes - that place still exists. Not for the same price though. As far as my memory could take me back, I think I had the first one for Rs.2.50.

And I preferred to walk to home, so that I could walk towards the stall with my friends. Later, as I grew up in school, like every other person in my class, I got my cycle. Now, I used to have sandwich no matter what, even on a Sunday :)

My friends circle increased, met some new friends of my cousin and they took me a better place for a sandwich. And I guess, to me or to every sandwich fan in Chennai - this place is the best in the world.

ALSA MALL

Thats the name of the landmark though! But who cares, the taste of the sandwich is amazingly spicy. The bread, so soft. The vegetables... fresh... and the blend of all these with chutney! OH My GOD!!! I don't think there would have ever been a day, that I may have missed having a sandwich. Let it be the stall near the school, or the Alsa Mall, or any other stall across Chennai. Stomach full lunch or dinner doesn't stop me from having one. And thats not all, Morning, noon, evening, night or late night - I'm always ready for one. And to tell you a secret, at times, I sneak out alone. But thats just because I don't have the patience to wait for my friends to reach there. And the funniest part - I go with them again ;)

Wow... the thought itself makes me feel hungry and walk back to India for a bite. Wait! Not a bite... atleast 2 full sandwiches. When I'm back in India, going to Alsa Mall for a sandwich is like.... its like... I have to, I just have to. Can't stop, won' stop. Alsa mall - the best place in the world for a Sandwich.

Sad Demise

2011-04-04T21:32:00.000+05:30

Unfortunately... It wasn't even a week that I heard about my friends death and I have another post with this title! God works in mysterious ways. He has now taken away my best friend's mom.

This news sent shivers in my body. Saw a missed call from my another friend Shravy after I returned from a short game. When I rang him up, he did the usualy thing... conferenced me with Bharat, another good friend of mine. Shravy broke the news to me, it was a shock!

I have known Karthik since my colleage days... A decade now!
I would proudly say that he was one among my friend who helped me give confidence and knowledge for the final year exams. Down to earth in nature, soft spoken and joyful person. Its been nearly 24 hours, and I haven't been able to reach him. At first, I didn't know what to say if I call. When I got the courage, and ranged him today morning, he wasn't available.

With little courage, I managed to text him sometime in the noon. Asked him to keep up the strength for himself and his family.

The shock, still remains. God Speed!!!

World Champions

2011-04-03T01:02:00.001+05:30

India won the ICC World Cup 2011 and became the world champions for 2nd time after beating Sri Lanka

India is the first team who won a cricket world cup at home ground after defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Saturday. Yuvraj SinghYuvraj Singh named man of the tournament and Dhoni declared man of the match.

Chasing a total of 275 runs, responsible innings of Gambhir (97) and skipper Dhoni (91*) took India home. India lost Tendulkar and Sehwag early in the run-chase. But, Kohli and Gambhir built a partnership of more than 80 runs before Kohli fell at 114, scoring 35 runs. Then, Gambhir bowled out by Perera at 97, and a total of 223 runs. But, Dhoni and Yuvraj’s 52 runs partnership guided India to a convincing 6-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in 48.2 overs.

Earlier, Jayawardene’s century took Sri Lanka to 275 against India in the final of the World Cup on Saturday. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat in the crucial match being played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Sri Lanka lost its opener Tharanga early in the innings but Dilshan and skipper Sagakkara provided some momentum before Dilshan fell at 60, scoring 33 runs.

Then, Sangakkara and Jayawadene took their team to cross 100 runs. The skipper bowled out at 122, scoring 48 important runs. Jayawardene shared half-century partnerships with Kumar Sangakarra and Thilan Samaraweera.

Jayawardene’s unbeaten 103 runs along with Kulasekara’s 32 and Perera’s thrilling 22 made it possible to set a defendable target of 275 runs against India. Zaheer KhanZaheer Khan and Yuvraj picked 2 wickets each, but Sreesanth, a late addition to the team, was expensive!

