Me 3.0

The Real Shocker

2011-06-30T04:55:00.004-04:00

6 months ago I gave a test at the local RTA office and got my learner's permit. The permit said it's valid for 6 months and I could give the road test 30 days after the permit is issued. As usual, I put the permit in my wallet and went about driving. One fine day this month, I realized the 6 month deadline must be approaching, so without even bothering to look at the validity dates I went to the RTA office early next morning and stood in line to take the date for road test.

I haven't driven a car on Indian roads before - although I drove a manual/stick shift car for many years in the USA. So, I thought I would take a few days to get familiarized with it before giving the test.

The line started moving after a long wait - and slowly, but surely, my turn at the window came. The clerk inside took my papers, checked the computer, and asked me to pay Rs. 470 for the road test and gave me a slip. I asked him for 'the available dates after next week'. He said 'come for the test at 1:30pm'. I sought clarification asking - 'which day? I don't see a date on the slip'. He looked up and down at me and answered - 'come at 1:30pm today to the chinta chettu (Tamarind tree) area near the Maseed (mosque). Do you know where it is?' I answered in the affirmative thinking I could easily find out where the Maseed is. I muttered again - 'Can I get it for a later date?'; to which he looked again with the 'don't-waste-my-time' kind of looks and called the next guy in line who was already arching around and in front of me to hand over his application. I felt so unwelcome there and came away from there.

I then immediately called a car driving school number. I saved it in my mobile a few weeks ago, seeing it on the back of a driving school car thinking I should call them and practise a few days before giving the exam.

The instructor answered my call and said he's in the middle of a class. I told him I needed immediate help and that my test is at 1:30pm. He was confused as to how I could sign up for a road test when I haven't taken any classes. I asked where he was and went to him immediately. I explained my situation and sought his help.

He completed his class and told me he will show me what's needed. I got in the driver's seat and he guided me. He also took me to the Maseed testing spot and showed me where the RTA Inspector would stand and what he would ask during the test etc. After driving around a few rounds, we came back home. I grabbed a few bites for lunch and since it's already time for my test, went on my scooter to the Maseed testing location.

After waiting for a while the RTA came with his records assistant. The RTA first cleared those who came in their own cars for the test. Then came the turn of folks who needed a car for the test. A few 'contractors' are waiting with their cars for those like us who need a car for the test. After almost all are done, my turn came. They were sending two candidates each to be tested at the same time. They sent another guy along with me.

We went to the car assigned to us. The navigator asked me to sit in the driver's seat. I sat and tried to adjust the seat and the mirros. The navigator said - 'don't worry. they don't work. Only on setting for them since a lot of people have to use the car every day.' I didn't know what to say.

My hand went to the key in the ignition and left foot went to the clutch. He then said - 'this is a very old car - so the clutch is not working well. I will control the clutch and the brake, you control the accelerator'.

I didn't understand completely what he said at first. I was very puzzled. After a few seconds, I came to my senses and all I could do was smile. Meanwhile, the RTA officer was very busy chatting away with his subordinates and elderly driving license applicants - and didn't even turn towards us. The navigator asked us to go straight and turn right - only to come back half way. All of 200 yards. Then I had to sit in the back while the second applicant came in front of the steering wheel and drove straight to the point where we started.

The navigator then said, the test is done. And collected Rs. 50 each for letting us use his car. We got down and went to the records assistant - and he took our signature in the long book he's carrying. License issued 4 days later.

End of the story.

I was really shocked at the kind of testing being done for prospective drivers. Of course, they are not prospective because almost all of the applicants are already driving the vehicles they are seeking to get the license to drive.

If this is the kind of testing going on at the RTA offices for issuing a driving license, no wonder we see drivers rushing into the 4-lane intersection without looking for the traffic already in the intersection; and coming from bi-lanes into the main streets as if it's all one straight, traffic-free street, and they're the only ones driving on it.

It's not the roads we need to upgrade first. Upgrade the RTA offices, testing and verification procedures before issuing the licenses as also renewals.

Yeah - after 9 months upon our return, we are still learning the ropes of living in our motherland!!

Swasti!!

Shocker

2011-06-07T08:11:00.004-04:00

Recently we let a couple of neighbourhood boys to come and play in our house with Chandra and Datta. These boys are around 10 years - a little older than my boys, but wanted to play in our house nevertheless. I watched them all play for a few minutes and seeing them get along well I went inside to get on with my work. They could play any of the board games, sports, toys etc., I told them - so I was looking forward to some undisturbed stretch of time.

I got on my laptop, caught some news headlines and after a few minutes - was about to start on my tasks when Datta ran in crying.

'He's catching my balls'.

I was shocked - and didn't understand what he's saying at first. I asked him to calm down and probed him further ... for which he said again, without calming down - 'I am playing and he's always catching my balls'. I was aghast at what the kids are learning these days - and from where - at such a young age. I was about to resolve not to let unknown and half-known kids in to play. I ran out to check out who was doing that and scold them.

A plethora of thoughts ran through my mind - in those few seconds it took for me to go out into the ground. Should I find out who did it and scold him? Or explain to him what's indecent behavior and not allowed in our house? Or should I go and talk to his parents instead?

When I went out, Chandra was batting and the neighbourhood boys were bowling and fielding. Since they are a little older, they are pretty much catching any ball that went up in the air. What can I say then? I looked down at Datta and he's still sobbing, with his face red from the hurt - I understood now - for getting caught every ball.

Who's at fault here? The neighbourhood kids, Datta, Me or the language?

Swasti!!

Brains

2011-05-11T06:46:00.003-04:00

Dr. Usha is a cleanliness freak. Are all dentists like that? Or am I lucky to get paired with one. Needless to say, I don't live upto her expectations of cleanliness. I tend to leave things behind as if I meant to get back to them, but forgot. I can't say myself for sure, if it is purposeful forgetfulness or genuine. I think in my case, the line between both has blurred a long time ago.

Anyway - coming to the present - summer vacation for kids - wake up late in the morning - mom's almost out the door to clinic - dad fixes breakfast - mess and mayhem follow....... yeah! you get the idea. Today's no different. To keep things simple, I carefully planted the idea of Vanilla Milk into their brains even while the toothbrushing is going on. Thank god, they bought into it.

They attacked some of the toys lying around while I ran into the kitchen to prepare Vanilla Milk. After mixing it up, feeling proud of getting a handy froth machine, I poured it into 3 cups, left the spoon on the kitchen counter. Yeah - lazy to just push it a little bit left so it could find its way into the sink. I placed the cups on the kids' picnic/park bench, ordering them to gulp it down by the time I come back from a visit to the bathroom.

I came back in a couple of minutes to pick up the glasses - but as usual - the milk cups were untouched. The kids were busy checking their toys after what seemed like ages for them since last night. I ran into the kitchen to mix some vanilla milk for myself. Instead of taking another spoon, my brilliant brain remembered conveniently that I didn't put the previous spoon into the sink. So, I reached out to the spoon - but my hand came back immediately with a mini shock. On seeing the ants attacking the few droplets of vanilla milk on the spoon. Where did they come from? How could they come faster from seemingly far off distance - while my kids can't reach the milk glasses within their arms reach?!

Who's got the brains here? The dad - who conveniently remembered and thought of reusing the spoon? The kids - who were making the best use of their summer vacation playing around, not even heeding to the call for milk? Or the uninvited guests, who stormed the spoon for the few drops of sweet milk, and lost their lives?!

Is there a way to draw Lakshmanrekha lines all around the house ?!

Swasti!!

Our First Summer

2011-05-10T06:46:00.006-04:00

We have been looking forward to it. With varied feelings. If we can live through this summer, we would know how it is to live here. Not that we haven't lived in India and Machilipatnam before. But that 'before' was almost 17 summers ago. A lot has changed since then in India. But more so, regarding the summer weather. I don't recall summers being so brutal in those days. May be because the day time highs were not as high as they are now. Was it because there's much more greenery around, much less concrete buildings and much fewer motor vehicles and much less pollution then? Could it be that we were more tolerant then? Or was it that we were not exposed the luxuries of life and were living more in unison with the nature to not feel 'burnt'? Or is my memory just trying to gloss over the past, making the present look worse?!

Whatever be the reason, it's very very hot out here. Forget 'out'- it's very very hot in here as well. The other day, blazing hot summer heat 'waves' started hitting the doors and windows as early as 10:30 in the morning.

Just 5 days ago, I was thinking - 'It's already the first week of May. This summer hasn't been as bad as I expected it to be. May be people just get psyched out about the few days of peak temperatures and attribute those temps to the whole season......' Then, as if the Sun God sensed my silent contempt, he started coming out loud and clear and early too - every morning since then.

Today it's 110F here in Machilipatnam (weather.com says - it feels like 116F). I thought the 110F I suffered in the Hoover Dam area in Arizona/Nevada border back in 2000 summer was my worst summer day. I didn't expect my native town to outwit that weather hands down - every summer day.

Dog days of summer?! Here they are, for sure. Yeah - the kids are grounded indoors from 9:30am - 6:30pm. Well - they have no complaints of course!

Swasti!!

Politics above the Nation?

2011-04-20T23:57:00.003-04:00

I don't usually blog on the political happenings - although I have my views on such things - whether or not I know the subject completely :) But the headline today on The NYTimes ticked me off.

The US House Speaker's invitation to the Israeli Prime Minister, to address Congress next month - without the express permission from the POTUS (President of the...), let alone the State Department - leaves a bad taste in the mouth of any sane, right...er...correct thinking democratic person. How can someone invite a foreign personality, without proper permission - when the two nations are at unease, diplomatically?! That too - when that someone is lower down the chain of command...

I see only politics at play here at the cost of demeaning the position of the POTUS - and there by the position of the nation. With the general elections round the corner (2012) and the 'minority vote' at stake - this is a cheap trick by the Speaker. Someone cut the Speaker's tail please....

Swasti!!

Fever

2011-04-19T07:07:00.002-04:00

Whenever I sign off saying something like - 'more on that shortly' or 'details to follow soon' - that 'shortly' or 'soon' inevitably comes not so soon or shortly. Anyway...that's for later. But for now - I will talk about the new fever.

No - I am not talking about the fever I got last month or the one my son got last week. But the exam fever that's going on now. All around the state, for that matter. Since late February, I should say. Our kids have exams going on now - for the past 4 days - and will complete their first academic year in India on April 21st !! They have been great in acclimatizing and learning fast to adapt to the new environs as well as new subjects/languages. And to stand 1st or 2nd in their classes shows how eager they are to learn, setting aside the numerous inconveniences they face, coming from the USA.

Usha and I have been busy for the past couple of weeks - preparing them for some program or exam or the other. Thank God, the academic year is ending this week! (Or is it not really a respite?! now that the kids will be home all day :( )

We shall see.
Swasti!!

Fire

2011-01-31T08:10:00.003-05:00

I am fascinated by the fire in the pit. Not any pit. But the yaga pit - or the yagna kundam. I had the great fortune of participating in a 9 day long Vasudeva Yagam conducted within the precincts of the 350+ year old Batchupeta Sivalayam. Since Usha and I are the 'young couple' amongst the participants - we were 'offered' to lead the yagas almost every day - except for a couple of days when other yaga kartas (one who offers the aajyam - ghee - into the yaga kundam with the Sruvam - the wooden ladle) performed at both the yagna kundas.

I've never heard of Vasudeva Yaga before. It was on November 15th - in a Kartika Masa function in the Sivalayam - that the Brahma (one who has powerful jaws so one can chant mantras clearly and loudly so everybody can hear - we were told in the thanksgiving function by a sanskrit scholar) proposed this Yaga for January right after Pongal. At that time, I thought he was just proposing and it may or may not happen - depending on how serious the organisers will be; and how much money they can get pledged from donors.

By the first week of January, the main organiser came to me and asked if I wanted to be one of the Yaga kartas. I was non committal at first. Am I ready to do such yagas? Can I commit myself for 9 days? Is my body ready to sit for long periods of time every day for 9 days? so on and on... Usha was cautious as well. But we decided to take the plunge - as this is not an opportunity that comes often. Yagas like these are not performed regularly. After many such Q and A sessions in the mind, we informed the organisers we will participate. Of course, it involved monetary support as well and we pledged accordingly.

It all started on the 19th - when we took the pledge to perform the yaga for 7 days starting from the 20th. That evening the brahmanas generated fire from the 'arani' wood. It was a spectacle in itself. Two brahmanas sit opposite to each other holding one long rectangular piece of wood which has concave shapes in it. Another brahmana holds a second piece of wood with one end resting in one of the concave shapes. They churn the second piece of wood with the help of a rope - and they do that while chanting 'agni prajwalana mantras'. A good amount of smoke starts emanating from the concave shape - and after much effort one of them said the fire is here. I was expecting to see a good amount of fire coming out of that. But that was not to be. They showed us all a spark of fire (almost like the red hot fire we see at the end of a lighted incense stick). They then put that spark into some dried sacred grass - and blew air into it. Fire came out with many tongues - and they then put it into the yaga kundas. There was no stopping the fire for the next 9 days... It was all an interesting episode for me.

From then on, I am fascinated at the fire in the yaga kundas - and the purity of that fire. After all, it's one of the five basic elements - and by far the most unadulterated element so far.

I will write more on the yagas shortly.
Swasti!!

Happy 2011

2011-01-01T13:29:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

Happy 2011!!

Happy Today! Happy Tomorrow! Happy Every day!!

We wish everyone we meet well. We wish all our friends and family and acquaintances well too - all the time, whether we meet them or not. So what's so new about Jan 1st? Or Ugadi day - for that matter ?

As some of the folks that know me are aware - I would much prefer Ugadi day to Jan 1st - any day! Not that I don't wish Happy New Year on Jan 1st. I did. I do. I will. But when I wish some folks (mostly family and other like minded friends) the thought of Ugadi being a more authentic New Year Day inevitably occurs at the back of my mind - almost always.

Nevertheless - I think Jan 1st is no less significant. For one thing - the Jan - Dec calendar is so ingrained in our daily lives that we literally live by it day in and day out. My mom completely lives by the Telugu/Lunar calendar (well - almost 90%) - being from old school. She still talks in Chaitram, Vaisakham..., pADyami, vidiya, pourNami etc... and takes a few seconds to relate it to Solar calendar for any chronological details. There are others in the family who live that life. They ruled the roost until a few decades ago - but we rarely see such people now. Almost 90% can't even tell all the lunar months - let alone in order. Nor do they know the tithis for that matter.

Given this great influence of the Gregorian Calendar on mankind (or shall we call man(un)kind?!) - it's no wonder Jan 1st usurped the New Year's Day mantle from Yugadi Day. But what fascinates me is that the Lunar Calendar didn't need correction in over several millennia - where as the Western Calendar underwent several corrections over the past 2000 years. The latest being on Sept 2nd 1752, when people in England slept for 12 days. Not too long ago, in the history of time, one might say.

Anyway - given the current influence of Jan 1st - Happy New Year! Happy today, tomorrow and every day!!

I am at peace!

Swasti!!

2010 - Another milestone

2010-12-31T06:59:00.005-05:00

This year marked a major milestone in our lives. We returned home from our 16 year US stay. Our families are in two minds - happy that we returned; and worried we chose Machilipatnam over Hyderabad or other Metros to try and settle down. We have been facing some funny and uncomfortable questions from people we meet. 'You lost your job?' 'Is your project done?' 'You ran out of H-1 and did not get Greencard?' 'Did you make a fortune and came retired?' to list a few. Obviously some of these are uncomfortable. Some are funny. And some others are downright ridiculous.

