Truth is stranger than fiction

The valley of illusion

2012-01-31T02:13:00.000-08:00

Three-storey-high Buddha statues, stupas and monasteries that look like they have been cut out from fairytale books and yaks with floor-sweeping hair are some of the unusual sights you see when you visit Ladakh, says Swetha Amit

We had an early start as we had a long drive up the mountains ahead of us. It was a sunny day. We noticed something unusual; the mountains seemed to change colour as we drove along. As we climbed the steep passes, we realised how difficult it would be for bikers who were passionate about exploring these steep mountain paths. Approximately four hours later, we reached the Khardungla Pass.

On top of the world: A cold gust of wind greeted us as we got out of our vehicles. It was about 18,380 feet above sea level. We were on the highest motorable road in the world. The signboard was decorated by little flags which symbolised the Buddhist culture. We were awed by the magnificent view. All around us were snow-capped mountains, which looked even more beautiful in the bright sunlight. It was fascinating to see the interplay between sun and snow. We walked around a bit, drinking in the 'on top of the world' feeling. Nearby was a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tea stalls serving hot beverages, biscuits and Maggi were comforting in the cold weather. We met a few bikers who were exhilarated after a wonderful ride from Kargil.

Bon appetite: After a couple of hours, we stopped for lunch at a small place tucked away in the mountains. Run by the Ladakhis, they served piping hot momos - a famous Tibetan dish made out of corn flour, steamed vegetables and meat. This is a local delicacy which is eaten as the main course. They served Maggi and Tibetan soup which were very welcome in the cold, making us realise that it was the simplest things in life that gave us the greatest pleasure.

Mountains, sand dunes and streams: As we descended from the pass, the beautiful Karakorum Range came into view. The Khardung village fields were lush with crops. Further ahead, the stunning view of the Shyok Valley soon gave way to a glimpse of the Shyok River. When water levels are low, the river appears like small streams that run parallel to one another. The banks were covered with dense bushes offering us tantalising glimpses of the river. We drove past the Diskit Gompa which we were scheduled to visit the next day. We passed several other villages, and were soon rewarded with a spectacular view of sand dunes. It was fascinating to see sand dunes, mountains and streams together.

A bumper ride on the double humps: As we walked amidst the dunes, the silence was disturbed by the sound of bells. Turning around, our jaws dropped in amazement. A herd of Bactrian double-humped camels were trotting towards us. The camels had a double hump, were shorter in structure and had broader legs than regular camels, and had abundant hair on the neck and knees. We mounted the camels and were taken around for an hour. We soon got into an animated conversation with our camel tender who said that these species were exclusive to Ladakh. After the ride, we walked to our camps.

In nature's lap: Strolling down a pebbled pathway we were pleasantly surprised to see bright white tents, one of which was reserved for us. The secluded tent overlooked a garden of fresh vegetables and sunflowers. The entire place was well maintained. Meals were cooked with vegetables plucked off the camp vegetable garden.
It was around five in the evening and the chill set in. Grabbing our jackets, we decided to take a stroll around the village escorted by a guide. We learnt that the India-Pakistan border was about 70km away and that there was an army base camp in the vicinity. We were told about the numerous trekking trails, which would require a minimum of three days. The village appeared deserted. However, the main road found us in the company of a few school children returning home. They were sweet enough to oblige us with a few photographs. It was getting dark and we headed back to our camp. Our cosy tents were well equipped with warm beds and attached rest rooms. After dinner, we were lulled to sleep by chirping insects outside our tent.

Gompa on a rocky ridge: After a good night's sleep, we drove back to Leh. En route we stopped to visit the Diskit Gompa. This is the oldest and largest Gompa in the Nubra region. The statue of Maitreya Buddha is majestically seated on the ridge of a mountain that overlooks the valley below. Steps lead to the entrance of the Gompa, which pass through the monks' living quarters.

Dashing through the snow: The cloudy weather that morning was in stark contrast to the sunny skies that smiled the day before. As we drove along the winding roads, we spotted fresh snow on rocks. Delighted at seeing snow at such close quarters, we got out of our cars to play. As we finished our lunch of momos, we saw drops of water on the windshield. To our delight, we were told that they were snowflakes. We stepped out to feel the soft flakes of snow, a novelty for seashore dwellers like us. Continuing our drive through snow flurries, we reached our hotel by dusk. We were scheduled to visit the mystical Pangong Lake the next day.

Cost
The cost for a camel safari is Rs150 per person for 15 minutes.
Camping in Nubra Valley would cost Rs3,000-4,000 per person, meals included.

Essentials and guidelines
Remember to take sufficient warm clothing as the temperature dips unexpectedly.
A torch is essential with the high frequency of power cuts.
Carry necessary medication. The high altitude and bumpy roads can make you sick.
One can go to Zanskar instead of camping overnight in Nubra Valley. It offers an exciting river rafting experience. The cost is Rs2,200 per person.

Ladakh: Spiritual awakening in the land of the gompas

2012-01-30T04:36:00.000-08:00

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/20120125_gompas.html

Some places offer exciting wildlife, while others are known for their bountiful beaches and tropical weather. A few boast magnificent sand dunes and others leave you gaping in awe at their mighty mountains. Serenity and awe battled for dominance as we drove past barren terrains, mountain passes at an altitude of 18,000 feet above sea level and lonely monasteries in a wonderful land called Ladakh.

A vast wall of mountains greeted us as we drove down from the airport to our hotel. We were allowed a few hours of rest after our long journey to the Himalayan destination. We were told that we would require some time to acclimatise ourselves to low oxygen levels in Leh. We set off in the evening to explore Shanti Stupa and the Leh Bazaar.

Sojourn with serenity: The Shanti Stupa was built by Japanese Buddhists to promote peace, and inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 1983. It was a steep climb to the stupa. Surrounded by mountains and glistening in the setting sun, the stupa was a treat for the sore eyes. Symmetrical in shape, the stupa had a statue of Buddha standing guard. After paying homage, we walked around the area taking in the picturesque surroundings. We could see the entire village of Leh from there. After clicking a few photographs, we proceeded towards Leh Bazaar.

Souvenirs and shops: Leh Bazaar bustled with activity. Many shops sold souvenirs, caps, shawls and Buddhist prayer bells. We noticed that the locals resembled Tibetans. Not surprisingly, many of the residents had migrated from Tibet years ago. They were simple folk, friendly, and peace-loving.
The souvenir shops had statues of Buddha in all shapes and sizes, prayer bells, purses, T-shirts portraying the pride of Ladakh, jewellery and caps. We were taken aback by the prices; most of the items cost Rs500 or more. They seemed overpriced, but careful selection gave us our money’s worth. We then headed back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Carving of the five Buddhas: We set off on a spiritual quest the next day. Ladakh is famous for its monasteries, and there is history attached to each. We drove down winding roads in sight of mountains in various hues, like an artist’s wide strokes on canvas. Our first stop was the Shey Palace. It was one of the ancient capitals of Ladakh. As we approached the palace from Leh, we spotted the spectacular rock carvings of the ‘Five Buddhas’. They were carved in the early Indian Buddhist style and are credited to King Nyimagon. The palace gompa (monastery) contains an 8-metre statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. When we entered the sanctuary, we were actually entering the second floor and found ourselves at the level of the statue’s shoulders. The walls were decorated with paintings. Beyond the palace is a small group of stupas or chortens. Each had a design with a symbolic meaning. Those who wished to stay the night in Shey had several guesthouses to choose from.

Exotic gompa: As we approached Thikse, we saw a sight which was probably close to illustrations in fairy tale books. The vibrancy of the multi-coloured structure left us awestruck. It looked exactly how an exotic gompa would look like in our imagination. Built across the slopes, it resembled a village in itself.
The gompa was famous for a beautiful giant statue of Maitreya. Maitreya is the Buddha of the next age, popularly known as the ‘Future Buddha’. Here, as in Shey, we entered on the second floor and found ourselves standing level with the statue’s shoulders. The statue, made of terracotta bricks and clay and painted gold, is 12 metres tall. We paid our homage but were not allowed to pose alongside the statue. As we climbed up, we found prayer bells on the way, which we rotated chanting the Buddhist mantra. At the top, we enjoyed a magnificent view of the Indus valley before descending.

The gompa of vibrancy: Situated in a small side valley in the Stok range was the Hemis Gompa. It is quite close to the village of Hemis. This is the most famous gompa in Ladakh, where the annual Hemis Gompa festival is held during the summer months of June-July. The festival features a dance drama called ‘Chams’ performed by monks in colourful robes and grotesque masks.
It was an elaborate structure with painted verandas protruding from the upper floors. A row of prayer wheels went up the steps leading to the main area where the deities were present. We paid our respects to the beautiful statue inside and visited the treasury below, which had different statues and objects representing Buddhism. We also visited the souvenir shop for gifts.

School of monks: On the way back to Leh, we visited a school affected by the cloudburst that occurred in August 2010. The school, where the famous Bollywood movie ‘3 Idiots’ was filmed, had a resplendent sunflower garden. Some of the monks obliged us by posing for photographs.
We learnt that anyone could become a monk irrespective of age, but that they need to be well versed in Buddhism which was taught in the schools. Restoration was on at parts that were most affected by the floods. After an interesting day, we headed back to our hotels to get a good night’s rest before proceeding to Nubra Valley the next day.

How to reach Leh
By air: Several airlines operate from Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar.
By road: Adventure lovers usually opt for the road journey from Delhi, Srinagar and Manali. There are several buses operating from these places.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Leh would be between the months of June and September. In winter, the temperatures often dip below zero degrees.

Cost
A week’s stay in Leh would cost anywhere between Rs18,000-25,000 per person, excluding airfare.
One can also opt to camp in Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake or any of the monasteries. The cost would range from Rs3,000-4,000 per person, all meals inclusive.

Essentials and guidelines
One must adhere to monastery rules and maintain silence while visiting the gompas.
Do not take photographs along with the statues of Buddha as it is considered offensive.
Remember to take sufficient warm clothing as the drive up the mountain passes can be extremely cold with snowfall.
Frequent power cuts are common in Leh; a torch will be useful if one decides to camp overnight.

A Baby girl fighting for her life

2012-01-28T02:48:00.000-08:00

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/abandoned-baby-critical-cops-hunt-for-kidnappers/224859-3.html

A battered baby girl was brutally bashed against her head and is currently battling for her life. Reading the appalling news above makes one go through a whirlwind of emotions. Fury at the culprits who were sadistic enough to vent out their incorrigible rage on a poor little innocent being. Sadness that a young soul who has hardly opened her eyes to the world undergoes through so much suffering.

This is inhumane and barbaric. How could anyone in their right mind even have the heart to bash a baby's head against a wall? Its turning out to be a cruel world. Hope the culprits get stringent punishment meted out to them. Meanwhile prayers are with you dear Baby Falak. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Journey to the Marathon

2012-01-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

I had always been a spectator of the Mumbai Marathon every year until yesterday. I had read and heard a lot about the spirit that prevails throughout the race from my husband who had been running for the last 3 consecutive years. This inspired me enough to enrol for the 2011 edition. However fate didn’t favour me as I took ill enough to be hospitalized for 10 days which left me with no other choice but to skip the marathon. 2011 embarked a new journey ahead as I fiercely resolved to get my fitness back on track. I had lost a lot of blood and my physique had succumbed to weakness.

The first quarter of the year was a slow and steady one with a lot of emphasis to get my strength back. The month of May took a positive turn as my intensity in my cardiovascular exercises began to show a marked improvement. My confidence began to grow as I hit the treadmill with a vengeance in July. Meanwhile I had also started to take coaching in Tennis which helped me improve my stamina. In August I was signed up by my trainers for a competition scheduled in November. As I resumed training for that, my cardio intensity went a notch higher. In the meanwhile I had also started training on the road for the marathon from September. We made it a regular routine to run every Sunday without fail.

It was not an easy journey as the infamous November viral caught up with me-10 days before my competition. However medication and will power aided me as I went on to win the running competition in my gym. My marathon training continued. December again didn’t prove to be very favourable as I had a relapse of the previous year's illness. Thankfully, the degree of severity was that of a mediocre one and the doctors gave me a green signal to run the marathon.

I worked harder, took extra precautions to maintain my diet and most importantly, never lost faith in the almighty. The day dawned nice and bright despite the fact the sun hadn’t peeked out from the clouds yet. 6:15 am, the gun shots were heard and the half marathon commenced. With the iPod playing in one hand and Gatorade in the other, I set off to finish the first race of my life.

The first amazing feeling was running on the beautiful Bandra-Worli Sea link. Seeing millions of all age groups run was enough inspiration for one to accelerate their feet to the maximum. When we reached Worli Seaface, a roar of applause greeted us with enthusiastic supporters egging and cheering us on. Many of them were kind enough to offer refreshments in the form of biscuits, bananas and water. I continued with a vengeance enjoying the colourful atmosphere that prevailed in the air. Peddar road however proved to be a steep climb literally as I lost a little of the momentum there. However my beloved companion Gatorade held my grit throughout as I picked up speed on Marine Drive. I glanced at the Sun which was up by then and murmured a silent prayer. Racing past a few runners, I continued my journey smiling and waving at the onlookers. I finally saw a glimpse of the finish line about 500 metres away. Gathering all my energy left, I sprinted across with my arms wide open as I swarmed into the finish line feeling the runner’s high.

I stood there waiting for my husband to join me which he did 10 mins later. Euphoria had embraced us as we relished the moment of completing 21 kms in good time. While I finished in 2 hrs,3 mins, my hubby did it in 2 hrs,10 mins.

Jan 15th no doubt is an unforgettable day which marks my debut in the half marathon. Thinking back to those days where I would struggle to lose weight, never did I imagine there would be a day when I would attain a lean athletic physique to be able to run. It makes me feel that when running is enough to give you a high, it’s worth kissing goodbye to those sweets, savouries and late nights which do nothing but add bulk and bulges.

I also thank my dear trainers at Five Fitness whose constant support and encouragement kept my spirits up throughout the run. And my dear friend God who has been a silent supporter in this roller coaster ride. Running has instilled a new sense of faith, belief and generated a lot of positivity within me. As 2012 progresses I look forward to an even healthier and fitter me, gearing up for the next half marathon.

'And Thereby Hangs a Tale’: Short and sweet

2012-01-02T22:20:00.000-08:00

http://www.domain-b.com/goodlife/Read/20111231_thereby_hangs.html

Fans don't need a second push to pick up Jeffery Archer books. Stories drawn from the author's own life make his short story collection ‘And Thereby Hangs a Tale' an added bonanza for fans, says Swetha Amit
Swetha Amit

Author: Jeffery Archer
Published by: Pan Macmillan
Price: Rs260
Classification: Fiction

Life’s lessons are sometimes learnt through encounters with other people. The uniqueness of this book lies in Jeffery Archer penning down such experiences to share them with millions across the world. Jeffery Archer’s book ‘And Thereby Hangs a Tale’ is a compilation of 15 short stories derived from the author’s real-life experiences and imagination, of which 10 are from life. The stories undoubtedly leave a long-lasting impact on the minds of the readers with their unexpected twists and turns.

This collection portrays an interesting mix of stories gleaned and experienced by Archer during his travels around the world. A few of the stories in this collection are especially riveting and deserve a special mention. ‘The Queen’s Birthday Telegram’ is a wistful story about an old man waiting for a queen’s letter of appreciation to his wife on her 100th birthday. ‘High Heels’ is another story which talks about a loss adjuster working on his first case. ‘Blind Date’ has a touch of irony, and is about two visually challenged individuals who have a conversation across tables at a restaurant and are unaware of each other’s physical condition. ‘Caste off' is the story of an Indian couple whose romance blossoms after a chance encounter at a traffic signal. As the name suggests, it is also about an inter-caste marriage and how it affects their lives.

The language of the stories is explicit, similar to many of Archer's earlier works. The tales are narrated wittily and make a compelling read. While some linger on in the minds of the readers, others do not make much of an impact. However, each story certainly manages to evoke an emotion. Overall, a light travel read which can be flipped through quickly.

