At Last !!! Yercaud Trip... Yes it happened....

Its been long time since we all are planning for a weekend getaway. We means, my college, trivandrum and b'lore friends. The plan was to get maximum number of head count this time, instead of our other trips with lesser people.. No time was there perfect for anyone of us to have a get together like this. Finaly or forcefully, I kept forward the suggestion for the trip this month as lot many leaves were lined up. Three long weekends were there this month. A well planned attempt, I could arrange atleast 75% of them on board for the trip, this diwali weekend. And atlast we went to Yercaud, place suggested by me ;-), this saturday/sunday. Ohh no... just started typing this blog and me being called... Hold on... Diwali day... roomies are calling me for bursting crackerssss... Am a bit afraid of that... ;-), but won't show it in front of them.. Will be back soon...

Sorry Makku....

Am upset... !!! Like most of others have got their own personal probems.. I too have got one with me which I can't share with any known people within my vicinity... Eventhough am not directly involved in that, it hurts me a lot than compared to the one who are involved... Nothing more to say...Trying hard to keep up my smily face infront of others so that no one shld question me on what had happened... I can't come out of these thoughts until unless its resolved... At these times, my makku is the last stop for me... I drove him like hell now... didn't bother about pit holes or humps...Just drove for some time... Sorry my dear... I didn't have anyother options... Gudnight...

Trip to Pondi - Thirupathi !!!

For the last few weekends I'm totally busy... and as per the plans kept now, for the coming weekends till November I would be held up...
Its been one week since I've gone to Pondicherry and from there Thirupathi.. Last to last friday and monday I took leave... The plan was to go to thirupathi to do tonsure for my nephew Abhinav (shambhu). Parents and Chettathi along with shambu came to Pondi from tvm and got settled in Chettans staff quarters. I put several plans to travel from b'lore to pondi.. Multiple travel plans... Ultimately by heart I wanted to go by my makku.. :-). But no one was allowing me to drive alone... So I called up the great Pradeep alias kidangoor... He came to b'lore from Cochin on Friday afternoon. Late as per the plan... Still we started by around 1.00 pm from bangalore towards Pondi in my dearest makku... Started with scared chants song till almost krishnagiri.. This is the second time am driving to pondi... I really really enjoyed driving... The roads were awesome... I was already aware about the behaviour of the roads... From Krishnagiri we took left turn towards Chennai and after say 200mts took right turn towards Pondi... Almost a straight stretch till pondi... Its a 2 way road, with multiple patches without divider.. So its better to drive during morning hours only... Less traffic as expected... Both sides of the road is covered with trees.. Hardly you can find the sky... I love such drives... Almost 6 1/2 hours we took to reach pondi..But I never felt that I drove 6 hrs continuously. By 7.30 we were at the heart of pondi, Indira Gandhi Circle.. Till that time my makku entertained us... But once we stopped and got out to the streets of Pondi, I could sense the intense heat.. I felt like I'm getting some breathing problem... Brother and my family along with my bros. collegue came to greet us and took us to a hotel where they had booked one A/C room. Oh God.. if it was not A/C I would have cremated myself in Pondi itself. After leaving us there, they went back to the quarters... We had small sessions that night.. and had a deep sleep...