Anyway - this is all part of the game, we feel. We can't answer all. But as long as we can answer to ourselves for all the questions/issues we face, we can live in peace. Coming to that word - one thing we felt recently is this. Ever since we went to the US, one thought at the back of our minds was - when/how do we go back to India? However, since we returned to India, we realized we are not haunted by the thought - when/how do we return to the US? That in itself gives us a semblance of inner peace.

After being in India for 3 months now, we haven't met some of the milestones we looked forward to. We are still a week away from moving into our own abode (rental, of course). Usha joined a dental clinic in November after a couple of clinics tried to get her to join them. She went and treated some cases (and made some money, of course) - but couldn't continue as the kids haven't fallen into a routine, which required both of us. She will resume later in the new year we hope. Moving into our own home should help.

The going has been slow, slower than our generous allowances. Nevertheless, we look forward to the New Year with renewed optimism and commitment. We are relearning the ropes of Indian life and confident of greater success in the coming months.

We wish you all the same - a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. 1-1-11 should ring in the positive change.

Swasti!!

The Carmax Experience

2010-10-24T02:27:00.005-04:00

Before we left for India - one of the big items was disposing off the vehicles. Advertisements on the bulletin boards (online and offline) in the places of work resulted in many enquiries but no buyers. Craigslist helped a lot in getting serious enquiries and the car - a 2001 Altima - sold off quickly. Within 4 days of being listed, to be precise.

However, it's the minivan - a 2004 Odyssey - that attracted many more serious enquiries and a couple of finalists who wanted to buy. With the first come, first drive policy - the first person who confirmed the intent to buy got the lucky vehicle. He got it inspected at a service station of his choice - and was satisfied to learn the vehicle was in top condition. Of course, a detail service done on it helped project it in good light as well.

With the departure date closing in on us, we tried to close the formalities and he (let's call him Mr. Gandhi) waited for the loan to be approved by the financial institution. Gandhi got it done and went to pick up the check the day before we left. He was on time for the appointment, sat down to sign the papers, and upon being asked to produce the verification documents - he produced them including his driving license and the auto insurance approval papers. There started the trouble.

Gandhi had an international driving license - and the loan disbursal officer objected to it. Gandhi was asked to get a U.S. driving license before the loan amount can be handed out. He was in distress and called me for advise. We tried various options, and even the drastic option of me leaving the vehicle with him and he paying me once he gets the loan amount sanctioned. He was surprised at this last option and considered it for a while. He was in need of a big vehicle, since his family came from India and he's tired of shelling out money to the rental car companies. His severe back problem also made him look for a bigger. He seemed to be a very honest fellow - and hence my offer to him.

He called me late in the night to express his thanks and inability to accept the offer for various reasons. I already turned down two other serious buyers and didn't have time to put it on sale again. I didn't want to leave the burden of selling this vehicle for me, on friends/family. So on the day of departure, we changed our planned route to the JFK airport. We packed our suitcases in the van, started a couple of hours early, and went to Hartford, CT to sell the van in Carmax. I read about it that it takes about 30-40 minutes for the vehicle to be assessed and a quote given to us. Once we decide to sell the vehicle to them, they will finish the formalities in another hour and give us a check.

So, we drove there and offered it up for sale to them. They gave us a quote and albeit our negotiations, they didn't budge higher from their quote. It's like - take it or leave it. I had no other option. I was not sure (or may be I was) if unloading all the suitcases in a corner of their parking lot gave it away to them that I was desperate to sell it and had no time. Whatever be the case, I gave it to them, and they gave me a check.

My BiL got a rental van from the Hartford airport and we packed the luggage in it. From there we proceeded to the airport. It was the most exciting day of the past 3-4 months, leading to our boarding the flight for R2I.

That's our Carmax experience - high on convenience, low on price - but even on satisfaction. One must see the signs of relief on our faces, while driving out of the Carmax parking lot. A job DONE - in the final seconds :)

Swasti!!

Frozen

2010-10-20T11:54:00.003-04:00

It's been a month to this day, since we returned home to India. It's been vacation time so far for all of us - especially since Dasara is a family get together time every year. The kids are growing 'smarter' watching the TV programs here - ChoTha Bheem being their favorite. We zeroed in on a school for them - and will be joining them soon. Our shipment is due to arrive by the end of this week - and we will then have no excuses after that :)

One thing I realized is - even after our annual trips to India - we are frozen in our '1994 India' mindset in some aspects. One example is - whenever I meet or come across my teachers/Professors I am folding my palms together and wishing them Namaste; while they are extending their hands to shake mine :) Walking is a forgotten skill for many, I observe. More on the 'frozen' part later...

Datta today wrote part of the Telugu alphabet and impressed at his 'artwork', he offered the 'masterpiece' to his mom and asked her to sell it for big money. He then came over to me and asked me to take a digital picture of it, and sell copies of it - so I don't have to work any more. I wish it's as easy and simple as that :))

Chandra and Lakshmi are enjoying every bit of the Masula life - mosquito bites included :)

Swasti!!

When 50 became 410

2010-10-01T07:08:00.005-04:00

The boys are busy with Chota Bheem, Hanuman, Mr. Bean, some studies and other play stuff. In the US, they were never in front of the TV for more than an hour. Here, it's getting difficult to pull them away. Anyway, yesterday I had the fortune of them following me into the drawing room to sit down and do some Math. Chandra did 3 digit additions and substractions fine. Datta did single digit problems fine - so I gave him 2 digit problems as well. After a few problems, I gave him 25 + 25 - to keep things simple and make him excited. Excited - he sure was - at 'cracking' all the problems. He pushed his book towards me and ran off to join his brother for another episode of Chota Bheem.

I checked the book at the end of the day - before going to bed. And I was surprised to see him answer 25+25 = 410. For a second I didn't understand where got that from. Then I realized, I didn't teach him to carry over ... so no wonder :) Right or wrong, he is always at peace! What a joy!!

Swasti!!

The Point is to Return

2010-09-25T13:02:00.009-04:00

That tag line from Sri D.V. Sridharan's http://www.pointreturn.org has been an inspiration for me for long -- well, for over 2 years now, since I learnt about his site and his wonderful work. The point is to return. What a wonderful line. Many of us going from one place to another always think of returning to the origin. That thought - some of us visualize and then realize. But very few probably really RETURN. I, for one, am not the same but brought back a lot of baggage with me (not everything physical).

After landing in HYD, I went to a couple of closeby places - which was enough to give me a glimpse of the changing landscape. In the two days since we landed in Bandar - I walked through many thoroughfares and side streets of the "lazy town". Well, for one thing, I realized it's not lazy any more. Agreed - there are no pubs (or are there, in the gullies I haven't been to, or may be hidden somewhere else under non-descript sign boards?!), not much of a night life other than the homeless and the live cattle taking center stage in the center of the town. Agreed - there are no Fun Parks, IMAX Multiplexes or even McDonalds and Pizza Huts.

But what I have seen thus far is that there are many small businesses that cropped up; many young entrepreneurs making a living with colorful themes and trying to make a mark, grabbing the opportunities. I am surprised to see many Computer Institutes touting "live projects" and offshore contracting work from mega corps. Of course, I am sure much of it is worthy of humor :) But still, people are trying it out - of all places, in Bandar. I see people taking their purses out and spending. I see people eating out more and more.

Not that I haven't been to Bandar in ages. I visit my native place almost every year (except 2009, when I made just a 5 day dash to Desh). But I guess my glasses are different now. I am not visiting any more... trying to live here. Makes all the difference eh?!

But above all, it's still a sweet town (no pun intended). One can go anywhere and get work done without having to see better part of their day relegated to history. Need I add you can do it in a healthy way too?! Yes - you can almost walk to any place, without much bother. Innovas and Civics are not new to the roads here - don't get me wrong. You can have them - but don't need them here. How sweet - eh?! Not to talk of Bandar laddu, badam milk, mashala etc - the delicacies of the main thoroughfare in town. Am yet to indulge in them - not in a hurry.

So any way... The point is to return. Still a long way to go. Haven't found a suitable house to make home. Yet to finalize a school - out of 3 shortlisted - for the boys. And that's only one half of the puzzle. I have to set shop and Usha has to put her skills to practice - almost like pulling teeth...er... not almost. That's what she does :)

Swasti!!

Time to Return Home

2010-08-02T16:58:00.002-04:00

'been thinking of returning home for a while now. 2009 was what I set my sights on, when I first came to this country. It was not to be, for various reasons - the most prominent being the state of the world economy. I say world economy because a couple of sponsors who were supposed to pen an agreement with us backed out in the last minute due to cash crunch.

Anyway, better late than never. After dilly dallying, without much happening but just stressful wait and the time ticking by - we finally settled on September 18th to be the D-day. So the process for the return started with the purchase of tickets - on none other than Air India. We will be landing in HYD on Sept. 20th. That will be a new beginning for me (and for us). It will be an all new Me 4.0.

Will try and keep you posted on what's happening between now and Sept 18th.
Swasti!!

Busy with no work

2010-05-18T10:25:00.002-04:00

Some people are very busy when they have a lot of work. Some in this category, despite being very busy, make time and take on more work.
Some others feel busy even when they have a little work.
I feel very busy now with no work. Strange...eh?! But true.

Will write in detail later - as I am busy now :)

Swasti!!

No Batteries

2010-03-19T00:58:00.003-04:00

After a few episodes of naughty, if not outright nasty, behavior from Datta - I shouted at him asking "What happened to your listening ears? Do I have to pull them out?" To which he responded immediately, with a mischievous smile - "They need batteries".
hmmm...
Where can I find them?!
Swasti!!

All for a banana cutter

2010-02-04T09:34:00.002-05:00

On a recent evening, Chandra and Datta were playing 'family' game with toys and after that, while taking bath, Datta said: I want to have 3 sons and 2 daughters. I felt amused and asked him why 5? That's a big family... He said - Then I can use a banana cutter. I was completely dumb found about this response - as my mind went back to late summer of last year.

Early last year, I picked up a banana cutter on sale and used it a couple of times to give the kids banana slices. The cutting was easy but I didn't like the cleaning part of it - just too many surfaces to clean. So, as is the case with a few such 'tools', it was relegated to the back of our utensil rack, never to be used again.

Then back in September last year, after they returned from their school, I was giving them a snack and gave bananas. Datta wanted me to use the banana cutter but I lazily replied you already have natural cutters in your mouth so use them. When he said he wants the banana cut into nice little pieces, I used a knife to cut it nice and even and gave him.

This happened on another occasion as well - and he asked me why I am not using the banana cutter. Then I replied - well...if we need to cut many bananas then we can use the cutter...may be for 5 kids or more. Just for 3 kids, I can quickly use a knife. Looks like that comment was with him ever since.

Interestingly, he became a picky banana eater recently and after his 'bath comment', I wanted to try with a banana cutter. Yesterday, I used it and he happily ate the banana without a word.

I wonder which other of my 'lazy' comments he stored in his mind and acting up at times... only time will tell :) But it taught me something....

Swasti!!

Let BB go...

2010-01-26T06:11:00.002-05:00

I am neither an economist nor do I claim to understand how the US Fed works (may be just a little, in passing). But I think Obama should let Ben Bernanke, the Fed Chairman, go. Isn't it under his stewardship that we had recession building and taking millions of 'lives' everywhere? Didn't he pledge allegiance to the failed economic policies, and was probably the brain behind drafting many?

When the economy tanked, and when the only way is up - however insignificant the change is, he did take some bold decisions to effect that change. Or was that a much delayed response in the first place? We will never know anyway.

No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. -- Einstein

If BB was a part of the problem in the first place, doesn't it make sense to bring in a fresh pair of eyes and brain into this hot seat? ... who can bring in fresh thinking, better policy and the much needed change? BB's list of accomplishments could fill a realm of paper, printed 2-sided at that, but keeping the same dull heads who either didn't see this coming or didn't act on it earlier should be enough reason to change him, I think.

What's more...it could also help BB go make a 'decent living' for all his 'economic prowess'. Apparently he only makes $200k p.a. without any bonuses or pay raises, albeit the fact that the toxic assets he made the Govt. buy last year are bringing in huge returns. A Wall Street executive could have easily raked in a couple of billion for this kind of effort.

Let the people change. And so, let the rules of the game change...for better! It takes courageous leaders to take bold decisions. Haven't seen that yet in Prez BO.

Swasti!!

How long is the year NEW?

2010-01-19T21:54:00.002-05:00

When I talk to some of my friends or colleagues, for the first time this year - the conversation starts with the 'Happy New Year' wish. Even on Jan 19th. I don't mind..and wish the other person the same and even better :)

How long is the year new? When does it get old - or rather, not new any more?! Does it take a second conversation to get past that opening sentence/wish? Or does it really have to be February before people drop that wish from their conversations?! Or is it done by the last week of January (feeling that we are already at the end of the first month?!) Any ideas?! What's the cut off...if any?! What say you all?!

In this context, I remember one of my English teachers from my early school days saying - we should not talk any more after we say 'Good Night'! And I used to follow that scrupulously (as a kid - not now :) ) Has any of you heard that before?! What do you think of that?!

Anyway - to those I haven't talked to, this year, yet - Happy New Year!!
And to all of you - Good Night!!

Swasti!!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-03T17:31:00.003-05:00

Dear friends,
Hope you all are having a good start to this New Year! There have been many events in 2009, as with any other year, some pleasant and some not so pleasant. However, I am sure we are all that much more experienced and wiser by all the happenings.

As with the advent of Sunday, or the first day of any month, we look forward to the beginning of the year with bated breaths; with many hopes, wishes and aspirations - for positive events and outcomes for our efforts. However, this continuum of time knows no boundaries like days, weeks, months and years and never changes its course nor favors any - and it is us who have to improve ourselves and put in a better show to achieve our goals.

Wishing us all the best in this year for bringing out a 'better us' -
Swasti!!

Disney - Where Dreams Come True

2009-12-22T22:10:00.004-05:00

We have been to the Walt Disney World and been on the 4-night Disney Cruise earlier this month. The kids had a blast and are already asking to go on a 7-night cruise next week. Usha and I enjoyed the vacation thoroughly as well. This is our first cruise trip, but second visit to the Disney World. The cruise really is our dream come true. (yeah...why not?! no need to cook; no need to do dishes; no doing the beds nor washing clothes... ha ha)

One thing that really strikes me on our trips to Disney World is the cheerful faces of all those that work there, and their excellent customer service. Right from the bell boy to the store man to the security guard to the characters (of course). If there's any place on earth where someone bends over his/her back to satisfy the customer - then Disney is the place, we felt.

And yeah...we even celebrated Datta's 4th birthday (per Indian calendar) on the cruise and he really liked it.

More on the trips soon...
Swasti!!

Too long...

2009-11-22T19:21:00.002-05:00

Chandra has a natural affinity to academics. He loves reading, writing, math etc. Datta is quite the opposite. He complains 'but it takes tooo long' for everything. Today, he's supposed to write 5 letters (QRSTU) in his Pre-K workbook. After an hour - of which 50+ minutes was spent playing around, 6 minutes spent whining and 4 minutes writing - I checked into his work - and he finished writing only two letters.

