The Blogger's Blog

Mind Rolling Monastery

2011-07-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

I fondly remember my visit to Mind Rolling Monastery. I was in Dehradun and was glad I got to visit the famous Monastery, which was in Clement Town. The roads outside and nearby the Monastery was rough and untidy, to be precise. Inside the premise, it was Mind rolling, signified its namesake, for it was quite, serene and lovely. Just "Bliss" to summarise and cut short.

My friend who has been staying at Dehradun for sometime because of her work told me that the Dumplings and chopsueys were so good and worth a try inside the Monastery.She loved visiting the place. The many shops have souvenirs and Tibeten artefacts, lovely decorative pieces and bangles.(One of my beautiful German colleague was so impressed about the bangle, when she saw me wearing it, in one of our jungle trips together . She kept on harping and sking where I have got it from. She liked it so much and told me that she will ask, one of her students to get it from Dehradun).

Inside the Monastery, there were so many monks doing about their daily rituals and chores. It was so beautiful and well maintained. Indeed,everything about the Mind Roling was clean, clear and peaceful.

In nearby places to the Monastery, I get to see a large Tibetan settlement. It was so nice to get a glimpse of the Stupa, i.e World's Largest Stupa, of the re-established Mindrolling Monastery from Tibet. I came to know it was inaugurated on 28th October 2002 and was surrounded by a 2-acre (8,100 m2) garden. Walking inside the monastery was relaxing. The food was good, though they only serve vegetarian tibetan cuisine. From the Monastery, I also got to see the tree canopies of the Rajaji National Park as they shared the borders with the Monastery.

There was also a high statue of Buddha, 103 feet (31 m)which was dedicated to the Dalai Lama. Inside the monastery, I felt as if I was not in India, but in some place secluded from this world. ( This was testified as all my friends kept on asking me where the location was, when they saw the stupa after I uploaded the pics in one of the social networking sites). And then to thier surprise, it was in India.

The Monastery also have a very prestigious college, Graphic Era Institute of Technology. Founded by Mr. Ghanshala. Many tourists thronged in there as well as Localites as it provided a sanctum to everyone.

I thanked my friend, in my heart of heart for taking me there. We have had a lovely time which remained so good even today, time and again...

Lodi Gardens...

2011-07-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

It's always good to visit Lodi Gardens... be it spring, summer,or winter. It never fails to charm in any season of the year. In a hot place like Delhi, summer can be a respite and cool place in Lodi gardens.

In spring, flowers bloom everywhere inside the garden.

There are a few monuments, tombs which enhance the beauty and charm of the Garden manifold.

It's a picnic spot for people all throughout the year and a jogger's park for some people in all the seasons.

A South Indian Weekend Gateway… A trip to Mysore

2011-07-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

How was Mysore? It was quieter to Bangalore as I started off from Bangalore. Life was going at a lazy, slow pace there. It was a beautiful city. So, the exciting thing about Mysore…

The facts are- it's hardly 3 hours from Majestic Bus stop, Bangalore. Going by the Volvo was easy and comfortable. Kept on watching a movie and the sights/ scenery and it reached us on no time. Mysore can be a good weekend getaway from Bangalore. We had little time.We were looking forward to short hols too. Mysore was the right destination: Cultural capital, City of Palaces of Karnataka.
After reaching Mysore, we hired a Taxi for the whole trip to Mysore Town. That includes Chamundi hills, Zoo (which we skipped, as seen Animals/ Birds all the time in its natural habitats: Sanctuaries, Wild life parks), Mysore palace, and Brindavan Gardens. The driver was a very sweet, friendly old guy.

Visit to Chamundi temple can be an enriching experience. It's nestled high up on the Chamundi hills. It was a steep drive and we really liked it. The temple, named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity held in reverence for centuries by Mysore Maharajas. The temple has a seven story tall 'Gopura' decorated with intricate carvings. The deity of the goddess is said to be made of gold and the temple doors of silver. As a friend had recommended, Chamundi temple was the first place we visited upon reaching Mysore. It has always been so good to visit temples while on holidays. Really, Pilgrim holidays have been so fulfilling. It was an amazing experience.

As it was some hours drive from Bangalore. After visiting Chamundi Temple, we were damn hungry, not at all tired, rather excited and delighted. So, after much introspection and enquiries from friends who have stayed in Mysore. We came to know of few places, about good popular restaurants in Mysore and shopping places for Mysore sarees. RRR was a good option on restaurants as it was at close proximity from the Mysore Palace, which was our next destination. Getting sarees from State Kaveri Emporium was right. The food at RRR was very good, tasty Andhra food. Everything about it was gratifying, though didn't like the rush part. It was so crowded for its good food and popularity. And the price was very affordable for everyone (rich/poor, I guess: Dirt cheap if you happen to be dining in good restaurants in big cities). Mysore palace was our next destination on the day's Agenda. Horses run transport system/ drive on carriage was another option to ply to nearby places from there.

