View of Bangalore sky captured from our rooftop.Beautiful isn't it ...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
hmm...
After a long hiatus (well ...not that long) I am back. I was home last week. The trip as always was refreshing. Even though i was very happy about it, it made me rue over what i was missing every single day. But things are good as they are .I have learned to take everything in a positive way. There is a single way to move and that is forward. So be it.
I prefer buses when i travel home as it drops me nearby home.Travelling by train is not that good an option as i have to take a 30 minutes bus ride from the railway station. Airlines are no longer an option as the new Bangalore Airport is miles away and the air fares are not affordable anymore.
The bus I was in broke down on the way. I got out .It was close to midnight and the bus was parked in some place along the highway. I got out because of a strong urge to take a leak. I went and used the toilet in a petrol pump nearby while the bus driver and others were trying to fix the vehicle. There was no light in the toilet. With the 5 Watt light from my cell phone for light, i did the needful and quickly exited.
Bus driver and co were trying to repair the bus .After a while they suddenly said there is nogo.They stopped another bus and asked the rest of passengers to board it .They said that as it was Friday & no buses were free and there is no point waiting. There were no seats in the new bus and the only option was to stand or sit in the empty space between seats till next main city is reached(it could easily take another 6 hrs).I did not see a single person raise voice and people started taking their bags and boarding the new bus. Imagine 64 people in a 32 seater bus and that too including women and children. Some of us protested and asked them to repair the bus or get an alternate. They did not comply saying the issue could be repaired 'only' by a mechanic from Bangalore. I decided enough was enough. I went to the Petrol bunk nearby and asked for Phone no of the local police station. I called the Polic Station. As usual they were non responsive. I managed to get the Sub Inspector's no. The SI was a lady who said not to worry and that she will be there soon. Just before the Police arrived the 2nd bus left with 26 passengers leaving us 6 behind. When the police came, we explained the situation and the Inspector asked them to get us an alternative and even took their vehicle registration papers and asked them to get it the next day . We thanked her and we managed to get another bus in due course of time. Bus i am sure all of them felt bad that no one supported us for the common and just cause. But i felt happy and contented that what we did could stop such things from happening again. We later came to know that all those people who had gone earlier had a tough time and reached after we did.
I prefer buses when i travel home as it drops me nearby home.Travelling by train is not that good an option as i have to take a 30 minutes bus ride from the railway station. Airlines are no longer an option as the new Bangalore Airport is miles away and the air fares are not affordable anymore.
The bus I was in broke down on the way. I got out .It was close to midnight and the bus was parked in some place along the highway. I got out because of a strong urge to take a leak. I went and used the toilet in a petrol pump nearby while the bus driver and others were trying to fix the vehicle. There was no light in the toilet. With the 5 Watt light from my cell phone for light, i did the needful and quickly exited.
Bus driver and co were trying to repair the bus .After a while they suddenly said there is nogo.They stopped another bus and asked the rest of passengers to board it .They said that as it was Friday & no buses were free and there is no point waiting. There were no seats in the new bus and the only option was to stand or sit in the empty space between seats till next main city is reached(it could easily take another 6 hrs).I did not see a single person raise voice and people started taking their bags and boarding the new bus. Imagine 64 people in a 32 seater bus and that too including women and children. Some of us protested and asked them to repair the bus or get an alternate. They did not comply saying the issue could be repaired 'only' by a mechanic from Bangalore. I decided enough was enough. I went to the Petrol bunk nearby and asked for Phone no of the local police station. I called the Polic Station. As usual they were non responsive. I managed to get the Sub Inspector's no. The SI was a lady who said not to worry and that she will be there soon. Just before the Police arrived the 2nd bus left with 26 passengers leaving us 6 behind. When the police came, we explained the situation and the Inspector asked them to get us an alternative and even took their vehicle registration papers and asked them to get it the next day . We thanked her and we managed to get another bus in due course of time. Bus i am sure all of them felt bad that no one supported us for the common and just cause. But i felt happy and contented that what we did could stop such things from happening again. We later came to know that all those people who had gone earlier had a tough time and reached after we did.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Certified
I made a late decision to take the ITIL V3 Certification. It was like now or never. I was tensed about the outcome. It was not about about passing/failing. It was about the money involved. The certification itself costs around 165 USD .Man... that's lotsa money right there.
