When Island express reached Ernakulam town I was reading Chetan Bhagat’s famous novel five points someone. I was little curious to know that Hari will bump into Prof Cherians daughter Neha. If that happens the coming chapters will be more exciting. But at the same time I couldn’t control my sleep and my eyes are literally shut. It was almost 2pm and town railway station was as hot as furnace in the July afternoon
I closed my novel and went to upper birth to sleep. I was awakened soon by someone speaking loudly in the compartment. I lifted my head and tried to capture on what is going on? I saw two people are just below my birth. One is bleeding and the other was consoling him. He was saying.
“Hay calm down, calm down just cool down and relax.”
“And sit here.”
He left after sometime and the train started moving towards Trichur. By this time my sleep had gone somewhere and I was just curious to know what exactly happened to this chap and came down
Our hero is around 25 years old and studying in a college. He is tall and thin. He looks like a chocolate hero with little beard. He was wearing a tshirt and jeans. He is from an affluent family in Trichur
Hay let me ask what happened to you. Your wounds are bleeding and you need medical treatment.
He looked at me and wept. I didn’t know what to do next. I asked Hay do you need any help. You look like that you from a decent family. What is the matter? You can tell me.
After some time he started to narrate his story. It all happened with this mobile phone and he picked a Nokia’s latest set from his jeans pocket. I got this damn thing few months back. I have been collecting money for the last few years to buy a mobile phone. Finally I got this one.
One fine Sunday I was about to visit a friend and I got a missed call. After saying this he made a sound like “Aaaah” out of pain.
I thought it must be one of my friends from a local booth. But a closer look changed my thinking that the STD code showed that it is someone who called me from alleppy district. I called back. The one who took the phone was a Girl called Nina. This was the beginning of my tragic life.
Hay I am sorry but what is your good name?
Vinod he replied. If you don’t mind, let share a tea I asked.
Of course he replied and Island express was approaching Trichur station slowly.
While he was sipping tea Vinod told me Nina’s voice was very sweet and I started to call her daily and our relationship grew day by day. One day I told my friend Asok about the incident. Asok was quite surprised. I told him its actually impossible for me now to live without calling Nina. She is very nice. I given her number to Asok.
Asok was Vinod’s classmate. He had to appear for the examination and was busy with studying. Oneday Asok got bordom after his studies and just dialled Nina’s number. Nina picked the phone and started talking with Asok. Asok never told Nina that I am Vinod’s friend.
Now the picture is that Nina started giving missed calls to both of us and both spent so many cards by making STD calls to Nina.
Days passed on. One day Asok met one of his friends Roopesh at a mall in Trichur and told him about his mobile love story but he never told Roopesh that he actually got the number from Vinod. Vinod is also Roopesh’s friend.
Roopesh just had a break up with his girl friend and was in search for a girlfriend. So after reaching home Roopseh just given a missed call to Nina and Nina given a missed call back to roopseh. On seeing Nina’s missed call on the cell roopseh called Nina immediately. Nina didn’t disappoint him too and entertained him daily
On a cool evening Vinod proposed to Nina saying that even if I didn’t meet you, I know that you are born for me on this world and I am ready to marry you. Nina also couldn’t control the emotions and accepted it. But Nina didn’t stop giving missed calls to the other two characters and continued romantic conversation with them too.
Oneday Vinod told Nina that I am coming to Cochin.So if you could reach there we can meet. So many times Vinod invited her but she declined. This time Nina couldn’t control her temptation and agreed to it. That was too much for Vinod .He suddently called Asok and told him that finally she agreed to meet him at Cochin. But Asok also requested her so many times to meet him. But she declined.
Out of jealous Asok asked Vinod about the place and time for the scheduled meeting and decided to be there. On that night Roopesh called Asok and Asok narrated the whole incident to Roopseh. Now both Asok and Roopesh were jealous about Vinod.
Finally the day has come. Vinod got up very early and bump into his latest t shirt and jeans and set out for ernakulam railway staion. By this time his two friends were also on the way\ to ernakulam. The funny thing is that even Asok didn’t know that Roopseh is also following him.
Vinod came exactly at 10 o clock in front of ernakulam town railway station and waited for Nina. Nina came by Allepy Ernkulam passenger train at 10-15 and they met each other. Nina was really beautiful. Upon seeing this our other two friends jumped into the scene. A fierce battle followed among them for Nina.
The fight continued for 10 minutes and by this time railway police came to the spot, arrested four of them and taken them to station. Police called Nina’s father . It took tow hours for him to reach Kochi from alleppy and was very tense. Police warned Nina’s father and Nina and allowed them to go. After questioning Nina's father police came to know that Nina's marriage was actullay fixed with another guy!
By this time police took Vinod into hospital for treating his bleeding nose and put some stiches. One of Vinod’s uncle who is working in cochin came to the station to meet Vinod. Uncle then brought Vinod to ernakulam station to catch 2pm island express.
I looked at Vinod and couldn’t say anything. What should I say? I just asked him what is your sim card?
He replied "Idea"
I thought "Hmmmm An idea can change your life"
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mumbai – A dream fulfilling city
Riding through the western express highway to , I really thought for a while. Tomorrow I am leaving this wonderful city and putting behind some of the sweet memories that this city given to me. Of course it’s true that my life here was hard and painful. But it has been a smooth journey. Continous stay here in Mumbai suburbs for 10 years changed my perception about Mumbai, India and the World.
I stayed in posh apartments and small huts throughout my stay here in Mumbai. I experienced the joy of luxury and the pain of sufferings. I stayed more than 4 months in a slum near Dharavi just to know bout the life of people staying there. But tell you a truth, I met the most lovable people there.
I came here and roamed the dark and smelly gallis of Dharawi’s slums though out midnight. I exchanged the pains and sorrows of the people staying there. Whether it is a Mahesh who didn’t have money to continue his studies and Ram who is selling leather products in Dharawi, these faces are still in front of me.
Mahesh came from Orissa , one of India’s most improvised states to Mumbai to earn his daily bread. Landed up straight in Dharawi and started a new life. Though employed in a hotel near Sion Mahesh was determined and wanted to do his bachelors degree. I helped him. Seriously I don’t have big mind but I don’t know. Mahesh determination to study and do better in life inspired me a lot. I forgot about anything and told him I will give you a part of my salary to support you for your studies. Not ashamed to tell you that later it inspired me to do my Masters.
Ram came from Chennai. He was born in city but born as an orphan. But he is extra brilliant. Always I thought if this guy is getting trained in IIM he will be in the chairman seat of DELL or Microsft. He trained well in the great university of life. He knows in and out of all the trade secrets. Leading a big leather business in Dhrawi, I asked him coming from a poor background, how much you earned this much. Nothing I know he replied but life here taught me all these things or forced me to learn all these things.
When I am saying goodbye to Mumbai, these two faces are not allowing me to fade away from my mind. I have great friends in Mumbai. Friends from different backgrounds and lifestyle. But these two shining stars of Mumbai give me strength and boldness to sail through the hardships of life.
I stayed in posh apartments and small huts throughout my stay here in Mumbai. I experienced the joy of luxury and the pain of sufferings. I stayed more than 4 months in a slum near Dharavi just to know bout the life of people staying there. But tell you a truth, I met the most lovable people there.
I came here and roamed the dark and smelly gallis of Dharawi’s slums though out midnight. I exchanged the pains and sorrows of the people staying there. Whether it is a Mahesh who didn’t have money to continue his studies and Ram who is selling leather products in Dharawi, these faces are still in front of me.
Mahesh came from Orissa , one of India’s most improvised states to Mumbai to earn his daily bread. Landed up straight in Dharawi and started a new life. Though employed in a hotel near Sion Mahesh was determined and wanted to do his bachelors degree. I helped him. Seriously I don’t have big mind but I don’t know. Mahesh determination to study and do better in life inspired me a lot. I forgot about anything and told him I will give you a part of my salary to support you for your studies. Not ashamed to tell you that later it inspired me to do my Masters.
Ram came from Chennai. He was born in city but born as an orphan. But he is extra brilliant. Always I thought if this guy is getting trained in IIM he will be in the chairman seat of DELL or Microsft. He trained well in the great university of life. He knows in and out of all the trade secrets. Leading a big leather business in Dhrawi, I asked him coming from a poor background, how much you earned this much. Nothing I know he replied but life here taught me all these things or forced me to learn all these things.
When I am saying goodbye to Mumbai, these two faces are not allowing me to fade away from my mind. I have great friends in Mumbai. Friends from different backgrounds and lifestyle. But these two shining stars of Mumbai give me strength and boldness to sail through the hardships of life.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Lady at dusk
I had been to my Mom’s place this time when I was in Kerala. It was a very old house with two ponds, one grove, and rice paddy fields. The left side is a huge courtyard where different kinds of mango tree are planted. There is an open space inside the house where various kinds of Ayurvedic medicinal plants are cultivated.
