They say 24th Jan (correct me but i think its some date in third week of Jan) is the saddest day for all. They have some quotient that holiday season is over, year looms ahead, new years resolutions end here for many and so on... I think some points are true but i think its just useless study. Here i am am finding time to muse on this day. On work side things are hectic and looking up as here in IT things seems to have gathered momentum since third quarter of 2010.
Start to 2011 can be summed as Two positives and one negative for me.
On personal side, physicall fitness and detox has worked. This resolution is still intact. tough as they say shwaznegger was not built in a day. its ongoing process. I had opportunity to climb sinhagad, ARAI,parvati twice. also had chance to enter swimming pool on the coldest day in this winter (5.3 deg c) for acquaerobics session with some lovely ladies. All this thanks to solaris xform challenge.
Second postive is the performance of Indian Team in SA. Though Durban test was won last yr and fightback started at centurian in dec, it was wonderful fight at Capetown between legends like kallis, sachin and good cricket all round. India earned respect through this series. They will not be criticzed anymore for being lucky test team to be No1. No1 ranking is justified with tied series. Though we had golden opportunity on fourth day at Capetown. we let them through the jail... ODI series also was close inspite of absence of sachin, sehwag, gambhir . I really though we would struggle but bowlers did good job along with few batters like pathan, Kohli. Rest batting collapses but fight shown was great. With us winning T20 and they winning by 3-2 again i feel limited over series was tied. Looking forward to great world cup. But keeping fingers cross as in past we have seen strange things happen.
Last thing which made 24th Jan the saddest day in real sense is demise of panditji. Great singer Pt Bhimsen Joshi. I feel a personal loss. I remember attending his santwani prog with my grand mom when i was 7 yrs old. That voice mesmerised me. That baritone, melody, discipline, style everything. Though i am not classival buff, but his voice (along with pt Jasrajji) i feel some great feeling which i cannot define. The depth of voice, some magic. His film songs, abhangs are the ones i really like. Remember Ramya hi swargahun lanka, majhe maher pandhari, yachi sathi kela attahas, amazing.... feel like this gap can never be filled. People like PL, Panditji, Latadidi, sachin have made our lives rich. We are poorer today....
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Time flies
I remember that evening in march 07 when all plans of world cup went awry. India played 2 matches, we had partied on both days with friends around. I remember the agony fans faced and the jokes , postings etc .That time facebook/twitter had not caught on like today, but those savvy people used to forward mails... Now its 2011 . Month to go for another world cup. Four years have zoomed past, sachin has gone from struggling mode to different level another. we have seen worst recession of our professional lives (though end is not yet near esp in US and europe). We have seen UPA1 and UPA2 . Thankfully left parties have been shown door. UPA2 fumbles on all fronts. we have seen terror in 2008 bomb blasts in five cities, 26/11, pune, varanasi. we have seen dirty politics in coloring terror from ruling party. we have seen inflation. we have seen obama, we have seen pak blown away, we have seen MJ's death, we have seen spain winning soccer WC, we have seen some classics at wimbledon, we have seen IPL, we have seen indian team playing very good cricket.. coming back to where i started
anyways lots of things happen in four years. It seems just like yesterday. We are so busy in our lives that days pass, weekends are spent, quarters zoom past with varied numbers, academic years end, you turn older....
so whats new in this, we all know . why lament, live in a moment... i can hear all those cliche advises and know it all cynics who migh scorn at this posting to be non issue. why i thought, i should share this. Its just the fear, at this rate we will soon go past our whole life span. I am sure most of us feel that way but for few really balanced and yogic people.
Other day few friends from school (including some old flames from school days) met, all of us have cross wrong side of 30s with families etc taking priority. someone shared school snaps, 25-30 yrs ago. That seems different age. College days at Kharagpur seem another era,... thats a paradox as we cant track time at all on one hand and feel those early stages to be years gone on other hand.
anyways no one can stop time and there is no point in complaining as my know it all freinds can advise.
But point i am making is the scary feeling of running out of time in hand.... Is this mid life crisis? Time to follow your heart....
anyways lots of things happen in four years. It seems just like yesterday. We are so busy in our lives that days pass, weekends are spent, quarters zoom past with varied numbers, academic years end, you turn older....
so whats new in this, we all know . why lament, live in a moment... i can hear all those cliche advises and know it all cynics who migh scorn at this posting to be non issue. why i thought, i should share this. Its just the fear, at this rate we will soon go past our whole life span. I am sure most of us feel that way but for few really balanced and yogic people.
