Get Set Wet

This time of the year and it still isn't raining in Mumbai, quite unusual. But yesterday's drizzle seems to have brought some respite from the relentless heat. Even the Wimbledon has started. I have fond memories of watching the tournament in my good old days sipping along hot tomato soup. Monsoon also means treks and a few unexpected ( but very much loved) holidays. Its my best season of the year. So wish u all a very wet monsoon...

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain

PS: I hope Roger doesn't win the 15 title. That would be so unfair to Sampras.

Just thought of adding a few pics i took on the first day it rained in mumbai.

VOTE - 09

Starting tomorrow, India goes to poll. And i can't stop but ponder about how will this election make a difference? It brings me to conclusion that we are living in a failed democracy where elections are fought on no relevant issues but caste and religion. Almost all parties have criminals as their candidates. There are countless regional parties thereby making it absolutely clear that none of the parties are going to cross magic mark on their own. The fractured verdict seems inevitable. In spite of all these depressing facts, it is absolutely necessary to vote. Not because its our right, but more because its our duty. For years we have only talked about rights, easily forgetting our duties. This is sole reason for the failure of Indian Democracy.
However, Indian democracy is the largest in the world. No where else in the world, can election arrangements be facilitated so efficiently to cater such a wide, diverse population to allow a county go to poll.For this, the election commission needs to be complimented. But its real worth is realized only when we cast our vote. So its imperative to cast vote for this election to be a real success.

When on break...

Not many would be lucky to get a 2 weeks off (break) every year. While i have managed to do that as i have now changed jobs twice in last year and a half. So i decided to make good use of the break by traveling to a couple of places:-
1) Gujarat - Jamnagar, Dwarka
2) Goa - Shiroda, Vagator, Colva

Goa, i have been there earlier a couple of times but hadn't been there recently. Now i plan to visit it frequently bcos Goa is really beautiful in monsoon.
There are a couple of travel plans this year:-
1) Igatpuri (Vipassana)
2) Chandratal
3) Bhandardara
...

I am not sure if any of these would be completed, but i m sure gonna try my best to get most of them covered. Its difficult to get off's these days, so its surely not going to be easy. :) :)

Transition...

The last couple of weeks...near about a month has seen unprecedented happenings personally. So much has happened in this short duration of time. To start with, lost my grandpa, the old man lived a youth's life. The irony of life is that death isn't celebrated but rather mourned. In midst all this, i resigned from my present job to take up a new offer which hopefully should be more satisfying professionally. My stay in Lehman Bros (now Nomura) was eventful. I got to be a part of history when Lehman went bankrupt though i have ummmpteen times told folks that i haven't got anything to do with it. What was really funny was that i never really found it difficult to leave the present organization and accept the new offer unlike what happened while i was in Infosys. I have got 2 weeks off before i join the new work place. Already have a packed schedule with travel plans to Gujarat and Goa in the coming week. Lets c how it goes...
Looking forward for an exciting 09...

I have always felt that people judge too fast and on the basis of materialistic (mis)conceptions. Or else why would a doc think i am a drunkard? To his defense, he isn't the first person to think so. Many others have been mistaken and surprised to find that i don't indulge in drinking. Here is the transcript of what happened recently when i went to donate blood:-

Doc: Are you taking any medicines, antibiotics?
Me: Nope
Doc: Have you suffered from any disease lately?
Me: None
Doc: Did you have alcohol yesterday?
Me: I don't drink
Doc: What? Why are you lying? (can't explain the look on his face)
Me: I seriously don't ...

I understand this phenomenon (i can call it phenomenon bcos it keeps on repeating) has something to do with how i look, but why make a judgment so fast and so early?
In reality, i don't give a damn about what others think if i drink, smoke or what not, but it just shows that people make a decision about you even before you have talked/interacted with them. I always try and avoid being judgmental before i have known the person well enough, it does help when you don't take your notions/conceptions and have a blank slate(mind).

Anyways, this was just another anecdote in the book of life... but the really funny part is that the list of people whom i have managed to surprise is growing... :)

IYA2009 - The Universe is yours to discover

International Year of Astronomy 2009



2009 is officially the International Year of Astronomy. Commemorating 400 years of Galileo pointing his telescope for the first time towards the moon and Jupiter. It also marks 40th anniversary of the first landing on moon. The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is an exciting global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture. Lots of events, lectures, workshops, trainings have been planned and co-ordinated all over the world. With over 140 countries participating in this global event, I am sure it would reach out and inspire many.

More info : - http://www.astronomy2009.org/
India's specific information:- http://www.astronomy2009.org/organisation/nodes/national/view/IN/

Looking forward to interesting events @ Nehru Planetarium and IPS(Indian Planetary Society).

From my end, expect more blogs on astronomy.

G'Bye 2008

Its that time of the year when you kinda look back and recollect all that has happened. Some good memories, some pretty interesting moments,a few missed opportunities would all sum up to describe 2008.
Its been an eventful year - So much has happened and so much has changed.
2008 did provide few moments that shall always remain imprinted in the memory forever. I really shall cherish them whenever i take a walk down the memory lane.
The last few days, a week to be precise has been absolutely amazing, almost making me feel its back to good old days... perhaps it is. Only time will tell though...
But i am looking forward to the new year for a new start on old habits.

For a better, safer and prosperous year ahead...
May the most u expect be the least u get!!!