I came , I saw, I conquered.... kalinga!!!

Assumptions and misconceptions run huge when we ignore facts or are ignorant about them. The same stands true especially when mumbaikars are treated as north indians, assameese called as nepalis and south indians given the nomenclature of madrasis. State citizens have a tendency to create countries within their states to show their dominions over them, in fact forgetting the Shakespearean quote ' all the world is a stage and all the men and women are mere actors' .. the functionality of statehood was aimed at uniting people, communities and beliefs. Unfortunately, we create fiefdoms within ourselves, to form a bigger state entity called 'individuality'.

  Raj Thakareys and the MNS, Tamil Elams and regional groups is gaining momentum in this 21st century   where West Asia is fast becoming democratic and grouping itself to form a state entity. I am awed at the challenges which our Iron Man, Vallabhai Patel was faced, with dignity and grace. Recalling one of the incidents mentioned in one of the biographies on him,he was called upon by Nehru through a representative to integrate India. In Bed for weeks due to the prevailing illness, he was not in a position to move or travel. But the moment he got the directions, he jumped and with full vigour and passion started off to convince 565 princely states across the length and breadth of India to be a part of the larger India they dreamt!! Cutting across caste, class, religion, community and statehood; he made India or Bharat united. Unfortunately there is section of people who still believe that we can never stand united among this diversity; and was better left to be ruled by princes and horses. Often my mind wavers on this, witnessing the ignorance and talking to the ignorant.

Having travelled to Orissa which earned the distinction of being a Maoist state; the state of laborers and illiterates, the state of poverty amongst rich; I was given updates and situational reports from various quarters. Given that I had traveled to Rourkela, Puri and Konark ( i will explain the erotic tales in a different post...sounds interesting!! )  when I was 2 years old, was excited to visit the state at the present state of affairs. The Patna Express took me 36 hours forcing to burn the morning oil at 2:30 am, thanks to Prasant Jena who was waiting for me to pick me up from Bhubaneshwar station. I was a part of the land deals which he took me; and educated me on the cost of land business. I find that Bhubaneshwar is one of the top destinations for companies to invest in and figures third in the Doing Business Report. Hard to imagine for a small city similar to Kochi in size but bigger in ambition. Hats off to Patnaik, who is a Harvard graduate in stimulating growth.

Despite the extremists efforts, the larger part of Orissa (Odisha, as it is now called) is progressing, though the poor are still disadvantaged owing to the rich divide brought by the bountiful mines and minerals of Orissa. No wonder POSCO wanted to get the deal done at any cost.The city is growing, so is the roads and infrastructure. Making way for 6 lanes and connecting Chennai to Kolkota; travelling through the industrial belt all the way to Baleshwar/ Balasore was an enriching experience. As I was witnessing the famous Kalinga War which made Ashoka repent and lead to the sprout of Buddhism only to be driven away later (allegedly by Shankaracharyas advaita). I was also standing as a mute witness to the mining goondas exploiting the sacred soil and waging war against nature. Guess Herman Hesse's would have to rewrite his 'Sidhartha'!!

Bhubaneshwar- Baleshwar Maruti 800 drive took us 3 and half hours (approx 210 kms). The road was endless and vast enough to wage a war. I stood non plussed and imagined how wars were fought in this vast track of land. The frequent tolls slowed us, while the oncoming traffic through the single line was enough to scare us on the impending accidents, not to mention the sacred cows. The road produced a tour to the butcher with carcass of the goats and dogs laying in a state of static motion. It had the right mix of all forms of human and natural inventions, lorries; industries, pollution; agri land etc....

Baleshwar is a hustle bustle small city (or rather extended version of town) which is 15 kms from our prestigious agni launch pad, Chandipur. Its only a test ground for most of the missiles, with the actual launching done in Russia, Kyrgistan and other countries. Its a product of our Industrial policy as you can see industrialist queuing to settle themselves there. Interestingly, the land value of Baleshwar is pretty higher than the capital state of Bhubaneshwar. No wonder, the road less travelled to Baleshwar is packed by POSCO's, Vedanta, Cairn India etc. Staying at my Project Manager, Prasant Jena's house; I find that unlike we mallus, he has so many identical twins in Orissa. All wear the same shirt, jeans, have fat tummy and sound similar. Quite unique in their similarity!!

Seeing and feeling the pulse of Odisha residents, I am sure they want their state to emerge as a leader in India. The mindset is positive, the situation is tending to be favourable (except for the miners) and the leadership is good. I believe we can admire the vastness of the Kalinga empire in the near future. We shoukd understand that Ashoka's contribution to India is not just the chakra represented in the Indian flag, but the great ideals and the principles he adopted; which the land of kalinga made him believe.

