Come September

All those young at heart in 60s would definitely remember the ‘Come September ‘tune which was trademark of all Brass Bands during marriages then. For those young in 90s like us would recall its cheap imitation tune on which Madhuri danced to her glory: ‘Nazaraenin Mili Dil Dhadka’ along with stupid and constipated looking Sanjay Kapoor. The original hollywood film is a classic with some great scenes and music. We are here in September 13.

Lot of things have happened last month in personal as well as global context. 
This was time for change. Change of address is one of those changes which take its toll. Thus I am sorry for the hiatus on this space. It also brings along new hopes, new experiences and new perspective. Also the old memories of old address like some life defining events: both good and bad, fun you had, people around etc hound you. It was kind of mixed emotions really. Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jaate hain ju mukam.... woh phir nahin aate. I had entered a new address in 2003 from where I shifted to today’s new address in 2013. That year I was on steps of thirties and this year forties are just round the corner. Incidentally I celebrated 10^th birthday in new home as well in 1983 as well as twentieth in new hostel (LLR) in 1993.  Man loves number games. That’s why Sachin’s 200^th test has created storm in India and SA.

Sachin still is non committal about retirement. Cricket is on holiday but promises to return in Oct incidentally in Pune to remain nonstop till world cup 15. ODI team looks settled challenges are in tests and t20s. Leander who is of same age like sachin, and yours truly has defied age in NY. Must say its really a great achievement.  Nadal roared back. Rest all is quiet on sports front since i don’t follow club level soccer, F1 (neo elitists urban happening events). Only thing embarrassed us all was IOA battle with politicians.

On social side, daylight murder of activist Dr Dabholkar and failure of state to maintain law and order highlighted by another Nirbhaya case in Mumbai, was at epicentre. It’s really sad that Maharashtra which has great tradition of dissent, debate, modernism and reforms, stooped down to supari killing to suppress dissent. No clues on motive, and motivators, still there are guesses. But whole affair was shocking and sad.  On other side God men are on wrong side of news. But its surprising why always Hindu institutions are blamed by media or god men ridiculed. Though I m not to judge someone but it’s not just one off case. Nirbhaya verdict to hand death sentence to the rapists was welcomed by society and society really hopes to see this as an impact acting as a deterrent.

Elections 2014 are at centre stage. Modi is India’s only hope to restore the country and economy burdened by lack of policies of wrong policies by UPA govt. Advani dissented but that’s a more democratic sign of functioning than Congress. How we loved Obama Vs Hillary inside democrat party? Is that dissent, possible in Congress? Even Digvijay was shown door at CWC. Even there is a chance that high command will reinstall Kalmadi in Pune Loksabha. That will be a true disaster. But then Indian voting patterns are so scary that we cannot rule out UPA 3 despite so low public credibility, bad mouth , poor performance, corruption if you believe popular media to some extent and social media totally.  Definitely a hung house is on cards. This situation is scarier when the wily opportunists will claim their pound of flesh. I need not name them as we all know who these nationalists or socialists are?

Economy is still scary despite some minor gains on rupee front. Its more political than global issue as explained by our economist PM. Food security, land acquisition and taxation issues need to be revaluated. Need reforms, growth driven model with less subsidies. But for that we need new government. Hope 14 elections will give us this mandate. Thankfully we had good monsoon. But that has not helped eased inflation. Again thanks to some bad governance.

On world stage we have war on our hands as US aggression against Syria takes ominous position. Though Putin had his own way but as always Middle East and regions remains permanent migraine for peace loving people of world. But then world oil economy, capitalism, religion can create a heady cocktail.

Finally we welcomed Ganesha. This blog started in 08 Ganesh Festival. So this blog has lived half a decade. That is a personal landmark though it means nothing more but wish to make more impact in next 5 years.   Each of us can make an impact and I firmly believe the same. That was purpose of Nayakgiri. I pray to Lord Ganesha to give us strength to effect positive changes around us. Happy Ganesh festival to all

Kgpians Day Out...

We had great time yesterday. A 30 odd group of families with KGP background enjoyed yesterday at Samparc Balgram orphanage near Lonavala. Event was annual picnic organized by IIT KGP alumni association in Pune.

