Reformists relegating religion

They have taken up this made-up issue and trying to reform society and retain the religious heritage by restraining indians from celebrating the day for lovers. Although I haven't understood about the fascination that you need a hyped up special day to tell someone what he/she means to you. The day's over glorification is partly because of the media and marketing in its shoddiest form. Although love has been the constant cultural occurence and let's not go that path to figure out if it is really so.
The point I came here to make is why such fatal fanaticism and fear and insecurity that it will sweep away the rich religion that we proudly possess. Sometimes I feel its more to do with making their presence felt. I also wonder if forcing such kind of ideology will be a long term result that handful are trying to achieve. Belief system is best in its form when it is self-dictated. We are already facing the brunt of another level of religious irrational zeal and it has not failed to reverberate time and again. We have more serious societal issues to concern ourselves with and darn wonder why aren't we channeling our energy towards real problems. Trust me there are quite a few.
Anyway,
Tough and funny and a little bit kind: that is as near to perfection as a human being can be. ~Mignon McLaughlin

Brocolli Pav bhaji

My obsession with healthy food hasn't withered as yet and hence all the experiments of the sorts described below are just one of the regular things that I keep doing. Before I go ahead and give away my latest experiment just want to let you all know that I am done with 18 days of 30 days of Bikram Yoga. I am actually very excited about it and really want to finish it. First two days were hard and I was shocked with the heat and humidity..:) but I have made peace with it..:). I dont reach out for the water or the towel in desparation and postures are just improving.
So here is the recipe for healthy pav bhaji.

Ingredients:
Brocolli, beet root, spinach, carrots, tomatoes, capsicum, onion, chillies, coriander, small quantity of pototoes, pav bhaji masala, salt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil. (Note there is no butter).
Take all the fresh (not frozen) vegetables except onion, tomatoes, chillies and coriander dice them and boil them. Once fully boiled mash them properly. Now in a separate pan take dash of olive oil and saute chopped onion, chillies once they look soft add pav bhaji masala and chopped tomatoes. Cook it for 5/7 minutes and add all the mashed veggies. Garnish it with coriander, onion and lemon and done..:).. Eat it with any kind of bread you like. I am not a big big fan of bread any more and have given up eating on regular basis for a long long time except for special occasions like these.

Abstruse vs absolute

Before I go deeper into confusing people I am suddenly very conscious of my blogging. Why? I sinned browsing my blog at home on my vacation. It left footprints on history of browser. And my not-so-geeky {at least thats what I thought..:)} sis-in-law found the link and now she is actively following my blog and so is the whole family, gosh. She checks the blog everyday, "no Shilpa I do not blog everyday..:). " Shilpa is one of the super cool person I have ever known. She is my best friend, sister, mother, fashion guru {though now we have switched spots.:)}, music guru all rolled into ONE. I am glad I have you!! And remember the rules, you don't tell daddy what I blog about and do not post any comments..:).
So moving on to something interesting that I have been thinking about.
"God grant me the serenity to accept things I cannot change, courage to change things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." The statement is fancy and its simplicity charming but to really fathom it, involves metaphysical moral issues. Lets' begin with the first part, few questions, Who is God? Going by my perception, if its that supernatural power behind all your actions (remember I did not say right or wrong) has the power to grant something like that? And accepting things you cannot change, so why did you want to change in first place (coz you sensed something wrong) and if you just accepting all the wrongs?? Doesn't sound logical to me and merely to seek escape from reality.
If you look closely there is a philosophical premise implicitly embedded in it. If there are things that man can change, it means he possesses the power of choice which is nothing but self volition. Not to miss his/her own actions and charateristics, like courage and also lack of it. Human being's volition is an characteristic of his/her consciousness (rationality) and consumes choice to percieve existence or to evade it. Once this is established, man is able to learn how things can be changed to serve his/her needs.
Something to chew on-
"The use or misuse of his congnitive faculty determines a man's choice of values, which determine his emotions and his character. It is in this sense that man is a being of self-made soul"-AR