At the end of the day... we are World Champions! And thats what matters....

Friends...

2011-04-02T02:26:00.000+05:30

I'm Back... not in the most happiest way I really thought I would. But I had to... for my busy friends and for myself. 5 days ago, on 28th March 2011, I recd. an sms which read, "Bad & Sad news. Our friend prabhu mariyan has expired due to Heart Attack 2-3 hours ago."

The number wasn't in my contacts and it was 6.30 in the morning. I lay their thinking about the ppl I know by the name prabhu! But then, prabhu mariyan! Didnt wanted to believe it could be the one I thought it was, so I rang the unknown unmber and heard a known voice of a Sutherland colleague. Now, I was shocked. We worked together for 3.5 years in Sutherland, Chennai (India) & in Vernon, B.C (Canada) in the Microsoft process. We went to work together, same shift, breaks together, partied together and climbed from Escalation to a successful Transition Team together, and now... he is now more!

The person in the other end confirmed the news once again, and that he was declared DOA at the hospital. 32 years chap, was still working in Sutherland at philphines now was No More! It took me 15mins. to believe the fact that it was him, not some other prabhu whom I knew. Next 30mins, I had to get the strength to start my work for the day. After about 5mins of work, I ranged all my colleagues in Sutherland and everyone said the same...

His body reached Chennai International Airport on 1st April 2011 at 2a.m. and it was taken to Salem (his hometown) for cremation. The same unknown person sent me the text again...

"Finally our beloved friend has been buried. May his Soul Rest in peace"

We.... friends! Still unable to accept the fact that I wont be seeing him again in my life. But will still move on to live..., but he left his newly wed wife, and a 8month old baby girl alone in this world.

May the power above us give them the strength.

:( Good bye Prabhu Anand. Will miss you!

Happy Family

2008-09-22T13:23:00.000+05:30

I didn't realize this for long, but keeping a family happy is a small step, with the biggest of responsibility to start some change in one's life. I have started. Its not easy... It's taking so much time, 9 months now and I don't see a single change. But I keep my faith, my hopes, my dream alive. One day.... NOT someday. One day, when I succeed in keeping my family happy... that day, I will step up practically to ACT and take another small step to change our Country.

If you think I'm selfish... then be happy that you're thinking right. If everyONE can make their family happy, that itself will be a BIG LEAP in the success of this nation.

Critics will be much... but NOT as many as merits.

Members show money in India Parliament

2008-07-22T16:20:00.000+05:30

If you are regular TV News watcher, then this news is old for you. For ROW, this is the Indian Parliament's Shameful day when memebers of the parliament showed cash upto Rs.1 crore wrapped in plenty of Rs.1000's Bundles. It all started when BJP MP's stated that they were given bribe to vote for this Government and got paid around Rs.25 crores.

For a moment, a thought haunts to get into Politics and just ignore this blog as its mearly a topic being discussed and nothing really a piece of work. But then... I hold.

Appeal... spread this news, its the least I could do, and I'm glad of doing it.

Child Labour

2008-07-17T17:19:00.000+05:30

I believe... these pics are self explanatory. Lets give it a thought - to help/sponsor 1 child in our life. It will change a lot... a lot...!!!

The power of 50p

2008-07-10T17:09:00.000+05:30

MTC carries 44 lakh passengers a day. Who said it ? Well... visit http://www.mtcbus.org/ for more details (I just found it though, cheers to google). Now, whats the big deal ? Keep reading...

I happen to travel by MTC for the past 2 weeks for just around 2 to 3 stops (Costing - Rs.2/- @ WhiteBoard Bus and Rs.2.50/- @ YellowBoard Services). Whenever I boarded the YellowBoard, unfortunate enough, I had only Rs.5/- with me in a single coin. The bus conductor returned the ticket with balance only Rs.2/- and cooly said, "I don't have 50p change, you can see my bag. if you have 50p change, give it to me and take 1 rupee" and just walked away from me. Well, I didn't have it. Thought 50p only... lets forget it. Now, interestingly... the bus conductor did the same with around 5 passengers before I got down at my point, which is only 2 stops. Thought again, Rs.2.50/- for him... Didn't wanted to think more deep... left it.