I asked him to write 'S' as well - but he said he will write two today and two tomorrow. I asked him to write S and T today, so he can write two more tomorrow. And he gave his favorite answer - 'but naannaa... it takes toooo long'.

I said to Usha: 'If we tell him that he has to study in school/college for 18 years, he probably won't even get started with school. Shall I tell him?!" We both had a hearty laugh...and I have to see how I can make enjoy writing. hmm.... writing...and enjoy... tough proposition for Datta for sure :)

Swasti!!

'Manners are not for following'

2009-11-21T23:18:00.004-05:00

This past Friday I had an interesting conversation with Datta - my soon-to-be 4-year old son.

Me: No computer for you today, as you were not listening. (The kids watch playhouse disney episodes on the internet)

Datta: Please naanna (dad). Can I watch Handy Manny?

Me: I said no computer on weekdays. Also, you are not listening to us. No good manners, no computer.

Datta: But I said Please... that's a good manner?!

Me: Yes, but you have to listen to mom and me as well - and follow what we say. You can't do as you please for everything.

Datta: But naanna ... good manners are only for saying. Not for listening and following....

Me: What do you mean? What are good manners?

Datta: Please, Thank You and Sorry... these are all good manners. Not listening and following....

hmm... Barney and Mickey episodes on manners have greater influence on him ...what can I say, but to burst out in laughter at his innocence and unintended humor?!

Swasti!!

Lessons learned from Mumbai attacks?

2009-11-20T22:24:00.003-05:00

The first anniversary of the tragic Mumbai attacks is already upon us - but there's no progress in the investigation (huh?!) nor could we hold Pakistan accountable and get them to act. How much did we expect and hope our politicians would act tough and get the real culprits to pay?! Alas! It's just a distant wish and our political bandits lack the will, and it's proved once again.

Are our cities any safer than they were in Nov '08? Are there any new security measures in place to check the visitors coming in by air, land and water ways? Have the laws of the land been updated or the existing laws being enforced any better? Have there been significant improvements in how the intelligence is gathered and shared amongst the various security agencies?

Sadly, the answers are all negative - even after such a tragic incident in which just a handful of rogue militants made a mockery of our system and played with the lives of hundreds, and more so - with the sentiments and emotions of crores.

The political class in the country proves they haven't let us down to the deepest depths yet, with each passing tragedy. Every time we feel it can't get any worse, and it can only get better from here on - our 'leaders' prove otherwise.

Hope things change for the better soon and we can see some positive developments that gives us hope for a better and secure future.

Swasti!!

It's RED - let's face it

2009-10-30T09:44:00.003-04:00

As much as the pundits keep harping the positive adjectives about the economy - stabilizing, growing, black, green, shooting up, etc. etc. - I still feel very uneasy at the state of affairs.

Yes, the stock indices went up.
Yes, the job loss numbers are coming down.
Yes, the banks (some at least) are reporting.
Yes, they are buying more cars than last year.
Yes, this...
Yes, that....

Yet - I still feel these are all just glossing over the reality.

That - the economy is not really strengthening at its core. But the icing is made sweeter. That's all. Me feels, it's just the speculative investers making the money. It's just the institutions trying to control the costs and showing black/green. It's just the incentives offered by various quarters pushing the public (some of them) to spend and boost the numbers.

But, the fundamentals of the economy are 'still strong' - as McCain famously said last year. Nothing (or not much) has changed since - to change the way business is done. Consumer credit is still in danger of collapsing. People are still living dangerously on borrowed money. 'Leaders' are trying for the 'feel good' factor rather than 'doing good'.

Or may be we will continue to grow this 'bubble' until the next burst, without actually changing anything. And may be that's how economies operate - not on reality but on speculation. Only.

Oh well... let's see.

Swasti!!

da Gama Day

2009-10-14T13:15:00.005-04:00

This year's Columbus Day in the US - Monday 12th October - made me wonder what ever happened to Vasco da Gama and his setting foot on India. As we know, Christopher Columbus set sail in 1492 A.D. looking for India in the Asian continent. He overly underestimated the earth's circumference - so much so that he ended up in the Bahamas islands, almost 1/2 the earth away from India. However his life is celebrated widely.

And then we have Vaso da Gama - who set sail in search of trading with India - and landed up in Calicut on 20th May 1498. Bulls Eye!! But nobody cares for him today!

Is the new world saying: Nothing succeeds like failure ?!

True, Columbus' failure musta prodded, motivated and excited Vasco to try another route and finally reach his target. Whatever the case - can we have a da Gama Day on May 20th every year - to celebrate the success of Vasco, and give him his rightful due?

Swasti!!

Nobel intentions ?!

2009-10-09T18:46:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the President, for being chosen for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The coveted prize, however achieved, is the greatest of the compliments.

However, the Nobel Committee's selection of Barack Obama raised more questions than it answered - about the selection process and about the panel's intentions, to name a few. Any which way I look at it, this award (verb), is not justified/appropriate at this time.

If Obama's aspirations, eloquence and initial steps helped change the world's perception of the United States - then he's just doing his job, correcting the wrongs of the previous administration. Nothing great there. If his grand vision of a non-nuclear world and sustainable peace across the globe is being rewarded, then he is not the only person of stature with those visions. There have been many who aspired as such, and worked hard and long for the same. Not enough reason, I think, for the award.

Anyway - as mentioned at the outset, a Nobel is a Nobel - however achieved. Congratulations Obama!! Luck is favoring your good intentions. Make the most of it and make a real difference in the world!

Swasti!!

My favorite quote

2009-10-02T15:35:00.003-04:00

Be the change you want to see

This quote

- epitomizes HIS character and life

- sums up all his words, talks and deeds

- is the most powerful of all the words thus far spoken

- embeds profound meaning for everyone

- guides many with clear and concise mantra

- reaches all humanity with great relevance to their own situation

- when put into practice, would change the world for better

for ever

There have been many other quotes, spoken by many many worthy stalwarts in history. But none so potent, simple and self-guiding than this - I believe.

Let's rededicate ourselves to remembering this every day, and follow it with sincerity.

Mahatma! NamastE!

Swasti!!

The Sasquatch Experience

2009-09-28T01:43:00.003-04:00

This weekend, we took the kids to 6 Flags - Great Adventure Park in Lake George, NY. We had return tickets and wanted to use them before it gets too cold. It was in the low-50's when we started at home in the morning. But once we reached the Park, the weather was very pleasant.

The kids enjoyed the rides, shows, pizza and characters walking around. We had a pic taken by the professional photographer outside the gate there - just in case. I was thinking, 'taking the pic is free - we can always say NO when the time comes to buy the pics'.

There are some adventure rides there, and Sasquatch was one such, introduced this year. I thought of trying that out - and I am glad I did. Usha tried to pull me back saying - you never tried these things, may not be good for the heart etc. etc. I thought - 'okkasaari fix ayyaananTE naa maaTa nEnE vinanu' :) and went ahead.

The ride up was abrupt, my head got pushed away from my body (which was secured by the restraints), I got lifted up into the air (whatever clearance was left between the seat and the top restraint. Before my thoughts reached a point of panic, the descent started - and a sense of relief started to occur when I realized I am still in the air, with my bottom still in the air, didn't know when I will sit down in the seat; how I will sit - will I be thrown down? will it hurt? should I keep the eyes open or close them? Did I secure the restraint latches well? Or will they open up with all this pressure? Oh my god. where am I now? when will this end?

Well - folks were already opening up their restraints before my thoughts subsided and at the end it didn't feel as bad!

All in all, an exhilarating experience indeed! I am glad I went for it!!

BTW, we ended up buying the photo package on our way out :))

Swasti!!

Kiss a Pig?

2009-09-24T13:57:00.003-04:00

I am for adventurism, not all out but to some extent. May be 51%, just to tilt the scale. But when I was reading a piece the other day on different fundraising ideas - I came across this. Kiss a Pig. (http://www.stepbystepfundraising.com/kiss-a-pig-fundraiser/)

Kiss a Pig?! What the heck is that?! Apparently, I learn, it's a big hit with Americans and fundraising. As conspiracy theorists have been writing, these kinds of events are probable causes of the outbreak of Swine Flu. May be it's true after all!

What else are you guys kissing out there?! Gosh!!

Save Humanity!!

Swasti!!

R I P Y S R

2009-09-03T15:25:00.005-04:00

Setting aside political and ideological differences, my heart goes out to the sudden and tragic demise of the Chief Minister of A.P. - Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy. Here is another avoidable tragedy that could have been easily averted, if only politics is simplified and power is decentralized in India; and political leaders are not looked upon as demi gods beyond questioning. My heart also goes out to the pilot, co-pilot, Chief Security Officer and YSR's Secretary (IAS officer) who went with Dr. YSR.

I can't help but think at this juncture that had the various govt. departments been allowed to work independently, with authority, the meteorologists/security personnel/pilots could/would have forewarned and refused to fly the chopper taking into consideration the grave weather conditions. But given the power structure in India, nobody can dare dictate what a CM can or cannot do, despite clear evidence/facts available otherwise.

In any case, that argument aside - it pains me deeply at the circumstances in which Dr. YSR met his end - untraced, unattended and un-covered - in that hostile weather in the open for more than 24 hours. For someone who transformed himself into a people's person over the course of the past 6-7 years, leaving his radical/violent past behind, he deserved a lot better. However, destiny is so powerful and its ways so mysterious, one cannot fathom any rhyme or reason.

Despite the political differences, I appreciate some of his good qualities - thinking big, dynamic leadership, going after what he thought is right - being a few.

May his soul rest in peace. May the others' souls rest in peace. May their families find strength in God in this hour of sorrow.

Swasti!!

Redefining ABCDs

2009-08-31T22:06:00.003-04:00

Last evening I asked Datta, who is more interested in playing and doing rather than reading/writing, to actually sit down and write ABCDs. Needless to say, he couldn't get computer time if he didn't write them.

He grunted, complained and found no other way but to write them. So he did, threw the paper in my lap and went up to play Disney games on the computer with his big brother and little sister. After I was done doing whatever I was busy with, I looked at the paper, and to my dismay - found just A, B, C and D scribbled on it. Nothing more.

Here's the conversation that ensued:

Me: Datta... why didn't you write it all?

Datta: I did.

Me: Where? You just wrote 4 letters. Where are the rest?

Datta: You asked me to write only those four.

Me: No I didn't. I said write ABCDs - meaning, you have to write until Z.

Datta: But Z is not part of ABCDs.

I am sure scores of parents have gone through this conversation with their kids. It's almost the end of the day. No energy left to sit down and explain to him. Nor to keep him engaged with anything else either...so I resigned and left him giggle away with his siblings in front of the computer.

Swasti!!

How to know where you work?

2009-08-31T22:05:00.005-04:00

Recently, while returning home from a drive, we came across the hospital Datta was born in. Incidentally that's the same hospital Usha works in as well. I was telling the boys where each were born and they asked us where mom and I were born at. Here it goes:

Datta: Where is amma (mom) born?

Me: Amma was born in a hospital in India

Chandra: How about you nanna (dad)?

Me: I was born at home in my hometown.

Datta: Why? You didn't have a hospital there?

Me: Not like that. It was just convenient and the facility was available at that time.

Chandra: Oh I know - mom was born in a hospital, so she works in a hospital now. You were born at home, so you work at home.

Datta: Yes, so anna (big bro) and I will be doctors when we grow up and work in a hospital.

How I wish it's as simple as that?!

Swasti!!

Manicure or Pedicure?

2009-08-31T22:04:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we had been to the NY State Fair in Syracuse. At the end of the day, we took the free shuttle to get to the parking lot. On the bus there were two teenagers sitting next to us, and I couldn't help but smile at the conversation I overheard.

She: (looking at his hand resting on the support bar) Why do guys have such short nails?

He: Oh! That's because I have a bad habit of biting my nails deep, for some reason.

She: Yeah - I observed that with many guys. Don't know why they can't stand normal nails.

He: I guess regular nails don't look nice on guys. It's okay for girls as you go to get pedicure done. Is it manicure or pedicure for hands?

She: Mani... Pedi... hmm...whatever! The place I go to has both and I just get my nails done. I didn't pay attention to which is which.

Swasti!!

Triceratops unravelled

2009-08-31T22:03:00.004-04:00

Did you ever learn about the Triceratops? If not, here's a quick tip for you, courtesy Datta.

Triceratop are dinosaurs that try to eat the tops (heads) off the people.

So, there you have it! Forget what paleontologists have to say about the herbivorous nature of the genus.

Swasti!!

Milwaukee Art Museum

2009-07-15T18:53:00.005-04:00

I like art. I like museums. But I don't like visiting Art Museums when I am travelling as I feel there are other better things to do than spend a half-day locked up in a museum. That being my mindset, I didn't allocate any time for anything other than taking my kids to the pre-planned Children's Museum in Milwaukee, WI on July 7th. We left Chicago around 11am and reached Milwaukee at 1pm. We parked in a lot and went into the Betty Brinn Children's Museum. The kids had a wonderful time there. After spending 3 hours there, and having lunch/snacks, we went out towards the lake shore and were surprised to see a wonderful building. Turns out, it's the Art Museum. The building itself is a work of art. The interiors are fantastic as well. We went in briefly, looked around, took a few snaps and came out for lack of time. We did stick around for the Museum's closing time (5pm) to see the wings close down for the night. Isn't it amazing? See that pic here.

Not sure if we ever go there again, but the next time we visit another city, we will make sure we check out the Art Museum. If it's as slick as this one, i.e.

Swasti!!

5 states and 2,717 miles

2009-07-14T15:31:00.004-04:00

Back in 1998 I had been to Chicago but didn't have time to go up the Sears Tower. Usha wanted to go to Chicago for a long time and with our 10th Anniversary upon us, we decided to visit the Windy City. I checked the flight tickets and called some friends/relatives around there. One thing led to another, and we ended up with a long list of invites to visit. These invites were also from different places in that region - not just Chicago area. So, we both decided to go driving and took a week off from work.

Started in Albany on Thursday July 2nd morning. Here's our itinerary, in short - and the major places we visited:

Thu 07/02 - Albany, NY to Cleveland, OH - visited Tallamraju Madhury and Ravi family (Usha's cousin sister)
Fri 07/03 - Cleveland, OH to Darien, IL - visited Chaganti Mohan's family (Usha's cousin). Checked into Marriott in Elmhurst, IL for the night
Sat 07/04 - Attended the 17th TANA Conference in the Rosemont Convention Center - Chicago. Will write another piece about it. Returned to the hotel room at 1:45am in the morning, after the TANA programs.
Sun 07/05 - Chicago, IL to Rensselaer, IN - visited Dr. Chaganti Mallik and Lakshmi family (Usha's cousin).
Mon 07/06 - Rensselaer, IN to Chicago, IL - visited the Aurora Sri Balaji and the Lamont Sri Rama temples. Checked into the Marriott in Elmhurst, IL.
Tue 07/07 - Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI - visited the Betty Brinn Children's Museum and the Art Museum with its wonderful wing top (which closes every day in the evening). On the way back, stopped by Nori Vijay's place (a friend of ours), had dinner there and then returned to the hotel.
Wed 07/08 - Drove along the Lake Shore Drive, took pictures on the banks of Lake Michigan and visited the Navy Pier briefly. Watched a kids' Pirates show there, walked around and went to another friend's place in Elmhurst (Singaraju Trivikram and Smitha) for dinner before returning to the hotel room.
Thu 07/09 - Took the Double Decker Bus Tour around Chicago downtown; stopped at the Sears Tower; went up the building and ventured onto the glass chambers on the 103rd floor; returned to Navy Pier for some more fun times. Watched Cirque de Shanghai show there and went on a moonlight boat cruise overlooking the city's skyline at 10pm. Returned to the hotel room.
Fri 07/10 - Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN - visited Dr. Veena Nagappa (Usha's classmate in Boston Univ.) and her family; visited Prof. Kandukuri Lingamurthy of Andhra Univ Engg. College, who's visiting his children in Carmel, IN; and then went to Ayyagari Lakshmi and Raghava's house (Usha's cousin) for the night.
Sat 07/11 - Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH - visited Glen and Cindy Courtright (he's my previous boss in SAIC and a great friend).
Sat 07/11 - Dayton, OH to Columbus, OH - visited Vani and Srinivas (Usha's cousin) in Dublin, OH; visited Perala Umasankar and Sujatha (my friend from Andhra Univ) in New Albany
Sat 07/11 - Columbus, OH to Albany, NY - started there at 6:15pm and except for a few breaks in between for dinner, gas, pee-stops, came home at 5:15 am Sunday after unexpected, all-night driving covering 635 miles.