വൈരുദ്ധ്യമായ മലയാളിയും കേരളവും

ആശാനെ കളരി പഠിപ്പിക്കരുതെ എന്ന ചൊല്ല് യഥാര്‍ത്ഥത്തില്‍ പഴങ്കഥ ആയി മാറിയിരിക്കുന്നു; കാരണം കളരിക്കളങ്ങള്‍ നശിച്ചിരിക്കുകയും ആശാന്മാര്‍ മരിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തിരികുന്നു. എന്നാല്‍ ഏതൊരു മലയാളിയും താങ്കള്‍‍ അശാന്മാരോളo വലുതായി എന്നാന്നു വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നത്. കളിക്കുമ്പോള്‍‍ സച്ചിനോളം വലുത്; അഭിനയിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ ലാലേട്ടനും ബച്ചനോളം മികച്ചത്; പാടുമ്പോള്‍ ദാസേട്ടനും രാഫിയോളം ഗംഭീരം എന്നതാണ് ഒട്ടുമിക്ക മലയാളികളും വിശ്വസികുനത്. തെങ്ങ് കയറ്റക്കാരന്‍ ഭാസി ദാസെട്ടെനോളം വളര്‍ന്നത്‌ കാരണം; തേങ്ങക്ക് ക്ഷാമം വന്നു. നമ്മുടെ വികസനത്തെ ശശിയേട്ടന്‍ (ശശി തരൂര്‍ ) വര്‍നിക്കുനത്   തെങ്ങിന്റെ മണ്ടയില്‍‍ കയറി ഫോണ്‍ വിളിക്കുന്ന ശശിയെ കുറിച്ച് പറന്നിട്ടാണ്. കേരളത്തിന്‌, അതിലുപരി മലയാളികളുടെ സമ്പദ് ഘടന നമ്മളായി തന്നെ മാറ്റി കുറിക്കപെട്ടതായ്യി ചരിത്രം രേഘപെടുതെണ്ടിരിക്കുന്നു. കാരണം, അക്കര പച്ച !!

"ഞാന്‍ എന്‍റെ സ്വന്തം കാറില്‍ വരും" എന്ന് ഇന്നസെന്റ് ചേട്ടന്‍ ആവിഷ്കരിച്ച മലയാളിക്ക് ആത്മാഭിമാനം കാത്ത് സൂഷിക്കനായ്യി sheikh മാരുടെ കീഴ്വഴക്കത്തിനു നില്‍ക്കുന്നത് താല്പര്യമായിരുന്നു. എന്നാല്‍ കൂലി പണിക്കാരിയായ ത്രേസ്യാമ്മ ചേച്ചി; അവര്‍ക്ക് കുമ്പിളില്‍ കഞ്ഞി വെക്കുന്നവരായിരുന്നു. ഭാസി 'ദാസ'ന്മാരലാതായി മാറി കഴിനിരിക്കുന്നതും ത്രേസ്യാമ്മ 'മാഡം' ആയതും തൊഴിലാളി വര്‍ഗ ബോധം ഉള്ളവരും സ്ത്രീ ശാക്തികരണത്തെ പറ്റി വാദിക്കുന്നവരും അംഗീകരിക്കാനാവുന്നില്ല .

പണിക്കു ആളെ കിട്ടൂനില്ല എന്ന് നെടു വീറ്പോടെ ദിവസവും ചൊല്ലൂനത് കമ്മ്യൂണിസം ത്തിന്റെ നാട്ടില്‍ വര്‍ഗ സ്നേഹം ഉണര്‍തെണ്ടതാണ് . എന്നാല്‍ മുതലാളി തൊഴിലാളി തമ്മിലുള്ള അന്തര്‍ധാര വളരെ സങ്കുചിതം ആണ് എന്നാ സത്യം നമ്മള്‍ തിരിച്ചറിയേണ്ടതുണ്ട്. 500 മീറ്റര്‍ സഞ്ചരിക്കുന്നതില്‍ ഓട്ടോ വിളിക്കുംബോഴും; പച്ചക്കറി കടകളില്‍ നിന്ന് ബഹുരാഷ്ട്ര കുത്തക കമ്പനി ആയ Unileverന്റെ ഷാമ്പൂ വാങ്ങിക്കുംബോഴും ; ആഫ്രികന്‍ രാജ്യങ്ങളില്‍ നിരന്തരം കൊളോനിവല്‍കരിക്കപെടുതുന്ന ഭാരതി എയര്‍ടെല്‍ പോലുള്ള കമ്പനിയില്‍ നിന്ന് സിം കാര്‍ഡ്‌ വാങ്ങുമ്പോഴും ഈ അതിര്‍വരമ്പ് നമ്മള്‍ അറിയാതെ തന്നെ ലംഘിക്കുന്നു എന്നാ വാസ്തവം മനസില്ലാക്കെണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു. കടുത്ത പ്രകൃതി സ്നേഹികളായ വ്യക്തികള്‍ NH ബൈപാസ്സില്‍ ആഡംബര കാറുകളില്‍ ചീരിപായുംബോഴോ വില്ല്സ് ബീഡികുറ്റി വലികുംബോഴോ ആതിരoപള്ളി പദ്ധതികെതിരെ മുദ്രാവാക്യം വിളിക്കുംബോഴോ മനസിലാകുനില്ല താങ്കള്‍ ഒരു വിരോധാഭാസ ജീവിയായി മാറിയിരിക്കുന്നു എന്ന്.  