It was 6.30am Saturday, we woke up... Nethraprakash, by bros collegue came to our room, we had a quick bath and a lovely pondi tea and started towards bros. quarters... From there, we started towards Thirupathi by 8.30am leaving behind achan... Pondi to thirupathi is more far than B'lore to Pondi... we reached thirumala my 4pm. Had a quick lunch... Brother and prakash went to change the VIP pass to ticket.. Chettan could arrange a VIP pass from some of his collegue... Meanwhile mylsef, Pradeep, amma and chettathi went for shambus tonsure... It was a tough time for us to get it done... We had to run around here and there first to find out where to do this... after a long long time myself and pradeep got into the place where tonsure is done for kids... I got hold of shambu and sat there to execute the activity... Initially he was happy.. but the moment the blade touched his head, he started crying.. Crying to the core... I found it difficult to manage him... Stopped the activity, ran down and pulled amma and chettathi in... Next chettathi tried to hold him.. she too was a big failure... them amma tried... finally poor, my dear shambu got tired of crying and quickly the work was done... We went back to the parking area... met chettan and prakash. Then we went towards the queue for darshan. We thought that VIP pass less people will be there.. But to our surprise, we took almost 2+ hours to get the drashan... But we all could have a proper darshan and finaly after collecting prasadam, we left back to pondi.. It was 3.00 am Sunday, when we reached back... Had a tight sleep in the hotel room...
Woke up at 10.00am and started towards brothers quarters... Had my chettathi's breakfast. Took amma and achan to Auroville beach. Then to Auroville ashramam... The atmosphere was so peaceful. I could see my achan enjoying every bit of it.:-). Then we went and saw the golden globe. Couldn't go near to that since it was under maintenance. After that site seeing, we went to a Hanuman temple. We sat there for a while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Netraprakash helped us a lot as a guide through out the travel... Came back to bros. quarters by 6.30pm. Train was at 9.45pm for amma and achan from Villipuram. A quick dinner and some play stuffs with shambhu, they got into my bros. car and was about to leave... Then comes our little hero Shambu... He could sense that all of them are going to leave, leaving him alone... :-(. Started crying... No one could stop him from that... Sentiments erroused in everyone.. My amma was not in a position to leave him and go... And for the first time in my life, I've seen my ever brave achan going down emotionally... Yes... Kids can do wonder !!!....... Ultimately after a lot of struggle and circus, chettathi with her night dress on got in to the car and escorted Shambu to the railway station... Meanwhile me and Pradeep got into my makku and went back to my hotel... I was continuously calling netraprakash who was along with my family heading towards railway station... Its 40 Kms away from bros. quarters... 9.30pm, my call was attended by him telling that, it will take another 20 more mins to reach the station... I was totally disappointed.. Will they miss the train ??? On the way to station, my bros. car got punctured it seems.. :-(. He is a newbie to these stuffs and couldn't change the flat tyre by himself... Someone else helped and somehow they reached the station by 10pm... Thank God train was delayed and came by 10.05pm... Atlast everything went well... Could sleep with peace that day, reserving the energy to drive back to bangalore next day... Yes I know.. another 6 more hours of drive... leaving behind my family, good memories and especially my dearest shambu... I love him...
Monday 8.30am... myself and Pradeep woke up.. 9.30am we started back to bangalore... I drove as fast as I can... In between at one village we had a super breakfast in a said to be hotel... Can't even imagine someone will have food from there.. But we enjoyed the change... :-). Makku was roaring for the remaining journey... Didn't stop anywhere else... I just kept my legs on the accelarator pushing it down never releasing... 110Kms/hr most of the time.. and we touched B'lore border by 3.00 pm.. Breakfast @ pondi and Lunch @ B'lore... Leaving behind all tiring days past, we safely reached back home... I really enjoyed that drive back.. :-). The same day Pradeep went back to Cochin by 9.30 bus... He has shown me what a friend in need is a friend indeed... :-)

Visit to Innovative Film City

Thanks to Sinkom and Abhi to arrange such a lovely trip this weekend. Yesterday, we executed a quick plan, the only thing which will workout in our *busy* schedule :-). A visit to the Innovative Film City @ Bidadi, at the outskirts of Bangalore. Its almost 45 kms from our place and approximately 15 kms after Wonderla in Mysore road. You can easily drive and go to the place. One full day is required to see the entire place. We got late to IFC against expected due to traffic and other things. Reached there by 1.30pm. A quick lunch and we were on our shoes to get going. The place was totally different from our expectations. All of us were expecting film mock sets, where the theatre film will get shooted.. But to our surprise, it was a "Fun City" rather than a "Film City". It was too colour full. Supressing our surprise, we first visited the Wax museum, then we checked out the Gokarting, then the Cartoon city, then 4D movie theatre, then Replies Believe it or not and finally the Aqua Kingdom. Among the above said places we could spend dedicated time only in few events. A good place for photo shoot... I really enjoyed to the core... Many more buildings/events are still under construction. Hopefully in another 3 months all of them will be ready to rock. Would like to visit IFC many more times after that... A perfect weekend getaway... Few snaps of our visit in the below link.

Visit to Innovative Film City - Bangalore

@ Native !!!