What a trip it has been - fulfilling, exciting, interesting, educating, fascinating, surprising and of course, tiring. We sure need another vacation to relax!! I will come back with details of these visits soon...

Swasti!!

If only Khomeini intervened

2009-06-26T16:43:00.003-04:00

What a selfish, timid and weak leader Khomeini is! ha?! If only he were a true and strong leader, and acted as such, we wouldn't have so much unrest world over now. Look at this -

If only Khomeini intervened back in 2000 November and issued stern warnings of oil sanctions, we wouldn't have had a buffoon rule the US for 8 years.

If only Khomeini intervened then, we wouldn't have had 9/11 and the world would have been a far better place to live in today.

If only Khomeini intervened then, we would probably have seen a lady President by now, with a Black VP.

If only Khomeini intervened then, we wouldn't have seen the US automakers go under.

If only Khomeini intervened then, I could still arrive at the airport just 15 minutes before the departure time and still board the flight.

If only Khomeini intervened then, .......

Oh! The possibilities are endless. Suffice to say, 'World Peace' couldn't be used as a lofty goal any more! :)

But that's not to be! May be in another generation!

Swasti!!

Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T16:20:00.004-04:00

To be honest here - I am not a western music buff. I am more of a classical music guy. I do listen to English music - but more of the jazz and classical type. That's not to say I don't get excited and enjoy when I happen to listen to a Dangerous or a Thriller or the likes from MJ. I just don't go out and about to get and hear to that music. That's all.

Nevertheless, I followed casually the life of MJ and have great admiration for him for his skills and charisma. I pitied his condition many a time as well. A part of me tried to convince myself the allegations against him were untrue. Despite all his frailties and failures as a person, he is and will be remembered forever for his flair, skill and contribution to the western music world, by music lovers and casual observers alike. (It's no exaggeration when I say that a whole generation of music buffs grew up thinking western music is nothing but MJ.) King of Pop, he sure is!

May his soul rest in peace!

Swasti!!

Did USA vote last week?

2009-06-17T15:34:00.002-04:00

The coverage for the past few days in the media, especially radio and online, is sure to give a busy bee occasionally tuning into the outside world such an impression! I don't remember the media being so restless even in Nov 2000, when a certain joker was 'sham elected' to the supposedly most powerful, democratic position in the world.

Whoever expected the Iranian Presidential elections to be clean and fraud-free? How can any sane person, worth his shirt (even if it is Made in Nicaragua), think democratic processes will be followed to the word and spirit in a dictatorial regime? Or does the western world suddenly see Iran as a democratic nation, with an aberration last week that needs to be corrected? Or did they pump so much money and resources into Iranian election and are confident of the opposition leader Moussavi elected President somehow, that when their pipe dreams went for a tail spin, they are crying foul now? Or did they realize President Ahmadinejad is not someone who can be stared down or even beaten down into submission, so they need a puppet there? Or are they now undertaking the holy task of liberating Iran, now that Iraq is successfully liberated and living a peaceful life? ...

Ok...more questions than anything else. Nevertheless, I am so amused at the sight of the western leaders jumping like a monkey whose behind caught fire learning that they will have to deal with Ahmadinejad for another 5 years.

Stay calm folks! He is only one. But he is probably already worrying how he can keep decorum with a bunch of jokers leading the rest of the world.

Swasti!!

[Disclaimer - yeah, constructs like exaggeration, hyperbole etc. should come to mind]

Musings from missed cues

2009-05-24T10:59:00.003-04:00

Some times we get lost in a train of thought or go into such expansive thinking that we miss the visible cues staring in our face. One such amusing thing happened this morning.

Just before giving bath to Datta I removed the Diego band-aid he 'sported' for two days on his left elbow, saying his boo-boo is gone and he is fine now. He agreed and stopped holding his hand in an awkward pose. After the bath, while getting dressed, we were talking and suddenly we had the following conversation.

Datta: Naannaa (Dad) - how do boo-boos go away?

Me: When you eat well, and ...

D: (interjecting) Ba... it's a ba...

Me: and stay healthy...

D: (again) B'.... b'....

Me: without eating junk food, boo-boos get better and go away quick....

D: Naannaaaaa ... (in an almost exasperated tone) With a band-aid.

Me: Oh...yes!! If we put a band-aid, it goes away!!

See... some questions warrant just a simple answer. :)

Swasti!!

Real or Surreal?

2009-05-24T07:22:00.003-04:00

The way the stock markets have risen over the past two months belies the real strength of the economy, I feel. Not that I was looking for a complete crash to sub 5k levels, but looking at the lost jobs statistics, the wealth/funds that were wiped out across different sectors, coupled with the beating the financial institutions took - this growth trend looks surreal to me.

True, I am not a stock-market investor and don't know the intricacies of how the markets work. However with so much at stake for everyone, as the assets of various companies - financial or otherwise - are at stake in the markets and decide the future of many more jobs, I am concerned. Is it just the hype created by the yet-again-cooked-up numbers by the various companies and banks or the hope created by the Obama administration that's behind this rally?

If it's really real - then that's great. But if it's surreal without any solid basis, then it's better we go through the proper correction and come back strong, not overnight but gradually on the strength of real performance.

As always, only time will tell!

Swasti!!

My election experience

2009-04-26T16:29:00.004-04:00

I called the Khairatabad Constituency voters (in Jubilee Hills area) in Hyderabad (first phase). It has been a wonderful experience for me personally and made a convert out of me, from being a long-time TDP supporter. I almost felt like I was canvassing door-to-door in the constituency, meeting various folks, listening to some of their issues, their struggles, their appreciation for JP garu, their frustrations, so on and on. I also had the opportunity to talk to some veterans who saw many a party come with a lot of promise only to fool them time and again by working for their own personal gains and greed. At the end of the conversation with some of them, I was made to believe I have them convinced to give Loksatta a chance. Then there were some more who didn't hide their affinity to the traditional parties, and said they appreciate JP's work but they have their candidate finalized already.

I must say the most intriguing analysis of the situation in villages was provided by someone I talked to, who summed up thus: It's very difficult for Loksatta to gain a mass following in our villages. In most of our villages, there are predominantly two groups that fight with each other. Political parties support one or the other group to further their objectives. People have to belong to either of those groups for their survival. Getting associated with Loksatta in such villages doesn't help them - as the details of ground reality are much harsher than the ideology we paint in broadstrokes.

In this context, I must also add the following. Although calling the voters and talking them towards LSP was a good feeling, the greatest satisfaction for me came from talking to some of the contesting LSP candidates themselves. I am completely overtaken with emotions listening to their account of the sorry state of affairs for the common man, especially farmers and their plight; the selfless service they rendered for many years before and since their association with Loksatta. It showed me firsthand what a bunch of humble, good minded, passionate and dedicated candidates LSP has in the fray.

If one of the candidates felt ashamed at his inability to see more success in driving people away from money and liquor enticements thrown by other parties, after many years of service and hard work in that direction - we can understand the humility of these candidates. However, the good thing is they see these elections as just another step in their effort to bring about a change, rather than the only means to effect it. They are all determined to move on with their efforts and each one of them serve as a guiding light for me, in my own conduct henceforth.

Swasti!!

Self imposed silence

2009-04-25T10:41:00.005-04:00

Not that I am an avid blogger, blogging each and every thought every other hour here. But I imposed blogging silence upon myself for the past 20 days as I decided not to blog about the elections in A.P. given the sorry state politics are in, these days. Anyway, now that the polling's done there - I come out of my silence.

However, I am proud and glad to state that I associated myself with Loksatta Party and did my bit of volunteering by calling up some voters to urge their support for the lcoal LSP candidate. I also 'interviewed' 6 LSP candidates to prepare their profiles to be uploaded to the LSP website. I must say I am inspired by the stories they shared, of their lives, their electorate and what they face day in and day out. I'll see if I can summarize my findings, thoughts and feelings here sometime soon.

Swasti!!

3 minus 2

2009-04-25T10:10:00.008-04:00

One fine morning last week, the boys were getting ready to go to school when Chandra started doing subtractions on his fingers.
2 minus 2 equals......... hmm... one finger, two fingers; fold two of them and you are left with zero.... (ok...who is reading this to learn? come on... go and get an education :) )
The restless parent in me tried to teach him the 'simple fact' that if you subtract a number from itself, you always get a zero. No need to work your fingers for 'such simple' things. Not content with just 'teaching' the principle, I wanted to test him.

Me: What's 3 minus 3?
Chandra: (as usual) takes 3 fingers and starts his calculations.
Datta: (interjects and says) Zero
Me: That's good Datta. Now what's 4 - 4?
Chandra flings a few fingers out but hesitates... and then says zero
Datta: (shouts immediately) Zero
Me: See peddabbai, Datta is already getting it. You don't have to use your fingers to do this simple thing. Let's try again... 5 minus 5 is?
Datta: Zero
Chandra: Zero
Me: That's very good Datta.

Chandra is happy that his little brother is also into learning math and asks Datta a question.
Chandra: Datta what's 1 minus 1?
Datta: Zero
Chandra: Datta what's 3 minus 2?
Datta: Zero

Hmm.... the kids made me realize what a fool I make of myself at times, trying to cut short the learning process and teach them the tricks :) Datta's just having fun and that's what it is meant to be, isn't it? Every kid has to learn the basics the old fashioned way and there's no shortcut there!

Well, if I think I learnt a lesson I can apply to parenting as a whole, I'll be in for a surprise when I get back to my 'restless parent' mode again soon enough.

Swasti!!

I am with the G-19

2009-04-07T23:55:00.004-04:00

During the recent G-20 conclave, Obama tried hard but failed to get the European heads of state to commit additional stimulus packages in their own countries in his ongoing efforts to try and kick start the economy back to speed. However, almost all the other heads of state are fixated on more market regulations and other long-ranging measures. I must admit, although I am a staunch Obama supporter - I am squarely with the G-19 on this issue.

Simply pumping more and more billions into the market, without the needed checks and balances in place, is not going to bring true economic revival. True, it will make the investors (read, speculators) happy, and helps drive up the indexes. However, the fallacy of this policy is that once the stream of stimuli stops coming, the market (again read, speculators) will have nothing else to speculate upon and drive down the markets. Because, I believe, 'the fundamentals of the economy are not strong' (to borrow from Joe, the Also Ran). These investors look for each and any such stimulus or short term gains news and pump up the market, as we have seen recently. Once that stops, they run out as fast as they came in - at the expense of common man, thus wreaking further havoc on the psyche.

So, even if it is painful, I'd say - stay the course; strike the iron while it is hot - bring in the correct checks and balances needed for the long term health of the system, rather than announcing one package after another. That's what we expect of the man with the vision - long term vision, i.e.

Swasti!!

Nature - The greatest leveler

2009-04-07T23:42:00.003-04:00

In this day and age of great seismologists, -graphs, technology and communication media - it is sad that the Italian government was not able to evacuate its subjects from the affected areas in advance. I didn't read the news items in detail but gather from the radio (NPR is my news source) that over 200 people and several centuries old/historical/heritage sites are among the casualties.

When I heard that, I couldn't help but think of what a great leveler nature is. Loss of life is very sad, but that's not what I was reflecting on. The greatly preserved heritage sites. Governments and private institutions shell out millions and millions to restore, preserve and promote such sites. But all that counts for nought, when Nature comes calling.

Isn't there a profound lesson to be learnt?!

Swasti!!

All Inclusive Day!!

2009-04-01T22:58:00.005-04:00

We have the most famous Valentines Day and Mothers Day - meant for specific sets of people. Then we have the Fathers Day, Grandparents day etc. in the second rung of the Day-mania ladder. Of course, we also have other days that celebrate the Secretaries, Frienship, Workers etc. If you look at all these days, they are aimed at recognizing a specific set of people and relegates everybody else for that one day. Is that right? Or may be people in that specific group will be relegated for the rest of the year.

Come to think of it, there's only one day that treats everyone on equal footing without fear or favor, love or hatred, near or far, known or unknown. The simplest and cheapest of all the Days in terms of celebration - as it doesn't require spending or going out partying. No feelings of getting slighted whether recognized or not on this day. Isn't that a wonderful feeling? It just brings a smile on the lips and within us all, just at the thought of it.

Okay - you probably know what I am talking about! As Mark Twain famously quoted: "This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four."

Happy AFD!!

Swasti!!

Happy New Year (India)

2009-03-27T22:53:00.004-04:00

According to the Telugu calendar, today is the first day of New Year, titled Virodhi (meaning 'enemy', 'against' etc.) Doesn't sound like a good name for a year we all look forward to, to bring in positive change...does it?! What more?! This also happens to be an election year in India. And if positive change is not to be expected, based on predictions, then the prospects shudder me to no extent.

However, to a large extent, last year seemed to be a pretty bad year what with the earthquake in China, financial meltdown, recession, Mumbai attacks, etc. taking unprecedented toll on the common man. The politics and governance in India reached new lows as well last year.

What could go worse this year?! The politics?! The governance?! I can believe that - and we already see that in play.

But God! Save innocent lives and make this year better than last year atleast in that count. As for politics and governance - they reached such lows even God is helpless. The system has to correct itself after it can't go down any further.

Anyway, enough of the dark stuff. Wish you all a very pleasant new year! Even in the darkest clouds, we can see silver linings. I hope and wish for many such silver linings this year - so much so that the darkness could be withstood and forgotten.

Swasti!!

He believes he can fly

2009-03-25T14:04:00.003-04:00

Remember the song from Space Jam - I believe I can fly ?! Datta reminded me of it when I was driving the boys to school the other day.

I was driving and stopped at a red light. Datta was chatting non-stop about what he would do when he grows up (which is another story for another time, as he has no concept of linear time and thinking; and thinks he can be a Benjamin Button - you know what I mean!)

So anyway - when I stopped at the red light, he didn't see the red light - and asked me to keep going. I told him I can't as the light turned RED. His response was: "I want our car to fly in the sky so we don't have to stop for red lights. I want our house in the sky. I want my day-care, annayya's (big brother's) school in the sky, our play ground in the sky, walmart in the sky, temple in the sky...". Chandra caught on as well and true to their mood then, they kept on and on...until they built a whole community in the sky.

Sometimes I am scared to ask them to do anything that looks like conditioining them, lest I should stunt their creativity. Well, that's only sometimes, though. :) Let's see what they become...