ലൈഗീക തൊഴിലാളികളെ അവഹെളികുകയും ലൈഗീക ചൂഷണത്തിന് ഇര ആവുന്നവരെ പറ്റി സഹതപിക്കുന്ന ഒരു average മലയാളി first നൈറ്റ്‌ oru rape നൈറ്റ്‌  ആക്കുകയും; സ്വന്തം ഭാര്യയെ ഒരു ലൈംഗീക ഉപകരണം ആയി കാന്നുന്നവരാണ്. ആറു മണിക്ക് ശേഷം കാന്നുന്ന സ്ത്രീകളെ സംശയ കണ്ണുകളോടെ നോക്കുകയും' സ്വകാര്യമായി മൊബൈല്‍ ഫോണില്‍ പകര്‍ത്തി ആസ്വദിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. സ്ത്രീ ശാക്തീകരണത്തെ വളരെ ശക്തമായി സപ്പോര്‍ട്ട് ചെയ്യുന്ന വ്യക്തികളും ഇതില്‍ പെടുന്നു. പൂന്തോട്ടത്തിലെ കന്യകയെ നഗ്നയും അശ്ലീലവും ആകിയ വ്യക്തികള്‍ XXX നീല ചിത്രങ്ങളുടെ പൂന്തോട്ടം കൈവശം ഉള്ളവരെ പറ്റി എതിര്‍കുകയോ അഭിപ്രായമോ പറയുന്നില.  വിരോധാഭാസത്തിന്റെ ഉത്തമോദാഹരണം ഇതെല്ലം.
 

ബിയര്‍ന്റെ വില കൂട്ടിയതിന്റെ വിഷമത്തില്‍ ബ്രാണ്ടി അടിക്കുന്ന സംസ്കരമാന്നു നമ്മുടേത്‌. കുടിയന്മാരുടെ സ്വന്തം നാട് എന്ന് പരിഹാസ്യം ആയി അഭിമാനികുക്കയും; കള്ളുവല്കരിക്കപെട്ട സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ അതപതനവും; ബെവരേജ്സ് Corporationനു മുമ്പില്‍ അനര്‍ഗള നിര്‍ഗള്ളമായി പ്രസംഗിക്കുന്നവര്‍ തന്നെ വൈകിട്ട് പരുപാടിക് കൂടുന്നവരാന്ന്. ഇത്തരം പരുപാടി കൂട്ടായ്മകള്‍ ദിനംപ്രതി വര്‍ധിച്ചുവരുന്നത് 'മദ്യ തിരുവതാന്കൂരും' 'മദ്യ കൊച്ചിക്കാരും' തമ്മില്‍ ഒന്നിക്കാനുള അവസരമായി കാണപെടുന്നു. ഐക്യ കേരളത്തിന്റെ മദ്യാസക്തിയോടുള്ള കൂറോ ദ്ദ്രിട് നിശ്ചയം കൊണ്ട് മാത്രആണ്. 
 ചൂടത് 'ഹോട്ട്' അടിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ ഉണ്ടാകുന്ന വിരോധാഭാസം തന്നെആണ് കുടികിടപ്പുകാരുടെ കേരളതെ മോഡല്‍ ആയി അന്യ ദേശത്തിലെ ക്ലാസ്സുകളില്‍ പഠിപികേണ്ടത്. 

മലയാളികളുടെ വിരോധഭാസത്തെ കാണിക്കുന്നതില്‍  കൂടി അവരുടെ നേട്ടങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് ചോദ്യം ചെയ്യല്ലോ കോട്ടം വരുതലോ അല്ല. മറിച്ച് മലയാളിക്ക് വന്നു ചേര്‍ന്നിരിക്കുന്ന വിപത്തുകള്‍ക്ക് ഒരു നിമിഷ നേരത്തേക്ക് പുനര്‍വിചാരം ചേയ്യുന്നതിനു വേണ്ടിയാണ്.ചോദ്യങ്ങള്‍ ചോദിക്കുന്നതില്‍ ഉത്സാഹരായ മലയാളികള്‍ പൊതുവേ സ്വയം ചോദ്യങ്ങള്‍ ചോദിക്കാനും ഉത്തരം പറയാനും തയ്യാറാവണം. കേരളീയര്‍ എന്ന രീതിയില്‍ അഭിമാനിക്കുകയും മലയാളി എന്ന രീതിയില്‍ അപമാനിതരാവുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ഒരു സംസ്കാരം നമ്മള്‍ മാറ്റിയെടുകെണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു. അതിനു വേണ്ടി നമ്മള്‍ മലയാളികള്‍ തന്നെ സ്വയം വിശകലനം ചെയ്യുകയും വിഷയങ്ങളെ എല്ലാ രീതിയിലും മനസില്ലാകുകയും മാറ്റങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് തയ്യാറാവുകയും ചെയ്യണം. എന്നാല്‍ മാത്രമേ അഭിമാനിയായ മലയാളിക്ക് അഭിമാനികാനുള്ള ഒരു വക ഉണ്ടാവുകയുള്ളൂ.

                                              എന്ന് സ്വന്തം മലയാളി !!! 