If you have been to such kind of environment you will really forget everything including yourself. Trust me, you don’t need cooler or fan inside the rooms made by teak woods. It was amazingly very cool!
The two ponds I mentioned above have two different purposes. One is used for water which is mainly for agricultural purposes. The other pond is used for taking bath. Its really green water with different kinds of fishes.
When dusk comes one senior lady member of the family will walk up to the grove with a lamp in hand. Wearing traditional Kerala set sari, jasmine flowers on her head and lighted lamp she slowly walks around one kms from the house to the grove in a blue dusk time. She will be walking with prayers in her lips. Prayers to protect the family and its members. Even God can’t avoid that. I think so.
There is a divine spirit in an around there. It becomes so evident only on dusk. Sometimes fear grips me thinking that being in Mumbai I must be severely punished by God for all the good habits I am having. Scenes like this you will experience only when you are in your native place. Sometimes I really think I am alive only because of their prayers.
I raised my hands and prayed. Prayed for all who are known to me and strangers to me.
If you have been to such kind of environment you will really forget everything including yourself. Trust me, you don’t need cooler or fan inside the rooms made by teak woods. It was amazingly very cool!
The two ponds I mentioned above have two different purposes. One is used for water which is mainly for agricultural purposes. The other pond is used for taking bath. Its really green water with different kinds of fishes.
When dusk comes one senior lady member of the family will walk up to the grove with a lamp in hand. Wearing traditional Kerala set sari, jasmine flowers on her head and lighted lamp she slowly walks around one kms from the house to the grove in a blue dusk time. She will be walking with prayers in her lips. Prayers to protect the family and its members. Even God can’t avoid that. I think so.
There is a divine spirit in an around there. It becomes so evident only on dusk. Sometimes fear grips me thinking that being in Mumbai I must be severely punished by God for all the good habits I am having. Scenes like this you will experience only when you are in your native place. Sometimes I really think I am alive only because of their prayers.
I raised my hands and prayed. Prayed for all who are known to me and strangers to me.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Renaming Web into Web2.0 - Manoj Pillai
Although a matter of discussion among the techies and net users all around the world to get a clear cut definition of what is exactly Web 2.0, the term itself has matured enough to capture the imagination of the people who use internet. The term and its usage have grown up into a phenomenal topic over the last couple of years. Thousands of developers all over the world are eager to give their own definition to Web 2.0 without getting the actual meaning. The people who daily depending on the search engines for their bread and butter are the front runners. So now here is a cool topic open to debate.
According to Wikipedia's definition “ Web 2.0, a phrase coined by O'Reilly Media in 2004, refers to a perceived second generation of web-based services—such as social networking sites, wikis, communication tools, and folksonomies—that emphasize online collaboration and sharing among users.”
According to Tim O’Reilly "Web2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform.
The core idea behind is attracting more people to use rich internet applications without the burden of network load. That leads to more and more traffic. It is all about linking, sharing and better collaboration with lots of people.
Let us have look at the common features of Web2.0
We2.0 is very simple. That means the website built on the basis of web2.0 must be very simple to use. Here your creative aspects come into the picture. You have to develop your own features on your website.
Second feature is the centrally focused layout. The allocation of the lay out is fully centralized. This can be attained by cascading style sheet thereby you are separating your design from the content. It also means that your website must be positioned in straight front. That makes your website more bold and honest.
Finally Web2.0 allows users to use applications through web browsers. The products offered by Google are good examples. This gives more interaction among users .That means you can edit and share documents online with others at the same time.
All we getting from these very four characteristics are very rich and interactive internet applications. Active participation of users from all over the world for social networking is the mantra of Web 2.0. Very systematic way of creating and up gradation of data at a lightening speed is another challenge. Modification by users and freedom given to them is also important. Basically it’s a global platform for users around the world to interact more comfortably.
Technically it’s a combination of three important things.
1) Rich Internet Applications
2) Service Oriented Architecture
3) Social Web
With these characteristics Web2.0 has given birth to some wonderful technologies also. The most beautiful among them are Blogging, Mashups, Ajax and Youtube. It all depends on the end users to make the maximum use of the above said applications. How this will help you? Suppose if you are into online marketing business and your website uses all the Web.20 techniques like participating and submitting their contents online using Ajax, Blogging etc, this will create much stronger relationship with you and your end users. It will also lead to a great deal of traffic into your website. We can call this whole process as Web2.0 process.
It’s a huge challenge for the developers who are dealing with these new technologies to place it for the maximum utilization of the powers internet offering to us. It’s a real challenge and at the same time, its fun also.
According to Wikipedia's definition “ Web 2.0, a phrase coined by O'Reilly Media in 2004, refers to a perceived second generation of web-based services—such as social networking sites, wikis, communication tools, and folksonomies—that emphasize online collaboration and sharing among users.”
According to Tim O’Reilly "Web2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform.
The core idea behind is attracting more people to use rich internet applications without the burden of network load. That leads to more and more traffic. It is all about linking, sharing and better collaboration with lots of people.
Let us have look at the common features of Web2.0
We2.0 is very simple. That means the website built on the basis of web2.0 must be very simple to use. Here your creative aspects come into the picture. You have to develop your own features on your website.
Second feature is the centrally focused layout. The allocation of the lay out is fully centralized. This can be attained by cascading style sheet thereby you are separating your design from the content. It also means that your website must be positioned in straight front. That makes your website more bold and honest.
Finally Web2.0 allows users to use applications through web browsers. The products offered by Google are good examples. This gives more interaction among users .That means you can edit and share documents online with others at the same time.
All we getting from these very four characteristics are very rich and interactive internet applications. Active participation of users from all over the world for social networking is the mantra of Web 2.0. Very systematic way of creating and up gradation of data at a lightening speed is another challenge. Modification by users and freedom given to them is also important. Basically it’s a global platform for users around the world to interact more comfortably.
Technically it’s a combination of three important things.
1) Rich Internet Applications
2) Service Oriented Architecture
3) Social Web
With these characteristics Web2.0 has given birth to some wonderful technologies also. The most beautiful among them are Blogging, Mashups, Ajax and Youtube. It all depends on the end users to make the maximum use of the above said applications. How this will help you? Suppose if you are into online marketing business and your website uses all the Web.20 techniques like participating and submitting their contents online using Ajax, Blogging etc, this will create much stronger relationship with you and your end users. It will also lead to a great deal of traffic into your website. We can call this whole process as Web2.0 process.
It’s a huge challenge for the developers who are dealing with these new technologies to place it for the maximum utilization of the powers internet offering to us. It’s a real challenge and at the same time, its fun also.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
US – Friend or Foe?
A nuclear alliance with the US is a good gift from Uncle Sam and at the sometime a tool that US can use on his own to keep its interests alive in south east Asia.
To how much extend we can trust the people sitting in the US congress? This is a difficult question. Most of the law makers sitting in the congress were born in the cold war era. They were brought up and fought for the ideals in a period where India bashing was on high scale.
There is a clear cut answer for it. Though we were proclaimed ourselves as the champions of Non alliance movement, the whole world knows we were with the USSR.
Lets us come back to the US congressman. They were very well aware of that. At that period they were in love with our neighbor Pakistan. Shamelessly Pakistan did a wonderful lobbying in and out the US congress. But we were in strong romance with USSR.
Not surprisingly, the US executing bosses including their Presidents were not in fine relationship with the world’s largest democracy. When we were in wars with our neighbors, US never helped us. We didn’t fax a request for help to Washington also.
US words were not sweet when we annexed Goa by a military action and also when we proclaimed Sikkim as an integral part of India. Kashmir is a complex issue for India as well as US too.
Things started changed when Indian IT workers landed in US in 80’s. They played a major role in changing Indian image in the US. Young and smart engineers from our IITs and IIMs landed in Silicon Wally and started companies. These companies grew on a fast space and generated huge income sufficient enough to build a new and vibrant lobbying in US politics. US approach to India changes from there.
Coupled with other political factors happened around the world like growing power of China, threats from North Korea , Iran and attack of US by Taliban forced US think tanks to rewrite its India vision.
From 80’s major US multinationals were on a hunting spare for a nation where they can invest. India was the best bet. After Mr. Sing opened our economy to US the amount of investment to this country was unimaginable.
Now its 2008
1) US wants to protect its assets in India as US investments in India are growing like on an alarming rate
2) US wants to make sure India will never be a threat to it’s super power status
These are the two main hidden agendas for this nuclear deal.
US done it very cleverly after the Second World War. The two nations Germany and Japan were the super powers in the world threatening even the US. After the world war US pumped millions of dollars and investment into these two countries to recover from the War losses. But never allowed them to become a military power. NATO is another strategy. And our 123 agreement is also the same
To how much extend we can trust the people sitting in the US congress? This is a difficult question. Most of the law makers sitting in the congress were born in the cold war era. They were brought up and fought for the ideals in a period where India bashing was on high scale.
