A ride to the city of joy...

I know of a boy who used to be very shy, reticent and ignorant. Ignorant of modern lifestyle, ignorant of variety in life and probably ignorant of how beautiful life is or rather could be. With all his little knowledge, the boy paid a short visit to the city of joy in the setting winters of 1999. He met several people in five days time. Although, this was supposed to be just another family function, the charm and joy of this very city stuck to him beyond his own imagination. His ignorance encountered an intangible spark which reignited his dreams and propelled volumes of fuel in his sinking plane. Upon return, he begged one last chance from his loved ones to migrate to the city of joy to pursue his career interest. As destiny would have it, the boy boarded a train to Howrah (Gateway to Calcutta) with heaviest of the hearts as soon as within sixty days of the aforesaid trip.

A different journey had begun; a bird had flown away from its nest and a test of grit had commenced for survival. The city of joy had turned the city of battlefield for this lad. Slowly he started going out, meeting more and more people that helped him sustain nostalgic moments of his serene hometown and a loving family. The clock seemed to tick a little faster every passing month and the place seemed to become friendlier every passing year.

Ten years on, having visited almost a dozen countries and more than 50 cities as this very boy (no longer a boy, I guess) sits back to reminiscence the vivid glimpses of this ride, the charm of the city of joy still flashes across his eyelids somehow. There is something over there in the “Mini London” that has created a magical bond in the bottom of his heart which gets stronger and incredible with every sojourn to the city. To be continued...

P.S. At this juncture, the boy takes a pause, salutes all his friends and wishes everyone a very happy friendship day. You all are too special!

“Jugaad” – Is it really worth it?

Well, Jugaad is a word very common in northern part of India. There might be regional synonyms for this in southern part of India also, though I have not heard of any. In some parts of eastern India, this is called “setting” too. If you are working in Government set-up, it is more likely that you will hear this more often. If you are working in a private set-up, you would still hear this word. Let me explain what this really means.

It is basically a shortened way of getting something done by deviating (read violating) from normal course of well documented procedures. Using this particular technique, the doer of the job supposedly achieves higher efficiency in the process and thwarts any significant loss to the parties involved. It may also be described as the process of utilizing one’s close relationships with others to build yet few more relationships and thus the process goes on and the web spreads on. The process of Jugaad is best suited in situations when there is no documented process and there is no one to assume the onus of performing any task.

I often hear people saying “main apne jugaad lagaata hu (Let me use my Jugaad)”. I do agree that this technique offers higher efficiency but then there is a huge cost associated with this process. Perhaps, sometimes one violates policies, rules, procedures or even law in this process. The end user does get the benefit out of this Jugaad but the conscience of Jugaadofier (the one who offers his help by applying Jugaad) would definitely know the quantum of risk assumed and the cost of this risk.

Coming back to reality, I often wonder did I really need a Jugaad to get something done which was a matter of significance (may be urgent or important or both) to me. I have seen people using Jugaad technique even in the matters which are unconditional rights of the end user. Why would a person really need to flatter a few babus, chamchas or secys when he/ she is rightfully eligible for a particular act? It is indeed a sad story for a spectator like me. I do understand that one needs enough social networking to solve day to day problems. I do understand that sometimes there are gaps in the current process and it can be interpreted in more than one way.

But does this really give someone a chance to follow a path thereby endangering all the concerned parties? Does this really drive the efficiency in this process? Does this really make oneself at ease with his/ her own self? The next time we know someone using Jugaad, we really need to question – is it really worth it? Are we doing enough to disallow a parasite to implant its roots in a society desirous of surging ahead with unparallel levels of integrity?

ख़ामोशी ज़ज्बातो की...

मेरी तन्हाईयों में तेरी यादों का पेहरा है,
जिसने नींद उड़ाई वो मासूम सा एक चेहरा है,
जाने क्यों पल पल परछाईँयों में देखता हूँ मैं,
क्या यही प्यार है जो सागर से गहरा है,

वक़्त इन वादियों में आके इस कदर ठहरा है,
मानो बर्फीली चादर के बीच कही हमारा डेरा है,
तुम्हारी एक मुस्कान से पिघल क्यों जाता हूँ मैं,
क्या यही प्यार है जो सोने से सुनहरा है,

दूर होके भी रहते तुम हरदम दिल के पास पास,
खफा सी फिजा को भी रोशन करते तुम्हारे एहसास,
सोचा कभी खुदा से ज़ाहिर करू अपनी नाराजगी,
शायद हां शायद यही प्यार है जो धनक से रुपहला है!