Un 'motorcycle' diaries

Usual day, usual routine, usual food, usual dialogues to mom, usual paper reading, usual mannerisms.... unusual thoughts!!!

The sun has risen, but shrouded by the meandering clouds..perfect day for doing an unusual thing to happen...few things came to my mind..why not walk? why not cycle? cycle!!! reminds me of the days i used to 'not use' cycle having a wildcat kept at my home...of the day when i slammed to a waste bin devoid of breaks, of the day we celebrated cycling with 500 odd participants in the Reinventing Cochin Cycle Rally.... this was enough to spur me to take an unusual route !!

I didnt have second thoughts to ask my neighbour to lend me their cycle!! for i dont know anyone who rode cycle in this motor cycle days!! BSA SLR was ready to take me..i chose to ride to my office located 10 km from my house which had the National Highway (NH 47) converging at the busiest junction of my state (vytilla, Kerala). This thought was enough for a person to retract from the endeavour. Inspite of father's 'its high traffic and dangerous' talk, I had made up my mind to take the unusual route!!

The Journey

Without much fuss i pedalled my way through the route, which I and many others usually sped in motorcyles and cars. My first uphill task was to cover the first stretch consisting of small hill and a potholed road.  I had to meander the curves and junction points without losing 'my mind and balance'. I looked for companions, only to find one student of the adjacent school (Vennala High School) staring with his geared cycle... i am facing competition!! i swiftly overtook him, only to find that he took another route!! Missing a chance to satisfy my ego of touching the finishing line first, I continued my journey...

By that time I had overtaken a 'Driving School' learner, learning the basics of controlling a machine!! Pondered over a moment as to the time and money spend in learning an art operated by a motor!! Recalling P.T Usha, our Payolli Express, who had opined that motorsports in no sports, when compared to the physical limits experienced when she missed the bronze and the glory!! Aint I smarter than the Driving School? aint the inventor smarter than the invented!!

I threaded a different route to meet a BMW (KL-7 AL 5555) who jealously pushed me to the sidelines... i wanted to take revenge!! so did I.... the humps, the narrow road and the busy junction conspired to help me to win the Cycle vs the Car unofficial race... enough reasons to smile and push me to complete the latter stretch, which had hundreds of such competitors.

Reaching the National Highway touted to be the lifeline our the country (as aptly put my dearest Vajpayee as the lines of his palms), I took the service road. The heat was on and I had a discomfort feeling setting in. The newly introduced JnNURM buses looked at me with sympathy!! Didnt they know that cycle is much cheaper, more friendly and better saver compared to their high investment vehicle..

Interestingly I was taking a route which had the Maruti Suzuki,Hyundai, to the Prosche and the Jaguars!! I encountered a board displayed before the latest Maruti Suzuki Swift Diesel calling for 'Switch to Maruthi, save on fuel' ..what a dichotomy for a cyclist? The issues at Maruti's plant at Gurgaon have been making daily headlines...lost in the midst would be the number of people (above 15 years olds) who had bought cycles in the last 5 years!! Will I hit the headlines for venturing to ride a cycle amidst a sea of cars, at a time when growth of the economy is depended on the automobile population, when driving schools and showrooms have thrived!!

I wondered whether man is a better form of ape or is it vice versa, when I rested in front of the Porsche !! My apprehensions were laid to rest when I saw a natural modified Hyundai vehicle.. prayers for the souls who drove it...
Lot of time to think while riding a cycle!!! I advice not to think too much while riding a car, or else you stand a chance of following the souls who had driven the car...

I was relieved to see an cyclist carrying eggs, opting to take the hatchery safe in his 'life' cycle. I had to help him out in the railway gate which was shut for repairs. I was encountering another human intervention which had changes lives..the chuk chuk express...

I was feeling the heat.. , but the enjoyment of riding a cycle has relived me of the pain. I reached my destination and opened by smart phone to assess the speed and time of my cycle travel. It showed that I reached in 29.52 minutes stopping for 2.31 minutes moving at an average of 18 mph touching 20 mph!! Not bad for an amateur biker!!! I replenished my soul with lemon juice and living to tell the tale of cycling in a motor world!!

Few things I learned :

1) Take enough water, or you will feel melted in the heat
2) Try not to overtake, maintain the royalty and chime on the shroudness of others
3) Start early morning before the sun sets in and return before the sun sets!!
4) Cycling helps to improve fitness, stay healthy and understand human emotions (when you are dead tired with a punctured tyre on a highway with no shops)
5) Have short breaks while pedalling, make sure your ego does not overcome you..or else you break your back

Waiting to repeat the exercise!!!

'Dravid'ian legacy

"Lest you follow Dravid, zest you thy be a Dravidian"

If Dravid was a made page of history, then that page will never be finished. He is still guarding his wickets and scoring runs (who minds the number of balls, let the bowlers worry about it!!). The recall of Dravid, adds a feather to the indomitable spirit of the Dravidian legacy; which has been telling tales of consistency, determination, professionalism and class. No wonder he is a class apart!!