There is a clear cut answer for it. Though we were proclaimed ourselves as the champions of Non alliance movement, the whole world knows we were with the USSR.
Lets us come back to the US congressman. They were very well aware of that. At that period they were in love with our neighbor Pakistan. Shamelessly Pakistan did a wonderful lobbying in and out the US congress. But we were in strong romance with USSR.
Not surprisingly, the US executing bosses including their Presidents were not in fine relationship with the world’s largest democracy. When we were in wars with our neighbors, US never helped us. We didn’t fax a request for help to Washington also.
US words were not sweet when we annexed Goa by a military action and also when we proclaimed Sikkim as an integral part of India. Kashmir is a complex issue for India as well as US too.
Things started changed when Indian IT workers landed in US in 80’s. They played a major role in changing Indian image in the US. Young and smart engineers from our IITs and IIMs landed in Silicon Wally and started companies. These companies grew on a fast space and generated huge income sufficient enough to build a new and vibrant lobbying in US politics. US approach to India changes from there.
Coupled with other political factors happened around the world like growing power of China, threats from North Korea , Iran and attack of US by Taliban forced US think tanks to rewrite its India vision.
From 80’s major US multinationals were on a hunting spare for a nation where they can invest. India was the best bet. After Mr. Sing opened our economy to US the amount of investment to this country was unimaginable.
Now its 2008
1) US wants to protect its assets in India as US investments in India are growing like on an alarming rate
2) US wants to make sure India will never be a threat to it’s super power status
These are the two main hidden agendas for this nuclear deal.
US done it very cleverly after the Second World War. The two nations Germany and Japan were the super powers in the world threatening even the US. After the world war US pumped millions of dollars and investment into these two countries to recover from the War losses. But never allowed them to become a military power. NATO is another strategy. And our 123 agreement is also the same
Monday, October 01, 2007
A reception !
On my way to Worli from Byculla station I was forced to be in the cab for almost half an hour. Yesterday was the final day for this city to say goodbye to one of her favorite deities Lord Ganesha. There was any single point of doubt in my mind why I have been stopped?
Mumbai. Where Bollywood icons and Cricket stars have been treated almost equal to God, the reason for the my stoppage was the 30 kms parade of the victorious Indian cricket team. From Sahar airport to Stadium.
To my surprise irrespective of the fear that I was already late, I found almost all my colleagues were on the road. In the mass crowd, I saw people who belong to almost all professions. From the top level Executives who work in posh cabins to panipurui wallha who makes panipuri.
There was a small function going on arranged by the local shiv sena to welcome the super 20 heroes. I saw a mallu speaking loudly in his cell phone that he has been waiting to see the brave hearts. There was a small Durga exactly opposite to Mobile phone shop people there came out wearing the cap to cheer for our team.
The roof of the Parsi ladies hostel nearby was filled with girls holding tri color. The crowd I saw included lot of people who belong to different corners of this great country.
It was the biggest celebration and welcome this great city given to anyone. Here the superstar is not Dhoni or Yuvraj. It’s the sports who bring this huge courty divided by cast , creed, language.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
IT workers are workaholic!
Yesterday I read about an article which explains how much IT workers are workaholic? It is true to some extent. Considering the facilities given to them, its natural that they become addicted to work.
I must make a point that most of the companies presently working in Tecnopark, Trivandrum have succeeded in developing a work culture which is quite alien to the culture existing in and around Trivandrum city.
I am happy to see that the people eating Pizza and having Lemon tea from a world standard restaurant instead of eating parippuvada and cuttan chaya. But I seriously fear that the change is for good and bad? Naturally in an orthodox city like trivandrum, where every change will be scrutinized with the typical mallu attitude of suspicion and clear cut leftist mentality, my doubts have some values.
Quick money coming into the pockets of fresh IT engineers will end up at five star betrothals! There is a chance. So it will affect the society and its values. Huge spending of money is good for society but at the same time it will make you bankrupts soon.
Another reason is that today’s youngsters have a feeling that money is easy to make and can buy every thing. So there is a danger. Money can buy everything means money can buy your WIFE also. Thereby avoiding the sanctity that comes along with the marriage . Divorce suits filing are turning out to be a prestige issue among many youths in Kerala today.
Another terrible reason is the sudden change of food habits. Mallu youth choose fast food and inviting diabetics very soon. Sudden deviation from a traditional diet to Chinese food cause major cause of concern. According to doctors, people turn out be heart patients at the age of 30.
To sum up all the above points, I must say there is a danger you love IT too much better be ready to spend your quality time with your parents and of course wife also.
I must make a point that most of the companies presently working in Tecnopark, Trivandrum have succeeded in developing a work culture which is quite alien to the culture existing in and around Trivandrum city.
I am happy to see that the people eating Pizza and having Lemon tea from a world standard restaurant instead of eating parippuvada and cuttan chaya. But I seriously fear that the change is for good and bad? Naturally in an orthodox city like trivandrum, where every change will be scrutinized with the typical mallu attitude of suspicion and clear cut leftist mentality, my doubts have some values.
Quick money coming into the pockets of fresh IT engineers will end up at five star betrothals! There is a chance. So it will affect the society and its values. Huge spending of money is good for society but at the same time it will make you bankrupts soon.
Another reason is that today’s youngsters have a feeling that money is easy to make and can buy every thing. So there is a danger. Money can buy everything means money can buy your WIFE also. Thereby avoiding the sanctity that comes along with the marriage . Divorce suits filing are turning out to be a prestige issue among many youths in Kerala today.
Another terrible reason is the sudden change of food habits. Mallu youth choose fast food and inviting diabetics very soon. Sudden deviation from a traditional diet to Chinese food cause major cause of concern. According to doctors, people turn out be heart patients at the age of 30.
To sum up all the above points, I must say there is a danger you love IT too much better be ready to spend your quality time with your parents and of course wife also.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Then what is India?
India is not Malabar Hills!
India is not Bollywood!
India is not Lakme fashion Show!
India is not TaTa, Birla and Ambani!
Then what is India?
India is Vidarbha!!!
India is Wynad!!!
India is Kalahandi!!!
There were no Kerala MPs present in the parliament when there was a special debate on the special relief packages for the farmers committing suicide in Vidhabha. It also covered the alarming number of farmers committing suicide in the various parts of India including the Wynad district of Kerala.
Two famous Marxists MPs ( supposed to be the champions of weaker sections and working class) who were very busy with a celebration function of CPM. One Congress MP came late exactly after the meeting
I feel ashamed about myself because We, including I elected those people to sit in Paliament.
India is not Bollywood!
India is not Lakme fashion Show!
India is not TaTa, Birla and Ambani!
Then what is India?
India is Vidarbha!!!
India is Wynad!!!
India is Kalahandi!!!
There were no Kerala MPs present in the parliament when there was a special debate on the special relief packages for the farmers committing suicide in Vidhabha. It also covered the alarming number of farmers committing suicide in the various parts of India including the Wynad district of Kerala.
Two famous Marxists MPs ( supposed to be the champions of weaker sections and working class) who were very busy with a celebration function of CPM. One Congress MP came late exactly after the meeting
I feel ashamed about myself because We, including I elected those people to sit in Paliament.
A june night and an early morning
What kind of a job it is? He was a very gentile man to me. But this question really shocked me. For a moment I thought I have been cheating them. Next moment I thought he told me like this because he likes me. Whatever it is those words really shocked me. I decided its time to say goodbye.
There was a beer bar in Sion near to Sion circle. In the company where I was working there were only one man left after 11 pm. That was me. Even watchman wanted to sleep at that time. So he genuinely told me “Boss you keep the key of the company.”
I agreed with a smile.
Ulhasnagar was very far away from Sion. It will take near to 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach there. I used to visit the book shope after my shift. My favorite was indian short stories. It will make you "romantic" suddenly. Walking towards Sion station with a JavaScript book in hand and Forsters spirit in head on a hot June night was a thrilling experience.
Sitting in an empty bench at the railway station waiting for the Ambernath local was a boring experience. Vivid memories about my future came into my mind. As those memories were not pleasant I tried hard to clear them from my mind.
One day I got a Kalyan local. It was around 12 am. Kalyan station was almost empty. I reached the station at around 1.30 early morning. I came to know that Ambernath local is scheduled for platform no 5. I walked slowly toward the platform.
Suddenly I saw blood. It was very hot blood. It was flowing towards the track As I raised my eyes to see the source, I saw a man laying. His face was calm and it looked like he was sleeping calmly. But he was divided into two pieces by the local.
I was looking for water. No saliva left in my mouth.
When you reach Ulhasnagar, your will smell chemicals. The river that is flowing near the station is black in color filled with chemicals from a nearbychemical factory. There is no escape from the bad smell for you especially when you reach there by 2 am. The flat I was staying was two kilometers way from the station. There were couple of rickshaws parked near the station. But no trace of drivers. You left with no option but to walk to cover the two kilometers.