Happy New Year

2011-12-27T03:55:00.000-08:00

It just feels like yesterday when 2011 dawned upon is and its already time to say goodbye. 2011 embarks a rather evenful year. India winning the World Cup after 28 years and watching the golden moment live at Wankhede stadium. Visited places like Kashmir and Ladakh which proved to be a wonderful learning experience and a soul searching journey by itself. Met a lot of interesting people from different walks of life. Fitness has taken a turn for the better. While there have been downsides to the year, its time now to look forward to the awakening of 2012 which will bring in its share of unique experiences as well.

Heres wishing all of you a wonderful 2012, loads of health and happiness always. God Bless.

Black Friday for Kolkata

2011-12-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

It was a tragic day for Kolkata when 83 lives were preyed by the fire that broke out in Amri Hospital. Despite receiving warnings regarding the fire safety measures in July, the authorities failed to pay heed which resulted in this horrifying incident. It was reported that the employees fled the scene, leaving the patients to succumb to the flames. The relatives of the patients were extremely angry at the way their near and dear ones were choked to their deaths.

It makes one retrospect as to why couldn’t the authorities take proper safety measures? Carelessness exhibited has led to loss of several lives in a brutal manner. It indeed exhibits irony, where people are kept in hospitals with the purpose of being on the road to recovery, not to be engulfed by the flames of death. It amounts to a heinous crime and one hopes that the board of directors who have been arrested will not go unpunished.

Strawberries

2011-12-06T20:29:00.000-08:00

Its that time of the year my when favourite fruit is back in town! The juicy strawberries are finally here!! It certainly helps as they come with great health benefits. Rich source of fibre and vitamin C, they also have cancer fighting properties. They aid weight loss as well.

Strawberries make amazing desserts as well, the famous Strawberries and cream being one of them. Time to make the most of these whilst they are still here!!

RIP Dev Saab

2011-12-06T20:25:00.000-08:00

‎'Main Zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya.Har Fikar ko dhuen mein udata chala gaya.' The 'guide',is sadly no more. RIP Dev Anand.

26/11

2011-11-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

‎26/11: 3 years since terrorists brought the city to a complete standstill for 3 days. Remembering and saluting our brave heroes who died a martyr's death, fighting a battle that eventually made Mumbai see daylight. Jai Hind!

Happy b'day Mickey Mouse

2011-11-17T22:43:00.000-08:00

One of the most loved Disney Characters. Grew up watching his cartoons which had me in splits many a time. Hes the most adorable mouse one can come across. Happy 83rd b'day Mickey! We love you and Donald Duck.;)

Children's Day

2011-11-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

Those were the days when ice-creams and chocolates were eaten without worrying about our growing waistlines; ; where games like hide and seek, cartoons, comics and Enid Blytons governed our lives; we laughed and lived without a care in the world. Recollecting those good old days of mischief and laughter.

Happy Children’s Day! Makes one realize to never let the child in us die!

Bandhavgarh National Park

2011-10-30T23:18:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated Diwali in an unusual manner. We decided to explore the jungles of Madhya Pradesh. After watching the first show of Ra one, we headed towards the airport to catch the evening flight to Jabalpur. After an overnight halt here, we drove down to Bandhavgarh National Park the next morning which took us around 4 hours. We reached there by noon and were escorted to our tree house.

The little wooden cottage was perched among the branches with the interiors done up in a tasteful manner. The next 3 days were spent in exploring nature and experiencing the sounds of the jungle like never before. We didnt see the tiger as the big cats hardly ventured out during winters. However we enjoyed the game drives in the forest and the entire expedition of living like birds. A unique experience indeed. We managed to learn a lot about wildlife and birds. Travelling to such remote places no doubt makes you wonder why Wildlife in India isn't given the due credit.

Happy Diwali

2011-10-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

The Festive season is here!! Time to forget your diets and enjoy your Gulab Jamuns, rasgullas,jalebis, kaju katlis, laddoos and Gajar ka Halwa.:-) Wishing you all a very Happy Diwali!!

A great day for Sports

2011-10-24T00:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those days that would have delighted any sports lover.

The All Blacks won the Rugby world cup which was exhinited in Billy Bowden's signalling four runs with an unusual fervour during the India-England match at Wankhede. India cruised o another handsome victory against England making the series 4-0. And Manchester City managed to thrash the arrogant Manchester United 6-1 at Old Trafford. With the festival of Diwali approaching in a couple of days, it gives one a good reason to begin with the celebrations. A wonderful day for Sports indeed.

Fauja Singh is King

2011-10-18T03:32:00.000-07:00

100-year-old sets record with marathon finish. Its truly inspirational for fitness freaks. Amazing and aweinspiring as to how one can achieve this much. Makes one feel age is more in the mind than anything else. Way to go Fauja Singh!!

Black Friday in Kolkata

2011-10-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Happy B'day Big B

2011-10-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

“Rishte Mein to Hum Tumhare Baap Lagte Hain Par Naam Hai Shahenshah”. Be it Anthony Gonsalves or Vijay, the versatility in his roles still makes him sought after as the ‘angry young man’. His ‘Sholay’ certainly hasn’t died down. Happy 69th B’day Big B!! 69 is old?? Buddah hoga tera baap.:)

Mumbai Champions Indians

2011-10-09T20:17:00.001-07:00

This team received a lot of flak and criticism. When the Champions league commenced, it was a dismay to MI fans that 3 key players were reported to be injured and rested. Their first game against CSK in Chennai made it seem next to impossible to win against the defending champions. However they proved their detractors wrong and delighted their fans match after match.

After almost not qualifying for the semis, MI impressed their fans with the 'never say die attitude'. Their batting may not have been something to boast of yet they managed the 'bowl' the opposition over. Nevertheless they gave their fans a reason to smile and cheer as they beat a strong team like RCB with an undying spirit!! Bravooo Mumbai!! You have silenced your critics and done us fans proud!!! You are the Championss!!!

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-08T00:13:00.000-07:00

You brought about a cultural transformation in the music, mobile and the gadget world. RIP Steve Jobs. You will be missed.

Loved his quote "Your time is limited,so don't waste it living someone else's."

Gandhi the great

2011-10-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

I cannot teach you violence, as I do not myself believe in it. I can only teach you not to bow your heads before anyone even at the cost of your life."- Mahatma Gandhi

In honour of one of the greatest freedom fighters. Happy B'day Bapu!! You are still alive in our minds.

World heart day

2011-09-28T21:02:00.001-07:00

It gets broken and mended several times, yet its strong and vital enough to remind us every moment that life is beautiful! Treasure it with a healthy lifestyle and beat that stress! In honour of World Heart day today! Happy B'day dear heart. We love you!

An eventful evening at Crossword Bookstore

2011-09-27T23:10:00.000-07:00

Being a book lover, it is always a pleasure to meet the personalities behind great works. Yesterday was one such evening which gave me the privilege of meeting a couple of authors whose books I had read recently and even reviewed them for a website I work for.

Crossword bookstore had scheduled a book reading session by Amish Tripathi of his latest bestseller of the Shiva Trilogy series titled 'The Secret of the Nagas'- a sequel to his first book 'The Immortals of Meluha'. The event was supposed to commence by 6:30 pm. Anticipating the Mumbai traffic woes, I left a little early and managed to reach there a good thirty minutes before. Seating myself in the second row, I held the book in my hand and looked around the store. Couple of people in charge were running around making some last moment arrangement. A camera man walked in and clicked a few pictures of the dais assigned to the guest in honour. All on a sudden he turned to me and notified me of the Author's arrival. Amish Tripathi had arrived early as well along with his wife. Being the only one in the audience initially, I managed a self-introductory session and had a few words with him.

Soon the crowd walked in and the session commenced with a ten minute delay. After a brief reading session, Amish entertained questions from the audience for an hour. It was interesting to hear his perspective on various religions and how he came about with the topic of Mythology. It was then Ashwin Sanghi-the Author of the Vodafone Crossword book award for his work ‘Chanakya’s Chant’ was introduced to us. Post which the book signing session commenced and gave one a good opportunity to have a one to one discussion with Amish.

After a good conversation with him, I walked over to Ashwin Sanghi and introduced myself. Strangely I had just finished reviewing his book that morning and had a copy of it in my car. He signed it obligingly and had a few words about the book.

It was indeed a pleasure to talk to such dynamic personalities who gave a different perspective to life and things in general. One thing is to read their works while meeting them in person gives a revelation into their psyche a little more. It is an awe inspiring experience where one can come out as a more learned individual. Hope more events like these take place as interactive sessions with the author prove to be an enriching moment for avid readers.

Navratri greetings

2011-09-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Time to indulge in some foot tapping for the next nine nights to celebrate this festival with great fervour! Wishing you loads of happiness always! Navratri greetings guys! Enjoy your Garba and Dandiya nights! God bless!!

Bring back the glow

2011-09-18T21:00:00.000-07:00

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/read/20110917_bring_back.html

Energise your body and mind by putting into practice tips on health and diet from Rujuta Diwekar's new book Women and the Weight Loss Tamasha, says Shweta Amit

Author: Rujuta Diwekar

Publisher: Westland Ltd

Price: Rs200

Classification: Non-fiction

Health is wealth’ goes the popular saying. Yet many people fail to incorporate these golden words in their daily lives. The author of the bestseller Don’t Lose Your mind, Lose Your Weight — Rujuta Diwekar — has come up with yet another book that addresses the physiological and psychological changes women undergo over a lifespan and the ways to tackle them.

Covering the gamut of biological, emotional, hormonal and lifestyle issues, the book advises women on how to cope with the challenges these pose from time to time. She stresses on consuming the right kind of food having optimal nutritive value. This would not only enable one to stay fit, relax and get better sleep, but also put off the manifestation of diseases like anxiety neuroses.

The book is divided into chapters, each emphasising a different aspect of a woman’s life. Beginning with puberty and adolescence and moving on to marriage, pregnancy, motherhood and menopause, this book is a useful guide for women to gain a deeper understanding of their all-round development. Issues like hypothyroidism and polycystic ovarian disease are discussed in detail, with information provided to guide women on how to look for symptoms of these disorders and combat them instead of resigning themselves to the inevitable.

The last part of the book explains the four pillars to well-being – namely nutrition, exercise, sleep and relationships – which are the ultimate keys to a long life and good health. These are explained with real-life case studies of people who have benefited from the author’s expertise and advice.

Written in a sensible conversational manner, the book is bound to find wide readership amongst all age groups. Informative, quirky and easy on the mind and wallet, ‘Women and the Weight Loss Tamasha’ is an interesting read. Its appeal lies in its revelation on how smooth the ride to fitness and health really is.

Farewell Wall of India

2011-09-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

Its been a long journey for the wall in the Indian cricket team. A non controversial player who has held his nerve all through. A batsman who has exhibited consistency, class and a cool demeanour! One whom India has relied upon many a time to restore their pride and never been let down. The true wall of India who retires today from ODIs.

Adios Rahul Dravid- you will definitely be missed!

A step motherly treatment

2011-09-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/sep/140911-Yuvraj-Walmiki-India-Hockey-player-Mumbai.htm

Read the above link. It was a shoddy treatment that awaited the Indian Hockey players after winning the Asian Champions trophy against Pakistan 4-2 in a penalty shoot out. To make matters worse, they were given only a prize amount of a meagre Rs. 25000. Reading the above writeup as to how Yuvraj Walmiki, the hero who scored the goal lives in apathetic conditions in Mumbai is really heart wrenching. Makes you realize how much is taken for granted.

Wish this country would give more respect to their national sport. While huge amount of money is flittered away in the glitz and glamour of Cricket, Hockey deserves a bit more attention.

Ganpati Visarjan

2011-09-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

It just feels like yesterday since we brought home and its already time to say goodbye. Today is the day when we bid farewell to the Elephant face God who has stayed with us for the last 10 days. Adios Ganpati Bappa! See you again next year!

Couldnt help observing the festive celebrations in a city like Mumbai. Its amazing the way people unite under one roof and celebrate with great pomp and splendour. Inequalities and hangups are removed, be it age,caste,creed,religion or socio economic status!The free spirit comes into play! Call it the festive fervour! It truly rocks!

Happy Teacher's Day

2011-09-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

"A hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank...but the world may be a better place because I made a difference in the life of a child."

In honour of every teacher who made a difference. Happy Teachers' Day!

Ganpati Bappa Morya

2011-08-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year when we embrace the adorable Elephant faced God-the remover of all obstacles! Happy Birthday Ganpati Bappa! And wishing all you guys a great Ganpati festival. Enjoy your modaks.:)

Eid Mubarak

2011-08-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

A festival that embraces love, peace and brotherhood under the sweet fragrance of the moon! Eid mubarak guys! God Bless!

Happy B'day Lord Krishna

2011-08-20T23:39:00.000-07:00

His playful days in Vrindavan were stories which made our childhood days as mystical as the mythological stories. Happy B'day Lord Krishna! And Janmashtami greetings guys! Don't forget to get your share of butter.:)

Pahalgam: The colour of paradise

2011-08-17T20:13:00.001-07:00

http://domain-b.com/industry/Tourism/20110817_pahalgam.html
By Swetha Amit

What was once a humble shepherds' village is now converted into India's most scenic tourist spot. The mesmerising beauty of this place is what beckons Indian filmmakers. One can never feel bored here as time seems to fly just gazing at the exotic beauty of the streams and mountains. We drove down from Gulmarg to Pahalgam, on the way stopping at three must-visit places.

Ruins of an ancient temple: We first halted at the Avantipur temple ruins. This was built by King Avantivarman in the 9th century. It is well known for two huge shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. A guide showed us around and told us its fascinating history. The well-maintained gardens and ruins possessed a mysterious charm and we could see the past engraved on the walls. We were told that the Pandavas took refuge here during their exile. After capturing its beauty on camera, we continued on our drive.

Howzzat: Kashmir is known for its cricket bats which are exported globally. We stopped at a shop which exhibited a wide range of fine-quality bats at prices between Rs800-Rs1,000 and purchased one.

Ready for the rapids: The Lidder river, a favourite of rafters, gushed below. The adventurous streak in us exhibited itself as we stopped to indulge in some rafting. The two of us geared up and set off in a boat meant for six, following the instructions given by our guide. It was a thrilling ride and our breath froze as icy water splashed on us.

Tryst with horses, sheep and mountain goats: We spotted quaint cottages high up the mountains, which were rented out. The lives of local folk revolved around their horses, sheep and goats. The animals were left loose to graze. It was amusing to see the flock of sheep huddle into a big ball of wool, and the stoic mountain goats stare at us haughtily. At 10,000 feet, the sturdy creatures were more hairy than their lowland brethren.

Once upon a time there was a lake: Our next stop was Tulian lake, which was frozen for most of the year. Surrounded by mountains, it was just a patch of ice. We walked around for a while enjoying the scenery.

Himalayas instead of the Alps: We soon reached the abode of pine trees, carpets of green with the ranges of snow peaks in the background. We were at a loss for words as we stared at the picturesque view. Called the Baisaran Valley, one is bound to forget even Switzerland on seeing this spot. Replace the Alps with the mighty Himalayas; Kashmir would put its European counterpart to shame. We headed towards a waterfall in the Sheshnag river that flows down from Amarnath. It was a steep climb down.

Gateway to the Amarnath Yatra: We rented a Sumo for a ride to Chandanwari. There were numerous shops bustling with people and activity. Horses were available for the Amarnath Yatra which had commenced. Carrying luggage and people, ponies trotted up the rocky pathway effortlessly. Dipping our fingers in the Sheshnag River, we vowed to do the yatra the next year.
Betaabwadi: A site where numerous films have been shot, this valley is very aptly named after the movie 'Betaab', a major part of which was filmed here. We bumped into kids carrying furry white rabbits and lambs, which made for good photographs.

A walk to remember: The Aru valley is another scenic spot worth a visit. It was a short but fun-filled trek up the rocky pathway surrounded by nature at its best with wild horses grazing peacefully in green meadows.

