हीन्दी में ब्लोग्गिंग करने का पेह्ला अनुभव ...

सप्रेम नमसते! आज मुझे पता चला कि मैं ब्लोग्गिंग भी हीन्दी में कर सकता हूँ, बीना ज़्यादा मेह्नत कीये, और यह जानकार मुझेबहुत ख़ुशी हुयी है। इसका कारण यह है कि, मैं शायद हिंदी में जल्दी टैपीन्ग कर लेता हूँ बजाय कि इंग्लिश में। मुझे काफी अछ्छा महसूस हो रहा है.

Salt or Pepper ...

Off late being at restaurants has now become a routine or a trend. Its major concern has been for having one's hunger fulfilled, but thanks to the variety of dishes that one can have, it has now become an arena for celebrations. Sometime or the other millions of people, all round the globe spend a considerable amount of time at either the coffee shops or the restaurants.

You can find one relishing food, celebrating with others, having a discussion, casual meetings, business deals and lots more being done at such places. And the best and only everlasting partnership which I've noticed is of the Salt and the Pepper.

These are two very good friends who are always together at every place. Both of them being very opposite in nature, the former acts as a flavour enhancer to your food, and the latter spices up your food. One is silent, and the other can make you violent, not really violent, but I've read somewhere that having spicy food, makes one aggressive.

What taste does life have? Is it salty or spicy? What balance are we tending to have in our lives? Can the same partnership persist in our lives as well? I just don't know.

All I know is that we can certainly nourish our life by adding a pinch of salt, we can enjoy the taste we want, if we want to see ourselves smiling, then we have to make others smile as well.
If we want others to be around us while we are upset, then we have to realize that even we have to be around them.

Its not about give or take; rather its all about having a sharing and caring attitude towards life. People do ask me as to how can they be calm at the worst of situations, and I usually say, "Take good care, everything shall be fine."

Its just that a few words which we share makes a difference to others lives, its about adding the right quantity of salt to it. You add more, you regret and if you add less, you don't enjoy the flavour you expect from life.

Moreover, we all want our lives to be fun filled, exciting, spicy and so we also want to add a pinch of pepper to it. But we tend to miss out the fact that mere excitement in our lives can not bring the kind of spiciness we desire.

A balance of both the salt and the pepper can only bridge the gap between what we want and how much we want. The more tasty you want your life to be, the more caring you have to be, and the more spicy you want your life to be, the more sharing you have to be.

Life's Proceedings ...

Today's day had a great charm for me. It started up by being late for Viva-cum-Interview held at the campus, which was fine with me, I somehow managed to reach there at my turn.

And then came up an event for which I was waiting for almost two days. It all so happened that a very good friend of mine (not that very good, but yes, a good and a reliable one for sure!) had called me up a couple of days back, and asked me to be at the Rang Sharda Auditorium at Bandra.

I wasn't informed as to what was going to happen there, but as she insisted me to be there, I couldn't resist it. The day was a good one, which indeed brought in a different or rather I should say, made me think in a lateral manner for a while. It had a good crowd of around nine hundred youngsters, yes youngsters, within whom I was one of them. It was pleasant to be amongst them.

I had noticed a couple of things there. One, people worship those who create fortunes for them, I don't understand why? But they do worship them. Two, the hoard of youngsters is moving towards a scenario where-in money shall be the ultimate goal and not knowledge or anything else. Three, opportunities in today's world are plenty, and I mean it. Many more thoughts on it, but I feel, am not able to put them up, right now.

I've in fact, lost yet another opportunity in my life but if I would have grabbed it up, it would have definitely changed the way things are around me, but then I've now realized that not every opportunity knocked at your door is meant for you, and even if it is, then it has come to you quite early, and you shall only have to respond to it at the right time, and that time shall definitely come very soon.

To be very honest enough, I certainly have a few regrets in regards to opportunities that I've knowingly not grabbed up, but then I do have in mind that Life is beautiful, and its beauty is still awaiting me. The best in life is awaiting me, to grab up, and that day and time shall be mine.

And yet another reason as to why I am not feeling low is a very good one for me, for sure. As I moved away from the Auditorium in the evening, I went towards the Bandra Bus Stop and at the BEST canteen there, I grabbed a couple of wada-pavs, to satisfy my hunger.

