Author: praveen
Plans!!
I had enough queries from colleagues, as to whether I want to settle down here or not.. Well I am undecided. Settling down in a place for life? Dunno yet.. havent thought about settling down here at all. I was a bit too much, when Rashmi and Zubin asked me about my buying a house here.. Hmph!
But I didnt have any trouble when Raj asked, where are you going to settle down.. Ideas flowed from my greymatter., and I blurted out.. I will save enough money so that I can retire maximum by the age of 35. By that time, I will have a plot of land in some village in India and I will build my farmhouse.. I will build it using my own design and try to include alternative energy resources. I will be growing the vegetables etc etc.. the farmhouse will have a growing collection of books.. Mostly it will be near a river, where I can take bath. Monday evening to Friday, I will be looking after the farm.. get up late in the morning, Newspaper with the morning cuppah, going to river(occasionaly) for the bath.. come back.. enjoy meal.. Afternoons will be spent looking after the farm and in the evening can stroll into the village and help the people with ideas (like giving the idea of gober-gas plant etc.. which I will be researching for them, help them improve the literacy?) and come back late in the evening, have dinner, retire with a book… maybe write also.. And come friday night.. will be back in the city.. with my family(oh yes!! Family’s most important).. Weekends for family exclusively.. Monday morning, making “dabba” for wife (and kids?!!) dropping her to office, pick her back up in the evening, and after that back to farm house!!!… occasionaly backpacking to different destinations.. learning.. etc etc..
Raj was shaking his head which for the moment meant “Tera kuch nahi ho-sakta”!!(you cant be changed! Hee hee.. Raj dosent realize that I can dream when wide awake..) But I added finally.. these are the current plans(long standing also).. it may change soon.
A little secret: Those who are not happy now cant be happy anytime!!!
The fish-eating frogs!!
Yes.. believe it or not, I have seen fish-eating frogs. They look like normal frogs, but eat live fishes and croak as if they dont know anything!! I got acquainted with this species of frogs during childhood. The two main characters in my childhood, were Prasanth and Pradeep. Prasanth being the eldest was always protective of we both, and that helped us a lot. We three used to stay with our Grandma at our old family house, which was huge, but only we four stayed there. We three had three coconut trees christened to us in the plot on which the huge house stood. There was a well also at the back of the house, which was the main water source during that time for most of the shops in the area.. It was not uncommon for any stranger to walk into the plot with any container and draw water from the well and disappear soon..
The well, which was the focal point, was not that deep, but used to fill upto the brim during rainy days. If the well contained any living organism, that was the frogs and we were sure that they instrumental for our well water being so clean. We three wanted to help those frogs in this job and reached a conclusion that in order to help them in cleaning the water, we will bring in fishes from a distant pond, which will help the frogs in keeping the well clean., and also provide some companionship to the frogs. Once decision was taken, it was only to be implemented. Soon we three were on our Uncle’s cycle, Prasanth riding and myself and Pradeep clinging on to the cycle. We went directly to Pradeep’s friends house, who agreed to help us. We got the required plastic threads and hooks, unearthed some earthworms, packed them in a box and soon were on our way to the pond. The banks of the pond was muddy and we had to do our preparations for catch. Now was the questions as to who will put the earthworms on the hook!! After long deliberations, Pradeep’s friend was forced to do that job for us.. after all, we have to sacrifice a few earthworms for catching the fish, who in turn will help the frogs in keeping the well clean, 
the well, from where the major water supply of the town center was met. I didnt want to touch the earthworm at all and I was against using it as the bait!! but afterall the help that we were doing to the town was more important than the life of the earthworms!!
With the Earthworm set on the hook, it was waiting period.. We had two three sticks with the thin plastic threads on the end of which hung the earthworms on the hook. We were waiting patiently for any movement of the rope and as soon as any moved, we pulled it, sometimes to find the earthworm vanished or othertimes the earthworm still hung at the end. What was required was a lot of patience and indeed it bore results.. As soon as we got the first catch another major obstacle came, as to who will get the fish out from the hook, before it died, since we wanted the fish alive. Pradeep and his friend managed this for us and soon we managed to catch alteast 5-6 ugly looking fishes, which we had to transport the long way back home. The transportation was in stages and soon we reached Pradeep’s friends house, and transferred the fishes from the plastic bags(which were leaking already) to a borrowed bucket! We had a sigh of releif and big satisfaction, as we released the fishes in our well!! We felt like grown up’s, helping others!!
All the evening, we held our heads high and had a sparkle in our eyes for doing something really well!! Alas, little did we know that this was not to last long. Next day morning, when we went to the well again to look for the fishes in the well, we couldnt even find one.. The Frogs were their usual position, but croaked louder now. But no trace of fishes!! We knew at that instant that the frogs in our well had eaten those fishes. Seems like they didnt want anyone interfereing with their work and they cleaned up the new comers also.
Though years have passed since that incident, and the house stands there no more, the well is still there supplying water and with killer frogs in its belly!!
A headache and april fool!