So...attended the certification today and passed by god's grace .The strangest thing is that I got 100 % in it. I am not trying to be humble but the last time I got cent percent in a paper was in LKG.So at the end of the day, i am a very happy man.
**The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a customizable framework of best practices designed to promote quality computing services in the information technology (IT) sector. The Certification enables people to understand the terminology used within ITIL. It focuses on foundation knowledge with regard to the ITIL Service Support and Service Delivery sets as well as generic ITIL philosophy and background
So...attended the certification today and passed by god's grace .The strangest thing is that I got 100 % in it. I am not trying to be humble but the last time I got cent percent in a paper was in LKG.So at the end of the day, i am a very happy man.
**The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a customizable framework of best practices designed to promote quality computing services in the information technology (IT) sector. The Certification enables people to understand the terminology used within ITIL. It focuses on foundation knowledge with regard to the ITIL Service Support and Service Delivery sets as well as generic ITIL philosophy and background
Monday, August 11, 2008
At last ....Gold!!!
Its very strange that it took India 108 years of participation in Olympic games to win an individual Gold medal .The last time India won the gold was for Hockey at the 1980 Moscow Olympics .It's a welcome relief as it may wash away some angst at the National Hockey team for not qualifying.
Cheers to Abhinav Bindra for making the country proud. News is already out that various States and Organizations are competing in announcing cash prizes. Good for Abhinav .He deserves every bit of it .But why doesn't anyone realize that he will be earning exponential amounts for endorsements in years to come. If they had so much money to spare, there are numerous ways to use it to develop our infrastructure. But anyways...better not dig graves on this awesome occasion.
No one believed it could happen until it actually did. Better late than never
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Nobody cares!
In today's world, the rich are getting richer and poor becoming poorer. But there is no space for sympathy or even empathy. People just keep moving blindly forward without giving a damn about what's happening around them. I bet you and even me would think twice before helping someone in need. I saw an article in the local news paper which showed the sad plight of a 10th standard kid and his suffering family. I normally read right through these pages so as to get to the sports or entertainment column .But, I don’t know why, i just stopped and read the complete article. I was very moved by it and decided to send some much needed cash (whatever I can afford).I talked to my friend who a social worker was trying to get her to talk to her roommates as I thought help from any quarter was to be taken. While she was telling explaining the story to them, they all crowded around her .But as the story unfolded, they began to lose interest. Comments like," These kinds of stories come in news everyday. How can you help all of them?” Even though she has had heard enough, as loyal a friend she was, my friend asked them again if they will lend help. Silence! She later told me that she felt embarrassed by non- responsiveness. I think it should have been the other way around.
She always sees the glass half full than half empty and says everybody has their own opinion about these things and we should respect it. I am not a Buddhist and do not take things like these too kindly.
I was not ready to give up. Rang up dad. Talked to him. First thing he said was,"Give me the address the money has to be sent" .It may sound dramatic but I truly feel blessed to have a family who always stands by me no matter what.
Later, when I went to office, I thought of letting my team mates know of the matter. After all, they are rich folk who like most of their IT counterparts spent large chunks of money on meaningless things .So, I sent across a mail to my teammates which go like this...
Hey Guys,
This is a heart touching story I read in today’s paper. It’s about the sad plight of family of two brothers both of who are woodcutters.
5 years ago, the elder brother had an accident .While cutting a tree, the roots gave way and the tree fell on him .He was paralyzed .He is unmarried. The younger brother who has wife and 2 kids had to take the burden of the family on his shoulders. Two months ago, disaster again struck. While cutting a tree branch he slipped and fell breaking his back. He too is bed ridden .His elder son who is in 10th standard works in order to support his family. He cannot even manage to get enough money to buy medicines .Even though the school he studied in offered him free education he cannot continue as he needs to support the family. His mother is unable to go outside the house as her husband and brother need help for everything .They even need assistance in doing their basic body functions. A committee has been set up by good hearted people living near by. They are expecting assistance of any kind for the suffering family
This is a terrible story and I was really moved by the plight of the family. I have decided to sent in some help .I thought I would let you know of this as you can also pitch in as this is for a good cause. Doesn’t matter if you are not interested in doing any monetary aid. A prayer or two would do.