The same 50 crap continued for around 4 days. From a normal man's point of view, this will make him feel cheap that an article for 50p sucks... but think yaar....!!!!

(Note: Calculation made below is on purely on my guess, but still considering only 10% is way LOW... you know that)

Change unreturned X 10% of daily travelled passengers per day

(i.e.) 50p X 4,40,000 = 2,20,000 /- PER DAY

I hate to disclose, but thats my 6 months' Salary...!!!!!

"I threw away my Hindi book when I was in 3rd Standard..."

2008-07-06T11:23:00.000+05:30

Those were the exact words from my friends' mouth while having dinner couple of months back. He is from India too... only difference that the state in which he was born, Hindi was far from being locally spoken. Educated, talented, well-settled would be comments about him if you ask any of us in the group, but this remark of his made me quite curious about guys of our same age group.

I have seen many, being patriotic to the state (ONLY), where they were born. Is that enough ?

www.changeindia.info - I will make a Difference

2008-05-30T07:37:00.000+05:30

"Great...!"

That was my first reaction to see this website. Eagerly, I read the articles in the website. And hmm... discovered a lot of opinions, reactions, suggestions which were mostly related to Banglore Airport Issue. Started wondering... is it thats it?!

With obviously thought it couldn't restrict to only one place, I read the "Your Opinion" section. Well, it was the Bangalore Aiport again. Hmm...

Just then, I was a bit happy to see the section "National Issues in your city". Clicked on the dropped down box & found:

10 urban cities (didn't include 1 metropolitan city)

Wish they could target the rural issues of poverty, education, basic amenities and many more, rathen than targeting audiences for issues on Urban Cities affecting the Higher Society (keeping in mind the much coverage of the Bangalore Airport Issue)

My hope, my faith still remains stoned.

Letz Change INDIA

Negligent Driving

2008-05-24T12:14:00.001+05:30

The creative mind keeps finding different ways to convey a message, like this one. If one knows the story of Lord Ganesha on how & why he has an elephant face, this ad will make a perfect sense. But, whats the % of its affect on our commute. I don't know, so I assume its "0" effective. For the past 3 days, while travelling to office, I have seen accidents. Firstly, an Indica bumped into a side biker who was carrying a small kid. Secondly, during early morning hours, a biker was casually crossing the signal (a RED one) without even bothered to look for vehicles approaching from the Green signal side - The result - another indica bumped into this biker too. Strange or rather good coincedence, both the time, both the bikers just gotup from the road without any signs of pain; anger; and fear. They just were back on their bikes as if nothing happened. You really don't get to see this behaviour for a road accident... especially in chennai, were commuters would go to the extent of verbal abuse targeting family. Though negligent driving would prevail, has the commuters mentality changed ?

Road Manners - One Way

2008-04-18T21:30:00.000+05:30

Traffic rules, are meant to be followed. As a matter of fact, all rules are to be followed. But do anyone follows ?!

Lets say, You work in a company, which lay certain rules like, "Don't share Account Passwords", "Always lock your system", "Do Not disclose your pay-scale among colleagues" etc. Everybody does follows because, it carries the risk of Termination - Right ?

No? Ok then, lets say, it carries the risk of getting a bad impression - You can't deny this yaar.

Now, 90% of the employees WILL follow the rules. I did, and will do.

Interestingly, Traffic rules, which are much more important are't followed... right!? Of course yaar. Its the risk of getting involved in an Accident, hurting yourself and others, creating a menance and the risk of your life. But, you can find, almost every two-wheeler rider (which by the way holds 78% of road travel vehicle) violating the Traffic Rules, atleast, 5-10 times a day. Or say 1 time every 2 trips.