Cut loose

It was not a conscious self made decision. I was talked into it. And now everyone involved with it are thrilled simply coz it wasn't anything bad to begin with. My friend at work has been actively into yoga. So actively into it, that she went for the certified training for it (hats off to you woman!) and ever since her return she has been convincing me. I did bluff her, like I use to about 4 months back too, with innovative responses like, too busy, work is killing me, its tough to manage, blah, blah...But her perseverance paid off at last when she offered a 30 day challenge (without missing a day) from Bikram Yoga. I simply couldn't resist and here I am doing it..with 10% completion and yes I am so going to do this folks. Its' challenging but I love it. Its 90 minutes of yoga work-out in a heated room, bout 105 degree F and killing humidity of 40%. I was unsure (like anything new you begin with) but great thing is that I could do all the postures close to perfection. I am so sore right now and negative thing is I will have to give my running a break on weekdays. But I will try and run at least once/twice a week (weekends na). The coolest thing about the 90 minute work-out is the feeling you get after finishing, it's pure bliss!! I have 27 more days to go and on an average I drink about 2.5 litres of water mainly including other fluids. Which will amount to approx. 70 litres of water intake in coming days..:)....wohhh!
Anyway, moving on to something which I haven't understood in a while, is why do people like to gossip, backbite so much so that if they do not have anything interesting in facts they like add and twist for their sensation. Its so sad they have failed to make their own life interesting so they go encroach on to other people's space. They will generate every bit of excitement (disregarding the truth) just so to prove that they have something to say at least. Its amusing to watch how two people bond due to common interest on gossip. Two very important things people should know in life: if you do not know everything bout a person doesn't naturally label him/her bad just to personify your gossip, its good to give people their space and its really really "OK" to keep quiet if do not have anything well behaved to say. More so if its just an effort for attention seeking. I tend to withdraw myself and try and have least absolutely required communication. This is only because I just do not know how to handle such people. Anything I say, do or even not say or think is portrayed and propogated in their own convenient twisted format. Been part of such damn things and its pretty low for my value system. Its a beautiful life so please do not trash it. People who do such things are complete losers for me. I really respect those people who have handled things a lot maturely than I have at times and deeply regret losing some special freinds. I just couldn't keep up to explaining and proving my honesty and loyalty of true person.

Will poverty ever become part of history?

Just before I ventured out for my mind feed, realized blogger upgraded a few things and integrated it with gmail account. Life did become bit simple. Or at least was a pretentious attempt for a momentary relief. But what would really be cool, a mind publisher kind of tool, where no manual typing is required. And will save us from carpal tunnel syndrome. Before I wander too far aimlessly, here is a really nifty gadget- iphone. Nothing less than stunning. I had grand plans of not oggling at gadgets. But its simply irresistible and I am not to be blamed. Go take a peek at it yourself if you don't trust me.
Anyway, what I really wanted to understand or know if poverty be marrying history ever. Or is it always going to be a mere oh so current battle by a handful for the marginalized. Interesting questions to ask would be "is it because it's always a small set of folks who see it and actually do/doing something about it?" or "why hasn't it become a mass movement?" Well on a less philanthropic quest have we ever tried to find what is poverty, what are its causes, who are the players and when we provide so called sustainable solutions, do we measure their successes. To me the successful solution would be when they will be part of production system of goods (tangible and intangible) which are useful to general mass not just the elite class who is using it as a favor. It has to go beyond favor to a solution which is scalable without missing the social and financial benefits for the investors or the "poor people." My point here being that philanthropic funds will be required to initiate the movement but it won't be the only thing. Enterprising solutions like hole in the wall or grameen for that matter where the end users are putting the thinking cap and finding the solutions on their own and not merely provided with set solutions to follow.

Leavin on a Jet Plane

All those who visit here often and generously leave comments and make this space lively. This blog shop will be closed for a vacation for a short time. The blogger is on vacation for few days. I will be back soon and till then...