If people accused him of slogging, then remember that he top scored 461 runs in the 1999 WC at at time with big strikers like Lance Klusner, Ricky Ponting etc were on the rise. Interestingly he was one of the top scorers for IPL 2010 edition!! When dadas and gundas were sitting onscreen and commenting (something called commentary), the Wall was yet to be broken. Dravid himself broke the wall saying that he does not consider himself as a wall and announcing his retirement from ODI after the England Tour much to the chagrin of the selectors!! Only the King is worthy of condemning himself!!

Why Dravid? If M.F Hussain had his eyes on Madhuri Dixit, Sonali Bendre and Amrita Rao as the real Indian beauties, then my Choice (of course I have no artistic taste let alone the skill to draw anything) is Dravid, Sachin and Azharuddin ..all stands for class and has left an indelible impression on cricket and in the minds of followers!! I need no talk about Sachin, since I would be grasping for words. Azharuddin has attracted me to the game through his lofty shots and classy leg drives and back end throws..inspite of the ban,,i have been an admirer of him till late (sorry for his elections and divorce issues!!) ...

Dravid has witnessed lows because of his technique and defensive attitude, but he never defended himself. However he overcame that with class and precision, very rarely seen in cricket scoring runs, creating records and winning games. He holds the record of the highest catch taker, biggest partnership and has kept the wickets, kept the team and kept himself aloof from parties and controversies. He might not be a legend, but he is the gentleman of the gentleman's game.

Let the Dravidian legacy tell tales for the future to follow!!

"Life of an unintelligent"- The story of a genuine unintelligent

"I am an intelligent enough to know that i am unintelligent"

I was born unintelligent. During my nursery days I slept over the ABC's and the PQR's...

I watered my bed, when they taught me the rhymes...i waited fr my father's scooter before the numbers took me fr a ride...

I got admitted to a good school, as my brother was intelligent and my father was intelligent not to leave me at my home...

teachers never scold me as i never answered them...

i was unintelligent enough to score D grade consistently..

class teachers where intelligent enough to rotate the student leader, for never I would have become one..

no one ever caught me in 'police-thief' game, as they were intelligent not to catch me...(even if i surrendered..)

i was unintelligent to compete all races in Sports Day, and to finish the last...(i was however intelligent enough to 'walk through' to win 3rd price in long jump at 12th year of my schooling..)

i was unintelligent to pass through the maths exams, inspite of getting tutioned

i was unintelligent to pass the entrance, however i was intelligent enough not to attempt it..

i was unintelligent not to get admitted fr history or english in renowned colleges, however my father was intelligent enough to introduce law to me..

i was unintelligent enough to understand law until 3rd year..my friends and faculties were intelligent to help me understand that...

i was unintelligent enough to score goals in football games, however i was intelligent enough to let others score it..

i was unintelligent enough to study 24/7 fr exams, while my friends where intelligent enough to study 7/24...

i was unintelligent enough to get placed, but was intelligent enough to get a job..

i was unintelligent enough to manage work, but was intelligent enough to make others work!!

this is what i am........

"i am unintelligent enough to write in an intelligent way.bt i am intelligent enough to let people read the unintelligent story... "

Vote for Kakkanad Universal Stadium, the new Kochi!!

I am still reiterating the fact that Kakkanad should be seriously considered to have a Universal stadium (i dont like anything to be confined to the earth) which can host IPL and other international events. Kakkanad didnt get affected by rain while it stopped play in Kochi !! We have smart city, infopark, seaport airport road, collectorate, akashawani, not to mention star houses of lal, sidique, kavya madhavan etc and most importantly kusumagari mental hospital :) Where do we lack.. if sports minister was mentioning rajiv gandhi indoor stadium, kadavanthara fit to host olympics!! then why cant we have a stadium nearby my house !!! Vote for New Kochi :) Somebody nominate me for the post of Sports Minister..i will get it done...

Memoirs of Vidya Shenoy

I was halfway through my writing when two persons called 'fate' and 'destiny' took away Vidya Shenoy. It was a paradigm of different sorts after the acquaintance with her spanning four years, been able to understand her innocence during the internship she had in our office.

Her birthday will become the fond memories of her presence, and her absence a repertoire of memories associated with her smile. Let not my memories fade of her innocent smile. I follow my relative who still believes that her husband did not fall from the suburban train. I forced myself to disbelieve , to forget, to suppress the emotions alas 'fat(e)al it would be..

It was a extra-natural coincidence while having my breakfast that prompted me to write my thoughts which was roaming for the past one month.

"Chow. Pravish weds Chi. Vidya" We are blessed with your presence and wishes" read the scripture in the gift box. Indeed, we are blessed with your presence and hurt with your absence. We still remember your joy, your innocence, your smile, your warmth inviting everyone during the wedding. Let language be not a barrier for the emotions...i stop here... let her soul rest in peace in everyones heart..