Pigs were roaming in the road as if they were enjoying the empty road. They started making wired sound at the sight of a strange intruder. It happed at the first time . After that they became calm as they too expecting me at that time. Dogs were barking. The unbearable chemical smell of the river still in the air. I remember the face.
My hands were wet when I reached the flat and knocked the door. Uncle came with an angry face and told me you must leave the place.
There was a beer bar in Sion near to Sion circle. In the company where I was working there were only one man left after 11 pm. That was me. Even watchman wanted to sleep at that time. So he genuinely told me “Boss you keep the key of the company.”
I agreed with a smile.
Ulhasnagar was very far away from Sion. It will take near to 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach there. I used to visit the book shope after my shift. My favorite was indian short stories. It will make you "romantic" suddenly. Walking towards Sion station with a JavaScript book in hand and Forsters spirit in head on a hot June night was a thrilling experience.
Sitting in an empty bench at the railway station waiting for the Ambernath local was a boring experience. Vivid memories about my future came into my mind. As those memories were not pleasant I tried hard to clear them from my mind.
One day I got a Kalyan local. It was around 12 am. Kalyan station was almost empty. I reached the station at around 1.30 early morning. I came to know that Ambernath local is scheduled for platform no 5. I walked slowly toward the platform.
Suddenly I saw blood. It was very hot blood. It was flowing towards the track As I raised my eyes to see the source, I saw a man laying. His face was calm and it looked like he was sleeping calmly. But he was divided into two pieces by the local.
I was looking for water. No saliva left in my mouth.
When you reach Ulhasnagar, your will smell chemicals. The river that is flowing near the station is black in color filled with chemicals from a nearbychemical factory. There is no escape from the bad smell for you especially when you reach there by 2 am. The flat I was staying was two kilometers way from the station. There were couple of rickshaws parked near the station. But no trace of drivers. You left with no option but to walk to cover the two kilometers.
Pigs were roaming in the road as if they were enjoying the empty road. They started making wired sound at the sight of a strange intruder. It happed at the first time . After that they became calm as they too expecting me at that time. Dogs were barking. The unbearable chemical smell of the river still in the air. I remember the face.
My hands were wet when I reached the flat and knocked the door. Uncle came with an angry face and told me you must leave the place.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Making Sweden a home
It was a very cool evening in Uppsala County. As normally Swedish climate has little variations in almost all parts of Sweden , it was experiencing the same coolness that people living in other counties also. If we looking close into this county, we can see Stockholm is not far away. So Uppasala county has no escape from the activities going on in the Swedish capital city.
There is a say in this small county. It goes like that if you living in the Uppsala County you will live longer. As its generally true for the whole part of Sweden its not news to the residents in the county. But they have a feeling that they are superior to their other Swedish people living in other counties.
When Harry Arun was standing in the queue to celebrate June 6, National Day of Sweden, he was very happy. He put his arm on his chest and proudly said I am a Swedish. Few miles away Monica was standing, she also felt the same feeling.
Why your hair is brown? May be some genetic problem. His friends Carl and Mark cocluded.
Harry Arun! what is the meaning of Arun?
This was really confusing! Arun thought. Its very strange in Sweden a name called Arun. Why my name is like this? Why I am dark? Why my hair is black. Why my eyes are black.
These were really disturbing questions for himself, Jonathan Arun’s dad and Margrett Arun’s mother.
When Arun and Monica came to the house both of them were crying. The reason is that somebody called them aliens.
One day one interesting thing happened Arun was going to Stockholm with Jonathan he saw a man looking same as Arun. He ran towards him and stared at him. He smiled and shook Arun’s hand. What is your name ?
I am Arun.
Wow Arun exclaimed for the first time in Sweden I am hearing a name as mine. Where you from ?
INDIA
This word made a tremendous impact in young Arun’s mind. If I go there I can see a people looking similar to me. Balck hair, black eyes etc. Even Monica will be happy Arun thought.
There is a say in this small county. It goes like that if you living in the Uppsala County you will live longer. As its generally true for the whole part of Sweden its not news to the residents in the county. But they have a feeling that they are superior to their other Swedish people living in other counties.
When Harry Arun was standing in the queue to celebrate June 6, National Day of Sweden, he was very happy. He put his arm on his chest and proudly said I am a Swedish. Few miles away Monica was standing, she also felt the same feeling.
Why your hair is brown? May be some genetic problem. His friends Carl and Mark cocluded.
Harry Arun! what is the meaning of Arun?
This was really confusing! Arun thought. Its very strange in Sweden a name called Arun. Why my name is like this? Why I am dark? Why my hair is black. Why my eyes are black.
These were really disturbing questions for himself, Jonathan Arun’s dad and Margrett Arun’s mother.
When Arun and Monica came to the house both of them were crying. The reason is that somebody called them aliens.
One day one interesting thing happened Arun was going to Stockholm with Jonathan he saw a man looking same as Arun. He ran towards him and stared at him. He smiled and shook Arun’s hand. What is your name ?
I am Arun.
Wow Arun exclaimed for the first time in Sweden I am hearing a name as mine. Where you from ?
INDIA
This word made a tremendous impact in young Arun’s mind. If I go there I can see a people looking similar to me. Balck hair, black eyes etc. Even Monica will be happy Arun thought.
Getting things done!
Thousands of students who came in and came out of SIMSR with a management degree in hand know how to get things done. SIMSR will teach within the three years of your stay there not only secrets of business but also secret things you need to do in your life to get things done.
Sachin became Manager (deputy) within one year after he joined his MBA. He will say. Are you mad Pillai? How can you say that? But tell me Sachin your MBA course given you so much confidence in you to put deputy tag on your shoulder. More to say he got enough courage to drive his new swift though the traffic congested route of chembur with transportation chart in his mind.
I know Ally from the day we met at Mumbai University. We were standing in the queue to get eligibility certificate. Poor guy went back to his old heaven Amaravati to collect some certificates to submit there. But if you put in the same queue now, he won’t stand there, but he will be back with a university certificate in hand. SIMSR taught him also how to get things done.
Gavti sacrificed his job for his MBA. SIMSR ki jai.. Now Gauti has a job that he got it from SIMSR group. Gauti is doing his business well. Gauti also came to know the secrets that he can do things get done.
Shiv was a pakka UP guy when he joined SIMSR group. But believe me Shiv knows how to get things done well before he stepped into SIMSR. SIMSR added extra energy into that. What to say Shiv is unbeatable now. Guys time not far way you can spot this guy with financial times in one hand and a chit in other hand.
Whenever Katik entered into the boring financial management class at 8.59 pm that is one minute left to wind up the class, all people started laughing Nowadays nobody laugh at him because Kartik is like that only. A sudden shift from 100 cc bike to bullet Kartik came to know his things getting done. Now you can spot this guy with his new swfit in Malad area.
Sardaaar..how many times we sat at the boring canteen looking at full time girls and finished lot of samosas. But always u paid the cash. Tell me did you get enough courage from simsr to shift your job from Pune to Mumbai. SIMSR given you enough courage to go UK? He came back within one week with flying colours. JOB well done man because you learned how to get things done from SIMSR.
Stani no more to say about you. A mallu guy with no trace of mallu accent . You are lucky man. I only know the pain when ally always hear impotent instead important from me. Nobody to teach this guy how to get things done. He is a master in it. Even SIMSR can learn some tips from him .
You can spot all the above guys sitting in chairman’s seat of big companies well before 2020. SIMSR guaranties that because they know how to get things really done.
Sachin became Manager (deputy) within one year after he joined his MBA. He will say. Are you mad Pillai? How can you say that? But tell me Sachin your MBA course given you so much confidence in you to put deputy tag on your shoulder. More to say he got enough courage to drive his new swift though the traffic congested route of chembur with transportation chart in his mind.
I know Ally from the day we met at Mumbai University. We were standing in the queue to get eligibility certificate. Poor guy went back to his old heaven Amaravati to collect some certificates to submit there. But if you put in the same queue now, he won’t stand there, but he will be back with a university certificate in hand. SIMSR taught him also how to get things done.
Gavti sacrificed his job for his MBA. SIMSR ki jai.. Now Gauti has a job that he got it from SIMSR group. Gauti is doing his business well. Gauti also came to know the secrets that he can do things get done.
Shiv was a pakka UP guy when he joined SIMSR group. But believe me Shiv knows how to get things done well before he stepped into SIMSR. SIMSR added extra energy into that. What to say Shiv is unbeatable now. Guys time not far way you can spot this guy with financial times in one hand and a chit in other hand.
Whenever Katik entered into the boring financial management class at 8.59 pm that is one minute left to wind up the class, all people started laughing Nowadays nobody laugh at him because Kartik is like that only. A sudden shift from 100 cc bike to bullet Kartik came to know his things getting done. Now you can spot this guy with his new swfit in Malad area.