Kashmir was the Mughals' favourite summer resort; now it is the most sought- after destination for film shootings and India's most beautiful tourist spot. Peace prevails in the paradise as it hopes to gain back its glorious days again. The snowy peaks of the Himalayas, pristine streams and green meadows beckon tourists. Life would be incomplete without a visit to this magnificent 'heaven on earth.'

How to get to Pahalgam
By road: Pahalgam is 96km from Srinagar and well connected by road. Buses and taxis are available from Srinagar.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Pahalgam would be between the months of March-September.

Things to do
River rafting in the Lidder river is a highly recommended activity. One needs to take a change of clothes.
One can also opt for horse riding for excursions and sightseeing around the valley.
Pahalgam is a fine destination for trekking. Some famous routes are: Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Panchtarni-Amarnath cave temple-Sonmarg. The other option being Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Rangamarg-Humpet-Kanital-Lonivilad-Panikhar-Kargil.

Cost
The cost for a two-night stay in Pahalgam would be anywhere between Rs3,000-4,000 per person.
Hiring an entire boat for the two of us cost us around Rs1,500. However it could work out to be more economical.
Horse riding up to Tulian lake and other places would cost around Rs1,200 per person.Lastly, hiring a local vehicle to visit Chandanwari, Betaabwadi and Aru valley would come to Rs1,500 per vehicle

Gulmarg: The land of winter sports

2011-08-17T19:53:00.001-07:00

http://domain-b.com/industry/Tourism/20110817_winter_sports.html

By Swetha Amit

Moving ahead from Sonamarg, we travelled to Gulmarg, 'the meadow of flowers'. A beautiful hillock area set at an altitude of 2,653m, it is surrounded by fir trees and snow-clad peaks. It was a long but interesting drive, and we made a few stops.

Bowing down to the goddess: We first stopped at the temple of Goddess Kheer Bhawani, a Hindu pilgrimage centre second in importance after the Amarnath cave. Situated in the middle of a pool of spring water, the temple is built of marble and has a golden dome. One of the unique features of the spring water is that it changes colour. Black is considered a bad omen, foretelling disaster.

Around the lake in 80 minutes: We moved on to Wular Lake, one of the largest fresh water lakes in Asia. The large lake looked intimidating. Unlike the shikara ride on Dal lake, which was bustling with tourists, this one was quiet. We rowed along enjoying the mild afternoon sun and the rippling waters of the lake. Not known to many tourists, the lake was a soothing sight to the eyes. The lake reflected the surrounding moutains and clouds in shades of blue. We learned that the lake contributed to about 60 per cent of the fish yield of Kashmir valley. It was also an important hydrographic feature of Kashmir and acts as a flood reservoir. We noticed ducks and some unique species of birds. As we neared the shore, we tried our hand at rowing the shikara, which turned out to be a fun but tedious task.

Exploring the paradise valley: We rented fur coats to stay warm at an altitude of 13,000ft. Walking along mountainous roads amid lush green pine trees, we spotted purple lilies of the valley along green patches highlighted by the evening sun. We went by the army training school, where the army officers and jawans underwent vigorous training sessions.

The elite sport: Gulmarg prides itself on possessing one of the world's highest green golf courses. It consists of an 18-hole course. We could see why it was called as the 'Golfing Mecca of India.'

Christ in the vicinity: Our next stop was the church and we were told that during winters the the entire area was covered with snow and only the church stands out. We climbed higher and got a panoramic view of the valley and the base camps of the Indian army.

The gondola ride: One of the major attractions of this beautiful town is the gondola or cable car ride, the world's highest. The journey in the first phase takes you from Gulmarg to Kongdori valley. At a height of 2,600m (nearly 8,530ft), we got beautiful views of Gulmarg. The second phase took us from Kongdori valley to the upper regions of Kongdori mountain, at a height of 4,200m (nearly 13,780ft). The cable car was capable of conveying more than 600 people in an hour. We were told that it acted as a lift to skiers who visited Gulmarg between December to March. We got off at the top after a 20-minute ride into snow.

Snowflakes, skiing and army jawans: As we rode a sledge further up in the bone-biting cold, we were thankful for our fur coats. From the top, we got a breathtaking view of the Kashmir valley and the snow-capped mountains of Nanga Parbat. We climbed further up to near the Line of Control and expressed our appreciation of the army jawans' valour and effort at keeping the borders safe. We realised skiing was a difficult sport while attempting to not fall over. After trying on our own for a few minutes, we were helped by expert skiers. Gulmarg can qualify as the land of winter sports. Half-a-day in the snow and it was time to get back to the valley and experience the gondola ride again.

Melting ice: We next opted for a pony ride. It was a pleasure to gallop in meadows where nature was at its pristine best. We reached the base point where small tents were serving hot tea and refreshments close to waterfalls formed of melting ice. We sat there a while to enjoy the serenity of the falls. Wild horses grazed in the meadows and the sheep were being taken back home. We saw the beauty of Gulmarg increase multifold as various shades of colour ran across the landscape in the setting sun.

How to reach Gulmarg
By road: Gulmarg is 47kms from Srinagar and there are several buses and jeeps operating from Srinagar.

Best time to visit The best time for skiing in Gulmarg is between November and February. March to September is also good to experience the evergreen landscapes and enjoy a game of golf.

Things to do
Gulmarg is ideal for skiing during winter, between November and February. The ski gear and instructor services can be hired.
It's also popular for outdoor sports such as golf and horse riding during spring and summer.
Gulmarg is excellent for trekkers and trekking equipment can be hired. The well-known trekking routes are Gulmarg-Khilanmarg-Apharwat-Alpathar;Gulmarg-Danwas-Tejjan-Tosha Maidan and Gulmarg-Kantarmarg.

Cost
A two-night stay in Gulmarg can cost anywhere between Rs5,000-7,000.
The cable car charges for both the phases, to and fro, sum up to Rs800 per person.
If one decides to opt for a sledge ride, it would cost around Rs800 per person, to and fro.
The skiing trial and ride would add to Rs750 per person.
The pony ride up to the fall would cost Rs350 per person.
The horse ride around the valley would cost Rs500 per person for a two-hour ride.

Sonamarg: Galloping up the glacier

2011-08-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

http://domain-b.com/industry/Tourism/20110817_sonamarg.html

-By Swetha Amit

We left Srinagar for a three-hour drive to Sonamarg, which in Hindi means the 'meadow of gold'. A trip to Kashmir is incomplete without a visit to Sonamarg and the Thajiwas Glacier, where it snows year-round. A trekker's paradise, this place is just 84km from the city and a memorable journey as the landscape abounds with gurgling streams.

Going with the flow: Situated at an altitude of 3,000km above sea level, the drive to Sonamarg is spectacular. We drive alongside the Sindh river. Streams adorned with pebbles, the little tea shop in the vicinity and segments of the glacier on the sides of the road only added to the beauty as we drove to our accommodation.

Dressing up like Eskimos: The road afforded breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. As we started to explore, horsemen offered to take us to the Thajiwas Glacier. Equipped with coats and boots designed for a walk in the snow, available on rent in local stores, we felt like Eskimos.

Greener pastures: The pine and fir trees made a pretty contrast to the snow and listening to local folklore made the ride to the glacier interesting. The guide was only too happy to count the names of the movies shot in the serene beauty of Sonamarg. For people like us, habituated to traffic and a breathless pace, the slow life in this part of the country was something new and our entourage stopped to see a flock of sheep grazing amidst green pastures. We fell in love with the soft wooly creatures instantly.

Dashing through the snow: We reached the glacier and inspite of the coats were chilled to the bone, but that didn't dampen our spirits. We opted for a sledge ride right up to the topmost point of the glacier. As we went higher up the glacier, we were at a loss for words to describe its beauty. The glacier brought out the child in us and we hurled snowballs at each other. The journey down was fast and fun as well. The hot tea besides a stream warmed our chilled bodies. After the trip, we couldn't help thinking that Kashmir would indeed make many European countries such as Switzerland eat humble pie.

The last village: We then decided to drive up to see the border beyond which the gateway to Ladakh opened. Our first stop was the fish point, a fishing and angling destination. The stream frothed with tiny fish. There were tents for visitors who liked to camp there. We soon reached a point where the green of Kashmir gave way to the dry, barren landscape of Ladakh. As evening set in, the sunset amid the snow-capped beauty of Sonmarg amazed us. It felt like looking into a picture-perfect postcard. We couldn't help but agree with Emperor Jehangir when he said ''If there was heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.''

How to get there: Sonmarg is accessible by road from Srinagar and situated about 84km from the city.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Sonmarg would be between the months of May-September.

Things to do: Sonmarg happens to be the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra. The yatra is organised during the months of July and August every year. Popular trekking routes are from Sonamarg-Vishansar-Kishansar-Gadsar-Satsar-Gangabal.

Cost
One night in Sonamarg would cost around Rs3,000 per person.
The horse ride up to Thajiwas Glacier would amount to Rs1,000 per horse for about half a day.
A sledge ride can vary anywhere between Rs600-Rs1,000 depending on how high one would like to venture up the glacier.
The hiring of a Sumo to the last village would come to around Rs700 per vehicle.

Scent of the Mughals

2011-08-17T19:22:00.001-07:00

http://domain-b.com/industry/Tourism/20110817_mughals.html

By Swetha Amit
After exploring the Dal Lake on a shikara, we set off to explore the rest of Srinagar. The city has a unique blend of beauty, history and tradition. A visit here would be incomplete without a trip to the Mughal gardens, Shankaracharya temple, Hazratbal shrine, Jamia Masjid and the shops in the market. We began our tour with a visit to the Shankaracharya temple.

In God's abode: The Shankaracharya temple nestled on Takht-i-Sulaiman hill, which is about 1,000 feet above Srinagar. Being a Sunday, the road up the slope was filled with cars. After security checks, we went by car upto the landing of the stairs leading to the temple. We had to climb multiple steps to reach the holy abode. From the top, we got a beautiful view of the picturesque valley. A visit to this ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva is a a soulful experience. Stone steps once led to the Jhelum river from the shrine. It is built at the site where the Advaita saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya stayed on his visit to Kashmir.
The flower show: After seeking blessings at the shrine, we visited the gardens in the city built by the Mughals. Kashmir is said to have been the favourite summer resort of the Mughal rulers and the gardens exhibited their love and care in the enchanting beauty of stepped terraces and water courses. There are four such gardens.

Fountains and roses: We visited the Botanical Garden first. It has a lake with boat rides being optional. We decided on a stroll across the acres of greenery. Blooming flowers of various hues were sprinkled like starlets on patches of green. The roses were spectacular in yellow, white, pink and red. We noticed gardeners hard at work, sweating profusely in the hot sun. We were in no doubt that their perseverance led to the creation of the botanical wonders. Another section of the garden had herbs renowned for their medicinal properties.

The garden of bliss: We then explored Nishat Bagh which is also known as the Garden of Bliss. This was built by Asaf Khan, the brother of Empress Nur Jahan, in 1633. It was built on the banks of the Dal Lake and has a panoramic view of the Zabarwan hill. A cascade of elegant terraces, about twelve in number, had water flowing through various chambers. The garden was crowded with families and was clearly a popular joint on weekends. Tourists could pose for photos wearing a Kashmiri outfit and flowers.

The abode of love: The Shalimar Bagh was built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan. Spread across acres, it had four terraces with staircases leading from one to another. Water gurgled through the canal located in the middle of the garden. It also gave a delightful view of the Dal lake.

Siraj Bagh: Asia's largest tulip garden: This was unfortunately not open during our visit. It is accessible only from March 15 to April 15. A recent attraction, it is India's answer to the tulip gardens in Holland and is considered a must-visit.

Badamvir Garden: This is a relatively quieter garden built by Emperor Akbar. This was the most beautiful amongst the four we visited, and made us wonder why more tourists did not frequent it to enjoy nature at its best. The yellow, pink, white and red flowers seemed like the jewels on a cascade of green. One could see bees resting undisturbed on rosy petals and birds trotting about without a care in the world. The garden provided a glimpse of a majestic fort in the distance.

The white marble shrine: Next we offered prayers at the Hazratbal shrine, one of the holiest in Kashmir. It enshrines a holy hair (bal) of Prophet Mohammed, which is displayed to the public on special occasions. Exquisitely constructed in white marble, the shrine had separate praying sections for men and women. We noted that it had a domed roof, unlike its counterparts that had distinct pagoda-like roofs.

Jamia Masjid: Situated in the middle of the old city and a phoenix in its own right, the Jamia Masjid was burnt down twice and finally reconstructed by Aurangzeb. It has a magnificent courtyard with a pool of water. Pigeons equalled devotees. We spent a few minutes in the serene prayer room where people were offering their afternoon prayers.

Kashmiri folk art: Our last stop for the day was the marketplace which displayed exquisite Kashmiri handiwork. One of the stores had souvenirs and show pieces. The shikara and houseboat models had intricate woodwork and came in various sizes. They were priced between Rs100-Rs300. We then looked at some interesting pen stands available at Rs100-Rs200. There were fancy bells priced at Rs50.

Srinagar was a mesmerizing experience. We realised why Emperor Jahangir called it the land of the eternal spring. The sincerity and hospitality of the Kashmiris amazed us. They yearned for more tourists to come and visit their land. We hope that the political turbulence will soon be a thing of the past and visitors from all over the world throng Kashmir.

How to get to Srinagar

By air: There are daily direct flights from Jammu, Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar airport.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu which is about 300km from Srinagar. There are trains from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

By road: Jammu and Kashmir State Transport Corporation operates coaches from Delhi, Chandigarh and Jammu, and Srinagar is well-connected by road from these cities.
Best time to visit The best time to visit Srinagar would be between March –September.

Cost
A two-night stay in the houseboat inclusive of breakfast, dinner and a shikara ride per person would cost anywhere between Rs2,000-Rs3,000. The charges for getting photographed in a Kashmiri outfit comes to Rs100 per photo. The entrance fees for the gardens cost about Rs10 per person. The gift items can cost from Rs100 to Rs2,000.

Points to be noted
Dress conservatively to respect the local community.
Carry a jacket or shawl as the evenings in Srinagar tend to get chilly.
Avoid littering the gardens.
Maintain silence while visiting the mosques.

Kashmir: Paradise on earth

2011-08-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

By Swetha Amit
http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/20110817_kashmir.html

If there was a heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here,” exclaimed Emperor Jahangir when he saw Kashmir, and Swetha Amit agrees wholeheartedly
Swetha Amit

17 August 2011
The word ‘Kashmir’ evokes mixed responses from people. It could be pride about its beauty, from those who have visited the paradise as they term it, or fear due to its security issues. It was a ‘Is it safe to go there’ statement which greeted us when we mentioned about our short vacation to Kashmir. What was India’s top tourist destination and one of the most sought-after in the world once, is considered a terror capital today. Unresolved issues and political turbulence have affected tourism. However, behind this veil of problems lies a beautiful valley that one could only imagine on picturesque postcards.

Taking advantage the stable situation now, we decided to explore this heavenly abode. We came back awestruck by its resplendent beauty. This is one place that will do India proud. It is recommended as a must-visit. The warm hospitality of the Kashmiris, green meadows, snow-capped mountains and gushing streams make one feel that one has landed in paradise.

As we drove down from Srinagar airport, we caught glimpses of the magnificent Dal Lake, which we had heard much about from our elders who visited Kashmir during the 1980s. The famous lake was adorned with colourful houseboats and shikaras. Life around this large water body was interesting in itself. A shikara ferried us to our houseboat. The shikara is a small boat with comfortable cushion seats, and a mode of transport on Dal Lake.

Housed in a boat: We were given a warm welcome by the caretaker. Our houseboat had pretty plants at the entrance. The exquisite interior took our breaths away with its plush furniture and hygienic rooms. We could hear the splash of the water as shikaras whizzed past with the lively chatter of families. The open porch offered a breathtaking view of the Himalayas and the entire lake. Many Kashmiri families live on houseboats, while others rent them out to tourists, making houseboats a valuable source of income.