Be brave, expressive and communicative rather than being a

wuss and non-communicative. Reach out!!

And of course listen to the song Leavin on a jet plane by (no not John Denver) Chantal Kreviazuk version, its a lot better.

Snack Thingie

I wanted to make some snack. I decided to make sabuddee vadai! Yeah I know, its sabudana but I prefer calling sabuddee ( I have my reasons..). I dunno why it was so funny for some people when I said I am gonna cook. So funny that they chuckled and had some strong reactions. Anyway, here is a picture of it as a proof ! And if thats not enuf I wish they had tasted some of it. Well life is full of regrets..:). I guess some people are better off only prod%^@!*# HW or something to that effect..:P.



Anyway, moving on, I discovered this song called Bin tere kya jeena from the movie Guru. All I can say is that its totally blown and I am awe struck. Its the Rehman effect which makes it completely worth it. I have been listening to it for a long time now or at least it seems like or at least I want to feel like that..:). So the point is I strongly recommend this one since it definitely belongs to the goosebumpy category of songs.
So hum along and enjoy this marvel:

O humdum bin tere kya jeena..
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya oh sajana ho
rukhi re rukhi kato re kate na ratiya
tere bina beswadi beswadi ratiya
ho ho ho o o o
bhigi bhigi beswadi ratiya o sajana
tere bina kya jeena
tere bina tere bina
chand ka sona khota re
tere bina sona peetal tere sang peetar peepal
aaja kate na ratiya o humdum!!

I know these are not the complete lyrics but I put together the lines which I liked!!

Rambling, yet again

Its not that I have to pen something here but sometimes I want to even though I have no specific direction. At this very moment too I have series of mixed feelings going on in my mind. Its' a mixed bag of achievement, satisfaction, peace, enthusiasm, reasoning, restlessness, longing and loss. But my guess would be it's not something unique thing for only me or least I would like to feel that I have company. But again its just me and its just a guess. I can be wrong. I stumbled on this poem by Max Ehrmann, read it and its simplicity will sweep you off your feet:

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass. (Its so true!)

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
-------------------------
Did it? Stunning! Anyway, I have been listening to Melissa Etheridge lately and she is just so marvelous! Current favorite:

Come on baby lets get out of this town
I got a full tank of gas with the top rolled down
Theres a chill in my bones
I dont want to be left alone
So baby you can sleep while I drive
Ill pack my bag and load up my guitar
In my pocket Ill carry my harp
I got some money I saved
Enough to get underway
And baby you can sleep while I drive

and so on.......

Emotional ride

We as human beings are driven by variety of emotions. Sweet, sometimes not so sweet. Its' surely complex and certainly there is no well secured and universally systemized definition. Although scientifically speaking and for practical purposes we can all concur that emotion is an intense neural impulse produced state controlled by brain. Before I go on I would like to narrate a short instance that happened with me couple of weeks. It happened during one of my regular weekly visits to temple. Mind you, I don't go to temple to ask for anything or for anything to happen. For me its something I get inner peace and it embraces me with tranquility and powerful feeling of reassurance for my correct actions. So if I miss a trip there, I know God will not bestow bad on me...:). I disagree with people who go to such places out of fear and expecting things to happens just because they pleaded. Anyway, before I digress since I tend to do that a lot.
It must have been early evening on a sunday and there aren't too many people at that time of the day. As I entered the temple I saw just one young lady sitting in the center of the room. She looked fairly young, attractive, educated and may be married I guess. I as usual walked in surveyed the place and about to comfortably sit. Next thing I percieve is that this young woman is weeping and with tears rolling down endlessly. I tried not look at her just so she doesn't get conscious of my presence and get interrupted in this emotional process. I did try to pretend as if am unaware. But like most of us do, hide our emotions and keep them under multiple layers of anonymity, she was also trying to do same and I could feel that she was afraid and ashamed that some stranger saw her turmoil. I wanted to leave her alone and not make her feel more public and judged. But I couldn't go. I wanted to reassure her that whatever has caused this will soon go and it will be brighter times tomorrow. Of course I could n't say all this but I did sit next to her for a short time gave her friendly pat and was genuinely sorry for whatever she was going through (God bless her). She clarified that it doesn't happen often and that was just once! Disappoinment with friends, failing relationship, loss of something precious or professional mishap, it could have been anything.
So when emotions are such integral part of our existence why do we try and control them, restrict them and manipulate them? Emotions not only help you in personal life but they do significantly contribute to your professional life. Successful leaders are not mechanical, non-emotive, ruthless human beings. In fact, they are the highly emotional, intelligent and analytical folks. I strongly suggest this book which I read a while back called Emotional Intelligence by Dan Goleman. Leading a team sucessfully for a project of any magnitude is not a mathematical equation. Successful management is often a product of commitment of each contributors with their best efforts which is led by a highly emotionally charged leader. I have often seen this in my boss. He is passionate, emotive, dedicated and when he talks about work, he pledges only quality work. No wonder he owns a company which is very dynamic and successful and acheived country-wide recognition in its specialization.
Emotions probably are one of those non-verbal communications which often formulate your decision-making which could be either short-term or long-term. So if they play such a role then why defy their presence?