Getting over with the last night in this trip at TVM. And this is the first blog from my newly bought home PC. I came to TVM as planned, last wednesday. It was almost 24 hours train journey along with my cousin and brother in law. Wednesday it was a bandh in kerala, which is the only thing sincerely followed by all keralites... Nothing will move. :-(. Our train was blocked for 3 hours at Palakad. Since we three were there we could do enough timepass with all my *gollies*. 7pm we reached TVM central and the next thoughest task was getting a rickshaw for me as well as for them. After agreeing for double charge, we got two autos. This time my luggage troubled me a lot. One big box having the gramaphone, one big hand baggage and one shoulder bag. I did all sort of circus to get it till my home. Next day, ie, Thursday, myself amma and achan went for the marriage. Chettahi and shambu couldn't come along with us 'coz they were waiting for my brother to reach TVM from Pondi. His bus was late. Muhoortham was at 12.00pm. He reached home by 11.30am. I quickly took my brother in laws car and drove back to my home from the marriage hall. I picked up chettan, chettathi and nephew, and came back to the marriage hall, but by that time, the function was over. We just missed. :-(. All our relatives were present. I was the target sometimes for answering all the questions about my marriage and settlement. I escaped those by telling some junk execuses. Friday it was reception party from gents side, and one more party on Saturday by the girls side. Honestly speaking I hate attending too many functions like this. My bro. in law gave me a good company with which I survived there.
Friday and Saturday evenings I had a galla time with my friends. Nandu, Ganesh, Arun, Manoj, Ramesh, Sharath, Appu, Shammy etc:- all came to meet me and we had small sessions also. Between all these activities, I squeezed in enough time to be with Deepu. I could handover the money to his mother which we collected between us back in bangalore.
Now am getting myself prepared to go back to bangalore by 1.00pm train tomorrow. All these days, I had many ups and downs, which I would like not to share it here. One way I'll like to go back 'coz Bangalore is more known place for me than TVM now a days. But leaving my parents, brother, chettathi and my lovely nephew, Mr. Shambhu is very painful. :-(. I have recorded a video of shambhu's dance. He'll be a better dancer than his chittappa in the future for sure.. He heeeeeee.....

For my new *born* sister

I dedicate this blog to Indumathi Kasinathan alias Indu, who tied "rakhi" for me, on the eve of raksha bandhan. This is the first time in my life someone has tied rakhi and accepting me as her brother. I had been to Indu's house that day where I met her father and mother along with Ambiga. It was a pleasent welcome. This raksha bandhan was a preplanned one and with atmost sincerity I went there, met everyone and had a good time with Indu's family. She took me to the pooja room, and infront of God and parents, she tied rakhi for me... I can't say in words, how happy I was to receive such a big honour to be a brother. She is the only daughter and while tying the rakhi, I could see her hand shivering. I could sense that she was totally involved in this activity and by heart she has accepted me as her brother... I loved each and every moment there... Had some "sarkara pongal" parecelled and left the place after sometime.... An unforgettable day in my life... :-)

A sunday freak out !!!

Dictionary.com says 'freak out means' to enter into or cause a period of irrational behavior or emotional instability, as under the influence of a drug. But for me all the words matched expect, it was b'coz of *not* having any drugs :-).

I let myself go today productively but non-technically... I mean to say, I did few things as planned, rarest of occassions, today being *alone*... Yes I did

- Go to office. A quick visit, to check few things n send a report.
- Had a quick brench at Little home, a mallu restuarant in b'lore.
- From the near by Antique shop I bought the "Gramaphone", to be surpirsed WORKING piece. This is for my father. He had a long time desire to have it. I doubt if he realy want to listen music, as I've never seen him listening to music. He needs it as an antique show piece. He loves *pens* which is his greatest weapon, and phones (LandLine). My father is a different man... I love and respect him more than anyone else.
- Consulted a dentist as I had to clean off the long time tar accumlation caused due to fire stick from the teeth. Time over, so fixed an appointment for tomorrow.
- Bought the remaining two books of Chetan Bhagat. "One night @ the callcenter" and "Five point someone". I bought it from the seconds.. which I shouldn't have done. This is a disrespect towards the author... I realized that after buying the book. Try not to repeat this in future.
- Ultimately I just went on streets for testing my Black and white photography skills. Left my makku safe at one place and walked for certain miles and captured few things all through the streets, which I had already visualized as a good subject or pattern for B&W photography... Couldn't wait my curiosity long.. so once after reaching back home, immediately checked the snaps and uploaded into picasaweb. Link below.