And then, an old man, who was in torn-out clothes, very dusty and dark, his face seemed as if he was really upset with things around him, his expressions said that he was not very much satisfied about it, and he came up to me and said, "Mere liyeh ek chai le lo". I asked what? He said, "Ek chai".

Since, as I was really dejected as per the set of events throughout the day; my very first reaction was not at all good, and I really feel bad about it. But then, I just forgot my state of mind, and asked the person at the other side of the counter, to offer him whatever he had asked for. The old man grabbed up his cup of tea and I could see his happiness in his smile.

I asked him as to why was he not working for himself such that he could afford it all alone, he very honestly said, "mere liyeh koi kaam nahin hai"; "there is no work for me".

I was really upset about it as I simply couldn't do anything for him; but was somewhere or the other, glad about it that I could get him - not much - but a cup of tea, as to when he felt like having it.

I was wondering as to did he have ever any opportunities in his life? If yes, then did he not grab them or had he been on the wrong track? I don't know as to whether he could really make something good, even if he would be given with an opportunity? I just don't know anything about it!

But this is what is happening in life, I could see some millionaires today with loads of opportunities, and also those who don't have any opportunities, today in their lives.

Life is really beautiful, its just that I have to learn to keep my state of mind not to affect it from any other thing, if this would have been the case, I would have reacted it the first time, in a very good manner.

Also, I did make that very good friend of mine feel low as well, as to she was really concerned about me missing an opportunity. She remembered me, bothered to show care for me, had faith in me, and believed that I could do something good, but then I couldn't do anything for her. I am really SORRY for her, and THANKFUL as well for the care and concern.

I hope to do something good ahead, and keep up her words. I hope to learn about utilizing opportunities. I hope to learn to keep my state of mind within my mind. Alas, I hope to desperately do all that I hope and I will.

Free Hugs ...

I am really refreshed and delighted now, as to after watching a video at youtube. Its about a "free hugs" campaign. I will not embed the video here but one can surely check it out at youtube.

Its a novel concept and had received a lot of response from around the world. But India lacked behind and the most important point here is not to go about saying as to why we lacked behind, but is just to say that in our daily lives, we should not stop ourselves from delivering a hug to anyone, anytime, anywhere!

Reminds me of Munna Bhai's Jaddo ki Jhappi.

A lot more on the campaign as in the history of the campaign, worldwide responses, publicity etc.. can be found here.

Respect Demystified ...

Respect is something which varies from cultures to cultures, which varies from the environment I've been in and the environment in which the other has been, which is either biased or unbiased, which has got varied connotations in diverse situations.

A very small incident which was in fact not more than a few seconds to last, left an impression on me. Today, as the lecture was being conducted, one of my friend's pen had fell on to the floor. He then slightly moved his leg, towards where the pen had fallen, and then brought the pen to a place closer to his body. Following which he had bent his body, towards the pen to grab it up.

After which, he touched the pen to his forehead. As far as I know, we generally touch certain things which had fallen to our feet - but deserved respect, so in order to give it back its respect, we touch it back to our forehead.

I was shocked to see it, just because, not to bear the pain for his body, he disrespected it by touching it with his leg, and then gave it back its respect by touching it to his forehead. And then this is what I do in my daily life, I hurt someone and then say "sorry".

We respect someone for many reasons - the faith we have in one, the approach which one takes, the role which one plays and many more. But as far as I feel, we don't have the right to first disrespect anyone or say anything, and then respect it.

I need to realize that I should not be providing one with the medication, but in fact, should support one, as to avoid such a scenario. I need to understand that for giving respect, I don't have to make the other person deprive of it, and then re-enforce it back in to him/her.

I need to very well realize that respect can't be attained at the cost of disrespect; but can only be attained by giving respect.
Wake up Ankit! Wake up!

Its not your friend's fault; its his actions that wanted to convey the message to you, and yes, as far as your friend is concerned, he shall definitely realize the same, some day or the other!

Preserve Words ...

This is one such incident which had found its way in the newspaper "The Times of India", I hope I am able to recall it the way it was.

One day, a man abused Buddha. Buddha listened to each and every word in silence. When the man finished, Buddha asks him "Son, If a man declines to accept a present offered to him, to whom will it belong?".