We in Pune and India have been shocked by daylight murders of activists or rapes, falling economy, good for nothing government, corruption etc. There is gloom all over. So we thought why not beat the blues. Every year Pune chapter has annual get together at some resort where we have fun, beverages, poisons and food of choice. We meet, enjoy and then disperse to our own grind. So we thought we could tweak the event to some other format. We brainstormed and felt the only cause that could appeal to all batched from 56 till 13 was the theme of social cause. We had identified, start up mentoring, soft skills, adventure sports, music, films as various alternatives but found them limited to certain age groups. We went ahead with social and decided to have a get together at an orphanage. We were really worried if we can generate response, as it’s not everyone’s cup of tea especially for younger batches.  But we went ahead and felt that any delta which we can create will be positive.

Day arrived after lot of promotion. We were encouraged by 40 odd registrations prior hand.  But we were not sure about actual turn up. Venue was scenic on foothills of Lohagad and Bhaje caves,. And as in monsoons this place is heaven with a big waterfall in form of samparc orphanage. We waited and waited and finally could generate a number of 33 to assemble. And life will never be same for all 33 heads who attended. Purpose of this report is to reach out to all those who could not attend and make point to visit the place at least once a year.

We were welcome by efficient staff and all inmates (Bhaje facility host girls and Chakan facility host boys). The happiness flowing around the resident and the energy was evident. We were served with hot pohas and jilebis for breakfast. As we settled, we had an eye opener speech by founder of samparc Mr Banerjee as how one person can create an impact. From zero to around thousand of orphans all over in places in Maharashtra, Bengal and Gujarat, samparc hosts may. Some of residents have gone in to do MBAs and higher education as well.  We were also presented a slide show explaining how good samparc had done. It’s simply amazing guys!!

We were really enlightened after being informed about samparc’s journey since 1990. Then we explored the ways which we can collaborate. Our group had CEOs and chairmen of Big corporate houses who have the resources and means to initiate the change and help samparc to meet its objectives. Many news ideas like rural BPOs were discussed and alumni pledged that they will sponsor at least few students, visit samparc at least once a year. Few also volunteered to teach as well

Following are action item listed by association

1.       Each alumni to visit samparc at least once an year

2.       Mr and Mrs Kalyan Chakraborty  Chairman To share the digital material for training the trainers on maths and engloish

3.       Mr Maneesh Bhandari to explore with samparc about rural bpo employment initiative

4.       JP da to involve his NGO to help sponsor many girl children

5.       Debraj Dhar and few other volunteered to help children by teaching maths and English

6.       Nalin da will have his independent action at Mahindra

7.       Other alumni also promised help in all above forms r any new ways to help orphanage.

8.       Association to coordinate all above a[part from financial help and it was planned to have another meeting with greater attendance in near future at samparc

We have special mention of Mr Mukhija and Mr Amit Deb from Mumbai who came all the way. We also appeal to Mumbai association to help in our cause as its more active and larger organization in India.

Other chapters also can help. After that, we had a wonderful round to facility, few people ventured out walking till the waterfall. Few interested also had sessions helping have good time in the nearby areas.

It was followed by a wonderful lunch

Few other agenda points were discussed

·         To get help from Mumbai to form formal structure of our chapter. Amit da promised same

·         To hold an AGM in November 13 at residency club Pune. This event will be an evening session with families, cocktails and dinner at urban landscape. Nalinda and Sudhir Bapat to help us in same.

·         Encouraging more participation from 2005 onward batches

We also collected funds for IIT foundation in the context of PPC for Diro movement.  A separate follow up mail will be sent by association to invite contributions from Pune alumni for reimbursing expenses done by few individual alumni approx around 2 Lakhs. Pune chapter is committed to raise 20K for same.

Really guys Pune chapter has reinvented itself after this event. Though we were not in great numbers but we enjoyed the day making in an impact for society and country. We appeal all to be with us in this unique endeavour. Be tuned to this channel for further action, follow-up and details And please be there in numbers for November event at AGM.

We are a part of great tradition, great credentials and great legacy created by league of many extraordinary gentlemen created by an institution called IIT Kharagpur.  Some of these gentlemen have left the shores of motherland. What do we call these gentlemen?  Are they deserters, traitors or for that matter pragmatist or visionaries. Few have stayed back for various reasons and some who have for some vague notion of doing something good for motherland. Are they idealists, foolish or opportunists or losers? Debate is on and divide still exist across US consulates in Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi. But then avoiding this big debate, some moments in life justify your decision to take sides in this ongoing battle since 60s. This definitely was one of them....