Sepia-Black-n-Whilte

Just completed reading 3MoML

Yes... say after 10 years, I read a book completely with full enthu...I just finished reading "the 3 mistakes of my life" and I couldn't stop myself from updating my blog. I'm really happy to get back or can say to start afresh, such a lovely hobby..."reading books". The first book which I read after a long period didn't put me down... In my young days I was fond of reading dictective novels and fictions... But this is something different. Something on friendship, religion, buisness and ofcourse about my ever loving passion "cricket". Chetan has got the trick of making his writings so simple that any layman can understand... That added up my interest in reading it as its the one after a long gap... The novel had all the stuffs in that... As I heared this is going to be shooted as a bolywood movie, it has the escence in it... apt for making it as an Indian movie. Stunts, romance, friendship, abroad, business, religion, riots, cricket and ofcourse some non-veg masalas...
I read some reviews of his former books... Will be getting the next one today as the clocked has already ticked 1.00 am... "One night @ the call center".... I can't claim myself to be a good book reviewer as I hold less experience in reading... But this initiative will bring back that quality in me... Goodnight....

The 3 mistakes of my life !!!

Thatz the book which I purchased when Nandu was here in b'lore...Author is Chetan Bhagat... What made me get that is a simple incident. When Arun was there in b'lore, he had given me a hint about this and told me if you can read it then go for it... I didn't bother at that time... Later one of my friend, Ambi, send one article/speech by mail, done by Chetan Bhagat in Symbiosis at Pune... As my usual habbit goes, I deleted the mail without even opening that... Later many good comments I could hear on that article... I retrieved the deleted mail and read it completely. It was such an inspiring speech done by Chetan, which really touched my feelings, b'coz of its content and its simplicity... I cursed myself for deleting the same at the first instance... The lines in the mail is still there in my mind... This time when I went with Nandu to some bookstalls, at the entrance itself I saw "The 3 mistakes of my life" by Chetan Bhagat... The name striked me on the spot... Opened it and read the first two pages there itself... Inspired..!!! :-) No second thought... bought it... Now I feel coming back come from office quickly so that I can read some portion of the book as time permits... :-)... Thanks to all my friends, who could directly or indirectly influence and bring back one of my good old hobbies...

Some News

- Nandu visited b'lore and was there with me for a day. I took leave on Monday and was there with him completely. He had to apply for Visa for Nederlands. Later we went to few book shops in MG Road and Brigade as he is a book worm. Within two months, hez the fourth good old friend of mine who visited me. Prince, Ramesh, Arun and now him... :-). All of them are my childhood friends.
- My Makku has undergone a complete service today... It costed me a bit, but now makku has become a war horse... Its cruising... I love my makku
- I bought a chair. Not a regular one.... but something which we can use for relaxing... Its a cushion attached one, which can be used in a sitting postion as well as sleeping position.
- JayanSR's Ladakh trip photo has come in TOI... Its a great achievement for him to get appreciated in such a way.
- My second round Batra treatment for hairloss got over... This time they took my scalp snaps and did some laser therapy.
- Last but not the least.... Bomb blast in b'lore killing one lady and other 15 injured. A black friday in the history of b'lore... and first bomb blast... Within 1 hour of blast, I went to the place where it happened... Madiwala checkpost which is near to my office... I got hold of Basu, who is a proper kannadiga. Meah also joined us finally. Took an auto and went there... Anyone will be little scared to do such activities... But what made me do that I don't know... Its not like, I was so bold.. There was a bit confusions or fear within every one of us. Still I felt "I did it". The place were blast happened was totally crowded with all localites, TV crews etc:- We just checked the situation and came back to office....

My Makku is injured :-(

Am I so cruel ??? Few days over since my Makku got injured... I have not fixed it till today.. :-((((. It was not my mistake to give injury to my dearest makku.. A small pillar at the middle of the road... No one can see that..that too at 11.30 pm... I took a sharp reverse and hmmmmm poor makku got hit... Back bumper clamp is broken.. I've to change that totally... But what is stopping me ??? My work ? my personal commitments ??? I don't know.... This week I'll make it right...