Speaking madly

9 days and 3 locations, where you enact yourself to make others believe what you think rather than what others think of you. This is precisely what the national conference held in Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi led me. Speaking before an expert audience, questioning them and trying to answer the unknown is what the whole story of the experience I have gained in the past few weeks.
Few things which can be taken out would be the manner in which each crowd responded to my presentation. The Mumbai crowd is straight forward and some delgates even found my ideas absurd, some liked it, some didnt question anything. It was a mixed crowd giving a mixed experience. Chennai was truly great, for all the audience were very kind and accepted changes with the existing framweork, something which I admire. I was able to strike a chord with audience who was delectable. Delhi, as the power centre showed its prowess, a fact which Mr Ravi Krishnamurthy of International Buisiness Conferences, the organizer of the Conference supported, were uncanny and naive, difficult to please or convince and highly volatile to any changes. I often find an average Delhite to have the PM or other ministers as their neighbours, enough to make them pride. It was more fortunate for been the co-speaker with one of the stalwarts of public contract, Mr OP Goel, Former CPWD Director, 75 years old who had more experince than the sum of the delegates experience. He answered all queries without an inch of despondency, with awesome humbleness and humility. For me, it was great for having seen him, and more for his encouragement of young people. "What is your age Madhuji?, 31?" "No. Sir, below that Sir", "28?", "No.Sir. Still Below!!", "Great, its very good that people like you are coming up in this profession. There is an emergent need to have fresh thoughts and fresh ideas which old people like me who cant even walk straight can do!!" .

I exploited the situation by networking with many construction industry professionals and engaging in other meetings demanded by my profession. Since the logistics and the accommodation was taken care of, I had nothing to worry and be luxurious enough to rest in peace. A deviation to Bangalore was important for me professionaly but not persoanlly, as I had to consume enough dust and compensate for the lost sleep. The sinking effect developed in the flights have made me partially deaf and even unresponsive to some queries raised by the delegates!!

Unlike the earlier Bharat Darshan yatra, this time I had ample opportunities to network with people of my profession, visit Chennai (something which I dont remember), experience the coldness of Delhi and warmness of Mumbaikars (Mrs Bindu Variath, VP, KLC Law college, a college which brings backs moot memories). This journey has instilled in me confidence and adventurism to venture out into unexplored areas. Goa, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Kashmir...

Living with football

If you ask me two things which inspires me and have been the most enjoying of my life, without doubt I would chose Football and Skits. The passion of the former and the spirit of the latter has made me what I am. They were those unforgettable moments which transpired in favour of me.

The taste of football grew with me in the 5 minute breaks which I enjoyed with my school mates. The rubber ball was small enough to ignite our passion leading to leave cricket and join 'the beautiful game'. The cash scam that hit cricket burned my idol Azharuddin and left an indelible mark which is still refusing to go. I find many compatriots who have made the same decision. Shihab, whom I met while playing for the lower courts in the Inter Bar Association Tournament is a living example.

I owe Sreekumar Sir, our Physical Education teacher in BVM Elamakkara for encouraging me to be a part of the team, for my uncanny ability to scoot the players and score the goals. I started as a defender owing to a natural vertical variation helping me to keep obstacles on others way. Finding that I was refusing to head any oncoming balls, he moved me into the striker position, where I started scoring goals, inspite of my shortcomings. Further I ventured into the midfield as a playmaker for my NUALS team, who have the credit of not scoring nor winning any games (till now). However I enjoyed being a frog in the well. The potholed NUALS ground provided umpteen chances to polish my skills with the ball. Most often I went nailess, which however never prevented me to leave the field as I was living with it.

At NUALS i was the coach, defender, midfielder, striker, goalkeeper and the sports secretary. I couldnt imagine anything more than that!! Thanks to all my school and college colleagues who shared my passion. I am indebted to them, for football is a team sport not to be played alone but alone.

Kerala Confusius 1.5

"Let Raja act as the real raja to his praja by distributing his wealth, but not his liability." Kerala Confusius 1.5

Kerala Confusius 1.4

Anais Nin "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage", so doesyour bones!! Kerala Confusius 1.4

Kerala Confusius 1.3

Ajmal Kasab says that he was not present in CST when the 26/11 attacks happended. Thank god he did not say i was not present in Mumbai !! Kerala Confusius 1.3

Kerala Confusius 1.2

PM Manmohan Singhji "I know only 2 G's, Soniaji and Rahulji".. Singhji I know about one more ji..Quattorji !!! Kerala Confucious 1.2

Kerala Confusius 1.1

"Teachers open the syllabus, few students close the syllabus while majority students vomit the syllabus": Kerala Confusius 1.1

Launching Kerala Confusius Series

Launching Kerala Confusius!!!!

Kerala Confusius is an expresser who creates confusion or havoc through its interpretations of existing thoughts and propositions. He challenges the prevailing notions of the society and tickles the ego of persons. He critically analyses, opposes and disposes various thoughts and events surrounding him. Kerala confusius is a distant yet close cousin of the madman.... He is prone to instigation and insinuation!!! He finds the humour in serious issues, only to give a serious thought on the issue.

Disclaimer: Kerala Confusius is a not the property of anyone, nor will be the property of anyone, but shall not be the made a property.... Worthy souls who are under attack, shall be given an option to attack back!!

Interpretations of the future- Film 'Children of Men'

Its been a long time since I have poked the madness in me to write. I chose a film which has a different plot, which caught my taste- The Children of Men released in 2006. The film envisages the extinction of humans as a result of a disease called 'infertility'. The film takes a curious turn on the birth of a child to Kea, one of the characters in the film.

