My Trek with underpreviledged children

It was decided to be involved in the Trek organized by Lt Flt Cdt Parag Chandrakant Limaye Memorial Trust to Shri Neelkantheshwar. This trek was originally to be held in Oct but was postponed due to commonwealth youth games. Finally 13th of December was the agreed date and it was decided to organize this for 55 children class VI of Shri Alegaonkar school khadki.

Late Flt Cdt Parag Chandrakant Limaye Memorial Trust was formed in memory of Lt flt cdt Parag Limaye who laid down his life during his pilot training at Allahabad in 1995. Lt parag was my school mate. A very disciplined person and had an ambition to be a fighter pilot since class VI. He made it to NDA, Allahabad and just days before the graduation laid down his life owing to technical snag in MIG plane. Such is destiny. Thus in his memory trust was formed of which I am a trustee and we do such events once a year in October (his birthday as well as memory day). Principal cause of this trust is to encourage defense entrance along with adventure training and other civic causes. Thus this year we organized one day camp for children of Aleganokar School and its staff. This school has mostly children associated with platforms and slums around khadki.

On a cool and pleasant morning of 13th December, I along with my fellow trustees and daughter assembled at Cipla at 7 Am. The Bus arrived at 7 30 and soon we started the journey. I was in my car with my daughter and fellow trustee. The morning was gorgeous and the snap of khadakwasla dam can say better than my words. The road and lakeside reminded me of those lochs in Scotland. We reached the base at around 9 :30 and by this time sun was out.

I had to drive much ahead on the trek road as I had to reach the car park below. It saved me a 10-15 mins walks thankfully. The kids got down at the base and started walking. When they arrived they were full of energy. We then served them snacks, had prayers and then started the climb. Sun was now out and even in Dec it was warm. The climb though a broad road had a gradient with stairs in between. The teachers of school, who were not used, naturally lagged the main group. The volunteers from Pune Mountaineers naturally led the way and enforced discipline which is very crucial to avoid any mishaps. But these volunteers were experienced and knew the task.

We reached top at around 11:15. Teachers reached by 11:40. Then we assembled the kids below tree. I introduced them to trust, Parag, table, and trekking habits. Kids were then refreshed. On the top, there are many idols depicting various mythological and historical events. Name a god, event, saint of significance, you have the idol. These are beautifully done and neatly placed. They are painted after heavy rains each year, and is a really enjoyable journey. My daughter who is in Ist std, really enjoyed them. So did the kids. Teachers at school explained them all events.
Then we went inside temple of Shri Neelkantheshwar and had 10 mins prayers. It’s a very good temple. After that we assembled for lunch and let kids on their own for 30 mins. They enjoyed.

Then again we assembled them and then Pune Mountaineers people conducted some outdoor games like passing parcel, some recitation etc. some children sang good songs and then we had some prizes as well.

We started back by 2 and came down by 3. Journey down was comfortable but for sun beaming down. Children went inside bus by around 3:30 and reached pune by 4;30. We got a call from their principal about how children enjoyed this being such first experience of their lives and how much they learnt about trek, involved discipline, about defense entrance and so on..

It was really a wonderful experience on a glorious December day. I am sure we must have created at least handful of trekking enthusiast and helped them get new experience amidst all their hardships.

Salute to a hero

Tukaram Ombale: have you heard this name.
He was Asst Sub Inspector at D B Marg Police station who killed one and captured one of the beasts who ran amock at CST,Kama hosp etc.
here is the report
On the night of 26-27 November, Ombale and several other policemen were on alert in the Girgaum Chowpatty area. They had been told that two terrorists were on the run in a Skoda. The twenty policemen out there had a grand total of two self-loading rifles and two bullet-proof vests. The vests were given to the men with the rifles, who were placed at vantage points around metal barricades. The rest of the policemen carried only lathis (batons)); some were plainclothesmen, others in uniform.Those (virtually unarmed) policemen tried to stop the Skoda. The driver fired at them. The police shot back from the pre-determined vantage point and got him. The other man slid out, pretending to surrender, but carrying an AK-47.Ombale rushed to secure him when the terrorist started pumping away with the AK-47. Call it guts or instinct but Tukaram Gopal Ombale refused to let go of his assailant. I am told that something like 30 bullets were recovered from his body.His colleagues took advantage of Ombale's last act as they rushed at the terrorist with their lathis. The plainclothesmen were later identified as a 'mob' in grainy footage shot by someone on a mobile phone!Tukaram Gopal Ombale died for his bravery. Assistant Police Inspector Sanjay Govilkar received bullet injuries. But those ordinary policemen -- some in their forties, laughably ill-equipped -- succeeded in doing what nobody else could, they captured a terrorist on a suicide mission alive. They also recovered artillery dwarfing their modest weapons -- AK-47s, several magazines, 9mm pistols, and grenades.