Mysore Palace, the official residence of the Wodeyars - the erstwhile royal family of Mysore, was a beautiful palace with so many rooms which also houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting hall of the royal court). The view from the Durbar hall to the gates was a very pleasing view which opens to the outside world. It really catapulted me to have the view to the outside gates from the Palace.

Mysore palace was a tourist site, not only for Indians as I came across many foreign tourists as well. I was all the more thrilled and surprised when I learnt that it was one of the most famous tourist attractions in India after Taj Mahal with more than 2.7 million visitors.

Every autumn, the Palace is the venue for the famous Mysore Dasara festival, which is the most extravagant festival of Mysore. This celebration commemorates the victory of the great Goddess Durga, (Chamundeshwari) after she slew the demon, Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil according to Hindu mythology. During Dasara, news about the festivities to be held at Mysore are flashed everyday. In my short sojourn in Bangalore, it was quite hectic and only could manage to have those glimpses of festivals and catch up from many newspapers. It was also learning about new cultures that of south India.

Inside the large palace, got to see ornately gilded columns, stained glass ceilings, decorative steel grills, and chandeliers with fine floral motifs, mirrored in the pietra dura mosaic floor embellished with semi-precious stones. It was a grand palace with art works in many rooms. I also tried listening to the music which came from a hollow pillar, after tapping it as some of the local tourists asked me to try out. My sis was quite glad and so was I. There were multi-hued stained glass ceiling with peacock motifs arranged in geometrical patterns. Also, the floor of the Mantapa had the peacock theme with a peacock mosaic, designed with tiles from England.
Next trip was Brindavan Gardens. To enter Brindavan gardens, we were suppose to take tickets. The queue was a long one and there were all kinds of people, it was quite crowded. Brindavan gardens doesn’t strike me much though I loved and enjoyed the boat rides. There were so many fountains, that was relaxing and refreshing and flower blooms were not much at that time when we visited. I was expecting quite so much, from Brindavan Gardens as I have seen it to be very beautiful as a kid from cousins Family hols photo collection from their whole south India tours and travels.

Though, I can’t deny I like the designs and large terrace gardens arrangements. There was so much street food for visitors to try out, which was encouraging. While still in Brindavan gardens, it was becoming all dark and night was setting in.
We bid Adios to Mysore with fond memories of sights, fun, smiles, lovely people and beauty of the places visited and that of a short getaway. It was very fulfilling to visit a temple, a palace of grandeur and a beautiful garden with a pleasant boat ride not excluding the ride passing through many beautiful, spectacular sights of Mysore city. Our Taxi guy drove us back to the Volvo stand and guided us. It was a moment of truth that, it ended with a sweet note and a happy smile that it was a lovely day. Goodtimes never failed to fascinate us, my sis ( who came all the way from Delhi (to attend a fren’s South Indian Wedding for 2/ 3 days) and me who ended up meeting her in Bangalore decided to tour Mysore for a day…
Till then, Mysore rocks in its quiet, sweet way, away from the crowded, maddening, hustle and bustle of big city metros.

Window crash mania.

2009-06-23T03:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.adamok.net/2008/10/portable-hard-drives.html-I love reading blogs on Gadgets and Gizmos like this.

I've read this blog before. At that time, I found it very interesting and informative.I thought at that point of time, everyone with a laptop needs to have one portable harddrive and it's a must. But, recently when my Laptop got stucked and could open with only the Window explorer on the screen. I was so confused and just could not understand what was I supposed to do. The Service centre wasn't honest and hard bent on cheating. He kept on insisting me that I need a new Hard Disk / drive and the problem was with the hardware. As I wasn't convinced and something was not right, I came back with the Laptop and started asking many people about that. Help did keep pouring in. But some IT people also insisted that it was the Hardware Problem . That made me think twice. I have to take it to the service centre finally again and the guy again was telling me to buy the Hard drive. So, I told him I have lots of friends in the Software and Hardware field and they need to thoroughly check it before thinking about the Hard Drive as my friends have told me otherwise. The service centre started working on the problem. Finally, it turned out to be the classic case of Computer Window crash. In the process, I lost my pics , data , almost everything on my Laptop. Ignorance is no longer bliss. As I thought, it will be hard on their part to retrieve it (and the repair people had never used the word Window crash as everyone seems to repair it easily nowadays . And besides, I paid a good amount of money for repairing, rebooting,etc. I realised, if I love Gadgets and Gizmos, I truly need to read manuals and know about Gadgets (applicable to Handycams, Digicams, mobiles and so on) so that I can be so hands on . I guess,I can understand a Laptop a little better now .I have learnt my lesson now.

Earth Hour 2009.

2009-02-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone can make a difference and a big one at that, for Climate change. It can be done so easily by switching off lights for just one hour on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8: 30 pm .

Just a Campaign which started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia with 2.2 million homes / business turning lights off for one hour. It will be reaching out to more than one billion people in 1000 cities,including India( by switching off lights for just one hour on Saturday March 28, 2009), supporting climate change .538 cities in 75 countries, double the no. of countries that participated in 2008, are committed. An earnest effort to take action on global warming. Aims to reach one billion people, more than 1000 cities.