Other day few friends from school (including some old flames from school days) met, all of us have cross wrong side of 30s with families etc taking priority. someone shared school snaps, 25-30 yrs ago. That seems different age. College days at Kharagpur seem another era,... thats a paradox as we cant track time at all on one hand and feel those early stages to be years gone on other hand.
anyways no one can stop time and there is no point in complaining as my know it all freinds can advise.
But point i am making is the scary feeling of running out of time in hand.... Is this mid life crisis? Time to follow your heart....
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wish list 2011
Welcome 2011. Having seen past 2010 across the memory lane, at a popular sea side beach in Konkan, I had a great start to 2011. Reason for that being Indian teams drawn series in SA. It had never happened be it 1992, 1996, 2001, 2006. It used to be same old story of tendulkar hitting century in losing cause. It happened same at Centurian. But this team is special. It bounces back as they did in Durban and fought in Capetown, But for kallis and some defensive cricket on fourth afternoon , we could have made history.. anyways a great acheivement.
2010 saw corruption taking all limelight. IPL, Adarsh, CWG, telecom. Not say that NDA regimes have been clean, atleast they were functional like we had on roads and infrastructure. UPA1 and UPA2 have failed nation on NREGA, UID whatever projects they undertook. Plus they are corrupt to core. Totally non functional. eg agriculture ministry. Thanks to it, we have unprecedented Inflation esp on food. On oil one can blame global economy, on food we can blame on climate but what about simple steps to avoid supply chain jackups of item cost, hoarding, storage, planning. All that agri ministry is interested in Land around Pune-mumbai, Lavasa and IPL.. Create meaningless controversy on historical greats under name of maratha pride ..
Shivaji was a great king. His biography is lesson to all politicians and so called netas. I see an attempt to make his career drawn on caste lines. We had seen that in past. Great leaders like B R Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule have already been marginalized on caste lines. Every citizen has right to feel proud of these great leaders. But our politicans create heady concoction of caste, religion, vote politics depriving young impressionalbel minds to really understand essence of teachings of these great leaders. what remains is jingoism
Another trend I see is unaccountable power enjoyed by non democratic power house which is first family. They hold no constitutional post apart from being MPs. But they have unlimited power. Its high time they should get on some post in governance.
Our fight against terrorism is also politicized by serious attempts made to color the terrorism on religious lines. This will weaken our fight. Also no concrete steps are taken to follow vigilance, alertness, preparedness to fight terrorism or naxalism.
Only effective people we have is FM, Home minister, Ramesh, Sibal on educational reforms. PM himself should come out of political compulsions and loyalties to revive all above as he did in 1991 with help of PV Narsimharao , a great leader maligned by petty politics. Thats my dream for 2011.
On economy side recession seems over apparrently. Though in US and Europe experts disagree. Here in India, job market has picked, so has sensex (which had greatest loss in a day due to inflation). But let there be no unreal growth story this time. Let us all follow correct valuations , let managers not leverage out of mob mentality. Let job market not result in unrealistic wage demands. We can thus lose cost competitiveness without really going up value chain (many companies claim that but differ when it comes to numbers and scrutiny). Let real estate prices be realistic atleast in urban india. else housing will be unaffordable for many.
Government should play active role in ensuring supply of land in non corrupt manner, with proper planning of environmental and growth issue (plan for next 20 yrs).
Our growth story for last two decaded and so called rise has only few dimension: consumerism from large middle class, innovation in IT/education/manufacturing, good manpower and liberalization in that order. It all was private initiative with out any significant Governance done except for what P V Narsimharao govt did in 1991 and what rajeev gandhi did in 1986, and infrastructure focus in A B Vajpayee govt in 2001. Another problem is non inclusive growth. Anyone can drive 5 kms from city limits to understand stark difference in basic life defining parameters.Time to go to villages for nationally inclined youth. Thats when we can do real nation building.
Tasks are enormous. But let 2011 be a good start towards that. It will define our survival as nation after two decades. Its very important for me as i have my daughter who will live then. Thats how everyone should think. Starting with me doing things very important: save environment, follow rules, vote, and so on....
The change starts with me. Then only we can change system and yes system can be changed. It has to. ....
last point in my wishlist is that India should win world cup 2011 and Pune team shoudl win IPL, and i lose few kgs,.....