A take at being a Kashmiri: The shikara that came our way had two photographers with colourful Kashmiri attires and props. Tourists click pictures dressed as Kashmiris and create treasured memories of their trip. We were no exception. We slipped into the costumes and posed with baskets of flowers against the limpid background of Dal Lake. We later hopped into another shikara which took us on a little tour.

Rowing on the lake: It was around five in the evening and still bright. We were told that the sun set very late and we would be blessed with good light for about three hours. The boatman talked about life on Dal Lake while rowing. Several shikaras stationed themselves beside ours, offering jewellery, accessories, provisions and vegetables. The buying and selling across the shikaras reminded us of the floating market in Thailand. The market area of the Dal Lake had shops in the houseboats selling the handiwork of Kashmiris.

Confessions of a shopaholic: Even if one's purpose is not shopping, one look at Kashmiri crafts is bound to turn you into a shopper. The colourful handmade shawls, shirts, bags and bed covers enticed us to pick up a few. The shawls especially were a great buy at Rs500-Rs800. The embroidered shirts were also priced in the same range. The bed covers with beautiful designs of the Dal Lake imprinted on them were priced around Rs1,500-Rs1,800. The shopkeepers said that we could place our order, have it shipped to whichever city we resided in and make the payment at the time of delivery. After spending an hour in the shops, we came out as satisfied customers. One factor that came across to us on our shopping expedition was the sincerity and perseverance of the Kashmiri folk.

Solitude in the swamp: We soon ventured into a desolate area of the lake. There were ducks about and we managed to capture a white stork on our camera. We spotted a man fishing on a small boat. The lake gave way to tall grass and marshy patches.

Life in the lake: During winters Dal Lake freezes up and people are confined to their houseboats till spring, when the lake buzzes with shikaras. The shikara rides reminded us of gondola rides in Venice. This was probably the reason why Kashmir was awarded one of its titles, ‘Venice of the East.’

To be continued...

Leh,Ladakh

2011-08-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

Just got back after a fantastic trip to Leh,Ladakh. It was an adventurous and an unusual experience up the mountains. Driving through the passes at at altitude of 18000 feet amidst snowfall was the closest one could get to nature. We visited a lot of intriguing monasteries, the Nubra valley which is known for its Bacterian double humped camels. We also camped overnight here at Hunder village. After which we visited Pangong lake which is close to the Indo-China border. Leh,Ladakh is unique and a destination which would put India on the globe. A detailed version coming up later.

I am Kalam: Profound and stirring

2011-08-08T03:36:00.000-07:00

Some small budget films evoke several emotions in a person that can put blockbusters to shame. 'I am Kalam' is one such movie which manages to tap the sensitive side of the viewers.

Set in Rural Rajasthan, the film revolves around a young boy Chottu who is employed in a Dhaba run by Gulshan Grover. Instead of going to school, Chottu washes vessels, serves the tourists and manages to charm them with his earnest ways. However the thought of reading never evades the young lad as his fascination for learning comes through the movie.

He befriends the son of the Thakur, a school going boy who also yearns for some good company. Gradually a bond forms between the two as one aspires to learn something from the other. The film slowly takes a turn into how Chottu is accused of being a thief and forced to run away to Delhi. As the truth unveils itself, a search party goes to Delhi to bring back Chottu to the land of the sand dunes and restore his righful position in the school premises along with the Thakur's son.

The movie brings out various shades of human aspects and the society. It subtly delves into child labour and stresses the importance of child education. It also highlights the consciousness of the upper class in befriending the lower segment of the society when the Thakur mentions how his son should befriend only equals. It also brings out the delightful element of friendship when the Thakur's son stands up for his friend and removes the ghastly accusation made on Chottu.

I am Kalam makes one smile, moist eyed and smile again as the film comes to an end. It’s a profound message which is convincingly conveyed in just 90 minutes. It’s a pleasure to see such small budget films create such an impact. It makes one realize that big things come in small packages.

Friendship day

2011-08-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

Friends are like rainbows, they brighten up your life when you have been through a storm. Happy Friendship day!!!

'Soul Surfer': Soul stirring

2011-08-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

Some movies tend to instil faith in life and yourself. Soul Surfer is one such film which gives a heart-warming message.

Based on a true story, it’s about a girl named Bethany Hamilton who aspires to be a professional surfer. She is all set to participate in the competition to win the title. However fate takes its cruel turn as she loses an arm in a brutal shark attack.

The story goes on to narrate how she copes up after this traumatic experience. Her courage and grit propels her to take a plunge into the waves again. She takes part in the competition and manages to score points for her highest wave. However due to the incompletion of her surf within the time limit, she loses out on the title. The beautiful dialogue follows this climax where she says even though she didn’t win, the last wave did make a difference.

The movie teaches one a lot. Winning isn’t everything in life. What matters is whether the attempt makes a difference to our state of mind. Despite losing an arm, Bethany doesn’t lose hope. With determination, she manages to live her life as normally as possible. It takes immense courage to venture into the seas again and resume a sport which caused an accident. It emphasizes on the never say die attitude and most importantly it stresses on not to wallow in self-pity.

Life often balances out in one way or the other. Every time we are struck by a catastrophe, we should learn to pick up the threads to move ahead in the journey called life. As the movie highlights in a few scenes that God might have other plans in store for us.

Kargil War

2011-07-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

‎26th July 1999 was the day when the brave-hearts of the Indian Armed Forces fought and won the Kargil War. This is to commemorate the valor of those who laid down their lives and also those who fought with grit to serve and defend this nation! Jai Hind!

Terrorism has no religion

2011-07-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

'After Norway, do we need to rethink the labelling of ‘Islamic’ terror?' - a question posed by NDTV.

It’s really sad to see and hear many people blame a particular community for some bloody mishap that occurs around the world. It may be surprising to know that such individuals call themselves forward looking and progressive. And yet such narrow minded thinking. They just want to make a scapegoat of one community or religion and brand them all as black sheep. Is this what education teaches us? Is this what humanity teaches us? It’s no point going to yatras and God's abode when they fail to realize that humanity and compassion are the basic essence of ANY religion.

When a person falls sick one doesn’t generalize him/her to any particular

caste/community/religion. Similarly terrorism should be considered as a disease.

A deadly disease for which one needs to find a cure immediately. Blaming or pointing fingers at any religion or community shows insensitivity and lack of education.

The truth lies in the fact that Terrorism has NO religion. It is a deadly disease for which cure has to be desperately found.

Zindagi na milegi dobara: A soul searching journey

2011-07-18T00:47:00.000-07:00

Often road journeys and travel to exotic locations makes one discover a part of their personality which was probably oblivious to them till that moment. It takes probably one of many moments for that realization to dawn.

Zindagi na milegi dobara is one such film which takes you through that soul stirring journey. The story begins with three friends from College deciding to go on a trip as a Bachelor party as one of them is tying the knot soon. The entire adventure in Spain brings out the inner demons one is fighting with and how they conquer it by the end of the trip. The movie cruises through its fine moments and embarks some thrilling adventures. Scuba Diving in the Mediterranean Sea makes Hrithik discover a whole different world altogether which enables him to feel the magic in his life. Sky Diving sends a whoop of delight amidst the viewer’s tempting them to indulge in the same. The tomato festival in Spain is highlighted in a vibrant manner as well. Lastly, the traditional bull fight is what embarks the end of this spectacular adventure as the three souls emerge as happier and content beings.

Being a travel enthusiast, I consider it highly important for people to take some time off and explore a new place every year. It can be within India or even outside. It’s amazing as to what one can learn from each city and their culture. The experience one gets from travel is unimaginable. It’s all about discovering a new place and a new you. Do it before its too late else Kya Patha, Zindagi na milegi dobara.

Terror raises its ugly head again

2011-07-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

It was just about another normal day where mumbaikars were winding up and getting ready to go home. Around 7 pm, a ghastly news spread like wildfire about 3 blasts that occurred in South and Central Mumbai. Panic and fear struck the city as frantic calls were made to assure that people were safe.

Its been 5 years since the 7/11 blasts where victims are still nursing their scars. 2 and a half years since the nightmarish 26/11 incident. Justwhen we were about to resign to a peaceful year, today's blast has ruffled some feathers. Terror seems to have raised its ugly head again.

It just makes one wonder: Are we really safe at all? Life has become so uncertain. One hand there are natural disasters like earthquakes and Tsunamis. And on another side, we have man made disasters in the form on terrorism.

Why kill innocent lives to fulfill a selfish motto?Why target the common man? It seems to be a disease for which one is yet to find a cure. Such is the death spell of terrorism. Sad but true.

Kalka Express Mishap

2011-07-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kalka-mail-accident-rahul-to-visit-injured-today/166759-37-64.html

This has unfortunately been one of the worst Railway mishaps in recent times. Several have been struck by this horror only to lose their lives or succumb to injuries. It makes one question about the responsibility of the government. After Didi resigned as the Railway minister to concentrate on West Bengal politics, why did the government neglect the railway ministry?

It makes one wonder who will take accountability for this terrible accident. It’s disheartening to see our fellow humans struck by this tragedy. One can only hope that the government wakes up and smells the coffee before it’s too late.

My sincere prayers to those families who have been affected by this dreadful mishap. May the Almighty give them strength and courage.

'Chillar Party': Every Dog has its day

2011-07-11T03:32:00.000-07:00

Themes like comedy and action have always ruled the roost. Crime and thrillers seem to be making their own mark along with a few artistic films which are categorised under 'Intelligent' Cinema. It is a rarity among Indian film makers to make a Children's movie linked to that of a social cause revolving around an animal. This is something many Hollywood filmmakers have explored.

UTV productions' Chillar Party is a film centred on a group of kids in a colony and how they fight against the municipality to save a stray dog. The film starts off with an introduction to the several characters present in Chandan Nagar Society. Funny nicknames accompany the kids and the adults too are presented in a quirky manner. Calling themselves ‘Chillar Party’ their mischief would cause exasperation among the grown-ups. One fine day a young orphaned lad enters the colony along with his dog Biddu. After the initial bullying and apologies, Chillar Party and the dog become thick friends.

One fine day, the local minister is attacked by Biddu which causes the former to ascertain a rule of getting rid of all the stray dogs in the city. Chillar Party try in vain to get a certificate in favour of Biddu but their efforts go in vain. Determined to save Biddu from the clutches of the municipality, they go to the extent of marching across the streets of Mumbai in their underwear. Managing to catch the media and public attention, a great battle begins. The last scenes exhibit simple sayings from the Value Education text books which we have heard so often yet fail to incorporate. Phrases like ‘A friend in need is a friend in deed’ traces one back to their own school days. After a heart-warming discussion, Chillar Party emerges as a winner as they welcome Biddu with open arms.

Chillar party showcases what is absent in the modern era-the feeling of compassion. One hears of crime and cold blooded murders on a daily basis. Film makers are also keen on making such crime dramas as a part of their production. With such murky elements prevailing in the society, Chillar Party proves to be a delightful affair. It emphasizes the fact that Dog is man’s best friend. Elements like loyalty, friendship and companionship are showcased in the film. It makes one realize that pets/animals are a cause worth fighting for. A sweet film which will make you laugh and cry at the same time.

Happy 30th B'day Dhoni

2011-07-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

His conventional decisions have worked in his favour.

He is known for his midas touch.

The man who brought back the Cup home after 28 years. Heres to the best Captain of India who has attained a new milestone today:

Happy 30th Birthday Dhoni! You rock!

Battling the emperor of all maladies

2011-07-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

The word Cancer elicits fear and terror amongst many. The Pulitzer award winning book by Siddhartha Mukherjee traces back to the journey of this dreaded malady. Just finished reading it and found it really endearing. A cancer patient just has one wish-to live.

One cant imagine what they go through. It only makes us realize that health is the absolute wealth and prevention is better than cure.

This is in support and prayers of all those battling this emperor of all maladies.

Entering a new milestone

2011-06-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

It just feels like yesterday when I stepped out of my teens and entered the 20s bracket. And a decade has just flown by. I found myself entering a new milestone since yesterday.

They say you are as old as you feel you are. And its absolutely right. With a positive mindset everything looks radiant around you. I have never felt fitter, more enthusiastic towards life. The zest begins to continue as I thrive to explore more places, develop the new sport I am learning and keep reading books that would improve my perspective towards things.

Life just looks brighter as you realize you have a lot of things to look forward to.

Traveler's list

2011-06-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Travelling to a new place opens your mind out to a completely different world. Whether its within the Indian subcontinent or in foreign shores, one gets to meet interesting people from varied backgrounds and also learn a lot from the same. Some places offer an exciting adrenalin rush as well which makes it even more thrilling for adventure lovers.

As I just got back from a trip to Kashmir, I realized how much of India is left unexplored. There are several beautiful places to see within this subcontinent itself.

1. Leh: Though it may not be as beautiful as Kashmir, it is definitely worth making a trip here. Especially when it involves a stopver at Kargil which is bound to make every Indian feel patriotic.

2. Meghalaya: The northeastern part of India is yet to be explored by many. Due to its inaccessibility factor perhaps it has put off many people from even considering that as a tourist venture. However it is an upcoming destination highly recommended by a few who have managed to explore these insipid contours of our country.

3. Kaziranga National Park: One of the oldest National parks in our country and is famous for its magnificent Rhinos.

4. Places around the Himachal region: There are places like Nainital, Bhimtal, Anada Spa, Rishikesh and other places which are worth exploring.

5.Amarnath Yatra: Done the Vaishnodevi Yatra which isnt very easy. Heard that the Amarnath Yatra is even more difficult. Would love to visit the Ice Shiv Ling some day.

More of Kashmir

2011-06-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Kashmir-The Colour of Paradise

2011-06-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

We just got back from Kashmir after a week's holiday. As we set foot there it was nothing but breathtaking beauty that welcomed us.

We visited Srinagar first and had a wonderful experience of residing in a Houseboat and a Shikara ride on Dal Lake. We got a glimpse of the lovely Mughal gardens which were blooming with flowers of different kinds. It made us realize why the Mughal emperor Jahangir called it the land of Eternal Spring.

We also visited places like Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam. Each place was beautiful in its own way. These places offer horse riding options. Gulmarg possesses the highest cable car in the world which takes you up 13000 ft above sea level. It is also known for winter sports like skiing and ice-skating.

We learnt a lot during this trip. We met the Kashmiri locals who yearn for more tourists to visit their wonderland. The past political turbulence has affected Tourism to a large extent. However it’s extremely safe now. And we met the Indian army Jawans as well who assured us that the present condition of Kashmir embarks improvement.

It made us wonder why many people did not visit this Paradise. It’s true that Kashmir faced a lot of trouble in the past. The mere mention of this place evokes fear and terror. Even as we were leaving on this trip there were several statements like ‘Be Safe’ which came our way. It makes one to sit down and realize that there is an element of risk and danger present in each and every place. Be it man made terror or natural calamities. The latter in fact is worse as it cannot be controlled, whereas the former can be countered by sophisticated weapons and not to mention the Jawans who would give their life for the country. Japan was hit by Tsunami, yet it doesn’t deter people from making travel plans there. Christchurch in New Zealand was affected by a massive earthquake, yet that didn’t deter from a person whom we knew travel there. Most importantly Mumbai is known to be terror prone. Yet people continue to live here. So why single out Kashmir alone?

It’s time for people to unleash their fears and visit this paradise. One look at Kashmir will make one forget Austria and Switzerland instantly. As Firdaus the poet rightly said “If there is Heaven on Earth, it is here, it is here and it is here.”

Note: Will be writing a travel article on each of the places separately. Watch out for them.

Fathers day

2011-06-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

A dad is someone who shines with pride when you succeed,and has faith in you even when you fail. Heres to all our loving dads. Happy Father's day!

World Environment Day

2011-06-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

'Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realise we cannot eat money.' Do your bit and preserve nature. Save the Environment.

In honour of World Environment Day today.