Hats off: what could have made Sir Tukaram Ombale act like what he did. Attitude towards duty, love for country, hatred towards killers of his collegaues and seniors (assuming he had heard), or just plain uninhibited umbrage you associate towards cops addressing a ordinary criminal (which he must have thought). The last case seems least probable as already terror alert was there. It must be combo of above three. Sometimes ordinary people render extraordinary response in such events. Thats human spirit. Thanks to this human spirits, beasts in the world will never succeed. Normal Human tendency is to live and let live. only beasts can not value others live whatever excuse and propaganda they provide.
People will forget Tukaram Ombale amidst lists of others (whose sacrifice is no lesser). Yuvraj singh gets 6 crores for hitting 6 sixes in an over, bindra gets more for olympic gold, shah rukh, big b get 10 crores per ad, sania get i dont know how much for doing nothing but participating in first round of US open (getting lost.), local corporator gets unofficial bribe amounting to Rs 1 lakh per month from a specific builder for passing plans etc, i dont know how much MPs and MLAs earn, you can extrapolate.
what will Ombale's family got: 20 Lakhs onetime+pension:
is it proportionate? Life is unfair, not to blame film and sportstars, but definitely yes politicians who have empowered beasts to let loose amidst votebank politics, corruption, incapabilty, chaos...
hats off to Sir Tukaram Ombale..

Feeling so special

I am no politician or a renowned filmstar, cricketer whose birthday is remembered by masses, but feeling i have is no less. All those around me made my day special on this saturday 6th. Another day another birthday, if i have to take a cynical view about it. I have not yet achieved anything proportional to the romantic visions i had about my own life maybe when i was in junior college, kgp days. yes its not a total washout as well. there are somethings done which matter. there were missed opportunities, there were failures, unimaginable losses, unexpected gains, fair successes. Lots of positive and negatives in balance sheet till today while reflecting back. But the most positive gain of all is a set of people who made my day on 6th. Phone never stopped ringing right from midnight: friends at table, friends at solaris, old school friends, old wingmates in KGP calling from US, my staff at office, my relatives in Pune,mumbai, delhi amazing.. hardly i was away from phone for mins. It feels so special that people take pains to remember and call. I am sure all of you have same feelings on your b'day as well.
Moreover i made a double take by hosting a table social with all families of 15 tablers attending. It was great event with last guest leaving by 2 midnight.
I dont want to be self praising or boastful, but i see the collection of relationship that i have maintained with my friends and my own people as my biggest achievement. Throughout i have made a point to build relationships even at my workplace and clients. I also had few past employees/clients/business associates making a point to call. That was biggest achievement that they have valued me as genuine human being over a business man. While noting upon these achievements, I might have failed in building relationship with few people, i might have rubbed few of them wrongly be it ex employees, clients, friends, relatives. I still feel those failures as my greatest failures. I promise to improve so that i wont lose out on any friend ever. But as you know life is not perfect.
Friends and your own people are your biggest strengths and i have flexed my muscles on that strength on 6th. I had a great day starting with a sweet hand made greeting card by Riya (she was as excited as me), she and alpana giving me flower to start my day. After that a long drive at khadakwasla dam followed by a great social and never ending calls/sms/emails.
and a secret to share: could not sleep whole night treasuring those great moments.
You get sentimental looking back at your life on a birthday. But much more to look forward to...
Thanks to almighty (shrisaibaba) for moments like 6th and wish His Blessings on subsequent 6th decembers as well....

Back to bad times, but time to act

Just as things were getting back to normal after series of terrorist acts in sep, they striked and what a strike....
Its unprecidented event and needs an unprecedented reply from all of us . Rather than blaming politicians, its time to act... enough is enough else we will meet the same end as those 200 odd people faced...
City of Mumbai which is second home city to me is bleeding. Such a great city. I have very fond and long lasting memories of Gateway, Taj ( had few events there), Oberoi (Had attended few interviews). City is so special: marine drive, sterling for movies and pubs around, we used to go from vashi to south bombay to celebrate on each friday catching last harbour local back..
in my childhood i used to be awed by skyscrapers while comparing them with old wada locality i used to live in pune. had a dream that if pune can have so many highrises...
The wedding i mentioned to you was affected by events in Mumbai. But life goes on. we tried to refuse to budge and while we were solemn in memory of those lost, we still managed to put a good show at marraige and show that we have resolve.. Just as fun quotient had gone up after a great diwali, australia win, marraige precurses, england ODI victories, we have been hit and hit very badly. But no time to cry, its time to act.
what can be done: these are government action. So as individuals we need to do a petition or signature campaigns enforcing and enabling govt for following basic steps:

• First and formost: Take help from US, UK, EU, Israel, to gather intellignce and destroy the cells within india. For those outside, for now it can wait as it tentamounts to full scale war and needs international support.
• Use the world opinion, to isolate rouge states further and install meaningful governments.
• Enpower security forces and centralization of units with single titular leadership.

In absence of any concrete visible govt intent to act, a no tax payment or a constitutional channels need to be used for putting vigilant citizen action. Lets resolve to participate in vigilant citizenship and devote some time to social cause: a meeting in locality for 15 mins a day. Its time for each of us to shred apathy and lethargy else we are doomed.

Great Fat Indian Weddings

Last week I experienced first hand, one of the six ceremonies of my cousins wedding in Mumbai.
The ceremony is spread over six events over next 7 days culminating in marraige coming saturday. Had a gala time. My cousin is a sweet kid and so is her hubby. It was fun time all round. and major celebrations are still 2-3 days away... can't wait....
In India, our lives revolve around marraige ceremonies. Its a statement of life for bride's father/and in todays liberated ages of the bride and her groom. In the case of arranged marraiges, Confluence of two lives is like gamble. If it works its great, if it doesnt indian culture doesnt allow trial and error. (trends are changing drastically). But still as per my old friend Subrato's definition of MCMSTU: (Middle Class Mentality with Small Town Upbringing.. ), its still a priority to make it work... Whether it is strength or weakness is debatable..
This pair is rocking and wish they have all the fun in life. .....
Coming back to marraige ceremonies, i have seen it all: a gala gala affair with film star shows, a sedate but heartwarming celebrations from people who are sensible, crass show offs, modest but very refreshing celebrations amidst hardships, ... Its people who make it memorable than the sideshows...
Zooming back to my own wedding , again spread over a week, with receptions in Mumbai and Pune, registration process, and was filled with lots of fun. We had a tragedy that my father in law, in the excitement of his daughter's marraige had a stroke and we lost him few months before.. Looking into all those parameters we did a good show....
My sister's wedding was Hum apke hain kaun encore.... That is a cult movie with marraige VCD look. I enjoy seeing it again and again.. That again indicates how indian social life revolves around these ceremonies...
I love observing people in the Marraige ceremonies: it gives you whole spectrum of human emotions: short comings, greatness, happiness, sadness, jealousy, blessings, friendship,... so many emotions, memories to treasure.... I am soon going to add many more coming weekend....
And suddenly there is a thought of my daughter Riyas marraige" she is just 6 , 16-20 years later.. suddenly am scared... how will be life after Riya's send off ???? Cant write further......
Feeling for my aunt and uncle....

My Own Taaren Zameen Par

As per national initiative to hold painting competition for differently abled children on 14th November 2008 to mark the children’s day, our table started the thought process to conduct same at Jeevanjyot school with whom we had already conducted Diwali party. Aamir khan had consented to grant logo of Taaren Zameen Par as logo and will be involved in this event conducted by Round Table India. Tr Jignesh confirmed that the school is open for it as it would be a nice experience for children who are aged between 6 till 45. Tr Janak (Globalware) whole heartedly supported the cause by sponsoring an amount toward this event of Rs 3000 for snacks, prizes, roses, certificates and banners. With help of support from National (esp Tr Rajesh YR), we organized the stationary. The venue was school itself. We had invited Mr Kulkarni from SNDT Arts College as judge and Mr Ranjeet Shirole a renowned business personality and MNS secretary of Pune city as chief guest.

With this preparation, we arrived at the school and were surprised by the enthusiasm from students to paint the pictures. Due to difficulty of actually drawing the pictures, the event was adapted to painting the pictures. In all sixty students in two categories; vocational school and school were made based on age. They were divided into two groups as the situation demanded us to be all inclusive. We put the banners at right places and teachers asked students to start the painting. The Tablers, ladies, twinklers present in large numbers were monitoring the progress and helping them. The eyes of participants were lit up and they were really enjoying the creativity involved. School staff and parents were also involved in helping the participants,. Those were the magical moments which we will treasure all our lives.