Swasti!!

Goal without a plan? Yes, sometimes...

2009-03-18T14:41:00.002-04:00

My first significant goal after getting out of my home as an adolescent (for Bachelors education) was to get out of the country. During my M.S. education and initial years of employment in USA the strategic goal was to get back to my home country while still young. As the years passed by, the desire to get back not just to my country but to my hometown as well grew bigger and bigger.

We decided to return in October, after 15 years in USA. Do we have a plan? Yes and maybe. Do we need a well structured plan to get back to our homeland? The desire to get back to our roots and become a socially relevant entity there is strong enough in us and we believe that will get us to our current goal.

Do we need to plan and execute to it always? Sometimes the excitement is in doing things as they develop, while not losing sight of the goal. And we look forward to reaching there.

Swasti!!

The forgotten Martyrs

2009-03-06T09:11:00.003-05:00

Wherever there's an attack by rowdy/terrorist elements on a celebrity (or plural), the whole world including the govts. and the media only focuses on the well being or predicament of the celebrity. Seldom are the lives of the security forces and the innocent passers-by given a second thought.

Consider the recent attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. 9-12 security forces have been killed in the shoot out. But all you hear about is how the cricketers escaped and how many got bruises in their legs, arms etc. (To give credit here, a couple of them with a bullet or two in non-critical parts of their body). Mind you, I am not trying to belittle the incident nor the suffering of the Stars. I am peeved at the raw deal meted out to the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to save these Stars. Dead or alive, the latter get all the attention and support. Dead or alive, the former never get a second look.

Blame it on .... WHO/WHAT? The corrupt politicians/governments? The celebrity crazy media? The public's insatiable 'paparazzi'sh' appetite, which is fed by the media? Or the degrading value for life (if it is not ours) ??

May the martyrs lives rest in peace! And their families stay strong, healthy and find better living.

Swasti !!

Wake up the bull? Not anytime soon...

2009-03-02T10:12:00.003-05:00

Markets are going down for a few months now. Not just in the USA, but everywhere. One would think the indexes have tanked and they will start turning back up pretty soon. But every passing day brings with it some other bleak story - pushing the numbers further down. Once in a while we see speculators pushing it up a little bit, in vain hopes of the govt. recovery package doing wonders. But alas, we see the bear shaking its back ever more vigorously on the Street.

We have seen hundreds of thousands of jobs wiped out recently. Many more are on their way out. Again, not just here - but every where else as well. Banks collapsed. Many companies were shut down. Auto giants are on their way out or getting ready to be marginalized to being minions. One would think the nation would start getting into a savings mode never seen in recent times. But I haven't seen that in my community here where the restaurants and malls are ever so crowded even during weekday evenings, let alone on weekends.

Then we have the learned economists asking the public not to withdraw into their savings shell, but continue to spend as if nothing has happened. They say that is the only way to beat the recession. Yeah - right! Aren't these the same elite who brought about this situation? How can a reliable solution come out of their brains, which created this mess in the first place? Are we to believe that they realized their mistakes and now are prescribing the right formula?

Methinks, in simplistic terms, that all these economists and highly learned folks, complicated the otherwise keep-it-simple theories only to suit their own self serving purposes without any social relevance in mind. You earn money, save it and spend it for your needs first, and then wants. You borrow at times to meet those. But what we have seen is that the second step is missed completely in recent times and that the wants and may-be's have become needs and cannot-live-without's. All because of the media and marketing blitz added to the plethora of pundits that rule this world with their short-circuited brains and convoluted thinking.

Keep it simple, stupid!

Swasti!!

Trillion Dollars

2009-02-26T06:39:00.007-05:00

Imagine, for a moment, opening your wallet and pulling out a one trillion dollar bill. May be you could give it to Obama and ask him to use it for the grand Economic Recovery/Stimulus Plan.

But wait a minute...we are talking of a different nation - and you use it to pay for a loaf of bread, which - if you're lucky enough to find one - costs 300 billion dollars. In Zimbabwe, where the government is forced to start printing trillion dollar bills a few weeks ago, that's the situation people face today. Now imagine living there and trying to get, and pay for, the basic necessities of life - let alone a decent education or what not.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/01/16/zimbawe.currency/index.html

If the story moves you, please consider doing something about it, in your own capacity. Even a few Dollars (not Zimbabwean) or Rupees or whatever your currency is (as long as it is relevant) you can spare to help the plight of our brethren in that country - please do so without waiting for a better opportunity.

They need our help NOW. If we wait any longer, they may not be alive to receive your generosity. Select a cause and support it.

Swasti!!

Jai Ho !!

2009-02-23T13:19:00.003-05:00

Indeed!

Haven't watched the movie yet. It will have to wait, as we enjoy our own home productions every day, with the boys and the girl reeling out their creative sides extracting so many emotions from us that we didn't even realize existed.

Of course, I'd be lying if I said we didn't watch any video at all recently. The boys serve up a plethora of the colorful flicks and we are surrounded by so many of them that our viewing preferences have changed completely. The Wiggles, Playhouse Disney, Barney, Dora and Diego, Tom & Jerry, Bal Ganesh, Kittugadu, Ramayan, Krishna, Ghatotkacha etc. etc. have taken over our TV screen many many moons ago.

In all this, we are glad we caught the second half of the Oscars show last night, when the Slumdog bagged most of its awards. We resolved, at the end of it all, to watch the movie soon before it becomes a thing of the past. We shall see... :)

Swasti!!

Some wishes are better, not granted

2009-02-17T13:48:00.004-05:00

When I joined the workforce in 1995, I used to envy some of my colleagues who used to come 'flying in' to work. This was at Bellcore. They used to nonchalantly describe their flight in the same breath as car travel - and complain about having to travel by planes. I didn't understand at that time what their problem was - and secretly wished I could travel by air to work, some day.

This wish was granted 7 years ago when I had to travel frequently to Ottawa to work with a partner company. Then after a couple of years, for another big client at a far off place, I had to start travelling by air every week. That went on with minor mods for about 4 years. The charm of air travel (to work) vanished after the first few months - and it was a real ordeal ever since. Several variables fell into place and I pulled myself out of that vicious cycle last year.

Another wish I had was to go on a short trans-continental trip. I have friends, relatives and colleagues who used to brag about their short t-c trips, and how much they would like to stay away from such trips. All this banter was most often delivered with an air of boasting. And my wishing horse must have registered this as a wish. It was granted a few times since early last year - when I had to make 2 or 3 day trips to Europe and a 5 day trip to India last week.

I must say, this is another ordeal I really don't look forward to, any more.

Some wishes are better left ungranted, as they say.

Swasti !!

Obamayana

2009-01-28T19:10:00.003-05:00

The other night while putting the boys to bed, they requested for a Rama story. Having told them some Rama stories recently, and having listened to more at the Sunday Heritage classes in the temple, they got hooked on to the Ramayana characters.

Chandra is Rama and Sugriva while Datta is Bharata and Hanuman. Sometimes they take on a third character as well. And anything slender and long becomes a bow and an arrow. Anything with a protrusion at the end, naturally, becomes a mace (gada). We have innumerable battles at home these days, and luckily for us and for themselves, both are on the same side and fight with fictitious evil, up in the air.

So, last night I thought I would tell them about the genesis of Ramayana, i.e. the story about Shravan Kumar, his old parents, Dasaratha's archery skills and the curse he incurs because of that. Yeah, I know - too much high level stuff for the little kids. Righfully so, I was jolted from my own slumber when the words Obama, change, schedule etc. started getting mixed up with the story.

I don't remember when I started dozing off and what all I was telling them - but when I looked at them, they were wide awake and with confused looks for what I was blabbering. They know Obma is the new President, but couldn't understand what Obama has to do with Rama, Dasaratha and Hanuman. At that point, I decided to start another simpler story and retold the 'Bharata pleading Rama to return but leaving with his sandals' story. And I made sure Obama wasn't part of this story.

After that the kids slept easy - but I was interested and intrigued myself with what Obama was doing in Ramayana and it was a long night for me. I could never figure out :)

Swasti !!

My favorite moment of the Inauguration

2009-01-20T14:56:00.004-05:00

I have been wondering what Barack would call himself during the Oath ceremony. The announcer earlier introduced him as Barack H. Obama. But when the time came to be sworn in as the 44th POTUS, he boldly, rightly and confidently called himself Barack 'Hussein' Obama without trying to omit, hide or ignore his origins.

It showed his great strength of character. It showed his unwavering integrity to what's real - the fact. It showed his belief in looking to the future while standing his ground. It showed great hope for the peoples of the world to be ones own self and strive for excellence. He glowed all through his campaign and this definitely is a very defining moment. I am impressed.

Looking forward to a great Presidency and wonderful times...
Swasti !!

Let the truth come out

2009-01-19T15:46:00.004-05:00

I received a forwarded email the other day - purportedly written by a Satyam employee and posted on www.akhilandhra.com. The gist is: how can the totally-corrupt politicians cry foul at Raju? Raju has done many great things, created 53k jobs, so on and on... and questions what fault has Raju done - other than to sacrifice himself for the benefit of the company.

I can understand the anguish of the 'employee'. But I don't agree with the email's logic. It tries to circumvent the issue at hand and casts allegations on the self-confessed-rogues (a.k.a. politicians). However, a rogue or a normal person/common man - allegations against Raju stand. And he is 'guilty until proven otherwise' - having confessed of wrongdoing himself. What remains to be known is - is the wrongdoing the same as what he wrote about, or the exact opposite?

We were all in the front row applauding Raju's great deeds, in starting the company, employing almost 1/2 a lakh employees worldwide, bringing in the much needed forex to India, taking the company to great heights, enhancing the pride of all Telugu loving people. there's no denying his achievements and on the same token, there's no dearth of encomiums for the same.

But make no mistake! Just because he achieved so much, doesn't give him a free ride when he does such a colossal blunder. Especially when it tries to bring down each and everything that we praised him for, in the first place. The rotten eggs of the society (read 'politicians') joining the blame game doesn't make it an unfair field. These rotten eggs have to be plucked and 'destroyed' as well. But let's not lose our focus here.

Let justice prevail - be it in the case of a corrupt politician or a corrupt corporate officer.

Best wishes,
Swasti !!

Sankranti Subhakankshalu

2009-01-14T09:30:00.004-05:00

The early morning campfires on the first day of the festival - and bringing anything and everything from broken chairs to dried tree branches to neighbour's stool to all the dry leaves we could gather from the surroundings to cardboard boxes to....the list goes on.. Anything that can help raze a big fire is put into the pile and it's lit up in the chilly early morning weather. Kids gather around and elders are not far behind...

Then the colorful and not so colorful kites we made and bought to fly from the roof tops, on the streets without a care for the passers by or bicycles or rikshaws or the cows/buffalos... trying to fly our kites higher than that of the kid next door... It's usually the not so colorful, home made, news paper kites that generally used to soar high - leaving behind all those beautiful ones with long colorful tails.

I could write more about the fun we used to have for days and days as the schools were usually closed from around Christmas through Pongal/Sankranti (schools these days have no such long vacations). Not a paisa spent usually - as we used to sneak some cooked rice for adhesive, tear down newspapers for the kite (not sure which day's paper that was - who cared? not until dad scolded after realizing his editorial section is flying high in the sky), threads from the grocery packets tied together to make a long line for the kite, and then the brooms made of coconut leaves were there to provide the much needed framework for the kite.

Coming back to the present - I wish you all who know what I am talking about a very very happy Sankranti (Harvest Festival in South India) and wish you all the best this year. And for all the girl folks out there...here are a couple of pics of americanized gobbiLLu (big balls made out of fresh cow dung - only, in US we made them with fresh snow).

Have a good day!

Swasti!!

Different story line please...

2009-01-10T19:29:00.007-05:00

Going by the seemingly orchestrated surrender of Satyam founder Raju, and the Govt/Police tactics in helping him skip the SEBI interrogation on Saturday, methinks - by Monday or thereabouts Mr. Raju and his brother will suffer some severe health problems (chest pain/heart attack being the top of the line item in these circumstances) that necessitate their corporate-hospitalization. Whenever SEBI officials approach for interrogation, the patients will be unconscious due to sedation etc. etc. You get the plot...

Haven't we seen this plot being played out in umpteen high profile cases already? I would like to see a different, 'just' plot played out this time around... but as long as the 'producers' and the 'directors' are the same, we can't expect a different kind of movie - come which ever actor plays the lead role :(

Some spice to fill the headlines when the media is getting worried about a bland January...

Looking forward to Obama's inauguration...

Swasti!!

It's a lie

2009-01-07T11:12:00.003-05:00

Indian Software giant Satyam's Chairman B. Ramalinga Raju sent in his resignation letter culminating very troubled times at the company which were precipitated by the recent failed bid to acquire Maytas, a sister-concern (not sure why the term brother-concern is never used). His letter revealed 'facts' about falsifying the accounts over several years. It immediately reminded me of a telugu movie Nijam, with its tag line 'It's a lie'. It fits this company very well during these troubled times: Satyam - It's a lie.

However, I do feel the company has done great work, and grew phenomenally over the past decade. I feel for the Satyam employees who have to face the economic reality of this event. I hope and pray for their economic security.

It's always the greedy few, anywhere, that bring the system down. We have already seen it on the Wall Street and other world markets last year for the umpteenth time in history. The likes of Harshad Mehta, Bernard Madoff et al come to mind. I think the revelations in the letter are only a few and there are many more to follow (will they ever see the light of the day?) Why do I say that, without any basis? It's my strong feeling that a wrong, done over a period of time, is not done in isolation. A person committing it must be so corrupt in his/her thought process that it permeates to other walks of life as well. Anyway, let me not turn this into a philosophical note.

With hopes for the best and looking up to 'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth alone prevails),

Swasti !!

Imagination

2009-01-05T14:58:00.004-05:00

Last night I was reading a bed time story for the boys. Brief synopsis: crows fighting on a tree; a pigeon lands on the tree; crows fight with it and send it away despite the pigeon's requests for shelter as it lost its way in the rain and dark skies; pigeon goes to a mango tree; lightning strikes the 'crow-tree' and hailstorm kills and injures a lot of crows that night; the remaining crows ask the pigeon in the morning how it survived; praying to god saved its life.

Once the pigeon is thrown out of the 'crow-tree', Datta said: when I become a small, tiny infant again, I will jump into the book, hit the bad crows and rescue the pigeon.

He said that with such conviction, it's not even a wish to become an infant again; he thinks it's just a matter of time before he becomes one :). I wish I had that imagination !

Swasti !!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T00:19:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends,

I wish you all a very happy, healthy and fuitful New Year! May this New Year bring new and pleasant events in your lives and fulfill your dreams !!

* * * Happy 2009 * * *

Swasti !!

Our 2008

2008-12-31T22:43:00.005-05:00

It's been an eventful year for me personally. The year started off great as we are blessed with a baby girl (Mahalakshmi Gayatri) on Jan 2nd. I went to London in late Jan to coordinate the conference proceedings of SPUG - a telecom industry body. There was a change in my work life - with Sprint's economic troubles cutting short the account I am managing with them for SAIC. That put me on a contract with a California client - and made me fly across the continent frequently. My earlier weekly trips to Reston, VA seemed a breeze in comparison. However, after a couple of months of the cross-continental trips - I couldn't take it any more. And with 3 kids at home and Usha working full time - I opted out of the CA program and found another contract in July which allows me to work from home most of the time. As it turned out - I travelled only once to Reston, VA in the past 6 months. That's a great change for me - after being on the road for the most part of the past 7 years.