Sardaaar..how many times we sat at the boring canteen looking at full time girls and finished lot of samosas. But always u paid the cash. Tell me did you get enough courage from simsr to shift your job from Pune to Mumbai. SIMSR given you enough courage to go UK? He came back within one week with flying colours. JOB well done man because you learned how to get things done from SIMSR.
Stani no more to say about you. A mallu guy with no trace of mallu accent . You are lucky man. I only know the pain when ally always hear impotent instead important from me. Nobody to teach this guy how to get things done. He is a master in it. Even SIMSR can learn some tips from him .
You can spot all the above guys sitting in chairman’s seat of big companies well before 2020. SIMSR guaranties that because they know how to get things really done.
In Mumbai local
One day I was returning home in a local train. When I abroad a Belapur train from Chembur, I saw my professor in the same dabba. He told me, "Hay you man!! Come Come we will go inside and sit!!".
We sat together and started discussion about various topics ranging from US Iran strategy to Mumbai Corporation election results. People sitting beside us thought that these two people are very BIG and were looking at us admirably, I guess. Sorry to say that we were talking very loudly!!.
Suddenly TTR came and asked tickets. Both of us showed our tickets . But I didn't write my name , age and didn't even sign it. He also sat with me and took out his book and pen to fine me. I told him that I am sorry. But he didn't listen to it and fined me Rs 360.
As usual I was out of cash and I had only 250 Rs in my pocket. I begged TTR that sir I really don't have cash to pay the entire amount you fined me. TTR told me don't worry ask your friend sitting near you. I looked at my professors face. He already taken out his purse and looking for money. TheProfessor helped me to pay the rest of the amount.
Then the TTR asked me my name. I asked why? If you don't have time to write your name, let me write on it. I told him "NO". "This is my pass". "Let me write on it". As both of us raising each others voice I thought its stupidity to quarrel in front of my professor.
The TTR wrote my name , age and told me to sign on it. I asked him please put your signature also. Because next time you come for checking, you will be happy to see your signature.
We sat together and started discussion about various topics ranging from US Iran strategy to Mumbai Corporation election results. People sitting beside us thought that these two people are very BIG and were looking at us admirably, I guess. Sorry to say that we were talking very loudly!!.
Suddenly TTR came and asked tickets. Both of us showed our tickets . But I didn't write my name , age and didn't even sign it. He also sat with me and took out his book and pen to fine me. I told him that I am sorry. But he didn't listen to it and fined me Rs 360.
As usual I was out of cash and I had only 250 Rs in my pocket. I begged TTR that sir I really don't have cash to pay the entire amount you fined me. TTR told me don't worry ask your friend sitting near you. I looked at my professors face. He already taken out his purse and looking for money. TheProfessor helped me to pay the rest of the amount.
Then the TTR asked me my name. I asked why? If you don't have time to write your name, let me write on it. I told him "NO". "This is my pass". "Let me write on it". As both of us raising each others voice I thought its stupidity to quarrel in front of my professor.
The TTR wrote my name , age and told me to sign on it. I asked him please put your signature also. Because next time you come for checking, you will be happy to see your signature.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Buddha Smiles again
Buddha Smiles again
When Buddha sworn in as chief minister for the second term after the legend Jyothi Basu stepped down due to ill health, there was a big smile on his face. Buddha smiles again. Why he smiled. Why I noticed the smile on a face that is usually very serious.
Suddenly Buddha appointed a technocrat as his minister to handle the IT activities. The people traditionally been leftists found a green field in the company of Buddha. Have you ever noticed these so called radically Bengal Marxists, who always need a revolution? Unfortunately no alternatives to the Marxists who rule Bengal find their future in this man? There are some clear-cut reasons behind this.
People of Bengal clearly realised that they have to compromise their hardliner Marxian thoughts for the sake of their future generation. Marx always said capitalism is a sin. Go and dream socialism. Future is yours. Bengal people no more hear this. They thought about this. Practiced it. Experienced it. Then threw it away to the Bay of Bengal.
You can make a comparative study between the East European countries and the West Bengal. Before Buddha came to Bengal, the only difference was the EAST and WEST,. Rest is all the same here and there. Soviet Union has to split into so many pieces to enjoy the freedom. East Germany had to merge with West to see a new dawn.
The bottom line here is that for any kind of development in this time need "CAPITAL". The state responsibility to handle everything diminishes with the Marxian principles. Today every kid will say "PAISA CHAHIYE" to start something new. or even for dreaming something. You need investment. This formula is Buddha’s success story. People of Bengal accepted it by crowning him again as the chief minister of Bengal.
Now I will tell you why Buddha smiled. Just moments after the counting of ballot papers, Buddha got a call from TATA.I am coming to your state to establish the plant for our small car.
You say what will be our Buddha’s reaction?
When Buddha sworn in as chief minister for the second term after the legend Jyothi Basu stepped down due to ill health, there was a big smile on his face. Buddha smiles again. Why he smiled. Why I noticed the smile on a face that is usually very serious.
Suddenly Buddha appointed a technocrat as his minister to handle the IT activities. The people traditionally been leftists found a green field in the company of Buddha. Have you ever noticed these so called radically Bengal Marxists, who always need a revolution? Unfortunately no alternatives to the Marxists who rule Bengal find their future in this man? There are some clear-cut reasons behind this.
People of Bengal clearly realised that they have to compromise their hardliner Marxian thoughts for the sake of their future generation. Marx always said capitalism is a sin. Go and dream socialism. Future is yours. Bengal people no more hear this. They thought about this. Practiced it. Experienced it. Then threw it away to the Bay of Bengal.
You can make a comparative study between the East European countries and the West Bengal. Before Buddha came to Bengal, the only difference was the EAST and WEST,. Rest is all the same here and there. Soviet Union has to split into so many pieces to enjoy the freedom. East Germany had to merge with West to see a new dawn.
The bottom line here is that for any kind of development in this time need "CAPITAL". The state responsibility to handle everything diminishes with the Marxian principles. Today every kid will say "PAISA CHAHIYE" to start something new. or even for dreaming something. You need investment. This formula is Buddha’s success story. People of Bengal accepted it by crowning him again as the chief minister of Bengal.
Now I will tell you why Buddha smiled. Just moments after the counting of ballot papers, Buddha got a call from TATA.I am coming to your state to establish the plant for our small car.
You say what will be our Buddha’s reaction?
Do you believe it!
This I heard from a Swami while I was in Kochi
This is an interesting one
There are two people. One was a captain in the army and the other was a journalist.
One wanted to become a sadhu and the other wrote articles against the sadhus.
Krishnan, the first one wanted to go to spirituality. He fed up with his life in the army. He was so interested to become a monk. Oneday, he left for the Himalaya to take sanyasa from a guru.
The other Balakrishna, a journalist, wrote articles in the newspapers severely criticizing the sadhus sitting in meditation in the Himalayas. He wrote during the Indo-China war and quote”These useless creatures who do nothing for the country and hiding in the Himalayan caves. These people must be dragged out from the caves.
He also left for the Himalayas with a mission that was exactly against the first one
Both of them met on their way. They reached Himalayas and met Swami Sivananda at Rishikesh. After few days with Swamiji, both of them became two different persons
Swamiji told the first one who really wanted to become a monk, look u can’t become a monk but I see a potential of a businessman in you “GO AND START HOTEL BUSINEESS”. That guy came to Mumbai and started a small Hotel. Rest is History. Today the hotel is known as The Leela Group of Hotels”( http://www.theleela.com/)
Swamiji told Balkrishna that you have a potential of a monk and I will make you a Sanyasi
That guy became one of the the most revered spiritual gurus Hinduism has even seen. Swami Chimayanada.( http://www.chinmayamission.org/)
This is an interesting one
There are two people. One was a captain in the army and the other was a journalist.
One wanted to become a sadhu and the other wrote articles against the sadhus.
Krishnan, the first one wanted to go to spirituality. He fed up with his life in the army. He was so interested to become a monk. Oneday, he left for the Himalaya to take sanyasa from a guru.
The other Balakrishna, a journalist, wrote articles in the newspapers severely criticizing the sadhus sitting in meditation in the Himalayas. He wrote during the Indo-China war and quote”These useless creatures who do nothing for the country and hiding in the Himalayan caves. These people must be dragged out from the caves.
He also left for the Himalayas with a mission that was exactly against the first one
Both of them met on their way. They reached Himalayas and met Swami Sivananda at Rishikesh. After few days with Swamiji, both of them became two different persons
Swamiji told the first one who really wanted to become a monk, look u can’t become a monk but I see a potential of a businessman in you “GO AND START HOTEL BUSINEESS”. That guy came to Mumbai and started a small Hotel. Rest is History. Today the hotel is known as The Leela Group of Hotels”( http://www.theleela.com/)
Swamiji told Balkrishna that you have a potential of a monk and I will make you a Sanyasi
That guy became one of the the most revered spiritual gurus Hinduism has even seen. Swami Chimayanada.( http://www.chinmayamission.org/)
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
SMART CITY.DO WE NEED IT?