The man replied, "to the person who offered it".

Then buddha smiled and said, "I refuse to accept your abuse, please keep it for yourself".

We need to preserve our words for the good, rather than for misusing them. We need to realize the fact that every word said, and moreover the way it is said, can make a lot of difference - it can make an individual tense, it can make an individual feel upset, and even more than what I can say.

But we have to make sure that it does bring a smile on one's face, without hurting the other. We need to present others with what we feel - the other person deserves, keeping in mind that it can be meant for us as well.

We don't do things intentionally, but then it does happen, and we are not left with any other choice, other than to apologize, its good to accept our mistakes, but then we are not supposed to repeat it time and again. We need to realize that our mistakes are never repeated, in fact, they are those from whom we learn, we learn to live ahead, we learn to make our surrounding pleasant, we learn to make things beautiful, just because that our life is beautiful!

A nail once hammered on any piece of wood, can definitely hang on many things, but when the burden on the nail increases, it just falls off, and then, the wood is left all alone, alone with the pierce which the nail had offered it.

It is the same case with our life as well, we say something which hurts one, and we keep saying it, but we never realize or we can never quantify as to the amount of pain which we had offered the other person, and other person is left with it and ... I don't know what? but something is for sure!

I can recall a yet another incident from a recent bollywood movie, "Guru". There is a scenario in the movie where the actor is convicted with many crimes for violating the laws, and he doesn't utter a word, but when the final hearing is being done, he speaks up, and says, "Main toh baniyaan hoon, awaaz aaj ke liyeh bacha rakhi thi".

I know that this incident doesn't make much sense, but it does convey that we need to preserve our words, preserve it for the good, preserve it for the best, preserve it till its need is felt the utmost, and alas, preserve it till we need to preserve.

Opportunity Missed ...

In the midst of life we often tend to forget many-a-times to thank people who have often shown concern for us, the people who have helped us, the people who have supported us, the people who have always stood besides us, the people who have taught us, the people who pave our way for success, the people who've caught our little finger and taught us to walk, the people who care for us and this list can never end ...

Its just a small incident which I would like to share. Today, in the evening as I was approaching from a door to the other, at our campus lobby, a faculty of mine was leading my way. She was probably thirsty and moving towards the cafeteria to have a couple of glasses full of water to quench her thirst, but for her hard luck, she was not able to find any glass which was unused!

The moment she realized that I was along the same way - she was. She expressed a moment of concern and gratitude, and left the door half opened such that I could follow up quickly and would have to put-in less pain while re-opening it.

It was my responsibility to thank her for the respect which she gave me as belonging to the same religion of humanity. And believe me, it did click my mind as well, but I don't know as to why was I not able to express her the same. I've definitely left her an off-line scrap, but I doubt as to whether it was the right way to thank her?

I believe, I have to realize the fact that my words of just saying her "thank you, ma'am" would have kept her doing the same with others, ahead in her life as well.

I've missed this opportunity for sure, but have to keep in mind as to not hesitate next time in future. Probably, thats why people say, "A smile in gratitude or a few words said make a difference!"

Embarrassing Scenarios ...

Getting myself involved into various discussions, especially with people whom you hardly know, people whom you've just met, people before whom you don't want to be wrong, people before whom you are just the way you are, brings a certain aspect to my mind which describes me to just be calm at such situations.

I know its very strange to say this; but it has often happened to me. Its just that I've realized many-a-times, while I've been in a discussion and when I'm leading it, I go on and on and after some time I've realized that "No, I am wrong! and I now have to get back without any one noticing it!"

Its very difficult to be normal and stay calm at such situations, because the discussions have been crucial and I really wonder as to how could I get things back to normal such that people who have been listening or rather arguing with me, don't give me a smash at my back and say "See, we told you that you will be going wrong!"

Probably, some of the embarrassing situations which I've gone through, but its really been pleasing to be in such a scenario, as it is when I have to accept that "Yes, I was wrong" and without which I would be in a dreadful world. Embarrassing scenarios are also our best teachers, this is what I've discovered over sometime.

Wonders ...