With up to 50 million people across 35 countries participating only a year later from the start of the campaign in 2007(Global landmark like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square, all stood in darkness, showing symbols). Earth Hour is truly a global sustainability movement of hope for a global cause that encompassed Territories and boundaries.

Superstar Aamir khan is the face of the Campaign in India.

Earth Hour 2009, turn off your lights at 8.30pm Saturday 28 March for a better Sustainable Climate and future.

Take the lead on climate change
See the World in a whole new light
Join Earth Hour
8:30 pm to 9:30 pm on 28th March 2009
www.earthhour.in

By the Ganges , Haridwar / Rishikesh 1

2008-11-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

My Haridwar, Rishikesh trip in Uttarakhand recently was not my first trip there, but I was the more elated. I know that Uttarakhand is a lovely, truly holy place, a picturisque landscape, a paradise for the nature lovers (not excluding Wildlife lovers) a feast and a marvel for the eyes. I have visited there before some three/ four years back and it was an awesome experience. Family Holidays have always been terrific and I count the trip to Haridwar, Rishikesh enchanting enough to remind always my family that we should go back anytime whenever we have the time in the coming future. Staying at Mohyal Ashram was a so nice experience. Loved the simple food we have there and the hospitality was unforgetable for sure, no doubts.

My trip few days back there was remarkable because I was on a business trip. I was too glad to visit the holy place,as please as a punch! We drove down to Haridwar/ Rishikesh early in the morning inorder to escape Traffic hurdles, stopped by Grand Cheetal where we had Great food. The garden there was amazing. It had good ambience. So,clicked some pics eventhough it was damn cold and chilly n frosty to be accurate.

By the Ganges 2

2008-11-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Continued from "By the Ganges, Haridwar /Rishikesh".

After a leisurely Breakfast. We headed to Haridwar. Reaching Haridwar, we were so lovingly and warmly welcome.Official work followed,but then in our heart of heart , we,three of us who were there for the business trip was looking forward to some adventure. So, hoping to accomplish and finish work perfectly at the right time was our motto of the trip. The drive was pretty smooth one except for occassional places. The scenic beauty entralled us no end. I 've to confide here my Mexican colleague was sleeping and perhaps was dreaming a sweet dream on the way. She already told me, she just came back from a disc as she had to bid some friends from Israel Goodbye.I guess, that was important and crucial too. She second it too.

When we were about to reach Haridwar, she told me curtly, she dreamt a dream. I wasn't surprised, I didn't ask her what was the dream about. Well, I was n't in my Dreamland, but among villages of India where anyone can feel the utmost realistic life and enjoy in the greenery and the cool landscape.Official work was swallowing up all the time. Finally,in the pretext of filling up of the Holy Ganges water , we were strolling for a few minutes by the side of Ganges. Later, We got time to sit silently and clicked picture with evening twilight as the background.

I always have the habit of letting people listen to the roaring of the water. I tried that by the Ganges in this trip. Some years back, I tried out that back by the Beas in Himachal Pradesh, before the Airtel Ad. came out with that idea.

I told our Driver to record the roaring of the Ganges water, he had records of so many things like the original chirping of birds n sounds of animals from their natural habitat and he 's always the first one to point/ sort out wild animals in the many Jungle Trips with all the right names.

He can be counted among good ornithologists as well, because of his knowledge about birds. I told him to abreast me of the birds name in the tour inside Rajaji National Park which we did tour.

By the Ganges 3

2008-11-23T07:24:00.003-08:00

Continued from "By the Ganges, Haridwar/Rishikesh"

I 've visited and seen Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula and many religious Hindu temples nearby those areas in Rishikesh with family as we were supposed to remain grounded ,or Earthly with those Pilgrim cum fun holidays. I was quite believing the mexican to have the same pleasant time like I have had before there, but official work was not letting us that. So, Har- ki - Pauri, that was where we visited on the first night.

The Aarti has just been over with the spectacle of sound and colour. We were just at the right time when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. We hurriedly went amidst the crowds to do that.

Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as Brahm Kund, this ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari who often meditated on the banks of river Ganga. History records an imprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot on one of the stones present on the ghat, which is indicative of the name. An evening ritual (Aarti) performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga is a highly enchanting and divine experience.

Lamps are seen floating on the river, immersed after the ritual. A splendid aura of lights and chants fills the atmosphere in the evenings.What we knew at that moment was only that it's auspicious.Later, realised that thousands of people from all round the world do make a point to attend this prayer and pay respect to their deceased anscestors on their visit to Haridwar. We were blessed to do that even without the knowledge (God Willing!). The night followed with some cool ,breezy hours by the water. Just walking by the Ganges and being ourselves unguarded was thrilling,Welcoming. I bet, the Gods will also ask for that. So, The night went by lovingly.