My beloved monster

Past couple of days I have been listening to Shrek soundtrack. Almost all the songs from this movie are absolutely kickass. Shrek has been my favorite movie and not just because its animated but also for the message it conveyed. Its a story about true friendship (donkey and shrek), love (princess fiona n shrek) and victory (shrek over farquad). Its one of those classy movies who have lot of style in almost everything, be it music, characters (donkey being my favorite and greatest work by eddie murphy), and whole screenplay intertwined together. I have cried in this movie..:).. when shrek reveals- "everyone judges him even before they know him." Anyway, if you haven't heard shrek music yet, I would strongly recommend it. Especially songs- bad reputation, my beloved monster, stay home and I am on my way are just totally worth it.

Here is something nice I read its from the movie - akheelah and the bee: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

Bittersweet life

I recently begun running regularly. After trying it for few days, I just decided to set up a target of 4 miles and wished to achieve it. I mostly run on weekends and had kept a time frame of one month. I did this with an increment of half a mile and sometimes one mile. It wasn't easy simply because I tend to take a break from my exercise for months and it takes hell of a discipline to get back to it. Anyway, while I have been pretty enthusiastic and actually look forward to weekends just for this. Last thursday, I realized since I am so close (at 3.5 miles) to my target, why not go try, JUST DO IT! I must have given up several times but haven't been much of a quitter, I kept going. I don't know how many of you do this but I modulate my speed several times. I did finish my 4 miles target in 58.12 minutes. I didn't feel my legs existed for some time. But yey!
While walking back to my car and trying to regain my sense in legs I was celebrating my small, tiny victory. As I reach the car, I see some papery thing stuck to wipers...:). Yeah thats right I have been ticketed for parking in visitor's parking which I used to think is free. Sometimes, I think ASU and God have wierd sense of humor..:). Nevermind.
Anyway, been reading a lot lately which include book and several blogs and articles. Book Never eat alone by Keith Ferrazi has some interesting views on how to leverage networking and build a successful trusted set of friends. Another interesting read, I stumbled on this blog where the fellow blogger has painted a very simple picture of his expectations of love Its very simplicity is very beautiful. Well done!
I read somewhere that sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick (it sure does) and you loose every bit of faith in life. You will be devastated and will hit the ground. Your life will be shattered to innumerable pieces where you would feel its hard to put them all together. Don't give up and keep the faith. If you survive this you will emerge as one helluva strong and wiser person and life will never be the same again.
Random act: When things/acts do not make sense to me in very logical and rational mode and it ranges from surroundings and people, I tend to go to my shell and live a secluded life.