Unity among Elephants

2011-05-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd-LtWtNvDw

Received this link via email. It showcases how a group of female Elephants cooperate in order to save a drowning baby. Watching this video is really heart-warming. It’s amazing how the herd of elephants emphasize on the principle 'united we stand, divided we fall'. These mighty creatures are known to move in herds and are always protective about their young ones. They stress on community living and harmony.

A friend of mine had also narrated how a group of elephants had shielded their calf while crossing a track. And another instance where an elephant had got stuck on a railway track. The rest of the herd tried to rescue it and died in vain. :( It was a tragic moment for all of them as they met with their end.

However one can learn such lessons from the fauna kingdom on how to develop unity and cooperation. In today’s busy world, when a fellow human is lying hurt on the pavement, others just stop and stare thinking the other person will come to his/her rescue. It’s time we all joined hands to aid our fellow humans if we just pause to think for a second that they might have a family awaiting their arrival back home.

Netrani: The unexplored paradise

2011-05-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

-By Swetha Amit
http://domain-b.com/goodlife/Travel/20110527_netrani.html

Experience 'aha' moments of discovery while snorkelling or scuba diving in Netrani's crystal clear waters, says Swetha Amit, who experienced several such moments

Discovering a hidden jewel of a surreal getaway is no doubt a delightful experience. One tends to feel like Christopher Columbus when he stumbled upon a mighty continent during his quest. The only difference was that this was an island, Netrani or Pigeon Island as it is called, tucked away deep inside the Arabian Sea. Its crystal clear waters vied with that of international holiday destinations. The rich marine life beneath the waves at Netrani took our breaths away.

Little did we know that our diving certification course would turn into a fun expedition? When our instructor suggested the idea of finishing our course in a small seaside town in Indian waters, we were thrilled. This was despite the fact that the facilities offered would be very limited. The spirit of adventure surpassed that of expectations of luxury and we geared up for an exciting experience. After a rather tiring overnight journey from Mumbai, we landed up in the small town of Murudeshwar, which is on the Karnataka coast. We were greeted by the soft murmur of waves and a giant statue of Lord Shiva. After getting adequate rest, we assembled at the diving equipment shop the next day.

One with fishermen: After setting up our scuba diving gear, we boarded the boats that would ferry us to the dive spots. We were surprised to see that fishing boats were our transportation. With mixed feelings of apprehension and excitement, the five of us managed to climb on to the boats. The ride proved to be smooth, being blessed with good weather and friendly waves. The sparkling water at our dive spots left us gaping in awe. After essential instructions by our instructor, we soon jumped into the water one by one, lead by our guide. After relaxing for a few minutes on the surface, we proceeded to head down slowly and steadily.

A different kind of nursery: This particular dive site was quite shallow in comparison to others, making it dive-friendly for beginners. We landed on gravel. After performing a few manoeuvres for our dive completion certificate, we proceeded to swim around in this little world. Colourful coral were present in abundance making it a strikingly resplendent world. We saw a giant moray eel burrowed in gravel beside some rocks. Varied schools of fish swam past us. The clownfish stood out among them, and was easily identifiable from the movie ‘Finding Nemo’. Our first dive lasted for around forty minutes before we headed back to our boats. After a lunch break, we did our second dive and exhibited a few more of our skills before our day ended.

A rollercoaster ride: The boat ride on the second day was a rather bumpy one. The waves were restless and choppy. As we cruised along, the boat rocked to and fro and made us feel like we were on a rocking chair. One needs to anticipate such rides and ensure that one hasn't had a heavy meal. The other alternative is taking medications for sea sickness. We finally managed to reach our dive spot, a different one this time. It was called the Grand Central Station. After the usual set of instructions, we jumped into the sea ready to test our skills and explore the marine life beneath.

The Grand Central Station: We were given a warm welcome by the fish as soon as we landed. This was a different underwater haven altogether and busier in comparison to the Nursery. No wonder it was called the Grand Central. The dive site lived up to its name with variety in the shapes, sizes and colours of marine life. It was bordered by a gentle slope of corals, which gave it a fairy tale setting. As we ventured deeper, we were greeted by long barracudas that resembled pikes, with sharp, prominent, fang-like teeth. We also saw numerous parrot fish that added colour to the waters. Their bodies were thick and large with rough scales; prominent parrot-shaped mouths gave them their name. As we continued swimming, we spotted a pair of antennae sticking out from a crevice in a rock. It was a shy baby lobster which refused to venture out from its abode. Lobsters are known to be nocturnal by nature. Our 35-minute dive came to an end as we headed towards the surface for a break before our last dive. Our last dive for the day replicated our earlier one. We soon headed back to the shores on another rollercoaster ride.

On dry land: We returned our equipment to the dive shop and headed back to the hotel feeling rather tired after a long day. We completed our written examination and were officially certified scuba divers. Having time on our hands, we decided to cruise around the small town of Murudeshwar. There seemed to be nothing much besides the temple of Lord Shiva and a busy marketplace. The temple was beautiful, well constructed and serene. After paying our homage to the deities, we proceeded to examine the marketplace. After which, we headed back to our hotel for dinner and a good sleep before boarding our train the next day.

Netrani is ideal for those interested in either snorkelling or scuba diving. It is also a good weekend getaway from the bustling life of metropolitan cities. The entire trip was a relaxing one and made us wonder how many such destinations existed in India that were waiting to be explored.

How to get to Netrani
By air: Mangalore is the nearest airport, which is about 165 km from Murudeshwar. Other airports include Panaji and Hubli.
By rail: Murudeshwar is the nearest railway station, which can be reached by trains from either Mumbai or Mangalore.
By road: Netrani is well connected from Bhatkal, Karwar, Mangalore, Kollur and even Bangalore.

Where to stay
RNS Residency provides decent accommodation for a weekend. The rooms are clean. Meals are fresh and served on time. It is situated right next to the Shiva temple and offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea.

Cost

A weekend trip would cost around Rs15,000, inclusive of diving and overnight stay at the hotel.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Netrani would be between the months of October to May. The weather is very pleasant and one can expect excellent visibility underwater. It is best to avoid this place during the monsoon months between June and September.

The losing side in Cricket

2011-05-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

This season 4 of IPL has been a rather boring one due to an overdose of Cricket post the world cup. One of the reasons why many wanted a MI vs CSK in the finals. These two teams have faced each other only once during the entire tournament where MI won against them. Apart from which the Dhoni-Sachin factor evoked a lot of interest among the viewers. However yesterdays qualifier 2 games dashed the hopes of many as MI was knocked out of the tournament by the Gayle storm,not to mention poor captaincy by the Little Master.

Last night's game reminds one of the India-Australia world cup final in 2003 where India won the toss and elected to bowl first against the mighty and unbeaten Australia with the likes of Adam Gilchrist and Mathew Hayden being in top form. The first over began with a rather nervous Zaheer Khan who gave away 20 plus runs-an over which gave away the match to the Australians. A similar scenario took place with Mumbai Indians yesterday where they won the toss and elected to field first against RCB where the Gayle force was the much talked about factor in the tournament. Sachin chose to start the over with an inexperienced Abu Nachim which Gayle took RCB to a headstart of 27 runs. An over which sealed MI's loss. There was no stopping the Jamaican as he smashed all over the park. However when the bowling team got him out finally, the damage was already done. MI did contain them to a 185 which was still attainable with sensible batting and taking a few chances. However the way the wickets tumbled after a blazing start by Blizzard and Sachin makes one question the captaincy factor here. Too many blunders were committed.

1. Why did Sachin opt to bowl when they had the chance to bat first and put pressure on the opponent team?

2. Why start with Abu Nachim to bowl against Gayle when experienced ones like Munaf, Harbhajan and Malinga were available?

3. Why not play Andrew Symonds when he was an all rounder who would have contributed some quality threat to the sturdy opponents?

4. Sending Harbhajan Singh one down was the most absurd decision one could take in a crucial game like this especially since Ambati Rayudu was reliable.

While Sachin may be a world class batsmen, he needs lessons on captaincy and being a good a strategist. He has no doubt done the country proud with his several accolades and giving the best bowlers nightmares. But his captaincy has always been under scrutiny and only time will tell whether he will learn from his mistakes. One can't help but think how Dhoni is truly admired for his calm composure, for being an excellent strategist under tense conditions and motivating his team mates to bring in the best.

Its a great disapointment for Cricket lovers who were expecting a CSK vs MI final. However if Gayle does play over the park today it will be interesting to watch how Dhoni and his men combat the mighty caribbean force.

Kingfisher Crew BLIND to compassion

2011-05-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

-By Swetha Amit
http://content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story.aspx?PageID=75febbae-2a32-4647-ac01-e7d33c5e82ea

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2011/may/210511-Shabnam-Mansuri-Kingfisher-crew-blind-woman-disembark-Airline-mumbai.htm

There are days when the morning headlines makes you see red at our system's unfair doings. Today was one such instance where Midday's front page headlines generated shock and horror about a shoddy treatment meted out to a visually challenged woman and her children.

She was travelling from Ahmadabad via Mumbai to Goa to meet her husband. Midway, she was ruthlessly disembarked by the insensitive Kingfisher airlines crew in Mumbai stating there was a VIP booking in the last minute. The poor woman was shamed beyond belief when she was asked to get out of the aircraft without proper reasoning. The faith she had in wanting to lead a 'normal' life had probably been shattered.

It brings to notice a few pertinent questions about the courteousness of the airlines staff. Is this the way to treat ANY passenger? Especially when the person travelling requires extra care, compassion and attention? Is this what the staff is taught during their training sessions? The crew is expected to kindly adhere to the requests of the passengers and make their flight as comfortable as possible. Not to discard a person like a ragged piece of cloth.

With atrocities occurring in the dark corridors of pavements and streets, this one bounds to take the cake especially when it occurs during broad daylight by the so called 'classy and sophisticated' sector of the Indian subcontinent. It’s a shame on Kingfisher Airlines.

Written for www.msn.co.in

Uncertainty of life

2011-05-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

Life is mostly like a smooth sailing ride on the friendly ocean waves until the day nature decides to vent her fury against you. One experiences that severe jolt which leaves you shaken enough to take that solemn vow of never taking things for granted again.

Friday afternoon was one such day which left me dumbfounded. As I logged on to a popular networking site, I saw a condolence message written on a friend’s wall. He was usually active with his updates. That statement took me by shock as I learnt of his sudden demise the previous night in a car accident in Delhi. He was recently blessed with a second bundle of joy in his life.

You follow a person's regular updates only to learn one fine day that there will be no more of them. Such is the uncertainty of life.

RIP dear friend. May God bless your soul. Amen.

The Finkler Question: A riveting journey

2011-05-10T00:09:00.000-07:00

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/read/20110509_riveting_journey.html

The Finkler Question, Man Booker Prize winner for the year 2010, is reviewed by Swetha Amit, who finds it an engrossing read that delves deep into the psyche of the characters

Author: Howard JacobsonPublisher: Bloomsbury PublishingPrice: Rs499Classification: FictionCertain events tend to trigger thought processes in an individual that lead him / her to extremes of behaviour. Religious fanaticism, self absorptive behaviour, obsessive interest in worldly affairs, etc, constitute patterns of behaviour that can take root in the cognitive sphere of an individual due to stressful events. The Finkler Question explores this theme in detail.

The story commences with one of the protagonists named Julian Treslove, a former BBC employee, being mugged by a woman and cursed, which shakes him up. This propels him to start obsessing about the particular abuse or curse, something on the lines of ‘you ju’, which leads to his eventual conversion into Judaism.

The book describes Treslove's relationship with two Jewish widowers, namely Libor Sevcik and Sam Finkler, who mourn the loss of their wives; Treslove is a bachelor but is ascribed the status of a widower because he never has had a longstanding relationship with a woman. Treslove envies Sevcik and Finkler their religion and their pain of loss; he always dreams of a young love lost to death and about kissing cold lips good bye. The book delves deep into the psyche of each of the protagonists who reminisce about their lives and losses, and have heated discussions on pertinent issues that affect the lives of millions across the globe.

Written in a powerful yet poetic style, the book has an even mix of dark humour and wit. Though the narration requires the reader to read between the lines to grab the essence of the book, it is worth a read for those keen on reading something different from the usual run-of-the-mill potboilers. It is bound to appeal to a category of readers whose tastes go beyond a conventional narrative. The unique portrayal of characters is probably what earned it the Man Booker Prize for the year 2010.

Written for www.domain-b.com

Moms are the best

2011-05-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

She's the place you came from, your first home, and she's the map you follow with every step you take. She's your first love, your first friend, even your first enemy, but nothing on earth can separate you. Not time, not space .............. not even death! That's your mom for you.

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.

Happy Mother's Day!

Sai Baba's demise

2011-04-24T05:28:00.000-07:00

A great spiritual leader whose healing touch will be missed. Sadly he is no more.:(

But his soul will be ever alive to guide all his devotees around the world.

Happy Birthday Sachin

2011-04-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

‎38 and still going strong! The source of inspiration for millions!

Happy Birthday Sachin!

The Grand Finale

2011-04-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

Little did we realize April 2nd would be a day embarked in History? There were celebrations strewn across the country when India defeated Pakistan and stormed into the finals. Prayers were in full flow for the Men in Blue to bring the cup back home. The grand finale was held in Wankhede stadium, Mumbai.

We were thrilled to bits on having gotten tickets for a reasonable price in the last moment. Having an early start to the day, we rushed to the stadium to stand in the long cue which was eagerly awaiting the game. As we got in, we heard to our dismay that the Lankans had opted to bat first. Echoes of the commentators began to play in our minds who stated that the team batting first would have an advantage. As the game commenced, Lankans got on to a slow start. The fielding was brilliant and few wickets made the crowd jump with joy. However the power play brought in gasps as a no nonsense total of 275 flashed on the screens.

Murmurs about India losing the cup and pining hopes of Sachin went through the stadium. After the break, a stony silence greeted Sehwag's wicket in the first over. The explosive batsmen walking away to the pavilion was followed by a tension gripped atmosphere. The entire crowd turned towards the God of cricket. Shock waves rippled across the crowds as their beloved batsmen were taken by Malinga. The Lankan team swarmed across the green patch in a jubilant manner as though their road to the gleaming cup stood clear. However magnificent innings and a couple of stable partnerships by Gambhir, Kohli, Dhoni and Yuvraj brought back the smiles on the faces. Cheering and waving the Indian flags, the crowd began to see a ray of hope. Captain Cool did play his part with a spectacular 91 and Gambhir with his 97, steered India to what rightfully belonged to it.

A smashing sixer finish was accompanied by fireworks that could put a Diwali night to shame. Tears of joy ran down every Indian as we watched our beloved men in Blue rejoice with great fervour on their home ground. It was a feeling that words cannot do justice to. After a long wait of 28 years, we did what Kapil Dev honoured us with in 1983. The world cup was finally ours!! The streets of Mumbai were swarmed with cars, hooting and cheering. Cries of Jai Hind and Vande Mataram filled the air. It was an unforgettable night and we were finally declared as world champions!!

Its all about senses

2011-03-28T05:45:00.000-07:00

Received this via email. Its strange how we take so much for granted. Life isn't beautiful without these 5 senses. A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the 7 wonders of the world. The following received the most votes:

Great Pyramids of Egypt

Taj Mahal

Grand Canyon

Panama Canal

Empire state building

St.Peter’s Basilica

China’s great wall

While gathering the notes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied “Yes a little. I couldn’t make up my mind because there were so many.” The teacher replied” well tell us what you have and maybe we can help.” The girl hesitated and read”I think the 7 wonders of the world are

To see

To touch

To hear

To taste

To feel

To laugh

To love

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wonderful. A gentle reminder- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by man or bought by hand.

Birds need you this summer

2011-03-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is at its peak. It has already crossed 37 degrees. Many birds die in summer due to lack of water. Place water pots for thirsty birds in terraces, compound walls and balconies.

Its the least we can do.

Happy Holi

2011-03-17T22:22:00.001-07:00

Rang barse bheege chunar wali, rang barse.

Enjoy the bright colours, water balloons and the foot-tapping numbers.

Happy Holi Folks!