The only compliant , I got from my Mexican fren was the night was lovely , but why was it starless always in India at night unlike in her hometown, Mexico . I corrected her , we have starlit nights in Imphal , Manipur and shared a lovely starlit night experience of Kulu , HP and there were many places with stars every nightin India (But , I haven't seen much stars in all my years in Delhi. ). I shared one experience with her, a night of thousand stars twinking nonendlessly. That was with one of my friends and we kept on gazing the stars ,muttering and gazing up perpetually , we never had this , ever in Delhi all these years . It was truly spectacular and filmy because it was so perfect for any one to believe and besides ,we had reached there through a rope way(True , to the name , being pulled by people from the other end , just like in Adventure books and Jungles )from the other end which had Apple , Peach orchards and lovely ,cute lodges and a hillock behind.We ended that day with that sweet note .

By the Ganges 4

2008-11-23T07:20:00.001-08:00

Continued from "By the Ganges ,Haridwar/Rishikesh"

Morning was all ours after a hearty breakfast in Ganga azure, Big Ben Haridwar. As we have had some time, I told to drive till Sati Kunj. The Chandi devi, Mansa Devi and the rope way followed with buying prasads/ flowers for the deities prayers and having food here and there like chana Masala, typical of Haridwar and fruits and gulping dowmn cold drinks to quench the thrist with all the excitement. Rope-way was good. It was the cheapest among all places in India as was seen written in one of the boards. After completing our works (we have not forgotten our official tasks ) ,we sincerely felt truly blessed when we have the previlege and visited Rishikesh, the Triveni,Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula even though it was dark to understand anything( as it was late at night).The breezy weather was so good and so, chill out.

Unknowingly and surprisingly lucky, I happened to visit all the 'Panch Tirth' (Five Pilgrimages)in Hindu traditions within Haridwar, which were Gangadwara (Har-ki-pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilwa Teerth (Mansa Devi) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi. I Love visiting the Sati kunj, everytime I visited Haridwar, Rishikesh. Even the Daksh Mahadev temple was worth visiting.

By the Ganges 5

2008-11-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

Continued from "By the Ganges, Haridwar/ Rishikesh "

Third day was a new day, as we geared to head back to Delhi, after a meaningful, soul stirring visit to the Ganges banks for a holy dip.

People were bathing in the early twilight. It was considered and believed a dip in the Ganges cleansed the humanly bodies from worldly sins. When I told this to my Mexican fren, she dipped her head in the water. Ultimately, it was NIRVANA time for all of us as we three all have a hearty laugh. It was quite funny and at the same time so sweet.

The cute part of the whole trip was she was visiting the interiors of Daksh Mahadev Temple for a prayer the first day we visited the place,remembering she kept on telling me she hardly visited churches (We were thrilled.)and She bought Bhajan songs for her Mexican friends back home in Mexico was quite amusing and sweet gesture too.

The trip was good for all of us with some shopping, picking stuffs just as souvenir.

On our way back,we have a look at the Patanjali, Ramdev Centre and the sugarcane field where we got some sugarcane and Jaggery (Gur)just for the fun sake.

The workers were asking us to click the live making of Jaggery and they have a dekko(look) of it too in the Digicam.

We did that to our and their heart's content,Willingness.

Haridwar was simply a Gateway to God:tranquil and majestic.

The Tiger Trail

2007-12-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

It was in Ranthambore National Park that I saw a Tiger for the first time in the wild. Many held their veiws and said I was indeed lucky to see the Tiger. I have seen Tigers many times before, White Tigers and many other Tigers,all in the zoos. I saw the White Tiger for the first time at Vand Vihar in Bhopal, M.P.Its been so many years by now. Ranthambore National Park is abundant with wild life. We started our trail early in the morning to get the 100% Gaurantee of meeting the Tiger. When, I saw it face to face, it was very majestic. Really, reminds me of the poem "Tiger" by William Blake (Tiger Tiger. burning bright,In the forests of the night;What immortal hand or eye. Could frame thy fearful symmetry?.It was a long trail about an hour or two going from one place to another trying to trace its path. There were so many water holes where they frequently visit. The Tiger was not afraid or wary of the human crowd. It stare at us and made its way towards the hills upwards. Apart from Tigers, Rathambore abounds with Wildlife like Nilgai, Chinkara, Snakes, crocodiles, many monkeys. We halted for sometime during the trail as we happen to see some pugmarks. It turned out to be that of a Bear after much speculations. Everyplace was full of animals,the forests being decidous, nothing could do much to mar the view of the Wildlife. The Drive was both rough and tough, as it has rained some days back. So, the topography of the forests was fresh. There's a Fortress inside the park and many lakes where there were so many marsh crocodiles. We stopped at Jogi Mahal which also served as the Resting place after a hard day tracking the Tiger. Padam Lake also is full of Crocodlies and Peafowls can be seen everywhere near the famous ancient Banyan tree near Jogi Mahal. Indeed, it was good to make a trip to Ranthambore and it was worth it.