I just dont want be a millionaire

So I have started getting spams on gmail account too. Few jobless people have all the time to create very fascinating bait to make me a millionaire and am trying very hard to resist this free money. This time I won the lottery which I never played. All they want is detailed information bout me and done all the money is going to go straight to my account. Its just that its really simple to get all the money but I prefer hard earned money. Get a life folks!

Below is the so promising email and it cracks me up every time I get things of this sort:

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EURO-AFRO-AMERICAN SWEEPSTAKE LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMHead quartersThe National LotteryP O Box 1010Liverpool, L70 1NLUNITED KINGDOM(Customer Services)Ref: UK/9420X2/68Batch: 074/05/ZY369 WINNING NOTIFICATIONWe happily announce to you today, 25092006 the draw (#509) of theTHUNDERBALL WINNING under the UK/SA NATIONAL LOTTERY,online SweepstakesInternational program held on 24 092006.Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: 56475600545 188 with Serialnumber 5368/02 drew the lucky numbers.(10)(22)(30)(31)(34) with a bonus(03).which subsequently won you the lottery of the Jackpot Prize.You havetherefore been approved to claim a total sum of £1,950,000.00 (One millionnine hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling) in cash credited to fileKTU/9023118308/03.All participants for the online version were selected randomly from WorldWide Web sites through computer draw system and extracted from over100,000unions, associations, and corporate bodies that are listed on line. Thispromotion takes place weekly.Please note that your lucky winning number falls within our South africanbooklet representative office in South Africa as indicated in your playcoupon.Our South African agent will immediately commence the process to facilitatethe release of your funds as soon as you contact him.To file for your claim, please contact our fudiciary agent:Mr.Frank ZumaEmail:paymentagent_southafrica@yahoo.ca.ukMobile:+27-834772044Provide him with the information below:1.Name:2.Address:3.Marital Status:4.Occupation:5.Age:6.Sex:7.Nationality:8.Country Of Residence:9.Telephone Number:10.Fax Number:11.Email Address:12.Draw Number above:That way your Winnings Certificate and all other relevantdocuments/paperwork can be prepared for you. You would be required to showan instrument of identification when cashing your cheque i.e. Driverslicense or International passport.For security reasons, you are advised to keep your winning informationconfidential till your claims is processed and your money remitted to you inwhatever manner you deem fit to claim your prize. This is part of ourprecautionary measure to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of thisprogram. Please be warned. Cynthia Paul was one of three winners to share the Lotto Rollover Jackpot, each scooping a massive £4,000,000 Pounds.Goodluck from me and members of staff of the UK/SA/OMEGACROSSING COMPANY.NATIONAL LOTTERY.Yours faithfully,Mrs. Carolina Strauss.Online coordinator for UK/SA NATIONAL LOTTERYSweepstakes International Program.

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Anyway, here is something nice I read by Maya Angelou who is a poet, educator, author, playwright and a whole lot of other jazz and yes she is 70+:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Salad-e-Zannat

Looking at my comment section of my previous blog, it seemed, cooking and food, by far, fascinated everyone than anything else I yapped. So with this encouragement I present, absolutely zero in effort- Salad-e-Zannat. Now people who have watched Andaz apna apna will immediately associate to what I am talking about. Anyway the salad consists of all kind of ghas-patti, ok veggies: lettuce, spinach, carrot, green/red bell pepper, onion and turnip. So where is my expertise in this? Arre I thought of adding two special ingredients- blackberries and italian parmesan almond seasoning. Eat it with any of dressing you want and torture yourself. Below is the picture for all of you for some encouragement to eat salads.

Anyway, I ran for 3.25 miles in 45.03 minutes in the morning. Just about when I was done it started drizzling and by the time got out of the gym it started pouring. This much rain is very unusual for Tempe, Arizona. I got a little drenched too and so it was combination of sweat and rain, yikes. I felt like hugging my nephew, just like his father (my brother) used to gross his little sister (me) out by offering his sweaty hug, yuck. All his expressions of affection were through grossing me out.
Anyway for all those lovers of indian advertisement, I bumped into this Tata tea ad, it made my day. Enjoy. Boost is the secret of my energy!!

