A Mistake should only be rectified, not cultured.

This is with reference to an article that appeared in the Ahmedabad Mirror (Friday, Sept 09, 2011)
http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/2011090920110909025359361ed16ed49/PDPU-officials-ban-students-for-campus-violence.html
Following was my reply to the very biased comments that followed the post.
First of all, my dear fellow PDPU mates, please understand that this is a public forum and not any wall on the campus, where you will write anything you wish to. Not just you guys, not just the whole of PDPU family, this forum is open to the entire world out there. Having said that, do you seriously wish to put up such a tainted picture of your own University in front of the world? I am not saying you are wrong. You have said things with such frankness, there has to be a great deal of truth in it. Then why hide? All you guys are bold enough to reveal huge things about the ill management of the system i.e. PDPU, yet so timid that you can't even display your actual identities? Making fake email IDs and posting anonymous comments! Come on, you can do better! Commenting is easy. But remember, nobody pays heed to a faceless comment. Be bold to at least reveal your real identities.
Secondly, a group of 6 students from the B.Tech 08 batch were involved in the incident. Do not go on blaming the entire batch for what they did. Of course what they did was shameful. But shouldn't we all be ashamed that such a heinous thing took place in our campus? The 'anonymous' guys who have commented before me, they wish to say that 6 seniors had persuaded 14 juniors to 'fight'. My dear friend, "Ashish" (if that is what you wish to call yourself) It always takes 2 palms to make a clap. Don't the juniors have their own decision making ability? Would they do anything and everything that the seniors ever asked them to do? Admit it guys, it was a mistake, committed by 'all' of them, in a state of anger, over petty issues. Even I could go on commenting what a mess B.Tech 09 guys create time and again. And I sure can keep on praising my own batch of its timeless glory. But I won't. Not here!
Thirdly, please do not talk about unity, we all have our own definitions. If I may, remind you of the PDPU Protest, Feb 2011. I am sure you shall never forget that kind of uproar ever in your life.
Fourth, "Ashish", we are in the same college now, who knows we might be in the same company tomorrow. Would you always want to have such a "love-filled" relation with your seniors, and that too all of them? Then , I must, and must wish you all the very best. You shall be respected only when you know how respect others.
PDPU is not the management. It is not the professors. It isn't the huge packages it gets either. It is us, the students. What we do is what defines what PDPU is. And it isn't going to make our career if we keep on lamenting that we are here, or continuously complaining about it. Do something for the university first, and then complain that it is not doing anything in return. Because you like it or not, this name, "PDPU" will stick to you forever. Now if you wish to taint that name, or take it to newer heights, is all your wish.
With solidarity and pride for my University
Abhimanyu Manna
Class of 2012
PDPU

I have nothing more to say for now!

Mmmm… Chicken

I dedicate this post to a dear friend, Saloni Gupta, from Indore, who I have met, for a very brief 15 seconds only, and that too when I didn’t know it was her.
Today, almost a month after my b’day, I finally received the gift she had sent me. And I can’t stop wondering what I would do to her if she had handed this over to me face-to-face ( ) !

The said cookbook which is a heavenly compilation of over a 100 Chicken recipes, says:
“Chicken is one of the tastiest and most versatile meats you can use – it goes with almost every sauce, spice and vegetable under the sun! This cookbook contains mouth-watering recipes for all manner of chicken dishes, including warming soups, quick and easy lunches and impressive main courses.

With its practical advice, easy-to-follow recipes and fabulous photography of each finished dish, there is nothing difficult about this cookbook. In fact, the hardest part will be deciding which of the delicious recipes to try first!

Chicken is a popular favourite with adults and children alike, perhaps because it is such a versatile ingredient that there are heaps of different dishes to suit all tastes.  It can be prepared in lots of ways, from classic roasts to speedy fries and from spicy curries to rich and satisfying stews. It makes great sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and kebabs and is the perfect partner for pasta and rice. It is perfect for any occasion from an elegant dinner party with friends to a relaxed family barbeque.”

My Chicken Song:
When I wake up in the morning
There is one thing on my mind
Its Chicken! Chicken! Chicken!
And more Chicken all the time.
And every now and then I think
How sad this world would be
Without my tasty little friends
So plump and feathery



C – H – I – C – K – E – N
Yeah.. Chicken is my best friend
When I’m down or feeling grey
I grab my fork and clear my plate
Where am I supposed to begin
To explain how much I am in
Love with C – H – I – C – K – E – N
Breakfast Chicken!
Lunch Chicken!
Dinner too Chicken!

Now..what more can I say.. except for..
 Sweet ‘Chicken’ Dreams..!!