Today, I was with my friend in a pulsar on the way to visit an othe friend to play TT (which, i rarely do). We violated the rule, took a one way to shorter the trip by 150 mtrs. Now, ahead of us, was another two-wheeler (Entizer) driving slowly. Within no time, that guy hit a women very lightly. The shock of being hit suddenly (as she was walking on the other side), made the women lose her balance and she unknowingly dropped her little baby. We stopped over bike, thought to go and shout at those guys, but didn't... we ourselves were following him violating the traffic rules. The little baby cried out loud and the guy was actually arguing with the women, that it wasn't his fault. Pathetic...!!!

Being a part of a crime is equal to commit the crime. I felt bad, but feeling bad is what I have been going through. I admit, being a regular traffic violator. Driving without my helmet, disobeying signals, driving in one-way for a shorter trip, rash driving, tripples. The day I stop all, I will blog on this again.

Learn More:

Traffic Rules / Signs in India

60 Greatest Indians

2008-04-18T14:33:00.000+05:30

Bhagat Singh

India Today's Special Issue on 60 Greatest Indians was a good message. It read... " From those who stood up to the Empire to those who built empires of the mind, those who were in the vanguard of the freedom struggle to those whomanaged the freedom, a list of men and women who have made India a place of peretual astnishment.

According to the online Poll conducted thro the India Today's website & SMS:

Rank #1 - Bhagat Singh - 37% Vote

Rank #2 - Subhas Chandra Bose - 27%

Rank #3 - Mahatma Gandhi - 13%

Rank #4 - Sardar Patel - 8%

Rank #5 - J.R.D. Data - 4%

Rank #6 & #7 - Indira Gandhi & Rabindranath Tagore - 3% each

Rank #8 & #9 - Homi Bhabha & Jawaharlal Nehru - 2% each

Rank #10 - Jayaprakash Narayan - 1%

... Biography of its people is the STORY of the nation.

#2 Crossing the Road

2008-04-13T23:36:00.000+05:30

Road Manners

During my school days, I was walking alongside the Chennai Central Railway Station. And when I wanted to cross the road, I just walked across the main road unlike taking the correct ways i.e. (i) Zebra Crossing (ii) Subway. Guess what?

The Chennai Cops painted the sides of the Road Barriers with BLACK PAINT that too exactly inbetween the small gaps of each barriers where anyone who intend to cross the road, will go. By the time I realized, it was TOO late. My entire dress below the hip was colored BLACK - A lesson I learnt....!

#1 - First come first serve basis

2008-04-13T12:11:00.000+05:30

Give Respect, Earn Some Respect

My friend called me the other day to accompany him to see his family doctor. He wasn't feeling good about his throat for a long time. I asked him to get an appointment, to which he said, "Its my family doctor, not required dude". It took about 30 mins to reach the clinic and I saw 2 aged men waiting to see the doctor along with 4 other young men & women. My friend gazed around the clinic and smiled to the attendant, who "greeted" him and asked us to wait. I was prepared to wait, as it would take sometime for the doctor to see my friend, when suddenly, I heard the attendant calling us, "Sir....!!! Please come" and directed us to go see the doctor in his room. Before I could understand and react on how we are being called for immediately skipping all those waiting patients, we were in the doctor's room. The doctor did his routine and after 10 mins, we were out of his room. After paying the doctor fees to the attendant (without any receipt), my friend handed over 20 bucks to the attendant. He smiled and thanked.

Now, isn't it shameful. The old aged patients were still waiting, God knows for how long... and just because the attendant knew we would TIP him, he made us see the doctor first. Before leaving the clinic, I looked at the 2 aged men, the were still looking at the attendant, for calling them and visit the doctor.

From thereon, I have decided, not to do this ever in my future, and not to ever encourage it when I am with others. I do understand that the needy should be given the preference, but here, its the TIP which did the trick.

Requesting the readers, to please consider "First come first serve basis"

To Earn Some Respect, give Respect