The International Polar Year Celebration.(March 2007-March 2009)

2007-12-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

The International Polar Year focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic putting the importance of polar regions and its influence on our day to day lives.

The polar regions face significant challenges caused by social and environmental changes as direct impact of human activities. It is essential to assimilate the scientific finding & reduce anthropogenic pressures, create awareness on receding ice and impacts on people & culture.

WWF-India and National Council for Antarctica and Ocean Research (NCAOR) Goa celebrated it. A number of guest lectures and student’s activities were organised across the country round the year to generate awareness and stimulate a sense of urgency, discovery and our role to reduce the impacts of climate change and save the poles.
An exhibition of the models, posters, slogans, projects submitted by various schools across the country was displayed in in WWF- Delhi.

Streax..Savvy Cover Girl Contest

2007-12-02T02:04:00.000-08:00

Pictures from the recently held Savvy Cover Girl Contest at the Grand , vasant Kunj ,New Delhi. Miss Sanaya Tuli emerged as The Coveted Winner amongst
much Fanfare and Glamour Packed Contest.

Seashells and products.

2007-12-02T01:53:00.000-08:00

This are some of the stalls which were selling Sea Shell

and its many Products in many different beaches in Goa.

WWF-Worldwide Fund For Nature

2007-12-02T01:44:00.000-08:00

This is the WWF-office(Secretariat), Delhi. I work here. This picture depicts my office with the mosaic picture of the Tiger pasted on the office building, an effort to save the Indian Tiger from extinction.

website:www.wwfindia.org

A Book Release..5thNov.07

2007-12-02T01:19:00.000-08:00

ABook Release : Sustainability Reporting.

The Business Case 2007.

Mr . Arun Shourie , M.P Rajya Sabha was the Chief Guest at the Function.

Held at 5thNov.2007. I attended it at Mantosh Sondhi Centre, CII Central Office , Lodi Road, New Delhi .

Dona Poula Beach

2007-11-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

Goa, the name itself is very much synonymous with Beaches.There are so many beaches in Goa. I visited some of them.Just the day after I reached Goa,we headed to Dona Poula from Panjim (Panaji, Taxis/Cabs are easy to get from there and quite reasonable for tourists as well.Before, we head out for the beaches, we got a brief idea of the Panjim market and nearby places as we walk down the nearby places and take some pictures as well. We visited a lifestyle store, check out on places where we can get the very famous Goan Fenni, wines, Cashew etc. Dona Poula is the first beach we visited after we reached Goa, as it was nearby about 7 Km from Panjim. Dona Poula is distinctive by itself as it is not only the meeting point of two famous rivers of Goa in Arabian Sea but it had its mystical significance with the story and myths of Dona Poula where the place has been named so. The beach is famous as shooting locales for many Films (Ek duje keliye was picturised over here)and for its mysterious past. The story of Dona Poula attracts many tourists here with its romantic mysticism as it is believed that the spirit of Dona Paula de Menzes, daughter of a viceroy (in colonial India) haunts the beach It is said that she threw herself off the cliff when she was refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias. Locals say that she is sometimes seen emerging from the waves on a moon lit night. One can as well try out many of the watersports such as diving, skiing, surfing, sailing, etc here at the Dona Paula beach.Floating, light swimming and sun bathing on the shores are also done by some people. We tried biking the water scooters. It was fun and everyone has a ball of a time doing that. Many small shacks , restuarants, small shops were there which sold shells, colourful dresses, hats (which was good). Of all, the sweet corns (Typical of Maharashtra) and Indian snacks and savouries (Bhel puri, Gol kapas)were total and full Thumbs Up.We have to break our promise of not eating as we did a heavy lunch. We were reminding,as where will we get such a right time to catch up eating all these stuffs, better to eat typical of the place was all we do. We ended up eating everything from cakes, wafers, Murukus, sweets and what not. Tea rounds were so good at that time just observing the scenic beauty from atop. By the time , one of our friend joined us,it was almost like the sun was about to set. So, sharing with her again a cup of tea,my cousin and I did the rounds of watching the people fishing there as they catch many small fishes while my sister was having a good time with the friend who has just arrived. Crabs can also be seen. No doubt, Dona Poula is a popular tourists spot with all the cool breeze, palm trees and everything that can enthrall any romantic and adventurous person.

My Holidays in Goa (September 2007)