2010 saw corruption taking all limelight. IPL, Adarsh, CWG, telecom. Not say that NDA regimes have been clean, atleast they were functional like we had on roads and infrastructure. UPA1 and UPA2 have failed nation on NREGA, UID whatever projects they undertook. Plus they are corrupt to core. Totally non functional. eg agriculture ministry. Thanks to it, we have unprecedented Inflation esp on food. On oil one can blame global economy, on food we can blame on climate but what about simple steps to avoid supply chain jackups of item cost, hoarding, storage, planning. All that agri ministry is interested in Land around Pune-mumbai, Lavasa and IPL.. Create meaningless controversy on historical greats under name of maratha pride ..
Shivaji was a great king. His biography is lesson to all politicians and so called netas. I see an attempt to make his career drawn on caste lines. We had seen that in past. Great leaders like B R Ambedkar, Mahatma Phule have already been marginalized on caste lines. Every citizen has right to feel proud of these great leaders. But our politicans create heady concoction of caste, religion, vote politics depriving young impressionalbel minds to really understand essence of teachings of these great leaders. what remains is jingoism
Another trend I see is unaccountable power enjoyed by non democratic power house which is first family. They hold no constitutional post apart from being MPs. But they have unlimited power. Its high time they should get on some post in governance.
Our fight against terrorism is also politicized by serious attempts made to color the terrorism on religious lines. This will weaken our fight. Also no concrete steps are taken to follow vigilance, alertness, preparedness to fight terrorism or naxalism.
Only effective people we have is FM, Home minister, Ramesh, Sibal on educational reforms. PM himself should come out of political compulsions and loyalties to revive all above as he did in 1991 with help of PV Narsimharao , a great leader maligned by petty politics. Thats my dream for 2011.
On economy side recession seems over apparrently. Though in US and Europe experts disagree. Here in India, job market has picked, so has sensex (which had greatest loss in a day due to inflation). But let there be no unreal growth story this time. Let us all follow correct valuations , let managers not leverage out of mob mentality. Let job market not result in unrealistic wage demands. We can thus lose cost competitiveness without really going up value chain (many companies claim that but differ when it comes to numbers and scrutiny). Let real estate prices be realistic atleast in urban india. else housing will be unaffordable for many.
Government should play active role in ensuring supply of land in non corrupt manner, with proper planning of environmental and growth issue (plan for next 20 yrs).
Our growth story for last two decaded and so called rise has only few dimension: consumerism from large middle class, innovation in IT/education/manufacturing, good manpower and liberalization in that order. It all was private initiative with out any significant Governance done except for what P V Narsimharao govt did in 1991 and what rajeev gandhi did in 1986, and infrastructure focus in A B Vajpayee govt in 2001. Another problem is non inclusive growth. Anyone can drive 5 kms from city limits to understand stark difference in basic life defining parameters.Time to go to villages for nationally inclined youth. Thats when we can do real nation building.
Tasks are enormous. But let 2011 be a good start towards that. It will define our survival as nation after two decades. Its very important for me as i have my daughter who will live then. Thats how everyone should think. Starting with me doing things very important: save environment, follow rules, vote, and so on....
The change starts with me. Then only we can change system and yes system can be changed. It has to. ....
last point in my wishlist is that India should win world cup 2011 and Pune team shoudl win IPL, and i lose few kgs,.....
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Year end wishes
Its not just time to change Calendar, Diaries and Planners but much more. Its a time to reflect what had gone right in 2010?
What could have been better and what should i avoid in and what should i must do in 2011.
After all new year is just another day. Sun rises and sets as usual.
Its more about hope that we can make change and make things better for ourselves and sorroundings in pursuit of happiness. Hope you will do all those changes which will help you reach your goal in 2011. Lets resolve to help others near and away from you. Lets resolve to make our society and country a better place. Lets resolve to do things helping save planet.
Let also resolve be in touch in 2011.
Wish you happy new year 2011
Gautam Naik
What could have been better and what should i avoid in and what should i must do in 2011.
After all new year is just another day. Sun rises and sets as usual.
Its more about hope that we can make change and make things better for ourselves and sorroundings in pursuit of happiness. Hope you will do all those changes which will help you reach your goal in 2011. Lets resolve to help others near and away from you. Lets resolve to make our society and country a better place. Lets resolve to do things helping save planet.
Let also resolve be in touch in 2011.
Wish you happy new year 2011
Gautam Naik
Monday, December 20, 2010
Special event
We organized recently a special sports event for differently able children at Jeevanjyot School on Karve Road.