Untagged from football ... just to get tagged to chauvinism!

Last Sunday, one month of entertainment came to an end with Spain emerging as World Champion for the first time and rightly so. It was not so because they played like champions throughout these 31 days. It was more so because no other team was able to give them a run for their money. In a nutshell, this was a world cup of limited individual brilliance and intermittent collective performances. For me, Diego Forlan, Iker Casillas and of course before I forget - “The Gorgeous Shakira” were stand-out performers. They really offered plenty of catchy moments for avid football fans including me.

As the biggest FIFA event starts its journey to the greatest football country – Brazil, it is time for me to take a step back and thank a wonderful person who has been like a guiding star throughout these 50 days and inspired me to write as many as eight posts on this carnival. His support and passion kept me going and I never felt out of energy. Thank You TKT! :-) Recently, this very person was tagged by few “begums” and one of his own style – “Gils” to write about at least 10 Sins against Gender-Stereotypes. And boy, he ducked so beautifully and thwarted the tag requirements so intelligently.

When I visited the blog of the very unique Gils, I thought he has tagged all the readers of his blog very smartly (though I could not understand Tamil properly, but I could make out). Hence, I decided not to let this opportunity go and write a few things which may quite naturally qualify as a sin for my gender. So here it goes:

---- Home alone – Oh yeah, striking similarity to one of Gils’ attributes. One could just give me a grand collection of melodious and inspiring songs and I could spend hours within those walls. A phone will add flavors to my idea of passing time so lazily.

---- Rare in late night parties – If I take out few of those late night parties during my stay at Kolkata, I am not really a party animal which is so unlike a typical Delhiite. Tempted by friends many a times and gave in a few times. But that is it, I guess.

---- To add on to those late night parties, boozing is not my cup of tea – Started drinking quite late as against many of my contemporaries… but could never go beyond one or two. Really, this so called manly stuff is not my cup of tea. Just enough to accompany in a party or group.

---- Fond of riding bicycle meant for girls – Well, this one is from my school time. There used to be different kind of bicycles for girls and we had one at home. I remember fighting with my cousins for a ride to school.

---- Fear of Lizards falling down while sleeping – I think that this is more common with girls. With due respect to girls, I am really one of those who still do not like lizards crawling around in near vicinity.

Having said something on the gender specific items, it is time to turn to some chauvinist sins in a corporate environment irrespective of genders:

---- First and foremost has to be FB-ing and Orkutting incessantly during working hours. This one really leaves me open mouthed. How could one do so especially when one is a part of vision/ promises that the leaders see/ make inside those large glass halls/ rooms. Networking is good and fair but not at the cost of your duties, please!

---- The Attire – Well, it really turns off when one kind of comes to office with any “chalta hai type attire". In a profession world, you need to dress smartly and neatly. Sometimes, it is so uneasy to talk to people who are not so tidy and carry bad smell. Bad smell yucks. :(

---- Cribbing about that canteen food – Yes, there are people who will just crib about any type of food that has been arranged – sometime special depending on the occasion. Just spare a moment for administrators – how could they satisfy taste of few hundred associates.

---- The last one could be altercations on matters of trivial importance over the emails – Well, I have personally learned from my experience that this brings no good to anyone involved. The subordinates, the colleagues and the managers. The only fair way to deal under such situation is to pick up the phone and do what is needed to resolve the matter.

Well, since there are not many bloggers that I am aware of who write frequently, I tag a few people who could share their experience – Kapil, Manu and Sean. :-)

Time to embrace a new champion

A wait of less than 26 hours from now separates one of the two most valiant, consistent and talented teams from scripting a glorious history. Indeed, a history is what beckons to be made tomorrow at Johannesburg. A journey which started at the same stadium some 30 days ago will reach its climax when the Dutch and Spanish Armada battle it out to claim the most prestigious trophy for the first time.