Lazy weekend

Its a long weekend and I am trying to make use of every bit by doing things which otherwise my work restricts. I love morning sunshine, bright and crisp (by early I mean8/9), yeah and thats precisely, I enjoy coz I have the freedom to sleep late and wake up late. Having a hot cup of tea with good reading where the sunshine has washed n brightened my room is what I call my kind of time. It poured here yesterday and discussion with friends revolved around importance of rains to Arizona. The real estate prices are steady at the moment but will soon fall since the resources are depleting.
Anyway, moving on, I ran 2.5 miles yesterday and 3 miles just now. I feel great and want to steadily (one month, ambitious is it?) reach the 5 miles target and I try not to overdo since sometimes I get ache in my calf muscles. I am currently reading Competing for the Future by Gary Hamel and CK Prahalad and just about done. Some of the chapters on core competencies, thinking differently and leveraging strategies are worth taking a note of and would recommend to people who enjoy such reads.
Moving on, to my cooking experiments, by the way, I simply love cooking and always want to experiment with ingredients my way. I have been successful few times and few turned out to be ultimate fiascos. Here I would like to mention my luck with gulabjamun (never get them right), either they get over cooked, syrup is watery or not soft...:(. Anyway I want to try some "desi chinese." I wonder who coined such a term and if chinese, even remotely know what we Indians are doing to their popular cuisine. Gobi manchurian, paneer manchurian, spring dosa and what not, and very sure it did not originate in China.

Herd outlook

Individualism vs collectivism has been my long debate and been unable to find clear solution. Or to survive in a society, is there a balancing act between the two premises? Herd mentality is not so uncommon and we will often see one following a flock because its safe. My question is about if each and everyone of us, are so distinctly unique, in our thinking, then what leads to mass to follow a mass? Is it primarily because we are rejecting to think and understand and take responsibility of our actions/analysis? Or we have just trained/taught our brain to function and prevent from all possibilities of fear of rejection?
Tragedy of the commons is the conflict of interest between individual principles with common herd well-being. Reason and reasoning are purely owned by an individual. When an individual subjugates this very reasoning from others' synthesis and judgment is when the rejection of independent thinking begins to concrete. And this blind following caused by insecurity and to gain sense of belonging is dangerous.
Whenever I have discussed Roark from Fountainhead to anyone, I have always heard only one response-"Its hard/impossible to survive like him in a society and do things like he did." Not a single person opined that he was wrong, a loser or a failure. The Fountainhead is about the difference between collectivist and individualist: it shows that the dependent man could never have reason on his side, and that the independent man could never have anything else.
It takes a lot of courage and conviction to stand for truth and values and voice against wrong, sinful and immoral. But with this fear of being quarantined or rejected by "society" (I really need another post for this term), are we going to be supine and wait for more severe repercussion?

Indian Ocean live

Any good music when heard live, has a longer lasting impact. This held true yesterday when I heard Indian Ocean's sublime music live. It was nothing but pure joy and time well spent listening to very talented group of people. The impact of each instrument was distinct and fusion between guitar and tabla was simply blown. The vocals of this band have very earthy, subliminal and very folksy quality.
There were several jugalbandis interspersed with their songs array. The concert lasted for about 3 hours and closed after generously playing one extra song by audience demand...:). Melancholic ecstasy was always in my favorite's list but now I have two more added, Ma rewa and Bharam paap ke. Audience swang, waved, tapped and enjoyed every bit. I am glad I was part of it..:).