Ankleshwar et al.

 

…now, for the greater part of last couple of months I was in Ankleshwar, Gujarat interning at ONGC, in Drilling services. 45 days. You wouldn’t really expect me to take you into the technical aspect of the intern…would you? Now, one thing that I’m sure I learnt, and for ever, was elementary cooking. I experimented with any and every kinda food I caught hold of. Even tried cooking ‘ready to serve’ stuff. Tried a few ‘tougher’ recipes too. And I know what you would be saying under your breath when I say, “It was awesome.” But none of it really matters, does it? Coz I had ‘all’ of them.

Also had a lot of time for myself during these days. ‘Myself’ bole to about my past, present, and (maybe) sometimes about the future too. The difficult part was that I fell asleep whenever I started thinking about my future. And I wouldn’t really wish to share my dreams, with you, here. Although it would be a gigantic treat if my future remotely resembled my dreams.

My laptop has been causing tantrums lately. So I’m having a  new one soon. Its a swanky peacock blue Dell Inspiron 15R (N5110).

I came back to campus early, for a reason I do not see being fulfilled anytime soon.

Life is damp and gloomy.

Till next (& I hope its sooner).

Cheerio!

8 hours to go…

Hey People…Here I am…yet again…

Just 8 hours before my ‘Advanced’ Drilling Technology end semesters, not willing to study anymore (any at all, actually), my mind drifted from one thought to another. Let me try to recall the thought train…

Drilling – Armageddon (movie based on ‘Advanced’ Drilling) – Good movies – Forrest Gump – Idiot - 3 Idiots – Viru Sahastrabudhhe aka Virus – Frizzy hair – No hair – Raghu-Rajiv – Roadies – Karizma – I don’t have a bike – I will have a bike – Graduation next year – Next year 2012 – How would I like to die – How long would I like to live – Who would I live with till my last – Would the ones I have now, be there then too – Future seems so distant – If only I had a Time Machine -

and on…and on…and on…

Many of you would know exactly what I am talking about…burning the midnight oil a night before an exam only sets your mind into a random-er motion. The thought trails get hazy, and it becomes extremely difficult to concentrate.  You would know you are going through one such whirlpool if you close your eyes for a while…pictures flash at speeds you did not think your mind could process… 2 PM becomes 5 PM in no time… And its really weird how more the speed of the flashing, more you feel sedated… I mean…shouldn’t the mind become alert..!!?

Or maybe not… Human mind is a bitch… and is a real mystery… still every year millions of fools try ‘decoding’ it… I ask, “What is the need to ‘understand an understanding’?”

Can’t, ‘at least’ the human mind be free?

I don’t expect my mind to answer that question anytime soon…there I gave it an ounce of freedom…

Feels good to be sedated…

Till next…Cheerio!

Ek Chota sa Paigaam…!

 

Raah dekh rakhi hai us din ki kabse…

Aage ke sapne sajaa rakhe hain na jaane kabse

Bade utaavle hain yahan se jaane ko

Zindagi ka aglaa padaav paane ko…

 

Par na jaane kyu dil me aaj kuch aur aata hai

Waqt ko rokne ka jee chahta hai

Jin baaton ko lekar rote hain

Aaj un par hasi aati hai

Na jaane kyu aaj…unn palon ki yaad…bohot sataati hai…

 

Kaha karta hu badi mushkil se chaar saal seh jaunga

Par na jaane aaj kyu lagta hai ki kuch peeche reh jayega

Kahi-ankahi, hazaaron baatein reh jayengi

Naa bhulne wali kuch yaadein reh jayengi

Meri taang tab kaun kheecha karega?

Sirf mera sar khane ko, tab kaun mera peecha karega..?

 

Jahan do hazaar ka hisaab nahi hoga,

Wahan do-do rupaye ke liye kaun ladega?

Kaun raat bhar jaag kar saath padhega?

Kaun mera lunch mujhse pooche bina khayega?

Kaun mere naye naye naam banayega…?

 

Mai ab bina matlab ke kisse ladunga?

Bina topic ke kisse faltu me bakwaas karunga?

Kaun phone pe, room par, dilasa dilayega?

Kaun galati se number aane par…galiyaan sunayega?

Cafeteria me Slice…kiske saath piyunga?

Wo haseen pal…kiske saath jiyunga…?

 

Aise dost kahan milenge?

Jo khayi me bhi dhakka de ayein

Aur phir tumhe bachane…khud bhi kood jayein

Meri kahaniyon se pareshan kaun hoga?

Kabhi mujhe har ek ladki se baat karte dekh, hairan kaun hoga..?