Usha is having a great year at the different hospitals she works - gaining very satisfied and loyal patients who want to be seen only by her.

Chandra has been practising his ukulele more and more and can now sing while playing it. Datta too started on his own ukulele. They both attended soccer training sessions this summer and enjoyed them very much. They are looking forward to another session starting in Jan.

We all vacationed for a few days in Belgium enroute to India in Sept. We enjoyed very much, beating our expectations, given that we travelled with 2 toddlers and an infant. Thank God we didn't take a short trip to Paris, as planned earlier. The kids loved India and want to go back again soon.

This is also the year we voted for the first time in our lives - in an election of significance. And to vote for a winning candidate is a great feeling. We look forward to Obama's inspirationsl Presidency.

On the flip side for this year, we saw our 401(K) savings doing a vanishing act - and we are glad we don't speculate in the stock market. The Mumbai events during the Thanksgiving holiday in November left a sickening feeling, which will be very hard to forget for a long time to come. It reinforced us to be more watchful of our own lives and how we lead them.

To cap off 2008 on a positive note, we had great pleasure organizing a great party of friends and family on Dec 28th in Piscataway, NJ. Everybody we invited, barring 3 or 4 families, attended the party. With 70 adults and 35 kids present - everybody had a great time. Santosh Khammamkar's music program was well received. Kids' impromptu dancing to the songs and the songs sung by friends turned a good event into a great one.

Quite an eventful year indeed. And we are ever so grateful for another memorable year.

Looking forward to another great year coming up where we try to realize our long term dream of returning to India...

Swasti !!

Thanks for the Blast!

2008-12-30T11:16:00.022-05:00

This past Sunday (Dec 28th) we hosted a get together party in Piscataway (NJ), the planning for which started more than a month ago. Datta turned 3 on Dec 23rd while Mahalakshmi turns 1 on Jan 2nd. And then the New Year is just around the corner. We haven't met with many of our old friends and family for quite some time. All in all - we decided to have the party in NJ so the venue will be accessible to people coming from different states in the NE corridor.

Venue: Party Hall behind Hi-Touch Wireless store in the Sukhsagar Restaurant strip mall.
Time: 11:30am - 3:00 pm (11:50am - 4:30 pm actual)
Scheduled Program: Cake cutting, Lunch, Music program by Sri Santosh Khammamkar

The party started on a very slow note as invitees started coming in around 11:45 and I was the only one from the host family receiving the guests and talking to them. But my conversation skills were not enough to keep them engaged. We needed Usha and the kids to bring charm to the gathering. Having only one vehicle, being used for getting things to the party hall from different places kept them and Haritha (my BiL Ravi's wife) stranded in the hotel. After a while, Ravi brought them to the party hall - past Noon and the party started coming to life.

My friends Satyasai and Lalita Kommaraju from Philly were the first to arrive, followed by Seshagiri and Rama from Edison. Then came my friend from Rutgers Satish Kethineni with his wife Srilakshmi and kids Sanjay and Sujay. While I was chatting with them, one of my maternal cousins Srinivas Kuchibhatla, whom I haven't met before, arrived with his family. And then a steady stream of friends and family started joining us. All in all, including us, we had 69 adults and 36 kids at the party.

It picked up tempo with enthusiastic participation from everyone present and by lunch time - with the menu that received good reviews - it really started to take off. Once the cake's cut the birthday party environment is in full swing and the kids had a good time jumping around and playing with the balloons (most of them were brought down and blasted by then).

Right after the lunch, just after 3:00 pm we started the music program. Our good friend Sriram Peyyety had his daughter Chy. Sreenidhi started the proceedings with a soulful rendition of a Lord Ganesha Bhajan (gajAnanayutam gaNESwaram). Sri Santosh Khammamkar started off his music program with a Kishore Kumar number and followed it up with numbers from Rafi and Mukesh, and mixed a few good telugu songs in between. Another good friend of ours Narasimham Kota had his daughter Chy. Sarvani dancing to the Bommarillu song - Apudo, ipudo, epudo kalagannane cheli. Sarvani showcased her talent with a smooth flowing dance to the song. His second daughter Chy. Manasa also danced to the Bham Bham BholE song sung by Santosh. Manasa is only 2 years old but danced very well and showed us all what's coming in the future. Narasimham garu himself showcased some cool steps in the process of encouraging his little daughter. Sriram garu started the dancing frenzy for the adults with his trademark steps and Narasimham garu joined followed by Ravi Nistala, my cousin's husband. Sriram garu pulled me as well to dance - and I obliged with my awkward-at-best steps.

We requested Smt. Sirisha Kotamraju (w/o Srinivas Kotamraju) to end the music program with her great rendition of 'nArAyaNatE namOnamO' song.

I need to mention here that all of this was made possible only with the gracious support provided by friends and family who covered several loose ends for us - before, during and after the event. And there were one too many of those, given that we were hosting the party about 180 miles away from home, in a different State. Bhargava made and brought yogurt for the party while also picking up the chapatis I ordered from a lady a little distance away from his home. Balu TKVL brought his mini-DVD camcorder to record the function. He also rushed to East Brunswick to pick up the Spinach balls curry, vadas and kaajaas from another lady I ordered them from. Seshagiri has been helping us right from the planning stages in booking the party hall and also picked up the main menu from another lady in Edison (Mango pappu, Brinjal allam/mirchi curry, sambar, Lemon rice, Dosakai pachchadi and papads). As we ran out of the pizzas for kids, he rushed out again to get another couple of them from the near by Pizza Hut.

Lalita, Padma (w/o Vikayakrishna TKVL) and Madhavi brought rice cookers while Susmitha (w/o Sundar) took charge of rice cooking. Santhi garu (oru distant relative and w/o Padmanabha Sastry - a family friend) and some other ladies at the party took charge of the food section - and making sure every body got everything they needed during the lunch. Santhi garu also helped in cutting the cake into pieces for all.

In the initial stages of party quietness, Sundar engaged the kids that were attending the party. And when we learnt that Santosh Khammamkar forgot bringing his Mixer, without which the music program cannot happen, Sundar went with Santosh to the near by Sam Ash to rent/buy a mixer. Having learnt that the equipment costs about $400+, we decided to go for a Karaoke machine from Walmart instead. And I requested Srinivas (Bhargava's BiL) to get it from the near by Walmart. He also took it upon himself to return it after the party :). Sankar and Vasantha took the boys with them to their house, so they can play with their son Mihir. That gave us the time to clean up the hall and return it in clean condition to the owners after the party. Sriram Nadimpalli helped with the video shooting while Satish helped engage the kids and took pictures of some nice occasions we missed.

Then there were others who helped us in other party logistics. All in all, almost everyone helped in making the party a grand success. The great part about it all is that everyone felt at home and took active part in the proceedings. Consider this: we had friends and family come from MA, NY, PA, VA, GA and of course NJ. Madhury and Ravi came to the party from a Boston suburb, with their 2 month old daughter Sri Lasya. Another dear friend Sriram Peyyety attended with his family having returned from India just the night before. Then there were Sundar and Susmitha who came from Reston, VA with their kids. My cousin Rani and her husband Ravi came with their 2 kids, from Falls Church, VA. We also had Sowmya and Prasad attending with their daughter, although they landed from Vegas just that morning - after taking a red eye flight.

My BiL Ravi and his wife Haritha have been of great help all along. They flew up from Columbus, GA for this party on Dec 25th itself, did a lot of planning, shopping, decorating and helped with many other logistics. We organized a few parties before - but all were close to our home, and none of this magnitude. Our heartfelt thanks to all that attended, participated and helped have a great time. We had a blast and we are already making plans for another party in 2009 :) We will see...

Swasti !!

It's the party that matters !!

2008-12-23T20:55:00.004-05:00

Today is Datta's third birthday. He's been planning on what to do and how to do it on this day for a few weeks now. He changed the menu many a time. And all it included was a cake which changed many faces from Diego to Mickey to Backyardigans to Thomas to Wiggles to Nemo to Diego again. Luckily for us, that's the last choice and we went ahead and ordered the Diego cup cakes.

As the day approached his excitement found no bounds and with just 2 days to go - he caught fever and started throwing up. After a day of fasting and taking only electrolytes, he improved only to do it all over again this morning. From the afternoon he got better - and we finally decided to take him to the day care to celebrate his birthday. So we all went - and his class was delighted to see him back.

He was accorded the royal treatment, given a custom birthday hat (made then and there) and everybody sang the birthday song. His eyes lit up like the brightest stars and he was filled with great joy. He 'blessed' the cupcakes and goody bags to be distributed - and everybody feasted on the Diego cupcakes. But he didn't eat much of it - other than taking a finger or two tastings of the cream on top. He would have nothing more. But he seemed full and content. All he cared for was being with friends, celebrating his birthday with them and his teachers and going through the party atmosphere - which he's been looking forward to for a long time.

I am sure he will tell stories of this day for a few days or even weeks. And I am glad he was in a decent shape to go to the daycare for this party. Kids are amazing - and always teach us how to savor the simple things of life. It's the party/togetherness that matters - not the cake!

Swasti !!

Disney Ignorance

2008-12-21T16:55:00.003-05:00

This past Wednesday night we all went to the Disney on Ice show in the Times Union Center here in Albany. The theme of this year's show is Celebrating 100 Years of Magic. I didn't know that Disney Magic is already 100 years old. I was thinking it's about 70 years or so since it started.

Both the boys enjoyed the show very much and surprisingly Mahalakshmi had a good time as well, until the last 15 minutes - watching all the characters troop onto the stage and perform their act. I must admit I didn't know half the characters. And some of the characters never showed up. I don't understand why Disney preserves the Mickey character so much - and doesn't make it spend much time on stage. May be they think that's one way of preserving and extending the magic of Mickey. I felt bad for the person donning that costume - he/she must have spent a ton of time getting ready - but all they spend on stage is under 5 minutes in the 80 minute show.

We got the first two seats in two consecutive rows - so Datta and I were sitting behind Usha and Chandra. Whenever I didn't recognize a character (which was one too many) I was asking Usha who it was, bending down and whispering in her ear. And my neighbour, a big man with a kid's enthusiasm - is annoyed that I didn't know nothing but still showed up. I guess I didn't do my homework well! Our trip to the Disney World last year did help raise my Disney knowledge though. The kids and their rhymes/stories books definitely help.

All in all, it was a decent show and I don't think I can sit through another viewing. Last month we went to the Wiggles show and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The kids are excited though - and they might drag me into the next year's as well. We'll see.

Swasti!!

Corruption: Bigger than it sounds

2008-12-18T10:16:00.009-05:00

As we observe today as Non-Corruption Day, the main focus is on raising awareness in the public, and not taking part in any bribing for getting things done. Some of my friends have been working hard to get the message out to the masses in India. On my part, I started big with grand plans, as always, reached out to tens of media outlets, could talk to a few of them and finally convinced a couple or so of them to run an ad/news item about today (see note below). I also sent out emails to many groups I subscribe to and tried to reach as many as I could. Although the result is not in line with the start - I take solace in the saying - Shoot for the moon... 'cause even if you miss, you'll end up in the stars.

For the past few days, as I stayed home to take care of my little daughter who can't go to day care due to fever and gagging reflux - I have been thinking of what to write next on my blog. With Dec 18th coming up, I didn't want anything else to take over the front page of my blog - so I left the previous article to stay on top. Of course, that thought also played into my natural state of inertia. Nevertheless, when I think of corruption in depth - it looked bigger than it sounds to me. We only talk of financial corruption, most of the time. And that's what we see (and think is) affecting people, directly. However when we think of cultural and moral corruption; and add thought corruption to it - the scale of impact grows beyond comprehension. Bribes, I think, are but an outward expression by some, of internal corruption in these forms.

The basic principle of life is to be happy. Towards this end, we try and do anything and everything we think will make and keep us happy. In the process, we are inflicting great misery on others and in turn on ourselves. Hence, we feel happy for a moment but we cannot keep that state of mind for long. We then go on perpetrating more of the same to gain those intermittent happy moments - and thus falling into the unending cycle of unhappiness. Well - there you go - I made it even more abstract :)

trikaraNa Sudhdhi - is the term used by our elders, when they ask us to think, say and act good. The three faculties here are: mind (thoughts), voice (words) and body (deeds). If all three are in unison and strive for the same, nothing is impossible - per the scriptures and our elders. That's how an uncorrupt mind and body is developed and sustained - which makes us happy and keeps us happy. If we think something but don't say it; if we say something but don't do it - then we are always in conflict with ourselves; and to mask the inner conflict we raise the curtains to the great drama of self-deception and run after the ever evading fruit of happiness. After all, the fruit is not outside but within - but we look for it everywhere else. What a futile attempt?!

I would like to delve deeper into this subject and address many of my own thoughts - but let me use this as a lead in to subsequent posts in the future (and spare you all for now :) ).

Here's my earnest appeal - to one and all (myself included, of course) on this Non-Corruption Day. Let's give this trikaraNa Sudhdhi concept a deep thought; contemplate on it and see how we can make some small changes to accommodate this great ideal in our lives. I am sure practising this will have a profound, transformational affect on us. This, I think, will be the greatest tribute to observing Non-Corruption in our lives.

Swasti !!

NOTE (on Dec 19th): When enquired about the news item/ad - I am told that UN already declared Dec 9th as International Anti-Corruption Day. Hence they were not able to run any item about Dec 18th. I should have checked about it online. I was a little embarassed when I was told of Dec 9th. However, I told myself that it's been a good effort - and although we were not able to do it on a scale we envisioned - we did learn some good lessons in the process. Thanks to all who supported the cause.

Dec 18th - Non-Corruption Day

2008-12-10T11:18:00.021-05:00

As the day nears, and as we reach out to our firends, family and strangers as well - it's important to focus our efforts and reach as many as we can. When I talked to many, some of them joined readily, some were skeptical, and yet some others had questions. I will try to cover some of them here.

What is the Cause?
Non-Corruption. (Understand the evil effects of corruption and raise awareness among others at the same time exhorting them to observe a non-corrupt way of life - especially in politics and administration (as it impacts multitudes))

Why Dec 18th?
This idea of having a Non Corruption Day started about 10 days ago. At that time, Dec 18th looked like not too far off to lose sight of it; and not too close so we have time to reach out to many people. And it also happens to be a day to remember for the person (Vasantha) who came up with the idea.

What do I do for this?
Three simple things:
1) Take up the cause of Non-Corruption and reach out to as many as you can (enlist the support of atleast 5 others)
2) On 18th - make sure not to give or take bribes to get things done.
3) Discourage it and report it to appropriate authorities, if you come across any acts of corruption.

What's the goal?
- Reach out to as many people as we can;
- Raise awareness on the evil effects of Corruption;
- Educate them on what we can do as individuals to curb it

What happens in just one day of observance?
It's a good start. We intend to increase the awareness in the population by this focused effort. The intention is that people will take it forward to subsequent days, weeks and months as well.

What's the extent of Corruption in India?
India is ranked #89 among 160 nations surveyed, according to http://www.nationmaster.com/. It goes to show that we are in the bottom half of the equation. Sri Lanka is better placed than us at #81.

According to Transparency International, India scored about 3.5 out of 10 in 2007 (See image above). Again, nothing to write home about.