As expected I had a mild headache in the morning, but I didnt mind it and went about cleaning my car. My broken left wing mirror is still broken and I have to fix it! But atleast I cleared my car and now its clean from inside. Drove to Rashmi’s place by around afternoon.. and as soon as I went there, I acted surprised, and I was wondering at them, as they didnt know that War between India and Pakistan had begun at Rajasthan Border!!! Rashmi was soon upset and her whole face turned red, her cousin was in army and was posted at Rajasthan!! Well., I maintained my seriousness as long as I could, before flashing my stupid smile, which brought her senses back!!
Headache was to take its toll and soon I was back home and in my bed resting till at around 8.00 O’ Clock at night.. Hmm interesting.. I have only taken one sick leave during my two years here.. Can I take a sick leave on monday, if I’m sick on Sunday??!! Must ask office tomorrow!!!
Sophies world..
Today I had to go to clients site for some work. I also had to take some backup’s, and I knew I will get some time to spend doing nothing.. Satruday I had made provisions for that.. I had to dig out “Sophies World” by Jostein Gaarder, from the Hillingdon libraries! The book was available at some library, which I have never been to, and after one hour of search and re-directions, I reached the library and grabbed the copy of Sophies world.
Indeed I got time while doing the work and started the journey of philosophy from ancient Greece. By the time I was driving back at around 8.30 night, Plato was on my mind. I was too tired today and went directly to bed.. feel like I will be sick tomorrow!!
My Saaaaambaaar Guru!!!
oops!! I got a comment from my Saambaar Guru!! none other than Praveen.. Yes indeed, I had omitted my dedication to my Sambar Guru. I remember the day, when he used to Stay at Kalyan with Mohanettan. He used to be chief Cook. There were other characters also floating around in the house. Prabha was a character, who used to get drunk and shout at Mohanettan only to get disciplined by him later. Mohanettan was a strict Disciplinarian. Mohanettan wanted Praveen to do IAS!!(he knew that praveen had the potential and encouraged him too). But it was not to happen. It was not long before that he got selected in Textile Committee and moved back to Kerala.
I still dont know, whats the bond between us.. but for me he has been one of the rare persons who have come into my life to make a real difference. I am not in touch with any of my school friends.. I doubt if any remember me also. From collage, I used to roam around with Sunil and Viji(we smoked together, cutting classes), and waste my time., and Roy(another important person in my life, I have lost touch with him) had to bail me out to complete my pre-degree!! Pre-degree was a two year course and at the end of first year, Roy had absconded to become a Christian priest, only to be brought back to collage by his parents.. We used to have several conversations and we grew close by end of second year. I tried to be in touch with him after coming to Bombay, but he was not at his house. Hmm.. I will try to contact him this time, when I come to India. I always had Santosh from childhood, who looked upto me?!(Why?!! I still wonder) I will be meeting him in calcutta, when I come to India!!
My Sambar Guru (Praveen), had also helped me become a more rational thinker.. We still share some bond between us.. He’s an intellectual, I’m anything but an intellectual. Praveen., if you are reading this.. forget it man.. I am lying.. you’re not that great!! (heee heee)
Depression!!!
Our office is my another home.. I have most of my fun there. I sit between Zakir, and Seatal(my sub-boss) and opposite Zakir sits Pat, opposite me sits Neesha, and opposite Seatal sits Richard. Zakir and Richard are by nature quiet, where as Pat and Seatal dont leave any chance to take a dig at anyone.. Me too am in their leauge and Neesha is our Gossip box!! Needless to say, our table is the most alive in the office. So when Seatal was not speaking today, naturally all were curios. He said that he was depressed.. He’s bored and totally depressed.. Others tried to cheer him up but he wouldnt budge and was hanging is head into the monitor.. I had to speak to him and following is somewhat the conversation that expired between us.
“So Seatal, You’re depressed,” I began.
“Yes.. Totally depressed and bored” he replied.
“Really depressed, that you dont find life interesting at all?”
“hmm.. Yes” You could read from his face that he was depressed..
I paused for a while..(I know how to make the conversations dramatic)
“Seatal..”
“yes?!”
“Have you considered Suicide?”
I could hear a clear desperate sighh!!! all around my desk..
“Have you considered Suicide?” I asked again..
“Hmm.. yes!!” he replied
“Have you thought about the method you’re going to adopt?”
“for what?”
“for suicide ofcourse?”
I could hear the protests rising from our desk.. Richard was too vocal, and Neesha too was making faces at me. They were angry that I was not helping Seatal.. But I was helping him!!
“hmm.. yes” Seatal replied
“Have you thought about the cost involved.. and do you have the money for that?” I asked.
Seatal being a bit money consious(no he isnt stingy..) looked at me now..
and said.. “oops.. Suicide is expensive isnt it..”
“Ah.. Yes!! and you have to plan well too”
“Will anyone cry if I die?” he asked..
“Naah.. forget it.. I’ll be happy that I will get two days off!!” I replied..
“I will cry for a couple of days and then I will forget” Neesha said honestly.
For Richard Death was too hot a topic to discuss..
Poor Seatal, a smile was coming on corner of his face.