 

Kaun kahega, “Manna tere joke pe hassi nahi aati?”

Kiske saath boring lecture jhelunga?

Professor ke PJ pe raakshas ki tarah kaun hasega?

Har chote shart pe haarne wale ki treat…

Iss chakkar me ab kaun fasega?

Mere ‘Dramatics’ ko radhhi kehne ki…himmat kaun karega?

Bina dare sachhi raay dene ki…himmat kaun karega…?

 

Stage par ab kiske saath jaunga?

Juniors ko faltu ke lecture kaise sunaunga?

Achanak,  bina matlab ke, kisiko bhi dekh kar, pagalon ki tarah hasna

Na jaane yeh…phir kab hoga?

Keh do doston…dubara sab hoga…?

 

Doston ke liye Professors se kab lad payenge?

Kya ye din phir se aa payenge?

Raat ko 3 baje Maggi khane kaun jayega?

Uncle Sam’s pe pel ke khane ki shart kaun lagaega?

Kaun mujhe meri kabiliyat par bharosa dilayega?

Aur zyada uddne par, zameen pe layega…?

 

Meri khushi me sach me khush kaun hoga?

Mere gham me mujhse zyada dukhi kaun hoga?

Meri ye kavita kaun padhega?

Kaun isse sach me samjhega?

Bohot kuch likhna…abhi baaki hai

Kuch saath…shayad abhi baki hai…

 

Bas ek baat se darr lagta hai doston…

Hum ajnabee na ban jaye doston

Zindagi ke rangon me, dosti ka rang pheeka na pad jaye

Kahin aisa na ho, doosre rishton ki bheed me, dosti dum tod jaye

Zindagi me milne ki fariyaad karte rehna

Agar na mil sake, to kam se kam yaad…karte rehna…

 

Chahe jitna hass lo aaj mujh par

Mai bura nahi maanunga

Iss hasi ko apne dil me basaa lunga

Aur jab yaad aayegi tumhari

Yehi hasi lekar, thoda muskura lunga…

 

Abhimanyu hai mera naam

Aur ye tha mere doston ke liye

Ek chota sa paigaam…!

 

Its 2245 IST… Finally the wait is over…

 

For the last 28 years, India, where Cricket is a religion, and Sachin Tendulkar is God, had been yearning for the coveted ‘Cup’. The wait is finally over…

Under the sang-froid leadership of ‘Cool Captain’, Mahi Dhoni, India cruised through the last 4 matches of the Championship. After the whimsical loss to South Africa (the only loss in the tournament, apart from a tie with England), the Indian side took matters to their pride. It is not everyday day that West Indies crumble so pitifully. Neither very often do we get to see Australia being beaten up to a shameful retreat. The champions for the last 3 consecutive World Cups (1999, 2003 & 2007), who ruled over the Cricketing World for the longest period, had absolutely no chance at defeating the team the had been quoted to have to strongest batting line-up in the tournament. India entered the Semis.

The first duo that comes to mind when we think of Cricketing rivalry is India vs. Pakistan. A fan from ‘any’ corner of the living world, would be a fool to consider any other duel greater. What more could one ask for? (apart, of course, from an Indo-Pak Finale) The semi-final match witnessed some really good moments. The legendary Pakistani pacer Waqar Younis was seen ‘sweating’ under the Mohali heat. The fastest centurion, Shahid Afridi, was seen lurking behind the silhouette at the presentation ceremony. I never saw a better example of what we affectionately call “G**nd fatke haath mein aana” before. India were set to face Sri Lanka in the Finals, a team who were known for their consistent performance throughout the contest, and in Sangakkara’s words a day before the match, “We’re just 100 overs away from glory.” (P20, TOI, April 02 ‘11) (Read on to know how his statement changed!)

After the very “fit-for-a-win-103*” knock by the ex-Lankan-Captain, Jaya and a hefty target of 275, billions of hearts skipped a beat the moment Tendulkar was caught at first slip. The entire nation kept its fingers crossed for the Master Blaster who was all set to complete his ‘Century-Centuries’ in the 2011 World Cup Finals. It was disappointing.

But people, look at it this way, 99 had remained Sachin’s jersey-number for quite a long time. Also, he has been dismissed at the score 99 for the most number of times in the world. After a World Cup win, this is the best time for Tendulkar to step down, at his peak, just one step behind the glorified “100”, marking a respect to the fact that we are human beings, we are imperfect, and kisi mahaan insaan ne kaha bhi hai, “Imperfections make us human, and we love it!”   