The single shot scenes of the ambush in forest which led to the death of a lead character and the birth scene is worth watching. The concept of Human Project (To save the existing humans and scientifically studying on breaking the disease) though could have been elaborated, it provides for a glimpse of a world which would react to such an event. Life and hope is an important aspect of the film.

I am not going to delve into the much debated and widely discussed aspects of life. It will serve only as a repetition of the existing dialogues. However, I would like to imagine such a predicament which has been visualized and picturized in this film. If we press the Backward button of human existence, we will be admired on how life and the process of humanization progressed over the decades. At the same time if we conceptualize the process of extinction we will have more reasons to lose sleep and pee on the bed (Notable exceptions would be those who live for the day and not bother about the future and also those who believe in the theme of 2012 movie).

Strangely, we have more reasons to fear, since we have been gifted with the ability to think and even conceptualize what will happen 100 years from now with a greater mathematical certainty. Indeed Pachauri of IPCC have been proven wrong for the sake of getting moolah in the great climate change debate. However, I am not sure what people would decipher from Nostradumus who has been known to complicate things like me, leaving some one to interpret in some manner. If you have read the prophecies in relation to World Trade Centre, you should praise the interpreter than the interpreted!!

We have delved backed enough to trace the extinction of dinosaurs who have been swept away by a natural revolution. I interpret the source of human extinction to the human revolution, something which we realize from the film. Let me think about who devoured Tyrannosaurusrex rather than who would kill me, at this point of time!!! I repeat " Whatever happens, happens with a purpose and will repeat again for a purpose". So do take some time to watch about the movie and get some time to think about the future. But I advise you to forget it after some time!!!

City of Joy and City of Sorrow !!

Having witnessed the old capital for the third time, one should understand the cultural ethos of the city. However, for me it was more of a shock everytime I travel here. Initially, I dedicated my purse to the Gurudev express which carried a bunch of shrieking sportsmen from Kolkota to Kochi. Happy having losing ground in football did not prevent a 'spirited' performance in relay and volley. We realized that 'All is not well' everytime. An italian pasta had ruined my journey back but saved enough money.

Indeed I admire Mother Teresa, Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ram Mohun Roy and all other great products of Bangla, but still I did not revere the concept of City of Joy. Maybe it’s true that every coin has two sides and all Jokers know it!!! This time I had to fight with the driver and his assistant for 'charging' towards me. Google dada had provided enough advice that Airport is 20 kms from the City and you dont need to spend more than Rs 250. Language is not a problem to convey your feelings and emotions, all theatrics accept that.

Anyways, I managed to get an accommodation in one of the main Centres of the city. It was called the ‘Oven Room’, as the temperature was adjusted to fry any human alive. I had performed the big escape next day morning to reach the University of Calcutta only to inform that the gates opened at 10:00 am. I realized that I didn’t have my cup of joy, a tea and something to eat. I walked into a side eatery to have an unknown dish which served as a good appetizer. Nothing can feed a hungry tiger than a pound of flesh!!

Scheduling is a nomenclature invented by the westerners (thats my thought). If the show is at 6:02, then it will start at 6:02 with whatever seconds added to it. If you are asked to report at 10:17:00 am, then if you arrive at 10:17:30, you are chucked out. Time flies by, so do the planes. I experienced how to miss a flight and what you should do and should have done for avoiding it. I read their advice book, only after boarding the flight :) Time is money, and I had to bear the cost of delay. I begged the captain, Please sir. give me a chance to be a part of the flight team!! Please. His words resonated through the walky, repeated by the blue lady. I had to pay for it!! No excuse....

Its hard when you lose your identity especially when you are on air. As per tantric and karmic scriptures, when you die, you lose an identity only to regain another in the cycle of life and death. If you sinned, you get fed as a dog, if not you get fed as a human. Anyways I didnt feel any divinity after losing my license. I had made a full scan of myself and thought of asking to get a security check on the airport to trace my identity. I was searching for my lost identity. Somebody please help to identify me!!

Rhino vs Elephant

Is a malayali who knows assamese songs different from a malayali who knows assamese?

I wondered and pondered over the similarity which the rhino has with the elephant. Both are anyways animals, right!! But I am pointing to the similarity of gods own country and a country where even the gods fear to go (Courtesy: ULFA, Maoist). Nature has gifted these two distant lands with bountiful rainfall and greenery. However, they do not realize its value and is in a deep slumber.

Thankfully I managed to get a accommodation at a decent price in an indecent place. Just wanting to refresh after the journey, I was disturbed by the incessant knocks for food, laundry, mosquito coils and the beverage boy!! Came the knock and I expected the coiler to give me the killer; only to be greeted by a police. It was a routine check to see whether I had uninvited guest inside the room. No thanks my research is on campuses and not jails. I gave my Project Associate Card, to be greeted again’ Have a nice stay’. It’s just a matter of which stay he was mentioning. Maybe Amir Khan might have an effect on him. Athithi devo bhava. Please leave me!!!