Wonders have always surrounded me every now and then. A very small wonder has taken place with me which might infact not be a wonder at all, but this is the way how I am now able to perceive myself and its quite a bit ambiguous as to what and why am I feeling so?

Had called up a very good friend of mine who was at the other end of the communicating device which was more than 500 kms. away from where I am. He was feeling good as when I called him up, just because of the fact he had remembered me an hour ago we started the conversation, (which did long for more than 70 minutes) and believe me I had no plans to talk to him, but any how my fingers touched the key pad of my friend's mobile and I managed to call him up.

Its been a very trivial one, and it was that I got to speak to many of the old friends - thanks, to the loud speakers and conference facilities - and everyone started sharing their problems which they have been facing since a very long time, at least since I've last met them. The fact was that their personal problems started flowing in and despite of being together amongst each other, no one was ever able to know what the other had been feeling and why?

It was accidentally that my call had brought every one of them very close to each other and believe me their tears started rolling out. I could hear the silence speaking aloud. I could hear what everyone was about to say even without they could have said it.

Everyone has been facing family problems - majorily of which is driven by finance - and others losing their morale. I could hardly do anything for those dealing with the finance problems, when I myself have been in to it and still in.

But yes, as far as the morale is concerned I'm now feeling a lot low and have lost myself in a larger sense. I just do not know as to what should I be doing? and more importantly even if I know, I don't know how to do it?

This state of my mind has been very rightly pointed out by my friend.

He said me, "Ankit, the problem with is you that you belong to a different class of people, the class which knows the problem, states it and immediately gets the solution", he named it saying that they belong to "the confused class of people".

He was very true and the wonder still continues that despite of me being far away from everyone, I had been able to let open-up others, let them bring out the deeper problems rather than the false smiles which we've been carrying for a long time.

I really need a "Jaddoo ki Jhappi" now, but have to stay without it!!

Wanting ... but for what ??

The human mind is full of desires; we realize the value of what we do not have and we hardly tend to realize the value of what we have.

Its just the essence in life which makes us so obsessive that we are always hungry; hungry for food, hungry for wealth, hungry for happiness, hungry for love, hungry for faith, hungry for belief, hungry for glories, hungry for fame and hungry for what not?

Why do we need to request the lord (or say anyone) for what we want? Why is it that we can't just get what we want? Is it because a balance has to be maintained!

Oh gosh, balance for what?

Balance, between the truth and falsity, between the good and the evil, between faith and skepticism, between love and hate ... ??

I do believe, that yes, the balance should exist, but I doubt whether this balance shall lead us somewhere or nowhere!

We all need some faith and belief in ourselves, we all want to be what we really are, we don't want to show the world that we are the way we are; its just that we are not recognized, the way we are.

We want more - the world says give me more and yeh dil maangey more - and more. But first, it is the fact, that whatever more is given should be accepted and if not, it should at the least be acknowledged either to take us in the right direction or to take us away without which we are left hopeless and we really are in a mess as to where should we head towards and the more importantly, how?

Not knowing the way to have belief-in-myself, my Gmail Status today says that "Certain things come into our life, which we never wanted; and those which we want, never ever turn up for us."

Pay or Praise ??

Every time I be to a restaurant, after having my meal, I've always wondered as to whether should I pay the person - his/her tip - who had served me?

The answer which I used to get was always 'no' as I thought that why should I pay one, as one might anyways be getting the salary. And moreover, what if the person feels bad about it, as he/she might take it as if he/she is given something in kind?

But I've now come across this short story, and I wonder as to what should I be now doing? Read on, and you'll come to know,

In the days, when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 years old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.

"How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.
"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.

The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.

When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see he couldn't have the sundae, because he wanted enough left to leave her a tip.

Always remember those who served you!

And now, I am even more confused as to what am I supposed to do, should I remember him/her by paying or just go up to his/her's manager's desk and praise?

Are Your Potatoes Heavy ??

A teacher once told each of her students to bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes to school. For every person they refuse to forgive in their life's experience, they chose a potato,wrote on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of their bags were quite heavy.

They were then told to carry this bag with them everywhere for one week, putting it beside their bed at night, on the car seat when driving, next to their desk at work.