Differently able and mentally handicapped children need special care, attention and support for the society. To highlight this point, cityblog supported the interschool event conducted by Jeevanjyot School. The occasion was World mentally handicapped day on 8th Dec. The school organizes various events like sports, dance, painting etc. We financially supported Jeevanjyot for this cause and also proposes to highlight the cause to support such schools. 14 different schools all around Pune participated on that day with around 400 such children and adults from vocational centers attending the sports competition. The events like Lemon and spoon race, weaving beads, throwing ball in basket, ‘lagori’ , carom, dumbbell race etc were conducted. Children enjoyed while participating in these events. The competitive spirit shown was exemplary even for non handicapped people. The winner’s faces said it all. There were competitions for teachers as well. The participants were also given snacks etc.
We had selected this event to salute the fact that mentally challenged people are the most vulnerable lot amongst all those disabled in some form. If one loses ability to think normally, one has great challenges as mind controls everything. So as society we need to care, support these people and make their lives happier and easier.
Differently able and mentally handicapped children need special care, attention and support for the society. To highlight this point, cityblog supported the interschool event conducted by Jeevanjyot School. The occasion was World mentally handicapped day on 8th Dec. The school organizes various events like sports, dance, painting etc. We financially supported Jeevanjyot for this cause and also proposes to highlight the cause to support such schools. 14 different schools all around Pune participated on that day with around 400 such children and adults from vocational centers attending the sports competition. The events like Lemon and spoon race, weaving beads, throwing ball in basket, ‘lagori’ , carom, dumbbell race etc were conducted. Children enjoyed while participating in these events. The competitive spirit shown was exemplary even for non handicapped people. The winner’s faces said it all. There were competitions for teachers as well. The participants were also given snacks etc.
We had selected this event to salute the fact that mentally challenged people are the most vulnerable lot amongst all those disabled in some form. If one loses ability to think normally, one has great challenges as mind controls everything. So as society we need to care, support these people and make their lives happier and easier.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Can facebook kill email?
There is one ad on TV where an old man is asked about events 25 years back. He says in those days we used to talk face to face than over facebook. here i wont say facebook is responsible for killing person to person interaction. Rather i would blame internet as such. Facebook is just an application in social networking. Its the need to create a desired identity virtually which may or may not match your real personna. That is your virtual identity. Thus many people want incognibilty, inaccountabilty , anonymity offered by internet applications like chatrooms, social networking apps and they prefer over face to face conversations or tagged internet applications like email (where you have to declare identity). ofcourse pshycologist can add text over text on effects of internet in personal relations etc thats beyond the point. What i mainly want to compare is facebook and email.
Promoter of facebook has claimed that fb will kill email very soon. Though i have some doubts especially say from archival, attachment , official communication protocol points of view but i am sure it will kill person to person communication in form of email. Nobody writes snail mail today unless for above reasons. The way we have stopped writing letters to our friends, relative, colleagues, we will stop emailing.
One point of contention though is privacy. Though one can send message privately, most still prefer writing on wall which is public to all. The basic success of facebook depends on the fact that there is an urge to make others believe in your profile; real or affected. It has some ego trip about showing off people about your hectic social or professional life. Updating status is need to tell people what my life is. And people also love to peek into others lives and compare. Thats the same vouyeristic tendencies the reality shows cater to. Thus it offers opportunities for individual to assume an self image which he declares on his status. Man is socia animal. he always wants to be among close one. Facebook always makes you feel connected with your world. Some friends are just names you associate by means of some occasional interactions, most are old friends who suddenly appear after many years and whom you thought would never talk to again (thats best part of fb for me), some are very close friends, colleagues (thats very risky proposition on fb to have professional contacts to be there. better they be on linkedin)and some relatives (its again tricky selecting them). Thus your facebook means your world which you live in almost.
While benefits of facebook in promoting event, product is beyond doubt. the most intruguing point for me is psyhcology which drives people to post status updates like " today morning had dosa for breakfast" , ' Had great afternoon tea' , 'waiting to catch flight to seattle'. Why should i be interested to know that. Argument can be that you are only posting to your friends. So they will be interested to know what you do in life. But would you do same in real life ? will you bombard your friends with such trivial items. Just because you are 24/7 online and opportunity is there why should you. Talk about cinema, sports or some important event in life, politics, weather, society, crack some jokes: thats what you talk when you meet face to face. So why facebook should not follow face to face talk.