I am writing this from my cubicle on a very hot day with a dream that oneday I will work from Kochi. I have some points to share with you guys. Lots of hi..hi..hua..hua going on 1000 miles away from where I am. Yes I am talking about the upcoming smart city in Kochi.
Let me begin by putting down these points. If you travel to Trivandrum from Kochi there is a place called Kazkoottam. The famous techno park is situated there. If you travel more you can see KELTRON. We mallus know each and everything happening in an around this globe , experiment it and leave it
We started all these well before our neighbours Karnataka and Tamil Nadu could be able to understand the golden two words . That is IT!
Today Kerala faces too many issues. There are sign of decline in the traditional business like cashew and coir. People working in these industry are struggling for their daily food. There are farmers, who commit suicide in Wynad because they couldn’t be able to re pay their loan. All these things are true, cruel facts happening in India’s one of the most developed states.
Sorry for using the word developed. But Kerala actually went far ahead on many fronts. All this happened not because of any industrial revolution or any other kind of revolution. Because of the hard work of mallus working in each and every part of this globe.
Now come back to the smart city. Smart city is the baby of Dubai Internet City. Of course they are not software or IT experts. Their basic aim is to give world class infrastructure to the software companies. So that they can come and do business.
I heard one left leader saying..DIC Dubai internet city is a real estate agency and no idea about IT. Of course they are. They never said that they are software developers.
There are lot of misconnects like this in our leaders. All this happens because they won’t study things properly.
Another argument is that only engineers will get job there. This is absolutely rubbish. If you look at the market, most of the major IT companies are ready to take normal graduates with computer language knowledge. Even in the IT related services there are lot chances that even +2 people and students will get part time job to support their studies.
Another important thing is that IT jobs are well paid jobs. If people get attractive salary, there will be a tendency to spend more. If people spend more, money movement in the in market or in the economy will increase. The result overall growth of the economy
I will explain this with an example. If a major IT company is coming to the SMART city. They recruit employees. Of course these employees have to come to the smart city. So there will be apartments for them to stay. Naturally there will be construction boom if more companies come. Then to transport them into company. That will create extra jobs. Then shopping areas for them. All these will create new jobs each and every day. The result overall development of the economy.
We mallus speak a lot. We paid a deadly price for that. We are far behind as far as IT is concerned. Don’t miss the bus please. WELCOME SMART CITY
Its time to select and elect leaders who are not only polititians but at the same time a businessman. How many are there in the present day politics in kerala who can actually deal with Bil Gates and convince him that Kerala is place where you can make set up your company and profit. Think why Bill Gates find time to meet with Budhdev Bhatachrya and Chandrababu Naidu?
DO PLAY GROUP POLITICES. NO ISSUES BUT FIND LITTLE TIME TO STUDY AND KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE GLOBE
Let me begin by putting down these points. If you travel to Trivandrum from Kochi there is a place called Kazkoottam. The famous techno park is situated there. If you travel more you can see KELTRON. We mallus know each and everything happening in an around this globe , experiment it and leave it
We started all these well before our neighbours Karnataka and Tamil Nadu could be able to understand the golden two words . That is IT!
Today Kerala faces too many issues. There are sign of decline in the traditional business like cashew and coir. People working in these industry are struggling for their daily food. There are farmers, who commit suicide in Wynad because they couldn’t be able to re pay their loan. All these things are true, cruel facts happening in India’s one of the most developed states.
Sorry for using the word developed. But Kerala actually went far ahead on many fronts. All this happened not because of any industrial revolution or any other kind of revolution. Because of the hard work of mallus working in each and every part of this globe.
Now come back to the smart city. Smart city is the baby of Dubai Internet City. Of course they are not software or IT experts. Their basic aim is to give world class infrastructure to the software companies. So that they can come and do business.
I heard one left leader saying..DIC Dubai internet city is a real estate agency and no idea about IT. Of course they are. They never said that they are software developers.
There are lot of misconnects like this in our leaders. All this happens because they won’t study things properly.
Another argument is that only engineers will get job there. This is absolutely rubbish. If you look at the market, most of the major IT companies are ready to take normal graduates with computer language knowledge. Even in the IT related services there are lot chances that even +2 people and students will get part time job to support their studies.
Another important thing is that IT jobs are well paid jobs. If people get attractive salary, there will be a tendency to spend more. If people spend more, money movement in the in market or in the economy will increase. The result overall growth of the economy
I will explain this with an example. If a major IT company is coming to the SMART city. They recruit employees. Of course these employees have to come to the smart city. So there will be apartments for them to stay. Naturally there will be construction boom if more companies come. Then to transport them into company. That will create extra jobs. Then shopping areas for them. All these will create new jobs each and every day. The result overall development of the economy.
We mallus speak a lot. We paid a deadly price for that. We are far behind as far as IT is concerned. Don’t miss the bus please. WELCOME SMART CITY
Its time to select and elect leaders who are not only polititians but at the same time a businessman. How many are there in the present day politics in kerala who can actually deal with Bil Gates and convince him that Kerala is place where you can make set up your company and profit. Think why Bill Gates find time to meet with Budhdev Bhatachrya and Chandrababu Naidu?
DO PLAY GROUP POLITICES. NO ISSUES BUT FIND LITTLE TIME TO STUDY AND KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE GLOBE
Friday, April 21, 2006
The world of Nanappan
MP Narayana Pillai alias Nanappan was the only writer who has a special place in the hearts of mallus who know about Malayalam literature.I don’t think that any other writer has been able to create that special place in the hearts of mallus.
When I heard the news of Nanappan’s death from Borivilli in Mumbai, it was one of saddest moments I experienced in my life. Till now, no other death or loss had created a catastrophic effect in my body or in my mind. I couldn’t be able to imagine a vacuum that created with the loss our dear writer.
Each and everybody in Pulluvazhi experienced the same pain when they heard the news. Pulluvazhi is famous for the great people she contributed to Kairali. The people in Pulluvazhi also deserves a special place. The people banned all strikes and badhs in their small village. It might sound strange in a state where strikes are a routine thing. Whatever may be the reason, Pulluvazhi people never mind it. They will open their shops.
The news of Nanapan’s death pained them so much and they closed all the shops without any order.
Nanappan’s life may be new to today’s generation of mallus. A life started as a lift operator in Delhi and ended as a gifted writer.
He wrote many short stories and one novel Prinamam. It includes many stories that came from the background of Mumbai city as he was staying here.
How long mallus might wait for getting a terrific write like him. I don’t know!
When I heard the news of Nanappan’s death from Borivilli in Mumbai, it was one of saddest moments I experienced in my life. Till now, no other death or loss had created a catastrophic effect in my body or in my mind. I couldn’t be able to imagine a vacuum that created with the loss our dear writer.
Each and everybody in Pulluvazhi experienced the same pain when they heard the news. Pulluvazhi is famous for the great people she contributed to Kairali. The people in Pulluvazhi also deserves a special place. The people banned all strikes and badhs in their small village. It might sound strange in a state where strikes are a routine thing. Whatever may be the reason, Pulluvazhi people never mind it. They will open their shops.
The news of Nanapan’s death pained them so much and they closed all the shops without any order.
Nanappan’s life may be new to today’s generation of mallus. A life started as a lift operator in Delhi and ended as a gifted writer.
He wrote many short stories and one novel Prinamam. It includes many stories that came from the background of Mumbai city as he was staying here.
How long mallus might wait for getting a terrific write like him. I don’t know!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Chako's delima
You know a Chako in Pathanamtitta. There is a Chako in
Pattnamthitta. So what? There are so many Chakos in
Pathanamtitta. There is a say in Malayalam. How many
Mathais in Kottayam town? And you strat counting. Very
soon you will be in trouble because there are so many
Mathais in Kottayam town itself. So never ever do
that. Or expect trouble. Likewise if we try to know
about the Chakos in Pathanamtitta, we will be in
danger. But we are here forced to know about this poor
Chako and Chako's delima
Chako born in a house surrounded by rubber trees.
Chako's Appachan was a rubber planter.But Chako's
appchan didn't want that Chako's life also must be
surrounded by rubber tress. Like neighbor Pailee
Chako's appachan sent Chako to St Lawrence English
medium school
Chako's apachan was a man of principles. Appchan
strictly instructed Marykutty(Chako's ammachi) to give
vitamin's rich food to Chako. He told Marykuttu that I
don't want my Chako crying Appcha, ammchi I am feeling
hugry. He made sure that Chako always wear clean and
neat dress and daily visit to Church.
Chako passed X class with high first class called
distinction. There was a big party in Chako's
house.Marykutti made palappams and chicken
varutharachathu. Chako ate a lot and slept well on
that night. At that night Chako had a dream. Chako is
in USA as an engineer.