Mahi was especially impressive in the Finale. Having performed not-so-impressively throughout the season, Mahi took a bold step and came to the field before Yuvi. His responsible knock of 91* was quick, saved our asses, and ended with a hard hit that set the ball flying to the stands at Wankhede. The look on Dhoni’s face when he hit the sixer wasn’t joy. It was Pride. He froze in that stance for a moment, and then swung the bat as if it was a sword.

At Indian Standard Time 22:45, we became World Champions. The victory shot ended the 28-year long wait.

The team dedicated the win to the nation and Sachin Tendulkar. Said Sachin, “This is the proudest moment of my life.” Gary Kirsten was a proud coach. Man of the match: Dhoni, Series: Yuvi. Sangakkara said, “Indians were unstoppable. Anything less than 350 would not have been enough to restrict them."

“And India lifts the 2011 ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP…”

Champagne and Pride all around…

Fucking proud to be an Indian…!

What more do I write…

Yeh India ka Cricket hai…Bhidu!

P.S: A dear friend’s composition (Hope you don’t mind Sid!), do check it out http://mystochasticworld.blogspot.com/2011/04/moment.html

HOW TO IDENTIFY DIFFERENT CITIZENS OF INDIA

Do read this…its funny…received it on my mailbox…

 

Scenario 1

Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes along, sees them and walks on.

That's MUMBAI

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

Scenario 2

Two guys are fighting.

Both of them take time out and call their friends

on their mobiles.

Now 50 guys are fighting.

You are definitely in PUNJAB!!!

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

Scenario 3

Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes along and

tries to make peace.

The first two get together and beat him up.

That's DELHI

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

Scenario 4

Two guys are fighting.

A crowd gathers to watch.

A guy comes along and quietly opens a Chai-stall.

That's AHMEDABAD

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

Scenario 5

Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes.

He writes a software program to stop

the fight.

But the fight doesn't stop because of a virus in

the program.

That's BANGALORE

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

Scenario 6

Two guys are fighting. A crowd gathers to watch.

A guy comes along and quietly says that

"AMMA" doesn't like all this

nonsense.

Peace settles in...

That's CHENNAI

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

Scenario 7

Two guys are fighting and a third guy comes along, then

a fourth and they start arguing about who's right.

You are in KOLKATA

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

Scenario 8

Two guys are fighting.

Third guy comes from nearby house and says,

"don't fight in front of my place,

go zumwhere yelse and kyeep fighting".

That's KERALA !

------------ --------- --------- --------- -

and the best one is ....

Scenario 9

Two guys are fighting.

Third guy comes along with a carton of

beer.

All sit together drinking beer and abusing each other

and all go home as friends.

You are in Rajasthan !!!

I AM AMONGST THE LIVING...

It's been ages since I last blogged.

I started to burn out. Been extremely busy.

My plans for the dinners with Juhi came to a halt when I couldn't get time.

I was in the dumps...

I've been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.

A lot of us struggle to find our place in society.

Some may never find it.... not to say me.

But one thing is for certain. I will hang on to writing.

No matter how bad things may seem.

Whether I'm talented enough for the job...

I'll just keep writing.

I know many people don't believe that I can do this well...

But eventually... it falls back on me and whether I'm willing to put in some work to hone my craft.

I wish life was a bed of roses... but it seems there are more thorns now.

Anyhow...tomorrow, many more jobs await completion...

Whatever happens... happens.

I'm just going to put in the work.

See what turns out.

If they are cool with it, thank God.

They are not... thank God again...

I know...I know...I dont believe in him...

I gotta concentrate on my life...

I don't want to be 20 and still wander around thinking what is in it for me in life. I dont want to live for all but myself anymore.

I think I have to do something soon.

Maybe I can write that book.

Eventually, I'll get somewhere.

I just hope things are just going to be okay.

And I am hoping for the best...

Till Next

Love

Ciao

Wo dekho ek Engineer chala ja raha hai...

Here is a poem on an Engineer... It is (obviously) not an original. However, it remains very close...

Apne Project ke bojh tale dabaa ja raha hai

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai...

Zindagi se hara hua hai, Par schedule se haar nahi manta,

Apne Area ki ek ek beam isne analyse ki hai,

par aaj kaun se rang ke 'socks' pehne hain, ye nahi jaanta,

Din par din ek excel sheet banata ja raha hai,

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai...

Piperack mein failed beams dhoond leta hai par,

Majboor dost ki aankhon ki nami dikhayi nahi deti,

PC pe hazaar windows khuli hain,

Par dil ki khidki pe koi dastak sunayi nahi deti,

Sunday nahata nahi, week days ko naha raha hai,

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai...