According to the ex-Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sri N. Vittal:
"Corruption is harmful in three different ways:

1) Corruption is anti-national.
2) Corruption is anti-poor. Rajiv Gandhi once observed that out of every rupee meant for the anti- poverty programmes only 15 paise reached the beneficiary. Out of the 85 paise may be 40 paise can be accounted for as administrative overheads. The leakage of the remaining 45 paise is definitely due to corruption. Corruption is, therefore, anti-poor.
3) Corruption is also anti-economic development."

[We know what role corruption would have played in playing out the Mumbai attacks, although it's premature to conclude about it while the investigation is still on. But we are not naive not to know where it went wrong and how corruption played a part at various levels of the food chain.]

Read more of what Sri Vittal has to say at http://www.hindustan.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2002

REMEMBER: Pass the word about Dec 18th - National Non-Corruption Day to as many people as you can, with the simple message: Don't give, encourage or take bribes - of any sort on that day.

Of course, not many of our friends might feel the effects of corruption or even this effort; but if we can touch atleast some people who have to pay to get their work done; who take to do others' work - if they can observe this day as Non-Corruption Day - and if even a tiny % of those folks feel the difference in their heart - the good feeling....the purpose would be met.

Corruption is an all-pervading evil that affects one and all in one way or the other and has reached a stage where it's crippling our society. We all want to do something about it - but don't do anything. So, this is our chance, to do that 'drop in the ocean' now and continue it - so when hundreds, thousands and millions come together, we might be able to influence the outcome.

Hopeful of a better tomorrow -

Swasti !!

Corruption - the common language

2008-12-09T23:14:00.008-05:00

More and more cases of political corruption are seeing the light of the day in US recently. It was the NJ Governor 4 years ago (my first home state in US); the NY Governor earlier this year (my current home state); and then it's the Illinois Governor's turn today. Thank God I didn't live in Illinois - otherwise I would have felt miserable.

Add the scores of senators, members of the Congress and State Assemblies and others in public offices all across the country - and the list really grows big. Well one would say - the India CP (Corrupt Politicians) list would still dwarf the US CP list. That might be true. But still, for a country that's ranked in the top 20 non-corrupt nations - it's still a huge embarassment. For India, the length of the list is in line with its ranking (#89).

It is despicable what Rod B. tried to do - selling Obama's senate seat. It looks like two ends of the extreme - with Obama winning on the reform plank. It only goes to show that politicians across the globe speak the same language.

Don't Forget: Dec 18th is India's National Non-Corruption Day. Your part is simple: Don't give-in; Don't give-out; Don't even think about it - And keep reliving these thoughts every day thereafter. Please pass the word around.

Swasti !!

Sun not here yet?

2008-12-06T07:59:00.003-05:00

Last night Chandra and Datta were playing games on nickjr.com and didn't want to go to bed. Since it's Friday night, we let them play a little longer. But it's getting past 10pm and we had to somehow break them away from the computer. Datta is not happy at all - and wanted the Sun to stay longer - so they can play longer.

It reminded me of an incident from a few weeks ago, after we returned from our India trip. One night the boys woke me up - as they were going through jet-lag and couldn't sleep any further. It was just 3am but they wanted to get active and play. However, I was fast asleep....and wished they just went back to sleep.

Then they used their unfailing trick - "I need to go pee". If I don't take them to the bathroom - I know what could happen...so I dragged myself out of the bed and took them to the bathroom. Chandra was done but Datta was still on his potty - and chatting away as I sit in front of him, at a distance - for him to finish off - so I can put them to bed and I can doze off. All of a sudden, he made a comment that drove my sleep away and cracked me up in laughter.

Here it goes...

Datta: Why is it night all the time? I want to go downstairs and play.

Me: The Moon is still here. If you sleep for some more time, then the Moon will go away and the Sun will come up. Then it will be morning time and you can play.

Datta: I want it to be morning now. Why is Sun not here yet? I want to hit the Moon and kick the Sun.

What can I say to this kid?

Swasti !!

Yoga without prayers?

2008-12-04T23:08:00.002-05:00

We went to the local Hindu temple to participate in the Diwali celebrations in October. While there, I saw a flyer about Pranayama classes being conducted in the old temple building every Tuesday and Saturday. I promptly called the contact number and was told that the session is already in progress for 3 weeks, and that it is an 8 week course. The instructor advised me to sign up for the next session starting in November. I agreed, asked him to add me to the roster and thanked him.

On the appointed date, I went to the first class in November. As it's a weekday evening, by the time I helped Usha partly to get the kids settled and left for the temple- I had just about time to reach the class on the hour. On top of that, I didn't know where the old temple bldg. is - so I went into the current temple and went to the back of it - thinking that's where it's got to be. However, I ran into a temple Board meeting and was promptly given the directions to the old temple building.

It turns out that that the bldg. where the priests' quarters are located housed the temple earlier - before my time in Albany. So, in all this going around - I was a few minutes late to the initial class and by the time I went in - they were already going through the intros. I later learned that I missed the starting prayers only.

There were 2 whites (americans) and 3 Indians apart from me in the class. Apparently it was a smaller than usual class size. The instructor, an Indian guy in my age group, is seated in Vajrasana on the elevated platform. He seemed very calm and has a low voice. He walked us through how to sit in Vajrasana, explained the significance of Aum (Om) and started us off with a few chantings of the primordial sound. He then led us through the basics of pranayama and a few rhythmic breathings. After some more lecture and guiding us, we said the ending prayers - 90 minutes later - and dispersed.

I didn't find the two white americans in the second class. We had 3 more Indians joining the class instead. So, we went through the introductions, basics one more time - and then learnt about Shavasana for relaxation. The instructor asked us to lie down on the floor, dimmed the lights and walked us through focusing on various parts of the body so we can make sure there's no tension in those parts and they are relaxed. Truth be told, after the first couple of parts, either due to the dimmed lights or due to his very low voice - coupled with a strenuous day which included some brisk aerobics in the gym (yeah - I started going to the gym as well recently and more on that later) - I didn't know when I dozed off. The instructor was next to me when I woke up - and he was giving me instructions to wake up, rub my palms and put them on my eyes - as the lights are bright and since I was waking up from rest. I just acted as if I am getting up from my pose and felt a little embarassed for actually dozing off all of 6 minutes. Well - the purpose of the pose was served, I felt, albeit in some other way.

We then went through some breathing exercises and said our session ending prayers and dispersed. When I went for the third class, I didn't see the americans still. I wonder if their absence has got to do with the chanting of prayers on either side of the session. The instructor, in the first class, even went to the extent of trying to explain the significance of the prayers (praising the teachers who are none but the Holy Trinity themselves; surrendering ourselves to the teachers so we are prepared to receive the knowledge etc. etc.) and also promised to send the exact meanings of all the prayers being chanted, via e-mail.

I read recently in the media that Malaysian leaders banned Yoga for Muslims - as the instruction contained Hindu hymns. After several weeks of imposing the ban and negotiations or protests (?) apparently they relented to let the yoga instruction continue, without the singing of the hymns. I wonder if my missing classmates find them offensive or not to their liking as well. Not sure what the reason is. I thought of discussing this aspect with the instructor, but decided against it - as all the attendees now are Indians and I barely arrive in the class on time - and have to leave immediately after the session ends - so as to make sure Usha is not left with the kids alone for too long.

Has any one observed similar incidents that turned the otherwise interested foreigners off? Do you think yoga and prayers should not be mixed; and yoga should be seen purely as a form of exercise? As for me - I am fine and even glad to have the prayers; but don't mind accommodating the non-prayer version if that would mean the foreigners would join as well. After all, I can still say my prayers silently.

May be I am judging the missing candidates unnecessarily - and may be they are not attending for some other reason. I don't know. Although I am not being able to practise what's covered in class on other days at home as much as the instructor wants us to - I would atleast like to go for all the 8 weeks to get into the habit slowly.

I will udpate you later - but would like to hear from you in the meanwhile.

Swasti !!

Hope and Reality

2008-12-02T09:56:00.005-05:00

With Megastar Chiranjeevi making his entry into Andhra Pradesh Politics and forming his party setup, as with any new entrant, I look forward with hope and pray the reality that set in, in the past, doesn't repeat.

I hope Chiru:

1) brings in the much needed change in the AP politics
2) does not resort to cheap tactics of mud slinging at the opponents
3) comes with a clear and succinct agenda
4) proposes good ideas for development and welfare
5) backs them up with good plans of action
6) builds a grass roots level movement to combat the primary evils in our society - corruption, extremism and economic imbalance (poverty)
7) brings in fresh blood into the polity rather than harboring the so called 'leaders' with corrupt and criminal background
8) joins hands with the idealistic parties like Lok Satta and work for improving the politics
9) studies the issues plaguing our society and talks about them and his ideas from his heart
10) breathes and becomes the change we want to see for a Better AP

So far, the reality has been anything but reflecting my hope. Agreed, he is a novice and needs the support of the veterans who can steer him against the dirty dozens in the opposing camps. Our society needs a fresh start - fresh minds, fresh thinking - from the roots. Not from the top.

As Einstein once famously said: No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.

If Chiru is trying to bring about the change by surrounding himself with the same people who were part of the problem in the first place, he is already dousing my hopes.

However, Hope is Eternal and I continue to hope for better - until proven otherwise completely.

Swasti !!

Obama all the way

2008-12-01T23:21:00.007-05:00

I am amused at the way Obama is bringing all opposing voices into his camp by making them part of his administration. Either he wants to please every one or doesn't like voices of dissent.

Today's appointment of Hillary, his Primary opponent, as Secretary of State is a master stroke - I must say - in many respects.

1) She cannot grow into an alternative power center in the Democratic Party
2) She cannot voice her dissent any more on anything of importance, done by the administration - being a part of it.
3) If she performs great - most, if not all, of the credit goes to O - for hiring her as the Secy. of State.
4) If she doesn't perform well - he can ease her out and can't be blamed for trusting such a strong lady with the plum post. The fault is all hers.
5) What more - she doesn't stand a chance of challenging him, if she wants to, for the 2012 election - whatever his administration's performance is. 2016 and beyond will effectively be beyond her anyway.
6) This particular position was occupied by at least two other ladies in the recent past - Madeline Albright and Condy Rice - so nothing special for Hillary.
7) She can't even pay off her campaign debt, as she can't raise any more funds being a part of the administration - and not seeking re-election. It has to wait longer.

If Obama and his inner circle of advisers are so shrewd and smart - I hope they are as smart in governing. Let's hope for the best - and look forward to Jan 20th. I also wish Hillary all the best for bringing about the change in the world's perception of USA; and effectively managing the 'challenging' states.

Swasti !!

Raging Questions

2008-11-30T18:53:00.005-05:00

As the Mumbai siege came to an end and we sigh a breath of relief at the long and vicious ordeal, many questions run through my mind. Just jotting them down here - and if you have any you would like to add, feel free to join. If you think you have an answer - please chime in.

I understand I should be constructive and try to offer solutions. Let's raise all the relevant, valid questions - and don't be ashamed of doing so. From the questions, and our attempt to answer them, will come the thinking necessary for providing constructive suggestions. (These are not sorted in any particular order or priority)

1) Why did Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar and others - who are higher up in the ranks - go into the 'battle field' at the first news of terrorist attacks? Shouldn't they have assessed the situation before blindly jumping in?

2) With their experience and 'leadership' abilities, shouldn't they be directing their forces through the operations with proper plans than taking a single step approach of "Let's all go in and take the enemy on"?

3) Aren't their services better utilized at times like these, through their strategic thinking than their mere presence in the field?

4) How could HK get hit with bullets in his chest, when he is wearing a supposedly bullet proof vest? Are our security forces equipped with such sub-standard, 'Made-in-China' type body armour?

5) Doesn't HK know what the capacity of his own body armour is? Isn't he supposedly the battle-hardened veteran?

6) How can the media show live feed of the man in charge of the anti terror wing in Mumbai - beaming his where abouts, what he is doing (putting on his helmet, talking on cell phone walking around in public etc.)? Doesn't the media have any responsibility to shield him and other strategically important personalities, who are prime targets for the militants and rogue elements?

7) Doesn't Mumbai, attacked many times by and remains a target of underworld and terrorists, have SWAT teams or special forces locally who should have responded immediately? Why did Mumbai have to wait for the NSG to come from Delhi - 10 hours later?

8) Militants/hijackers using hostages as shields is an age old, well known tactic. How can the NSG commandos and the security forces use it as a reason for their slow response that lasted days? Especially when the number of terrorists involved was at no time believed to be more than a dozen? What kind of message is it sending the rogue elements? That a major city could be taken siege by a handful for longer, if only they planned better?

9) Manmohan, Sonia, Advani, Narendra Modi and scores of other 'personalities' visited the 'battle field' while the operation is still very much on. Couldn't they have waited and focused their energies more on bringing a swifter end to the ordeal? The argument that they visited to instill confidence and raise morale in the security forces is BS at best. No sane Indian is looking to the politicians for confidence and a morale boost.

10) Couldn't the security forces have used some kind of controlled, tear gas or water ballast or something that would incapacitate the militants for a short period of time and swiftly moved in to over take them? Granted, even the hostages will be incapacitated for that period - but it must be better than having them killed by the militants, I think.

11) Will the country be vigilant here after to better repulse another militant attack or better yet prevent them?

12) Blaming Pakistan for such incidents is easy. But why did we allow it to happen on our land, so deep in crowded places? Aren't there any checks along the way that could have stopped the terrorists from reaching their chosen destination?

13) Is this attack the result of a systemic problem that needs to be addressed from the grassroots, social level? Or will constituting another institution that only adds to the bureaucratic confusion be chosen as the solution?

14) As my friend Vasantha asked on her facebook site: What can each one of us do, in our capacity, to kill [combat] terrorism?

I request each of you, who stopped by and took time to read this, to take another minute or two - and share your thoughts. Who knows where the next bright idea/suggestion for a better tomorrow comes from?!

Looking forward to a better tomorrow -

Swasti !!

Operation Over

2008-11-28T23:51:00.004-05:00

Atlast, after 60 hours of tense and deadly moments, and continuous battle between the terrorists and the Indian commandos - the last terrorist holed up in the Taj Mahal Hotel has been gunned down and the Director General of NSG announced that the operation of taking control of the Taj is over. Now they will be scanning every inch of the hotel and sanitizing it before transferring the control to the local police.

Today a couple of the martyrs - Hemant Karkare (ATS chief) and Major Unnikrishnan from Bangalore are being cremated. I am sure we will read about their bravery and of others in the coming hours and days.

Hats off to you both and others who gave their lives so other innocent folks can live on! It's a great loss to India.

Jai Jawan!! Jai Hind!!!

Frontpages and Ads

2008-11-28T00:54:00.008-05:00

While following all these drastic developments in Mumbai, I couldn't help but have a smile looking at the ads served on the front page of Andhrajyothi website - next to the Mumbai raging photos. Look at the following images I captured. Take it easy and share your own - if you can.

1) Are you thinking of getting married?
2) Plan your vacation better

3) Then this ad - asking if you want to send money to India, with a funny typo (pampichchadam) in telugu.

Thank you

2008-11-27T23:59:00.005-05:00

I am always thankful to my firends, family, colleagues and acquaintances - who help me all along my life - in various capacities. But most of all, on this unfortunate day, when Mumbai is under siege, I would like to thank the security forces battling bravely and laying down their lives for saving others'. They are offering the ultimate sacrifice and my heartfelt thanks to them and their families - for going through this suffering, so we don't have to suffer.