The Japanese catastrophe

2011-03-11T04:44:00.000-08:00

Nature's fury is often inexplicable. They cause pain, mental anguish and terror all over the world. That’s the state of the country called Japan.

Just a few hours ago it was hit by a massive earthquake which measured 8.9 on the Richter scale followed by a devastating Tsunami. The destructive wave swept everything from people to cars under its wing like they were some old, broken toys. It is disheartening to see homes and lives taken away in a jiffy.

It makes one realize how uncertain life can be and how helpless we tend to feel. Seeing our fellow humans go through such agony is indeed appalling. At this stage we sincerely hope and pray for the victims out there and wish things take a turn for the better soon. God bless the departed souls and the world.

Meeting Jeffrey Archer

2011-03-09T03:52:00.000-08:00

It was thrilling to receive a mail from Crossword Bookstore which stated the book launch event of Jeffrey Archer's new release called 'Only time will tell.' My excitement knew no bounds as I looked forward to spending the Sunday evening with this renowned Author.

His books took me back to my naive adolescent years where I had transgressed from Enid Blyton's faraway tree tales and had moved on to a mature form of literature. The first book I read was 'Not a penny more, not a penny less'. His language was exquisite and powerful. No doubt it helped me improve my proficiency in the foreign language as I went on to read his Kane and Able. It made a great impact on me. So did his 'As a crow flies, A prisoner of Birth' and his short story collections.

Sunday arrived and the store was half crowded with his diehard fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Author. At half past seven, he graced us with his presence. He threw a broad smile at the crowd which was followed by a pleasant greeting. After the initial introduction, he began to entertain the crowd with his witty and humorous remarks. He talked about his new book which was the beginning of the Clifton series. After which he obliged questions from the crowd in a friendly manner, sharing some of his experiences he faced in his writing career. Here he mentioned how 'Kane and Able' changed his life. The session ended and he signed our books rather graciously.

It was an interesting evening which helped us learn more about such a popular writer. His journey certainly hadn't been an easy one. He had to weather some severe storms and indeed, he has not lost charm with the pen. He continues to receive rave reviews and adulation from his fans. Will the Clifton series live up to the expectations? 'Only Time will tell.'

Women's Day

2011-03-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

Everyday remind yourself that.. you are the best!

Happy Women's day! Cheers!

RIP Uncle Pai

2011-02-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

I fondly recollect those good old days of summer vacation especially. Free from school burden, the lazy hours were spent dutifully flipping the pages of the all time favourite Amar Chitra Katha. The tales of the God and Demi Gods indeed ignited a mystical feeling within us. As children, mythology never failed to fascinate us. Probably this was what helped in inculcating the right values as we grew into big swans, ready to face the world. Morals from these tales were imbibed in our subconscious minds which helped us in crossing the hurdles in life. Philosophical quotes derived from these stories inspired us to take things in our stride.

These Comic books undoubtedly influenced our thoughts and ideas to a large extent. It is sad to know that the Author of these works-Anant Pai who is fondly known as Uncle Pai is no more with us. He will be missed and may his soul rest in peace. Amen.

RIP Uncle Pai.

Universal Studios: Flight into fantasy land

2011-02-18T01:32:00.000-08:00

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/Travel/20110218_fantasy_land.html
A trip to Universal Studios in Singapore arouses childlike enthusiasm in Swetha Amit and provides her a quick visit back into childhood
-By Swetha Amit

Theme parks have always been a fascination for children. Fairyale and Disney characters and magical roller coaster rides make a visit to a theme park a joyful experience. The trip ends up being a treat for adults as well, who get a rare chance to bring out the child in them, making it a must-visit place irrespective of its location around the world. Inaugurated in March-April 2010, Universal Studios in Singapore has gained popularity in no time.

The grand entry: Situated right next to Sentosa, Universal Studios seemed to overshadow it. As we entered the fantasy land, we were greeted by colourful candy carts and Kung Fu Panda posing for photographs. We joined the long queue waiting to click pictures and got our turn and a warm hug from Panda. It helped that we had a map of the studio to find our way around. It was divided into seven theme sections, each of which had its attractions, namely rides, souvenir shops and restaurants serving global cuisine.

We like to move it, move it: We paid a visit to the characters of the well-known animation film Madagascar at the park. The theme of the section revolved around the four main characters in the movie, namely the lion, giraffe, zebra and hippopotamus and the group of eccentric penguins. After clicking photographs, we went to join King Julian’s Tea Party Ride, a simple merry-go-round with merry characters and lively music in the background. It was a pleasant five minutes when we became children all over again.

The Kingdom of Far Far Away: The next theme section was centred around another popular and well-loved animation character called Shrek. The first attraction was a spectacular Shrek 4D adventure where we got an opportunity to hear, feel and see the characters in close proximity. The second attraction was the Enchanted Airways, which was a roller coaster ride. We flew over the Kingdom of Far Far Away and beyond. The other features in this section included The Donkey Live Show, which was an interactive singing session, and a Magic Potion Spin only for children. The latter was a miniature giant wheel which proved to be a treat for the young ones, as they were spun around for a good five minutes. After a ‘happily ever after’ experience, we geared up to go back in time to encounter some extinct species.

Dinosaurs and more: The Lost World was like walking into a Steven Spielberg thriller. Our first ride was probably one of the best. As we entered this section, we were instructed to buy plastic raincoats at the counter as there was a possibility of us getting drenched. We waited patiently in the long line for the Jurassic Park Rapid adventure and presently headed to the circular raft. Fastening our seatbelts, we entered the primeval habitats of the gigantic species. Every corner had a thrill in store and we couldn’t help but give a shriek or two. The special effects were well-executed along with the lifelike cutouts of dinosaurs everywhere. The end took us by surprise. We glided down the stream into darkness only to find the ride coming to an end.
After the excitment of the ride, we opted for the milder Dino Soaring next, a merry-go-around with friendly-looking baby dinosaurs as seats and buttons for moving up and down. The other attractions included Canopy Flyer, which was another roller coaster, and a rock-climbing ride; both didn’t quite catch our fancy.

Water water everywhere: An interesting poster of the Water World caught our attention and words like death-defying stunts enticed us to go see the show. The artists poured water on the audience in a friendly greeting. There were some spectacular stunts and explosions. The high-risk stunts left us gaping in awe.

Mystical mummies: We then entered the realm of the pharaohs, ‘Ancient Egypt’. Our first ride in this section was The Revenge of the Mummy, which was a psychological thriller. We entered a dungeon to board the ride, which passed through a never-ending twisting and turning passage. The eerie land had mummies and pharaohs out to seek ruthless revenge. Scary booming voices, special effects and the roller coaster left us gasping for breath. The second ride is designed primarily for young children. It was called the Treasure Hunt. Children could drive their own desert jeep through an abandoned Egyptian excavation site. The large line put us off and we decided to explore the other theme sections instead.

Sci-fi reality: To our amazement, this part of the studios was practically empty. There were only three rides in this area. The first two were called cyclone rides, which, with their massive appearance and descriptions of whirling upside down, scared crowds away. No one dared to board them. We opted for a milder one called the Accelerator. There were circular seats, reminding us of a cup and saucer, that whirled us around for a good five minutes. Feeling a little dizzy and hungry at the same time, we decided to grab a bite. After which we proceeded to New York City.

New York: Universal Studios left us marvelling in admiration at this unique section. They had created a miniature of New York City. The bright yellow cabs, the bustling streets and the coffee shops made us feel that we were actually in the Big Apple. We gazed around in awe and clicked a few pictures. The main attraction was a light-and-sound show hosted by the renowned director Steven Spielberg. After a video of a welcome speech, we proceeded to watch a hurricane hit the city. The special effects were riveting as we felt caught amidst nature’s fury.

Hollywood: This was the last section of the theme park. The sole attraction was the Pantages Hollywood Theatre. This was a musical show about the infamous Universal Classic Monsters. However, we couldn’t watch it as we arrived late and the last show for the day had already begun. We chose to visit the merchandise section instead and browsed around for a while. The day was ending and we were quite tired after long hours of walking around. We seated ourselves on a bench in the Kingdom of Far Far Away awaiting our chauffeur. To our immense delight, a jovial Puss in Boots strolled by. Forgetting our fatigue, we shook hands and clicked photographs.
Our fantasy trip ended and we headed back to the real world. We look back at our visit to the theme park rather wistfully. It had been a joyful tryst with a part of our childhood, making it worth another trip.

Some useful points:
1. Book the tickets to Universal Studios online before your visit to avoid disappointment.
2. One can go on as many rides as many times as one wants.
3. Avoid going on weekends as it gets very crowded.
4. Carry a plastic raincoat or umbrella as Singapore receives light showers during late afternoon throughout the year.
5. Some rides do not permit one to carry cameras or water bottles; however, Universal Studios offers locker room facilities.

When to visit: Singapore is a year-round destination.

How to get there: Major cities around the world have direct flights to Singapore.

Written for www.domain-b.com

The Big Day

2011-02-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

Four years ago, it was a dishevelled squad which faced defeat at the hands of the Minnows. This was a game which sent shock waves across the country especially when it was their exit ticket from the World Cup. Not many have forgotten the 2007 disaster, though later that year a much younger Indian team brought back smiles on to their fans' faces after winning the T20 champions’ title.

Dhoni is known for his cool stature and great captaincy skills. Many are hoping to see a repeat of the 1983 world cup. What makes prayers even more earnest is to seek sweet revenge against the Bangla Tigers this Saturday which is the first game of the World Cup? With every successive year, Bangladesh has been improving as a team. Will Men in Blue manage to tame these tigers and get their revenge that they have been waiting for?

With just three more days to go, heres wishing Team India loads of luck!!

Valentine's Day

2011-02-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

‎'We come to love not by finding a perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.'

Happy Valentine's day!

Chocolate Day

2011-02-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

What initially was my best friend during my childhood days turned out to be my worst enemy as I grew older? I've always had a sweet tooth and indulged in chocolates for what seemed like eternity. Last few years however, having been bitten by the fitness bug, I had no choice but to bid this friendship goodbye. This also meant goodbye to the fat percentage and persisting tooth problems.

As I reflect back in times, these no doubt gave the needed feel good factor especially with exams around the corner or post exam results. A chocolate shake was what I needed to boost my spirits up. A chocolate cake was what I looked forward to when birthdays were around the corner. Swiss chocolates were an incentive for me to do well in my maths tests back in school. Despite severing ties, this old 'friend' of mine no doubt evokes sweet memories instead of leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.:)

Despite its several not so great side effects, this pal of mine continues to be a favourite among millions still. Both of us have seemed to move on in our respective ways yet I couldn't help remember this friend; especially today being world's chocolate day.

The saying goes:
Life is like a chocolate box, each chocolate is like a portion of life, some are crunchy, some are nutty, some are soft, but all are DELICIOUS.

Happy Chocolate day my long lost friend.

A call from God

2011-02-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

It wasn’t a usual Sunday morning I woke up to considering the dream I had. As I recollected the image, it was the one of Ganpati Bappa beckoning me to seek his blessings. Wondering what it could have possible meant, I decided to pay my visit to Siddi Vinayak Temple which was long overdue.

It isn't known to be crowded on a Monday, especially around noon time. However as I reached the holy abode, I was quite taken aback to see a long cue of people perspiring in the hot sun and waiting patiently to get a glimpse of the almighty. I stood there as well for around an hour. I hadn't finished my lunch since I didn't realize that it would take around 2 hours including the travel time. I soon got immersed in my own thoughts wondering why God had called me and the strange dream. Before I knew it, the line started to move fast and it was just a matter of time when he graced me with his Darshan. It was a massive crowd out there pushing and eager to get a glimpse of this powerful deity of Mumbai. I finally paid my respects and also received a token of appreciation in the form of motichoor ki ladoo outside the temple which was again a rare thing.

I walked out at the temple feeling peaceful and lighter yet that question kept popping inside my head, “What was the reason behind God's call?". As I approached the vendor from whom I had collected the Puja plate, I asked him the reason for this sea of crowd that had flocked to the temple today. He replied saying it was the lord's birthday today. I smiled as I knew the special occasion for which my favourite God had personally invited me in order to be a part of the divine celebration. I had never felt blessed and honoured.

The end of 2010 had been a phase of immense pain and suffering as my health took a toll. There were times I would be at God's mercy and the rest of the time I would wonder why is it that only the good souls go through agony? Today I firmly believe that God only makes those suffer in order to move closer to him. Nevertheless I had always believed that I am God's favourite child and will continue to be so. After all it’s all at God's call isn't it?

The Immortals of Meluha:A mythological adventure story

2011-01-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

-By Swetha Amit

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/read/20110128_meluha.html

A mythological adventure story news
Amish Tripathi’s book, The Immortals of Meluha, the first of an interesting trilogy that humanises Lord Shiva and takes the readers back to a mystical period in time, makes for an engrossing read says Shweta Amit

Author: Amish Tripathi

Publisher: Tara Press

Price: Rs295

Classification: Fiction

Set in the same period as the Indus Valley Civilization, The Immortals of Meluha dwells on how Lord Shiva, due to his karma, is born a mortal and slowly rises above his mortal bonds to become the legendary Lord Neelkanth.

The story commences when Lord Shiva's tribe migrates from Mount Kailash to the paradise town of Meluha. Meluha is nothing less than perfect, having been under the rule of Lord Shri Ram, whose reign is praised by everyone. On reaching Meluha, which is under the rule of King Daksha at the time, Shiva gradually learns about his destiny. The kingdom of Meluha looks up to him as its saviour against the evil clan of Chandravanshis and Nagas. Whether Shiva succeeds in living up to the trust of Meluha residents in him forms the rest of the gripping narrative. Shiva's romantic inclinations towards Sati, the only daughter of King Daksha, forms an important part of the narrative.

The Immortals of Meluha is a fast-paced and absorbing book. The character of Shiva is interestingly portrayed. Right from his light-hearted sense of humour to the various shades of his personality — the soulful dancer, loyal lover and valiant warrior — each aspect of his personality is highlighted. Sati as his love interest is shown to be the embodiment of beauty, valour, pride and intelligence. The other vital characters in the book like Nandi, Shiva’s right-hand man and devotee, and Parvateshwar and Kanakhala, the commander-in-chief and prime minister of King Daksha, respectively, add charm to the tale.

It is likely to appeal to those who are interested in the intriguing subject of mythology. The first book in the trilogy about Lord Shiva, Immortals of Meluha has a ending that serves to whet the appetite and generate curiosity and eagerness in readers as to the sequel. The creative treatment of a mythological story is probably what earned it its bestseller position in leading bookstores.

Written for www.domain-b.com

An ode to freedom

2011-01-26T04:22:00.000-08:00

Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein haiDekhna hai zor kitna baazu-e-qaatil mein hai

Aye watan, Karta nahin kyun doosraa kuch baat-cheetDekhta hun main jise woh chup teri mehfil mein haiAye shaheed-e-mulk-o-millat main tere oopar nisaarAb teri himmat ka charcha gair ki mehfil mein haiSarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai

Waqt aanay dey bata denge tujhe aye aasmanHum abhi se kya batayen kya hamare dil mein haiKheench kar layee hai sab ko qatl hone ki ummeedAashiqon ka aaj jumghat koocha-e-qaatil mein haiSarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai

Hai liye hathiyaar dushman taak mein baitha udharAur hum taiyyaar hain seena liye apna idharKhoon se khelenge holi agar vatan muskhil mein haiSarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai

Haath jin mein ho junoon katt te nahi talvaar seSar jo uth jaate hain voh jhukte nahi lalkaar seAur bhadkega jo shola-sa humaare dil mein haiSarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai

Hum to ghar se nikle hi the baandhkar sar pe kafanJaan hatheli par liye lo barh chale hain ye qadamZindagi to apni mehmaan maut ki mehfil mein haiSarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai

Yuun khadaa maqtal mein qaatil kah rahaa hai baar baar'Kya tamannaa-e-shahaadat bhi kisee ke dil mein haiDil mein tuufaanon ki toli aur nason mein inqilaabHosh dushman ke udaa denge humein roko na aajDuur reh paaye jo humse dam kahaan manzil mein haiSarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamaare dil mein hai

Wo jism bhi kya jism hai jismein na ho khoon-e-junoonToofaanon se kya lade jo kashti-e-saahil mein hai

Chup khade hain aaj saare bhai mere khaamosh hainNa karo to kuch kaho mazhab mera mushkil mein hai

Happy Republic Day!!