These 30 days of absorbing football have witnessed 62 matches being played and 30 teams being eliminated from the race of the championship. European Teams have one again demonstrated their dominance in world football after a poor show in league stage, although the teams leading from the front are not the ones who have always done well at the event. Spain has done wonderfully for past 2-3 years and they deserved to be in the final match. I thought they were the underdogs as one expects big teams to put a good show. But I was proved wrong partly due to dismal performances by Brazil, Argentina, England and Italy. Germany also could not produce the great skills in the semifinals against Spain and surrendered meekly in front of Villa & company. Spain’s strength is perhaps their capability to produce a goal from anywhere and impeccable ball passing game. They also have a very good goalkeeper in the form of Casillas who saved for them quite a few goals at critical stages. Should everything go well for them, all Spanish fans and countrymen are likely to savour an unprecedented celebration which will go on for days to come.

Netherlands on the other hand has silently made their way through to the finals. There has not been much hype around their players and their game but they are the only team (obviously with exception of Kiwis who bowed out with three draws in the first round) in this tournament who are yet to be beaten. Though they did not face many challenges except the game against Brazil, they have remained consistent and dexterous throughout. Their semifinal match against the depleted Uruguay turned hugely in their favor with two back to back goals in the second half. Dutch strength lies in individual brilliance of Kuyt, Sneijder and Robben. They complement each other very well and are capable of hurling severe threats to the opposition one after another. If their defense could contain Spanish midfielders for a while, there is every possibility that the trio could chip in with that golden goal. After all, they would not like to squander the opportunity (at any cost) which has come to them after 32 years.

Amidst all this, spare a moment for a lone warrior – Diego Forlan. A great leader, fast mover and immaculate shooter who almost did it for Uruguay in the semis. Having said that, their fate was almost sealed with that “golden red card” which ruled Saurez out of the semifinal match. With no one to rally around him, it was too much to ask from Forlan. Thanks to his excellence that Uruguay made it to top four! Simply outstanding! Take a bow!

किस्से अरमानो के...

रास्ते नहीं थे आसान पर, असर के दायरे थे बेहद खूबसुरत,
कश म कश भरे हालातो में भी, छोड़ जाते हलकी मुस्कुराहट,
गिरता संभलता उठ पड़ता, राही सुन कर मंजिल की आहट,
खड़ी उस मोड़ पे सुहानी ज़िन्दगी, रुबरू करती ख़ुदा की रहमत,

रहमत की भीनी भीनी महक से, जगमगाता हर पल ये शामियाना,
सैकड़ो हमसफ़र की नेक दुआओं से, टिमटिमाता कशिश में आईना,
कैसे शुक्रिया अदा करे ए ख़ुदा, तेरी खुदाई का तेरे अंजुमन का,
चलती जाती बेनज़ीर सी ज़िन्दगी, गुलज़ार करती रंगों से आशियाना!!!

दास्तान ख्वाबो की...

कुछ ख्वाब सहमे सिमटे थे, मदरसे की चार दीवारों में,
हज़ारों हसरते जमी हुई थी, हर एक ऊँचे मीनारों में,
शुकून का एहसास सा था, मुकम्मल सपनो के नजारों में,
खड़ी उस मोड़ पे मतवाली जिंदगी, नए सफ़र के नए किनारों में,

तूफ़ान था दिल में उमंगो का, बेकरार थी साँसे नए सफ़र को,
तैयार होके निकल पड़ा था, राही गले लगाने इस भंवर को,
परवाह नहीं थी तकलीफों की, चीरते जाना था गहरे समंदर को,
खड़ी उस मोड़ पे निराली जिंदगी, इंतज़ार में फिर एक नए असर को!

Fever almost gone – Thanks to European Antibiotic!

No team is a definitive favourite! Most consistent and outrageous show can only guarantee a step closer to the beautiful trophy. Indeed, that is what I thought. But, never did I think that most consistent and outrageous would come from teams that were not the hot favourites.