New computer for my parents :-)

Bought a new computer for my parents back at home today... At present its kept in my room. They are so excited to have it for themselves... 'coz now at this age both of them are dealing with computers in one of another way in their profession. Achan and amma is not so used to in handling the PC. Still I know them, given a chance, they'll surely explore it and will become a punter. I've told many of my frnds @ TVM to make my parents more computer literate when ever they visit my home. I feel I miss them... Next month mostly I'll be traveling back to TVM for my cousin brother marriage... Need to spend good amount of time with my lovely achan and amma...

Shooting everywhere ...

Last weekend Arun Kumar (Editor of all Priyadarshan movies) alias kumari, my childhood friend had come to my place, b'lore for doing some shooting for an album. He came with 2 other unit members, very young guys, one who is a cameraman and the other is an assistant editor. Their plan was to shoot people who is not living the usual hep life in b'lore... but is forced to survive along with them... He wanted to shoot different features and facets of people. So without any second thought we went to MG Road and Brigade where we can see a mix of crowd. Friday we went and walked all over the place and they decided on what to shoot the next day. Saturday we visited the same place again. But this time with full arms and amunition... I mean with the TV camera, still cameras etc:- Very funny incidents happened while we were on the field. Undoubtedly, many ppl came and asked us what we are shooting.. At many places ppl gathered to see us in action. I really loved those two days, 'coz ultimately my interest also lies somewhere close to these. Interesting activities and discussion, completely about a domain that will never die, ie, CINEMA... Two days got over like 2 seconds, and sunday they all went back.
NB: I too have acted in a small scene... he heeeee.....

From today onwards I'm back to my routine job.. which gives me money but not a complete satisfaction... Its high time to think out of the box... :-). I'm in a Leaders Programme Training for next couple of days.... Will be back later....

What life is all about...

November 2nd 2007 --> Deepu
November 19th 2007--> Vikranth
Both of them gone paralyzed those days... I bet they can't forget those days in their life. Today is Vikranth's B'day. I could speak with him for sometime. Wished him. He was soooo happy to get a call from me... I could sense that... Later I spoke with Deepu. Both of them asks about the other(s) condition b'coz they are very much eager to come back to their routine life, which they lost 8 months before. I feel sad for them. Never expected incidents in life. Physical condition is the same for both of them. Good improvement is there in either case... They can move some parts of their body now. Will take another few more months for sure to move a bit without anyones support. I sincerely pray that they should be back to their normal life at the earliest. After speaking with them for sometime, I really feel relieved... This is "what life is all about"....

What to say...???

Its high time since I've updated my blog... Last 31 days was happening days for me in my life. Lots of ups and downs. One way am happy 'coz I lead a happy and healthier life. Have not touched the fire stick at all. Started doing Gym on a regular basis. Cooking @ home is at its peak. Time seems to be not enough for me now a days... Have got multiple thoughts simultaneously running in my mind. Don't know what to and where to start those. Today I feel that I've lost something precious in my life, which I really wanted to have with me. :-(. Change is inevitable. Let me face this situation. Am slightly frustrated for no reason... I thought of writing this blog just to leave out my feelings...
At my professional side, there is a big change happening within my project... Few projects are getting scrapped and Cisco is taking back to them.
I need to or I'll come back... Have got several things in mind which I need to execute properly....
Goodnight.

Parat Punyat !!!

Didn't it sound like a Marathi ??? Yes it is.... "Parat Punyat", which means, "Once again to Pune". One of the website says, "The Pune Gazetteer explains the term Pune as Punya - a holy place. In Hindu tradition, a confluence (sangama) of two rivers is sacred. Hence, this city, where there is a confluence of two rivers, is Punyanagari."
Its been a week since am here for the third time in last 6 months. Almost one and a half months in Pune altogether... The place has become more accustomed to me now... I started understanding the roads, places, the people, climate, the culture and now even bits and pieces of language. This time I was left alone as not many engineers turned up for the Phase-2 issue troubleshooting.
Now am at the customer site while typing this blog. Just now the clock turned 00:00 am. That is 19th May 2008. I've to wait for another 2 more hours for starting my work, 'coz the maintenance window starts early morning 2.00 am till 4.00 am. Need to check few things/collect some logs and then go back to hotel. Don't know if I get any rickshaw that time...
These types of nightout work reminds me about my previous company, where I had several (uncountable) nightouts throughout my career.
Now a days, I've seen many youngsters, not comfortable to put in their 75% of efforts or stretch themselves for doing some work, when required. They say, work is too hectic and I want to shift to a different work place. Isn't it too early for them to ask for such things... ? Might be I'm wrong...
I'm keeping this blog open for more news and updates from Pune, for a later time... Need to get going with my work..