Soon Neesha and myslef were hatching plot, as to how to take advantage of Seatal during this depression.. I suggested that, We should put Seatal on anti-depressant drugs and make him addicted to that and then we should supply it for a cost and we will soon make him a beggar!! Seatal was listening to all this.. and started laughing!!!
The table was the louder side of the office soon.
interesting fact:- We got several sponsorships for Seatal’s suicide the next day.. people were ready to bear the whole cost for his suicide..
Vote!!
Normally, at office, first thing I do is to check my emails(I’m poor in replying them..), then go on to The Times of india to catchup with the news back home, and occasionaly drop into The Hindu (The best paper, I feel, though I havent read Newspapers in the North of India), before moving and loitering in other journals.. The prominent journals are of Mahesh, Neena and then the blogs of Madman(they provide some interesting reading).
The other day, I was reading the journal of trupti, and she was a bit upset with the political scene of India. And she mentioned, that she hasnt voted??!! My god!! If the educated elite of India dont help deciding the rulers of India, no wonder our country is going to have More Laloo Yadav’s and Mayavati’s. The fundamental right of voting is a Fundamental duty of every adult citizen of India. Those who dont vote(sorry trupti), shouldnt criticize the Government. Yes, I voted, The BJP government did get my vote.. And I am not sad at the “Tehelka” sensation.. I voted for them as the only party, whom I saw could bring a real change in India. I am sure this “Tehelka” thing has prompted them for an introspection and they are considering the Lokpal bill seriously., where all the peoples representatives can be held accountable. I wanted the BJP to go ahead with Uniform Civil Code. I understand, that it, in short will have one law for an Indian Citizen. At present, you have different laws, based on religion.. Hindu law, Muslim law.. I Wonder how we are a secular nation, With different law for different religious people.
Though I cant feel the national mindset after the “Tehelka” episode(I can only see the newspapers, that too online..boo hoo), I still beleive, BJP Stands better than Congress(forget other parties, they dont have a national presence also) in reforming India. No I dont agree with the Babri Masjid Demolition, but I voted for BJP because of the TINA factor (There Is No Alternative!!!). And as to choice between Democracy and Dictatorship.. I am sure India is not suited for Dictator rule, due to the basic fact that India is a huge country with diverse cultures and mindsets, and one dictator will not be able to hold the whole country together..(vajpayee is a different case). Democracy!! yes.. we are moving towards more federalism, whereby which states are given more and more freedom for the betterment of the people. India has got one of the Best democratic setup in the world.. The only minus factor is that its still in paper and not implemented properly.
Yes, I have got some ideas for the Rapid development of India, but need time to put it into words. This topic was a hot topic for discussion between me and Praveen, from whom I have learnt a lot(since he was more politically active than I have been) and I am sure he has got the clear picture than me.
But one request to anyone who read this entry. Exercise your right to vote.
Apprisal
Had my Performance review yesterday..Went really well(Yes.. Really well). After the reveiw I was wondering.. Do I underestimate myself or am I being a bit diplomatic? I rated myself good in most of the counts(I know I am good!!), and I got the review of Very Good!!(taking a bow). Nice to know that my performance has not deteriorated in last one year. But I have identified a lot of areas, where I can really improve. I have had a good exposure here.. Starting off as a programmer, I had adopted to an application consultant, Comms person, network administrator, Notes administrator, asset programmer, EDI consultant, System consultant etc etc.. But has been a good learning experience so far. Oops.. but the expertise is limited.. But a good programmer can be all these easily..(so its nothing great). It all comes logically. Any problem, gives half of the solution as soon as the problem is understood correctly, and the other half of the solution is just implementation. Once that picture is clear, you can solve any problem, be it in any field(only thing requried is interest in that field)..
Live Journal
seems to be the place where you can express your creativity(ie if you have anything like that, unlike me). But can a person completely express himself through words.. I doubt. A portion of the personality is revealed through the words and the way it is expressed, but it dosent bring out the person fully. I have been offlate, getting more and more busy., and the journal is not getting updated properly.. (eg: I am updating this entry on 02/04, well behind schedule.) But it seems that its just a question of organizing oneself correctly. Sorry, I am not that well-organised person. My room transforms from a neatly arranged one to a dump-yard in a matter of a day and then it remains like that, till I really get fed up of it, and clear it all up in an hour(yes, it takes only one hour for me to set everything right..and clean my room). But for this one hour to come., I wait for even days sometimes. On the other hand, whenever I have been to Sunita’s place, I have found it to be spotlessly clean. Maybe it all has to do with habits.
I have been thinking that, I should be using livejournal to put my thoughts in black and white.. some really good ideas(thats what I think) and some really stupid(gee.. I’ve got plenty of them).. Whatever it might be.. maybe I can put all those explicitly and in future, maybe it will provide me with entertainment. Or maybe even I can contemplate and reveiw the things which I have blogged. mebbe, I should start soon. I’m also planning to change the journal to paid account, and integrate with my website, which also needs a major overhaul..(have to put CSS and am too lazy to change all of them.. havent yet developed the photographs taken on the trip to Sweden.) What a lazy twit, I am turning out to be!!
But for the moment, I will concentrate on putting the journal upto-date..