Coming back to email vs facebook. The convenience and speed offered by fb will bypass email esp for personal communication for sure. facilty to chat, message makes it fulproof. also add birthday reminders, apps, events.
What makes me believe this? On my just concluded birthday, i got a huge update on wall as it was ealier for all my friend to do that rather than send me email. Earlier i used to wait for emails but now my email box was full with fb updates. thanks my friends for all wishes. you made me feel special despite knowing that they were aided by fb. to remember b/day and send email/call makes one feel more special (i had many such friends as well). they say proof of pudding is in eating. so there lies my proof. Sure we will stop writing emails to our friends one day..
Promoter of facebook has claimed that fb will kill email very soon. Though i have some doubts especially say from archival, attachment , official communication protocol points of view but i am sure it will kill person to person communication in form of email. Nobody writes snail mail today unless for above reasons. The way we have stopped writing letters to our friends, relative, colleagues, we will stop emailing.
One point of contention though is privacy. Though one can send message privately, most still prefer writing on wall which is public to all. The basic success of facebook depends on the fact that there is an urge to make others believe in your profile; real or affected. It has some ego trip about showing off people about your hectic social or professional life. Updating status is need to tell people what my life is. And people also love to peek into others lives and compare. Thats the same vouyeristic tendencies the reality shows cater to. Thus it offers opportunities for individual to assume an self image which he declares on his status. Man is socia animal. he always wants to be among close one. Facebook always makes you feel connected with your world. Some friends are just names you associate by means of some occasional interactions, most are old friends who suddenly appear after many years and whom you thought would never talk to again (thats best part of fb for me), some are very close friends, colleagues (thats very risky proposition on fb to have professional contacts to be there. better they be on linkedin)and some relatives (its again tricky selecting them). Thus your facebook means your world which you live in almost.
While benefits of facebook in promoting event, product is beyond doubt. the most intruguing point for me is psyhcology which drives people to post status updates like " today morning had dosa for breakfast" , ' Had great afternoon tea' , 'waiting to catch flight to seattle'. Why should i be interested to know that. Argument can be that you are only posting to your friends. So they will be interested to know what you do in life. But would you do same in real life ? will you bombard your friends with such trivial items. Just because you are 24/7 online and opportunity is there why should you. Talk about cinema, sports or some important event in life, politics, weather, society, crack some jokes: thats what you talk when you meet face to face. So why facebook should not follow face to face talk.
Coming back to email vs facebook. The convenience and speed offered by fb will bypass email esp for personal communication for sure. facilty to chat, message makes it fulproof. also add birthday reminders, apps, events.
What makes me believe this? On my just concluded birthday, i got a huge update on wall as it was ealier for all my friend to do that rather than send me email. Earlier i used to wait for emails but now my email box was full with fb updates. thanks my friends for all wishes. you made me feel special despite knowing that they were aided by fb. to remember b/day and send email/call makes one feel more special (i had many such friends as well). they say proof of pudding is in eating. so there lies my proof. Sure we will stop writing emails to our friends one day..
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Its tough going with the flow
They say its easy going with the flow but very difficult going against the flow. In this case, going against flow is impossible but going along itself is a challenge. here i mean literally. I am talking about white water rafting.
Rishikesh was a place which fascinated me since 1989 when i went there first onwards for a trek in garhwal. The charm and romance of Ganges flowing first time onto plains itself is an event to witness. Add to that mysticism of Hills which are very tall. The anticipation of approach of The Nagadhiraj or the king of mountains the Himalayas. Narrow road adjoining the flow of Ganga which is deep down the valley. And some religious fervour makes it a special place.
Heard that in Rishikesh you can go upto level 6 of rapids. Maybe only ladhakh/beas can offer those. Rishikesh has gained popularity as it can offer rapids from level 1 to 4 suitable for novices as well as its proximity to Delhi/Dehradun.
This year we had planned to spend a weekend in rishikesh while attending a family event in Delhi and a meeting. Few friends roped in and we were set.
We reduced travel time by using overnight trains from Delhi and Dehradun so we get two full days in rishikesh. Our hotel was 25km from Rishikesh towards Devprayag. Thus we went upstream and air became more refreshing , cool . The entire region is scenic. And what a view from the rooms.
After a good north indian breakfast, we went towards marine drive (not the one in mumbai) a place where road and stream of ganges lie side by side for a very small patch thus maybe the name. That was the starting point.