After that I preferred to stay outside for most of the time. My basic instinct carried to the Kerala Bhavan nearby the railway station. It offered Onam special Sadya, nice to see that Keralites do not forget their home nor their food!! I resorted to the idlis and chutney to quench my Kerala instincts. It had all the malayalis of the assamese nadu sitting and biting over the porottas.

It is a common knowledge that you expect to hit over a ‘thattu’ malayali or a ‘kottu’ malayali in every place. But this malayali is different. He is a law malayali who has become an assamese by a college ritual called Ragging. He had to mug up the whole Assamese text and get enough bad words been fed in his mouth over the initial three years. He has become a litterateur, who can act as an Assam Correspondent for the channels since he knows Assam better than the Assamese. He is a swayam sevak and is in the initial stages of starting ABVP branch in Guwahati University. He already got two sevakites. But All Assam Students Union AASU has an oligarchy whose fortress got cracked last year by NSUI by money and glamour.

I quickly remembered my Jagi Jo, and atlast I got it. Thanks for his assamese friend. What Bhupen might not have thought is the manner in which a person can localize his songs. Thank god he didn’t hear me sing…

Nawabi lucknow

Lucknow is a hustling and bustling city. The age old buildings which has been refurbished has stories of the hight and plight of nawabs. The people still live in an era where the rulers rules, chariots passed through, people pulled rikshaws and used the public loo system.. Its nice to see the Bharat within India (as many economists and historians debate and discuss).... the glory of the nawabs and the plunder of the britishers (or the politicians!!)

The lucknowites are not bothered whether they are existing in Bharat or in India. Their routine runs through the commodity exchange system to other states especially the capital state, Delhi. Maybe we can term it as a life and blood city, or the feeding bottle for the Centre politics. Mayawati has done good enough to come with political postures which has raised the eyebrows of the MCP's. She is the power of the downtrodden and is devoting more time on highlighting it than fighting it. We need to admire her political history but not her administration of the state. Its a belief that a coalition government will have our first Dalit women creating a history of sorts by adoring the PM post. I wonder what would be the state of affairs. History does not support coalition for many months. Even my favourite Vajpaye had many unlucky 13's in that.

Lucknow draws the maximum attention for its huge voting base and been the centre of politics. All scams and crisis have its roots elsewhere but its impact is felt in UP. The kebabs will not be tasty during that time. Many a tiwari and Shekhavat had a bite of it.

I admire the people, who inspite of the adverserial atmosphere existing are able to adore national heights. Its true adversity creates opportunity. I often think that Kerala has all things to be proud of good literacy levels, low infant mortality, good birth and death ratio etc etc and nature;s bounties. They do not feel what adversity other than the self inflicted damage caused by the spirits. Keralites recluse from aiming high. Am I fearing my motherhood!!

The stinky smell have taken its toll. My stomach no longer permits to me to entertain food. I couldnt taste the famous kebabs. Fine, I will parcel it. Anyway everything can be couriered in this modern era!!

Playing politics!!

Is politics a 'Game men's play', obviously no when it comes to the Delhi University elections which has off late fielded colour claded girls. Indeed it tests the glamour quotient of the candidates and the sexual orientation quotient of the student voters!! These girls are not shy to answer any questions which is considered to be a scathing remarking by Women's Commission inviting the Penal book into action. However, taking regard to the wedlock situation with political parties and Constitutional posts they aspire, they behave like house wives.

Thanks to Anoop Awasthi an RTI Activist who had sought information on DU Elections which led to the annuling of the nominations of candidature- ship of Her lady's. I viewed the videos which had good evidence that the ladies were not fighting for their bitter gourds and cabbage. Spiraling prices is an issue affecting women, since they have to feed the entire family within the home budget. I was counting the number of tomatoes and onions a family could have bought from the number of posters adoring the streets and roads. If we meant women reservation by this, its better to dissolve the Parliament sessions. Lets have home parliaments which will have more debates and decisions taking place. True, most of the Home Bills are passed by the Head in fear of a walkout or rather a 'walkin'. Still, they are truly democratic with equality given a different dimension.

Sonia Sapra had modelled in the election ramp, Nupur liked cars; whether the real Hindutadvadis agreed to that or not, is not the question here. Talking to Anupriya Tyagi. Joint Secretary of DUSU, who ecstatic of DU Women student rights to walk 'freely' and 'fairly'. I didnt understand what she meant by that. The talking point was women reservation and I am reminded about the assigning of reserved constituencies in Kerala. A channel showed a face, who lost over feminist intervention losing his precious chair. Interestingly, not even a single feminist was there to see that incident. They might be cooking food for their husbands!! Poor fellows.

Politics is a game womens play. The only thing is whether the opponent is men or fellow women is the issue. Seeing the serial tragedies, no doubt women play the games well. But do they know the rules!! You ask Lalu or the person who commented on Women's reservation 'Inviting women will only invite trouble'. The political dimension of the country has an interesting picture with Iron ladies and 'Swaraj'ites ruling the rein. Even America can hide in shame. Whether they have the prathibha is a different question. Women reservation means giving a place for women to sit, whether they know to sit or stand is not the question. This is how Indian democracy is going to work from now onwards !!!