The quality and the quantity of Chako's
Christmas heavily depended on the rubber market
conditions.On one Christmas day coupled with bad
rubber market situation Chako's entrance results came
and Chako selected Mechanical Engineering and joined
TTK Engineering collge in Todupuzha. Chako's appchan
took a loan from Sbi Patanamtitta branch to support
chako's education.
Chako's convocation day at the engineering collge
marked with a big party. On that day Chako thanked all
who supported Chako to achieve his dream. Chako landed
at a company in Pune as an engineer. When Chako is
working in Pune Appachan called Ckalo and told
Appchan: Mone Chako, You know Devasya?
Chako: Oh that, fair , tall man and I used to meet him
at our church
Appcha: Mone he has a daughter Susy. She done her
Msc, very good looking and God fearing girl
Chako: No appacha, I am very busy with my projects
Chako worked very hard that is why Chako is in
Houston, US
************************************************************************
Houston is a US town with a large number of Indians.
In that Mallaus play a key role because mallus number
in Houston increases day by day than any other Indian
clans.
Houston is a city of so many companies head quarters
and our Chako is working as a team leader in one of
those companies. Chako's Boss Edvin Moses is a jew and
he likes Chako more than his company because Chako has
something special in his blood and very intelligent
There is an Indian coffee house in Houston and Chako is
a regular visitor over there. Oneday when Chako was
sitting there one gentleman came and sat exact
opposite to Chako
Mathews: Hi, I am Mathews
Chako: Hi, I am Chako
Mathews : Nice to meet you, Malayalee?
Chako Yes
Mathew. Oh Karthave, I am from Kozhanjeri
Chako: Oh allright
That relationship grew day by day. Mathews invited
Chako for a party on a Chiristmas day
Edwin: Chako X mas is coming?
Chako. Yes sir, I have a party
Edwin: That is very nice
What to say that party at Mathews house changed
Chako's life altogether. At that party Chako met
Daisy, Mathew's cousin
Mathews: Meet my cousin daisy
Chako: Hi daisy
Daisy: Hi
Mathews. Oh well, I am not standing here. You people
have lot to talk about Kuchako Boban, Meera Jamin etc.
Enjoy!!!!
That meeting ended up in their marriage one day.
Marriage was so grant. One distant relative of Appchan
told him the I have never seen such kind of marriage
in patanamtitta since I born. Chako and Daisy left for
Housten next day
One day appachan called Chako and told Chako that we
are getting old. We don't have anybody to help us
here. So is it possible for us to come to Housten and
stay with you. Chako became so happy and came down to
kerala to take them into US
But Daisy was not so happy. Hay man, see we can
appoint a home nurse. She will take care of them.
Otherwise, these people will be a burden for us. Chako
became very angry and told her. No my appchan and
ammachi will stay with me in the same house where I am
staying. We have three bed rooms and we will give one
to them. Daisee went crazy and shouted What u saying,
even if they come to US we will put them at a care
centre. There is absolutely no way to stay with them
at one house
Chako: You shut up!
Daisee: You shut up!
Appchan and ammachi didn't know what they are saying
as it was in english and their Car reached at
nedumbaseeri airport
Their arguments continued even at check in time also
and so many passengers enjoyed that. They got into the
flight and continued their quarrel. Flight moved on
the runway and their quarrel increased and became
disturbance to other passengers
AirHostess.Please stop your aruguemts
Daisee: This fool taking his parents to US
Chako: You are fool.
Airhostess : Please stop and do not make noise
At that time one assistant pilot told the pilot that
there is an argument going on. Pilot halted the
aircraft and came towards them. If you do not stop
this nonsense..this aircraft won't take off. Chako
and daisy didn't listen
The aircraft which is halted in the middle way of the
runway came back to the terminal. Chako, Dasiy and
those two unfortunate souls were forced to vaccate the
air craft.
Chako screamed to a taxt driver, taxiiiii
Chako didn't say anything to anybody till he reached
home. He took a bath and went to the church. Chako's
eyes filled with tears and remembered appchan's words.
He came out of the Curch and walked towards his home.
Suddenly a car came and stopped in front of him. Susy
was in the car with her husband Deny
Susy. Chako chetta, what happed, I heard that you
people are supposed to leave for US
Chako: Huh yha yha..but due to some technical reasons,
we have been forced to postpone our trip and where are
u going?
Deny: Oh what to say Chakocha, my appachan called and
complained about a headache. Susy is crying and want
to see my appachan. So we are going there to take them
to our home
Chako became silent for a minute and walked slowly
without even saying a "BYE"
Pattnamthitta. So what? There are so many Chakos in
Pathanamtitta. There is a say in Malayalam. How many
Mathais in Kottayam town? And you strat counting. Very
soon you will be in trouble because there are so many
Mathais in Kottayam town itself. So never ever do
that. Or expect trouble. Likewise if we try to know
about the Chakos in Pathanamtitta, we will be in
danger. But we are here forced to know about this poor
Chako and Chako's delima
Chako born in a house surrounded by rubber trees.
Chako's Appachan was a rubber planter.But Chako's
appchan didn't want that Chako's life also must be
surrounded by rubber tress. Like neighbor Pailee
Chako's appachan sent Chako to St Lawrence English
medium school
Chako's apachan was a man of principles. Appchan
strictly instructed Marykutty(Chako's ammachi) to give
vitamin's rich food to Chako. He told Marykuttu that I
don't want my Chako crying Appcha, ammchi I am feeling
hugry. He made sure that Chako always wear clean and
neat dress and daily visit to Church.
Chako passed X class with high first class called
distinction. There was a big party in Chako's
house.Marykutti made palappams and chicken
varutharachathu. Chako ate a lot and slept well on
that night. At that night Chako had a dream. Chako is
in USA as an engineer.
The quality and the quantity of Chako's
Christmas heavily depended on the rubber market
conditions.On one Christmas day coupled with bad
rubber market situation Chako's entrance results came
and Chako selected Mechanical Engineering and joined
TTK Engineering collge in Todupuzha. Chako's appchan
took a loan from Sbi Patanamtitta branch to support
chako's education.
Chako's convocation day at the engineering collge
marked with a big party. On that day Chako thanked all
who supported Chako to achieve his dream. Chako landed
at a company in Pune as an engineer. When Chako is
working in Pune Appachan called Ckalo and told
Appchan: Mone Chako, You know Devasya?
Chako: Oh that, fair , tall man and I used to meet him
at our church
Appcha: Mone he has a daughter Susy. She done her
Msc, very good looking and God fearing girl
Chako: No appacha, I am very busy with my projects
Chako worked very hard that is why Chako is in
Houston, US
************************************************************************
Houston is a US town with a large number of Indians.
In that Mallaus play a key role because mallus number
in Houston increases day by day than any other Indian
clans.
Houston is a city of so many companies head quarters
and our Chako is working as a team leader in one of
those companies. Chako's Boss Edvin Moses is a jew and
he likes Chako more than his company because Chako has
something special in his blood and very intelligent
There is an Indian coffee house in Houston and Chako is
a regular visitor over there. Oneday when Chako was
sitting there one gentleman came and sat exact
opposite to Chako
Mathews: Hi, I am Mathews
Chako: Hi, I am Chako
Mathews : Nice to meet you, Malayalee?
Chako Yes
Mathew. Oh Karthave, I am from Kozhanjeri
Chako: Oh allright
That relationship grew day by day. Mathews invited
Chako for a party on a Chiristmas day
Edwin: Chako X mas is coming?
Chako. Yes sir, I have a party
Edwin: That is very nice
What to say that party at Mathews house changed
Chako's life altogether. At that party Chako met
Daisy, Mathew's cousin
Mathews: Meet my cousin daisy
Chako: Hi daisy
Daisy: Hi
Mathews. Oh well, I am not standing here. You people
have lot to talk about Kuchako Boban, Meera Jamin etc.
Enjoy!!!!
That meeting ended up in their marriage one day.
Marriage was so grant. One distant relative of Appchan
told him the I have never seen such kind of marriage
in patanamtitta since I born. Chako and Daisy left for
Housten next day
One day appachan called Chako and told Chako that we
are getting old. We don't have anybody to help us
here. So is it possible for us to come to Housten and
stay with you. Chako became so happy and came down to
kerala to take them into US
But Daisy was not so happy. Hay man, see we can
appoint a home nurse. She will take care of them.
Otherwise, these people will be a burden for us. Chako
became very angry and told her. No my appchan and
ammachi will stay with me in the same house where I am
staying. We have three bed rooms and we will give one
to them. Daisee went crazy and shouted What u saying,
even if they come to US we will put them at a care
centre. There is absolutely no way to stay with them
at one house
Chako: You shut up!
Daisee: You shut up!