May the departed souls rest in peace - and may The Almighty shower his blessings on those left behind.

This past weekend, one of my friends passed away in sleep. She is just in her mid thirties - and left behind her husband and three little girls - including twins who are hardly 1 1/2 years old. I am very shocked to hear the news. We pray for the family and their well being.

Life seems so fleeting at times like these. And all the scriptures talk about it. But still, we try to fool ourselves into thinking we still have a long way to go. And make plans for 5 years from now, 10 years from now and after retirement. Of course, if we don't do that, and don't hope for the best - we can't live on. One thought crosses my mind often, though - if this were my last moment, am I prepared? Will my family be safe and have a secure future? And every time the answer is the same: I should be more watchful in what I do and say. Because, there may not be another opportunity for me to make amends before I leave for good.

And I am always thankful for The One for all that's given to me. I pray for good things for one and all.

Swasti !!

Media Control

2008-11-27T23:55:00.008-05:00

Watching the media coverage, I can't help but wonder if some guidelines should be developed for the media outlets, atleast for times like these?

The reporters on the ground want to say 1000+ words in one breath; they rush themselves in doing so; use grandiose words without realizing what they are talking about and the reality on the ground; nor do they show any reverance, sometimes, to the sensitivities involved. How else would you explain a reporter saying - "Let's look at the 'drama' unfolding before our eyes here at the Nariman House"?

And another gushes out - 'this is along the lines of the 9/11 attacks' - again a fascination to be identified alongside the US. Why do you want to draw the parallels so soon? so early? while the disaster is still unfolding? Media is always looking for sensationalizing any and each incident/event. Is it necessary? Are the media outlets above the norms of public decency?

Some of the reporters on the field don't want to yield the floor back to the studio - and keep repeating themselves with the same information again and again, changing the order of their statements. This of course is not as much an issue as the other points I mention here in this post.

Then comes the most atrocious behaviour from the reporters. The anchor in the studio asks the field reporter the following questions:

How many commandos, do you think, have been assembled there?
Which floor have the commandos reached? Is there any news or can you see from your position on the ground?

Is it not dangerous for the commandos and their operations - if the terrorists inside know how many are coming at them? And which floor the commandos have reached so far?

How many terrorists do they think are there all together? How many are participating in the Mumbai attacks and how many dispersed into the crowds and went to other places?

What are they trying to gain by speculating these numbers? Shouldn't this be left to the Intelligence agencies to deal with? If the masterminds behind these attacks know that the intelligence agencies know about the exact number or the whereabouts of the remaining terrorists, won't they change their plans and make it that much more difficult for the Indian authorities to prevent further attacks? What are the media outlets trying to achieve by getting their "sources" to reveal such valuable intelligence information?

Our sources tell us that the terrorists have rented a flat as well, to reside in the area and continue their attacks at other places, and they are here for a long haul.

Will the terrorists stay back in their 'flat' now? They would have checked out and gone somewhere else.

It's not just in India. Even in the USA. I remember - back in 2006(?) - in California's Los Angeles airport a plane lost one of its landing gears (the front tire burst, I believe) after take off and couldn't land normally. So, it has to nose dive and come to a forceful halt after hitting the ground with a thud. When it does that, the pilots didn't want the fuel in the plane's storage tank to catch fire - so they kept the flight hovering around the city for several rounds to waste the fuel. And the cable channels are all fixated on this unfolding event - and sensationalizing it as it to show a plane landing and about to go in flames. Great credit to the pilots for handling the situation with great skill and landing the plane safely. But the couple of hours spent in the air is the fodder that the cable channels look for - to make it a media event, and raise their viewership. It's almost as if the channels were disappointed at the anti-climax. That's how sick the media outlets have become, sometimes.

Now look at the questions asked of the political leaders. The reporters ask provocative questions knowing very well what kind of responses they would get - and then try to sensationalize the responses. Case in point - some reporters asked Advani in Mumbai - "Advani ji, do you think this is an intelligence failure?". Advani could have just chosen not to answer it saying the situation is still developing and we have to see what the concerned officials say. But he chose to answer it in the affirmative. Even the Union home minister Shivraj Patil has agreed to intelligence failure. But CNN-IBN (not sure of the other channels, as I don't have access to them) channel announcers pounce on Advani for making such provocative and political statements on the day the security forces are still battling to save the hostages and capture the terrorists. What can one say of this reporting? Where has accountability gone?

I sincerely feel that the media role in similar and other incidents should be analyzed thoroughly and some guidelines should be developed. I am not a proponent of curbs on the media and free speech - but at the same time the media outlets need to know what to say and how to report various incidents. I would take a somber report on an incident of this magnitude and nature, any time, than the sensationalism we currently see. It's not helping the viewers, not soothing the friends and family of the victims; and more than any thing else, not at all aiding the security forces doing their job.

Take for example the case of the commandos and the number present at the incident. Shouldn't it be kept a secret as to how many commandos, what types of forces are at any given site - to act against the terrorists? If the media pries into each and every such detail and publishes/announces it - the masterminds behind the attacks (or future attacks) will also be reading/watching the news and take necessary counter actions. In fact, this has been a long standing peeve of the intelligence and security organizations world over - that the media should cut down on sensationalizing what they report - during the incident and leave the analysis for later. Details like this are not going to help the common man or even the friends and relatives of the victims even one bit. The media is doing more harm than good with their conduct.

Oh well - we will be slicing and dicing this incident and the reporting for many days, weeks and months to come; or atleast until the next media 'sensation'. May common sense prevail and God save humanity.

Swasti !!

Black Wednesday

2008-11-26T22:07:00.005-05:00

As we are eagerly awaiting the Thanksgiving holiday and the shopping deals that follow on Black Friday, news about the deadly blasts in Mumbai shocked us at home. Usha, coming back from the Nursing Home where she works on Wednesdays treating the elderly for their dental problems, heard it first on NPR's WAMC station. I then read the headlines in NYTimes.com. Truth be told, on a regular day, I keep checking the news sites once every 2 or 3 hours during the day - to catch up on what's happening. 'Obamania' for the past couple of years made it a regular item on my daily schedule. However, as Mahalakshmi was sent home from day care yesterday due to suspected rota virus, she's staying home, along with Chandra whose school is closed for the day. So, I didn't get a chance to check the news sites today. When Usha came home late in the afternoon, she mentioned this news.

At first I thought it's one of those terrorist bombings that have become a regular fixture in Indian metros these days - killing a dozen or so and wounding several dozens. Don't get me wrong - I am not callous to such news. I feel the pain for any and all such ghastly events. But it's only after reading the article in Indian news papers (Andhrajyothi and Rediff especially) that I realized the enormity of this dastardly act. Our Thanksgiving holiday is shot in spirit.

Excuse me for my useless rant here. I am so sick and tired of hearing the leaders in power reiterating time and again after such incidents: "We will not tolerate such cowardly acts of terrorism. We will do all in our power to root out the terrorists. We will not allow such incidents again... blah...blah...blah ... ". Haven't we all heard this empty rhetoric before? If they can't tolerate, what have they been doing? What steps are they taking to make India (or the world) a safer place? and to rid the world of terrorism? I am not naive/innocent to believe that terrorism can be rooted out. But the govts. should/can do more, I believe, with sincerity and integrity - to prevent such ghastly incidents.

Oh God! When will we see sincere politicians, with strategic vision for long-term growth of India than petty thinking for their own electoral and financial gains?

As I write this, I am reminded of a recent Hindi movie - which I read about. Wednesday - a movie with terrorism as the storyline, acted by Anupam Kher and Naseeruddin Shah. It received rave reviews and I plan on watching it sometime soon. I didn't expect such deadly incident happening on a Wednesday. Not sure if the terrorists got inspired by that movie, for all the wrong reasons.

I hope the local, state and central govts. in India wake up at least now; take immediate steps to prevent such incidents from taking place in more places; and constitute a task force to recommend long term remedial measures. And implement them without fear, favor or 'vote banks' in mind. I hope our political leaders don't let this kind of indifference lead to a failed state which could necessitate the army to take over the reins of power in the country (as is often the case with our neighbours). If that's the only way to revive public safety - then God! Save us all from peril!!

Our hearts go out to the lost souls and their families. 9/11 is still fresh in our minds. The victims will be in our prayers. May the souls of the deceased rest in peace! May the injured recover soon and get back to normal health.

Swasti !!

Economy, Rescue and Recovery

2008-11-25T22:16:00.006-05:00

As the Fed announced the $800 billion plan today, to finance consumer loans and to push down mortgage rates - I was left wondering why it took so long for the govt. to think of rescuing the people. It's been a month, almost, since the $700 billion plan was announced to rescue the financial institutions - after they began to fail/fall like a pack of dominoes.

It only reinforced my unscientific, personal belief that govts. all over only react immediately whenever the giants fall. The average consumer has been bleeding for more than a year now. Mortgage payments are being defaulted; houses are being foreclosed. Didn't the govt. foresee this? Had they taken steps earlier, the rescue could have been limited to a few hundred billion $$$ rather than running the bill into trillions as is happening now. We could have even saved a few bank failures and job losses in the process.

If an individual is not fiscally responsible and fails to make timely payments - s/he is made accountable and made to face the consequences (both financial and legal). However, when it comes to institutions, if they fail - the people running them are let go without any penalty. Often times, they are treated with a severance package as well. And if the debacle is very bad and the insttn. is very big, it is shored up with a rescue package. As we are witnessing now.

Therein lies the fundamental problem with the way peoples and economies are managed/governed, I feel. Be it capitalistic or socialistic - a democratic society will have to take care of the people, first and foremost. When the focus shifts to institutions rather than the people - such society is bound to fail sooner or later. People, after all, are the backbone of any society.

I am glad good sense prevailed on the Fed and Treasury folks at least now and they plan on helping the comman man who's hurt badly. But, again without any scientific evidence, my gut tells me that this economy will not start looking north again until the summer of 2010 - and that's 18 months away, at least. We haven't seen the worst yet.

Wishing and praying for good times -

Swasti !!

Be Nice - Don't judge

2008-11-24T10:36:00.009-05:00

This morning, while dropping Chandra (my first son) at school, I gave him the usual 'Safety Briefing' and added 'Be Nice' at the end - fresh from the weekend experiences when he joined Datta and almost turned the house upside down. To that, he immediately shot back - 'I am always nice'. I found myself struck by it. Or may be he felt the unspoken undertones of how I said it - as if to suggest he was not nice and better pull your act together!

After all, he is just four-and-a-half years, and a good kid. Often times I wonder if we robbed him of his childhood by having his brother when he was still one-and-a-half. And then having his sister a couple of years there after. Because, he is already playing big brother when he himself is so little. It did give him a sense of authority and pride. But at the same time, I think, he also at times feels there are smaller kids than him at home, who look up to him.

Of course, that doesn't stop him from being as naughty as he can be sometimes. And coupled with Datta, that's what he had over the weekend. That was sure to raise my blood pressure and question if I should rethink of doing some things differently. For example -

1) I am always skeptical of having the kids sleep in their own beds when they are still too little. For one thing, I feel it makes them feel insecure - although the western culture argues the exact opposite.
2) The next point I ponder over is whether or not we made the right decision to put him in a public school for Pre-K, even though there's a Pre-K available in the Day-Care he has been going to for over 3 years now - and which helped nurture his developing abilities.
3) Are we doing enough as good parents - should I spend more time over the weekend and take them to Indian cultural classes conducted at the local temple where they teach the religious hymns, tell moral stories and talk about good manners etc?
4) May be I should get into the habit of reading/telling stories that I was told when I was a kid (and generations before me, in India) - to inculcate good manners in them
5) these and many more such thoughts flash through my mind whenever I see something 'not to my liking' in them.

And then the other part of me rationalizes with me saying he is a little kid - and he is just being a little kid. No point over analyzing things that kids naturally do. It's all part of their growing up process. I guess it's a situation all parents go and grow through, at times questioning their own parenting skills and reassuring that they are just being themselves and there's nothing to be concerned about, after all. Or is it just me, thinking wishfully that I am part of a bigger group of like parents?

So anyway - getting back to the plot of this post - when Chandra gave me that response 'I am nice' - I resolved (for n'th time) in my mind - not to be judgemental. That's one thing I keep working on - and this incident reinforced me to be more vigilant about what I say and how I say it. Because kids take it from their parents easily and as a gold standard. I did not mean he was not nice earlier, but probably the way I said it gave it up. And if his little mind was able to pick it up, I think I really messed it up. By being careful myself, I can help him grow into a person better than me. I have been trying myself for years to become a ' better me' - and I tell ya'... I am still working on it :)

Swasti!

First or Second?

2008-11-22T11:51:00.013-05:00

Henry Ford once said: 'Before anything else, getting started [ready] is the secret of
success'.
And I believe in it. Not that I follow it all the time - but that doesn't stop me from believing it. So, when it came to blogging, I thought it would apply as well. After a long time - some of which was spent thinking about starting a blog - I finally took the first step towards creating my own blog here yesterday.

Before I went to bed last night, I was thinking of what to write next. Until I started the blog, I had several thoughts in my mind - on what to write about, how to organize it, how I can make it useful for myself - and for others, who take the time to stop by and read, as well. Then, when I hit the bed - my mind drew a blank. Have no clue what I am going to write about next. I could never clear my mind of random thoughts - so I can concentrate on something. But when I really needed some thoughts to write about - nothing was coming to my mind.

Then the above said quote came to my mind...and I was thinking - 'well...I got started. Wrote my first few lines. It should be a roll from here - but why can't I go on?' Is it just me? Or do other bloggers go through this? Is it the first post that's difficult? or is it the second, the third and then the fourth as well that are difficult to log? The first one came easily - as I am allowed some leeway for being a novice. But what should I cover in the next one - without looking stupid (well - others needn't know that :)) So thinking, I dozed off at some point, don't know when.

This morning - after going through the routine of helping to get the kids ready for the day - I logged in and checked my blog. What was I thinking and looking for? A bunch of comments from random visitors? A few blog followers? Or an opening for my next post? Well - one of those; and all of those. Then it occurred to me - how about just writing it out? Of course, I know I can't pull this off all the time - but at least my second post is covered. After all, the quote above does have some value, doesn't it? :)

You will know how it goes for the next post, without me being explicit about it. Until then -

Swasti !!

Om

2008-11-21T17:34:00.009-05:00

Om Namah! Sivayah!
Siddham Namah!
a aa e ee vu voo . . . .

Thus starts a typical, orthodox Andhra Hindu kid's entry into the literary world!! With the father or a grandfather or another respected elder in the family or friends orchestrating the tiny fingers of the little kid sitting in the lap to write the above mentioned, age old, first written words and letters of life! Strange as it might sound - those words come first and then come the alphabet. Well - ok! The intent is not to teach the kid those words first. It's just a traditional start.

Thus starts my foray into the blogosphere! As they say and as the title above shouts out - I will share my notes, thoughts and views - from time to time. If nothing else, this would serve as a good journal of myself henceforth - for myself. With little Chandra, Datta and Mahalakshmi at home - I am sure I will have something to share from their words of wizardom as well.

Swasti!

Note: Swasti (Sanskrit) - a compound of Su (well), and Asti (it is); meaning It is well. A salutation meaning, may it be well with thee!