Walk of Life: My Wari Experience

Legs are aching. Body is tired. Destination is few kilometres away. It starts raining. Mind is in trance. Will power carries you till destination.  You sleep in temples, trucks, homes or in the open.  That ends today. Tomorrow is another walk, another journey and another destination.  You have to manage logistics of food for your group, or rely on kind donors. You have to manage ablutions sans privacy. You have to face hardships for 20 odd days. This is picture of Wari which you will think is negative. But hold on for a moment. Let me complete my word picture of Wari. The physical discomfort is what makes Wari a super devotional and highly emotional experience.  It is the supreme devotion to ‘Vitthal: the almighty’ that carries you through. The eternal and divine rhythm of ‘Gynba- Tukaram’ drives out pain from your body, gives extreme bliss all through your walk.  Mind and soul search for self enlightenment. At the end of the walk many people experience this bliss , get new perspective of own life for whole year.  This experience is what will bring you again next year. That’s why it is called Wari.

June ended with a win in Champions Trophy promising new dawn in Indian cricket and as we were busy with relief work for Uttarakhand, one of old school friend pinged on whats app. She was asking if anyone is interested to walk from Alandi to Pune with Wari. It started with that and all five friends who gathered that day at odd hour of 3am on 1^st July, were destined to experience Wari this year for first time in our lives. I used to feel Wari to be over glorified show of devotion and devotees gathering for free food for 20 days and enjoy celebrity status during the Wari and after that in their community.  How wrong I was?  The hardships you face cannot drive you here next year and again year after year in most cases in spite of these free food and social status motivations. It has to be devotion coupled with a quest for those religiously minded souls which drives the Wari. And believe me it’s an experience to be a part of that. It was the walk of my life. I used to do lot trekking.  I have walked long distances. I have experienced feel of climbing atop a fort or reaching trek destination. That joy is different from what i felt after taking darshan of Nivdungya and Palkhi Vithoba temples in Pune. These temples are camping points in Pune for the palkhis. I had new kind of real realization and have added few new perspectives. This is something personal and i am sure anyone who has experienced it will know. For those who have not, let me recommend to experience it at least once in life. This experience has made me convinced to repeat next leg of Wari from Pune to Saswad next year. With renewed focus on fitness and self discipline i am sure will make that happen. Vithu mauli will take care of the rest.

We assembled at 3 after my friends driver picked all of us up. We went till Alandi via Moshi. We took darshan of temple and started our walk. It was raining and the mud had created swamps. Wari Trucks and tempos lined one side of narrow road making walk bit tricky and risky amidst darkness. This went on say for 4-5 kms by the time we reached Sai temple. It was bright by then. After that the walk with other Warkaris was comfortable. We had a ringan dance at dighi. It was some experience. Ladies in our group had planned food parcels which kept us energized whole day.

We reached Vishrantwadi for first major break at Joshi wade wale for Tea/Coffee. And you never run of topics and fun with old friends whom you know since your kindergarten for more than three and half decades. After reaching Yerawada, the legs started talking for me. Each step was challenge that’s where the journey really started. I could visualize the whole new bridge to cross and then to reach COEP and then Deccan. Felt like a long ordeal. Friends were motivating. But then they cannot lift you. Only Vitthal can. Felt like abandoning at Deccan where we had lunch at Roopali. But friends convinced to complete whole leg till Nana Peth temples walking whole Laxmi road. It all ended there with logistics arranged to help drive back till home.

Believe me guys this was a walk of life filled with devotion and some new realizations. I will be back next year....

Himalayan Tragedy

Last weekend we had a reunion of our school.  24 years have passed since we all passed X th. But the fun, banter and bonding we had last week were the same as it were 24 years back.   Those were the days.  Summer of 89, the year we passed out was very special. It was a long vacation without any worries. I remember all the indoor and outdoor games played with friends, swimming, a great Mumbai trip, Wimbledon won by Becker vs Edberg, Ashes (though many compare 2013 ashes places same as 89 when Aussies were weak and Pommies stronger), good academic result and admission to junior college of choice, few Sahyadri night and monsoon treks and to top it all a Himalayan Trek . My romance with Himalayas started then. I have already described in my last post here about my latest visit in May 13, so the Himalayan memories are fresh. And then this tragedy struck last Monday.