I, me, my dad and fashion

Few days back, I went to this clothing store, and was looking at some new styles in jeans. I also checked out their “destroyed look” series. It immediately reminded me of my dad. I tried one pair of jeans for the kicks, and my foot went through the destroyed part so I corrected myself and the immediate thought was why people would want to pay more for stuff that’s hazardous to normal living.
Anyway, if I ever wore that pair of jeans in front of my dad he will question me “beta, why is your jeans torn, do you not have money?” It was back in college, when my fashion cells were bursting, my dad gave me Rs.500 for emergency, mind you emergency. I went window shopping with my friends and bought Rs.399 Benetton t-shirt. When my dad saw that, he said “beta you paid Rs.400 for this baniyan?” I said daddy it’s not baniyan it’s Benetton t-shirt. He replied that it is baniyan only, it doesn’t even have collars. Oh daddy, you won’t understand. Anyway after that emergency money never happened again.
Another incidence I recall is when my dad used to take me to Bata showroom for shoe shopping. I used to always question him, dad Bata is not fashionable, he always replied, they are durable. I used to always wonder why you would want anything to be durable when you don’t like it.

Song recommendation: Patience by Guns n' Roses..here you go
Shed a tear coz I am missing you
I am still alright to smile.......

What is pleasure?

Pleasure, for anyone is not a luxury or temporary need but an essential psychological demand for survival. Through the state of real and true enjoyment, man experiences the value of life which makes you believe that life is worthwhile, worth struggling for those honest and true moments of personal victories leading to joy. When I say personal, I do not mean hidden, not shared but moments which are true deep within one's existence and not decided by usual accumulation of collectivists.
Pleasure serves as the emotional fuel of man's successful existence. Not to mention, that man's emotional mechanism will work as per his choice of values he picks up. This is of most importance because if he erred in choice of values, his emotional mechanism will neither correct him nor shield from making a wrong choice. It is found that that there are four broad categories that allow human being to experience the enjoyment: productive work, human relationships, recreation and art (this includes array of things). Each one is inter connected and successful optimization of each will affect the others giving a fulfillment in life.
Man of self-esteem experiences the pure unadulterated enjoyment of using his faculties correctly and of achieving actual values in reality. A rational self-confident man is motivated by a love of true values and by a desire to achieve them. The difference in motivation is reflected, not only in the things different men seek for pleasure but also in the nature of the pleasure they will experience.

Critical task

Women make about 50% of the world's population and ironically, they also form a segment which is underrepresented in several categories. Education, economic growth, politics and global development are just a handful of sections. I am, by no means, ignoring, the precentage who has already made their way, or is on its' way. This concern is towards the massive number who has never seen the light beyond managing a household by forced circumstances of early marriage and numerous other circumstantial surroundings created by our society and eliminating the choices. Choice which is provided by awareness and independent thinking and both of which are spin-offs of right kind of education imparted at the right age & right time.
Question goes back to the history, who made these rules and assumed that its' a "weaker sex" and defined a role for them? or was it a conscious selection by them itself? These are the questions that have always intrigued me and would certainly like to know: why was it like that, what is the driving force that is causing a current of change and whether this wave will sustain, recede or disappear.
Some of the solutions that I can think of are:

• guaranting women's rights and effective policies and regulations.
• more rigorous implementation of holistic education system.
• ensuring safer environment to increase their presence by addressing violence and abuse.
  
• investing in economic development by making them key players.

Of course, all the above issues and solutions are interrelated and co-dependence of one on the other is explicit. Some results will be immediate and some not so prompt. Needless to say, that it will lead to eradication of poverty, illiteracy and low social status of a huge population. Most importantly, women play a key role in education and growth of a growing population- youth, and hence the positive outcome is bi-fold.

Lasseiz faire

So when I do not interfere with the world and I keep myself busy doing numerous things and which sometimes leaves me reflecting and believing..there is so much to do and very little time! Weather outside is wonderful so decided to run, ran less than 2 miles, which proves that I have pathetic stamina. Hope to bike a bit this weekend and obviously to make the most of the weather.
Random thoughts.." I will take his laughter and his tears and make them all my souvenirs."

Wanted to write on some philosophical premises but feel jaded on a friday night to put my brain to work so I shall put that task for the next post..:).

Point to ponder:There is always more to things than they appear at the surface and who seek this and unfold are the successful few. Right or wrong?