Happy Lohri

2011-01-12T23:55:00.001-08:00

May the Lohri fire burn all the moments of sadness and bring you warmth of joy,happiness and love.

Happy Lohri to all! God Bless!

Business bestsellers of 2010

2011-01-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

-By Swetha Amit
http://domain-b.com/goodlife/Read/20110111_best_sellers.html

1. Global Crisis, Recession and Uneven Recovery
Author: YV Reddy
Publisher: Orient Blackswan
Price: Rs595
Classification: Non-fiction
A sequel to the author’s earlier book titled 'India and the Global Financial Crisis’; this book provides lucid understanding of the economic crisis and speaks about the uneven recovery across the globe. Written in a technical yet simple style, it provides an indepth analysis about and perspective into the recession. It describes the lessons to be learnt in order to avoid such setbacks in the future and concludes with a chapter focusing on India’s performance during the crisis and prospects in the future. Targeting a readership of corporate professionals mainly, it will enable them to look back, learn from mistakes and look forward to better times ahead.

2. Fault Lines
Author: Raghuram G Rajan
Publisher: Collins Business
Price: Rs499
Classification: Non-fiction
The proud winner of the Goldman Sachs best business book award, Fault Lines describes the fractures that are still threatening the economy. The author looks deep into the causes of the meltdown and cites faulty choices made by greedy bankers, the government and ordinary homemakers that lead to the crisis. He speaks about the need to adopt corrective measures to rectify the fault lines. The author's lucid style of writing makes for easy reading. He concludes with a passage on the promising future of the Indian economy. This is a book which will find a wide readership in the corporate world.

3. Reaching for the Skies
Author: Richard Branson
Publisher: Virgin Books
Price: Rs599
Classification: Non-fiction
'Sky is the limit' is the essence of this book. The author dedicates his book to all those who have mastered the airspace. The book takes the readers on an unforgettable flight of inspirational stories of people, their adventures and survival. It also dwells on new ideas and inventions. The language is technical in certain instances but overall imbued with the simplicity of real-life experiences. It is a heart-warming read which will especially appeal to those who have had some tryst with the skies; it will win over inventors; while visionaries and dreamers will find it an interesting book.

4. Simply Fly
Author: Captain GR Gopinath
Publisher: Collins Business
Price: Rs499
Classification: Non-fiction
This is a riveting story of a young boy who has come a long way from riding bullock carts to flying high. It is the story of the birth of the first low-cost airline. The various incidents that make up the story of the airline that enabled the common man to fly are narrated with great poise, and the book provides a glimpse of the author’s personality, his persevering nature and his voyage from poverty to prosperity. Written in a down-to-earth style, it is a must-read for every Indian, who is bound to find it motivating and awe-inspiring.

5. Tata - The Evolution of a Corporate Brand
Author: Morgen Witzel
Publisher: Penguin Books India
Price: Rs599
Classification: Non-fiction
The book is a well-documented history of the Tatas as a brand. It describes in detail the birth of the brand and how it has evolved over the years. The author traces the brand from its origin, through the image-building processes that followed, to its brand equity now. He dwells deep into the makings of what is one of the most popular brands today, one which is based on values. Through his placid, unhurried style of writing, Witzel manages to provide the reader with a clear perspective of the group and the family from which it derives its name. It is bound to appeal to those interested in the birth, growth and evolution of one of the most respected organisations in India.

6. Ambani & Sons
Author: Hamish McDonald
Publisher: Lotus Roli
Price: Rs395
Classification: Non-fiction
The book is about the scintillating rag-to-riches story of the Ambani family. It not only dwells on the development of what is one of India’s largest corporations today; but highlights the struggle, corruption, politics and powerplay that are part and parcel of the interaction between government and business houses. It also describes the expansion phase of this business house and the infamous split between the heirs. The author, in his exemplary style, has brought out the dynamics of entrepreneurship in modern India. It tells the revolutionary story of what is one of the biggest empires today. A compelling read which will find a wide readership.

7. When the Penny Drops
Author: R Gopalakrishnan
Publisher: Penguin Books India
Price: Rs399
Classification: Non-fiction
Using his valuable experiences as lessons, accompanied by examples from mythology, the author of ‘The Case of the Bonsai Manager’ comes up with an inspirational source of learning. Far from being just another management book, this one provides memorable lessons which will rouse the cerebral cells within you. It enables one to analyse and retrospect about one's doings. It’s a book that will enable us to learn from our mistakes and give us a code of conduct. Citing appropriate examples at regular intervals, the author makes it a motivational read which will appeal to all those open to learning and growing as individuals.

8. You can Sell
Author: Shiv Khera
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Price: Rs195
Classification: Non-fiction
The author of ‘You can Win’ comes up with yet another inspirational read. This book teaches you how to sell by delving into the dynamics of what does not sell and the attitude, personality and psychology required for successful selling. It stresses upon the importance of gaining an understanding of consumer needs, positive communication and the ethics required to become a successful sales person. Written in a simple uncomplicated style, the book opens up a new view into selling, especially for sales professionals, with the many examples cited. A read which will appeal to various segments of the population, one can consider this a veritable sales bible.

9. Connect the Dots
Author: Rashmi Bansal
Publisher: Eklavya Education Foundation
Price: Rs150
Classification: Non-fiction
Driven by ambition and desire, this is a story of 20 individuals who dared to dream about becoming entrepreneurs without aquiring a traditional MBA degree, thought to be a must-have qualification for an entrepreneur. Idealism and the desire to prove themselves propelled the 20 to chase their aspirations. The book portrays the complex difficulties faced by each person and how they overcame the obstacles in their path. With interesting headings for every chapter, the author writes earnestly on how to become a successful entrepreneur. There is no quest without attendant frustration, as the author tells us. The book ends on a positive note, emphasising the triumph that is to be achieved by following your heart and making things happen.

10. The Professional
Author: Subroto Bagchi
Publisher: Penguin Books India
Price: Rs399
Classification: Non-fiction
This is a heart-warming book with inputs on how to become a successful professional; the author provides relevant questions to ask oneself to get a clear perspective about one's ambitions. It emphasises on factors like integrity, self-awareness, appropriate qualities for a professional and the ability to manage the complexities and challenges that are bound to come in the way of attaining success. Subroto Bagchi puts his knowledge, based on lifelong experience, to good use when he talks about how to make the right choices. Not a light read, with an intense feel to the language, the book will gain a wide readership among those who have ambitions of being successful in their career.

Written for www.domain-b.com

Resplendence of the Red Sea

2011-01-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

Written by Swetha Amit
http://domain-b.com/goodlife/Travel/20101229_red_sea.html

No one knows why it’s called the Red Sea. Many in fact have mulled over its unique name, and we were no exceptions. This was one reason why we decided to take a plunge into this water body, besides being certified scuba divers.

When one thinks about diving in Egypt two places instantly come to the mind, namely Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, both located by the Red Sea. We chose to visit Hurghada as it was along our tour route. The Sharm el Sheikh was situated on the other side of the Sinai Peninsula. Hurghada was bustling with activity with an array of shopping centres, restaurants and friendly people. Adding to the charm were shops with attractive posters, which rented out diving equipment.

Having arranged for equipment from one of the shops, we assembled at the dive centre eagerly awaiting our underwater expedition. After filling in a few formalities, we were onboard the boat with our guide and a few professional scuba divers.

Welcome aboard: The boat was modern, well-furnished and well-equipped with rest rooms, water and soft drinks. The beverages were essential to hydrate ourselves pre and post dives. There was room on the deck to spread out our wet suits, masks, fins and breathing equipment. During the cruise, we were briefed about the dive sites we would be visiting and precautions and signs to be used underwater. It sounded pretty exciting to hear about the aquatic species we would be bumping into during our dives. As we neared the location, we slipped into our scuba diving suits and paired up with our respective diving buddies. Before taking the leap into the rippling waves, we did what was called the ‘buddy check’, ensuring that our partners’ equipment was in place. After which we jumped into the sea, one by one.

The enchanting world below: The temperature of the water was not more than 25 degrees. Being a sunny day and the sea quite calm, the visibility was up to 20m. We descended down slowly as guided and reached the ocean bed. We looked around in amazement and awe at the world that lay beneath the waves. A shoal of goldfish swam past us, and we couldn’t help but notice their beauty and grace. We ventured further, led by our guide, and soon felt no different from the fish when we used our fins. A clown fish spotted in the vicinity led to a ‘finding Nemo’ moment. Keeping an eye on our buddies, we swam further, hoping to spot a shark. We stumbled upon a gigantic moray eel basking at the bottom. Not far from it, we found a blue spotted ray; the sun's rays trickling down highlighting its vivid colour. Further down, we were delighted when a Napoleon wrasse graced us with its presence. This species is huge, and rarely goes unnoticed by divers. We found ourselves caught in mild currents, which we navigated, and were treated to the sight of angel fish. These rectangular blue fish had a patch of yellow on them. The butterfly fish added additional colour to our underwater safari with its bright yellow streamlined body. It was exciting to encounter finned creatures of varied shapes, sizes and colours. Our first dive came to an end and we wistfully headed back to the surface.

Between the dives: On reaching our boat, our dive time recorded was a good 45 minutes. Time seemed to fly faster underwater than on land. We had time to grab a bite before gearing up for our second and last dive for the day. This time the nervousness that was present earlier was replaced by enthusiasm. The Red Sea contains about 38 per cent salt, which is the highest in comparison to other salt water bodies. This increased buoyancy, ie, the ability to remain afloat. After jumping into the waves once again, we descended down to explore a dive site, namely the Aquarium.

Feeling like a mermaid: We were introduced to finned species quite different from our first dive. Our tryst began with sighting the orange-spotted unicorn fish. We came across the moray eel lazing behind the rocks. Eels are night predators, hunting down prey. As we moved ahead, we spotted the lizard fish, which appeared unfazed by the crowd of divers around it. Living up to its name, it resembled a lizard and was covered with dark, tough scales. A masked puffer fish which played hard to get close to, swam in its own world, with a black mask over its eyes and mouth. With a mouth shaped like a parrot, the parrot fish was quite flamboyant in its appearance. We were once again graced by the majestic Napoleon wrasse. This time the sea was friendly and we were spared its currents. All good things come to an end; we once again bid farewell to the surreal world.

Back to the shores: We surfaced, got on the boat and headed towards the shores of Hurghada. It was a memorable return journey over a silky smooth sea with the sunset in the background. We carried back with us treasured memories of the enthralling world of mermaids and mermen. We were lucky enough to be blessed with perfect weather and reliable underwater equipment. As we scanned through the images, I came to the conclusion that the colourful array of species is probably what gave the Red Sea its resplendent name. If anyone wondered what it was like to be a mermaid or merman for some time, diving in the Red Sea, one of the best places to dive in the world, would answer your question.

How to get to Hurghada

By air: One can fly to Cairo and board a flight to Hurghada from there. Direct flights to Hurghada are available from European countries and the Middle East.

By road: One can reach Hurghada by driving down from the city of Luxor, which takes roughly about four hours. Direct flights are available from the Middle East and European nations to Luxor.

Best time to visit Hurghada:Hurghada is a year-round destination. However the best period to visit would be between February to April; it is usually pleasant, with the onset of spring, and the sea is perfect for diving. July and August are the hottest months of the year; however, this makes it even more suitable for diving, and the rates in Egypt are usually half around this time, being a lean season.

Cost of diving:The cost of renting equipment for each dive sums up to around Rs10,000 per person. However rates may be subject to variation depending on the dive shop, number of dives or if the person is carrying his / her own scuba diving equipment.

Tips essential for diving
One needs to get a certification from either Professional Association of Diving Instructors or Scuba Schools International.
Never dive alone.
Never dive when you are diagnosed with cold or cough or any infection that affects your breathing.
Ensure that you are always accompanied by a professional guide.
Strictly adhere to instructions given on board the boat.
Always keep an eye on your diving buddy while underwater to ensure you do not get lost.

Written for domain-b.com

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hey guys Firstly wishing you all a very Happy New year!

I haven’t been blogging for a while since I had taken ill for more than a month. I was hospitalized for about ten days and have had a torrid winter. But faith in God kept me going and I am hoping the worst is over. I really missed reading the blogs of my fellow bloggers. But will be back in action now since the doctors have reassured me that I am on the path to recovery.

Had a lot of time to retrospect into life, rethink and reevaluate some decisions and also become a better human being. We all wonder why we go through so much pain and suffering but it turns out later that everything happens for a good reason. 2011 as I see should start on a promising and positive note. During these miserable moments a quote of a famous poet Shelly came to my mind 'If winter is her, can spring be far behind'? So it’s just a matter of time before I see those chirpy birds, pleasant sunshine and the warm gush in air.

Have a great year friends and will be more active in the blogging world from now on. Cheers

Happiness at work: A positive outlook

2010-12-02T03:14:00.000-08:00

-By Swetha Amit

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/read/20101202_happiness_work.html

The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the most of everything that comes along their way.’ The essence of this famous quote is highlighted in Srikumar S Rao’s book on how to be resilient, motivated and successful — no matter what. We all come across problems in our professional lives. However, this can sometimes have an adverse bearing on the health, family life and spiritual growth of many professionals. This book aims to enlighten such individuals about the presence of a valuable element within them. It is that core element which holds the key to all their woes.

The book is divided into 35 chapters, each of which stresses on a golden rule to be followed in life. Each one of them enables the readers to introspect, evaluate and rethink on their lives. The exercises given after each chapter serves to further highlight the effectiveness of these golden rules. The philosophical tone of the writing focuses on advising readers how to bring about a paradigm shift in their lives and avoid putting a label on events. It inspires one to become a Daruma doll with the ability to bounce back to one's original state of mind after being subjected to trauma or undergoing a catastrophe.

The mid chapters deal with defining the purpose of one’s profession by asking oneself pertinent questions about one's work, overcoming the fear of obstacles and finding answers to who one really is. It teaches one to bring about a change in one's thinking and behaviour, which in turn produces an immediate effect on the surrounding environment. The last few chapters take one on a spiritual journey and describes the metaphysics of life and the soul.

The language and style of the book is simple and straightforward. Citing interesting examples, it enables the readers to easily relate to the instances summarized and to absorb its philosophy in the right manner. It is a profound read for those willing to incorporate a positive change in their lives to find a deeper meaning to it. 'Happiness at Work' is just not another self-help book meting out advice, it is an a instrument for change for the better for a human being. Riveting and thought-provoking, the book will appeal to those willing to open their minds, think out of the box and discover happiness all over again.

Written for www.domain-b.com

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

Realizing the worth of everything I have today: Great life, good health, Amit- my best friend and life partner, loving parents, my dear dear friends who bring in a cheer into my life, my motivating gym instructors of course. Makes my life truly rocking! Appreciate it whole heartedly.

Happy Thanksgiving!

God Bless you all!

26/11

2010-11-25T20:20:00.000-08:00

26/11: 2 yrs since that horrifying unforgettable massacre. In memory of all the NSG forces-the heroes who made Mumbai see daylight after 3 days of horror and terror!

Jai Hind!

Fitness

2010-11-22T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well..what ideally should have been achieved in Fitness Centres, had to be attained via desperate measures of a surgery. Reason: An obese person is mocked and stared at wherever they go in order to achieve their goal. If only people learn to look at themselves instead of others,the world would be a better place-->

http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=9&contentid=2010112320101123033121359fabd0a66

Those Carefree days

2010-11-16T00:06:00.000-08:00

Feel your childhood - I want 2 go back to d time when "innocence" was "natural", when "getting high" meant "on a swing", when "drinking" meant "rasna", when "dad" was d only "hero", when "love" was "mom's hug", when the only thing that could "hurt" were "bleeding knees" n when "goodbyes" only ...meant "till tomorrow". Life has changed a lot!