I had a wonderful experience of Kedarnath in 89. The place is divine. I had a chance to do a Pooja abhishek along with a Gujarati family who had six passes and one of them was unwell. So i filled in. The entire landscape is great with snow capped Kedar dome at the backdrop with the glaciers all around. Then the place had very few dharamshalas and hotels. Things were manageable and pristine.  The entire road from Gaurikund till Kedarnath is narrow with horses, human taxis plying menacingly. We had stayed at Rambada at the half way.  The weather was cold. Our trek started at place called Ghuttu which is on the banks of Bhillangana which meets Bhagirathi. We trekked till a heavenly place called Panwali , then to Trijuginarayan, Sonprayag, Ukhimath, Gaurikund , Kedarnath to Chopta, Tunganath, Govindghat, Ghangriya, Hemkund sahib, valley of flowers, Badrinath and Mana pass was the last destination. This Garhwal stretch was amazing. It’s actually a land of God. But today did it face wreath of God, no it was manmade tragedy caused by nature’s fury.....

Now imagine the situation of those trapped at Kedarnath that night. Imagine if you are trapped at such location due to torrential rains, and gushing Mandakini destroying everything around, amidst landslides, beneath the debris of falling houses, in company of the dead bodies, braving cold, without lights, and no one to help. You either survive by luck or face an insect like death. It would have been a dance of death. Those with their lifelines strong survived rest perished. Some of those dead were lucky to have their bodies found and had cremation. Out of them some got luckier to be identified. Then the survivors had bigger ordeal. They now had to overcome lack of food, water and cut off from world due to landslides and rivers. That is where our civilian disaster management agencies failed. We don’t have any such plan. We are not even prepared. Thanks to Army, many of the survivors had a rebirth. They were evacuated due to tireless efforts of army, air force, ITBP. I do not imagine state of India if these two institutions: Defence and Judiciary would have been weaker. We would have been living in hell like Pakistan. And this must have been the fate of others who were trapped in Hemkund, Badrinath, Gangotri as well. I have not till now heard about places in Kumaou and Har Ki dun where i had trekked. Hope they are doing better now. Many places in Himachal luckily escaped the situation except for Kinnaur. I am so familiar with this region that my heart still bleeds. Those who want to help can contact me offline for what we can do within our capacity.

I used to always wonder how environmentally sensitive places could sustain uncontrolled tourism. Every company in every town in India of all sizes are promoting Char Dham yatra. Imagine the number of tourists coming to the area and support staff needed. Add to that increasing local population and migration due to commercial activities. Then they have to be accommodated.  Now add to that construction work, cutting of trees and hill slopes. Himalayas are the youngest mountains and some terrains are really treacherous. Ahead of Mana where we went, there is a moraine where even if your cough can trigger avalanches. I had a chance to see avalanche there in 89. Now add to that tinker of water beds and construction of dams which has resulted in seismic activity which then have further impacts.

 I am sharing a photo which is claimed to be taken in 1882 for survey purposes by Britishers. It must have been heaven then. Even in 89 we had witnessed places like Tunganath and Panwali which had similar look as in the photo. Earlier people used to stay at Gaurikund, do a single day trek to Kedarnath to return back. Thus only mandir people used to stay there. Such ecological practices are must in the region. Roads are accident and landslide prone.  Ideally only limited vehicles should be allowed on certain roads. Construction activity should have strict control and should follow expert norms. Dams again are a tricky issue and there are debates about them. But feel that at least we should spare Himalayas and its ecology and leave it undisturbed. But then again development vs environment debate is universal and i don’t want to sound like ‘well off’ environmentalist protesting Dams or nuclear plans but would need the power generated by same plants/dams. In Pune also we have people protesting about new roads and tunnels only if they are in your neighbourhood as they want to get disturbed by vehicle noises and pollution.  With these measures the tragedy could have minimized. But i still feel for all pilgrims and locals. There is a thought process that government’s apathy to provide facilities and control as it was matter of majority faith. Had it been minority pilgrimage, government would have moved in with more funds, better management etc. I include Sikh pilgrimage Hemkund to be part of majority pilgrimage. But then which government would not like to milk the cash cow of tourism to its maximum? Let’s not put any unsubstantiated religious arguments as we all know how governments since freedom have went all out to appease the so called secularists starting with Gandhiji till Rahul Gandhi.

But the there is need to revamp our disaster management. We saw how our intelligence, police etc failed to control 26/11. It took army 3 days to flush out the monsters. We saw Government inaction and inefficiency again during various floods, famines and other manmade disasters. Army has been the only saviour which acted. Government in this case didn’t respond for first few days. That could have saved many survivors who died of exertion, hunger , diseases etc.