Kitabon me gulab rakhne wala , Outlook mein red flag lagaa raha hai,

Dil ki zameen se armaano ki vidayi ho gayi,

Din bhar mails ke jawaab de raha hai,

Weekends pe daroo peke jo jashn mana raha hai,

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai...

Maze lena ho iske to poochh lo,

"Salary Increment" ki party kab de rahe ho,

Hansi udana ho to pooch lo,

"On site" kab ja rahe ho?

Wo dekho Foreign se laute team-mate ki chocolates kha raha hai,

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai...

Kharche bad rahe hain, Baal kam ho rahe hain,

Salary ki date ati nahi,

Income Tax ke sitam ho rahe hain,

Lo phir se bus chhoot gayi, Auto se aa raha hai,

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai...

Pizza gale se nahi utarta,

To "Coke" ke sahare nigal liya jata hai,

Office ki "Thaali" dekh muh banata hai,

Maa ke haath ka khana use roz yaad aata hai,

"Sprout Bhel" bani hai phir bhi, Free "Evening Snacks" kha raha hai,

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai....

Aapne ab tak li hongi bahut si chutikiyan,

ek engineer ke jivan ka sach batati ye aakhri kuch panktiyan,

Hazaron ki tankhwah wala, Company ki karodon ki jeb bharta hai,

ek engineer wahi ban sakta hai, Jo lohe ka jigar rakhta hai,

Hum log jee jee ke marte hain , Zindagi hai kuch aisi,

Ek fauj ki naukri, doosri ek Engineer ki ,Dono ek jaisi,

Is kavita ka har shabd mere dil ki gehrayi se aa raha hai,

Wo dekho ek engineer chala ja raha hai...

A 'Guzaarish' for 'Emptiness'..!

 

 What a movie... Guzaarish. Bravo! Sanjay Leela Bhansali delivers yet another masterpiece. The sets, cinematography, cast selection, dialogue delivery, screenplay, everything so close to perfect! Marvelous!

No guys, I am not going to post a review of the movie here. It is just something that I connected to, an hour ago, while watching the movie. And, by God ki kasam, what a stupendous performance by Hrithik. Especially the part he gets extremely angry and frustrated, and then suddenly starts laughing madly. I watched that part again and again, and every time I caught a new nerve twitch. Equally appreciable show by Aish. All-in-all, I loved the movie. After a long time I watched a movie, connected to it, loved it so much that I would not want to watch it again.

Because I will never forget it!

Soon after I finished watching the movie, a friend sent me a song. New, and nice!

 Looked it up on the net.

Emptiness(Lonely) by Rohan Rathore.

"A three minute song that takes you on a long journey of memories!"

Something about the Singer before anything else: The Singer Rohan Rathod was an IIT-Guwahati student who was suffering from cancer and died 15 days after recording this song. He loved a girl and dedicated this song to that girl.

You can download it here

Both of these together triggered something in within me, what I had a hard time explaining to Juhi, and urged me to ponder. And then wonder. Life is such a beautiful feeling. The smallest of things at times bring about the biggest of changes in our lives.

Life events come into your lives to teach you something. The Universe is always steering you where you are meant to be. When you resist and fight to have it your way, well, then you will get zinged because sometimes what your EGO wants is not what the Universe (who some say is the Creator, in other words GOD. It is your wish what to believe.) has in store for you. It is kind of like getting onto a raft and then letting the current of the stream take you for a ride. You don't have to paddle or apply any effort. The energy of the water is carrying you. However, when you try to go against the stream or go upstream, as many people want to do in life, well, you end up exhausted, angry, bitter and completely confused. The key is to 'Let Go' and 'Enjoy the ride!'

Essentially, illness, struggle, and drama is not trusting the process of life and wanting to go against the stream. The magic comes when you can learn to trust the Universe and LET GO, really let go and stop trying to control everything in life.

So, for rapid emotional uplift you must go deep within yourself and ask...what am I really feeling? Then write down what comes up. Let those feelings be there for the moment. Honor those feelings and talk to them and say..."I know you are there...I feel you". Tell those feelings that it is OK to express themselves. Let whatever comes simply express itself. If it is anger be angry...if it is frustration be frustrated...if it is bitterness then be bitter...if it is love...then love. Allow the emotions to fully express themselves. Keep your concentration on the center of the feeling. You will find that when you are honest with your feelings and really acknowledge them and express them fully....these feelings will start honoring you too...and go the way for your best!

So this is your soul-friend Abhimanyu Manna, saying

“Ye life bohot choti hai doston. Par dil se jiyo to bohot hai.  So go on, break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably... And never regret anything that made you smile!”

Sing with me...

"Ayayo mayayo ya ya mayayo ya ya mayayo ya ya mayayo…"