Trip to Kirudale - Coorg

Exaclty one week over since me n my team had visited Kirudal - Coorg. Time is running so fast that I didnt even realize that one week went past. Ok, now coming to the point. This is the second time I'm going to this place. In 2006 I had gone to the same place with few of my collegues. The same place was choosen again this time for the team outing and yup, we started for Coorg on May 1st morning 6 am. Its was a holiday for us and the planned trip was for 2 days. May 2nd, all the team members opted for On-Official-Duty. (OOD)
As usual there were some confusions with the timings. Everyone assembled at K2 office by 6.15 am. This time the bus was late. I was a bit tensed since I arranged the bus. We had not wait much longer. Bus came by 6.30 am and we started for the journey. It took almost 7 hours to reach the resort we had booked. "Planters Camp". On the way, we had some fun activities inside the bus like, anthakshari, dumbshrads etc:-. Watched one lovely movie "Jab We Met". We were not much tired, 'coz the bus was air conditioned. The website of Planters camp says "Planter's Camp is designed for Eco Adventure tourists and is not a conventional resort. The camp is designed for maximum staying comfort and with all facilities but the essence has been to touch the natural space as little as possible.". This statement is true to the fullest. We were welcomed by the staffs there and were directed towards 4 tents, in the middle of a tea estate. Its almost a semi transparent tent. But a new experience for all of us. Low cost constructions. It was an amazing view from the tent. On the far side, could see beautiful hills covering the entire area. We settled down for few minutes in the tents, took some snaps and then moved towards the place where lunch was arranged. All the cooks were mallus. I could interact with the freely. Food was pretty good. Not only for me, but everyone else enjoyed the taste. After the lunch we boarded the bus and moved towards the foothill, to see a river. Since its summer time, we could find only less water there. Spend few time out there and then we started towards the view point. Ohh dear... I love that place... Superb atmosphere. We were placed on top of a hill. A mind blowing panoramic view. I took one video and few still, before my camera battery died. We all enjoyed the scenic excellence to the core. Sat there in the tower for sometime, did some chit chats, got dissolved in the cool breeze flowing in. Now back to the tent. There we were welcomed with an organized camp fire. We all got fresh up quickly and gathered infront of the burning wood bunch. Some fun activities we had that time too. I was carrying my pack of cards which helped me in pushing atleast 45 mins of the entertainment. Haann yes, I did few magic tricks for the team. Simple tricks, but my team members got really impressed with those... He heeee... Last trip it was dance. This time magic. And in next trip something different should come out of me, which I have already planned.. Surprise :-). Next is, sleep in the middle of a jungle, that too in a semi open tent. We found different varieties of insects poping into the tent at regular intervals. Slept by 00.30am and we all woke up by 6.00am types.
The second and final day. Early morning it was planned for a plantation walk. With the track suits on, we all went for the tiring and exhaustive plantation walk. Walked towards one place were its said to be having waterfalls. We hardly found any water there... Spent some time there and walked back to the tent. Had a quick and heavy breakfast. Packed up the things and return. On the way back we had planned to drop down at Golden temple of Tibet. I had visited the same place last time as well. For the first time visitors, it was a pleasent feeling. The place is so colourfull that you will love it. Some snaps I took from there in which I got one of the best and soothing still of my life. A rose. The same place is slightly comercialized. We had some shopping there. After sometime we started back. In between we stopped for lunch. Played the movie "Don". Watching the movie we all sat back and relaxed. By 8.30pm we reached office and settled the bills and dispersed.
I can't rate this trip as a 100% statisfied journey. But a better time with the team mates and a change from the routine life.