So lesson learnt are

Let us not damage environment by tinkering with nature

Let us control the tourism activity in such regions

Let there be an efficient and work disaster management body to coordinate such situations

And next lesson is for ugly politicians to stop politicizing relief work. Let all parties unite such time instead of blaming. It all started when Congress which sees red in everything Modi does. He was merely there to help with his efficient govt machinery. The 15000 figure sounds unrealistic but then that was never published by Modi. It was media who claimed that. Some people accuse modi propaganda machinery for that number but after lot of study i never found source of that number. Less said about Pappu and his loyal dogs, is better.

Last lesson is for media. Don’t create circus out of tragedy. Though some instance it helped tracking survivors but please avoid sensationalism. And this lesson is for social media as well.

All said and done is for future, but for now its rescue and rebuilding. Those who want to do something are welcome. Lets unite and fight for the devabhoomi. Please....

First Day First Show

Wait is finally over and here is the grand release.  I am not referring to any film here. I have stopped watching movies on the weekend of their releases.  I need to study reviews, get feedbacks from the brave hearts to decide if I should invest my time, money and efforts to watch any movie. Last few movies which i had to see without my proper due diligence were disasters eg; Jab Tak Hain Jaan, Race2 etc. Here is my salute to the indomitable souls, who have to compulsively hit the first weekend at the cinema halls, especially for the big ticket movies.  Indian film industry should honour these fans if they had any method to track this tribe of people. With internet, network, i am sure there lies a start-up idea. Is anyone listening in the valley?

Coming back to the point, I am referring to many things here;

Firstly Monsoons were released in my town. The pre curtain raisers and paid review shows were amazing. The light and sound show was furious and disastrous to some extent where people tragically lost their lives. Time for us the people to say enough to builders, administrators who are responsible for the hill dredging, tree cutting, bad roads, electricity failures, water logging. Monsoons kept their date with Pune on 7^th and have arrived officially as per IMD. These days no one believes IMD forecasts but then one reads the analysis the day after. Hope this year all drought pone areas get the rains, dams are full and economy is better.

Secondly BJP2.0 was released in Indian political space. Gone are the days of old era of Atal, Advani which took BJP from 2 seats in 84 to power in 1998 riding on Hindutva wave. As declared by SC of India, Hindutva has nothing wrong and its aim to correct past wrongs done by oppressors rightfully, constitutionally and non-violently. It is against no community but towards equality which was victim of wrong interpretation of word secularism though created intentionally earlier by British and later by congress, socialists and leftist’s think tanks. Now BJP 2.0 has unleashed Modi and his corruption free, development agenda which has many takers in National scene. But what congress does is to polarize community by beating the riots bandwagon as its counter modi strategy. And media is always bought on congress line since independence. Thus we see large section of media which used to hate Advani and his rath yatra politics, turn into Advani supporters. It’s always good for Democratic Party to have difference and register it. Whether anyone in congress which supports democracy has right to challenge High command? Lot of questions but then trial by media is only for certain brand of thoughts. And those who chose to oppose central Gandhi-Nehruvian ideology were vilified by media. Starting with Bhagat singh, then with Savarkar, Bose and to an extent Patel, everyone suffered same fate. But then hope BJP 2.0 settles down dissent democratically for the sake of change which people of India deserve.  And finally for those who again start good old debate titled “ But what about justice for Gujarat riots?”, Baba Ramdeo has an equally compelling arguement. If Modi is to be accused of 2002 riots, so has to be Nehru for 1947 Partition riots , Rajeev Gandhi for 1984 Delhi riots, Sudhakar Naik for Mumbai 1992 and finally Tarun Gogoi for 2012 Assam riots. Though agreed one wrong thing should not set precedent for another but Indian politicians are to be blamed across the spectrum for riots at various stages in independent India. There is sinister agenda to single out Modi and 2002. As one of my friend said, all riots are equal but Gujarat riots are more equal. One interesting fact though wanted to share is that after Riots have declined since 1998 when BJP took power  as compared to earlier congress history.

Lastly new India team was released at Champions trophy. Plagued by fixing controversy and vested interests, Team India has only way for deliverance is by winning the Cup. Indian Cricket organization was never transparent and fans deserved more always. But now that media is more active and so are various counter interests, things are coming to light and only thing now can be done better is to create transparent organization, legalizing betting and set new criminal laws to help punish culprits. But the fixing is old as game itself. Not just cricket but every other major money spinning sport have witnessed same. But first day first show was impressive especially fielding. I have never seen Indian fielders running out two south africans in past. Batting was good with new approach by dhawan and rohit. Only worry is seam bowling which always was a problem with exceptions of zaheer, Kapil and shreenath. Let’s hope India goes all the way.

 

Did you like my first day first show review....