The hassle of lugging this around with them made it clear what a weight they were carrying spiritually, and how they had to pay attention to it all the time to not forget and keep leaving it in embarrassing places. Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated to a nasty smelly slime. This is a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our pain and heavy negativity!

Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person, and it clearly is for ourselves!

A Paragraph Explaining Life ...

Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS which he got due to infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: "Why does GOD have to select you for such a bad disease"?

To this Arthur Ashe replied: The world over -- 5 crore children start playing tennis, 50 lakh learn to play tennis, 5 lakh learn professional tennis, 50,000 come to the circuit, 5000 reach the grand slam, 50 reach Wimbledon, 4 to semi final, 2 to the finals, When I was holding a cup I never asked GOD "Why me?".
And today in pain I should not be asking GOD "Why me?"

Happiness keeps u Sweet, Trials keep u Strong, Sorrow keeps u Human, Failure Keeps u Humble, Success keeps u Glowing, But only God Keeps u Going.....

Keep Going ...

Refusing to Accept Failure ...

Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man to climb Mount Everest. On May 29, 1953 he scaled the highest mountain then known to man-29,000 feet straight up. He was knighted for his efforts. He even made American Express card commercials because of it! However, until we read his book, High Adventure, we don't understand that Hillary had to grow into this success. You see, in 1952 he attempted to climb Mount Everest, but failed.

A few weeks later a group in England asked him to address its members. Hillary walked on stage to a thunderous applause. The audience was recognizing an attempt at greatness, but Edmund Hillary saw himself as a failure. He moved away from the microphone and walked to the edge of the platform. He made a fist and pointed at a picture of the mountain. He said in a loud voice, "Mount Everest, you beat me the first time, but I'll beat you the next time because you've grown all you are going to grow... but I'm still growing!"

Writing mails ...

I have noticed a very peculiar attitude amongst people while analysing written mails. Its just that when I try to write mails following all the principles of good writing - in English - people get an instinct that I am trying to be formal with them. This has happened many-a-times, and even if I am in a very jolly mood, then it seems to them that I am in a very serious mood. It has left me with no choice at all. I really feel rediculous as to what should I be doing??

I wonder many-a-times, as whether should I stop writing by using the conventions defined, and just follow the normal cozy style of language - the creepy chat language??

Whenever I've written mails in such a fashion, it is most likely that I do get a reply from the other end, else I have to wait a lot ... Gosh!

It really ponders me whether the way one writes, ever affect what one wanted to convey or convey one's mood! And not really the style of writing, rathar the spell check and the proper grammar. Be formal in writing or jus b in4mal?

Its just that Life is beautiful and I have to understand a lot, mysteries are endless here in this life, the more it is solved, the better it is for me and others!

Repeating his words ...

Yesterday, I had missed an article - the Cosmic Uplink at the ET - on "Toughness within, manifested without" which a friend of mine repeatedly reminded me throughout the day to have a glance on it, Thanks to her!!

The author, K Vijayaraghavan, has emphasized that one has to be strong enough from within one's own self, and more importantly has to be truthful and loyal as well. He has rightly pointed out that, one should never ever be so cruel and so hasty that one forgets how to forgive? Wherein forgiveness is the most beautiful way of living life! ...

... and unless we actually master the art of forgiving, we shall hardly know the way in which we are heading towards! Moreover, hatred should not be long enough to sustain within one's heart. Actually, where does it lead to ?? Nowhere, and absolutely nowhere!!

Its just that we tend to take ourselves bound by our ego and thats the most disgusting part of our life. And also, the most toughest part today is that, we dont accept our mistakes and don't seek forgiveness, maaf karnaa toh durr ki baat hai, pehle hum maafi maangna toh seekh le !!

In the third para he has - in specific - said the most perfect thing! He briefs what and how should we react to circumstances when we become big (not in size, but in popularity!) and famous - and in fact - when we become one in thousands, he says, we should also remember that we can only be one in thousands, when we are amongst them, and even after being one of them, we have to take each one of them, together along with us.

Quoting him, "talk with the crowd and keep your virtue,/ Or walk with kings — nor lose the common touch." We have to be humble and down to earth, the perfect lesson for the day!

The next para, reminds me about what my friend Sonam used to say me during college days and thats what she repeated to me while she wrote a testimonial for me. She wrote that whenever I am in any difficulty or get frustrated, then I should just say a "Oh!" ... and simply carry on ... !!