Not more than this :-)

Not more than this, I was happy ever by heart.... Today, I got one anonymous call while I was driving back home. The caller said, I'm from Wipro K2 and would like to talk to me something personal. Is this the right time to talk to you ? I was surprised to hear something like that... So, eventhough I was not at the right position to continue with a tele call, I still said, "ya, please tell me". The callee, introduced himself to be a PM of some project and his name sounded like a northee. He said to me that.. "Hey, Vinu, your sketch on Premji is superb". (I had sketched Azim Premjis, portrait and the same is there fixed on the wipro k2 main notice board for last many months. No other matter had stayed sticked to the board for such a long time). He continued... "Do you teach youngsters on this art ?. My son is interested in sketching and painting. Would like you to teach him some basics stuffs". I was excited to hear such an appreciation first ever for any of my hobbies... But I conveyed back to him that, I did that sketch as a part of my interest, I've not learned from anybody and I've not taken it up as a profession. Still I can give some leads in b'lore for your son, where he can go and get trained. The conversation ended like that... Once after the call, I felt, no other awards and appreciations for me is not more than this !!! Gud night...

New Violin

Bought a new violin last thursday... Previous one which I had purchased was not working from the day one. Since it was under warrantee and not gaurantee, shop keeper was not in a postion to replace. Instead he tried to repair it several times, but failed. Since he was helpless, I thought of buying a better Violin. Had to spend 3k for the new one. Today I took out the new one, tuned it, polished the bow and yes I played Sa, re, ga, ma.. after 12 years.... Am sooo happyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy :-). Just now I played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star also.. he heeeeeeee...... There is one dream which I need to fullfill.. I should work for that... gud night....

Yet another CAP !!!

For my second Pune visit, I got CAP award from Cisco for the second time. It was not so thrilling, as I had expected this, 'coz I know the amount of effort what I've put at the site. Still it was indeed a welcome appreciation on my professional front in the midst of a total disappointment in my personal deals.

Lost :-(

Sunday !!! The most disappointing day... My team lost in the semi finals. Before the match everyone predicted that we'll surely go into finals. But unfortunately, that too against a weak team, we lost by 22 runs. I got out for 10 runs, inside edge to the stumps. My heart broke that time. I wanted to rewind it and play it properly. It was an easy delivery on which by mistake or bad luck, I lost my wicket. Later on, no one in my team could take a descent score. Till now, that delivery and loss is haunting me... Don't know when a tournament like this will happen again to prove myself. Might be one more year.... :-(

Not out again !!!

We, RCL team is into semi finals of Decca Euphoria Cricket tourney. Today there were lot of exiting matches on the Super 8 round. We played against the youngsters team named Strangers. They batted first and scored just 38. We won by 7 wickets. Finished off in the 7th over itself. I took 6 runs and was NOT OUT again :-). Tomorrow morning is Semi finals. If we win that match, then we need to play finals the same day at 2 pm. Within two days, total play, made me completely tired. Need to regain energy as tomorrow's match is the crutial one for our team. God helps us !!!

Decca Euphoria Cricket tourney starts today

Decca Euphoria Cricket tourney started today. The very first match was my team with another team in wipro itself. There are total of 9 teams participating. 5 from Wipro and 4 from Cisco India. Today's match we won with ease. Oponent scored 63 runs from 10 overs. We could finish the match at the 7th over itself with 8 wickets in hand. I was not out with 7 runs. Tomorrow is the quarter finals against a very young team, just pass out from college and joined as freshers. They are very energetic and have the stuff in them. No idea how my team with all oldies including me will fight against them tomorrow. :-). But will surely give a good fight even if we loose...

More updates to come by....

Life @ Pune

Hmmm.. it was tough... This is the second time am visiting Pune. First one was on Nov 2nd 2007 and this time it was March 3rd 2008. It was a deputation from Wipro at Idea Cellular Customer site. Stay was excellent and very pleasing. Was there in a 5 star service appartments. But hardly I could enjoy those facilities 'coz most of the time I was there @ Idea data center. This is one of the biggest project/solution implementation for Cisco in link with IBM all over Asia. Solution is called Cisco Voice Portal alias CVP. There were multiple issues with the Cisco IOS gateways for which I had been asked to be at site for understanding/analysing and reproducing the issue. First time it was slightly tough for me 'coz I was handling such a big project first time and there are many engineers awaiting for the test results from my side to fix. This time the situation was more worse. Idea was about to cancel the project. But being at site, I was able to dig out many vital clues on the issues and could give proper results to be inhouse team which was appreciated at the BU group head level, both from Cisco/Wipro. Both the times I could work with a very co-operative team in Idea. This was really a great experience and exposure for me in my career.