Vivek
After getting the mail there was absolutely no response from the team. I was becoming embarrassed now.
Then came a mail from one of the guys!
It was a one liner - "Sure will do it ….!"
I was delighted .At least some one cares. He was sitting near me. So I went to him and said-"So you will really help eh?” His reply proved to be the final nail in the coffin-
“Yes dude.....I will definitely... pray.”
She always sees the glass half full than half empty and says everybody has their own opinion about these things and we should respect it. I am not a Buddhist and do not take things like these too kindly.
I was not ready to give up. Rang up dad. Talked to him. First thing he said was,"Give me the address the money has to be sent" .It may sound dramatic but I truly feel blessed to have a family who always stands by me no matter what.
Later, when I went to office, I thought of letting my team mates know of the matter. After all, they are rich folk who like most of their IT counterparts spent large chunks of money on meaningless things .So, I sent across a mail to my teammates which go like this...
Hey Guys,
This is a heart touching story I read in today’s paper. It’s about the sad plight of family of two brothers both of who are woodcutters.
5 years ago, the elder brother had an accident .While cutting a tree, the roots gave way and the tree fell on him .He was paralyzed .He is unmarried. The younger brother who has wife and 2 kids had to take the burden of the family on his shoulders. Two months ago, disaster again struck. While cutting a tree branch he slipped and fell breaking his back. He too is bed ridden .His elder son who is in 10th standard works in order to support his family. He cannot even manage to get enough money to buy medicines .Even though the school he studied in offered him free education he cannot continue as he needs to support the family. His mother is unable to go outside the house as her husband and brother need help for everything .They even need assistance in doing their basic body functions. A committee has been set up by good hearted people living near by. They are expecting assistance of any kind for the suffering family
This is a terrible story and I was really moved by the plight of the family. I have decided to sent in some help .I thought I would let you know of this as you can also pitch in as this is for a good cause. Doesn’t matter if you are not interested in doing any monetary aid. A prayer or two would do.
Vivek
After getting the mail there was absolutely no response from the team. I was becoming embarrassed now.
Then came a mail from one of the guys!
It was a one liner - "Sure will do it ….!"
I was delighted .At least some one cares. He was sitting near me. So I went to him and said-"So you will really help eh?” His reply proved to be the final nail in the coffin-
“Yes dude.....I will definitely... pray.”
Brutal
This is a piece of news which really shocked me.
This is a story which appeared in Hindu, July 23, 2008
Belgaum: On Tuesday morning, passers-by on Belgaum-Ganeshpur Road in front of Benon Smith School here were shocked to see an abandoned calf bleeding. The animal was in pain after someone had cut its ears and tail.
With no help coming from anybody, the calf collapsed on the ground and people, who watched the animal suffer, did not inform the veterinary hospital or the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), Belgaum unit.
When this correspondent reached the spot, the calf was lying on the ground with very little energy to stand on its own. However, the bleeding had stopped.
Street vendors present at the spot since morning said that it was not a case of accident. They alleged that it was a deliberate act of violence. Efforts to trace the owner of the animal went in vain. Some people tried to feed the animal with bananas, but it could not take them.
On being informed, the staff of the veterinary hospital rushed to the spot and administered first aid and anti-septic medicine to the calf. But, efforts to trace the SPCA activists failed. Though the SPCA had opened an office on the premises of the veterinary hospital, it does not function from there anymore.
A senior official in the hospital feared it to be a case of superstition. He said many people, including farmers and cattle owners in villages, cut ears and tails of cattle as mark of sacrifice in the hope of getting divine blessings
********************
Note: How can God be satisfied by the heinous torture of the baby animal.I have nothing more to say?