2007-11-26T03:53:00.000-08:00

My Goa trip was not an awaited holiday. But it was made so suddenly and Goa was the destined place for sure. It was perfectly the right time and so research began about the places ,which will be worth visiting and seeing. Most significantly of all, the cuisines- pure and typical Goan was not to be miss out. So, was raving up and seeing forward to the trip. It was only 4hrs, or so by Go air and well halted for an hour at Mumbai where many people joined us for their home town, or a visit to the Sand and Sun Paradise. We were too happy. It was like when the plane starts moving towards Goa,leaving the Mumbai shores as can be seen from the plane's window, it began in itself with the Goan journey-jovial and full of Cheers.It was a land for everyone. So, When the plane hit Dambolim Airport, my younger sister sitting just next to me has already started describing about how splendid and beautiful Goa is and keep telling me to have a Bird's eye view and love it. She has been to Goa before. For me it was my maiden visit. Ultimately, and obviously loving all of the journey. I can see whole of waters everywhere and greenery. It reminded me of my native place, Manipur as it is full of greenery. It was a very pleasant sight. The airport was not a big one in Goa with loads of Taxis to hire. On our way to our Residency, we listened to Radio Mirchi. Marathi and Konkani were used, learned a word or two from the Programmes going on.It was Aamchi Mumbai Style but very different from the Dilliwallas. Goans smile a lot from the heart. We also did exactly that. My sister, a freind and I were all endorsed in the journey which passes through coconut lined roads, beautiful Architectural designed houses, churches, rivers and soaking in the warm sun and the cool waters of the Arabian Sea. Our lovely journey of fun has already started and proud to say we, all ladies made it to Goa Trip. But we were also awaiting for the arrival of a cousin from Pune. She arrived a day later and thus began our sojourn and Adventure.

EARTH on CANVAS.

2007-11-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

It was wildlife week. (1st-7th Oct),On the occasion, WWF came together with many programmes which were so many and exciting. Art Exhibition was one of them
So, it was art with a cause, named Earth on canvas(Art Campaigns for conservation). It features the Environmental perceptions of 84 artists. (30th Sept.2007- 7th Oct.2007). It was Contemporary art– India and WWF,India‘s joint venture to spread the message of Conservation. Displayed at WWF India- Secretariat, New Delhi and Inaugurated by Smt Gursharan Kaur,wife of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh. The exhibition showcases an interpretation of life on our planet and environmental concerns facing contemporary civilization, using art as a medium though creations both visual and physical, the artists’ creativity manifests some of the concerns of our present day Lives, provoking and inspiring enough to conserve the World.

A quiz programme in Delhi Zoo, on wildlife Week (1st - 7th Oct , 2007)

2007-10-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

It was World Wildlife Week from 1st October to 7th October. So many Students from 20 Schools (2 from each School) very enthusiastically reached the Delhi Zoo (The Delhi Zoological Park). School children were quite excited about the Programme as it's part of School life to win some prizes on such occasions. Everyone wants and so much desire that.Getting something of a Prize or being the Winner was like 'A manna from Heaven'. The Children were accompanied by their respective Teachers who later were gifted some small token of love as gifts from WWF,Delhi. It was organised by TRAFFIC, Education Division (WWF) and Delhi Zoo. The venue was so cool and very green and Pleasant. Amidst all that, I could see some Tiny Tots from nearby Creche enjoying in the battery run Vehicles with their caretakers and Teachers. It must be their very early encounter, of the tiny beautiful faces, touring the insides of Delhi Zoo. It was all smiles. It was such a sweet and lovely sight. But, I was engaged with my work in the Quiz Programme.I can only gaze them back with a smile. It was a few seconds of unasked joy, momentary yet simple. Spring Dales, Daula Kuan(Delhi) emerged the Winners with a tough Competition from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vasant Vihar(Delhi). It ended hopefully, being everyone the Winner because everyone present there was aware of the importance of the Animals and Wildlife. Can we ask for more?

A Love Story of Two elephants .

2007-08-31T03:50:00.000-07:00

I Know Elephants are one of the most Lovely, Loving creatures on Earth. Working, reading on Animals, I very honestly and can proudly confessed that I love animals like never before. Life without them must have been unimaginable. I was in awe of the Elephants that they can talk in their ultrasonic sounds. It is not possible for humans to hear all this. They have a Matriarchal Society where a mother Elephant leads and they have feelings as much as Humans for they mourn when they lost their loved ones and even a Programme on Animal shows Elephants coming all together at one of the burial site of their fellow Elephant. It's so sweet and surprising. ( these information I got from my Dad as he once saw a programme on Elephant). Very amazing and astounding is they exactly came at the exact site exactly one year after the dead burial as if to show love, remembrance and concerns as we humans do. And some days back, I was quite excited, baffled, bemused as well as I read in the 'Times of India' that "Two Elephants eloped". It makes for an interesting read to all. The male Elephant was two years younger, a wild Elephant and the female Elephant a circus trained or, so urban bred, to be precise. The circus elephant was supposed to perform along with her 3 other companions. But, the show got cancelled and in the lull one of the eloped companion 's best pal, her companion was so sad, it grieved and it didn't even touch its food and was seen remorse in her sweet friend's absence. Since, its mating time for Elephants during these period of the year, the two Elephants have found their place- solitary space somewhere near water areas. These incident was reported from West Bengal. The circus Manager said that the Elephant was worth Rs 4 lakhs. For a while the Elephants are in Whirlwind Romance, but for how long will it remain so remains quite unsure, vague and doubthful. But, it was comical, amusing perhaps hysterical and side splitting reading it. It will really be a Mammoth Task separating the Elephants in Love, totally Out of Control.