:-( Couldn't visit any place in Pune. Ate vada pav, poha and all those marathi stuffs.

Thanks a Zillion !!!

Received "Thanks a Zillion" award for my Mentoring / Guidence activities towards my team members. This was nominated by Banoj, my collegue for whom I had spend many hours fixing many issues. It indeed was a welcome appreciation for me... This month seems to be a good month for me... Earlier this month, I had received two FIMC (Feather In My CAP) awards from Wipro for working on customer issues. One for IDEA Cellular, Pune and another for IPLAN customer. Along with all these, I got one CAP (Customer Assurance Programme) award directly from Cisco for the same IDEA cellular activity. CAP was a cash award while rest of the things were certificates and momentos. I sincerely pray that, my days should go like this in the future as well.

Have got few exams to write next monday onwards for my movement from band B2 to C1. Promotion to Architect will be based on these exams. Have not read any material so far. Am stuck somewhere... My personal as well as professional activities are getting mixed together. Need to plan it properly. Now going to sleep.

Selected for Cricket tournament

There was a team selection for Decca Euphoria Cricket team under TM Ritu. I got selected in the same. This is a mega event. There are 7 teams from Wipro-Cisco and 6 other teams from Cisco India directly. Our team seems to be slightly weak. Less bowlers. Next week onwards practice will start.

We are the CHAMPIONS for Wipro-Cisco Decca Euphoria !

It was not like last time... We were not ready to stop ourselves being runners up... THIS TIME WE ARE THE CHAMPS !!! Wipro Cisco (Wisco) Decca Euphoria Shuttle Badminton Champions are Vinu Chandran and Ibrahim Meah... YES WE DID IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't say in words how happy I'm... Really tired... going to sleep....

In to the Finals

Hmmmm like last year, this time also me and my partner (Meah) has reached the finals of Shuttle badminton tourney... Missed out to update, last week we had won the pre-quarter and today there were 2 matches for us. First quarter finals and then the Semi. Oponents were tough, but still we could grab a convincing victory.

Now the 'D' day has come. FINALS !!! Yes.. its on tomorrow. Against Kamal sharma and Kannan Kumar. They are a good side. We need to put our full effort.. From the begining itself these 2 teams were predicted as the finalists, and it has come the same way how everyone thought.

Last time I was runners up, can I be the champions this time ??? Will wait and see.

Badminton Tournament

Badminton Tournament as part of Decca Euphoria, kicked off today. It seems to be much bigger than the one which happened last year. Myself and Pradeep were runners up last time. When there where 32 competents last year, this time its 84 teams. Unbelievable ??? First 5 matches happened today. I've teamed up with Meah, who is an excellent player. Today there was our match against Unni and Raghu. We won 11/8 and 11/4. Eventhough it was a convincing victory, I'm not happy the way I've performed. I felt, I played the worst game I've ever played in my life. I need to improvise on my game. Will do that.. Next is pre-quarter and is on next tuesday/wednesday.

Fashion show competition, Table Tennis and Cricket tournament is planned next... Looking forward to participate in all those events... Lemme see how can I manage my work n play :-)

More updates to come...

With My Sister !!!

Whole last week, I was there at my sister's (Devi) place since her hubby went to delhi for some official work. Being there, I enjoyed a better life where you sit back, relax and just order. Get what you want.. :-). Never worried about breakfast, dinner, pressing clothes etc:- etc:- etc:-. Anything anytime at your will. It was an awesome treatment...The best time to be lazy.. Only problem was driving 30 kms a day to work... Briju came back yesterday and I'm back to my same old home... Back to square one...

Couple of news at office are yet to update... Just had ma dinner @ punjabi. My roommate Jayan has arranged a party out here... His bullet gang... All looking like WWF champs.. A different environment...