Our instructor deepak rana explained basic commands, dos , dont, safety tips. He warned us that falling outside raft is very common and nothing to panic. Thats the best preparation you need. Problem is that water is very cold. So he made us jump to acclimatize. You lose all senses once inside the cold river. Hope all our sins were washed by Holy Ganges.
First track from Marine drive to Shivpuri (12 Km) has 6 rapids which are uniquely named for eg Good morning, Tee off, 3 blind mice etc. The rapids are smooth and good for beginers. Maximum rapid is level2. But still its thrilling as your raft wobbles and you need to really concentrate and hold over raft even at level2.
The arms start making their protestations as you have to do forward/backward oaring insite of being with flow either to navigate or balance or move ahead. Ours was team of six , guide and his helper. Helmets and life jackets are compulsory.
The next patch from shivpuri to laxman jhula in rishikesh has 10 rapids with two most rapids are level 2-3 and two of them level4 (roller coaster and golfcourse)
Level 4 is some experience. All three boats accompanying us upsurped. All the contents: people. oars, chappals, water bottles start flowing with stream. all you have to do is not panic. Hold your head, legs pointing downstream, Head upstream, start flowing till you reach calm. Your life jacket will help you stay afloat (depth of water some places is 50 ft). Only thing to avoid is getting hit on head and body by boulders on side. And dont panic. Experts are around. They will rescue. Our boat had honor to be only boat not to capsize. So we conducted rescue for two other boats. Only mishap was one of our friend (amongst group of 6) fell off . but she was cool and being good swimmer helps. This was at first level 4 . The second one golf course, the amount of water rushing makes it tough. Thats where mountain dew ad is shot. Its amazing experience. Then we had another experience of body surfing. Thats when you knowingly jump out of raft, hold the lifeline on side and cross the rapid along raft while inside water. Thats when you remember your Nani( grandma).
Then at another rapid you are supposed to leave life line and have a free flow. That was fun for swimmers like me. Finally we had cliff jumping. To jump in river from 17 ft cliff. you have to make final resolve prior to jump . Thats it. I had jumped into 30 ft well when i was 6 yrs. I was given prize by A B Vajpayee for doing that. That exp helped maybe. But thrilling exp nevertheless. After 5 hrs of rafting we ended at Muni ki reti and headed towards hotel for heavy heavy lunch which was needed.
Rishikesh was a place which fascinated me since 1989 when i went there first onwards for a trek in garhwal. The charm and romance of Ganges flowing first time onto plains itself is an event to witness. Add to that mysticism of Hills which are very tall. The anticipation of approach of The Nagadhiraj or the king of mountains the Himalayas. Narrow road adjoining the flow of Ganga which is deep down the valley. And some religious fervour makes it a special place.
Heard that in Rishikesh you can go upto level 6 of rapids. Maybe only ladhakh/beas can offer those. Rishikesh has gained popularity as it can offer rapids from level 1 to 4 suitable for novices as well as its proximity to Delhi/Dehradun.
This year we had planned to spend a weekend in rishikesh while attending a family event in Delhi and a meeting. Few friends roped in and we were set.
We reduced travel time by using overnight trains from Delhi and Dehradun so we get two full days in rishikesh. Our hotel was 25km from Rishikesh towards Devprayag. Thus we went upstream and air became more refreshing , cool . The entire region is scenic. And what a view from the rooms.
After a good north indian breakfast, we went towards marine drive (not the one in mumbai) a place where road and stream of ganges lie side by side for a very small patch thus maybe the name. That was the starting point.
Our instructor deepak rana explained basic commands, dos , dont, safety tips. He warned us that falling outside raft is very common and nothing to panic. Thats the best preparation you need. Problem is that water is very cold. So he made us jump to acclimatize. You lose all senses once inside the cold river. Hope all our sins were washed by Holy Ganges.
First track from Marine drive to Shivpuri (12 Km) has 6 rapids which are uniquely named for eg Good morning, Tee off, 3 blind mice etc. The rapids are smooth and good for beginers. Maximum rapid is level2. But still its thrilling as your raft wobbles and you need to really concentrate and hold over raft even at level2.
The arms start making their protestations as you have to do forward/backward oaring insite of being with flow either to navigate or balance or move ahead. Ours was team of six , guide and his helper. Helmets and life jackets are compulsory.