Great thoughts to keep in mind, that are gradually inspiring my mind and hope it does get!!

Thinking Big ...

Discussion with Sasi Sir today has made one thing - some sort of - clear as to what is Thinking Big?

Before that I would like to correlate it with a different person, he is the COO (Administration) of Syntel India Inc. (I am unable to recall his name!). I met him while I was the Amity SIFE Team Leader and had been to Mumbai in the Mid of June, 2006.

Our team had been here to participate at the final stage (in India) i.e. at the National level, wherein we had to compete with the best B-Schools in India (such as the IIM's, NMIMS, SP Jain and many more). We had done five projects which were to serve the people of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan in having supporting them to build their basic infrastructure, create economic opportunities, improving habitation etc. Our team (to our surprise) was the team 1 in the 1st slot.

It was this person who was our judge, all this happened on 18th June in the Morning, and on 19th Evening during the closing dinner, he came up to me while I was dining, and was explaining me and my team as in where we were wrong and missed the chance by certain mistakes else we would have been representing India at the International Level.

He briefly explained me that our projects and the work which we had done was excellent but we lacked one basic instinct, and that was nothing - and in fact everything - but Thinking Big!

He said me that I had given actual facts and figures - in terms on goals - that were achievable in the near future but I could not convey my long term goals, and insisted me to get to think big, and then only, I would be able to achieve it.

But today, I had a discussion with Sasi Sir regarding my TCOM evaluation sheet and guess what this blog had let him know about the problem - not really! - that I was facing. It was good to discuss with him, as I came to know wherein I had been wrong.

But the actual mistake which I had done was that I was unable to convey what were the actual steps that I was going to take and it was - perhaps - the language that was misleading him, and he said me one thing, over and again that I had the big picture in my mind and was focusing on the smaller issues that are actually negligible. (I may not be able to forget the Nobel Prize and the Classroom example which he gave me!)

All I needed was to bridge up this gap in a very coherent manner. Thinking big not only implied that we should think big - in terms of goals, or targets etc.. - and not the smaller things as well, but to actually link up the gap as to what is to be achieved and how it is to be achieved! Think Big Ankit, Think Big ... !!

The Effect ... which a smile can leave!

Yesterday, I was feeling very happy as I was about to meet my parents, and was keenly awaiting through out the day for the clock to tick to 17:30 hrs. as that was the time when the bus - here at CDAC - was about to leave. Every now and then, I was having a look at my wrist watch, and awaiting for the time to just pass on, as soon as possible - Its always tough to be away from the family.

But all off a sudden, when I reached the security desk to handover my room keys, I was in fact handed my TCOM Project Proposal Feedback Sheet and that was no less than a shock for me, as I was awarded the most unexpected feedback which did let me go down - on my morale - or I lacked patience all off a sudden, started reacting in a weird manner!

I was looking for a freely and easily available PC in the lab. such that I could log-on to Moodle and post my request for a small discussion, but twas' again, a hard luck for me, the server wasn't working functioning as desired.

It was a bunch of mixed feelings that started emanating within me and I couldn't think anything further in the right direction. I was in fact somehow glad that the time of the bus, to leave the campus had come and I got myself into the bus and just went on.

Through out my way, despite of feeling sleepy, I couldn't even have a nap just because of the effect of TCOM which made me feel, what I was actually feeling - Bad! I then thought that if such a senior person has given me a feedback, then it must mean something or the other, as their experience might be showing me what I shouldn't have done.

And then, along my way, when the bus crossed Sion and started moving towards Bandra, it got stuck in the traffic jam (not new here, but twas' new yesterday) and as I peeked out of my window, I noticed a very small girl, who might have been at the age of seven (I believe!) who was working at a shop which deals with iron rods, and her face was covered by a layer of dust, her blonde hairs were as if they were coated (or dyed) with golden dust, her small frock was filled with rust and dark patches of oil and varied greases, her hands were skinny and very dark.

She had kept herself engaged with a long thread (quite much long for her!) which was very clear from the sides (and straight) and the mess was when there was a knot and which was mixed in a random fashion which looked no less than a spider's web.