Appchan and ammachi didn't know what they are saying
as it was in english and their Car reached at
nedumbaseeri airport
Their arguments continued even at check in time also
and so many passengers enjoyed that. They got into the
flight and continued their quarrel. Flight moved on
the runway and their quarrel increased and became
disturbance to other passengers
AirHostess.Please stop your aruguemts
Daisee: This fool taking his parents to US
Chako: You are fool.
Airhostess : Please stop and do not make noise
At that time one assistant pilot told the pilot that
there is an argument going on. Pilot halted the
aircraft and came towards them. If you do not stop
this nonsense..this aircraft won't take off. Chako
and daisy didn't listen
The aircraft which is halted in the middle way of the
runway came back to the terminal. Chako, Dasiy and
those two unfortunate souls were forced to vaccate the
air craft.
Chako screamed to a taxt driver, taxiiiii
Chako didn't say anything to anybody till he reached
home. He took a bath and went to the church. Chako's
eyes filled with tears and remembered appchan's words.
He came out of the Curch and walked towards his home.
Suddenly a car came and stopped in front of him. Susy
was in the car with her husband Deny
Susy. Chako chetta, what happed, I heard that you
people are supposed to leave for US
Chako: Huh yha yha..but due to some technical reasons,
we have been forced to postpone our trip and where are
u going?
Deny: Oh what to say Chakocha, my appachan called and
complained about a headache. Susy is crying and want
to see my appachan. So we are going there to take them
to our home
Chako became silent for a minute and walked slowly
without even saying a "BYE"
Monday, December 26, 2005
Serpent Gods
One thing amazed me in my childhood was a little forest (a grove) that was in the corner of our property. It had a beautiful pond near to it that had golden colour fishes in it. I used to accompany someone with a bowl of milk to this grove
Initially I was really scared to enter into this grove. As curiosity grew day by day, I got enough guts to enter into this grove and explore it.
To my surprise, I got a feeling that I entered into a different world. A World that was filled with mysteries and stories. I saw lots of serpent idols in the forest. I saw lot of birds that include both resident and visitor species. Rodents, snakes, frogs, lizards, millipedes, termites, ants, earthworms and snails etc.
We put the bowl on the bottom of a tall tree. My relative told me Naga Raja(Serpent King) will come here and will drink this milk.
Usually snakes will never drink milk There is a trick in it.
(MILK! None of the items offered to the snakes formed a part of the snakes’ food. But, it attracted the rats and in turn rat-snakes. These rat-snakes were the food for the poisonous snakes (King Cobra etc.)
We both prayed for a while and left.
After that I used to visit this grove alone and prayed in front of serpent idols and offered milk.
I have a serious thought about this. Why my ancestors made a small forest and why they didn’t put a picture in the house and prayed the serpent gods
I think this small grove is not exclusively for serpent Gods. It had other purposes also
I noticed that the grove is luxuriant evergreen and comprises of several storeys of trees, mixed with shrubs, herbs, epiphytes and lianas. The biodiversity of the sacred groves is very high and includes many endemic species of the Western Gnats.
The place assigned for the grove by the family is usually on the southwestern part of the house, near enough but sufficiently away from the house for the trees to grow and reptiles and birds to live without disturbance to and from the family.
All rare trees and plants would also be planted. When a new house (tharavaadu) is to be constructed, the master architect (known as perunthachan) not only lays out the building plan but also the plan for locating the sacred grove, which is an important element in the conventional house design.
The Vrikshayurveda states that one tree will serve the purpose of ten sons. If a man plants the following trees during his life-time he will never go to hell: 1 pipal tree, 1 neem tree, 1 banyan tree, 10 tamarind trees, 3 wood-apple trees, 3 goose berry trees, 5 mango trees and 5 coconut trees.
The Nayars being a martial community, in historical times, it was thought necessary for Nayar ladies also to be trained in the martial arts. The martial goddess, whose blessings should be obtained for proficiency in the martial arts and for victory in battles, was Kavilamma (the goddess residing in the Kavu), a popular name for “Durga”. Hence their belief regarding trees was not just a matter of blind faith. It was a judicious combination of reason and faith.
Now I can see a total different picture. There was a big marble house built by a gulf returned businessman. There is a beautiful garden filled with roses and other flowers.
The entire grove disappeared along with the serpent Gods
Rodents, snakes, frogs, and snails disappeared
Kites, owls, herons, mynahs, parrots, humming birds disappeared
Mysteries disappeared and stories also
Initially I was really scared to enter into this grove. As curiosity grew day by day, I got enough guts to enter into this grove and explore it.
To my surprise, I got a feeling that I entered into a different world. A World that was filled with mysteries and stories. I saw lots of serpent idols in the forest. I saw lot of birds that include both resident and visitor species. Rodents, snakes, frogs, lizards, millipedes, termites, ants, earthworms and snails etc.
We put the bowl on the bottom of a tall tree. My relative told me Naga Raja(Serpent King) will come here and will drink this milk.
Usually snakes will never drink milk There is a trick in it.
(MILK! None of the items offered to the snakes formed a part of the snakes’ food. But, it attracted the rats and in turn rat-snakes. These rat-snakes were the food for the poisonous snakes (King Cobra etc.)
We both prayed for a while and left.
After that I used to visit this grove alone and prayed in front of serpent idols and offered milk.
I have a serious thought about this. Why my ancestors made a small forest and why they didn’t put a picture in the house and prayed the serpent gods
I think this small grove is not exclusively for serpent Gods. It had other purposes also
I noticed that the grove is luxuriant evergreen and comprises of several storeys of trees, mixed with shrubs, herbs, epiphytes and lianas. The biodiversity of the sacred groves is very high and includes many endemic species of the Western Gnats.
The place assigned for the grove by the family is usually on the southwestern part of the house, near enough but sufficiently away from the house for the trees to grow and reptiles and birds to live without disturbance to and from the family.
All rare trees and plants would also be planted. When a new house (tharavaadu) is to be constructed, the master architect (known as perunthachan) not only lays out the building plan but also the plan for locating the sacred grove, which is an important element in the conventional house design.
The Vrikshayurveda states that one tree will serve the purpose of ten sons. If a man plants the following trees during his life-time he will never go to hell: 1 pipal tree, 1 neem tree, 1 banyan tree, 10 tamarind trees, 3 wood-apple trees, 3 goose berry trees, 5 mango trees and 5 coconut trees.
The Nayars being a martial community, in historical times, it was thought necessary for Nayar ladies also to be trained in the martial arts. The martial goddess, whose blessings should be obtained for proficiency in the martial arts and for victory in battles, was Kavilamma (the goddess residing in the Kavu), a popular name for “Durga”. Hence their belief regarding trees was not just a matter of blind faith. It was a judicious combination of reason and faith.
Now I can see a total different picture. There was a big marble house built by a gulf returned businessman. There is a beautiful garden filled with roses and other flowers.
The entire grove disappeared along with the serpent Gods
Rodents, snakes, frogs, and snails disappeared
Kites, owls, herons, mynahs, parrots, humming birds disappeared
Mysteries disappeared and stories also
A Mallu in Central Business District
I don’t know who coined this word mallu. Can anyone give me an idea about it. I doubt! But who is a real mallu.
I am not going to call a malayalee who born and brought up in Mumbai, a Mallu and I won’t take this word to a malayalee who has a quick visit to Mumbai and spend couple of months in this city .
Then who is a real Mallu? I would rather call a malayalee who is flushed out of Kerala in his 20s because of so many reasons. I would blame the current political scene in kerala. The poor mallu who has no future in the present UDF and LDF tug of war.
A mallu who born in a nalukettu. Lost his superiority in the land reform bill passed by the Maxists. He has nothing to give to that little state. After his graduation, he has to run. I think the formation of mallu starts from there.
His journey through picturesque regions of Konkan to this industrial city will be a turning point in this poor mallus life. After landing in Victoria Terminus, he has to find out his distant relative cousin’s flat to find a place .
Joining a computer course will be the mallu’s next aim. After spending thousands earned by his poor father by selling rubber sheets , he will think that oneday I will pay back this debt in dollars!
Lading up at a software company will make this mallu little bit metured. Eventhough he is not metured. His future will depend on the Nasdaq listings
That time he will be around his 28 to 30. This time poor mallu’s mobile will disturb him with lot of calls from kerala asking to get ready for taking a mallu female with him.
So this is a busy time for him. Finding out a flat near to a mallu temple will be the ultimate aim. Because this period will heavily depend on God. Near to Ayyappa temple will ensure him that there are lot of mallus around him
By this period he will come to know that I am a real mallu. From his collegues he will come to know what makes malayalee a Mallu. But this is not applicable to a mallu born here. They will be in the first place along with others to call him A mallu A mallu will be settled only after marriage. Along with the poor mallu girl, who also in her 20’s, he will get a maruthi, few lakhs. If that mallu is lucky, he will get a ready made UAE visa from her Abudabi based father in law > After landing in Abudabi, he has to remove the mallu name. Because he is out of Mumbai. So that name has no effect at all
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