The next patch from shivpuri to laxman jhula in rishikesh has 10 rapids with two most rapids are level 2-3 and two of them level4 (roller coaster and golfcourse)
Level 4 is some experience. All three boats accompanying us upsurped. All the contents: people. oars, chappals, water bottles start flowing with stream. all you have to do is not panic. Hold your head, legs pointing downstream, Head upstream, start flowing till you reach calm. Your life jacket will help you stay afloat (depth of water some places is 50 ft). Only thing to avoid is getting hit on head and body by boulders on side. And dont panic. Experts are around. They will rescue. Our boat had honor to be only boat not to capsize. So we conducted rescue for two other boats. Only mishap was one of our friend (amongst group of 6) fell off . but she was cool and being good swimmer helps. This was at first level 4 . The second one golf course, the amount of water rushing makes it tough. Thats where mountain dew ad is shot. Its amazing experience. Then we had another experience of body surfing. Thats when you knowingly jump out of raft, hold the lifeline on side and cross the rapid along raft while inside water. Thats when you remember your Nani( grandma).
Then at another rapid you are supposed to leave life line and have a free flow. That was fun for swimmers like me. Finally we had cliff jumping. To jump in river from 17 ft cliff. you have to make final resolve prior to jump . Thats it. I had jumped into 30 ft well when i was 6 yrs. I was given prize by A B Vajpayee for doing that. That exp helped maybe. But thrilling exp nevertheless. After 5 hrs of rafting we ended at Muni ki reti and headed towards hotel for heavy heavy lunch which was needed.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
To gain india its rightful place in the world
When we were young we used to have a pledge. In that there was a mention of we striving hard to gain India its rightful place amongst the countries of the world.
I think we have lived up to that pledge. When i say we, i say the foot soldiers of New Indian Economy. Proof of concept is the Obama speech in parliament.
I know that these speeches are empty rhetorics and carry no significance. But inspite of cynicism, the proof of imminence of India lies in fact that in first ten yrs of new milleniun US presidents have visited us thrice. It took fifty years for US presidents to visit India thrice in 1900s. Things have changed.
I remember we (India as country) meant nothing for international community read western world. We were a closed society with dubious political inclination towards Russian block. We were on wrong side of cold war. Troubled by treacherous neighbours like Pak and China, we had no voice . Though congress and nehru vision may sound gaga over NAM etc. Those were useless initiatives. Only high point of our international relations were winning of wars against PAK inspite of being at wrong side of world opinion.
The process of change started with IIT grads and medical students starting going out in 70s and 80s. They showed that Indians are equal if not more in adopting to best practices. International media and movies used to depict us as land of snake charmers, and tigers roaming around. Though our movies had impacted russia, central eastern asia, china and south east asia , gulf,etc but the western world or the image makers of the globe found us worth neglect and disdain. Cricketers from Eng, Australia, NZ used to find excuse to avoid indian tour.
Amidst this visionaries like JRD Tata, FC Kohli , Narayanmurthy saw value of computers and its impact on all other sectors. We also were lucky to have been ruled by Britain instead of other Europeans which resulted in young indian popultion getting educated in English.
Then came rajeev vision where he had opened small window for world helping indian technology, real estate. telecommunication revolution came in with cities and towns getting connected. All this helped IT and new economy.
Thankfully we had green revolution in 70s to feed our population which again helped increase purchasing power of Indian Populace. During and say 25 yrs after indian independance we struggled with agro economy and were unable to look beyond food security. Thus many western multinationals were attracted to purchasing power and numbers of Indian middle class.
It were calamitous years of evil regimes of VP singh, Chandrshekhar, that drove us to BOP crisis. This made liberlization only option for MMS and PVN to follow. P V Narsihnarao along with Dr Singh deserves a mention in this indian story. More often due to dirty politics of seculairism he had been vilianized.
That drove world to India as a market. indians went out going to attract export business in technology. There was Y2k and dotcom windfall. Indian economy was found stable esp after 97 asian crisis. Our diasporia already had broken stereotypes with great success stories on foreign shores. Thus we entered new millenium
New millenium mantra is money. Thus our economy helped us to gain political weight in world forums. Terrorism was common problem which india faced since mid eighties with punjab earlier, and Kashmir later. With 9/11, US and western world empathized with us. Energy , Climate were hard fought issues with western world which alienated india from developed world. But with Civil nuclear deal and with acceptance of climate change resolutions we do not pose threat value to westerm world. Till say 2008, we were just an equal entity amidst many other alies for western world.