A word of Thanks

2007-08-31T03:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, When it was just about Tea Time. There was an invite for a high Tea. Everyone hurriedly reached for the Party and was having rounds of coffee, Tea and hot Snacks.It felt good that WWF have solely invited everyone so that the lower employees like the gardeners, security guards, Drivers etc can be shown a heartfelt Thanksgiving which they truly deserved. These are many people who work most of the times even at odd hours and it was good to learn that their work didn't remain unpraised and unnoticed. Indeed, It was a very cheerful and jovial moment for everyone .

The Silken Threads . The Bond of Love and Protection . - Rakhi / Rakshabandhan .

2007-08-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

A celebration of Brother - Sister Love . That's Rakhi for all . Its an everlasting promise that of a brother to a sister for the loving sister's protected life . Whenever the hindi song crooned , like "Bhaiyya mere, raakhi ke bandhan ko nibhana..bhaiyya mere, choti behan ko na bhulana..dekho ye nata nibhana, nibhana bhaiyaa mere... " . No one can remain oblivious but ponder and become sentimental .It often happened to be Rakhi when these songs were heard from Radio and FM's channels in far away places in North India . Many times , it turned out to be Rakhi , even if remained unaware of the festival.Its a festival celebrated globally .Even though , I came across in life about friends who remain a bit pensive as they don't have real brothers . They thought if they had real brothers they would get all the love and gifts as all the real sisters got . Even if a stranger boy is tied a Rakhi by a girl , both of them consider each other as brother and sister ,remained closer as pure relationship than other blood relations.Even though the love bonding and significance between brother sister has been the same . Something has changed drastically over the years . That's to do with exciting expensive gifts galore comprising from e-gadgets ,mobile handsets , laptops , ipods , Jewellery , Spa treatments , holiday packages , makeover packages ,Kitchen sets , Microwaves , movie tickets .. U name it and its there as one of the Rakhi gifts . The silk thread (Resham Dagha) has been renovated time and again.Now , Rakhi bands like Gizmo Rakhis ( displayed tricks) , cartoons Designs , Harry Potter , Spiderman , Hanuman , Power Ranger , Mr Bean , Jadu (of Koyi mil Gaya Fame), Krish , Plastic Cell phone rakhi , Feng shui fills the markets stores . So , sisters are also not lagging behind , trying out with every innovative ideas to impress and please their beloved brothers , or exclusively to have an edge of the love they cater for their brothers . So , putting together ideas or using lucky bands , based on Feng shui with return gifts comes naturally to sisters in this happy auspicious occassion.There are also sisters who don't care about gifts and prayed for the Brothers happiness and well being or just want to have her brother at the beck and call on the day of Rakhi , if not possible the whole year . That , I feel is the essence and beauty of Raksha Bandhan . Being there, whenever a sister needs a brother , as love pervades all , I called that Rakhi - The thread of Love and Protection . So , Rakhi brings to everyone joy , its a joy of celebration which has its significance from vedic times . Its consumer seller 's satisfaction , consumer with the Goodies , booty and retailer , the prized money they make . For business is really good during Raksha Bandhan .Makeshift shops also mushrooms up for Rakhi . Eventually , Rakhi comes everyyear with a whole package of love entertwined with gifts , sweets and a new renewed doubled up Love/ bonding of every Brotherly - sisterly affection . Its Win - Win situation for all . The Cadbury's Chocolate ad depicts Rakhi in a very meticulous loving way/ style - The little sister tying the knots carelessly and putting the tikka and sitting with a long face . And her face lits up with a smile and hugs him when she saw the specially designed and packed chocolate giftpack in his hands .

Rakhi this year falls on 28th August (2007)

Can Children make a difference in the field of Environment ?

2007-08-24T03:56:00.000-07:00

Some students from Delhi assembled in WWF , India for the 'All India Launch of Educational workshops on climate change "- Young Climate savers .It was good that it was a joint venture of WWF, India and Tetra Pak . Rounds of introductions and presentations followed by the Distinquished Guests as well as by Directors and CEO. But as the programme was wholly meant for the Young School Goers and how they should be made aware of the Drastic Climate change and Global Warming . Many kids from Sanskriti, Vasant Valley and other Schools in Delhi turned up for the occassion . Enthusiastic kids gave their view points and question sessions followed and continued for quite a long time . The children got their gifts for showing interest, asking questions ,Presentations and their talks . These were one of the many endevours to encourage the School Students who are the future citizens to help bring about a change and make a difference to People's life in the field of Environment and Climate change as well as Wildlife . I think the Programme was a grand Sucess observing , noticing the Children's curiosity and rapt attention . It can just prove to be a very holistic aproach towards a Better Environment and a Living Planet .