Those were the carefree days of our life.

My comments on an article

2010-11-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

This is an article appearing in the Crest edition of Times of India. An interesting one which talks about how people travel to pursue a hobby. I have given my comments on Scuba Diving. Posting the link below.

http://www.timescrest.com/life/travel-the-world-on-your-hobby-horse-3967

Happy Diwali

2010-11-04T23:44:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year one can give in to their sweet tooth withut having to worry about the calories. Wishing all a very Happy Diwali!! Have a prsoperous year ahead!! God Bless!!

Dhanteras

2010-11-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

God's blessing may come as a surprise. And how much you receive Depends on how much your Heart can believe. May you be blessed beyond what you expect.... Happy Dhanteras to all!!

Splendours of the Sahara news

2010-10-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

-By Swetha Amit

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/travel/20101014_sahara.html

When one thinks of Egypt, mummies and pyramids are what come to the mind. Pyramids cover only about 5 per cent of the country while the remaining 95 per cent is covered with sand dunes. Going by this logic, one really hasn’t experienced Egypt until one has visited its vast and spectacular desert.

Possessing an adventurous streak, we decided to take a tour right into one of nature’s wonders, Egypt's desert. We had an early start to the day from Cairo and boarded the 4x4 SUV which was laden with our tents and the essentials needed to camp in the desert. We set off on our expedition accompanied by our driver and guide. As we drove down listening to informative inputs from our tour guide, we saw signs of civilization slowly giving way to scanty vegetation and piles of sand. We trusted our skilful driver who, we were told, knew his way around like a fox. After stopping for lunch on the way, we ventured further and reached the camel caravan by evening.

Into the sunset: The camel caravan comprised a herd of camels tended by their respective keepers amidst the barren land. We mounted on a camel each as we set off for the long desert safari. Our ride lasted for about an hour in the silence of the desert which was broken by occasional animated chatter by the camel keepers. The cruise into the desert wonderland in the middle of nowhere was a surreal experience. We paused for a while to watch the marvellous sunset, which painted an altogether different picture of the desert. Darkness crept in slowly and our ride came to an end along with a rather long day.

Black magic moments: The next day, we drove down further to explore the beauty of the Black Desert, which is believed to have been formed due to a meteorite colliding with the earth's surface millions of years ago. True to its name, this was unlike any other desert. It had volcanic-shaped mountains covered with small black stones. Spreading over acres, it was uninhabited. Everything seemed to tower over us, making us feel insignificant. We managed to climb one of the peaks to enjoy the wind and the view. We couldn’t get enough of the black beauty of the landscape. After clicking a few pictures, we rather reluctantly left to continue our adventure.

Sands of time: We drove to an area with sand dunes all around. A child-like enthusiasm gripped us as we got out and wandered around the picturesque setting. Grabbing a football, we indulged in a friendly game which drained our energy, and we sat down on a dune to soak in the beauty of our surroundings. The scorching sun finally got to us and we walked back to our vehicle to find its wheel stuck in the sand. We pitched in to help our driver and guide who were doing their best to loosen the wheel. Not a soul was in sight. Fortunately, after what seemed like ages, help arrived in the form of another vehicle with tourists like us. The joint effort soon extricated the vehicle from the clutches of the dunes. After thanking our saviours, we set off, exhausted with the effort.

The mirror effect: Our next halt was at the Crystal Mountain near the White Desert. This huge piece of rock sparkled and glistened in the rays of the sun, making it look like a massive chunk of crystal, hence the name. This was formed from limestone and white chalk from the White Desert. We managed to capture its beauty with our camera. As we walked around it, we found huge chunks of crystal pieces strewn about. It, without doubt, was easily one of the favourite tourist hangouts.

White as snow: We soon reached the White Desert where we were to camp for the night. As we entered, we gaped in awe. The entire landscape appeared to be covered with snow. We looked around to see beautiful and unusual wind-carved sculptures resembling humans and animals. It was like being on a different planet altogether. White Desert was known to be safe for camping and looked absolutely clean. As sunset reddened the horizon, we set up our tents and the fireplace.

Campers delight: Our tents looked quite cosy and comfortable. Our guide lent a helping hand to our driver, who was assigned to cook a sumptuous dinner. The silence and the stars added to the atmosphere. We could see a few campers who were at a distance from us. We sat by the fire, warming our hands before the feast, and treasured every moment in the enthralling place. We weren’t disturbed by crawly insects. As we started on our delicious meal, to our delight, the desert fox, which was usually known to haunt camps, joined us for dinner. The animal was shy and hesitant. However, after a few friendly calls by our driver and a few pieces of chicken, it got comfortable in our company. This is probably the only animal one gets to see while camping in the White Desert. It had been a tiring day, and we settled into our sleeping bags for some well-earned rest. Waking up, we lay admiring the desert's early morning beauty for some time. Later, we gathered our tents and headed towards Bahariya oasis to get some breakfast. The night in the White Desert was an unforgettable experience altogether.

Oasis charm: Bahariya Oasis offered its own delights. Here we found ourselves amidst ancient brick-and-mud houses and date palms. Greenery was abundant after the shades of black, yellow and white of the desert. Our guide gave us information about irrigation facilities around the desert. We visited the museum for the golden mummies, tombs of nobles from the 26th Dynasty of Egypt and the Ain Muftillah Temple. We also saw the Ain Bishmu Spring, a natural spring used during the Roman times. After lunch, our desert tour came to an end, and we drove back to the capital city of Cairo.
It was a wonderful experience and we carried memorable moments from the Great Sahara. The unique beauty of and the tales attached to each place enriched our fascinating expedition and we ended up feeling like a character from an Arabian Nights tale.

How to reach the Sahara:
By road: Organised tours provide air-conditioned vehicles from either Cairo or Giza, which give a full tour of the desert.

Best time to visit:
Egypt is a year-round destination. However, due to its scorching summers, November-March proves to be tourist-friendly months with its pleasant weather.

Cost of the tour:
Depending on the travel agency and the number of stops, the tour cost can range anywhere from USD 300 to USD 350. One must also remember to tip tour guides and drivers as its mandatory to do so, which is about minimum $20 per day.

Some essential tips:
Carry loads of water and food while venturing into the desert.
Carry medicines.
Take care to employ a good guide and driver.

Written for www.domain-b.com

Stars Shine Down

2010-10-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

It was a star studded show last evening at PVR Cinemas, Juhu! It was a private screening of Robot and we were thrilled to have been given an invite. As we entered the cinemas, we were one of the few to have arrived early. We waited inside the lounge eager to get a glimpse of the stars. One by one they finally walked in in their own stylish manner.

Isha Koppikar arrived rather subdued. Kunal Kapoor looked ridiculous with a hat on for some reason. Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra walked in rather confidently and was found engaging in some conversation with a few others. Karan Johar came in a poised manner. Dev Anand and Prem Chopra came in and headed straight towards the giant looking Sofas. Hema Malini came in and greeted Latha Rajnikanth in a warm manner. While Tabu looked rather lost and forlorn. Shriya Saran no doubt looked pretty but seemed to appeared rather whiny for some reason. Reema Sen gracefully posed for photographs with a few fans. The show was about to commence when Amitabh walked in quickly with the media hounding him.

During the intermission, we had a few words with Vidhu Vinod Chopra who appeared to be humble and pleased at the praise meted out for his film 3 Idiots. We got a glimpse of Yash Chopra, Subhash Ghai and Raju Hirani. As we entered the hall, Aamir Khan was found walking down the steps followed by his better half Kiran Rao. There were a lot of whistles and claps for the Superstar. He was so humble and down to earth despite his incredible achievements. Post the show, Big B and Rajni Sir were found exchanging warm pleasantaries with the media clicking pictures furiously. Aamir was asked to pose between them. Following them appeared Aishwarya Rai who looked stunning in a White Salwar. Abhishek Bachchan looked cool,casual and unassuming.

Overall it was an enjoyable evening which went on late. Nevertheless an interesting case of stars shine down where we got a glimpse of the whos who.

Mr Oliver’s Diary: Takes one back to school

2010-10-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

-By Swetha Amit

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/read/20101001_oliver_diary.html

Certain books evoke feelings of nostalgia, propelling one on a walk down memory lane. Thoughts about our school days always brings back fond memories of our friends and teachers and the numerous happy moments shared with them. Ruskin Bond’s latest book ‘Mr Oliver’s Diary’ is a record of the many memorable moments of the students and teachers of a prep school. It creates a sense of longing in the reader for the good old times when he / she was a child and life was stress-free.

The story unfolds in the backdrop of Simla, similar to the setting in several of Ruskin Bond's earlier works. The narrative starts off by describing the train journey of a teacher — Mr Oliver — in the company of hungry and mischievous boys. Back at school, there never is a boring moment, and Mr Oliver records the hilarious events taking place on an everyday basis in his diary. Right from the notes on his pet parrot, sleepwalking students and the eccentric headmaster, to that about his secret infatuation towards a Miss Ramola, his entries are witty and entertaining. His escapades with ‘Bhoot aunty’, frogs in the vicinity and a prowling leopard constitute the latter part of the book.

Mr Oliver seems to be another character of Bond who will be adored by the kids. A vivid narration of his escapades ensures that there exists never a dull minute for the readers. Written primarily for children, it is a book adults can enjoy as well. The pranks and jokes portrayed and the element of mischief underlying the narrative makes it a hilarious read. Those who have enjoyed Bond’s earlier works can be assured of a trip to the foothills of the Himalayas once again with his simple and inspired style of writing.

Written for www.domain-b.com

Goodbye Ganpati Bappa

2010-09-22T23:55:00.000-07:00

So long farewell its time to say Goodbye!

The ten day festival of Ganpati comes to an end as we get ready to bid our favourite God a heartwarming farewell. The last ten days have not been easy on me with regards to work and health. But having immense faith in the adorable elephant faced God helped me pull through this and emerge as a stronger person.

Thanking him for having been there and looking forward to yet another ten day festival of pomp and vigor next year.

Good bye Ganpati Bappa. See you next year.

Ganpati Bappa Morya

2010-09-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of the year when the Lord visits everybody's homes for ten whole days. Delicacies are prepared to pamper their favourite God and make his stay as memorable as possible.

The entire city of Mumbai is in a festive mode with giant Ganpati pandals, dhols and lighting. Not to mention the loud enchanted cries of 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' which can even turn an atheist into a God fearing person.

The remover of obstacles and destroyer of evil: Our Favourite Ganpati Bappa never lets us down. Happy B'day dear elephant faced God and welcome to our abode.

Finding a purpose in life: Pilgrimage to the soul news

2010-09-09T03:47:00.000-07:00

-By Swetha Amit

http://domain-b.com/goodlife/Read/rm_lala.html

It’s not the journey but the destination that matters. Life is one such never-ending journey where many often get lost trying to reach their destination. Giving up the expedition, they go astray, seeking refuge in drugs and alcohol. Few are however determined to continue the endeavour and arrive at the destination of their choice. Others aspire to achieve spiritual awakening, which spiritual leaders down the ages have said is the ultimate purpose of human existence.

RM Lala’s new book titled ‘Finding a purpose in life’ takes the readers on a journey of awakening, enabling them to reflect, retrospect and rethink on their lives. The book is divided into six parts describing 26 powerful people who have contributed to society in various remarkable ways. Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Schweitzer, Jamsetji Tata, Ratan Tata, Nelson Mandela, Sudha Murthy and APJ Abdul Kalam are some of the personalities whose experiences with life have been highlighted in the book; the experiences that led them to become the people they are and helped them achieve a higher plane of existence will especially appeal to the youth of today.

The author explains the difference between ambition and purpose and career and purpose. He also stresses upon how purpose can either be acquired or be instinctive by citing profound examples. The chapters discuss various aspects of human nature such as love, nobility and reaching out to the youth. The aspect of compassion is elaborated upon with a riveting quote from a conversation between the Buddha and his disciple.

Written in a simple yet powerful style, the book is bound to appeal to readers of all ages and professions. ‘Finding a Purpose in Life’ is not just another self-help book, it is a pilgrimage to the inner self which is often left dormant to decay in the flurry of mundane and routine activities of everyday life. The readers are compelled to retrospect and ask questions. The answers they arrive at will eventually help them to find a purpose in their lives which is socially useful and personally satisfying, the key to which lies in a belief in truth and faith in oneself and God.

Available in most leading book stores, the book proves to be light on the wallet. However, its thought-provoking content will weigh on the minds of the readers in the long run.

Written for www.domain-b.com

Teacher's Day

2010-09-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Knowledge is that flame which ignites the minds of the young and old. It is that light which eradicates the darkness called ignorance. Today is that special day where the rays of wisdom lit up the globe making it stand out in pride. 5th September is the birthday of the late Dr. Radhakrishnan which is celebrated as Teachers day. We fondly remember him as the great educationist and his love for teaching.

Teachers are those souls who act as a guiding force throughout our journey of life. School is a home away from home where one is taught to be disciplined, honest and humble human beings. Right from teaching our basics in education, life’s lessons are also learnt in due course of time. They help us to differentiate between the right and wrong, influencing our lives to a large extent. They provide an anchor which helps in shaping our personalities in the right direction. They are those noble individuals who enable and encourage students to develop their talents, confidence levels and live a better life. A good teacher is someone who teaches not only with the mind, but also with the heart.

Today is the day, where students express their heartfelt gratitude to their mentors. They realize and cherish the value of what is taught to them. Students must recognize and respect such teachings as those that would abide them lifelong. We would therefore like to take this opportunity and make this day very special to all our teachers. A hearty thanks to all of you for having making a difference to our lives in a remarkable manner. We would like to conclude this speech with a quote which says that “Teaching is the profession which teaches all other professions.”

Happy Birthday Lord Krishna

2010-09-02T20:34:00.000-07:00

The adorable lad of Vrindavan whose pranks became the spectacular tales in Mythology. One who won over the folks of the same despite his mischievous streak. Be it troubling the Gopis, or stealing butter with his friends, Lord Krishna always came to the rescue of his near and dear ones. From a naughty young lad he soon went on to become the ruler of Dwaraka and a Philosopher, friend and guide to the Pandavas. A true Hero of Mahabharat whose conversations with Arjun led to what comprises our Holy book today. Teachings of the Bhagawat Gita have indeed inspired many to incorporate such lessons into their different spheres of lives.

Wishing this adorable God a very Happy Birthday. A day which is celebrated by millions in the form of breaking 'matkas' filled with delicious butter milk.

Independence Day speech

2010-08-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

In 1947, at the stroke of midnight, when the world was asleep, India saw a new daylight. It was a day when the British were shown the exit gate. And we experienced a feeling of new found joy. The word freedom had developed a new meaning altogether since then. Its value is cherished even after 63 years and will continue to be in the following eras to come.

It took many wars and lives to achieve this magical moment. National leaders like Mahatma Gandhi held several marches and brave soldiers fought hard to strive for this day. So what does freedom mean to all of us? It means the ability to love one and all equally without any bias. It means being free from evils like anger, hatred and violence which destroy humanity. It involves giving respect to our fellow citizens, country and most importantly our National Flag which stands proud for millions to see.

Today is that golden day in History where we pay a tribute to our National leaders and heroes who have attained this joyous moment. It is a day where we stand united just like the three colours on our flag bounded by the Chakra of integrity and compassion. Today is the day where we do not ridicule or fall prey to racism of any form. It is the day where we do not look at one another as a Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi or a Bengali, but as one proud Indian. Similarly we do not look at our country being divided into states by as one beautiful nation.

So what does Independence Day actually mean? It means recognizing our potential for growth and to emerge as a developed nation some day. To recognize and utilize our talents in a manner which will enable us to continue making our mark on the globe. Despite our numerous problems like the ever increasing traffic and the crowded streets, it is the feeling of pride with which we look at our country. Independence day my dear friends, is standing together as one united nation, holding our heads high and getting ready to salute our National Heroes.

Jai Hind!!