Ofcourse oue cinema was truly global with our stars getting global recognition (in terms of popularity and not substance). Our cricket has attracted millions. Cricketers from Aus, SA, England crave indian riches.
2008 financial meltdown tilted balance finally for India. Indian was only place which seemed to survive in competition to hegemonial china. So now India is best bet for western world to stand against chinese domination while it was also found capable to create business opportunities for western world and help them survive the downturn.
Thats where Obama speech comes from. Thus the words...
That made me feel part of process to gain indian right place in world. India internally has enormous challenges to be able to be a great country: Terrorism, Corruption, rich poor divide, education, environment, naxalism, energy.... List is daunting and not much seems to have been done. we have to make a start..
Ofcourse, now that platform is set. Its upto our action that will define further course of political history. But economic position is irreversible. and that is an achievement from the days when i used to say pledge in my school.
I think we have lived up to that pledge. When i say we, i say the foot soldiers of New Indian Economy. Proof of concept is the Obama speech in parliament.
I know that these speeches are empty rhetorics and carry no significance. But inspite of cynicism, the proof of imminence of India lies in fact that in first ten yrs of new milleniun US presidents have visited us thrice. It took fifty years for US presidents to visit India thrice in 1900s. Things have changed.
I remember we (India as country) meant nothing for international community read western world. We were a closed society with dubious political inclination towards Russian block. We were on wrong side of cold war. Troubled by treacherous neighbours like Pak and China, we had no voice . Though congress and nehru vision may sound gaga over NAM etc. Those were useless initiatives. Only high point of our international relations were winning of wars against PAK inspite of being at wrong side of world opinion.
The process of change started with IIT grads and medical students starting going out in 70s and 80s. They showed that Indians are equal if not more in adopting to best practices. International media and movies used to depict us as land of snake charmers, and tigers roaming around. Though our movies had impacted russia, central eastern asia, china and south east asia , gulf,etc but the western world or the image makers of the globe found us worth neglect and disdain. Cricketers from Eng, Australia, NZ used to find excuse to avoid indian tour.
Amidst this visionaries like JRD Tata, FC Kohli , Narayanmurthy saw value of computers and its impact on all other sectors. We also were lucky to have been ruled by Britain instead of other Europeans which resulted in young indian popultion getting educated in English.
Then came rajeev vision where he had opened small window for world helping indian technology, real estate. telecommunication revolution came in with cities and towns getting connected. All this helped IT and new economy.
Thankfully we had green revolution in 70s to feed our population which again helped increase purchasing power of Indian Populace. During and say 25 yrs after indian independance we struggled with agro economy and were unable to look beyond food security. Thus many western multinationals were attracted to purchasing power and numbers of Indian middle class.
It were calamitous years of evil regimes of VP singh, Chandrshekhar, that drove us to BOP crisis. This made liberlization only option for MMS and PVN to follow. P V Narsihnarao along with Dr Singh deserves a mention in this indian story. More often due to dirty politics of seculairism he had been vilianized.
That drove world to India as a market. indians went out going to attract export business in technology. There was Y2k and dotcom windfall. Indian economy was found stable esp after 97 asian crisis. Our diasporia already had broken stereotypes with great success stories on foreign shores. Thus we entered new millenium
New millenium mantra is money. Thus our economy helped us to gain political weight in world forums. Terrorism was common problem which india faced since mid eighties with punjab earlier, and Kashmir later. With 9/11, US and western world empathized with us. Energy , Climate were hard fought issues with western world which alienated india from developed world. But with Civil nuclear deal and with acceptance of climate change resolutions we do not pose threat value to westerm world. Till say 2008, we were just an equal entity amidst many other alies for western world.
Ofcourse oue cinema was truly global with our stars getting global recognition (in terms of popularity and not substance). Our cricket has attracted millions. Cricketers from Aus, SA, England crave indian riches.
2008 financial meltdown tilted balance finally for India. Indian was only place which seemed to survive in competition to hegemonial china. So now India is best bet for western world to stand against chinese domination while it was also found capable to create business opportunities for western world and help them survive the downturn.
Thats where Obama speech comes from. Thus the words...
That made me feel part of process to gain indian right place in world. India internally has enormous challenges to be able to be a great country: Terrorism, Corruption, rich poor divide, education, environment, naxalism, energy.... List is daunting and not much seems to have been done. we have to make a start..
Ofcourse, now that platform is set. Its upto our action that will define further course of political history. But economic position is irreversible. and that is an achievement from the days when i used to say pledge in my school.
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