The tyres of the bus were just about to roll further as the other vehicles were clinching ahead very slowly and maintaining the turtle's pace, and the girl was still stuck with her knot and there was no one out there who could spare some time and support her to get rid-off a thing that was bugging her for ... I don't know how long?

As the bus moved ahead, my eyes were fixed at her muddy face, whose eyes were engaged to resolve the knot, but I don't know why? Why did she want to solve it? What were the circumstances that led her to be as she was yesterday? Why was she not able to attract any other person's attention towards her? Why? Why? ... ?

But all off a sudden, I could notice that she was able to grab a piece of thread and circulate it along her fingers, and then ... came the most beautiful thing which had relieved me ... Yes, twas' her smile, the smile which came after a few seconds, the smile which I could see at her face after merely moving the thread amongst her fingers, the smile which was not expected by me, as I was puzzled by questions ...

... twas' that smile which made me feel happy, yesterday, it made me feel very good, and it, in fact relieved me from the thoughts that were revolving around me! I was indeed feeling better than what I was feeling just before the bus got stuck in that traffic jam.

Then I reached Bandra to catch a local to Goregaon and that tense feeling had left my mind for a quite long and cherished the rest of the evening with parents back at home.

It was today, that the server started working as desired, and I was then able to submit my post, after discussing it with my friends.

I was wondering - as - Was that a test for my patience? or was that to teach me not to over-react to circumstances?

Yes, Indeed twas' and this is what I was supposed to learn yesterday! Life is indeed a book, teaching new lessons each day!

But what happened to the girl? I don't know! But the questions that came to my mind regarding her is an unsolved mystery and may be it shall remain to be ...

Twas' certainly the effect, the effect which TCOM couldn't have on me for long, but twas' the effect .... which a smile had left on me!

With rains ... life is indeed more beautiful!

Today, while I was moving away from the campus to have the Sandwiches (they are really tasty!) which I usually have these days, - generally, after the supper - I happened to call up my friend who is at Noida these days.

While discussing certain key issues, about his decisions which he shall soon be taking, and which shall definitely bring a change to his Life, he suddenly happened to ask me "Ankit, Does the image at your orkut profile convey the happenings of the past?" and I could not resist myself and had to say "Yes, Indeed, You've got it right!"

We didn't discuss about it any further, as he knew that it would cause the clouds to rain, once again, and I sincerely Thank him for not going any further!

It reminds me about the days that have passed, - I don't feel any good to mention those days - wherein I enjoyed the Spring and then the Monsoon Festives at their best. There was no such rain, which didn't leave me the way I was!

Every drop of Water, which was poured from the sky by the Almighty was only to cover my rains - the tears rolling down from my cheeks to my lips and then the chin, and then ... (I don't know!) - and I was glad to having enjoy it.

I still remember those days, wherein my friends cared for me (they still do) and time and again asked me to get myself under the shed, but I being a bit arrogant by nature, didn't respond to them. I know they felt bad about it, but still they tried their best!

I can recall the words of my close friend, who once said to this very friend of mine, "Usse bheegney de, woh teri toh kya, kisi ki bhi nahin sunegaa! Jab bimaar padegaa tab hi ussey akal aayegi!" ... Shaayad woh akal aaj bhi nahin aayee hai!

Anywayz, I can go on, and on, and on ... But yeah, how did this stick to my mind all off a sudden??

It all happened, when I met my very very old friend Varsha at orkut, I was indeed very glad and happy to get in touch with her after a long time (not that long, but still!), and guess what?? ... the surprise to me was, even she felt the same!

We were together with each other, while we were about twelve, - yeah, I know we were just kids by then, and are still today! - and I happened to find from her profile that she too loves rains and I couldn't - once again - resist myself from updating my profile.

I am indeed passionate about rains, those rains which one loves to enjoy when one is alone, those rains which leaves one, with happiness (or sadness), those rains which makes one's heart feel much more comfortable, as ever before, ... as with rains ... life is indeed more beautiful!!

Super Computing or Social Computing ??

Before I joined CDAC (formerly NCST), I used to wonder what would its punch line actually mean? I thought it would be something really high and related to rocket sciences or gene technologies where computing applications might be being built for high-end real time applications.

But since I've joined this place, read more at my LJ ...