After 40 mins of time, we collected all the paintings and then handed them over to Kulkarni sir for judgement. He had very tough time ranking them as everyone had made a great effort, But owing to his professional self he ranked the winners as follows.

School Group Vocational Group

Group1 Group 2 Group 1 Group 2
1 Bela Shinde Akash Marne Kanchan Thakar Sayali A
2 Gaurav Dhole Amruta Patil Vinod Ubhe Sujata Inamdar
3 Vipul Khambe Rafiq Sheikh Smita Kulkarni Shital Karanje


The school introduced the guests and presented them with some art work done by students. The participants were invited to collect certificates individually. They were really happy and proud of their achievements. Tr Shantanu, Chirag, Mr Ranjeet and Kulkarni sir took this responsibility of handing over the certificates. Chief Guest Mr Ranjit then handed over the prizes for winners. Every one was winner including our tables, school staff that had this once in a life time chance to witness this event. Later snacks were distributed and enjoyed by children.


Then Ranjit spoke explaining importance of this event. School teachers express vote of thanks. Indeed it was really enjoyable moment as every kid had a beaming smile which was the most proud achievement ever done by our table , most of tablers wont disagree… Taarens of his zameens were twinkling as bright…….

According to most, it was the most complete moment in our tabling history…….

Jeetam, Jeetam, Jeetam

At the start of the last quarter of 08, i had made one wish that may india win vs australia. and this wish has been granted by almighty (and ofcourse gods of the cricket fields for now..). It was a great win and india has taken first steps (of many more) to change its challenger status to champion. Especially after sydney, it was my wish to see pontings face after series defeat. (my another wish is to defeat aussies at WC 2011 final). Sydney was avenged at mohali and now Nagpur 04 is avenged at same city in 08.
Dhoni deserves special mention by his abilties, simplicity of thoughts, beliefs, attitute and plain lady luck... So have the seniors responded ( a special posting on each is promised on this blog: dada and tendlya have been mentioned. whats happening to dravid is a concern), fast bowlers were the main difference between sides, spinners cut the bill and openers were fabulous and never let india into any pressure. good show ...
sorry for boring with same old cricket, but cricket and me go long . My life revolves around watching cricket (as a player i was a strokeless wonder with technically correct stance). am i good fielder: have never dropped a catch in any match i have played at hostel, club level)
england we are ready for you....

Usual Suspects at their best

How much we detest politicians and media? Both have damaged society equally. Both have enourmous powers and they need to exercise highest of responsibilties. They fail there miserably. Only thing matters for them is personal gains.
Its time for all societies (including so called forward and developed nations in west as well as banana republics if they can somehow do it), to exorcise these evils of human civilization.
I want to be more harsh on media as they claim to be sentinals, watchdogs of society but their only objective seems like to sell , sell and sell... ( and again resale, ...) One might argue fickle nature of public opinion of aam janata, and thus need felt by media to cater to their senses. No its simply not done. The media should define their outlook and present it as against vice versa. Thats how good journalism works (if it exists).
Example Maharashtra bihar issue. Nothing is happening in mumbai pune except few stones being pelt and some vagabond kids involved in some bon fire. Thats not acceptable and thats not justified at all. But full hue and cry by national media that maharashtra is burning is ridiculous. showing same shots again and again, with meaningless discussions, arguements....
Issue is simple : it has shades of US nationals VS H1bs, migration . It has to be tackled with legislation and by meaningful government policies, quotas as in US. No but politicians want mileage and media wants footage... No there cannot be easy answers but yes there can be reasonable guidelines to achieve all round development all over india reducing migration, employment opportunities all over india, restrictions i repeat legal barriers by means of taxation to use limited resources of cities for mutual common good of that city. City should have right to limit its growth and should have defined charges to use its resources.
anyways who wants to look at solution, idea is to keep posing questions and make issues burn...
On politician side: they want mileage out of everything. The government machinery is being misused by either sides whenever they are in power. Simple ATS investigation of sadhvi used by politicians on both sides to gain points..
Even US elections and media cannot be absolved of similar acts though extent and spread can vary.
And i cannot do anything against these usual suspects, so i have decided to not watch any news channels except few noteworthy exceptions (DD these days with old economy style of presentation seems most mature option at least that sensationalization , those irritating and abusive anchors, idiot correspondents, usual panelist who have opinions like they have ****hole are missing.
And on second usual suspect, i cannot say i will boycott voting them, as its crime.but i can do one thing; i will try being one of them but with difference... High hopes ... but thats what seems only solution.....if everyone thinks that way.