Funny Mistakes

2007-08-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

Funny things do happen to me sometimes . It so happen today , one of my Orkut frens sent me an invite for the Shelfari - for the book lovers . As I was busily working and simultaneously wanted to check out on what d guy had sent me . I just in the process invited everyone including my two Bosses . I just could n't find my fren online n I was asking everyone possible ,How to do it undone ?That's was impossible . The Dictum of Napolean , "Nothing is impossible " comes to of little use . I came to know about that when I checked my Yahoomail .Finally , When I was in a one to one meeting , I ask one of my Bosses (Junior one ) if by mistake he got a mail from me . He can't help laughing . I told him its ok with U . Problem is I 've sent it to D Senior Boss also . So , When D Senior Boss called to discuss something on my work . I just put it through and shoot , Sir , Did U get a mail from me by error . Please delete it and Smile . He told me ok . And I was free of that struggle to remove , thrash my account . I came back home laughing and having a Good time .

A Recent Cinematic Experience

2007-08-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

The most recent movie I saw was Chakde !India . Actually I was suppose to see the movie just a day after it was released but ended up seeing it a day later . As I was late and my ticket happened to be a complimentary one ( supposed to reach atleast half an hour before ). So , I was left high and dry with the tickets in my hands . My younger sister and I 'm so positive about life . We finally concluded , we should n't feel sorry ( she was blaming me ..m so used to IST!I can't help .)So , the new Satyam , I bet it has the best cinematic experience . Nowadays , I 've stop watching movies in other Multiplexes .. at Saket and Priya (Sorry PVR Groups , Ur Loss).Luckily , I have seen and read in Hindu Newspaper about people thronging in Oh !Calcutta so many times .Those people happen to be no doubts Bengalis like Riya Sen , Palash Sen and all . We ended up having whole loads of Good food there and we forgot that we already miss out a movie which was very preplanned . So , My sister can't help about Oh !Calcutta . I was a bit astonished as it came from someone who doesn't even praise 5 star hotels around Delhi . I was pleased . After all it was my idea of having the weekend Dinner at that particular place . No Pun intended ! she can't help raving about all those handsome guys in Oh !Calcutta (I have to put an end to that by expressing the Manager at the Restuarant wasn't bad either , he was Handsome ). Enough of girlish talks .Lets come to the movie part .Ya , It was Chakde !India . It left me spellbound from the start to the end . As I stated , I was late the other day . We were well before time munching Popcorns and waiting eagerly when it will start and when we can have the fun on the D-day . Honestly , I don't like Shahrukh's movies . Only movie I like among his movies is DDLJ. I saw that when I was still in School . My friends and we went and we were quite excited and I was all the very more excited as I didn't take permission from my parents .Forbidden fruit is always Sweet .(I saw it without telling my parents , but on the way My younger sister noticed me from her friend's house and she spilt the beans before I reached home .That was about it . ) Chakde !India was the 2nd Film I like from King khan's Films . The theatre was jammed -packed and with the happening crowd , laughing, crying and having all that a good movie provides .It depicts Patriotism and Sportsmen spirit vividly . It entertained us and I like ShahRukh's acting for the first time . He did justice in his part of a Hockey Coach . Sportmen spirit shown did justice as I happened to see at my hometown about an all Ladies Hockey final with my Younger Brother,Dad and his friends .I was in School then . So , the weekend I spend was a truly satisfying one , a pick of one of my best Weekends so far .

Freedom and Independent India in 2007

2007-08-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

Its been 60 years now since our Independence .Its very much a boon to be borned in a Free India, where we can say very easily," Mera Bharat Mahan ".But,Can we forget all those sacrifices made by our Freedom fighters as well as by the masses?The Bloodsheds,the chaos of a divided India-"Azad Bharat"into Pakistan and India.The pains of Separation,the Destruction,the Hindu Muslim riots,enmity,uncertainties of those Days .The thoughts that run on the minds of the Hindus who shifted to India-Will we ever see our India ? And where People are free from the shackles and Shadows of the dominating Britishers looms large.But then,People travelled all the way to a free India with pining Hopes.Material Goods,they left behind and in the new hope of the Better Prosperous India,they clutches,only holds tightly to their few bare necessities and belongings and for their Dear life.It was a Mass sorrow, Struggle and Problem.Problems that were of the Country and that gave those People the much needed courage and overcome all the perils and dangers .I think in Today's India, 60 years later we are fulfilling those dreams,the dreams our Great leaders and our many unnamed fighters and masses once dreamt,without which it was a very unattainable, impossible fight and without a solution , an answer.Indeed ,we've somewhat fulfilled some of their dreams of a shining India,Prosperous and ever Dynamic,where there are no vagueness and insecurities,where the refugees shifted from Pakistan to Delhi and elsewhere can remember with a pride that they have come a long way and they have made ,An India-A Dream come true.But I can never deny their tears whenever they enlightened me of those stories of partitions,their escape in the midst of mass killings with hurried desire and longings to reach India,losings many People's life,staying hungry, awake waiting for the much awaited dawn of security.The time has really come now with the 60 yrs of Freedom and Independent India.None of their sacrifices,valour,matrydom had gone waste.Because we,the Present youth and the whole of India believe in the Best of India and it will be a fulfilled Dream for all .. Vande Mataram .. Jai Hind.