As expected four South American teams battled it out with one African and three European teams in the quarter finals. First of these four matches was tipped as a cakewalk for the giant Brazilians. I had the opportunity to witness this match on bigger screen – thanks to my employer. By half time, we all were gung-ho about what was in the offing. Least did we know that a storm called Wesley Sneijder had other plans for the night. He contributed to both the goals that kept them separated from Brazil till the end. They really played outrageous and aggressive football and ripped apart Brazil’s defence. What could one say about Brazil? They were the better team on the day and before too. But, that is life. Sometimes, outcomes are not so pleasing. Brazil’s defeat definitely let me down and my fever was more dependent on the next day’s clash between two giants again, as I wanted to suffer from this fever till 11th July.

But, then it was not meant to be again. This time around, Argentina definitely were not better than Germany. I had the feeling that Germany was indeed capable of doing this. The way they thrashed England was enough of a dosage to send my fever in disarray. I was hoping Argentina would further inject few exciting viruses to prolong my illness. But a dismal performance from one of the most consistent and powerful teams meant I should better give up the fever. Worst of the performance if I could say. Buoyed by the youth’s exuberance, Germany played it flawlessly. Friedrich, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Klose, Mueller and Lahm – they are playing outstanding as a team with Schweinsteiger as backbone of their attack. I put my money on them for the title now.

But spare a moment or two for Ghana and Paraguay. While Ghana was denied a certain victory by Suarez, Paraguay found a special Spanish at the nets – Casillas. Villa did the rest for Spain as usual. Uruguay on the other hand ensured a semis berth on a penalty shoot out. Though there are many stories being made out of “God of Hand” of Saurez, I thought they played well enough to be at the position where they are.

All in all, the great entertainment and excitement still continue. Heartening to see that Germany, Spain and Netherlands are keeping European flags high at South Africa. It seems like Germany is almost ready to clinch their fourth title. Let us keep our fingers crossed!

PS – Fever also suffered a major setback when Fedex bowed out of Wimbledon paving way for Berdych’s first major finals.

Greatness Lies in YOU

It has been more than ten years since I left my sweet home (of course the home where I spent all my childhood) and joined thousands of those teenagers who leave the comfort zone in pursuit of a career in professional education. Initially, it seemed like a very cool experience – yes, there was this so called independence to lead you daily life and there was no one to instruct you as to how to go about a particular work. But sooner or later, I had to realize the purpose of leading such a life and the silent commitment that I owed to my father.

Believe me, this was the time that had all the charm in it – good or bad, beautiful or painful, perseverance or pastime. It was like choosing your way amongst several paths that were on offer. Every young lad was so different from each other and their objectives altogether different. Some were just hanging in there for sake of it while some were trying so hard only to know that destiny is not what they can control. There were some also who had uncanny knack of dating with one girl after another. Yes, make-ups and break-ups did become a part of college-goers’ day to day life as early as those days.

Coming from a very conservative social background and the type of person I made, I had little knowledge of all these things. Somehow, I kept focusing on my commitment of extracting the best from the opportunities available and waited patiently for my dream to come true. Though, little knowledge I had of what a dream is and where the contentment is. I would be greatly satisfied if I could explain their meaning even now also. But then one could call these a teen’s way of looking at things. Gradually, my focus started paying off and I was on course to complete the education successfully which seemed more like a destiny for me since day one. While it was so easy to distract yourself from the worldly matters to create a magical bond with those books, it was equally challenging to balance oneself on the spiritual, physical and emotional quotients.

There was a point in time when I used to sit back and think that does the aspiration needs such high degree of struggle. In other words, it seemed as if I have been bestowed with all possible sets of variables which would possibly take me towards the function of my dreams. Yes, it was almost impossible to put a formula to my f(x). How naïve I was! Perhaps, a teen’s another way of looking at things.

The story of ten years may go on till the cows come home. But the moot point that I want to make is that every life has been attached to a unique and continuous string which travels on its own path. There are several intersections and many deadly knots on this thread for everyone. Some have more of those deadly knots while some have fewer intersections. It is just the pre-determined permutations and combinations that decide the type of journey one would have to lead. Not that this can be controlled completely but then one could at least control internal characteristics to better understand the uniqueness of his/ her own thread and lead a wonderful life. As said by George Bernard Shaw, “Just do what must be done. This may not be happiness, but it is greatness.”

This post was instigated by one event that happened in 2008 but I came to know about this only yesterday. An inspirational story from very close quarters. She is my classmate’s sister whom I met once or twice in the mid 1990s. May her soul rest in peace!